Upcoming Auditions at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center announces open auditions on Sunday, July 21 from 1:00-3:00 pm for the October production of Becky Nurse of Salem, written by Sarah Ruhl and directed by Brienne Riccio. Nine performance dates are scheduled October 11-27, 2024.

            Becky Nurse of Salem is touted as a modern day dark comedy about a historical tragedy. Set in 2016 against the backdrop of the “Lock Her Up” era. Becky Nurse is at a pivotal point in her life after a stretch of adverse events — losing her job at the local witch museum and her daughter’s opioid overdose. She visits a local witch to help her, but like the witches of Macbeth and the fairytales from childhood, what you wish for can come at a price. Is Becky’s misfortune caused by poor decisions, random luck, or a generational curse bestowed long ago? Fate awaits this October.

            Actors age 20-80 are invited to audition. Roles include: Becky Nurse (50s-60s); Bob, Becky’s love interest (50s-60s); Becky’s granddaughter, Gail (late teens-20s); Gail’s love interest, Stan (late teens-20s); Becky’s boss Shelby (30s-40s); The Judge/Jailer (30s-50s); A local witch (60s-80s).

            To learn more or contact the director with questions, visit marionartcenter.org/auditions.

Town of Marion Offers Tips to Stay Cool

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Marion Public Health Director Lori Desmarais and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony are offering the following tips to help residents stay cool during this week’s extreme heat.

            The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region through Wednesday. Temperatures on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are expected to climb into the 90’s with tropical-level humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees.

            Residents looking for a break from the heat can visit the town Community Center and Elizabeth Taber Library, both of which will be open normal business hours. The Community Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, as are all town offices. The Elizabeth Taber Library is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

            In addition, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has offered the following tips:

            Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

            Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

            Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.

            Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.

            Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

            If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Fire Station Gets Designer

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            Rochester’s Select Board Monday endorsed the town’s Public Safety Building Committee’s July 8 vote to hire Catalyst Architecture, Yarmouth Port, to design plans for a new main Fire Station on Pine Street, utilizing $28,000 of unused funds from the town’s Feasibility Study account.

            A Feasibility Study Committee organized last year by the Select Board looked into a potentially three-pronged upgrade to the town’s public-safety facilities consisting of a new main Fire Station, a significant renovation/expansion of the Police Department’s headquarters on Dexter Lane and if it could be funded, a Fire Department substation on the east side of town to shorten response times to a Route 28 area experiencing impact business and residential growth.

            Post-COVID related cost increases, however, have forced officials to whittle these plans down to a single project, building a new fire station on the former Rochester Country Fair, Pine Street property. To that end, Rochester Select Board and Building Committee member (and Marion Harbormaster) Adam Murphy invited the same architect that designed the new Marion Harbormaster headquarters now under construction to speak to Rochester officials about providing the same service for the new Pine Street Fire Station design.

            The Select Board’s vote Monday came after it met with Public Safety Building Committee members and Catalyst representative Timothy Sawyer. Sawyer said his firm will create a Phase I design and budget plan, “a much clearer vision and design and budget that you can build public interest around.”

            Interim Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar expressed concern that this phase of the project could trigger requirements of adherence to state procurement laws, which mandates putting projects over a certain cost to go out to bid. Sawyer said this phase will not trigger that because of the amount involved. Subsequent phases will need the bidding process, he acknowledged.

            The approval vote specifically motioned to allow the town to enter into an agreement with Catalyst after review of the contract by Town Counsel and authorizing Szyndlar to sign said agreement.

            The Select Board also moved forward on another big project, hiring a new police chief, by setting interviews with applicants for Monday, July 22, at 2:00 pm at Town Hall.

            Appearing on Zoom, Public Safety Consultants, Inc., Representative Russ Stevens reported he has given the board the assessment scores of the applicants for the chief’s position, rankings that highlight the top four candidates. He told the Select Board members that it is now up to them to interview the four candidates, or only three if they wish, with questions he has forwarded to them at a meeting where that will be the only agenda item.

            The board appointed Stevens and Szyndlar to notify the candidates and arrange the appointments. Stevens cautioned that some of the applicants may be out of state and one week out might be too soon.

            After the vote, Interim Police Chief Don Kemmet said he knows he is not one of the finalists, as he did not apply for the permanent chief’s position.

            In other important business, Szyndlar announced the Rochester Council on Aging is now the town’s official “cooling center” for all residents during the season’s excessive heat.

            Szyndlar also announced the Police Department has earned a grant to acquire low-cost car seats that it and the Fire Department will assist in installing. Details on how this program will work are still being worked out, she said.

            In other action, the board continued until its next (August 18) meeting the public hearings to approve new Verizon utility poles on Snipatuit Road between 722 and 765, 655 and 694, 500 and 610 and at 280 North Avenue.

            An Eversource representative stated these new poles are needed due to an upgrade to the Rochester substation. More midspan poles are needed to support heavier equipment, he said. The hearing had to be postponed because there was no representation from Verizon.

            The board approved a one-day liquor license for the Friends of the Rochester COA’s “Garden Party” to be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, August 22, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

            The next Rochester Select Board meeting will be held on Monday, August 19, at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

William “ Bill” H. Brennan

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William “ Bill” H. Brennan, 91, of Rochester, MA (formerly of Longmeadow, MA) went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2024 after a brief battle with Leukemia. William, also known as ”Poppy” was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on December 9th, 1932. He was the son of William Brennan and Mary Blanchard.

            Growing up in greater Waterbury CT, Bill was known for his dedicated work ethic, shoveling walkways, selling newspapers, doing odd jobs, excelling at football and track, and serving as an altar boy. Upon graduating from Sacred Heart HS in 1950, Bill worked as a toolmaker at Scoville Company’s local brass mill where he showed an aptitude for mechanical design. Having found his lifelong vocation, Bill entered the University of Connecticut’s Engineering Program and, still working at the mill, earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bridgeport University.

            Bill met the love of his life Kathleen Dressell on a blind date and soon after they married in 1952 and celebrated 69 years of a Christ-centered marriage.

Recruited by Mathews Conveyor Belt Company , Bill moved his family to Elwood City, PA.

            Missing the East Coast, Bill accepted a position with Rex Chainbelt (Rexnord) Company in Springfield, MA, and settled his family in the picturesque town of Longmeadow, MA for 53 wonderful years. Bill, in his diligent and determined efforts became President of the American Society of Quality Control (Western MA), and later retired in 2000 as the manager of capability studies for Milton Bradley (Hasbro).

            Poppy’s greatest memories were the times spent with family and friends at their “lake house” in the Berkshires. He also enjoyed socializing, dining out, going to the symphony as well as theater and most of all traveling and taking cruises with Kathy. Bill was an avid runner and set a goal to run the NYC Marathon which he did successfully with a competitive time. After relocating to Rochester, MA in 2016, Bill remained active in his church, the Council on Aging center and theater productions at the Marion Art Center.

            The most important part of Poppy’s life was his faith. In all the churches Bill attended, he loved being involved in Bible study, leading field trips to religious events and sharing the gospel message. Bill knew that God was personally active in his life and not only did he have the assurance of heaven, but a joyous anticipation for what he called “home”. Even in his final days, he shared his faith enthusiastically with everyone he encountered. A humble, loving man, Bill said he was “deeply encouraged that Christ saves us even as we are sinners.” Bill was a patient, gentle caregiver to his wife in her years long battle with dementia, which sadly ended in 2022. Poppy knew with certainty that he would be reunited with “Nanny” again. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and will be deeply missed.

            He is survived by his half-brother James Christopher Brennan, his three children William J Brennan (and his wife Melissa) of Manassas VA, Sheila Martin of Mattapoisett, Ma and Barbara Lochte of Seguin, Texas, his nine grandchildren Patrick, F. Charles, Conor, Kelly Kathryn, John Ryan, Kathleen Ann, Liam, Erin, Aidan and three great grandchildren James, Benjamin and Scott. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen of Rochester, his sister Mary Beth Denehy of Harwinton, Connecticut, his son-in-law John Martin of Mattapoisett and his son-in-law F Scott Lochte of Seguin, Texas.

            A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Rochester in Rochester, MA on August 16th, 2024 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, William asked for donations to be made to Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford,166 Spring St. New Bedford, MA 02740.

Diana J. Pacheco

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Diana J. Pacheco, 84, of Fairhaven, MA, passed away peacefully on July 13th surrounded by her loving family.

            The only child of Ethel Seifert and Vivian Fielding and step-daughter of beloved step-father, August Seifert, Diana grew up and lived her early adulthood in New Bedford, MA. After raising two children to adulthood with college degrees, she was determined to obtain her own college degree. She went back to school and graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth with a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the age of 53.

            Diana was a dedicated and passionate educator. With her kind, patient and gentle nature, she left a positive, lasting impression on the many children who were in her classroom. Her love of education permeated her life. She loved our natural environment and through hikes in the mountains, walks by the ocean or time spent at family cottages, she would point out the flora and fauna, the birds, the marine life, the sky and the beauty of it all. She shared all that she took in and learned with those around her. She forged lifetime friendships with her teaching colleagues, and loved spending quality time with them in Martha’s Vineyard.

            Diana also loved to travel with her beloved husband, Robert “Bob”, her true love of 63 years in marriage. Together they went on safari, climbed glaciers and learned about different cultures all over the world. Above all, Diana’s greatest love and devotion was to her family. Diana loved being with her husband, son, daughter, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and nieces and nephews every opportunity she had. She would shower them with kindness and love through her warm smile, touch and cooking for family gatherings at home and at the family cottages.

            Diana is survived by her husband, Robert, of Fairhaven, MA, her son, Glenn and his wife Wendy of North Attleboro, MA, her daughter, Lisa and her wife Barbara of Mattapoisett, MA, her grandson, Ryan, and her granddaughter, Melanie, both of North Attleboro, MA. She will be dearly missed, but her loving nature and many gifts to all who had the honor of knowing her will live on in our hearts forever.

            Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 18th at 11 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests from 9 – 11 am prior to her service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Flowers are welcome, or you can make a donation to Buzzards Bay Coalition at https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/take-action/donate/ For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Martin Hudis

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Martin Hudis, 81, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, July 15, 2024. He was the husband of Diane (Bohnert) Hudis.

            Born in Los Angeles, son of the late Sam and Janet Hudis, he was raised in Southern California before living in Milwaukee and then settling in Mattapoisett.

            Martin loved woodworking, photography, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was formerly a board member of the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Martin received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from UCLA, his MBA from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. in Applied Plasma Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and later served as an advisor for students from both UCLA and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

            Survivors include his wife, Diane; his children, Scott Stuessi and his wife Robin of Fairhaven, Hillary Madge and her husband Lou of Wellesley, and Jacob Hudis of Tyngsborough; his brother, Phillip Hudis; his sister Gale Hubert; his brothers-in-law Gary Bohnert, Steve Omolecki and his wife Jean; his grandchildren, Alexandra Stuessi, Colin Stuessi, and Spencer Madge; and his dog Simba.

            At Martin’s request, funeral services will be private. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

RHS Yard Sale

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The annual Rochester Historical Society yard sale will be held on Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4. Saturday hours are 9-3 and Sunday is 10-2. As always, we will be at the museum at 355 County Road, Rochester.

            All items must be clean and ready for sale. We are a small nonprofit with limited staff and it isn’t any easier for us to get rid of soiled, broken or unusable items. When dropping off, drive completely around the museum to the door on the cemetery side. The driveway goes completely around the building.

            These are the dates for drop-off: July 19, 11-1; July 20, 9:30-11:30; July 23, 1-3 and lastly, July 30, 10:30-1. If none of these dates work for you, call me at 617-750-2818 to arrange an alternate time, I won’t be available July 25-29.

            Please, do not drop off items when no one is at the museum. We will have to then call you to come and retrieve them.

            We appreciate everyone who donates saleable items that help us to pay for our winter heating bill.

Marion Roads, Bridges Receive Additional $89,779

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            The Commission offers two program awards: certification and accreditation, with the latter being the higher of the two.

            Marion Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman is pleased to announce that Marion will receive an additional $88,779 in state funds that can be used to improve the town’s roads, sidewalks and bridges.

            The money is in addition to funding the town receives annually through the commonwealth’s Chapter 90 program, which provides funding to municipalities for capital improvements on local public ways. In Fiscal Year 2024, Marion received $168,493.69 Chapter 90 funds.

            This supplemental allocation is part of $100,000,000 in FY24 Fair Share Amendment funds distributed by the commonwealth that can be used to improve local infrastructure. The revenue comes from the new state surtax on incomes greater than $1,000,000.

            Half of the $100,000,000 appropriation is distributed using the traditional Chapter 90 funding formula, which takes into consideration the number of miles of public roadways in a community (58.33%), the community’s population (20.83%) and the number of people employed in that community (20.83%). The other half is distributed using a formula based solely on the number of miles of public roadways in a community.

            Marion is receiving $47,656 based on road miles and $42,123 based on the Chapter 90 formula.

            Cities and towns are able to access and use these funds immediately without needing project approval. However, expenditures must comply with Chapter 90 and applicable local, state or federal regulations.

Designer Officially on Board

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Rochester’s Public Safety Building Committee Monday approved hiring Yarmouth Port-based Catalyst Architecture to design plans for a new main Fire Station on Pine Street, utilizing $28,000 of unused funds from the town’s Feasibility Study account.

            A Feasibility Study Committee organized last year by the Select Board looked into a potentially three-pronged upgrade to the town’s public-safety facilities consisting of a new main Fire Station, a significant renovation/expansion of the Police Department’s headquarters on Dexter Lane and, if it could be funded, a Fire Department substation on the east side of town to shorten response times to a Route 28 area experiencing impact business and residential growth.

            Post-COVID-related cost increases, however, have forced officials to whittle these plans down to a single project, building a new fire station on the former Rochester Country Fair, Pine Street property. To that end, Rochester Select Board and Building Committee member (and Marion Harbormaster) Adam Murphy invited the same architect that designed the new Marion Harbormaster headquarters now under construction to speak to Rochester officials about providing the same service for the new Pine Street fire station design.

            Monday, committee Chairman Arnold Johnson began the discussion that led to hiring Catalyst by noting the committee recently met with Catalyst officials Tim Sawyer and Kurt Raber and toured both the new Marion Harbormaster building and the current cramped quarters of the current Rochester Fire Station at Pine Street and Hartley Road.

            “We need some professional help to take us to the next steps,” Johnson said. “And they’ve said they can do it rather cheaply.”

            The next steps, the committee revealed, will be meeting with the Select Board on July 15 to gain its approval of Catalyst’s hire, then finalizing detailed design drawings, then seeking Town Meeting approval to fund the engineering and construction process.

            Murphy said what he likes about Catalyst is they are willing to build to what the town is willing to spend. Johnson noted Catalyst will not have to rehash the feasibility study. “They can use the feasibility study to get a lot of data,” he said. “They won’t be looking to redo it.”

            Before the vote to hire Catalyst, committee member David Arancio said it’s important to build a timeline that works backwards from the date of a 2025 Town Meeting to include when other steps along the way will be met. This will help both the project planners and the public, he said.

            Johnson agreed. “There will have to be a big education program too,” he said. “That will take time too.”

            The committee then settled on a plan to share the feasibility-study results with the public, addressing complaints the committee had received from residents. Arancio reported the study file is too large to post on the town website. Murphy suggested posting the first pages then directing them to Town Hall to view the full hard copy. The committee agreed.

            The Rochester Public Safety Building Committee meets situationally and did not set another meeting date before adjourning.

Rochester Public Safety Building Committee

By Michael J. DeCicco

MWC Pie & Bake Sale

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On Saturday, July 20, as part of the Mattapoisett Lions Club’s annual Harbor Days Festival, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s will offer its annual homemade Pie and Pastry Sale under the Lions Club’s Big White Tent. The event runs from 9 am until all the items are sold.

            You are guaranteed to find that a delicious selection of homemade pies, breads, muffins, and cookies is available to take home with you, all of which will tickle your taste buds.

            The Pie and Bake Sale is a rain or shine event with all proceeds benefitting the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s Scholarship Fund, public programs and community outreach. For questions, more information, or a membership application, please go to www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org.