She doesn’t get to take the cane home, but last week Rochester’s oldest resident Maureen Riley, 102, still received citations, gratitude and the “Boston Post Cane” honor.

            Council on Aging Executive Director Eric Poulin hosted a ceremony for Riley, who was surrounded by friends and family – many saying that being around loved ones is one of the secrets of Riley’s longevity.

            The Boston Post Cane award started in 1909 when The Boston Post newspaper publisher asked 700 communities in the state to award the cane to their oldest resident, according to its website. Poulin said that Rochester is still one of the few communities to continue the tradition.

            Poulin gave Riley a citation from the Select Board’s office, and Riley also heard from Minhtram Tran, a representative from Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz’s office, as well as Maureen Flanagan, a representative from State Senator Michael Rodrigues’ office.

            “Your 102 years are a testament to resilience, grace and enduring happiness,” Tran said, reading the citation.

            “It’s an achievement for you and your family. May you enjoy the new year with health and happiness,” added Flanagan.

            Poulin said that the cane will be on display at the COA, along with photos that were taken of Riley.

            Poulin noted that she gets to bring the citations home with her.

            “If you don’t have a trophy room, I hope you do now,” Poulin said.

            Riley lives with her daughter Katherine Riley-Keough and her husband John.

            While dementia and hearing impairment make it difficult for Maureen Riley to discuss the secrets to her longevity, Katherine Riley-Keough and John Keough noted that she goes on vacations with them every year, which certainly helps. They also said that she was active most of her life, at one time avidly playing tennis, gardening and living a spiritual life.

            Maureen Riley came to America from New Zealand more than seven decades ago. She worked as a cook for a Catholic rectory in New Bedford, staying employed up until her 80s. Her sense of humor also likely has played a part. She joked that she needed her reading glasses and couldn’t read the citations.

            Flanagan noted that those who work late and stay active longer might be one of the secrets to a long life.

            Riley-Keough said she expects that her mother will be around to receive honors next year. She will turn 103 on May 4, 2025.

Rochester Boston Post Cane

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

            The Marion Art Center’s latest exhibit is a solo tour de’ force from local artist Nancy Dyer Mitton, now to August 9. The opening reception was heavily attended by fellow artists, family and friends on July 12. In the lexicon of the art world, the show is not considered a retrospective but instead is a “survey” of this master’s last 40 years of creating impressive works of visual art.

            Upon entering the first-floor gallery, one finds small works full of color, full of gentle flowing images inviting one to study the images just a bit longer.

            On the second floor are massive, expansive scenes inspired by coastlines. And then there are those early paintings of a library scene with first-edition volumes and antique porcelain. The juxtaposition of the books and her newer linear seascapes demonstrates not only the artist’s evolution over four decades but her desire to connect times and spaces into visual concepts.

            “My painting helps me connect to life, most are autobiographical,” Mitton shared.

            The artist’s background is also impressive. Her resume lists study at the Massachusetts College of Art where she earned her BFA studying under George Nick, a highly respected artist in his own right who taught hundreds of students the finer points of painting for many years.

            Mitton cofounded the Water Street Gallery that was in Mattapoisett and received artist in residences twice (1995 and 2001) at Rochefort-en-Terre in Brittany, France. She became an exhibiting artist member of The National Arts Club in New York in 1993 and a member of the Artists’ Fellowship in 1995.

            Mitton is also a published author of a book titled “A Romantic Art Colony: Marion, Massachusetts,” described as a book about careers of key American artists and writers who put Marion and New York on the global, cultural map during the late 19th Century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is exhibiting this group, “New York Art Worlds, 1870-1890,” on view through Sunday, July 21.

            Mitton’s works have been represented by Soprafina Gallery in Boston since 2001. Gallery director Frank Roselli describes Mitton’s art, “…its expansive beauty, power and light. Her paintings use the physicality of the oil paints as she creatively constructs her canvas using wet paint with adroit skill.”

            For Mitton the passion for painting remains strong. Her art survey brings to the public an opportunity to see works that spans styles, use of linear elements and, of course, color over 40 years of artistic perfection.

Marion Art Center

By Marilou Newell

Marion Public Health Director Lori Desmarais and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony are offering the following tips to help residents stay cool during this week’s extreme heat.

            The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the region through Wednesday. Temperatures on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are expected to climb into the 90’s with tropical-level humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees.

            Residents looking for a break from the heat can visit the town Community Center and Elizabeth Taber Library, both of which will be open normal business hours. The Community Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, as are all town offices. The Elizabeth Taber Library is open Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

            In addition, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has offered the following tips:

            Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

            Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

            Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature.

            Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.

            Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

            If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.