Alive with Imagination

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We are so fortunate to live in an area heavily populated with visual artists. We don’t have to fight Boston traffic or throngs of people to gain access to museums. Creative genius is close at hand. All we have to do is go to the library.

            Currently on view at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library are the imaginative works created by the seasoned artist JP Powel of South Dartmouth, where for decades he has found inspiration primarily in the natural environment.

            We caught up with Powel shortly after his exhibit opened (now through the end of September), and he shared how his long, artistic journey began and how it has sustained his creativity.

            “My approach to the theme of a painting is from my imagination.” Rather than painting what he sees, he paints an imagined retelling of the scene, “…imagined spaces.”

            One of the paintings currently on display shows a dirt road edged with vegetation, but in the foreground, as if reaching out to the viewer, is a large, gnarly tree, a tree that shows its age, shows its experiences, yet remains steadfastly holding its ground with strength. It dominates the painting while, at the same time, granting the viewer a verdant scene.

            All his works are oil on panel.

            “When I started out, it was easier to find discarded pieces of plywood,” he said with a chuckle, noting the status many young artists face, a lack of financial resources. Yet, as his circumstances changed, he stayed with wood panels to capture his imaginative works.

            We were smitten by Powel’s works, works that have a sculptural look and feel.

            “I didn’t study painting,” he confessed – he studied sculpture. No surprise. He said that he had mentors in the art world who showed him painting techniques. “They were my teachers.”

            Powel calls his style “imaginative realism,” with medieval overtones and heavy imagery. He explained that he uses the technique of first drawing the image on the panel, then painting it out. He wrote of his paintings, “… images have people seeing the world differently, more radiant.”

            Radiant indeed. One panel is vividly painted in yellows and blues, which captured our interest. We observed the central element, birds in flight heading into the beaming sunset – heading home. Is it a metaphor on a long life, we wondered.

            Art is subjective, and we know what we like. This exhibit checked all the boxes for us. See for yourself.

            Educated at Harvard, Powel painted for 10 years before joining his wife to pursue a business in creating pottery, then returned to painting. Today he can usually be found in his studio – imagining.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

By Marilou Newell

Junior High a Pivot Point of Positivity

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In reporting to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on September 5, ORR Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner said the climate in the junior high is the most positive he has seen in a long time.

            “We live and breathe transition at the junior high school. … It all happens very fast, and there’s a tremendous amount of work,” said Coellner, who told the committee he’s already thinking about sixth graders who will be coming to the school. “We do a lot of great work, but we want to articulate it, codify it if you will.”

            All the while, said Coellner, ownership and sense of belonging will be kept at the forefront of student life in the junior high school.

            In order to relax “the jitters,” the junior high school opened its building to parents on opening day and gave out 228 ice creams, more than the number of seventh graders.

            Coellner’s remarks came from separate agenda topics on September 5, but his principal’s report easily could have been part of his rollout of the 2024-26 (two-year) School Improvement Plan that he and ORRHS Vice Principal Vanessa Harvey both discussed.

            Before the committee’s vote approves the 2024-26 School Improvement Plans for the junior high and high school, Coellner pointed out that the plan aligns with Vision 2028, the ORR District’s overarching, five-year plan. The two-year program will get the junior high three years into ORR’s five-year plan. New components will include “getting our feet wet in ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ work,” he said.

            ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson pointed out that the school improvement plans now reflect the core values, mission and vision, and each element finds a common language with the overall district vision.

            Addressing the committee on behalf of ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll, Harvey said most of the work in teaching and learning will take place in the high school’s Instructional Council. She identified the council as “a very strong group” including administrators and coordinators.

            “We’ll be examining the curriculum as part of the curriculum cycle,” said Harvey, giving the floor to ORR Director of Guidance Lauren Millette to review several progress points. Millette said a committee will be formed to identify all points of support and will look to grow Project 351.

            The school committee recognized recent retiree Melanie Kellum, a longtime math teacher and coordinator, and Dr. Jaime Curley was welcomed to the committee as the new assistant superintendent of Student Services. Curley spent 18 years in the Dennis-Yarmouth school district as a special education teacher and school psychologist.

            The two were part of a wave of acknowledgements of new staff members, also including: Anita Faath (instructional assistant – paraprofessional); Susan Harrison (Computer Science teacher); Elizabeth Kennedy (PreK teacher – vocational); David McCarthy (World Language teacher); Pedro Silva (Music teacher); Ava Novakoski (Physical Education teacher); Danya Bischel (instructional assistant); Michael Bowen (Instructional assistant – paraprofessional); Rebecca Kearney (School Adjustment counselor/social worker); Angela Weiss (custodian); Luis Nolasco (custodian night supervisor) and Edward Pimentel (custodian).

            Kris Lincoln, the former director of Student Services, is now a Special Education teacher.

            Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz recognized Kim Reed for her role in helping make August 22 a successful new teacher orientation day.

            Nelson publicly thanked the community for its support as schools opened, including the parents and police and fire departments. “It is a big deal,” said, crediting the community support systems for making ORR special. He said parking spots are hard to come by at Open House, which means the schools have strong partnerships with their families.

            Likewise, Harvey said ORRHS freshman have acclimated well to their new school surroundings. Student ambassadors helped the new students find their way.

            Committee member Margaret McSweeny asked if the 643-student enrollment at the high school includes the 95 School Choice students, and Millette confirmed that the 95 are among the 643 total.

            Meeting early, the committee took a tour of the school buildings under the guidance of Facilities Director Gene Jones, and Chairperson Michelle Smith opened the meeting by thanking Jones, called the buildings “fresh and clean and inviting.”

            In her Chairperson’s Report, Smith had executive secretary Melissa Wilcox share a YouTube video titled, “Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students!”

            “Remember to look for the awesome, see the awesome,” said Smith.

            Smith was a unanimous choice to remain in her role as ORR School Committee chairperson, and April Nye was unanimously voted to become vice chairperson, a vacant role as the 2024-25 school year began.

            Christina Gagnon was reappointed as treasurer and Melissa Wilcox as secretary.

            As the committee went about establishing subcommittees for the 2024-25 school year, Nelson noted that member Jim Muse has indicated his willingness to serve where needed.

            Muse will return to the budget subcommittee alongside Nye, Smith and Matthew Monteiro. Frances-Feliz Kearns volunteered to serve as an alternate on the budget subcommittee.

            Among other actions taken, the School Committee unanimously voted to approve Ocean Cliff in Newport, Rhode Island, as the prom location on May 27, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

            The venue, as explained by senior class student leaders, will cost $18,620 and accommodate approximately 200 students. Tickets will be $40, but the class will provide tickets for students who cannot afford them. Likewise, while students will provide their own transportation to the venue, those who cannot do so will be able to ride to the event in a school bus.

            In his report to the committee, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said he is working with the treasurer to wrap up FY24.

            Of the approximate $22,600,000 operating budget for FY25, Barber estimated that $9,300,000 is encumbered. He told the committee that it typically takes until well into October before all the budget’s encumbrances are identified.

            “That’s when you see a little bit more of a true value of what remains,” he said.

            With a capital stabilization fund approved at the town meetings, the committee will be asked at its next regular meeting to approve a transfer of funds.

            Smith reminded parents and guardians to fill out the online lunch form, noting that although lunch is free to students, it is funded with money that comes into the school. Monteiro added that the documentation will not only help the school recover money from the state but will help bring benefits to needy families.

            Barber credited Jones and the maintenance and custodial staffs for getting ORR’s athletic fields ready for the rush of activity that accompanies the new academic year.

            The committee entered executive session and returned only to adjourn.

            The next meeting of the ORR School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 26. Both meetings are to begin at 6:30 pm and be held at the ORR Junior High Media Room, also accessible via Zoom.

ORR School Committee

By Mick Colageo

The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey

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Please join us at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, September 22 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a Fall 2024 Purrington Author Talk Series. Hear author Margot Livesey give a talk about her newest novel The Road from Belhaven (2024) – the story of a girl’s coming of a late-19th century Scotland. Livesey grew up in a boys’ private school in the Scottish Highlands where her mother and father worked. She took a B.A. in English and philosophy at the University of York in England. Margot has published nine novels, including Eva Moves the Furniture, The Boy in the Field and NYT best seller The Flight of Gemma Hardy. Margot has taught at many universities and has been the recipient of many fellowships. Margot is currently teaching at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives with her husband, a painter, in Cambridge, MA, and goes back to London and Scotland whenever she can. Author Alice Sebold says, “Every novel of Margot Livesey’s is, for her readers, a joyous discovery. Her work radiates with compassion and intelligence and always, deliciously, mystery.” Signed books will be available for purchase. The program is free and open to all.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Invites New Members

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club invites women of Mattapoisett who are interested in learning more about club membership to its ‘welcome’ luncheon on Thursday, September 19 at 11:30 am in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Whether you are new to the area, a new mom, a stay-at-home mom, or newly retired, you are welcome to enjoy lunch and meet some fabulous women. Women from surrounding communities with ties to Mattapoisett are also welcome to join.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that executes fund-raising events such as “Taste of Mattapoisett”, the biennial garden tour and more. These events generate the funds to support scholarships for local high school students, as well as make financial gifts to charitable organizations throughout the south coast. In addition to sponsoring fundraising events, the Woman’s Club offers small group activities focusing on the interests of club members, for example the garden group, great books, mahjong and walking group. Membership is open to any woman who is interested in getting together with fun-loving women and supporting the mission of the organization.

            We look forward to meeting you on the 19th. Philanthropy, friendship and fun await. For more information or questions, please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Life Savers Recognized

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George Powers was enjoying a springtime bike ride with a few hundred other cycling enthusiasts when he experienced a near-death heart attack. It’s a date he and his family aren’t likely to forget – May 19, 2024, on the Tour de Crème.

            Several cyclists sprang into action performing CPR, while others called for the emergency medical services. The story has a happy ending thanks to the collective and swift efforts of all who assisted Powers in his moment of need. On September 10 during the regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, the Powers family said thank you as did the town.

            Receiving “hero” citations from the American Heart Association were Sergeant Adalberto Cardoso Jr., Detective Dennis Tavares, Officer Sean Parker, Officer Isaac Perry (harbormaster), Assistant Harbormaster Luke Mello, Officer Paul Andrews, and Paramedic Mike Florio.

            Rising to speak, Powers thanked all for their care and professionalism and for being there to help him as life hung in the balance. The combined efforts resulted in Powers’ body re-establishing a viable pulse before heading to the hospital.

            To show their appreciation, Powers’ brother George created a handcrafted coat rack inscribed with words of appreciation.

            In other business, the board voted to allocate $64,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the purpose of purchasing staff laptops, upgrades to systems in the Town Hall conference room for improved remote-meeting transmissions, and installation of a new fiber switch.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco reminded the public that the state is still collecting comments via a survey posted on the town’s website (Mattapoisett.net) on the topic of Hazard Mitigation.

            He also announced a special presentation on Radon to be held on Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 pm in the library conference room hosted by the Board of Health. “Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that can exist in any home,” an announcement read. It further stated that Radon can be found often in structures built on ledge or sand, both prevalent in the area. Representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be in attendance.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Ghosts, Explaining the Paranormal

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The Rev’d Eric E. Fialho, Rector at Saint Gabriel’s Church in Marion, will be leading a six-week comprehensive course exploring how the Church defines, understands and explains the topic of Ghosts. Fr. Fialho is an accomplished instructor and has taught courses on many topics over the years, but he said that this one will probably be his favorite. Fialho had this to say about his upcoming class “Ghosts. Explaining the Paranormal”, This is a topic that interests many people, sometimes for the wrong reasons. There are many books and movies and TV shows on the subject of ghosts, and the public continues to be fascinated by the paranormal. We are all spiritual beings and most of us wonder about what happens to us when we die.”

            Fialho will focus on how the church has looked at this topic and made sense of it. Fialho added, “Without giving too much away, I think people will be very surprised by what they will learn over these six weeks. I am excited to burst bubbles and surprise people.” Through readings from Holy Scripture, Church mothers and fathers, and experts in the ever-evolving fields of parapsychology and exorcism, students will study one of the most misunderstood areas of belief in Christianity. Speaking about the sessions Fialho had this to say, “They will be an hour and a half each and consist of lecture, discussion, and story telling. I wanted to create a space which is both intellectual and folksy. I really wanted to make sure people had the ability to share personal ghost stories if they wanted to. I have also invited an exorcist from the Episcopal Church to guest lecture on one of the evenings.”

            This is a free-of-charge hybrid course, and will take place in-person at 124 Front St. in Marion on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm from September 25 to October 30. College-level reading assignments will be given for almost all sessions, and this course is open to all people aged 18 and up. Fialho hopes that many people from the area will want to attend, and he has made space accommodations for what will prove to be a very popular course. If you plan on attending in-person or via Zoom, please email Parish Administrator, Jenny Lima at stgabrielsmarion@gmail.com. In order to attend the course, students are asked to plan to be present for all sessions. Auditing and dropping in and out will not be allowed for this course.

            Fialho will also be leading an optional “field trip” to Salem in October and bring attendees around on a private tour. Information and signup about the field trip will be provided during the first session.

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee

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The Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee welcomes members, guests and community members to join us on Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to attend our monthly meeting. The location is at the Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett. Join in the discussion and planning of the upcoming Southcoast Rally.

            2024 MA Republican Primary winner of 10th Bristol State Representative is invited to speak and share his plans for a November victory with us. There will be light snacks, cash bar and good conversation. If you have any questions, contact Paul Crisuolo, Chairperson, PCMattyGOP@proton.me.

Durant Enacts Transition

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Rochester’s new town administrator, Cameron Durant, grabbed the reins of his job quickly at his first Select Board meeting Monday.

            The former Human Resources director for the Town of Fairhaven’s first motion as Rochester’s head administrator was to recommend disbanding the Town Administrator Search Committee, which the Select Board quickly did.

            “We’ll do another in another 30 years,” Durant said. To this, Select Board Chairman Brad Morse responded with a smile, “I sure hope so.”

            Next, Durant motioned and received approval to extend Interim Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar’s contract for that job for another month, to obviously assist him with the transition. Szyndlar will remain the town’s finance director until her retirement on June 30, 2025.

            The town administrator position was vacated by the prior administrator, Glenn Cannon, when he accepted a similar role in Carver in March.

            Durant requested that he be authorized to sign all grant awards and day-to-day operational agreements with town vendors. Before approving the latter, the Select Board voted to raise the monetary limit he can spend on such operations from $50,000 per contract to $100,000 per contract.

            In other action, Durant announced the bid opening for the Gifford Park playground construction project will be held on Thursday, September 12, at 11:00 am at Town Hall. The 3,649 square-foot children’s playground’s full cost will be $81,881.70. Half of that cost will be borne by the local non-profit “Tri-Town for Protecting Children.”

            Durant announced he will be available for a “meet and greet” with the public on Thursday, September 12, at 6:00 pm at the Council on Aging Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane.

            The Select Board approved two new Rochester Police policies and procedures recommended by the new police chief, Michael A. Assad, Jr. One is a new policy for promoting department officers. The other is a policy for town police officers and patrolmen taking a patrol car home.

            The board appointed Arthur Smith to the Registrar of Voters for a term to expire on April 30, 2027.

            The board approved the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s route through town for the Watershed Ride on October 6 and the Charles River Wheelers Ride route through town on October 13.

            The board endorsed a citation to retiring employee Lorraine Thompson for her 11 years of service with the Council on Aging.

            The board approved plans for 29 new Eversource and Verizon utility poles on Snipatuit Road between Numbers 722 and 865, 655 and 694, 500 and 610 and 280 North Avenue, and a new utility pole on Stevens Road.

            The board continued to January 27 its public hearings into plans for Eversource utility pole and manhole cover locations on Rounseville Road. An Eversource representative attending the meeting said the six poles in the island right-of-way have been moved, but the company is awaiting permission from the landowner for the relocation, and it needs wetlands permits for three of the poles.

            The board continued to January 27 its public hearing into plans for a new utility pole on Featherbed Lane.

            Both of the public hearings will take place at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

            The next Rochester Select Board meeting will be held on Monday, September 23, at 6:00 pm at the Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

MA Preservation Funds Available

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The Marion Historical Commission is sharing this preservation funding opportunity for eligible 501c(3) non-profit organizations throughout the Tri-Town area.

            Preservation Massachusetts has announced the 2025 round of the Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grant Program.

            The 1772 Foundation, in cooperation with Preservation Massachusetts, is making available 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 for exterior preservation projects, such as painting, finishes and surface restoration; repair to/restoration of porches, roofs, and windows; foundation and sill repairs; and chimney and masonry repointing on historic buildings owned or leased by eligible non profit organizations.

            Properties must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or be located within a Local Historic District to qualify. Schools and churches generally do not qualify.

            For the full announcement, important dates, criteria, and program details, visit the Preservation MA website at www.preservationmass.org. Questions on this grant program should be directed to: scaplanson@preservationmass.org.

            Letters of Inquiry are due by November 1.

Artist Meet & Greet

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In conjunction with JP Powel’s Mattapoisett Library Art Series painting exhibit called Back Roads, Wild and Imagined Places at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library (September 3 – 29), Powel will be at the library in person on Wednesday, September 18 from 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm for a Meet & Greet. Come meet Powell and hear about his work. He will be bringing his sketchbooks containing pen and ink drawings for all to view.