A Dream … And A Star to Steer Her

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When I was a kid, I climbed the old maple tree in our front yard and sat in its high branches dreaming I was on a whaling ship sailing the seven seas seeking the great white one. Every kid has a dream.

            Maybe Captain Ahab was not in your dream. Maybe your dream was to be an astronaut, the first woman on the moon, or to hit the winning run in the World Series, or win a million bucks in the lottery, or parachute from an airplane. Maybe you dreamed of being President of the United States … eh, maybe not. You start a bucket list, but as time goes by it seems as though it was written in invisible ink, your dreams vanish, and the real world takes the wind out of your sails.

            There is one man whose dream has not evaporated. He dreamed of something big and set out to fulfill it. He dreamed of sailing around the world, but not in just any sailboat. Though he had never sailed before, he set out on an adventure few would start, much less complete. He would build his own boat … a big one. He cut down trees on the farm where three generations of his family worked, trees that he once climbed as a boy and began building his dream.

            He was an adventurer from the start. He has traveled the world on foot, on skis and snowshoes, rock climbed, explored underground caves, canoed whitewater rapids and kayaked on the high seas. He has worked as a roofer and at a climbing gym and earned a master’s degree but, as he has said, he found that “the romantic notion” of building a sailboat that could take him “wherever the wind takes me” was very alluring.

            Soon Steve Denette’s ultimate dream will become a reality beginning right here in Mattapoisett. An estimated 2,000-plus people will be descending on our little village to witness his dream, the Arabella, slide down our boat ramp and begin an adventure that 160,000 people around the world have been following on YouTube or reading about or hearing about on television.

            After devouring books on wood boat building and with the help of friends, sailing aficionados … amateur and expert … skilled sailors, volunteers and pretty much the whole community of Granby, his landlocked hometown in western Massachusetts, Steve will soon set sail on the next phase of his adventure.

            Why Mattapoisett, you may ask? Well, according to Annie B., a multitalented seafarer and communicator of the project, after plans to launch at Mystic Seaport fell through, they needed a port that could accommodate the many aspects of a boat launch and the many people expected to attend. Brownell Boats transported the yacht Victoria, which the project would decommission and use for parts, to Granby.

            Thus, familiar with Mattapoisett and a perusal on Google Earth, our historic former ship building harbor seemed to be a perfect fit. Soon a friendly welcome from the harbormaster and positive interactions with the town administration, Mattapoisett was just the ticket.

            Like the whaler in my youthful dream, the high seas beckon. On June 17, Steve Denette’s dream will launch. The name Arabella is derived from the Latin orabilis, which means “answered prayers.” If all goes well, Steve’s and all those dreamers with him will begin the “magical experience” he says he’s dreamed of. All he needs is a star to steer her by.

            Bon Voyage.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

By Dick Morgado

Children’s Memorial Garden

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The Children’s Memorial Garden in front of Sippican School will be rededicated in an all-school ceremony on June 14 at 9:15 am. The student body will have their tradition Flag Day Ceremony around the Flag Pole at 9 am, then regroup around the Children’s Memorial Garden. The Marion community is most welcome to participate.

            Marylou Hobson was the principal of Sippican School from 1990 to 2004. On her retirement, she requested the construction of a Memorial Garden to honor four Sippican children who passed during her tenure. Marques Silva & Andrew Rego both died in tragic accidents, and Alexis Wisner & Cody Johnson both succumbed to fatal diseases. Marylou loved the idea of building the garden around the huge spruce on the front lawn of the school, and the talented team of Susannah Davis (who did the design work) & Steve Gonsalves (who did the planting work) made it a reality. Last year, Steve Gonsalves noticed indication of disease & stress in the spectacular spruce. Specialist inspection discovered the tree had been hit by lightning, was hollow and succumbing to disease. Taking it down was a difficult but necessary decision. The silver lining: the Gonsalves/Davis team joined by Margie Baldwin has reinvented the garden to a new chapter, and the Pythagorean Lodge brotherhood has stepped in to do the work. The stump is a beautiful centerpiece to the stone memorial benches. New and old specimen trees & shrubs surround the sitting area making a nest to cradle our memories.

            The Children’s Memorial Garden reminds us of the most important elements of our community. We remember these four children we have lost, and we hold their families dear. Please join in the entire community’s rededication on June 14.

Academic Achievements

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The following hometown residents were awarded degrees during Salve Regina University’s 73rd commencement ceremony held in Newport, R.I. Salve Regina President Kelli Armstrong conferred 804 degrees in total during the ceremony, including 589 bachelor’s degrees, 207 master’s degrees and eight doctoral degrees. Local graduates include:

–Brielle Correia of Mattapoisett: Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology summa cum laude.

–Jillian Kutash of Mattapoisett: Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

–Delaney Pothier of Mattapoisett: Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

            Caitlin Collier, a senior at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter ER of Wooster, Ohio.

            Clark University awarded 1,300 degrees (590 bachelor’s, 681 master’s, and 29 doctoral degrees) to the Class of 2023 and conferred three honorary degrees during their 119th Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 21, including:

–Maeve Bliss McEnroe, of Marion, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Screen Studies.

–Bernave Twyman, of Mattapoisett, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science.

            Trent Alexander Crook of Rochester, a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering, was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2023 semester at Clarkson University.

            Kevin Ovian of Rochester, Aidan Ridings of Mattapoisett, Luke Couto of Mattapoisett, Matthew Curry of Mattapoisett and Hannah Squires of Mattapoisett were among nearly 1,000 students named to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Stonehill College:

            Justin Magazu was named to the Dean’s list at Miami University for the 2023 spring semester. Magazu, from Mattapoisett is earning a B.S. in Business, Certificate in Real Estate, Healthcare Sales.

Time Limit for Public Comment Debated

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            There was disagreement among the members of the Marion Select Board as to the town’s Public Comment Policy.

            A Draft Second Read was before the board during Tuesday night’s public meeting, the purpose to allow the board to observe the changes made with recommendation allowing the chairman to maximize discussion time while maintaining control over potentially contentious arguments. As Town Administrator Geoff Gorman explained to the board, a policy would prevent the hijacking of time.

            Select Board Chairman Toby Burr said he feels uncomfortable limiting the amount of time that the public can speak about an issue. He floated an alternative scenario in which no less than 10 minutes would be allocated and possibly more as the discretion of the chairman.

            Board member Norm Hills, who has served multiple terms as chairman of the Select Board, Planning Board and other adjudicating boards, identified the problem of speakers “getting to the point.”

            Member Randy Parker agreed with Burr, saying that the chair should control the committee and give some additional time if they need it.

            “We’ve had some pretty difficult meetings in the last 10 years and managed to get through them. I think we should look through this one more time,” said Parker.

            Gorman noted that the state has seen two litigations over the last five years following attempts to calm a meeting amidst foul language and calling people by name. He said that in one recent case, a citizen was removed from a public meeting, sued and won the case.

            “If you do not policy drive,” warned Gorman, the board leaves itself open to a lack of control. “Unfortunately, there are people out there that dictate boards like this. … This whole purpose is to protect the board and the town, and I will continue to seek the language and verbiage to make that happen.”

            Parker said he would like more time, and the matter was tabled.

            The Marion Harbormaster Department officially became part of the Police Department after its reorganization was approved by the Select Board.

            As the first of 21 action items on the June 6 agenda, Gorman summarized the matter emanating from former Governor Baker’s 2020 police reform requiring recertification and training of all police personnel, including harbormasters who are charged with duties, including the powers of arrest and the use of escalated force. The reorganization means all Harbormaster Department personnel will report to the Chief of Police.

            In separate votes, the Select Board approved the appointments of Damian Amaral and Tyler Paquette as full-time Police officers, per Chief of Police Richard Nighelli’s requests, effective May 29. The officers’ probationary periods were completed.

            The board voted to approve the appointment of Danielle Engwert from alternate to full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Engwert received enthusiastic support from ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow, who recruited Engwert. “I’m very proud of where she’s come from,” said Callow. The opening came with the resignation of Dr. Ed Hoffer.

            James Stewart is now an associate member of the Marine Resources Commission after his appointment was approved. “The harbor’s a key part of the town, and I’d like to do my part to keep it the way it is and keep it in good shape,” said Stewart, who lived in Marion from 1987 to 1993, moved to Boston and then back in 2006.

            Along with many scheduled staff reappointments, the board approved the designation of Gorman as the town’s Interim Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) effective March 1. Gorman will become eligible to lose the interim tag when he completes his MCPPO certification currently in process.

            The board approved Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Conservation restrictions at Red Brick Farm East (Wolf Island Road, Mattapoisett) and Red Brick Farm West (Long Plain Road, Mattapoisett); both are part of aquifer water protection for the Tri-Towns.

            The board approved the following road closures to accommodate the Marion 5k Road Race on Saturday, June 24. The race begins at 9:00 am and is expected to travel down Front Street, crossing Ryder Lane from 9:00 am to 9:10 am, Spring Street through 9:20 am, Main Street (9:05-9:25 am), Pleasant Street (9:05-9:35 am), Holmes Street (9:08-9:45 am), Water Street (9:10-9:50 am), Vine Street (9:10-10:00 am) and finally Front Street (9:12-10:15 am.) The race is sponsored by the Marion Recreation Department.

            The board approved the closure of Main Street from School to Front Street for the First Congregational Church of Marion’s Annual Summer Street Fair on Saturday, July 29, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm subject to Fire and Police chiefs’ approvals.

            Overflow parking for approximately 15 cars on Planting Island Road facing Point Road for a July 29 wedding was approved from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

            A mobile-home permit for 507 Delano Road was approved for two more weeks.

            Water/Sewer commitments of $3,536.48 (final readings May 24) and of $678.23 (final readings May 31) were approved.

            Other approvals included a letter of support to Eversource regarding the Southeastern Massachusetts Clean Grid Concept, the Department of Public Works’ request on annual water restrictions from June 15 to September 15, acceptance of the Marion Housing Production Plan of 2022 and approval of the Open Space & Recreation Plan.

            A discussion about a possible Cemetery Commission fee increase was tabled.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, Gorman publicly thanked all volunteers involved in Marion’s Memorial Day Remembrance exercises. “It really was one of the best events I’ve attended,” said Gorman.

            Gorman said the Example Agenda included in the board members’ meeting packet was not intended for a vote on Tuesday but only review until a later date. He said the tightening of meeting agendas, including the elimination of placeholder items is driven by the state’s Open Meeting Law.

            The outlook on a July 1 fireworks is murky after the town received no bids following a June 2 advertisement. New notification will appear in the June 8 Wanderer in hopes of drawing more bids by June 22. If there are none, the fireworks will be canceled.

            Executive Assistant Donna Hemphill noted that July 4 parade applications are available at the Town House. The event begins at 9:00 am.

            On May 31, the Select Board met and voted to increase Tier 3 and 4 water rates by 1% and voted to increase the base for sewer by 1%, Tier 1 by 2%, Tier 2 by 3%, Tier 3 by 4% and Tier 4 by 6%.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

New Board Approves Pier Extension

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The first public hearing of the newly reorganized Marion Planning Board was a challenging one for engineer Dave Davignon, whose explanations satisfied six of seven members, green-lighting a special permit for a dock extension planned by applicants James and Joyce Patten at 83 Holly Road.

            The board, chaired by Tucker Burr, heard on Monday night from Davignon (of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc.) on a project that picks up where one left off 35 years ago.

            As Davignon outlined, the initial phase of the project was permitted to build a boardwalk over land, since 1988 leaving a ramp to the property. Phase 2, he said, is to extend the pier over water at the same elevation so that the Pattens can install a float and dock their boat and dinghy.

            Prior vetting of the new project in the Conservation Commission and state and federal jurisdictions resulted in a shortening of the planned dock by 20 feet from an initially proposed 80 feet, according to Davignon. The existing boardwalk is wider than the maximum-allowed 4 feet, so a 60×4-foot extension is proposed with a “standard” gangway to a 10×20-foot float.

            Davignon listed the state Division of Marine Fisheries, Natural Heritage and the Harbormaster Department (navigation and shellfish issues) as being on board with the revised plan.

            New member W. Dale Jones, who lives nearby the site, said its sounds like a good project to him. But member Eileen Marum scrutinized the project heavily, citing several ecological issues alluded to in a report filed by Amanda Davis, an environmentalist with the Division of Marine Fisheries.

            Furthermore, Marum cited the federal Clean Water Act, noting that every effort should be made to avoid impact on eel grass. She also sought facts on the pilings for the project, noting the danger of creosote (a wood preservative pesticide) for shellfish.

            “What we have here is a cumulative impact,” said Marum, identifying the area as sensitive habitat according to Davis’ letter, and openly disagreed with the proposal as a worthwhile project.

            Burr asked Davignon if the Conservation Commission commented on Davis’ letter. “I have tremendous respect for the board and Jeff (Doubrava) and Shaun (Walsh),” he said.

            Allowed to respond, Davignon said that Creasote is no longer allowed and there was no eel grass in the area of the proposed work. He also said that the saltmarsh will not be disturbed because it lies entirely under the prior phase of work back in 1988.

            Davignon stated that the DMF reviews project three times and that “the Conservation Commission in this town takes them very seriously,” noting his experience with the Marion commission.

            He did note that due to other project vetting, access will be changed from the existing ramp to stairs on one side and possibly a ladder on the other after comment from the Army Corps of Engineers.

            While Marum asserted that the Planning Board was being asked to grant a permit with incomplete information, member (and new vice chairman) Andrew Daniel disagreed, noting his disappointment in the report from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

            “I feel very much like it’s any dock,” he said, satisfied with what he had heard about the plan to move shellfish. “I wish we had another comment from the Harbormaster on the waterway,” regarding boats traversing the area. “Looks like it’s not even the longest dock out there (into Wings Cove.)”

            “This dock, I don’t believe, will go any further (out) than the other docks,” said Jones.

            Member Alanna Nelson asked about lighting. Davignon said there is no electricity at the site and that any lighting would have to be based on solar power. Nelson also questioned the necessity of a 10×20-foot float as opposed to 8×16. Davignon said 10×20 is the industry standard and has seen larger.

            Member Jon Henry noted how impressed he was with Marum’s diligent research and knowledge, adding that building materials have changed dramatically. He cited the use of PVC and stainless steel as alternatives in pilings.

            “My comfort level is pretty high with the research,” he said, complimenting Marum on her research. “Your research has turned up and it’s good, I’m not knocking it … The Army Corps of Engineers is considered the construction company of Congress.”

            Henry said he would like more information on Daniel’s navigational question, but Daniel said he was okay moving the project forward without further explanation on the navigation. “There are other levels of review going on here,” said Nelson.

            Marum voted against closing the public hearing.

            After Daniel moved to approve the special permit, noting it had been reviewed by Town Counsel, Nelson suggested the permit raise the pier’s height from 24 inches to 30 to match DMF’s suggestion (Davignon said, while 24 inches is the norm, the project’s design actually calls for 30 inches.) It’s part of the design.

            Nelson also suggested a condition that refueling would not be allowed at the construction site (Davignon said all the work would be done out on a barge, there would be no landward activity.) Daniel noted that state guidelines are already in place. Burr said he does not want to impose a limit on refueling, and Daniel agreed.

            Nelson’s first condition was included in the decision that Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee will write. Marum’s was the lone dissenting vote.

            Monday’s was the first official meeting of the board since the retirements of former Chairman Norm Hills and Chris Collings.

            On May 15, the board had met and presumably reorganized, only to learn the day after that their meeting was ineffectual because two of the five members present had not been sworn in since the May 12 Town Election, leaving the board without a quorum.

            In that meeting, Burr was voted chairman by a 3-2 margin, his support coming from Daniel and new member Ryan Burke. Daniel was then voted vice chairman, but that didn’t count either.

            On Monday, the same results took hold with a 5-2 vote but not before Marum once again nominated Nelson as chair, then vice-chair. Marum cited Nelson’s status as a Fulbright Scholar, her degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Texas A&M and her experience as executive director of the Marion Historical Society and as an avid sailor.

            Marum was again reaffirmed as clerk, and Henry who had not been present on May 15, was again voted the board’s representative to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD.) Daniel was again voted the board’s representative to the Marion Community Preservation Committee.

            Burke declined Nelson’s motion that he represent the board to the CPC but assured Nelson he would shadow Daniel in the role to learn.

            In other business, the board voted to fund Board Administrator Terri Santos’ $35 expense for attending the Citizens Planner Training Collaborative.

            The board made no recommendation on request by the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the application of Terrence and Laura Hartford at 70 Water Street.

            During public comment, 590 Delano Road resident Alex Race told the board he wants to do a land deal and has a lawyer and surveyor. Guey-Lee instructed him to file an Approval Not Required application for the next agenda.

            Jones suggested that the board members have business cards.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, at 7:00 pm.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Classical Gem Returns for 25th

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Nicole Klein, a Mattapoisett business owner, said she grew up in the area as a musician. She says she initially did not know about the concert series to descend on Marion next month. Now she is a board member of the Buzzards Bay Musicfest about to celebrate its 25th season with five performances, starting on Wednesday, July 12 and culminating Sunday, July 16.

            “I grew up as a musician locally and had no real idea about this series and what a great thing it is,” said Klein. “What is really great about it is it’s a charitable organization and funded by community donations.”

            Back after taking a few seasons off due to COVID-19, the BBMF has a goal to spread the word. Another mission is to get more young people involved.

            On July 12 at 2:30 pm at Tabor Academy’s Fireman Performing Arts Center, there will be a rehearsal for young people. Music hopefuls might get an opportunity to perform with some of the world-class musicians.

            “We want more local people to realize this is something they can take part in and enjoy,” Klein said.

            The Town of Marion is one of the few places where world-class musicians come and play for free for a week.

            “Since its founding, the BBMF has been dedicated to bringing world-class music to Marion and the surrounding communities. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, concerts have always been offered free of charge,” according to a written release. “Through partnerships with the Marion Art Center and Tabor Academy, the BBMF has become a cultural cornerstone of the town and contributes to the cultural enrichment of the community, connects people through the arts and enhances the quality of life for Marion and the surrounding area. Performances have captivated audiences and garnered acclaim.”

            Word of mouth and youth involvement might be on the rise this year thanks to Tabor Academy, which has donated its hall for the concerts this year.

            All concerts are free and everything is donated.

            “It’s a lot of community involvement coming together,” Klein said.

            Members of the community even house musicians during their stay.

            “This is a momentous year for us, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 25th season,” said Trudy Kingery, BBMF’s founder and honorary chairperson, in a written release. “We’re looking forward to bringing our audiences the very best in classical music, and we can’t wait to share our ‘Season of Celebration.'”

            Returning conductor Antony Walker will kick off the concert series on Wednesday, July 12, by waving his baton and guiding an orchestra. Other highlights of the five performances scheduled during the week include chamber music performances on Thursday, July 13, and on Saturday, July 15. The BBMF Swing Band will swing into action on Friday, July 14, and a second chamber orchestra concert is scheduled on Sunday, July 16.

            The Sunday concert will be at 2:00 pm. All other concerts are set in the evening at 8:00 pm.

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Bulldogs Earn Spot in Quarterfinal

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            The 11th-seeded Old Rochester Regional girls’ tennis team (13-3) doubled down on its 4-1 victory over Ashland with a 3-2 win on Monday at No. 6 Medfield, earning a spot in the MIAA Division 3 state quarterfinals against the winner of Tuesday’s match between second-seeded and undefeated Dover-Sherborn and Swampscott. Time and location of the quarterfinal match was not determined at press time.

            The ORR boys’ tennis team, seeded ninth in Division 3, defeated East Longmeadow 4-1 but lost 3-2 in Monday’s Round of 16 at Cape Cod Academy.

            The 12th-seeded ORR girls lacrosse team (13-6) defeated Dighton-Rehoboth, 9-5, on Monday and was right back at it Tuesday night in the Division 3 Round of 16 against fifth-seeded Pentucket Regional. Both ORR and Old Colony boys’ lacrosse teams were in action Tuesday.

            Both the ORR and Old Colony boys’ lacrosse teams were in tournament action on Tuesday night.

            The Old Colony baseball team (10-10) beat West Boylston, 11-2, to open the Division 5 tournament but lost 15-2 on Monday to second-seeded Bourne.

            ORR sophomore Gavin Martin finished fourth overall in the Division 5 Outdoor Pentathlon held May 25-27 at Norwell High School, winning the Shot Put at 11.35 meters, taking second in the Long Jump (5.85 meters) and third in the High Jump (1.7 meters) and the 110 Hurdles (19.42 seconds.)

            Sam Balsis factored in the same events outside of the Pentathlon competition, winning the 400 meters in 57.68 seconds, taking second in the high jump (6 feet, 2 inches), third in the 110 Meter Hurdles (15.28) and seventh in the 1,500 (5:25.44). Braedon Christopher tied for ninth in the high jump at 5-10.

            Murray Copps finished sixth in the 800 in 1:59.26, and Nolan Bushnell was ninth in 2:00.48. Hunter Bishop finished eighth in the javelin at 154-08 and 13th in the discus (117-09.)

            ORR boys finished sixth as a team.

            ORR girls (30th overall) got two eighth-place finishes from Chloe Hurley in the high jump (5 feet even) and Emily Abbott in the triple jump (33 feet, 6 inches.)

By Mick Colageo

Shall We Dance?

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On Sunday, June 11, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will present a concert featuring music written for dance entitled “Shall We Dance?” Symphonic dance music from “West Side Story” will be highlighted along with “Suite of Old American Dances,” John Williams “Dance of the Witches,” “Shall We Dance?” and other terpsichorean delights. The concert will be under the grand tent on the lawn next to the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion, right on the shores of Sippican Harbor. Doors will open at 12:00 noon. The music starts at 2:00 pm with light fare and social hour at 1:00 pm. The grand tent, with ample space and excellent ventilation on all sides, is virtually an open-air concert event. This concert is the 20th annual Tri-County Symphonic Band Pops Concert, and all proceeds benefit the John R. Pandolfi Music Scholarship Program.

            Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door and can be purchased at the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth, The Marion General Store or online at brownpapertickets.com. Please visit www.tricountysymphonicband.org/for details.

ORRHS Art Students Participate In Memory Project

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Director of Guidance Lauren Millette are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School students recently participated in the Memory Project.

            The Memory Project is a youth arts organization that uses art created by children and for children to promote kindness and intercultural understanding around the world. Since 2004, the Memory Project has engaged 300,000 youth in 55 countries through school-based programs.

            In the fall of 2022, ORRHS students received portrait photographs of Syrian school children aged 5-12. Using the photographs as reference, students worked diligently — under the leadership of art faculty members Joanne Mogilnicki and Kate Butler — to create portrait paintings and drawings of the Syrian children.

            Upon their completion, all the portrait art works were sent back to Syria to be presented to the children. Each finished portrait had a picture of the ORRHS student who created it glued to the back, along with a tracing of their hand. Within that traced outline, the ORRHS student included a handwritten message for the Syrian child. The tracing of the hand that made the portrait is meant to serve as a symbol of how art connects people and can be used as a vehicle of kindness, one portrait at a time.

            A common sentiment among the ORRHS students was that being a part of the Memory Project was one of the most fulfilling and meaningful art projects they have ever experienced.

            “Art is an excellent way for our students to express themselves and use their skills to create something that creates a meaningful connection with others,” Director Millette said. “It was wonderful to see how much they enjoyed this project.”

            Added Superintendent Nelson, “The Memory Project is a great organization that inspires students to see the positive impact their creations can have. We are pleased to recognize the students for their hard work, and I would like to thank Joanne Mogilnicki and Kate Butler for working with our students on this project.”

            In an online message about the Memory Project, founder Ben Schumaker notes: “The Memory Project gets its name from its first intention, which was to provide handmade, heartfelt portraits as special memories to children in orphanages. Now our intention has expanded to touching the lives of youth around the world facing many types of challenges, while opening our hearts and minds so they can touch ours in return. Together we are using art to reach a distant destination: a kinder world in which all youth see themselves in one another regardless of differences in their appearance, culture, religion, or circumstances.”

Juneteenth Celebration

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TTAR (Tri-town Against Racism) is excited to announce a Juneteenth Celebration and unveiling of our third and newest Little Free Diverse Library at the Plumb Library in Rochester. Celebrations at the event will include a talk by Leon Correy III, Fairhaven Select Board member and founder of the Fairhaven Belonging Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, cupcakes generously donated by the Artisan Kitchen, music,games and more. The event will take place on June 17 at Plumb Library in Rochester at 12:30. This event is free and open to all community members. Registration information can be found by visiting TTAR’s website at tritownagainstracism.org/events. TTAR asks interested community members to RSVP for planning purposes. The first 25 families to register and attend will receive a free copy of “All Different Now, Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom” by Angela Johnson. Questions can be directed to info@tritownagainstracism.org.