Announcing New Exhibit at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to present its newest exhibit featuring pastels, watercolors, and oils by Sarah Brown and Judy Carver, both Marion residents and longtime members of the MAC.

            Sarah Brown has been painting the landscape and seascape of the South Coast and Cape Cod for years, first in watercolor and then pastel. Brown was so excited by the luscious colors and textures of the medium that all her work is now in pastel. She loves painting the sea, streams, and bogs. Brown teaches pastel classes at her home studio on Cove Street in Marion.

            Judy Carver retired early from real estate investment and management and has since pursued her interest in drawing and painting. Carver has taken watercolor classes at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Marion Art Center, the Rhode Island School of Design, and with several professional New England watercolorists. She is inspired by strong color contrasts, particularly the way light and shadow play over objects or building structures and across the landscape.

            The exhibit runs September 10 – October 8, with an opening reception on Friday, September 10, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the MAC. All visitors must wear a mask while inside the Marion Art Center.

Capsizing off Nye’s Ledge

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            Labor Day weekend festivities ended a bit too soon for a group of pleasure seekers when the boat they were cruising around Nye’s Ledge in Buzzards Bay began to take on water. Nye’s Ledge is located east of Ram Island and southeast of Antassawamock in Mattapoisett.

            Reports from the scene indicated the power boat was taking on water, and fast. A mayday distress call picked up on VHS 16 at approximately 5:45 pm was responded to by the USCG Sector Southeastern New England out of Woods Hole. Mattapoisett and Marion Harbormaster Departments also deployed teams to the scene.

            Before they arrived, a good samaritan vessel named Early Riser was at the site and had extracted all six passengers from the sea and was in the process of ferrying them to Mattapoisett Boat Yard. Once docked, EMS assessed the victims’ conditions. No medical services were required for the four children and two adults that had been thrust into the water.

            With everyone safe, Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh attempted to locate the capsized vessel. McIntosh wrote in his press release, “The Mattapoisett Harbormaster Department along with Marion Harbormaster and the Massachusetts Environmental Police … found no debris field.”

            The distressed vessel had slipped deep into more than 35 feet of water, McIntosh would later comment. He wrote that, “Boat crews searched the area until dark with negative results.”

            That theme would continue right up to the September 7 press time for this week’s edition of The Wanderer.

            Mattapoisett’s Harbormaster team was unsuccessful in spotting the sunken vessel despite the use of underwater imaging equipment after three days of searching. Assistant Harbormaster P.J. Beaudoin said, “We were out there for five hours today. It was very disappointing.” Beaudoin said that on September 8, the Massachusetts Environmental team would return with another type of imaging equipment that might produce results. In the meantime, the sunken vessel waits.

            Mariners were cautioned to be aware of a possible navigational hazard until such time as the vessel is recovered.

By Marilou Newell

SLT Oyster Fest Fundraiser

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Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) is hosting its annual Oyster Fest Fundraiser on Saturday, September 18, from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion, MA.

            This year’s event features local oysters from Bryant Brothers Shellfish, Sippican Oysters, and Snug Harbor Fish Company, wood-fired pizza from Wicked Fire Pizza, clam chowder from Sweet Pea Kitchen, craft beer, music from Retro Roots, and more. You can take your meal to-go, or eat in at the event under the tent; a cash bar will be available at the event offering a selection of fine wine, summer cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and water.

            Tickets are now available for purchase for Sippican Lands Trust’s Oyster Fest at www.sippicanlandstrust.org. Ticket prices are $50 for adults and $25 for children (12 and under). The $50 Oyster Fest Seafood Special adult ticket includes six fresh oysters, one lobster roll, one cup of clam chowder, two homemade chocolate chip cookies, and two drink tickets. The $50 Oyster Fest Pizza Special adult ticket includes one wood-fired 9” personal pizza, a salad, one cup of clam chowder, two homemade chocolate chip cookies, and two drink tickets. The $25 Oyster Fest Kids Special includes one wood-fired 9” personal pizza, one homemade chocolate chip cookie, and one drink ticket. Pizza options include cheese, veggie, and meatlovers, and if you require a gluten-free crust or vegan pizza, please email SLT at info@sippicanlandstrust.org or specify your choice in your online ticket order.

            You can also participate in Sippican Lands Trust’s online auction by visiting www.sippicanlandstrust.org and bid on some great auction items including baked goods, homemade crafts, and landscaping services. All proceeds support the work of the Sippican Lands Trust and this year’s Oyster Fest will be held rain or shine.

            For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sippicanlandstrust.org or call the Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080.

            Hope to see you at Sippican Lands Trust’s Oyster Fest on Saturday, September 18, at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center in Marion!

Rochester Solar

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To the Editor;

            Rochester must reject more ground-mounted solar projects. Like Wareham, Carver, and other small towns, Rochester is targeted as a sacrifice zone for Governor Baker’s misguided solar program. It is insanity to kill forests, destroy Native American cultural sites, fill wetlands, pollute water, kill endangered eastern box turtles and say we are saving the planet from the climate crisis. We’re not. We are creating an unlivable planet and causing the extinction of biodiversity and Indigenous culture.

            The three Rochester projects on Featherbed Lane, Snipatuit, and Braley Hill are all on Priority Habitat for Rare Species such as the eastern box turtle. MassWildlife falsely claims a “take permit” can prevent the extinction. The projects are in an important Native American cultural area.

            The “Renewable Energy Development Partners” (REDP) project on the Decas Cranberry bogs is a farce. Iain Ward, cranberry industry spokesman, calls dual use on cranberry bogs a test whose results won’t be known “for five to six years.” The dual use program is supposed to help local cranberry growers, but Decas is owned by a multinational corporation. REDP and its executives, Tom Melehan and Hank Ouimet, have left a trail of destruction across our region since 2012 with at least four solar projects that have destroyed forests and waterways. On September 14, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the vocational school, 476 North Avenue, the Rochester Planning Board is holding a public hearing on the REDP-Decas project. Come!

            Eighty-six percent of U.S. energy can be generated by rooftop solar. Massachusetts can put solar panels on the big box stores, malls, and development projects that have gobbled thousands of acres of land in Southeastern Massachusetts in the last 20 years. We don’t need to destroy what’s left for a fake climate solution like large ground-mounted solar.

            Across Massachusetts, local communities are fighting back. There is a moratorium petition in Rochester. On Monday, September 13, at 6:30 pm there’s a free informational event at the Council of Aging. Experts and community members will speak. Come! Find out more at www.savethepinebarrens.org.

Meg Sheehan

ZBA Gives Garage Green Light

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            In the August 26 meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals, applicants Wael and Maria Bayazid were voted a special permit to reconstruct an existing non-conforming garage at 95 Allen’s Point Road.

            Citing less than 10 feet of separation from the house, Building Commissioner Scott Shippey explained that a fire wall is required. Shippey further recommended up-to-date smoke detectors in the adjacent house.

            Heron Cove LLC, scheduled for a 6:35 pm public hearing for the residential development at Spring and Mill streets, requested a continuance to September 23 via attorney Mark Bobrowski.

            ZBA member Margie Baldwin will not be present for the September 23 meeting, but administrative assistant Anne Marie Tobia said that the application will be entirely new and that any old information should be discarded.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Marion Cultural Council Seeks Local Funding Proposals

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Marion Cultural Council is excited to receive online grant applications for individuals and organizations for art and STEM-related projects that will help to enrich the Marion community beginning September 1, 2021. Marion Cultural Council has set an October 15 deadline for organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities and proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Marion– including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, or performances in schools, workshops, and lectures. This year we ask applicants to consider a possible virtual or “back up” option/and or dates for their events if possible. The inability to do this will not hinder your consideration however may be helpful for your project.

            The Marion Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.

            For questions regarding the Marion Cultural Council, contact marionculturalcouncil@gmail.com – Online application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program and a list of the council’s priorities are available online at www.mass-culture.org/Marion

Academic Achievements

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Allison Paim of Marion, Felicia Aguiar of Mattapoisett, and Lilah Gendreau of Mattapoisett were named to the 2021 spring semester dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston. To qualify for dean’s list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

            Sophia Lange, of Mattapoisett earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Lillian McIntire, of Mattapoisett earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing cum laude from Simmons University in Boston.

            At Bryant University’s Graduate School Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 20, 260 graduates of the Class of 2021 and their families and guests gathered on campus to celebrate earning a Bryant degree. Shaun Lavoie of Mattapoisett graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree in General Management.

First Congregational Church of Marion

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The First Congregational Church of Marion is inviting parents of children ages 6-12 to register their children for Sunday School this year, beginning on September 19. Registration ends September 15.

            This year, the classes will follow the curriculum entitled “Celebrate Wonder”, a program that progresses through units entitled Reconciliation, Awe and Trust with age-appropriate activities. 

            Students and their teachers will attend the Sunday Church service beginning at 10:00 am to be dismissed during the first hymn to attend class with ends approximately 11:15 am. This coincides with refreshments after the service so parents can conveniently pick up their children afterwards. 

            The church is located at 28 Main Street in Marion center and is led by Reverend Richard Woodward. To register or for questions, please contact the church office at 508-748-1053.

Marsha A. (Marlow) Mitcheson

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Marsha A. (Marlow) Mitcheson, 71, of Mattapoisett, passed away Friday, September 3, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was a passionate teacher and rejoiced in sharing her love of literature with her grandchildren and students alike. She was the wife of James A. Mitcheson with whom she shared 50 years of marriage.

            Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late William N. and Evelyn (DeMonbrun) Marlow, she had resided in Fairhaven for 24 years before moving to Mattapoisett 26 year ago.

            A graduate of Dartmouth High School, Marsha went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in English from Southeastern Massachusetts University and earned her Master’s degree from Bridgewater State University.

            Mrs. Mitcheson began her teaching career in Fairhaven where she spent 10 years as a paraprofessional and a reading specialist. She continued her journey as an educator in Taunton lending her talents in both the classroom and as Vice Principal of Maxim School in Taunton. After fifteen years of service, she retired from the Mulcahey Elementary School in 2013.

            Marsha was also an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and Smith Mills Christian Congregational Church in Dartmouth, where she taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Massachusetts Reading Association and was truly a lifelong learner. Marsha was a woman of grace who would talk calmly and carry a big heart. She never seemed to wear the same outfit twice and would always relish in a shopping bargain. The only thing sharper than her wardrobe was her wit. She knew how to hold your attention, even when words were not at her disposal. Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, James W. Mitcheson and wife Laurie of W. Bridgewater, Ryan Mitcheson and wife Tori of Fort Mill, SC, Nicholas Mitcheson and wife Amy of Marion and Whitney Gaspar and Marc of Mattapoisett; eight grandchildren, Morgan, Lauren, James, Gavin, Broden and Phineas Mitcheson, and Drew and Carson Gaspar; a sister Darlene Wheeler of New Bedford; a brother William N. Marlow Jr of Palm Harbor, FL and nieces and nephews, Jennifer DaCosta and Gerald B. Wheeler III of Rochester, Marissa and Christian Marlow of Palm Harbor, FL.

            The family would like to recognize the Community Nurse Home Care of Fairhaven for the exceptional hospice care Marsha received by Erin and Sandy. A special thanks to Marsha’s CNA’s, Camille, Grisselle, Isabel and Melissa who cared for her daily with love and compassion. The ability to trust those who are caring for your loved one is an invaluable gift and our family is eternally grateful.     

Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10 am in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett. Her visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. At the request of the family, please wear a mask when attending the visitation and church service. Her burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her honor may be made to: Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team Mind Over Matter. https://tiny.one/MindOverMatter. To place an online tribute or for directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com

Richard A. “Rah” Harding

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Richard A. “Rah” Harding, age 70, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, Massachusetts, with his loving wife by his side. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 16, 1951, he was the son of the late Clarence James and Marie Rita (Caron) Harding. He was raised in South Norwood, Massachusetts, attending Norwood High School, where he was a strong member of the Cross Country Track Team, earning four varsity letters and setting many records. Following his graduation in 1970, Rah continued to showcase his track skills, competing in many road races over the years. As a dedicated alumnus of Norwood High School, Rah gave back to his class, serving on the Class of 1970’s Reunion Committee for many years.

            In 1974, Rah settled in Walpole, Massachusetts, where he raised his children, Jodi and Rick. His career brought him to Kendall Mills in Walpole and later to the Foxboro Company, where he learned to weld, working in the metal fabrication department.  He went on to work at S.M. Lorusso in Walpole before taking a position with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Corrections, in the Norfolk Prison, teaching his craft of welding.

            Rah met his soon to be wife, Eileen M. Shea, playing recreational volleyball in 1989. They ended up being next door neighbors in the 1990’s and they were married on September 7, 2002 in the United Church of Norwood. Together they made their home in Walpole until 2005, when they finished their home in Rochester, Massachusetts. Two years after settling into his new home, Rah transferred to the DOC’s Bridgewater Treatment Center, taking a position in the maintenance department. He retired in July of 2013, after twenty-seven years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth. He enjoyed giving back to his new community, spending five years volunteering/cooking breakfast at the Rochester Senior Center after he retired or helping out with the tractor show at the Rochester Country Fair.

            Throughout his life, Rah was an avid outdoorsman and was a longtime member of the Walpole Sportsman Association. He looked forward to hunting trips to the Berkshires or Maine or casting his line into one of his favorite fishing holes in the area. He participated in many outdoor activities, including scuba diving, jogging/running, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and golfing. He also enjoyed attending NASCAR races in NH. Some of his favorite television programs were “American Pickers” and “Fox News”. He had many projects going at the same time, including landscaping, and restoring an old wagon and camper. Back at home, his love for the outdoors continued, as he began keeping bees in his backyard in Rochester.  In more recent years, he learned how to make fishing rods, obtained a commercial fisherman’s license, and pulled in many large striped bass from the Cape Cod Canal. Rah was a member of the Buzzard’s Bay Angler’s Club, where he served on the board for many years and spent countless hours teaching and encouraging children in the community to fish.

            Rah shared a special relationship with his wife, Eileen, creating beautiful memories from many vacations throughout the United States and the world. One of their first trips was to Alaska for their honeymoon and they later visited Texas, the Grand Canyon and many of the national parks in Arizona and Utah. After making a new friend out west, Rah and Eileen were convinced to travel “down under,” reconnecting with her and her family in Australia.

            Beloved husband of Eileen M. (Shea) Harding.

            Loving father of Jodi Ann Sevastos and her husband, Elias, of Mansfield, Richard A. Harding Jr. of Norwood, and Kerry DeSista and her husband, Gregory, of Mansfield.

            Cherished grandfather of Antonios Sevastos, Maria Sevastos, Nikos Sevastos, Claudia Harding, Lindsay DeSista, and Matthew DeSista.

            Brother of Nancy Lee Missett and her late husband, Jack, of Kennewick, Washington, Robert David Harding and his late wife Karen, of Taunton, Joan Ruth Puzin and her husband, Carl, of Walpole, June Marie Flynn and her husband, Jerry, of London, Ohio, Anne Shirley Ubertini and her husband, Ronald, of Austin, Texas, the late Clarence James Harding Jr. and the late Lois Ann Nelson. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog, Bluey.

            Relatives and friends were invited to attend Rah’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service was held in the United Church of Norwood, 595 Washington Street, Norwood on Thursday, September 2, 202. Interment followed in Highland Cemetery in Norwood. Memorial donations may be made to the National Pancreas Foundation 3 Bethesda Metro Center Bethesda, MD 20814 or at www.pancreasfoundation.org