FinCom Meets With Chiefs and Harbormaster

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The Marion Finance Committee met on Wednesday, March 5, for various discussions with town officials regarding the FY26 budget. Following the approval of minutes from February 26, talks with Fire Chief Brian Jackvony began.

            Chief Jacknovy discussed the fire department’s budget propositions and the increases, like other departments, stemming from software and equipment upgrades. The chief did state “we’re trying to keep expenses under control” though he did mention some line items have ticked up. For some statistics, he mentioned emergency calls have risen to 1,486 for the previous year, of which around 1000 were medical-related or EMS. Revenue from ambulances, as reported between June 30, 2023, to July 1, 2024, was around $457,000, per the chief. With the Select Board, it was discussed that rates may need to rise, “most of our transports are capped by Medicaid or Medicare, but the private payers, we can set that rate – and right now we’re average or slightly below average with our rates.” The chief then added if someone is suffering financial hardship, they can contact the Town Administrator who has the authority to abate those bills or work out payment plans.

            Other financial plans for the fire department were discussed for increased revenue, such as charging for home-vaccinations, charging for false alarms, and looking into Tabor’s use of town utilities to seek compensation.

            Police Chief Richard Nighelli spoke next, beginning, following the request of the board, with a discussion on the department’s policing needs. The chief stated their biggest concern is employee retention. “Retention is always an issue,” he said. “someone can walk in my door and give me a two-week notice, and it takes me about a year to fill the position.” Sick-time and vacation day absences are filled by other employees using overtime. With the increase in police reform programs, the chief said, increases in unforeseen costs have increased. The chief also stated that the need to “bring everyone to the same level” in terms of training has lost the department much of its part-time working staff.

            Finally, was Harbormaster Adam Murphy who recently started in June 2023. Due to the loss of two full-time officers, part-time workers have filled in much of the work. Murphy explained the hunt for workers is difficult, saying “one, you have to be a police officer, and the other part is, you have to know how to run a boat.” Knowing the shoreline and water features is also crucial, something the force loses with the loss of knowledgeable staff. A common problem found among both the Harbormaster and Police Departments is hiring.

            The Finance Committee explained they will soon be meeting with Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Town House Conference Room.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

Cougar Fab Five Tackle Three Questions

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I asked all five of these members of the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School boys’ basketball team the same three questions: What did it take to get there? Did you think it would happen coming into the season? What was a defining game for you in the season?

            Wyatt Smiley: “1. A lot of getting to know teammates, growing trust with each other, and pushing each other to get better every day. 2. I think we all knew we were going to do well and possibly better than the team we had last year. 3. Probably the first game we had against Diman this year at home when I had my career high on varsity and I knew that I could step up when the team needed me.”

            Wyatt Smiley averaged 10 points per game this season, 4.8 rebounds per game, 2.9 steals per game, and 4.1 assists per game.

            Max Smiley: “(It) took patience and a lot of working. I knew it would happen coming into the season because I’ve been playing with these guys for years. A lot went into it, and a defining game for me this season was that first win of the season. We won by a ton, and I knew this season was gonna be special.”

            Max Smiley averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

            Max Finney: “1. Playing a lot in the offseason; most of us play AAU together, so we never took a break from basketball. We all play pickup together, so we’re always together building chemistry. 2. We all knew the team’s potential, so we knew how far we could go. We knew that, no matter what rank we finished the regular season with, we could be the best in D5. 3.A defining game for us was when we won the (Vocational Small Schools) championship against Blue Hills. Because we were down by 11 at one point and no one on the team gave up and we ended up winning, that showed us that we could go through anything in the tournament.”

            Finney averaged 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals.

            Landon Hunter: “I think everyone on the team wanted the same thing, and it was to show people what we can do and that they shouldn’t look past us. We’ve played together for four years all year around with AAU and summer league. It comes down to the team’s dedication and want. Obviously, you don’t want to put things into your own head, but I think we all knew that we were gonna make it happen, but that was only because of all the work we’ve put in together as a team. I think for me a defining game was probably the second time we played Atlantis Charter. I think it was one of the best games I’ve played, I had 24 points, the most one ever scored, so it brought me a lot of confidence. And it has carried on throughout the season.”

            Hunter averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3.1 steals.

            Nick Fringuelli: “It took a lot of practice to get where I am. Coming in as a freshman, I had only played two years prior in (recreation-league basketball). But through AAU and summer league and a lot of time in the gym, I was able to be the player I am today. Coming into the season, I expected to win the (Vocational Small Schools state championship). I also expected to win all of our games and make a deep run in the (MIAA) state playoffs. The defining game for me this season was at the end of our season when we played (Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech) for the second time. I believe that is when I finally put everything together and started playing better.”

            Fringuelli averaged 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4.6 blocks.

Editor’s note: Nic Giokas is a student at Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School and has contributed an article on the Cougars boys’ basketball team, which once again went on a long trip to win its first game in the MIAA Division 5 state tournament, defeating Notre Dame Cristo Rey, before falling in the Round of 16 at top-seeded and undefeated Pioneer Valley.

Old Colony Sports

By Nic Giokas

Jazz Through the Decades

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On Sunday, March 16 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will continue its 2024–2025 concert season with a program tracing the history of jazz entitled “Jazz Through the Decades.” The program will highlight some of the most important composers with symphonic band arrangements of works that guide us through the various styles of jazz over the years. Clarinetist Charlie Suriyakham will perform Ante Grgin’s Concertino for Clarinet. Also, pianist/arranger Matt Richard will lead his jazz trio with a suite that he has adapted for trio and symphonic band.

            Clarinetist Charlie Suriyakham was born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, graduated from the Prince Royal’s College and attended Payap University for one year. In 1993, he started his clarinet studies at California State University at Northridge. In 1995, he transferred to Chicago College of the Performing Arts of Roosevelt University in Chicago where he received a full scholarship to complete his B.M., M.M., and Professional Diploma in orchestral studies. Charlie has performed with conductors and musicians including Daniel Barenboim, Yo-Yo Ma, Pierre Boulez, Sir Colin Davis, Christoph von Dohnányi, Hilary Hahn, and Leonard Slatkin. He currently holds a position with the United State Coast Guard Band, one of the premier military bands in the United States of America.

            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 graduate of Westfield State College with a degree in piano performance, Matt taught choral music at Fairhaven High School and Tabor Academy in Marion from 1988-1997. 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, Dick Johnson and The Artie Shaw Orchestra, Bombay Jim Porcella and The Swingin’ Sapphires, Fred Tillis, Emil Haddad, Lou Columbo, Gray Sargent, Marshall Wood, Bruce Gertz, Dave Zinno, Dino Govoni, and Jim Robitaille.

            The concert will be held at the Fireman Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front Street, Marion. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth, The Marion General Store in Marion or online at tricountysymphonicband.org.

            Please visit tricountysymphonicband.org for more detailed information.

The Official Clock Of Marion

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Ten stalwart sea captains living in Sippican Village back in 1841 pledged to donate $1000 each for the cost of materials and labor to build The First Congregational Church of Marion. Construction was complete in one year. Known as “The Captain’s Meeting House”, it stands today as a classic example of Greek revival architecture and is listed in the 1998 Architectural Survey.

            Around 1872, the E. Howard clockworks was added to the tower, and it was designated as the official Clock of Marion. (The story of why there are only 3 faces is a true Marion legend worthy of national note and local humor). For nearly 100 years, the Town of Marion provided financial support and maintenance for the Clock. Sometime in the 1950’s, the upkeep of the clock was removed from the town budget, and the costs were taken up by the Congregational Church. It was about this time when the clockwork was modified from fully mechanical to electrical. This dramatic change led to great stress on the entire system. It became difficult to find volunteers to climb the tower outside and perform monthly adjustments. Today the hands of the clock are slipping and the hourly chimes inoperable. Time is slipping away.

            The Clock Tower Restoration Sub Committee of the First Congregational church has been formed, and after careful research, has applied for a grant from the Community Preservation Act. The application has been accepted and will go to a vote at Town Meeting in May. Much community support has been received so far, and much more will be needed.

            Marion’s rich history is tied to the sea captains who funded the original project in 1871. The bell and clock add a tone and texture that harkens back to a time when the town clock was relied upon for the time, celebrations, warnings and a shared sense of community. Our goal is to restore the E. Howard timepiece back to a weight-drive, pendulum-regulated, as originally designed, with the addition of an automatic winding system for the weights.

            For more information, please call 508-748-1053 or go to church website: www.marionfirstchurch.org.

ORRSD to Host ‘Summer & Beyond’ Activities Fair

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Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Early Childhood Coordinator Doreen Lopes are proud to announce that the district, in partnership with its Early Childhood Office and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, will host the “Summer & Beyond” Activities Fair at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.

            The event will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 10:00 am to noon in the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Gymnasium, located at 135 Marion Road in Mattapoisett. Admission is free, and families of all ages are invited to attend.

            This year’s theme, “Summer and Beyond,” highlights the importance of outdoor learning and play, which has been shown to positively impact children’s mental health, development, and academic growth. Families will have the opportunity to explore a variety of local programs and activities available in the Tri-Town area and beyond, helping them plan for an enriching, engaging summer and fall.

            The fair will feature a wide range of interactive and engaging activities, including arts and crafts, a story walk, and a scavenger hunt. Representatives from local organizations will also be on hand to share information about upcoming events, camps, and educational opportunities for children of all ages.

            “We are thrilled to bring families together for a day of fun and exploration while also helping them connect with valuable community resources,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This event is all about supporting our students’ growth and well-being beyond the classroom, and we encourage all families to come see what’s available for the summer and beyond.”

            Doreen Lopes, Early Childhood Coordinator for Old Rochester Regional School District, said district families are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn about exciting programs and activities, while also enjoying a morning of hands-on fun.

            “Outdoor play and hands-on learning are essential for children’s development, and we are excited to showcase the many opportunities available right here in our community,” said Lopes. “We look forward to welcoming families for a fun-filled day of discovery and planning.”

            For more information, please contact the Old Rochester Regional School District 508-758-2722, ext. 1948, or email doreenlopes@oldrochester.org or kateduggan@oldrochester.org.

Bruce A. Bowman

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Bruce A. Bowman, who died unexpectedly at home on January 29, 2025. He was 64 years old. He was predeceased by his late father John C. Bowman and his beloved brother John C. Bowman Jr.

            Bruce was born on July 20, 1960 and grew up in Mattapoisett, Ma.

            Bruce was a hardworking and dedicated person who excelled in his career as a master marine mechanic at Brownell Boat Yard, now called Triad Boatworks, Inc in Mattapoisett, Ma. He was known for his exceptional skills and professionalism, and he was respected by his colleagues and clients alike.

            Despite his busy schedule, Bruce always made time for his family and friends. He was a loving and caring brother who was always there for his siblings whenever they needed him. He had a wicked sense of humor and always knew how to put a smile on everyone’s face.

            In his free time, Bruce enjoyed working on vintage cars, going to swap meets with his best friends Raymond and Brent, going to Seekonk Speedway with his son Bruce Jr. and granddaughter Danielle, as well as spending time with his beautiful great grandchildren. He was always eager to jump-scare his mom and sisters as well.

            Bruce is survived by his mother, Doreen Y. (Chieppa) Bowman, his siblings Kathleen, Karen, Katherine and Kimberly, his estranged wife Lori A. Medeiros, and his children Nicole, Bruce Jr and Thomas. Bruce is survived by many nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

            A Celebration of his life will be held in the spring, date forthcoming.

            Rest in peace, our dearest brother. You will always be in our hearts and memories forever.

Edward W. Dexter

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Edward W. Dexter, 71, of Mattapoisett died February 28, 2025 peacefully at home.

            Born in Charleston, SC, son of the late Edward L. Dexter and Florence M. (Parusa) Drago, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

            He was formerly employed as a landscaper and carpenter.

            Mr. Dexter served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

            He enjoyed fishing, quahogging, tending to aquariums and gardening.

            Survivors include his son, Eddie; his brother Bob and his wife Sylvia; and friends.

            His funeral service will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Mattapoisett Select Board Continue FY26 Review

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            March 11 found the Mattapoisett Select Board continuing their meetings with department heads to review FY26 budget proposals in preparation for the town’s annual Spring Town Meeting. On this night seated for the Select Board were Tyler Macallister and Jodi Bauer meeting with Acting Library Director Susan Pizzolatto, Council on Aging Director Jacki Seney, and Water and Sewer Superintendent Henri Renault. Pizzolatto has been assisting the town as it searches for a new director.

            Stepping up to the conference table, Pizzolatto quipped that she is a bit rusty on presenting an annual budget. The board assured her that her efforts would be more than acceptable and very much appreciated. Pizzolatto shared that by state mandate 19-percent of the library budget must be spent on books and other materials that can be checked out of the library.

            Regarding staffing, Pizzolatto said that a new children’s librarian, Kevin Thompson, had been hired and was working out well. She complimented the entire staff for their level of professionalism and willingness to serve the public. The full-time staff members are Amanda Lawrence, Ann Schattle, and Thompson supplemented by about ten part-time employees.

            Pizzolatto also commented on the use of outside services for janitorial duties. She shared her belief that an employee would be more heavily invested in the library, as a whole, versus a contractor. Currently the town is paying $6,200 for cleaning services. The total FY26 budget for the library is $646,050, a 4.74-percent increase over FY25.

            Renauld pointed out that a number of bonds would be rolling of the debt schedule in the coming years. He spoke to the ongoing upgrades at the Fairhaven sewer plant which is about 30-percent complete he stated. Nearing completion is the installation of new water meters throughout the town’s water service areas and further noted that water rate increases would soon be announced.

            The overall department budget for the water department is $2,701,102 a 2.6-percent increase, and the sewer department budget for FY26 is $2,497,370 a 4.28-percent increase.

            Seney, who was giving her final budget summary before pursuing other opportunities after many years as the town’s Council on Aging director, introduced a new way of compensating drivers who are responsible for providing services to seniors who need drivers. Whether it’s for grocery shopping, doctor appointments or planned out-of-town events the COA coordinates the transportation to many seniors in the community. Seney put forward a plan that would establish a step system. “Our drivers are our best ambassadors,” Seney stated. Drivers currently receive $15.60 per hour which would be augmented with a step program.

            The COA budget stands at $236,206, a decrease of 3-percent over FY25 due to a staff position becoming a part-time position.

            In other business Harbor Days was briefly discussed and the possibility of the Recreation Department using the tent for an activity. Harbor Days takes place on July 18, 19, and 20.

            A tri-town Select Board meeting will be scheduled in the coming days. Board member Macallister said a major topic will be contracts with cable service providers.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not discussed upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Bikes Get New Lease on Life

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            A blustery wind from Mattapoisett Harbor whistled in between the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and the storage building where several bicycles were placed Saturday morning, as volunteers worked feverishly to greet donors, categorize their bikes and put them in a safe holding place before launching their second life.

            A 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail, estimate that over 400 bikes have been collected and approximately 200 distributed since initiating this effort in 2021. On Saturday, 40 bikes were collected.

            “The reason this came about was Liz (DiCarlo) had taken an inclusivity seminar, and we were trying to figure out how we can take an inclusive approach to the Bike Path – since we’re all members of the (Mattapoisett) Bike Path Committee,” explained Jane Finnerty, the Friends’ vice president. “It was kind of one of those things where it was really healthy to do something like this during the pandemic. We were a closed group, so we were comfortable with each other.”

            The group came up with the idea of collecting donated bicycles to distribute to underprivileged children. Officially operating as an initiative of the Friends of The Mattapoisett Rail Trail, the effort began during the Covid pandemic as a “Bikes for Kids” mission. Upon a windfall of adult-size bike donations, the cause expanded to a “Bikes for All” mission. The group advertised, seeking volunteer assistance for the effort from area bicycle mechanics.

            “Thankfully, we had two great people step up,” said Finnerty. One was Bill Emmons, who has since joined the Friends group and has regularly given his time to the cause. The other was Bill Trimble, better known for his work with the June 1 Tour de Crème bike event.

            “The one struggle we’ve had since the beginning is finding storage,” said Finnerty, who was effusive in her praise of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church for use of its storage building next to the sanctuary. “We have bounced around everywhere since we started, from the Quaker Meeting House being wonderful to us.”

            “We used the entire community room, we put tarps down everywhere,” recalled DiCarlo.

            “But then (after Covid was under control) they opened up, which they had to do,” said Finnerty. “We’ve been in the beach house; we’ve been in here and we’ve been kind of moved all over. We’ve been really trying to find some permanent space, but we just haven’t been able to come up with anything.”

            The group tries to keep a low level of inventory when anticipating housing issues. Leaving bicycles outside only makes the job of rehabilitating them more difficult.

            “The Quaker Meeting House was the one that stepped up right away, without even hesitation,” said Finnerty, whose job running the Town Beach led to a connection for the use of the beach house when it was not in use. “We’ve figured it out as we’ve gone along. Some of the bikes have been moved maybe 12 times.”

            It takes a good sense of humor to endure the logistical challenges that accompany charitable causes, including the weather.

            “It was pouring rain last year,” recalled DiCarlo of the 2024 bike-donation event. The turnout was still great, and Finnerty mused that perhaps the rainy day canceled some families’ plans and pivoted them toward the bike collection.

            “This time of year, a lot of it depends on the weather, so it might have actually helped us a little bit,” she said. “It’s been great. We have a really strong group, and it’s growing now, which is wonderful. That’s how it’s going to continue.”

            There was a critical point in the group’s effort where the work had become too great for the three core members, DiCarlo, Emmons and Finnerty. With Covid in the rearview mirror, their lives had resumed some normalcy, and that squeezed the number of hours that they could devote to the cause.

            Though no longer serving on the board, Jenn Wong volunteers her time at the annual bike collection, according to Finnerty, who noted that Wong stays involved in Bikes for All and supports DiCarlo’s work with the upcoming Tour de Crème biking event.

            “Having people like Don Bamberger and Bill Trimble and everybody step up is really what’s going to help this group survive,” said Finnerty, noting the assistance that Ned Watts gave the group in its early days.

            DiCarlo and Finnerty estimate that between 20% and 30% of donated bikes are ready to ride. Finnerty noted that one donor on Saturday had brought their bike to the shop and paid for a tune-up to make it presentable for the group.

            “There have been some beautiful bikes that we collected. Like you look at them and say, ‘I want that one,’” Finnerty joked. Some road bikes have come in, and some racing bikes have gone out.

            “We appreciate the support of the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Changemaker Grant,” stated DiCarlo, noting that Bikes for All continues to be a collaborative effort between the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail, Mattapoisett Recreation and the South Coast Bikeway Alliance.

            The Friends work with several charitable organizations including the Immigrants Assistance Center (IAC), the YWCA, the Community Economic Development Center, and Nativity Prep school.

            The South Coast Bikeway Alliance connects the local dots of the bike path that runs from Wareham to the Rhode Island state line.

            “We haven’t even started over in Wareham, and that area is just as important on that side,” said Finnerty.

            Bike distribution is scheduled for Saturday, April 12. The location is to be determined.

Friends of The Mattapoisett Rail Trail

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett Food Outreach

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The Lamb of God Christian Church of Mattapoisett will be holding our monthly no-cost Food Assistance Outreach at the Mattapoisett American Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street, Mattapoisett on Sunday, March 23 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

            This Monthly Food outreach will have frozen meats, non-refrigerated 1-2% milk, assorted juice, frozen vegetables, and non-perishables. Supplies are limited with all food distributed by the Dartmouth Full Plate Project, via the Boston Food Bank.

            All Mattapoisett residents needing additional help with the rising costs of food are welcome. As supplies increase this outreach will be opened up to all of the towns in the area.

            For more information call (508) 998-6990, or E-Mail: pastor@lambofgodma.org or Facebook: Mathew Vangel.