Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that the Old Rochester Regional High School Chorus and Concert Band both performed at the Great East Music Festival held at Gateway Regional High School on Friday, May 2.

            The Old Rochester Regional High School Chorus ensemble received a gold rating during their musical evaluation. The Old Rochester Regional High School Concert Band received a platinum rating, the highest rating awarded to any ensemble.

            The event serves as a showcase of all the hard work that the Old Rochester Regional High School Music Department does each year, while also providing students with professional feedback. As part of the event, students participate in a clinic on how to improve, with advice offered from a panel of musical adjudicators.

            The performance and adjudication are then followed up by a trip to Six Flags New England.

            “I am so proud of all of the hard work that every student has put into their musical craft this year,” said Pedro Silva, music director at Old Rochester Regional High School. “As a first-year teacher, I am beyond honored to teach all of these wonderful students and to be a part of the ORR community. The environment we are creating in the classroom helps in shaping the very music we perform and I’m ecstatic that we have been recognized for such efforts. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but I have this feeling it will be excellent.”

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll congratulated the Chorus and Concert Band for capping off a year of success by earning such high ratings during the Great East Music Festival.

            “I’m extremely impressed by our music students,” said Principal Devoll. “Their hard work, passion and commitment to their craft are inspiring. I’d like to congratulate the Chorus and Concert Band for earning high ratings during the Great East Music Festival. This was a great way to mark the end of the year for our musicians.”

            “We are very proud of all of our musicians,” said Superintendent Nelson. “The Great East Music Festival was a fitting way to end a year of so much hard work by all of them. Congratulations to our Chorus and Concert Band for earning such high ratings. This is a feather in the cap for all of them. Once again, bravo to all of our instrumentalists and vocalists.”

Editor’s note: Since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020 interrupted the South Coast League of Women Voters’ annual sponsorship of candidates’ nights, The Wanderer has been offering a platform for candidates in contested races for elected offices in the tri-towns a platform to explain their candidacy. This year, candidates were invited to submit up to 250 words in one paragraph. Candidates in each race are listed in alphabetical order. Statements from candidates in Marion and Mattapoisett appear in this issue; those towns’ elections will be held on Friday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 20, respectively. Statements from Rochester candidates will appear in the May 22 issue.

Marion Select Board

Four candidates are on the ballot for one, three-year term, but George “TJ” Walker told The Wanderer on Tuesday morning that he has suspended his campaign and was removing his signs. The Wanderer decided, because his name will appear on the ballot, that the best place for him to explain his decision is in the place allotted him as a candidate for the open seat. Below are the candidates’ statements.

Cynthia Callow

            For 57 years I have been on the waters of Buzzards Bay on one kind of boat or another. As a result, our harbor is especially important to me and as a Select Board member it will be a priority of mine to keep the community informed about how things are maintained and run with our harbor and its surrounding waters. I have experience serving on various boards and commissions for the town, Conservation, Zoning Board of Appeals, former board member of the Sippican Lands Trust, Affordable Housing Trust, Marion Cultural Council, Town Administrator Search Committee, Finance Director Search Committee, Town Party Committee, Election worker, Town Meeting worker, and Board of Registrars. Due to this recent experience, I know the town, I know how it works, and I have the time to devote myself to the job. Water and Sewer, Town House, roads, infrastructure, and affordable housing would be my priority in working with you as a team to improve our town. Our issues are mostly man made, and so they can be solved by us working together. I ask for your vote on May 16th.

John Hoagland

            I served as your Marion Select Board member from 1986 to 1992. I’m running again because I believe Marion deserves leadership that truly listens to residents – that’s why our campaign slogan is, “John Listens.” After knocking on over 750 doors across Marion, there are four concerns consistently voiced by our neighbors: government costs outpacing residents’ incomes; deteriorating infrastructure; high utility rates lacking transparency; and insufficient housing options for seniors. If elected, my immediate priorities are launching a comprehensive sidewalk and street improvement plan, targeting our most dangerous areas first. I’ll create a Water/Sewer Rate Transparency Initiative providing quarterly reports to all residents about current rates, future projections, and specific actions to control costs. Half of Marion’s population is over 62 – their message is clear, “We want to stay in Marion – this is our home. But where do we go when our house is too big or not designed for our changing needs?” Therefore, I’ll champion creative housing options around Marion village that allow our longtime residents to remain in town while generating incremental property tax revenue. The education of Marion children is paramount. We must ensure that the three towns collaborate with the junior high and high school leadership to support both faculty and students. Marion deserves a Select Board person who listens to you, communicates transparently, and acts decisively on the issues that matter most. I will serve all residents, fairly, diligently and with respect, and I ask for your vote on May 16^th.

Sean Sweeney

            I am excited to be a candidate for the Marion Select Board – a role that carries immense responsibility and requires unwavering dedication to our community. Serving on the Select Board is not just about governance; it’s about leadership, stewardship, and commitment to the people who call Marion home. Marion’s infrastructure is showing its age, and it’s time to act. From repairing our roads to upgrading water and sewer systems, we need to invest in the backbone of our town. Our residents face some of the highest water and sewer rates in the region, and potential Title 5 compliance costs could be catastrophic for many families. I will work to find innovative solutions, such as exploring regional partnerships, securing grants, and advocating for state-level support to alleviate these financial burdens. No family should have to choose between basic utilities and other necessities. Marion’s charm lies in its rich history and natural beauty. I will work to preserve our historic landmarks and protect our open spaces, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same Marion we cherish today. By balancing development with conservation, we can maintain the character that makes our town so special. Above all, my campaign is about looking forward. It’s about ensuring that Marion remains a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and neighbors can come together. It’s about making decisions today that will benefit our children and grandchildren tomorrow. Thank you, and I humbly ask for your vote. Together, we can move Marion forward.

George ‘TJ’ Walker

            It has been a pleasure and honor to both run for Select Board and lead the citizen’s petition drive on Article 51, which would make major inroads on addressing the crumbling sidewalks and streets identified as a priority for over a decade. Campaigning door-to-door has sparked numerous thoughtful conversations with the people of Marion. In the course of those conversations, it has become clear that being both a Select Board candidate and the leader of a citizen’s petition has had the effect of politicizing Article 51 – the last thing I want to do. Article 51 is about the quality of life for our people – especially our oldest and youngest residents, for whom safe sidewalks and roads are paramount. Seeing it pass is my highest priority; therefore, I am suspending my campaign for Select Board, so that I may focus my full efforts this week on its passage, and to end its politicization. Studies going back to the 2000s have highlighted this exact sort of infrastructure investment as critical, and the money is available, if we choose. Above all, however, this is about quality of life – the core purpose of local government. You shouldn’t have to worry about needing a realignment to drive to the grocery store, and your kid or aging parent shouldn’t have to walk in the street because the sidewalks are unwalkable. We have the resources to address this long-identified need in Marion, and improve our quality of life. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Article 51.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

Three candidates, incumbent John Rockwell and challengers Adele Sands and Shaun Walsh, are running for two open seats, both three-year terms.

John Rockwell

            My name is John Rockwell, and I am asking for your vote for a position on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. I currently serve as commission chair, where I have had the privilege of working with the Sippican Lands Trust, Trustees of Reservations, Wildlands Trust, Coalition for Buzzards Bay, and US Department of Agriculture to permanently protect over 1,100 acres of land in Marion. Since my first involvement with the commission, I have written grants that have brought in $1,300,000 to defray the cost of purchases and improvements to the town’s open space. My first foray into open space protection was in 1994, when I offered to help the town write an open space plan – on one condition – I insisted that the committee base the plan on the results of random survey of Marion residents. Since 1994, the survey has been repeated three times, with another round on the way. A random survey is the best way for the Open Space Acquisition Commission to stay up to date with the thoughts Marion residents have about open space. After all, I work for you, and this is the best way to hear from all voices, not just the loudest voice. (You can read about past surveys and review the results at the Open Space Acquisition Commission page at marionma.gov). Please remember to vote on May 16^th.

Adele G. Sands

            When speaking about my candidacy for the MOSAC commission, I am often asked what made me decide to run for this position. The short answer is, my father, who died in 2002, would be disappointed in me if I didn’t. My father raised me to believe that if you fish (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of the water and the fish. If you love walking in the woods (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of all the life within those woods. It was never a lecture on his part, just a lead to follow. As an adult, I continued this practice in both my personal and professional life. I am the former superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, a school dedicated to conservation, land and natural resource management, environmental and animal sciences. I am extremely proud of this school that works with students to develop the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. As superintendent I worked with both local and federal agencies dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. I feel enormously grateful to live in this idyllic town with so many wonderful neighbors. I enjoy and take advantage of all that it has to offer. I would not be my father’s daughter if I did not recognize my obligation to help conserve and protect Marion’s open space for the generations to come.

Shaun Walsh

            I’m Shaun Walsh and I’m running for the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, a 5-member board whose purpose is to acquire, maintain, manage, and improve open space land in Marion. As an environmental lawyer who has served our town as a member of the Conservation Commission for the past 9 years and as a member of the Stewards of Community Open Space board, my skills and experience make me uniquely qualified to contribute to MOSAC. I hold a law degree and a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from UMass Amherst. My wife and I moved here 26 years ago in part because of the natural places that make Marion special. We have a number of beautiful open space parcels that provide wonderful passive recreational opportunities and enhance our quality of life here. These open spaces are not only scenic, but they provide us with places to be active, to get outside and unwind, and to connect as a community. If elected, I will listen to residents about how we can make the best use of our open spaces, work collaboratively with partner conservation organizations and town departments to improve our current open space inventory, and consider the fiscal impact when evaluating potential land acquisitions. I want MOSAC to be a board where all members contribute, where public input is welcomed, and where creating quality recreational green spaces is our top priority. I thank you for your vote.

ORR School Committee

Each of the tri-towns elects members to the Old Rochester Regional (district) School Committee; these two candidates from the Town of Mattapoisett are running for one, three-year term.

Nina Datshkovsky Ennis

            I’m running for the Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School Committee because I believe parents must have a strong voice in shaping the future of our schools. I aim to be a voice for parents and their contribution to the vision for ORR schools. As a mother and active community advocate, I bring a passionate, common-sense approach rooted in family values and a deep belief that parents are essential partners in the success of our students. I am committed to a bold vision that prioritizes academic excellence, fosters meaningful family engagement, and empowers our entire community to be active partners in every student’s success. Through my work in educational, medical, and judicial settings as a Spanish interpreter and translator, I’ve supported diverse families and witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication and access. I know how critical it is to ensure all students feel supported and all parents feel heard. I’ve also led programs focused on youth development, reinforcing my belief that strong schools are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration between families and educators. With a multicultural and multilingual background, a deep respect for parental rights, and a passion for high-quality education, I will advocate for nutritious food programs, increased physical activity, open communication, and transparent decision-making that puts students first. I’ve served in leadership roles across civic and community organizations and understand how to communicate, build consensus, and deliver meaningful results. Together, we can build a school system that educates with excellence, engages families openly, and empowers our children to thrive.

Betsy Stewart

            My name is Betsy Stewart and I am running for ORR School Committee because I believe in the value of public education and know that a strong school system supports and sustains the health and vitality of its local community. Our public education system must prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. I believe that with my work and life experience, I can make a significant contribution to the school committee and to our community. My combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and community service uniquely position me to serve on this school committee. As a wellness professional and small business owner, I bring extensive knowledge to this role with a passion for education, community well-being and smart resource management. My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety and increasing civil discourse. I ask that you put your confidence in me and vote for a candidate who will thoroughly research and evaluate current issues which will come before our committee, advocate for students, teachers and staff and work diligently to improve and build upon current academic standards and educational outcomes in the ORR schools, making it an even better educational institution than it already is. Our children deserve the best possible junior and high school experience. I believe my contributions will help foster a thriving educational environment for all students. Please remember to vote on May 20^th and ensure that your voice is heard. Thank you.

Mattapoisett Water/Sewer Commission

Two candidates, incumbent Dana Lebaron Barrows and challenger Mason Mathieu, are running for one open seat, a three-year term.

Mason Mathieu

            My name is Mason Mathieu. I have been a resident of Mattapoisett for most of my life. I attended Center School, Old Hammondtown School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High and ORR High School. After high school, I attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Law. I passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam in 2023 and the Bar Exam for Florida in 2024, and I am currently licensed to practice in both states. I am employed in my family Law Firm of Mathieu & Mathieu in New Bedford and Marion. I am also a part time assistant city solicitor/tax title attorney with the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s Office. I am currently on the Board of the Human Rights Committee for the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). I am seeking to be a commissioner for Mattapoisett’s Water & Sewer Commission because I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that I have been a part of for the majority of my life. I feel my experience and training would be beneficial in decision making as a board member on the commission. This town has provided me with a safe and fun environment to grow up in, and I would be honored to dedicate a portion of my time and efforts in order to help ensure that it continues to improve and prosper. Thank you for your consideration.

Mattapoisett Board of Health

Two candidates, incumbent Michelle Bernier and challenger N. Douglas Schneider, are running for one, three-year term.

Michelle Bernier

            For the past three years, I have been honored to serve on the Mattapoisett Board of Health. I became interested in serving on the Board in 2023 when I retired from my job as Solid Waste director for the Town of North Attleboro. For 20 years I was responsible for the town’s landfill, gas flare and monitoring system, their transfer station and curbside trash collection program for 8,000 households. Since my retirement, serving on Mattapoisett’s Board of Health has given me the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience I gained in that job. In addition to reviewing septic systems, the Mattapoisett Board of Health is responsible for your weekly trash collection, the operation of the transfer station and compost site and maintenance of the capped landfill. The town has recently signed a five-year contract with a new waste-hauling company; we are starting a swap shop for reuse and have ordered a new scale for the transfer station. I have lived in Mattapoisett since 1987. I served on the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen from 1996 to 1999. I did my undergraduate work at Providence College and my graduate work at the College of William and Mary. Prior to my employment in the recycling industry, I had a varied career including teaching for a couple of years at Riverview School in East Sandwich. I believe I am making a significant contribution to the town with my expertise and experience, particularly in the area of recycling and composting. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

Three candidates, incumbent John Rockwell and challengers Adele Sands and Shaun Walsh, are running for two open seats, both three-year terms.

John Rockwell

            My name is John Rockwell, and I am asking for your vote for a position on the Open Space Acquisition Commission. I currently serve as commission chair, where I have had the privilege of working with the Sippican Lands Trust, Trustees of Reservations, Wildlands Trust, Coalition for Buzzards Bay, and US Department of Agriculture to permanently protect over 1,100 acres of land in Marion. Since my first involvement with the commission, I have written grants that have brought in $1,300,000 to defray the cost of purchases and improvements to the town’s open space. My first foray into open space protection was in 1994, when I offered to help the town write an open space plan – on one condition – I insisted that the committee base the plan on the results of random survey of Marion residents. Since 1994, the survey has been repeated three times, with another round on the way. A random survey is the best way for the Open Space Acquisition Commission to stay up to date with the thoughts Marion residents have about open space. After all, I work for you, and this is the best way to hear from all voices, not just the loudest voice. (You can read about past surveys and review the results at the Open Space Acquisition Commission page at marionma.gov). Please remember to vote on May 16^th.

Adele G. Sands

            When speaking about my candidacy for the MOSAC commission, I am often asked what made me decide to run for this position. The short answer is, my father, who died in 2002, would be disappointed in me if I didn’t. My father raised me to believe that if you fish (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of the water and the fish. If you love walking in the woods (and we did), then you have an obligation to take care of all the life within those woods. It was never a lecture on his part, just a lead to follow. As an adult, I continued this practice in both my personal and professional life. I am the former superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, a school dedicated to conservation, land and natural resource management, environmental and animal sciences. I am extremely proud of this school that works with students to develop the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in these fields. As superintendent I worked with both local and federal agencies dedicated to environmental protection and conservation. I feel enormously grateful to live in this idyllic town with so many wonderful neighbors. I enjoy and take advantage of all that it has to offer. I would not be my father’s daughter if I did not recognize my obligation to help conserve and protect Marion’s open space for the generations to come.

Shaun Walsh

            I’m Shaun Walsh and I’m running for the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, a 5-member board whose purpose is to acquire, maintain, manage, and improve open space land in Marion. As an environmental lawyer who has served our town as a member of the Conservation Commission for the past 9 years and as a member of the Stewards of Community Open Space board, my skills and experience make me uniquely qualified to contribute to MOSAC. I hold a law degree and a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from UMass Amherst. My wife and I moved here 26 years ago in part because of the natural places that make Marion special. We have a number of beautiful open space parcels that provide wonderful passive recreational opportunities and enhance our quality of life here. These open spaces are not only scenic, but they provide us with places to be active, to get outside and unwind, and to connect as a community. If elected, I will listen to residents about how we can make the best use of our open spaces, work collaboratively with partner conservation organizations and town departments to improve our current open space inventory, and consider the fiscal impact when evaluating potential land acquisitions. I want MOSAC to be a board where all members contribute, where public input is welcomed, and where creating quality recreational green spaces is our top priority. I thank you for your vote.