MAC Presents Barefoot in the Park

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Marion Art Center announces that ticket sales have begun for its spring production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. and sponsored by American Research Management Co., Fieldstone Farm Market, and Barden’s Boat Yard. The romantic comedy, which is perhaps best known for its 1967 movie counterpart starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, tells the story of a newlywed couple in 1963 Manhattan adjusting to married life in a small, walk-up apartment while dealing with the wife’s widowed mother, an eccentric neighbor, and a telephone repairman who gets caught in the middle of the mayhem … and laughter ensues.

Director Pippa Asker leads the production with Steve McManus as Sound & Lighting Director and Dot McCarthy as Stage Manager. The cast of six includes South Coast locals: Kate Fredericks, Annemarie Fredericks, Sue Massey, Tristan McCann, Thom O’Shaughnessy and Harvey Ussach.

MAC will run a total of six shows including: Friday, March 16 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 pm; Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 pm; Friday, March 23 at 7:30 pm; and Saturday, March 24 at 7:30 pm. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended and may be done in person at the Marion Art Center (located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion, MA) or by calling 508-748-1266. Tickets are $18 for MAC members and $20 for non-members; payments are accepted by cash, check and credit card. MAC’s recently updated “Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater” offers new theater-style seating as well as cabaret tables (for parties of 4), and guests are welcome to bring their own refreshments.

The Marion Art Center, founded in 1957, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the visual and performing arts.

Academic Achievements

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Ariel Etheridge, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2018, has earned the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. Etheridge is from Rochester and is a graduate of Tabor Academy. Etheridge’s current major is educational studies.

Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher while completing at least three courses earn the fall 2017 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.

The following Tri-Town students were named to the 2017 fall semester dean’s list at Simmons College in Boston:

– Jessica Lynne Rush of Marion, majoring in political science

– Sophia J Lange of Mattapoisett, majoring in chemistry

– Lillian Rose McIntire of Mattapoisett, majoring in nursing

– Emily Lucia Josephson of Rochester

To qualify for dean’s list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

Galen L. Stone II

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Ambassador Galen L. Stone II, an influential senior diplomat and WWII veteran who in retirement helped direct numerous educational and philanthropic organizations in the greater Boston area, passed away on January 23 surrounded by his loving family.

Ambassador Stone was born on the 4th of July in 1921, the eldest child of Robert G. Stone and Bertha Lea Barnes. He grew up in Brookline, MA, attended The Park School, Milton Academy, and Harvard College, and summered in Marion at his family’s beloved Great Hill property. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army and joined the US Army Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant. He landed in Normandy while still under fire, and after VE Day was appointed Military Governor at age 24 over some 50,000 people in the greater Leipzig region of Germany. He remained active in the Army Reserve until 1970, and rose to the rank of Colonel.

Amb. Stone joined the Foreign Service in 1947 and served in numerous posts around the world. He became Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, India and also served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Paris, France. He subsequently served as US Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and to the Republic of Cyprus. Amb. Stone was a recipient of the State Department’s Meritorious Honor Award.

After retiring from the State Department in 1981, Mr. Stone’s commitment to public service continued in his private life, as he helped guide and support more than a dozen Boston area educational and philanthropic organizations. He notably served as Chairman of the Board of Overseers of Northeastern University, as Chairman of the Harvard-Yenching Institute, as a Trustee of New England Baptist Hospital and as a Director and Treasurer of United South End Settlements.

Mr. Stone’s son Brewer stated, “My father experienced both the Great Depression and the Second World War, which gave him a deep sense of empathy and lifelong desire to serve. He was born into privilege and spent his life giving back.”

Mr. Stone is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Anne Brewer Stone, and by his brother Henry, of St. Clair Shore, MI. He is also survived by five children, Diana, of Asheville, NC; Mary Smith of Plainville; Pamela Evans of Marion; Galen III of Marion; Brewer of Mill Valley, CA.; 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Stone loved spending time with his large extended family at Great Hill, taking long swims in the Bay, and cycling throughout the area. A regular participant in the Marion July 4th parade as a WWII veteran, he had a big smile for everyone he met, and was a by all accounts a true gentleman.

A service to celebrate Mr. Stone’s long and wonderful life will be held on May 26, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Great Hill.

Theatre One Productions

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Opening on March 16 for two weekends and closing Sunday, March 25, Theatre One Productions brings to the Alley Stage at 133 Center Street in Middleboro Neil Simon’s hit comedy The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, directed by Dan Groves of Wareham. Tickets are cash only at the door; $18 for Seniors/Students and $20 for General Admission. Show times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm. Doors open ½ hour prior to show. We collect food donations at all our performances for the Middleboro COA Senior Pantry. Info: 774-213-5193.

Barney Cashman (Robert Duquette of Somerset) is a middle-aged, bumbling seafood restaurant owner, married for 23 years. He hopes to experience the excitement of illicit romance before his time runs out. He has chosen his mother’s apartment as a safe place to pursue romantic adventures, as she volunteers one day a week at a local hospital until 5:00 pm.

His first attempt is with a customer from his restaurant, Elaine Navazio (Susan Salvesen of Marion) who is bored with her 280-pound husband and often ventures into affairs.

His second attempt is with Bobbi Michelle (Sheila Kelleher of Plymouth), a psychotic, unemployed nightclub singer who lives with her Nazi vocal coach. “She is not just German,” says Bobbi, “she is actually Nazi, wears black shirts, boots, the whole thing.”

Barney’s third attempt is with his wife’s best friend, Jeanette Fischer (Kathy Bourne of Middleboro). He invites her to a rendezvous for the afternoon after Jeanette came on to him at a recent dinner party. When Jeanette arrives, she isn’t exactly what Barney was expecting at all!        “Delightfully hilarious and witty, filled with wisdom about human nature,” quotes The New York Post. “Mr. Simon has created a great character here … extraordinarily funny and yet also charming,” quotes The New York Times.

Court Upholds Permits for Bitumen Project

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A group of Rochester residents, through their attorney Ben O’Grady, are seeking the assistance of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), a division of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The reason for the request: the apparent resurrection of plans for a bituminous concrete manufacturing facility on five acres off Kings Highway that recently saw the light of day after years in litigation.

Attorney Stephen Meltzer and environmental scientist Briscoe Lang went before the Rochester Conservation Commission on March 6, representing the project owner Gerry Lorruso of Edgewood Development Company. Taking the lead in the discussion, Meltzer gave a brief history of the project that predates not only his involvement with the company, but also predates appointments of several Conservation Commission members.

Meltzer said a Notice of Intent filed in 2010 underwent thorough review by various town boards, including the Conservation Commission – a process taking many months. The project was conditioned. However, that decision was later appealed, as were several other decisions that sent the project to land court and the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

The final decision upheld the permits.

Meltzer is seeking an extension to previously granted conditions so that the project might finally begin.

But Attorney O’Grady asked the commissioners to consider that he is seeking to have the project oversight moved to MEPA. He said, “Our concerns are that site conditions have changed, the commission’s conditions are seven years old, [and] the board members have changed.”

O’Grady said, given that the development group is seeking to build an industrial facility in a wooded area close to wetlands, another review cycle was warranted.

Lang rose, saying, “The wetlands are manmade. They are the same; they have not changed – the wetland lines have not changed, nor has the project or the bylaws.” He said he would welcome the commission to a site visit to address any questions the commissioners might have and to give the newer members an opportunity to review the file.

O’Grady also presented the group with a letter from a wetland scientist, but ConCom Chairman Daniel Gagne said they needed time to digest the newly submitted letter. He also asked Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon to provide any and all documents for their review and to advise the commissioners on the impact their decision will have on MEPA involvement.

MEPA conducts reviews of the environmental impact of projects that require one or more state agency actions including soliciting public opinion, coordination of project review with proponents, consultants, and citizens, and makes recommendations to the secretary on the adequacy of environmental documentation.

The request was continued until April 17 with an April 14 site visit date scheduled.

In other business, on an unrelated project, Meltzer received a Negative Determination for a Request for Determination of Applicability for construction of a new home located at 157 Forbes Road.

The commissioners also issued a Certificate of Compliance to Derek Maksy for property located at 44 Clear Pond Road.

The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission is scheduled for March 20 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall meeting room.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

 

School Vacation Performing Arts Program

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Registrations are now being accepted for Showstoppers’ 14th Annual School Vacation Performing Arts Program to be held April 16-20 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily at the Congregational Church in Mattapoisett. This year, we are offering a Junior Program for elementary school students as well as a Senior Program for students in junior high and high school. A Broadway Musical Showcase will be presented to the public at 7:00 pm on Friday, April 20. $175 per child includes performance CD, T-shirt, daily snacks and certificate of completion. Don’t delay! Reserve your spot today! For more information or to register, call 508-758-4525 or email kzucco@comcast.net. Additional information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/showstopppers.us/.

Help Make Marion Even Greater!

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Help Make Marion Even Greater!

No question, we live in an extraordinary town. How did it get that way, and how is it staying that way? We can thank many caring, dedicated residents before us who stepped up to serve on our boards, committees, and commissions.

Our elections are coming up on Friday, May 18, and there are several positions that need to be filled. Please consider running for one of them: two seats on the Selectboard for either 1 or 3 years; two 3-year seats on the Planning Board; a 1-year position as Moderator; and 3-year terms on the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Marion School Committee, and the Marion Open Space and Acquisitions Committee. Election papers are now available at the Town Clerk’s office, and they must be returned by March 26. Candidates’ Night will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 3 in the Music Hall.

Many non-elected volunteer groups and committees also exist, so please ask about the possibilities. Be a Marion “difference-maker” – our town won’t stay great without you.

For more information, please contact Town Clerk Lissa Maguaran at 508-748-3502 or a member of the group you are interested in at MarionMa.gov.

Jennifer Francis

Member of Tri-Town League of Women Voters

 

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.

Robert John Ball

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Robert John Ball, age 62, of Mattapoisett MA passed away suddenly and peacefully in his home on March 8, 2018.

He was husband of 26 years to Faith (Jenney) Ball, and loved father to Catherine and Samantha Ball. Bob was also a beloved son of Washington family, Marilyn Ball and the late DuWayne Ball, and brother to Susan Webster. He also leaves his brothers Dave Ball of Arizona, and Michael Ball of California. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews along with countless friends.

Bob was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana but moved around the world due to his father being in the Air Force. This constituted his adventurous side, that he carried with him throughout his life. He resided in all corners of the world, such as, California, Washington, Iran, Alaska, and Germany before finally settling down with his love, Faith, in her favorite town of Mattapoisett for the last fifteen years of his life. He had finally found his forever home in Mattapoisett. Bob appreciated both the warm summers under the tent at the beach house, contrasted by the quiet, peaceful winters. No matter the season, he loved life in Mattapoisett.

Bob enjoyed a successful career as a manufacturing engineer working on numerous airplanes for Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Once his two girls were born, he willingly gave up his career in order to be home with them. There was no job Bob loved more than being a stay at home dad for his girls and cherished that time tremendously. Bob excelled at golf, skiing and playing with his dogs, but above all he enjoyed being with his family. Bob was a tremendous father and husband who loved and supported his wife and girls unconditionally. His whole world revolved around his girls being happy, and would do anything for the good of his family. Bob will be remembered by his kind smile, amazing sense of humor that could make anyone laugh, and an adventurous spirit that lives on through his wife and girls. His proudest achievement was his daughters and his family.

Bob believed in focusing his precious down time on things that matter most. This philosophy was summed up by the quote “Make a memory” which the family used repeatedly when making weekend decisions. He would want those he loves to live by those simple words as we go forward through life because tomorrow is never promised…

His Memorial Service will be held on Saturday March 24, 2018 at 12 noon at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, with visitation prior from 10 am – 12 noon. Burial will be in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Air Force Aid Society (www.afas.org) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Phyllis J. Davis

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Phyllis J. Davis, 84, of Nokomis, FL, formerly of Marion, MA died Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Venice Bayfront Regional Health Center in Venice. She was the beloved wife of Everett M. Davis.

Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Xenia (Lapata) Gretchenuk. A graduate of Katherine Gibbs School, she worked for many years with her husband in his accounting practice.

She was active in community affairs, particularly Cub Scouts, Little League, and was a Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Sippican Historical Society, Sippican Women’s Club, and was a founding member and director of the cancer support group, Strength for Tomorrow. Mrs. Davis was also a charter member of the Mass. CPA wives club and founded the U.S. Flag Company. She took great joy in decorating various cities and towns in cooperation with veteran’s group with patriotic flags and banners. She particularly enjoyed flying the largest U.S. flag in her collection at Island Wharf in Marion during the start of the biennial Marion to Bermuda race.

She is survived by her husband, Everett M. Davis; two sons, Scott B. Davis and his wife Lynn of Charlotte, NC, and Douglas A. Davis and his wife Florence Levine of Bowen Island, British Columbia; her grandchildren, Robert and Lila of Brooklyn, NY and Sarah and Grant of Mint Hill, NC, and Fineen and Maitheas of Bowen Island, British Columbia, her great-grandchildren, Riley and Everett along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters, Sonia, Peter, Andrew, John, Patricia, Helen, Michael, Bob, and Mary.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham on Tues., Mar. 13, 2018 from 5 – 7 pm. Graveside services at Old Landing Cemetery in Marion will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 326, Marion, MA 02738.

Rochester Appoints Sgt. Small as New Chief

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The Rochester Board of Selectmen on March 5 officially appointed Sergeant Robert Small as the next police chief to replace Chief Paul Magee when he retires this year on September 14.

Small engaged in a brief public interview that evening, during which he stressed readiness to take over the department. Small completed an executive development class with the Municipal Police Institute, a course specifically designed to provide extensive training towards the position of police chief and other upper level law enforcement positions. Small also attended a civilian ‘team building’ program, he said, “that’s to sort of get an idea on how to be a little more proactive in taking advantage of peoples’ particular skills they possess … and being able to make the most out of what we can get out of our officers.”

“Recently, I’ve taken on more administrative tasks,” Small stated, including taking on the leading role in this year’s fiscal year 2019 budget process with Magee’s assistance. He said that in recent months, in addition to daytime supervisory responsibilities, he has undertaken many other responsibilities to ensure a smooth-as-possible transition into the chief’s position.

Selectman Naida Parker pointed out the issue of speeding in Rochester and its ranking as a “hot button topic” in Rochester, asking Small how he plans to address residents’ concerns.

“I think maintaining a lot of the stuff we do is really important and just being consistent,” said Small. He said he would follow through with Magee’s public forum he held last fall and continue that activity if the public wanted it. Other avenues, said Small, would be acquiring equipment to assist in catching speeders and possibly involving residents in tracking speeding in certain areas.

Small said he plans to continue efforts to expand police involvement in the schools and maintain all that is currently in place that enforces communication between the Police Department and the schools.

“We can look to do more,” Small said, but the bottom line is funding. Would a school resource officer be a direction he would like to go in? Yes, he said, and he would explore options to fund one, possibly through grants. “I think that would certainly be great for opening communication with the younger kids, not just at the high school age but even younger. Having them see us in a different forum opens up communication…”

Small started his career in law enforcement in 1991, was hired full-time by Rochester Police in 1998, and appointed Sergeant in 2013. He’s been a certified sexual assault investigator since 1995 and runs the department’s R.A.D. System (Rape, Aggression, Defense) self-defense program for women.

A department’s reputation is critical, says Small, and he will work to ensure that the Rochester Police Department lives up to it.

“I’ve been here for a long time,” Small said. “I’m very invested in this town and this department. I care about the image and the reputation of the town and the department.” He continued, “I certainly feel that we have a group of officers that I’m very happy to work with and are very involved in the town and actually care about the relationship with the town and the department…. To me, that’s really important. They go hand in hand.

“We should strive to do more, and I think we do…” Small said.

At that, Parker, saying she was surprisingly choked-up and emotional, made the motion to appoint Small as chief, pending contract negotiations. The vote was unanimous.

Also during the meeting, the Finance Committee told the selectmen that roughly 85% of the Town’s budgets have been reviewed line by line, with four budgets currently on hold: police, fire, highway, and EMS.

“We’re looking good,” said Finance Committee Chairman Kristian Stoltenberg. “I would say, based on what we have for revenue and what we have for budgets … we’re looking pretty good this year.”

In other matters, selectmen have taken under advisement a request from the Rochester Country Fair Committee to serve beer during the Friday and Saturday evening entertainment events. A “beer garden” space would be closed off and contained where people with wristbands would be allowed to consume one beer at a time. One officer would be stationed within the beer garden for security, and no one would be allowed to roam the fairgrounds outside the beer garden. The hours would be limited to between either 4:00 or 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday only. Chief Magee gave a nod for giving this first year trial a go, and the selectmen took the matter under advisement and will make the decision during the next meeting.

The Rochester Country Fair will be August 16-19 this year.

Also during the meeting, the board appointed Brad Morse to serve as the board’s representative to the Carver, Marion, Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District. The appointment stems from concerns raised at the last CMWRRDD Committee meeting about the future of trash disposal in the area, the imminent closure of a Rochester transfer station, and the possible closure of an additional transfer station in either Rochester or Marion belonging to the CMWRRDD.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for March 19 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry