Flynn David Grinnan, 26, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.
A memorial service will be held at the Wickenden Chapel at Tabor Academy on July 12th at 2:00pm. Parking will be restricted to Spring Street only. The Tabor Library parking lot, on Spring Street, will be available, as well as on street parking.
The Marion Natural History Museum’s Summer Program is one of the most well known and well regarded in the Southcoast area. Children from across the country visit us each summer and participate in the program. The programs are designed to be small groups, and registration is limited to 15 children per session. Our Life Along the Shore program for grades entering 1-2 includes visiting the shoreline and exploring the plants and animals that live in our area’s many coastal habitats. With the use of games, journals and introductory science techniques, this is a wonderful first look at life in our coastal environment. During our Coastal Explorations I program for grades entering 3-4, we feature explorations of our rocky intertidal shorelines, salt marshes, estuaries as well as freshwater riverbanks, swamps, ponds and bogs. We take a close-up look at the birds, amphibians, fish and invertebrates that make these areas so special.
Session I runs from July 6-17 and Session II runs August 3-14. The cost for each program is $200 for members and $250 for nonmembers. Registration information is found at our website: www.marionmuseum.org.
When Annie turns off Route 6 she has lost sight of Charlie. For him, five miles is not as difficult as it is for Annie. Like many recreational runners, she wishes she had trained more and was in better shape, but life always seems to get in the way and the next thing she knows it is the 4th of July. Annie’s favorite part of the race is the approach to Ned’s Point Lighthouse. Runners who are new to the area are always struck by the view in front of them – the lighthouse and the open water beyond the stone wall is amazing. It often gives Annie the urge to just stop and enjoy the view. The runners surge around Ned’s Point because it is flat surface, grabbing water as they go. There is a short downhill piece which gives Annie a little breather before she will hit the Mattapoisett Road Race version of Heartbreak Hill: Oakland Street.
Annie knows some of the runners will have turned up the volume on their headsets so they can’t hear how hard they are breathing. But everyone pushes on because the fans are out in front of their homes cheering them on. Many have music playing loud enough for the runners to hear. Facing the last two miles is the moment when Annie tells herself she will finish no matter what. Some people have given up but most are still moving. Over the years, Annie has spoken to enough participants to know how important finishing is. Last year she had a chance to talk to Joe Fernandez, the oldest person to run the race. Still running in his early 80s, Joe thinks this is one of the best races and visually “picturesque.”
The turn on to Oakland Street if the sun is out is torture. At least it is overcast today. Now Annie and the other runners are faced with the need to push themselves physically and mentally. One of the “senior” runners told Annie that Mile 4 is her “Wednesday” mile, also known as her “hump” mile. And, of course, there are all those runners who are passing Annie which just gets her mad, especially the ones who are obviously older than she is. She consoles herself by thinking they have had more practice than she has. Of course, she knows this is just delusional thinking; in her heart she knows they are just in better shape and better runners than she is.
Heading into the last mile next week we will hear how Annie, Charlie and others feel as the finish line comes into view.
The Board of the Old Rochester Tri-Town Education Foundation has announced the 2015 recipients of the Lighthouse Book Awards given for outstanding achievement in academic, cultural and civic achievement. Lighthouse Award winners are chosen by the teachers and principals of their respective schools. This year’s recipients are:
ORR Junior High School – Delaney Gosse & Ian Friedrichs
ORR High School – Victor Morrison & Alyson Maguire
Sippican School – Tucker Figuerido & Katelyn Luong
Rochester Memorial School – Abigail Forcier & Anthony Mackay
Old Hammondtown – Bridget Farias & Kate Tenerowicz
The ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation was founded in 2007 to raise an endowment to support Tri-Town’s local public schools. Its vision is to enrich the educational, cultural and civic experience for all students, enhance each student’s success in school, in their communities and in life and to encourage academic excellence, innovation and creative thinking in the Tri-Town schools.
To date, more than 25 grants have been awarded through the Tri-Town Education Foundation to outstanding educators in the district with 2015 grants totaling nearly $4,000.
There’s a different feeling in the halls of Old Rochester Regional High School after the seniors depart. For starters, the aforementioned halls are much clearer, making it easier to get to classes, especially in the English wing where the seniors used to reside. Also, with the seniors gone, the end of the year is near for underclassmen, making beach days and sleeping-in closer to reality.
The juniors have begun to realize that senior year is fast approaching, and the Class of 2016 is ready for the challenge. Now the leaders of the school, a couple of next year’s graduates, explained their feelings regarding both their junior year, and the anticipation for their final year as a Bulldog.
Junior year serves as a bridge between the relative insignificance of sophomore year – a topic of senior class historian Ashley Pacheco’s recent Senior Assembly speech – and the all-important senior year. However, there are some important memories to be made before the final year commences.
Jared Wheeler acknowledged this, citing the junior semi-formal dance as one of his favorite memories of junior year. When asked to sum up the feeling of being a senior in one word, he chose “bittersweet.”
Looking ahead to senior year, Wheeler has a few events he is excited about.
“The day at Ned’s Point and the Senior Trip are what I’m most looking forward to next year,” he said.
Olivia McDonald also named the junior semi as her junior year high point. She described her feelings towards graduation as “anxious, but excited.”
McDonald is looking forward to graduating from high school, but wants to enjoy what senior year has to offer. The Ned’s Point Senior Day, which usually takes place in September, is her most anticipated senior event.
Evan Portelance had plenty to say about his penultimate year of high school. He referenced the increasing freedom in choosing classes as one of his favorite parts of the experience.
“I also enjoyed the fact that because I became an upperclassman, I got more respect as a person from my teachers,” said Portelance.
Portelance is also excited about a slightly different senior-oriented event.
“Without a doubt, [the event I’m most looking forward to is] Mr. ORR because I had a fantastic time spectating it this year. I look forward to hopefully competing in it next year,” he said.
Considering his impending graduation, Portelance described himself as both nervous and excited, while looking even farther beyond high school.
“I have no idea where I’ll be emotionally, spiritually, and physically even five years from now. A lot can happen and a lot can change,” Portelance said.
Senior year is sure to bring equal parts emotion and pleasure for the Class of 2016. Though some may be excited to receive their diploma and head to “the real world,” others will look back fondly on the time they spent at ORRHS. Until then, the current crop of juniors are accepting their roles as leaders of the school and preparing for a fun-filled summer.
By Patrick Briand
The 2015 Tri-Town Relay for Life raised over $35,000 this year, with proceeds going to benefit The American Cancer Society. The all-night event at the Old Rochester Regional High School track is a special event when the community honors cancer survivors and remembers loved ones who lost their battle with cancer, in addition to raising funds for a cure. Photos by Felix Perez
Jane (Pereira) Brightman, age 66, of Fairhaven passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 after a long courageous battle with dementia. She was the beloved wife of Peter D. Brightman with whom she shared nearly 44 years of marriage.
Jane was born in Acushnet to Augustinho and Ida (Leal) Pereira of New Bedford. She was raised in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School in 1966. She was a member of the first graduating class of Bristol Community College, and then obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Education from the former SMU, now UMass-Dartmouth. After they wed, Jane and Peter settled in Dartmouth where they lived for over 35 years before moving to Fairhaven 8 years ago. Jane then lived for two years at Island Terrace Nursing Home in Lakeville where she enjoyed the views with her faithful roommates and caring staff. Her journey finally ended in the caring hands of the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home, while allowing a final visit to her Wilbur Point home 6 days prior to her passing. Jane is now on her next assignment.
In addition to her husband and parents she leaves two sons, Matthew P. Brightman and his wife Colleen of Foxboro and Marc N. Brightman and his wife Anne Marie of North Andover; four cherished grandchildren, Caitlin, Jack, Kristina and Angiolina; her twin sister Rosemary Pereira of New Bedford and younger sister Linda Fiano and her husband Andre of California; her mother-in-law, Claire Brightman of Fairhaven, her godmother, Palmira Pereira of New Bedford, and several aunts, uncles and nieces.
Mrs. Brightman was the kindergarten teacher for over 20 years at the Dunbar Elementary School in New Bedford, retiring in 2004 and was among the first to teach a “full-day” kindergarten program. In the classroom Jane did what she loved and loved what she did, and it showed. Beyond the classroom she enjoyed many happy days with her family, especially on the beach at Wilbur Point.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of her Life was held on Friday, June 12, 2015 followed by burial of cremains in South Dartmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Jane Brightman Scholarship Fund, c/o First Citizens Federal Credit Union, 200 Mill Rd, Suite 100, Fairhaven, MA 02719.
For tributes visit www.waring-sullivan.com
Marion Elizabeth (Beanland) Cornell, age 86, of Wareham died Friday, June 19, 2015. She was the wife of the late Clayton P. Cornell, Sr. with whom she celebrated their 60th Anniversary on August 18, 2005. She was preceded in death by her daughter Carolynn Cornell and her son Ronald Cornell.
Marion was born in New Bedford on September 12, 1928 to the late Arnold and Ruth (Reynolds) Beanland. She lived in the city for many years, and Rochester for over 15 years, before moving to Wareham where she lived with her granddaughter Tami Mortenson for the late 9 years.
She enjoyed knitting, reading, watching SciFi and being around her children, Sandra Hawley of Branford, CT, Judy Eldridge of New Bedford, Clayton Cornell Jr. of Lewisburg, PA, Christine Hebert of Acushnet and Elizabeth Arnold and Wayne Cornell of New Bedford, her 19 grandchildren and her 27 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara Peacock and Linda Taylor of Florida and Shirley Tetreault of Westport.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4 to 7 pm. Relatives and friends invited. Visit www.rock-funeralhome.com for tributes and directions.
A memorial observance for family and friends of Craig Stuart Nelsen, who passed away on March 14, 2014, will be held on his birthday, July 10th. The sunset service will be at 5 pm at the family home, 23 Fort Street, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations be made in his name to the Children’s Tumor Foundation (www.ctf.org).
To the Rochester Selectmen:
It is with bittersweet emotion that I write this letter to notify you of my retirement. I will be 70 years old on August 14, 2015 and I would like to give myself a birthday present on that day; hence, my retirement date will be August 14, 2015.
The past 15 years have been a wonderful journey for me. The selectmen and town administrators I have worked under have all been great to work with during my time of employment. I have been blessed and honored to work with a fantastic boss, the best team of inspectors, and co-workers that have proven to be team players on every level. I have become very fond of the town and its residents, as well as the contractors, technicians, developers and all those I have been a service to over the years. I will surely take many unforgettable memories with me.
I wish to thank each and every one of you for making my journey some of the most cherished years of my life. I hope that I have left something here in Rochester that has brought enhancement to the town and its residents. As I make my exit, I can only hope that I have touched as many lives as those who have touched mine.
Respectfully and Sincerely,
Isabel “Izzy” Borges
The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.