Temporary Closure of Center School Playground

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Center School Principal Linda Ashley would like to announce the temporary closure of the Center School Playground to accommodate a resurfacing project.

            The Center School Playground, located at 17 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, will be closed starting on October 1 for a period of approximately two weeks.

            As part of the project, the old surface will be removed, and a new poured-in-place rubber surfacing will be installed. Other playground structures will remain.

            Security fencing will be installed around the playground for the duration of construction, which will last about two weeks, weather permitting.

            During this time, Center School students will continue to enjoy outdoor recess on the field and blacktop areas behind the school gymnasium.

            “We are excited for this upgrade to our Center School playground,” said Principal Ashley. “We thank all of our students and families for their patience while the resurfacing project is completed. We look forward to enjoying a safer, revitalized playground together in late October.”

            “Thank you to our community for patience as this work is completed, as well as your support for this resurfacing project,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We are proud to provide a newly revitalized, durable playground surface for all of our students to safely enjoy.”

Marilyn T. Nye

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Marilyn T. Nye, 88, of Marion, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.  She was the wife of the late Howard F. Nye.

            Born in New Bedford and a lifelong resident of Marion, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Augusta A. (Ingalls) Thomas.

            Mrs. Nye worked for many years at several well-known stores in Wareham; J.J. Newberry’s, Jimmy’s IGA, and the former Brooks Pharmacy, Rite-Aid and now Walgreens. She enjoyed reading, puzzles and taking long walks.

            She is survived by her children, William G. Nye of Marion, Robert H. Nye of Charlottesville, VA, Linda F. Montour of Venice, FL and Sandra L. Holmes of Mashpee; her grandchildren, Derek Holmes, Catherine Holmes, Douglas Holmes, Stephanie Holmes, Olivia Montour and Nicholas Montour. Also surviving are 8 great grandchildren.

            Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7th at the funeral home at 10 am. Burial will be held privately.

            For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Judy “Chickadee” MacGregor

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Judy “Chickadee” MacGregor passed away on September 28, 2025 surrounded by all those that loved her. Chickadee spent 83 wonderful years spreading love, joy, laughter and lots of sass! Most of her time was spent taking care of her family, her friends and her community.

            Judith Dorothy MacGregor was born on December 19, 1941, in New Bedford Massachusetts to parents Dorothy Eaves and Robert William Walton. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her children and many grandchildren.

            She was married to the late John Edmund MacGregor for 56 years. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Peter and Carolyn MacGregor, Jon and Kristen MacGregor, Dan and Kate MacGregor, Nancy and Lorenzo Warren, Mark and Melissa MacGregor, and Andy and Heather MacGregor. The true joy and passion of her life were her 16 grandchildren (Ian, Meg, Eli, Kade, Dorrie, Ethan, Connor, Mariah, Martha, Emma, Braden, Keane, Rylan, Brendan, Duncan, and Drew) and 3 great-grandchildren (Addie, Leland, & Clara).

            Before retiring, Judy managed the cafeteria at Sippican School in Marion, Massachusetts and in the summertime she managed the kitchen at Camp Farley in Mashpee. After retirement she kept busy as a volunteer in the gift shop at Tobey Hospital, an active participant at the Rochester Senior Center, and spreading cheer to residents at several local nursing homes. Judy was also a devoted member of the South Primitive Methodist Church in New Bedford since a young age. Her favorite past times included cooking, playing Scrabble, and playing board games with her grandchildren.

            Chickadee, as she was affectionately known, has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. Her family will especially miss her Macaroni and Cheese, her frosted brownies, and her famous Halloween cookies! Chickadee may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts.

            In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated and memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 3-6 pm in the Donaghy New day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford with a service at 5:30 pm. For memorial register or facility directions please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.

Purnell “Joe” Guard, Jr.

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Purnell “Joe” Guard, Jr., 84, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was the husband of Nancy I. (Borges) Guard for 61 years. Born in Greensboro, NC, son of the late Purnell Hall Guard Sr., and Mary (Finnegan) Guard, he lived and raised his family in Mattapoisett before moving back to Cary, North Carolina. He returned to Fairhaven as soon as his grandchildren were born and spent many winters in Florida. Survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Steven Guard, Esq. and his wife Kathi of Scituate, Thomas Guard and his wife Michele of Marion, and Joseph Guard and his partner Emilie Barland of Jupiter, FL; his sister Rosemary Winkler and her husband Skip and predeceased by his brother Bruce Guard and his wife Jackie; and his grandchildren, Rachel, Adam, Michaela, Hannah, Chase, Tucker and Eliza Guard.

Joe was an avid golfer and proud member of the Reservation Golf Course where he was regarded as an accomplished golfer and a dedicated member. In 1972 he founded Joe’s Arco a/k/a Guard Auto Center and Family Oil in Mattapoisett where he served the automotive needs of his customers throughout the South Coast for many years. As an avid car enthusiast, Joe was able to spend his life doing what he loved. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962 and sailed aboard the USCG cutter “Eagle,” the United States Coast Guard Academy training ship, where he was able to make two transatlantic voyages to Europe. While stationed in Nantucket he met his wife of 61 years on leave in New Bedford and settled in New England. He was most proud of and dedicated his life to his three sons with whom he shared his entrepreneurial experience and guidance every day. He was beloved by the staff of Guard Oil in Fairhaven where he spent much of his time in retirement and enjoyed being a part of the day-to-day activities. Joe was known for his gardening skills and the small scale train he built himself and drove in many parades where he won various awards. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren who fondly named him “Grampy.” He brightened the faces of everyone whenever he was around. His smile made you smile. His shining eyes, expressive face and easy laughter will be held in our hearts forever. We will miss you Dad.

His Funeral will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday October 2nd from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Marcelle Brenda (Caron) Morris

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Marcelle Brenda (Caron) Morris, 81, of Marion died September 21, 2025 at Tobey Hospital.

            She was the wife of the late Francis A. Morris.

            Born in Paterson, NJ, daughter of the late Alfred T. and Cecelia M. (Jacques) Caron, she lived in Marion most of her life.

            Brenda was formerly employed as a registered nurse for many years until her retirement.

            She is survived by her son Francis J. Morris of Marion.

            Her Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 12 Noon at Evergreen Cemetery in Marion.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

John Bellafatto

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John Bellafatto, a proud Navy veteran and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Tobey Hospital in Wareham, Massachusetts at the age of 89.

            Born in Sea Cliff, New York, John was the son of John G. Bellafatto, who immigrated from Italy, and Gumersinda Guzman Y Lopez, born in Puerto Rico. He graduated from Sea Cliff High School in 1955 and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy.

            John spent his later years as a resident of Rochester, Massachusetts, where he retired from Home Depot after years of dedicated service. Known for his tireless work ethic, he touched the lives of many through both his professional and personal endeavors.

            He is survived by his children: John Bellafatto of Bristol, RI; Mark Bellafatto of Richmond, VA; Angela Feather and her husband John Feather of Cumberland, RI; and Michael Bellafatto of Reno, NV. He shared these children with Vita (Tumbarello) Bellafatto, their loving mother.

            A lifelong fan of baseball and football, John found great happiness traveling across the country visiting ballparks and soaking in the spirit of the game. John will be laid to rest with at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation to support veterans. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett.

Dog Euthanasia Ordered

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            The Marion Select Board at its September 16 meeting voted to euthanize a dog that attacked and injured a pizza-delivery person on July 29.

            One-year-old Gordy, who by accounts from family members, is protective of his family but not good with strangers, poses a risk, according to the Select Board. There are playgrounds and children within this Point Street neighborhood, according to board members at the public hearing, which took place at the Marion Police station.

            Animal Control Officer Susan Connor says she responded to the incident after dog owner Spencer Mello, of 968 Point Street, wrestled the dog away from the delivery person, according to Mello’s relative Amorin Johnson, who lives in the home.

            Connor said she observed that the dog was aggressive and apprehensive. She asked that the dog be put under quarantine for a 10-day period and be ordered to wear a muzzle and that a fence with a solid gate be placed in the front of the home.

            Connor said she returned to the property and observed the dog outside on a tethered leash, similar to cable trolleys, and with a loose-fitting collar.

            Connor said she observed one “beware of dog warning sign,” but no muzzle.

            “I am reluctant to go to that house, and the dog is clearly wary of strangers,” Connor said.

            Johnson, who appeared at the hearing in place of Mello, said that on that July day, the delivery worker, Rumeysa Durmus, came on to the porch to deliver the pizza. The door to the home was slightly open and the dog came out.

            Johnson said Durmus screamed and that triggered an attack response from Gordy, who injured Durmus’ right arm. Durmus participated in the hearing via Zoom and said she still does not have full use of her right arm. Johnson pleaded with the Select Board to allow the family to take more precautions, including training for the dog.

            “He’s great with us, He is so protective of our children,” Johnson said.

            Connor told the board that this attack wasn’t the only one.

            In other board news, neighbors of the Maritime Center, which houses the Harbormaster Headquarters, complained of lights shining 24 hours from that center, as well as constant boat lights from the harbor. Cindy Fox and Mal Durkee spoke for several residents who have complained of light pollution in the area. “It looks like Las Vegas from our side (of the harbor),” Fox said. “Why are we paying taxpayer money to light this building all night?”

            Some solutions were proposed, including removing the lights and replacing them with dimmable ones. Select Board Chair Randy Parker said there should be a phone app to take off the lights when needed. Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman said he would speak with the town’s electrical inspector about some of these ideas.

            In more positive news, the Marion Garden Club received the go-ahead from the Select Board to finance through the general treasury water and sprinkler systems for town gardens. The Marion Garden Club has approximately seven aesthetic gardens around town but needs help with the water bill and sprinklers.

            Club members met with Parker and board member Norm Hills and asked for financial assistance for sprinklers for approximately five of these gardens, which need regular water maintenance. Club members said the group mostly relies on fundraising and volunteer efforts but needs approval for use of town water and maintenance of sprinkler systems. They said the annual water costs are approximately $800, and the costs of maintaining sprinkler systems are just over $4,000 annually.

            Select Board members, which serve as the town’s Water and Sewer commissioners, took no exception with the request. Parker said these gardens help maintain the town’s appearance and are an asset for its aesthetic appeal.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Making Fast Work of It

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Rochester Memorial School’s solar array is nearing completion. Though it is not online yet, the tall solar canopies are erected over the north parking lot of the school. The Rochester Planning Board, in August, approved a Site Plan Review and Special Permit for construction of the array to take place during the school year.

            Construction started this month, with the contractor, Solect Energy Development of Hopkinton, expecting completion of the project by the end of December, just in time for the holiday school break.

            Teachers at RMS have been told they will get their parking spaces back soon-ish. One hundred percent of the panels are mounted into the ground, with concrete poured around their bases. Last week, there was a site cleanup, and touchup painting was done. This week, trenching began for electrical conduits needed between each solar column. This is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

            Following the completion of the site trenching, heavy equipment won’t be necessary on site, per Solect Energy Development. In October, electrical work, mainly wiring, will commence. Panels need to be wired together and to the conduits. Lighting must be installed and wired underneath each canopy as well. Finally, electricity must flow to the school with wiring to the school’s electrical room.

            The big part is done, and in a few months, should everything go according to schedule, RMS will harness the power of the sun, the teachers will get their spots back, and student drop-off will go back to normal.

Rochester Memorial School Solar Array Update

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library will remain closed on Sundays for the remainder of 2025.

            On Wednesday, October 8 at 11:00 am The Cozy Cup Book Club will be discussing Rita Mae Brown’s Claws for Alarm. As always there is free tea and coffee. Copies are available at the circulation desk in the Library. Registration requested.

            Join us in welcoming Jeff Belanger back to the Elizabeth Taber Library with Wicked Strange New England: Your Guide to Ghosts, Monsters, Oddities and Urban Legends from New England, Friday October 10 at 6:00 pm. Copies of Jeff’s newest work will be available for purchase during the program. No Registration required.

            The Banned Book Club will meet at the Library on Tuesday October 14 at 6:00 pm to discuss the horror classic Dracula by Bram Stoker. All are welcome to attend, find copies available at the circulation desk.

            October 25 at 10:30 am, Adult Craft Drop-in. Stop by to create a book pumpkin, cross stitch a pattern, or paint a fall scene. No Registration Required

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is hosting author Gwendolyn Wallace for a reading and author talk on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm. Gwendolyn is the author of picture books Joy Takes Root, The Light She Feels Inside, and Dancing with Water. This program is best for kids ages 5+ and their grownups – but all are welcome.

            Kids can sign up now for our October kids book clubs. These groups will meet on Thursday at 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Nonfiction Nerds – a club for readers who love facts or need a little help while reading – will meet Thursday, October 2 to discuss When Moon Became the Moon. Grab a copy at the circulation desk today.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will close as 12 on Friday, October 3 for an all-staff meeting.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

ORR Alumni Trail Race

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The Old Rochester Regional (ORR) community is gearing up for the 2nd Annual ORR Alumni Trail Race, taking place on Monday, October 13 at 9:00 am at scenic Washburn Park in Marion. Runners, walkers, and supporters of all levels are invited to participate in this exciting event, with all proceeds benefiting the Old Rochester cross country and track and field teams.

            Following the success of last year’s inaugural race, which raised over $500, the ORR Alumni Trail Race aims to continue its tradition of fostering community spirit and supporting student-athletes. The racecourse offers a picturesque trail run, perfect for alumni, current students, family members, and local running enthusiasts.

            Registration and information available at: runsignup.com/Race/MA/Marion/ORRAlumniTrailRace

            Proceeds from the race will directly support the ORR cross country and track and field programs, helping to provide equipment, uniforms, and other opportunities for student-athletes.

            Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking to reconnect with the ORR community, the Alumni Trail Race is a great way to stay active and support a great cause.