Reminiscing While Waiting until This Year

on

Luis Tiant was sitting in an aisle seat about six rows up from the stage watching his grandson perform in the company of a high school musical I was directing. It appeared that no one recognized him. At the end of the show, he quickly escaped up the aisle and exited out a side door.

            Tiant was, of course, the star pitcher of the Boston Red Sox back in 1975 when the Olde Towne Team reached the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. “El Tiante” shut out the “Big Red Machine” in Game 1, allowing only five hits and went on to throw a complete-game win in Game 4 as well.

            Dan Shaughnessy, the sage of the sports page of that big city broadside north of here, has declared it was the “greatest World Series of all time.” Maybe, but I say the sixth game was the greatest game ever when Carlson Fisk hit a walk-off home run, raising the hopes that another win would clinch the series. Alas, it was not to be, the Sox lost in seven. What is it they say, “Wait ’til next year.”

            El Tiante died last October at the age of 83, never making the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Sox honored him at their opening game a few weeks ago.

            I was lucky enough to attend two games of the ’75 series. It was so long ago, and my memory is so fussy that I can’t remember which two. I do know that the tickets were free! Thanks to my bride’s uncle who used to own a minor league team down south. Once in professional baseball, always in pro baseball.

            Every morning there were tickets available at the American League hotel. Every team allotted 30 or 40 tickets to their players. Few players used them. Viola! They were there for the taking. Thanks Uncle Arthur.

            World Series games are like no other. I consider myself lucky to have had the experience. Unlike the 1967 “Impossible Dream” year when I actually lived on Jersey Street, a homerun ball away from Fenway Park. With no money for tickets – as a poor college kid without a nickel to spare, I didn’t have the $4 they cost – open windows had to suffice to experience the noise of the crowd while watching the games on my 14-inch Emerson TV.

            After a win, I’d run down to the ballpark to quietly celebrate with the crowd (True story. I wouldn’t lie to my cherished readers.) Years later, The Boston Globe published a retrospective with a photo of the other crazy fans – not me – climbing phone poles and milling around. The photo showed a Boston mounted policeman. Standing next to the horse was… yup, me, horned-rim glasses and all.

            The next time I was at Fenway was on my honeymoon. My bride and I sat in the bleachers, and I got nauseous from the… er, odor. You get my drift?

            I hope Luis Tiant finally makes the Hall of Fame posthumously.

            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

More Town House Security Fobs Granted

on

On April 15, the Marion Select Board met to tackle a long list of action items, as well as hearing reports from Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman.

            After the approval of minutes from the group’s last meeting, the board held a review of a dog complaint for 20 Vine Street per an agreement from March 2024. Animal Control Officer Susan Connor, who was present, stated that “nothing has changed. We’ve had numerous complaints, violations; I myself have witnessed violations.” Connor then recommended the board move ahead with a Dangerous Dog Hearing.

            The dog owners were not present, and the board discussed with the town administrator what the next course of action should be as there is no applicable fee in place. A hearing was scheduled for May 20.

            A sewer application waiver request was granted to the residents of 24 West Drive. They had requested two waivers for a tie in for two of the property’s houses. The first is for the installation of a 4-inch, Schedule 40 pipe that runs approximately 92 feet from both homes to the grinder pump. The second for the existing condition of the sewer pipes leaving the foundation with less than 3 feet of cover. The board mentioned an independent review may be necessary to analyze the site’s sewer compliance.

            The Board of Accessors had requested security fobs for access to the Town House after hours in preparation for the upcoming election. Currently, there is a limited number of key fobs. The three Select Board members agreed that elected officials should have access to the Town House. In the past, the board discussed there being numerous people with keys and there not being a registry of who possessed them. The board is apprehensive to allow for many other people to have keys due to security concerns of limiting the restriction.

            Members of the Board of Assessors was present to defend their request, with one saying, “I’m just going to get this off my chest. We are not essential personnel as far as security or public safety, but if we don’t get our work done, this town’s going down the drain because you’re not going to get tax rates set.”

            After much discussion, the Select Board allowed the Planning Board, Board of Accessors, and Board of Health or “any other elected official that has an office in the Town House” to have security fobs to enter the building after hours.

            The board then approved the appointment of Tom Drechsler as associate member of the Conservation Commission. An amendment was made to the Ever Auto Sales License to include a Doing Business As (DBA) on the license per RMV requirement. A Special One Day Alcohol Beverage License was granted to OCD Beverage Catering LLC for the Tri County Music Association Fundraiser on June 8 at Tabor Academy, where beer and wine will be served to approximately 300 people. The approval of the donation of a 2004, 14-foot Mercury Quicksilver Inflatable Boat from the Town of Rockland Fire Department was also approved.

            A discussion on the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer) Bylaw, to be voted on at the fall Town Meeting, was levied. Where pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency has notified the board of the necessity in notifying them of the status of the bylaw, they stated they need to see a complete MS4 Bylaw by April 21. The Select Board said the town would use October 20 as a placeholder date for fall Town Meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

MAC Auditions for Miss Witherspoon

on

The MAC Theater will be conducting auditions for the MAC’s August production of Miss Witherspoon, on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and on Sunday, May 4, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. The play, written by Tony award-winning playwright Christopher Durang will be directed by Kate Fishman.

            Miss Witherspoon is a hilariously thought-provoking comedy about a woman’s reluctant journey through reincarnation and the afterlife. The title character, Miss Witherspoon, has given up on life but finds herself caught in the “Bardo,” a cosmic waiting room. Guided – or rather prodded – by Maryamma, an unwavering yet kind South Asian woman, Miss Witherspoon confronts her resistance to reincarnation and learns unexpected lessons through her short-lived lives on earth. With biting wit and poignant moments, this play explores themes of mortality, growth, and redemption with a humorous touch.

            The nine performance dates are August 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 2025 with evening shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. More information, including a list of characters and descriptions, is available at www.marionartcenter.org/auditions.

Saint Gabriel’s Hosts Choral Evensong

on

Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church warmly invites the public to a special Choral Evensong on Sunday, April 27 at 5:00 pm at 124 Front Street, Marion.

            This beautiful and contemplative service, rooted in the Anglican tradition, will feature scripture, prayer, and sacred music offered by the Saint Gabriel’s choir. Choral Evensong is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and experience spiritual peace through timeless music and worship.

            All are welcome to attend this free event, regardless of faith background. For more information, please visit stgabrielsmarion.org or call 508-748-1507.

Helicopter Unavailable for Vaccine Distribution

on

The Marion Board of Health met on April 17 and began with a discussion on mosquito control and Rabies vaccinations. For mosquito control, locals can apply to have their wetland area sprayed; 500 acres in Marion and 50 acres in Rochester are eligible.

            The board then spoke on a letter regarding a variance approval and conditions of approval for 80 Delano Road. Chair John B. Howard MD stated “we don’t have to discuss that,” citing other municipal jurisdiction.

            There were septic updates from 15 West Avenue. The owner was present to discuss plans to add a bathroom in the space present above the garage and a plan to tie it into the current septic system. The house had been listed on Airbnb as a four-bedroom, though the septic tank is listed as a three-bedroom unit. The fourth room counted as a bedroom was discussed by the board to be below regulation height, being a 6-foot, 4-inch maximum ceiling height rather than the required 7-foot average. The owner stated the proposed bathroom would be used with the gym that is also located above the garage. The bathroom was confirmed by the board with the stipulation that the room be exclusively a lavatory, having just a sink and a toilet.

            There will be a farmers’ market at Washburn Park on Tuesdays in May through October, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

            For the orally administered and baited Rabies vaccine, there was originally a scheduled drop on May 5. However, the town has been notified there is no helicopter available for the spring distribution this year. The board was still unsure as to what the solution or method of baiting will be used. Hand baiting and distribution was discussed, though manpower is an issue.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is currently scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House.

Marion Board of Health

By Sam Bishop

Marion Planning Board

on

Dear Editor:

            Earlier this year, I filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) regarding the actions of my fellow Town of Marion Planning Board Members. My complaint relates to numerous occasions during the past several years when the male members had engaged in bullying behavior toward me during board meetings. The aggressive and abusive behavior consisted of shouting at me, interrupting me, ignoring me, and cutting me off, and ignoring my raised hand, all with the intent of silencing me. This misogynistic behavior was also directed at my female colleague on the board.

            My complaint against my fellow Board Members was submitted to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). It has been dismissed under “804 CMR 1.08 (1)(c) (2020)” for the reason that the Commission lacks jurisdiction over the parties or the subject matter of the complaint. I am aware that I retain the statutory right to file a lawsuit in Superior Court based on essentially the same claim.

            The leader of the Board (i.e., Chairperson) should possess both competency and humanity in their dealings with fellow Board Members and with the public, particularly in a town known for its beauty and history like Marion.

            There should be no difference in the treatment of Board Members based on gender. My only “offense” has been my attempt to provide competent and effective views in performing my job as a Board Member. I believe the abusive behavior I have experienced is directly linked to my gender, competency, and age.

            I am an 80-year-old woman. I graduated as a Government major from Smith College. I have taken thirty (30) Citizen Planning Training Collaborative courses and understand how town government and a planning board can work effectively for the benefit of all town residents.

            The abusive behavior has been stressful, demoralizing, and destructive both to me personally and to fellow Board Members. The abusive behavior of the Chair has consisted of talking over me, shouting at me, interrupting me, cutting me off, and ignoring my raised hand, effectively silencing me.

            A Boston attorney, Regina Ryan, was hired by the Town of Marion to deal with the public relations resulting from my complaints against fellow Board Members. Instead of rendering an objective criticism of the male members’ conduct toward me, she characterized their actions as a “robust exchange of ideas.”

            When a Town Administration engages a public relations attorney to produce a comprehensive report mitigating the perception of harassment and bullying perpetrated by male Board Members, it raises significant concerns regarding the efficacy of managerial practices within local government. Such an approach to addressing issues suggests a tendency to suppress rather than resolve underlying problems. Although her public relations report did, to some extent, momentarily mitigate the conduct of the male Board Members, it did not permanently eliminate the tendency of male Board Members to engage in misogyny, bullying, and ageism.

            I believe that the Superior Court would likely reach a conclusion with the same rationale that was provided by the MCAD in regard to my claim. Consequently, I have decided not to pursue this claim further, and I rest on the fact that I navigated this process with integrity and honor.

            Sincerely,

Eileen J. Marum, MPP, MPW, AB

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. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Mattapoisett Annual Town Meeting And Election Information

on

The Annual Town Meeting in Mattapoisett is scheduled for Monday, May 12 at 6:30 pm at the Old Rochester Regional High School Auditorium. Please arrive and check in early as we are hoping for a prompt start. The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at Old Hammondtown School. Polls will be open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Vote by mail ballots can be requested and will be available for mailing soon. Check the town website for more information. Please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-758-4100 x 2 with questions regarding these two important events.

Local Writers Monthly Meeting

on

A group of local writers meet once a month to share their writing and offer feedback. If you are interested in honing your writing and want to share a rough draft in a supportive setting, come join us.  No need to bring a piece of writing every time. Current members write mystery/crime, picture books, humor, memoir, etc.

            The group meets on the 4th Friday of each month (e.g., April 25, May 23, etc.) 10:15 am to 12:15 pm at the Mattapoisett Library’s basement-level Community Room, 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett.

Artists Honored for Exceptional Work at Art Show

on

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that artworks of 15 students from Old Rochester Regional High School were featured in the annual 9th Congressional District Art Show held at the Plymouth Center for the Arts on Friday, April 4.

            Three of those students from Old Rochester Regional High School received Honorable Mention recognition for their works of art. That’s out of a total of 199 works of art that were showcased in the 9th Congressional District Art Show, which featured welcoming remarks and award presentations by U.S. Congressman Bill Keating.

            MJ Brissette won an Honorable Mention in the painting category for his work, titled “My American Gothic.” Devyn Southern also won an Honorable Mention in the painting category for his work, titled “Devyn Devyn Devyn Devyn.”

            In the mixed media category, Owen Osterday won an Honorable Mention for a collage made from cardboard, called “Layers of Personality.”

            Also representing Old Rochester Regional High School were Georgia Bailey, Kelsi Chick, Sara Duane, Phoenix Ducharme, Eden Dupre, Lily Hinds, Cy Huggins, Varunyu Phimolmas, Lauren Sherpa, Madison Spangler, and Tessa Winslow.

            In his opening remarks, welcoming guests to the event, Congressman Keating emphasized the power of the arts to connect people across diverse backgrounds. Congressman Keating spoke thoughtfully about the artistic process as a vital form of communication, and he commended art educators for their role in fostering creativity and self-expression in students.

            Karen Wasielewski, Deputy District Director for Congressman Keating, has organized this celebration of student art for more than a decade.

            The reception for the event included light refreshments, providing attendees the chance to view the artwork, which was on display from April 4-6.

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll congratulated the artists and thanked Congressman Keating for hosting the art show, along with Wasielewski for organizing the event.

            “I am incredibly proud of our art students,” said Principal Devoll. “I’d like to congratulate all of them for their efforts to put their works on display as part of the Congressional District Art Show, and we also offer a special congratulations to our Honorable Mention winners. And thank you to Congressman Keating and his staff for hosting and organizing such an awesome event each year.”

            “These students, and our art teachers, have a deep commitment and passion for the arts. That’s very clear by just looking at the works they produce and the excitement that they express,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Thank you to Congressman Keating for hosting this event and for the opportunity it provides our art students to share their work with the community.

Sounds of the Past

on

The Sippican Choral Society is marking its 60th Birthday with a concert perfectly tuned to both its past and its legacy for quality choral musicianship.

            Its “Anniversary Celebration: 60s Songs for 60 Years” presentation will be performed at Wickendon Chapel, Tabor Academy, Marion, on May 4. The 41-member choral group will begin with the two musical selection that opened its first concert in 1965, pieces by Bach and Aaron Copeland. Then the concert will honor its birth year with 1960s tunes for the remainder of the event. Society president Kelli McSweeny said pop, folk, jazz and Broadway samplings including the works of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, and Antonio Carlos Jobin will be featured. “We wanted to honor the decade of the 60s,” she said, “and our first concert.”

            That concert, McSweeny said, was performed in 1965 in what was then the Bristol Auditorium at Old Rochester Regional High School. The group was then called the “Regional Civic Chorus” and consisted of 15 members, and it was part of the Tri-County Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the late John Pandolfi. It was renamed as the “Sippican Choral Society” in 1972. “It started as a small group,” she said, “made of people who wanted to start a local choral group. They were members of local church choir groups who wanted to start a group that did other than church music.”

            Jeanne Sheets, an alto voice in the group, has been a member of the choir for 26 years. “I grew up in a musical family and have been a singer my entire life,” she said. She recalled that a local “League of Women’s Voters” member, a tenor in the group, told her to join. She was hooked from the first rehearsal she attended. “I love the group,” she said. “I love the camaraderie. Love the singing. Love the practices.”

            Jerry Bardwell has been a tenor in the choir for 27 years. He said he’s loved singing since high school. He sang in the Navy Chorus when he served in the armed forces. He moved to Marion 30 years ago and joined the Sippican chorus soon afterwards. “I’m here for just the sheer joy of singing,” he said.

            He said he’s also there because of the valuable skills of the choir’s piano accompanist for the past 30 years, Michelle Gordon, and the director, Darry Dolezal “He brings out the artistry in our performances,” Bardwell said of Dolezal. “His persona is very relaxed. But he’s an expert. He knows what he wants from us. He can put something complex and turn it into language us non-professionals can understand and get a professional sound.”

            Bardwell noted the choral members have ranged in age from 14 to as old as the late 80s, and their concerts are always well-attended. The chapel, where the choir has performed the most times over the years, is usually 70-80 percent full, he said.

            “People here just want to be a part of a musical community,” he added. “We come here for the friends, the camaraderie and to share the gift of music.”

`           The Sippican Choral Society’s “Anniversary Celebration: 60s Songs for 60 Years” will be performed at Wickendon Chapel, Tabor Academy, 88 Spring St., Marion, on May 4 at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $20.00 general admission, $10.00 for Students, Free for Children 14 and under, and free to anyone born in 1965, the year of its founding. Tickets can be purchased at Marion General Store, Isabelle’s in Mattapoisett, Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth, from Choral Society members, at the door with cash or check, or online on the Society’s Tickets page.

By Michael J. DeCicco