Christmas by the Sea Bazaar

St. Anthony/St. Rita Parish will be holding its 56th Christmas by the Sea Bazaar on Saturday, December 2 from 9 am – 1 pm at St. Anthony’s Church Hall at 26 Hammond Street in Mattapoisett. This year’s event will include handmade gifts & items by local artisans, a grand raffle, gift basket raffles, holiday wreaths & greens arrangements, a toy shoppe, games and crafts for the kids, a visit by Santa Claus, our parishes’ annual ornament, malassadas, baked goods and beverages. All proceeds to benefit parish initiatives. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Linda Quinn at 508-758-8698.

Douglas A. Nye

Douglas A. Nye, 68, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in Plymouth Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Plymouth. He was the husband of the late Joanne M. (Boys) Nye.

            Dougie was born in Wareham on December 16, 1954, and lived in Marion all of his life. He graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in 1973.

            Douglas worked as a Welder in the Facility Department at Tabor Academy for 30 years.

            He dedicated his life to public service and selflessly gave himself to the Marion Fire Department where he served for over 40 years and was Captain of Engine #1. His love for work and family was evident to anyone that knew him, always showing up for both whenever called.

            He was a member of the Marion Fire Association. He loved playing guitar, listening to music, and never missed a Nascar race. His fondest memories include these three loves, and spending time sitting on the back deck at his brother, Natie’s home.

            Survivors include his mother, Rosalind (Abreu) Nye of Marion; 2 sons, Douglas A. Nye, Jr. of ME and Ryan C. Nye of New Bedford; 3 brothers, Nate Nye and his wife, Jody, Steve Nye and his wife, Heidi and Chris Nye and his wife, April all of Marion; his step children, Christopher McCra, Robert McCra, Steven (McCra) Slater and his husband Sean Slater of E. Providence, RI, Angela Cathcart and Keith Cathcart; grandsons, Henry William Nye of New Bedford and Brandon Wilbur; granddaughters, McCayla Dupont and Destany Galary; several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Nathan B. Nye, Sr.

            Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

            His graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.

            Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Dementia Society, P.O. Box 610, Doylestown, PA 18901.

New Mural in OHS Cafeteria Incorporates Student Drawings

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Old Hammondtown School Principal Kevin Tavares are pleased to share the completion and official dedication of a new mural in the school’s cafeteria, created based on student drawings.

            Visiting artist Bren Bataclan worked with last year’s fourth grade students to begin creating the mural. He began with a drawing demonstration, explaining how simple it is to draw his style of characters, and there is no right or wrong way to illustrate them. Then the students created funny and creative food-related characters. Some of the characters included a broccoli running on a treadmill, a strawberry skateboarding and a sushi riding a bicycle.

            Bataclan took each student artist’s unique character — over 60 – and painted them on the walls of the Old Hammondtown School cafeteria during the summer of 2023. The finished product includes work by each student and the words “Think, Learn, Care,” which is a message promoted within the school community each day.

            The cafeteria mural is the largest mural Bataclan has produced. He returned to Old Hammondtown School in September to celebrate the new mural and officially dedicate it.

            “It was great to see how excited the student artists were when they came back to school this year and saw their work in the new mural,” Principal Tavares said. “The OHS cafeteria is now a much more cheerful and colorful place to enjoy lunch, and Bren’s program provided a valuable message of using art to spread kindness and generosity.”

            Bataclan is a Boston-based artist who has been giving away paintings around the world by leaving them in public spaces with a note saying, “This painting is yours if you promise to smile at random people more often.” Since 2003 he has given away over 3,000 paintings in over 70 countries and in all 50 U.S. states.

            Bataclan has also been spreading his kindness-related street art project with schools for over 15 years. His school program promotes positive messages of kindness and sharing via art.

             “We are grateful to Bren for working with our student artists and making this such a fun and meaningful process,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We also thank the Mattapoisett PTA Arts and Humanities Committee for its generous support of this project.”

Literacy Work Only Beginning

            Upon her season-opening report to the Mattapoisett School Committee on September 21, Chairperson Carly Lavin focused on the Old Rochester Regional School District’s new literacy program launched last year.

            “This is a massive change … a long-term goal, and it’s going to require real passion and perseverance to successfully implement,” said Lavin, identifying the program as new opportunities for children to see leaders’ model grit. “We need grit from everybody at this table and in our schools as well as our families. It’s going to be easy to get overwhelmed or potentially discouraged, but I urge everybody to stay the course.”

            With that, she thanked the teachers for their willingness to start a new program.

            As the committee gathered to kick off the 2023-24 academic year, milestone recognitions were recognized, and new teachers were welcomed aboard.

            For Center School, Jennifer Aguiar (elementary teacher) and Lori Sevigny (principal’s secretary) were both recognized for 30 years of service, Cynthia Dawicki (RBT paraprofessional) for 25 years, Virginia Rotchford (paraprofessional) for 20 years, Laura Mirabito (Library/Media specialist), Caroyln Pawlishen (Reading specialist) and Sarah Mendes (elementary teacher) for 15 years each, and Jane Zajac (Kindergarten teacher) for 10 years.

            For Center School and Old Hammondtown, Lisa Lourenco (technology coordinator) was recognized for 25 years of service, Chad Cabeceiras (physical education) for 20 years, and Benjamin Squire (science teacher) for 10 years.

            Also for Old Hammondtown, Elementary teachers Stacey Barrows, Amy Casi and Kristen Sunde were all recognized for 20 years. Sherri Panek (paraprofessional) and Elizabeth Valliere (elementary teacher) were recognized for 15 years. Stella Brogioli (paraprofessional) and elementary teachers Sara Jacobsen and Kate Williams were all recognized for 10 years.

            Longtime ORR staffer Kristine Lincoln was welcomed as interim director of Student Services. Teah Keogh has returned to her old role as English Language Learning specialist, ORR graduate Katie Crowley joins the Center School staff as a lunch/recess aid, Alda Medeiros joins Mattapoisett schools as Special Education secretary and Katie Trudell will teach Grade 5.

            The ORR District bids adieu to Craig Davidson (director of Student Services); Kathy Dranchak (ELL specialist); Kayleigh Lake (Lunch/Recess aide) and Colleen Johns (Library specialist.)

            After reviewing a request from Kimberly Clough, granddaughter of Franklin A. Caswell, Jr., to place a plaque at Caswell Circle at Old Hammondtown School in Mr. Caswell’s honor, the committee voted to approve.

            Old Hammondtown Principal Kevin Tavares remembered how Caswell, known as “Bronc,” worked at Center School and went to Old Hammondtown upon its opening in 1966. He said Caswell raised the American flag at the school every day and injected positivity with his sense of humor.

            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reported on an opening-day event held to bring together the faculty and staffs of all six district schools, and student speaker Nia Gonzalez stole the show with her keynote address. The Sippican Elementary School Grade 6 student and Project 351 participant impressed the gathering of faculty and staff.

            Joining the Marion and Rochester school districts, the committee voted to approve an OpenSciEd grant for Grade 5 in the amount of $4,100 for training costs and materials in a continuation of ongoing work.

            ORR Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz said this will be the first opportunity to bring the program to two units this year to make the program continuous for Grades 5-8.

            The committee voted to approve the disposal of materials (curriculum no longer aligning with district needs).

            The committee voted to approve updates to the Student Handbook.

            Lavin credited ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber for his commitment to come in during the pandemic and adjust financial expectations.

            Nelson discussed new features on the ORR District’s improved website.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Salty’s Soiree under a Full Moon

The annual Salty’s Soiree hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust will be on Saturday October 28 this year from 5:30-7:30 pm at Dunseith Gardens. The soiree is great fun for the whole family with a bonfire, s’mores making, music and storytelling by this year’s storyteller, Diane Edgecomb. This year, we’ll be under a full moon too, just to add to the fun. Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming weeks. Email manager@mattlandtrust.org with any questions.

Booters Win Three Straight

Goals from junior captain Audrey Thomas and sophomore Amanda Ignacio fueled a 2-0 victory for the Old Rochester Regional High School girls’ soccer team over Seekonk on September 30. The win improved the Bulldogs’ 2023 record to 4-2.

            Seekonk was a strong team, but the visiting Bulldogs defense stayed very strong and kept the ball up in the air. Seekonk had scoring opportunities, but sophomore goalkeeper Emerson Roy made save after save.

            The Bulldogs are now standing at a three-game winning streak, as they won their previous game by a dominating 5-0 score.

Boys Soccer

            ORR played very well going to Bourne, and goals by Garrett Ignacio, George Psichopaidas and Asher O’Brien-Nichols led to a 3-0 victory. The Bulldogs’ record moves to 4-2-1. This is a great change from last game, where ORR went to Seekonk and lost 1-0.

            “The team worked very well together, and all 22 players on the roster contributed to the win,” said head coach Mike Devoll, whose team took an astounding 36 shots on goal.

            Emile Joseph and Stefan St. Louis combined for the shutout in goal. O’Brien-Nichols was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs were scheduled to host Dighton-Rehoboth on Wednesday afternoon.

Golf

            The ORR golf team (6-2) went against Bishop Stang on Monday at home at The Bay Club in Mattapoisett. The Bulldogs lost to the Spartans, 228-237, in a very close match.

            “It was a good measuring stick for us to see how we compare to a state-championship-caliber team. We are young and will have our chances in the future,” said ORR head coach Chris Cabe, whose program captured the state championship a year ago.

            The match was an improvement over last week’s loss to Stang. This time around, ORR was very close to getting the job done. Coach Cabe looks ahead to contending for the South Coast Conference title and qualifying for the state tournament.

Volleyball

            Behind two sets, the ORR girls’ volleyball team battled back to send Monday night’s match against undefeated Bourne to five sets before falling in the fifth on Monday night. The Bulldogs are now 7-4 overall and 6-2 in the SCC.

            “After being down two sets to none, I was very proud of the team for fighting back and tying the match 2-2, before eventually losing the deciding set. I thought it showed a lot of pride and a lot of heart,” said ORR coach James Oliveira.

            The Bulldogs look forward to their rematch with Bourne on Friday, October 13, in Mattapoisett. They were scheduled to visit Dighton-Rehoboth on Wednesday night.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

ORRHS Drama Club to Present “Romeo and Juliet”

The Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club’s Fall production of “Romeo and Juliet” will take the stage on November 16, 17, and 18 at 7 pm and November 19 at 2 pm. This will be the fifth show for Director Maxx Domingos and fourth show for Assistant Director Sarah Whinnem as they begin their third year with the ORRHS Drama Club. Principal cast members include Aidan Silk as Romeo, Reese Souza as Juliet, Blaine Boulanger as Capulet, Chloe Bean as Lady Capulet, Cattarinha Nunes as Nurse, Calder Eaton as Mercutio, Jorge Carrillo as Benvolio and Tenley Lane as Tybalt.

            The play would best be enjoyed by adults and younger patrons grade 5 and above. Since the story contains topics of suicide, fighting, and death, it may be inappropriate for younger audiences. The ORRHS show has been adapted for high school students and will be presented in a condensed format from the original production. Sound design by John Farrell.

            Please note: The ORR High School is currently a latex-free building. Tickets are for sale at the Marion General Store, Isabelle’s in Mattapoisett, Friends’ Marketplace in Rochester, at the door and online for a small service fee through Eventbrite: Students & Senior Citizens $10.00, General Admission $12.00.

            Show Summary; The Capulet and Montague feud has a clenching hold on the small town of Verona. This age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A young, sensitive, lovesick Romeo Montague wanders the streets of Verona aching for love. His boisterous friends Benvolio and Mercutio hope to bring him out of his lovesick depression by crashing Capulet’s masquerade party. Upon entering the party, Romeo falls instantly in love with the beautiful Juliet Capulet who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris. The two star-crossed lovers must face the hard truth – a Capulet can never marry a Montague.

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

Save the Date for the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library Annual Jewelry and Accessory Sale. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 18 from 10 am to 2 pm for the annual Friends of the Mattapoisett Library Jewelry and Accessory Sale. Friends’ members will have a chance to shop at the preview sale the evening before, Friday November 17. More details to come at the end of the month.

            The Friends need your unwanted jewelry and accessories. Scour your jewelry boxes and closets for pieces that you no longer wear and wish to donate. We take all kinds of jewelry and accessories, including gloves, purses, hats, pins, charms, scarves and hair clips. Ideally, jewelry and accessories should be in good condition and clean. Bring your donations to the library throughout the month of October and the beginning of November.

            The Friends are also currently accepting book donations for a sale to be held on Saturday, October 14 from 10 am to 1 pm. Donations of books can be dropped off at the library when the library is open. Please do not leave books or jewelry outside when the library is closed or put into the book returns.

            For more information about the sale or what to donate, call the library at 508.758.4171 or email to mfpl@sailsinc.org. Check the library’s web page for more information about the Friends of the Library.

Housing Would Necessitate Zoning Changes

            “I’ve reviewed the Master Plan,” began Planning Board member John Mathieu as Monday night’s agenda panned to New Business. Mathieu, who had previously been a board member and more recently returned when a vacancy made it possible. Mathieu said that the updated Master Plan draft is acceptable on a number of levels and focuses on housing as a major consideration in the town’s long-range planning. But zoning regulations need a thorough vetting, the members believe, in order to facilitate anything close to affordable units.

            Mathieu said that the Village Business District currently allows for certain types of housing units and architectural designs but that an increase in density that would allow condominium-type units would require zoning modifications.

            On the issue of what state regulations require for low-income affordability, Mathieu was less concerned and believed a harder look at current zoning bylaws is needed to better understand what flexibility currently exists and what can be achieved through updates.

            The board also briefly discussed the possibility of zoning changes that would give greater flexibility to units falling under the category of ADU (additional dwelling unit) such as guest homes. Presently, zoning requires an acre of land for these units. “It’s a way to create a home on an existing lot,” Mathieu said.

            All Planning Board members agreed it is time to take a hard look at zoning and that such a project could take place during the winter months in preparation for the Spring Town Meeting.

            In other business, developer Scott Snow received an exchange for lots held to a $48,000 cash surety for Eldridge Estates off Prospect Road. The cash-surety sum complies with a review of the development by the town’s engineering consultant, Field Engineering.

            Mathieu also brought to the board’s attention that Town Hall’s administration has posted a job opening for town planner. “We don’t need a planner, we need a secretary,” he said. Mathieu said that there was not sufficient business taking place in the town to warrant a planner but that someone in the office to handle the volumes of paperwork is needed. Board Chairman Tom Tucker said he would communicate that to the town administrator.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, October 16, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

It’s a Family Affair

            Family dynamics are some of the more powerful interpersonal experiences we humans can share. And when those dynamics come together harmoniously, tastefully, gracefully through a shared love of art the result is something quite special. Enter the Macy sisters, whose art exhibit opened on Saturday at the Marion Art Center. The Macys called this show “a celebration of our spirits and gifts with a unique family ribbon on top.”

            Beth, Deborah and Margaret Macy share DNA flavored with visual art talent. Their heritage includes grandparents, uncles and mothers all gifted in the art of painting, most to acclaim during their lifetimes. You might say these sisters were born with paintbrushes and pallet knives in hand.

            A quick trip around the internet finds Wendell Macy, a descendent of early Nantucket settlers, was born in New Bedford in 1845. He painted nautical themes and likely portraits, as well as genre paintings from his seaside residences. William Starbuck Macy was also born in New Bedford (1853.) Of his background, we know that he studied art and whose major works are titled Edge of the Forest, Old Mill and January in Bermuda.

            Also seasoning that exceptional artistic DNA brew was Beth Richardson Macy, mother of Beth and Deborah, who was a water colorist of note. Before passing away in 2006, Beth R. exhibited with her daughters. And not to be forgotten is Beth R.’s mother Edith Perry, who masterfully painted in watercolor but was not allowed to exhibit, being that it was believed unseemly for her to have done so in that time period.

            One major takeaway from speaking with Beth, Margaret and Deborah during the Sunday reception was the tenderness each feels towards the others’ painting styles and themes. And it was also evident that these women enjoy coming together and sharing with the greater public all the beauty they have created independently.

            The MAC’s gallery walls now hold a retrospective of works from their long careers as visual artists. There is drama, surprise and calm reflection in their divergent styles.

            The viewer will be moved to find the stories in Deborah’s layering of fabric prints and textures so dense, so colorful, so filled with moods and themes that it is like reading a novel where the heroine might not win the heart of the prince, but then again, she might. The realism of the models’ dresses and the backgrounds employed define the word drama. Yet it is the facial expressions and body postures, along with antique clothing and Victorian-like scenes that capture the viewer in her web of mystery and intrigue.

            Beth’s energy bursts upon her canvases in colorful rejoicing. Her impressionistic style of a rocky seashore, marshlands and landscapes maintains their organic dispositions but filtered through her artistic lens, gives them a new way to understand nature. Beth writes of her painting style, “my work is a celebration of the world around us, a call to look at things a second way.” Here we find an artist capturing a moment where color infused by light, along with surrounding natural textures from plants or moods inspired by water, coalesce, where colors borrowed from outdoor light are returned brighter than before.

            Margaret gives us flowers and birds and pearls and lush textures found therein. Of her painting, Margaret shared, “I paint because, at an early age and recovering from an illness, it was the first and only thing I wanted to do.” She said she felt compelled to paint and found, “…lasting emotion in what I saw and imagined.” With her paintings, Margaret wants us to slow time down to gather new perspectives and find, “…the universes of inspiration and purpose in the smallest creations granted to our lives.”

            Here, too, the viewer will find in Margaret’s work a narrative, but absent the human form, these works speak through still-life offerings with a soft edge of impressionism, as well as large paintings of nature scenes that viewers almost believe they could walk into.

            It’s been quite some time since the Macy women exhibited together. Previously, they toured the east coast, but time and tides got in the way. Now they are considering options for a return to galleries. One can only hope they do resume sharing their collective works with a public in much need of the arts.

            “The Macy Women – separate lives one epiphany of color” runs through November 3, a must-see exhibit.

By Marilou Newell