Mattapoisett Library Artist Series

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Come to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Artist Series between November 15 and December 14 to see an exhibit by local artist Liz LaValley. Entitled Unfolding Thoughts: the Ephemera Series, LaValley describes her work as being for bibliophiles who love handmade books. These unique handmade “accordion” books contain LaValley’s poetry, and each are enhanced with a unique photograph and a watercolor painting. The first page of each book contains a poem unique to that book. LaValley is a longtime member of Gallery X in New Bedford and is currently exhibiting at the Plymouth Center for the Arts.

Small Works and Holiday Shop 2022

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 The Marion Art Center announces its annual exhibit Small Works and Holiday Shop. The show runs November 11 through December 16, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, November 12 from 3:00-5:00 pm. The exhibit will feature original works of art, all under 14 inches, plus a curated selection of handmade goods, such as jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodworks, gifts and more. Shop for yourself or find the perfect gifts for others. All pieces may be removed from the galleries upon purchase for this cash-and-carry show. Learn more at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

Mario “Nuchi” Gaetano Gallo

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Mario “Nuchi” Gaetano Gallo, 90 of Delray Beach Florida passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 at Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach Florida. Mario was the son of the late Dante John and Marianna (Gentile) Gallo.

            Mario graduated from Enfield Highschool in Enfield, CT where he played football in the Class M State Football Championships.

            Mario was an Airman First Class in the United States Airforce and was Honorably Discharged after serving in the Korean War. He retired after 30 years of service at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne, MA at the age of 50 years old. He retired from his position as Assistant Fire Chief at the base in the fire department.

            Mario got his Real Estate license when he was 42 years old and continued as a Real Estate Broker after his retirement from the government. He sold houses in the New Bedford MA and Sarasota FL regions. Mario also worked as an insurance appraiser until the age of 65.

            At the age of 40 Mario learned how to play golf. To say the least he became obsessed with playing and winning it. He continued to play the game he loved with his friend Tom Homer just days before his passing.

            Mario was a member of the American Legion in Delray Beach FL.

            Mario is survived by his daughters Donna L. Fortin (Edward) of Fairhaven MA and Doreen M. Besso (Donald) of East Wareham MA. Mario is also survived by his sister Marie (Gallo) Levins and sister-in-law Patricia (Nary) Gallo both of Enfield CT. As well as his beloved grandchildren Elizabeth Besso (Alexander Scanlon), Melanie Fortin, Jordan Besso, and Tyler Besso. And several nieces and nephews. Mario is predeceased by his son Richard Gallo, his sister Rose Hobbs, and his brother Vincenzo “Jim” Gallo.

            Mr. Gallo enjoyed spending time with several lady friends throughout the years. Including his ex wife Janet (Calnan) Gallo of 32 years of marriage and his ex-partner Peggy Correia. Mario’s outgoing personality and “tell it how it is” approach will be sorely missed.

            A Memorial Catholic Mass will be planned for a later date in Enfield CT.

            In lieu of flowers please donate to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warriors Foundation.

Antone B. Mello Jr.

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Antone B. Mello Jr., 51 passed away on Friday, October 21, 2022 in New Bedford.

            He was born February 2, 1971 in Framingham to Antone B Mello Sr. and Mary E. Mello. Antone “Tony” grew up in Marion and graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 1989. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. Antone was a SPC in the 595th Medical Co FORSCOM (FC) stationed in Fort Devens, MA. He served as a Medical Specialist in the Persian Gulf War. Antone was a decorated war veteran. He received the Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Marksman badge.

            Antone enjoyed sharing a meal and watching movies with his military brothers. He was passionate about all sports especially basketball (Celtics) and football (Patriots). He enjoyed listening to music and a good joke with his friends and family. Most importantly, Antone loved his two daughters. They were always in his heart.

            Antone is survived by his two daughters; Arianna Mello of Fall River and Olivia Mello of Wareham; his parents, Antone B. Mello, Sr. and Mary E. Mello of Rochester Hills, MI; his sisters, LeRonda (Cassius) Shearer of Ashland and Monica Mello (Robert) Walker of Braintree; his brother Christopher Mello of Rochester Hills, MI. He also leaves two nephews, three nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his military brothers.

            Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sun., Nov. 6, 2022 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 3 pm to 6 pm. His funeral will be from the funeral home on Mon., Nov. 7, 2022 at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham at 10 am. Burial at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Repass to follow at Rosebrook Event Center at TownePlace Marriott, Wareham, MA.

Grown-Up Science Coming Kids’ Way

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The Marion School Committee was not asked to vote on the Old Rochester Regional School District’s new OpenSciEd presentation, which was given at the committee’s October 26 public meeting for information purposes only.

            Dr. Shari Fedorowicz, ORR’s assistant superintendent of Teaching & Learning, discussed the program earmarked for students in Grades 6-8.

            OpenSciEd is a three-year, rigorous, science program in cooperation with nine school districts, the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in cooperation with Boston College.

            It will include a heavy dose of professional development, a four-day unit that started at BC before splintering off to six regional centers, the nearest to the ORR District being in Dover.

            Sippican School science teacher Erin Murphy is reportedly working with support from within and beyond Marion, and a science lab is attached to the classroom so the students have breakout areas.

            “The lessons are going to be determined by the children by the end of the year,” explained Sippican School Principal Marla Sirois, describing the process as “the kids running the show” as they search for fundamental questions. “The goal is not to just get the answer but to help the students find the answers.”

            According to Fedorowicz, the program is CORI-based and is “not giving the answers to the kids, but letting the kids make that connection with science and letting them be scientists.”

            “We’re excited about it … and the (professional-development) part is very important, to make them feel supported,” said ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson.

            Marion School Committee Chairperson April Nye thanked Fedorowicz for her presentation.

            Fedorowicz also reported to the committee on a literacy grant awarded through DESE for the ORR District’s elementary schools. The program will focus assessment, instruction and intervention through the state’s Tiered Systems report (MTSS.)

            “One thing that I’ve noticed about this district, its attention to grant funding,” noted Fedorowicz.

            Nye was pleased to recognize the different grants “coming in at once and how they’re focused around teaching and learning.”

            A price increase in meals was approved from the current $3 (below the USDA minimum price of $3.31) to $3.50, effective January 3, 2023. Nelson stressed that breakfast and lunches remain free (not including second meals.) He said that the rates do not cover operating costs and that this is the first such increase since the 2017-18 school year.

            Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said that with state reimbursements, ORR will still be operating at a loss. Nye reminded that families can still fill out the meal-assistance application. Barber said that is an encouraged practice irrespective of the increase.

            The committee voted to approve an overnight field trip for Grade 6 students to YMCA Camp Burgess in New Hampshire. The two-night, three-day stay will be broken up into five groups engaged in a series of activities focused on the forest, ecology, sustainable farming, ponds and team-building exercises, including a climbing tower and ropes courses.

            The total cost of $15,934 does not include busing. It was reported that the price per student is in line with YMCA field trips, and transportation will account for the significant costs.

            Five chaperones will include teachers and staff, including a doctor and an EMT who will be staying overnight but not in the same cabins with the students.

            The trip will include T-shirts, breakfast and activities carrying an estimated cost to families of $140 per student after fundraising efforts are factored in. In years past, that figure was approximately $195 per student, it was reported.

            Families will also be asked to sponsor a child in need so that children lacking the financial resources might still participate.

            The committee voted to approve a fundraiser event, an open family skate to be held on Friday, November 18, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at a cost of $5 per person with a $20 maximum family cost, at the Travis Roy Rink at Tabor Academy.

            Tabor will provide free hot chocolate, and Sippican School will provide a half-dozen chaperones. The skate will be open to the community. One important matter yet unsolved is skate rentals. Tabor does not rent out skates so the organizers are strategizing on how to provide skates for children who don’t have their own.

            Although no member of the Marion School Committee was named in the Open Meeting Law complaint against three ORR District school committees filed by Rochester resident Amanda Baptiste, the letter read at those meetings and signed by 631 people (including 54 who do not live in the Tri-Towns) was read aloud in the Marion School Committee meeting during the public-comment session.

            The letter protested Facebook group-page comments made by two members of other school committees in regards to pornographic content in books on the shelves of ORR High School and Junior High libraries. The protesting group called it an effort to ban books and an attack on inclusion of all students and their stories.

            Another public comment, from Noelle Stork, reiterated “a strong desire for a (student resource officer.) I understand it’s not in the budget for this year, but I hope that we’re going to push for it next year. … I’m looking for an update soon.”

            The committee entered executive session and only returned to adjourn the meeting. The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, at 6:30 pm.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Depth Keys Bulldogs’ Run to State Golf Title

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            Only the four best scores turned in by a six-player team count in high school golf, but Old Rochester Regional High School’s two best players insist that added roster depth was the difference maker for the Bulldogs in a magical run that saw them go through the regular season at 14-0, win the South Coast Conference tournament, qualify for states at the South Sectional tournament and then cap it all off on October 25 with the MIAA Division 2 state title.

            “Last year, our team wasn’t as consistent from the first spot to the sixth spot. This year we had six really good players,” said senior Markus Pierre. “It takes the pressure off each one of us because we can rely on our teammates to go out there and play well. Last year, it was only four of us that could really contribute to it so, like, ‘This is all on us.’ But this year is like, ‘Alright, I can relax and do my own thing.'”

            The 2022 additions, senior Gabe DeBlois and freshman Brady Mills, shot 85 and 83 respectively in the state tournament. Though their cards did not count toward ORR’s aggregate, four-player total in the state tournament, the support they provided all season was not without positive effect.

            “They made us stronger as a team, as a whole,” said ORR golf coach Chris Cabe. “A lot of our players were playing … in Junior PGA tournaments. They had that fire in the belly. Sometimes the high school season isn’t as competitive as their junior season. But pushing each other made them stronger, they have that competitive drive.”

            Pierre has done his thing so well that Cabe matter of factly calls him his best player and has done so since Pierre was a freshman.

            “He’s the steadiest golfer I’ve ever seen come through this program. He’s self-taught, and with all the work he’s put in … at the putting green,” said Cabe, who considers Pierre a no-doubt, Division 1 college golfer if that’s what he chooses to do next year.

            The irony is Pierre’s cousin, fellow ORR senior Philip le Gassick, went on a postseason tear. He was the SCC tournament medalist, the South sectional individual runner-up and the Division 2 state final individual runner-up.

            “Philip, I call him our ‘tournament MVP.’ Every time we’ve had a big tournament,” Cabe said, le Gassick stands out.

            His round of 69 in the state tournament put him 3-under Maplegate’s par 72 and only a stroke behind medalist Patrick Ginnity of St. Bernard’s (68).

            Collectively, the Bulldogs were best, as Pierre shot 3-over 75 and was complemented by junior Braden Yeomans, who came in at 6-over-par 78, and sophomore Peter le Gassick, whose 80 (8-over) helped ORR total an aggregate 302 strokes. That got the Bulldogs under a second-place tie between Bishop Stang and Duxbury, which both shot aggregate scores of 303 at the Bellingham course.

            “Not only did we win by one shot so every shot counts,” said Pierre, “when Philip was playing so well in that stretch, the rest of us were like, ‘Alright, let’s just go out and kind of support him. … Limit the damage and survive.'”

            Last year the Bulldogs tied for fourth in the states and settled for a fifth-place finish on a scoring technicality, and they did so with some regret. “It was a letdown last year because we knew we could compete but didn’t shoot our best that day,” said Cabe.

            This past summer Philip le Gassick competed more frequently and anticipated carrying that momentum into the fall high school season, but the transition did not come automatically. The season itself was a grind as he struggled to break 40 in early-season nine-hole rounds, but buoyed by the added roster depth, he was ready to go at tournament time.

            “My problem was staying confident. I couldn’t stay in the right mindset,” said le Gassick, whose confidence grew thanks to support he received during the season from Pierre, Yeomans and his younger brother Peter. “For this one, it was more about having fun, and if I could just trust my game and trust everyone else to play well as well.”

            When the state tournament arrived, Cabe just wanted his team loose. “I told them, ‘It’s your last day. Just enjoy this, don’t put any pressure on yourselves,'” he recalled.

            When the round was over for ORR, Cabe and the Bulldogs joined a growing hoard gathering around the tented scoreboard, where they intensely engaged in a peculiar sort of math for which golfers wish they could be graded.

            “Everyone’s huddled around, and we know what we need them to come in. you’re on your calculator. We needed an 80 to come in,” said Cabe, who got that number from Peter le Gassick.

            ORR’s contingent then shifted its attention to the missing lines in the scores representing remaining Bishop Stang and Duxbury.

By Mick Colageo

Banning Books

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To the Editor:

            The nationwide wave of efforts to censure literature has reached the shores of the Tri-Town area through the recent actions of a small minority to ban certain publications in our ORR junior and high school library. This should come as no surprise to any of us given the antics of this small but very vocal national minority over the last 2 years. Across this country, certain politicians and parent groups have continued to gaslight, bully and divide by challenging books that represent experiences of marginalized and oppressed communities of which they are not a part. These same groups have been challenging curriculum with the unfounded assertion that “CRT and transgender” are being taught in an age-inappropriate manner.

            This battle represents the age-old struggle between First Amendment Rights of the US Constitution protecting both students’ rights to know and learn and teachers’ rights to academic freedom against a parent’s right to protest books or materials they perceive as damaging to their children. Either way, it is divisive and serves no purpose other than to further marginalize members of our minority communities locally.

            A parent has every right to object to a book, its subject matter or content if it offends their religion, sense of morality or political view; or if they believe the book contains material they perceive as offensive. What parents do not have the right to do is dictate and attempt to impose their beliefs on others – which is what a certain small faction of our community has attempted to do with the attack on certain pieces of literature in our school’s library from which they have cherry-picked content and considered it out of context. What is allegedly offensive to one, may not be offensive to another and the remedy is not to ban or pull books from our library because a loud minority disagrees with its content. The majority of a community should not be deprived of a learning experience and be adversely impacted because a minority of parents believe certain literature violates their moral standards. They are entitled to their opinions and beliefs but stop attempting to impose it on others.

            Our School District and Superintendent have processes in place to address these concerns and provide remedies. The most extreme remedy of course, would be to home-school your children, shelter them and never allow them be exposed to different points of view and diversity of student body and experiences. The least restrictive remedy is to simply not have your child read the book. Complete a form, give it to the librarian and your child can’t check out the book. ​While they may no longer have school access to this material, if a parent believes this will solve the problem, they are delusional. With the click of a mouse and one Google search, their child has access to just about any content they want on the mini supercomputer called an iPhone/Android. Moreover, the content a child would have access to outside of the school library could be far more “offensive”, of little if any educational value and far more misleading than the literature to which certain individuals in our community were objecting.

            Growing up as a minority in this community and having faced some of the bullying and marginalization this type of behavior creates, I believe it is imperative that we allow kids to have access to literature in our schools which represents a broad spectrum of experiences for those who may be struggling with identity, whether that be children of color, gay, straight, bi, asexual or transgender. It may be an uncomfortable truth for those who don’t understand other’s experiences growing up facing prejudice, confused about their feelings, being bullied, made fun of or excluded because that child does not understand who they are. Not to be cliché, but no one knows another’s reality until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes; and to discount that reality further by stigmatizing literature that may speak to them, but not you, is wrong. As an example of this, studies show that LGBTQIA youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Rather, they are placed at a higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.

            Removal of the literature that has been objected to by a small minority of people in this community would only serve to further mistreat and stigmatize our minority student population which our School Committee, with the help of the Superintendent and our skilled librarians, have all worked so hard to welcome by providing a diverse range of reading materials. Suggesting that this literature contains “offensive” content sends the wrong message to these kids that they are not important; that we do not recognize their issues are real; or that we do not care that they may be experiencing life differently than others. It is an overt attempt to further deny these students the opportunity to be seen, to be heard and to have their realities acknowledged, not denied.

            Public education and free speech are just some of the many of our freedoms under attack by these minority factions. They will not stop until they are stood up to, opposed and defeated. Let’s send a message to our community that we are better than this. Because, we are better than this.

Nicole Demakis, 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.

Upcoming Friends of Plumb Library Events

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Interactive Family Storytime with Michelle Cusolito – Join us on Thursday, November 17 in the Plumb Library’s new downstairs programming space for an Interactive Family Storytime with Rochester author Michelle Cusolito. Michelle will be reading her newest book, Diving Deep: Using Machines to Explore the Ocean, as well as showing fun objects related to underwater exploration and discovery.

            The book is geared to ages 5-9, but all are welcome to join. Registration is required and limited to 35 people. Sign up on the Event Calendar at www.plumblibrary.com. Masking is encouraged at request of the author. Light refreshments will be available upstairs. Copies of the book will be available for purchasing (checks or cash only, please) and signing with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Plumb Library.

            Cheesecake Giveaway Fundraiser – Win a delicious 9-inch homemade cheesecake for Thanksgiving. The lucky winner will get to choose either a Candied Cranberry or Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake by Becky. Tickets are 10 for $5 and are on sale from November 1 – November 19. The winner will be chosen at the end of the day (2 pm) on Saturday, November 19 and contacted by phone. Cake must be picked up Tuesday, November 20 after 11am and no longer than noon on Wednesday, November 21. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Plumb Library.

            For more information, email info@plumblibrary.org or call the library at 508-763-8600.

MAC Theater Announces Final Play of the Season

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            The Marion Art Center announces its upcoming production of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol, adapted for radio from Charles Dickens’ novella by Anthony Palermo, directed by Rick Sherburne. Audience members will enjoy the storytelling nature of this production through performance of the voice featuring all the familiar characters: Scrooge, the Cratchits, Jacob Marley, the spirits of Christmas and more.

            The cast includes Kiah Allaire, Jack Boesen, Allie Goodman, Amina Goodman, Sophia Goodman, John Heavey, Becky Jenkinson, Suzie Kokkins, Tristan McCann, Brennan McKiernan, Bill Miller, Joseph Sebby, Gordon Sherburne, Jacob Sherburne, Joanne Sherburne, Gary Sousa and Ivy Stewart, with Nancy Gabriel as stage manager and Steven McManus as technician.

            Performances in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater are scheduled December 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10, with Friday and Saturday shows scheduled at 7:30 pm, and the Sunday matinee scheduled at 2:00 pm. Tickets go on sale to MAC members on Friday, November 4 and to nonmembers on Friday, November 11 at marionartcenter.org/events.

Warrant Set for Special Town Meeting

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            On October 27, the Mattapoisett Select Board met in a joint session with the town’s Finance Committee to close the November 14 Special Town Meeting Warrant and decide to recommend or withhold recommendation of articles.

            There was little if any discussion that would lead to changes in the warrant as presented, but there would be conversation on whether or not to recommend.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated that certified free cash stands at $2,200,000 as confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, of which $60,000 is a carryover from the previous fiscal year. Sources of the free cash are: $2,196,877 in the General Fund, $329,416 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund, $797,887 from the Water Enterprise Fund, $54,263 from the Waterfront Enterprise Fund and $48,044 from the Transfer Station (Sanitary Landfill) Enterprise Fund. On that last fund noted, it is the first time in a number of years that the Transfer Station has shown any revenue, Lorenco confirmed.

            With the exception of Article 8, all financial articles in the warrant have been unilaterally recommended.

            Article 1 would appropriate the total sum of $125,000 from Certified Free Cash for the Town of Mattapoisett OPEB Account and $35,000 to be paid for Mattapoisett’s share of the ORR School OPEB Liability.

            Article 2 would appropriate $150,000 from Certified Free Cash to be placed in the Debt Stabilization Fund.

            Article 3 would appropriate $500,000 that would be placed in the Capital Stabilization Fund.

            Article 4 would allow the Town to rescind all or part of previous borrowing authorizations no longer considered necessary. Those sums are: $56,000 (Clean Vessel Program Article 16, November 26, 2018); $88,426 (Emergency Generator for Senior Housing, Article 20, November 26, 2018); $1,200,000 (Bond Authorization Industrial Drive Sewer project Article 13, October 20, 2014); $125,000 (Bond for the purpose of purchasing a new ambulance (Article 8, November 27, 2017); $620,000 (Bond authorization for the purchase of Old Hammond Quarry Article 1, November 27, 2017) and $125,000 (Bond authorization for Recreation and Conservation of Pine Island Pond Watershed Article 25, May 13, 2019.)

            The Special Fall Town Meeting Warrant also includes Article 5, which primarily amends budget line items from the FY23 plan for increases. Those items are: $5,000 for IT and network needs, $40,000 for town grounds and building, $35,000 for Police Department Inservice Training, $8,000 for the care of Shade Trees, $5,000 Highway Department equipment repairs, $8,000 for salaries of Natural Resources staff, Rubbish pickup $23,500, SEMASS $35,000 and Recycling $13,500. Buildings and Grounds (Parks) $20,000, along with $12,000 gasoline and diesel fuel and $100,000 for the Industrial Drive project are also listed.

            One budget line-item reduction in the amount of $200,000 is listed in Article 5 for School Transportation. This expense has been moved from the town’s budget to the school department’s budget, Lorenco said.

            Article 6, recommended by the Select Board but not expense related, would allow the town to close early voting on any Saturday also considered a state holiday.

            Article 8, $150,000 from Certified Free Cash for renovations to the Holy Ghost Grounds, garnered the most discussion.

            Finance Committee member Kevin Geraghty asked if there was a plan in place for the use of the town-owned acreage. The short answer from Lorenco was, “No.” However, Lorenco said discussions included preparing the building on the site for possible event rentals. Select Board member Jodi Bauer said that some portion of the property would be earmarked for a dog park, while others noted that since the bike path is likely to cross into the property, it would be a place of respite and comfort in the form of sanitary facilities.

            Select Board member Jordan Collyer said that earlier discussions of how best to use the 7-acre site had been hindered by a lack of accessible restroom facilities and quoted saying, “Build it and they will come,” adding, “There’s a lot of opportunity there.”

            The $150,000 requested in Article 8 would be used for construction supplies, Lorenco said, with labor being provided by students from Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School in Rochester.

            But in the absence of a fully-defined plan for the property, the Finance Committee was split with two negative and five positive votes for recommending the article as presented. The Select Board voted two for recommendation. Collyer was not present for that vote.

            Finally, Article 9 asks for $337,000 from the Sewer Betterment Reserve Fund for payments of the approved FY23 budget in the amount of $2,626,999.

            The Mattapoisett Fall Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 14, at 6:30 pm at Old Rochester Regional High School.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell