ORRHS Earns New Innovation Career Pathways Designations

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz, Principal Michael Devoll and Assistant Principal Lauren Millette are excited to announce that Old Rochester Regional High School has been awarded an Innovation Career Pathway (ICP) designation for Business & Finance and Advanced Manufacturing (Architecture) programs from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

            DESE announced Old Rochester Regional High School’s new ICP designations during the 2025 Massachusetts STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, May 7. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new Innovation Career Pathway designations for 37 high schools, including 20 districts receiving a designated pathway for the first time.

            “We want to transform the high school experience, and expanding Innovation Career Pathways is one crucial way we are working to do just that,” said Massachusetts Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I am excited that the program will reach nearly 30 percent of high schools across Massachusetts as we work to reimagine High School, increasing student engagement for thousands of students and creating new opportunities for them to find their own paths to successful futures.”

            ICPs are designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, health care, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. They are designed to create strong partnerships with employers in order to expose students to career options and help them develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study before they graduate high school.

            “We are incredibly thankful and proud to have earned the Innovation Career Pathway designation,” said Assistant Principal Millette. “This recognition affirms our commitment to providing our students with meaningful, career-connected learning experiences that prepare them for success beyond high school.”

            ICP programs give students the opportunity to participate in work-based learning in high-demand industries and also bolster workforce pipelines to meet employers’ needs.

            “Assistant Principal Lauren Millette led the effort to secure these new Innovation Career Pathway designations for Business & Finance and Advanced Manufacturing programs,” said Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz. “Lauren led our team through an arduous, very competitive, multi-phase application process. Their hard work will pay off over the next year and greatly benefit Old Rochester’s current and future students.”

            Old Rochester Regional High School’s new ICP programs will be implemented during the 2025-26 school year. This is Old Rochester’s first ICP designation.

            “We owe our new Innovation Career Pathways designations to Assistant Principal Lauren Millette and her dedicated team,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “These new offerings at Old Rochester Regional High School will enable our educators to prepare our students for competitive careers in the region’s most rewarding and in-demand fields.”

            “Innovation Career Pathways have a positive impact for our high school students and for the future of our workforce,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “By expanding access to applied learning in fields like clean energy, life sciences, and information technology, we’re preparing young people for successful careers in some of the fastest-growing industries in our state. Our administration will keep investing in pathways that empower students to discover their passions and build a strong, equitable economy for Massachusetts.”

Historic District

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To the Editor;

            A sincere thank you to everyone who supported the Historic District bylaw and especially to all of you who attended Town Meeting and voted Yes for its enactment. The Study Committee dedicated over two years to creating a proposal sensitive to the needs of all Marion residents. I am so appreciative of their efforts. Our consultant, Eric Dray, provided invaluable insights and guidance throughout the process. The collegiality that developed amongst this team was quite remarkable and continues to reaffirm that something special almost came to pass.

            Thank you as well to the many community members who eagerly wrote letters to the local press and to those of you who stepped up and spoke at Town Meeting. Each of you presented another facet of our rationale. Thank you too to town staff, Donna, Lissa, and Geoff, for helping us implement our public information efforts. Together we presented a solid, logical case for a historic district, a preservation planning tool with a proven track record of ensuring that history and architectural character continue to play a role in a community’s vibrant and sustainable future.

            I thank you all for your best efforts.

Meg Steinberg,

Chair, Marion Historical Commission

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

June in Bloom

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to announce its biennial garden tour, “June in Bloom,” for Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine. Be inspired by unique and beautiful gardens while spending an unforgettable day with friends and nature.   For security purposes, the location of the gardens remains secret until the day of the tour.

            Tickets are available just in time for a special Mother’s Day gift. Advance tickets are $35 and available at the following Mattapoisett locations: Pen & Pendulum, Isabelle’s, Ying Dynasty, and the Town Wharf General Store. In Fairhaven, they can be purchased at Periwinkles and Gotta Have It. Marion has three locations: Always in Bloom, Fieldstones, and Eden Florist. Tickets are also available online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

            On June 28, tickets will be available at the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club tent in the parking lot next to Ying’s Dynasty on Route 6 in Mattapoisett for $40/each.

            This fundraiser directly supports the scholarships, programs, and community outreach of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club.

            The Club is open to new members from the Southcoast area. For more information and a membership application, please visit our website at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Discover Stories from the Soldiers and Sailors Monument

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If you’ve been to Marion Village, you may have noticed the monument next to the Marion Music Hall. But do you know its stories? This Memorial Day, the Sippican Historical Society invites you to discover the life and times of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at a special pop-up exhibit hosted at the Music Hall on May 26 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

            Dedicated in 1894, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands as a tribute to those who answered the call during the Civil War. It is a landmark and a silent witness and reminder of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience.

            Come learn about Marion’s role in the Civil War, learn about the battles listed on the monument and view historic photographs and artifacts.

            Open during and after the parade and ceremonies at Old Wharf, this event is a can’t-miss chance to connect to Marion’s history and honor those soldiers.

            The Sippican Historical Society, founded in 1963, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Marion, MA. Through its museum, education, and preservation work, the Society celebrates Marion’s unique past for residents and visitors alike. For more details on the event, contact info@sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

All Approved

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Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting held Monday passed its 25 articles, including a zoning amendment, several high-priced capital expenditures, and a Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget exceeding $27,000,000, without much of a fight.

            A quorum of 108 residents took just over an hour to approve, with no serious push back. Priorities starting with a $27,022,457 budget for the next fiscal year, which is roughly $1,000,000 over FY25 (budgeted at $26,022,613).

            Finance Committee Chair James Austin reported education is once again the town’s largest expense, with a line item of $15,300,000. He said total general, non-school government expense for FY26 is $11,700,000, an increase of $324,374 or 2.85%, and the school budget is a 4.6% increase. Nonetheless, no debate or questions from attendees preceded this approval vote.

            The next serious budgetary approval vote came with Article 9, a transfer of $364,000 from the town’s Capital Improvement Fund for needs that ranged from $125,000 for a new Highway Department roadside mower to $40,000 for audio-video enhancements at Rochester Memorial School.

            Starting a series of transfers from free cash, the highlights then included $200,000 for the Rochester Memorial School Special Education budget, another $200,000 to replace the Highway Barn roof, $25,000 to digitize paper records at the Town Hall Annex building, $150,000 for information-technology upgrades for the town, establishing a Facilities Management reserve account with $20,000, paying off the debt of the new ambulance and fire truck, $50,000 to hire consultants, and $75,000 for a matching grant fund.

            Turning to non-money articles, the meeting endorsed a new personnel bylaw military leave policy. Town employees who also serve in the armed forces will have their rights protected to not lose their seniority or pay.

            The meeting approved submitting a home-rule petition to the state that will allow Fire Chief Scott Weigel, 65, to work past his mandatory retirement age to age 70, provided he passes a yearly physical and mental exam.

            The meeting endorsed a new personnel bylaw policy that allows town employees to opt out of the town-offered health insurance plan. An employee must commit to the opt-out option for a full fiscal year.

            Lastly, again without debate or audience questions, meeting members approved a zoning change to the Cranberry Highway Smart Growth Overlay District, site of a 40R residential/mixed-use project being proposed for Cranberry Highway and County Road.

            Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson explained before the vote that this move simply adds another parcel to this district. He said the developer of this project, Ken Steen, had asked for this change to open up financing opportunities for the project. The Planning Board had approved this project four years ago. Since then, economic conditions have made the original 208-unit plan less financially feasible, so Steen is adding townhouses to the mix. The advantage to the town is that, when the project is built, Rochester will still reach the state-mandated goal of having 10% of its housing stock affordable, Johnson said.

            Steen explained to the Town Meeting that the plan for the 32.9-acre site will now be 212 multi-family units. There will be an additional subdivision for townhouses with four more multi-family units.

Rochester Annual Town Meeting

By Michael J. DeCicco

“Secret Gardens of Marion” Tour

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The Marion Garden Group is delighted to present the 3rd biennial “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour, set to take place on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore 11 private gardens nestled throughout the historic village of Marion, a picturesque harbor town on the Southcoast of Massachusetts on Buzzards Bay.

            Attendees will experience a diverse array of coastal gardens, each showcasing the creativity and passion of local gardeners. From vibrant botanical displays and flourishing perennial beds to productive vegetable plots and serene ocean vistas, these hidden gems are sure to inspire and delight garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Event is on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and will be held in Various private gardens throughout Marion. Tickets are $35 and available online at www.mariongardengroup.org, or $40 on June 19 and 20. Lunch available. Please note that the tour is not handicapped accessible.

            Additional Information: The event will proceed rain or shine. Pets are not permitted. Photography is welcome.

            The “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour not only celebrates the beauty and diversity of local gardens but also fosters community spirit. Proceeds from the event will support ongoing town beautification, community gardening initiatives and educational programs.

            The Marion Garden Group wishes to thank their sponsors and partners. These incredible sponsors make this beloved event possible.

ORRHS to Attend Boys’ State & Girls’ State

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Eight members of the class of 2026 at Old Rochester Regional High School will be attending the Boys’ / Girls’ State Convention, June 14 to June 20 at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA.

            Boys’ State attendees include: Brody Hiles, Tucker Cook, Linden White, and Noah Robert-Howley.

            Girls’ State attendees include: Alexandra Fiano, Neva Matos, Hannah Thorell, and Ella Milhench.

            To be eligible for Boys’ / Girls’ State, a student must be a member of the junior class who has achieved high academic success. Delegates must also show evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process. At the convention, delegates will study local and state government. They will establish and operate their own cities and towns and state government in miniature. This will include forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and electing officials. The primary goal of Boys’/Girls’ State is for attendees to develop a better understanding of how State Government functions.

SAIL Summer Program

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley are pleased to announce that registration is open to students of all grades for an educational summer recreation program called Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL), which is now being offered for the 18th year by the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55.

            Available slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed online registration form, online health form, and a check for the tuition fee, if applicable, must be submitted for each student by June 4.

            The program is held at the Old Rochester Regional High School, running for six weeks, broken into two, three-week sessions. Held on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8:30 am to noon, Session A will run from July 1 through July 17 and Session B will run from July 22 through Aug. 7.

            The tuition is $225 per student for each three-week session, or $450 total to enroll a student in both three-week sessions.

            Each session offers participating students a choice from a variety of exciting courses designed to keep students learning and having fun during the summer. Grade levels associated with all courses refer to student placement as of August 2025.

            Course titles include “Learning Through Sports,” offering an education while working out both the mind and body; “Creative Minds, Creative Writing,” exploring the elements of a story, teaching students about imagery, similes, metaphors and personifications; “Summer Sports Squad,” delving into the history and mathematical concepts that are essential to the roles of a sports analyst, journalist and athlete; and “Living Creatures,” blending biology, mathematics, art and English, while discussing everything from molecules to microbes, and mice to mammoths.

            A full course selection, online registration, health forms and additional information can be found on the school district website by going to www.oldrochester.org/summer-sail-program.

            The program is being led by SAIL Co-Directors Kyle C. Letendre and Charles West.

            “We look forward to another exciting, enriching summer with our students,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Curley. “Now in its 18th year, the SAIL program keeps students engaged in learning while having fun during the summer. We are grateful to our co-directors, Mr. Letendre and Mr. West, along with all of our wonderful staff, who help make this summer program possible.”

            “The SAIL program is such a great resource for our students to continue their education during the summer in a way that’s engaging and fun,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Each year, our amazing SAIL staff members do an outstanding job to make this program a fun and engaging experience for all of our students who participate, keeping their developing minds active during the summer. We look forward to another summer adventure of learning and fun.”

            If anyone has questions about the SAIL program they should not hesitate to contact the program’s co-directors by email at kyleletendre@oldrochester.org or charleswest@oldrochester.org.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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The first race in the Buzzards Bay Trophy Series will be held on June 7. The Spring Round-the-Bay Race is a “pursuit start” PHRF Handicap race for Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Classes. The course begins and finishes outside of Mattapoisett Harbor. This is the first race in series of long distance races sponsored by local yacht clubs to determine the overall winner of the 2025 Buzzards Bay Trophy. Scratch sheets will be available online. The entry fee is $65.00 for both members and non-members.

 Information and registration are available on our website www.mattapoisettyc.org.

Mary Patricia Bernard

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Mary Patricia Bernard – December 28, 1934 – May 10, 2025

            Mary Patricia, “Pat” or “Patsy” Bernard was born in Boston in 1934 to Mary (Cunningham) and Edward Dervan. She grew up in West Roxbury, was a parishioner at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, and graduated in 1952 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She worked as a professional secretary and married her sweetheart Philip A. Bernard in 1957. Their happy marriage lasted until his death in 2005.

            They lived for many wonderful years in Roslindale, Raynham, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Georgetown, SC, and treasured each community and the lifelong friends they made along the way.

            Besides her husband Phil, she was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Anne Doherty. She is survived by three dear siblings  Jane Dever, Rita Meunier and Eddie Dervan. She leaves her loving children PJ (Becky) Bernard, Janine (Fred) Peccini, Stephen (Angela) Bernard, and Regina (Jim) Sisk, and the six joys of her life who knew her as “Mamie”- her grandchildren Jonathan, Kevin, Annie, Lindsay, Colleen and Molly. She is also survived by throngs of adoring nieces and nephews, many of whom were her special Godchildren.

            While Pat didn’t receive a formal education after high school – she was self taught, well read and devoured books focusing on art, culture and history. She worked many years for the Old Rochester Regional School District and loved the kids who swung by her desk – particularly the “rascals”. She was an exceptional gardener, and knew exactly where to throw her egg shells, banana peels and coffee grinds.

            Pat loved cheering on the Celtics, the New England Patriots, and had an ultimate devotion to the Boston Red Sox, where she stayed up very late during the summer to watch extra innings when everyone else had long gone to bed. She will be remembered for her laugh, entertaining her friends and family, and playing the piano for gregarious sing-a-longs.

            A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Charleston Preservation Society at https://donate.preservationsociety.org/ or simply make a small gesture of kindness, even just by sharing a warm smile.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.