Patricia L. “Patty” Frost

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Patricia L. “Patty” Frost, 76 of Marion, MA, passed away Saturday, April 7, after a 15 year struggle with Parkinson’s disease. She was the wife of 56 years to Nick Frost of Marion. She was the daughter of the late Mark and Irma (Hummel) Lytle.

She was an active community member of the towns of Essex, CT; Nantucket, MA; Bozeman, MT; and Marion, MA. Her passions included her family, running, biking, playing the flute, piano, tennis, paddle tennis, the beach, skiing, cooking, gardening and reading.

She held leadership roles in several organizations supporting her favorite causes. These included Planned Parenthood of Connecticut; local school boards; conservation and planning for Sconset, MA; the local library; and her church. She also was very proud of serving as the Editor in Chief of the Hood College Newspaper. She will be dearly missed.

In addition to her husband she is survived by three daughters; Ashley Gebhardt, Kimberly Scurry and Courtney Frost. She was also survived by five grandchildren and many loving relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.

Funeral services will be private.

DI Team Does It Again!

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In little more than a month, three Tri-Town Destination Imagination teams will be heading to Knoxville, Tennessee May 22-26 to compete at “Globals,” the finale to a long and challenging journey. The Lightning Bolts, a team from Rochester Memorial School, will be heading to Tennessee for the second year in a row.

Destination Imagination is a volunteer organization that promotes teamwork and teaches kids the creative process while working together to develop a solution to a problem. The teams may choose a challenge from a series of topics: technical, scientific, engineering, fine arts, improvisational and service learning.

Sarah Cecil is the team manager for the Lightning Bolts, the youngest of the Tri-Town teams made up of a group of seven 6th graders from Rochester Memorial School. The team has been competing together for four years, and this is their second trip to Globals.

The Lightning Bolts members are Theo Cecil, Eva Hartley, Matthew Kennefick, Aleeya McCarthy, Grace McCarthy, Alice Prefontaine and Andrew Wronski.

This year, the team chose a Fine Arts challenge in which they were required to write, direct, and perform a two-act musical play. The play, about an explorer who unwittingly stumbles upon a portal to another planet and infects the inhabitants with what proves to be a fatal disease, is told through parody and with ingenious costume design. The team designed skirts using hula-hoops and plastic container tops, which took almost 80 hours with a hot glue gun.

Jennifer McCarthy, one of the team’s founders and mother to current team member Grace, said, “I’m excited for them. Last year, I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but then they did so great this year.”

The competition encourages and reinforces cooperation and creativity. This team has been together since third grade, has grown as a team, and knows each other very well. Cecil remarked that the kids have learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and they support each other tremendously.

“I’m amazed,” said Cecil, “at how they are not afraid to speak in front of adults.”

The teammates have learned to be “risk takers” and to be unafraid to try new things.

Developing their project requires a great deal of research and problem solving. In addition to writing the play and making the costumes, the team must design and build the set, which at times involves hours of work on an idea that may not actually be incorporated into the final project.

DI challenges highlight how well a team works together. Cecil related a story of the Lightning Bolts from the 2017 Globals, in which the team competed in the Instant Challenge.

“In an Instant Challenge, they are in a room with judges and given a task to perform,” Cecil explained. “The team is judged on how well they work together, creativity, and how well they solve the challenge. The team does not know the task when they walk in the room and have to think quickly to solve it … challenges are timed. Last year at Globals, this team placed second to China (by .25 of a point) for the Instant Challenge, so they were second in the world at their age level.”

Cecil’s daughter Alice said she liked being part of the team because it allowed her to be friends with people she might not otherwise be grouped with at school, adding, “You see different sides of people – it brings out your creative side and I like that!”

To reach Globals, a team must compete and win at the local level in Dennis Yarmouth High School and the regional level at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The trip to Knoxville, TN is an expensive one – the team’s project must be brought to Maine where it will then be shipped with other teams’ projects to the University of Tennessee. The teams will travel to Tennessee and stay in the dorms for the duration of the competition.

The Lightning Bolts have a Facebook page that details all the fundraising activities they have planned to defray the costs of going – which can be as much as $6,000, not including airfare, which will be roughly $750 per participant. The Lightning Bolts are hosting an online Facebook Auction as well as the opportunity, for the cost of $20, to “flock” a friend with a flock of pink plastic flamingoes in their yard for 24 hours. You can visit the GoFundMe page for the team from Old Rochester Regional Junior High, the DI Dazzlers (and sparkle), to help raise money for their trip to the Globals. The team from Old Rochester Regional High School, H Squared, has a donation page at YouCaring.com.

Cecil is clearly very proud of the Lightning Bolts, and all of the Tri-Town teams, saying, “They spent months researching, planning, building and writing. DI has taught them so much about taking risks, team work, and given them self-confidence to succeed at their dreams.”

By Sarah French Storer

Sippican Budget Ready for Town Meeting

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The Marion School Committee approved the Sippican School fiscal year 2019 school budget on April 11, and Superintendent Doug White gave an overview of the FY19 budget and its driving factors.

The FY19 budget rings in at $6,058,909 – a 2.19% or $129,800 increase over the FY18 budget. Driving the budget were some increases in staff contractual agreements accounting for $53,519, as well as an increase in staffing for integrative technology at $26,659, and an increase of $22,800 in physical education to bring that position up to full-time in order to bolster the school’s health program within the present instruction.

Other increases include the contracted services line item up $23,729, special nursing up $34,033, and special education transportation up $44,932.

In all, the district decreased the special education budget by $159,000 with reduced out-of-district services and state-funded circuit-breaker reimbursements. Breaking it down further, White said spending on special education staff was reduced by $107,729 due to a shift in services and how the district can accommodate services within the building, a 50% reduction in that area of the budget.

Overall, the special education budget is down 4.6% or $88,614.

Contracted services in the district, including utilities, is up 30% or $157,985; however outsourcing its custodial services saved the district $107,000.

Business Administrator Patrick Spencer said some sources of funding have offset the budget, including grants of almost $120,000 and a number of revolving accounts, including the Principal’s Account with $37,000 that provides further support for the budget.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Elise Frangos highlighted further grant funding for the district, including $35,105 from the state to support the economically disadvantaged population at Sippican School, which was increased by over $7,000 from FY18. Funding such as this, she said, requires data from the district to the state to demonstrate that benefits from the use of such funding have been documented.

“…We feel we get a lot of utility out of using these grants to support children and teachers,” said Frangos. “There are indicators expressing to us that, while [the disadvantaged student population] can increase in our community, there is somewhat of a worry that these grants may disappear. That’s something to think about.”

Total budget for special education is about $1.8 million, and $4.2 million is allocated to regular education and operations.

“A lot of work went into the budget,” said School Committee Chairman Christine Marcolini. “We’re very proud of the things we’re looking to support,” she said, adding in a word of thanks to the Town for its support. “Thank you for listening and for really taking a good look at we are looking for next year in and supporting our vision.”

The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for May 23 at 6:30 pm in the Sippican School community room.

Marion School Committee

By Jean Perry

 

Friends of Mattapoisett Council

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Dear Editor:

The Friends of Mattapoisett Council on Aging hold several luncheons and events throughout the year at no cost to the public. These events are possible because a small group of volunteers worked very hard to make it happen.

March 31 was the Annual Pie & Bake Sale, which was a resounding success. I would like to thank the volunteers who worked so hard to bake the pies and other goodies, the Mattapoisett Police Department for loaning us their electronic sign, and all the other volunteers who helped make this event a success.

Special thanks go to Mary Scott whose never-ending energy and guidance has made this event a success for many years. She also celebrated her 91st birthday on April 14.

We are always looking for more people to share the fun with. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can be involved with The Friends of Mattapoisett Council on Aging, please stop by the Mattapoisett Council on Aging Center located at 17 Barstow Street.

Thank you,

Don Bamberger

Member of the Board

 

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

ORRJHS Students of the Month

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Kevin T. Brogioli, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for March 2018:

Green Team: Amanda Armanetti & Nathaniel Bangs

Orange Team: Emma Levasseur & Zachary Proffit

Purple Team: Erin Craig & Matthew Curry

Blue Team: Elizabeth Higgins & Bennett Chase

Red Team: Camryn Nye & Samuel Williamson

Special Areas: Isabella Romig & Michael Michaud

Marion Candidates’ Night

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On Thursday, May 3at 7:00 pm, Marion voters will have a chance to meet and question candidates for town offices and committees at Candidates’ Night. This annual event is sponsored by the Tri-Town Area League of Women Voters.

Marion’s voters can hear the views of candidates on topics ranging from fiscal issues to infrastructure needs and school budgets to Town House plans.

There are four candidates vying for the one-year seat on the Selectboard left vacant by Steve Gonsalves: Dale Jones, Michelle Ouellette Smith, John Waterman, and Joe Zora. Randy Parker is running for Jody Dickerson’s three-year position. Andrew Daniel and Kristen St. Don-Campbell are running for two seats on the Planning Board, TJ Walker and Ray Pickles are vying for the Assessor’s position, and April Rios and Michelle Ouellette Smith are running to fill two seats on the Marion School Committee. The following candidates are running uncontested for re-election to their current positions: Brad Gordon for Moderator, John Howard for Board of Health, and Alan Harris for the Open Space Acquisition Commission.

All candidates have been invited to make presentations and answer questions. Please attend this important event in the Music Hall at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 3.

8th Annual Bike Summit

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The South Coast Bikeway Alliance (SCBA) is pleased to announce their 8th Annual Bike Summit will be held Thursday, May 3from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fort Taber Community Center, 1000A S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744. This year’s summit focuses on “Closing the Gaps” and hopes to bring awareness to the numerous pathway projects – large and small – within the South Coast communities. David Loutzenheiser, Chief Project Coordinator for a new MetroWest LandLine initiative and Senior Transportation Planner at the (Boston) Metropolitan Area Planning Council will be the keynote speaker. Come learn how our neighbors to the north are collaborating to plan and fund trail connections across municipal boundaries and how we can advance our regional South Coast Bikeway projects.

All who bike, hike, walk or run are invited to join the SCBA for an interesting and informative evening as they celebrate recently completed South Coast Bikeway pathways in New Bedford and Fall River and share the latest news for planned projects in Dartmouth, UMass Dartmouth, Marion, Mattapoisett, and Wareham. Learn about the potential to link New Bedford and Fall River with a 3.5 mile greenway in the largely rural areas north of I-195.

Mr.Loutzenheiser, the keynote speaker, manages projects primarily in the area of bicycle transportation, walking, and related areas. He champions a growing number of projects and plans to bring cycling and walking transportation into the forefront of sustainability in the Boston region. He is currently working to develop a greenway system vision for the metro Boston region. In addition, he is developing bicycle and pedestrian plans for 12 municipalities within MAPC through the Sustainable Communities program.

A welcoming reception with exhibitors begins at 5:30 pm. Representatives from multiple local organizations who support greater enjoyment of our natural resource areas will be on hand to answer your questions. Meet with bikeway advocates, land preservationists, town and city planners and bicycle enthusiasts and discover what you can do to help complete the Bikeway. South Coast Bikeway Alliance representatives from South Coast towns and cities will be on hand to discuss progress and potential for new trails and multi-use paths in their communities.

The speaker program begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 7:30 pm. All who have an interest in pathways for recreation, alternative transportation, promotion of tourism and economic development on the South Coast are welcome and encouraged to attend this free event. Light refreshments will be offered. Pre registration is appreciated. Go to http://www.southcoastbikeway.com and click on “events calendar.”

Park Benches Coming to Sprague’s Cove

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Residents who walk their dogs over to Sprague’s Cove will soon have a spot where they (and their dogs) are welcome to sit and enjoy the view for a while.

The Marion Conservation Commission has allowed resident Susannah Davis’ request for two benches to be placed at two locations at the Town-owned property, pending final approval by the Board of Selectmen, the overseeing authority.

“We have a group of about ten people who walk their dogs at the beach every morning,” Davis said, “and pretty soon we will not be able to use that property because the beach is blocked off from dogs.”

The next logical place for people to walk, said Davis, is over by the Sprague’s Cove retention pond.

“It’s a great space and it’s there and it’s accessible and the people who are there would be very grateful to have a little spot to land,” Davis said.

There is a picnic table there now, Davis pointed out, “And that got us through the winter, but moving forward this seems like such a win-win for everybody.”

Davis also requested that a rubbish bin be placed there as well.

A private donor has offered to provide two new benches, but if that does not work out for whatever reason, Davis said, the Recreation Department has offered two used park benches that need a bit of work.

Also during the meeting, the commission approved the Notice of Intent for the Mektukquaamsett Improvement Association and issued an Order of Conditions to repair a storm-damaged Association pier at the end of Reservation Way.

“Yeah, it’s all torn up,” said commission member Shaun Walsh. “You really roll the dice when you walk down there [on] those boards…”

The entire 60-foot length of the pier will be repaired, for now – nothing fancy – and ultimately replaced, according to Diligent Marine Services of Fairhaven.

“It’s a rickety old, very lengthy dock and pier, and it’s a safety issue at this point,” said Walsh. “Some of the boards are pretty worn out and some of them cracked. It just takes one person to step…”

The original 3-foot wide pier was built in the 1960s and would require an amendment to the Chapter 91 license in order to change the design, the commission pointed out.

In other matters, the commission gave a negative determination for the Request for Determination of Applicability for MassDOT to install a 5-foot wide sidewalk with granite curbing along Route 6 beginning at the Mill Street intersection and down west to Main Street.

The commission chose to hold off from issuing a Certificate of Compliance to Michael Zinner, 538 Point Road, for the completion of seawall repair, in order to inspect the site.

The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for April 25 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jean Perry

 

Students Present TEDx Talks at ORR

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During two of the high school’s Bulldog Blocks last week, a group of over 20 students gathered in the media center to participate in the first annual ORRHS TEDx Talks.

TED Talks have been held all around the world since the first event in 1984, hosted both by the TED organization and independent groups (like the students at ORR). “TED” stands for “Technology, Engineering and Design,” while the “x” signifies that the event is independently organized.

Seniors Alice Bednarczyk and Bella Rodrigues were the first to present with their subject on “Women in Science Fiction.”

“One requirement of the presentation was to do something that covered gender,” Bednarczyk explained. “Sci-fi has grown to be a very popular genre, with Mary Shelley being the one to kick start the genre with her novel Frankenstein. We wanted to examine how women have been portrayed in the genre.”

Bednarczyk and Rodrigues highlighted the major issues that have plagued female characters in both past and current sci-fi movies, which included looking at the tropes these characters fell into. One example was of the ‘helper woman’ who only serves to progress a male lead’s arc no matter how strong they are, such as Sarah Connor in Terminator whose sole purpose for being important is that she is pregnant with John Connor.

Aidan McLaughlin followed up with a discussion on “The Origins of Evil.” He focused on the search to find the root of all evil so it could be better fought, and showed it was related to the Gender Politics Club’s fight against sexism and bigotism.

Freshman Spencer Perez-Dormitzer did his talk on “Women in Beatboxing,” an activity he participates in. Along with his presentation, he gave some examples of his skills to the enjoyment of the audience.

“[Women in beatboxing] was something I hadn’t really thought of before, and I thought this was a good opportunity to do a little research and educate about a place in music without bias and gender roles,” McLaughlin said. “My idea behind it was that everyone is doing something about women or other people being oppressed, and I figured I’d bring some positivity. I also tried to have a memorable presentation.”

In her introduction to her talk about feminism, freshman Payton Lord said, “Feminism is a growing movement, but with growth comes misinterpretations to what ‘feminism’ means.” In her talk, Lord made it very clear that the definition of feminism means the equality between women and men, contrary to what many critics claim. She also provided the definitions of other terms that many people confuse with feminism: misandry (the belief that women are superior to men) and misogyny (the belief that men are superior to women).

“If we’re going to succeed, we need to stand as one to do so!” Lord said in her closing, summarizing why there needs to be less confusion on the matter.

With the first ORRHS TEDx Talks complete, students now look to the future to plan the next round of presentations to give more students the chance to have their voices heard and educate their peers on a certain subject.

“I hope that the opportunity to do this sort of presentation continues because it’s important for teens to learn how to research, assemble a presentation, and talk in front of a group of people in a low-stress environment,” Bednarczyk said.

ORR Update

By Jo Caynon

 

Mattapoisett Historical Society

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MHS Charity Yard Sale:Our 3rd annual charity yard sale will take place on Saturday, May 12from 8:00 – 11:00 am on Baptist Street. There will be a variety of items for sale: antique tools, ceramics, antique irons, furniture, games, carpets, Presto Press, etc. Come buy a treasure and support the Mattapoisett Historical Society! Questions? Call 508-758-2844 or email info@mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org.

60th Anniversary Music Fest:The Mattapoisett Historical Society is 60 years old! We will be celebrating our 60th birthday with an afternoon of music and refreshments on Saturday, May 19from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at 5 Church Street, rain or shine. Stop by or stay all day. May 19 is the actual date the Society was incorporated back in 1958. We will have a series of performers entertaining us on the lawn, in the church, and in the carriage house. Come hear Ellipsis, Father & Daughter, Maxx Wolski’s Jazz Vibes, among others. You’ll hear jazz, folk, classic rock, a cappella, and classical music. All are welcome to stop by to enjoy the festivities. Questions? Call 508-758-2844 or email info@mattapoisetthistoricalsociety.org.