Fall into Fun – Adult classes at the MAC

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The MAC has a full slate of fun activities to get your mind, body and soul back into the swing of things.

            Tap Fit – Instructor Teah Keogh is back with TapFit – this 60-minute class is designed for adults who want to add a little more happiness and a little less seriousness to their week. Classes will continue at the MAC’s partner location, the First Congregational Church’s Community Center located at 144 Front St, Marion, just a few blocks away from the MAC. Classes for ages 18+ will run every Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm (except November 11 or other dates determined by the instructor), September 2 to December 16.

Want to sign up but might need to skip a few dates? A new 10-class punch card allows you to attend when your schedule allows. Drop-in classes are also available. A 10-class punch card (each class is 60 minutes) is $215 for MAC members and $255 for nonmembers. The cost for a drop-in class is $25 for MAC members and $30 for nonmembers. Students may bring their own tap shoes or borrow a gently loved pair from the MAC (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins must be registered by 4:00 pm on the day of class. No stress, just steps and smiles. Registration and information at: www.marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement.

             Writing Class: 6 Weeks, 6 Stories – The MAC is thrilled to announce a new program with instructor Sarah Banse, that focuses on your writing skills. 6 Weeks, 6 Stories is an opportunity to experiment with new forms and share fresh work in a supportive environment. This generative class is for anyone ready to begin a writing practice, whether you’re a seasoned writer or brand new to the world of fiction. You can expect to write a new story draft (ranging from 300-1000 words) each week, and to be workshopped by the class with written feedback from the instructor. The Fall Session starts on September 16 and runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm through October 21 in the MAC Studio, 80 Pleasant St. Marion. The cost for the 6-week program is $235 for MAC members and $275 for nonmembers. More information and registration for limited places at: www.marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Watercolor Painting for Beginners – Instructor Patty White returns to the MAC for a course designed for adults who would like to try watercolor painting, but have limited experience with the medium. Throughout the eight weeks, students will learn about materials, and begin mixing colors and experimenting with varied brush strokes, while working on still life, landscape and/or imaginative painting – all in a nurturing environment. The two-hour classes will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the MAC Studio. The Fall program starts on September 9 and runs through October 28. The cost is $195 for MAC members and $225 for nonmembers. Materials are not provided for this class, but there is a supply list provided by the instructor. Learn more and register at www.marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            All Levels Watercolor Painting for Adults – Instructor Jay Ryan continues at the MAC with a new Fall schedule. His course is great for those with a little painting experience and is also a perfect “next step” for those who would like to explore watercolor painting beyond a basic understanding of color and brush strokes. In each class, students will start a new painting together using landscape, still life, the figure, abstract or imaginative thought, or narrative ideas as subjects. At the end of the class there will be a brief and supportive group “critique”. Students will leave with expanded knowledge of technique and traditional and contemporary use of watercolors. Ryan offers a two-hour Thursday session from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in the MAC studio, and a 3-hour Friday session from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The eight-week session begins September 11/12 and runs through October 30/31. The 2-hour Thursday session costs $195 for MAC members and $225 for nonmembers, while the 3-hour expanded Friday session costs $295 for MAC members and $325 for nonmembers. Drop-ins are also welcome, $30-$45 per day. Learn more and register at www.marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom – Lisa Elliott returns to the MAC to teach a new skill or help students refine their weaving techniques. Over five weeks, students can create and take home a woven project. Students will weave one of the following: a scarf, table runner, set of placemats, or set of tea towels. Looms and weaving equipment are provided for a $10 fee, but let us know if you have your own rigid heddle loom that you would like to bring to class. Classes are held on Thursday evenings, 6:00 pm to 8:30pm in the MAC Studio from September 11 through October 9. The 5-week class costs $150 MAC members and $160 for nonmembers. More information and registration at: www.marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Four Week Abstract Acrylics: Boats & Stormy Seas – Instructor Elyse Laurelle is back and will help students delve deeper into the method of abstract painting with acrylics, beyond a one-day workshop. In this class, attendees will learn how to work with acrylic paint to create their own boat and stormy sea paintings. The instructor will provide demos and examples while working on a painting with participants throughout the class. This four-week program gives students time to develop their paintings through layering, color exploration, and classroom discussion. Elyse will share techniques and offer advice with constructive feedback. The goal of this class is for participants to feel more comfortable working abstractly with acrylic paints and to create a painting, or paintings, of their very own. The instructor will offer demonstrations and examples, but students are encouraged to explore their own artistic styles with their boat- and sea-inspired artworks. Classes start on September 27 and run on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am  to 12:00 pm noon until October 18th in the MAC Studio. The cost is $110 for MAC members and $125 for nonmembers. More information and registration at www.marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

May 12 Town Meeting

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To the Editor:

            It seems like the petitioner desiring to rescind our May 12 Town Meeting vote to increase the number of Mattapoisett Select Board members is mixing apples and oranges. His misinformation of the different town projects continues to muddy the waters in his recent letter to the editor. His disrespectful profiling of its supporters is mean spirited as well.

            Let me be clear. The vote on May 12 came after nearly an hour of discussion regarding the benefits of adding additional knowledgeable and skilled members to our Select Board. There was much discussion in the community prior to the meeting about this issue. The Mattapoisett residents who chose to attend Town Meeting knew this was going to be discussed and that a vote would be taken.

            During our Town Meeting, there were many votes taken where the hands raised were clearly in support of the motion that a hand count was deemed not necessary by the Town Moderator. On this issue, the Moderator chose not to have a hand count because the number of hands raised in support of the motion to increase the number of Select Board members was very clear and not only a mere 20 votes as the petitioner reports. And what about the other votes on May 12? Do they need to be rescinded as well? There was certainly less discussion on other items as we allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars for the work in our town.

            Over the past year, Select Board members had to recuse themselves from voting due to conflicts of interest. Additionally, when Select Board members were not in attendance at the meetings, only two members made decisions impacting progress made on town projects. Town Meeting voters understood that bringing additional expertise to our Select Board is what makes sense at this point in our town’s history.

            Let’s move forward and reject the petitioner’s request for a Special Town Meeting and bring more workers on to the Select Board to move our town projects forward. We don’t need to waste time, effort and money rehashing what made sense to the May 12 Town Meeting voters.

Liz DiCarlo, Mattapoisett

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. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

MS4 Needs Agreement by September 2

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            The Marion Planning Board on August 4 could not decide on whether a potential municipal separate stormwater systems bylaw, also known as MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems), should be a general or zoning bylaw.

            The board, however, went through a draft written by a subcommittee, and will decide on August 18 which direction this potential bylaw should take.

            Board Chairman Andrew Daniel, citing his conversation with Town Administrator Geoff Gorman, said the town has been in violation for many years for not having a bylaw in place. He said a general bylaw does not have to undergo a public hearing or the legal advertising which would come with it, saving the board time. Daniel said, per his conversation with Gorman, the town could adopt MS4 as a general bylaw.

            Board member and Pleasant Street resident Sean Sweeney, who has worked with state agencies, warned that it might be wise to classify it as a zoning bylaw rather than rush through the process.

            Daniel also said that if a zoning bylaw were to fail at a Special Town Meeting in November, it would have to pass at the Annual Town Meeting in the spring or face a further delay. Daniel said a general bylaw does not face the same legal hurdles.

            Some planning officials last week estimated that the town is around eight years late with adopting an MS4 bylaw.

            “Right now, we are in non-compliance. They (the Environmental Planning Agency) are going to do something. We don’t know what. Are they going to fine us or stomp their feet and pout.”

            Sweeney and some members of the board cautioned against rushing it and finding out later that the bylaw must fall under zoning, especially since the EPA has delineated some areas of town as flood zones.

            “I’m very surprised that it is up for negotiation (being a general bylaw or zoning). I am just surprised we can do that,” board member Tucker Burr said.

            Daniel said that some communities have passed it as a general bylaw. He said that, as long as the bylaw is clear in making the Planning Board the enforcement authority and not making applicants meet with several boards, it should not be an issue.

            Not all board members felt the same, so the board will determine at its August 18 meeting as to whether it should try to pass it as a general or zoning bylaw. The board, by September 2, must agree on a potential bylaw, according to Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee.

            Guey-Lee said it is possible for the board to hold hearings and advertise but said the schedule allows for little room for delay. The town has been given a December deadline to pass a bylaw, and Town Meeting is in November.

            The board went through the bylaw draft that a subcommittee helped develop. Daniel mentioned one section that states that any alteration to land of an acre or more should require a permit if it is within an MS4 zone. He said that might be a difficult requirement for an applicant looking to build a single-family home.

            Board members also indicated that there should be language that points out how the EPA map that delineates flood zones, or MS4 areas, is in flux.

            Guey-Lee mentioned how one section for Point Street falls within the MS4 map, but the other section does not. He said neighbors only a few feet apart might face different requirements.

            Planning Board Vice Chair Alanna Nelson was not present but, in a written document to the board, said that the rules must be clear and consistent for businesses. Daniel also said that the definitions and language within the bylaw should be consistent with planning regulations and bylaws now in place.

            The board will meet again on Monday, August 18 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department and will continue discussion on this matter.

Marion Planning Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Preparing for A Raid on Bermuda?

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            This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. The best way to figure out what was going on was to read Washington’s papers and General Orders of the time period, as there was daily correspondence and orders put out to his officers and troops. Last week, Washington had mounting stresses over the lack of discipline in his army, as well as their dwindling supplies. A plan was being formulated to strike the British stores on Bermuda and smuggle arms and ammunition back to Massachusetts.

            Washington’s greatest concern isn’t necessarily British troop movements or the situation in Boston, but with his men’s own supplies. From his position in Cambridge to Major General Philip Schuyler in Ticonderoga, New Hampshire, the newly formed Continental Army is struggling to arm itself adequately. Not to mention, they are fighting the most advanced and well-supplied army the planet had ever seen at that point. On August 7, Schuyler mentions in writing he is struggling to even ascertain how much armaments he has, as well as worrying of a counterattack from Canada in the north. We are still a few months off from the march of artillery south to Boston.

            In continuing appointments for army officers, Washington responds to English-born, Quincy-based entrepreneur and commanding officer at Concord, Joseph Palmer, saying he cannot promote Palmer’s son to the position of Quartermaster General of the Army. In his selections for these positions, Washington states he is avoiding “jealousies” and must spread appointments to those who qualify across all 13 colonies. The same day, Washington receives a note from Norwich, Connecticut, warning of eight or nine large ships around New London and possibly moving up the Thames River. Governor of Connecticut Johnathan Trumbull would later take account of these ships instead moving to supply at Fisher Island.

            At this time, ammunition isn’t the only dwindling supply. Washington is weary of soldiers abusing the leave system and taking supplies away from the army. In his August 8 General Orders, he warns his men that if anyone is caught “defrauding” the army, exemplary punishment and disgrace” are due. He also outlines official rations for Continental soldiers. Per week, they’d receive: “One pound of fresh beef, or 3/4 of a pound of pork, or one pound of salt fish; one pound of bread or flour; three pints of peas, or beans or Vegetables equivalent; one pint of milk; one half pint of rice, or one pint of Indian meal (ground corn); one quart of spruce beer or 9 gallons of molasses per company of 100 men; three pounds of candles to 100 men; twenty-four pounds of soft, or eight pounds of hard soap for 100 Men.”

            On August 10, two men, Lambert Bromitt and Benjamin Silsby, wash ashore at Marblehead. Saying they left Boston, they are escorted to Washington’s encampment under fear of them being British spies. The next day, Washington receives news from Watertown of Continental troops raiding the local village of Watertown, west of Boston. He states, “Any person who shall for the future be detected in such flagitious, wicked practices, will be punished without mercy.” The same day, Washington writes to British General and Military Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Gage in Boston, lambasting his treatment of captured Americans. He threatens anything Cage does to Continental soldiers, will be done likewise to the British. Although, he states he will treat his prisoners kindly should Cage change his treatment.

            On August 12, Washington sides against an incursion into Nova Scotia. He says he does not want an army of conquest, though his reservations are likely due to dwindling supplies. Nicholas Cooke in Providence informs him the gunpowder in Bermuda would be “easily obtainable.” The stage is set for a gunpowder heist that will take place on the night of Monday, August 14.

This Week in Revolutionary History…

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is launching our brand-new Makerspace. Marion Makes will launch Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Join us for giveaways, demos, and crafts. Meet our new in-library and circulating crafting equipment including sewing and embroidery machines, paper and laser cutters, and so much more. Become a maker with Marion Makes.

            Celebrate the end of summer reading with Mini Golf from One Up Games on Friday, August 15 between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Rain or shine you can come play 9 holes of glowing golf at the Library.

            Learn all about Disc Golf at a family disc golf clinic presented by the Elizabeth Taber library and the ORR Disc Golf Club, Saturday August 16, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Old Rochester Regional High School. Learn the rules of the game and where you can play, throw some discs and play a round at ORR High School’s new disc golf course. This is an all-ages event.

            Make your own spice blends and explore fruit dehydration at Elizabeth Taber Library’s Cooking Club, Friday, August 22 at 6:00 pm. Call the library to register for this free event.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Town Band

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The Mattapoisett Town Band would like to thank everyone who attended our recent concert, featuring movie music. Our final concert of the season will take place on August 20. This concert will feature a selection of requests received throughout the summer, as well as a few from last year. At this time, we are no longer accepting requests for this concert. However, if you have a request, please message us on our Facebook page, and we will save it for consideration for the following year. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making our 125th season such a success.

Naval Sea Cadet Corps

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Gosnold Division and Training Ship Patriot State of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps are welcoming new applicants to the training program at Mass. Maritime Academy. Young men and women between the ages of 11 and 17 who may be interested in nautical or military opportunities are encouraged to join.

            Scheduled events include an annual Swim Meet, community service, parades, ceremonies, marksmanship training, skills competition weekend at Joint Base Cape Cod and many other activities, as well as annual summer training, nationwide.

            Training is conducted on alternating Saturdays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at Mass. Maritime Academy. Interested applicants should contact Lt. Cdr. James McLoughlin at 508-759-8606. View us on “Facebook” at Gosnold Division.

Rodeos, Lassos, and Snakeskin Boots

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            Recently, the President of the United States, who’s name you may have forgotten, was seen walking around the roof of the White House. When asked by reporters, shouting from the ground, what he was up to, he said he was finding a way “to spend my money for the American people.”

            Official word is that he was checking out the area where his new grand ballroom is about to be built. The structure is so big, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York suggested the President can house his new, free Saudi gifted plane there. But I digress.

            One pundit, citing the President’s arching hand gestures, surmised he was looking to build a golden dome on the Peoples’ House. After all, he is the self-proclaimed CCO (Chief Construction Officer) of the United States. Who knows? We’ll have to wait and see.

Let’s get onto something more important, shall we pardner?

            The rodeo has come to our neck of the woods. Best you brush up on your cowboy lingo ‘cuzz over yonder in Rochester, the New England Rodeo has hunkered down at the old Rochester Fair Grounds with performances every couple of weekends. Well, butter me and call me a biscuit. If you are lookin’ to have’ a rootin-tootin’ good time, put on your ten-gallon hat and mosey on over real soon, you all. I’m told thar’s buckin’ bronchos, bull ridin’ and rodeo clowns. Yippee-ki-yay!

            I’m not surprised that the rodeo is more popular than ever in our area. Why else would a new western boot store be opening up at the Dartmouth Mall? Before heading to Rochester, you can stop by and pick up a new pair of snakeskin boots or a nice, fringed cowboy shirt, and one for your favorite cowgirl too.

            Up in Boston, the Professional Bull Riders League will be stampeding into the Boston Garden in January. In preparation, 50 trucks will unload 750 tons of genuine dirt on the floor. A half ton of bull… that doesn’t sound right… one hundred bulls weighing a half ton each will challenge professional riders to stay on them for 8 seconds.

            During the 1950’s, Mattapoisett had their own rodeos… sort of. Back then, the town was still a rural community. Beyond the village there were many farms with cows, chickens, bulls, goats, and horses. With so many horses, riding clubs were created followed by horse shows. Old-fashioned wood-slat snow fences would be set up around the perimeter of the Center School playground. Wearing their western finery, the local cowboys would strut around showing off their steeds, riding and jumping to the delight of the gathered audience. Occasionally they might even lasso a calf of two.

            I would be remiss if I didn’t find a way to get Washington into this essay about rodeos. After all, it is the epicenter of clowns and bull. I’ve been thinking that the grand ballroom coming soon to the People’s House would be a great place for a rodeo. Don’t you agree?

            It is 90,000 square feet, about the size of a football field. When they are finished in Boston the Professional Bull Riders League could send those 750 tons of dirt down to the White House and fill the new place up to it gold leafed windowsills.

            The late President Lyndon Johnson, a real cowboy from Texas, would have been thrilled to attend a real rodeo there instead of the one down the street. I’m sure George W. Bush, also from Texas, would approve. The bulls and horses could graze on the South Lawn. And the current occupant could sell gold spurs at the concession stand.

            Yes, siree buckaroos. It would be a rootin’ tootin’ good time.

            And that’s no bull.

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

MLT Now Owns the Pine Islands and Strawberry Point

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Lauri Carlson, John Jenney and Faith Ball recently donated Strawberry Point and the Pine Islands south and west of Pine Island Pond to the Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT.) All three are the children of David (deceased) and Janet Jenney, well-known and remembered Mattapoisett residents. These lands have been loved by the family since the early 1930’s beginning with Janet Jenney’s parents Eddie and Cappie Ferry.

            Faith Ball reported “Our family has cherished these lands for three generations for camping, hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape and wildlife. We want them protected in their natural, wild state for many, many generations to come.”

            “MLT is delighted to receive this generous gift of 26 acres of iconic coastal landscape including cobble and sand beaches, coastal dunes, salt marsh and the Pine Islands themselves” said Mike Huguenin, MLT’s President. He continued “Public access will be available by small boat or walking via Pine Island Pond, and we plan to create hiking paths over the next few years. We are deeply honored that the family chose MLT to care for these beautiful lands in perpetuity.”

            The Pine Islands have been a well-known feature of Mattapoisett since colonial times. Their first mention as “Second Island, Middle Island, Great Island, and Goat Island” is found in Book 3 of the Proprietors” Records of the Town of Rochester and reportedly shown on a plan drawn by Benjamin Hammond on May 30, 1749. Early settlers used the surrounding salt marsh for grazing livestock and may have kept animals on the islands themselves.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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August 5 & 6 – ORR Bulldog Sail team joined the Tuesday night Ensign racers on a beautiful night along with a couple new spectator boats. It was a great night of racing and a great night to be on the water watching the races. The ORR 420s sailed 3 races with three different winners. The Ensign battle between Odyssey and Black Ice continues with Black Ice winning the first race and Odyssey winning the second race and the tie breaker for the night. Third and fourth places were also decided in a tie breaker between Brass Monkey and Uncle Fester with Brass Monkey taking third place. Recess, coming back from a breakdown last week, placed fifth.

            Wednesday Night PHRF Series – No Quarter Given gets back to its winning ways as they finish first in the A fleet followed by Restless, Surprise, and Coconuts. Lindisfarne starts off the first race in August with a win in B fleet followed by Kinsail, Chickadee, and Fir Na Tine.

            2025 Ensign National Championship Regatta, Cleveland, Ohio – Mattapoisett Yacht Club was well represented in this year’s Ensign National Championship. Brou Ha Ha, sailed by Steve and Tina Clark with Dennis McLaughlin and Matt Ferlotti placed 8th in a 30 boat fleet sailing 11 races over 4 days. Brou Ha Ha was the only Massachusetts boat to participate in the championship. Congratulations.