Project Grow Application For 2021-2022 Open Online

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Enrollment is open to all children residing in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester that turn 3 years of age prior to September 1, 2021. Children with the experience of high-quality preschool are well prepared for their future learning. In an effort to provide this opportunity to more children, Project GROW was established to serve preschoolers in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. The purpose of Project GROW is twofold:

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

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

            The program consists of two classes:

            • Tuesday and Thursday, cost $2,520/year – follows public school calendar

            • Monday, Wednesday, Friday, cost $3,780/year – follows public school calendar

            For More information, please visit the Early Childhood Page at www.oldrochester.org. Each Project GROW class is held at the elementary school of the town the family resides in. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school each day.

LGBTQ Winter Film Series Goes Digital

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While COVID-19 still affects us in 2021, the New Bedford LGBTQ Winter Film Series still lives on! Thanks to funding and support provided by Mass Humanities, the Film Series will run digitally this year. Fans are urged to watch the films ahead of the main event, available on most streaming services and platforms. There are several DVD copies of each film located at the New Bedford Free Public Library— all you need is a SAILS Library card and a quick phone call!

            The series kicks off with a discussion about the HBO biopic about legendary blues singer Bessie Smith on Sunday, January 31, at 3:00 pm. Speakers will talk about the Harlem Renaissance, blues in general, and the impact of Black LGBTQ+ people in the arts. To join the events, follow the New Bedford LGBTQ Winter Film Series on social media for appropriate links and passcodes.

            “With COVID-19, we had to look at how we can restructure our format,” said Dan Everton, co-chair. “That is why we are happy to continue our programming online, in addition to a new, exciting way to make an impact on the community.”

            New this year, the New Bedford LGBTQ Winter Film Series has the wonderful opportunity to give back to the community of artists, filmmakers, and LGBTQ people in our community. The Film Series will launch a ‘mini grant’ in March aimed toward helping burgeoning and student filmmakers in the LGBTQ+ community make a short film. In addition to a small stipend, recipients will have the opportunity to show their short films in October 2021 during LGBTQ+ History Month. Be sure to keep tabs on the Film Series for more details.

            The full series is as follows: “Bessie” on January 31; “Love, Simon” on February 14; “Brother to Brother” on February 28; and “Tucked” on March 14. All films are to be watched on their own, and the Zoom event will be a discussion with guest panelists. Mark your calendar now so you don’t miss out!

            To keep up to date, we invite you to follow us on Facebook at @NBLGBTQWinterFilmSeries or at www.sclgbtqnetwork.org.

Cautious Approach Toward Future COVID Clinics

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            Thrilled with the January 13-14 COVID-19 vaccination clinic’s success for first responders from Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham, and with the state’s green light to schedule the prescribed second round, the Town of Marion doesn’t want to get ahead of itself.

            “The consensus is just trying to deal with Marion going forward,” said Dr. Ed Hoffer, chairman of the Marion Board of Health, during the board’s January 20 meeting. “First responders from four towns … but the numbers when we get into the general population are going to be much higher. I think that’ll be biting off more than our geography can chew.”

            Health Nurse Lori Desmarais reported that 170 vaccinations were administered on January 13 and 150 more on January 14. It is presumed that the same people will come back to the Cushing Community Center in Marion for their second round during the second week of February.

            Beyond that is a matter of speculation, as the state still hasn’t determined its model for larger spheres of the population. Once the state allows the beginning of Phase 2 vaccination, the target will be people age 75 and over or with two or more co-morbidities (additional conditions or illnesses that can be physiological or psychological).

            According to Desmarais in her Health Nurse’s Report, Marion has had 297 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, including 64 currently active cases. The important trend, she noted, is that while the town’s initial spike occurred inside the Sippican Healthcare Center (nursing home), “It’s now community transmission that we’re seeing at this point.”

            The staff at Sippican Healthcare Center received its first round of COVID-19 vaccine on December 30. One of the nursing home’s staff was an active, positive case, while 98 have recovered; 116 have tested negative. The recent increase in positivity rate in the state has resulted in Monday and Thursday testing. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health touches base with Sippican on a weekly basis.

            Desmarais’ report also updated school statistics, including the following: Sippican School had eight people in isolation, eight in quarantine, and 28 confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic. The numbers were identical for Old Rochester Regional High School. At the junior high, three were in isolation, 19 in quarantine, with 16 confirmed cases since the beginning.

            Tabor Academy has been on an extended break with a plan to return at the end of the month. Students are to quarantine before arrival, be tested upon arrival, and will be required to stay on campus for two weeks.

            Flu vaccine is still available in Marion but is not in demand. The protocol for COVID-19 vaccine is that patients must wait 14 days to take it if they have had another vaccine.

            As Mattapoisett recently made plans to bring back Grades K-2 for full, in-person learning, the Marion School Committee is seriously considering a plan to do the same at Sippican School. Desmarais said a full return for K-2 children would maintain 6 feet of social distancing.

            Board member Dot Brown said, “I have no objection,” citing the fact the school calendar is beyond the holidays and has a better plan than what the state requires. Hoffer added his approval. BOH member John Howard asked if there is any guidance for children with co-morbid conditions. Hoffer noted that there is not yet an approved vaccine for anyone under age 16 and that such cases are individually treated by pediatricians.

            In his Health Agent Report, Dave Flaherty said “great advances” had taken place at 464 Front Street, one of two Chapter 2 sites. The property was under a demolition order, where its occupant Lauren Fisher had faced animal cruelty charges. According to Flaherty, substantial progress was evident, and he considered Fisher to be compliant. The property is up for sale, and building permits are in order for the ongoing work, according to Marion Building Commissioner Scott Shippey.

            “If anyone would like to go do a site inspection, she’d be happy to welcome it,” said Flaherty, noting extensive cleaning and renovation, the replacement of floors and bathroom fixtures. “I wasn’t there, but I saw the pictures, and I think it’s a big 180 (degree turn) for the site. I think she’s in substantial compliance as of now.”

            The board voted unanimously to rescind the demolition order, but the condemnation order would fall under Shippey’s purview. Board member Dot Brown noted that an occupancy permit would be needed.

            The report was less optimistic at 33 Pitcher Street, where Flaherty was having difficulty getting in touch with the responsible party. Flaherty told the board he discovered a deed at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds and called the owner’s attorney, who said he would pass the information on to the daughter of the deceased owner. “He couldn’t promise me, but he said he would try his best. I told him Marion needs to start a dialogue,” said Flaherty.

            The board discussed an emerging concern about the number of cars parked on evenings at the Brew Fish restaurant. The governor’s order is a 25 percent maximum of capacity. Flaherty was advised to visit Brew Fish during the prime eating and drinking hour, discuss with management, and “establish their view of things.”

            Flaherty said there had been no food service-related complaints; there were some masking concerns. Flaherty performed four re-inspections. Dunkin’ Donuts had a positive coronavirus test and had to close its lobby for deep cleaning but has since reopened.

            Flaherty reported one Title 5 septic system inspection report, saying that Title 5 installations, in general, have been slow but should pick up. He also attended weekly emergency management meetings but noted that the local CERT volunteer program is in limbo.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for February 2 at 4:00 pm.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

ORR Students Take ‘Ownership’

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            This land is your land— and, while the educational turbine will challenge the formative minds of high school students as they determine where Woody Guthrie’s famous 1944 folk anthem fits into their own view of America, those students have been provided a rubber-meets-the-road context that addresses their present and future. And that’s the wonder of what went on January 23 at the Mattapoisett Land Trust Dexter “Tub” Mill property.

            Over a dozen Old Rochester Regional High School students pocketed their smartphones, went out into a chilly Saturday morning to learn about this land from Paul “Ozzie” Osenkowski, and helped the MLT’s Education Committee install a ‘Story Walk’ on it.

            “I joined (MLT) because I wanted to cut this [brush] down because it was a mess, and I said, ‘What a nice little stream,’ to show that there’s things that went on here years and years ago,” said Osenkowski, who is originally from Taunton but for the last 21 years has been a full-time Mattapoisett resident volunteering with the Land Trust. “I always give the talk to the sixth graders, … talk to them about what the history of Mattapoisett is and why this stream is so important, and what made Mattapoisett develop. That’s the thing I try to get across to all the kids.”

            For Saturday’s high schoolers, Osenkowski’s delivery is challenging, inviting participation via some impromptu quiz questions. Students bite down on what he has to say and draw connections to their world.

            “I’ve always been interested in the water,” said Thomas Galavotti, the starting goalie on the ORR/Fairhaven hockey team. “My grandmother is good friends with Ellen Flynn, who’s the chair (of the MLT’s Education Committee).” One thing led to another, and Galavotti is presently a student board member with the MLT. Joining shortly after the state shutdown measures in March 2020, Galavotti is only now sinking his teeth into the MLT’s activities.

            The Story Walk, called “Noisy Paintbox,” was written by Barb Rosenstock and illustrated by Mary GrandPre. It can be found under the red cedar trees off of Route 6 and Mendell Road in Mattapoisett. There is a small parking lot along the east side of Mendell Road across from Mattapoisett’s Highway Department building.

            The assembly of ORR students volunteering for MLT activities varies, according to Karen Browning, who works together with fellow ORR teacher Lynn Connor on the high school’s Community Service Learning Group. The two collaborate with the MLT to provide the building and maintenance of trails, and they have turned the experience into an educational tool by enlisting students in ORR’s Environmental Club.

            Dexter “Tub” Mill park has almost 4 acres of grassy area bordered on the south by Route 6. Beginning in the southeast corner with the old mill pond dam, the land extends west to Mendell Road residences and north to a wooded area that at one point reaches Acushnet Road. The rusty turbine left from the water-powered sawmill operated in the 19th and 20th centuries will soon be relocated near a kiosk toward the corner of Route 6 and Mendell Road.

            The event was one of several during the year organized by numerous key players, including Osenkowski, with the guidance of Ellen P. Flynn, director and chair of the MLT’s Education Committee.

            “Ozzie is in charge of stewardship, so all the beauty that you see on these properties— he basically maintains the properties— and when we get a new property he goes in there, he and his group of volunteers go in and they create these gorgeous trails,” explained Mary Cabral, who with fellow MLT Board of Directors and Education Committee member Wendy Copps led the event.

            When the MLT has procured open space over the past two decades, Osenkowski clears out what would be thick, invasive brush capable only of keeping the land quiet but also useless. After Osenkowski and his helpers are done with it, the land shines like a welcome mat at the front door to the town itself.

            “He went in there with chain saws and brush cutters and volunteers– my husband was one of them. It does take a lot of time, a lot of energy,” said Cabral. “We’re trying to increase the activities on the property, so not just walking and hiking but story walk that we’re in the process of doing now for families. And we’re now in the process of creating scavenger hunts [and] finding items that are naturally here.”

            Before departing, the leaders asked the students to decide on creative items to be placed for a scavenger hunt.

            “People want to get together, they want to have hugs, they want to be friends … they need company. We are not islands,” said Osenkowski, who left the students with a request for help at the Grace Pond area. “I need people to help me out, young people who can bend over and pick up sticks. I need your help! Tell your friends! I need it over on Bowman Road over at the Grace Pond area so we can create a park that is for [disabled] people to get to because we’ve got a great trail system throughout this area…. I hope you can enjoy what you have here in town.”

            Galavotti said he hopes he can bring some hockey players with him to the next clean-up effort. “I just want to do as much stuff as possible,” he said.

By Mick Colageo

Call for Entries: High School Student Art Show

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The Marion Art Center announces a call for entries for its upcoming exhibit featuring work by local high school students. The show is part of the MAC’s Young Artist Program. Any student of high school age may submit up to five pieces for consideration. The MAC exhibition committee will review all works and select at least one piece from each applicant. Students may submit work made in school, but the MAC encourages students to make new work— and priority will be given to those works— responding to the following theme: Life in 2021: What Comes Next?

            Everyone has experienced challenges throughout the past year, some more so than others. Our lives have been upheaved in a way we could never have imagined due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of us have also been affected by the turmoil surrounding race, identity, and politics. The way we interact with others is vastly different than it used to be, and our understanding of the world and our future is in a constant state of flux. Whether we have been changed emotionally or if important life plans have stalled, we all find ourselves in a different state of being.

            What comes next? What does your life look like after the pandemic is behind us? Are there moments you wish to reflect on? What experiences, which can be simple but meaningful, are you eager to enjoy again? What do you look forward to when you think of your daily life in the relatively near, post-pandemic future?

            All submissions are due no later than Monday, February 15. To apply, students should email their information and documents to info@marionartcenter.org with “High School Art Show” in the subject line. Please include: Full name, email address, phone number, age, and grade. You may send up to five high-quality jpeg images labeled in the following format: LastFirst01_Title (ex: SmithJohn03_HarborView). Note: If emailing multiple images is limited by file size, applicants should send a zip file. Alternatively, students may upload all documents through an online form found at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

            Please include a short bio and brief artist statement of no more than a few paragraphs (or short statements about individual pieces/body of work submitted). Also include a corresponding image list with titles, dates, media, dimensions in inches, and pricing (if applicable).

            Students should indicate what, if any, work was made for a specific class assignment. Students should list works for sale by including pricing with inventory list or indicate not for sale by writing “NFS.” The MAC retains a 40-percent commission on any sold works. Bio/statement and image list should be uploaded through the form as a single PDF file. If sending information via email, a single Word document will also be accepted.

            The exhibit runs Friday, March 5 – Thursday, April 15. All works must be prepared for installation. The MAC will accept matted works for this show if framing is not an option. Students should use a neutral mat color (white, off-white, grey, black, etc.) for a cohesive presentation. Three-dimensional works will also be accepted. The exhibition committee will review and select works, and artists will be notified by February 20. Drop-off dates for work are scheduled Friday, February 26, and Saturday, February 27, by appointment. There will be a virtual reception for the exhibit, date and time TBD.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Many of the residents of Rochester during its first 100 years were descendants of people who had come from various towns and cities in the British Isles, including some who had arrived in Plymouth on board the Mayflower.

            However, one resident of Rochester, Joseph Look, born in 1776, had a different backstory. His lineage on the paternal side traced back to Nope, the Native American name for Martha’s Vineyard, where his grandfather, Samuel, was born in 1702. According to family records, Samuel was raised in “the wigwam of Zachariah Wonhosso at the Indian Town in Tisbury.” He lived there from the age of nine until, at the age of 21, when he received an inheritance left to him in his mother’s will. He moved to the mainland and settled in Rochester, where he was known as “Indian Samuel.” He married Ruth Savery, a Rochester girl, and became a husbandman (farmer). Samuel died in 1783.

            As Samuel’s grandson, Joseph Look was 5/16 Native American. He married Susanna Ryder and had a homestead along Walnut Plain Road. In the 1850s, he built a mill in the vicinity of High Street and Walnut Plain Road. By the late 1800s, it was known as the Look and Steven’s Box Board, Stave and Shingle Mill. Joseph died in 1857.

            The wooden pendant featured in h photo was worn by Look’s grandfather, Samuel, as a talisman when he left his native Nope for the mainland in 1724.

William J. McIlmail

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William J. McIlmail, 86, of Mattapoisett passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the husband of Sandra H. (Henshaw) McIlmail, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

            Born in Pawtucket, RI, the son of the late William J. and Margaret M. (Lonergan) McIlmail, he moved to New Bedford at a young age. He honorably served in the U.S. Army and after being discharged, he married Sandra and moved to Mattapoisett to raise his family.

            William was formerly employed as an architect at Saltonstall Associates for many years until his retirement.

            He was a member of the Boston Society of Architects and The American Institute of Architects.

            William was an avid cyclist, logging thousands of miles per year. He belonged to the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen and the Tandem Club of America. “PA” will be missed by his loving family.

            He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son, William McIlmail and his wife Lisa; and two grandchildren, William and Katherine.

            Due current gathering restrictions, his funeral services will be private. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Selectmen Lament Loss of Bowlmor

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            It finally happened on January 26; the demolition of the iconic Bowlmor Lanes located in the heart of Mattapoisett. The sound of cracking, snapping, and crashing could be heard throughout the village as the soundwaves created by dismantling cranes reverberated off Center School. The end of an era has arrived.

            The members of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen all have deep roots in the community, and so it seemed fitting that they share their thoughts not only on what the former recreational hot spot meant to them as youngsters growing up in town but also the impact on vacant lots in a municipality seeking to expand business opportunities.

            Jordan Collyer grew up in Mattapoisett and spent plenty of time as a youth bowling inside the prominent green structure. But today, he said, “I’m upset! I’m upset that no one was able to restore that iconic building. Everyone knew it as a landmark in town. There were birthday parties, class events— it was a place to get together with your friends. It will be sorely missed.” After pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts, Collyer said, “I’m upset it declined, but I’m also upset my kids won’t be able to have the same kind of memories I do.”

            Paul Silva spent the summers of his youth on Mattapoisett Neck. “I didn’t have a car, so I spent all my time on the water,” he said. But Silva said his son grew up in Mattapoisett and that “he was always there,” at the Bowlmor. But Silva also expressed concern about the impact of such a large empty space in the middle of the community. “It’s always difficult to see a business leave the Route 6 belt.… I hope it doesn’t turn into a parking lot.” He said he is hopeful a business will come into the space, as was the case when the A&P closed at the site that is now a 7-Eleven store. “I hope it becomes a flourishing business.”

            John DeCosta’s memories of the bowling alley are much more personal. “That’s where my father and mother met!” he said, sharing the tender family story of six friends— three ladies and three gentlemen— who eventually would pair off into three couples who have remained lifelong friends. DeCosta’s parents were introduced in 1946; Gerry Francis would become Mrs. John DeCosta, her sister Edith would find love with DeCosta’s friend Warren Davis, and the third lady, now only remembered as Aunt Alice, would marry DeCosta’s other pal, Ken Wood.

            Selectman DeCosta said that he spent loads of time at the bowling alley, especially during school vacations and later when he had his own children, as they celebrated many birthdays there. Later on, when he needed to earn extra income to help support his growing family, DeCosta worked at the bowling alley. “It’s a very sad day for me,” DeCosta quietly shared. He said that it was like losing a family member.

            The current owners, Mike and Susan Penta, had tried to find a way to renovate the building and kickstart the business, but by February 2017, Bowlmor was condemned due to structural problems. The building opened its doors in 1945.

            But life goes on, and so do the running of the town’s business. After sharing their thoughts about the removal of the bowling alley earlier in the day, it was back to business as they focused on the agenda at hand at the evening meeting.

            A hot button was pushed when engineering firm VHB’s Jamie Pisano told the selectmen that less than 25 percent of the needed design work on Main, Water, and Beacon Streets had been completed to date. Pisano said, “We are midway through 25 percent,” and given that the project had been pushed out to the 2025 Massachusetts Department of Transportation Improvement Project, scheduling had been slowed down to save the town money. Pisano said that since the town’s project had been pushed to 2025, he was concerned that if 25 percent was completed now, the DOT might change policies that would send them back to the drawing board. “I didn’t want to go back to the town and ask for more money,” he said. “My intent was to have the best interest of the town; we were advancing the project through the process.”

            But that set off a frustrated reaction from Collyer, who stated, “I don’t like that answer.” Asked by Collyer, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that to date, the town had spent roughly $100,000. Lorenco confirmed that the overall contract with VHB was around $500,000.

            Collyer told Pisano, “We thought we were almost there.” He said that VHB had not informed the board of slowing down the project, adding, “I wasn’t in favor of you, to begin with.” Collyer reminded Pisano that he had aired concerns about VHB’s ability to deliver on time based on problems experienced during Phase 1 of the bike path.

            Pisano said that when the design got to 10 percent, it came to light that the project was pushed off from 2024 to 2025. Silva said, “But you didn’t tell anybody.”

            Pisano repeatedly apologized and promised to give the board regular updates while also restarting the design to achieve 25 percent by April so that the town could, with the aid of legislators, attempt to get back on the 2024 TIP.

            Collyer said, “Your communications need to be crystal clear.” He said that all parties needed to be diligent in getting the 25 percent completed and that status reports were expected one week before meetings with VHB moving forward.

            The project proposes to improve sidewalks, parking, and road surfaces along Main, Water, and Beacon Streets, as well as the reconfiguration of at least one major intersection at Marion Road and Route 6.

            Kathleen Costello, administrator of assessing, and Attorney Matthew Thomas met with the selectmen with the news that a Home Rule Petition had been granted to the town. Costello said that Mattapoisett was the only town in the Commonwealth with the authority to impose Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs on solar developers. She said that a law written in 1975 geared towards providing tax relief to homeowners opting to install residential solar arrays had also been used by some commercial producers.

            Costello said that the companies entering Mattapoisett with solar projects had thus far been amenable to engaging in PILOT programs, but that could change at any time. Costello said that Mattapoisett was a prime location for solar arrays and that this legislation will continue to allow the town and its residents to benefit financially.

            Thomas said, “This ensures that the way Mattapoisett has been doing things can continue.… It codifies what Mattapoisett has done in the past.”

            In his report to the board, Lorenco touched on the FY22 budget process that he has been working on with the Capital Planning Committee. He said that he has been meeting with department heads and that meetings with the Finance Committee were scheduled, but that “2022 will be a difficult year.… We might have to do some trimming.” He made those comments, he said, in light of healthcare costs and other expenses.

            Lorenco also mentioned that FEMA mapping changes would need to go before Town Meeting in the spring and pointed out that COVID-19 guidelines include lifting some restrictions. However, he said of the latter topic that complaints had been received about businesses not complying with capacity rules. “We are watching capacity limits, but hope the businesses do it, so we don’t have to be the bad guys,” he said.

            Lorenco’s last comments of the meeting were that Emergency Management plans were ready for review. The board elected to send those directly to the stakeholders for their review before coming before them for comment and approval.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Thanks

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Dear Editor:

            We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Town of Mattapoisett with a special thank you to John DeCosta and the team of selectmen for the lowering of the flag to half-staff on behalf of our father, Franklin “Bronc” Caswell.

            We were deeply touched and are forever grateful for your gracious decision to honor our father in this manner.

            We would also like to thank Will Saunders and the entire staff at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals for their kindness and compassion during our most difficult of days.

Sincerely,

The Caswell Family

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.

Kindergarten Orientation

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Kindergarten Orientation for Sippican School, Center School, and Rochester Memorial School for the School Year 2021 -2022 will be held on February 3, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm via Video Conference.

            The Kindergarten Orientation will be provided through a video conferencing format. Please visit the Elementary School website of your town to receive login information for your respective school.