The MAC Announces Three Person Show

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibit, Profusion of Color: Abstracts, featuring works by Alyn Carlson, Pat Coomey Thornton and Pat Warwick. The exhibit runs May 13 through June 25. Attend the opening reception on Friday May 13 from 5-7 pm, a SouthCoast Spring Arts @ the MAC event. During the reception, learn how each artist approaches her individual creative process, creating stunning visual compositions, which are often full of vibrant color and poetic rhythms. Through mark making, layering of various media, and editing, these artists create works that ignite one’s senses and capture the essence of emotion. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and ask questions. The exhibit will be on display during Art in Bloom at the MAC, scheduled June 23-25. During the three-day festival, guests can view creative floral arrangements inspired by works in the Abstract show and attend various workshops and events. Programs will be announced in late May. Art in Bloom is sponsored by a generous grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. See all upcoming MAC events at marionartcenter.org.

Marion Garden Group Plant Sale

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The Marion Garden Group is hosting its bi-annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 14 from 9 am to 12 noon, at Bicentennial Park, located across the street from the Marion Art Center. 

The plant sale is a wonderful community service, providing a wide variety of plants at fabulously low prices. Plants will range from as little as $3 to $10.

            Members have been digging, dividing and repotting a wide selection of beautiful perennial plants, herbs and shrubs that have thrived in their local gardens as well as in the town gardens sponsored by the garden group. In addition, a wonderful selection of popular herbs and veggies have been started by Chrissy Maier especially for the sale.

            “We have a generous supply of hardy and well-established plants,” reports Liz Hatch, President of the Marion Garden Group. They include lilies, daisies, trees, ornamental grasses, astilbes, russian sage, mums, iris, hydrangea, roses, sedum and ferns and much more!

            “How wonderful that these plants,” says Ms. Hatch, “will provide years of continued enjoyment. They have been proven to thrive in our coastal climate and sandy soil. What a pleasure to prepare these plants to share with our neighbors at such an affordable price. It certainly is a community service and labor of love to bring this to the townspeople.”

            Plant information and pictures will be provided for most of the varieties for sale. In addition, there will be an informational component to warn and inform about one of our biggest dangers in Marion – Ticks! Come buy and learn!

            The plant sale has been a popular event, typically selling out quickly. Mark your calendar and come early.

            All proceeds from the Marion Garden Group sale benefit the town. The Marion Garden Group plants and maintains the window boxes and planters throughout the village, they have established and maintain many lushly landscaped garden beds for the town and support many local worthy causes, all for the benefit of the town. Please come out and support our initiatives to do more for the town.

            Round out your day after shopping at the plant sale by attending a SouthCoast Spring Arts @ the MAC event! The Marion Art Center is offering an outdoor Paint & Sip Workshop on Saturday, May 14 from 1-3pm (cost is $30.) Paint your very own version of a gorgeous sunflower, led by artist Barbara Healy while sampling some great wines along the way! In the evening, you can attend a Jazz Jam in the MAC Theater from 7-9:30 pm (tickets just $12.) Improvising musicians interpret jazz standards in various style formats, led by trombonist Phil Sanborn. Join as a participating musician, or come to listen in the audience! The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion. See the full 10-day schedule of Spring Arts @ the MAC events and register online at marionartcenter.org/scspringarts.

            The non-profit organization welcomes donations to help support its mission. Contact them at Marion Garden Group, PO Box 403, Marion, MA 02738 or visit their website at: www.mariongardengroup.org.

Affordable Housing Petition Hits Legal Snag

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            The Rochester Select Board met on Monday night, approved the final draft of the warrant for the May 23 Annual Town Meeting and reviewed what might become its most problematic article.
            A citizen’s petition article would authorize the town to enter into a 99-year lease agreement with a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization to build affordable housing on four acres on the south side of Perry’s Lane. The lease price tag would be for $1, and the units would be limited to Rochester seniors and veterans.
            Town Counsel Blair Bailey told the board he has several problems with the petition but cannot suggest changes prior to Town Meeting. A petition article must be published in a warrant as is because the citizens who signed the document were signing onto its exact language.
            Bailey said a particular non-profit is behind the petition but added that this agreement would have to be open to any 501(c)(3), and the town may not be able to restrict the project to town residents.
            His biggest problem with the measure, he said, is that a town cannot enter a 99-year lease. For that, the town would need special state legislative approval, which then would require a separate town meeting approval. “They’ve put the cart before the horse here,” Bailey said. “The town can’t do this without a special act of legislation.”
            Town Administrator Glenn Cannon said the warrant will be posted on the town website (townofrochester.com) this week. The 28-article warrant features a $24,174,626 operating budget for FY23 that includes both town and school expenditures.
            The board attracted its largest audience on Monday, however, for its annual renewal of the Sippican Rod and Gun Club Range Permit. Club members packed the meeting room to standing-room-only level in response to the board placing it as an agenda item for special discussion.
            Club president Andrew Daniel explained to the board that the club is nearly 100 years old, and its practices have met or exceeded mandated safety standards for a long time. “We are very proud of our safety record,” he said.
            Select Board member Woody Hartley explained why he had sparked making it a separate agenda item. “Why I brought this up is that I had no backup information in my packet,” he said. “I never vote on something without having a full understanding of it. Now I am satisfied.”
            In other action, the board appointed town resident Michael Gifford as a new member of the Conservation Commission, issued a citation congratulating Gail Roberts on her retirement after 15 years as director of the Plumb Library and issued a one-day liquor license for an Old Rochester Youth Baseball event scheduled for Saturday, May 21, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. at the Arch at the Meadow facility, 332 Mendell Road.

            The Rochester Select Board will meet next on Monday, May 16, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Select Board
By Michael J. DeCicco

John F. Hanson, D.M.D.

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John F. Hanson, D.M.D., 87 of Mattapoisett, MA formerly of Hinsdale and Pittsfield, MA passed away peacefully on April 8, 2022. Born in Machias, Maine he was the son of the late Dr. John and Mary Hanson.

            John was educated at local Machias schools and received his B. S. degree at Tufts University. He received his D.M.D. degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Since early childhood he was fascinated by the field of orthodontics and so attended and graduated from Boston University School of Postgraduate Orthodontics. John’s desire was to practice in a relatively rural area and he pursued locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and MA. He had not considered locating in Pittsfield, until by chance he drove thru the city in early spring of 1964. Pittsfield instantly felt right for him and arrangements were made to establish his practice first in the Miller Building at 184 North St., with a later move to 435 South St.

            John was respected among his peers and loved by his highly esteemed staff and his many patients. He found purpose in helping others as an orthodontist and his kind and compassionate care transcended the lives of those he touched. John was a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a charter member of the Foundation of Orthodontic Research. He was also a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, the Massachusetts Society of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society and Berkshire District Dental Society. John derived great joy and satisfaction having the good fortune to form relationships with his patients and their families. He delighted in seeing patients develop a sense of well-being and a zest for life. His greatest wish for his patients and staff was that their life was enriched by knowing him as his life was so enriched knowing them.

            John had an active interest in sports and ran the N.Y.C., Newport and Boston Marathons for many years. He participated in the Josh Billings with many of his friends and always smiled at the memory of those times. He then switched his sport to cycling and joined the USCF Cycling Association. He competed across the United States and Canada winning many races in his category. After John’s retirement he continued to develop his painting skills and took great joy in spending time in his art room and with his faithful companion Charlie. He enjoyed worldwide travel adventures and was rarely found without a book in his hand.

            John leaves behind his wife and best friend, Dorothy with whom he shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his beloved daughters Bethany Hanson and Steven Valleau and their son Ezekiel of Lamoine, ME, Susanne Hanson and Kurt Hiler of Boston and their three children, Trevor, Colton and Raleigh, and Anne Hanson and Tom Kafka of Los Angeles, CA and their children Helen and Fred. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Kostacopulos and his sister Sally Mulligan and her husband Raymond, Cathy and Brian Rounseville of Rochester, MA, Shaun and MaryEllen Murphy of Mattapoisett, MA, and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his son Michael, his brother Mike and his sister Mary.

            John’s contribution to society and humanity were many. We will be forever thankful for his generosity, compassion, and gentle spirit. Memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society or St. Mary’s School in Lee, MA. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date and burial will be private.

Mary E. Roberts

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Mary E. Roberts, of Rochester, passed away May 1, 2022 at the age of 69, after a long illness.

            Mary grew up in Bridgewater and graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, Class of 1970. She was an active alumna and helped plan many of her class reunions. After high school, Mary became a Hair Stylist. Mary later went on to attend Fitchburg State University (’96) where she received a degree in Occupational and Vocational Education and taught in several schools in the area. Working in Cosmetology at the Island Terrace Nursing Home became the career for Mary who later became a CNA, as well as retired from a Massachusetts state-run group home for women with disabilities. Mary was a compassionate care giver to all she knew. She enjoyed going out to eat, taking trips especially to Maine, and time on the beach. Her main passion in life was her family. Planning family reunions and gatherings was an essential part of Mary’s life. Mary will be remembered for her caring and positivity personality. She will be sadly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

            Loving wife of 43 years to Lee Roberts of Rochester. Beloved daughter of Madeline Moore (Roque) of Bridgewater and the late James “Ken” Moore. Cherished sister of David Moore and his wife Wendy of Bridgewater, James “Peter” Moore and his wife Cheri of Florida and Kathleen Flaherty and her husband Shawn of Bridgewater. Adored fur mom of her dog Julie. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.

            Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Visiting Hours on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 from 4-7 pm in the Chapman Funeral Home, Bridgewater. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:30 am in St. Basil Chapel, Bridgewater. Burial service to follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Bridgewater.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary may be made to the MSPCA.

Large Garage Receives Special Permit

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A Special Permit was approved for a very large, stand-alone garage when the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 21. Seated to hear the single case on this night’s agenda were Chairman Susan Akin, Kenneth Pacheco, Colby Rottler and Jordan Rodrigues.

            Coming before the board and representing his client Tracey White was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc. Davignon described the proposed project. The lot located at 70 Aucoot Road is, “…like a long bowling alley, 90 feet wide and 1.8 acres.”

            Davignon said that the garage, an access building, will have four bays and will be used to store boats, recreation vehicles, cars and a residential tractor. The construction of the single-story building is planned on an existing pea stone driveway, he said.

            The Special Permit is needed due to the size of the structure. Zoning requires that accessory buildings cover no more than 864 square feet. White’s plan calls for his accessory building to be double that size. Davignon assured the board that the lot coverage would be a mere 4 percent. He also said that there would not be any grading or fill used on the project and that FEMA performance standards would be met, given the project is in the Flood Zone.

            After closing the public meeting to comments and or questions of which there were none, Rottler said, “It’s probably bigger than what we’d allow, but no abutters commented.” He also noted the building would not be visible from the road.

            The Special Permit was unanimously approved. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Lions Club Electronics & Household Appliance Recycling

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The Mattapoisett Lions Club, Inc. is sponsoring another Electronics and Household Appliance Recycling Event. The event will be held May 21 in the parking area next to Jacks Kitchen, 22 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett, MA between 9:00am and 1:00 pm. Donation receipts provided.

            This event presents a great opportunity to clear out all that unwanted clutter that’s accumulated in and around the house or office. All are encouraged to sort through their basement, attic, office, garage, etc. for any electronic or electric devices plus any household appliances (large and small) just collecting dust and no longer needed. Bring them to this event and for a nominal donation have them fully recycled. Pickups considered for homebound individuals.

            For more information, contact Lion Bob Saunders at 508-758-4675.

            Donation is required for these items (not to be included with max carload):

-$35 each, all TV’s, $20 each, computers, laptops, tablets, monitors

            Donation is requested for these items:

-$5 each, cell phones, land line phones and computer accessories including keyboards, mice, speakers, drives, printers, memory cards plus video games, camera/video/audio equipment, fax/copy machines, wires, plugs

-$5 each, small household electric appliances including toasters, irons, hair dryers, microwaves ovens, toaster ovens, can openers, amplifiers, pre-amps, set top TV boxes, scanners, shredders, blenders, mixers, coffee makers

-$10 each, large household appliances including refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, washers, dryers

-$5 each, metal poles (less than 8 ft. long), metal desks, barbecue grills (no propane tanks), pots, pans and more

-$45 maximum per carload for donation requested items only

            Donations to Lions Club, Inc. are tax deductible as may be allowed by law. Mattapoisett Lions Club, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) IRS approved public charity.

2022 Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race

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The Rochester Fire Department will again sponsor the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race this year and with a lot of similarities to races that took place a few years ago and previously.

            Some differences this year will be that only one registration session will be held, the Dorothy hot dog stand will be back in Mattapoisett, and the awards program will be on Memorial Day evening but with a change in venue this year to the Rochester COA (RCOA), Senior Center at 67 Dexter’s Lane.

            The traditional Ham and Bean Supper will take place at the RCOA Senior Center, Saturday, May 28, 5:00 – 7:00 pm offering a choice of sit-down dining or take-out meals.

There will be raffles for two carbon fiber racing paddles made by Bill Watling III. Tickets will be sold at the registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River will take place on Monday, May 30, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir at River Road and Route 6.

            The minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles.

            Divisions include open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and parent/child. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old.) Trophies are awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division.

            Preregistration is required. Only one registration session will be held at the RCOA Senior Center, Friday, May 20, 6:30 – 8:00. Starting positions will be assigned or drawn after the registration closes. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible for a starting position. Registration forms and rules may be obtained at Lloyd’s Market, at Art’s house, 319 Cushman Rod or at the registration session or email Art (artbenner@comcast.net) and request forms.

            You may deliver the completed forms to 319 Cushman Road. Or, you may return the forms by email, but you must bring the original, signed forms to the registration session or to the start of the race May 30. Or, you may return them by regular mail (USPS.) If returned by email or USPS mail, you’ll get acknowledgment that they were received. If you don’t get a reply from Art, assume the forms were not received and hand deliver a set. Registration forms must be in the Committee’s hands by Friday, May 20, 8:00 PM in order for last year’s teams to be assigned a starting position based on last year’s finish position or for new teams to draw a starting position this year.

            For further information, contact Boat Race Chairman, Arthur F. Benner, 508-763-2024 or email; artbenner@comcast.net. Check Facebook ‘Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race’ for updated info.

Open Space, Recreation Plan Back on Radar

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The Town of Marion approved its newest Master Plan in 2017, but only now is it closing in on finalizing the open space and recreation part of that document.

            The draft Open Space and Recreation plan includes juicy possibilities such as installing sidewalks and shared paths on Front Street, Point Road, Delano Road, the village area and Route 6, upgrading River Road behind the former Stone Rooster and building canoe and kayak launches at River Road beach, Boatyard Park and the Sippican River at Ichabod Lane.

            Thanks to the shutdowns caused by the pandemic; however, the Stewards of Community Open Space whose members represent locally based entities with a vested interest in Marion’s open-space future, such as the Sippican Lands Trust and the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission, have had to delay reviewing the 2017 draft Open Space and Recreation plan with the above ideas until this year.

            The Stewards most recently met on April 21 to review the last seven pages of recommendations. The meeting revealed the aforementioned plans as the committee reviewed which town department will be responsible for implementing each task.

            Stewards (and Select Board) Chairman Norm Hills explained after the meeting that the town’s last Open Space and Recreation Plan was approved in 2005. It is a state requirement that the town approve an updated one now, he said. “We started this process before COVID and the shutdowns began,” he explained. “Now we are picking up the ball again.”

            Nothing within the plan right now is in its final form, he cautioned. The committee will be discussing the draft further, then presenting it in public meetings before it is finally approved.

            The draft plan’s other possibilities include a beach nourishment plan at the Planting Island causeway, a comprehensive management plan for Holmes Woods, upgrades to the tennis courts at Sippican School and a comprehensive review of bylaws and conservation restriction holdings.

            The committee scheduled its next, Zoom-only meeting for Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m.

Marion Stewards of Community Open Space

By Michael J. DeCicco

Marion Village Historic Inventory Completed

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The Marion Historical Commission is pleased to announce that Phase I of the Marion Historic Survey Update has recently been completed. Work on this project included updating and expanding the Historic Inventory in much of the Marion Village area in order to make it more accessible, more easily usable and fully compliant with current state standards. Work began in the fall of 2020 and has now been completed.

            For this project, our historic preservation consultant redefined the existing survey form into separate forms for the Barden-Hiller Area, Main Street Area, South Street Area, Upper Pleasant Street Area and the Cottage and School Streets Area, making the information much more manageable to use. Her assessment also includes a recommendation that the entire area could qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s primary tool for recognition of resources of historic and architectural significance. Listing in the National Register provides recognition but no constraints upon an individual property owner’s rights. There are no immediate plans for National Register listing, but the findings should make Marion residents increasingly aware and appreciative of the Village’s very special historic and architectural significance.

            The results will benefit individual property owners interested in the history of their homes as well as being a useful planning tool available to local boards to assure development decisions are in keeping with goals for preservation of the Town’s historic resources according to the Marion Master Plan.

            The information will soon be accessible to the public on the Marion Historical Commission’s website, as well as in hard copy in repository at the Sippican Historical Society and the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            The survey work continues with our second project: Update and Expansion of Marion’s Historic Inventory – Phase 2. Its focus is the Water Street Area, George Bonham Nye Area (Converse/Pleasant Streets) and outlying areas southward of Marion Village.