Weird & Wonderful

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Mattapoisett Museum’s newest exhibit, Mattapoisett’s Weird & Wonderful, opens on July 7 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm; light refreshments will be served.

            Inspired by the idea of a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ – a concept dating back to the 16th century – this exhibit will feature fun and curious items from the collection, many of which have never been displayed. The exhibition highlights the breadth and variety of the museum’s collection. Most of these objects never quite fit into previous exhibits, but we think they are fascinating in their own right! You will see eye stones, thunderjugs, fiberglass cow’s ears, bullet-ridden bibles, and more!

            This event has no admission fees, but donations are always appreciated.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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Mattapoisett Yacht Club June Series Recap:  

            In the Ensign Tuesday night Fleet, One Love proved again that they are at the top of their game, finishing first overall for the June Series.

            In the Wednesday Night PHRF A Fleet, Kindred Spirits defeated No Quarter Given in the last race to break their tiebreaker and take the June Series win.

            Chickadee took the top position in the B Fleet, with three firsts and one second, hard to beat that.

            The July series starts this week.

#returntheraft

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To Whom This May Concern,

            Two years ago, when Covid-19 restrictions were still high, I had found out that there would be no raft in the water that year because it was apparently damaged from a storm. Most years, the raft is out right when school ends and the weather gets warmer. I was shocked and disappointed when I did not see the raft out at the start of this summer. However, what surprised me the most was when I went to the Town Beach with friends on June 29, and my mom and I asked the lifeguards if the raft was coming out this year. The lifeguard said that the raft had been dismantled and that she didn’t even think they had it anymore. I can’t believe that the raft, something people in this town look forward to during the summer, something with so many memories is gone. So many people loved the raft and to see it go away would be heartbreaking. That is why we need to bring back the raft! I remember the first time I was able to swim out to the raft when I was young and I want others to have that same experience. That joyful feeling of independence when you know how far you swam out. Once when I had gone out to the raft, a girl I met there told me that their family loves coming specifically to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett just for the enjoyment of the raft. That is why we need to bring back this piece of pure joy. Mattapoisett is special and one of the things that makes this town special in the summer is having fun at the beach. Let us help make the people of Mattapoisett and its summer visitors happy with what we call, #returntheraft!

            I remember the first time I swam all the way to the raft by myself. It was the summer of 2019 and I was 6 years old. It was very exciting to be able to do this and unlock one of the freedoms of being a responsible and safe swimmer like all the kids that came before me. My favorite thing to do on the raft was jumping off in different ways with my friends and family. After COVID-19 came and there were lots of restrictions on going to the beach and the raft was not there, it was understandable. As restrictions have been lifted, one of the things I was most looking forward to this summer was swimming out to the raft like we used to. I would like to see the town look into and put a plan into action for replacing and returning the raft to the Town Beach.

            My sister and I encourage other people in the town that want to #returntheraft to write to our town’s administrators and request them to do so.

            Sincerely,

Piper (12) and Reese (9) Newell

Mattapoisett Residents

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.

Fantastic 50th on the Fourth

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            The victories of Margot Appleton and Trevor Wysong in the 50th running of Mattapoisett’s 4th of July Five-Mile Road Race were accomplished amidst a lurking heat but one that could not overtake the milestone event that had been delayed two years and anticipated by an entire community.

            Flags lined the streets of Mattapoisett as crowds, mindful of their own need to stay hydrated, gathered. Patriotic top-40 hits played from the speakers set up in the gazebo next to a donated spread of fruit. Nearby, a group of runners with their numbers already pinned to their shirts, waiting for the race to start, had taken up a game of corn hole, complete with star-spangled beanbags.

            As far as the eye could see were people with smiling faces, dogs with wagging tails, accompanied by cheery voices and sporadic laughter. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day for a race.

            By the starting line was a table set up for the timekeepers. A large clock displaying all zeros would be used to show the runners’ times while the keepers double-checked with stopwatches and logged the numbers into their laptops.

            The running crowd appeared mostly as a sea of tie-dye blue, dotted throughout with red and white. Emblazoned on many a chest was a spray of yellow fireworks framing Ned’s Point Lighthouse, the design for this year’s official race T-shirt. Some of those not wearing the shirts tucked them into waistbands or hung them around their necks to be used as in-race towels.

            One runner threaded theirs through the back of their red, white and blue sports bra as an impromptu cape, making sure the design was visible. Among those not wearing the T-shirt was a runner in a Wonder Woman outfit, albeit with the red boots swapped out for more sensible sneakers. Some of the spectators came dressed to impress as well, including a goatee-less Uncle Sam, bringing star spangled style from toe to tip.

            The speakers crackled, drawing the gathered citizens’ attention before the national anthem played, and a hush fell over the crowd. As the last notes died out, the runners took their marks.

            An announcement was made, welcoming everyone and giving a few notable shoutouts to certain participants. The first was to Richard Reilly, the winner of the first-ever Mattapoisett Road Race in 1971. The second was to Dan Briand, who not only ran alongside Reilly in the inaugural race but also has continued to run in every Mattapoisett Road Race since. This year, the number pinned to his shirt was, appropriately, 50.

            The applause died down. Then, the blast of an air horn, and they were off! The closely packed crowd trotted off down Water Street, beginning to disperse with the competitive racers edging to the front, while the less-pressed, fun-runners kept pace at the rear.

            As soon as the last of them was out of sight, volunteers sprang into action, clambering up ladders to hang the large “FINISH” banner across Water Street. Approximately 50 yards down the course, more volunteers stacked crates of water, ready to distribute them to the victorious racers. In between, a hose set to mist, offering a quick cool-off for those that wanted to run through it.

            Behind the rope, a young boy waited with a bubble blaster, intent on welcoming the racers back in his own, effervescent manner, his white T-shirt read “Future Runner in the Mattapoisett Road Race,” matching that of his younger sibling.

            From the distance came the sound of cheering. Those lining Water Street up to Oakland Street were cheering the first runners to finish. Flying down the pavement was Wysong, the 24-year-old from Taunton who recently concluded his track-and-field career at Bridgewater State University. Wysong was running for his third year and snagging a hat trick by finishing first yet again, finishing the five miler in 25:18. He took water gratefully, hair plastered with sweat as he smiled in thanks to those congratulating him.

            Alex Craig, 19, an incoming sophomore at Dartmouth College, this year had signed up to race for the first time ever, managed to snag second place in 26:20. Before the applause for him could die down, another runner, Colin Rooney, sprinted under the banner, snagging third place in 26:59.

Appleton’s time of 28:37 was sixth overall and over a minute faster than runner-up Kim Bolick of Watertown (29:43).

            The 19-year-old Appleton, a Mattapoisett resident, attended Portsmouth Abbey prep school in Rhode Island, where she was the 2019 Gatorade State Cross Country Player of the Year and a 2019 Footlocker finalist. As a freshman at the University of Virginia, Appleton was a 2022 All-American and All-Atlantic Coast Conference in the mile and distance-medley relay.

            The runners crossing the finish line multiplied, some in dedicated pairs, and a few even pushing strollers. Some ran through the misting hose with abandon, others took the more conservative route of bottled water. With just under 1,000 participants raising money for Old Rochester Regional student scholarships, it was certain, though perhaps cliche, to say that everyone was a winner.

            Briand, reflecting on his past races, noted how much the crowd had changed. “When I first started running in high school and college, when you’d go to a race, the only people there were people who ran for a high school or college team. There really weren’t fitness runners … and no one over 30.”

He laughed at such an unimaginable scenario, gesturing fondly at the other runners nearby. “Now it’s the whole town, it’s a community event. You see people running with their sons and daughters, maybe even grandchildren.”

            Of course, not all years are as picturesque as this one.

            “We ran in some deluge — downpours some (years,)” Briand recalls. “We ran on a lot of hot days too.” One July in particular, the temperatures had climbed to the high 90s Fahrenheit. “When everybody finished they went right down,” he turned and pointed to the nearby pier, “and dove into the water.”

            Thankfully, this year saw no such heat, and other than a few overexerted runners who made quick use of the expertly placed trash cans after crossing the finish line, the race went smoothly.

            None of this would be possible without the team of dedicated volunteers who take care of everything from T-shirts to traffic cones, and of course, the race’s founder, Bob Gardner, who passed away in 2018. A plaque dedicated to him marks the start and finish line of the race.

            When asked if he would run again next year, Briand answered instantly, with the breezy confidence of a skilled veteran. “Oh yeah. I’m 65 so I’m hoping I’ve got another 10 in me.”

By Jack MC Staier

A Night at the Movies That’s Out of This World

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On Friday, July 8, the Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a program of music based on two themes. The first half of the program will feature soundtrack music from a variety of motion pictures and TV shows. The second half of the program will be feature movie music with a “space” theme. The program is as follows:

American Legion March – C. Parker

Skydance – R. Sheldon

The Sounds of Hollywood – J. Higgins

Viktor’s Tale (from The Terminal) – J. Williams; Scotty Estacio, clarinet

Bond…James Bond – arr. S. Bulla

Pirates of the Caribbean – K. Badelt

Prime Time Toon Revue – arr. T. Ricketts

Theme from The Summer of ’42 – M. Legrand

Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights – J. Williams

Star Trek Through the Years – J. Moss

Dr. Who:  Through Time and Space – M. Gold

Theme from E.T. – J. Williams

The Trombone King – K. L. King

            Scotty Estacio is the principal clarinetist of Our Lady of Light Band in Fall River, MA, a group he started playing with in 1994. He is also a member of the Tri-County Symphonic Band and plays saxophone in the funk band GTFO. When not making music, he works on expanding his own business, SE Custom Homes Designs, where he designs new home construction, additions and renovations.

            The concert will be held at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. The program, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00. All concerts are free and open to the public. “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Peer Review Awaits Details

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Developer Ken Steen’s request to recover his deposit account held by the Town of Marion as a source to fund any outstanding obligations to his Marion Village Estates project was once again continued by the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals to July 28.

            The ZBA’s June 23 public meeting primarily served as a think tank for the board members to hold discussions related to two Steen Realty projects.

            One of those is Marion Village Estates, and ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow clarified the fact that the disagreement between Steen and the ZBA as to whether changing MVE’s water meters from one per floor (three total) to one per unit (62 total) constitutes a “substantial change” (and therefore would become subject to a public hearing) is now in the hands of the state.

            At Town Counsel Jon Witten’s advice, the ZBA voted earlier this year to consider that change substantial, and Steen immediately appealed to the state. Both the developer and the town have stated their cases and await the state’s judgment on the matter.

            At question on June 23 was whether Steen had met his contractual obligations to the residents of Marion Village Estates and should recover his deposit. That case was continued to July 28.

            The other Steen-related discussion focused on the proposed Heron Cove Estates 40B housing project planned for Route 6 and the town’s peer-review consultant Joe Booth, who is expected to request greater detail from Steen’s representatives regarding construction details.

            The continued Heron Cove case will be next heard at the ZBA’s next public meeting on Thursday, July 14, at 6:30 pm at the Marion Police station.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Harbor Days Entertainment

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Friday, July 15

            The Yard Sailors – 5:00-6:00

            Jeff Angeley and Pebbles of Rain – 6:30-7:30

Saturday, July 16

            Molly O’Leary and John Fernandes – 11:00-12:00

            Thatcher Harrison – 12:30-1:30

            Dave Alves – 2:00-3:00

            Montage Bleau – 3:30-5:00

            G&I – 5:30-6:30

Sunday, July 17

            Jeff Dunn – 9:00-10:00

            Showstoppers – 10:30-12:30

            Funky Cat Trio – 1:00-3:00

Mary Charlotte (Murray) Broadwater

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On Saturday, July 2, 2022, Mary Charlotte (Murray) Broadwater passed away peacefully at her Mattapoisett home. Born August 15, 1929 in New Bedford, Mary was the only daughter of Joseph Murray and Mary (Lancaster) Murray amongst a household full of sons. She was affectionately called “Sister” by her brothers.

A graduate of Holy Family High School, Mary went on to Boston to study at the Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing, from where upon graduation she became a registered nurse. She worked first as a psychiatric nurse at McLean Hospital before moving back to New Bedford to become plant nurse for Goodyear. It was at Goodyear that she met her future husband, Harlan Charles “Jiggs” Broadwater. Their first date was at The (now former) Silver Gull restaurant in Mattapoisett. They were married less than a year later and relocated to New York City due to Jiggs’ work. They returned to Massachusetts after five years, and Jiggs bought Mary the home directly across from The Silver Gull, a reminder of the place where the Broadwater family story began. Mary lived out the remainder of her years in that very same home.

Upon retirement, Mary filled her time as both a volunteer and friend to many. She drove for FISH, volunteered at the local Council on Aging and got together with friends to knit, quilt and play Mah Jong. A communicant of St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett, Mary remained steadfast in her faith up until the very end.

Mary is survived by her children, James E. Broadwater and BethAnn Broadwater, both of Mattapoisett; and almost two dozen nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband and her five brothers, Hugh Murray, John Murray, Paul Murray, Raymond Murray and William Murray.

Mary’s family would like to express their gratitude to the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association’s amazing hospice care team as well as the many personal caregivers from the Care With Love holistic nursing care group. Together, they helped Mary’s family fulfill her wish of staying safe in her loving home until the very end.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday July 11th at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, July 10th from 4-7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Tree Cutting Has Board Considering Fines

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Would the Rochester Planning Board ever fine the Buzzards Bay Coalition?

            On June 28, the board came close to doing so as it reviewed violations of town Planning Board regulations on Marion Road.

            Approximately two years ago, Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson said the coalition cut trees on 55 acres that it owned on Marion Road without allowing the board to review the project details. What has been done since on the property, which is now owned by a farmer, is an improvement said Planning Board member Michael Murphy. “But documentation to us is still needed,” he said.

            Board members said it would set a bad precedent to let the current landowner off the hook. They said the owner should come before the board to discuss the plan for the parcel.

            The members ultimately decided to send a certified letter to the new landowners, explaining that if they refuse to respond to requests for a meeting or a plan, the panel will start fining them.

            The board indicated the Buzzards Bay Coalition may or may not be the one directly fined this time around.

            In other action, the Planning Board endorsed an Approval Not Required application for a land swap at 332 Mendell Road.

            The owners of a home and the “Arch at the Meadow” performance and event venue at that        address wish to move their driveway to their home lot, instead of its current location, straddling the business and home lots. The board concluded this project does not need site-plan approval.

            The Planning Board will meet next on Tuesday, July 12, at 7:00 pm.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Nelson Gets ‘Exemplary’ Review

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The contract extension announced this past spring for Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson is the ringing endorsement that tells all, but the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) prescribes an involved process for a superintendent’s Summative Evaluation.

            In summarizing that process, Sharon Hartley told the Old Rochester Regional Joint School Committee/Superintendency Union #55 during Monday night’s public meeting that Nelson’s review achieved DESE’s goal of exemplary.

            “The School Committee members worked very hard on this process,” said Hartley, impressed with the “most consistency of response that I’ve seen in my time.”

            DESE, Hartley explained, sought one rating out of a composite of ratings in various categories. Nelson exhibited two overarching strengths in his first two years as ORR superintendent: effective communication and the development of relationships between teachers, administrators, school committee members and parents.

            “I set very high expectations for myself,” said Nelson. “To be candid, this outcome only motivates me more.”

            Nelson credited the people around him for making ORR’s successes possible. “It’s really reflective of our collective efforts,” he said. “I’m keenly aware of how lucky I am to be the superintendent of schools here.”

            In a brief version of his Strategic Plan/Vision 2023 Update, Nelson said he is wrapping up Year 4 of the plan. He noted that Dr. Linda Ashley, who is replacing Rose Bowman as principal at Center School in Mattapoisett, will join the force, as summer planning for Year 5 of the Strategic Plan/Vision 2023 begins. No official action was required of the Joint School Committee.

            Before the agenda reached the subject of Nelson’s review, the Joint School Committee voted unanimously on both sides to approve the appointment of Dr. Shari Fedorowicz as the new assistant superintendent of Teaching & Learning for the ORR District.

            The hiring process included an identifying of candidates followed by a round of interviews, then meetings to establish finalists for the job, at which point the vetting process dug deeper with reference checks and site visits.

            The search committee found that Fedorowicz, who has most recently served as director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Abington Public Schools, emerged as the leading candidate primarily because of her proven track record examining curriculum at all grade levels.

            Search committee members April Nye, Derek Medeiros and Anne Fernandes came away from their effort impressed with Fedorowicz’s ability to listen and develop action plans. Nye was particularly impressed upon her site visit to the classrooms.

            “Collaborative” was the operative word on both sides, as Fedorowicz thanked the hiring committee, noting how impressed she was with meeting the school committee members and students and appreciated their “welcoming” posture.

            “I’m excited about the opportunity and the work that is waiting,” said Fedorowicz.

            Nelson thanked Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell, who held the job through the end of the 2021-22 school year. Pearson-Campbell, whose efforts were focused on professional development and information technology aimed at improving literacy, announced her impending departure during the winter months, citing personal circumstances.

            In the final meeting of the JSC for the 2021-22 academic year, chairperson’s reports were brief.

            On the far side of the pandemic, Hartley celebrated the “normal” status of operations.

            District side Chairperson Heather Burke was serving in her final meeting as a committee member and took the opportunity to share the advice to “showcase these students as much as you can. They tell the story of ORR better than anyone else. … Really get those words out and really communicate because that’s what it’s all about.”

            In other business, the JSC unanimously approved three policy changes involving Nondiscrimination policies and procedures, changes to the grievance procedure associated with ORR’s Harassment policies, and a new policy on the harassment of students.

            In one other move, the Anti-Racism Resolution will no longer be coded and placed in any one section but will rather be placed at the beginning of the policy manual.

            Early in the meeting, the JSC broke into executive session to discuss negotiations and to comply with state laws and returned to public session in approximately 53 minutes.

            The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 29, at 6:30 pm.

ORR Joint School Committee / Superintendency Union #55

By Mick Colageo