September Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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The Mattapoisett Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, has a few activities to keep you busy this month.

            Throughout September, the library is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a raffle for children, teens, and adults. To enter, patrons must register for a new library card or present their library card, digitally or physically, at checkout. Limit one raffle entry per day.

            Our next Cookbook Club meeting is scheduled for September 17 at 6:30 pm. New members are always welcome. This month, we’re reading “The Cook You Want to Be: Everyday Recipes to Impress.” Limited copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. Stop by and snag one.

            Join our new writing group on Tuesday, September 24, at 6 pm in the Marine Room. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session facilitated by Alanna Nelson. You’ll be on your way to creating work to submit to Sippizine, the community culture journal.

            These events are free and open to all. Check the calendar on our website for additional information and updates. If you have questions, please email mfpl@sailsinc.org or call us at (508) 758-4171.

Robert A. Brown

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Robert A. Brown, 86, of Mattapoisett, MA, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, after a short illness.  

Bob spent his childhood between Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was born and Massachusetts, attending grade school in Mattapoisett and high school in Fairhaven. When his family settled for good in Indianapolis, he spent summers by himself in Mattapoisett, teaching sailing and finding fun and adventures in Buzzards Bay. 

He graduated from Brown University, Providence, RI., married his first wife, Sarah (Rose), and settled in Mattapoisett for good in 1966.  Bob worked for many years as an engineer for different companies including Sippican Company, Marion, and Acushnet Company (Titleist); he holds many patents for his unique inventions. Most recently, he had been advancing his theories on brain function utilizing his Spike Timing Principles.

Bob loved sailing and tennis. He spent his childhood at the beach and on the water, learning to sail from Polly Storrow, who rented him a room during his teens, allowing him to spend summers in Mattapoisett. He pursued his passion for tennis at the Mattapoisett Casino, where he cared for the clay courts and continued to play well into his 80s. He loved riding bicycles; his “twin” Schwinn transported the whole family with front and back child seats. He designed his own bikes and rode a recumbent along the new bike paths in town. He enjoyed walking to the beach and beyond, recently using his new walking sticks.

 His passion for the beach was evident over many years, and he spent countless hours restoring Cannonville Beach to manage road runoff. He planted grasses that protected the beach from erosion. Bob was a thoughtful person and spent many hours in conversations on his porch with friends, debating all manner of interesting topics and scientific theories.

He is survived by his son, Christopher T. Brown of Marion, MA, and his daughter, Sandy E. Panek (Jeff) of RI and two grandchildren, Justin J. Panek and Nicole E. Panek, as well as nieces Jennifer Brown (Robert Ziegler), Alice Brown, and nephew Nathaniel Brown. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold James, and Marie (Harbor) Brown and his brother James Harold Brown and sister-in-law Dorothy (Swanton) Brown, as well as his first wife Sarah Brown. 

He will also be remembered by his second wife, Marie Anderson (div.) and the sons, Christian and Michael, of his longtime companion, the late Christine Bertrand.

Services will be private. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

Durant Hired as Town Administrator

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It’s official. Cameron Durant, previously the Human Resources director for the Town of Fairhaven, will become Rochester’s new town administrator on September 9. He will be introduced to the public at the Select Board meeting on that date.

            “Municipal government is my passion,” said Durant during the interview with the Select Board that led to the job offer. He noted it has been a personal hobby and is now a professional pursuit. Becoming a town administrator has been his goal for over a decade.

            After negotiations with the Select Board last week, Durant, who was offered the job on August 14, agreed to a three-year contract that will extend to June 30, 2027.

            Meanwhile, Interim Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar will remain at Town Hall as finance director, giving up the dual role she has held since March. “I will be going back to my original position,” she said. “But I’ll be around. I’ll always be here to help with the transition.”

            The town administrator position was vacated by Glenn Cannon when he accepted a similar role in Carver in March.

            Select Board member Adam Murphy said during Durant’s interview that his appeal to the board was his engaging personality and eagerness to learn. It was something Murphy identified as crucial, especially considering Szyndlar’s plan to retire not only from her post as interim town administrator, but at the end of June 2025, from her job as the town’s finance director.

            Durant also noted in his interview that he started out as an operations manager at Amazon and Lyft. Having worked for the Town of Fairhaven in the Public Works department, a permitting position, before getting his human-resources certification, he said he doesn’t consider himself “the most innovative” person but able to get to use his communication skills to get “the buy-in” on town-wide projects.

            He joins a town facing the financial challenge of building a new fire station and upgrading both the police station and Rochester Memorial School.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

‘Garden Party’ Art Show a Hit

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Garden artists and clothmakers drew many onlookers on August 22 at the Rochester Council on Aging.

            The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center held their annual Art Show, and the theme of the night was “Garden Party,” a festive take on different art pieces that lined the tables of the Senior Center.

            Artists lined up at a long table and displayed their art pieces to guests. The guests chose their favorite artists in the “People’s Choice” awards to determine the winners of this year’s theme.

            Guests chatted amongst themselves as snacks and sweets catered event attendees. Others chatted amongst artists and got to look at the artworks they made.

            Artist Bunny Mogilnicki used pastels to create her piece “Flowers Galore,” a soft view of trees and grass complemented by flower beds. “You put a little bit of oil in them and powder, and then they go on and they’re very bright,” she said.

            Artist Lynnette Torres depicted a Rochester fishing pond during an autumn morning. “Nice and calming,” said Torres.

            Blue and white flowers adorned tables, and green bouquets lined the walls of the Senior Center, giving the venue a fresh appearance for the evening and its offerings.

            The Rochester Council on Aging thanked the chefs for a job well done.

By Jared Melanson

ORRSD Hosts Summer Acceleration

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The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 are pleased to announce that the district hosted the Summer Acceleration Academy opportunity supported by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) last week.

            The program, which ran from August 12 to 16 at the Old Rochester Regional High School, provided eligible students entering Kindergarten through grade 10 with an opportunity to engage in a week-long academic program designed to accelerate student learning through engaging, standards-aligned lessons that met the specific academic needs of identified students. The highly focused instruction was led by exceptional teachers while keeping the learning experience interactive.

            “I’d like to extend my thanks to the committed educators and students who worked hard this week to reach their benchmark goals before the school year,” Superintendent Nelson said. “This instruction is paramount to making sure our students are the most prepared and confident for entering the classroom in the fall.”

            “The Summer Acceleration Academy was a tremendous success, offering both learning and enriching opportunities for all of the students who participated,” said Acceleration Academy Coordinator Kevin Tavares. “The staff were exceptional, providing outstanding teaching, support and guidance throughout the week.”

            This free program for selected students provided breakfast and lunch at no additional cost. Students participated in Literacy/Language Arts and Mathematics instruction with supplementary Art, Physical Education, and Technology enrichment. Class sizes were kept small with approximately 12 students each.

            “I am tremendously grateful to our amazing academy teachers and staff who delivered a high-quality educational product for our enrolled students and their families,” said Kyle C. Letendre, Acceleration Academy Coordinator. “It was a true joy to visit our classrooms to see students participating in highly engaging and meaningful learning experiences as they gear up for the new school year.”

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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On Sunday, September 1, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, next to the Mattapoisett Town Beach, will conclude its 140th Summer Season of visiting clergy with services at 8:00 am and 10:00 am, using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.

            Long-time visiting priest, The Rev. Jeffrey Paull Cave, Retired, Diocese of Atlanta, GA will conduct the services. Then at 4:00 pm, The Rev. Cave will be joined by The Rev. Benjamin Straley, Rector, St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, RI for an old fashioned, informal Hymn Sing.

            Hymns are introduced along with their history and background, and requests for congregation favorites are also encouraged. The Rev. Straley was the organist at the Washington National Cathedral prior to joining the priesthood. All are welcome to attend.

Fall into the Rhythm with Big Music at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to present a full roster of musical talent this autumn. Tickets for all events are available at marionartcenter.org/events. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion.

            Don’t miss Jazz Jam @ the MAC on Friday, August 30 starting at 7:00 pm in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. Be part of the long tradition of the jazz jam session complete with participation from community musicians. Our house band – Matt Richard on piano, Dave Zinno on bass, and Gary Johnson on drums – will support the improvisers as they interpret many “jazz standards” in various style formats. Learn about the inner workings of a jam session as trombonist Phil Sanborn leads a question-and-answer session and explains how the songs are structured and how the “road map” for each selection helps the improvisers. The cost to attend is $20 for MAC Members, $25 Nonmembers and free for participating musicians (donations gladly accepted).

            Our popular Unplugged in the MAC Gallery series continues on Friday, September 13 with house regular pianist Matt Richard and the exceptional trombone skills of Dr. Michael Rocha. Our informal series invites you to sit back, relax and ease into the weekend. With limited seating, early registration is strongly recommended. Tickets are just $12 for MAC members and $15 for nonmembers. There will be two separate performances during the night (7:00 pm and 8:15 pm), and each set will last about 45 minutes. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing setting at this “unplugged” performance featuring mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density often experienced during larger concerts in the MAC Theater.

            For our fall Unplugged series and selected events, we’ve partnered with Savor the Spread, a local business specializing in custom charcuterie boxes. Our patrons can add on a personal charcuterie box which will be delivered to them at the performance. Boxes contain crackers, cheese, fruit, nuts, and cured meats. We offer the following options: 1-person appetizer box: $16, 2-person appetizer box: $23, 4-person box: $40. Add-on boxes can be selected with event tickets at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Merrick Brannigan returns to the MAC Theater stage on Friday, September 20 at 7:30 pm for his first ever EP release concert, featuring guest musician Putnam Murdock. Brannigan is a 16-year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Over the past year, he recorded original music at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, NY, and released his debut singles “The Reason” and “The Breeze” in 2024. In addition, he often performs with his longtime friend Cole Corper on Nantucket Island and in New York City. They have played together for nearly three years with undeniable chemistry, adopting an indie-folk style and writing many songs as a duo. A special ticket price of just $10 is available for students 18 and under, while MAC member tickets are $20 and nonmember tickets are $25. View more at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Another Unplugged event is scheduled Friday, November 15 with Donn Legg and Marcus Monteiro. Tickets are just $12 for MAC members and $15 for nonmembers (marionartcenter.org/events).

            Legge is a busy performer on the South Coast of Massachusetts. He can be seen playing with Blues Train, South Coast Jazz Orchestra, Patrice Tiedmann’s Seaglass Theater, Dori Rubbicco, NB Rude Boys, and Kareem Sanjaghi on Cape Cod. Donn was featured in a duo with jazz pianist Matt Richard at the first Unplugged at the MAC in April of 2023.

            Praised as being a “force to be reckoned with” by Shaquille O’Neal, saxophonist Marcus Monteiro continues to impress his audience with intensity, interpretation, and consummate improvisational skills. In recent years, Marcus has shared the stage with The O’Jays, The Rebirth Brass Band, George Clinton, Tavares, and Cirque du Soleil among many others. Marcus has also traveled throughout the world performing in festivals in Cape Verde, Guatemala, Panama, Indonesia, Canada, and countless others throughout the United States.

            Stay tuned for more Music at the MAC, including Putnam Murdock and Friends on Saturday, November 2, plus the presentation of a silent film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, scored and performed by musician Jeff Angeley (cello, accordion, guitar, and mandolin) and emerging musician Leon Stanley (violin) of Marion, on Saturday, November 16. View all events at marionartcenter.org/events.

Machacam Club

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The first meeting of the Machacam Club 2024/2025 season is scheduled for Wednesday September 4. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5 pm followed by dinner at 6 pm. Our speaker will be introduced at 6:40 pm. Chef Colby is planning another satisfying meal. Callers, please transmit your counts by 9 pm Monday, September 2. Please submit inquiries to cwmccullough@comcast.net.

Self-storage Approved at Lockheed Site

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Following a brief public hearing on Monday, the Marion Planning Board approved a request from Sippican Holdings LLC to allow construction of self-storage units in an existing building on its property at 13 Barnabas Road, site of the former Lockheed Martin property.

            Developer representative John Collins shared plans for the project, which will include approximately 200 interior units ranging in size from 5×10 square feet to 10×20 square feet each. There will be no exterior units. Ten parking spaces are included in the plan to allow user access.

            In Collins’ experience, storage users tend to “leave stuff and not return frequently,” so traffic is not expected to be a problem. Board member Dale Jones concurred, offering that it’s a “good, clean, in-and-out operation.”

            The proposal required a Special Permit to allow a change in use for Building 2.5 from Industrial Use (Light Manufacturing/Assembly) to Service Use (General Service Establishment) under the town’s zoning bylaws. As the electric work and paving are already in place, only minor site-plan review is required.

            Motion to approve the permit to allow the change in use was approved unanimously.

            A continued public hearing of the same applicant’s prior proposal to construct a two-story building for the same purpose at the former Lockheed Martin site was continued indefinitely at the applicant’s request.

            During the Community Outreach segment of the meeting, Select Board member Randy Parker spoke on newly enacted state legislation affecting housing bylaws, particularly rules around Accessory Dwelling Units or ADU’s.

            He proposed that the Select Board, Planning Board and Town Counsel work together to develop the information for the public. Board members agreed and discussed offering an educational forum with participation of Affordable Housing Trust and others in a setting such as the Music Hall, with the goal of helping residents understand the details and impact of the changes and take advantage of them as appropriate. It could also be recorded on ORCTV for ongoing reference.

            The Planning Board agreed to pursue this approach and discuss further. The document will be sent to committee members. Details are available in “Zoning Act Reforms in Housing Bond Bill of 2024,” which Parker brought to the meeting and is available on the Mass.gov website.

            Also during Community Outreach, Board Clerk Eileen Marum read aloud a letter she wrote to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation outlining traffic and highway-safety concerns. The board had previously scheduled communication with DOT on this issue for discussion at its September 16 meeting and will continue with that agenda.

            Minutes from the August 5, 2024 meeting prompted discussion on how to handle certain particulars. Chairman Andrew Daniel requested that selected rewritten paragraphs be reviewed at the board’s next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station on Route 6.

Marion Planning Board

By Mary McCann Fiske

Getting The Most out of A Doctor Visit

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            By now, most of us are all too aware that the doctor visit is becoming shorter and that the doctor seems to interact more with the computer than with you. It is frustrating to leave a visit that may have been made months in advance with your questions unanswered.

            How can you get the most out of a medical appointment? The key is preparation.

            Before you set out, you should have made sure that you have the correct date and time, that the doctor is on your insurance plan and that if you need a referral, you have it.

            Leave enough time to get there even if traffic backs up. Yes, you will probably have to wait, so bring a magazine.

            If this is a new doctor, bring a list of all medicines you are taking, any medication allergies you have, major family history, recent test results and surgeries and hospitalizations you have had.

            Key to a satisfactory visit is to know what you want from it. If you are scheduled for a follow-up of chronic health problems but you have a new symptom that worries you, get that out up front and not when the doctor has their hand on the door.

            Bring notes and take notes. Have a written list of things you want to discuss in the order of priority you want to cover them.

            It has been repeatedly found that most of what a doctor tells you is forgotten by the time you get to your car, so take notes of what you are being told. Doctors tend to slip into medical jargon, so do not hesitate to ask that they repeat something you do not fully understand.

            It is very helpful to have a close friend or family member with you to act as a second set of eyes and ears, but be sure they understand what you want them to do and do not let them take over the visit. (Speaking of ears, if you need hearing aids, be sure to have them in for the visit!)

            Be honest with your doctor. They have seen and heard it all, so any habits you have of which you are not proud, be up-front. Keeping secrets is not going to get you optimal care.

            At the end of a visit, tell the doctor what you understood them to say and what is planned. It is rare that a problem is solved at one visit, so be clear in your mind if further testing is needed as well as what you should do if things do not go as expected. Be sure you know what to do before you leave.

            If you are not comfortable with what you are told, do not hesitate to ask for a second opinion. This should not be threatening to a good doctor. In the case of a serious diagnosis, second opinions often change the diagnosis and/or the treatment.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer