New Playwrights Incubator Program at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center Theater introduces the Playwrights Incubator, a program for first-time playwrights to see their work realized on the stage. Finding theaters to produce new or unpublished plays can be an obstacle for any new playwright. The program provides resources for emerging artists to workshop and launch new plays through a structured program. Selected playwrights will work with experienced mentors to fine-tune their plays over the course of several months. Regular writing evaluations, quarterly readings that include a feedback-response process and lessons in casting appropriate actors will culminate in a staged performance in front of a select audience. This live audience will provide critical feedback to the playwright with a thorough evaluation.

            Any new writer who has not yet been published is invited to submit her or his script for consideration. There is no cost to participate in this program. Selected applicants are required to sign an agreement with the MAC Theater, outlining expectations and a commitment to the program. Interested parties can learn more and apply to the program online at marionartcenter.org/playwrights-incubator. Round one submissions are due by March 1. Email any questions to info@marionartcenter.org.

            The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator was cofounded by Kate Fishman and Anabel Costa. Kicking off the first season are mentors John Heavey and Mark Howland. Both Heavey and Howland are directors, playwrights and Tabor Academy faculty and have been in involved in the MAC Theater program for several years.

Thomas A. Schroder

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Thomas A. Schroder, 63, of Mattapoisett, died Feb. 1, 2022 in St.

Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford. He was the husband of Birgitt Schroder and the

son of the late Angelika and Horst Schroder.

He was born in Berlin, Germany. He went to an American International school in Dusseldorf where he grew up. In 1977 he came to the United States to attend Bradford College in Haverhill, MA. There he made many friends that stayed with him his entire life. That and the love he had for this country made him stay. He moved to Williamsport, PA back to Salem, MA and then Farmington, CT before moving to Mattapoisett in 1987 making that his home.

Tom worked as a salesman his whole life, his love and knowledge for trucks and people made him a great salesman which was appreciated by many. Tom had a positive outlook on life and the greatest patience. His family could ask him anything at any time and he always had an answer.

He was passionate about music, barbequing and gardening with his family. He left a big

impression on many but will be missed most by his family. Tom leaves behind his wife, Birgitt Schroder; 4 sons, Marcus Schroder, Simon Schroder and his wife Elizabeth, Julian Schroder and Emerson Schroder all of Mattapoisett; a sister, Carolyn Foerster of Dusseldorf, Germany; a brother, Oliver Schroder of Lembruch, Germany; 3 nephews, Felix Schroder, Vincent Schroder and Fynn Foerster.

Funeral services will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham.  To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

James Francis McDonald

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It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of a wonderful man, James Francis McDonald. He passed on 30 January, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA due to complications from COVID-19.

He was the son of James Bernard McDonald and Florence (O’Hara) McDonald, born on 29 March, 1946 in Boston. He was always proud of his Boston Irish heritage throughout his life.

He joined the military at the age of 19 and served multiple tours of duty in the Air Force and Army National Guard. During his illustrious military career, he enlisted 681 men and women into the Army National Guard. Many of these men and women went on to serve and experience great military careers of their own. He retired in 1989, not due to any choice of his own, but due to medical conditions. If it were up to him, he would have served indefinitely.

After retirement, he enjoyed SPACE-A traveling where ever the plane took him. His most favorite location was Japan, where he had made many friends. They in turn, visited James in the U.S. multiple times and traveled to many different and memorable locations. Later in life he was able to relax and enjoy more time with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marsha McDonald; his brothers-in-law, Howard and wife DeeDee White of Waldorf, MD; Donald Weiner of Columbus, OH; Kenny and wife Regina Weiner of Daytona Beach, FL; David Weiner of Columbus, OH; James and wife Bobbi Weiner of Columbus, OH; and his sisters-in-law, Susan and husband Eddie Lehman of Canal Winchester, OH, and Sandra White of Columbus, OH.

He leaves behind his son James Patrick McDonald and Cherie Aho and her children of Ashby, MA; his daughter Amy Hall and her family of Naples, FL; his son Michael Patrick McDonald and his wife Cheyne and their children, Brennah, Abigail, and Isabelle of New Ipswich, NH; his daughter Marissa Hilton and her husband Matthew and their children, James, Caroline, and Jonathan of Marion, MA. His son Timothy James McDonald predeceased him on 22 October, 2017.

He also is survived by his sisters Patricia Agonis and Elizabeth Devens of Lunenburg, MA, and their children, Peter Flack, David Devens, Daniel Flack, Ryan Devens, and Patrick Agonis, and many friends in Japan and Korea as well as his son Tim’s friends, Allie, Sheena, Laura, and Jeff who always supported the family during these years.

The family would like to give thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System for the care and kindness shown to James.

His memorial visitation will be held on Saturday February 12th from 1-4 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, with military honors occurring at 1 PM.  A burial service will be held at a later date.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

ORR Avenges Defeat, Clinches Playoff Spot

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On January 27, the Old Rochester Regional High School girls’ basketball team hosted Dartmouth in their second matchup of the season. A month prior, the Bulldogs visited the Indians on December 23 and lost 60-41. Following the defeat, ORR went on a second streak, winning six straight games including a 56-29 win over Joseph Case on January 25 on their way to the rematch with Dartmouth.

Maddie Wright started things strong for the Bulldogs, hitting back-to-back three-pointers to open the game. She went on to score 11 points in the first half, and Old Rochester went into the second half with a 19-18 lead.

The momentum continued to swing in ORR’s favor in the third quarter as the Bulldogs opened up with an 11-point run. The Indians were able to bounce back and cut the lead down to single digits, but after a three-pointer from Wright late in the third quarter brought the lead up to 10 at 33-23, Dartmouth never got any closer.

By the end of the game, the point difference was nearly identical to the first meeting. However, while the first game ended with a 19-point win for Dartmouth, it was Old Rochester that walked away this time with an 18-point win and a final score of 51-33.

Wright led Old Rochester with 16 points, while Maggie Brogioli scored 10 points and Logan Fernandes scored nine. The win brings the Lady Bulldogs’ winning streak to seven, their record to 10-1 and qualifies them for the state tournament. ORR hosted Falmouth on Wednesday and will visit Dighton-Rehoboth on Friday, February 4, at 6:30 pm.

Boys Basketball

            While the Bulldogs defeated Joseph Case, 70-65, on January 25, they fell to 7-5 in a 58-42, nonconference loss to visiting Norwell on January 28. Old Rochester was led by Sawyer Fox and Liam Geraghty, who each scored 18 points. The Bulldogs will look to get back on track when they host Dighton-Rehoboth on Friday, February 4, at 6:30 pm.

Boys Hockey

            The Old Rochester/Fairhaven boys hockey team edged out a close, 4-3 win against Diman Voke on January 26 at Falmouth Ice Arena. The victory extended their win streak to two games. The Bulldogs faced Dennis-Yarmouth on Wednesday and will look to avenge prior losses to Dartmouth when they visit the Indians on Saturday, February 5, at 7:30 pm at Hetland Memorial Arena in New Bedford.

Sports Roundup

By Matthew Curry

RMS Steps up Budget Process

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In a brief Budget Subcommittee report to the Rochester School Committee on January 18, Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson said the process has shown momentum. The next steps, he said, will be to invite key town stakeholders such as town administrators and Finance Committee representatives.

            “At this point, one of our top priorities includes securing professional-development funds to support teachers’ adult learning regarding literacy,” said Nelson. “It is our hope that in the upcoming school committee meetings we will be able to hold our annual budget public hearing so that our stakeholders can hear the work that we’ve done and ultimately the school committee can consider taking official action to approve the FY23 budget for consideration at the spring Town Meeting.”

            Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley reiterated Nelson’s outlook, saying it helps to meet with town officials in order to clarify the school committee’s goals and needs as the process moves forward.

            ORR’s six schools have been going through a tiered-focus monitoring process that Nelson said has also been known as the CPR audit. The district’s schools were recently examined by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for their special education programs and civil-rights regulations.

            The process included self-assessment and interviews of faculty, staff and special-needs parents, data inspection and visits from DESE representatives. Director of Student Services Craig Davidson was happy to note that Rochester was found to be in full compliance and that there is no corrective action required at this time.

            Committee member Anne Fernandes cited “the whole nine yards” in describing the comprehensive effort that it always takes to complete the required audit. Nelson credited Davidson for his work on a cumbersome process and working his way through received feedback.

            The Rochester School Committee viewed the proposed 2022-23 school calendar for the first time. The committee gives the ORR District Central Office its feedback, but the Joint School Committee is the body which votes on the calendar.

            The opening day of the 2022-23 school calendar is Tuesday, August 30, with faculty reporting the day prior. Labor Day weekend will see off days on Friday, September 2 and 5. Monday, October 10, there will be no school for Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day. The Thanksgiving break is planned for November 23-27, and Christmas vacation begins with an early-release day on Thursday, December 22 and would run through Monday, January 2. Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King Day, and the next day ORR will hold a full professional-development day. Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day. With no cancellations, Friday, June 16, 2023 would be the last day of school.

            Fernandes questioned the merits of a three-day school week in January and posited the idea of moving the professional-development day scheduled for the same week as Martin Luther King Day. Nelson explained that the goal was to create as many five-day school weeks as possible but that he understands Fernandes’ concern and told the committee that all the feedback from the individual towns will go back to the JSC.

            In his report to the committee, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said that RMS has approximately $626,000 of available funds remaining from its annual operating budget. Barber also offered a summary comparison in school lunches served; based on December numbers, RMS has quadrupled its food service from a year ago.

            Hartley asked Barber about the funding for meals in the 2022-23 school year. Barber said the USDA has yet to provide guidance. “We’re still trying to be as confident as we can be with the respective offerings that we want to continue to provide, but I think we’re at a little bit of a standstill until we hear further information from the USDA,” said Barber.

            At Hartley’s request, administrators’ and subcommittee reports including the regular report from Rochester Memorial School Principal Derek Medeiros was postponed until the committee’s next regular meeting on February 3.

            The Rochester School Committee entered executive session and only returned to adjourn the public meeting. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday, February 3, at 6:30 pm.

Rochester School Committee

By Mick Colageo

The Godwit Wonder Bird

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The Godwit is a remarkable member of the Sandpiper family that is clearly plumaged with a long black tail and underwings, with a long, pinkish-colored bill that towards the end turns up toward the sky, giving it the heavenly title of identification.

            Most godwits breed within the northernmost boreal woodland habitat. It is called the wonder bird for annually migrating almost 17,000 miles from northern Alaska all the way south past the equator to the distant part of Chile in South America. However, most of the long distance takes place flying day and night, nonstop without rest or food.

            There is a conflicting argument that the Arctic Tern flies a longer distance of some 25,000 miles from the North Pole to the South Pole every year, but the Godwit’s incredible journey is made without stopping at all for such a long distance. The Godwit’s preflight preparation is much more intensive, taking on a couple of months’ body fat by gorging up on worms and dime-size clams instead of burning up existing body sugars and getting dehydrated the way humans would, needing to stop for a cup of water during a marathon.

            The Godwit’s future challenges for such an epic journey, crossing two continents amidst changing weather and difficult topography must be overcome by an inner guidance of a magnet-homing instinct traveled as well as geographical positions reached in flight by the detection of signals from the earth’s magnetic fields. Like pigeons finding their way home for a thousand miles or more by the passage of iron particles through a cell above their bills known as magnetic navigation, the Godwit’s navigational skills are very similar to homing signals that brought migratory swallows back to Capistrano at the same time every year.

            In modern medical research, studying the superpowers of migratory birds may lead to breakthroughs for human application. Migratory birds can sleep while they fly by, getting shuteye on one side of the brain while the other stays awake and alert and then switching sides, a process called slow wave switching hemisphere sides.

            Dolphins and whales can take naps this way as well. Godwits can also somehow store air after it passes through their lungs and then breathe with it again. These abilities of other creatures can benefit us by learning and evaluation.

            As the Godwit takes flight on aerial wings from one geographical pole on this planet to another, it is beginning to transmit a message to mankind that is written in the stars, a heavenly revelation that by learning behavioral secrets of other species may now be applied to benefit the welfare of all mankind.

By George B.  Emmons

MLT Blanche B. Perry Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is seeking applicants for their one thousand dollar ‘”Blanche B. Perry Scholarship.” This award is available to a Mattapoisett resident interested in the field of Environmental Studies, Sciences, Technology or a related field and is a graduating senior from a secondary school by June 2021. The scholarship is made available through the Edith Glick Shoolman fund, a bequest left to provide support for children in the community. Offering this scholarship is consistent with the mission “of preserving land in order to enrich the quality of life for present and future generations of Mattapoisett residents and visitors.”

            Along with the application, the following additional information is required:

1. A Personal Statement about career goals as they relate to the mission of the MLT, past and present.

2. A signed Community Service Form documenting a minimum of 20 hours of community service.

3. Professional letter of reference (teacher or guidance counselor.)

4. A character letter of reference from an employer, scout or community leader and or neighbor is required.

5. Official school transcript including credits and class rank.

            Applicants will be assessed according to academic achievement, personal statement, professional and personal references, community service, and financial need. Preference will be given to individuals who are members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust or whose parents or grandparents are members of the MLT.

            Participating School are:

1. ORRHS Marion Road, Mattapoisett 02739.

2. Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Rd, N Dartmouth 02747.

3. OCRVT High School, 476 North Avenue, Rochester MA 02770.

4. Tabor Academy, Front St, Marion, MA 02738.

            The deadline for submitting the forms will be April 27, 2022.

            The recipient will be selected by May 17, 2022 and will be notified by mail. The recipient will be recognized at his or her school’s awards ceremony. The award will be disbursed after the student submits an official college transcript documenting a successful completion of his or her first semester in college to the President of the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

            The application forms will be found in the guidance offices at the local public and private schools and at the Mattapoisett Land Trust website: mattlandtrust.org/education/grants-and-scholarships/

Town Hall’s Problems Mount

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            Anyone who has visited Mattapoisett’s ye ole town hall building will see that the structure is in rough shape. After decades of what Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said was the town’s “kicking the can down the road” when it came to improvements, even simple maintenance and the ravishes of continuous use finds it woefully out of step with the needs of the 21st century.

            Lorenco was instrumental in finding a way to study the needs of a town hall, along with possible solutions including school consolidation and moving town offices into an underutilized school. To better understand the town’s building assets and the town’s need for safe town office space, the University of Massachusetts Collins School for Public Management was engaged to study municipal buildings, school enrollment and school buildings, as well as fiscal and management needs of the Transfer Station operation.

            Coming before the Capital Planning Committee on January 31, Lorenco discussed these matters with an eye towards understanding the financial implications. He began by sharing some of the immediate concerns he has with respect to the Town Hall’s physical health.

            “Everything has been done piecemeal,” said Lorenco, describing the three boilers serving the building, one of which that recently required replacement, a leaking gas pipe and vegetation growing out of clogged gutters to name just a few of the problems that linger. “Things pop up with a building that has not been maintained.” And while smaller problems have been handled as they became evident, “There hasn’t been any maintenance over the years,” he said.

            To add to the complexity of the problems facing the building, it is located in a FEMA flood zone, has an outdated phone system, flooring with multiple “soft spots,” the likelihood of mold under the carpeting and a cellar that cannot be used due to regular flooding. Simply put, everything is a “hodgepodge” according to the town administrator.

            “We are waiting to see what comes out of the Collins study,” Lorenco told the committee. “Do we build a new town hall or consolidate schools?”

            Either way, it will prove costly, he said. Regarding any major repair or renovation work on the historic town hall building, Lorenco said everything is on hold for now. He said the study had paused briefly but that it would ramp up again now that the Select Board has agreed that the study should in no way be tied to the work of the Master Plan Committee.

            Lorenco said that the Select Board wants to move forward with a solution no later than 2025. In the meantime, early indications from the study seem to indicate that school consolidation is possible, he said. Rough estimates for new construction hover around $13,000,000.

            The Transfer Station operation was briefly addressed. Lorenco said that the loader, which needs $40,000 in repairs (a sum approved at the 2021 Spring Town Meeting,) would have to be transported off site. The committee agreed that a placeholder in FY30 in the amount of $150,000 for a new loader is needed, as well as another placeholder in FY27 in the amount of $167,000 for a scale.

            Lorenco said that currently without a scale to weigh the items being brought to the Transfer Station, staff members have to “eyeball” the items in order to charge a fee. Lorenco did say that Board of Health Agent Gail Joseph has been successful in initiating a textile-recycling program. He also cautioned that with the sale of ABC Disposal Inc. to a Texas-based firm, new dynamics in the contract are anticipated.

            Also coming before the committee was Mattapoisett Public Library Director Jennifer Jones, who agreed to get cost estimates to the committee for new carpeting as well as estimates for repairs to the historic roof section of the building that will be needed in the coming fiscal cycles.

            Jones has requested $25,000 in FY23 for outdoor lighting and $10,000 for security cameras both outside and inside the library. For FY26, FY28 and FY30, a sum of $2,500 was placed for computer upgrades. However, that expense may well become part of the operating budget for the library as the committee continues to improve the Capital Planning process.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee is scheduled for Monday, February 7, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Capital Planning Committee

By Marilou Newell

Select Board Now A Race with Burr

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The race to fill John Waterman’s seat on the Marion Select Board will be contested by at least two candidates, and both are presently serving on other adjudicatory boards in town.

            On Monday, Carleton “Toby” Burr Jr. confirmed to The Wanderer that he is running, and on Tuesday, Marion Town Clerk Lissa Magauran confirmed that Burr pulled nomination papers on the first possible day. Dr. Ed Hoffer announced his candidacy on January 19 and has Waterman’s endorsement, but he had yet to pull nomination papers as of Tuesday at 3:36 pm.

            Nomination papers became available to candidates for municipal elections on Tuesday in Marion and Rochester and on Monday in Mattapoisett.

            Burr is a member of the Marion Marine Resources Commission, and Hoffer is chair of the Board of Health and also serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

            Burr told The Wanderer that he has been interested in running for the Select Board for 20 years but that the time is right because his son Tucker Burr is now running Burr Brothers Boats Inc., the family business.

            Toby Burr made his announcement on Facebook: “At the urging of good friends, I throw my hat in the arena. I seek to be elected to the Marion Select Board. I think the time is right. I care deeply for our town. I am very familiar with our local government. The issues are complicated. As a longtime businessman, I know the strength of working with others to create proper solutions. I think I can do a good job. I would appreciate you vote in May.”

            One issue facing Marion that Burr and Hoffer agree on is the need for market-rate housing to add ratepayers to town water and sewer and thereby ease the burden on the average taxpayer. “To me, the main issue is the town’s fiscal position,” said Toby Burr, identifying overly high water and sewer rates and a high tax rate as problematic. “We want to keep it a small, friendly, affordable town.”

            To accomplish that, said Burr, the town needs to bring in people who are not necessarily going to require a lot of services. Everyone connected to town government seems to understand that to mean more market-rate housing and small businesses are needed.

            “We want to focus on growing the town’s revenues, not through rate increases, but through the small growth of market-rate housing and business. They don’t require money and services, and they pay taxes,” he said. “We want some market-rate housing, (but) we want to stay a small town too. We’ve got to balance those.”

            Burr identified the future of the soon-to-be-vacated Lockheed Martin property as the biggest cog in that wheel. “We want businesses in there,” he said. “We’re trying to keep Marion affordable.”

            In Rochester, Select Board Chairman Brad Morse told The Wanderer he is running for reelection, and Town Clerk Paul Dawson confirmed on Tuesday that Morse has pulled nomination papers. David L. Hughes has pulled papers in Rochester to keep his seats as constable and on the Park Commission.

            As of the end of the business day on Tuesday, Mattapoisett Select Board Chairman Jordan Collyer had not pulled papers for a reelection bid.

            Also pulling papers in Marion was Open Space Acquisition Commission Chairman John Rockwell, both for his reelection bid and for a seat on Marion’s Planning Board. Both Chairman Will Saltonstall’s and member Joe Rocha’s terms are up this year.

By Mick Colageo

Project Grow Registration For 2022-2023 Open Online

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Children with the experience of high quality preschool are well prepared for their future learning. In an effort to provide this opportunity to more children, Project GROW was established to serve preschoolers in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. The purpose of Project GROW is two-fold:

            -Provide a preschool experience to children whose families have been unable to enroll in another program and who desire a preschool experience.

            -Provide children with special needs the opportunity to receive services in an inclusive preschool learning environment.

The program consists of two classes:

Tuesday and Thursday Cost $2,520/year Monday, Wednesday, Friday Cost $3,780/year

-Marion – Sippican School (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

-Rochester – Rochester Memorial School (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

-Mattapoisett – Center School (8:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.)

            Each Project GROW class is held at the elementary school of the town the family resides in and all programs follow the public school calendar. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school each day.

            Enrollment is open to all children residing in Marion, Mattapoisett, or Rochester and turn 3 years of age prior to September 1. Preference will be given to children who may be considered educationally at risk, children who have had no preschool experience and children of families that meet tuition assistance eligibility guidelines. In addition to family income, foster care and special needs, other child risk factors are also considered. Family risk factors considered are parent(s) with special needs/disability, homelessness, parent(s) in active military service, teen parent(s), and children cared for by a grandparent or guardian.

            The program is based on developmentally appropriate practices, follows the High/Scope curriculum and is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Early Learning Standards. As a family-centered program, parents are expected to play an active, vital role in the child’s educational experience through a wide variety of parent involvement opportunities.

            Registration Links:

Marion: www.familyid.com/sippican-elementary/2022-2023-project-grow-application-2

Mattapoisett: www.familyid.com/center-school/2022-2023-project-grow-application

Rochester: www.familyid.com/rochester-memorial-school/2022-2023-grow-application