The Rev. Robert Malm, Interim Rector St. Peter’s On the Canal, Buzzards Bay, MA will officiate at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 4, continuing the 140-year-old tradition of visiting clergy during the summer season. St. Philip’s is located next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett. Services at 8:00 am and 10:00 am will use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. All are most welcome to attend.
Rochester’s Park Commission Tuesday approved placing an article to build a new children’s playground at Gifford Park, using over $40,000 of town funds on the October 21 Special Town Meeting warrant.
The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,881.70. Half of that cost will be borne by the local nonprofit Tri-Town for Protecting Children. The Park Commission will ask voters in October that the town’s half ($40,940.85) come from its own available funds.
Commission Chairman David Hughes started the discussion Tuesday by noting the cost of the playground alone will be approximately $73,000. The remainder of the total cost will be for the 4-foot-high, 250-foot-long chain-link fence with two gates that will surround the park. One gate will be for pedestrians to enter and the other for playground equipment.
Hughes said proposing such an article so early before the deadline to submit articles for the warrant is a good thing.
“We’ll be way ahead of the deadline,” he said. Hughes told Tri-Town for Protecting Children member Jackie Eckert that a plaque noting her group’s contribution to creating the playground will be placed at one of the gates, then asked her what details and color scheme she wants to see within the playground. “You tell us what you want,” he said.
Hughes then elaborated that once Town Meeting approves the funding in October, Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge will be ready to begin the construction right away. Construction might be complete by December, he said. Commission member Kenneth Ross explained this park will be replacing the old equipment that is now found at Gifford Park.
“Thank you for coming forward with this plan,” Hughes said to Jackie Eckert. “This playground is better for us and better for the children.”
The playground, suitable for ages 2 to 12, will include a slide and swing sets, a Cyclo Cone Climber, a curved balance beam, a balance-and-bounce house and two benches for children and parents resting between play.
The Rochester Park Commission adjourned without scheduling its next meeting.
Rochester Park Commission
By Michael J. DeCicco
What looked from a distance like a tool shed on stilts, the Marion Harbormaster office was transported Friday morning by a giant forklift into a new location toward the end of Island Wharf where it is up and running.
Long considered outdated in terms of functionality and capacity, the push for the facility’s replacement is being realized with the ongoing construction of the new Maritime Center in the northeast corner of the property.
A permanent future for the old office has yet to be determined, but word is that especially given recent updates inside, it would make sense to extend its useful life perhaps at Old Landing.
Planning Board member (and former Marion Fire Chief) Jon Henry recalls a photo in the town’s Spring Street Fire Station that displays the first horse-drawn piece of fire apparatus received by the department, a pressurized hose from which emanates a stream of water. In the background of the photo is part of what was to become the Harbormaster’s headquarters at Island Wharf.
“It was like a place to sit and relax, no changing rooms … that is now where the bandstand is,” said Henry.
Before World War I, the town’s Village Improvement Association was appointed by volunteers to modernize and improve the area with the planting of grass and flowers. They also built a bandstand circular in shape. That version of the bandstand was damaged in the 1938 and 1953 (Carol) hurricanes, the second event sealing its demise.
To the east near the water was the development of what is now the remaining, ground-level construction housing bathrooms. Its initial, open-sides iteration goes back to WWI. The facility was built up in phases.
“I think the biggest part was the WPA section,” said Henry, alluding to the Works Progress Administration program enacted in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a recovery tool following the Great Depression.
“The WPA put people to work,” said Henry, remembering the Serpa teenagers who built concrete revetments to stabilize the area. Then there was a small public beach. “The more boats got into the harbor, the less desirable it become to swim there.”
The Harbormaster at the time was William Coulson Jr., who also worked at Barden’s boatyard and was married to Elizabeth (Barden) Coulson. Henry recalls Fred Barden’s grocery in Marion village and how his son-in-law took it over and ran it at the beginning of WWII.
The Harbormaster office did not get its bathrooms until Henry was serving in the Army. He estimates that the town built the now-old office during George Jennings’ tenure and recalled work done through CETA, the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act enacted by President Richard Nixon in 1973.
Jennings retired from the phone company and became harbormaster.
“Everything that was modernized was done during George Jennings’ tenure,” said Henry, recalling the installation of new docks and improved boats and communications. “It made life a lot nicer for the boating community, both local and the people who came to visit.”
The phased structure eventually became the elevated office and accompanying, ground-floor, public bathrooms that remain amidst the new construction across the lot.
Mike Cormier was subsequent Marion harbormaster whom Henry considers “equally efficient,” having made crucial updates to the service. It was during Cormier’s tenure that Isaac Perry joined the department as assistant harbormaster and shellfish officer, a role that would be assumed by Adam Murphy during Perry’s tenure as harbormaster. Perry is now Mattapoisett’s harbormaster and Murphy is Marion’s harbormaster.
Thanks to their efforts and that of the Marine Resources Commission, grant funding was secured from the state’s Seaport Economic Council, appropriations were made at two town meetings, and a new harbormaster headquarters is less than two months from its grand opening.
The old office, meanwhile, is suddenly a fish out of water, still useful and looking for a new home.
By Mick Colageo
Visit the Mattapoisett Free Public Library between August 1 and 31 for the premiere showing of a new digital art exhibit called “Digital Illustrations” by Fairhaven resident and recent high school graduate G. Santos. Santos designed and created a series of illustrations using only an iPad and his imagination. With this exhibit, Santos aims to honor the old with the new. Look for hints of Poe and Gorey with nods to Melville and McCarthy.
Santos is a self-taught artist, wire sculptor, digital illustrator and amateur animator. He would like to thank the Mattapoisett Library for this opportunity to debut his work. The exhibit is free and open to all.
Tyler Young’s victory in Sunday’s Mattapoisett Lions Club Triathlon was so convincing that it seemed the 2024 Old Rochester Regional High School graduate could have gone out and done a second triathlon in the afternoon.
Keyed by his 6:02 mile pace in the 3.1-mile run that completed the competition, Young’s overall winning time of 54:07 was one minute and four seconds faster than 55-year-old runner-up Marvin Wang (55:11). Edward Rheaume, 62, took third place in 56:34.
In the recovery area only seconds after running first under the inflatable arch on Water Street, the 18-year-old from Marion was eager to seize upon a reporter’s question about the retirement of longtime ORR cross-country and track coaches Bill and Cindy Tilden.
“Those were my favorite coaches, those are my favorite coaches, they will forever be basically the best people who have ever come to that program – ever,” said Young. “They are the people who caused me to love the sport as much as I do, so I’m happy they were able to be there for all my four years of high school. It’s impressive how long they’ve been there.
“I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today if it wasn’t for them.”
Recalling how Mr. and Mrs. Tilden started the Southcoast Running Club, Young was introduced to Cindy Tilden’s conditioning camp in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s what really got me to know her, and … they’re just very personal coaches,” he said. “They understand their athletes, which is great. And that’s how they’re able to push you. And they’re not easy going, they obviously know they need to challenge their athletes. That’s what sets (ORR) apart, they know the athletes need to get the work done. … They ask a lot, but they’re always there for us.”
Young recalled working through an injury during his high school career and how understanding the Tildens were with his situation. “They’re the reason I haven’t gotten injured other than that,” he said.
Having run the 800, mile and 1,000 indoor and also cross-country in high school, Young has committed to run track beginning later this month at UMass Lowell.
The Lions Club Triathlon followed the conventional format in the order of swim, bike and run. That typically puts Young in a comeback position, but his 4:40 time in the water was tied for sixth overall in that phase. His 29:24 bike was 2:50 behind Wang’s second-place bike of 26:34, and that left Young outside the lead. But within the first mile of the run, Young knew he could catch the leaders. His event-best 18:45 run put him comfortably over the top.
“Biking and running is where I have to put all my energy into the race. … When I come out of the water, I don’t really try to pay attention to the place I’m in or the time I did because I know I’m going to make it up,” said Young, who is also a mountain biker. “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I felt pretty good on the run, that’s what I’m really strong in. … There was a good amount of competition for me to catch in the biking stage.”
Strengths and weaknesses were the opposite for women’s winner Heather Peckham of Middletown, Rhode Island, whose 1:02:57 time was boosted by her 5:10 swim and 32:03 bike. Her 24:14 run was nonetheless third among women.
“I was an athlete my whole life, and I took a break when I had my son,” said the 42-year-old Peckham, who got back to competition three years ago.
“Run is the hardest part for me,” she said, admitting to a temptation to push the gameplan because her first appearance in Mattapoisett felt so inviting. “Yes, it was a beautiful course. … I opened up and rode super-fast. It was beautiful, and there were so many volunteers everywhere. … Instead of following signs, they were there. It was nice.”
Peckham was convinced to compete in Mattapoisett by one of her teammates on the New Bedford-based Triathlon with Amy team, two members of which competed last weekend in the Ironman Maine event.
“Everybody I run into that’s done this before, they absolutely love it,” said Peckham, who leaned on the Lions Club volunteers just like the many other competitors who could be seen pointing and looking at staffers for confirmation on the correct course direction as they entered next phases of competition. Recalling a smooth practice run, Peckham still had her real-deal moments.
“So when you go ahead and ride (the course) beforehand and you know where you’re going,” said Peckham. “(In competition), you get in the water, come out and say, ‘where am I going?’ Same thing: I came in from the bike, I went to come in the wrong way, and (the volunteers said), ‘no, you’ve got to go this way.’ … Thank God for those volunteers.”
The previous week in New Bedford, the Whaling City Triathlon was greeted by much heavier summer weather. Peckham finished second in her 40-44 age group.
Former Mattapoisett native Mary Cass, 63, competed for the third time in four days, taking third overall (1:04:33) a minute behind 60-year-old runner-up Marielle Yost (1:03:33).
Mattapoisett Lions Club Triathlon
By Mick Colageo
Top-3 Category Finishers (Swim, Bike, Run, Overall)
Female 1-19: 1. Alexis Lord, 18, Mattapoisett, 5:51, 42:39, 35:21 = 1:27:47.
Female 20-24: 1. Sarah Rocha, 23, East Sandwich, 5:15, 34:58, 28:59 = 1:13:35; 2. Eliza Nilson, 20, Charlestown, 4:23, 38:07, 31:11 = 1:16:20; 3. Natalia Moulding, 23, Wareham, 5:19, 36:17, 32:27 = 1:17:27.
Female 25-29: 1. Sydney Leveckis, 28, Walpole, 4:51, 33:58, 26:27 = 1:07:42; 2. Maggie Piker, 29, Watertown, 4:52, 35:31, 26:27 = 1:10:09.
Female 30-34: 1. Nicole Vanloon, 33, Coventry, Rhode Island, 5:55, 33:09, 29:18 = 1:11:57; 2. Claire Nalven, 32, Lexington, 5:12, 37:01, 29:36 = 1:14:04; 3. Kaylee Grodzki, 33 Mattapoisett, 5:34, 41:20, 37:19 = 1:28:01.
Female 35-39: 1. Crystal Leo, 39, West Warwick, Rhode Island, 4:40, 35:19, 29:32 = 1:12:22; 2. Hilary Gibbons, 35, Plymouth, 5:39, 37:56, 26:30 = 1:13:19; 3. Ashley Dube, 39, Norwell, 5:42, 38:26, 28:39 = 1:16:43.
Female 40-44: 1. Khara Sylvester, 41, Mattapoisett, 5:29, 33:54, 29:33 = 1:12:53; 2. Lauren Peterson, 41, Dighton, 6:01, 36:08, 30:56 = 1:16:14; 3. Olga Vershinina, 40, Stoneham, 6:48, 41:10, 24:43 = 1:16:30.
Female 45-49: 1. Christina Mork, 45, 4:56, 38:22, 24:53 = 1:12:18; 2. Allison O’Neill, 41, Chestnut Hill, 6:03, 35:40, 29:26 = 1:16:37; 3. Amy Hartley-Matteson, 47, Rochester, 6:15, 40:29, 28:50 = 1:18:40.
Female 50-54: 1. Lee Dupre, 53, Mattapoisett, 5:49, 33:57, 23:36 = 1:07:34; 2. Nicole Harrington, 50, Mattapoisett, 6:01, 34:13, 25:04 = 1: 07:41; 3. Lisa Horan, 51, Mattapoisett, 7:20, 32:22, 28:58 = 1:11:51.
Female 55-59: 1. Charlotte Johnson, 57, Chatham, 5:48, 32:52, 26:25 = 1:08:02; 2. Heather Cronin, 58, Plymouth, 5:47, 31:06, 30:26 = 1:11:31; 3. Greta Plante, 55, Mattapoisett, 5:41, 40:43, 34:34 = 1:23:55.
Female 60-64: 1. Kate McCoy, 63, Weston, 4:56, 34:45, 29:01 = 1:11:56; 2. Terri Ivanoski, 63, Canton, 6:40, 43:45, 25:58 = 1:17:51; 3. Deborah Neary, 64, Mansfield, 7:17, 38:07, 30:12 = 1:18:47.
Female 65-69: 1. Anne McCrae, 65, Edgartown, 5:24, 32:12, 28:20 = 1:07:33.
Female 70-plus: 1. Terry Myers Coney, 71, Stow, 10:11, 54:57, 57:11 = 2:07:00.
Male 1-19: 1. Eamonn Kelly, 17, Foxboro, 5:00, 33:05, 19:09 = 1:01:36; 2. Owen McAuliffe, 17, Foxboro, 5:40, 33:12, 24:21 = 1:06:49.
Male 20-24: 1. Luc Cuypers, 21, Concord, 5:18, 29:33, 23:58 = 1:01:31; 2. William Stark, 22, Mattapoisett, 4:31, 31:23, 23:35 = 1:02:30; 3. Colin Cuypers, 20, Concord, 5:02, 32:49, 21:53 = 1:03:13.
Male 25-29: 1. Kevin Albano, 29, Fairhaven, 5:00, 29:21, 20:31 = 58:32; 2. Clark Luckhardt, 29, Carlsbad, California, 5:15, 30:21, 21:59 = 59:59; 3. Quinn Morten, 26, Darien, Illinois, 5:25, 34:46, 25:25 = 1:08:36.
Male 30-34: 1. Matthew Koral, 33, Boston, 5:11, 30:57, 19:42 = 59:06; 2. Henry Borda, 34, Mattapoisett, 5:01, 30:36, 24:17 = 1:02:47; 3. Andrew Dearden, 30, New Bedford, 5:26, 29:10, 25:25 = 1:02:59.
Male 35-39: 1. Jeramy Packard, 39, Westport, 5:20, 33:17, 22:11 = 1:06:59; 2. Derek Gibbons, 38, Plymouth, 4:35, 38:58, 28:56 = 1:13:54; 3. Jason Stavros, 35, Raynham, 5:38, 33:27, 34:14 = 1:18:13.
Male 40-44: 1. Jonathan Stanton, 44, 5:04, 29:35, 20:45 = 58:36; 2. Dario Marrocchelli, 42, Arlington, 5:31, 33:19, 22:16 = 1:04:45; 3. Tyler Dube, 44, Norwell, 5:48, 31:30, 29:36 = 1:09:16.
Male 45-49: 1. Eric Chiang, 47, Westford, 5:53, 29:39, 23:44 = 1:02:25; 2. Nathan Meleo, 47, Rochester, 6:50, 36:46, 26:10 = 1:13:14; 3. Jason Arruda, 46, Fairhaven, 6:09, 35:45, 29:33 = 1:15:21.
Male 50-54: 1. Zsolt Kalmar, 54, Framingham, 5:10, 26:55, 25:06 = 1:00:26; 2. Michael Young, 52, Marion, 5:09, 29:31, 23:00 = 1:00:48; 3. Mark Lamson, 53, Foxboro, 6:02, 27:48, 23:38 = 1:02:10.
Male 55-59: 1. Brian Kelly, 56, Foxboro, 5:12, 28:44, 23:58 = 1:03:11; 2. Michael Kineavy, 57, Quincy, 4:45, 31:02, 24:52 = 1:03:36; 3. Jack Hughes, 56, Walpole, 5:31, 30:15, 25:34 = 1:04:39.
Male 60-64: 1. John Schluter, 64, Westport, Connecticut, 5:01, 29:08, 26:04 = 1:03:51; 2. Gerald Lanagan, 60, Vero Beach, Florida, 4:58, 30:55, 27:33 = 1:05:59; 3. Steve Kanovsky, 62, New Hope, Pennsylvania, 5:19, 30:50, 30:59 = 1:10:02.
Male 65-69: 1. David Blume, 65, Waban, 4:33, 29:12, 22:51 = 59:38; 2. Jeff Kotecki, 65, Mystic, Connecticut, 5:17, 26:13, 26:54 = 1:00:55; 3. Paul Curley, 65, Taunton, 5:41, 27:21, 26:44 = 1:03:03.
Male 70-plus: 1. Bob Lamothe, 71, Warwick, Rhode Island, 5:24, 28:24, 26:34 = 1:03:15; 2. Paul Curuccio, 70, Winthrop, 5:17, 30:38, 24:54 = 1:04:00.
Relay Finishers (Swim, Bike, Run, Overall)
1. Team Catracho 5:38, 26:41, 23:12 = 56:27; 2. Team Cooper 4:10, 30:19, 24:57 = 1:01:38; 3. The Studio 6:09, 32:04, 27:32 = 1:08:39; 4. Two Chicks And A Rooster 6:34, 36:06, 29:44 = 1:13:59; 5. 3’s A Charm 9:02, 33:43, 31:23 = 1:15:45; 6. Browning 6:26, 36:26, 32:04 = 1:16:41; 7. Wonder Woman 5:36, 43:29, 32:04 = 1:23:10.
Data courtesy New England Timing
Jerome P. “Jerry” Janousek, 84, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024, at the New Bedford Jewish Nursing Home. He was the beloved husband of Nancy J. (Hill) Janousek, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Jerry was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of the late Emil and Rose (Barry) Janousek. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and later earned a Master of Science from Northeastern University. For over two decades, Jerry served as the Director of Pharmacy Services at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and was actively engaged in several pharmacy organizations, including the MSHP (Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists).
In his youth, Jerry worked on the family farm in Nebraska and was an active member of the 4-H Club, where he received numerous blue ribbons for cattle competitions. He served active duty as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Bitburg Air Force base in Germany, during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and he met his wife Nancy, a teacher on the base, during his service at that time.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Nancy; his three sons, J. “Paul” Janousek, Jr. of Simpsonville, SC, Jeffrey Janousek, and Scott Janousek, both of Walpole; his brother, Richard Janousek of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his sister, Rosemary Meier and her husband Gary of Fennelton, PA; his sister-in-law, Sally (Hill) Adams of Taunton; his brother-in-law, Robert Hill and his wife Marga of Medina, OH; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Kenehan, and his sister-in-law, Vicky Janousek.
Jerry was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy, saltwater fishing, boating, and spending quality time with his family. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 31st from 3-6 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. A private service and burial will take place on Thursday at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.
In his July 11 Point Road Path Update to the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, Chairman John Rockwell told the members that he has procured some straw-waddle rolls that has benefited from some old-fashioned muscle for installation.
MOSAC member Tom Friedman and area resident Shaun Walsh are helping install the batches or the erosion-control material for the purpose of controlling drainage along the path. Noting he lives nearby, Friedman offered to pick up the next batch of straw waddle that Rockwell drops off.
“I give all credit to Shaun who did the first installation, and he used stakes with that,” said Friedman. Walsh said he installed four stakes.
Quoting Gisele Bundchen’s famous criticism of the New England Patriots, Rockwell noted that the ball is being thrown and caught as community member step up to volunteer with the physical labor it takes to make the project happen.
Friedman says he’s noticed “a ton of tire tracks” and trucks and trailers parked along Point Road. “It’s loosening up the sand quite a bit, and we’ve already got spots where we’ve got tremendous erosion,” he said.
Walsh asked Rockwell to identify the next step toward the creation of the Point Road bike path. Rockwell indicated it’s critical to identify the area where the water is crossing the path. The goal would be to split up those areas to prevent water from crossing the path in one spot. He said another spot was used as a “jury-rigged infiltration structure” that has been “heavily compacted or covered up.”
Solving those two issues, Rockwell indicated, is a prerequisite to unlocking the rest of the project. MOSAC needs to identify a plan to stop the water from crossing to a common point and then running down the path. The solution will likely involve pipes buried under enough material to protect them from being crushed.
“When it rains 6 inches, it’s going to go across, but when it only rains an inch it’d be nice if it didn’t have any impact,” explained Rockwell, noting he has the stakes to enact the process of determining the key spot along the path where deflection is needed. “That drainage issue has to be taken into account first.”
Walsh asked if raising the elevation to create a drainage swale might allow the water to infiltrate the ground. Rockwell concurred with the idea and offered to go out to the site with Walsh and look over the area.
Jenna Drive resident Carol Molander asked about the process of reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour. “It’s just a safety concern with kids out of school now,” she said.
Friedman alluded to the speed-limit discussion at the Annual Town Meeting on May 13 and referenced recommendations from the floor that the police could more easily make a difference by stepping up its enforcement of the existing speed limits (the Marion PD recently issued a press release announcing such an effort).
Rockwell discussed correspondence from former MOSAC member Alan Harris about a pile of trash recently discovered at Goldavitz Bog that has been cleaned up by the Marion Department of Public Works and the Sippican Lands Trust (of which Harris is a member). “My hat’s off to them,” Rockwell said, also noting the importance of the path at Grassi Bog that will now be mowed.
Rockwell expressed frustration with the town’s Open Space plan that was enacted in 2017 and has yet to be completed.
In a reorganization, recent MOSAC member Kitty DeGroot was voted to become the commission’s vice chairperson and clerk.
Representing MOSAC to the Community Preservation Committee has not come as easily, but Rockwell anticipates a potential vacancy in the group and that may lead to a volunteer for representation. The CPC meets in consecutive weeks during the winter before voting to award Community Preservation Act funding for eligible private and public projects.
The commission voted to enter executive session to discuss the purchase of real property and did not return to public session.
The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission was not announced upon adjournment of the public session.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Mick Colageo
The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Yaniv Dinur are pleased to announce the 2024-2025 “We Are Your Symphony” video and concert series.
In this powerful new video, see how the NBSO works every day to be your symphony. This video not only showcases the talent and dedication of orchestra members but also underscores the desire to bring meaningful impact to every person in the South Coast community. You will see how the NBSO has taken concerts, educational programs and community partnerships to the next level, inspiring all who experience it to support these efforts. View the video at nbsymphony.org/we-are-your-symphony.
Due to the renovation of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the 2024-2025 season concert series will again take place at Bronspiegel Auditorium, New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford, with the exception of the March 14 and 15 concerts which will be held at Fireman Performing Arts Center, Tabor Academy, 235 Front Street, Marion. Discounted subscription packages of 3-7 concerts are now available, and individual concert tickets will go on sale in August.
Your 2024-2025 Season:
September 28, A New Bedford Collage: KabuJazz Ensemble featuring Candida Rose and more.
October 26, Dance the Night Away: Newport Contemporary Ballet
November 16, Bridging Oceans: Hector Del Curto, bandoneon
December 15, Holiday Pops: Showstoppers and Members of SEMAYO
January 18, Video Games Pops: Super Mario vs. Zelda
February 15, Love and Ecstasy: Bella Hristova, violin
March 14 and 15, Yaniv Plays Beethoven: Yaniv Dinur, piano
Classical performances include pre-concert talks by Music Director Yaniv Dinur at 6:30 pm in the auditorium, and all concerts include pre-concert activities for all ages.
Subscriptions are now available. Subscribe to the full season (7 concerts) and receive a discount of 15% off ticket prices, while a discount of 10% is applied when you subscribe to your choice of 3 to 6 concerts. You can find complete concert details and subscribe online through the NBSO website (www.nbsymphony.org) or by calling the NBSO at 508-999-6276, ext. 222. Subscribe today to get the best possible seats and pay no ticketing fees. Individual concert tickets go on sale August 23. Details on the 2024-2025 South Coast Chamber Concert Series will be published soon.
The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach over 8,000 students each year. Music, Community, Education…We are YOUR symphony. Visit www.nbsymphony.org.
Plans for our third annual art show are underway at the Rochester Council on Aging, showcasing our finest artists. It will be an evening filled with many different expressions of art and a chance to decide which piece is your favorite in our People’s Choice Awards.
Applications for our Rochester artists (over 60 please) are available at the center for those who have created paintings and drawings. This year, a separate category has been created for textile arts, such as quilting, crewel, needlepoint, woodturning and other art creations.
The date of the event is August 22 from 6 to 8 pm, being a Garden Party there will be light refreshments, so please bring the family and enjoy a fabulous presentation.
Marion’s Energy Management Committee meeting Monday started with personnel changes, the biggest of which being the resignation of a veteran member.
Bill Saltonstall, a founding member of the board who has served on it for 14 years, submitted a resignation letter and announced that this would be his last meeting as a full member.
Citing family reasons for his decision, Saltonstall noted that down the line he would like to help out the committee’s mission in other ways, assisting with specific projects, or serving as an associate member. The board took this offer under advisement and wished him well.
This news was preceded by the fulfillment of Chairman Christian Ingerslev’s longstanding request to step down from the role after approximately 10 years on the committee. Alanna Nelson, previously serving as clerk, was appointed as the new chair. Ingerslev switched places with her, becoming the new clerk.
The board was then free to review some recent reports.
Saltonstall said Town Administrator Geoff Gorman is investigating a federal program that would pay for five electric-vehicles, charging stations with multiple ports to be placed around town. Saltonstall reported that Gorman has suggested that one site for one of these would be at Island Wharf, though the town will need to learn if such stations can survive the flood plain there, he said.
The board then reviewed the plan to install a photovoltaic, solar-energy system on the new Department of Public Works building that has recently entered the initial stage of its construction phase.
Saltonstall said the solar array at the new DPW building would produce more energy than the facility needs and the energy that remains could service other parts of town. Member Jennifer Francis said the board needs a cost estimate for the project before any other decisions are made.
Other members asked whether other town sites should also be considered for such a plan.
“Let’s get one done right first,” Ingerslev responded.
The board concluded as it began with subject of personnel. Board members noted the panel now lacks two members. Francis invited anyone interested in joining the committee to attend its next meeting. “If you’re interested, come on August 26.”
The Marion Energy Management Committee will meet next on Monday, August 26, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Department conference room, 550 Mill Street.
Marion Energy Management Committee
By Michael J. DeCicco