Vacation Bible School

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The First Congregational Church of Marion is inviting parents of students entering grades kindergarten through 6 to register students for Vacation Bible School being held August 15 through 19, 9 am to Noon at the Community Center, 144 Front Street, Marion center. The registration fee is $25. Registration forms are available at the church office and online at MarionFirstChurch.org.

            The theme this year is “Make Waves” and will mix crafts, games and storytelling with lessons to enable youth to influence others with them to change the world around them. This kindles a ripple effect that turns simple acts of kindness into waves of positive change for the world. Students will discover that when they put their faith in Jesus, God will give them His Spirit.

            For more information, please contact the church office at 508-748-1053.

Marconi Once Towered in Marion

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Deep in the woods along the old railroad easement that runs behind the Town of Marion’s transfer station at Benson Brook, lies the ruins of a Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless radio station.

            Walking through the parcel now owned by the Sippican Lands Trust known as the Radio Tower parcel, one must tread carefully, as the grounds are littered with what was once used to transmit the wireless electronic signals hundreds if not thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Giant concrete foundations, enormous rusting cables and massive shards of porcelain insulators bear lasting witness that once upon a time something believed to be impossible became possible.

            On May 19, the Sippican Historical Society hosted a presentation by Frank McNamee, local antiques expert and longtime member of the society. Using materials sourced from the Cape Cod Radio Club and others, McNamee discussed the significance of the Radio Tower acreage not only to the local economy but also for what ultimately became transcontinental communications.

            The man of the hour, Marconi, was a rather dapper-titled Italian nobleman whose Irish mother launched him into the world where he would find investors willing to gamble on his inventions, primarily including wireless radio.

            But first let’s go back and note how Marconi became known as the inventor of radio.

            He was born on April 25, 1874 in the Marescalchi Palace in Bologna, later becoming the First Marquis of Marconi FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.) While his father held a place of considerable prestige within the titled families of Italy, his mother was heir to the Jameson whisky fortune and was in her own right nobility from the Daphne Castle in Ireland. It was her money that would help jumpstart Marconi’s projects.

            It is said that as a lad and through his school years Marconi showed a keen interest in the phenomenon electricity, studying everything that could be found on the subject. He would conduct experiments at his father’s country estate, successfully sending wireless signals over a distance just exceeding one mile.

            Marconi would move his equipment to England and was introduced to the engineer-in-chief of the post office, Sir William Preece. He would demonstrate his systems capabilities transmitting across the Salisbury Plain and Bristol Channel, resulting in the formation of the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company (1897), later to be renamed Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company LTD.

            In 1899, Marconi sent signals over a distance of 12 miles, later establishing wireless communication between France and England across the English Channel. Endlessly endeavoring to improve on earlier success, he transmitted the first wireless signals across the Atlantic between Poldhu, Cornwall, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, some 2,100 miles. Sometime in December 1902, Marconi sent signals from Wellfleet. McNamee said that Marconi most likely selected Cape Cod and Marion due to their location along the Atlantic Ocean, but that it was unlikely the man himself spent any time in Marion.

            Marconi received numerous awards for his service and inventions such as the Italian Military Medal in 1919 for his war service, along with honorary doctorates and international honors. He received the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts, was decorated with the Order of St. Anne by the Tsar of Russia, and the Commander of the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus from Italy. However, it was the Nobel Prize for Physics received in 1909 shared with Professor Karl Braun, which was his jewel in the crown.

            Wireless transmissions are known to have aided survivors of the Titanic disaster. During WWII, his yacht the Elettra was retrofitted as a warship by the Germans and later sunk by the RAF. “He had Fascist leanings,” McNamee shared.

            The Supreme Court weighed in on Marconi’s patents in 1943, returning some of the prior patents to Oliver Lodge, John Stone and Nikola Tesla. The court also rendered the decision that it had no impact on Marconi’s claim as the first inventor to successfully transmit wire radio waves.

            The Marion site bears witness to a time when enterprising people were developing thousands of products and services intended to make human life better. No one even Marconi could have imagined what his early inventions would one day become. However, there resting for all time like dinosaur bones are the remains of Marconi’s 14, 400-foot-high transmission towers, the largest in the world for its time.

Sippican Historical Society

By Marilou Newell

Erik M. Richardson

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Erik M. Richardson, 42, of Mattapoisett died unexpectedly, Tuesday May 24, 2022. He was the husband of Rachel A. Richardson.

            A Mattapoisett resident for the past several years, Erik was born in Brockton, son of Ronald W. Richardson of Plymouth and the late Shirley (Korsun) Richardson, and was raised in East Bridgewater, Class of 1998.

            He was the proprietor of Erik Richardson Heating & Cooling, and enjoyed golf, travel, family time, and BBQ competitions.

            Survivors include his wife; his father; his stepchildren, Faryn and Griffin Leverone, both of Mattapoisett; a sister, Christine Farrell and her husband Steve of Raynham; two nephews, Shawn and Anthony Farrell; and his beloved cousins, Nina Crapser and her husband Brian, Matt Korsun, and John Korsun. He was also the brother of the late Traci Chapin.

            Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 5th from 1-4 PM followed by a Family Service at 4 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett.

            In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Old Rochester Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 236 Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Malvin Kvilhaug

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Malvin Kvilhaug, 83, of Fairhaven passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family. Malvin was the loving husband of Berit A. (Mjolhus) Kvilhaug and together they celebrated 60 years of marriage last year.

            Malvin was born in Aakrehamn, Karmoy, Norway, and was the son of the late Martin and Hulda (Grodem) Kvilhaug. He was the brother of Simon Kvilhaug and the late Johannes Kvilhaug and Signe Helgesen.

            Malvin began his life in Fairhaven in 1961 and made a large impact on the tight-knit Norwegian community. Captain Kvilhaug was a successful scallop captain and fishing was a major part of his life. Malvin made his way in the fishing industry through hard work, determination, and a ‘never give up’ mentality. Malvin was a captain for many years and enjoyed time on his boats – FV Michigan, FV Contender, FV Concordia and the FV Sandra Jane all out of Fairhaven. In addition, he was one of the five co-founders of the Fishery Survival Fund.

            Outside of the fishing world, Malvin enjoyed golf, travel and spending time with his family. Not many people can say that they were able to travel to 6 continents, but Malvin could. Malvin lived a full life and enjoyed every moment. A man of few words, who made an everlasting impact on everyone he met.

            Survivors include his wife Berit; 2 sons, Magnar Kvilhaug and his wife Kathleen; Brian Kvilhaug and his wife Susan, all of Mattapoisett; his daughter, Jane Quinn and her husband John of Dartmouth; his brother, Simon Kvilhaug; 8 grandchildren, Nicholas Kvilhaug, Simon Kvilhaug and his wife Caitlin, Jonathan Kvilhaug, Victoria Kvilhaug, Brendan Quinn and his wife Julie-Ann, Emily Quinn, Allison Kvilhaug and Nathan Kvilhaug; a great-granddaughter, Brienna Kvilhaug; and several nieces and nephews.

            His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 10 AM in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 1st from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Bereavement Committee, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

League of Women Voters SouthCoast

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The newly reorganized League of Women Voters SouthCoast launched its inaugural meeting with a buffet luncheon at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford on Thursday, May 19.

            LWVSC, an expansion of the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Tri-Town League that now encompasses Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Freetown, New Bedford, Dartmouth and Westport, restructured its governance using three co-chair positions with each leader serving either a three, two and a one-year term.

            The League believes this 3-tiered model will foster collaboration and partnership for effective action.

            Key objectives of LWVSC include addressing the climate emergency, educating members and the public about its policies related to voting, equitable access to the ballot, “housing and zoning laws, open and transparent government at the state level and looking at policies from a point of view of addressing systemic racism,” said Eileen Marum.

            Co-chair Kris Eastman said, “The LWVSC is making every effort to develop a strong, diverse membership featuring community, diversity, equity and inclusion and be recognized as the champion of democracy and voting rights.”

            Guest speaker Korinn N. Petersen Esq., senior attorney and vice president of Clean Water Advocacy at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, leads the Coalition’s advocacy efforts in town halls, in state and federal agencies and in state and federal courts.

            Ms. Petersen is renowned for her work managing the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s local and regional projects to reduce nitrogen pollution in bay waters and reported on the state of coastal waters and their watershed during a riveting slide show presentation.

            Ms. Petersen explained the impact of excess nitrogen on Buzzards Bay waters, for example, the effect of oxygen depletion on marine animals—massive fish kills—and the erosion of coastal marshes that protect bay communities from flooding.

            She put forward the Coalition’s position that would direct the discharge of treated wastewater into the Cape Cod Canal via a pipeline extending from an expanded Wareham treatment facility. Because of the flushing effect offered by the Cape Cod Canal, the pipeline presented the best solution for the region’s wastewater problems in Bourne, South Plymouth, Wareham, Marion and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

            Five years of scientific research and a hydrodynamic study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution support the Coalition’s position that a discharge pipe into the canal would not harm water quality and the pipe could potentially reduce nitrogen pollution “by more than 90 percent,” according to Ms. Petersen.

            Ms. Petersen is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, cum laude and has a Master of Studies in Environmental Law, cum laude, from Vermont Law School, as well as her Juris Doctor.

            Those wishing to join the League’s work, or who would like to learn more, can contact lwvsouthcoast@gmail.com

Library Director Gail Robert’s Retirement Open House

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Please join the Staff, Trustees and Friends of Plumb Library in celebrating our director, Gail Roberts, on the occasion of her retirement. An Open House will be held from 2 pm-7 pm on Thursday June 23 at the Library (17 Constitution Way, Rochester, parking lot on New Bedford Rd.) Light refreshments will be served. A memory book will be provided if you would like to share your well wishes.

Drop-In Watercolor Demonstration

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Stop by the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Thursday, June 2 between 3 pm and 4 pm to see a demonstration by local resident and artist Kylie Faison, who will be working on her watercolor pet portraits. She is currently exhibiting her work at the library with two other generations of her family (Three Generations of Artists.) Faison’s love for animals and passion for art evolved into painting pet portraits that capture the animals’ personalities as one-of-a-kind keepsakes for their owners. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

Fair Share Tax Amendment Not Supported

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            Citing two separate parties who had reached out to her about the Fair Share Amendment, Chairperson Heather Burke put the matter up for a discussion on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee’s May 18 public-meeting agenda. The committee, she explained, could choose to act on the matter or not. The committee then opened for comments from the public.

            First to speak was Dr. Colin Everett, president of the Old Rochester Professional Educators Association, high school history teacher and debate-team coach. Everett laid out the basics of the Fair Share Amendment, a statewide referendum question on the November ballot that would create an additional 4 percent tax on any income over $1,000,000. The resulting $2,000,000,000 in new revenue would be put towards funding public education and infrastructure maintenance.

            Everett spoke passionately in his recommendation that the committee endorse the draft resolution, as over two dozen other school committees in the commonwealth already have.

            Up next was Sharon Matzek, a citizen of Marion and the other party who requested this item be discussed. She stated that the Fair Share Amendment would help balance out the rising needs of public education and urged the committee to resist the “knee-jerk reaction” to taxes in general, stating that only 2.5 percent of the households in Plymouth County qualify as “millionaires.” She went on to assert that many “tax loopholes” favor the upper class and that those in that income bracket “pay a much, much lower (tax) rate.”

            Committee member Suzanne Tseki raised concerns over where the “line” is drawn when it comes to higher taxes and would subsequently vote against the motion alongside committee member Joe Pires.

            As both Everett and Matzek stated, the Fair Share Amendment would only apply to those with annual income over $1,000,000. To paraphrase Matzek, if someone earned $1,000,001, that person would be taxed an additional 4 percent only on the $1 above $1,000,000. If an individual’s annual income was $999,999, the amendment would have no effect.

            A motion to recommend the measure was made and seconded, but the vote that saw six of eight members in attendance in favor of a positive recommendation fell just short of the necessary percentage to carry.

            Mike Naylor was invited to join the committee at the table in order to provide details on an upcoming trip for the high school students. Proposed to take place during February break in 2024, the recommended destination was Rome, through Pompeii and eventually on to Athens. Fundraising and payment plans will be implemented to help with costs and ensure any student interested is able to take the trip.

            Member Francis Kearns’ question about how COVID protocols might affect travel, Naylor detailed an optional protection plan that would cost an additional $295. The plan would allow students to obtain a complete refund up to 24 hours before the trip should they need to cancel due to COVID or other circumstances. The plan would also provide extended accommodations to students and chaperones on the return trip should quarantine be necessary before reentering the country.

            Naylor noted that he was able to testify on such safety measures personally; he had experienced their implementation on the previous trip.

            The motion to authorize the trip as presented was passed unanimously.

            In giving the Financial Report in Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber’s absence, Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson stated that there remained $30,000 in the academic year’s budget. The next Financial Report will be the end-of-year report.

            Jill Hennesy, director of Food Services, raised praise for the transitional program, which serves students ages 18-22. Nelson said that the food-service team has done fantastic work creating opportunities for students and working on life skills.

            The committee complimented Hennesy and the food and cafeteria staff for their work. No word was given on extending the free-meal passes to June 30; news on the extension will be communicated as soon as that information is available.

            In her Chairperson’s Report, Burke took time to remind those in attendance that the chairperson sets the agenda, so when emailing to request something be added to the meeting agenda, do so to her directly rather than emailing the entire committee. Burke went on to remind other members that they should not reply to emails directly, as it could violate state Open Meeting Law.

            With that business conducted, Burke took a moment during her penultimate committee meeting for a more personal message of gratitude. She named a number of different teachers for their roles in helping her children in their scholastic journey. Whether it was allergy-friendly snacks or sparking a love of engineering, she took time to thank them for their support and care, ending with the touching sentiment, “your lessons truly live on long, long after that last assignment.”

            The Central Office Report included news relayed from the governor’s office that each of the four school districts received $50,000 from a summer expansion grant. The money will be used to expand the Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) program, with a focus on student’s social and emotional well-being and growth. More information on the grant and its implementation will be released in the coming weeks.

            New teacher orientation was scheduled for May 25, according to Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported that two ORR Unified Team athletes qualified at the MIAA South Sectional track meet to compete in the state Unified meet.

            High School Principal Mike Devoll discussed “surviving senior events” in his Principal’s Report. An email was sent out to students and caregivers detailing upcoming school events, as well as laying out suggestions on things like what to wear, who should attend, etc., though it was emphasized that seniors are only one-fourth of the entire student body and should not be fixated on more than other grades.

            With that in mind, Devoll turned to the subject of upcoming field trips. The school has partnered with Junior Achievement to plan five field trips, open to all grades and centered around potential career interests, including those in banking and finance, marine science and healthcare. Trips will include Bay Coast Bank, UMass Dartmouth and Prima CARE, respectively.

            Student Representative Eddie Gonet asked to clarify if seniors could attend and was told they could so as long as the trips do not coincide with final exams.

            Devoll commended Kate Butler, the Advanced Placement Art teacher, for her work on the art show that continues through Thursday, May 26, at the Mattapoisett Public Library. He discussed the May 23 promotion ceremony for the eighth graders, the first of its kind, crafted to celebrate the students who had missed out on traditional scholastic experiences due to the ongoing pandemic.

            ORR Junior High Principal Silas Coellner updated the committee on activities, including a student-leadership conference. He estimated that a couple hundred parents would be in the school building on May 25 for transition activities. A promotion ceremony for eighth graders was scheduled for May 23.

            Gonet delivered the Student Advisory Council Report, his last as student representative. Gonet thanked the committee, noting what an honor it had been for him and ended to a room full of applause. Several committee members went on to praise Gonet’s work as both a student and representative to the committee.

            Burke recalled being Gonet’s soccer coach years ago, noting that of all the young players he was the only one to ever approach her after practice, shake her hand and thank her for her work. This was met with another hearty round of applause.

            “That feels like such a good end point, but we have more meeting,” said Burke.

            The Budget Subcommittee reported that the budget was passed after a “stress test” of the capital stabilization fund. That budget included money for the guidance counselor and resurfacing of the high school track. Plans for implementation are ongoing and likely to continue into September.

            The Communications Subcommittee put forth a suggestion to promote transparency on the committee’s inner workings in order to clarify its role for the community.

            Pires suggested a document outlining the committee’s inner workings to better communicate necessary information and elucidate committee infrastructure and operation. Member Jim Muse made a point to thank Pires for his work on the Communications Subcommittee and stated that he looked forward to his continued work on such matters.

            After ensuring that there was nothing further to report from any of the other subcommittees, an Executive Session was called into motion, and the public meeting only resumed to adjourn.

            The next meeting of the ORR School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, and the Joint School Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, June 23. Both meetings are scheduled for 6:30 pm.

ORR School Committee

By Jack Staier

“Illuminate to Educate” Returns

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For a second year, The Sippican Woman’s Club will have a Marion student scholarship fundraiser celebrating our country’s birthday and our student scholars. Marion residents are encouraged to purchase Luminaria kits (containing nine red, white, and blue luminaria w/star cut-outs & battery-operated tea lights) to be displayed throughout the Town of Marion during the 4th of July weekend. Participants are encouraged to join in celebrating the 4th by displaying the red, white and blue luminaria on driveways, pathways, entrances, boats, docks, windowsills. Don’t leave your property in the dark – celebrate with us and light up our beautiful little Town of Marion.

            Starting Memorial Day Weekend, Luminaria Kits will be available to the public for purchase ($25 each) – for cash or check sales only at Kate’s Simple Eats, Marion General Store, Mimis and Uncle Jon’s Coffees. In additions, we will hold Pop-Up sales across from our clubhouse, Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front Street on Fridays and Saturdays in June from 10am- 1pm. Mark your calendar to drop by to purchase your family’s kit.

Mattapoisett Road Race

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The Mattapoisett Road Race is happening for real, in person and on the Fourth of July.

 Join us as we celebrate the 50th running of this delightful, summer tradition. The 5-mile road race will start at 9:00 am at Shipyard Park and wend through our scenic coastal town. Register before June 1 to have your name on your bib. Please go to www.mattapoisettroadrace.com for all the details. Hope to see you there.