Arabella

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To the Editor:

            What a beautiful weekend we had as a dream came to life and a humble wooden boat brought the world to Mattapoisett’s shores.

            Thank you Arabella, and God’s speed wherever you may roam.

Patricia W. Cole

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. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Landfill Solar Has Traction

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            According to Marion Energy Management Committee member Alanna Nelson, Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative (CVEC) spoke to the developer of the Benson Brook capped landfill solar project, and “things are beginning to unlock.”

            After procurement issues extended renegotiation of the agreement, it appears they are moving ahead with the project, said Nelson during Monday’s public meeting of the EMC at the Police Station.

            Committee member Bill Saltonstall referenced prior discussions about harnessing some of that power for the town’s use, but Nelson believes it is too late for that project. The one caveat, should the agreement not work out with the developer, is the matter could then be opened back up. CVEC, said Nelson, would like to explore other arrangements besides a lease.

            The nonprofit Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) provides towns with expertise, including analysis of solar options, and CVEC would presumably pay for this service as an investment in the Benson Brook solar project.

            Saltonstall said, as the town continues to pursue power options, he is receiving suggestions from Green Communities and in response is sending the state agency four years of electric bills and will soon send Eversource natural gas bills.

            The question of how Future Generation Wind factors in what Marion can and cannot do vis-à-vis solar projects depends on information that has been hard to nail down. In recent years, the annual amount of power coming from Future Generation Wind has fluctuated from 99% to 91%, 76% and in 2021 back up to 80%. Saltonstall said Marion is waiting on the latest information. Up-to-date data is a prerequisite to building the solar project at Benson Brook.

            Over at Sippican Elementary School, electric power is not coming from the town’s aggregator but from a company named Direct Energy Business LLC. Saltonstall said its prices are “good,” but the EMC doesn’t know when that contract expires.

            There is a question as to whether the Police Station may get a solar canopy or solar panels atop its roof, which is 10 years old. EMC Chairman Christian Ingerslev said a roof project depends on whether the shingles are built for 10, 20 or 30 years of service. According to Saltonstall, the Police Department has the town’s fourth highest electric bill.

            Ingerslev noted that the planned location of the new Department of Public Works operations center has been adjusted to catch the maximum sunlight without interference from surrounding trees.

            Ingerslev sent proposed bylaw changes to Codification Committee Chairman Norm Hills and told members he has heard that the town plans to make the Codification Committee independent (it was conceived as a subcommittee of the Planning Board.)

            Electric vehicles were discussed, including Chief of Police Richard Nighelli’s concern over the lack of a charging facility at the station where it concerns the immediate future of cruisers. Nelson said that the EMC is looking at the Police Department, Washburn Park and Silvershell Beach as potential locations for public charging stations and is waiting on quotes.

            Ingerslev said any future buildings in Marion should be wired up for conversion from natural gas to electric. EMC member Eileen Marum said that by 2035, all automobiles produced in the United States will be electric. She recalled the Planning Board’s vetting of the new Travis Roy Student Center at Tabor Academy and her unsuccessful attempt to get Tabor to install wiring for several charging stations.

            EMC member Tom Friedman said he has received feedback that residents would consider electric cars more seriously if charging stations were readily available. Nelson attended a webinar that Eversource held on public charging stations and recommended that Marion puts itself on the list as soon as possible.

            “Despite all that we have tried to say and do,” it was with disappointment that Ingerslev told the committee that the design phase of the new Maritime Center is complete and that no further changes can be made.

            Since the project’s conception, the committee has pounded its fist for opportunities to explain the long-term savings of net-zero energy consumption to no avail. The EMC has been advised that the Harbormaster Department has applied for the remaining funding necessary to begin construction and expects to receive it.

            Saltonstall said that the new DPW, being designed by his son Will Saltonstall, is “a simple, inexpensive building” with a metal roof capable of bearing the weight of solar panels.

            Nelson’s question as to whether the EMC can be appropriately represented at the DPW Construction Committee meetings brought about a wider conversation regarding representation.

            Ingerslev said he has been told that the EMC should establish regular representatives to attend relevant board meetings. Marum noted that her bid for membership of the appointed DPW design committee was rejected. She says the gap between the EMC and those on the DPW committee is a matter of education.

            “They’ve got some dinosaurs on those committees,” said Marum, adding that the DPW committee needs members who are up to date on climate change and related concerns.

            The next meeting of the Marion Energy Management Committee is scheduled for Monday, July 24, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Energy Management Committee

By Mick Colageo

RMS Principal Answers Voc-Tech Call

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            Derek Medeiros didn’t have vocational on his resume, but he had it in his life, and the opportunity to experience that side of public education is a logical step for the 43-year-old principal of Rochester Memorial School.

            The opportunity emerged this spring to join Greater New Bedford Vocational-Technical High School as one of two assistant principals. Medeiros accepted.

            Medeiros intended to spend significant time at RMS, but he didn’t expect the job to last 10 years.

            “It’s always hard to judge when it’s time, but knowing that I spent the first 10 years of my career in New Bedford Public Schools and now this second 10 years here at Rochester Memorial,” he knew in his gut it was time to seize the opportunity to do something he always wanted to do.

            Medeiros wasn’t looking for a way out, but the opening at GNB Voc-Tech piqued his interest. “Not only is it in the high school setting … but it’s also the vocational setting,” he said.

            During his tenure at RMS, Medeiros collaborated on educational exchange projects with Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky and Principal Mike Parker (a former Old Rochester Regional District educator) and had also had high school experience as a hockey coach, but this will be Medeiros’ first high school and first vocational job on the academic/administrative side.

            “The vocational setting has always been intriguing for me because as a kid, our family was a product of a vocational student. My dad was an electrician,” said Medeiros. “Obviously, I started working with him when I was around 12 or 13 years old. I actually had ambitions to take over his business.”

            Instead, Medeiros became an eighth-grade math teacher at Pulaski School in New Bedford before shifting to a larger role as an elementary-math coach, allowing him to expand from 90-100 students to work with every grade in the building. It was suggested during that career that he would make a good fit as an administrator.

            “One of the things that they said was – it’s kind of hard to talk about yourself – my wanting to be personable with everybody. I was kind of like that as a kid in high school. I was the one who was kind of like Switzerland, I was friends with everybody,” said Medeiros. “I just tried to live my life like that. I love people, I love interaction, especially kids. That’s why we do what we do.”

            He realized in his math-coaching role how much he enjoyed working with teachers, staff members and students, be it a wider group or an individual needing to close the gap or for enrichment. “Really, being able to use my skills to bring the team together, and I think that’s what made us all successful,” he said.

            In 2009, before embarking on the new frontier as principal at Rochester Memorial, Medeiros began his administrative career with a two-year stint as principal at Hathaway (elementary) School in New Bedford. There he was introduced to a new level of problem solving, curriculum issues, scheduling and discipline.

            The challenge in coming to the Tri-Towns in 2013 was in his first job outside of his hometown school district. After a most-recent move from Rochester, his children are about to find out what life is like outside of the Tri-Towns in neighboring Fairhaven.

            Medeiros’ inspiration to educate came from his life as a student at New Bedford High, where he felt an impact from administrators Jeffrey Longo and Joseph Oliver.

            “New Bedford High School is a huge school, right? … My graduating class was 980 or something like that. … The personal connections they made with all of us, I feel like they knew almost every kid in that building,” he said, recalling the intercom slogan, “Live, love and learn.”

            After one year of soccer, Medeiros was a hockey kid through and through.

            “The teachers that I had in that building, the coaches – I still see Kenny Gouveia all the time and Paul Brasells and Shawn Tavares,” he says, recalling sessions with fitness trainer Norm Meltzer.

            When driving by NBH with his children in the car, he says, “There’s my high school, the best four years of my life – obviously, ’til you guys came along.”

            “Over the years, his focus on student data has helped lead the way for strong student outcomes. However, what I admire most about his leadership is his insistence on ensuring that school is a safe and welcoming environment for all students and families,” said ORR Superintendent Mike Nelson in a press release announcing Medeiros’ departure.

            “Mr. Medeiros will be greatly missed at RMS. He is known for his weekly ‘Medeiros Minutes’ through which he provides important information for school families and the community and always encourages the students to take care of each other and our school,” said Rochester School Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley.

            Medeiros will assist Nelson in the summer’s transition work, making sure Rochester Memorial School is ready for the 2023-24 school year in terms of both programming and the facility. His last day at RMS is Friday, August 18.

By Mick Colageo

Book Donation Day at Elizabeth Taber Library

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            “Make way for new books by donating your used ones for others to enjoy” is the urgent plea from the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library, as the group prepares for its next Book Sale to be held on the library grounds from 10 – 3 on Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8.

            Donors are asked to bring their gently used books, (no textbooks, please), or puzzles, games, and CD’s to the front of the library between 10 and 2 on Saturday, June 17, where there will be people curbside to receive the items. 

            If this date is not convenient, anyone can bring books and other requested items to the library any day that it is open, as book collection is a year-round activity.  Or, if anyone needs help getting their donations to the library, call Barbie Burr at 508-264-8807 to arrange for pick-up.

MNHM Summer Program

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The Marion Natural History Museum’s Summer Program is one of the most well-known and well-regarded in the Southcoast area. Children from across the country visit us each summer and participate in the program. The programs are designed for small groups, and registration is limited. Friday morning programs nature programs will take place from 9 am to noon. The cost is Members: $25, Non-Members: $30.

            July 7 – Seaweeds | Grades entering 3 – 6 Meet at Brainard Marsh to learn a little about our local seaweeds and the invasive species affecting the ecology of our shorelines. We’ll also be collecting and inspecting the seaweeds we find with microscopes and magnifiers, and each student will be making a seaweed pressing. Location may have to be switched to the museum due to inclement weather.

            July 14 – Amphibians | Grades entering 3 – 6 Frogs, salamanders and newts, oh my. What makes these animals so special? We’ll be taking a close look at amphibians and aquatic invertebrates in the wetlands at Washburn Park. We’ll be netting vernal pools and ponds, looking under logs and exploring the woods looking for our resident species. Location may have to be switched to the museum due to inclement weather.

            July 21 – Bird Island | Grades entering 2 – 6 Trip to Bird Island with Marion Harbormaster. Let’s learn to identify the rare and special bird species that rely on Bird Island for their nesting habitat. What efforts have been made to restore the island to make it available for nesting? Meet at Island Wharf. Don’t wait to register – this one will fill fast. Location may have to be switched to the museum due to inclement weather.

            July 28 – Barrier Beach | Grades entering 3 – 6 Let’s meet at Planting Island Beach to explore two examples of Marion’s coastline. We’ll take a look at our rocky intertidal shores and our calmer salt marshes. We’ll find out what’s so special about barrier beaches and what important roles they play in our coastal landscape. Location may have to be switched to the museum due to inclement weather.

            August 4 – How to Build a Wetland | Grades entering 3 – 6 Most of our region’s cranberry bogs were once white cedar swamps or other wetlands. Because of the manipulation of the water when the bogs are made, an abandoned bog needs help to recover to a wetland habitat. We will explore the geology, hydrology and ecology of a restored cranberry bog at Grassi Pond in Marion and discover the value of diverse wetland habitats. Location may have to be switched due to inclement weather. Meet at Grassi Bog.

            August 11 – Sandy Beaches | Grades entering 3 – 6 Meet at Silvershell Beach to explore our sandy beaches and saltmarsh. We’ll also look at Sprague’s Pond with hands 0n experiments and take a look at the important service this area is designed for. We’ll also be netting fish with the seining net and try our best to identify the species. Location may have to be switched to museum due to inclement weather.

            August 18 – Shellfish | Grades entering 3 – 6 Shellfish and fish prints. Can you tell a bivalve from a mollusk? We’ll be taking a look at the upwellers on Island Wharf, learning about oysters and other shellfish with Marion’s Shellfish Warden and hearing about the important role they play in the bay. We’ll also be making fish print t-shirts. Please bring a clean cotton T-shirt or cloth the day of the program. Meet at Harbormaster’s office, Island Wharf.

            Please go to the Museum’s website to sign up for these programs and more: www.marionmuseum.org.

Marcia Jean O’Neill

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Marcia Jean O’Neill, 72, of Rochester, formerly of West Yarmouth, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023 surrounded by the love and care of her devoted family after a courageous battle with Myelodyplastic Syndrome (MDS). 

            Born in Quincy, she was the oldest of 4 children born to the late William N. and Jean M. (Greenhalgh) Neil. Marcia was raised in Weymouth with her three sisters Pamela J. Lynch, and Andrea J. Neil and the late Claudia J. McNeely.  She graduated from Weymouth South High School and Bridgewater State College. 

            After having her beloved daughter Lois, they moved to Quincy Point where they lived for several years. She worked as a bank teller for South Shore Bank in North Quincy for many years where she met the love of her life.  Marcia and her husband the late James B. O’Neill, moved to the Cape in 1986 were they lived for 29 wonderful years and raised their family. 

            Marcia worked as Career Consultant for JTEC/Career Opportunities and as an Adjunct Professor at Cape Cod Community College for 24 years before retiring. After her beloved husband of 26 years passed away in 2014, she moved to Rochester to live with her daughter Lois O. Mentzer, son-in-law Michael G. and beloved grandson Timothy James. 

            Marcia enjoyed going on cruises, trips to Disney and other adventures with her family. She grew up spending countless summers in Wareham at their family cottage with her sisters, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews.  Marcia was always up for new adventures that Lois and Mike would come up with including being the first to ride Timothy’s go cart in 2021.

            She is survived by her daughter Lois, son in law Michael, grandson Timothy Mentzer of Rochester; her sister Pamela (Neil) Lynch and husband Kevin of Wareham formerly East Bridgewater; her sister Andrea Neil of Quincy and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by all those that knew and loved her.

            Her family would like to send a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Tobey Hospital (especially ER & ICU) and Southcoast VNA Hospice that went above and beyond to take care of her and make her comfortable in her last couple of weeks. 

            Her visiting hours will be on Thursday, June 29th from 5-7 PM at the Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM,  2599 Cranberry Highway (Rte. 28), Wareham, MA. A short service will be held in the funeral home at 7 PM.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Myelodysplastic Syndormes Foundation, Inc. (https://www.mds-foundation.org).

Literacy Program in Place

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            In its final public meeting of the 2022-23 academic year, the Marion School Committee heard an update on the two-year School Improvement Plan.

            Principal Marla Sirois said seeing students make “such strides during the pandemic and seeing the outcomes at the end” was a thrill. Thanking stakeholders, Sirois highlighted 21st century and project-based learning, noting the recent science fair and many other activities and accomplishments.

            Assistant Principal Peter Crisafulli discussed the progress of students in various areas, including social-emotional skills and camaraderie.

            Sirois thanked School Committee Chairperson April Nye for her work on the Character Council and expressed appreciation for community partnerships.

            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson said the two-year plans were simultaneously implemented in all three of the Tri-Towns with impactful results.

            The committee heard a presentation from Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz regarding the year-long effort to arrive at a literacy program curriculum.

            Fedorowicz gave a status update, outlining a process that will move from Part 2, writing grants and determining core-literacy programs to finalizing the choice of programs from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The project, guided by The Hill for Literacy, included meeting with programs’ publishers for demonstrations and samples, a final round of discussions and consultation with other school districts.

            Among those programs gaining enthusiastic approval were “IntoReading” by Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt and “DIBELS” 8th Edition Early Literacy Screener. Fedorowicz said it was the first time that the district leadership teams from all three elementary districts were in agreement.

            “The rubric was very comprehensive,” she said, adding that ORR will continue to work with The Hill on rolling the program out.

            The committee voted to approve Marion Institute Grow Education, a project-based supplemental set of lessons that ties outdoor garden classrooms to State Frameworks. Nelson told the committee he does not consider the partnership an alteration of curriculum but a supplemental addition.

            Upon returning from a 34-minute executive session, the committee voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between the School Committee and the Marion Teachers Association that will go into effect on September 1, 2023, and expire on August 31, 2026.

            The committee voted to approve the lease renewals of SMEC and Countryside Day Care for the 2023-24 academic year. Nelson encouraged review of lease rates for the future but recommended approval of current lease renewals.

            The committee approved the following donations: from Shutterfly $2,055.60 for school pictures in 2019; from Volunteers at Sippican Elementary (VASE) the book “Fantastic Bureau of Imagination” by Brad Montague; from Marion Teachers Association the book “Giant Island” by Jane Yolen; from Marion School Sunshine Committee the book “When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left” by Marc Colagiovanni; and from Sirois and Crisafulli the books “Wonder Walkers” by Micha Archer and “Whoo Hoo! You’re Doing Great!” by Sandra Boynton.

            The committee approved a list of materials to be withdrawn from the Sippican School Library. April Nye pointed out that 18,273 books were checked out during the 2022-23 school year.

            A “reorganization” vote resulted in April Nye maintaining her seat as chairperson and likewise Nichole Daniel as vice chair.

            In her final Chairperson’s Report of the season, April Nye emphasized team dynamics in Sippican’s successes. “I’m truly grateful for everyone who walks through those doors every morning and puts their best foot forward. … We are truly a strong, successful team.”

            In his Central Office Report, Nelson alluded to “the great flood of 2023” and expressed appreciation for Jones and Leonardo, the first responders and the vendors who arrived on the scene to repair damage. He was pleased to announce that Sippican’s school year would end this week in synch with the other ORR District schools.

            Nelson also said information from a survey on education modes, including remote education would be presented for its consideration. He also wished Davidson well.

            Davidson announced that funding has been secured, and registration is open for ORR’s Enrichment Academy. With that, he thanked the committee and staff for their support.

            In her Principal’s Report, Marla Sirois summarized numerous highlights and events, including concerts undeterred by changing weather.

            Penny Sullivan, retiring Special Education/Grade 2 teacher, was recognized for her years of service at Sippican, and April Nye complimented her and announced the donation of a book to the school library in her honor.

            Nelson called her “one of the ultimate team players at Sippican.”

            Sirois presented Sullivan with a copy of the book “Wonder Walkers,” saying, “Pete and I are grateful to work with you.”

            Among several Grade 6 students recognized for their poems submitted to a statewide contest, Sophie Zhou’s entry will be published in the agency’s monthly magazine.

            Two Teachers Association Merit awards went to Ashley Sweatland and Nicole Boussy.

            April Nye recognized Cody Leonardo and Gene Jones “for the work they did getting us up and running again after the floods. They got everybody back in this building and safely,” she said, drawing applause.

            The committee also recognized departing Director of Student Services Craig Davidson.

            During Open Comment, Alexis Cottam spoke via Zoom and suggested a greater focus on transparency where it concerns needs for improvement and their recording in meeting minutes. She also suggested a greater allocation of funds in the budget to keep pace with an increase in mental-health needs.

            The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 14, at Sippican Elementary, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, at ORR Junior High Media Room. Both meetings begin at 6:30 pm.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Ancient Loons Still on Lakes

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            The ancient species of the common Loon is one of the oldest living creatures on the face of the Earth. They go back several billion years in time and are among the first amphibious creatures that first crawled up on land out of the waters of the sea. By so doing, they became a charismatic and beloved symbol of the wild lakes where they live now. Today a reproductive pair of Loons require at least one-third of a mile across clear and clean waters for their healthy aquatic lifestyle.

            As in my illustration, Loons are a familiar bird swimming in water partially submerged and propelled with churning webbed feet. They cannot stand or walk upright on dry land by themselves. In flight, they stretch out flat with long neck and bill sticking out ahead of and beyond the tail to be streamlined in motion to become airborne. From the water, they need a running start of several hundred yards to get into the air or they can become stranded on a short takeoff failing start.

            The vocal calls of the Loon echo across the placid evening surface that is very clear coming through the darkness, but not easy to locate. There is the startling, yodeling alarm siren that ripples through a peaceful silence when humans get too close to the nest. It is accentuated by a sudden, wild flapping of the wing against the chest to ensure terror upon the intruding visitor.

            Even more soulful on a dark night is an eerie wail to locate a missing mate as the sun goes down. Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond in Concord told his friends it was the most unearthly sound he had ever heard.

            The most parental Loons’ habit may be the Loons giving a young one a free ride on its back everywhere it goes. Like many young birds, Juvenile Loons soon learn to become on their own when mom and dad leave them behind to head off on migration in autumn.

            Instead of a north-to-south direction, they migrate from west to east to spend the winter in the nearby coastal saltwater. Here, they soon lose their summer black-and-white plumage pattern. Once the juveniles settle in the coastal ocean, they try to stay there for the next two years.

            Loons are well equipped for their feeding submarine maneuvers to catch fish and survive. Unlike most birds, they have solid bones that help them stay underwater when necessary because the earth’s atmosphere got overcast and cloudy when it did result in erasing most other worldly living creatures’ ability to breathe and survive. Because they could submerge for long periods of time, the Loon species survived and is still around today.

            This ability is proof positive of Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest, for which we today are very thankful for my article and illustration of the ancient Loon you got to read about and visualize in your experience.

By George B. Emmons

Mattapoisett Library Hosts Local Authors

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street will host two local authors this month.

            Families are invited on Thursday, June 22 at 3 pm for a story time and Q & A session with local author Paul Steven Stone and illustrator Don Carter, creators of Cock-A-Doodle-Don’t, a children’s book. All ages welcome.

            The Purrington Lecture Series presents author and artist Margo Connolly-Masson on Tuesday, June 27 at 6:00 pm. Margo recently published her first children’s picture book, And Then…Glen., a story about a pesky herring gull in New Bedford. Margo began writing and illustrating her book as the Artist-in-Residence at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in the fall of 2022. Join her at the library for a reading and a presentation about her process of writing, illustrating, and self-publishing. This event is appropriate for people of all ages. Self-guided art projects will be available for children during the presentation portion of the evening.

            For more information about these events, call the library at 508.758.4171 or email to jjones@sailsinc.org. Check the library’s events calendar for more upcoming programs and book discussions.

MNHM Kick Off Event

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Come visit the Marion Natural History Museum during our summer kickoff event and visit with Delilah the life-size right whale.  Delilah will be accompanied by two scientists from Whale and Dolphin Conservation located in Plymouth who will be introducing us to Right Whale biology, habits and many other related topics.

            Delilah will be outside the museum at 8 Spring Street on Saturday June 24 from 11:00 till 1:00. This kickoff event is cohosted with the Elizabeth Tabor Library and will have a dinosaur program following ours at 1:00.

            Hope you can join us for ice cream, crafts and lots more. This is a free community event. Welcome Summer.

            All of our summer programs may be viewed through our website: www.marionmuseum.org.