Affinity Maritime Lodge

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The Tri-Town area is rich with maritime history. Do you have a relative that sailed on the Mayflower or perhaps a whaling ship? Did you or a relative serve in the Navy, Coast Guard or Merchant Marine? How about aboard one of the many fishing vessels? Or maybe you or your family just love the sea and are a recreational boater. No matter your interest or involvement, if you are a man, 21 years or older, you are invited to attend the upcoming Open House and learn how you can become a founding member of the Affinity Maritime Lodge, part of Pythagorean Masonic Lodge, Marion, MA on Saturday, October 15 from 9 am to 3 pm. The Lodge is located at 13 Spring Street, Marion. We look forward to meeting you.

Cougars Dominate Bristol Aggie

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            The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School cross-country team defeated visiting Bristol County Agricultural High School by a 22-35 score on September 20 for the Cougars’ first victory of the 2022-23 season.

            Old Colony senior Jacob Patnaude was the first overall runner to cross the finish line with a mile pace time of 6:39, while fellow senior Nik Sedell followed closely behind with a time of 6:45 along with senior Grant Ashley (7:03) on the Cougars’ 3-mile course in North Rochester. Once again, the team’s two freshman powerhouses, Ryan Eby (7:27 pace time) and Brady Maguire (7:48) closed out the top five Old Colony runners.

            The Cougars went on the road for Tuesday’s meet at Norfolk Aggie.

Flynn, Spirlet Take on More with ZBA

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            The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals began its September 22 meeting with membership moves.

            The board chose to promote alternate member Donald Spirlet to full member and picked Michelle Upton to become a new alternate member.

            Both recommendations must now be submitted to the Select Board for its approval. If approved by the selectmen, Spirlet will fill the seat recently vacated by retired member Kirby Gilmore.

            Upton introduced herself to the zoning panel as a native of Mattapoisett and mother of two who works as a medical social worker and lives in Rochester. She said she became interested in serving on the board after attending several meetings on a recent cellular-tower proposal.

            Board member Thomas Flynn said he supported Upton becoming an alternate member as a way to add a different female voice to the all-male panel. Member Jeffrey Costa said he was impressed by Upton’s past participation in the recent hearings on the cellular tower. “She was articulate and made good points,” Costa said.

            Next, the zoning panel reappointed David Arancio as chairman but lost Davis Sullivan as vice-chairman. Sullivan declined to be vice-chair for another team, citing his inability to attend every meeting because of his health. The board unanimously approved Flynn to become the new vice-chair.

            Under new business, member Richard Cutler urged the building commissioner to visit 15 New Bedford Road, where the car-dealer permit holder was said to be violating that permit by allowing multiple cars to be parked out front. The board unanimously motioned to do make a visit. “He may be a victim of his own success,” Flynn said.

            The board then approved meeting with Town Counsel Blair Bailey on Thursday, October 6, at 7:00 pm.

            Lastly, the board renewed the six-month-old special permit for a noncommercial hobby kennel at 116 Walnut Plain Road.

            Arancio noted the basement kennel that is licensed for up to eight dogs recently passed inspection by the building commissioner. Owner Alisha Fitzgerald said she is a professional trainer who currently owns five dogs, all of them female German Shepherds that she breeds once a year. She said she is not planning to house any more than that number of dogs for at least a few more years. Satisfied by her responses, the zoning panel renewed the permit and removed the need for her to return in another six months.

            The next meeting of the Rochester ZBA will be held on Thursday, October 13, at Rochester town hall.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Library Artist Series Exhibit

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As part of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Artist Series, South Dartmouth artist Amy Thurber, who takes inspiration from nature, will be exhibiting her ceramics and illustrations at the Library from October 15 – November 14.

            Amy has spent her life creating functional objects in clay and detailed illustrations reflecting the wonders of the natural world. Her ceramic work begins in the woods and gardens around her studio where she collects unusual leaves. She rolls the leaves into high-fired stoneware clay to capture their impressions and then forms them into unique functional art. After bisque firing, she paints the leaf impressions with Majolica underglazes and food-safe glazes, then fires them to 2,200° F. The finished pieces include branch handles with knots and bark, snails holding up bowls, salamanders, butterflies, beetles and caterpillars crawling across the leaves. Each piece is one of a kind.

            Amy’s illustrations have appeared alongside her husband Fred’s nature writing for over 30 years. When Fred wrote his first book, “In the Wake of the Willows,” Amy spent over a year creating its graphite on paper drawings. The book is a sequel to Kenneth Graham’s “The Wind in the Willows,” but is set in a local New England estuary. Amy’s illustrations not only try to capture the scenery of the SouthCoast but also encourages us to look more closely at the small wonders of our natural world.

Mattapoisett Library October Travel Talk

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Joy Marzolf of the Joys of Nature will return to the library on Sunday, October 9 at 2:00 pm for a Purrington Lecture Series presentation featuring the “The Wilds of Southern Belize.”

            Located in Eastern Central America, Belize shares borders with Guatemala and Mexico. From the crystal blue ocean waters and inland to the nearby mountains, it is amazingly diverse. Wildlife along the Southern coast and nearby rivers include magnificent tiger herons, fast flyers, like the cinnamon hummingbird and the peregrine falcon and large swimmers like manatees and crocodiles. Traveling inland to the rainforest brings sightings of spectacular butterflies, birds, like the black headed trogon, but also mammals like the elusive jaguar and bands of coatimundi. Join us for a virtual trip to see some of the stunning wildlife of Southern Belize. This will be an in-person presentation at the Mattapoisett Library.

            The Mattapoisett Library Trust supports this and other Purrington Lecture Series presentations. For more information about the Purrington Lecture Series, email to jjones@sailsinc.org. Check the library’s events calendar for more upcoming programs and book discussions.

Marion Republican Town Committee

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The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Monday, October 10 at 7 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members are welcome.

Constance Keavy Martin

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Constance Keavy Martin, of Mattapoisett, widow of William B. Keavy and Richard A. Martin, passed away on Friday September 30, 2022 at home. She was 84 years old. Constance (Connie) was born in Brighton, MA, on May 18, 1938, daughter of the late William R. Harty and Edna B. Harty. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas F. Harty.

            Connie graduated from Hingham High School in 1956 with highest honors, and the University of Massachusetts at Boston in 1960 Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Secondary Education – English, History and Geography. She later received her Elementary Degree from UMass Boston with honors. Connie received her Reading Degree from UMass Dartmouth.

            In 1961, Connie and Bill moved to Mattapoisett as a member of the English Department when Old Rochester Regional High School first opened. She loved all of her students and taught them English, debating, public speaking and drama. At O.R.R. and Apponequet Regional High School, Connie began an innovative remedial and developmental reading program as well as directed the senior play. She taught American and English Literature and devised skits and mini plays to make Literature enjoyable. When teaching English grammar, she taught her students how to diagram a sentence: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

            Connie spent 26 years teaching elementary classes at the Sergeant William H. Carney Academy in New Bedford. She had so many fond memories of Carney Academy. Connie also taught adult literacy classes at ORR in the 70’s and gave workshops over SouthCoast on making teaching materials for the classroom. She particularly loved using the newspaper in education and the Standard-Times featured articles on her efforts to show students the importance of the newspaper in daily life and learning about the world.

            Connie raised her children Shawna and Chris, and often said it was the best time of her life. She was heavily involved in her community and its activities. Connie co-directed the Confirmation program, was a Brownie leader, a PTA member, and member of St. Anthony’s choir and Couples’ Club. She was a member of the Growth Management Committee and the Village Historic District Study Group. Connie was also a member of the Massachusetts Historical Commission and a co-chair of the evening division of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club. She was the first female Cubmaster in the Southcoast between 1976-1978. In 1993, the Mattapoisett Selectmen awarded her a plaque in recognition and gratitude for her town service – “A Giving Spirit”.

            Connie was an animal lover, adopting two shelter kitties and contributing to the Humane Society, MSPCA and Cause for Paws in Mattapoisett.

            Connie was outgoing, fun loving, and passionate about her activities and loves. She loved teaching, quahoging, needlepoint, crewel, rug hooking, and gardening. She was an avid reader and devoted movie buff, recording hundreds of her favorite movies for viewing again and sharing with friends. She was a dedicated “Star Trek” fan.

            Survivors include her children, Shawna K. Keavy of Tiverton, RI, and Christopher W. Keavy and his wife Debra of Yarmouthport, two stepchildren, Ann Marie Viscuso and her husband Vincent of Sagamore Beach, and Michael Martin of Plymouth, five grandchildren, Shannon E. Keavy, William J. Keavy, Jacqueline Martin, Timothy Martin and Victoria Martin, and three great-grandchildren, Colton M. Martin, Jackson M. Martin and Lily S. Martin. Connie is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann E. Mitchell and brother-in-law, Robert Mitchell, as well as several nieces and nephews.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday October 6th at 11 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 5th from 5-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ernest A. Deneault

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Ernest A. Deneault, 80, of Ft. Lauderdale died September 30, 2022 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.

            He was the life partner of Robert M. Klein of Ft. Lauderdale.

            Born in New Bedford, son of the late Ernest H. and Beatrice (Frechette) Deneault, he lived in Mattapoisett, Duxbury and South Yarmouth before moving tp Ft. Lauderdale.

            He was formerly employed as a teacher with the Dennis-Yarmouth School System for many years until his retirement.

            He was a graduate of Stonehill College, class of 1964.

            He had a fondness for Bearded Iris, box turtles and Boston Terriers.

            Survivors include his life partner; a brother, Henry N. Deneault and his wife Lola; and a niece, Jacqueline Welham.

            His visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 4th from 9-10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. For directions and online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Sobering Reminder of Ongoing Mission

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            Old Rochester School Committee member Frances Kearns, speaking for the Equity Subcommittee at the committee’s September 7 public meeting, spoke of its July meeting in which the membership discussed plans for the 2022-23 school year.

            Kearns noted that the creation of the subcommittee (originally known as the Anti-Racism Subcommittee) was the result of various students and families in the community voicing the need for diversity in education and making the Tri-Town district a safe and welcoming place for all students. She went on to describe how some goals that were created with direct input from students and their families were easy to meet, while others seemed out of reach.

            “On the second and third day of school this year, my son was subjected to multiple instances of serious and concerning racialized harassment. After we talked about the incident, he asked me to please do something because it’s only going to get worse,” said Kearns, who implored other members of the subcommittee to dedicate themselves to the “hard work” next time they meet. “We need to renew our focus to real, measurable actions that will remedy the current negative aspects of the school culture that allows this to happen.”

            While the committee had much to celebrate and look forward to as the 2022-23 academic year was being launched, Kearns’ words provided a sobering reminder that the work to address racism and other inequities now in the purview of the subcommittee remains an ongoing process subject to new actions.

            The September 7 meeting of the ORR School Committee began with a full roll call before Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson welcomed Shari Fedorowicz, the new assistant superintendent of Teaching and Learning, emphasizing how quickly she has jumped into her new role.

            Fedorowicz thanked the staff for her warm welcome and added her praise to the others, stating that she was thrilled with the first impression she got when touring school buildings.

            Several new staff members were introduced, including Julie Cotillo, the new school psychologist who owns a red husky named Kona and played the guitar and ukulele. Next was School Adjustment Counselor Vanessa Gelinas, who coaches gymnastics as a second job and will be getting married in October, followed by Courtney Higgens, preschool teacher, mother of four and enthusiastic painter of things from canvas to furniture.

            Kyrle Holland was introduced as a new English teacher, avid hiker and a Patriots fan, followed by Guidance Counselor Mike Janicki, who has a doctoral degree and has completed 13 marathons. Following him was Allison Lima, Physical Education teacher who speaks Portuguese as her first language and has a dog named Boston who was ironically rescued from Texas. Next up was Nicole Reedy, who has been a nurse for 15 years and will be working as one at Old Rochester Regional, alongside training for her first marathon in October.

            Paraprofessionals Teresa Camara, Paul Guilbeault, Jonathan Nogueira and Lori Westgate were all welcomed in sequence before moving on to ORR Junior High staff.

            Up first was Alisia Cabral, a Grade 7 Science teacher born in San Jose, with three dogs, three cats and a love of all things spooky. Then was Jennifer Medeiros, teaching Grade 7 Math, with a love of cooking, painting and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Darren Gray and Amy MacDonald were welcomed to the Junior High as paraprofessionals, along with Leslie Halnen in her new role as Special Education administrative assistant.

            The Central Office Report referenced opening festivities for staff, including coffee and breakfast treats followed by a pump-up meeting in the auditorium with a speech delivered by the superintendent. “My focus was celebrating our educators,” Nelson stated. “Acknowledging the incredibly important work they do for our children and families and how great they truly are.”

            Having visited the various schools on their first or second day of classes, Nelson told the story of one third-grade student who recognized him from the year before. “(The student) leaned over and he said, ‘You’re wearing the same shoes as last year, you didn’t get new school shoes?’” said Nelson, indicating it was time for a new pair of shoes.

            ORRHS Principal Mike Devoll explained further preparatory efforts undertaken by teachers and staff which had ended the last school year discussing the difficulties and impact of the ongoing pandemic, including the emotional toll it has taken on students and adults alike. Devoll praised the endurance and enthusiasm that the staff has been showing and expressed wholehearted optimism about the 2022-23 school year.

            Howie Barber, the assistant superintendent of Finance and Operations, discussed the FY23 operating budget, reminding those present of various policies, particularly regarding the ORR meal program which allots eligible students one free breakfast and one free lunch a day.

            Barber mentioned the potential of upcoming price changes for school meals as a result of item and shipping availability. He took an extra moment to thank custodial staff for their hard work both over the summer and into the ongoing school year, as well as the tech staff who maintain the school’s and students’ laptops, iPads and other learning devices.

            Nelson mentioned the ongoing implementation of Covid protocols in the schools, based on the BPH guidance from Massachusetts and aligned with the CDC. He continues to collaborate with local medical staff to make sure the community is kept informed and healthy and with that concluded the Central Office report.

            In his Principal’s Report, Devoll covered some of the ongoing athletic teams and early year activities.

            “One of our points of pride is getting the freshmen ready for their first day and a series of firsts. We try to string together as many positive firsts as possible. Your first day, your first week, your first term; the next thing you know, it’s been your first year,” he said.

            The committee voted to restructure, and Michelle Smith, the acting chair, was nominated outright, seconded instantly and unanimously voted into the role. Kearns was likewise the committee’s unanimous vote for vice-chair. The role of treasurer was carried on by Michael Perrone, and Diana Russo continues in her role as secretary, both with unanimous support. Further roles in various subcommittees can be found on the ORR website, though some are in the process of being updated to reflect the 2022-23 appointments.

            The next ORR School Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 pm both in person at the ORR Junior High media room and via Zoom.

Old Rochester School Committee

By Jack MC Staier

Getting the Last Word

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If you are younger than the traditional retirement age of 65, the notion of an obituary might be strange, morbidly strange. But if you are 70 years of age and beyond end-of-life stuff like wills and trusts, yes, even what will be included in your obituary is a natural part of preparing for the inevitable.

            Writing your own obituary might seem a bit pretentious but not if you are Judith Rosbe. According to the local historian, attorney and author, writing your own obituary has several important benefits. One would be ensuring that what you want said about your life becomes part of the obituary, and, secondly, you spare someone close to you doing what for them may be a difficult task.

            Rosbe struck on the idea of holding obituary-writing workshops after discussing program themes for seniors with Marion’s library director, Elizabeth Sherry. Throughout the month of September, Rosbe has been leading a group through the process of what constitutes a good obituary, one that leaves the reader knowing more about the deceased than merely a list of awards and good works. It tells you who this person was in life.

            Rosbe said the small group of attendees felt safe in sharing their thoughts and ideas on how they wished to be remembered and, “…telling the story so that it makes you wish you met that person.”

            The group learned that obituaries typically came from funeral homes. The responsibility of filling out a form would most likely fall to a grieving family member and there was always the chance, “they might muck it up,” Rosbe pointed out.

            What began in ancient Rome around 59 B.C. as death notices in a daily publication written on papyrus called Acta Diurna metamorphized into obituaries either written by specialists of the form employed by newspapers or sold like classified ads therefore becoming a revenue producer for the publication. By the 19th century, obituaries were becoming tributes to the deceased.

            “There is not a strict formula today for writing an obituary,” said Rosbe. “They started out as just death notices, notifying the public of a death and allowing them to participate in the mourning process. Many had a four-part structure: death announcement, short bio, survived by section and funeral information. Today, the modern obituary tells a story about the deceased, bringing them to life so that the reader wishes that they knew them. Obituaries today are more honest and open (i.e. telling how the person died, etc.) It is not just a dull resume of the person’s accomplishments.”

            As society has become more comfortable with what in bygone times might have been deemed family secrets, today deaths by drug overdose, suicide and other difficult endings are openly committed to the lines in a dearly departed’s obituary.

            “I believe there are no absolutes today about what must and must not be included,” said Rosbe, noting the modern tendency to, “be more open and honest. … There may be inclusion of same-sex partners, estranged family members and wedlock children.”

            Rosbe said she has always found reading obituaries interesting, especially those written by such newspapers as the Wall Street Journal and The Economist. She noted that one can learn so much about a person if the last words written upon the occasion of a person’s passing are well penned.

            But what about writing you own? How does one face what might be a daunting task?

            “Writing your own obituary gives one the opportunity to reflect about how one would like to be remembered and what one thinks is important about their life,” said Rosbe, stressing in the workshops that an obituary should be interesting to read, omitting trite statements and the obvious: “He passed on to his redeemer, he loved his wife, children, grandchildren, etc.”

            With the loss of newspaper circulation, internet websites now publish obituaries, and newspapers that still print also have web-based platforms so that finding out if a former school pal has passed on remains a daily ritual for many readers.

            A quick spin around the internet will produce a number of sites specializing in obituary writing. Yet it may be more enlightening and more comfortable a process for writing your own if done with a circle of supportive folks ready to take that journey with you. Thanks to Rosbe, some have been able to do just that.

By Marilou Newell