Fewer Students Means Mixed Results

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            The Rochester Select Board heard from Town Administrator Cameron Durant on the status of the FY27 school budget during its meeting on Monday night.

            Durant reported Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School’s overall FY27 budget to its five member towns will be a 4.8% increase, yet Rochester’s share will be a $260,000 reduction because the town is sending 22 fewer students there.

            Meanwhile, the Old Rochester Regional School District budget will see a 6.8% increase, or an $860,000 budget increase, that the town will be asked to spend over its FY26 budget, though Rochester will have 20 fewer students at ORR in the next school year.

            Durant noted the town budget is still facing currently a $450,000 deficit. “The Rochester Memorial School’s next budget meeting was scheduled for March 25,” he said. “I’ve asked them to postpone that meeting to await additional discussion.”

            Regarding state funding for schools, Durant announced the town’s Chapter 90 program funding for FY27 will be $531,477. Durant noted this is a slight reduction over last year.

            In other action, the Select Board approved Police Chief Michael Assad’s recommendation to appoint two new full-time police patrol officers with extensive backgrounds, Paul M. Douglas and Christopher Coyman, at the board’s meeting on Monday night.

            Douglas, Assad said, has 25 years of experience in corrections and multi-agency enforcement operations. He is currently a deputy sheriff with the Plymouth County’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and a deputy with the US Marshals Service with a top-secret security clearance. Coyman is currently a deputy sheriff/identification officer for the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Investigations. He’s also a special police officer with the Pembroke Police Department and a crisis negotiator with the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.

            As former Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson and a roomful of other supporters looked on, Assad started by noting the Rochester Police Department has lost two officers to job transfers. One officer has taken a position with the New Bedford Police Department. The other has decided to step away from law enforcement work to pursue “other” opportunities. “These transitions provide us with the opportunity to bring in new officers who are fully committed to the mission of the Rochester Police Department,” he said.

            The board appointed Carol Hardy to the Events Committee.

            The board approved the Tour de Creme route through town on May 31 and the Patriot Half Triathlon’s town route on June 13.
            The board chose Paul Ciaburri as its representative on the Acushnet Board of Health Agreement negotiation panel.

            Durant announced the town website has officially changed from an address of “.com” to “.gov.”
            Durant announced Eversource has notified the town it will conduct scheduled vegetation maintenance work this spring at 237 Vaughan Hill Road, 85 Alley Road and 8 Union Church Terrace.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, April 6 at 6:00 pm in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Get Moving with TapFit

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Join the MAC at our partner location at the Mattapoisett American Legion (3 Depot Street), for a lively, fun dance class led by instructor Teah Keogh. If you are tired of only shivering and shoveling for your exercise, get ready to joyfully move. This 60-minute class is designed for adults who want to add a little more happiness and a little less seriousness to their week. Whether you’re brand new to tap or dusting off old skills, this is your percussive playtime. This means everyone is welcome; no prior dance experience necessary. Flexible pricing either a 10-class punch card $215 MAC members and $255 nonmembers or you can drop-in: $25 MAC members and $30 for nonmembers. All the information is at marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement.

Writing Class: 6 Weeks, 6 Stories

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The next session of our popular writing class 6 Weeks, 6 Stories returns starting April 7 and will run through May 12 on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the MAC Studio at 80 Pleasant St, Marion. Sarah Banse returns to guide writers whether they are beginning a practice, a seasoned writer or a complete beginner. 6 Weeks, 6 Stories is an opportunity to experiment with new forms and share fresh work in a supportive environment. Class size is limited; to register or for more information please go to marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

OCRVTHS Students Excel on AP Exams

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Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School students achieved strong results on Advanced Placement (AP) exams last year, with 61 percent of students who took an AP exam earning a score of 3 or higher, well exceeding the state benchmark as Massachusetts again ranked first in the nation for AP performance.

            The highest-scoring AP courses at Old Colony were English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, PreCalculus, Computer Science A and Computer Science Principles.

            State officials recently announced that 35.8% of Massachusetts public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam last year, the highest percentage in the nation.

            Old Colony’s results not only align with the state’s achievement, but surpass it.

            “Congratulations to our students and teachers for their exceptional work on AP exams,” said Dr. Cheryl Hebert, Academic Director at Old Colony. “We offer rigorous academic programs to our students, and our staff do an extraordinary job to prepare them for college and career success.”

            Advanced Placement courses give students the opportunity to take college-level coursework while still in high school, and many colleges award credit for scores of 3 or higher. With its array of AP courses, Old Colony prepares students for post-secondary success, supporting a broad range of future paths.

            “Seeing our students excel at this level is a point of pride for the entire district,” said Superintendent Aaron Polansky. “Our students work hard on a daily basis, and these results are proof of that. They also receive essential guidance from our teachers and support from their families, who prioritize education. We are committed to continuing to provide opportunities that challenge and prepare every student.”

Lewis Street Hearing Cancelled

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on March 12 for their first meeting following last month’s blizzard. The board kicked off with Chair Cindy Callow reading the application by Sarah Martin Banse of 90 Main Street and beginning the Public Hearing for a Special Permit for an addition to a current non-conforming garage to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

            Banse was present who explained the space was not originally built with that intent in mind, though they would now like to use it for the owner’s sister. They explained there was already enough parking on-property for the additional living space. There would be an extra 500 square-feet added to the usable space, meaning a Special Permit is required due to the increase in non-conformity.

            The hearing was closed and the permit for 90 Main Street was granted with a unanimous vote of approval.

            Next, it was explained the hearing for Angus Leary of 19 Lewis Street was again tabled. “We have been talking it for quite some time,” Chair Callow said. The chair then read the board’s statement regarding the frequent delays to their hearings for the property, saying, “Mr. Leary has been notified via email that this case will be picked up by the board this week. His lack of reply can result in the board denying his appeal and closing the case.”

            Members discussed processes used to contact the owner, such as call, email, and a certified letter, though no reply has been received. Chair Callow moved to close the hearing, meaning if the owner would like to go forward, they need to reapply. It was closed with a unanimous vote of approval.

            Following the approval of minutes from the board’s January 11 meeting, they began discussion on new people-of-interest to fill the vacant Alternate Member slots for the board. Joan Gardener, the current Alternate Member, confirmed interest in being elevated to full Member, though there was not an official quorum for this action so it would have to wait.

            Dina Nichols was one of the two applicants invited by the chair to see direct boar functions. She has been a resident of the town for a little over two years. Before that, she had lived in Shrewsbury where she explained she had been active in town. As a realtor, she believed the best way to service Marion would be in the dealing with zoning and property management.

            The next applicant was Anne Morgan who also arrived in town about 2 years ago, this time from Grafton. Morgan explained she and her husband grew up along the shore and moved to town seeking it back out. Coming from Martha’s Vineyard, she said she had exclaimed, “this is like Edgartown without the traffic!” She stated she had been a professional planner for 40 years, serving multiple municipalities across the Greater Boston Area.

            The board approved of and endorsed the two applicants which then is moved to the Select Board for them to give the final approval and appointment.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Approval is scheduled for  Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Do you like knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, or crocheting? Join our newest club. Meet new people, share fiber art project ideas, work with others, and share some laughs. Fiber Arts Club meets every Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

            Adult Readers’ Advisory Group will meet March 24 at 11:00 am. If you enjoy discussing reading or books, join our Adult Readers’ Advisory group for popular book ideas, to see what others are reading, and to explore new genres.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is excited to announce that we’ll be hosting acrobat Li Liu on Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 pm on the Marion Music Hall. Join us to see Li’s performance and to learn about the traditions of Chinese acrobatics. This program is for all ages and is free to attend. This program was funded with the generous support of the Marion Cultural Council.

            Starting to plan ahead for April Vacation? Keep the Library in mind. We’re hosting Little Sparks Theater on Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00 am for Big Kid Creative Drama – an engaging and highly interactive drama program for kids ages 6-8/grades 1-3. On Friday, April 24, we’re running our very own escape room. Sign up for a timeslot to Escape the Library. Both program require registration and more information can be found at elizabethtaberlibrary.org/events

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

Paint-a-Bowl Fundraiser and Empty Bowls Dinner

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A little creativity and a warm bowl of soup can go a long way at Old Rochester Regional High School this spring, as two upcoming community events combine art, food and generosity to support students in need.

            The Old Rochester Regional High School Art Department is inviting community members to participate in Paint-a-Bowl Night on March 25, followed by the Empty Bowls Dinner on April 15, with entry to both events covered by a single $25 donation. Both events are open to community members of all ages and artistic abilities.

            Paint-a-Bowl Night will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 25, in the Old Rochester Regional High School ceramics studio (Room 1914). During the event, guests will select and paint a handmade ceramic bowl created by students in the ORR Art Program. The personalized bowls will then be glazed and fired by the school’s ceramics students and faculty.

            The personalized bowls will then be used at the Empty Bowls Dinner on Wednesday, April 15, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, held in the Old Rochester Regional High School cafeteria. Guests will enjoy a simple meal of soup served in the bowl they hand-painted during the Paint-a-Bowl Night.

            Additional bowls will also be available for purchase during the dinner, created and donated by students and faculty involved with the ORR Art Department, Clay Club and Art Club.

            Soup for the evening will be generously donated by Blount Fine Foods, and the meal will also include oyster crackers, a cookie and a drink. Attendees will keep their chosen “empty bowl” as a reminder of the hunger and food insecurity that persists in many communities throughout the country and the world.

            All proceeds will benefit The Williams Fund, which provides support to members of the Old Rochester Regional school community in times of need. The Williams Fund, established in 2010 by an Old Rochester Regional High School teacher and her family, is a nonprofit organization that provides confidential financial assistance and resources to students and families facing hardship, helping ensure students have what they need to fully participate in school and succeed. The fund helps cover essential needs and school-related expenses such as home heating costs, groceries, field trip fees, and athletic or extracurricular participation fees.

            For more information about Paint-a-Bowl Night or the Empty Bowls Dinner, email Joanne Mogilnicki at joannemogilnicki@oldrochester.org or Kate Butler at katebutler@oldrochester.org.

Rochester Historical News

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Membership dues are trickling in, the snow in the museum driveway is melting and spring will soon be here. If you’ve ever wondered if genealogy could play apart in your 250th anniversary celebration of America’s founding or you wonder if it would connect you to Revolutionary War ancestors, join us on April 15 at 7:00 at the Rochester Historical Museum 355 County Rd., Rochester for” Genealogy and the Revolution”.

            It will be nice to get together after what seems like a never-ending winter. After the program, we’ll gather for refreshments and conversation. Memberships may be purchased that evening.

éirinn go Brách

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            Tuesday was Saint Patrick’s Day and there were a few events that took place in our area, though it’s likely most were pulled in a few directions to either Boston or Newport the prior weekend. Though it was a relatively light week for Ireland-related events, there was no shortage of Irish tricolors flying from houses or people wearing green (don’t pinch me).

            For events held in the area, on March 15, Joe Keane, renowned seanchaí (shan-a-key), or Gaelic storyteller, brought tales from the Emerald Isle to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Along with telling stories, sharing Irish folktales and lessons, and bringing pictures, Keane also brought a full-size harp to play.

            He explained to the audience that the three leaves of the famed shamrock symbolize the three mythical queens of the island, or The Morrígan. The names of these queens/goddesses were Badb, Macha, and Anu. Though much of the Irish Gaelic history and folktales were lost to time or British subjugation, seanchaí like Joe Keane are able to keep history alive for all to learn, even in our neck of the woods.

            On Saint Patrick’s Day proper, March 17, the Mattapoisett Land Trust and Mattapoisett Free Public Library hosted an outdoor story time, loot hike/scavenger hunt, and pea planting. Visitors met at the Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (fun-ish and somewhat relevant fact, Holmes is said to have maybe had some familiarity* with an Irish woman, whom he visited often in Cork), where they were read stories by Head Children’s Librarian/Assistant Director Kevin Thompson.

            After that, they followed the trail of the leprechaun on the hunt for gold! Finally, they received some peas to plant at home, as is a St. Patty’s Day tradition. The best time to plant those is now through mid-April!

            That was it for the big Irish-American celebrations. The town of Rochester offered a hearty Happy St. Pats to the town, saying, “Sláinte to our wonderful town!”

            March 17 was also the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day, for more on that, see the Revolution Story!

Saint Patrick’s Day in the Tri-Town

By Sam Bishop

Priscilla Hathaway Art Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is seeking applicants for its $1000 Priscilla Hathaway Art Scholarship. This award is available to a Mattapoisett, Marion, or Rochester resident graduating from high school in June 2026, who is committed to keeping the core values that Priscilla Hathaway exemplified, is studying art, and plans to continue education in fine arts. The scholarship is made available through the generosity of Brad Hathaway and his family.

            Application forms are available in the high school guidance offices and at the Mattapoisett Land Trust website: mattlandtrust.org/education/grants-and-scholarships/.

            The deadline for submitting the complete application and accompanying materials is April 17. The recipient will be notified by mail by May 15.

            The actual award will be disbursed after the student submits an official college transcript

documenting a successful completion of the first semester in college to the Mattapoisett Land Trust.