Artificial Intelligence Solves Writer’s Block

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            I’ve been thinking about writing an essay about all the dogs I encounter on my walks through Mattapoisett village.

            Unfortunately, a writer’s block has descended upon me, and I have been unable to come up with any good ideas. So, I decided to check out this “AI” thing I have been reading about … that would be “artificial intelligence,” which sounds like an oxymoron to me, but I digress.

            I thought it might spark an idea or two. So, I signed up on one of the popular, open-source chat bot sites. I asked it to offer some suggestions for some snappy thoughts on dogs I encounter on my daily walks around town. For the fun of it, I ask it to do it in my writing style. Here’s what it wrote: “As I strolled through the quaint streets of Mattapoisett, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of wagging tails and friendly barks that fill the air. Yes, my dear reader, I’m talking about the dogs of Mattapoisett.”

            Yikes, that does sound like me. It went on: “I saw dogs being treated like family members. They were allowed to run free in the parks, play fetch on the beaches …”

            Well not likely! I’m sure people treat their dogs like family but walking free in the park? Doggone it, no! When we had a dog, poor old Daisy used to have to walk on the hot asphalt to get a biscuit at the Ice Cream Slip, while her canine cousins and their scofflaw owners pranced across Shipyard Park ignoring the signs that say no dogs allowed in the park.

            As far as “play fetch on the beaches,” forget about it. That was outlawed long ago. No dogs are allowed to have fun or get exercise in our village because too many owners don’t pick up after their precious pets. Some that do, leave the bag on the sidewalk! They apparently could use a good dose of artificial intelligence. But I digress, again.

            The bot seemed to know that I am a dog lover when it wrote: “I was thrilled to witness first-hand the strong bond between the people of this charming town and their four-legged companions from the tiny chihuahuas to the majestic great Danes. Every breed seems to have found a loving home here.”

            Every breed may have found a loving home, but I have not yet encountered a single Chihuahua or Great Dane on my walks. I’m sure I’d have recognized a Great Dane if I saw one. I have seen an assortment of mutts, collies of one version or another, black and yellow labs, Scottie dogs and golden retrievers … many of them.

            Once I was walking by the general store when three of them commanded the sidewalk while their owner casually perused the shop’s window, which required me to walk in the street. As I passed, one of the man’s furry friends reached out and sniffed my hand. Instantly, the owner barked “don’t touch my dog!” Holding my tongue, I declined to remind the man that I did not touch his precious pooch, the dog touched me. Avoiding a confrontation, I use my real intelligence to walk on.

            The AI bot was not so dumb, it continued: “All in all, I was thoroughly impressed by the dogs of Mattapoisett and the people that loved them.” Well, most of them. “If you’re a dog lover …” it wrote … “I can’t think of a better place than Mattapoisett to call home.” I agree.

            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

Robert Ellis Mower

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Robert Ellis Mower born in Burlington, Vermont on May 12 1932, son of Edna Rush Mower and E. Curtiss Mower and grandson of his beloved Papa Rush, all of Braintree, Massachusetts. Grew up and lived in Braintree Massachusetts. He died in Charlottesville, Virginia on February 21, 2023.

            He was married for 51 years to his wife, Eleanor Sequeira Mower, who survives him.

            He graduated from Thayer Academy, Braintree in 1950 and was the recipient in 1949 of The Harvard Book prize from Thayer Academy. Class president, captain of football team, active in student government, sports, member of Braintree All Souls Unitarian Church.

            He attended Dartmouth College, member of Class of 1954 for three and a half years, transferred to Harvard University, graduated in 1955. He was a member of The Ripley Society of Dartmouth College until his death.

            After graduation he worked in Los Angeles, Ca. for Los Angeles Times. Then moved back to Massachusetts, and worked in advertising for Eddie, Rucker, Nichols in Cambridge.

            As he gravitated toward an appreciation for, and love of antiques and fine arts, which he was involved with for the rest of his life. Buying, selling, and appraising. He owned The Hobby Horse Antiques in Marion for close to 50 years, moving to Rochester, Mass. upon retirement. He created, owned and managed Compass Antiques Shows. Robert’s previous experience in the Communications and PR business with the Los Angeles Times, The Wrigley Company and clients such as The Harvard Trust Company was a factor in his success.

            He is also survived by his son, Marshall C. Mower and wife, Lila of Honolulu, Hawaii; daughter, Melissa B. Mower of Santa Rosa, Calif.; son-in-law, Richard B. Drumm of Barboursville, Va.; and daughter through marriage of 51 years, Lisa M. Hall, who he loved as his own and her husband, Jim.

            Predeceased by his parents; sister, Cynthia Mower Leggett; brother-in-law, Alan C.F. Leggett; daughter, Melinda A. Mower; stepdaughter, Susan B. Drumm; and stepson, Robert W. Bishop, III.

            Survived also by grandchildren, Victoria Drumm, Miranda Drumm Champlain, Robert Bishop, and Lee R. Hall; as well as five great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews.

            After graduating from college, the majority of his life was spent in Marion, Mass., where he was a long-time member of The Kittansett Club and St. Gabriels Episcopal Church. He moved to Rochester, Mass. upon retirement and the sale of The Hobby Horse.

            He was unfailingly kind, generous and counselor to many who sought his advice. He was widely known for unexpected gifts of local produce and homemade cookies and the unexpected cards and letters. He treasured his many friendships throughout his life. He loved the quote by Sam Walter Foss: “Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man” and lived his life accordingly. He was a true friend and advisor to all who sought his company and advice. He was a true father to his stepchildren, who he never considered anything other than his own.

            He was a driving force at Thayer academy. Was manager of his Dartmouth football team, and was very active on in working on The Dartmouth, a daily newspaper for that community. He was proud of his work on the paper, and spoke of it often. He was editor of his class yearbook at Thayer Academy. He had many lifelong friends, and was predeceased by most of them.

            He was a true historian. Not only did he love discussing history, he loved reading and researching history. He was the same with family history, and loved to bring up old stories and events from his family’s history as well. He loved creating beautiful landscapes and maintaining his property like a park. This please both him, his family and passersby. He was a special man that won’t be forgotten.

            He was a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity. Besides history and gardening, his lifelong passion was jazz music, which he continued to listen to and learn about until his last months of life. He was known for “Unky’s Lessons” which he freely bestowed to any young people he connected with.

            Private services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared with the family on the Tribute Wall of the Hill and Wood Funeral Service.

“Wherever you go your shadow falls on others

And they are either better or worse

For your presence.” -Robert E. Mower

Charles C. Davis

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Charles C. Davis, 55, of Marion passed away unexpectedly at home on March 23, 2023. He was the son of the late Charles R. and Lucia C. (Jenkins) Davis.

            He was born in Wareham and lived in Marion all of his life. He graduated from Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational Technical High School with the class of 1985.

            Mr. Davis worked as a painting contractor in the area for many years and was known for his exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. He took great pride in all he did.

            Charlie especially enjoyed working on his Chevelle , turning wrenches, fishing, boating, working out at the gym as well as many other hobbies and passions. He was well known for helping others, playing practical jokes and having fun. His family mattered the very most to him, especially his children Erin and Ryan who meant everything to him.

            Survivors include his children Erin Davis and Ryan Davis both of Wareham: his brothers and sister, Robert S. Davis, Stephanie L. Davis, T. Scott Davis and Glenn A. Davis all of Marion: many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Mark R. Davis.

            Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. Wareham.

            His graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery, Rte. 6 & Converse Rd., Marion.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or to the American Cancer Society , 1324 Belmont St., Suite 204-101, Brockton, MA 02301

High Tea & Treasures Road Show

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High Tea & Treasures Road Show, hosted by The First Congregational Church of Marion on Saturday May 6, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, will be held at the Community Center, 44 Front Street. Typical of the traditional English Afternoon Tea of fancy cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches and sweets; delicious, steeped tea will be served to enhance lively discussions of your rare, beautiful antiques and treasures.

            Marion’s local antique expert, Frank McNamee, along with a team of three specialized appraisers, will provide information and commentaries. Each guest is encouraged to bring one item of curiosity to be reviewed by our experts.

            Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.  Additional items may be reviewed at $10 per item as time permits.

            Seating for tea is limited to 40 guests. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Church Office located at the Community Center, Tuesday through Friday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, at Penny Pinchers Exchange, 39 Main Street, Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or online: www.marionfirstchurch.org/.

            Gallery seating is available for $10 per item being reviewed and may be purchased at the door the day of the event. 

            Additional information is available on the Church’s website: www.marionfirstchurch.org.

Auditions at the MAC

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 The Marion Art Center (the MAC) Theater announces open auditions for the June 2023 production of Belles, written by Mark Dunn and directed by Kate Sorensen-Young. Told in “two acts and 45 phone calls,” Belles visits six southern sisters, who, over the course of an autumn weekend, seek to bridge the physical and emotional distance between them via the telephone, and in the process come to terms with their shattered family history. The gold standard among Mr. Dunn’s many plays about southern women and offering very strong roles for an ensemble of six actresses, Belles continues to pack an emotional punch after all these years.

            Auditions will be held in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater on Saturday, April 1, 6:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, April 2, 1:00-3:00 pm. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. A total of eight performance dates are scheduled: June 9-11, 16-17, 23-25, 2023. Some dates may be subject to change. Evening shows begin at 7:30 pm, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 pm.

            Auditions will be from the script, and actors should contact the director for a copy of the sides pertinent to the role you are seeking. Anyone interested who cannot make it to audition on these dates may also contact the director to request an alternative time. For contact information and to view the announcement online, visit marionartcenter.org/auditions. Ages and genders are flexible at the discretion of the director and depending on the final ensemble. All races, colors, sizes, genders, gender-identities and experience levels welcome. Only fully vaccinated actors will be considered for roles.

            The cast of characters includes six sisters over varying ages as they explore themes of gender, sexuality, family, trauma, intimacy and what it means to be a woman. Available roles include: Peggy Reece (the eldest; Memphis, TN); Aneece Walker (second eldest sister; Philadelphia, PA); Audrey Hart (middle daughter, amateur ventriloquist; Collierstown, MS); Dust Walker (middle child, non-binary or trans; Elk Run, WA); Roseanne Johnson (2nd youngest, preacher’s wife; Atlanta, GA); Paige Walker (the baby; Austin, TX.)

Racial Bullying

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Dear Editor,

            I have lived in this nice little town of Mattapoisett for a little over 24 years. Recently I was very disappointed in hearing about certain issues that are going on in our schools, and what this is doing to certain students.

            First Issue being racial bullying in our schools.

            Second issue is the banning of junior and senior high school library books, those having to do with LGBTQ individuals and those of color. Library book removals are often not always contrary to an appropriate educational mission, they raise serious legal issues of discrimination in education and violation of the right to receive information which is protected by constitutional and statutory free speech guarantees.

            While respecting the right of opponents to speak and be heard, schools must take steps to affirm and protect the equality of the experiences of their students and to fulfill their legal duties to ensure a safe, and equitable educational experience.

            Diana Harlfinger, Mattapoisett

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.

Budget Brings Teacher Cuts

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            In the minutes preceding its March 15 regular public meeting, the Old Rochester Regional School Committee unanimously voted to approve a FY24 school budget of $20,970,296, as presented by ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber.

            The total addressing the needs of ORR High School and ORR Junior High was broken down into three segments of $20,182,170 (general operating), $688,156 (capital and debt service) and $100,000 (capital stabilization.)

            Early in a presentation lasting roughly 50 minutes, Barber told the committee that when compared to the FY23 budget, the FY24 is $31,000 less.

            The implications of teacher cuts did not sit well with committee member Margaret McSweeny.

            “It is crushing as a teacher to lose a job … I know that we are voting on a budget today that will eliminate jobs,” said McSweeny, who asked for transparency from the administration in dealing with the teachers affected. Further, she said that towns should invest in education and strongly suggested that families will not settle in the Tri-Towns as a result.

            Committee member Matt Monteiro sought clarification on why Rochester’s assessment increased more than Marion and Mattapoisett. Barber said that the tax assessment on properties, enrollment and alluded to other circumstances.

            Committee member Joe Pires said that while he understands the business end of the budget, he would like the committee going forward to think about programming that can be considered expendable rather than losing teachers from the staff.

            “It does sadden us to have to cut teachers,” said ORR School Committee Chairperson Michelle Smith, expressing hope that moving forward, the Tri-Towns will prioritize education.

            Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, who guided the process, reiterated the diligence it took to achieve a budget he believes can become acceptable in the Tri-Towns. At the same time, he thanked McSweeny for her comments.

            The next meeting of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 26, at 6:30 pm.

ORR School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Howard C. Tinkham

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Howard C. Tinkham, age 100, of Mattapoisett, died peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

            Born in New Bedford on November 20, 1922, the son of the late Earl H. and Minnie D. (Gamans) Tinkham, he lived in Mattapoisett all of his life. The Tinkham history runs deep in the area and Howard could trace his Mattapoisett roots to the eighth generation. He was the brother of the late Marion T. Roberts, and the late Ethel T. Apperson.

            He was a second generation Ocean Spray cranberry grower, and became interested in water conservation. As a result, the Tri-Town Water District protected watershed grew by approximately 500 acres of property that was once in the Tinkham family.

            Mr. Tinkham served in World War II in the Army Air Force for three years and was discharged as a Technical Sergeant. He graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1940, then, after the war, attended Worcester Polytechnical Institute, and received a Master’s degree from Northeastern University. He joined the faculty at New Bedford Technical Institution in 1950 and participated in its advancement to become the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He retired after 37 years, becoming a Professor Emeritus. He really enjoyed his time in the classroom. He served the Town of Mattapoisett briefly on the Finance Committee and the Conservation Commission. He donated land to the local Boy Scouts to create Camp Tinkham, and was always happy to meet a new Scout.

            He is survived by his wife, Nancy Briggs Tinkham, and by their daughter, Cheryl Tinkham Baum, her husband David Baum, and their children, Jessica, Jason, and Jacob Baum, all of Lake Zurich, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and many many friends.

            His Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 11 AM – 12 Noon at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Service at 12 Noon. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to either the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, https://www.cff.org/donate; the Tinkhamtown Chapel, 8 Long Plain Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739; Mattapoisett Troop 53, P.O. Box 1612, Mattapoisett, MA 02739; or the Mattapoisett Historical Society, P.O. Box 535, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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As many of us know, Rochester once had an airport located on Marion Road (now Dogget Brook Farm.) It was closed at the beginning of World War II, and to my knowledge, no plane crashes occurred there. However, Rochester has been the site of airplane crashes on more than one occasion. In an earlier article, I wrote of two military planes crashing on the side of Mary’s Pond killing both pilots.

            In our archives at the museum, I found a report of another less deadly crash that happened on March 20, 1982. A Hyannis couple was heading to Hartford, Connecticut in their six-seater Cherokee single-engine plane when they began to experience engine trouble. They were seven miles east of New Bedford when the pilot sent out a call for help that was picked up by the Otis Air National Guard Base radar.The call was recorded at 9:57 am, and a Coast Guard helicopter flying over Cape Cod was notified one minute later and reached the scene of the crash by 10:11 am.

            The helicopter located the crashed plane helped by its emergency locator transmitter. Rochester Police and Fire were soon on the scene in the woods near the cranberry bog off of Dexter Road and began rendering aid. While both of the plane’s occupants suffered broken bones and other injuries, they were conscious when emergency services arrived.

            A State Trooper from the Bourne barracks who interviewed the pilot later at Tobey Hospital credited the man with, “great presence of mind which probably saved his life”. The pilot, realizing the engine was failing, first thought about landing on Rte. 195, but traffic was too heavy to make that a viable option, so he headed for a cranberry bog that he could see. He almost made it, landing 150 yards short in dense trees.

            Coming in at 80 miles an hour, the plane sheared off the top of a tree before crashing. The plane landed on its side, and as you can see in the picture, was pretty much destroyed. It lost the top of the fuselage and both wings. The pilot’s leg was pinned under the dashboard, and his biggest concern was the possibility of a fire. He was able to push his wife away from the wreckage and to shut off the control panel.

            The couple was treated at the scene by Rochester Police and Fire. It took them more than 15 minutes to free the pilot’s leg from under the plane. They were both taken to Tobey Hospital with non- life- threatening injuries. Thanks to the pilot’s actions, no one on land was injured.

            State Police helped to collect cargo and recover personal items at the scene, and according to the public affairs officer for the Federal Aviation Bureau, inspectors from Norwood began an immediate investigation of the crash.

By Connie Eshbach

FCCR Holy Week Worship Opportunities

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First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way in Rochester, is pleased to announce its Holy Week schedule. We invite you to come and worship with us. All gatherings will also be live streamed on our website, www.rochestercongregational.com.

            April 2 at 10:00 am – Palm Sunday. Our pastor, Rev. Colby Olson, will challenge us to “Taste and See” that the Lord is good. Palms will be distributed after the worship gathering.

            April 6 at 7:00 pm – Maundy Thursday. This somber service includes Communion, Scripture reading and the gradual extinguishing of lights in the Sanctuary to impress upon the hearts of believers the awful consequences of sin and the magnitude of the Savior’s sacrifice. Since this is such a solemn service, we ask that attendees enter and exit in silence.

            April 7 at 7:00 pm – Good Friday. This Good Friday gathering will include Communion and a special message called “The Tombs Broke Open.”

            April 9 – Resurrection Sunday. Our sunrise gathering begins at 7:30 am on the Church Green and will be followed by a free Easter breakfast in our Fellowship Hall. An Easter worship gathering will be held in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am during which we will celebrate that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is alive. So that we can adequately prepare for the free breakfast, we ask that you call the church office at 508-763-4314 by April 2 to let us know you’re coming.