Hartley Leaves Impactful Legacy

on

            Former Rochester Memorial School teacher and soon-to-be former Rochester and Old Rochester School Committee Chair Sharon Hartley is retiring from education after more than 50 years jam-packed with accomplishments that took her far beyond her local roots.

            The Mattapoisett native is soft-spoken and humble, yet obviously proud of achievements that include becoming principal of two Cape Cod elementary schools, one of which was new and that she helped establish, and also serving in Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Murphy’s office working on education-reform measures.

            Hartley said her career started as an elementary school teacher at Rochester Memorial School from 1973 to 1988. After 15 years of teaching at Rochester Memorial School, she applied for and was granted sabbatical leave. Consequently, in 1988 she joined a program at Boston College called “Women in Politics and Government.” During that program, she served as an Education Coordinator on Murphy’s “Blueprint 2000” team, responsible for research and analysis of educational issues and collecting feedback from legislators and educational leaders. She traveled throughout the Commonwealth with Murphy to hear testimony from citizens regarding the needs of schools and to assist with understanding educational issues.

            “My time in the State House was very exciting,” Hartley recalls. “I learned a lot from the Lieutenant Governor and her staff, and I was inspired to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education at UMass Boston.”

            While at UMass Boston, Hartley worked as an educational specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Education in the area of teacher licensure and later was hired as associate director of a program providing professional-development programs for teachers.

            After she earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1993, it still was not time for her to stop and rest.

            “I wanted to return to public schools,” she said.

            Hartley became the principal of Harwich Elementary School and, a few years later, was hired as the principal of an elementary school in the Dennis-Yarmouth School District that was still under construction. In this role, she worked with the Building Committee, helping with decisions about design and furnishings. Hartley was also tasked with interviewing and hiring the staff for the school of 600 students. Hartley became the school’s first principal and stayed for 12 years. It was to be the foremost school in the area for technology, she said.

            While establishing that school and her staff, Hartley designed a team-building retreat and took the staff to a local Coast Guard station for a unique and significant professional-development experience. “The process of guiding the beginnings of this school was an incredible and exciting challenge,” she said, “and I learned a lot about how important leadership and team building is to the success of a school.”

            Not that this lesson was removed from her philosophy from the beginning, Hartley said that, from a young age, she believed that education’s most important goals are expressing care toward children and inspiring teachers. She always wanted to be an educator, mentioning teaching her dolls as a young child.

            So, it’s no surprise that she eventually returned to her Tri-Town roots in education. In 2005, she was elected to the Rochester Memorial School Committee. In 2007, she was appointed to the Rochester Building Committee to help create an addition to Memorial School. In that role, she represented the Rochester School Committee and helped shepherd that addition to completion. For that effort, she earned regional media recognition.

            All along, Hartley’s focus has been caring for and inspiring students and teachers.

            “Through the years, I have been committed to the importance of collegiality and building relationships among the adults in schools,” she said. “It’s the spirit and the caring attitude of the staff that has a significant impact on students, as well as on the school’s quality and character. I value the environment of the educational community in our schools. It’s the caring adults in this school system that have made the difference for our students.”

By Michael J. DeCicco

Tri-County Symphonic Band

on

On Sunday, June 8, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, directed by Philip Sanborn, will be under the Grand Tent at Tabor Academy for its Annual Pops Concert to benefit the John R. Pandolfi Music Scholarship Fund. The band will also collaborate with the South Coast Children’s Chorus, adding their abundant talents to our homage to the program entitled “An Animated Afternoon.” A special appearance by Sippican School’s own jazz group – The A-Minors – will be featured during the social hour before the concert.

            This year’s concert will be all about animation as the TCSB shines the spotlight on the music from such “drawn” classics as “Fantasia,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Incredibles” to name a few. We hope to inspire the cartoon buff in us all as we tip our hats to some of the finest music from these animated feature productions. Catering will be provided by On the Go catering.

            Doors will open at 12:00 noon. The music starts at 2:00 pm and social hour at 1:00 pm. The grand tent, with ample space and excellent ventilation on all sides, is virtually an open-air concert venue.

            General Admission Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth, The Marion General Store or online at www.tricountysymphonicband.org/ General Admission Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $50 each.

Rochester Republican Town Committee

on

The Rochester Republican Town Committee will hold its June meeting at the Ponderosa Sportsman Club, 242 Robinson Rd, Acushnet, on Monday, June 9, at 6:30 pm. The guest speaker will be Jared Valanzola, Plymouth County Commissioner. All are welcome to attend.

Mattapoisett Library Director

on

The Trustees of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library are pleased to announce the appointment of Jenny Martin as the new Library Director. Coming to Mattapoisett from Argyle, TX, Martin brings over twenty years of library experience and a demonstrated history of success in library administration, community engagement, and strategic planning.

            Martin’s most recent role was as Librarian at Northwest ISD, where she was responsible for managing the campus library and auxiliary labs and learning spaces. She is also an accomplished author, with two novels published by Penguin Random House, and has served as Director of Outreach for the Dallas-Fort Worth Writers’ Workshop.

            Martin holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

            The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is eager to welcome Martin, effective June 10, 2025, as its new Library Director. The library is dedicated to providing a wide range of resources and services to the residents of Mattapoisett and the surrounding communities, and to serving as a community hub that fosters a love of reading and lifelong learning.

            Jenny Martin had the following to say when asked about her appointment to the position,

“I cannot wait to step into this role and become another small part of this beloved library’s story. And I am certain that working with the staff and residents of Mattapoisett will become a wonderfully important part of mine.”

MLT Community Service Award Winner

on

Caitlin O’Donnell, Honors Valedictorian at Old Rochester Regional High School, daughter of John and Julie O’Donnell, Mattapoisett, is the recipient of the Mattapoisett Land Trust one-thousand-dollar Community Service Award, granted seldomly.

            With Caitlin’s extraordinary skills and expertise in google documents she was able to create a supercharged powerful presentation depicting Land Trusts properties, visual images, video, graphics. She brought quality and new technology to the Land Trust.

            As our student delegate to the Board of Directors and the Education Committee, you would find Caitlin at as many MLT events and programs as were planned.

            At Munro Property she assisted in the ‘Jazz Music in the Park’ for the MLT/Southeastern Educational Collaborative for children with special needs.

            For our Fiftieth Anniversary celebration, consisting of local community members, politicians, and original founders, she volunteered for long hours to help serve over 100 Adults.

            During a Sunflower Life cycle program held at Dunsieth Property, Caitlin worked closely with 52 second grade children, in an outdoor classroom setting. She exhibited great care and attention to the young children.

            Mary Cabral, MLT Director and Education Co-Chair, says Caitlin brings vitality, creativeness and is “matured beyond her years.” “Her level of intelligence, quiet leadership and kindness are the qualities that are most admirable.”

            Karen Browning, Math teacher and Community Service-Learning advisor, said “Caitlin is able to observe, listen and figure out what needs to be done, and is flexible.”

            “Ms. O’Donnell has been invaluable to the workings of the MLT. She has demonstrated skills of the upmost quality and responsibility,” said Ellen P. Flynn, Former MLT Director.

            Wendy Copps, Director, says “Caitlin has been a tremendous asset and offers a valuable perspective.”

            The Land Trust is thrilled to present the Community Service Award to Caitlin and looks forward to hearing about life at the University of Michigan.

School Wellness Champions

on

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 were recognized for achieving Massachusetts School Wellness Champion status for meeting the requirements of the School Wellness Initiative for Thriving Community Health (SWITCH).

            The SWITCH program is a statewide initiative for supporting and advancing wellness efforts for Massachusetts students, schools, and communities. The program promotes healthy school meals, physical activity for students, quality physical education, and better health outcomes for students.

            The SWITCH program is sponsored by the Massachusetts School Wellness Coalition, a group of dedicated stakeholders that includes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Office for Food and Nutrition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and the School Nutrition Association of Massachusetts, along with other agencies, institutes and nonprofits.

            Represented by Director of School Food and Nutrition Jill Henesey, the Districts were recognized on May 23 at the Healthy Kids, Healthy Programs Summit for updating and maintaining a local wellness policy. The event featured a keynote speech delivered by state Rep. Andy Vargas, who represents the 3rd Essex District.

            Henesey and District Nurse Coordinator Nicole Reedy, who is a school nurse at Old Rochester Regional High School, worked together this year with a DESE school wellness specialist and a school wellness coach to update the districts’ policy in accordance with the state program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

            The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 Wellness Program Policy was approved by the Joint School Committee on May 8. Click here for the District Wellness Program Policy.

            The District Wellness Committee is now working to install volunteers to serve on the committee. The committee holds four daytime meetings per year. The District Wellness Committee may be composed of parents, high school students, members of school committees, school administrators, teachers, health professionals, physical education teachers and members of the public.

            “There will be representation from each building and each town, school committee,

community members and parents/guardians,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley, who participated in the committee’s meetings this year. “We have solicited volunteers for the committee, and we are now in the final stages of confirming members and meeting dates for the 2025-26 school year. Together, we are committed to providing school environments that promote and protect students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting lifelong habits of healthy eating, and physical activity.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson commended Director of School Food and Nutrition Jill Henesey, District Nurse Coordinator Nicole Reedy, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley and others who helped update the local wellness policy. Superintendent Nelson thanked them for putting the District Wellness Committee on a sustainable path, as it provides a healthy framework for the districtwide practices related to health and wellness.

            “I am incredibly proud of all the hard work that has been done to achieve recognition as a Massachusetts School Wellness Champion,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This achievement underscores our dedication to fostering a community where everyone can thrive both academically and personally. I’d like to thank Director of School Food and Nutrition Henesey, District Nurse Coordinator Reedy and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Curley for all their hard work to put us on the right path for health and wellness within the district. We look forward to continuing our commitment to promoting a healthy and supportive environment, creating a positive impact and enhancing the wellbeing of our students.”

Many Hearings, Few Members

on

            The Marion Conservation Commission met on May 28 with a handful of members present initially. Those being Chair Matt Shultz, Vice Chair Emil Assing, Associate Member Alex Hansell, and Associate Member Tom Drechsler who joined remotely. Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee also joined remotely. Shultz began by saying “we’re a little short on commission members this evening” before electing Hansell to step in as a voting member for the rest of the meeting as well as asking Drechsler to vote on an issue the chair himself submitted for his own property.

            The meeting then began with a Continued Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent for pier repairs submitted by Robert Luchetti of 548 Point Road. Along with the pier’s repair, the removal of a stone wall and steps is also desired, alongside the restoration of eroded areas. Bob Rogers from GAF Engineering appeared on behalf of the applicant. Rogers explained removal of some vegetation is now required, as well as the possibility of Special Conditions for the water-side delivery of materials. Without serious questioning, the commission closed the Public Hearing with a unanimous vote.

            Next began a Continued Public Hearing on Oren Robinson Revocable Trust 2017’s Notice of Intent for the reconstruction of a single-family dwelling at 16 Spinnaker Lane. The existing structure will be demolished, and there will be a totally new house built. It was also stated there will be minimal alterations to the property’s vegetation or landscaping. Member of the public Lisa McKenzie asked about the size of the new structure. The current building is 539 square feet with the representative saying the new structure would be an increase at 52×32 feet and would be two stories. Abutters expressed concern over this increase in size, especially within the coastal buffer zone. This hearing was closed, though a drafting of the permit will happen at a later time. The chair stated this was due to the number of hearings still left to cover in the meeting.

            There was then a hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the construction of a deck and portico, as well as the grading of the dwelling perimeter at 28 Parkway Lane, submitted by Monica Gracia. Commission members stated they had visited the site in the days prior. The owners confirmed their property lies in a flood zone when asked of the property’s resource area. There were no further questions, and the commission held a unanimous vote to close the hearing.

            Following this was another hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the construction of a blue stone patio addition to an existing patio at 21 Bayview Road, submitted by Hurley Nominee Trust. The patio sits near the water edge with the request enlarging it as well as the addition of boulders on the slope to the sea. Without much questioning, the commission closed with hearing with a unanimous vote as well.

            The next hearing was filed by Joseph Irvine of Tabor Academy, 218 Front Street, for a Notice of Intent for the construction of a new handicap ramp and surrounding parking improvements for the head of school’s house near the library. With only minor questions on vegetation removal, the commission closed the hearing with a unanimous vote.

            Another Notice of Intent was next, this time from Dean B. Burpee 1999 Revocable Trust at 52 West Avenue for the reconstruction of a damaged and eroded seawall. The representative stated this project would be a continuation of a similar project from abutters approved last fall, seeing the seawall mirror and copying that construction, using the same contractor as well. There was general support for this, especially given that the project is the continuation of a recently approved project. The board closed this hearing with a unanimous vote.

            The next and final hearing saw the chair recuse himself, given he and his wife are the applicants. Matt and Sara Shultz of 459 Point Road had a hearing for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the replenishment of a gravel driveway and the installation of a cobblestone apron. Shultz stated the “driveway’s in kind of a bad shape, with lots of displacement during the last project.” He also cited heavy rainfall. The commission, with the Acting Chair Emil Assing, closed the hearing with a unanimous vote.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is currently scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Muzzle Order Extended 90 Days

on

            Georgie the Saint Bernard is still considered a nuisance dog and will have to be muzzled outside of her home until Labor Day.

            The Select Board on Tuesday made that decision after learning that the dog, which allegedly attacked another dog in December 2023 at Silvershell Beach, was photographed not wearing a muzzle before a one-year muzzle order expired in late March this year.

            Boston-based lawyer Jeremy Cohen, who specializes in dog-nuisance issues, said that a muzzle is a bit extreme because the dog has never bitten a person and the incident in 2023 was the only documented evidence of the dog expressing aggression. He said that the dog’s owner, Verena Hultsch of Vine Street, has complied with town directive over a 432-day period. After a hearing in March of last year, Hultsch has fenced in her yard and posted a sign on the gate. She has also kept the dog on a leash that can handle up to 300 pounds while maintaining a 3-foot distance from the owner. Georgie has also been professionally trained and continues to visit a trainer.

            Georgie has also been banned from visiting Silvershell Beach and Washburn Park, where dogs and their owners often visit.

            Cohen accused town residents of being “deputized” to take photos of Georgie without a muzzle.

            “People are walking around snapping pictures,” he said. “People are deputized.”

            Cohen said that the incident in 2023, when resident Miles Grant’s goldendoodle Harry was allegedly attacked by Georgie, leading to a puncture wound and a veterinarian visit and $200 bill.

            Cohen noted that Grant allegedly kicked Georgie in the head several times and that the dog laid down and stopped the attack on the goldendoodle. He said that alone is not a sign of a dangerous dog.

            Citing the expense of veterinarians, Cohen said that injury was minor and $200 is a small bill based on current rates. He also described beaches in the wintertime and dog parks in general as “the wild west” and indicated that all owners and their dogs should expect possible fights or issues.

            Cohen said that “considering Saint Bernards tend to slobber, keeping a muzzle on the animal is an extreme punishment.”

            “The idea of muzzling this dog who has never bitten somebody is a stretch,” Cohen said, adding that Hultsch is a responsible dog owner.

            He added that she has prevented any injuries from happening to any dog or person in the last year.

            Robert Hlady, a neighbor, said that his dog has play dates with Georgie and there have never been any issues. He described Georgie as a “sweet and gentle dog.”

            Animal Control Officer Susan Connor told the board on Tuesday that there have been other incidents of aggression involving Georgie. According to Marion Select Board meeting minutes from March 2024, Connor said she observed Georgie behaving aggressively at Washburn Park in May 2023 and cited an incident in which Georgie knocked down a resident and her service dog.

            “My experience with Georgie is she does need a muzzle and has had interactions with other people and their dogs, and what they have reported is there have been other bites. … I’m not trying to inhibit Georgie’s freedom.”

            Cohen countered that he has filed a Freedom of Information Act request and has not seen any definitive evidence of any other aggression from Georgie and has not even seen evidence of the puncture wound caused on Grant’s dog Harry in December 2023.

            Town Counsel Gregg Corbo disputed Cohen’s claim that residents have been deputized. Corbo said that Georgie’s owner has complied with all directives except for keeping the dog muzzled in public before the March 2025 deadline. He cited evidence in January, February and early March of Georgie without a muzzle in a public place.

            Corbo mentioned that Connor has observed aggressive behavior, and the owner did not comply with the muzzle order within the one-year probationary period. He proposed the dog use a muzzle with a basket, which would prevent discomfort, for the next 90 days.

            The Select Board agreed to revisit the issue on September 2.

            Cohen also noted that Georgie is a victim of a past incident in which a dog was killed and another was severely injured in Marion.

            Cohen said Georgie’s case bears no similarities.

            Select Board Chair Randy Parker said that the board treats every case individually. He said that evidence shows Georgie was not muzzled during the probationary period. He and other officials recommend extending the muzzle requirement for 90 days and will revisit it.

            Board members appeared to agree that Georgie is not a dangerous dog, but a nuisance and steps should be taken to protect the public. They said keeping the dog on a muzzle for the rest of summer would be a good compromise.

            In other news, firefighters asked the Select Board to house a 1937 Ford Truck, a historical fixture in town, at the Department of Public Works garage. Firefighters said the antique truck is a popular item in town with historical value, participating in parades, Santa runs, and other town affairs. Parker said the board would take the issue under consideration. Parker said the town has plans for extending sewer to that property and has not considered the possibility yet.

            Select Board Vice Chairman John Hoagland said that property has also been considered for senior affordable housing.

            In other business, Water and Sewer officials recommended maintaining the same water rates for fiscal 2026 but said the Sewer Enterprise Fund is running at a deficit of $5,000. They proposed a 1.5% base increase and a 4% increase for each tier. Select Board members asked that they break that down for the public in both letters to customers and on the town website (marionma.gov).

            The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Planning Board on Thursday, June 5, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department. The Select Board will also hold a Special Meeting on Monday, June 9, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

Yoga on the Library Lawn starts this week. Join Elke Pierre from The Marion Yoga Loft Tuesday mornings starting at 8:30 am. This free event is open to all, please bring your own mat.

            Join us for snacks and fun at the library on Thursday June 5 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm as we launch a month-long community art project to celebrate Pride at the library.

            Celebrate the start of summer with an after-school Boba Party, Wednesday June 11 at 12:30 pm.

            Register starting June 11 to Level Up at Your Library. Every child who registers for summer reading will receive a free book. Finish your reading goal, and win another book of your choice. Visit the library throughout the summer to find summer adventures with coupons from local businesses and passes to institutions throughout the commonwealth. Stay tuned for more information on our exciting summer programs.

            You won’t want to miss our Summer Reading Kickoff. You’ll find larger-than-life games at the Library from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 14. Play lawn games and inflatable games, chow down on carnival snacks, and sign up for summer reading. This all-ages program includes live music from local funk band Get the Funk Out and creative activities from the Marion Natural History Museum.

            Kids can create fun and wearable jewelry at Karenna Maraj’s Kids Beaded Jewelry Workshop, for ages 7-13; Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 am – Spaces are limited, call the library to register

            Everyone is invited to the Elizabeth Taber Library’s Annual Meeting, Monday June 23 at 5:30 pm. Explore our new space and see highlights from the past year.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church Scholarships

on

At the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Julie Mennino handed out six scholarships on June 1 including: New Bedford High senior Elliott Talley earned the Coquillette family scholarship and is planning to attend Northeastern. He hopes to also continue his advocacy for the community. Old Rochester senior Ella Bartholomew also earned a scholarship from the Coquillette family and heads to BU in the fall to study medicine and genetic diseases. Emily Wyman received a third Coquillette family scholarship. She will go on from Old Rochester to attend Boston College to pursue elementary education. Mackenzie LeBlanc graduated from ORR and earned a Memorial scholarship. She heads to Roger Williams college to study business. She hopes to design and open her own business. From Bishop Stang, senior Keagan Plante earned a Memorial scholarship. He heads South to Salve Regina and aims to use his education to give back to the community and family. Matthew Rock graduated from Old Rochester and is interning now at ProtoXYZ engineering. He will attend the University of Tennessee to further his studies in engineering. From there he hopes to earn his MBA and start his own engineering company.