Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship Fund

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Tri-Town Against Racism (TTAR) is honored to announce the establishment of the Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship Fund, a tribute to Lisa’s unwavering commitment to social justice and her instrumental role in the early formation of TTAR.

            Lisa was a passionate advocate for racial equity and believed deeply in the power of education to foster an anti-racist community in the Tri-Town. Her dedication to social justice, learning, and action inspired others to do the same, and her legacy continues to inspire us all.

            To honor Lisa’s memory, this scholarship will be awarded to a student of color attending school in the Tri-Town who embodies the values she championed, such as her passion for volunteerism.

            Lisa’s work lives on in all of us, and through this scholarship, we hope to empower the next generation of leaders committed to equity and change.

            The Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship seeks to support a student who reflects both academic commitment and a deep dedication to community service. This scholarship is intended for a student who has actively volunteered in their community and who identifies as a student of color, including those who are biracial or who may be perceived as racially diverse. By recognizing students who have demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others, this scholarship aims to invest in individuals whose experiences and service strengthen and enrich their communities.

            Student Criteria: $1,500, All students attending schools in the Tri-Town (Mattapoisett, Marion, or Rochester. ORRHS, Old Colony, Tabor, School Choice, or Home Schoolers who live in the Tri-Town.

            Essay: 1-2 pages, 12pt. Times New Roman, 1.5 sp. Or a four-to-five-minute video outlining their volunteerism and commitment to social justice. The essay or video should provide evidence of commitment to community and social justice, such as describing the applicant’s involvement, values, and experiences related to equity and advocacy.

            Documentation of participation in social justice–focused activities, which may include attendance at workshops, programs, community events, or school initiatives related to social justice.

            Proof of at least 10 hours of community service, which can be demonstrated through:

            A signed service log or certificate confirming the number of hours volunteered.

            Email confirmation or official documentation from a supervisor or program coordinator verifying participation.

            Two letters of recommendation from the organization(s) where the service was completed, or from a teacher, mentor, coach, or other significant person with knowledge of your volunteerism.

            Applications are due no later than April 30, 2026. Decisions will be announced on May 14, 2026.

            Applications should be emailed to info@tritownagainstracism.org. All supporting documents should be in one PDF file.

            Upon approval: 10-hour volunteer commitment to TTAR over an academic year.

            Actual scholarship money will receive the scholarship money after the first semester, upon proof of successful matriculation at an accredited institution.

Rochester Historical Society News

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Finally, it is April and the Historical Society season is ready to go. On April 15, we will have our first meeting followed by Mac Phinney and Howie Smith who will be presenting a program on how they used genealogy to help them learn about ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.

            We’ll also have packets for anyone interested in doing research on either their own relations or any one of our Rochester Revolutionary War veterans.

            Our first meeting of the year is always a good time to get together after the winter and chat over refreshments following the program. We hope to see you there.

Marion COA Receives Grant

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 The Marion Council on Aging has received a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter to launch a new weekly movement class for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

            The “Mindful Movement” class will be held Thursdays at 10 a.m. at the Council on Aging, 465 Mill St., and will be led by Linda Vivino, a certified yoga instructor who specializes in working with people with Parkinson’s.

            The program is designed to help participants improve balance, mobility and coordination through accessible yoga, functional movement and guided breathing. Exercises are offered in both seated and standing formats to accommodate varying mobility levels.

            In addition to the physical benefits, the class provides social connection, helping participants stay connected and avoid the isolation that can come with Parkinson’s.

            “We are grateful to the APDA Massachusetts Chapter for their support in bringing this vital resource to our community,” said COA Director Karen Gregory. “These classes are designed to help people with Parkinson’s reconnect with the joy of movement while meeting their daily challenges with compassion.”

            The class is open to people living with Parkinson’s disease and is not limited to just Marion residents.

            For more information or to register, contact the Marion Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.

William Dale Jones

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It is with great sadness that the family of William Dale Jones announces his passing at Charlton Hospital in Fall River on January 17 at the age of 85.

Born at Morton Hospital in Taunton on November 6, 1940, he was the son of William Richard Jones and Jennie Mae (MacLeod) Jones.

Upon graduating from Hopewell School and Taunton High School, Dale studied Marine and Electrical Engineering at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). 

Upon graduation, Dale served in the Merchant Marine, sailing to many ports in Europe and South America from various cities along the East Coast, as well as from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. He later worked at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipyard, building nuclear submarines.

Dale was a registered professional engineer employed by Raytheon in North Dighton, Wayland, MA, and Portsmouth, RI, working on anti-ballistic systems. Later, he worked with Braincon in Marion, where he helped develop the Type 120 V-Fin Towed Underwater Vehicle, designed to enclose a sonar transducer.

Next, he was an engineer with Thompson Consultants, also in Marion. Along with many assignments, he primarily worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he became familiar with the entire facility. He was President of the South Coast Chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers. 

Dale was later hired by Princess House as their Plant Manager. He later purchased their metal fabrication, plating, and powder coating operation and relocated it to the Fall River Industrial Park.

Dale served on the Designer Selection Board for Massachusetts, which selected designers for the Commonwealth’s buildings. He pursued his master’s degree in business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he later served on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Foundation. 

As an active member of the Marion community, he was a founding member of the volunteer EMS Association. He served for 40 years as an EMT and volunteer firefighter, Emergency Management Director, CPR Instructor, member of the Water Board, Chairman of the Police Station Building Committee, and member of the Sippican School Building Committee. Dale was a dedicated Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 32, where he taught many merit badges, including First Aid. He was a Scout Leader at the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1989. He was also a Hunter Safety Instructor and was a member of the Masonic Pythagorean Lodge in Marion. He enjoyed his time as a crossing guard at Sippican School right up until his hospitalization.

In retirement, he was able to concentrate on his tinkering, drafting new designs, and producing gadgets.

Throughout the years, Dale’s classmates have remained very close. Dale was an active member of the MMA Alumni Association throughout his lifetime, serving as the President of the Board of Directors. His MMA classmates were like brothers as they lived together on their training ship, USTS Bay State, for three years. His Taunton High School and MMA reunions were definite highlights of his life. Academy reunions have continued for over 60 years, with classmates and their wives maintaining close relationships to this day.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean (Packard) Jones, and his two sons, William Carlton Jones (Alice Lee) and Richard Dale Jones (Andrea Dolezal), cousins Sandy Schwaab (Shirley) and Roderick MacLeod (Michelle), and nephew David Carlton Packard (Melina Molina Packard).

He adored his grandchildren, William Alexander Jones, Eleanor Frances Jones, and Luke Zachary Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Fire Department or the American Red Cross. 

The funeral service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at 10 AM on April 11. There will be a reception at the Marion Music Hall immediately following the service.  

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, Taunton.

For online family register please visit www.hathawayfunerals.com

‘Structural Imbalance’ in Budget

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            The Rochester Select Board and the Finance Committee met Monday to discuss ways to address a problematic town budget proposal for FY27.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant started with a slideshow presentation, laying out the facts. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $27,900,000, but the town is facing $29,200,000 in department requests at the same time it projects revenues for FY27 to be only $900,000 higher than in FY26, which saw a $27,200,000 budget.

            This means the town is facing a “structural imbalance” gap of $1,400,000, Durant said. “This is not a town mistake,” he said. “There is a structural budget imbalance across the commonwealth.”

            Budget cuts that are already being proposed leave officials with $134,000 remaining to further ax to get to balanced spending for FY27, he said. The town-side cuts include $606,661 trimmed from staffing and variety of departments. The Rochester Memorial School budget is eliminating four staff positions.

            But the town has to pay $240,000 in out-of-district placement tuition budget for Special Education students living in Rochester, he said, and $716,000 for the Old Rochester Regional School District health-insurance debt.

            The town has to decide where these additional cuts will come from, Durant said as he laid out the main sticking points and cautions. The town has $2,100,000 in its “free cash” account, but there are already large commitments to spend those funds for FY27, he noted. He cautioned against using more free cash too freely. “Using one-time (free cash) funds cannot solve a structural problem,” he said. “The issue is generating new revenue and living within our means. The art is how do make it work for our budget needs?”

            Rochester resident and retired school superintendent Dr. Kristine Nash cautioned the state circuit-breaker reimbursement program for special education costs does not guarantee how much money the town will get from the state, as the formula only reimburses “up to” 75% of transportation, which does not apply to residential out-of-district placements.

            Durant’s main suggestion of the night was that the town allocate all of the free cash into specific uses, or “buckets,” so the fund will be used only for specific future spending. Finance Committee member David Arancio’s main message of the night was, “we focus our energies on what would work best for the town, not just the budget line by line.”

            No decisions came out of this joint meeting before the Finance Committee moved to review department budgets, but Durant promised a more refined budget proposal for the April 6 Select Board meeting. The FY27 budget will be voted on by residents at the Annual Town Meeting on May 18.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board was not scheduled at adjournment.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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Spring into April with the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, this month.

            Do you need some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Example topics include basic email assistance or help accessing Libby and Hoopla, the library’s eBook and audiobook platforms. Not sure? Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

            Students in grades 9-12 are invited to our monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00 pm. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an action-oriented group of students who work to integrate their youthful voices into MFPL’s services, programming, goals, and communications. New members are always welcome.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 6:00 pm in the Marine Room. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends will continue accepting jewelry donations for their December 2026 sale. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s used Book Sale is on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Book donations will be accepted on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm in the library’s meeting room.

            This month’s Silent Book Club meets on Sunday, April 12, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up – no registration required.

            Join K&A Creations for a step-by-step painting lesson on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. Create a lovely lemon tree, or do your own thing. All materials are included. For adults 18 and up. Space is limited. Registration is required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            Join performer and educator Stephen Collins for an engaging evening exploring the life and work of Robert Frost through a blend of storytelling and performance. This event will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm in the library’s meeting room.

            Did you know April is “Financial Literacy Month?” On Saturday, April 18, at 1:00 pm, visit the Mattapoisett Library with for Economic Empowerment Hour. Teens can learn essential skills like understanding credit and how to write a check. No registration required.

            Join Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Mattapoisett Library on Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 pm. Sheryl Faye will portray the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in her one-woman show. All adults are welcome. No registration required.

            Our Sunday Book Club meets on April 19 at 2:00 pm. They are reading My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Copies are available at the library. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00 pm. Come with friends and family or drop by solo to have some table-top fun. Bring your own games or play some of ours. No registration required.

            In honor of America’s 250th year, teens and tweens are invited to join us for a screening of the award-winning musical, Hamilton, on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 pm. No registration is required and free snacks.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group regularly meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 PM in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for April 22. This month’s book is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America by Colin Woodard. Copies will be available at the library. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Escape from the terrible thicket by mixing potions and translating fairy messages to find your way out. This dynamic escape room event is on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 am for families and 1:00 pmfor teens. Space is limited. Registration is required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            Come to the Mattapoisett Library for an afternoon with Anita Diamant on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 pm. Anita Diamant is a prolific and award-winning author of fiction, non-fiction, and essay collections. Some of her notable titles include The Red Tent and The Boston Girl. This event is free and open to all.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Marion Selected for Regional Pilot Program to Develop Historic Preservation Plan

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The Town of Marion will develop a comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan with support from the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD), following the Town’s selection to receive technical assistance through a competitive regional program.

            The Marion Historical Commission announces that SRPEDD will lead the project as part of a pilot initiative intended to guide similar efforts in other communities. SRPEDD staff will work closely with the Commission over the next 18 months to complete the plan.

            The plan acts as a roadmap, integrating heritage protection with growth management. The Massachusetts Historical Commission recommends that every city and town should have such a plan.

            Key components of the plan will include an updated survey and inventory of historic resources, recommended preservation strategies and tools, and a framework built around community priorities. The document will also support future planning efforts, including integration with Marion’s master planning initiatives.

            The Historical Commission sought and received approval from the Select Board earlier this year to move forward with the project.

            “We are delighted that the project was approved and look forward to having this important project completed for us,” said Meg Steinberg, Chair of the Historical Commission. “In addition to our ongoing survey and progress on National Register nominations, this plan will give us a framework for future endeavors to protect Marion’s historic character and architectural significance.”

ORRHS Drama Club & FORM Concerts

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Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 is proud to celebrate the success of three performances starring student musicians, vocalists and actors, including two March concerts presented by Friends of Old Rochester Music (FORM) and an ORR Drama Club production of “The Proposal.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, High School Principal Michael Devoll, Junior High Principal Silas Coellner, Rochester Memorial School Principal Heidi Letendre, Sippican School Principal Lynn Dessert, and Old Hammondtown School Principal Stephanie Wells served as masters of ceremonies for the concerts. They thanked FORM for supporting student musicians throughout the district and the teachers who orchestrated the three productions.

            FORM welcomed the community for two nights of extraordinary student performances as part of the 2025-26 Concert Series, including the FORM Choral Concert on March 10 and the FORM Instrumental Concert on March 17.

            Both concerts, which raise money for FORM music scholarships, featured chorus and band performances by students from Old Hammondtown School, Rochester Memorial School, Sippican Elementary School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School and Old Rochester Regional High School.

            “Each of these concerts showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our student musicians from across all of our schools,” said Principal Devoll. “It was especially meaningful to see students of all ages come together and perform at such a high level for the community.”

            These events are partially funded by donations to FORM, which is now celebrating 43 years of scholarship awards for graduating seniors. Using private fundraisers to support special events, programming, transportation and musical instrument purchases, FORM provides opportunities for young musicians beyond the regular school district budget.

            The concerts also highlighted the collaborative efforts of music educators throughout the district, whose instruction and mentorship help students develop their skills and confidence on stage.

            Donations for FORM can be made by mail, with checks sent to P.O. Box 1143, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. To learn more, email FORM@OldRochester.org.

 or visit FriendsOfOldRochesterMusic.org.

            The March FORM concerts also offered an opportunity for students and the community to celebrate Hannah Moore and Patricia Richard as they retire from their roles as music directors at Sippican School. Moore is retiring as the Instrumental Music Director and Richard is retiring as the Choral Music Director.

            “We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Moore and Ms. Richard for their years of dedication to our students and music programs,” said Sippican School Principal Lynn Dessert. “Their impact will be felt for years to come through the many students they have inspired.”

            Future FORM concerts include “A Night of Jazz” scheduled for 6:00 pm on April 14 at Old Rochester Regional High School, along with the Spring Concert set to be held at the high school at 6:00 pm on May 20, and the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Spring Concert at 6:00 pm on May 20.

            The production of “The Proposal” presented by the ORR Drama Club was also a tremendous success.

            The ORR Drama Club first performed its modern adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s one-act comedy as part of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) High School Drama Festival on February 28 at Joseph Case High School, before presenting a home performance at ORR High School on March 6.

            “We are proud of our students for their creativity, hard work and willingness to take on the challenges of live theater,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Jaime Curley. “Opportunities like this allow students to grow not only as performers, but as confident individuals.”

            “The arts play an important role in helping students develop critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills,” said Shari Fedorowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. “These performances are a reflection of both student effort and the strong support provided by our educators.”

            “These events highlight the strength of our arts programs across the district and the dedication of both our students and staff,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “We are grateful to FORM, our educators and our community for continuing to support these opportunities for our students.”

James R. Porter

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James R. Porter, age 86, of Fall River, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Marguerite (Parrish) “Margo” Porter to whom he has been married for the past 32 years.

            Born in Lynn, a son of the late Albert M. P. and Annie M. (Goldrick) Porter, he spent his youth in New Bedford, lived in Mattapoisett for many years before moving to Fall River 35 years ago.

            A graduate of New Bedford High School, James went on to graduate from Bridgewater State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He built a career as a science teacher with the Fairhaven School Department for many years.

            James was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla in Marion for over 30 years. He was an avid reader, focusing on boats, trains, and airplanes. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his family.

            Along with his wife, he is survived by his children: Kevin Porter of Mattapoisett, Andrea Porter-Lopez and her husband Antonio of Portland, OR, Karen Gheesling and her husband Dominick of Milwaukie, OR, Marc Bertoncini of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Michael Bertoncini of Freetown, MA, his grandchildren, Diego Lopez, Xavier Bertoncini, Lily May Bertoncini, Eli Bertoncini, Jaxon Bertoncini, Tristin DiCambra and Samantha DiCambra, his brother, John Porter and his wife Linda of Florida, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Albert Porter.

            A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840 followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River.

            In lieu of flowers, contributions in James’ honor can be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Continuing Education Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to offer a continuing education scholarship of $1500 to a Mattapoisett resident who is reentering the academic world after graduation and is in pursuit of a postsecondary degree, certificate, or career advancing coursework. The application is available online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org. All applications must be postmarked by May 31. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that plans and executes fund-raising events including the Taste of the Town and the biennial garden tour to help generate the revenue for these scholarships and other charitable donations. These scholarships are intended to support the club’s belief in the importance of education and to demonstrate its grateful dedication to the community. Membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is open to any woman who is interested in the objectives of the organization.