Change by the Numbers

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As we all know, the individual currently residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington is big into change. He has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and he recently said he was going to change the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf. This will, no doubt, keep the map makers of the world busy, which is a good thing because nobody uses maps anymore. I am all for full employment!

            Change is good. After all, we change our clothes every day. Some people change their hair color from time to time. Not me. I don’t have much, and grey is a nice neutral color.

            Some folks even change their names and others change jobs quite frequently. We keep change in our pockets. No, sorry, that’s something different. My bride and I changed the color of our old house three times.

            We even change our elected officials. That is the American way. Anyway, to change something is renewal and good for the soul.

            Speaking of elected officials, an article in the recent Town Meeting warrant to change the number of Select Board seats from three to five passed overwhelmingly. Adding two new positions to the Board is an intriguing solution to a problem that has plagued small town elections for years – uncontested races.

            Advocates won their case by convincing the voters in attendance that increasing membership would bring “a range of expertise…, encourage check and balances, and be more democratic.”

            Historically it has been nearly impossible to get people to run for office. On every ballot there are uncontested races allowing incumbents to continue in their position without opposition. After all who wants to run against an incumbent. Sure, occasionally someone tries to unseat an incumbent, but we all know, incumbents never leave. Someone who ran before and lost can run unopposed, win and viola, they will join the ruling class without lifting a figure. Democracy in action!

            I am an optimist. I’m sure hordes of townsfolks with expertise will be storming the Town Hall to take out nomination papers, eager to take on all the Town’s many problems that need to be addressed. Change is good.

            So, there you go. I trust the repair of the town wharves, the Main Street/Water Street “Big Dig”, the need for affordable housing and all the other projects facing the town will move things along like never before.

            Anyway, if the Select Board moves the proposal onto the state and if it is approved (and you can be sure it will be), we will now have the distinction of being one of the smallest towns with a five-member Select Board in the Commonwealth.

            Based on my vast experience in government, I know that some big changes will be needed to implement this new arrangement. First the town will have to buy a new conference table. The current one seats only five comfortably…the three members, the town administrator and the Board’s secretary. They all sit on one side to accommodate the TV camera and the small audience of civic minded auditors (often only two news reporters).

            I have carefully researched the cost of a brand-new table designed in the shape of a boat. (Appropriate don’t you think?) A beautiful 16ft. table, available in a choice of wood, can easily accommodate the two new board members. Of course, the town might have to remove a wall, but hey, it’s only money. According to OfficeFurniture2go.com this $3099 beauty is available now for $2179 with free shipping. So, hurry the approval process along, will ya. See, the addition of two news board members is saving the town money already.

            You can’t have a new conference table without new chairs, right. No one would replace their dining room table and keep grandma’s old chairs. I haven’t priced out new chairs, but I would recommend a nice leather ergonomic design. With two more board members asking questions and offering their opinions, the meetings might go on late into the night and sitting that long is bad for the back.

            Then there are the microphones. For hygienic reasons we wouldn’t want our town leaders exposed to any harmful viruses by sharing. Add eight new microphones to the list (one extra for anyone speaking to the Board. They can sit on the old chairs.)

            Well, here’s looking up to a bright future of new ideas, more efficiency, and did I say new ideas?

            When the new Board is done solving every issue, maybe we can change the name of Buzzards Bay to something more appealing.

            Change is good.

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

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

ORRSD Earns Best Communities for Music Education Distinction

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the Old Rochester Regional School District earned the distinction of being one of the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for the third year in a row.

            The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, and The NAMM Foundation announced the 2025 BCME awards on Monday, May 12.

            “This recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a testament to the incredible support our music program receives from the entire Old Rochester community,” said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School general music and band teacher Richard Laprise. “From passionate students and dedicated educators to supportive families and school leadership, it truly takes a village to build a thriving music education program. We’re proud to be part of a district that values the arts and understands the lasting impact music has on our students’ lives.”

            “Being recognized as a BCME award winner is a powerful affirmation of the Old Rochester Regional School District’s commitment to the arts and to nurturing the talents of our young musicians,” said Pedro Silva, music teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School. “Earning this distinction for the third consecutive year reflects our dedication, vision, and the strong values at the heart of our program. It shows that the work we’re doing matters. We’re excited to keep growing our music education offerings and to continue supporting our students as they explore, create, and achieve their full potential through music.”

            The Old Rochester Regional School District was among 1,000 awardees from across the country that earned the BCME award or the Support Music Merit Award. Now in its 26th year, the BCME designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

            Awardees were selected through a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation, and community engagement. To ensure the integrity and reliability of the program, the data analysis for all applications was conducted by WolfBrown, an esteemed independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

            “Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, a former educator who is now president and CEO of NAMM. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”

            “We are thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access,” said Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner celebrated the distinction, congratulating the district’s music education teachers, students, parents, support staff and administrative team.

            “Earning a BCME award for the third year in a row is an immense source of pride for our schools,” said Principal Coellner. “Music education plays an important role in our students’ overall learning and development. The Tri-Town has produced some excellent musicians over the years, and we owe that to the amazing music education program we have in our communities. Congratulations to all of our teachers, our administrative team and the students for helping to make this all possible.”

            “This recognition reinforces what we already know—our district believes in the power of music education, and we’re proud to support students as they grow as musicians and as people,” said Principal Devoll. “Three years in a row tells me this isn’t a fluke; it’s who we are. We’ll keep investing in our music program and making sure our students have every opportunity to thrive.”

            In the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55, we believe in providing a robust music education for learners of all ages and ability because we know that it builds confidence, creativity and community,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We’re proud that we’re able to provide a meaningful and relevant music education that inspires our students to not only continue their musical studies, but to spark their creativity in all areas of their lives. We are humbled and grateful that our work has been recognized by NAMM through this distinguished award for a third consecutive year.”

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Rochester will be holding a rejuvenated Memorial Day Event on Sunday, May 25 at the Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexters Lane in Rochester at 12:00 pm. There will be speakers, music and a procession to the Town Hall, Daggett Square, and concluding at the COA. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Rochester Events Committee.

            Mattapoisett will be holding its annual Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 26 at Center School, 17 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett at 1:30 pm. There will be speakers, music and a procession to the library and concluding at the wharf. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Mattapoisett Women’s Club.

            The Marion Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will take place on Monday, May 26 starting at 9:00 am in front of the Music Hall at 164 Front St, Marion. In the event of rain, the event will be relocated to the Multipurpose Room of Sippican Elementary School.

            The procession and remembrances will follow same route as in past years, stepping off from the Music Hall northbound on Front Street, marching 0.6 miles up Front Street to the Veterans’ Memorial at Old Landing. Upon arrival at the Veterans’ Memorial the town will pay tribute to our military’s “honored dead” who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

            The procession and remembrances will feature the Sippican School Marching Band led by director Hannah Moore as well as The Portuguese American Band. The ceremony will conclude with members of the Select Board laying a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Technical Sergeant Mandy Givens of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

            Residents are encouraged to attend the remembrances as well as stand along the parade route on Front Street between Cottage Street and Ryder Lane.

Hello from Plumb Library

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The Library is happy (and sad) to announce the retirement of our Library Assistant for Youth Services Librarian, Lisa Fuller. After 17 years at Plumb Library Ms. Lisa is graduating from storytime and going on to her next adventure. We’d love it if you would join us in celebrating her time here with us. On Friday May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm stop by the library to offer up congratulations and best wishes, sign the memory book, and enjoy some light refreshments. We will have the memory book available at the desk in the weeks leading up to the party, and possibly for a short time afterward if you’re unable to attend on May 30.

            Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. We would love to see as many friends and families as possible show up for this farewell event.

            Other Upcoming Events:

            Local author Richard Cutler will be hosting a talk from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm Saturday May 31. Come hear about the writing process from rough drafts to published books. Richard is an engaging speaker who is passionate about all types of writing, but especially science fiction. He’s happy to answer questions about writing projects and the genre in general. Please register for this talk, as space is limited. Registration is available on the Event Calendar on our website.

            Books and Babble Bookclub will meet at 6:30 pm Thursday May 29 to discuss “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Books are available to pick up at the Library.

            The Boards and Cards game group will meet at 11:00 am Saturday June 7. This is a new social group for adults (18+). Join them for games, snacks, and socializing. Games are provided or bring one to share.

            Keep an eye on the Events Calendar at plumblibrary.com for the annual Summer Reading Program schedule. This year’s program kicks off on the last day of school, June 11, with registration for events, activities, and programs opening online at 11:00 am

            The Library will be closed Monday May 26 for Memorial Day.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

            Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Events Calendar, newsletter, Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Randy Parker Ascends to Chair

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            The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday for their first meeting with a newly elected member, John Hoagland. Hoagland won his seat with 521 total votes, 262 votes higher than the next candidate. Chair Norm Hills greeted him and introduced him to applause from the room. The Select Board met to go over various action items but began with a public hearing over dog complaints directed towards Hultsch at 20 Vine Street. That hearing was continued to June 3 at 6:15 pm, where said meeting will take place in the Police Station.

            The first action item involved the reorganization of the Select Board. Chair Hills suggested he remain Chair, to allow the group of three to rotate assuming no alterations to the members takes place. Randy Parker disputed this and with Hoagland’s support, was elected to be Chair of the Select Board with Hoagland becoming Vice-Chair and Norm becoming Clerk.

            Chair Parker then helmed his first action item, which was the approval and appointment of Nathan Oliveria to Full Time Officer under Chief Richard Nighelli. The officer was approved without question, making his first day May 25. Next was the appointment of John Morgan to Historic Commission. Chair of the commission, Meg Steinberg, spoke on his behalf as he was “taking a long-distance phone call from Tokyo.” The appointment was approved by the board.

            Brendan Annett, Vice President of Watershed Protection at Buzzards Bay Coalition, quickly presented a conservation restriction request which was approved by the board without question. Following this, a Special One Day Alcohol Beverage License and Road Closure Request was granted to St. Gabriel’s Church on June 8.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman presented two discussions, both were approved. One was on Opioid Settlement Funds used through 2038. The next was for a letter from the US EPA regarding regionalization and the emission of phosphorus from local plants. Currently, the level of phosphorus emitted is too high per requirements. The letter stipulates work must be done within 24 months of receival. The board declared it too early to decide on a remedy, though they will work to meet with engineers and contractors to define costs and the best path forward. Chair Parker stated a special Select Board meeting would be beneficial to inform the public and receive feedback from them. He also sought to reach out to neighboring towns for partnerships or to learn what they’ve done to comply. Gorman commended House Representative Mark Silvia for his focus on environmental issues and pushing for this change.

            Gorman spoke of his pleasure of Town Meeting and Town Elections. On day 1 of Town Meeting, 463 locals came with 191 coming the second day. There were 955 voters in the Friday election. Opening for suggestions, Hoagland said he would like to see Town Meeting move to Saturday Morning rather than Monday night, citing easing the population’s burden. Parker concurred on this point. Gorman then spoke on the Department of Public Works (DPW) building updates, stating it is coming along at-pace with concreting taking place on the ceilings. “The DPW is going great. We’re pretty excited about the way it’s looking” Gorman added. Utilities are installed, with the wait on Eversource for power hookup.

            Schedules confirmations were the Memorial Day Parade, beginning at Marion Music Hall on May 26 at 9:00 pm. Parker joked he would now be the one speaking at the event, as Chair. The Independence Day parade is Friday, July 4 beginning at Town Hall. The parade will be led by the Select Board. The Marion Annual Town Party is Saturday, July 26 at Silvershell Beach. The move to later in the season was done to get away from mosquito season and to allow for more volunteers.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be on Tuesday, June 3 in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

The Mighty Trucks

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On May 17, trucks and utility vehicles from across the Tri-Town convened in the parking lot of Old Rochester Regional High School for the “Touch A Truck” even hosted by teacher Elizabeth Kennedy and the Early Childhood Education program.

            The event saw both local town departments and businesses bring their important vehicles to allow both kids and adults to get an up-close look at and “touch” them. In doing so, attendees could learn the importance or necessity of such vehicles, as well as ask any questions they may have had prior or developed in seeing the scale of heavy machinery.

            Stationed around the parking lot in a circle was a Cape Cod Express big-rig hauler, an Amaral yellow school bus, a container truck from Sadie Creek Farm, Mattapoisett Fire Department truck, and Mattapoisett Police showing strong with an ambulance, police van, ATV/side-by-side, and specialty drone-control cruiser.

            There were many options as kids frolicked between their different interests. Some even discovered new interests, declaring “I wanna be a fire fighter!” or “I want to drive the bus!” Ironically, the vehicle kids and students have the most direct exposure to, the yellow school bus, seemed to draw the biggest crowd at times.

            Toe Jam Puppet Band also made a showing with a bubble show by performer, bubbler, and ORRHS alumni Bailey Sweet. There were short Zumba classes and a drone demonstration by Mattapoisett Police. The drone flew high into the air, peering down on the audience excitedly gazing upward at law enforcement’s new toy. High school student volunteers were posted at various tables, manning sensory tables, face paint, and Play-Doh stations. ORR’s Bulldog mascot also made an appearance. The suit was originally gifted by the Class of 2023.

            The event lasted three hours and saw hundreds of visitors.

By Sam Bishop

Netters Perfect on Season

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The Old Rochester Regional High School girls tennis team played at Bourne High School (6-10) on May 15 and won 5-0, staying undefeated at 14-0 on the season, as Sienna Roveda and Ella Bishop were named the players of the match. The only remaining match on the schedule was Tuesday at Seekonk (9-5), as the Bulldogs shift into tournament mode.

Boys Lacrosse

            The Bulldogs played at Cape Cod Academy on May 15 and won 14-6. Chase Almeida was named the player of the game, scoring 2 goals and having 2 assists. The Bulldogs took an 11-3 record into Monday’s home-field match against Bishop Stang (9-6).

Boys Tennis

            The Bulldogs faced Bourne High School on May 15 and won 5-0. They took a 6-7 record on the road for Wednesday’s match at Dighton-Rehoboth (5-5).

ORR Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

Academic Achievements

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Curry College welcomes Kathleen Gifford of Rochester into the Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society.

            Belmont University recently released the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester which included Sydney DaSilva of Marion.

            It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates Andrew Wronski of Rochester and Jason Los of Rochester on being named to the Spring 2025 President’s List. The spring term runs from January to May.

            Maxwell Brulport of Rochester, Eden Craig of Marion, Kim Mitchell of Mattapoisett, Samuel Parks of Marion, and Caitlin Sweeney of Marion processed at Stonehill College’s 74th Commencement on Sunday, May 18.

Unplugged: Matt Richard & Dino Govoni

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to present our second Unplugged event of the year, featuring Matt Richard & Dino Govoni on June 6 playing two sets. This is saxophonist Dino Govoni’s first time playing an Unplugged gig at the MAC.

            Seating times for the popular show are 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The cost for members is $15 and for non-members is $20. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant St. in Marion. Tickets can be purchased at marionartcenter.org/events

            Dino Govoni learned from two of Boston’s tenor saxophone greats, Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone, and furthered his studies by attending Berklee College of Music, studying with the late great Joe Viola.

            Dino has played and/or recording with such diverse artists as Grover Washington, Jr., Randy Brecker, Nick Brignola, Claudio Roditi, Queen Latifah, Ben Folds, Melinda Doolittle, Terence Trent D’Arby, Robben Ford, Mel Tormé, the Manhattan Transfer, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Frankie Valli, among others. Dino is a regular guest soloist with the Boston Pops.

            May of 2000 saw Govoni participating in Arista Records’ star-studded 25th anniversary concert, playing with Aretha Franklin in New York City.

            Dino has released 3 solo projects on the Whaling City Sound label, “Breakin’ Out” and “In The Library” and his newest solo project, “Hiding In Plain Sight”, featuring the great Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet, Henry Hey on piano and Mike Pope on bass.

            In 2016, ”Chance Meeting”, a collaboration of friends as the makeup of the band eventually called “A.G.N.Z”, the first letters of each player’s last names, featuring drum great Adam Nussbaum, guitarist Jay Azzolina and bassist Dave Zinno, was released, also on the Whaling City Sound label.

Dino is currently on the faculty at Berklee College of Music.

            Matt Richard studied classical piano with Ken Manzer and jazz piano with Dr. Billy Taylor. Workshops and performance master classes included jazz legends Max Roach, Marian McPartland, and Michael Brecker. A native of Fairhaven and a graduate of Westfield State College with a degree in piano performance, Matt taught choral music at Fairhaven High School and at Tabor Academy. Matt was a vocal coach and accompanist for the nationally recognized Jazz In July Workshops at UMASS, Amherst from 1985-2006.

            Matt has performed throughout the New England area for the past thirty years as a soloist, an accompanist, and with many different ensembles including jazz vocal legend Sheila Jordan and Dick Johnson and The Artie Shaw Orchestra.

            Matt played solo piano at The Roadhouse Cafe in Hyannis, Massachusetts from 1997-2008 as well as joining with Lou Colombo and Dick Johnson on the famous Monday Night Jazz Series from 2002-2008.

            Self-produced jazz recordings have included; Hawthorne Street Connection, The Art of the Duo (Jim Robitaille), Talking To Myself (solo piano), OFF SEASON (Gary Johnson and bassist Dave Zinno). In The Sky (Rick Britto), The Jazz Club (Greg Conway and Gerry Wilfong) and All The Colors (Chris Poudrier and Dave Zinno). In 2004, Matt also played a supporting role on Jim Robitaille’s CD, To Music, which features saxophonist Dave Liebman.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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In an earlier article I mentioned that my grandmother, Marion Hartley, taught for almost 50 years in Rochester and surrounding towns. When she started teaching, Rochester had many one room schoolhouses and at one time she taught grades 1-8 at a school in North Rochester (I think the Stuart School). Some of the other schools that she taught at were the Pierceville School, upstairs in the Academy, the Waterman School (she’s here in the picture with her class at the Waterman School in 1944), and at Rochester Memorial.

            Grandma also worked as a music teacher and did a stint as principal of the Long Plain School (now a museum) in Acushnet. She always said that she liked teaching first grade best because she got the children before they had a chance to develop too many dislikes of school. I always thought that at 4 ft. 11 in., she knew that with first graders she would be the tallest person in the room.

            Grandma did a lot of substitute teaching in later years and almost any classroom in Rochester contained one child or more to whom she was related. When she was a substitute teacher, the first thing she would do on entering the classroom was to write her name on the blackboard. However, in one instance, she was called in late, arrived with the children and didn’t have a chance to put her name on the board.

            In the class, there were quite a few nieces and nephews, and the day went smoothly as most of her teaching days did. A mother of one of the students told her that her son (not a Hartley relative) came home from school and said that “school had been wonderful”. When she asked why, he said, “because Aunt Marion was our teacher”.

            When I first joined the Historical Society and Betty Beaulieu would introduce me to people, she would always say that I was Mrs. Hartley’s granddaughter. In just about every instance the response would be, “Oh, she was my favorite teacher”.

            One day a woman stopped me at Plumb Corner. She said that she had to tell me a story. As a first grader she found her teacher pretty terrifying and mean and she dreaded school. Partway through the year, the teacher left, and my grandmother came in to teach the class for the rest of the year. She went on to say that Mrs. Hartley was like an angel from heaven and saved her life.

            I felt lucky to hear her story and impressed at how strongly she felt so many years later. Toward the end of my teaching career there was an ongoing debate as to whether teaching was an art or a science. There was a move to develop teachers based on scientific principes. I’ve always believed that good teaching is an art, and I think my grandmother proved my point.

By Connie Eshbach