Alia’s Art Focuses on Growth

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One image displays brightly colored flowers at the bottom and a classic New England forest and American flag at the top.

            This painting is called “Cultivate” and is one of many meaningful paintings conducted by Old Rochester Regional High School rising senior Alia Cusolito.

            The image captures what it is like for a liberal-minded member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Questioning community to grow up in Rochester, a conservative farm town. The title “Cultivate” represents the growth needed for a farm community to thrive, as well as the growth needed for a LGBTQ student to thrive in such a community.

            For the first time in recent memory, according to Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum members, the museum hosted an art exhibit from one local student.

            Cusolito says it started off as a contest in which museum directors called for paintings and other art during Pride Month. Cusolito did just that but also impressed members with art representing life as a small-town teen, as well as art capturing the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community.

            Cusolito hosted an exhibit last Saturday and was busy chatting about art with members of the public.

            Some were paintings and some were collages. Almost all drew “oohs” and “ahs” from members of the public who were in and out on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

            A lover of all arts, including music, Cusolito’s work reflected some diverse interests, including one spontaneous jam session with a guitarist friend. Cusolito has been singing in chorus since elementary school and also plays the piano and banjo. The colorful painting of friend Jay captured the sheer joy of spontaneous music for teens.

            “It’s my friend group and my sense of community and joy with them,” Cusolito said. “I wanted to convey that.”

            Another painting captured what it is like for LGBTQ students to grow up in America today. Others tackled racism, climate change and standing up against violence. Some featured paintings, collage cut-outs from magazines and other media all in one.

            “I like having mixed media. It’s more of an interesting combination,” Cusolito said.

            In addition to art, Cusolito is also the copresident of the nonprofit Queer Youth Ensemble and has been an activist since early childhood.

            “Alia strongly believes that everyone can make a change in the world, and that we should all try to do so,” read a description under a photo of Cusolito at the exhibit.

            People walking by were inspired by the messages.

            Carole Clifford, a member of the museum’s Board of Directors, said earlier that weekend a walk was conducted and people were moved by Cusolito’s talent and depth.

            “It’s very timely,” Clifford said of those messages.

            “It’s very powerful,” Exhibits Committee member Missy Rogina said of Cusolito’s work. “Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but each piece has a powerful message.”

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

New Marine Resource Officer Introduced

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            Isaac Perry, Mattapoisett’s newly appointed Marine Resource Officer, was officially introduced to the town at the July 11 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board.

            Doing the introductory honors was Police Chief Justin King, who said Perry came highly qualified, had been a police officer in the towns of Marion and Rochester, a shellfish officer in Dartmouth and a graduate of Mass Maritime Academy.

            Perry said that he was impressed by the work ethic of all town employees he has met thus far and how helpful everyone has been. He said he is learning the “pace of the harbor” and is excited to be in Mattapoisett. Perry is a resident of Rochester.

            The board took up the issue of dogs in Shipyard Park. Although there has been a local bylaw on the books for many years banning dogs from the historic park, it was agreed that new signage might help to drive home the point. However, the board also concluded that signs alone will not stop violators.

            Board members Jodi Bauer and Jordan Collyer harkened back to the days when a “matron” patrolled the town beach and Shipyard Park, ensuring that rules were being obeyed. “She was scary,” chuckled Bauer.

            But the issue is a serious one. The board agreed that enforcement of the bylaw is needed as well as new signage. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco will work with Perry and Animal Control to develop a plan for patrolling of the park.

            Presently, the fine for having one’s dog in a restricted area or not picking up after a dog is $10 but can reach as much as $500 for repeat offenders.

            Lorenco reported that a contract for the development of a new website would cost approximately $30,000, and an annual maintenance fee would be added. After some discussion, it was determined that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be posted for website development, possibly adding features currently unavailable.

            They said that the online permitting feature that the town was supposed to have from the current provider of 17 years has never operated properly. After further discussion, the board decided to ask the public what features they would like to have available when using the town’s website. More to follow on this topic at next Select Board meeting.

            Mattapoisett’s public beaches were closed earlier in the day when water testing proved bacteria levels were high. Member Tyler Macallister said that heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in other parts of the state are impacting local waters, “…up and down the coast.” Beaches have been closed, he said.

            Lorenco added that the town does not usually need to close its beaches, but heavy rains are the issue. Lorenco advised the public to check the town’s website and Facebook page for updated information. He said testing would continue Wednesday, July 12.

            Lorenco also reported that in about six weeks, VHB, the town’s engineering consultant for the Village Streets Improvement project, would be holding a public meeting to roll out the latest plan. He also said the town would be meeting with MassDOT to discuss the Route 6 corridor and possible changes to that heavily traveled state roadway.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Young People’s Concert

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a Young People’s Concert on Friday, July 14.  The concert will include an opportunity for children in the audience to play rhythm instruments with the band.  The program is as follows:

Children’s March – E. F. Goldman

Looney Tunes Overture – B. Holcombe 

A Disney Spectacular – arr. J. Moss

Morceau Symphonique – A. Guilmant, Tobias F. Monte, euphonium

Journey to the Lion’s Castle – R. Galante

Highlights from Frozen – arr. Sean O’Loughlin

Pixar Movie Magic – arr. M. Brown

Variations on “Bingo” – S. Reisteter

The Candy Man (from Willie Wonka) – A. Newley

Walt Disney Overture – J. Christensen

The Wizard of Oz Fantasy – H. Arlen

Moana – arr. J. Bocook

Shrek Dance Party – arr. P. Murtha

            Tobias F. Monte, euphonium soloist, has performed with the Massachusetts All-State Band, the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra, the UMass Dartmouth Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra, St. Cecilia Philharmonic Band and the Tri-County Symphonic Band.  He has been a member of the Marion Concert Band since 2011.

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias S. Monte, will begin at 7:00 at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Harbor Days Schedule

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Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett 

FREE round trip shuttle transportation to and from the town wharf/Shipyard Park provided by the 

Mattapoisett Council on Aging. Pick up and drop off in the parking area next to Ying Dynasty.

Saturday, July 15, 2023 shuttle – 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Sunday, July 16, 2023 shuttle – 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00) 

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mattapoisett Town Band Concert 

Thursday, July 13, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Adult Paint Night (Under the Big Tent – Must Pre-Register)

Friday, July 14, 2023

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday Night Fish Fry by Oxford Creamery ($16.00)

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00) 

Entertainment

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Xtreme Acoustic

Saturday, July 15, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Craft Fair 100+ Vendors 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. U Pick ‘Em 

9:00 a.m. – ? Mattapoisett Fire Department apparatus 

11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club Grill & Oxcart

~4:00 p.m. – Silent Auction high bidders announced.

11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00)

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Lobsterfest ($30.00) 

Entertainment

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Gary Brown

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 Science Marvels of Motion

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Butch McCarthy

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Rebecca Correia

Sunday, July 16, 2023

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast ($8.00 adults & children) 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Craft Fair 100+ Vendors 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 50/50 Raffle

Winner announced ~4:00 p.m. 

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. U Pick ‘Em

Winners announced ~3:00 p.m.  Need not be present to win.

11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club Grill 

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Oxcart Food Truck 

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or Until Sold Out Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00)

Entertainment

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – CAL (Carolyn Wingate Ukulele)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Showstoppers

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Johnny Bickford Band

Sunday, July 30, 2023

8:00 a.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club’s Triathlon at Town Beach  

Community Picnic a ‘Fun-Raiser’

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            What do you get when you combine, imagination, wine, food and an historic harborside location? Give up? You get the Great Community Picnic. This fundraiser has become an annual staple of summertime fun hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Museum. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 pm at the Munro Preserve at Mattapoisett Harbor.

            As museum board member Jennifer McIntire recalls, in 2015, “It began when Mike (Huguenin, president of the MLT) suggested we find new avenues for collaboration between the historical society (aka the Mattapoisett Museum) and the land trust.” One idea the museum board explored was a clambake, but “there were too many mollusk allergies and aversions.” However, the concept of bringing the two groups together was embraced.

            Then a board member of the museum, Chris Demakis, shared a recent event he had attended in Fairhaven, a “dinner en blanc.” Subcommittees from both organizations met to begin preliminary planning. While the en blanc concept was dropped, the food aspect evolved into a community picnic.

            Tickets were sold for tables of 10 or smaller seating, and participants received a table they could view as a blank canvas. Decorating was highly encouraged. With imaginations set free, all manner of decorations from pirate themes to elegant floral arrangements arrived at Munro Preserve. As the years have gone by, the decorative fun returns each year. There has even been a group that makes its own fascinator hats fit for queens.

            Music is also part of the ticket price. This year, entertainment will be organized by Seth Assar. And there will be oysters. Three local growers, Dale Leavitt, Mike Ward and Bob Field, will provide this finger food. A small fee for each shelled beauty is expected.

            McIntire shared that from a historical perspective, picnics and clambakes have long been part of the Mattapoisett summer scene. She said there are numerous old photos in the museum memorializing such events. Think, ladies in white linen dresses and men in straw hats.

            McIntire went on to say that although the event is a fundraiser for the two organizations, it is not earmarked for specific purposes. “The event is more of a “fun-raiser,” she said, adding that these are two exceptional nonprofit organizations and that the picnic helps to raise awareness. “It’s a fun, friendly, inclusive event.”

            The price of admission includes tables, chairs, linens, a great location and live music. The fee structure is groups of four $160, groups of six $240, groups of eight $320 and groups of 10 $400. New this year: Single tickets for $40 will be available. Singles will be seated together. For more information, visit Mattapoisetmuseum.org or mattlandtrust.org.

By Marilou Newell

Water Access Maintained with Road to Solar

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            Rochester’s Select Board voted Monday night to not exercise its Right of First Refusal to purchase 7.3 acres at 109 Neck Road that are being taken out 61A agricultural protection land for development of a solar energy array there.

            But first, the board paused over Town Moderator and Finance Committee Chairman David Arancio’s questioning of whether this action fits the town’s long-term goals.

            Noting that the land in question is close to a town water resources, Snipatuit Pond, and that the town is concerned about frequently losing access to those resources to other surrounding communities, Arancio asked, “What is the long-term plan here? How do we ensure down the road that the town can look at this and have access if we need it?”

            This made the board stop before the final approval vote. Select Board member Brad Morse noted this action is just to take part of a larger 61A parcel for road access to the solar facility. Select Board Chairman Paul Ciaburri paused to reexamine the diagram of the plan. Ciaburri concluded this action won’t stop any future action to access that water resource, and he motioned the vote that the board approved unanimously.

            The board also approved Rochester Troop 31 Scout master Kevin Thompson’s request to give away “town property.” Town Administrator Glenn Cannon explained that one of the four box trailers on the Pine Street property that formerly hosted the Rochester Country Fair contains scouting equipment that the troop no longer wants or needs. The troop, Cannon said, wants to just give this equipment away to anyone who wants to pick it up.

            The board agreed to this plan, with one qualification. Morse said the troop must follow the formal procedure of filling out a request form for such a giveaway plan.

            In other action, the Select Board approved a new policy for flying a flag on one of the two new flagpoles in front of Town Hall. The only flags allowed on the poles will be the American, state, town or POW flag or the flags belonging to the branches of the military services.

            The town’s Appointing Committee, which includes the chairs of the Select Board and the Finance Committee and the town moderator, appointed Greg Hardy to the Personnel Board, Justin Bouley as an alternate member of the Finance Committee and James Austin as a full Finance Committee member. The Select Board also approved the appointments of Lorraine Thompson and Sarah Hasbrouck to the town’s Cultural Council.

            No future meeting date was scheduled as of this report.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Sippican Woman’s Club Scholarships

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Since 1947, the Sippican Woman’s Club has awarded scholarships to students who reside in Marion. In the past, scholarships have been funded by proceeds from the club’s annual Holiday House Tour.  Due to the pandemic, the past three years scholarships have been funded by donations from both individuals and the sale of red, white and blue luminaria kits to celebrate the Fourth of July. The club’s fundraiser aptly named “Illuminate to Educate”.

            The Club’s Scholarship Committee (Ellen Johnston, Eileen Merlino, and Kathleen Tibbetts) is pleased to announce the names of the ten Marion residents graduating from high school who will be awarded scholarships toward higher learning.  Scholarship recipients include seven graduating seniors from ORR Regional High School – Kate Feeney (Elon University); Failenn Fitzpatrick (College of the Holy Cross); Paige Fuller (Elon University); Jacksen Martin (undecided); Lauren Rapoza (Fairfield U) recipient of the Lu Chevrier Award for community service; Samuel Williamson (Northeastern U); and Sarah Wyman (Boston College). Other Marion resident graduating seniors include two students from Tabor Academy – Laura Pardo (Villanova University) and Catherine Parks (Providence College): and one student graduating from Bishop Stang – Luke A. Tougas (College of Charleston).

            The following continuing education students will be awarded scholarships once they have completed their first semester and submitted their grades: Jacqueline Barrett (U of Mass Amherst); Sydney Feeney (U Conn); Katelyn Luong (Northeastern U); Abigail Mc Fadyen (Temple U); Raegan Rapoza (Bryant U); Mason Tucker (U of Rhode Island); and Maxwell Tucker (U Conn).

            The recipient of the Alice Ryder Book Award is Cadogan H. Crete.  This award goes to the highest ranking English student in the 8th grade.

Phyllis M. (Bryant) DuPont

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Phyllis M. (Bryant) DuPont, 92, of Mattapoisett died Thursday, July 6, 2023 peacefully at home. She was the wife of the late Anthony J. “Jerry” DuPont.

            Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Alfred and Rose (Ventor) Bryant, she lived in New Bedford and Fairhaven before moving to Mattapoisett.

            Phyllis was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1948.

            She was formerly employed at Humphrey, Covill & Coleman Insurance Agency and later at St. Luke’s Hospital for many years until her retirement.

            Phyllis enjoyed shopping, traveling the country by car with her husband, and spending time with her family.

            She is survived by two sons, Jeffrey J. DuPont and his wife Nora and Jay A. DuPont and his wife Lori; her daughter, Jayne M. Mello; seven grandchildren, Kevin DuPont, Hannah DuPont, Jennifer L. Lukey, Abigail DuPont, Justin DuPont, Tyler Mello, and Nikkole Mello; two great-grandchildren, Charlie DuPont and Jamie DuPont; her sister, Alma Fernandes; her sister-in-law, Ann Bryant; and many nieces and nephews.

            She was predeceased by her siblings, Alfred O. Bryant, Paul A. Bryant, Bernice Sylvia, and Marjorie Sykes.

            Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. A private family burial service will be held at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Carol Shute

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Carol Shute of Mattapoisett passed away on March 3, 2023.

            Carol was born on March 13, 1934 in Rockland, Maine to Merial and Lawrence Shute.

            She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School where she met her life long friends who later referred to themselves as the “Golden Girls”.

            Carol was an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

            She began her career at New England Telephone Company before moving to G. Bourne Knowles in Fairhaven.  However, her longest tenure were her years as secretary at Brownell Boat Works in Mattapoisett.

            Carol was an avid walker and could often be spotted walking around town.  She was perhaps most easily recognized by her contagious laugh and sense of humor.

            Carol will be remembered and celebrated at a graveside service at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett on July 18, 2023 at 10:00 am.  All are welcome.

ORR Trio Gets College Boost

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            The Marion Scholarship and Education Committee will need another meeting to kick off its campaign for the 2023-24 academic year after discussions addressing fundraising ideas and rubrics changes were put on hold during a brief, June 28 Zoom meeting.

            According to Chairperson Sandy Smith, the three recipients of the committee’s scholarship award are 2023 Old Rochester Regional High School graduates Sarah Wyman, Kira Sarkarati and Paige Fuller.

            “We received applications from an amazing group of students, and it was not an easy decision,” said Smith. “We hope to raise more money this year so we can assist more students in the future.”

            It is through the generosity of Marion residents that the town’s Scholarship and Education Committee can offer scholarships to Marion high school students, according to the committee’s website.

            Rules state that applicants must be residents of Marion, must be graduating seniors and planning to attend post-secondary school in the fall. The number of scholarships and their amount depends on donations and fundraising so the fund will vary from year to year.

            Applications are obtained through local high school college counseling offices and at the Marion Town House with a March deadline to be returned.

            The next meeting of the Marion Scholarship and Education Committee was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Marion Scholarship Committee

By Mick Colageo