Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Offers Scholarships

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Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to offer (2) $2,000.00 scholarship awards to Mattapoisett residents who are high school seniors, graduating in June 2022.

            In addition, there will be a $1,000.00 scholarship granted to a Mattapoisett resident who is reentering the academic world after graduation and is in pursuit of a post secondary degree. Please go to the website (listed below) for further information and/or to obtain the application for this scholarship.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization with a history of awarding scholarships. The first scholarship award for $5 was presented to a student at Center School in 1943. Five years later in 1948, the amount was increased to $100. To date, more than $100,000 in scholarships has been presented to local students. MWC plans and executes fund- raising events to help generate the revenue for these scholarships and other charitable donations. In offering these scholarships, the club supports educational leadership and the community through its fundraising efforts.

            For High School seniors the scholarship application will be available in the guidance offices of Old Rochester Regional High School, Bishop Stang High School, Old Colony Vocational Technical High School, Tabor Academy, Bristol County Agricultural and online info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org for those not attending the above schools.

Final deadline for returning completed applications is March 31, 2022. No one will be considered after this date.

            If you have any further questions, you may contact the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club at P.O. Box 1444, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Abutter Concerned over Neighbor’s Addition

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The January 10 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission found two local business owners in polite disagreement over a proposal for the construction of a storage garage.

            Grace Knox, owner of DG Service Company came before the commission with a Notice of Intent filing for the construction of a storage garage at her place of business located at 23 County Road.

            Representing Knox, Ken Motta of Field Engineering explained in detail that the project would have no impact on abutting properties with respect to natural or manmade drainage features. He said that a longstanding mound of disturbed ground would be removed, leaving a short berm-like structure on one side to ensure water flow would not impact the neighboring parking area of Sandra Dawson’s real estate office.

            After Motta concluded his presentation, Dawson rose to present concerns centering around current water-flow issues that she said were created when Knox built an addition and a potential for increased drainage onto her property should the garage be built.

            Motta addressed Dawson’s concerns, but Dawson wanted assurances that the proposed construction wouldn’t create more issues on her property. Motta presented photographic evidence that, prior to the addition, Dawson’s property experienced historic water issues and that, in fact, drainage features on Knox’s property was helping improve matters on Dawson’s property.

            Motta said that water on Dawson’s property was not coming from Knox’s side but from Dawson’s own land. “None of the runoff from Grace’s property will go on your property,” he said.

            Chairman Mike King added, “This is a pretty low-impact project.” He said water was flowing in a southwesterly direction in what he described as a “sheet flow.” He said he had made two site visits and that Dawson has the right to appeal the commission’s decision. “You can appeal to the DEP, but if they give a superseding order of conditions you’ll be dealing with the state, not the local commission.”

            The NOI received an order of conditions including a special condition for an operation and maintenance plan for the drainage system.

            The commission issued a Negative Determination of Applicability to Pedro Yae De Leon, 151 Fairhaven Road, for the abandonment of an existing cesspool and connection to the public sewer system.

            Also receiving a negative decision for a filed RDA was a request for the construction of a timber trellis over an existing patio owned by James and Dale Barnes, 69 Mattapoisett Neck Road.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, January 24, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Andrew B. Denham

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Andrew B. Denham, 39, died January 12, 2022 after a long battle with addiction.

            Born in New Bedford, son of Barry J. and Deborah M. (Bourdon) Denham, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

            He was employed as a heavy equipment operator and as a landscaper.

            Andrew enjoyed music, singing and playing the guitar.

            He was a kind warm hearted loving son. Andrew will be missed.

            Survivors include his parents; his girlfriend, Stacey Brack and her son Gabe of Braintree; a sister, Lisa Denham and her fiance Jeff Perry of New Bedford; a nephew, Justin Perry; 2 aunts, Lois Alves of Mattapoisett and Penny Lupo and her husband Hugh of Danbury, CT; and his uncle, Bob Bourdon of Mattapoisett.

            His funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Peter Frederick Trow

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Peter Frederick Trow, 69, of Mattapoisett died peacefully on January 12, 2022 surrounded by his family at Brigham and Women’s Hospital following a sudden onset of complications from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

            He leaves behind his beloved wife, Amy (Fistori) Trow, his cherished daughter, Grace (Trow) Potter and her husband Chet of Mattapoisett. He is survived by his sister Deborah (Trow) Dunklee and her husband Lester and his brother Mark Trow and his wife Tonya. Peter was also the son-in-law of Nancy and the late Paul Fistori and brother-in-law of Anne and the late John Langlois, Meg and Randy Spence, Paul and Erin Fistori, and John and Christine Fistori. He was the proud uncle of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

            Born in Cambridge, MA, Peter was a son of the late Granville Trow and Betty (Davis) Trow.

            He attended UMass Amherst on a full basketball scholarship and graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. During his time at UMass he played and coached professional basketball in Europe. Peter’s successful career in scientific product sales culminated in his position as a Vice President at VWR International until his retirement in 2018. Peter was inducted into the Old Rochester Regional Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

            Peter was an avid sailor, kayaker, cyclist, swimmer, and pickle ball player. He always looked forward to Thursday night outings with “the basketball guys”. He enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends on the patio he designed at his lifelong home in Mattapoisett.

            A wake will be held on Monday, January 17, 2022 at Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals in Mattapoisett from 3-7 pm. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held in late spring 2022.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Peter.

Sharon M. (Nobrega) Blanchard

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Sharon M. (Nobrega) Blanchard, 73, of Rochester passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022 after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Philip Blanchard.

            Born in Washington, DC, a daughter of the late Daniel and Juliette (Bonvouloir) Nobrega she lived most of her life in the area.

            Mrs. Blanchard was a homemaker who took care of her two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and creating all types of clothing for her loved ones. Sharon also enjoyed gardening and playing games on her computer.

            She is survived by two daughters, Nicole Andrews and her husband David of Rochester and Tara Blanchard of Fairhaven; two grandchildren, Jacob and Hailey Andrews; siblings, Joyce Bruni-Jared of Virginia Beach, VA and Gerard Nobrega of Taunton; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Bruce Nobrega. Her services are private and under the direction of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. For online tribute: www.rock-funeralhome.com.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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At one time, my husband’s favorite TV show was History Detectives. Viewers sent in questions and the show’s cast, using the many resources of their network, searched out answers. In a previous article I asked the question, “What happened to Bonney Hill?” The hill, a great sledding spot, had been mentioned in an older poem. Without network resources, I relied on readers of our local media to help me find an answer.

            The first response posed a possibility that the earth of the hill could have been taken by the state during one of the expansions of Logan Airport. Apparently, there was a period of time when the state was taking earth from Middleboro, Lakeville and perhaps Rochester. When earth is removed from a town, it is supposed to be paid a depletion allowance. In the time frame of Logan’s expansion, Rochester was charging 5 cents a cubic yard, which is 27 cubic feet.

            At this point, I realized in addition to not knowing what happened to Bonney Hill, I wasn’t sure where it had been, especially since the name Bonney is associated with more than one area in town. I sent some emails to those I thought might have an answer and on Sue LaFleur’s advice, I turned to the historical museum files. Sure enough, L.C. Humphrey pinpointed the site when he wrote about having a cabin with a few other boys. The cabin was located on Bonney Hill not far from “the 1st District School and the Green.” The District One School also known as the Town or Centre School was at that time located where Town Hall is today.

            Further responses connected the demise of Bonney Hill not to Logan Airport but to the creation of Plumb Corner Mall. This area was once owned by the Hartley Sawmill with a portion belonging to Anna White. The Sawmill sold the land to Mrs. Bray who lived at one time at 7 Marion Rd. In the late 1980’s, the Brays sold the land to Walter Garvey to build the mall. The earth and sand that had comprised the hill was hauled off at this time. That area is also part of the current construction of a condominium complex, which has further changed the landscape.

            I want to thank Joe, Bill, Henry, Sue and of course, L.C. for helping me solve my local history mystery. The picture shows how the center looked, probably in the days of L.C. Humphrey.

By Connie Eshbach

Holiday Breaks Come under Scrutiny

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            Mattapoisett School Committee members Carly Lavin and Tiffini Reedy pushed back on the proposed inclusion of Wednesday, November 23, as part of the Thanksgiving Day break when the 2022-23 draft school calendar was discussed during Monday night’s committee meeting.

            “I think it’s just a little choppy … might be a fan of being at least a half-day on the 23rd,” said Lavin, adding that most public-school districts on the south coast attend a full day of school on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. “I prefer to see less extra days throughout the year so kids can get home (for summer vacation.)”

            The Mattapoisett School Committee, said Old Rochester Regional District Superintendent Mike Nelson, does not vote on the academic calendar, the Joint School Committee does. But Nelson added that such dialogue is an essential ingredient to the process of arriving at the final calendar and that he would report that feedback when the JSC meets on Monday, January 20.

            Also proposed is early dismissal on December 22 for Christmas break. Students would return on Monday, January 2, 2023.

            August 30 would be the first day of the 2022 – 23 academic year and barring cancellations, June 16, 2023 would be the last.

            Other off-days include but are not limited to: October 10 Indigenous People’s Day aka Columbus Day; October 25 parent conferences; November 10 full professional development day; April 7 no school; and April 20 – 24 spring vacation.

            Reedy questioned why April 7 is a day off as a “Catholic” holiday but there are no other religious holidays on the school calendar. Nelson said he would bring that concern to the JSC.

            Member Karin Barrows asked if should school extend three days beyond the prescribed calendar, Juneteenth would be an off-day held on June 19. Nelson said, yes, provided it falls into the actual school calendar.

            Lavin also asked if the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is counting hours or days toward the establishment of a full academic year. Nelson said the state authority now considers both days and instructional hours.

            The subject of limitations reached the school committee itself when Committee Chairman Jim Muse received pushback after telling the membership that he would like to adopt a goal for all regular school committee meetings to be limited to 90 minutes and subcommittee meetings to 60.

            “I don’t think it’s appropriate to put a limit. … I don’t support that cap,” said Lavin, who indicated that targeting 90 minutes is a reasonable approach.

            Clarifying his request, Muse said discussions aiming toward a committee vote should not limit debate, but questions about presentations can be addressed as follow-up opportunities. “Meetings that last two, three and four hours, are not fair,” said Muse, who insists on maintaining a 20-minute block for public comment. He sought no vote on the matter, only a show of support to engage in a policy.

            “I understand sometimes there are lengthy presentations, but the number of meetings that are necessary, it demands that we give some opportunity to the administration to manage this,” said Muse, noting that members can further the cause by planning their comments and reading the agenda and minutes in advance of meetings.

            Barrows suggested labeling the agenda, noting which items will require votes. Lavin and member Carole Clifford supported Barrows’ point. “If we do that, we don’t need a limit. … To put a limit, I do not agree with,” said Clifford.

            Muse reiterated his clarification that, “If there’s something that requires debate, then we’ll debate as necessary. But I would like to plan to complete our work within a 90-minute period.”

            In her Principal’s Report, Rose Bowman celebrated a grant involving Lisa Lourenco, a technology teacher in both the Center and Old Hammondtown schools. A $6,000 grant from Worcester Polytechnic Institute was procured thanks to the suggestion of WPI alumna and Mattapoisett School Committee member Frances Kearns. Lorenco helped write the grant.

            The grant will include robotic equipment and four professional-development days with the team from WPI. It will provide children with the opportunity to receive additional education and materials. Lourenco, who has also been working with Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School to bring such opportunities to ORR students, drove to Worcester to get the materials. “Teachers and administrators go the extra mile to make this a great school system,” said Muse.

            Bowman also discussed the Mattapoisett PTA and Cultural Council’s plans for a presentation with artist Bren Bataclan, who will visit classrooms in grades K-3 at Center School on Friday, January 21. Half of Bataclan’s fees will be covered by a grant from the Cultural Council.

            Nelson indicated that several Budget Subcommittee meetings have occurred, resulting in substantial progress with the FY23 draft budget. The next step, he told the school committee, is inviting a member of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee and Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. Once Muse determines that the subcommittee is ready to bring the budget to the school committee, the latter will approve a budget figure and bring that to Town Meeting.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported on the tiered, focused monitoring audit update that Nelson called “a cumbersome process,” crediting Davidson for his work. “I couldn’t ask for a better team,” said Davidson, thanking special educator Jennifer Rusinoski for “outstanding” work with Julie Evans at DESE. “We did not have a single problem with the audit (no findings) … and we’re very proud of that.”

            In his Central Office Administrator’s Report, Nelson announced that the state mandate on mask wearing in public schools has been extended through February 28. Acknowledging the Covid surge, he said, “I’m very proud that our school continues to offer in-person learning.”

            Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber was unable to attend on Monday, but Nelson told the membership that Barber had sent them expenditures, along with facilities and food service reports. He said that there is $540,000 remaining in the budget to begin January 2022.

            In her report, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell told the committee that Loretta Laroche will present to the faculty on stress management on Tuesday, January 18, as part of professional development.

            In his report, Davidson said that through Mattapoisett’s test and stay program with school nurses, 1,277 school days have been saved.

            A 10-part series on community talks has been launched on ORR’s themes of social-emotional learning, 21st century learning and global citizenship. Part 1 on managing anxiety was held on January 5, and Part 2 will be advertised in the coming weeks. “We could not believe how many people signed up,” said Nelson. “The first event, over 100 registered and over 60 stayed the whole session (90 minutes.)”

            Muse summed up his Chairperson’s Report by thanking all staff, teachers and administrators, recognizing Bowman, the superintendent of Mattapoisett public elementary schools. “We’re very lucky,” he said.

            The committee entered executive session and only returned to adjourn.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Monday, February 28.

Mattapoisett School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Marion Art Center

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Virtual Reception for Winter Members’ Show – The Marion Art Center will host a virtual reception for its first show of the 2022 season, the Winter Members’ Show. The in-person reception was postponed and rescheduled as a virtual event in light of the recent surge in regional COVID cases. Anyone is invited to attend the virtual event, scheduled on Friday, January 14 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm via Zoom. Guests may register in advance to receive the Zoom link prior to the event at marionartcenter.org/events. During the reception, viewers will tour the galleries virtually, followed by a group discussion. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions or speak to artists who attend the virtual event.

            Guests can still visit the MAC galleries to view the exhibit in person. Regular gallery hours are Thurs – Sat 10 am – 2 pm, or visit other days and times by calling ahead during office hours, Tue – Fri, 10 am – 5 pm. Masks are required while visiting the Marion Art Center.

            New Mending Workshop in February – The Marion Art Center will offer a new one-day workshop, Visible Mending with Sashiko with Instructor Crickett Warner, on Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Join the renewed trend of repairing your clothing with beautiful traditional Japanese mending techniques and patterns. First recorded in Japan in the 16th century, peasants repaired worn-out clothing using scraps and layering to make material stronger. Local patterns identified people from different regions. Using thread and needles specifically made for Sashiko stitching, most students will complete one patch during the workshop, and some may finish up the last bits at home. Patterns and directions will be provided. Some denim jeans will be available to practice on, but it’s best for students to bring their own (holes not required) so the masterpieces can be worn! The cost for the three-hour workshop is $60 for MAC members and $65 for nonmembers, plus a $10 materials fee per student. Registration is open now online. More information including a list of provided materials can be found at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

Citizens United

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To the Editor;

            January 21, 2022 marks 12 years since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision gave constitutional rights to artificial entities, such as corporations.

            Citizens United, the PAC, was founded in 1988 by Floyd Brown, a longtime Washington political consultant, with major funding from longtime industrialists the Koch brothers. The group promoted corporate interests, socially conservative causes and candidates who supported their main goals of limited government and freedom of enterprise. In 2009, it sued the Federal Election Commission (FEC) which resulted in eliminating some restrictions on how corporations can spend money in elections. The 2010 5 to 4 decision was based on two absurd notions:

            – Artificial incorporated entities are entitled to the same Constitutional rights as real people, and

            – Political spending is equivalent to free speech.

            With our elections now awash in money, Congress passes laws that favor wealthy campaign contributors. And with their newfound Constitutional rights, large corporations use the courts to nullify democratically-enacted laws they find inconvenient.

            Only a Constitutional amendment can overturn flawed Supreme Court decisions which, in this case, prevents political equality for real people, rich and poor alike. Fortunately, such an amendment proposal has already been introduced in Congress: the “We the People Amendment.” (HJR.48.) Please encourage your elected Representative in Congress to continue supporting HJR.48 and your Senator to cosponsor HJR.48 once it gets to the Senate.

Jack W. Dean, Mattapoisett

                  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.

Book Sparks Climate Think Tank

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Mattapoisett Library Director Jennifer Jones has found a way to not only give local residents a platform to discuss climate-change issues but useful, easy-to-understand information on various aspects of the topic.

            As Jones recently shared, “In January 2021, I applied for a grant from the Richard & Ann J. Prouty Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, to fund a sustainability initiative for the library. We were awarded funding in May.” Currently, she said, the library is acquiring materials, along with hosting programs through April. One important initiative the library has begun is to encourage recycling which also runs through April.

             As a resource material, Jones said, “I looked for a title that would be a good book for a community-wide discussion, and upon finding ‘Regeneration Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation’ by Paul Hawken, I thought it would be suitable because climate change is an important topic of interest for this area.”

            Jones said she contacted the creators of the website for the book. The result was Jones was able to purchase and distribute (at no cost to interested parties) copies of the book now being used to jumpstart local discussion and possibly even inspire local solutions.

            “I figured there would be some in the community who would be very interested in climate change and sustainability,” she said, admitting that the pandemic has made communication a bit more problematic. By hosting virtual gatherings, people have been able to come together and share their thoughts and ideas.

            On January 8, Jones held a remote meeting. Focusing on various chapters in the book which range from sea-forestation to the sustainability of various types of forests, from human impacts on the planet to energy use and alternative sources, the group tackled food production and the food industry.

            Jones began the discussion by stating that “big food” (a term used for processed-food production and factory farms) contributes 9 percent of methane immersions globally. A shockingly high number, all agreed.

            The group talked about waste in the food industry with several participants saying their work at food pantries where businesses donate vast amounts of food is an example of over-production and fear of expiration dates. They were alarmed to consider the amount of food that is merely thrown away. Jones said that the library is collecting non-perishable food in lieu of fine payments through the end of January, one small step in assisting food distribution to those in need.

            Others in the Zoom meeting thought that a community garden might be useful in helping people who cannot easily travel to the grocery store to get fresh vegetables during the growing season. This led to questions on the possible use of space at the now town-owned Holy Ghost grounds located off Park Street. Nathan Ketchel, a member of the Planning Board and of the Master Plan Committee, said that during their discussions a community garden was suggested as well.

            As they continued to drill more deeply into topics, there came a point where most agreed that politics and pressure on congressional and House of Representatives leaders stymied efforts to find new ways to produce and distribute food. When Jones asked if there were ways that local people could impact policymakers, one participant asserted that politicians are “owned” by lobbyists. It was noted that the For The People Act, first introduced by John Sarbanes in 2019, sought to expand voting rights, change campaign finance laws and create new ethics rules.

            The group continued in this vein, discussing local politics and the lack of public interest or input in such matters as zoning bylaws and the efforts on the part of the League of Women Voters to engage the public in government issues that impact local communities.

            “People need to understand what it is to be a citizen,” one participant implored. There were other thoughts and questions regarding the planet’s ability to sustain life, given the growing numbers of humans from approximately 374,000,000 in the 1500s to nearly 8,000,000,000 in 2021.

            So just what can people do in a small town such as Mattapoisett, besides identifying issues and brainstorm ideas?

            The Mattapoisett Congregational Church is currently collecting plastic shopping bags in an effort to gather 500 pounds of the material. The church has found a program that accepts the plastic for repurposing, and in return, the church will receive a park bench that will be placed on its grounds for all to enjoy. A drop in the bucket, but that is 500 pounds of plastic that won’t be thrown away or burned.

            “I hope that this group will continue on discussing the topic and bringing awareness to it throughout Mattapoisett, whether it is at the library or as an independent group,” said Jones, who said she has a program, “Native Plant Gardening for Wildlife,” scheduled with Joy Marzano in February. “I am working on more ideas using grant funds, hopefully in partnership with local groups. That was one of the major points of the initiative, which we titled ‘Start Locally, Live Sustainably.’”

By Marilou Newell