ORR Receives Music Award

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Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson had announced that the ORR School District has been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

            In its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education is awarded to districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

            This is the third time ORR has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation, with the last time being in 2023. ORR was among 23 school districts across Massachusetts that were recognized this year.

            “I’m very proud of our passionate and dedicated students and music educators,” said ORR Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner. “The NAMM Foundation recognizes music excellence, and it comes as no surprise that our district has been the recipient of such honor for a third time.”

            “We are honored to be recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation,” said ORRJH General Music and Band Teacher Richard Laprise. “This award is a tribute to the dedication of our music educators, the unwavering support of our administration and families, and most importantly, the passion and talent of our student musicians.

            “At Old Rochester, we believe music education goes beyond notes on a page. It fosters creativity, collaboration and a lifelong love for the arts. This recognition is a testament to that shared vision, and it inspires us to continue making music a vibrant part of every student’s educational experience.”

            In order for districts to qualify for the Best Communities designation, they answered detailed questions about funding, commitment to the music program, graduation requirements, staffing and access to music instruction. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

            “I am incredibly proud of our students for receiving this prestigious recognition,” Nelson said. “This recognition not only honors their individual excellence but also reflects the collective commitment of our entire school community to nurturing and supporting artistic endeavors. Congratulations to our students and schools on this well-deserved honor.”

Earth Day: Invest in Mattapoisett, Invest in Our Planet

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All hands on deck. Help make our little section of the planet a healthier and safer place to live, work, and play.

            The Sustainability Partnership group of the Mattapoisett Library is organizing its second Earth Day rain or shine event on Saturday, April 20, to kick off a community cleanup drive that will run from 9 am to 11 am. Please sign up at Mattapoisettlibrary.org through the Events Calendar.

            Volunteers are encouraged to gather in front of the library for assignments, or families and friends can start from their homes and clean up their neighborhoods or nearby parks.

Children under 14 are welcome, but they should be supervised by an adult or guardian at all times.

            The Sustainability Partnership has a limited number of tong-like pickup devices for hard-to-reach debris. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gardening gloves and sturdy shoes, bring hand sanitizer and water to stay cool and hydrated and work in teams. Additionally, volunteers are advised not to touch items like needles, syringes and medical waste.

            As principal organizer for the Sustainability Partnership’s second Earth Day event, Ms. Barbara van Inwegen expressed her gratitude to all those participating in 2024. Last year, “we collected more than 800 pounds of trash,” said volunteer Roxanne Bungert, a Mattapoisett Women’s Club member.

            After the cleanup, volunteers return to the library to drop off supplies and bags of trash for weighing.

            By participating in Earth Day’s cleanup, on Saturday, April 20, from 9 am to 11 am, volunteers strengthen Mattapoisett’s response to solid waste, a significant challenge with escalating consumption that poses significant threats to our environment and public health.

Marion Scouts Annual Town Cleanup

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The Scouts of Marion Cub Scouts Pack 32 and Troop 32 are once again leading the annual Earth Day celebration for Marion. The scouts are looking for volunteers to join the town-wide Cleanup in conjunction with the DPW and Marion Board of Health. The Scouts invite all community members to join them on Saturday, April 20, rain or shine, from 9 am to 12 pm. This family-friendly event will begin at Washburn Park where you will receive a location to clean, yellow safety vests, gloves, water, and of course trash bags.

            Any interested party who would prefer to commit to a clean, specific location, would like to participate at another time/date or anyone with questions may contact Kristen SaintDon-Campbell at ksaintdon@gmail.com. Please use the subject line Town Cleanup.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Most often I am writing about articles, letters or pictures that I find in our museum collection, but this time I’m writing about objects, most specifically, ones that show how our ancestors spent their free time. Our new exhibit will be debuting on the weekend of June 22 and 23 along with an expanded two-day Historic Fair. The fair will include a living history exhibition, a chance to practice mustering like a Colonial soldier, a scavenger hunt, music, bake sale, a Treasure Hunt using compasses, old games, maybe animals and much more. The exhibit is titled; Past Pastimes-How We Entertained Ourselves for the Last 337 Years.

            At the Museum, we have quite a few pieces that will be on display. There’s an early bathing suit, a set of cement children’s blocks, hoops to roll and a lot of board games from the 50’s and 60’s and– yes, our old games are close to 75 yrs. old.

            We are looking to expand the exhibit with both adult and children’s items. Think a wooden Chinese checkers game, older crafts, autograph books, scrapbooks, card playing paraphernalia and how to play whist or canasta or pictures of card parties.

            An old Victrola, Magic lantern, old dolls or wooden toys, cap pistols, Davy Crocket hat, old baseball glove or wooden skates. I think you can see what we’re looking for and the older the better. Items can be a donation or a loan, and you can get your antique back at the end of the exhibit. We’ll give a receipt for any loaners.

            Pictures and reminisces would be great. We found at our board meeting that just naming a game from our childhoods sent us on a trip down memory lane.

            We appreciate your help with this. Arrangements for drop-off or pickup can be coordinated with Connie (617 750 2818 eshbach2@aol.com or Sue 508 295 8908 sash48@comcast.net).

            Watch for more info on the upcoming Maxi Fair with a Colonial Flair. With a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, we are greatly expanding our events. Many are geared to our youngest residents and visitors, so we hope you circle the date.

By Connie Eshbach

Amphibian Study Presentation at the MNHM

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Scott Smyers, Herpetologist, will be presenting a study of Wood Frog populations in high elevations in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on Friday, April 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Marion Natural History Museum. Scott Smyers has studied the behavior and ecology of amphibian and reptile species native to the eastern United States for more than 20 years. He has also led field studies for pond-breeding amphibians using various trapping techniques. His experience with amphibians includes laboratory studies of three species of pond-breeding salamanders in southern Louisiana, including Ambystoma opacum, A. maculatum and A. talpoideum.

            Take a look at ecosystems that are hidden in plain sight, many along the well-travelled Appalachian Trail. Guests will learn about amphibian species distribution, changes in communities and shifts in calling phenology that reveal how complicated these ecosystems are for amphibian survival. The museum suggests a donation of $10 per person. Please register in advance at marionmuseum.org to ensure a seat.

Grand Scale ‘Small’ for Garage

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Michael Walsh has been granted two variances that will allow him to build a 1,600 square-foot, one-story, wood-frame garage on his property 405 Neck Road. The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals granted the variances in two unanimous votes after hearing from Walsh and abutter Jeremy Jones during the board’s March 28 public hearing.

            Walsh sought two variances on the provisions of Chapters 20.40, Section E.2 of the Rochester Zoning Bylaw, the first variance granted him permission to exceed 1,000 square feet and the other to locate the garage in the front yard of the property.

            Asked by ZBA Chairman Dave Arancio why he needs the garage to exceed 1,000 square feet, Walsh said he has a garage that size in Lakeville and nothing fits in it. He needs to house a boat, antique cars and jet skis. The house has an attached garage, but the design putting the entrance through that garage renders it unusable for storage.

            Walsh described his proposed garage as wood frame sitting on a concrete slab with electricity but no plumbing. He plans on vinyl siding to match his house.

            There are three structures on the lot, one of which is habitable.

            Trees have been cut in the area where the garage is proposed. Walsh said many are overgrown with moss and hanging vines, and he said that some of the trees taken down were dead.

            Walsh considered the location of the garage to be in his side yard but says he was told that area is actually his front yard. A driveway not shown on the plan may eventually be paved but not when first constructed, according to Walsh.

            No setbacks will be exceeded, as the garage will sit 287.71 feet from the street where a 40-feet setback is required. One of the side setbacks matches the 40-foot limit, but the side is set back 86.6 feet against the same, 40-foot requirement. The rear setback will not be approached due to the substantial drop-off in topography.

            Asked for comment, Jones (309 Neck Road) expressed support for Walsh’s plan and agreed with the applicant’s assertion that putting the garage out back where there is a downslope is not an option. “Both of our properties just drop off, right down to the pond,” said Jones.

            Noting his familiarity with the property via a friendship with the prior owner, Jones further stated that the barn on the property is in poor condition and cannot be used for storage. Walsh does not plan on taking the barn down.

            ZBA member Richard Cutler noted for the record that abutters who attended the last meeting had no problem with Walsh’s plan.

            Upon deliberation, Cutler said he has no problem with the proposal, citing the quirky shape of the property with the downslope in the back. Noting how far it will be set back from the road, Cutler said the garage will not be detrimental to the intent of the town’s zoning bylaws. Member Davis Sullivan concurred.

            Member Donald Spirlet said 1,000 square feet “is not a big building. … I can usually understand anyone wanting to go bigger than that.” Given the shape and topography of the lot, Spirlet further supported Walsh’s hardship case on the location of the garage.

            Member Michelle Upton agreed that Walsh has satisfied the requirements of both variances.

            The motion was conditioned so that the proposed garage cannot be converted for residential use nor be used to house animals, and Arancio added that related parking should be off the street.

            The ZBA discussed a potential upcoming meeting with the Planning Board and the Historical Commission regarding an application changing for the third time. The original plan to convert a dairy farm into a hobby barn applied for a minor modification, but this modification will propose two buildings instead of one in a Limited Commercial district, also part of the Historic District.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at 7:15 pm.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Marion Closing Food Pantry, Recommending Damien’s

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Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman and Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory would like to inform residents about the closing of the Marion Food Pantry and encourage residents to utilize the new Damien’s Family Food Pantry in Wareham.

            The last day of operation at the Marion Food Pantry will be Tuesday, April 30.

            While the Marion Food Pantry is ceasing operations, Damien’s Family Food Pantry, located at 242 Marion Road in Wareham, is accessible to Marion community members.

            Damien’s Family Food Pantry began operations in Wareham in February. The location is conveniently located on Route 6, approximately 4 miles down the road from the Marion Food Pantry.

            Damien’s Family Food Pantry is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The new pantry provides greater space for residents to make food choices and includes freezer and cooler spaces for meats, produce and dairy.

            Transportation in Marion to Damien’s Family Food Pantry will be available to community members twice a month on Thursdays. Those in need of transportation services should contact Gregory at the Marion Council on Aging at 507-748-3570.

            Applications for new patrons of Damien’s Family Food Pantry are available at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center on Route 6. Those interested in volunteering at Damien’s Family Food Pantry can visit damiensfoodpantry.org or call 508-295-3486.

            Since its inception in January 2022, the Marion Food Pantry has provided nonperishable food items to thousands of community members in and around Marion.  In 2023 alone, the Marion Food Pantry served 1,894 (duplicated count) residents with 1,178 residents over the age of 65.

            “On behalf of the Town of Marion, I would like to extend my gratitude to Karen Gregory and the hundreds of volunteers and donors who have contributed to the success of the Marion Food Pantry,” said Gorman. “It has been such a benefit to the residents of Marion for the last two years, and we could not be happier to witness the development of the new Damien’s Family Food Pantry right down the road as a more than suitable replacement.”

            Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Gregory at 507-748-3570.

High Tea & Treasures Road Show

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Sentimental Value or Family Treasure? Let the experts weigh in. Your grandmother’s favorite vase or necklace may be worth a small fortune. Would you like to know?

            Hosted by The First Congregational Church of Marion on Saturday May 18 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, this event will be held at the Community Center, 144 Front Street (rear of the General Store parking lot) on the second floor. The Community Center is equipped with a chair lift at the end of the long hall. In addition to the Afternoon Tea, guests are encouraged to bring an antique, piece of jewelry, art or a curiosity piece to be reviewed by experts in their field. Marion’s local antique expert, Frank McNamee, along with colleagues Nick Taradash and Abigail Field will provide information and commentaries. Their love of history has led Frank, Nick and Abigail to their current careers with each having an affinity for a specific area whether it be jewelry, manuscripts, decorative art and design, or textiles, clothing and East Asian antiques. Frank, Nick and Abigail have conducted appraisal discovery days for numerous nonprofits groups and The First Congregational Church is thrilled to have Frank, Nick and Abigail join them on May 18.

            A limited number of tickets are available. Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door and includes one item for review by this talented team. Additional items may be reviewed at $10 per item as time permits.

            Tickets may be purchased in advance at the General Store, Church Office located at the Community Center Tues – Fri 9:00 am -2:00 pm, at Penny Pinchers Exchange, 39 Main St., Wed & Sat 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Additional information and online ticket purchase is available at the Church’s website: www.marionfirstchurch.org.

            Limited parking is available in the church’s lot at the right rear of the General Store parking lot. We kindly ask all others to park at the Town Wharf on Front Street, opposite the Marion Music Hall.

  Should Marion Remain a Green Community?

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To the Editor;

            Should Marion Remain a Green Community?

            In late 2018, Marion was accepted into the Massachusetts Green Community Program. To date, 83% of Mass municipalities have joined the program. To achieve this status, the town had to meet five criteria aimed toward helping the town reduce energy use and transition away from fossil fuels (see Mass.gov for details). Becoming a Green Community opened the door to state funds for improving municipal energy efficiency and thus saving tax dollars. Marion has received nearly $550,000 in grants that have paid for numerous improvements and upgrades to our municipal buildings and infrastructure. Thanks to these upgrades, our annual energy use has dropped by nearly 25%, which represents a savings of more than $180,000 this past year relative to energy costs in 2017.

            Despite these substantial successes and benefits to the town, questions are now being raised about whether Marion should remain in the Green Community Program. The rub arises from the requirement to adhere to the so-called stretch building code, which involves more energy-efficient construction than that required by the base building code. The stretch code applies only to new construction and major renovations. Both the normal and stretch building codes have evolved over time to promote additional energy efficiency, as we knew would occur as the state strives to reduce carbon emissions.

            Substantial incentive payments are provided by the state to offset additional costs for the more energy-efficient construction required by the stretch code. For example, a new all-electric 4000 sq ft home, after state rebates, costs about $20,000 less to build relative to one constructed under the base building code, and the cost savings per year for the home buyer (through changes to the downpayment, 30-year mortgage payment, and energy savings) amount to $548 per year (see Mass.gov for other examples). The stretch code and associated incentives were developed to save energy, reduce building costs, and lower homeowners’ energy bills. And remember that the base building code does not differ appreciably from the stretch code — in a few years, it will become the same as today’s stretch code.

            If Marion decides to stop complying with the stretch code, we cannot remain in the Green Communities Program. We’d be only the second town in Massachusetts to leave the program. Access to grants for additional municipal improvements and cost savings would be lost. Given the savings we’ve achieved through being a Green Community, why would Marion want to exit the program? The opposition being raised by a few misinformed residents would eliminate these substantial and ongoing benefits to us all.

Jennifer Francis, PhD

Member of Marion’s Energy Management Committee

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Cemetery Cleanup Discussed

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The Mattapoisett Select Board held its April 9 meeting, which included informal discussion full of historic undertones.

            The agenda listed “cleanup” of town-owned Hammond Cemetery. In an email generated by the Cemetery and Monuments Committee, Chairman Ray Hanks wrote that the committee is aiming to begin cleanup on Saturday, May 4, with tree pruning part of the clearing work needed at the historic site.

            “This is in preparation for a formal dedication of our Revolutionary War dead in both Hammond and Barlow Cemeteries by the organization the Sons of the American Revolution,” Hanks explained.

            Hanks wrote that the committee wishes to complete cleanup work before the 250th anniversary of the war, with a dedication service planned for 2026. Anyone interested in lending a hand is asked to contact Hanks directly at 508-789-7200.

            Select Board member Jordan Collyer thought it might be prudent to have the Cemetery and Monuments Committee work with the Historical Commission in identifying historic burial sites.

            Collyer also brought up that there are those in the community who were looking into the process for the possible inclusion of Center School to the National Register. However, he said, “…that’s a slippery slope we’ve been down before.”

            Collyer said that such recognition could mean that restrictions would be placed on use of the school building. He said that the Massachusetts School Building Administration might frown on loans and grants given to a school building with federal, historical restrictions. Collyer wondered aloud if the building could simply be declared a structure of historic value.

            In other business, the Select Board appointed Brent Lydon as town accountant and Elizabeth Carreiro to the Cultural Council.

            On April 26, the Town of Mattapoisett will celebrate Arbor Day with the raising of the Arbor Day flag at Town Hall. Mattapoisett has been designated a Tree City by the Arbor Day Association for 16 years, board member Jodi Bauer stated. Collyer read the Arbor Day proclamation that encouraged people to participate in planting activities.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that the Select Board would be meeting with the Finance Committee on April 26 to review budget items planned for the Town Meeting warrant. Presently there are 22 articles for Town Meeting to consider, but what those articles are was not fully addressed, as Collyer said he had not yet seen the warrant draft and needs about a week to review the document.

            Regarding the Finance Committee, Lorenco said there are open seats on that committee and asked interested parties with a background in finance to contact his office and send a resume for consideration.

            Lorenco said that there is approximately $4,600,000 in stabilization accounts currently, while also cautioning that trash-removal services have risen considerably as have school bus fees.

            Bauer congratulated Lilly Grace, who holds the honor of reaching 103 years of age, the oldest person in Mattapoisett.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell