Free Concert at the MAC

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MAC Music presents the KabuJazz Ensemble feat. Candida Rose in a free, outdoor concert at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 4:00 pm. This family-friendly, all ages event is open to the public. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and refreshments. In case of foul weather, the concert will be moved indoors at the community center. Parking and bathrooms are available on site.

            Under the leadership of Candida Rose Baptista and musical direction of J. L. Santos Spencer, the KabuJazz Ensemble is a group of talented Cabo Verdean and Jazz-oriented musicians who come together to bring a unique combination of Cabo Verdean and American – primarily Jazz – musical influences to audiences cross-country, a combination Candida Rose has labeled “KabuJazz”.

            Starting with Candida’s debut CD in 2006 entitled KabuMerikana: The Sum of ME, the KabuJazz Ensemble has seen many configurations of well-known musicians which have included John Kordalewski, Santi Debriano, Manny Santos, Kalu Monteiro, Djim Job, Zerui DePina, Justin Ramos, and the late Lance Gunberg, just to name a few. The current core group, with Candida Rose on Lead Vocals, consists of: Heribar Estrela on Keyboards and Background Vocals, Santos Spencer on Guitar and Background Vocals, Tchico Evora on Drumset and Percussion, and Emmanuel Escobar on Bass, Saxophone, and other wind instruments.

            The KabuJazz Ensemble has entertained audiences at events and festivals far as Alaska, as well as in the Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and general New England areas. Along with Candida Rose’s presentations of KabuMerikanus – The Sum of US: Exploring the Cabo Verde/United States Musical Connection and Legacy, the group has educated students at various New England schools with assemblies and cultural workshops. More information at marionartcenter.org/events

ORRSD Selects Charles West as Next Principal of Center School

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Assistant Principal Charles West has been selected as the next Principal of Center School. He is set to begin the role July 1, pending successful contract negotiations.

            West served as Assistant Principal at Rochester Memorial School for 13 years. He has worked for over two decades in the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55.

            West will assume the role of Principal following the retirement of his predecessor, Dr. Linda Ashley.

            His collaborative approach, experience within the district and earned respect from the community make him well-suited to lead Center School.

            In his current role, he oversees school operations, supports staff and works closely with families to maintain a positive and safe school environment. He was also a Co-Director of Center School’s SAIL summer program, where he fostered deep student engagement for many years.

            “I have been honored to spend 13 fantastic years at Rochester Memorial and I’m excited to see what the next chapter at Center School brings,” says West.

            West has a strong understanding of elementary students’ academic, social and emotional needs thanks to his background in school social work, administration and mental health services. His experience shapes a school environment that emphasizes not only academic success, but also student well-being.

            “Throughout his time at Rochester Memorial, Mr. West has been a trusted and steady presence for students, staff and families,” said Superintendent Michael Nelson. “We are deeply grateful for his dedication and service.”

            The school system will begin the search process for Rochester Memorial School’s next assistant principal in the coming weeks. Additional information about that process and transition planning will be shared with families as it becomes available.

Special Education Funding Passed; Rezoning Fails

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            For a comprehensive look at Town Meeting results, see the end of this article.

            Monday’s Rochester Annual Town Meeting ran smoothly for most of its three-and-a-half-hour length until residents loudly shot down efforts to rezone areas of Mary’s Pond Road and County Road from residential/agricultural to limited commercial.

            The 294 voters in attendance started with the 34-article warrant by approving town-employee salaries and a classification plan that both reflected 2.5% Cost of Living increases. Then with minimal questions from attendees, the meeting passed a $28,129,536 town operating budget for FY27.

            Available funds and free cash then paid for additional items that included Capital Improvement Fund refunding ($110,000), a Police Cruiser Lease-Purchase ($54,675), a Fire Department Pick-Up Truck ($21,636), Library HVAC and Building Repairs ($23,951), ORR Gateway Liability Payment ($716,000), and Pay-Off of Non-Exempt Debt ($179,520).

            Article 20, which will transfer $250,000 from free cash to supplement the school system’s Special Education out-of-district tuition, passed after attendees asked for clarification. “When the student population is declining, why should this cost be rising?” one resident asked. Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Michael Nelson explained two students entering Rochester Memorial School require out-of-district placement and the expense involved is a budget buster. Yet the school department has succeeded at educating 99% of its Special Education students within the district, he said. RMS teacher and union co-president Tara Nelson said if this measure doesn’t pass there would be more staff cuts than the four cuts currently in the FY27 budget. After this plea, Article 21, which transferred $100,000 from free cash to establish a Special Education Fund that could be used for this type of future expense, passed easily.

            Article 29 was a move to rezone from Residential/Agricultural to Limited Commercial: 711 Mary’s Pond Road, 73 County Road, 35 County Road. Article 30 was a proposal to rezone from Residential/Agricultural to Limited Commercial the Decas Processing Plant at 0 Mary’s Pond Road and 475 Mary’s Pond Road. Both failed to pass after vocal opposition from meeting voters.

            Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson explained it was decided through Master Plan Committee research that a Limited Commercial District there would mean smaller businesses and affordable housing that his board could better control than the controls that exist under residential district zoning. And the businesses would add to the town’s business tax revenue. Speakers implying that this would still not be a good fit for this section of town led to a vote to end debate, which led to hand-counted votes to shoot down both zoning changes.

            Article 31 would have rezoned from Residential/Agricultural to Limited Commercial two cranberry bog parcels at 0 Mary’s Pond Road. In response to the earlier defeats, Johnson motioned and Town Meeting approved postponing this article indefinitely. Town Counsel explained this effectively kills this proposal.

            Next, the meeting authorized Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreements with the following ground-mounted photovoltaic installations: Dexter Lane Solar, 53 Dexter Lane; Snipatuit Solar, 529 Snipatuit Road; Featherbed Lane South Solar, 0 Featherbed Lane; and Braley Hill North Solar, 0 Braley Hill Road.

            The meeting ended by taking “No Action” on a Citizen’s Petition to prohibit the clear cutting of over 1 acre of land for solar farms and put restrictions on battery-storage units. Town Moderator David Arancio explained this motion is due to the fact no public hearing could be held in time prior to Town Meeting.

Article 1: Approved – Town Report

Article 2: Approved – Elected Officials’ Salaries

Article 3: Approved – New Personnel Classification and Compensation Plan

Article 4. Approved – $28,129,536 FY27 Town Budget

Article 5: Approved – New Revolving Fund Spending Limits

Article 6: Approved – Natural Resources Funding

Article 7: Approved – Future funding of OPEB: $15,000

Article 8: Approved – Biennial Actuarial Study funding: $8,750

Article 9: Approved – Funding of Capital Items

Article 10: Approved – Capital Improvement Fund refunding: $110,000

Article 11: Approved – Roadway Line Painting: $100,000

Article 12: Approved – Police Cruiser Lease-Purchase: $54,675

Article 13: Approved – Fire Department Pick-Up Truck: $21,636

Article 14: Approved – Library HVAC and Building Repairs: $23,951

Article 15: Approved – Facilities Maintenance Fund: $20,000

Article 16: Approved – COA Transportation Program Fund: $10,000

Article 17: Approved – COA Revolving Fund: $20,000

Article 18: Approved – COA Kitchen Maintenance Fund: $10,000

Article 19: Approved – Board of Assessors MASS DOR Mandates: $20,000

Article 20: Approved – Supplement Special Education out-of-district tuition: $250,00

Article 21: Approved – Increase Special Education Stabilization Fund: $50,000

Article 22: Approved – Fund Unemployment Compensation Expenses: $100,000

Article 23: Approved – ORR Gateway Liability Payment: $716.000

Article 24: Approved – Pay-Off Non-Exempt Debt: $179,520

Article 25: Approved – Prior Year Cemetery Tax Bill: $2,600

Article 26: Approved – Fund Consultants: $35,000

Article 27: Approved – Adopt newly codified General Bylaw rewrite- Approved

Article 28: Approved – Adopt newly codified Zoning Bylaw rewrite- Approved

Article 29: Failed – Rezone 711 Mary’s Pond Road, 73 County Road, 35 County Road

Article 30: Failed – Rezone Decas Processing Plant

Article 31: Postponed Indefinitely – rezone two cranberry bog parcels

Article 32: Approved – Authorization of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)

Article 33: No Action Taken – Citizen’s Petition to prohibit the clear cutting of over an acre of land for solar farms and put restrictions on battery storage units.

Article 34: Accepted – Town Election Warrant

Rochester Town Meeting

By Michael J. DeCicco

Live Like Vivi

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On Saturday, May 16, students from Rochester Memorial School and friends of Vivian Jones gathered on New Bedford Road for a lemonade stand to raise money.

            The money raised was for a good cause, and was in memory of Vivian, who passed just before the beginning of 6th grade on August 22, 2025, after a 15-month-long battle with leukemia.

            Those friends that came passed out lemonade, baked good, stickers, ribbons, and cards. All working and all visiting spoke highly of their friend Vivi. They were working hard too, with those traveling on New Bedford Road unable to miss hearing Timothy yell “lemonade!” to the cars that passed, or Abby’s handmade sign. There were many friends there to show their support and love for Vivi, but there were more visitors! In the end, they raised nearly $2,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the PMC Kids Rides Program.

            If others wish to learn more, support the Joneses, or learn about their future fundraising, they can visit livelikeviv.org. Vivi’s sister, Everly, is hosting a PMC Kids Ride on Sunday, June 14 at Old Colony.

By Sam Bishop

Boat Race Ham & Bean Supper

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The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race (RMDBR) Ham and Bean Supper will be held Saturday May 23 at the Rochester Senior Center, 65 Dexter Lane. The supper will be served from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and tickets can be purchased at the door. Adults, $10.00 and children under twelve are only $5.00. There is the option to eat in, eat on the patio if weather permits (not sure about this one because of the construction), or take-out. Beans baked by the best bean bakers in town, coleslaw, potato salad, rolls and brown bread. And to top it all off, apple crisp for dessert. Proceeds from the supper help offset the expenses of the race.

            Also, there will be raffles available for each of two carbon fiber racing paddles and a silent auction for each of two additional paddles made by Bill Watling III. A red, white and blue Afghan made by Cecelia Hall will also be raffled. Tickets for the raffles will be sold at the boat race registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            This is the 92nd anniversary of the race. Enjoy a great meal at one of the important social events of the year in our area. The more, the merrier. For additional information please contact Arthur Benner, Chairman, RMDBR, 508-763-2024 or email, artbenner@comcast.net.

Tri-County Symphonic Band Tickets

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Ticket sales have begun for the upcoming Annual Benefit Pops Concert for the Tri-County Symphonic Band. The theme for this year is “Flay Day: 250 Years of Independence.” The concert will, once again, be held on the waterfront in a grand tent on the campus of Tabor Academy in Marion. Fine music, cupcakes and lemonade, a raffle for prizes and a fun-filled festive afternoon is planned for Sunday, June 14. Advance tickets can now be purchased at Mimi’s of Marion, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org.

MPD Welcomes Cameron Wentworth as New Harbormaster

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Chief Richard B. Nighelli and the Marion Police Department welcome Cameron Wentworth as the Town of Marion’s new Harbormaster.

            Following a unanimous vote Tuesday evening, May 12, by the Marion Select Board, Wentworth was selected to serve as Harbormaster pending successful contract negotiations.

            “I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve as the Marion Harbormaster,” Wentworth said. “As someone who truly enjoys time on and around the water, I understand how important the harbor is to the residents, visitors, commercial industries and recreation. I look forward to working with all of the interested parties and partners in the harbor to continue to provide a safe, organized, and enjoyable environment for everyone.”

            Harbormaster Wentworth has been splitting his time between three towns, working full-time as Assistant Harbormaster in Plymouth, and part-time as a Berkley Police officer and a Carver firefighter. He became a POST-Certified Officer in 2019 and graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2020.

            “I have had the privilege to work as an Assistant Harbormaster for the Town of Plymouth for the past six years after graduating from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy,” Wentworth said. “I have also worked part time as a police officer for the Town of Berkley, and a Call Firefighter and Rescue Diver for the Carver Fire Department. I hope to bring a piece of each of these experiences to Marion to serve the Town to the best of my ability.”

            The incoming Harbormaster has earned numerous certificates – 50-Ton Masters Captains License, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Officer Water Survival, MA Shellfish Constable, DEP Oil Spill Response, USCG Towing Endorsement, Marine Medical Emergencies, Boating Under the Influence Detection, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot, NASBLA Boat Crew Member, NASBLA Pursuit and Stop, Open/Water Dry Suit SCUBA Diver and Police ATV Operations – satisfying Harbormaster Training Council Requirements.

            The Town of Marion’s Harbormaster is the individual responsible for leading and safeguarding Marion’s harbor and waterways.

            “On behalf of the Marine Resources Commission (MRC), I welcome Cam to Marion and look forward to a productive relationship,” said Marion Marine Resources Commission Chair Vin Malkoski. “The MRC is committed to working closely with the Harbormaster to manage the harbors and local waters, and we look forward to a productive relationship.”

            As the primary authority on the water, the Harbormaster serves as a trusted liaison to the boating community, marine businesses, and residents, while overseeing the enforcement of all federal, state, and local maritime laws and regulations.

            “Cameron is a very qualified professional, and I feel confident he will serve the Town of Marion well as Harbormaster,” said Marion Select Board Chair Randy L. Parker. “His application really checked all of the boxes for us. His wide-ranging experience in both the police and fire professions will be invaluable as he takes on this vital role.”

            Working under the direction of the Chief of Police, this role partners closely with public safety agencies to ensure Marion’s harbor remains safe, well-managed, and respected throughout the region.

            “I’d like to welcome our new Harbormaster to our department and to our community,” said Chief Nighelli. “I am confident he is well-prepared to take on this important public-facing role. I have conveyed to him that he will find strong community support here, and I look forward to him fostering positive relationships with the boating community and all harbor stakeholders as he works to ensure the safe and effective management of our waterways.”

After Year-Long Hiatus, Burr Voted Back

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            Marion held its Town Election on Friday, May 15. There were two contested races: that of the Select Board with the seat occupied by Norman Hills and a seat on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee.

            In the end, there were 847 votes, including those from early voting. As candidates gathered, waiting in the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, Town Clerk Katrina Desroches read results after about 45 minutes of tabulation. Carleton “Toby” Burr had won back a seat on the Select Board, after deciding not to run in last year’s election and his seat going to current Vice Chair John Hoagland. Burr won by a 102-vote margin, unseated Hills, a multiterm incumbent.

            In the other contested race, multiterm incumbent Margaret E. McSweeny came out on top in the race for ORR School Committee. She won by over 400 votes.

            Results from the final tally are below:

Select Board: (Vote for One)

Carleton “Toby” Burr Jr.: 368

Norman A. Hills: 266

George T.J. Walker: 201

Write in: 1

Blank: 11

Board of Assessors: (Vote for One)

Patricia Ann Decosta: 690

Write ins: 7

Blank: 150

Board of Health: (Vote for One)

Albin R. Johnson III: 670

Write in: 7

Blank: 170

Planning Board: (Vote for Three)

Ryan Burke: 603

Ann Voorhees Morgan: 531

Sean C Sweeney: 573

Write in: 18

Blanks: 814

Marion School Committee: (Vote for Two)

Nichole Nye McGaffey: 614

Mary Beauregard: 606

Write in: 6

Blank: 468

Old Rochester Regional School Committee: (Vote for One)

Margaret E. McSweeny: 578

Katharine M. McAuley: 174

Write in: 1

Blank: 194

Open Space Acquisition Commission: (Vote for Two)

Patricia Ann De Groot: 620

Norman A. Hills: 586

Write in: 14

Blank: 474

Marion Town Election

By Sam Bishop

Women Lead Five-Member Select Board

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            On Tuesday night, the results of the Mattapoisett Town Election were announced after polls closed at 8:00 pm. For the contested races: Kathy J Eklund took the one-year Board of Health seat with 1181 votes to Michael D King’s 521. This is to fill a vacancy on the board. For the seat on theCommunity Preservation Committee, Susan F Wilber with 1213 votesclinched the victory to James Andrew Pierson’s 1145

            The Select Board now has five members, and three of them are women. Nicole Doyon Lynch and Judith M Mooney came in with over 1000 votes and Frances-Feliz Kearns won with 757 over Ned Kaiser’s incredibly close 752.

            Results from the final tally are below:

Select Board: (Vote for three)

Nicole Doyon Lynch: 104

Judith M Mooney: 1031

Frances-Feliz Kearns: 757

Ned Kaiser: 752

Eric Beauergard: 614

James Francis Harlfinger: 498

Assessor (Vote for one):

Raymond H Andrews: 1314

Board of Health (One Year): (Vote for one)

Kathy J Eklund: 1181

Michael D King: 1017

Board of Health (Three Years): (Vote for one)

Carmelo Nicolosi: 1220

Mattapoisett School Committee: (Vote for one)

Margaret Daisy Pullo Breese: 1164

ORR School Committee: (Vote for one)

Frances-Feliz Kearns: 1144

Water Sewer Commissioner: (Vote for one)

Daniel William Chase: 1281

Planning Board: (Vote for one)

Karen J Field: 1269

Housing Authority: (Vote for one)

Leda A Kim: 1182

Community Preservation Committee: (Vote for one)

Susan F Wilber: 1213

James Andrew Pierson: 1145

(Note: results are unofficial)

Mattapoisett Town Election

By Marilou Newell

Betty Jean (Smith) Voss

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Betty Jean (Smith) Voss, 93, of Marion, passed away on April 27, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She joins her beloved husband of 66 years, Donald C. Voss of Wareham, with the Lord in Heaven. She was born in New Bedford on Mother’s Day, May 8th, 1932. Amid the hardships of the post-Depression era, Edith and Herbert Braley of Marion, opened their home to Betty and her brother George, raising them as their own children.

            She met her future husband while attending Wareham High School. On their senior class trip, Betty and Don shared their first kiss at the base of the Washington Monument. They sealed their love on September 9th, 1951 at First Congregational Church of Marion.

            In her teens, Betty worked as a fountain attendant at Browne’s pharmacy in Marion and also as a roller skating attendant at a gasoline station. Three years after Betty and Don had their first child Sandra, they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida.

            In her early 20s, Betty accepted several modeling job offers, doing various shows in nearby Clearwater for Montgomery Ward and for Wilson Chase Department Store on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. She became a long distance switchboard operator for General Telephone Company in St. Petersburg, while handling land taxi and offshore vessel calls.

            In 1962, she was expecting her baby Ruth while working at Softwater Laundry in St. Petersburg. When she began to show, she was let go due to her “condition”.

            In the early 1970’s, Betty became a beautician after attending LeBaron Beauty Academy in New Bedford. After a time, Betty chose to switch careers and after graduating from Upper Cape Regional Vocational School in 1975, she began working at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, MA. She also worked as a private nurse for several years. Betty truly cared for her patients as she held each of them very close to her heart.

            Betty and her husband Don spent their years of retirement exploring the country in their motor home, spending winters in Florida and summers in New England to be with their friends and family.

            To say Betty was ‘multi-talented’ would be an understatement. From the beautiful artistry of her oil paintings, her homemade freshly baked pies, or a quilt she lovingly gifted, the care she put into each one was immeasurable. She continually challenged herself to expand her interests by doing furniture restoration and carpentry, quilting, sewing, and floral arrangements for the church, among others.

            Perhaps one of Betty’s greatest gifts was her voice. Whether it be as a soloist or as a church choir member, the sweetness and conviction of her voice sent a message of inspiration and brought joy to all.

            Betty also frequently sang with a guitar accompanist her friend and server Scott at All American Assisted Living in Wareham. As a resident, she treated each person she met like family and was loved by everyone there.

            Betty Jean attended Sunday School at Church of the Nazarene, when she was a young girl realizing later that a life of service to the Lord would be her calling.

            Her faith in Christ and his teachings were unwavering and deeply rooted in her love and compassion for others. Although she faced many challenges in her lifetime, her spirit endured and her faith remained strong.

            Betty is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Voss) Halley and her husband Gordon of Virginia, her son, Dana Voss and his wife Donna (Cregg) of Wareham, and her daughter, Ruth Voss and her partner Ken Shelton of Boston.  She also had a fourth child, Cheryl Lynn Voss, who lived only for a brief time.

            Betty’s brother, George Smith predeceased her and is survived by his two sons, Kenn Lane and his wife Beth of Oklahoma and Michael Moulder and his wife Emma of Texas.  She is also survived by her sister, Judy Trapp of Alabama.

            Betty is also survived by two granddaughters and two grandsons, four great granddaughters, and one great grandson, and one great great granddaughter and two great great grandsons as well as several nieces and nephews.

            A Celebration of Life service for Betty will be held on Saturday, May 30th, at Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene, 6 Rogers Ave., Wareham, followed by a reception. Colorful attire is encouraged.

            Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.