Reading Frederick Douglass Together

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The Marion Art Center is partnering with the Marion Community Center and Tri-Town Against Racism to present a public reading of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech What to the Slave is the Fourth of July? The event will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 1:00 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center located at 465 Mill Street, Marion. A group discussion will follow the event, and light refreshments will be served. The MAC is recruiting participants from the SouthCoast region to participate in a group recitation of an abridged version of the famous speech, which will take approximately 50 minutes. The collaborators aim to assemble a group of 15 to 30 people representing myriad races, ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities and backgrounds that reflect the diversity found across the SouthCoast region and the country. Participants will be reading this speech from a document, so no memorization is required. Participants should have a strong speaking voice and be available for at least two rehearsals prior to the performance. Interested persons should contact MAC board member Jack Boesen. Find contact info and learn more at marionartcenter.org/rfdt-2023.

Eversource Seeks Support for Carbon-Neutral Goal

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By 2030, the utility company Eversource wants all of its operations to be carbon neutral.

            Through one program, they are asking neighboring communities – Fairhaven, Acushnet, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester – to be a part of the first steps toward that movement.

            Ryan Earle and Maija Benjamins, representatives from Eversource, met with Marion Select Board members on April 19 to discuss these plans.

            Earle and Benjamins informed the board that it and other towns would be part of a study that will cause consumer bills in these five communities to spike by 25 cents. Revenue generated from this and other sources will allow solar developers to offset their costs toward developing solar energy. All Eversource customers in these communities will be billed the extra 25 cents each month.

            With more solar and clean energy available, consumers in these towns will also be able to tap into the system to offset energy bills, according to Earle and Benjamins.

            Benjamins said Eversource is working with the state and the federal government for funding and support to not only increase the number of solar projects but to increase the offshore and other wind projects.

            Eversource plans on using some of this revenue to make $119 million in infrastructure improvements, including its transformers, lines and substations.

            “We’ll be doing a lot of work on the poles and wires you see in the streets,” Earle said.

            The program is estimated to generate 348 megawatts in solar energy.

            “Electricity rates will decrease when we are no longer relying on things that are driven by gas and fuel and how much is being used. Solar and offshore wind will be a consistent source of energy,” Benjamins said.

            Benjamins said the presence of electric cars has shifted the dynamic, calling on more electricity from the grid.

            Select Board member Toby Burr said there is one solar project in town that is stalling due to interconnection fees.

            Earle said the program is designed to fast-track some of these projects, allowing more clean energy to come into the community.

            By 2050, Eversource and the state Department of Energy Resources hope to dramatically increase offshore and onshore wind usage, as well as solar.

            In fact, Benjamins said Eversource is looking at land in Mattapoisett for a wind-energy opportunity.

            Select Board members asked for period updates on this program and the project.

            In other board news, the meeting last week took less than an hour as the board conducted routine business.

            Shelly Richins was appointed to the Historical Commission and Select Board member Norm Hills was appointed as the board representative on the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD.)

            Officials announced that the annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, at Sippican Elementary School and the Select Board’s “pre-Town Meeting” will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at the Music Hall. Both meetings are scheduled for 6:45 pm.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

George B. Dornblaser, Jr.

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George B. Dornblaser, Jr. 83, of Rochester, formerly of Marion, passed away on April 19, 2023, in Hathaway Manor, New Bedford.  He was the husband of the late Mimi (Hellier) Dornblaser and the son of the late George B. and Grace (Altmiller) Dornblaser. 

            He was born in Hazelton, PA and was a long-time resident of New York City.  He spent many summers in Marion before retiring there in 2000.  He then moved to Rochester in 2009.  He graduated from MMI Preparatory High School, Freeland, PA, Lafayette College, and the University of Virginia Law School.

            Mr. Dornblaser worked as a Trust & Estate Lawyer for Bessemer Trust Company and Trainer and Wortham & Co. handling accounts both in the U.S. and Europe before retiring.

            He was a member of the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion and a longtime subscriber to the Metropolitan Opera and an early and enthusiastic supporter of the Buzzards Bay Music Festival.

            Survivors include his daughter, Sarah Dornblaser of West Haven, CT, and many nephews and nieces.  He was the brother of the late Sue Evans.

            A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Thursday, May 4th at Evergreen Cemetery, Rte. 6 & Converse Rd., Marion.

            Donations in his memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Buzzards Bay Music Festival.

            Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

John B. Hayes, Jr

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After fighting a long battle with many illnesses, this mild-mannered, loving man, John B. Hayes, Jr, at age 74, succumbed to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome on April 17, 2023, at 5:00 pm while surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late John and Muriel Hayes and predeceased by his sister Mary Cloutier, and his brothers Peter Hayes, Joe Hayes, and Eddie Hayes.

            He was born in Taunton and lived in Wareham and Mattapoisett for many years.

            John loved from his heart. His vibrant personality touched everyone. John was a man of many talents, but he loved his membership in IUOE Local 4. His Local 4 brothers said he was a pleasure to work with because he made light of every difficult situation.

            His passion for physical fitness led him to walking, running and biking all of his life. John was passionate about his religion and was a member of St Anthony’s Catholic Church Mattapoisett. John enjoyed his membership in the Mattapoisett Lions Club.

            John adored his large family, leaving behind his Beloved Wife of 32 years, Connie. His Daughters, Kimberly Hayes and Pat Schober of Taunton; Son Jeffrey Hayes of Boston. Sister Anne and Brother-In-Law John Haggerty of Taunton; His many nieces and nephews. His extended family Patricia, Kristen, Aaron, the 9 Grandchildren & 3 Great Grandchildren.

            A Funeral Mass will be held on April 29, 2023 at 10:00 amin St. Patrick’s Church 94 High Street, Wareham. Interment will follow in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Tihonet Rd., Wareham.

            A Celebration of Life will follow at the Kilburn Mill at Clarks Cove, 127 W Rodney French Blvd. New Bedford, receiving hours from 1-5. Please join us in this celebration for John.

            The family would also like to thank the staff at Tobey Hospital’s ICU for their incredible care. Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

AHT Strategizing to Sustain Momentum

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            As the Affordable Housing Trust discussed the proposed elimination of the Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw during its April 11 public meeting, member Norm Hills explained that many proposed changes in town bylaws intended to go on the warrant for the May 8 Annual Town Meeting never got past the Planning Board.

            “We removed them all from the warrant so it should be a short meeting, I think, this year,” said Hills. “It went onto discussion of the Inclusionary Bylaw. Those changes are not going to Town Meeting either, so it’s at least until Fall Town Meeting to hash this out. Sherman (Briggs) wanted it at the Town Meeting.”

            Affordable Housing Trust member Nancy McFadden noted that Planning Board member Andrew Daniel repeatedly suggested a citizens’ petition should allow the proposed elimination of the Inclusionary Bylaw to go to Town Meeting.

            Hills said there was a schedule to keep but that, “no one seemed inclined to force it on (the warrant) either.”

            Affordable Housing Trust Chairperson Terri Santos stressed that attempts will continue to be made to eliminate the bylaw.

            “So we need to maybe come up with a strategy, maybe think of ways to work with (bylaw opponents Briggs, Daniel and Jon Henry),” said Santos. “There are different types of inclusionary housing bylaws that incorporate higher median incomes like what they do on Nantucket and the Vineyard. Over 80 percent area income, it doesn’t go on your (Subsidized Housing Inventory.)”

            Santos explained that anything on a town’s SHI has to be below 80% of the area’s median income. Towns such as Nantucket and on Martha’s Vineyard are incorporating higher income limits for working people who live on those islands.

            Hills said the proposed Village Style Smart Growth District would accomplish some of those goals.

            “The big problem is this town has never done anything, it’s always done to us,” said Hills. “The town owns a lot of land but it’s all ‘open space.’ You can’t do anything to it.”

            Member Susan Miller asked Hills if, during the Planning Board’s debate over the Inclusionary Housing Bylaw, if he saw any room for compromise.

            “Basically, they said, ‘Ten percent, we don’t want to do anything,’ but the fact is it’s only conditional,” said Hills. “Until (Wareham Road 40B developer Ken Steen) pulls a building permit – and he’s got a year to do that – if he doesn’t do it within a year, all those things fall off. They don’t count anymore. … They think we’re home safe and we’re not. I don’t see any movement on his part to do anything down there.”

            Santos is seeking ideas on how to approach this issue, and Hills suggested Marion needs to consult with experts. Santos suggested that the Massachusetts Housing Partnership would be willing to help.

            The membership briefly discussed Briggs’ former proposal for 28 townhouses off Spring Street, noting that there is heavy equipment at the site.

            Santos sent the membership the link to the Community Preservation Committee’s guidebook. “We’re not utilizing our housing funds,” she said, suggesting Marion learn what surrounding towns are doing to address the state affordable-housing threshold.

            Santos said she also wants to look at the Accessory Dwelling Bylaw. As of now in Marion, such an apartment must be occupied by a family member. If not, the matter has to go through the whole subsidized-housing process, she said.

            “We’ve got to be proactive,” said Santos, looking for ideas on how to use CPC funding. “It’s got to be a deed-restricted property.”

            Hills said the Affordable Housing Trust would need to establish criteria for CPC-funding eligibility.

            Miller said many residents complain about water bills; Hills said the matter will grow worse. Miller agreed to conduct some research.

            At the suggestion of Minhtram Tran, the Affordable Housing Trust is considering a tour of affordable-housing developments in May.

            As Hills explained, the 2022 Housing Production Plan was not addressed during a particularly lengthy Planning Board meeting. (The Planning Board did finally vote to approve it on Tuesday night, and the Select Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday night.)

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Mick Colageo

Arts in Action

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Sippican Elementary School’s Art teacher and Music teachers have been very busy with their students in Kindergarten through Grade 6.

            “I have 387 students and we are displaying more than 1200 pieces of art.” – Ms. Katie Pike

            On Thursday evening, Sippican’s Multipurpose Room was transformed into an art gallery featuring an interactive painting demonstration by Tufts Fellow and founder of the Smile Project, Brent Bataclan.

            The artwork is grouped by the country or culture which inspired it, and a wide range of techniques and media materials are represented. To get the artwork ready for the event, Ms. Pike says she had some wonderful help from her colleagues, especially the Specialists.

– Hannah Moore teaches Band.

– Patty Richard teaches Choral Music.

– Jessica is the Media Center Librarian.

– Chelsey Lawrence is the Enrichment teacher.

            Hannah Moore and Patty Richard are the school’s Music Teachers and prepared many pieces of equipment and the setting used to stage the “Moore Good Stuff Cafe” for ensemble pieces, both choral and instrumental, as well as Karaoke and Open Mic. (…chairs, music stands, a piano and plenty of percussion, including marimbas and a drum kit.)

            Sippican’s Cafeteria became an artists’ performance space featuring students playing instruments and singing together or solo. Volunteers provided and served hot dogs, chili, soups, bread and desserts.

            In between the two large spaces, students could stop by the art station tables to try weaving, painting, or drawing with a variety of materials and methods. Among the corps of volunteers were retired school faculty and many parents and guardians who have had children in the district or still have students in the school district.

“What’s been really wonderful to see is so many families all together and having a great time,” said Ms. Soares, a retired teacher with many years of service. She was working at a table where kids could create colorful mixed-media paintings.

            For more info, please contact Principal Marla Sirois or Music Teacher, Hannah Moore. marlasirois@oldrochester.org or hannahmoore@oldrochester.org.

Art for Your Mind at the Marion Art Center

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The Marion Art Center announces two more Art for Your Mind lectures by art historian Jill Sanford. Art for Your Mind is an engaging, educational, art observation experience designed to broaden the minds of its participants. Presentations are for people of all backgrounds – artists and non-artists alike. Tickets for each presentation are just $5 for MAC members and $8 for nonmembers. Register both to save $1 on each. Learn more and register online at marionartcenter.org/events. Jill will present American Art Explored on Thursday, May 18 from 1:00-2:00 pm in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. Experience American paintings through time. From early, folk art paintings, to surprising realism, then on to modern, abstract images – visualize America’s growth and change, as well as America’s evolving artistic styles. Enjoy the presentation Landscapes Old and New on Thursday, June 22 from 1:00-2:00 pm, part of Art in Bloom at the MAC. Develop your awareness of the many decisions artists face when constructing a landscape painting. Interpretations of nature from America, Europe and beyond become surprising and interesting when close observation is combined with insight into the artists and their goals.

Rose Marie Tomczewski

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Rose Marie Tomczewski, 66, of New Bedford, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023 at home following a brief but courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was the wife of Wayne M. Tomczewski with whom she shared 46 years of marriage.

            Born in Woonsocket, RI, she had resided most of her life in New Bedford. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1974.

            Mrs. Tomczewski had worked as a Social Worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Department of Transitional Assistance for 32 years. Upon her retirement, she worked at the Christmas Tree Shops and most recently at The Polished Look as a receptionist.

            Rose Marie spent many years devoting her spare time to youth bowling leagues at both Bowler’s Country Club and WonderBowl as the director of the Classic League. She also enjoyed fundraising, coaching and traveling with many young bowlers for the Junior Gold Championship competitions throughout the country. She was very proud her induction into the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in 2006 for her years of meritorious service.

            Rose was an avid bingo player and enjoyed spending time at Foxwoods and Tiverton Casinos and traveled often to Atlantic City with her friends. When she wasn’t gambling or cruising to Bermuda, she could be found at all of her grandson’s baseball games and practices, as well as all of his bowling events.

            As a selfless person who found joy in helping others, she spent time helping her friends, family and the elderly every chance she could.

            Surviving in addition to her husband are her daughters, Beverly Rebelo and her husband Eric and Tammy Alves and her significant other Bryan Callahan all of New Bedford; her grandson Eric Rebelo Jr.; and several nieces and great nieces and nephews.

            Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 9 am from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 5-8 pm.

Marilyn G. Kelley

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Marilyn G. Kelley, 88, of Naples, FL and Rochester, MA, died suddenly on Easter Eve, April 8th. She was the loving wife of the late John Dillon “Jack” Kelley, her Horace Greeley High School sweetheart, where she was the Student Class Secretary, Cheerleader, and Homecoming Queen. She was a devoted caregiver to John who predeceased her in 2019. They celebrated 65 exciting years together.

            Her sweet, gentle nature and intellectual curiosity belied her spicy sense of humor, much to the surprise and delight of everyone she knew. She was a devoted mother of four daughters, and a beloved and trusted friend who helped perfect strangers in time of need.

            Born in Detroit, MI, Marilyn was the daughter of the late Dr. Clyde William and Edna (Monroe) Geiter. “Doc” Geiter had five different medical degrees, and painted detailed pictures of diseases to accompany his monthly articles published in the American Medical Journal where he was dubbed, “The Salvador Dali” of doctors. As a young girl, Marilyn studied classical ballet and piano. Her family eventually moved to Kansas City, MO and then to Chappaqua, NY until Marilyn attended Bradford Junior College in Haverill, MA.

            Following graduation, Marilyn got her first job in NYC selling ad time on various TV stations, and later worked as a bookkeeper for Transcommunications in Greenwich, CT. While her own daughters were young, she also taught ballet to others in their first home in Port Chester, NY. Her daughters watched with fascination as her fingers flew up and down the keyboard, playing Tico Tico (Google it!). Then in 1965, while living in Greenwich with her husband and four daughters, Marilyn received her Certificate of Design from the Chicago Institute of Art and did a masterful job decorating their stately Victorian home and subsequent homes. She later taught exercise for Lifetime Fitness, teaching the Boutelle method – now known as Pilates – in Greenwich, and later in Portsmouth, NH. There, she auditioned with Ballet New England and was cast as the Grandmother in the Nutcracker, a role she played for three years, as well as other characters. She loved the cast and characters and was happy to go back to her classical ballet roots. An avid Sudoku and word puzzle master, skilled in needlecrafts and knitting, she was never idle.

            Always a performer, Marilyn enjoyed doing song and dance vignettes with her adult daughters at her husband Jack’s Birthday parties. But her favorite role was storyteller. In 2013, she published, For Love and Money: The Brazil Affair, The Story Of A Family’s Quest (available on Amazon). Based on her family’s real-life experience living in Brazil in the early 1970’s, the account of this bold adventure starts with her family on a flight piloted by Jack in their single engine Cessna from New York to South America. Once there, the promise of an entrepreneurial enterprise with an international businessman takes a dramatic turn. As Marilyn introduces the book, “If you had told me in 1972 that in less than two years I would be living in Brazil with my husband and four daughters, socializing with criminals, I would have called you crazy.” Marilyn’s daughter Diane wrote a screenplay based on the book, and she and Marilyn were continuing to look for a partner to take the story to the big screen.

            Much of Marilyn’s life was committed to the service of others, starting as a tireless volunteer at Greenwich Hospital in CT and Portsmouth Hospital in NH, and as a Eucharistic Minister with Jack at the Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth. She also spent years volunteering with Share to help those in need.

            There are some losses from which you can never recover, and for those who knew Marilyn, this is one of them. She leaves her adored brother, Don Geiter, and his wife Candy of Sunrise Beach, MO, and their children Ryan and Nicole. Survivors also include loving daughters Lynne Bucklin of Naples, FL (predeceased by her husband Stan), Evan Martin and husband Nicholas of New London, NH, Diane Kelley and husband David Risch, living aboard a boat in Florida, and Heather Kelley and husband Ted Buttner of Williston, FL. She leaves seven grandchildren, John Ivey and his wife Jaime of Calabasas, CA, Christopher Ivey and his wife Diama of San Diego, CA, Erin Martin and her husband Andrew Nichols of Norwood, MA, Peter Martin and his wife Rafaela of Wellesley, MA, Karina Tefft of Brooklyn, NY, Alexandra Tefft-Cassidy and husband Tim of Merrimack, NH, and Dillon Buttner of Williston, FL. Marilyn also leaves three step-grandchildren; Dr. Laura Risch, David C. Risch and Maxwell Risch and his wife Brittney.

            The next generation of survivors includes six+ great-grandchildren; Hunter, Madeleine and Mila Ivey, Jack and Olivia Ivey, and Luella Nichols, with another Tefft-Cassidy due in September from Alexandra and Tim, as well as two step-great grandchildren Brady and Natalie Risch. Marilyn is also survived by her beloved friends and neighbors while living at The Pines at Hathaway Pond in Rochester, MA, and Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh in Naples, FL.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, April 29th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Rita’s Church, 115 Front Street, Marion, MA at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Beverly Yacht Club. For questions, contact daughter Diane Kelley, (603) 969-9054. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Daniel C. Briggs

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Daniel C. Briggs, 69, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023.

            Married 41 years, he was the loving husband of Lori (Mansfield) Briggs. They were a special couple, inseparable, sharing their passions for the ocean, traveling, cooking, gardening, their home and their cats.

            In his younger years, Daniel started out working as a boat builder. He went on to earn his USCG Master of Oceans License, something he was very proud of. His accomplishments included being Captain of private sailing yachts, and years as a well-respected marine surveyor. He taught at the Northeast Maritime Academy and at Tabor Academy’s Nautical Science department. Daniel was engaged as an expert witness in various legal, nautical-related cases. Traveling internationally, he was hired for his expertise by individuals looking to purchase both power and sailing vessels for personal use and potential business ventures. He participated in many Newport Bermuda Races and was a volunteer on the Marion Bermuda Race Committee.

            Daniel was proud to be a member of the Storm Trysail Club, a private club dedicated to blue water sailing and by invitation only to expert offshore sailors who have experienced storm conditions and are capable of commanding a sailing vessel in such conditions.

            He also attended Rhode Island School of Design, receiving a certification as a personal property appraiser.

            Daniel was the son of the late Ann (Perkins) and Peter Briggs. In addition to his wife, Lori, he is survived by his sister, Melinda Eaton and her husband Kevin; his sister, Heather Hobler; his mother-in-law, Leona Mansfield; his sister-in-law, Jane Zychowicz; his sister-in-law, Melinda Reed and her husband Peter Reed; and nieces and nephews.

            His services were private. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to one of the following: Mass General Center For Transplantation Sciences: Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 (giving.massgeneral.org/donate/research-institute); HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center: HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 (hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care); MSPCA: MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 (https://www.mspca.org/donate-now).