Nancy Dyer Mitton: A Survey, 1984-2024

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to present works by Nancy Dyer Mitton, honoring 40 years of exhibiting at the MAC. The exhibition runs July 6 through August 9, 2024, with an artist’s reception scheduled Friday, July 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the MAC, 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Gallery hours through July 27 are: Tue-Wed by appointment, Thursday-Friday, 1:00-5:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am-2:00 pm. The MAC is closed Sundays and Mondays. Daytime hours resume starting July 29 (10:00am-2:00pm).

            Nancy Dyer Mitton resides in Marion, Massachusetts. She is a lifelong student of art and art history. Ms. Mitton received her BFA in Painting from Massachusetts College of Art where she studied with George Nick. Her first exhibition at the Marion Art Center was in 1985. Soon after, she cofounded the Water Street Gallery in Mattapoisett with fellow artists Severn Haines, Laura Anderson, A.D. Tinkham and Henry Avery. The Maryland Institute College of Art awarded Nancy Dyer Mitton artist residencies at Rochefort-en-Terre in Brittany, France twice – in 1995 and 2001. She became an exhibiting artist member of The National Arts Club in New York in 1993, and a member of the Artists’ Fellowship in 1995. In 1999, Nancy Dyer Mitton wrote “A Romantic Art Colony: Marion, Massachusetts,” a book about careers of key American artists and writers who put Marion and New York on the global cultural map during the late 19th Century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is exhibiting this group, “New York Art Worlds, 1870 – 1890” on view through July 21, 2024.

            Nancy Dyer Mitton’s paintings are featured in collections throughout the United States and Europe, and Mitton has been represented by Soprafina Gallery in Boston since 2001. Soprafina Director Frank Roselli describes Nancy as“an avid lover of nature – its expansive beauty, power and light. Her paintings use the physicality of the oil paints as she creatively constructs her canvas using wet paint with adroit skill.”

            The new 2024 catalog of Nancy Dyer Mitton paintings is available at the Marion Art Center July 6 – August 9.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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The Rev. Robert Malm, Interim Rector St. Peter’s on the Canal, Buzzards Bay will open the 140th summer season at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, June 30.

            St. Philip’s, located next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett, will have services at 8 am and 10 am using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome.

Sippican Gets New Assistant Principal

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The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson are pleased to announce Gregory Thomas’ appointment as the new assistant principal of Sippican Elementary School, effective July 1. Thomas brings more than 20 years of educational experience and remains committed to fostering connections with students and watching them succeed.

            Gregory Thomas joins Sippican School from Middleborough Public Schools, where he was the assistant principal at Henry B. Burkland Elementary School since 2020. At Burkland, he devoted his time to improving student behavior via restorative practices, collaborative problem solving and mediation.

            From 2018 to 2020, Thomas was the principal of John T. Nichols Middle School in Middleboroughand led a faculty and staff of about 80 people, working to create a culture of inclusion, accountability, and willingness to take risks for the betterment of over 800 students.He was the assistant principal at Nichols from 2015 to 2018.

            Thomas will be replacing Pete Crisafulli at Sippican.

            “On behalf of the entire district, I would like to welcome Gregory Thomas as the new assistant principal of Sippican Elementary School,” said Superintendent Nelson. “He brings a strong background of school leadership and is a skilled collaborator. We are confident that he will be a great addition to the school community and look forward to him joining our administration next school year.”

            In addition to working at Middleborough Public Schools, Thomas held positions as the dean of students and the athletic director at Norfolk County Agricultural High School, a master teacher at Stonehill College, both as a special education teacher and an athletic director at Avon Middle-High School, a lecturer at Bridgewater State University and a special education teacher at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School. He holds a Master of Education from Bridgewater State University and a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Communications with a Minor in English from Saint Joseph’s College.

            “I am absolutely thrilled to work alongside Mr. Thomas as the new assistant principal at Sippican Elementary. His exceptional credentials, highlighted during a recent site visit, make it clear that he is highly recommended for our school community,” said new Sippican Elementary School Principal Lynn Dessert. “I look forward to working closely with Mr. Thomas and our dedicated staff to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment. Together, we will collaborate with the entire school community to ignite a passion for learning and create meaningful experiences for all, and we both are committed to supporting every student’s journey toward success.”

            “Mr. Thomas is well respected amongst his colleagues for always putting the students and their needs first and is a valued member of the school community,” said School Committee Chairperson April Nye. “He possesses a sense of humor that both staff, students and families appreciate and welcome. We are excited for the new administrative team that has been put together at Sippican School and appreciate all of the time, work and effort that went into this important process and was done by the various stakeholders within our school community.”

            “I am so excited to be a part of the Sippican family. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m looking forward to starting. I can’t wait to meet all of the faculty, staff, students and families,” said Thomas. “My first impressions have left me very impressed and happy, and I know I am joining an incredibly special school with an outstanding reputation. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Extending the Classroom for Local Kids

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, June 30, at the Munro Preserve just immediately adjacent to Mattapoisett Wharf. That said, board member Ellen Flynn recently reflected on the educational programs recently held by MLT, as well as ideas that are in the works.

            Reached recently, Flynn, director and chairwoman of MLT’s Education Committee, outlined a variety of activities that align with STEAM – or science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

            For instance, MLT is brainstorming a story walk where kids write the stories. So instead of laminated signs about nature that students read, they go on their own walk and jot down their own scientific observations.

            Students would also have an opportunity to observe specimens under microscopes before writing about them, Flynn said, adding that she hopes that program can include students of all ages and be ready by the end of the summer or early fall.

            Flynn said the MLT has a great working relationship with Old Rochester Regional School District, so teachers in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester often reach out to the MLT for field trips.

            For the second consecutive year this spring, Marine Biology students for ORR visited Nantucket and observed ocean specimens.

            Sixth grade students from the district visited Cuttyhunk Island, where they received an education in history, science and art. They met up with a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation and learned about native fox and other furs and got to touch, wear and learn all about them.

            The trip took a science and culinary turn as the students observed the lifecycle of oysters and got to taste raw oysters and remove them from their shells. Meanwhile, an artist was on scene and students got a chance to do some watercolor paintings.

            Flynn acknowledged that these activities all tie into the ORR curriculum.

            A group of Grade 7 students this year went on a whale watch. Some students wrote reflections of this experience.

            First students this fall got to plant sunflower seeds at the Dunseith Gardens Property that sits in the shadow of Salty the Seahorse in Mattapoisett. Flynn said students this summer can return to the property and see their seeds bloom into flowers.

            “We chose sunflowers because we had the idea that Ukraine was the largest sunflower importer of the world and in the sense that we wanted the students to know that we are in sympathy with the Ukraine situation,” Flynn said.

            Those same children were treated to a story walk.

            The MLT also awarded two, $1,000 scholarships this year, including an art scholarship.

            “If you look at nature and you’re in nature, it’s all art … everything around you is a natural art,” she said. “People don’t know how to include art in their everyday way of life.”

            Education or students extends to music opportunities as well.

            This past June, special needs students from the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) heard a live jazz concert at Munro Preserve.

            “The children are housed at Old Hammondtown School and all are confined to wheelchairs while in school, yet some are able to walk with a personal caretaker outside. Three local musicians, Neil Sylvia, Don Legge and William Kingsland, performed this time,” she said. “These children do not have live music in the classroom, so we brought the live music to them.”

Mattapoisett Land Trust 50th Anniversary

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Details Result in Continuances

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Rochester’s Planning Board continued until its next scheduled meeting (July 9) all three large projects on its June 25 agenda.

            The board granted a two-week extension of the Special Permit for the Braley Hill North solar facility in response to a permit-extension request that the Planning panel had debated at a previous meeting over concerns that the project has been granted one extension already.

            Chairman Arnold Johnson said Tuesday the question to be answered was whether the project applicants had sufficiently paid their performance bonds. Johnson reported the check for these bonds had only recently been received and the town’s peer-review engineer, Ken Motta, needs time to review their amounts.

            In July 2020, Braley Hill North received a permit valid for three years but requiring construction to start in two years. The applicant asked for its first extension on June 23, 2023. On June 5 of this year, the applicant’s representative, Attorney Gregory Sampson, requested another one-year permit extension.

            The board also tabled until July 9 its approval of the modified site-plan-review application for Rochester Crossroads, 22 Cranberry Highway, over questions by project developer Ken Steen.

            The modification was to replace a paved, rear access way to County Road with a gravel road. Steen, attending the meeting via Zoom, raised questions about a new condition within that modification that the road not be gated. He said the highway surveyor had led him to believe the gates are needed because this would provide road access for emergency vehicles.

            Johnson responded that emergency-exit access for residents should be “unencumbered” and not be gated. Johnson said he will speak to the highway surveyor and review the original plan.

            The board also continued until July 9 its hearing into the site-plan-review application for a four-building, self-storage facility on County Road, which is part of the Rochester Crossroad project.

            The applicant’s engineering consultant, Philip Cordeiro, reported he has only recently received and responded to Motta’s comments on the plan. Johnson said here, too, the board will first review those comments before voting.

            In other action, the board issued its only approval of the night. It signed the site-plan-review approval decision for Briggs Hobby Barn on New Bedford Road, a plan to construct two buildings to store and repair collectible automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles that also required and received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic District Commission.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 9, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning BoardBy Michael J. DeCicco

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join us for all ages story times all summer long, every Saturday at 10:30 am.

            The Library will be closed Thursday July 4th in celebration of Independence Day.

            Join Elke Pierrie Tuesdays at 9:30 am for morning yoga on the library lawn.  The perfect way to start your summer days!

            Meet Sara Shukla, local author of the debut novel Pink Whales, Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 pm, at the Marion Art Center. Pink Whales has been described lauded by reviews as “A satisfying romp through a New England enclave that’s not nearly as idyllic as it seems.” Meet Sara Shukla, the author of the latest summer rom-com that will be making a splash this beach season!  Limited signed copies will be available at this event.

            Make a fuzzy felted patch with Pop up Art School, Saturday June 29, 11 am. Pick from four rainbow designs.  Use the finished piece as a patch on a jacket or frame it for a unique piece of art. Pop up Art School will show you how to use a barbed needle and wool roving to make this cool accessory.  Needle felting is fun and easier than it looks!  Spaces are limited, sign up at the library. This program is for ages 11+.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

Marion Garden Group

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The Marion Garden Group has just installed one of their beautiful garden beds on the island at the end of Point Road and Route 6. It features an abundance of perennials that are staged to provide a show of blooms all season. One of our newly approved sprinkler systems has been added to provide the necessary water to support the new plantings.

            This project has been in the works for years. Funds were raised by the Marion Garden Group from its generous patrons and town-supported fundraisers. The project was on hold while the Beautification committee filed for Town and State authorization for its sprinkler initiative. Approval of the sprinkler systems in all of MGG’s town garden beds has been critical to sustain and support the Beautification efforts. Prior to the newly installed sprinkler systems, the Marion Garden Group members were diligently hand watering every garden bed and as well as all of the planters. The authorization for the sprinkler systems which came through last year provided the green light for the new Point Road bed as MGG was unable to install without it.

            The Marion Garden Group has installed, maintains and pays for water to five garden beds in Marion, all of which have been donated to the town. In addition, MGG has placed and maintains up to 16 strategically placed planters to enhance the area. Further, the Marion Garden Group commissioned and donated to the town both the Reader Board Sign and the Welcome to Marion Sign.

            We would like to sincerely thank our patrons and all of those who contributed their support to our fundraising efforts.

            The Marion Garden Group is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to assist in the enhancement of the town’s parks and landscape projects, and to further expand members’ knowledge of gardening through discussions and presentations by experts in the field. The Beautification committee, a sub committee within MGG lead by Liz Hatch, Suzy Taylor and Phyllis Partridge, continue to work hard to uphold this mission through beautification projects around the town. Support and patronage is always welcome.

Five Free Concerts in July

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This year’s Buzzards Bay Musicfest will feature five very different programs and a new start time for the evening concerts – 7:30 pm. The festival will also open its doors on Wednesday afternoon, July 10 at 2:00 pm, to give everyone a chance to experience an open rehearsal. The world-class musicians that make up the Buzzards Bay Musicfest will perform a variety of repertoire, but the orchestral concerts will have a theme: Season of “Firsts.” The orchestra will explore first symphonies of Mozart, Schumann and Brahms as well as Beethoven’s 1st Piano Concerto with Cynthia Raim as the soloist on the Wednesday concert. On the Sunday afternoon concert, Jennifer Gunn (flute) and Rita Costanzi (harp) will be featured in the Mozart Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra. On the same program, pianist David Allen Wehr will interpret the Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra by César Franck with its fantastically exuberant ending. The orchestra concerts are Wednesday, July 10 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, July 14 at 2:00 pm. The two chamber concerts will offer a uniquely intimate rendering of works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Antonin Dvořák, Jean Françaix, Philippe Gaubert, Marjan Mozetich and David Popper. From string quartets to piano quintets to wind quartets, the eclectic collections of small ensembles lead to a wonderfully tasteful programing variety that is sure to delight. The chamber concerts are Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 pm.

            The Buzzards Bay Musicfest Swing Band will present a program of music by three prominent jazz icons of the mid-twentieth century entitled “Miles, Monk and Mingus.” This 10-piece jazz ensemble will venture into the unlimited possibilities of improvisation and written arrangements that these three masters have unleashed in an amazing collection of works. The jazz concert is Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm.

            All concerts are free admission and will be in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Hoyt Hall on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion, MA 02738. Please visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/ for more detailed information.

Mattapoisett Trees

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To the Editor:

            The undersigned have earned our standing as “tree-huggers” through many hours of volunteer work with the Mattapoisett Land Trust.  But we think the concerns expressed about 27 trees to be lost as part of the Town’s proposed road improvement project along Main/Water/Beacon/Marion Road are misplaced. While we too mourn the loss of these trees, the many benefits of the project greatly outweigh their loss.

            First, these roads desperately need public safety improvements. From MLT’s Munro Preserve we watch daily as kids on bikes, pedestrians, mobility-impaired folks and drivers run the gauntlet of rough pavement, limited sidewalks, few or no ADA compliant crosswalks, trees extending into the roadway, and similar hazards. With the multi-use path ending nearby at Depot Street, pedestrian and bicycle traffic have increased dramatically. Our town is very lucky not to have suffered a serious injury or fatality on these roads. Public safety should always come first. The town is accepting a significant ongoing risk to human life if we do not move ahead with the road improvement project.

            Second, the town’s storm water management system needs improvement to protect water quality in the harbor and reduce beach closure days. Drainage and storm water problems are severe at the Munro Preserve and even worse adjacent to the town beach. The road project will remedy these drainage and storm water issues at no cost to the Town’s taxpayers. We should seize this opportunity.

            Third, this project creates large future savings for Mattapoisett taxpayers. The project brings $16 million of federal and state funds, with no financial contribution from local taxpayers.  Understand that the proposed road improvements will need to be done in future years whether or not we accept this project. Going forward the existing roadway will fail, underground utilities will need repair, ADA compliance and storm water control/treatment will become required by law, and the 27 trees in question will die or be toppled by storms. Using federal and state funds available now will save Mattapoisett taxpayers hundreds of dollars per household in the future. If we do not move forward, federal and state money will be lost and the resulting tax burden will fall particularly hard on those with fixed incomes or limited financial resources.

            Back to the trees. We think it is short-sighted to plant 34 replacement trees within the Town’s narrow right-of-way where they will need to be smaller trees so as not to interfere as they grow with the improved roadway, curbing and sidewalks. We should not repeat the mistakes of our parents and grandparents who, when facing the destruction caused by the 1938 hurricane, planted replacement trees too close to the road and created the problems we see today. We encourage the town to talk with abutting property owners about siting the project’s replacement trees in their front or side yards, away from the reconstructed roadway. MLT will do this at the Munro Preserve, so a large replacement tree can be planted away from the road and survive for many generations.

            We commend the Select Board for bringing this project forward, and urge the town to move ahead with implementation.

            Sue Osenkowski, Arthur Damaskos, Paul “Ozzie” Osenkowski, Mike Huguenin, Kathleen Urquhart, Matt Urquhart

Molly’s Cove May Be Restored

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Molly’s Cove, located off Anchorage Way and Tara Road, has been on the town’s and the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s radar for a number of years. A compromised culvert and the possible flooding issue during storms are just two of the concerns facing the water feature, but help may on the way at long last.

            MLT president Mike Huguenin came before the Select Board on June 25 to ask if the MLT could move forward seeking a grant from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program. He explained that the grant application requires the municipal partnerships but that management of the project and preparation of the grant will fall to the MLT.

            From Huguenin’s written description, he stated that a paved section would be removed since the road is not necessary. In fact, the road alters the natural north-south flow of the original, forested wetlands.

            Grants awarded from the program range from $60,000 to $90,000. Huguenin said that, by allowing a more natural flow to return, invasive plant species could be better controlled. Plans would include preparing a report on existing conditions, followed by creation of a restoration plan and careful interfacing of restored wetlands.

            The board approved the MLT’s pursuit of a grant.

            Later in the proceedings, it was noted by resident Bonne DaSousa that the town has received a Mass Trails grant in the amount of $202,000 to be used in support of engineered plans for the next phase of the bike path.

            The agenda included discussion of the soon-to-be-created committee for the village street project. However, Select Board members wished to table the matter until the full board was seated. Absent this night was Tyler Macallister. There were questions from interested parties regarding how the new committee members will be selected and if there is a schedule for next steps.

            Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer said, “There’s nothing to discuss until the 25-percent (design) is done.” Collyer said of the town’s engineering firm, “We are overdue to have VHB come in and talk about their subpar performance.”

            A request by the Old Rochester Regional High School Alumni Association for a one-day liquor license was denied. The board was in agreement that alcohol is not allowed on school grounds.

            A request from the Lions Club to add three more Harbor Days events (a flower fundraiser, a children’s movie night, and an event from the Mattapoisett Museum) were all approved.

            The board accepted the donation of a service window from a local glass vendor. The board also heard from Kate Sousa regarding early plans for a 50th anniversary celebration of Survival at Ned’s Point sometime in August.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at a time to be announced.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell