Judith Benedict

on

Judith Benedict: July 8, 1938 – March 31, 2022. Judy Benedict was a loving sister, great friend, and the most fun aunt there ever was. She was a successful and dedicated teacher until her retirement. Judy was an outdoor enthusiast who loved biking, swimming, cross country skiing, walking, and collecting shells on the beach. Judy was a seeker and was open to exploring spiritual paths. She was active in the Unitarian Church. Judy was a long-term resident of Mattapoisett, MA. She spent many years volunteering at the senior center. Judy loved ice cream and coupons and scrabble and Skip-Bo. Judy leaves behind one remaining sister, a wealth of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was very loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Helping Hands and Hooves Craft Fair

on

There will be a Craft Fair on Saturday April 30 from 10-2 pm at 94 Aucoot Road, Mattapoisett. Table linens, beeswax candles, spring wreaths, dishtowels, aprons and herbal soaps to benefit Red Oak Garden, part of the therapeutic riding program, Helping Hands and Hooves.

FinCom Still Questioning School Budget

on

            On April 14, the Mattapoisett Finance Committee met to review the Spring Town Meeting draft warrant and to hear Town Administrator Mike Lorenco’s description and explanation of those articles that raised questions in the minds of the committee members.

            “I’m still uncomfortable…” [with the per-pupil cost], said Finance Committee Chairman Pat Donoghue towards the end of the meeting and told attendees that she has researched the escalating per-pupil costs between 2002 and 2020. “In 2008, the per-pupil cost was the same for the high school and the local schools … by 2020, the high school costs had risen 20 percent while the local schools have risen 62 percent.”

            Having questioned what had happened at the local schools to make those costs increase at a higher pace than at the high school, Donoghue said that locally she has been told that elementary school costs are higher than high schools. But, she said, her further research did not seem to bear that deduction out. To the contrary, she said discussions with state officials yielded suggestions that the opposite should be the case.

            “This is a huge difference,” Donoghue said. “It’s like a feeding frenzy at the elementary schools.”

            FinCom member Tom Kelley echoed Donoghue’s confusion in the matter of per-pupil costs, saying, “I’ve done some research also, it’s inexplicable.”

            Part of Donoghue’s questioning seems to come from how costs could have continued to climb when, “we eliminated seven classroom teachers, yet there is an explosion of expenses. … I can’t get a good explanation; maybe the numbers are wrong.”

            Lorenco’s responses were pragmatic.

            “They need time to go through the budget. It needs to be a multiyear approach,” said Lorenco, adding that, even if the school budget was at 0 percent in terms of increases, “you are going to spend most of your budget on schools.”

            Kelley said the schools still need to provide a plan for controlling costs. He also wondered aloud in reference to per-pupil expenditures, “Do the townspeople know about this?” Donoghue replied, “No, they don’t.” Lorenco added, “The public doesn’t know a lot about this. Maybe regular meetings with the schools would help, but slashing the school budget for one year won’t fix it.”

            There are presently 25 articles in the warrant draft covering highway expenditures at $250,000, tasers for the Police Department at $50,000 and the first phase of police accreditation at $20,000, new littering and dumping bylaws, upgrades to the freshwater systems at $7,500,000 (Mattapoisett’s portion is 20 percent), a variety of water and sewer projects from replacement of the Pearl Street water line to repair and improvements of the Oakland Street sewer system.

            The FY23 draft budget now shows local schools at $7,952,394, total town-wide operation expenses at $31,880,274 and estimated total receipts at $32,141,676.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell

Shirley M. (Plummer) Cowell

on

Shirley M. (Plummer) Cowell, 97 of Marion died April 17, 2022 peacefully at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion. She was the wife of the late Arthur Cowell.

            She was born in South Portland, Maine, the daughter of the late Alfred and Sarah (Adams) Plummer. Shirley was a graduate of South Portland High School.

            Shirley married Arthur Cowell, USCG, and they built their family home in Marion. They were members of the First Congregational Church of Marion and the Congregational Couples Club. In addition to serving on many church committees, Shirley was a dedicated choir member for over fifty years. She especially enjoyed performing solos during her time with the choir.

            She entered the workforce after being widowed at a young age. For over twenty years Shirley worked for Dr. Earland Briggs of Marion. Later in her career, she became a real estate agent. She was an active member of her community all the while raising her two sons.

            Shirley’s love of singing led to a long association with the Sippican Choral Society that spanned over fifty years. In fact, she was one of the founders and became it’s first president.

            Other hobbies included attending concerts, playing piano, tennis, walking, knitting, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

            Survivors include her son, Scott Cowell and his wife Cathy of Marion; her daughter-in-law Ann Cowell of Mattapoisett; four grandchildren, Michael, William, Adam and Robert; seven great-grandchildren, Jason, Alex, Jackson, Connor, Lucas, Lincoln and Emily; and several nieces and nephews.

            Shirley was the mother of the late David Cowell and the sister of the late Robert Plummer, Beatrice (Plummer) Levisee and Vernon Plummer.

            In lieu of flowers donations in Shirley’s name may be given to the First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main St., Marion, MA 02738.

            Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 am in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main St., Marion with a reception following downstairs. Visiting hours are omitted and burial is private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

            In a previous article about the Rochester Women’s Club, I touched on two aspects of the club that sent me looking for more information. The first was the part that the Rochester’s Men’s Club played in the creation of the Women’s Club. The men had a clubhouse on Mary’s Pond Rd. next to the baseball field. Men gathered there to play cards, pool and to plan clambakes and chowder suppers along with other activities. For a while, Tuesday nights were set aside for women’s card parties. Eventually, as was previously mentioned, the women began their own club and became affiliated with state and national women’s clubs and had their own building.

            The other thing that caught my attention was basketball at the Women’s Club. Looking at today’s building, I had trouble picturing a basketball court. I was assured that the basement had enough space for dances, volleyball, and yes, basketball. I was taking “basement” to mean “cellar,” an area under the main floor. However, in this case the basement is the large annex building which today houses some town hall functions (the women working there assured me that they were in the basement.) The addition, today’s annex, is six steps down from the main building, hence, its name.

            So, back to basketball. The annex is a large, long area and without the dropped ceilings of today, had a high ceiling open to the rafters. A basket was set up at each end. There was also a wood stove in a wire cage at either end to provide heat. The bleachers were created using a double row of wooden benches on the floor and a third on top. A corner was curtained off to create a changing room for the players.

            At one time, there were 4 to 8 town teams. Each team was sponsored by a business, like the Hartley Sawmill or an organization like the Grange. On Friday nights, there would be three games. Two were interleague games with hotly contested rivalries between the town teams. The third game would feature a Rochester team made up of the town’s best players against an out-of-town team. These games were well attended, and no doubt drew as much enthusiasm as today’s March Madness. If anyone has basketball memories to share, please send them to me at eshbach2@aol.com.

By Connie Eshbach

Machacam Club Meeting

on

The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4. We meet at the Legion Hall on Depot Street with social time beginning at 5 pm followed by dinner at 6 pm.  Chef Colby will again be preparing a full, satisfying meal. We plan for a fun and light evening – Jim and Donna Cushman will share a portion of their Beatles memorabilia collection and will speak on the impact the Beatles had on our culture and on music worldwide. Callers, please communicate the results of your calls by 5 pm Monday, May 2 to 508-758-1326 or email to cwmccullough@comcast.net. We welcome new Club members.

Storyteller Coming to Sippican

on

The Marion School Committee voted during its April 13 public meeting to accept a $500 grant from the Marion Cultural Council.

            As explained by Jess Barrett, who wrote a request for funding to bring acclaimed international storyteller Len Cabral to Sippican Elementary School, part of Sippican Elementary School’s first-grade ELA curriculum focuses on folk tales.

            The grant is being used to procure famous storyteller Len Cabral for two sessions on Thursday, May 5. Cabral’s two performances will address Grades 2-3 and then Grades K-1.

            Cabral, a Rhode Island resident, is the author of “How the Rabbit Lost its Tail.”

            “What better way to make this real for our kids than to have an actual storyteller,” said School Committee Chairperson April Nye, who thanked the Marion Cultural Council for partially funding the grant and VASE for providing money along with the performing arts budget.

            Nye publicly thanked Barrett for her efforts in securing the grant. “This is a great thing for those kids, and they’re going to love it,” she said.

            The Marion School Committee added its vote to that of the Mattapoisett and Rochester school committees approving a name change for the Anti-Racism Sub-Committee to the Equity Sub-Committee.

            Since the committee began 18 months ago, Old Rochester Regional Director of Student Services Craig Davidson and consultant Christina Brown have functioned as cochairs. During that time, Davidson explained, the focus of the group has evolved to what he called a “punch line,” celebrating and supporting inclusion, diversity and belonging.

            “It still really has that anti-racism lens in it,” said Davidson.

            In his Financial Report, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber reported that the Marion School District has approximately $380,000 remaining in the FY22 operating budget.

            Nye acknowledged member Christine Marcolini’s final meeting.

            “I just wanted to dedicate this to you … as a small token of thanking you,” said Nye. “You stepped up when there was a need and we needed you.” Nye said Marcolini has set the bar for everyone with the “dignity and grace, style and leadership in everything you do.”

            ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson added that Marcolini always makes her decision around what’s best for kids.

            In the Central Office Report, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jannell Pearson-Campbell told the committee that on April 11, a professional development event was held for the leadership team and educators with an emphasis on discovering the native languages of students’ families in order to improve support. On May 10, Campbell announced there will be an instructional event benefitting the professional-development plan.

            Davidson reported on the transition process for Grade 6 students scheduled to attend ORR Junior High School in the fall. He said that ORR has started the process earlier and added layers to “make sure we’re transitioning properly.”

            Jesse Jackson III met with parents for training on how to speak to their children on cultural sensitivity and racial incidents in or out of school.

            Assistant Principal Peter Crisafulli discussed equity data, preparation for Earth Day and an increase in recycling efforts that includes plastic lunchboxes now finding their way into bins stations in the Sippican cafeteria and in the multipurpose room. He also noted that the recent Boosterthon Fun Run exceeded its goal, raising a little over $29,000.

            The committee entered executive session to discuss negotiations with personnel and to comply with state regulations.

            The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10. Both meetings begin at 6:30 pm.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Marion Receives $102,000 Green Communities

on

            Assistant Town Administrator Judith Mooney, Facilities Director Shaun Cormier and the Marion Energy Management Committee are pleased to share that the Town of Marion has been awarded a $102,000 Green Communities Competitive Grant from the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER.)

            The grant funding is part of a statewide initiative to help Massachusetts cities and towns find clean energy solutions that reduce long-term energy costs and strengthen local economies. The Town of Marion is one of 64 communities to receive a portion of the latest grant funds totaling over $8 million, which were announced last week.

            Approximately $80,000 of the town’s awarded grant will go toward replacing antiquated equipment that provides heating and cooling for the Elizabeth Taber Library’s first floor. This project is expected to save $3,389, 2,110 kWh of electricity and 2,508 therms of natural gas annually. The payback time for the project is approximately 24 years.

            Approximately $16,000 of the grant funding will go toward ductwork sealing and insulation in the Elizabeth Taber Library basement. This project is expected to save $904 and 753 therms of natural gas annually. The payback time for the project is approximately 18 years.

            The remaining funds will be used to support administrative activities in relation to the projects.

            “Since being named a Green Community, we have worked to identify and complete projects that will improve our energy efficiency town-wide, and this work continues with these projects at Elizabeth Taber Library,” Director Cormier said. “We are grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and Department of Energy Resources for this funding and their continued support of our efforts.”

            Competitive grants are awarded to existing Green Communities that have successfully invested their initial designation grants and previous competitive grant awards. Communities must meet five criteria [3] to be designated as a Green Community and be eligible for funding. Two-hundred eighty Massachusetts cities and towns [4] have currently earned the Green Communities designation, which accounts for 87% of the Commonwealth’s population.

            “Ongoing collaboration with public sector leaders at the state and local level significantly contributes to our Administration’s goal of a cleaner, more reliable, and equitable energy future,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “The innovative and cost-effective projects receiving grants will increase energy efficiency and clean energy use in municipal buildings and vehicles across the Commonwealth, significantly helping our state achieve its long-term emissions reduction requirements.”

Creative Adventures at the MAC

on

Paint a gorgeous flower on canvas, try weaving on a pin loom, or jam with a live jazz band, during the SouthCoast Spring Arts festival at the Marion Art Center May 6-15. The MAC will offer 10 days of accessible, interactive creative adventures for anyone interested in trying something new or just sparking their creativity. Also on tap are a walking photography workshop, a Latin percussion concert where audience members can participate, an after-dinner Improv theater workshop, yoga and reiki sessions designed to support the creative spirit, and more.

            The MAC’s lineup of hands-on arts experiences for SouthCoast Spring Arts begins with an evening of Latin percussion with Jesús Andujar on Friday, May 6 from 7:00-8:00 pm. The audience will sample scintillating salsa and will be invited to a hands-on dive into the wonderful world of congas, timbales, guiros, cabasas, djembes, claves, bongos and shakers. Jesús will not only perform his own rhythmic improvisations; he will also invite audience members to learn some basic patterns and join in the fun. Drums and shakers will be supplied, and first-time percussionists of all ages are welcome, as well as those who would just like to listen and soak it all in. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 15.

            On Saturdays, May 7 and 14, the MAC partners with the Mattapoisett Wellness Center to offer “Enhance Your Creativity with Yoga and Reiki.” The sessions are designed to get that creative energy flowing. Led by long-time yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner Jennifer Risio, participants will learn first-hand the benefits both practices provide: stress reduction, quieting the mind, strengthening the body. With yoga, movement is combined with breathing exercises to help move stagnant energy. Reiki and yoga both enhance the body’s chakras or energy centers. When body, mind, and spirit are invigorated and unified, creativity can fully blossom. The workshops will be held from 10:30-11:45 am at the Mattapoisett Wellness Center. The fee is $18 per person per workshop.

            For beginning and experienced photographers alike, the “Learning to See Photo Workshop and Walk” on May 7 from 5:00-7:00pm with master photographer Cathy Broderick explores what “seeing” really means. It is easy to pick up a camera and just photograph…snapping frame after frame without intention. But what is the photographer looking for OR missing when that happens? Broderick recommends slowing down and assessing what drew us to pick up the camera in the first place. The workshop begins at the MAC and continues with a walking tour of Marion village, exploring different approaches to scenes to create images of value. Suitable to all levels and cameras, comfortable walking shoes recommended. The fee is $25 per person.

In the “Pin Loom Weaving Workshop” on May 9, weaver Lisa Elliott will teach participants how to weave on a pin loom. Featuring a unique three-pin arrangement, pin looms were popular in the 1930’s. They could be found in Grandmother’s sewing box or knitting bag. Modern versions also have the three-pin arrangement and can be used to create textured woven squares. The squares can be sewn together to make scarves, blankets, toys, clothing — the possibilities are endless. Participants will learn how to warp and weave squares, and they will go home with one or a few coasters or mug mats. Looms will be provided, as well as a variety of yarns. The workshop is from 6:30 to 8:30pm, and the fee is $30 per person, which includes materials.

            For “Dinner and Improv” on May 11, the MAC partners with the Marion Council on Aging. Participants will join Tabor faculty members John Heavey and Steffon Gales at the Community Center in Marion for an exciting night of Improv. Improvisation, or Improv, is a spontaneous, entertaining and fun form of live theater in which the plot, characters and dialogue of a game, scene or story are made up in the moment. Often improvisers will take a suggestion from the audience or draw on some other source of inspiration to start. Of course, the excitement and fun about an improvised scene is that participants never know where it is going! Dinner will be served from 5:00-6:00 pm, followed by a one-hour Improv workshop/show. Dinner will include lasagna, salad, bread, and dessert, with water or iced tea for beverages. Audience participation is encouraged but not required. The workshop is for those ages 14 and up; tickets are $15.

            Participants will paint their own version of a gorgeous sunflower in a fun “Paint and Sip” workshop with artist Barbara Healy on May 14 from 1:00-3:00pm. The class will paint together using water-based acrylics on canvas. Barbara and her assistant offer guidance through each step of the process as participants get in touch with their inner artist and enjoy sipping wine along the way. Everyone’s flower will be a little different, and they will leave with a painting and maybe some new favorite wines. All materials will be provided. The workshop is for those ages 21 or older, and wearing clothing to paint in is recommended. The fee is $30 per person.

            The ever-popular Jazz Jam @ the MAC returns for a third time in 2022, featuring the long tradition of the jazz jam session complete with participation from community musicians. The house band (Matt Richard on piano, Dave Zinno on bass, and Gary Johnson on drums) will support the improvisers as they interpret many “jazz standards” in various style formats. The audience will learn about the inner workings of a jam session as trombonist Phil Sanborn leads a question-and-answer session and explains how the songs are structured and how the “road map” for each selection helps the improvisers. Audience members can attend to listen in, or if they’re musicians, sign up to join the jam on stage! Tickets are $12.

            Tickets for all SouthCoast Spring Arts @ the MAC events are available at marionartcenter.org/scspringarts. SouthCoast Spring Arts (SCSA) is a 10-day festival connecting innovative, creative, and affordable art and cultural experiences in communities from Fall River to Wareham. More than two dozen local cultural organizations, as well as artists and creative entrepreneurs, have come together for SCSA to celebrate the arts across the SouthCoast region May 6-15. For more information, go to southcoastspringarts.org.

Local Composer writes Benefit Concert for Ukraine

on

St. Gabriel’s Church will host the premier concert of four string quartets entitled “The

Four Winds” written by local composer Ronald Wisner on July 25 at 7:30 pm at St. Gabriel’s Church, 124 Front St., Marion. The concert celebrates the community’s

connection to the sea after the isolation during Covid.

            Ukraine is in the middle of a humanitarian crises. The entire proceeds from the concert will go to the benefit of Ukraine refugees, now totaling over 4.5 million and growing.

            The theme of the four quartets, “East,” “West,” “North” and “South” is the South Coast’s shared connection to sailing, the sea and life in this seafaring region, including the perils of New Bedford fisherman and beyond, both past and present.

            The titles of the sixteen movements, four in each quartet, include references to those perils, such as death at sea and the first voyages of the Vikings. One movement describes the antics of the shearwater, the pelagic bird who spends its entire life offshore skimming the waves.

            Mr. Wisner, 67, a sailor and local businessman, manufactured large-format cameras, optics and the famous Polaroid 20×24 instant camera. He studied music theory, composition and music history at Hartt College of Music.

            Jenny Memoli, the gifted violinist and graduate of Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University and member of the New Bedford Symphony, who is also a sailor, was the composer’s consultant during the yearlong composition of the quartets. Ms. Memoli will be the first violin in the quartet.

            Donations can be made to “St Gabriel’s Episcopal Church” with the notation “Ukrainian Concert Benefit” on your check. Mail to 124 Front St, Marion, MA 02738, PO Box 545. All donations and tickets are tax deductible. Tickets will be available on-line at www.eventbrite.com on May 1, and advanced tickets are available by calling St. Gabriel’s Church at 508 748-1507.