Marion Cultural Council Seeks Funding Proposals

on

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 in September. Marion Cultural Council has set an October 17 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

on

Ashleigh Wilson, of Mattapoisett received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing and Rhetoric during the 2022 Commencement Ceremonies of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, held on Sunday, May 22. Wilson, the child of Ross & Michelle Wilson, graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Jean M. (Iannone) Cerulli

on

Jean M. (Iannone) Cerulli, the beloved matriarch of the Cerulli family, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022.
Jean, or “Nonna” to her family, was born on March 28, 1937 in Isernia, Italy, daugher of the late Liberato and Angelina (Avicolli) Iannone. The town of about 20,000 people, located in the Molise region of central Italy, is where Jean survived the Allied bombing of her home, an attack meant to drive out German forces during World War II.
Jean was 10-years-old when she made her journey across the Atlantic Ocean, and arrived in Boston. She excelled in school, and after graduating, became the administrative assistant to one of the vice presidents of Westinghouse Corporation in Boston.
That’s where she met the love of her life, Joseph Cerulli, who she would go on to marry in 1959.
The Cerulli’s moved to Winthrop, Massachusetts after they wed, where they started a family that would eventually include five children. Jean and the rest of her family moved to Dartmouth in 1972.
The 1970s and early 1980s were busy years in Jean’s life, as her day-to-day quickly filled up with overseeing the education and activities of five children, running a busy household and being involved in the Dartmouth School Music Association. She was also a contributing writer to The Standard-Times and the Dartmouth Chronicle. Jean was a communicant of Saint Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth, where she sang in the choir for many years as lead soprano.
Fast forward to 1985, and find Jean with her family beginning what would turn into a 20-year career running Cerulli’s Gourmet Foods and Cafe in Mattapoisett. Her extraordinary skills as a great home chef, combined with her Italian roots, proved to be the perfect recipe for success. The Cerulli’s Gourmet Foods and Cafe store became an adored destination on the Southcoast, where customers felt more like they were walking into the home of a relative, than just another restaurant. Some have described leaving the gourmet shop with not only full stomachs, but full hearts too.
Jean’s ever-present guiding force throughout her life was her faith in God. She was a cherished communicant of Saint Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet and a devoted supporter of the Missionaries of Charity in New Bedford. Mother Teresa, who blessed Jean during her 1995 visit to New Bedford, was a guiding light in her spiritual life.
After retirement, Jean enjoyed traveling, music, crocheting and most of all, spending time with her ever-growing family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – her “baby dolls” – were her greatest joy.
Jean is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Joseph Cerulli; her five children and their spouses, Ann Marie and Steven Mills, Ralph and Karyn Cerulli, Angela and Kenneth Martin, Carolyn and Michael Fortin, and John and Amy Cerulli; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; her sister, Josephine Delvento; her sister-in-law, Joan Iannone; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospital PCU and Palliative teams for their outstanding care and compassion.
Private services honoring Jean were held by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

RMS Celebrates Pre-Covid Conditions

on

            The Rochester School Committee began its 2022-23 academic year on September 1 with a tour of Rochester Memorial School and then held its first scheduled committee meeting where Chairperson Sharon Hartley stressed the importance of planning and goals and beginnings and endings and shared her excitement at the sight of teachers and students on opening day of classes.

            Principal Derek Medeiros said that RMS has the second-largest group of new staff of his tenure. They include: Instrumental Music Teacher Kaitlyn Laprise, Grade 2 teacher Anne Realini, Grade 3 teacher Jen Hunter and Assistant Cook Fatima Pimentel.

            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson estimated that 18 to 20 new professionals have joined the ORR School District systemwide.

            “It’s great to have Week 1 in the books,” said Nelson, who shared a greeting with a student that has him in the market for a new pair of shoes. “My favorite interaction with a student was a third grader … who was quick to point out I wore the same exact pair of shoes as last year. … I hope I don’t disappoint him next time I see him,” he said.

            Nelson reported on a district-wide, meet-and-greet recently held at the high school over breakfast treats. He noted that 25-year paraprofessional Kathleen Hardy leads RMS in staff longevity, with Scott Huckaby at 20 years and counting as the school’s reading specialist.

            ORR Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz started in her new role on August 1 and spent time getting to know teachers and staff.

            Fedorowicz started right away working on literacy and said she is working with Medeiros and DESE-approved partner Hill for Literacy toward a needs assessment this fall. She reported having applied for a literacy grant and discussed plans for professional development including three targeted training sessions.

            “She’s had to jump right in and get going,” said Nelson, referring to her work writing grant applications.

            In her first school committee meeting, Fedorowicz addressed the RMS committee members.

            “I have to say, even as a new person coming into the district, the energy was so impressive and warm and welcoming and people were so excited. There’s really a great energy (at RMS),” she said. “Opening day … It was fantastic here. … The classrooms were sparkling, they were clean, they were friendly and they were open.”

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson credited Assistant Principal Charlie West and teacher Kyle Letendre for their programming efforts during the summer SAIL program.

            Fifteen high school students worked as mentors in the summer programming, and Davidson said grant funding made it possible to hold a second Acceleration Academy. All participants received lunch over the seven weeks in the high school building, and Davidson credited ORR Food Services Director Jill Hennesy and Facilities Director Gene Jones for making that possible.

            In his Principal’s Report, Derek Medeiros noted that RMS began the 2022-23 school year with 498 students, a number he said would increase but noted, “the building is in phenomenal shape” and technologically ready.

            An Open House was held on August 30, and Medeiros thanked the PTL for its work helping “Chalk the Walk” for Opening Day. He also reported that online student notifications are now accessible through private-access accounts.

            The committee voted to approve amendments to the Student Handbook for 2022-23 but not without its own tweaks.

            Committee member Anne Fernandes suggested improving on the adjective “indigent” where it concerns students and the waiving of certain fees. She applauded Nelson’s suggestion of replacing the phrasing to substitute with “financial hardship.”

            Fernandes also questioned whether the ORR District had defined “institutional and systemic racialized practices” as part of the school’s Anti-Racism Resolution as referenced under Discrimination on Page 22 of the RMS Student Handbook.

            Nelson explained based on his interpretation that any changes would necessarily go through the Policy Subcommittee, then solicit feedback and then come back to the Joint School Committee for vote.

            The committee voted to approve the Student Handbook with Fernandes’ two recommendations.

            Medeiros explained that the Student Handbook is accessible online but can be printed on request.

            In the Open Comment session, resident Kelly Thomas spoke to the committee about her dissatisfaction with curriculum.

            “There needs to be steps to ensure Critical Race Theory (CRT) and ‘comprehensive sex education’ does not take root in our standards or curriculums. To quote a parent, ‘CRT is definitely happening,'” said Thomas, citing reports of Florida and Texas of school committees voting against allowing CRT in its communities’ classrooms.

            Referencing examples in specific New England towns, Thomas asserted that classrooms are teaching children to reject traditional social norms and “embrace gender ideology.” She told the committee regarding its surveys that there should be parental consent to any type of questioning that goes toward a student. Thomas openly questioned how student data is used as RMS and who has access to that data. Referring to “sexual preference” and “identity,” she asked, “Why is this even part of the lesson plan?”

            A second person connected via Zoom expressed dissatisfaction with the vetting process of guest speakers. (Activist Liz Kleinrock spoke to ORR District-wide faculty.)

            In his Financial Report to the committee, ORR Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said that the local district’s overall remaining funds are just under $48,000 with Bristol Aggie accounting for $27,000 and the RMS general operation budget accounting for $21,000.

            Barber said there has been air-quality testing and appropriate maintenance in the facilities as recommended by Gene Jones.

            Food services are continuing as administered by Hennesy with ORR District schools serving one free meal per student per day, with a charge for a second meal. Barber said menus are challenging with the shortages and dramatic price increases on a national scale.

            Nelson told the committee that the Food Services department would be running at a deficit and to anticipate reviewing the meal rates in the future.

            The committee voted twice to approve recommended movement on the Surplus List, first approving the disposal of Special Education Evaluation Tools and also an Expired List of Literacy Resources.

            The committee entered executive session and only returned to adjourn the public meeting.

            The next meeting of the Rochester School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, at 6:30 pm, and the Joint School Committee meets on Thursday, September 29, also at 6:30 pm.

Rochester School Committee

By Mick Colageo

The Blessing of the Students

on

The First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main Street is inviting all nursery to college age students to a special Sunday service, for “The Blessing of the Students” at 10 am, September 11. We also invite administrators, educators, bus drivers & all others involved in our children’s’ education to this special service conducted by Reverent Rich Woodward. Plan to come and receive a special blessing for safety, well-being & the success of this 2022-2023 school year.

            Refreshments will follow outside in the churchyard right after the service.

Rochester Historical Society Yard Sale

on

The Rochester Historical Society Yard sale is here at last. The museum at 355 County Road is bursting at the seams with quality donations (thank you) everyone. W2 have toys galore (some never opened), baby and toddler furniture, antiques, including a beer keg from a New Bedford brewery (sorry, it’s empty), many, many jigsaw puzzles to stock up on for the winter ahead, and we have furniture and wall decor. In addition, there are some never opened Christmas items, as well as items for both Fall and Halloween. Kitchenware, including pots and pans and Corning Ware, wine glasses and wine paraphernalia, kayak paddles, bikes and books, books, books from current best sellers to antiques.

            Our hours are 9:00-3:00 on Saturday, September 10 and 9:00-2:00 on Sunday, September 11. Short of a tropical storm, hurricane, earthquake or typhoon, we will have the sale on these two days. If any of the above events happen, we would try the 27th.

            Add September 21, 7:00 pm to your calendar for a program at the museum about Bathsheba Ruggles Spooner. Questions, call Connie 508 763 4932

Who Feels Like Singing?

on

Christmas seems a long way off right now, but it’s almost time to start rehearsals for the Sippican Choral Society’s annual Christmas Concert, and the regional community choir is looking for singers.

            Everybody is welcome – the young and not so young, experienced singers and those new to choral music. “If you can sing in the shower, the Sippican Choral Society can teach you everything you need to know for this year’s program,” says Mike Chaplain, President.

            The first rehearsal will be Monday, September 12, at 7:30 pm at Wickenden Chapel on the Tabor Academy campus in Marion and then every Monday thereafter until the concert performance on Sunday, December 4. “If you’re interested, all you have to do is show up,” says Chaplain. Doors will open at 7:00 pm, and Chaplain advises everyone to come early to register and pick up their music. Dues are $40.

            “This year’s program is going to be a little less “classical” than usual,” continues Chaplain. “Christmas season is many things to many people, but it’s an enjoyable time for nearly everyone, so we’re focusing on songs that will be fun to perform and also fun for our audience to hear. There will even be songs from familiar Christmas movies. We want everybody to leave the concert with the Christmas spirit.”

            The COVID-19 pandemic shut down live music all over the world for a couple of years, adds Chaplain, and now it is time to rebuild. “We got rave reviews for our Spring Concert in May this year with a smaller group of about 25 voices. Think of a chorus as a musical instrument. The more voices there are, the more powerful the instrument. A few years ago, we had nearly a hundred singers on the stage for our Christmas concert. We hope to get back up to those numbers. Come join us. Be a part of something great.”

            To keep everyone healthy and safe, the group rehearses wearing masks while maintaining social distancing. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended but not required.

            Sippican Choral Society is a self-supporting volunteer chorus. The organization pays its expenses by selling ads in its concert program, and through gifts and grants, ticket sales, and member dues. For more information, see us at www.sippicanchoralsociety.org.

Learning How to Forage

on

Over a long career outdoors, Russ Cohen has honed his knowledge of wild edible plants, oftentimes called weeds and/or invasive species by the average person.

            Cohen is a highly sought after and respected speaker on the topic of edible plants and has spent his professional life learning and educating people on the types of plants that humans can consume directly from nature.

            Educated at Ohio State University and Vassar College where he studied law, natural resources, and land planning, today this master of all things growing in Mother Nature’s garden spends his time writing books, at speaking engagements and returning native plants back where they belong in the ground that surrounds us.

            We caught up with Cohen the day before his scheduled presentation at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Purrington Lecture Series. His presentation on wild edible plants, a presentation would no doubt be sprinkled with “yummy” anecdotes, yummy being one of Cohen’s favorite descriptors for wild plants that he enjoys eating.

            Before jumping into the wide-ranging topic of wild plants, we asked why the drought did not seem to trouble wild plants, aka weeds, to the degree that domesticated plants are suffering this year. His response was simple: evolution. And can withstand swings in the climate from eons of adaptation, he said.

            Cohen’s presentation is coinciding with the wild-plant harvest season. “Wild grapes are in season,” he shared, along with edible sumac and wild cranberries to name a few from a very long list. But our conversation touched on other aspects of foraging such as safety and foraging permissions.

            On the later of those two areas, Cohen said that the edges of organic farms are prime locations for finding the best wild edibles. But before venturing near private property, he suggested partnering with the farmer or simply asking permission to forage along the edge. “They’ll probably be happy to let you take all you want,” of those unplanned invaders we call weeds. “The soils will be the best for growing organics so it will be the best for wild plants also,” he said.

            Earlier in the growing season, new forgers can try easily recognizable wild plants such as dandelions as a jumping off point. “Harvesting the right part of the plant at the right time makes all the difference to enjoying dandelions as food,” Cohen stated.

            In spring, the end of April through May before the buds open is the best time to harvest the buds. “Boil them for 60 seconds, they are great in soups or try them plain,” advises Cohen. Thus, we learned that starting with plants you know but have never eaten is prudent.

            Cohen also shared a tip for finding certain plants in the spring and summer when discovery might prove difficult amidst heavy overgrowth. He said that in the wintertime canes of the wineberry and autumn olive (not really an olive at all) are distinctive in color and stand out from the rest of the foliage, making them easier to find. Noting their locations, this way makes finding them in harvest season much easier.

            The author and educator spoke of the most iconic fruit in the Cape Cod area, the beach plum. He said they are ripe now but that one should look for their creamy, white flower in the spring so the fruits can be found again on Labor Day, the traditional time for collecting the much-loved historical fruit. He said they are the size of a cherry, “…which is large for a wild fruit.”

            We also learned from Cohen the importance of educating oneself.

            “Don’t use just one source for plant identification, especially internet applications,” he said.

            Internet applications can be an incomplete source of information, while books on the topic are much better and, of course, talking with foragers whose depth of knowledge can be trusted.

            “I didn’t learn by putting stuff in my mouth,” said Cohen, who cautioned about overriding your body’s warning. “If something tastes bad, it is probably bad.”

            And here is where Cohen gave credit where credit is due – to the indigenous people that were here first. “The reason we know all this is because they figured it out!” He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for their ongoing work educating others on wild natural foods.

            As a final note, Cohen asked that foragers use, “forbearance and restraint,” when harvesting from the wild to ensure that wildlife can get their fair share of the seasonal bounty. You can find Cohen’s lectures on YouTube.com.

By Marilou Newell

Fall Town Meeting Canceled

on

            Residents should cross out October 17 from their meeting calendars. The Fall Town Meeting scheduled for that date was cancelled on September 1 after the Rochester Select Board approved Town Administrator Glen Cannon’s recommendation to nix holding the October meeting after he noted only one warrant article had been proposed.

            Cannon said the Zoning Board of Appeals has decided not to proceed with a proposal to enact a moratorium on permitting any new solar facilities in Rochester. Such a moratorium would have put a stop to any new solar farms moving to town for up to a year.

            The Planning Board was considering language changes to the town’s marijuana sales bylaw but has agreed to save the article for the spring Town Meeting.

            Cannon said it made little sense to hold such a meeting for one article. “It costs a lot of money to hold one,” he said. “It would be a waste.”

            “No use going through the trouble,” Select Board member Bradford Morse agreed.

            Before this agenda item, the Select Board approved a plan to send town data to the cloud. The members endorsed Cannon’s proposal to move town records, using a new town-hall-based server to an internet-cloud data-storage service. The contract will be with Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a sub consultant to the town’s IT consultant (ICS Unified) in the amount of $9,038.86 for five years, a total contract amount of $45,194.30.

            Cannon said cloud data storage keeps town records more secure; hackers cannot access them. At the same time, cloud data is easier for town employees working from home to access.

            The board then approved the three-year contract for the Rochester Police Department’s new lieutenant, Catherine Connolly, who was most recently a police officer for the Berkley Police Department.

            Next, the board revealed that former Select Board candidate Adam Murphy has expressed interest in being appointed to the newly proposed Personnel Board. Select Board Chairman Woody Hartley said the board would hold on to Murphy’s application until two more members volunteer.

            The board then approved contracting with Northborough-based CMRK Inc. to pick up used clothing from town residents. The reason for needing this service, Cannon said, is that as of November 1, the state Department of Environmental Protection will no longer allow SEMASS to collect such items for recycling purposes. Residents will be unable to add these items to the trash collection.

            CMRK Inc. will place its collection bins at various town-owned parcels around Rochester and will pick up used clothing items from residents on a regular schedule. The service will earn money for the town at $7 per pound of clothing picked up. The selectmen agreed a flyer will need to be sent to residents announcing the change.

            Lastly, the board approved the details of the proposed Public Safety Building Feasibility Study Committee. The committee’s charge will be to advise the town on what option is best for the town’s police and fire/rescue services; a new shared facility and separate public safety facilities are both under consideration.

            The committee will consist of between seven and nine members and will include: one Select Board member or designee, one Finance Committee member or designee, Police Chief Robert Small and Fire Chief Scott Weigel, the town administrator as a nonvoting member and four residents not connected to Rochester’s public-safety departments.

            Hartley said his most important message is that residents step forward to be a part of this committee. They should contact Town Hall or the town administrator.

            The board then set Thursday, September 22, as the date it will interview the three finalists who have bid to become the feasibility study’s architect. This meeting will be held at the Council on Aging Senior Center starting at 6:00 pm and will be open to the public and accessible remotely via Zoom.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, September 19, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Betty Parsons Exhibit Coming to the MAC

on

The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibit: Betty Parsons. Betty Parsons (b.1900, New York, NY – d.1982, Southold, NY) was an abstract painter and sculptor who is well known as a dealer of mid-century art. Parsons had a storied career as a gallerist in New York City and maintained a rigorous artistic practice by creating works in a variety of media including paintings, sculpture and works on paper. Parsons’ eye for innovative talent stemmed from her own artistic training and her commitment to championing new and emerging artists of her time impacted the canon of twentieth-century art in the United States. (www.bettyparsons.org)

            Lee Hall – painter, writer, educator and 13th president of Rhode Island School of Design – referred to Betty Parsons as a maverick, a pioneer, and the “den mother of Abstract Expressionism” in her book, Betty Parsons: Artist, Dealer, Collector. Parsons’ contemporaries included Rothko, de Kooning, Reinhardt and Motherwell, all of whom showed at the Betty Parsons Gallery. Parsons’ own artistic style changed over her many years of work, from small landscapes and portraits to bold, large abstract paintings and sculptural constructions made from wood and other found materials. During her career, Parsons exhibited in numerous galleries in London, New York and across the United States. Her work is held in several collections: the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, D.C.; Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, the High Museum in Atlanta, and many private collections.

            Betty Parsons at the MAC runs September 23 through October 28, with a reception scheduled on Saturday, October 1 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Marion Art Center, with a speaker presentation scheduled at 5:00 pm that evening. Rachel Vorsanger, Collection and Research, Manager at the Betty Parsons and William P. Rayner Foundation, will give a presentation on the exhibit. This exhibit is sponsored by a generous grant from the Betty Parsons and William P. Rayner Foundation. For more information, visit marionartcenter.org.