Artist-In-Residence Instructs Center School Students on Traditional Native Art

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Center School Principal Linda Ashley are pleased to announce the successful run of an artist-in-residence program that brought renowned Aquinnah Wampanoag artist Elizabeth James-Perry to the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55’s Center School on Jan. 13 and 14.

            Students in grades 1 through 3 at Center School participated in an immersive experience led by Elizabeth James-Perry, who taught them about the traditional artwork of the Eastern Woodlands and Algonquian peoples. The two-day residency offered students a unique hands-on experience, engaging them in a process combining personal creativity with cultural education and providing them with a deeper appreciation of Native American art, heritage, and history.

            Under James-Perry’s guidance, the students made weavings with small looms and corn husks, which were dyed in different colors using all-natural, local plant materials.

            “I enjoy teaching corn husk weaving to cultivate proficiency in the arts and inspire appreciation for the environment and natural materials,” James-Perry said. “This was an excellent opportunity to share with the students at Center School, and it was wonderful to see how they embraced the experience. Their enthusiasm and creativity remind us of the importance of preserving and teaching these traditions to future generations.”

            James-Perry’s art is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage as an Aquinnah Wampanoag woman and her connection to the tribe’s homeland on Martha’s Vineyard/Noepe. “Noepe” – the name given to the island by the Wampanoag people, the Indigenous tribe of Martha’s Vineyard – means “land amid the streams.”

            Known for her mastery of woven wampum, twined basketry, quillwork, and sashes, James-Perry was a 2023 National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow. She continues to be celebrated as one of New England’s most accomplished living Native American artists. Her artwork has been commissioned at institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and the Allard Pierson Museum.

            “We were delighted for this opportunity to host Elizabeth James-Perry and to share her exceptional artistry and cultural knowledge with our students,” said Principal Linda Ashley. “Our students were immersed in their weaving art projects this week with our visiting artist. Their creativity and inspiration were amazing. We thank Ms. James-Perry for sharing her expertise and heritage with Center School. And thank you to Mrs. Greta Anderson and all the parent volunteers for their support.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson praised the art program’s impact on students by providing them with an engaging cultural experience. Superintendent Nelson said he looks forward to similar events being held at the Center School in the future.

            “This experience exemplifies the importance of integrating art and cultural heritage into our curriculum,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We are proud to provide opportunities that inspire and educate our students in meaningful ways.”

Board Debated Key Changes to ADUs

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The Planning Board on Tuesday and residents at length discussed how to modify its accessory apartment bylaw in compliance with the state’s new accessory dwelling unit draft regulation. The board also discussed a potential bylaw to regulate short-term rentals for accessory dwellings.

            Norm Hills, a select board member and a member of the Codification Bylaw Committee, met with the Planning Board with a draft. Hills said the draft had been modified by town counsel in the hopes of aligning with the state ADU draft, which aims to allow more rentals across the state to battle the housing shortage.

            “The purpose is to get more reasonable (priced) housing,” Hills said.

            However, many questioned how to modify the town’s accessory dwelling bylaw to align with the state but not hinder the rights of homeowners, including some who have rented their homes or additions to supplement their income and help pay for home repairs.

            Right now, Marion has a bylaw that allows residents to rent 900 square feet of rental space – or “in-law” style apartments to family members only. Board members agreed that many residents in town build accessory apartments for family members but – once those family members move out or pass on – they continue to rent the space to other people.

            Residents who rent or build rental apartment space that exceeds 900 square feet must secure a special permit.

            Planning Board members appeared to agree that scrapping “the family restriction” would be a great first step. They also discussed allowing residents to build rental additions by right up to 1,200 square feet, just as long as that addition does not greatly exceed the footprint of the primary residence in the lot.

            For example, a 1,000 square foot ranch house would not be allowed to build a 1,200 square foot accessory apartment for rent – an example used on Tuesday.

            The board also discussed how to address short-term rentals, which is prohibited within the state’s ADU draft and is not permitted in town within accessory apartments – but admittedly – is still done by some residents.

            Residents in town by right can still rent their primary residences for short-term leases, just not accessory apartments.

            Planning Board Chairman Andrew Daniel recommended a bylaw that condensed the accessory apartment issue with a short-term rental bylaw.

            Hills said that issue was raised to legal counsel but was not recommended, especially with the state’s goal of creating more affordable long-term apartments and not short-term rentals.

            Town Planner Doug Guey Lee said that the intention is to make Marion more affordable, allow residents to maintain rights within their properties and help the state meet its housing goals.

            He warned board members not to get caught up in “tertiary issues.”

            The board reconciled debate by agreeing to discuss short term rentals at its February 3 meeting while also continuing its hearing on long-term accessory dwelling units.

            Board members expressed interest in agreeing to a bylaw for both before the spring Town Meeting. 

            The board also voted to continue hearings for two housing developments for February 3 – 78 Wareham Road and another on Wareham Street.

            Developers on both projects asked for a continuation to the February 3 meeting.

Marion Planning Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Bulldogs Triumph and Swimmers Excel

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Girls Basketball Team

The Old Rochester Regional high school girls’ basketball team hosted Somerset Berkley on January 14 and won 58-27. Emma Johnson was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs moved to 5-3 and have won four consecutive games. Their next game will be at home against Falmouth (4-6), on January 22.

Swimming

            The boys’ and girls’ swimming team faced Durfee in their third meet of the season on January 14. The final scores were Durfee girls 109, Old Rochester 69, and Old Rochester boys 104, Durfee 63. For the girls, Bree LeFavor swam a strong 100 fly with a time of 1:13 seconds. On the boys’ side, Riley Karo qualified for sectionals in the 100 freestyle with a time of 53 seconds. The boys are now 3-0, and the girls are 0-3. Their next meet will be at New Bedford high school on January 23.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

Macallister Cast in New Discovery Program

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Tyler Macallister is a renaissance man. He appreciates the beauty of nature, believes in conservation efforts and enjoys hunting, especially harpoon hunting. He also has been a select board member in Mattapoisett for the last thirteen years. He holds degrees in education, business, and biology. But it is his lifelong love of fishing that has brought him into the national limelight.

            Macallister was selected by the Discovery Channel to be one of the starring fishermen in the new show “Harpoon Hunters” which debuts on January 24 at 9:00 pm. He had previously reached out to the producers of Discovery’s adrenaline pumping seafaring programs of human versus nature and was selected for a popular reality show about fishing. That never came to pass, however, as aligning production schedules with his schedule didn’t work. But his resume as a fisherman and deep knowledge of both sport and commercial fishing had left an impression. When Macallister was contacted for Harpoon Hunters, it was a go.

            Crews were deployed to the area and taping took place over the summer months of 2024. Macallister said that the camera crew deserved a great deal of credit noting that there was a day during the taping when, “…they got every hit.” He said there aren’t any do-overs in real time, you either get the shot or you don’t. We wondered aloud if this type of fishing was a young person’s game. His reply explained the harpoon is not so much thrown out but instead down as the boat crew maneuvers the craft into position for the kill. But he did say “it takes balance.” On his website, which features a number of videos taken from his boat, we see the captain traversing the 29-foot-long beam to and from the “pulpit” like an Olympian balance beam athlete. We conclude it takes balance and physical strength.

            “…[Macallister] is one of the sharpest fishermen in the harpoon community…he knows the fishery better than most captains,” stated one of the show’s producers. It is, in fact, considered a very dangerous job. Macallister said, “Everything is moving, the fish, the boat, the water…”

            There has to be confidence. Since he was a small boy boating and fishing near his Cape Cod home Macallister has felt at home on the water. He shared a memory saying he credits his grandfather with instilling in him a love for fishing, “…they got me a small boat which ended up sinking in 4-feet of water.” Chuckling, he said after that he was given a better boat.

            Today Macallister keeps two boats either in Sandwich or in Mattapoisett Harbor depending on what activity he is pursuing. Charters are a mainstay of his fishing life. He takes groups wherever the fish may be including groups of young people who he enjoys introducing to the sport. While he enjoys the hunt, he also respects the conservation of the animal.

            Over the years, he has worked directly with NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the 1970s tuna stocks were declining rapidly and were nearing collapse. Overfishing and poaching were major contributing factors. In 1990, quotas were instituted. The recovery plan worked. “The conservation efforts saved the industry,” Macallister stated. Fishermen are compelled by regulations to report their catch from the entire fleet is measured for compliance. “No one should feel guilty about eating blue fin tuna,” Macallister said. The fish is now plentiful within the established limits.

            To learn more about Harpoon Hunters, visit the Discovery Channel website. To learn more about fishing, visit Macallister’s website at fvcynthiac.com.

By Marilou Newell

Matt Dems – How To Run For Public Office

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The Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Wednesday January 29 at 6:00 pm in the downstairs public meeting room of the Mattapoisett Library. We will offer our forum, “So you want to run for Public Office,” providing useful tips and information for anyone interested in running for public office or being appointed to any one of our town boards.

            This forum will be moderated by Nicki Demakis, Chair of the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee, with contributions from Nicky Osborne, Treasurer of the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee and Frances-Feliz Kearns, Mattapoisett Representative to the ORR School Committee. They will be joined by other local elected and appointed representatives who will share their tips and insight into what it takes to run and win a successful campaign for any local public office.

            The forum will provide a road map from pulling papers with your local Clerk, to how to run and manage a campaign through election day. We will provide the tools to encourage those who may have thought about running for public office but weren’t sure how to do it. We have the answers.

            We will highlight the list of all elected positions up in 2025 as well as open slots on appointive boards and committees which offer great opportunities for volunteer service to our town.

            Please come with a neighbor, family member or friend and bring any questions you might have or just listen in. For more information, please reach out to Nicki Demakis, Chair, at ndemakis@tidlaw.com.

Davin’s 3rd Annual Food Drive Raffle Smashes Goal

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A shining example of generosity and determination has again emerged this past holiday season. Young Davin Alves of Marion has once again successfully organized and executed a fundraiser aimed at supporting local food banks. His initiative not only brought joy to many families during the festive period but also highlighted the power of youth-led community service and kindness.

            Davin’s journey began with a profound desire to help those in need. Inspired by the spirit of giving, he decided to take action to address food insecurity in the community. With the support of his family and friends, Davin announced his 3rd food drive.

            To ensure the success of his fundraiser, Davin set clear and achievable goals. He aimed to raise $5,000. His determination, coupled with the experience of doing this twice before, quickly mobilized his community, with many people eager to support the cause. Local businesses also stepped in.

            One of the most remarkable aspects of Davin’s fundraiser was the way it brought the community together. Local residents and businesses all rallied around the young boy’s cause. The spirit of unity and collaboration was palpable as people from all walks of life joined forces to support the fundraiser. Local businesses all played a crucial role in the accumulation of donations with their sponsorship.

            In the end, Davin raised $5,800, exceeding the goal. These donations were used to purchase 38 shopping carts full of food. The community had rallied together in an extraordinary way. The funds raised and food donated have provided much-needed relief to families facing food insecurity. Moreover, Davin’s actions continue to show others the importance of being an involved and caring member of your community.

            Davin’s mother Kathy Lee is rightfully ecstatic about her son’s massive success. “In 3 years, he raised almost $ 10,000 which was used entirely to donate to local food pantries!” she said. “On behalf of Davin and our family we would like to sincerely thank all those who gave to Davin’s Food Drive.”

By Sam Bishop

MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator

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The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is 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 MTPI is a structured program that aims to discover and support, through workshop and production, new stage plays by first time, unpublished regional playwrights. These plays are small cast shows with one to six characters. Selected playwrights will work with two mentors who are experienced theater artists to fine-tune their plays over the course of several months and prepare the script for production. After regular writing evaluations, when the script is ready, the mentors will work with the MAC to find a director and assist her or him in casting the show with appropriate actors. One or more readings with a select focus group audience will include a feedback/response process, and the end result is a completed script, ready for debut performance for a live audience on stage at the Marion Art Center.

            The mentors for the 2025-2026 MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator are Susan Lumenello and Tony Ferreira. Lumenello is a Cape-Cod based playwright whose latest work, Dreamsville, just had its world premiere at Cotuit Center for the Arts. She is a professional author and editor, an enthusiastic dramaturg, and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Ferreira is an actor, director, stage manager, and dramaturg. Most recently, he stage-managed for WatermelonAlligator Theatre Company’s 2023 and 2024 Black Box productions of The Way It Is and Dreamsville, respectively. He appeared as Scrooge in the mini-tour of A Christmas Carol and directed the highly successful run of Miracle on South Division Street for WatermelonAlligator in December 2022.

            Any new writer who has not yet been published or had a play produced is invited to submit her or his script or outline 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. Playwrights must be available to meet on site with mentors, for readings and all aspects of the production process including auditions, rehearsals, tech work and performances. Apply online at marionartcenter.org/mtpi. Applications are due by March 31. The selected playwright for the 2025-2026 program will be announced in early May. Please send any questions to mtpi@marionartcenter.org.

            The 2024-2025 playwright, Kate Herlihy, will be premiering her original work, Jab, during the ArtWeek SouthCoast on May 16, May 17, and May 18 at the MAC. Ms. Herlihy is an actor, playwright, director, and dancer completing her BFA in Theatre Performance and Production at Texas State University. She is an alum of Walnut Hill School for the Arts where she studied all aspects of theatre performance and technical theatre. Her time as a writer began at Walnut Hill under Ronan Noone and has since studied dramatic writing with people like Jonathan Bernstein, Caitlin Turnage, and Syd Rushing, all of whom have been influential and integral parts of shaping who she is as a writer. While this is her first play to be produced, she’s had various staged readings; A Mind in Riot (The Performing Arts Project, 2022), Révérence (Critic’s Choice for Best Play at James W. Price 10-Minute Play Festival, 2023), and You’re Not… Are You? (Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 6 Finalist, 2024).

Preliminary Historic District Study Report

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To the Editor:

            Thank you to all who attended the presentation of the Preliminary Historic District Study Report on Wednesday, January 15. The turnout was impressive, as were the thoughtful questions, concerns, and suggestions. More opportunities for comment will be forthcoming.

            Many comments focused on how the historic district bylaw would affect individuals personally. While these are valid concerns, they should not overshadow equally important considerations: community and legacy.

            Community and legacy shape society, offering a sense of belonging and purpose while leaving a lasting impact for future generations.

            Community fosters connection. Whether through family, neighborhood, or shared interests, being part of a community provides support and understanding. It cultivates empathy, builds trust, and strengthens the bonds that hold society together. Allowing others in the community to have a voice in shaping the character of personal property enhances these ideals and promotes collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility. When the whole community contributes to shaping its surroundings, its members feel more invested in preserving and protecting the shared space, creating a legacy of collective care.

            Legacy is the imprint we leave for future generations – the sum of our actions, values, and contributions. It ensures that what we cherish today continues to enrich the lives of those who come after us.

            A historic district fosters both community and legacy by preserving buildings, landmarks, and traditions, creating a sense of continuity that connects past, present and a mutual concern for the future. This shared history fosters pride and belonging, reinforcing cultural and architectural heritage.

            Engaging the community in decisions about a historic district ensures it remains authentic, vibrant, and true to its history. As architectural critic Paul Goldberger reminds us, “Old buildings are not ours. They belong, partly, to those who built them, and partly to the generations who are yet to come.”

            I hope the people of Marion will recognize the value of a Marion Village Historic District in strengthening their community, respecting the past, and ensuring their own legacy endures for generations to come.

William N. Tifft

Chair, Marion Historic District Study Committee

President, Sippican Historical Society

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.

Hiring For Key Vacancies and Future Plans

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Rochester’s Select Board Tuesday focused its attention on filling the three town hall positions recently vacated by retirements: Town Planner, Town Accountant, and Police Captain.

            Discussion began with its review of a request from the Freetown Town Administrator to share a Town Planner, as that nearby town currently does not have its own. The board responded rather cautiously to the suggestion after Town Administrator Cameron Durant expressed his reservations about such a plan.

            “I’m not advocating for this,” Durant said, adding that it is too soon to know who Rochester’s Town Planner will be and when he or she will be picked. “We are interviewing a candidate for the position this Friday,” he noted.

            He advised that any regional agreement of that nature would have to be approached carefully. “Regionalization is great when it is for cost savings,” he said. “My concern will be that the smaller town doesn’t get the smaller end of the draw in the deal.”

            The board, as a result, took the cautious approach of deciding to ask the Freetown selectmen to send a representative to meet with the Rochester board on the issue.

            In the search for a town accountant, Durant expressed reservations about the pay rate that the job posting for the position features. The current proposed salary range is not attracting any candidates, he said, and the town may have to raise that salary offering.

            “Fifty-five thousand dollars is not getting anybody,” Durant said. “People answering the posting say it’s not enough. We have to think about our salary range and put more money aside. Certification for this job is a multi-year process. It’s not, you attend a seminar and you’re certified. It’s a more complicated job.”

            Selectman Adam Murphy said to run a $28 million operation such as Rochester he would like to see what talent pool the position attracts before establishing a salary range for it.

            Durant disagreed. “We have to come up with a rough, do-not-exceed amount to have a comfortable conversation with any candidate,” he said. The board ultimately agreed to allow Durant to explore options such as hiring a consultant for the town accountant job on an interim basis.

            On the subject of Police Department personnel, Durant noted the town is in a similar financial bind. Police overtime, and its price tag, are trending upward, he said. Here too other ways to address these costs need to be explored, he said. Murphy suggested a new officer position should be created to cover what overtime work by other officers usually cover.

            In similar action, the board appointed its representatives to the search committees for the three vacated positions. Brad Morse will serve on the Town Planner and Town Accountant search panels. Adam Murphy will serve on the Police Captain Search Committee.

            The board also announced it will be issuing a citation to Captain Don Kemmet in honor of his recent retirement from the Rochester Police Department after 26 years of service.

            The board hosted newly-elected state representative Mark Sylvia’s presentation of a Massachusetts state flag to the town and the introduction of his legislative director, Betty Benedictus.

            The board approved a request to extend its hearing for the Rounsville Road Eversource poles to its February 18 meeting.

            The board tabled a request from town clerk Margorie Barrows for potential dates for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and the Annual Town Election. Murphy cautioned that acceptable dates for the town meeting need first to be cleared with the venue, Rochester Memorial School, and the date cannot conflict with the Marion Town Meeting as he will need to attend that meeting as town Harbormaster.

            The board reviewed the town’s agreement that lends Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School a School Resource Officer from the Rochester police force. Durant said the current concern with this agreement is who pays the officer’s salary for sick days and training, Rochester or the school. He told the board to expect new language for this agreement and a new pact to establish an SRO at Rochester Memorial School at the next select board meeting.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, February 3rd at 6:00 pm at 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

No Leaves? No Problem! Winter Tree ID

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Looking for something to do with the kids on the school early release day? The Mattapoisett Land Trust is hosting a Winter Tree ID walk on Wednesday, January 29 at 2:00 pm at our Brandt Island Cove trail system Walega-Livingstone Preserve at the Anchorage Way entrance (24 Tara Road). Our walk leader will be Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust’s land manager Linda Vanderveer. Linda has been the Land Manager for the DNRT since 2013. In her capacity as Land Manager, she oversees the management of nearly 2,000 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands in the Town of Dartmouth. She is an avid hugger of trees, especially in winter. Won’t you join us for this lovely winter hike and learn how to identify our native trees in their winter outfits?

            Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Only the worst weather will cancel an MLT hike! No RSVP is required for this free hike. Email manager@mattlandtrust.org or call 774-377-9191 with any questions. Check our Facebook page for any event updates.