Rochester Historical Society

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A lot is on the calendar for the Rochester Historical Society in the upcoming months.

            April 19’s meeting is Rochester’s Past Celebrations 7:00 at the museum 355 County Rd.

            May 7 at 2:00 in front of Town Hall, we will join with the Rochester Historical Commission to dedicate our new Revolutionary War Memorial

            May 17, Nettie Hopkins will be talking Bees 7:00 at the Museum

            June 11 at 1:00 we will be touring the Center Cemetery to explore what we didn’t get to last year

            June 21, Charles Rowley will be presenting “Mapping Rochester” again 7:00 at the Museum

            This is just a quick look at what will be happening this year with more to come.

SouthCoast Spring Arts at the MAC

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SouthCoast Spring Arts returns to the Marion Art Center (the MAC) with seven events during the regional festival scheduled May 5-14. SouthCoast Spring Arts is a 10-day event celebrating the arts in our communities by connecting innovative, creative and affordable art and cultural events in communities across the region, from Fall River to Wareham. Spring Arts events at the MAC are hands-on, interactive and are offered at low cost or for free. View all MAC events at www.marionartcenter.org/scspringarts.

            The MAC will kick off the festival with the MAC Readers’ Theater & Open Mic with Luncheon, at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center on Friday, May 5 from 12:00-2:00 pm. The MAC Readers’ Theater Group will present a series of poems, skits, short stories and excerpts. The program will begin at noon with a lunch prepared by the Community Center’s chef, followed by a 1:00 pm Readers’ Theater performance. Members of the audience can join the fun, too, reading short pieces, poems, or excerpts during an “open mic” portion later in the program. Material should be submitted ahead of time for consideration by emailing Jack Boesen at jackboesen@gmail.com. The cost is just $5 per person for lunch. To register, contact the Community Center by calling 508-748-3570 by Wednesday, May 3 at 12:00 pm. Those who wish to skip lunch and attend just the readers’ theater portion starting at 1:00 pm may do so free of charge.

            Attend a Paint and Sip Workshop with artist Barbara Healy on Saturday, May 6, 1:00-3:00 pm at the Marion Art Center. Paint your own version of a beautiful sailboat in this fun workshop. We’ll paint together using water-based acrylics on canvas. Barbara and her assistant will guide you through each step of the process as you get in touch with your inner artist and enjoy sipping wine along the way. Everyone’s sailboat will be a little different. You’ll leave with a painting and maybe some new favorite wines. You must be 21 or older to register. Please wear clothes you can paint in. In case of rain, the class workshop will move to the MAC studio. The cost is $30 per person and includes all materials and wine tasting. Register at marionartcenter.org/events.

            See a film screening in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. The Sippican Historical Society will present Frederick Wiseman’s film EX LIBRIS – The New York Public Library on Saturday, May 6, 3:00-6:30 pm at the MAC. EX LIBRIS goes behind the scenes of one of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world and reveals it as a place of welcome, cultural exchange and learning. With 92 locations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island, the library is committed to being a resource for all the inhabitants of this multifaceted and cosmopolitan city, and beyond. During intermission, learn more about our local institution, the Elizabeth Taber Library, presented in the context of the traditional and modern roles of libraries as discussed in the film. Guests may bring their own snacks or beverages to enjoy, and popcorn will be provided by the MAC. Total runtime of film: 197 minutes. This event is free, but registration is required.

            Take a Tap Dancing Workshop for adults (ages 15+ also welcome) with MAC Dance Academy’s program leader Teah Keogh on Thursday, May 11 from 6:00-7:30 pm. This workshop is for adults who need to tap out of “adulting”. Want more happiness and bit less seriousness added to your week? This one-hour tap class provides percussive playtime for adults (and teens ages 15 and up) that “taps” into our inner courage, creativity and strengthens our physical and mental health. This basic level beginner tap class is geared toward those who have had little or no tap training, but will also be fun for anyone who has worn tap shoes before. Light refreshments will be served after the session, and participants will have a chance to mix and mingle. Registrants may bring their own shoes or borrow a previously loved pair from the MAC. Comfortable clothing recommended. The cost is $20 per person, with a capacity of 15 people.

            Head to the MAC on Friday, May 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm for the opening reception of our new exhibit featuring paintings by Anne Carrozza Remick and Stephen Remick. See Anne Remick’s still life paintings which celebrate the beauty found in “the solitude of simple objects” through her use of expressive color and unexpected composition. Paintings by Stephen Remick include landscapes, plein air paintings, and some figurative works that capture the “backyard and beyond.” Anne and Steve both graduated from Swain School of Design and currently live together in Dartmouth. The show runs May 12-June 24. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and ask questions. The reception is free and open to the public.

            See an original play presented by the MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator (MTPI), An Hour with Eleanor on Saturday, May 13 from 3:00-4:30 pm. MTPI is pleased to present a new play by first time playwright Cynthia Krause. Krause was selected for the inaugural year of the MTPI program for her short play, a one-woman performance titled An Hour with Eleanor. It is a fictional telling of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, based on historical events. The play explores a life of joys and sorrows experienced by this controversial political figure who, along with being the wife of an American president, was a catalyst for social change in her own right. Audience members follow her life’s journey working toward the betterment of her world. Mentors for the first year of the MTPI program include Maura Van Voris and Richard Van Voris. The play is directed by Richard Van Voris and features Linda Monchik as Eleanor Roosevelt. Guests will enjoy this debut tea time performance followed by an informal discussion with the director, actor, and playwright, plus light refreshments. The cost to attend is $8 per person.

            Attend a Prohibition Party (BYOB) with Buttonwood Brass on Saturday, May 13 from 6:30-9:00 pm. Put together your 1920’s attire and bring your favorite “bootleg” beverage of choice. Enjoy the MAC’s speakeasy-cabaret atmosphere in the MAC Theater and galleries while listening to Buttonwood Brass, a versatile ensemble performing Jazz Standards, Classical, New Orleans, Roaring Twenties and the Great American Songbook from the Prohibition Era. Guests are encouraged to dress the part. Light snacks will be provided by the MAC. The cost to attend is $15 per person. Learn more and register for events at marionartcenter.org/events.

Marion’s Annual Town Cleanup is on Earth Day

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Looking for a fun & meaningful activity to get you (and your family) out of the house this Earth Day? The Marion Department of Public Works and Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of Marion Troop 32 will sponsor the town’s annual Earth Day Cleanup.

            The event will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 9 am to 12 pm at Washburn Park on Front Street. Trash bags, gloves and safety vests will be provided.

            In addition, Gifts to Give will have a trailer there to collect items for those in need. Please follow this link for a list of items they accept.

            Lastly, as many of you know, the Scouts have lost a large amount of equipment and memorabilia in a fire at the beginning of the month of March. Donations will be accepted for The Camp Hadley Trust and scouts during this event as well. We hope to see you there.

April “Staycation” Scavenger Hunts

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This April vacation, try out Mattapoisett Land Trust’s Staycation Scavenger Hunts to get outdoors and have some fun. Created by MLT’s Education Committee, there are three scavenger hunt locations to choose from: Dunseith Gardens, Tub Mill and Grace Meadow. See the Family Activities page on the MLT website to download the instructions and checklists for printing. Good luck. Remember to post your photos with #MLTscavengerhunt so we see how well you do.

Samantha LeBlanc

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Samantha LeBlanc, of Mattapoisett and formerly of Falmouth, passed away on April 3, 2023.

            Born on April 27, 1989 to Ronald and Mary (Botelho) LeBlanc. She was the mother of Adam O. Smith of Bourne. In addition to her parents and son, she is survived by her grandmother Cynthia Botelho of Falmouth, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

            Visitation will take place on Monday April 10, 2023 from 4 – 7 pm at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Falmouth. A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 167 East Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Town Meeting Warrant Closed

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            The Marion Select Board voted during Monday night’s public meeting to approve the Warrant for the May 8 Annual Town Meeting.

            Hearing mainly from Finance Director Judy Mooney and also from Town Administrator Geoff Gorman, the board reviewed the Warrant with a focus on financial articles. Gorman explained that the town decided to pull the Codification Committee-authored articles based on Select Board approval.

            Estimated revenues for Fiscal Year 2024 are $21,353,967 (compared to $20,711,514 in FY23.) Mooney told the Select Board that Marion is top heavy on the tax levy with almost 80% of the town’s operating budget funded via the tax budget.

            Adding $533,849 via Proposition 2-1/2 and $100,000 in new growth, the FY24 Tax Levy is $21,722,816 (79% of the budget.) State aid, Mooney said, comes in at $1,406,414 (5%.) With local receipts at $1,951,255 (7%), Marion plans to raise and appropriate $26,000,722 in FY24. Transfers including local receipts such as revenue from excise taxes ($1,184,305), “free cash” ($329,893) and debt exclusion ($871,952) account for a total General Fund revenue of $27,516,635 in a level-services budget.

            Mooney said Marion is trying to get away from dipping into the free-cash account.

            Mooney reported that “a little bit” of debt remains on the Police Station and the schools. The fire truck is almost paid off in an amount ($665,298 counting interest) that takes the new DPW building into account.

            While the General Fund budget is up 4.6% from FY23, the $2,444,655 Water budget represents a 2.98% increase, and the $3,620,404 Sewer budget represents a 2.79% increase over FY23.

            All of Marion’s unions are up for negotiation next year.

            While elected officials have been level-funded for FY24, other increases can be traced to a $159,400 salary for the town administrator, supplies, support and software for the Assessors, an “uptick” in the treasurer’s billing work, professional development for the town clerk, town planner and members of the Planning Board.

            A $141,042 increase in the FY24 Police budget reflects the new student-resource officer being budgeted for Sippican School. In the 2022-23 academic year, the town has been running a PILOT program.

            “What they’re doing right now is the police officer that’s over there doing their reports over there. This SRO is a true SRO,” said Mooney.

            Cruisers purchased by the Police Department are lasting a little longer, according to Mooney.

            Among the other articles, Schools increased by 18%, some of which is due to putting five students into Upper Cape Tech next school year as opposed to just one this year.

            The Select Board praised the work that Facilities Director Shaun Cormier has done with the $50,000 allotted him for in-house work. Mooney speculated that Cormier might even have $2,000 remaining in FY23 funds.

            For the second year, all proposed Capital Improvements Planning Committee-related project will be contained in one article. One item has seen a sharp increase: the police-security camera upgrade originally priced at $13,000 is now estimated to cost $27,000.

Like the $1,200,000 for the ladder truck, Mooney explained that, “All of these (projects) will be funded through the free cash, (but) … we are not utilizing all of our free cash. … It’s going to get harder down the road.”

            Town Administrator Geoff Gorman credited Mooney for managing a budget that allows paying $1,000 into OPEB.

            Marion has three different stabilization funds: its regular fund at $3,000,000, a schools fund at $355,796 and a capital fund at $227,603. The town’s policy is to maintain 10% in the budget. Right now those total to 13%.

            No. 28, the final article of the Warrant, would give every adjudicatory board in Marion the authority to use the Mullin Rule, which allows voting members to miss one public hearing and still vote. Previously, only the Zoning Board of Appeals could invoke the Mullin Rule.

            In other business, the board approved collection on new, opioid-related settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS and authorized Gorman to handle the paperwork. To date, Marion has received $30,000 in prior settlements from Jansen and distributors.

            The board approved a two-week permit for Sheila Mitchell to house visitors in a 39-foot motor home at her 507 Delano Road residence.

            Since the DPW verified a burst pipe on the property, the board approved a Water/Sewer Abatement request for $16,640.87 at 120 Bullivant Farm Road. The board also approved a Water/Sewer commitment of $11,031 for new water and sewer service effective March 23.

            William Washburn and his son Chris Washburn presented two historic items to the board, one a board listing the life members of VFW Post 2425, the other a memorial of Boy Scouts who served in World War II.

            The elder Washburn explained that the family business Washburn Electric is in the process of being sold and that the items belong to the town but only wound up in his workplace for safe keeping.

            “They’ve probably been in every building in town and booted out of every building in town,” said William Washburn, who hopes the board can find a proper place for each item.

            After discussion, the board agreed to table an approval of the American Tower contract renewal.

            During his report, Gorman said that the “Pre-Town Meeting” meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at 6:45 pm at the Music Hall, preceded by the regular public meeting of the Select Board at 6:00 pm. The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 8, at 6:45 pm inside Sippican School’s Multipurpose Room.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Races Set for 2023 Elections

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            The ideological divide that permeates social media and national politics has intensified election season in the Tri-Towns with a particular focus on local and regional school committees.

            In Rochester, Joe Pires, whose term on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee is up this year, is running for reelection against challenger James O’Brien, who unsuccessfully ran for a school committee seat last year. Anne Fernandes’ and Katherine Duggan’s terms are up on the Rochester School Committee. Both are running for reelection against challengers David Sylvia, Sydney Teixeira and Gregory Hardy.

            David Pierre is running against Mattapoisett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin for her seat on the committee. Pierre had pulled papers to run against incumbent Frances-Feliz Kearns for her seat on the ORR School Committee but withdrew that candidacy. Kearns still faces the challenge of Richard Reilly for the ORR seat.

            In Marion, incumbents Mary Beauregard and Nichole Nye McGaffey are running for reelection to the Marion School Committee against challenger Mirian Nawoichik, and Margaret McSweeny is running for reelection to the ORR School Committee against challenger Jennifer Marie-Zora Stewart.

            There are Select Board seats up for grabs in the Tri-Towns.

            In Mattapoisett, Brian Connelly is running against incumbent Tyler Mcallister for the latter’s Select Board seat. Brad Hathaway pulled out of the race on Monday, and Catherine Heuberger, who also pulled nomination papers for the seat, did not return them but is running unopposed to retain her seat as town clerk.

            Adam Murphy, who lost by one vote last year to incumbent Brad Morse, is running again for Rochester Select Board, this time against incumbent Woody Hartley, the current chairman. Murphy also ran unsuccessfully against Hartley in 2020.

            Marion Planning Board Chairman Norm Hills is retiring from his seat on that board but is running for reelection to the Marion Select Board. Hills has no declared opponent for his Select Board seat.

            Elsewhere in Mattapoisett, Arlene Fidalgo is not seeking reelection to the Planning Board, opening the door for William Wennerberg as the lone declared candidate for her seat.

            Ruth Oliver Jolliffe is seeking reelection to the Trustees of the Mattapoisett Public Library, while fellow incumbent Jennifer Russell is not. With two open seats, Jolliffe faces challenges from Paul Criscoulo and William Coquillette.

            In addition to Heuberger (town clerk), Carmelo Nicolosi is running unopposed to retain his seat on the Mattapoisett Board of Health, while Raymond Andrews is unopposed in his bid for reelection to the Board of Assessors, John Vaughn likewise with the Housing Authority, and also Michelle Hughes and Chuck McCullough for their seats on the Community Preservation Act Committee.

            Mattapoisett has two single-seat vacancies without declared candidates: moderator and Water/Sewer commissioner.

            In Rochester, Ben Bailey and John DeMaggio are running for reelection to the Planning Board against the challenge of Dennis McCarthy.

            Marjorie Barrows is running to replace Paul Dawson, who is retiring from his post as Rochester’s town clerk, and Frederick Underhill is running unopposed to remain on the Water Commission. Others running unopposed are: William David Watling (Herring inspector), Suzanne Szyndlar (Assessors), Dale Barrows (Board of Health) and Beatrice Renauld (tax collector.)

            Heather Alford, Jane Taylor and Sarah Verbyla are running for open seats on the Trustees of the Plumb Public Library.

            In Marion, Chris Collings’ and Eileen Marum’s Planning Board terms are expiring in synch with Hills’ term. While Marum is seeking reelection, Collings is not, leaving two open seats for challengers William Dale Jones and Ryan Burke.

            The following Marion incumbents are running to retain their seats unopposed: Assessors Patricia DeCosta and Peter Winters (appointee) and Board of Health member Albin Johnson (appointee.) Johnson is a founder of the Marion Board of Health.

            Amanda Chace is not seeking reelection to Marion’s Open Space Acquisition Commission, leaving the commission with a vacancy.

By Mick Colageo

FoMCOA Easter Bake Sale

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The Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging will be holding an Easter Bake Sale on Saturday, April 8, from 9 am to noon. The sale is taking place at the Mattapoisett Knights of Columbus Hall located at 57 Fairhaven Road.

            Come purchase some special homemade goodies for the Holiday. Any food donations are appreciated (such as pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies and homemade breads.)

            If you’re interested in supporting this event with baked goods, please contact Denise at 617-957-2278. Hoping to see you there.

Music at the MAC Spring Series

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The Marion Art Center (the MAC) is pleased to announce its spring series of Music at the MAC with generous support through a Festivals & Projects grant provided by the Mass Cultural Council. View all concerts and register online at marionartcenter.org/music.

            Only a few tickets remain for the MAC’s first Unplugged in the MAC Gallery event with pianist Matt Richard and guitarist Donn Legge on Friday, April 14 (second seating scheduled at 8:45pm). The cost is $12 for MAC members and $15 for nonmembers. Find a spot at a cabaret table to listen to a mix of jazz standards and original compositions by both artists. Guests will enjoy a refreshing atmosphere at this unplugged performance featuring mainly acoustic sound, without the volume and density of bass and drums often experienced during larger concerts in the MAC Theater. Guests may bring their own beverages and snacks to enjoy in this intimate setting.

            Experience a night of original music performed by four talented singer/songwriters on the MAC stage on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 pm. The MAC’s first edition of Songwriters in the Round will feature local musicians Richard Lewis, Molly O’Leary, Ric Allendorf and John Fernandes. Musicians will share the stage, taking turns performing original songs. During the first hour, guests will hear up to three songs per artist, followed by a 15-20 minute intermission where guests can meet and greet the artists. Finish off the night with two more songs from each artist and an informal Q&A opportunity after the show. Tickets are just $20 for MAC members and $25 for nonmembers.

            Don’t miss the Buttonwood Brass Prohibition Party on Saturday, May 13 from 6:30-9:00 pm, just one of many events during SouthCoast Spring Arts at the MAC. Put together your 1920’s attire and bring your favorite “bootleg” beverage of choice. Enjoy the MAC’s speakeasy-cabaret atmosphere while listening to Buttonwood Brass, a versatile ensemble performing Jazz Standards, Classical, New Orleans, Roaring Twenties and the Great American Songbook from the Prohibition Era. Guests are encouraged to dress the part. Light snacks will be provided by the MAC. Tickets are just $15 per person for this low cost Spring Arts event.

            See New York-based band Hawthorne perform at the MAC on Friday, May 19 at 7:30 pm (tickets are $20 for MAC members and $25 for nonmembers.) Musicians Nat Osborn and Aimee Bayles form this Folk-Americana band with a modern edge. Hawthorne’s music weaves intricate vocal harmonies with contemporary folk melodies and arresting instrumentation. Their sound draws inspiration from folk legends Paul Simon, Gillian Welch, Patty Griffin and Alison Krauss as well as contemporary artists Fleet Foxes, Glen Hansard and Dawes. With Nat and Aimee’s original songs taking center stage, the band includes long-time collaborator and cellist Karna Ray and a rotating cast of talented multi-instrumentalists.

            Putnam Murdock & Friends return to the MAC stage on Saturday, May 27 at 7:30 pm, with musician Merrick Brannigan as the opening act. Along with Colin Bradley on pedal steel, Kyle Spark on bass and Mark Purrington on drums, Murdock’s tunes are realized in a new way. There is a sensitivity and touch where the players listen and create in the moment to create a solid sonic foundation but one that is malleable and patient. These players do not rely on their rehearsals to create repetition but to create the trust it takes to approach every song like it is brand new every time they perform. Merrick Brannigan is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter with a passion for all things music. He is an accomplished guitarist, pianist and vocalist. A former Nantucket resident, his music career began when he won Nantucket’s Got Talent in 2019.

            View all concerts and register online at marionartcenter.org/music.

Clerk Recognized By Peers

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Elizabeth Magauran, Town Clerk of Marion recently qualified for the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association’s (MTCA) prestigious CMMC (Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk) designation and will receive her commemorative pin and certificate at the MTCA Spring Conference in Plymouth, MA on June 8. Currently, only 121 of the Commonwealth’s 301 active town clerks hold this designation.

            The CMMC designation is achieved by attending MTCA-sponsored educational courses and passing a 250 question aptitude test measuring the municipal clerk’s knowledge of Massachusetts.

            General Laws in categories such as elections and election procedures, vital records, campaign & political finance, town meetings, Chapter 40A (planning), Chapter 41 (zoning), ethics and public records. Elizabeth has served as Marion’s appointed Town Clerk for three years. Prior to that, she served as Assistant.

            Town Clerk from 2017 to 2019 and was a member of the Board of Registrars from 2015 to 2017. In addition, she served as Administrative Assistant for the Conservation Commission from 2017 to 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree in Accounting from the University of Richmond, VA.

            In addition to the MTCA, she is a member of the Plymouth County Clerks Association, the New England Association of City and Town Clerks and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC.)

            In addition, she continues her professional development through courses sponsored by the MTCA and the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Elections Division.