Rochester Cultural Council

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The Rochester Cultural Council (RCC) is now accepting online applications from organizations, schools and individuals for grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs. If you have a great idea for bringing culturally enriching programming to the Rochester area and need funding to make it a reality, we can help. The online application window will be open from September 1 to October 17.

            The Rochester Cultural Council is composed of a group of volunteers appointed by the Rochester Select Board. Our mission is to promote excellence, access, and diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences in order to enhance the quality of life in the Rochester community. Special priority is given to nonprofit applicants from the town of Rochester and to surrounding community projects that would substantially enrich Rochester. Inspiration may include programs such as school field trips, afterschool programs, concerts, festivals, lectures, theater, dance, music and film. RCC projects may take place in schools, community centers, libraries, elder care, facilities, town halls, parks and wherever communities come together.

            The RCC is a part of the Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program which is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, humanities and sciences annually. This program is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency who yearly award local councils more than $3 million in grants to more than 5,000 cultural programs statewide. See massculturalcouncil.org/ for more information.

            Quick links to tips for grant writing and the application process can be found on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/rochestermaculturalcouncil or bit.ly/RCCTips.

            Your RCC is always looking to welcome new members. To find out more about us, feel free to attend one of our open meetings or email us directly at rochesterculturalcouncil@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Cemetery Tour and Gravestone Rubbing class with the Gravestone Girls at the Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday September 23 from 10 am-12 pm. Take a tour of Marion’s historic Evergreen Cemetery and learn about the symbolism and history of gravestone art. Learn proper gravestone rubbing techniques to preserve a piece of New England History. Spaces are limited, call the library to register for this free program.

            Fall Tech Talk on September 14 at 6:30. Do you have questions about your iPhone, tablet, or computer?  Do you want to learn more about free eBook downloading or using the library app? If you have tech questions, bring them in for one-on-one help with Emily!

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

New Blood Helps CIPC Overcome Losses

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            The Marion Capital Improvements Planning Committee has taken two big losses for the FY25 cycle about to commence, but its members were extremely impressed with the two candidates attending their public meeting on Tuesday night at the Police Station.

            Paul Naiman, who has chaired the CIPC for the past several years, has stepped down for the current cycle to deal with health issues according to member Steve Nojeim and former member Dick Giberti, who was recently informed that he, too, can no longer hold membership because it conflicts with his role as the town’s registrar of voters.

            The applicants’ attendance was the first of the prescribed steps toward membership on the committee. Janik took the opportunity to give each candidate the floor for extended introductions and questions, after which he acquainted them with the process that sees the committee collect information from department heads, consult with them on their capital requests and ultimately, prioritize Fiscal Year 2025 and 10-year-plan capital-project rankings for the consumption of the Finance Committee and Select Board.

            Givens, who was the keynote speaker for Marion’s 2022 Veterans Day observances at Old Landing, will add more military background to the town’s think tank. She and her husband were both on active duty in Washington state until moving to New England. Mandy serves full-time in the National Guard out of Otis Air Force Base. She told the CIPC she has worked for the federal government since age 18 and is now 36.

            “We’ve been involved in communities wherever we were living. A big reason why I ended up volunteering as the Veterans Day speaker, really and truly volunteering is the name of our game,” said Givens, who has budgeting experience in the military but is eager to experience it from the municipal side. “It would be great to get exposure from a town’s perspective.”

            Marion made sense for Givens and her husband because it is centrally located between their baby daughter’s grandparents and their jobs. “We’re not moving out of Marion anytime soon,” said Givens, who is interested at some point in a full-time position in local government.

            Barros is Givens’ neighbor.

            Watson’s credentials stunned the members, who are excited to get her perspective from her work in other communities.

            A 42-year Marion resident, Watson worked for Marion for 14 years as elected town clerk, treasurer and tax collector before taking a job in Barnstable, where she was treasurer 13 years and tax collector for 16 years. She retired last year and was on contract in Barnstable until June. She still serves as chairperson of Barnstable’s investment committee.

            Watson has chaired several committees in Marion, including the group that predated the CIPC. She chaired a 25-person committee tasked with organizing Marion’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2002, including 42 different events within a week. She chaired the Marion Education Committee for 20 years. Her experience in Barnstable includes cap planning, working with the Finance and Budget committees and did all the borrowing for the projects. Her work helped Barnstable achieve an AAA bond rating.

            Watson has also served as treasurer for two health groups and recently has worked as a consultant to North Attleboro, Plainville and Fairhaven.

            “I know the entire process because I’ve been involved with it on a bigger scale,” said Watson, who worked on Barnstable’s debt service on 85 different projects. “Whether it’s a small or big project, I know how it flows.”

            Janik suggested that Watson’s “biggest challenge is going to be the boundaries of how we handle (the process in) Marion.”

            Barros suggested that Watson might have valuable insight for the questionnaire that the CIPC hands out to department heads at the start of the annual capital-planning process. Janik agreed, especially given the slow start to the FY25 cycle.

            While wholesale changes are not being entertained for this cycle, the CIPC is paying close attention to either candidate’s criticisms of their forms.

            Janik shared with the candidates the hard-copy forms that are annually distributed to department heads and discussed the many mitigating factors that can influence capital-project rankings, especially funding.

            “We’re a planning committee … we’re here to help the department heads think through … not willy-nilly … not just this year but up to 10 years,” he said. “By them planning better, the town can get a better feel of what their capital needs are going to be.”

            By definition, a capital expense could be a project, a piece of equipment or a study, the key being reaching $10,000. Staffing does not count, and some items repeat often enough to fall under operational budget.

            “The reason why it still works,” said Barros, “out of the, say, 30 projects that you’re ranking, those are consistent to you, then you get an aggregate.”

            Janik considers the process less a consensus and more so a calculation.

            “The Finance Committee and (Finance Director) Judy (Mooney) actually use that ranking very, very seriously. They say, ‘it’d be ridiculous if we didn’t use it,’” said Giberti.

            Janik hopes for the CIPC to meet on two Wednesdays per month through November, then after the holidays, the committee will have all its information to rank capital requests, then meet to share and calculate those rankings and finally, write a letter to the FinCom and Select Board.

            In the immediate, Janik will seek to get the CIPC’s recommendation of Givens and Watson as new CIPC members on the agenda for Wednesday’s (September 6) Select Board meeting.

            The next public meeting of the Marion Capital Improvements Planning Committee will be scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, pending the availability of a meeting place.

Marion Capital Improvements Planning Committee

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett Republican Party Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Republican Party invites everyone interested to join us on Thursday, September 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett. This month’s guest speaker you don’t want to miss is John Milligan, Executive Director MassGOP. Topic: Current State of the MassGOP. Other topics for discussion: Local initiatives, Upcoming events, sharing ideas with like- minded neighbors, support of candidates in future elections

            If interested, please attend or contact Bill Reidy, Chairperson, Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee at 508-287-8008.

Historic District Study Committee

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The Marion Village Historic District Study Committee will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall.

            This public presentation will explain the Study Committee’s progress since being formed last winter. Preservation consultant Eric Dray will present a brief history of Marion Village and its architectural styles – a village which he believes is “the most intact historic town center on the South Coast.” He will explain how the area’s historical development informed the proposed district boundaries, how the historic district process would benefit our community and how a design review process might look for Marion. There will be an open floor for questions from Village residents and others.

            Will Tifft, Chair of the Study Committee, will also present the results of the survey sent to property owners in June. The positive results of that survey have guided the Committee in its selection of a design review process that focuses on demolition, new construction and new additions. Routine maintenance, replacement-in-kind and minor alterations would in most cases be excluded from review.

            All Marion residents are invited to attend and learn more.

Mattapoisett Library September Programming

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This September the Mattapoisett Free Public Library has programs planned for teens and adults. Starting Tuesday, September 12 at 3 pm, Craft Tuesday returns to our Media Lab. Stop by for a quick craft and some fun. No registration is required.

            The Teen Advisory Board returns after a long break on Tuesday, September 12 at 4. Light refreshments will be served. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

            On Saturday, September 16 at 1 pm, Devin (NivedArt) returns to lead us, step by step, through the painting ‘Falling for Fall’. Either follow along step-by-step or make changes as we go to customize your artwork. All materials are included – Each participant will receive a large 11×14 stretched canvas to work on and take home. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is required.

            All programs are free and open to the public. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please contact the library at 508-758-4171 or email mflp@sailsinc.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Over the course of Rochester’s almost 350 years of history, it has been home to many illustrious men and women. Some served in town, state and federal governments, while others stood out in the fields of religion and education. One resident, however, who fits in none of these categories, has had an enduring hold on the imagination of those who have chronicled Rochester history.

            Eugenia Haskell, daughter of Nathaniel Haskell, was a lovely woman who won the hearts of many suitors but never married. She was a delightful hostess and an intelligent conversationalist who was up to date on world affairs and popular literature. She also capably ran the family homestead and farm with the help of her “hired man”.

            While we know quite a bit about Eugenia’s life and her death in her late 80’s, what is less well known is the controversy that swirled around the disposition of her last will and testament. That will was contested by heirs of Nathaniel Haskell in the case of Harriet E. Little et al vs. George H. Silveira.

            To go back, Nathaniel Haskell owned considerable property, including a house built in 1771 on Walnut Plain Rd. When he wrote his will in 1837, he left his sons certain swamp lands. He left his wife, as long as she remained his widow “the use of all the rest of his estate and in any event the use of one third thereof for her life, together with $500.00.

            As a concerned father, he saw to the future of his three daughters. His will states,” to them (the daughters) and their heirs as tenants in common, all the residue and remainder of my estate, real and personal, so long as they shall remain sole and unmarried, and if either of them should marry, my will is that those who remain single shall have the portion so devised to the one who is marrying”.

            The will went on to explain what money would change hands in the event of any marriage. However, these clauses were never enacted as for some reason, none of the three daughters, Charlotte, Julia and Eugenia ever married. Julia and Charlotte died “testate” which meant all the real estate and any interests went to their surviving sister, Eugenia. She carried on living in the home and maintaining the farm with the help of George H. Silveira, her “tenant, a Portuguese who had been in her employ for many years”. It was to this man, often referred to as the “hired man” that she left the farm, homestead and the bulk of her personal property in her 1901 will.

            The Haskell heirs in their attempt to overthrow the will made the argument that the daughters were only given a life estate in their father’s will. It was therefore, the construction of Nathaniel’s will, written in 1837 and probated in 1941, that came into question.

            Judge C. T. Davis disagreed with their interpretation of that will. Concluding that when Nathaniel included the words “and their heirs”, he meant to give the property to his daughters” in full”. After two years of litigation, George H. Silveira became the owner of the Haskell homestead which he, along with Eugenia, had tended for many years.

By Connie Eshbach

Marion Ramps up Commitment to Be ‘Dementia Friendly’

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            There are now more people over the age of 60 than under the age of 20, according to Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts. Marion’s Council on Aging is taking this seriously.

            On Tuesday, September 12, at 1:00 pm, the COA will host Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Project Director Patty Sullivan to introduce interested community members to a statewide initiative to expand dementia awareness. The grassroots movement is looking for locals in town to join the cause.

            “All are welcome to attend, no commitment required, to learn more about expanding dementia care, resources and acceptance in Marion,” according to a written release issued by the town.

            Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts is an initiative of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and a member of Dementia Friendly America, according to the release. Reached recently, Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory said she expects a robust attendance at the event.

            “We have had people call and there is interest,” she said.

            The informational session on September 12 is an initial step in establishing a team of community members engaged in DFM’s support programs through their local organizations, in this case the Marion COA. The town will sign the DFM pledge and, in return, receive a certificate of recognition.

            The pledge is to provide supportive programming and welcoming environments critical to removing the stigma traditionally associated with memory loss. Promoting inclusivity and acknowledging the human dignity of those afflicted and working to improve their quality of life is the end game of this centralized effort focusing on education and support for those with dementia and their caregivers.

            Since 2016, Marion’s COA has hosted a Waterfront Memory Café, in which people diagnosed with early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other memory loss, as well as their caregivers, partake in activities to improve memory. Gregory said, when patients forget words or run into other memory roadblocks, there is “no stigma attached. … They share a lunch and an activity together.”

            “With the support of our community, we hope to strategically implement programming to better serve our community members with dementia,” added Gregory in the press release.

            According to Dementia Friendly America Massachusetts, an estimated 130,000 people in Massachusetts live with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to climb.

Marion Council on Aging

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Audition for the MAC’s Holiday Play

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The Marion Art Center announces open auditions for its December production of Miracle on South Division Street, written by Tom Dudzick and directed by Donn Tyler and Maura Van Voris. Auditions will take place on Saturday, September 16, 12:00-2:00 pm and Sunday, September 17, 1:00-3:00 pm in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater, located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion. Performance dates are scheduled December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2023.

            Synopsis: Clara Nowak and her three grown children have always known they were special, ever since the miraculous Christmas Eve when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa. Now it is Christmas Eve once again, and they may need to revise their family history.

            The director will be casting the following roles: Clara Nowak (female, 50+), No-nonsense matriarch who defends the traditions and values of her immigrant parents; Beverly (female, 30’s), oldest daughter, an avid bowler, outspoken and opinionated; Ruth (female, 20’s-30’s), middle child, a storyteller and aspiring actress who wants to move to the big city; Jimmy (male, 20’s-30’s), youngest child, a big-hearted garbage man who is happy with his life.

            Learn more and view sides/script samples at marionartcenter.org/events. Questions may be sent to co-director Donn Tyler at tyler.donn@gmail.com.

The Macy Women at the MAC

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The Macy Women are back. After 10 years of going their separate ways, three sisters born of artistic heritage unite their art to tell their individual stories. Discover expressive illuminating palettes of color, with styles unique to each artist. The exhibit is a tie; a family ribbon that binds.

            The Macy Women: Separate Lives; One Epiphany of Color, with paintings by: Beth H. Macy, Deborah Macy and Maggie Macy. Show dates are September 30 to November 3 at the Marion Art Center with an Opening reception on Saturday, September 30, from 3:00-5:00 pm.

            Beth Heather Macy, with her years of traveling for business, through many countries and cultures, presents the beauty and joy of nature, inviting the viewer to look again to see something new. She uses bold, impressionistic strokes, often depicting the marshes, shorelines and wildlife around her Newbury, Massachusetts home. Beth’s works are in collections from New York to Australia. Beth’s work can be seen online at www.islandpainter.com, and she can be contacted at beth@islandpainter.com.

            Margaret Rose Macy brings the simplicity of her upbringing in rural Westport, Massachusetts, and her years of living on the magnificent coast of Maine to her paintings. She has found her roots and peace in painting the landscapes, seascapes, horses and florals from her surrounding area.

            Deborah Beth Macy from Dartmouth and New Bedford, Massachusetts, shows her love of the multicultural in costume in her figurative work, and her portraiture celebrates a diversity of complexions and cultures. Deborah is a juried member of The Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club, and has won numerous awards from the Cape Cod Art Center, Cape Cod Cultural Center, North River Arts Society and from the CLWAC at The Salmagundi Club. Deborah’s work can be found at: www.deborahmacy.com, and she can be contacted through her website.