Children’s Department at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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Voting Week for the Quahog Reading Program runs through Sunday, April 12. Readers who finished all 5 books in at least one group are invited to vote for their favorite book. Readers will receive one ballot for each group they completed. After voting, readers are encouraged to come back to the Children’s Desk and sign up for the Quahog Readers’ Pizza Party, where the winning books and winners of the prizes will be announced.

            Family Storytimes are happening every Thursday at 10:30 am, except for April 23, until May 14, where they will take a short recess.

            Baby Storytimes are happening every Friday at 10:30 am, except for April 24, until May 15, where they will take a short recess.

            Children who are crawlers through Pre-K are welcome to our Drop-In Play Group every Tuesday morning from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Children ages 5-10 are invited to Drop-In Play Club every Thursday from 3-4pm. Adult caretakers must stay with their young ones for the duration of the program – it’s a Drop-in Play Group, not Drop off.

            More information about all of our upcoming programs is available on our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or by calling 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

ArtWeek SouthCoast at the MAC

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ArtWeek SouthCoast returns to the Marion Art Center (the MAC) with six events during the regional festival scheduled May 8 to May 17. ArtWeek SouthCoast celebrates the arts by connecting innovative, creative, and affordable art and cultural events in communities across the region, from Fall River to Wareham. The MAC’s ArtWeek SouthCoast events are hands-on, interactive, and offered at low cost or for free. View all ArtWeek at the MAC events at marionartcenter.org/artweek.

            MTPI Presents “The Attorney-in-Fact” – MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator presents The Attorney-in-Fact, an original play by Philip Ardell, directed by Tony Ferreira, with support from WatermelonAlligator Theater Company. The MTPI program mentors emerging playwrights through the completion of their play. Mentors for the 2025-2026 MTPI season are Tony Ferreira and Harvey Ussach.

            Familiar themes emerge in this story about 82-year-old Milt and his son Tommy: relationships between aging parents and their adult children, navigating medical systems, and discovering new, unexpected ways to rely on others.

            Following each performance, there will be a talkback with the playwright, creative team, and cast. Performances are on Friday, May 8, 7:30 pm, Saturday, May 9, 7:30 pm and Sunday, May 10, 2:00 pm in the MAC Theater at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at marionartcenter.org/ArtWeek.

            Spin Into Spring. Community Bike Tune-up – Is your bike ready for the Tour de Crème or even just an enjoyable summer of getting back and forth to Silvershell Beach? If it needs a little attention after the long winter, bring it to the MAC.

            On Saturday, May 9 between 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, we’ll have experts on hand who can look your bike over and give it some TLC in the form of a brake adjustment, chain lubrication or – in the event of more serious issues – provide advice about repairs that should be addressed before hitting the road. Free, but advance booking is suggested as the event fills up fast. Held at the MAC – 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Book at marionartcenter.org/ArtWeek.

            Improv Workshop with Garrett Olson & Jess Wilson – Discover the art of improvisation in this fun, beginner-friendly course, exploring games and exercises in awareness, voice, movement, and the senses. Come ready to move, play, and ask questions—because in improv, anything can happen.

            The class is held on Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Register at marionartcenter.org/ArtWeek. The cost for MAC Members is $25 and for nonmembers, $30.

            Unplugged in the MAC Gallery with Matt Richard & Paul Del Nero – Experience an intimate concert in our upstairs gallery at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Featured artists include Paul Del Nero on bass and Matt Richard on piano. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing setting at this “unplugged” performance featuring mainly acoustic sound. There are two one-hour shows – one at 7:00 pm and one at 8:30 pm on Friday, May 15. Tickets are $15 for MAC members and $20 for nonmembers. Seats are limited and sell out quickly. They can be purchased at marionartcenter.org/ArtWeek.

            Poetry Reading and Tea with Ann E. Wallace and Elizabeth Sylvia: Join poets Ann E. Wallace and Elizabeth Sylvia for a reading of their new collections, where home, garden, and the natural world illuminate resilience, grief, and renewal. From intimate domestic spaces to verdant gardens across time and place, their work offers insight, tenderness, and the quiet power of nature. Coffee, tea, and sweets will be provided.

            The event is May 16, at 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. It is free, but registration is recommended. Read more about the poets and register at marionartcenter.org/ArtWeek. It will be held in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion.

            Paint & Sip Workshop with artist Barbara Healy – This popular annual event returns on Saturday, May 16 between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the MAC lawn at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. Learn the basics of painting with acrylics and taste some great wines for spring in this fun workshop with artist Barbara Healy. The cost is $40 for MAC members and $45 for nonmembers, and one must be at least 21 to register. All materials will be provided. Register online at marionartcenter.org/artweek.

Cushing Cemetery Meeting

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Cushing Cemetery is holding a meeting on April 18 at 10:00 am downstairs in the conference room at the town library. All Board members and Trustees are asked to attend. This meeting is opened to the public. Hope to see you there.

ORRJH Students Perform in SMMEA Junior District Festival

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After two days spent learning and rehearsing new music, 20 Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) students took to the stage at the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association (SEMMEA) Junior District Festival.

            Old Rochester musicians joined students from across southeastern Massachusetts for festival auditions in December, and qualifying performers gathered again on March 6 and 7 for two days of intensive music rehearsals in chorus, band or orchestra before performing in the concert.

            “We are incredibly proud of these 20 talented musicians for their remarkable achievement in being accepted to the SEMMEA Junior District Festival,” said ORRJHS Music Teacher Richard Laprise. “This accomplishment speaks to their dedication and all of their hard work. Having such a large group represent our school this year demonstrates the strength of our music program and the commitment of our students to excellence.”

            “The SEMMEA Junior District Festival pushes students to learn new music quickly and perform with peers they’ve just met,” said Principal Silas Coellner. “It has been inspiring to watch our students work together, rise to the challenge and perform so beautifully. We are proud they represented Old Rochester so well on stage.”

            The following seventh grade students performed at the Junior District Festival: Aja Boucher, Olivia Carrillo, Andrew Cody, Penelope Conley, Cadence Cordeiro, Emily Gherard, Tobias Revell, Aubrey Rivera, Emma Souza, Aaron Tanga, and Charles Whinnem.

            The following eighth grade students performed at the festival: Zachary Bellefeuille, Anthony Biscaia, Logan Bradshaw, John Eilertsen, Hannah Gomes, Griffin Hagan, Bridget Lee, Sophia Meleo, and Sophia Wilson. “We are thrilled that such a large number of Old Rochester students performed in the SEMMEA Junior District Festival,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Their commitment to this festival, from the time they first auditioned in December to the moment they stepped off the stage in March, has been very impressive.”

            Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) has approximately 1,500 members and provides leadership in professional development, advocacy, student assessment, opportunities for students, and providing a comprehensive, quality music for all students.

            MMEA is divided into five districts with a chair and an executive board for each district. Each of the districts organizes honor ensemble festivals and general music events. A percentage of students who participate in district festivals are eligible to audition for All-State honors ensembles.

Owners Hope to Reopen General Store

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            On March 7, it was announced on their Facebook page that the Marion General Store would be closed beginning April 1. Though it said the closure was temporary, there were questions as to how long the beloved and famed market would remain closed. That fated day came, and the store has been closed for about a week. We spoke with Whitney Wynne, daughter of longtime store owner Jack Cheney, to learn what’s going on with the staple of the town.

            Cheney bought the store over 50 years ago and has run it since. Having a long list of local Marionites as employee alumni, Jack had steered the ship of the General Store for over one third the total age of the town itself. Now, though, the family is charting another course.

            “Jack is stepping back,” Wynne told us on Tuesday, mentioning health concerns, stresses of running the business such as staffing, and the recent loss of their store manager Angela Rossi, whose last day was March 27.

            Generally, there is still a lot left to figure out, with Wynne adding, “we don’t have a lot of answers now, aside from the community updates.” She also said they’re playing out multiple scenarios. Currently, the family is looking for someone else to take the helm with them remaining owners. She said they haven’t had much luck yet but are hopeful an interested party will come forward.

            “Jack is done, but we have to keep the business here. We have to,” Wynne said. At worst, she said, they’ll look to sell the business with a clause that it must remain retail.

            Since the announcement last month and the official closing last week, Wynne said the family has been overwhelmed by the positive outcry of love and support. She said Jack has read all the messages and Facebook comments, and they leave him with big smiles. “The community has been amazing and humbling for Jack,” his daughter said. Whitney also mentioned they are planning another community update on their Facebook page in the next few days as the family further finalizes their plans.

            She again praised the community and the town as a whole. She stressed their main goal is to have the store reopened before the summer. “We’re doing our best to know what the next steps are but would like time and privacy to find the right fit,” she finished.

By Sam Bishop

Enrollment Down, Budgets Up

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            On April 2, the Mattapoisett Select Board met jointly with the Finance Committee, Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber to discuss the FY27 School Budgets.

            The two-hour meeting featured deep dives into funding sources and more than 20 pages of where funds are spent.           

            Barber reported a proposed FY27 Mattapoisett Schools (elementary) budget of $9,039,058, an estimated 4.9% increase over the FY26 local budget of $8,618,094. Barber proceeded to identify some of the “level” operational costs, while explaining the requirements of state law and pay raises resulting from collective bargaining. There are also scenarios of staff replacement in particular teaching positions that mitigate the overall result with new teachers earning less.

            The proposed FY27 budget for Mattapoisett’s portion of ORR Schools is $6,484,945, a 5.75% increase over the FY26 budget to which Select Board Chairman Tyler Macallister expressed concern. He disagreed that the town’s stabilization fund, paid into by the town’s taxpayers, should be sourced to address what he defined as the school district’s problems.

            The basic question coming back from elected officials was one that has been asked on an annual basis: If enrollment is trending downward, why are expenses rising?

            Mattapoisett’s share of the FY27 Old Colony operating budget is proposed at $824,922.

            “We feel that we have been working within the financial parameters that Mr. (Mike) Lorenco (town administrator) has set for the schools in terms of ultimately reporting to the school committee,” said Nelson, who noted the ORR School Committee’s approval of the proposed ORR Schools budget and the then-upcoming vote of the Mattapoisett School Committee of the town’s elementary-schools budget scheduled for Tuesday, April 7.

            Several times during the meeting Finance Committee members returned to the matter of school enrollment and questioned why decreasing enrollment did not equate to a smaller budget. No conclusions were forthcoming, but Nelson also referred to an increase in Kindergarten enrollment with 58 new students currently enrolled.

            Finance Committee member Paul Amoruso asked if the local schools had given any further consideration to merging Old Hammondtown and Center School and asked the school administrators to come up with a plan for the committee’s consideration.

            “Just for the record, we fully cooperated with the Collins study when that was initiated by the town several years ago. We provided every bit of information they wanted, we sat in every meeting, every discussion. We held presentations for the public. Very few if any from the public came to hear it,” said Nelson, recalling five options having been presented to the Select Board and School Committee with associated cost estimates. “We’re happy to participate in that process again, whatever that may look like … I want to be clear, the (ORR) administration and the School Committee fully participated.”

            Lest he sound defensive on the matter, Nelson clarified his response being for the sake of the public record. He later noted that he has ongoing correspondence with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco and said he wishes to comment on those matters when Lorenco can be present. (Lorenco provided some of the financial figures for this article.)

            There was pushback from the Select Board regarding the increase in school budgets with Jordan Collyer saying he could not accept the budgets and would not give them an affirmative vote. Aaron Goldberg, a Finance Committee member, said, “We need an honest effort, a hard look…” at the budgets.

            Also on the agenda was a previously continued, dangerous dog hearing. After careful consideration by the Select Board over the course of two meetings, it was confirmed via vote that Rocco of Cathaway Road must be leashed at all times by owner Mark Brogoli when in the public, must be remained behind adequate fencing, but does not need to be muzzled.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board did not announce the date of its next meeting.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Happenings at the Rochester Historical Museum

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Coming soon will be our first Rochester Historical Society meeting of 2026 at the Historical Museum at 355 County Road, Rochester at 7:00 pm on April 15. After a short business meeting, Mac Phinney and Howie Smith will present a program on their research on where and when Wareham men fought in the Revolution. This will be very similar to Rochester men as the two towns were very close both geographically and historically. Mac will also share how genealogy provided information on his 7-times great grandfather, John Gault, a Revolutionary War Veteran.

            In addition, there will be information that has been sent to me by Cornelia Dougall on the genealogical background of William Sherman, one of the Revolutionary soldiers from Rochester who is buried in the Rochester Center Cemetery.

Poet, Ann Wallace, to Speak at Sippican Woman’s Club

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The Sippican Woman’s Club is especially pleased to announce that in observance of National Poetry Month, their April speaker will be Ann Wallace, Poet Laureate Emeritus of Jersey City, and author of recently published Keeping Room, her third book of poetry. The title of her presentation is “Writing My Way Through,” regarding her own redemptive experiences of coping, by means of the writing process, with ovarian cancer, multiple sclerosis and Long Covid, as well as loss and grief. Hope, love, and strength, often found through nature, are the take-aways from her work. Her books will be available for purchase.

            Wallace grew up in Marion, graduated from ORR, received her undergraduate degree in art from Drew University, her Master’s in Women’s Studies from Rutgers, and her Doctorate in English Literature from The City University of New York. She is Professor of English at New Jersey City University. A lover of nature and gardening, she is also a host and producer of a monthly podcast for The Native Plant Society of New Jersey called “The Wild Story: A Podcast of Poetry and Plants.”

            The program, to be held at the Club’s home, Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front St., on Friday, April 10, will begin at 7:00 pm, preceded by a light supper at 6:00 pm. Guests are very welcome.

OCRVTHS Learn CPR Through Partnership With RFD

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Nearly 150 Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School freshmen recently learned CPR through training provided by the Rochester Fire Department, giving students life-saving skills they could use in an emergency.

            A total of 148 freshmen participated in the annual training, which is built into the school’s curriculum to ensure every student learns the fundamentals of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

            Firefighters from the Rochester Fire Department worked with students to demonstrate CPR techniques and provide practical instruction designed to prepare them to respond during medical emergencies.

            “This training gives students real skills that could help them save a life in an emergency,” said Superintendent Aaron Polansky. “We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the Rochester Fire Department and their commitment to making sure our students are prepared to help others.”

Town Meeting Warrant Closed

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To the Editor:

            Re “Town Meeting Warrant Closed” (news article, The Wanderer, April 2):

            The Island Wharf green space is not an incidental parcel of land; it is protected ground, bound by a clear and enduring legal and moral commitment. The 1901 Deed to the Town of Marion explicitly mandates that this land be used “for public purposes only and not for commercial purposes.” That language is neither vague nor optional. It is a binding covenant that defines the character and limits of how this land must be treated.

            For generations, this grassy area has been understood and used as a Town Park. That understanding is not merely tradition; it is reinforced in official policy. The recently approved Marion Open Space and Recreation Plan formally recognizes Island Wharf as part of the town’s open space and recreation inventory. By definition and by law, this land is intended for passive public use, not commercial exploitation.

            And yet, over time, that protected green space has been steadily diminished. A bandstand was installed. A paved parking area was carved out. MS4 stormwater swales were added. A new Harbormaster building was constructed. While each of these changes may have offered some public benefit, together they have eroded the very open space the deed was meant to preserve. The cumulative effect is undeniable: the green space has been shrinking, piece by piece.

            Now, what remains is under direct threat. The use of this land as a parking lot for non-residents and as overflow workspace for commercial operations is not a minor encroachment; it is a direct violation of the deed’s covenants and a fundamental breach of the land’s intended purpose. This is not open space. It is a misuse.

            The consequences are not only legal; they are physical and immediate. With each passing season, cars, boat trailers, commercial trucks, and heavy equipment encroach further onto the grass. The land is compacted, damaged, and stripped of its ability to serve as a place for passive recreation. At the same time, the presence of heavy machinery in what should be a public park creates an obvious and unacceptable risk to public safety. Parkland should never double as an industrial staging ground.

            The events of Tuesday, March 31, 2026, make this situation even more troubling. During the Select Board meeting to close the Town Meeting Warrant for May 11, Articles 2 through 30 were approved with little deliberation. But when Article 31, concerning the transfer of this very parcel of land, was reached, the process broke down. This article directly involved land governed by the 1901 deed, land that must remain dedicated to public, non-commercial use.

            When Mr. Hills proposed transferring the land to the Parks Department, an action that would have reinforced its status as protected parkland, Mr. Parker immediately rejected the proposal. His response was swift and unequivocal: “I don’t support that.” He then moved to remove the article from the Warrant entirely. Only Mr. Hills voted to preserve the article and allow the issue to be decided by the residents of Marion.

            That decision did more than halt a proposal; it denied the public their rightful voice. Removing the article from the Warrant effectively stripped Marion residents of the opportunity to vote on the future of land that belongs to them and is legally designated for their benefit. This is not representative governance; it is the suppression of public participation in a matter of public trust.

            The facts are clear. The intent of the 1901 deed is clear. The ongoing damage to the land is visible and accelerating. Allowing commercial use and vehicle storage on this parkland is not only unlawful; it is a betrayal of the town’s obligations and its shared heritage.

            Island Wharf must be protected, restored, and respected as the public park it was always meant to be. Anything less is a failure to uphold both the law and the responsibility entrusted to the Town of Marion over a century ago.

            Sincerely,

Eileen J. Marum, Marion

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.