Marion Historic District Study Committee

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The Marion Select Board recently approved the request of the Marion Historical Commission to appoint a seven-member Local Historic District Study Committee to explore the possibilities of establishing a local historic district in the Marion Village area.

            This process is based on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s provisions under MA General Laws, Ch. 40C. It will begin with public informational meetings about historic districts and why they are considered the national standard for protecting historic areas. There will be much opportunity for public input through meetings and resident surveys in order to develop a plan that considers all facets of concern in the community. Generally, it takes at least one year to complete the process.

            The first step in appointing the Study Committee is to review volunteer applicants and nominations from the AIA, MA Board of Realtors and Sippican Historical Society. Other fields of expertise that would benefit the committee include contractors, historians, architects, village property owners.

            Local residents interested in serving may complete a Volunteer Application online or by printing it out and submitting it to the Select Board. The form is available on the marionma.gov website: www.marionma.gov/select-board/webforms/volunteer-opportunities. Deadline for submission will be December 10, 2022.

            Questions or additional information should be addressed to Meg Steinberg, Chair, Marion Historical Commission, through the Historical Commission webpage: www.marionma.gov/historical-commission.

JSC Disrupted during Public Comment

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            At the recommendation of ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, the agenda to the November 7 public meeting of the Old Rochester Regional Joint School Committee/Superintendency Union #55 was rearranged to put Open Meeting Law complaints at the top.

            Two complaints filed relative to the Joint School Committee, one was against Anne Fernandes, a member of the Rochester School Committee and the Superintendency Union #55 side of the JSC, and the other against Joe Pires, a member of the ORR School Committee and that committee’s side of the JSC.

            Both complaints, noted Nelson, cite the members’ roles in the Joint School Committee. As a result, explained Nelson, the JSC is required to follow procedure outlined in the attorney general’s Division of Open Government.

            Those requirements include that the respective chairpersons share the complaints with all committee members and that the committees respond to the complaints in writing within 14 business days. Since the JSC was not to meet soon enough to comply with that requirement, Nelson told the JSC he sought and got an extension from the state that would encompass the November 7 meeting of the JSC.

            Nelson recommended the JSC sides vote to delegate/authorize attorney Peter Sumners (in attendance via Zoom) to respond on behalf of the JSC to the complaints. Sumners is already representing the ORR School Committee in the matter, while the prior complaint filed against the Rochester School Committee was delegated to Rochester Town Counsel Blair Bailey.

            As noted in recent ORR and Rochester school committee articles in The Wanderer, the allegations filed by Rochester resident Rhonda Baptiste stem from Facebook posts made in a public forum discussing sexual content in books in the high school and junior high libraries.

            In summarizing the situation to the members of the JSC, Sumners said, “Neither I nor Attorney Bailey identified any Open Meeting Law violations, based on our reading of the attorney general’s determination concerning social-media posts.”

            After both sides of the JSC voted without dissention to authorize Sumner to respond on behalf of the JSC, Sumner told the meeting he would provide the membership with his response.

            In the Open Comment session that immediately followed the committee’s dealings with the Open Meeting Law complaints, Baptiste, attending in person, spoke in her role as director of Community Engagement for the citizens’ group Tri-Town Against Racism.

            She shared a discriminatory act that was reported to TTAR, stating that “There were members of the (school) committee didn’t believe there was an issue in our community or that there wasn’t any change necessary or any action that needed to be taken.”

            In response, said Baptiste, TTAR “created a mechanism where community members could report discriminatory incidents that happen throughout the community.”

            Baptiste reported 14 incidents, 12 of which she said were school related. Ten of those, she said, happened since the 2022-23 school year began at the end of August. Five incidents occurred at the junior high school, five at Old Hammondtown Elementary School (Mattapoisett), and two at the high school, she stated.

            Nine of the incidents, she stated, involved racism – Baptiste reported three incidents of racial epithets – and two involved homophobia and transphobia. Two incidents involved disability and two involved general appearance, Baptiste stated.

            More than one discriminatory category can apply to the same incident in TTAR’s reporting mechanism, according to Baptiste.

            Baptiste concluded her remarks by announcing her intentions to report those incidents and any subsequent discriminatory incidents to the Anti Racism Subcommittee when it meets in January.

            Art Leclair of Mattapoisett spoke next about the content in books in ORR schools, comparing his experience long ago and suggesting that while he has a problem with the content in some of today’s books, he qualified his remarks as against the banning of books, putting the onus on parents to raise their children and guide their decisions.

            Alison Noyce, a member of Tri-Town Against Racism, spoke about a meeting she attended billed as “What Are Your Children Learning in School?” a meeting that she said did not match its billing. Instead, Noyce said she encountered a list of books apparently disapproved by the meeting’s organizers.

            Noyce then read a letter previously shared in recent school committee meetings that expresses citizens’ concerns about the efforts of some to censor materials that they believe support principles of inclusion and “underrepresented” children, including those of color, who are indigenous or with diversities in sexual orientation or identity. The letter was signed by 631 people, including over 500 community members.

            Noyce reminded those listening into the meeting that parents have the option to request that their children not read certain books.

            Vanessa Miller of Marion, who described her ethnicity as Mexican, said she has a problem with the books containing sexual content in the school libraries. “My heritage, my culture, does not go with that,” she said, stressing her approval of racially diverse subjects.

            Kate Hartley of Marion said, “This book ban is not about protecting our kids from data, documents, images (or) pornography, what this book ban is is an attempt to (promote) fear literature and to pull BIPOC literature out of our schools, which is one of the only places that some kids can access literature that may be the only (source) they have that represents how they’re growing up.”

            Hartley gave many examples of the content in required reading already on the shelves in public schools when she was interrupted by an attendee, at which point ORR School Committee Chairperson Michelle Smith instructed the person that any comments must be made toward the committee chair.

            “The thing is, if your kid is looking for that information, if your child is queer, they are going to find it. Would you not rather they find it in a place that is safe?” Hartley asked.

            LGBTQ youth, asserted Hartley, are more than four times likely to attempt suicide than those not in those categories, reaching 45%. She said one of the things that combat those tendencies are affirming places.

            At the conclusion of the Open Comment session that reached its maximum, 15-minute time limit as governed by statewide policy, another outburst occurred, causing commotion to the meeting, which was hastily adjourned.

            There will be no school across the district on Thursday, November 10 (professional-development day) and no school on Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day.)

            The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 6:30 pm at the ORR Junior High School media room and accessible via Zoom.

ORR Joint School Committee / Superintendency Union #55

By Mick Colageo

Edmund F. Arruda, Sr.

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Edmund F. Arruda, Sr., 96, passed away November 9, 2022 at Sippican Healthcare Center. He lived most of his life in Rochester and was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church.

            He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline Daly Arruda; his parents Octavio and Emily; a brother, Alvaro and a sister, Palmeda Daggett.

            Survivors include two daughters; Sandra Kamins and her companion Bob Shaughnessey of Clinton, MA and Deborah Norris and her husband Jeff of Naples, FL; a son, Edmund F. Arruda, Jr. and his wife Jeanne of Rochester; six grandchildren, Heather Kamins and her husband Dimitri Labarge, Andrea Kamins, Kyle Nurzyk and his wife Emily, Lindsay Norris and her husband Ethan Smith, Ryan Briggs and his wife Shauna, and Alex Arruda; and several nieces and nephews.

            Eddie will be missed by his family and also by the many birds, cats and wild animals he fed.

            His funeral service will be held Thursday, November 17th at 10 am at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, November 16th from 5-8 pm. The family is grateful for flowers or donations made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Elizabeth C. Walker

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Elizabeth C. Walker of Marion died peacefully Monday, November 7th at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth. She was the daughter of the late Henrique and Mary (Britte) Fernandes and ex-wife of the late Randolph Harvey Walker of Durham, NC.

            Betty was born in Marion at her family home. She graduated from Wareham High School and from Kinyon-Campbell School in New Bedford.

            Mrs. Walker lived in Boston, New York City, Washington DC and Durham, NC before returning to live in Wareham and Marion. She worked at the Wareham Visiting Nurse’s Office for many years where she met her good friend the late Janet Konavis Tassinari. Betty worked at Otis Air Force Base, first as a Top Security Clearance Communication’s Specialist and then in Payroll where she worked until retirement in 1989.

            Elizabeth loved her family and became a valued caregiver to her aging parents and young grandchildren where she passed on her values of higher education and a steadfast work ethic. She was giving and caring to all she touched.

            She was an avid golfer and played often with her brothers and sisters especially at the annual Family Golf Tournament. An enthusiastic football and basketball fan, watching any sporting event with her was a joy as she cheered, “Go get’um!” to her favorite team be it the Wareham Tigers, high school, college, or professional sports. She was quite the athlete herself playing defense on her high school basketball team, playing softball with her family and friends and a member of a bowling league showcasing her unique follow through but successful style.

            Her love of water and swimming had her visiting “Portagee” Beach and Hathaway’s Pond each summer with her children. That loved turned into a love of water aerobics and exercise walking as time passed.

            A dedicated thrifter, she was a Penny Pincher Store enthusiast and would share her bargains to all who would listen! Betty enjoyed watercolor painting and was a fantastic cook. She was famous for her fried chicken and meatloaf recipe. She shared that skill at the Fernandes-Pina family reunions at Washburn Park in Marion until they ended.

            Betty was very dedicated and thankful to the Lord for protection and blessings. She was a communicant of St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Marion

            Elizabeth was pre-deceased by her brothers, John Teixeira, Hank Fernandes, Jr., Manuel Fernandes; and her sisters Flora Pina, Jean Barbour and Nancy Concholar. Survivors include her sister, Julie Gomes and her husband Tony of Wareham; her brother, Steven Fernandes and his wife Mary of Bourne; her son, Mark Walker and his wife Natasha of Milton; her daughter, Monique Walker Brown and her husband Troy of Wake Forest, NC.; her grandchildren Marcus Walker and his wife Karen of South Gate, CA, Cori Walker and his wife Lupe of Lynwood, CA, Myles Brown of Washington, DC, Imani Walker of Jamaica Plain and Nia Brown of Brooklyn, NY, and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

            Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 9 to 11 am followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Tribute Research Fund at act.alz.org or by mail at: 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

South Coast Chamber Music Series Presents Benediction

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The South Coast Chamber Music Series (SCCMS) presents “Benediction”, a musical banquet to close your Thanksgiving weekend in grand style. A quick, quirky trio by Philip Glass fascinates – then vanishes. Max Bruch’s lyrical Piano Quintet, one of his few chamber works, weaves a delightful spell surprisingly reminiscent of Mendelssohn. In conclusion, Beethoven’s sublime E-flat Major string quartet Op. 127, a work of luminescent beauty and genius, evokes deep gratitude for the twin gifts of life and art.

            On Saturday, November 26, the Chamber Music performance will take place in Marion at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church (124 Front Street.) On Sunday, November 27, the venue is in South Dartmouth at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (351 Elm Street.) Both concerts begin at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at nbsymphony.org/chamber-series-2022-2023/. Please check the website for current COVID-19 safety policies.

            This SCCMS weekend features NBSO principal musicians Jesse Holstein, violin; EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks, violin; Anna Griffis, viola; Leo Eguchi, cello; as well as SCCMS Artistic Director Janice Weber, piano.

            The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org today.

Howard Tinkham 100

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The Tri-Town Veterans Office in conjunction with American Legion Post 280 would like to extend an invitation to all to attend the 100th Birthday Party for Mattapoisett’s very own Mr. Howard Tinkham on November 20. Mr. Tinkham has been a pillar of our community and is one of our last remaining WWII veterans.

            The party will kick off with a parade beginning at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street at 1:00 pm. The parade route will go along the water down Main Street and Water Street, continue around Ned’s Point and finish back at the Legion Hall. The party will begin immediately following the parade.

            Come for the parade. Come for the free refreshments. Come for the entertainment. But most of all, come to celebrate someone special in your community with your community.

            For additional information, please contact the Tri-Town Veterans Agent, Chris Gerrior at 508-758-4100 x214 or vso@mattapoisett.net for additional information.

Banning Books

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To the Editor

It is my opinion, Sharon Schneider and Nicole Demakis, both of Mattapoisett, are missing the point. The argument isn’t about banning books, it’s about determining if the books in question are pornographic. Are they appropriate for our school-aged children? Should they be in a school library where, I doubt, parents are seldom found perusing the shelves?

            The public library is entirely another matter. If the books in question, are deemed pornographic, they should be kept in the library where pornographic material is acceptable.

            In the attempt to empathize with the struggles facing today’s youth, I could offer (off the top of my head) a long reading list. Literature about youth overcoming social, moral and ethical hardships. Kidnapped by R.L. Stevenson, for example, or Great Expectations by C. Dickens. Even Call of the Wild by J. London, Go Tell it on The Mountain by J. Baldwin, or Ann Frank. How about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by B. Smith, Cane by J. Toomer and even The Invisible Man by R. Ellison? These books emphasis character, true grit, determination, self-respect, and, as a plus, are examples of good literature as well as history.

            I suggest, we as adults, look at these questionable books that expound upon AND illustrate explicit sex acts and ask ourselves: is this what we want our children reading? Does this build character and morals? Will this truly solve the myriad of social ills? I doubt it. And I believe it will rob the innocents of little children who may still see their world as a good place.

            I admit, I don’t have a solution to child abuse, racial discrimination, or the sexual identity crisis, but I do know there are many parents who want to protect and nurture their children and teach them to become descent adults who will strive to make this world a better place.

J Reinhart, Marion

Master Plan Draft Released

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            On November 2, Mattapoisett’s 2022 update of the town’s Master Plan was released by the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), which has been working with a volunteer group of residents on the project since August 2020. Due to the restrictions imposed on public gatherings during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the volunteers pushed on using virtual technology, thusly giving voice to their opinions, concerns and hopes for a town they were willing to help.

            The committee was comprised of Robert Burgman, Carole Clifford, Kate Connelly, Paul Criscuolo, Mary Dermody, Carlos DeSousa, Yasin Flefleh-Vincent, Shirley Haley, Kate Haley, David Horowitz, Nate Ketchel, Robin LePore, Janice Robbins, Mike Rosa, Colby Rottler, Donna Shea, Aaron Smith, Tom Tucker and Chrystal Walsh.

            Throughout the process, the team was facilitated by SRPEDD Principal Comprehensive Planner Lizeth Gonzalez, who guided discussions in a format intended to ferret out the most pressing needs of the community with an eye towards a variety of strategic goals.

            The Master Plan model is regulated by Massachusetts State Law Chapter 41, Section 81D. The plan addresses all planning elements: Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Open Space and Recreation, Natural and Cultural Resources, Services and Facilities, Transportation and Circulation and, due to Mattapoisett’s waterfront location, Resilience.

            The Master Plan draft is now on view at the Mattapoisett Library in hardcopy until the end of November and via the SRPEDD weblink srpedd.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/01163008/Draft-MattapoisettMP-11022022.pdf.

            During the Planning Board’s November 7 meeting, Nate Ketchel, acting chair for the board and the Master Plan Committee, said that the public is invited from now until the end of November to review the draft and offer comments. Comments may be submitted to Gonzalez at lgonzalez@srpedd.org. Ketchel said that next steps after the review process has ended is to make final edits and then present the completed plan to the Select Board.

            Detailed in the draft plan are population and school-enrollment numbers critical for one of the biggest topics currently under review by the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston, school consolidation. The Master Plan Committee discussed Mattapoisett Public Schools in several categories. The following text in the draft demonstrates their efforts. “Residents are proud of the quality of education and the relationships their children have with the town itself, especially the Village.” However, the committee also recognized the need for planning that would address decreases in enrollment and the future of a town supporting two elementary schools.

            Of the Town Hall, the operations of which have been said to need a completely new location given the grave condition of the structure, the Master Plan Committee thought it might be redeployed as a cultural center despite its location in a flood zone.

            The committee also looked at the needs of a growing senior population. In their discussion regarding Housing, one of the main chapters in the plan, both families with school-age children and senior citizens were viewed as needing more affordable housing.

            Under the Open Space and Recreation header, the committee wondered about building affordable housing units on the former Holy Ghost grounds. SRPEDD wrote, as informed by the committee, “Mattapoisett’s inventory of town-owned land appropriate for development is limited; however, the town should pursue state funding to prepare key sites such as the Holy Ghost Grounds on Park Street for redevelopment.”

            The 2022 Master Plan draft lays out potential economic-growth opportunities along the Village Business District on Route 6. The committee believes there is untapped potential for multiuse structures that can be constructed in a visually appealing manner.

            Again, the 2022 Master Plan draft is available now for review at the Mattapoisett Library in hardcopy and via SRPEDD’s weblink.

            The balance of business handled by the Planning Board on November 7 was the continuation of a Site Plan Review for the application submitted by Sun Partners Solar for a 198.8KW array on property located at 156 Acushnet Road. The hearing was continued to November 21.

            The board completed review of a Form-C Definitive Plan submitted by JBL Fairhaven Road LLC, for a proposed subdivision. Although the board completed review, including hearing from engineer David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., including his responses to comments from peer-review consultant Ken Motta of Field Engineering, rather than close the hearing the board elected to give Motta an opportunity to rebut Davignon’s responses to the peer review. The hearing was continued to November 21.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, November 21, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Residents Ask Collins Center for More Data

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            The topic of possible school consolidation has been a hot button for several years with no clear pathway to a consensus. On November 2, the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston research team, after collecting and studying data as to what options the Town of Mattapoisett may wish to pursue regarding school consolidation, met with townspeople.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco has stated that the town was approached by the Collins Center in January 2021 to make the town aware of Community Compact Grant opportunities. After the Select Board agreed to pursue grants for the purposes of studying the transfer station and school consolidation, the town received $37,500 for the schools study and $22,500 for the Transfer Station.

            After questions arose from the Mattapoisett School Committee on various aspects of the data-gathering processes, the school study was “amended in response to concerns” raised during the May 2022 Town Meeting, Lorenco recently stated in a follow-up.

            “The Collins Center felt it was necessary to respond to the concerns by refocusing the study,” said Lorenco, adding that he and Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson “worked on a new contract agreement with UMass, which helped to clarify and refocus sections of the study.”

            The personnel on the consulting team has also been amended, Lorenco said.

            “The Collins Center did change the makeup of their team after the contract was amended. Though I am not fully versed in the backgrounds of all the Collins Center staff assigned to the Town project, the change of the consulting team was done to add individuals with more experienced school/education backgrounds to assist in the study,” he told The Wanderer.

            Part of the data-gathering process was to hold two public meetings designed to solicit public comment on the topic of school consolidation and concerns therein. On November 2, the morning session brought out approximately 40 people, while the evening session was attended by approximately 30.

            The public meeting started with a statement of intent, noting that the study is taking place now to assist the town as it reviews its strategic vision regarding the use of all town facilities. Collins Center Facilitator Heather Michaud explained that the focus of the public-engagement meetings was not to give a presentation on the topic but to gather data from the public.

            Michaud said of school consolidation that it could allow for expansion of programming, modern facilities to support current learning models, improved student-teacher ratios and student-support services, as well as efficiency of space utilization. She said that population trends for the town have shown growth; however, that growth was in the over-18 age category. Regarding school enrollment, those figures have remained basically flat since 2016. She also pointed out that half of the town’s annual budget goes toward school, whereas the state average is 48%.

            Michaud said that other projects being considered by the town are repairs to the Highway Barn, Long Wharf, Town Hall, roads and culverts, the bike path and a variety of equipment and IT investments.

            The summary provided by the Collins Center read: “Population growth has steadily increased, however the under 18 category is in decline – the population is aging, school enrollment has held relatively steady for the last five-year period, the Town invests about half the annual expenditures to support the schools, and the town is prioritizing capital improvement planning.”

            The balance of the meeting gave participants the opportunity to air their views in a roundtable model, writing down responses to specific questions and then changing tables to mix and blend intellectual input.

            The groups were asked, “What values are important to residents and how might those values guide decisions about public schools? What current attributes of the Mattapoisett Public Schools are we most proud of? How do we balance the needs of the schools with other projects? What opportunities do we envision for the future of Mattapoisett Public Schools? What questions or concerns do I have about the future of our schools?”

            Responses ranged from belief that consolidation may, in fact, have a positive impact on students K-6 to consolidation would have a negative impact on younger students and safety. Other responses said Center School in the heart of the village is what we want and why we live here; we have not received sufficient verifiable transparent data on school expenses and also expenses of other departments; current student-teacher ratios are what we want; Mattapoisett may become unaffordable; will the commuter rail impact the community and more information on enrollment data is needed.

            The sense of community was apparent throughout both sessions, with respectful discourse and candid input. The Collins Center will not be making any recommendations as to the future of Mattapoisett Public Schools, Michaud stated several times, but will be tabulating the public-meeting responses along with those received from an online survey producing a report that will be released later in the year. To take the online survey, visit Mattapoisett.net.

By Marilou Newell

OCT Culinary and Welding Training

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Old Colony Technical Institute launches free Culinary and Welding training, including job placement. Career opportunities await you if your goal is to improve your vocational skills, need training and job placement. Old Colony Regional School District has forged an ongoing partnership with MassHire, Greater New Bedford Workforce Board and the New Bedford Career Center. Together, they have successfully coordinated two adult education courses in welding and culinary arts called the Old Colony Technical Institute (OCTI.)

            These two hands-on courses will engage you in a basic understanding of these trades and address the shortage of qualified and skilled tradespeople in the fields. As a student you will have an opportunity to gain vocational hands-on experience, followed by local job placement.

The 200-hour welding program is intended as an introduction to the field of welding. Students will gain knowledge and skills in several welding categories which include Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc welding, Stick Welding and Basic Blueprint Reading. They will also receive their OSHA 10 and Hot Works certifications.

            Students in the 200-hour culinary arts program will gain skills in food handling and safety, meal planning, food preparation and hospitality in a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant setting. There will be an opportunity to gain up to 25 hours in work experience with the local employers. Upon graduation, students will have completed OSHA 10, Serve-Safe food and Safe-Serve Allergen.

            The mandatory orientation at Old Colony for accepted applicants will be January 10, 2023, at 4:30. This is a free opportunity, but space is limited to 10 individuals per class, so you must apply ahead. This OCTI program will begin January 17 through April 5. Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 9:30 pm at Old Colony for a 10-week training, followed by an externship at outside placements. The onsite training will end on April 5.

            For additional information, please contact Dr. Cynthia Marland at cmarland@oldcolony.info or call 508.763.8011 ext. 220.