Rose (Converse) Morgan

Rose (Converse) Morgan of Wenham, formerly of Ipswich and Marion, died peacefully on March 22nd, two weeks before her 90th birthday.

            Born in Boston on April 6th , 1936, she was the daughter of the late Rose Bullock Converse and Roger Wolcott Converse. She was raised in Brookline and spent her summers in Marion, where she developed a lifelong love of sailing and raced in Sippican Harbor.

            Rosie attended The Park School, The Winsor School, and St. Timothy’s School, and graduated from Smith College in 1958.

            In 1959, she married Hewitt “Cub” Morgan, Jr. The couple settled in Ipswich, where they raised their three daughters. Rosie was active in her community and supported numerous nonprofit and educational organizations. She served as a board member of the Ipswich YMCA and the United Way of the North Shore.

            She was an accomplished golfer and tennis player, with her name appearing on championship boards at Essex County Club in Manchester and The Kittansett Club in Marion. She recorded three holes-in-one.

            Rosie was known for her warmth, competitive spirit, and genuine interest in others. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was a constant presence at her family’s activities and sporting events.

            She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Morgan Richardson and her husband, Peter, of Wenham, and Laura Kemper Morgan of Marion; her son-in-law, David Daignault of Redding, CT; her sister, Christina Jackson and her husband, Patrick, of Yarmouth, ME; her grandchildren, Elizabeth R. MacLaughlin (Ben), Christopher Richardson (Henrietta), Andrew Richardson (Megan), Maximilian and Casey Daignault; her great-grandchildren, Bo, Peter, and Miles MacLaughlin, and James Richardson; and several nieces and nephews.

            She was the wife of the late Hewitt “Cub” Morgan, Jr.; the mother of the late Rose “Posie” Bullock Morgan; and the sister of the late Roger, Costello, and Chandler Converse, and Vera Converse Gibbons.

            In accordance with Rose’s wishes, her funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Posie Morgan Scholarship Fund, New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road, Redding, CT 06896. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.

Assessors’ Budget & Town Meeting Warrant

            The Marion Finance Committee remotely met on March 26 with the purpose of discussion the Board of Assessors’ budget, as well as offing recommendations for or against articles on the draft Town Meeting Warrant.

            Assessor George T.J. Walker of the Board of Assessors spoke first, as he and the FinCom quickly discussed the board’s budget. Walker also went over its purpose and various oversights. He stated the town has about 4,100 assessed record cards, totaling around $2,924,000,000 with single-family homes making up the vast majority of valuations.

            For the board’s budget, he noted three areas of focus for large increases. The first was due subscriptions to the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Offices, which has risen 25% from $100 to $125. Next was software, where Walker noted the CAMA (computer-assisted mass appraisal) system that has only four separate options used by the state, with its fees rising from $29,784 to $33,365. There was discussion on wages for those working in the Assessor’s office and the need to raise compensation. Should a hiring need to take place, Walker said, the current wage is far under what other towns are paying.

            Finance Director Heather O’Brien clarified that the requested pay raise would require a increase of the position’s classification and contract, currently being a Class F. Walker stated the three assessor positions, collector, treasurer, and associate assessor, used to be in the same pay grade with the collector role now being outstanding. “It was in the same grade for 24 years,” said Walker, who said, “I have no idea,” when asked why this position was now in a different grade. He stated that the decision was made without his inclusion or knowledge.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman stated such a contract change was not relevant to the budgetary discussion and said he would be open to discussing it with the assessor at a different time.

            FinCom then moved to offer recommendations on the remaining articles in the draft Town Meeting Warrant that they did not cover at prior meetings. The Select Board was to look at the warrant the following week.

            The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee was not scheduled at adjournment.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

Not Your Average Barkeeper

            When you go out nowadays, you are entering a world where the barkeeper is so much more than the guy pouring you a beer – they are most likely a mixologist. A mixologist is an artisan much like today’s chefs are considered “curators” of food. A mixologist most likely has taken classes to learn the craft and fearlessly acquaints the drinker with beverages that are infused with berries, herbs, salts, colors; well, just about anything you can imagine.

            On Tuesday the Mattapoisett Free Public Library hosted a presentation on the subject of mixology and focused primarily on the non-alcoholic drink concepts. Coming before an enthusiastic group of twenty-somethings was the aptly named Cocktail Guru, Jonathan Pogash. Pogash is the owner of this unique enterprise offering consulting services that can include corporate events or catered parties.

            Now living locally, Pogash began his cocktail journey in such world class venues as The Russian Tea Room in New York City.

            With the rise of “mocktails” as a way to serve delicious beverages to those seeking non-alcoholic options Pogash delighted the attendees on this night. He prepared several drinks offering a taste testing for reach.

            Pogash’s presentation included how to shack a cocktail, as well as the types of equipment a mixologist should invest in.

            To learn more about mixology, visit the Cocktail Guru’s website: thecocktailguru.com.

By Marilou Newell

Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship Fund

Tri-Town Against Racism (TTAR) is honored to announce the establishment of the Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship Fund, a tribute to Lisa’s unwavering commitment to social justice and her instrumental role in the early formation of TTAR.

            Lisa was a passionate advocate for racial equity and believed deeply in the power of education to foster an anti-racist community in the Tri-Town. Her dedication to social justice, learning, and action inspired others to do the same, and her legacy continues to inspire us all.

            To honor Lisa’s memory, this scholarship will be awarded to a student of color attending school in the Tri-Town who embodies the values she championed, such as her passion for volunteerism.

            Lisa’s work lives on in all of us, and through this scholarship, we hope to empower the next generation of leaders committed to equity and change.

            The Lisa Regan Durr Community Activism Scholarship seeks to support a student who reflects both academic commitment and a deep dedication to community service. This scholarship is intended for a student who has actively volunteered in their community and who identifies as a student of color, including those who are biracial or who may be perceived as racially diverse. By recognizing students who have demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a commitment to uplifting others, this scholarship aims to invest in individuals whose experiences and service strengthen and enrich their communities.

            Student Criteria: $1,500, All students attending schools in the Tri-Town (Mattapoisett, Marion, or Rochester. ORRHS, Old Colony, Tabor, School Choice, or Home Schoolers who live in the Tri-Town.

            Essay: 1-2 pages, 12pt. Times New Roman, 1.5 sp. Or a four-to-five-minute video outlining their volunteerism and commitment to social justice. The essay or video should provide evidence of commitment to community and social justice, such as describing the applicant’s involvement, values, and experiences related to equity and advocacy.

            Documentation of participation in social justice–focused activities, which may include attendance at workshops, programs, community events, or school initiatives related to social justice.

            Proof of at least 10 hours of community service, which can be demonstrated through:

            A signed service log or certificate confirming the number of hours volunteered.

            Email confirmation or official documentation from a supervisor or program coordinator verifying participation.

            Two letters of recommendation from the organization(s) where the service was completed, or from a teacher, mentor, coach, or other significant person with knowledge of your volunteerism.

            Applications are due no later than April 30, 2026. Decisions will be announced on May 14, 2026.

            Applications should be emailed to info@tritownagainstracism.org. All supporting documents should be in one PDF file.

            Upon approval: 10-hour volunteer commitment to TTAR over an academic year.

            Actual scholarship money will receive the scholarship money after the first semester, upon proof of successful matriculation at an accredited institution.

Rochester Historical Society News

Finally, it is April and the Historical Society season is ready to go. On April 15, we will have our first meeting followed by Mac Phinney and Howie Smith who will be presenting a program on how they used genealogy to help them learn about ancestors who fought in the American Revolution.

            We’ll also have packets for anyone interested in doing research on either their own relations or any one of our Rochester Revolutionary War veterans.

            Our first meeting of the year is always a good time to get together after the winter and chat over refreshments following the program. We hope to see you there.

Marion COA Receives Grant

 The Marion Council on Aging has received a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter to launch a new weekly movement class for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

            The “Mindful Movement” class will be held Thursdays at 10 a.m. at the Council on Aging, 465 Mill St., and will be led by Linda Vivino, a certified yoga instructor who specializes in working with people with Parkinson’s.

            The program is designed to help participants improve balance, mobility and coordination through accessible yoga, functional movement and guided breathing. Exercises are offered in both seated and standing formats to accommodate varying mobility levels.

            In addition to the physical benefits, the class provides social connection, helping participants stay connected and avoid the isolation that can come with Parkinson’s.

            “We are grateful to the APDA Massachusetts Chapter for their support in bringing this vital resource to our community,” said COA Director Karen Gregory. “These classes are designed to help people with Parkinson’s reconnect with the joy of movement while meeting their daily challenges with compassion.”

            The class is open to people living with Parkinson’s disease and is not limited to just Marion residents.

            For more information or to register, contact the Marion Council on Aging at 508-748-3570.

William Dale Jones

It is with great sadness that the family of William Dale Jones announces his passing at Charlton Hospital in Fall River on January 17 at the age of 85.

Born at Morton Hospital in Taunton on November 6, 1940, he was the son of William Richard Jones and Jennie Mae (MacLeod) Jones.

Upon graduating from Hopewell School and Taunton High School, Dale studied Marine and Electrical Engineering at Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). 

Upon graduation, Dale served in the Merchant Marine, sailing to many ports in Europe and South America from various cities along the East Coast, as well as from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. He later worked at the General Dynamics Quincy Shipyard, building nuclear submarines.

Dale was a registered professional engineer employed by Raytheon in North Dighton, Wayland, MA, and Portsmouth, RI, working on anti-ballistic systems. Later, he worked with Braincon in Marion, where he helped develop the Type 120 V-Fin Towed Underwater Vehicle, designed to enclose a sonar transducer.

Next, he was an engineer with Thompson Consultants, also in Marion. Along with many assignments, he primarily worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he became familiar with the entire facility. He was President of the South Coast Chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Professional Engineers. 

Dale was later hired by Princess House as their Plant Manager. He later purchased their metal fabrication, plating, and powder coating operation and relocated it to the Fall River Industrial Park.

Dale served on the Designer Selection Board for Massachusetts, which selected designers for the Commonwealth’s buildings. He pursued his master’s degree in business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he later served on the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Foundation. 

As an active member of the Marion community, he was a founding member of the volunteer EMS Association. He served for 40 years as an EMT and volunteer firefighter, Emergency Management Director, CPR Instructor, member of the Water Board, Chairman of the Police Station Building Committee, and member of the Sippican School Building Committee. Dale was a dedicated Assistant Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 32, where he taught many merit badges, including First Aid. He was a Scout Leader at the National Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1989. He was also a Hunter Safety Instructor and was a member of the Masonic Pythagorean Lodge in Marion. He enjoyed his time as a crossing guard at Sippican School right up until his hospitalization.

In retirement, he was able to concentrate on his tinkering, drafting new designs, and producing gadgets.

Throughout the years, Dale’s classmates have remained very close. Dale was an active member of the MMA Alumni Association throughout his lifetime, serving as the President of the Board of Directors. His MMA classmates were like brothers as they lived together on their training ship, USTS Bay State, for three years. His Taunton High School and MMA reunions were definite highlights of his life. Academy reunions have continued for over 60 years, with classmates and their wives maintaining close relationships to this day.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean (Packard) Jones, and his two sons, William Carlton Jones (Alice Lee) and Richard Dale Jones (Andrea Dolezal), cousins Sandy Schwaab (Shirley) and Roderick MacLeod (Michelle), and nephew David Carlton Packard (Melina Molina Packard).

He adored his grandchildren, William Alexander Jones, Eleanor Frances Jones, and Luke Zachary Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion Fire Department or the American Red Cross. 

The funeral service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery at 10 AM on April 11. There will be a reception at the Marion Music Hall immediately following the service.  

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, Taunton.

For online family register please visit www.hathawayfunerals.com

‘Structural Imbalance’ in Budget

            The Rochester Select Board and the Finance Committee met Monday to discuss ways to address a problematic town budget proposal for FY27.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant started with a slideshow presentation, laying out the facts. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $27,900,000, but the town is facing $29,200,000 in department requests at the same time it projects revenues for FY27 to be only $900,000 higher than in FY26, which saw a $27,200,000 budget.

            This means the town is facing a “structural imbalance” gap of $1,400,000, Durant said. “This is not a town mistake,” he said. “There is a structural budget imbalance across the commonwealth.”

            Budget cuts that are already being proposed leave officials with $134,000 remaining to further ax to get to balanced spending for FY27, he said. The town-side cuts include $606,661 trimmed from staffing and variety of departments. The Rochester Memorial School budget is eliminating four staff positions.

            But the town has to pay $240,000 in out-of-district placement tuition budget for Special Education students living in Rochester, he said, and $716,000 for the Old Rochester Regional School District health-insurance debt.

            The town has to decide where these additional cuts will come from, Durant said as he laid out the main sticking points and cautions. The town has $2,100,000 in its “free cash” account, but there are already large commitments to spend those funds for FY27, he noted. He cautioned against using more free cash too freely. “Using one-time (free cash) funds cannot solve a structural problem,” he said. “The issue is generating new revenue and living within our means. The art is how do make it work for our budget needs?”

            Rochester resident and retired school superintendent Dr. Kristine Nash cautioned the state circuit-breaker reimbursement program for special education costs does not guarantee how much money the town will get from the state, as the formula only reimburses “up to” 75% of transportation, which does not apply to residential out-of-district placements.

            Durant’s main suggestion of the night was that the town allocate all of the free cash into specific uses, or “buckets,” so the fund will be used only for specific future spending. Finance Committee member David Arancio’s main message of the night was, “we focus our energies on what would work best for the town, not just the budget line by line.”

            No decisions came out of this joint meeting before the Finance Committee moved to review department budgets, but Durant promised a more refined budget proposal for the April 6 Select Board meeting. The FY27 budget will be voted on by residents at the Annual Town Meeting on May 18.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board was not scheduled at adjournment.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

Spring into April with the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, this month.

            Do you need some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Example topics include basic email assistance or help accessing Libby and Hoopla, the library’s eBook and audiobook platforms. Not sure? Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

            Students in grades 9-12 are invited to our monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:00 pm. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an action-oriented group of students who work to integrate their youthful voices into MFPL’s services, programming, goals, and communications. New members are always welcome.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 6:00 pm in the Marine Room. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends will continue accepting jewelry donations for their December 2026 sale. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s used Book Sale is on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Book donations will be accepted on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm in the library’s meeting room.

            This month’s Silent Book Club meets on Sunday, April 12, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up – no registration required.

            Join K&A Creations for a step-by-step painting lesson on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. Create a lovely lemon tree, or do your own thing. All materials are included. For adults 18 and up. Space is limited. Registration is required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            Join performer and educator Stephen Collins for an engaging evening exploring the life and work of Robert Frost through a blend of storytelling and performance. This event will be held on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm in the library’s meeting room.

            Did you know April is “Financial Literacy Month?” On Saturday, April 18, at 1:00 pm, visit the Mattapoisett Library with for Economic Empowerment Hour. Teens can learn essential skills like understanding credit and how to write a check. No registration required.

            Join Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Mattapoisett Library on Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 pm. Sheryl Faye will portray the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in her one-woman show. All adults are welcome. No registration required.

            Our Sunday Book Club meets on April 19 at 2:00 pm. They are reading My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Copies are available at the library. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00 pm. Come with friends and family or drop by solo to have some table-top fun. Bring your own games or play some of ours. No registration required.

            In honor of America’s 250th year, teens and tweens are invited to join us for a screening of the award-winning musical, Hamilton, on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 pm. No registration is required and free snacks.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group regularly meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month at 6 PM in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for April 22. This month’s book is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America by Colin Woodard. Copies will be available at the library. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Escape from the terrible thicket by mixing potions and translating fairy messages to find your way out. This dynamic escape room event is on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 am for families and 1:00 pmfor teens. Space is limited. Registration is required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            Come to the Mattapoisett Library for an afternoon with Anita Diamant on Sunday, April 26, at 2:00 pm. Anita Diamant is a prolific and award-winning author of fiction, non-fiction, and essay collections. Some of her notable titles include The Red Tent and The Boston Girl. This event is free and open to all.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Marion Selected for Regional Pilot Program to Develop Historic Preservation Plan

The Town of Marion will develop a comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan with support from the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD), following the Town’s selection to receive technical assistance through a competitive regional program.

            The Marion Historical Commission announces that SRPEDD will lead the project as part of a pilot initiative intended to guide similar efforts in other communities. SRPEDD staff will work closely with the Commission over the next 18 months to complete the plan.

            The plan acts as a roadmap, integrating heritage protection with growth management. The Massachusetts Historical Commission recommends that every city and town should have such a plan.

            Key components of the plan will include an updated survey and inventory of historic resources, recommended preservation strategies and tools, and a framework built around community priorities. The document will also support future planning efforts, including integration with Marion’s master planning initiatives.

            The Historical Commission sought and received approval from the Select Board earlier this year to move forward with the project.

            “We are delighted that the project was approved and look forward to having this important project completed for us,” said Meg Steinberg, Chair of the Historical Commission. “In addition to our ongoing survey and progress on National Register nominations, this plan will give us a framework for future endeavors to protect Marion’s historic character and architectural significance.”