Marion Incumbents Decisive in Victory

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            There were two races heading into the May 12 town election and incumbents on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee and the local town school committee were successful.

            Margaret McSweeny took 469 votes to defeat challenger Jennifer Marie-Zora Stewart, who netted 190 votes.

            “I am grateful that Marion reelected me so that I can continue to do this meaningful work,” McSweeny said after the vote. “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the administration, the staff of our schools and my fellow School Committee members to make sure that our school district is one that is safe, supportive and equitable for all.”

            On the Marion School Committee, incumbents Nichole Nye McGaffey and Mary Beauregard retained their seats against challenger Mirian Nawoichik. McGaffey, and Beauregard received 479 and 465 votes, respectively. Nawoichik received 167 votes.

            Reached after the election, McGaffey said she was honored to be reelected and working with the “amazing” school administration, parents, staff and other stakeholders. She said she is excited that the committee voted on appointing a school resource officer for the next school year.

            McGaffey last year ran as a write-in candidate when no one had stepped up to become an official candidate. McGaffey will start her first full term on the board.

            “The parents are really involved, and we appreciate the feedback we get from them,” she said. “Everyone is really involved and super passionate about their children getting the best possible education they can.”

            Beauregard was elected in 2020 and now serves on the Policy and Equity subcommittees, the Joint School Committee and as the Marion representative for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.

            “I’m so grateful that Marion voters decided to let me continue serving. Thank you to those who value and support our work,” Beauregard said.

            All other candidates ran uncontested.

            Norm Hills, first elected in 2017, ran unopposed and will start his third term on the Select Board. He received 532 votes.

            The Planning Board will have two new members after Hills and Chris Collings retired from their seats at the end of their terms. Incumbent Eileen Marum received 444 votes, and newcomers Ryan Burke received 460 and William Dale Jones 390. There were three open seats and no races.

            On the Board of Health, appointed incumbent Albin Johnson, who is also a founding member of the board, was the lone candidate and received 521 votes.

            Incumbent Pat DeCosta took 545 votes as the only candidate for a three-year Board of Assessors position.

            Peter Winters, a recent appointee, took 523 votes as the sole candidate for a two-year Board of Assessors post.

            Out of the town’s approximate 4,459 registered voters, 671 residents cast a ballot.

Town of Marion Election

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

RMS Says No to School Choice

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            Up until now, Rochester Memorial School has not been a School Choice destination, and it will remain that way for the 2023-24 academic year after the Rochester School Committee voted against joining the program after its May 4 public hearing.

            When the committee deliberated, Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson explained how the School Choice program has worked in Mattapoisett and ORR districts.

            Enrollment is a factor, and Nelson deferred to RMS Principal Derek Medeiros, who said the school has been hovering above 500 annually. As of May 4, registration was incomplete for the 2023-24 academic year but had already reached 495.

            “I’d say enrollment is pretty consistent,” said Medeiros, who estimated a range of 500 to 520 over the past few years.

            Nelson offered his opinion that the lower grades need smaller class sizes and that it becomes a matter of personal opinion with older children.

            Committee member Jason Chisholm suggested RMS has room in Grades 3 and 4 and the ability to enrich the community and be enriched by participating in School Choice. He cited Fairhaven resident, recent ORR graduate and Harvard student Eddie Gonet as an example.

            Committee member Anne Fernandes agreed on the enrichment piece but found School Choice not to be economically feasible for RMS.

            Special Education was also discussed, including as it affects a School Choice scenario in which the school attended is unable to meet all the needs of a particular student. Nelson explained that meetings with the student’s home district would be the next step toward finding solutions.

            Nelson said RMS has eight students in Individual Education Plans (IEP.)

            No one responded from the public to the invitation for questions or comments, so Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley closed the public hearing.

            Fernandes motioned that RMS does not join the School Choice program, and member Kate Duggan seconded the motion, citing a need to prioritize current challenges faced by Rochester’s own students. The vote was unanimous.

            The committee voted to approve the following meeting dates for the 2023-24 school year: August 31, October 5, November 2, December 14, January 25, February 29, April 4 and June 6.

            “This district is so completely unique in many ways, but one way that is tough on our school leaders is the fact that we have so many (committees) …,” said Hartley, citing the ORR District and Joint School Committee as well as the three towns’ committees. “It means that there are way less nights and evenings and afternoons that our leaders can do other kinds of work that has to be done. It becomes really complex.”

            Nelson said the ORR Administration will be proposing a more-consistent calendar of school-committee and subcommittee meeting dates in an effort to avoid conflicts with other school events and members’ personal planning. He hopes Thursday will become a common day for those meetings.

            The committee voted to accept the donation of a saxophone stand from ORR media director Erin Bednarczyk.

            On recommendation of the school librarian, the committee also voted to accept the donation of the following 15 books from the Scholastic Book Fair: “A Crown for Corina” by Laekan Zea Kemp; “Star Wars Galactic Baking” by Insight Editions; “The Horse Encyclopedia for Kids” by Ethan Pembroke; “The Official Harry Potter Baking Book” by Joanna Farrow; “Frizzy” by Claribel A. Ortega; “If I Was the Sunshine” by Julie Fogliano; “A Poem for Peter” by Andrea Davis Pinkney; “The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster” by Mo Willems; “Waiting” by Kevin Henkes; “Who Was the First Man on the Moon?; Neil Armstrong” by Nathan Page; “Nature Attacks” by Lauren Tashis; “Who Was the Greatest?: Muhammad Ali” by Gabe Soria; “Cat Kid Comic Club” by Dav Pilkey; “Barakah Beats” by Maleeha Siddiqui and “Room to Dream” by Kelly Yang.

            The committee heard updates on finances from ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber and on the district’s literacy initiative from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz.

            In his Principal’s Report, Medeiros announced RMS will hold its science fair, art show and third-grade concert all in one night, Thursday, May 18, beginning at 5:30 pm. Medeiros thanked Tree Warden Jeff Eldridge and ORR School Committee member Matthew Monteiro for organizing Arbor Day, sending students home with trees. Kindergarten screening will be held Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1. Preregistered, half-hour slots will be held between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

            The School Committee entered executive session for the purposes of exception Number 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and Number 7 to comply with the provisions of any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements and only returned to adjourn.

            The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, June 6, at 6:30 pm at Rochester Memorial School. The next meeting of the Joint School Committee will be held on Thursday, June 8, at 6:30 pm at ORR Junior High School.

Rochester School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Kenneth W. Sienkiewicz

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Kenneth W. Sienkiewicz, 79, of Mattapoisett died May 13, 2023 at home.

            He was the husband of the late Deborah A. (Nash) Sienkiewicz.

            Born and raised in New Bedford, son of the late Stanley Sienkiewicz and Doris I. (Moreau) Allen, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

            He was formerly employed with New England Telephone for over 35 years until his retirement.

            Mr. Sienkiewicz enjoyed family vacations, history and working on cars.

            He was a member of the Fin Fur and Feather Club.

            Survivors include his son, Marc Sienkiewicz of Fall River; 2 step-sons, Nathaniel Siegel and Jeremy Siegel, both of New York; a brother, Robert Allen of Leominister; a sister, Winifred Allen of New Hampshire; and a niece, Tammy Edwards of Sturbridge.

            His Funeral will be held on Thursday, May 18th at 10 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, May 17th from 4-7 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

MCC Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Congregational Church is pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 scholarship awards.

            Theodore Carroll, a student at Old Rochester Regional High School (ORR), is the recipient of the $2,500 Coquillette Family Scholarship; Morgan Berry, a student at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, is the recipient of the $2,500 Memorial Scholarship.

            In addition, we have awarded $1,000 Coquillette Family Scholarships to: Reagan Rock (ORR) and Grace Picewick (Bourne High School), as well as $1,000 Memorial Scholarships to: Thomas Berry and Jillian LeBlanc, both students at ORR.

Mattapoisett Library Upcoming Programs

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May is a busy month at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. The library has two exciting upcoming programs for families.

            On Saturday, May 20 at 11 am, join us for an exciting game of Family Jeopardy. Gather the family together and test your knowledge of a variety of trivia categories. There are prizes for all who participate, and the winning team will receive the surprise grand prize.

            On Saturday, May 23 at 2 pm, join us for Make Your Own Pinch Pots. We will transform a chunk of air-dry clay into adorable multi-use pinch pots. This is a very open program, and patrons will be welcome to use a variety of techniques to create their pot (or plate.) We will be utilizing plants to leave imprints in the clay. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is required.

            All programs are free and open to the public. Visit our website for a complete list of all our programming for the month. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please contact the library at 508-758-4171 or email mflp@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Select Board

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            Three (3) candidates are on the Mattapoisett Town Election ballot for one (1) open seat on the Select Board.

Tyler Macallister, Incumbent

            What is my vision for Mattapoisett over the next three years? Next 10 years? I write this on the day of my 10th annual Town Meeting as a member of the Select Board. I remember the effort spent by the town administrator, department heads, committees, and many others preparing another balanced budget for the upcoming year. Since joining the Board in 2011, after almost six years on the Conservation Commission, a balanced budget has been presented annually to Town Meeting within the constraints of Proposition 2½. Simultaneously, the town has attained the highest possible rating, allowing for borrowing on capital projects at extremely low interest rates. Since 2013, 40% of our OPEB liability has been funded and seven new stabilization accounts established to soften the budgetary impacts on expenses that tend to fluctuate. The 10-year capital plan identifies timing of future projects coinciding with expiring debt, keeping borrowing levels stable. Within the next three years, I see the wharf restoration project completed. The waterfront and wharves at Shipyard Park are one of our greatest assets. I see a restored Ned’s Point Light shining brightly under the care of the town. I see informed decisions made on larger-scale projects that are coming, including consolidation of Center and Old Hammondtown schools. The study is complete and public input will be sought soon. The largest component of Mattapoisett’s population is over 55, yet the Council on Aging operates on one of the smallest budgets. I see the need for an expansion of the COA services, as more people tap this very valuable resource, and intend to get ahead of the curve. Ten years from now, I see a more modern Town Hall housing most departments so anyone can get their needs taken care in a single location. I see an expansion of affordable housing in cooperation with private developers who share similar vision. I hope others share some or all of my visions for the Mattapoisett. I may not have lived here all my life, but definitely call it home. I appreciate your support on May 16.

Brian Connelly, Challenger

            I have a fiscally conservative mindset and am moderate on non-financial issues. I was born and raised in Queens by my mother, who immigrated as a political refugee from Cuba. She instilled the values of hard work and education. My father, a proud Air Force veteran and engineer, engrained commitment to service and to take pride in figuring out how to solve complicated problems in creative ways. I moved here in 2003 after studying Business Administration and Communications at Stonehill. My wife and I chose Mattapoisett to raise our two children, Caroline and Charlie; both came up through ORR schools. We love this special town that we all now call home. I was accepted to the FDNY in 2001 but declined to pursue a life in MA and career in Financial Services. I have earned multiple FINRA certifications for investment trading, focusing on client relationships, charitable trusts, bespoke investments, and international trust private wealth management. We later prioritized our family, and I stayed home with our children to play active roles at home and within our community. With time to volunteer within the kids’ schools and the library, I also found time to pursue firefighting again. Joining Mattapoisett Fire in 2016, I hold the rank of lieutenant. I helped secure a FEMA grant for the department’s breathing apparatus, resulting in removal of a significant capital cost off a future fiscal year’s budget. I also serve as vice president of our department’s Firefighter Association and as a lead instructor for our Explorers program that teaches tri-town high schoolers fire-service operations and history. My interest in running is grounded in my commitment to serve this town objectively and without agendas and to support our community. I am interested in offering a fresh perspective to promote forward progress. This role is an extension of public service, facilitating the collective needs of our residents, while finding ways to fund these items in a prioritized, fiscally conservative manner. The continuance of stabilization funds, promoting sustained business growth and enhancing cost-saving measures will continue to help ease the rise of taxes for our residents.

Catherine Heuberger, Challenger

            For the last 18 years, I have been a dedicated public servant. I enjoy providing excellent service to all Mattapoisett residents. I believe that my local knowledge, experience and education make me the best candidate for Select Board. Mattapoisett is my hometown. My roots in the community run deep. Both my husband and I were fortunate to be raised in this beautiful town. We chose to raise our son in the town we love. Our aging fathers and extended families live here as well. Since becoming town clerk, I have received my certifications from the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. In 2022, I completed the Local Government Leadership and Management Certificate Program from Suffolk University and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. I am currently enrolled in classes to obtain my Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official designation. When contemplating running for the Select Board, I asked the State Ethics Commission for a legal opinion. I was advised by the commission that there was no conflict in me running for and holding both elected offices. Since the conflict-of-interest law only applies to immediate family members, I would be able to vote on most matters without an issue. I would have to recuse myself from certain discussions regarding my salary and budget once elected. Mattapoisett is facing many challenges. The future of our aging town facilities, possible school consolidation, services for our growing senior population and affordable housing for the elderly and families are just a few of the issues facing us as a community. When considering these needs, I will work diligently to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely. I have no personal agenda and no pet projects to advocate for. I am ready to serve and look out for the best interests of all residents and to be open-minded when making decisions concerning the future of Mattapoisett. I have the knowledge, experience and education to be a voice for all town residents. I look forward to serving on the Select Board. I humbly ask for your vote on May 16. Thank you!

Trivial Pursuit of Justice

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            Serious business goes on in Washington, or so they say. Much of it is in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court of the United States.

            I use the word hallowed, which is defined on CollinsDictionary.com as “something that is respected … old, important and has a good reputation.” The Court of course has generally worn this cloak proudly. It is, after all, the final arbiter of all things of substance under the law.

            So, when it was announced that the Court has taken up the important case of … wait for it … rubber dog toys … trivial and frivolous were the words on many pundits’ lips. Over the years, the Court has heard many cases of import.

            In the dog toy case, Jack Daniels, a hard-liquor distiller, considers it an important trademark infringement issue. They are suing because they are concerned that the toy “tarnishes their image,” and their discerning customers will be unable to distinguish their black-labeled, glass whiskey bottle from a rubber chew toy. It’s just my opinion, but if that’s true, maybe their customers ought to lay off the hooch a bit.

            The label in question has a drawing of a dog prominently displayed in place of the distiller’s name and declares that it is “100% smelly” and “100% poo by volume.” The toy maker claims their free-speech rights are being abused and that parody is American as apple pie. The Court expects to rule by the end of June.

            The robed justices are no strangers to silly litigation. The Court once had to rule on who owns the sky. In the case U.S. v Causby, a farmer claimed airplanes flying over his chicken coop were scaring his birds to death. He cited an old common law which said that a landowner owned “everything to hell and heaven,” which included the airspace over his farm. The Court ruled that planes needed to fly 1,000 feet above his coop and awarded the farmer a sum “commensurate with the cost of his dead chickens.”

            Most trivial cases never reach the high court, but lower courts are fertile ground for litigious loonies. A man once sued Budweiser beer for failing to help him attract beautiful women. Maybe he would have had better luck drinking Jack Daniel’s whiskey. A prisoner sued himself, claiming he had a split personality and was not responsible for his crime. Since he was incarcerated, he expected the state to pay him $5,000,000 for false arrest. He’s still behind bars … both of him.

            Not long ago, Major League Baseball, on behalf of our beloved Red Sox, tried to trademark the word “BOSTON.” Common sense prevailed as the Sox asked that the case be dropped, preferring to continue their quixotic quest for a pennant rather than to own a city.

            Speaking of sports … consider the poor soul who looked like Michael Jordan. He sued Jordan because people kept mistaking him for the basketball star. Maybe I should sue George Clooney because I am cursed with his good looks. Eh, maybe not.

            Another fellow sued to legally change his age to avoid getting old. He lost, but I sure wish he’d won.

            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.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Academic Achievements

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Jesse Pratt of Marion, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Pratt was initiated at University of Massachusetts.

            Aidan Ridings of Mattapoisett, was recently inducted into Lambda Epsilon Sigma, Stonehill College’s honor society. The organization recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, provided evidence of a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond the classroom, contributed to the intellectual development of our community and exhibited an ability to communicate effectively.

BookRemarks: Plumb Library

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Greetings from Plumb Library. Welcome to BookRemarks, our new monthly feature focusing on all things library related.

            Let’s talk about book clubs. Your Library offers a number of opportunities for you to come out and be social in book-related ways. Book clubs are a great way to meet new people, learn about new authors and read books that you may not normally gravitate toward. It’s an opportunity to share and learn with other readers in a casual setting, and there are almost always snacks. We hope that you’ll consider joining us at one of our meetings.

            We have a long-standing adult book club, started in 2004, recently renamed “Books & Babble” that meets the last Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. In this group we read fiction, nonfiction and biographies under an umbrella theme for the year. The 2023 theme is “Food, Art, & Adventure,” and the book for May is “The Kitchen Front” by Jennifer Ryan. After a short hiatus, the Council on Aging Book Club is back. They meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1 pm at the COA and are currently reading “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub. New members are always welcome at both of these groups and books, along with discussion questions, can be picked up at the Library. For our slightly younger readers, there are 4 levels of BookBuds reading groups ranging from 6 years to high school. They meet the 1st Friday or Saturday of the month and registration is required. Check out our Events Calendar for more information and to sign up at www.plumblibrary.com.

            As always, your Library Staff, Kristen, Jen, Lisa and Bridget are here to help you find what you need. Feel free to call 508-763-8600 or email us info@plumblibrary.com with any questions. Better yet, come by and say hello.

Trustees of Mattapoisett Public Library

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            Editor’s note: Three (3) candidates are on the Mattapoisett Town Election ballot for two (2) open seats on the Trustees of the Public Library.

Ruth Oliver Jolliffe, Incumbent

            I am Ruth Oliver Jolliffe, and I am running for reelection for trustee of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Books and libraries have been my lifelong interest. Before I retired, I was the associate director of a large, independent library in Boston. From that experience, I gained insight and knowledge into how libraries serve their communities well. During my tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees of the MFPL, I have come to know the staff, the library, and much of the Mattapoisett community it serves. The well-being of the town and especially the role of the Mattapoisett library in this town and beyond is of great importance to me. The library serves a wide community of people of all ages and interests, with not only a large collection of books and printed materials from on site and available from other libraries, but children’s programs, cultural events, musical performances, fishing rods, games, art programs, etc. The library offers the opportunity for all to explore, to discover, and to learn. By continuing to increase our knowledge, we expand our horizons of enjoyment and understanding. I appreciate the vital role of trustees as overseers, working with management and staff to make the best decisions for the future. As a trustee of the Mattapoisett Library, I am honored to serve, to encourage, and to support the work of the library and its dedicated Director, Jennifer Jones. I look forward to continuing as a trustee. I hope I may count on your vote on election day, May 16, 2023.

Paul Criscuolo, Challenger

            I’m Paul Criscuolo and I am seeking the office of Trustee of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. I am asking for your support and vote because I know that you believe, as I do, our library is a unique and treasured asset to our community. We all are familiar with the explosion of digital media and the decline of the “printed word.” Whether we use a Kindle, a smart phone or iPad, the relevance of the traditional book is declining. I believe that decline is not correlated to the relevance of our library to our community. Our library is more than a collection of shelves filled with books. It “serves” the community in numerous ways beyond our common assumptions. It provides meeting space for many community organizations, reading groups on diverse topics, digital movies, film clubs, learning classes, resources for research and even a “Library of Things” that includes a ukelele and fishing poles. That list grows as our library team seeks new ways to enrich our community. I want to be a part of that effort. I have devoted a substantial portion of my life to volunteer community service. I bring an extensive background in organization and project management as a senior executive of three Fortune 100 sized enterprises. I am an avid reader and book collector (I like the paper ones!) Rhonda and I have owned a home in Mattapoisett for 20 years. We have been full-time residents for the past five years. Rhonda’s Mattapoisett roots begin with her grandparents’ humble home on Mahoney’s Lane. Her dad’s name is proudly displayed on the Veterans of WWII sign in Town Hall. I envision this position as supporting and advising the director and her staff as they pursue the agenda they believe best serves our community. Our library is always in need of financial and community support. Books in every form must be bought and roofs repaired. If my service is of any value, it will be to convince my fellow citizens that, despite the digital phenomenon, our library is relevant, vibrant and a symbol of the best of Mattapoisett.

William Coquillette, Challenger

            I seek to serve as a Library Trustee because: (1) I love the library and have a proven record of support for it, and (2) I feel my experience as a board member, business lawyer and leader will benefit the library. I currently serve as President of the Mattapoisett Library Trust, the nonprofit organization that raises funds to support special projects at the library. I have served on the trust for four years and was a member of the search committee for the current Director of the Library. Those experiences have given me valuable insight into the needs, challenges and opportunities of the library. I have many years of other experience on boards to contribute to the library as well. Currently I am co-president/board member of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, treasurer/board member of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path and clerk/board member of the Bay Club at Mattapoisett. I have led and served many other nonprofits over the years based on a desire to know and support my community. Professionally, I have led and served many for-profit boards for large and small companies. All of this board work has honed my skills in financial management and strategic planning, which will be important in guiding the library into the future. As a business lawyer, my job was to solve problems and bring people together to find common solutions. I believe in being practical, not ideological. I do my homework, listen to what others have to say, and work to create a consensus around key decisions. That’s the approach I would bring as a library trustee. Finally, an important benefit of the library for me is the full and free access it gives me to the information and culture of the world. I believe the library should be inclusive and respectful of all. My overall goal as library trustee would be to work constructively with others to help make the library the best asset it can be for all of the citizens of Mattapoisett.