Marion Town Meeting Information

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The Marion Select Board will hold a Town Meeting Warrant Review at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, on Wednesday, April 29 beginning at 6:00 pm. This is an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the Warrant for Annual Town Meeting.

            The Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting can be viewed at marionma.gov. The Warrant will be mailed to voters in advance of the Annual Town Meeting.

            The Annual Town Meeting will be held at the Sippican School Multipurpose Room, 16 Spring Street, on Monday, May 11. Please note: The Annual Town Meeting will start at 6:00 pm

Adult and Teen Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Did you know April is “Financial Literacy Month”? On Saturday, April 18, at 1:00 pm, the Mattapoisett Library with host an Economic Empowerment Hour. Teens can learn essential skills like understanding credit and how to write a check. No registration required.

            Join Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Mattapoisett Library on Sunday, April 19, at 2:00 pm. Sheryl Faye will portray the late Associate Justice of the Supreme Court in her one-woman show. All adults are welcome. No registration required.

            Our Sunday Book Club meets on April 19 at 2:00 pm. They are reading My Friends by Fredrik Backman. Copies are available at the library. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:00 pm. Come with friends and family or drop by solo to have some table-top fun. Bring your own games or play some of ours. No registration required.

            In honor of America’s 250th year, teens and young adults are invited to join us for a screening of the award-winning musical, Hamilton, on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 pm. No registration required and free snacks.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on April 22 at 6:00 pm. This month’s book is American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures in North America by Colin Woodard. Copies will be available at the library. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Escape from the terrible thicket by mixing potions and translating fairy messages to find your way out. This dynamic escape room event is on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 am for families and 1:00 pm for teens. Space is limited. Registration is required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

            We’re celebrating “Financial Literacy Month” on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 pm. They’re hosting an Economic Empowerment Hour featuring resources and tips to help adult patrons aged 18+ take control of their financial futures. No registration required.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Step-by-Step Lemon Trees

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            On Tuesday, every chair in the downstairs meeting room of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library was full. Not of spectators, but of active participants in a painting lesson.

            The Step-by-Step painting lesson was performed by a canvas and ceramic painting studio in Fairhaven. The event in the library was free for entry, though it was supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council and was organized by Library Technician Felicia Aguiar. The lesson, which had all its registration slots full and waitlist opened, saw attendees arranged at tables set up in a large rectangle, all facing the center. The instructor was at one head of the tables with an example painting as well as a blank canvas for attending artists to follow along.

            The participants painted a small lemon tree in a pot over the course of about two hours. The 15-or-so artists were not forced to follow strictly along and could “do your own thing!” if inspiration took them.

            For more information of events held at the library, you can visit their website at mattapoisett-ma.whofi.com/calendar.

By Sam Bishop

More Solar Projects Advanced

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            Rochester’s Planning Board meeting on Tuesday started and ended with a focus on solar energy installation proposals.

            `The board opened with an informal discussion of a Site Plan Review proposal to build a one-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array on Walnut Plain Road. The installation will be just under 10 acres and located across from the small cemetery there, said project representative Sarah Stern. The board’s lone question came from Chair Arnold Johnson who asked if the site’s utilities would be underground. “Wherever it can be done,” Stern responded. She said the formal application is currently being worked on.

            Next, the board continued to April 28 its hearing into a modification of the Definitive Subdivision permit for the previously approved Snipatuit Pond Estates at Gerrish and Bishop Road after it made a special request of the developer. Developer Robert Pellegrini’s proposal is to swap two parcels of open space to create a 3.578-acre buildable lot on one of them. On Tuesday, the board requested that Pellegrini place all but the new house lot under a conservation restriction as a permit condition. The board instructed Pellegrini to return with what that plan would look like.

            The board then began a Site Plan Review and Special Permit hearing for High Street Solar 2 at 0 High St. This plan is part of two applications for a ground-mounted solar array to include a battery storage system on that street. The notice for “site one” was opened at the board’s March 24 meeting. Tuesday’s hearing began a review of Site Two, the northern lots near Mayflower Lane. Project representative Sarah Stern, who is also overseeing the Walnut Road solar plan, reported that High Street Solar planners are removing the emergency access road that was once planned on Mayflower Lane, which is also eliminating wetlands resource impacts its installation might cause. The total property is 120 acres; the installation will cover 20 acres, she said.

            A roomful of residents raised objections that included what will noise decibel levels be like. Abutter Peter Sherlock asked if the battery system pad planned for the site could be moved south, further away from residents. Stern indicated that change was possible.

            Johnson said in conclusion that more information on the plan’s final design will come out after the town engineer’s peer review, which has yet to start. Stern requested a continuance of this hearing to Apr. 28. Johnson said that is the date of the Site One continuance. The peer review engineer will need the extra time, he said. The board continued the Site Two hearing to May 12.

            In other action, the board continued to April 28 the Site Plan Review hearing on a proposal to clear and re-grade land behind town hall for an 8,220-square foot parking lot.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Rabies Clinic

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The Town of Mattapoisett Natural Resource Department is hosting a Rabies Clinic. The clinic will be held at the Mattapoisett Highway Department, 5 Mendell Road, Mattapoisett, on April 19 and will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 bpm. Vaccines will be administered by the Mattapoisett Animal Hospital and will cost $15 cash. The clinic will vaccinate dogs and cats. Rabies certificates will expire after one year unless proof of previous vaccination is presented in person. Dog owners are reminded that all dogs in Massachusetts must be licensed annually, and proof of a current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. For questions, contact the Natural Resources Department at 508-209 – 4931 or email aco@mattapoisettpolice.gov.

Mattapoisett Celebrates 250 Years Committee

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Please join us as we plan the Semi quincentennial celebration of our country. We need your help to make it happen. The committee is working on several ideas for the celebration. The events will be family friendly that recognize the historical past and the future of our great country. Volunteers are the heart of this celebration. Please consider donating your time to make these events fun and memorable.

            The next meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 6:00 pm at American Legion Hall Florence Eastman Post 280 on 3 Depot Street. Questions or comments can be emailed to Barbara Gaspar at theseamstress058@gmail.com.

ORRHS Student Participates in Massachusetts Student Government Day

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Old Rochester Regional High School is pleased to share that Olivia Thompson, a junior and member of the Class of 2027, recently participated in the statewide Student Government Day.

            On April 10, Olivia and ORRHS Spanish teacher Kelly Ochoa traveled to the State House to participate in the annual Student Government Day.

            Student Government Day, formerly known as Good Government Day, is an informative program about state government that includes students taking on the role of elected or appointed officials to observe the processes of government. The goal of the event is to provide an immersive experience in the state legislative process by allowing students to engage with representatives and empowering them to voice their own informed views on current legislation.

            During their visit, Olivia and Ochoa met with state Rep. Mark Sylvia and Old Rochester alumnus Eddie Gonet for a tour of the State House and visited state Sen. Mark Montigny’s office. Gonet formerly served as an intern in Sen. Montigny’s office.

            Olivia participated in a student-led legislative session and shared her support of House Bill H.614, which proposes the Commissioner of Education develop guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in schools. The student bill was passed.

            The discussions Olivia heard during Student Government Day directly related to lessons Old Rochester students have encountered in their curriculum. Last year, students debated a bill that, if enacted, would ban cell phone usage during the school day. Two days before her visit, the Massachusetts state representatives passed a similar bill to ban cell phone usage in school. The Senate had previously passed the bill, and it is now returning to the Senate for a review of modifications.

            “Student Government Day is a unique opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of how their government works,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “The hands-on nature of the event allows students to speak with representatives, voice their opinions and actively participate in the legislative process. Programs such as this one encourage young people to become active participants in democratic society.”

            “We are thrilled that Olivia was elected to participate in Student Government Day,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “We wish to thank state Rep. Mark Sylvia for taking the time to meet with her. This event offers an exciting experience and provides students with new perspectives on how the government functions. We were proud to have Olivia represent Old Rochester at the State House.”

Happenings at the MAC

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Lou Schellenberg & Susan Darwin – Gallery Talks. The artists Lou Schellenburg & Susan Darwin will return to the MAC to close their show Common Waters: Once Removed, Always Returning with a free Gallery Talk with the Artists: Friday, April 17 at 4:00 pm. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. The show will close thereafter. More information at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Collective Sightings – Visions of Grace, Harmony and Solitude opens on April 24. This exhibition features the work of re/vision, a peer-to-peer group of photographers including Angela C. Brown, Bill Clark, David DeMelim, Deb Ehrens and Keith Prue.

            Exhibition Statement from the Artists: This exhibition presents a collection of work developed individually, and yet collectively. While we each find the process of making art a contemplative and often solitary experience, we are driven by a desire or need to share and connect with the larger world. Our re/vision group acts as a bridge between these two poles of isolation and community, offering a place to share work-in-progress and ideas not yet fully formed without fear. Mutual respect for each member’s talents and the trust and familiarity developed over years of working together provide an added motivation to continue innovating. While our individual practices, styles, and approaches to photography diverge wildly, we are drawn together by our shared desire to keep innovating and reinventing our work and ourselves. The rhythm of that creative connection flows through our varied interpretations of Grace, Harmony, and Solitude.

            The exhibition opens on April 24 with a free reception at the MAC, 80 Pleasant St. Marion from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The show will run through May 22. For more information go to marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

            Abstract Acrylic Painting Workshop: Spring Florals – Whether you are just beginning or looking to broaden your experience with acrylics, join us for a one-day workshop on acrylics using spring florals for inspiration. In this class, attendees will create their own daffodil inspired painting (or other floral). Instructor Elyse Laurelle will provide guidance, demonstration, and a finished example while working through the painting process with participants. Elyse will share her techniques and offer advice and feedback to students during the informal session.

The goal of this class is for participants to feel more comfortable working with acrylics and to take home a completed painting of their very own. While the instructor’s style and work are the basis for the class, participants will be encouraged to explore their own artistic style with their floral artwork.

            The class will be held at the MAC Studio located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm The cost is $55 for MAC Members and $65 for Nonmembers. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring any acrylic painting supplies they have on hand. More information and registration at marionartcenter.org/events.

Island Wharf in Harbor Management Plan

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            The Marion Marine Resources Commission met on Wednesday, April 1 in the Maritime Center for a list of action items that, along with approving minutes of prior meetings, handled the vacant harbormaster position, town kayak racks, the Harbor Management Plan, and Island Wharf.

            The commission quickly discussed the open harbormaster position, mentioning the need for someone experienced. “We’re in a very different position than we’ve been in almost 20 years in terms of filling the position. We don’t have any kind of succession. we don’t have an assistant moving up or someone who has been groomed to move up, so we’re starting fresh,” Chair Vincent J. Malkoski, Jr. said.

            The MRC then moved to discuss kayak rack regulations, which it was initially noted should have both the direction and eventual oversight of the harbormaster and their department. It was stated the difference between kayaks and paddleboards should be explicated outlined, and both water “crafts” follow generally the same rules, aside from positioning of their respective rack posts. There will be a $15 fee for a rack slot and a $5 renewal fee for existing approved residents.

            Commission members also highlighted other powers to be taken up by the harbormaster, such as the officer having the authority to dispose of kayaks left behind or left by violators without a valid pass. Other potential kayak-related incidents were discussed, such as what to do when someone else has their kayak in your spot or whether non-residents should be offered some usability, with the commission agreeing more work and discussion is required to hash out and formulate the policy, with the chair stating the need for some facets of the policy to be simplified.

            The MRC then moved on to discuss the Harbor Management Plan, which will also contain provisions for kayak/board racks.

            Chair Malkoski mentioned he had received Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland’s recommendations regarding Island Wharf and parking on the property. Malkoski noted the importance of a plan being discussed and devised for parking at the wharf, and the lot as a whole. The MRC discussed recommendations that parking for commercial vehicles and trailers be allowed with permit only (from October 15 to June 15), through harbormaster coordination. Should that be the case, the MRC also discussed proposals to move the bandstand to Silvershell Beach to allow Island Wharf to be maintained as parking for town access.

            Commission members discussed commercial parking on the grass, with the chair saying, “the idea that you can never put stuff on the grass is just not a reality.”

            They noted the difficulty is getting all the major town parties to agree, though Malkoski said he “absolutely” wants Island Wharf parking regulations to be included in the Harbor Management Plan.

            The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm in the Maritime Center.

            The first Public Meeting to go over the Marion Harbor Management Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Music Hall.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

By Sam Bishop

The Noah Curtis Greany Foundation

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The Noah Curtis Greany foundation is launching their first scholarship awards for the graduating class of 2026. This scholarship honors the life and spirit of Noah Curtis Greany – a humble, kind, and inspiring young man whose joy for life and infectious optimism made everyone around him feel seen, valued and loved. Through support for youth sports programs, educational scholarships, and cancer research, driven by Noah’s childhood dream to cure cancer, the foundation wants to carry forward his legacy of kindness, joy, and the belief that every person matters. This scholarship seeks to recognize graduating high school seniors who embody these same qualities through their character, actions and impact on others. There will be five awards of $2,000 each. The application deadline is May 1.

            Applicants must align with one of the following criteria. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior from the Tri-Town of Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester who attends any surrounding high school. Applicants may be graduating high school seniors from Tabor Academy. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior from Boston Collegiate Charter School, Community Academy of Science and Health or Dr. Albert D. Holland School of Technology. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior attending Northeastern University from the Tri-Town or any South Boston/Dorchester High School. All applicants must be pursuing post‑secondary education including college, university, trade school or other accredited programs.

            More details about the application and submission instructions can be found at thencgfoundation.org.