Celebrating American Musical Theater

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On Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will continue its 2025–2026 concert season with a program embracing Broadway’s bountiful productions over the decades entitled “Celebrating American Musical Theater.” The program will highlight some of the most important composers within the genre, focusing on music that has transformed The Great White Way and formed the varied and expressive repertoire that we continue to enjoy today. Music from Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen and Stephen Schwartz will be performed in a variety of instrumental settings. Vocalist Heather Corrigan will sing a triptych of Jason Robert Brown selections that were specially arranged for her by Fairhaven pianist/arranger Matt Richard.

            Heather Corrigan is an actress and voiceover artist from New York City. Raised in Marion, she has always been drawn to the stage, and after graduating from Tabor Academy went on to attend the School of Theater at the University of Southern California. She has appeared onstage in New York, Los Angeles, and across the country. Theater credits include Kiss Me Kate, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Best Actress Award), Angels in America, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and many, many workshops in NYC. Most recently she played the lead role in “Last Out; Elegy of A Green Beret” and toured the country with the Gary Sinise Foundation and a cast of Veterans. Film/tv: “The Small”, “Ain’t that Life”, “Journey into the Abyss”, and the award-winning film “Stuck”. She is the recipient of Audiofile’s Earphones Award for her contribution to Muriel Barbery’s “Gourmet Rhapsody,” and received a starred review from Publishers Weekly for her narration of the young adult title, “When She Woke.” Other popular books she has recorded for major publishers include: “The Future for Curious People,” “The Appetite of Girls,” “The Art of Secrets,” “The House of Velvet and Glass,” and “Lexicon.”

            The concert will be held at the Fireman Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth, The Marion General Store in Marion or online at tricountysymphonicband.org.

            Please visit tricountysymphonicband.org for more detailed information.

James E. “Jim” Taylor

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James E. “Jim” Taylor, Jr., 83, of Fairhaven, MA passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Tobey Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the former husband of Lorraine (Fernandes) Taylor.

            Born and raised in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late James. E. and Dora (Marchio) Taylor, Sr. Jim lived most of his life in Fairhaven, MA. He was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven and had served seven years in the United States Navy.

            Jim was employed at Brittany Dyeing and Printing Corp. as their Vice President of Production for many years. He later worked as Maintenance Supervisor for Center School in Mattapoisett, MA. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed gardening, reading and woodworking.

            In addition to his former wife, he is survived by his children, Kevin Taylor and his wife Stacy of Bristol, RI, Adam Taylor of Wichita Falls, TX, and Megan Taylor of Fairhaven, MA; a brother, John Taylor and his wife Anita of Swansea, MA; and seven grandchildren Bethany, Kaylee, Keira, Blake, Cannon, Beckett, and Bryce.

            Arrangements are under the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, MA 02719, Monday, March 16, 2026 from 4-7pm. Burial at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne, MA will be private. For online tribute/directions: www.waring-sullivan.com.

Paula Hudson Chambers

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Paula Hudson Chambers, of Rochester, passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 79. She was the beloved wife of Karl Dennis Chambers, with whom she shared 56 years of loving marriage and a lifetime of big blessings and little miracles.

Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to Mary Jean (nee Plouff) and Donald G. Hudson, Paula was raised with the strong Christian faith that served as her lifelong compass. Paula’s faith was forged in the Plymouth Brethren tradition and nurtured during summers at Camp Berea on Newfound Lake. She graduated from Newburyport High School in 1964 and resided for many years on Scotland Road in Newbury and Federal Street in Newburyport.

Her devoted family was the absolute center of Paula’s life. She is survived by her husband, Karl Dennis Chambers; her daughters, Lauren Chambers Fredette (John Francis Fredette) and Erica Leigh Cecil (Morgan Lee Cecil); and her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy: John Chambers Fredette, Tess Elizabeth Fredette, Elijah Ocean Neal, Theodore Moses Cecil, Oliver Hudson Cecil, and Juniper Lee Cecil. She also lives in the hearts of her brother Donald P. Hudson and sister Dr. Laurel Jean Hudson (and daughters Susan Nichols and Devon Villarreal) and a loyal community of friends.

Paula will be remembered for her optimism, her creativity in homemaking, an appreciation for beautiful things in nature, a Hudson sense of humor, and the love she shared so completely with those blessed to be in her life. As she often prayed, she has finally found peace in the presence of the Lord.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 28 at 2:00 PM at The First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main Street, Marion, MA 02738.

For those who wish to attend virtually, please log on at that time: https://www.youtube.com/live/UoC9bTr02hM?si=lMML9xTs-8YlMi

A reception will follow in the Church Community Center, 144 Front Street, Marion MA 02738.

Flowers may be delivered directly to the church office on Friday, March 27 between 9am-2pm. Phone (508)748-1053. Flowers may also be ordered and delivered directly through Eden Florist & Garden Shop located at 337 Wareham Road, Marion, MA 02738. Phone (508)748-0225.

Parking is available on the street and behind the Community Center (please avoid the General Store spaces). Additional parking is available at the Town Wharf lot near the Music Hall.

For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Cases Continued – Cases Heard

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            The March 9 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission had an agenda featuring cases where action was taken, though most cases were continued to future meetings.

            In the continued category, the commission, at the request of the applicant, continued the Notice of Intent filed by Mattapoisett Offshore IV Ltd for the construction of a pool, garage, sports courts, porches, replacement deck, and landscaping at 23 Holy Woods.

            Also continued was the Notice of Intent filed by Stephen Vaitses for determination of right-of-way for clearing activities. The Commission believed the filing required a Certificate of Compliance for work previously conditioned and comments (if any) from the DEP needed to be processed. The location of the action being requested is Bryne Avenue and Shell Beach Road.

            Continued until March 23 was the Notice of Intent filed by Thomas and Patricia Lee for property located at 14 Barstow Street for the construction of a new home in the flood plain. The case is awaiting a DEP file number. Abutter questions regarding storm water management were addressed by Rick Charon of Charon and Associates who noted that roof runoff will be channeled into a below surface recharge system. This is the site of the former Presto Press.

            Conditioned was the Notice of Intent filed by Neil and Cynthia Musamte, 4 Dyar Road, for the construction of an elevator shaft for the elevated residence.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for March 23.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?

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As of 2024, while the average life expectancy in the U.S. climbed to 79, there was a striking and persistent gap between men and women. Women lived an average of 81.4 years, men 76.5. This five-year difference has been consistent over recent decades.

            Why do women live so much longer than men?

            Some of the difference is biologic and not anything men can change. Women have two X chromosomes, men one. This means that women have “backup” for loss of X chromosome gene deletions or losses. There is some animal data suggesting that the male Y chromosome has deleterious effects.

            Women have stronger immune responses, letting them better fight off infections (but also making them more prone to auto-immune diseases like lupus).

            Women have much more circulating estrogen than men, which seems to delay the onset of coronary disease, though women “catch up” after menopause when their estrogen levels drop.

            There are many factors over which men do have control. Men are more likely than women to smoke and drink heavily, both negative factors for longevity.

            Men are more likely to work in hazardous occupations (construction, fishing , forestry, police and fire, etc.) than women. Men also engage in more risky behaviors such as speeding in cars, fighting and extreme sports.

            Women are much better than men at looking after their health – getting regular checkups, seeing a doctor if something seems wrong. Men tend to avoid doctors until forced to.

            Women generally have much better social networks, a consistent factor promoting longevity. Men’s friendships tend to be less intense and less personal.

            So, while we cannot (yet) engraft a second X chromosome into men, there are a lot of things men can do to emulate women and hopefully add a few years to their lives.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Literary Society at the Mattapoisett Library

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Young professionals and emerging adults, 20 and up, are invited to join us for the Literary Society’s Mocktails and Mixology Masterclass on Tuesday, March 31, at 6:00 pm. Participants are in for a spirited (zero-proof.) evening of Literary Mocktails with Jonathan Pogash, founder of The Cocktail Guru, and author of the Mr. Boston Bartender’s Guide 75th Anniversary Edition. Learn to craft sophisticated, book-inspired mocktails, mingle with new friends, and enjoy free snacks while trading book recommendations. Then chat with Jonathan during an exclusive book signing. Perfect for young book lovers and beverage enthusiasts 20 and up. No registration required.

            Literary Society is a media mixer for young people in Mattapoisett and its surrounding areas to discuss books, TV shows, movies, and podcasts, and to hear what other similarly aged patrons are enjoying. We’re committed to building community for the next generation of readers and leaders. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Playwrights Incubator

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The MAC is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 MTPI season. Applications are due by March 31 at 11:59 pm. The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is a program for first-time playwrights to see their work realized on the stage.

            Finding theaters to produce new or unpublished plays can be an obstacle for any new playwright. The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is a structured program that aims to discover and support, through workshop and production, new stage plays by first time, unpublished regional playwrights.

            Any new writer who has not yet been published or had a play produced is invited to submit her or his script or outline for consideration. There is no cost to participate in this program.

            The mentors for this season are veteran mentor and MTPI founder Kate Fishman and director Brie Riccio. More information and the application can be found at marionartcenter.org/mtpi.

The Jennifer Rusinoski Memorial Scholarship

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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came together to make the Jennifer Rusinoski Memorial Scholarship a success for the 2025 school year. Jennifer was a champion for special needs students, and we’re very proud to be able to continue that legacy with this scholarship. It is with great honor that we announce the continuation of a two-thousand-dollar scholarship, awarded to a student who has utilized special education services and is seeking a higher education.

            Jennifer’s spirit of support and advocacy for special education resonates deeply within this initiative, and it is our commitment to continue awarding the Jennifer Rusinoski Memorial Scholarship for years to come, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire and uplift students and the community.

            For those who wish to contribute and be a part of this endeavor for the 2026 school year, you can use Venmo @Jen_Rusinoski_Scholarship_Fund, contact us at 508-922-0541, or mail your donation to 137 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett, 02739. Your support means everything and helps us carry forward Jennifer’s legacy year after year, making a difference in the lives of future scholars. Your donations are greatly appreciated, thank you.

Leona C. (Allen) Mansfield

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Leona C. (Allen) Mansfield, 94, of Mattapoisett, passed away on March 9, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Donald L. Mansfield, married for 46 years. They were a special couple, inseparable, sharing their passions for gardening, traveling, cooking, their home and especially their family.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Leo and Josephine (Davis) Allen, Leona grew up in New Bedford. After marrying, Leona and Don moved to the Northshore, eventually settling in Hamilton, MA. In Hamilton, Leona taught kindergarten and 1st grade. Summering in Mattapoisett, they moved full-time to Mattapoisett after retiring.

Leona had a real creative flare. In her younger years she worked with ceramics and gold leaf painting. She stenciled the walls in their home and stenciled fabrics for quilting. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed watching the birds, gardening, knitting and doing crosswords.

Leona was a member of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club and Friends of the Mattapoisett COA, where she organized and oversaw the making of craft projects that were given to residents in the local nursing homes.

She was a strong, generous, warm and loving woman whose faith was very important. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony’s church.

Survivors include her daughters, Melinda Reed and her husband Peter, Lori Briggs, and Jane Zychowicz, all of Mattapoisett; her best friend since grade school and sister-in-law Patricia Allen; her grandchildren, Amalia Thomson and her husband Liam, and Paul Zychowicz and his wife Karen; and her great grandchildren, Quinn, Tripp, Alex, and Nathan. She is survived by several nieces and a nephew with special appreciation for her niece, Susan Dawson, who faithfully made time to visit and brighten her days.

She is predeceased by her siblings Kevin Allen, Bernadette St. Denis, and Florence MacFarland; and her son-in-law Daniel Briggs.

Private services were held at St. Anthony’s, Mattapoisett, MA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Harborside Hospice, LLC, PO Box 930, Haverhill, MA 01831; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101; or the charity of your choice. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Bulldogs Bow out

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            Old Rochester’s boys basketball team played in the Round of 16 of the MIAA Division 3 state tournament against Cathedral on March 3 and lost, 70-46. Grady Oliveira scored 17 points for ORR, and Noah Thorell and Brody Hiles both had 8 points. The Bulldogs, seeded seventh, went 1-1 in the tournament, finishing the season with an overall record of 14-8.

Girls Basketball

            The Bulldogs played at North Reading in the Round of 16 on March 4, and lost 57-34, ending their run in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament. ORR, seeded 10th, went 1-1 in the tournament, finishing the season with an overall record of 17-5.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky