ORRHS Hosts Second Annual Community Service Learning Day

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 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its second annual Community Service Learning (CSL) Day on Wednesday, November 26.

            More than 600 ORRHS students and staff members spent the half-day before Thanksgiving break engaging in hands-on service projects benefiting local schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, senior residents, Veterans and public spaces throughout Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

            Designed to connect learning with civic engagement, CSL Day allows students to explore community needs, understand the importance of volunteerism, and develop a sense of stewardship for the place they call home.

            This year’s projects included campus beautification and gardening; environmental clean-ups at Silvershell Beach, the Mattapoisett Land Trust, and local disc golf areas; along with service at the Mattapoisett Museum and Library; classroom support and programming at Sippican School, Rochester Memorial School, Center School, and other early-childhood centers. Other CSL Day projects involved yard work for veterans; baking and crafting projects; mural work; letter-writing campaigns for Girls Love Mail; card-making for seniors and hospitalized children; CPR and Narcan education; and volunteer contributions to nonprofits like Friends of Jack, Marion Buoys of Hope; Gifts to Give, an organization that provides children’s items and presents to local kids in need.

            More than 70 faculty and staff members supervised and collaborated on these projects, guiding students in meaningful CSL experiences across dozens of locations throughout the Tri-Town area. Funding for transportation to the off-campus activities as part of CSL Day was provided by MassHire, the state’s workforce development network.

            “Our students’ buoy-painting for Marion Buoys of Hope was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when creativity meets service,” said Assistant Principal Lauren Millette. “Our students showed that service is more than volunteering – it’s using your talents to lift others.”

            “This being my first year participating in CSL Day, I was truly inspired by our students as they gave back and worked together, reflecting the relationships that make the tri-town community so special,” said Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi. “Overseeing our Community Collection project as part of CSL Day, you could see students realize how even small individual contributions can add up to a major impact. Students were thoughtful, enthusiastic, and eager to help their neighbors. It was a privilege to guide them.”

            “Community Service Learning Day is becoming one of my favorite traditions at ORR because it shows the best of who our students are,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “Seeing hundreds of young people step forward to give back – through physical work, creativity, compassion, and collaboration – reminds us why service is such an important part of education. I’m incredibly proud of the effort our students and staff put into this day. We hope students walk away learning that service is not just a one-day activity, but a lifelong mindset of connection to the community.”

            “The entire Tri-Town community benefits when students learn the value of connection, contribution, and civic responsibility,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “We’re grateful to the nonprofit organizations, schools, and other local partners who welcomed our students, and to all of our faculty whose leadership made this day possible. CSL Day continues to grow as a signature example of what makes Old Rochester Regional such an awesome place to live and go to school.”

Old Rochester Students Begin Year of Playbook Initiative Workshops

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The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 have launched this year’s Playbook Initiative and Project 351 programming with two fall workshops already completed.

            Through a partnership with the Boston Celtics and Project 351, the school system’s Playbook work connects student leaders in grades 4 through 12 from Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School, Sippican Elementary School, Old Hammondtown School and Rochester Memorial School.

            This year’s work began with two student-led workshops and continued with the Playbook Immersion Summit on November 14 at the Celtics’ Auerbach Center. ORRHS Assistant Principal and Playbook Coordinator Lauren Millette attended alongside two student trainers, Junior Olivia Thompson and Sophomore Luc Silveira.

            Students heard from Boston Celtics leaders and staff, including Brad Stevens, Brian Scalabrine and Xavier Tillman Sr., while taking part in training on community-building, leadership and racial equity.

            On October 22, Project 351 Influencers from all three elementary schools participated in a morning of leadership training at ORRHS. High school Project 351 leaders ran activities that focused on the traits of effective leaders. Students then broke into small groups to talk through scenarios and situations when they would utilize those skills.

            “Watching our students take the lead has been one of the best parts of this work,” said Assistant Principal and Playbook Coordinator Millette. “They show up prepared, they listen to one another and they create a space where their peers feel comfortable speaking up. Students build confidence during these workshops that they take back into our classrooms.”

            One sixth-grade Project 351 Influencer said, “I got to work with some nice people and learned that sometimes being a leader means sticking up for yourself and others.” A fifth-grade Influencer added, “I learned a lot about what being a leader means and that there are different types of leaders.”

            “When students lead other students, the learning feels immediate and real,” said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz. “These workshops help young people find their voice and practice leadership in a supportive setting. It has been powerful to watch the growth across all grade levels.”

            At the elementary school level, principals saw the same impact.

            “It was a great day of learning about one another’s feelings, and what makes us feel excited, brave, or confident,” said RMS Principal Heidi Letendre. “The students engaged in great conversations around inclusiveness. Congratulations to the high school team for putting on a great workshop for our young leaders in the making.”

            “Our partnership with Project 351 and the Playbook Initiative gives students a chance to build community through meaningful dialogue,” said Sippican Principal Lynn Dessert. “These experiences help them understand their role in shaping a school where everyone feels seen.”

            Staff members have also chosen three ORRJHS Project 351 Ambassadors, one from each town:

            Lilah Silveira (Marion)

            Elliot Jacobsen (Mattapoisett)

            Delaney Vieira (Rochester)

            These ambassadors will join eighth-grade leaders from all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns for a year of service and statewide leadership training inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.

            “Our students step into this work ready to learn and listen, which results in building stronger school communities,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “The Playbook Initiative gives them the tools to lead with empathy. It also shows them that their voice matters in shaping a place where every student feels like they belong.”

Hello from Plumb Library

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We invite you to join us from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 13 at the Library for the Annual Friends Holiday Fundraiser. We will be auctioning off 12 beautifully curated, themed baskets, as well as a couple of deluxe gift baskets worth over $100 each. Tickets are on sale now and will be sold through the end of the event. Deluxe basket tickets will only be sold the day of the Holiday Fundraiser and prices may vary. In addition to the auction there will be a Bake Sale Table, a chance to visit with Santa, and a kid’s craft activity. The Rochester Historical Society will be also be on-hand selling books, shirts, and other local history items. Ticket sales and Historical Society items are cash or check only, the bake sale is by cash donation.

            All proceeds from the ticket sales and bake sale benefit the Friends of the Library, the non-profit fundraising arm of the Library. Thanks to the support of the Friends, we are able to provide programs, talks, and events for all ages at Plumb Library, which include things like the Summer Reading Program, author talks, and BookPage magazine. Interested in helping out? Ask us how you can become a member of the Friends of the Library.

            Other Upcoming Meetings & Events: Knitting Group 6:30 pm Mondays December 15, 22, 29; Board of Library Trustees 6 pm Thursday December 11; Writers Group 6:30 pm Thursday December 18; Books & Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Monday December 29. Please note: The COA Book Group will not be meeting in December.

            Please note: The Library will be closing at 1 pm Friday December 12 for the Town Employee Christmas Party. Our Holiday Hours are: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 10 am-2 pm ; we will be closed all day Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

            More information and links for registration can be found on the Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com. Want to stay up-to-date on Library happenings? Ask to be added to our monthly Newsletter email list, check out our online Events Calendar, or “like and follow” us on Facebook and Instagram.

            Library hours: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed Sundays and Holidays. Contact us: call 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours.

EV Charger Study in Marion

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            The town of Marion has been awarded a study by the state in order to ascertain the residents’ desire for and town’s potential plans for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) selected Marion for a feasibility study as it sets forth EV initiatives across the state through their “On-Street Charging Solution Program.”

            The study will incite no cost to the town, with funding coming from MassCEC and their private partners, the Worcester-based Commonwealth Electrical Technologies and the national Leidos corporation. The town applied for and was recently selected by MassCEC for a feasibility study and online survey, available off a link on the town’s website at: form.jotform.com/252333711341143.

            The study seeks to gain the following info: ideal charger locations, neighborhood access needs, and local priorities/concerns. In pushing for the state to adopt clean energy generation and meet Massachusett’s climate goals, the survey is designed to help the state understand the want for and feasibility of EV chargers.

            Possible locations narrowed down for EV chargers currently sit off Route 6 or closer to downtown: Spring Street in the vicinity of Main Street area, Spring Street in the vicinity of Cottage Street, Wells Road in the vicinity of Spring Street, In the vicinity of 31-41 South Street, or Point Road Park. The group also, in seeking community engagement, is looking for other recommended locations.

            The survey will be open until December 31. Following this, the organization and state will review results and formulate a plan going forward.

On-Street Charging Solution Program

By Sam Bishop

Tri-County Symphonic Band Annual Children’s Christmas Concert

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‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land, Town folks were gathering to hear the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

            The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, celebrates the festive holiday season with its Annual Children’s Christmas Concert, on Sunday, December 14, 1:30 pm at the Sippican School, 16 Spring Street, Marion, in the Multi-Purpose Room. The concert is a wonderful family experience designed for all ages and is free of charge.

            The Tri-County Symphonic Band will perform seasonal favorites including “Christmas-Time Around the World”, “Carol of the Shepherds”, “A Canadian Brass Christmas”, “Christmas Calypso”, “That Christmas Tree Jazz” and “Introduction, March and Shepherd’s Dance” from Amahl and the Night Visitors.

            A special part of this year’s concert will feature the Sippican School Concert Choir, under the direction of Patricia Richard performing “Dormi, Dormi” and “Moonlight Sleigh Ride” The Concert Choir will also perform “The Christmas Song” with the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

            The youngsters in the audience will enter a drawing with the winners playing the sleigh bells with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”.

            The concert will conclude with a “Christmas Sing-a-long” featuring the Sippican School Concert Choir, followed by a volunteer community band called the “Cottage Street Jam Band”, under the direction of Hannah Moore, leading a march from the Sippican School to Island Wharf to greet Santa as he arrives via “water sleigh”. The Sippican School Band will then perform in the Marion Village Christmas Stroll which directly follows the Tri-County Symphonic Band concert.

            As the band rounds the corner and jolly Santa’s is in sight, he wishes peace to all and to all a good night.

Ramps For The Holidays

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Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) is seeking metal wheelchair ramp donations and support for their Ramp Donation Program. According to Executive Director Christine Lacourse, “We have currently helped 26 families with ramps this year with the community’s support. We have three more families that need our help before the end of the year, but we are out of inventory. We need to raise $10,000 to buy 3 (or more) used ramps for Joanne, Nancy, and Lorraine, so that we can help change their world, and we are hoping for strong year-end support. Imagine, each tax-deductible gift will give someone the ability to stay or return home for the holidays.”

            “There are many reasons why someone might need a ramp, from a simple broken leg to a chronic disease like multiple sclerosis to cancer,” explained Lacourse. “Many of our ramp recipients have been healthy all their lives but now in their senior years, need a walker or are in a wheelchair. What a difference a ramp makes for an individual and their family. It literally gives someone freedom, independence, and the ability to Age-in-Place.”

            Ramp recipients have ranged in age from teenagers to those in their nineties. As one recipient’s daughter enthused after her mother in her eighties got a ramp, “We are absolutely thrilled…. The ramp was installed today and my mother had a doctor’s appointment at 2:30 and she did not have to hold on for dear life going down the stairs, while 10 out of 10 pain went down her hip. She just used her cane and held the railing and smoothly went down the ramp. And my Dad’s hip is not in excruciating pain from going down and up the stairs. And the men who came and installed it were wonderful.”

            According to Janice, another recent ramp recipient who is 86 years old, “It made me feel alive. Really and truly. I don’t have to lift my legs that I can’t lift. I used to have to cling to the rail to get up, then lift my legs three times because I had three big steps, and now I can run up it. A flock of angels put it up. All gentlemen and very nice.”

            In 2024, BBAHFH formally introduced the Ramp Donation program giving low-income homeowners the accessibility they need to remain safe in their homes. Through ramp donations and purchases, BBAHFH tries to maintain an inventory available that can be loaned out and installed by volunteers when needed by a family, but this can be difficult as ramps are expensive, and the need is great. BBAHFH is grateful for its partners, including the families who have donated ramps to be reused, supporting foundations in the region, and Oakley Home Access for making ramps available on a discounted basis.

            When a family no longer requires the ramp, it is picked up by BBAHFH and then loaned to another low-income family in need. The Ramp Donation program helps those with existing accessibility issues, temporary injuries, or those who are checking out of a rehabilitation facility with hopes of returning home.

            BBAHFH is running this program throughout Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport, and ramps are installed at no cost for families. This project is funded in part by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Executive Office of Aging & Independence and Coastline Elderly Services, the Area Agency on Aging, through Federal Title-III funds.

            For more information on BBAHFH’s Ramp Donation program, contact BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call 508-758-4517. Tax-deductible donations to support the program may be made at www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org or by sending a check to BBAHFH, P.O. Box 1584, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, and please note “Ramps for the Holidays.”

Secondary-Meter Talks Begin

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            The Marion Water & Sewer Regulations Review Committee met on Thursday, December 4 to discuss the now-deferred Citizens’ Petition Town Meeting article regarding secondary water meters.

            The committee was created by the Select Board in July for the purpose of reviewing, assessing, and recommending updates to the town’s regulations regarding sewer and water services. For their 11th meeting, having generally met three times per month since their first meeting in September, they dedicated most of their time to a discussion on the Fall Town Meeting’s Citizens’ Petition submitted by Andrew Daniel for the creation of secondary water meters to split usage tracking between sewer and water. Vote on the article was postponed, per vote, to the 2026 Annual Town Meeting in May.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman began by stating the purpose of the committee’s meeting was “to review the impact of the November 20, 2025, Special Town Meeting Citizens’ Petition article calling for secondary water meter inclusion into water regulations. These impacts should include, but are not limited to, the effective changes on sewer and water enterprise accounts over the next five years.” From that, they also sought to discuss ways to effectively implement the proposed policy into existing regulations to have recommendations for the Select Board by January 6, 2026.

            One of their first discussion topics was billing for the secondary meter and the frequency of such. Select Board member John Hoagland said yearly billing “would be an administrative nightmare” with Gorman recommending quarterly billing, or every 90 days. They also talked on the town’s billing software, saying it is “really, really difficult” and will potentially offer its own difficulties in this process.

            Being the first post-Town Meeting discussions regarding the secondary meter petition, there was a lot of ground to cover. Of course, this is all ground-laying work in preparation for the town’s next Town Meeting in the spring and another vote on the petition.

            The next meeting of the Marion Water & Sewer Regulations Review Committee is scheduled for Thursday, December 11 at 3:00 pm in the Town Hall Annex, 14 Barnabas Road.

Marion Water & Sewer Regulations Review Committee

By Sam Bishop

Cannabis – what is it Good For?

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While cannabis (marijuana) is still classified as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, meaning it has no legitimate medical use and a high potential for abuse, the same is not true at the state level. Forty states plus the District of Columbia allow licensed health professionals to prescribe cannabis products for medical use.

            (24 states allow recreational use of cannabis – no prescription required.)

            One consequence of the federal classification is that the NIH is not allowed to fund studies of medical marijuana use, and this has greatly limited good research on such use. Despite this, 27% of U.S. adults have tried marijuana at least once for medical purposes.

            There are FDA-approved cannabis-like products (dronabinol, nabilone) which are approved for nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and for severe anorexia due to HIV/AIDS. Another, cannabidiol, is approved for rare pediatric seizure disorders. That, according to the FDA, is that.

            Advocates, however, claim that cannabis can do wonders for just about every ailment. Are any of these claims valid?

            Chronic pain is a common reason for cannabis use, and a recent study found that chronic pain patients using narcotics were able to reduce their narcotic use after using cannabis. Certainly marijuana is less dangerous than narcotics.

            Most of the other reasons cannabis is used have limited or no good data supporting this use. Anxiety may improve but may get worse. Cannabis is used for insomnia, but the sleep it induces is often poor quality. Some PTSD sufferers report help.

            Inhaled marijuana lowers eye pressure, but this effect wears off within a few hours, making it of minimal benefit for glaucoma.

            Migraines, inflammatory bowel disease and fibromyalgia are often treated with cannabis, but again, there is little solid evidence of lasting benefit.

            Why not “just give it a try”?

            Cannabis is not harmless. Acute side effects include heart racing, drop in blood pressure, dizziness, impaired coordination and slowed reaction time. Driving after cannabis use is as bad as driving under the influence of alcohol.

            With chronic use, particularly daily use, there is evidence that cannabis increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Use by adolescents and young adults is associated with cognitive defects and lower IQ scores in adulthood. Regular users can have a severe vomiting illness requiring emergency department visits. Susceptible individuals can develop psychosis and/or increased anxiety.

            If you are considering using cannabis for a medical condition, discuss it with your doctor. If what you have been using is not working, there may be better options. Marijuana should be a last choice, not your first.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

ORRJH Students of the 1st Quarter

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Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School, announces the following Students of the 1st Quarter.

            Green Team: Madison E. Ferreira and Dominic L. Philie

            Orange Team: Harper L. Osetkowski and Manuel J. Palomo

            Blue Team: Penelope M. Conley and Charles S. Whinnem

            Red Team: Emelia E. Marmelo and Eli P. Linane

            Exploratory Team: Olivia G. Carillo and Elias A. Giron

Rochester Historical Society Holiday Happenings

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On December 13 from 10:00 pm to 1:30 pm, the Rochester Historical Society will be at the Plumb Library Holiday Fund Raiser. We’ll be right there as you come in the door, and we hope you will stop to say hi and to check out our items for sale. We’re Santa approved with many potential Christmas gifts. Along with our usual clothing, we have a new item, a fleece vest with our Rochester logo embroidered. Some of our board members have been testing them out and find them warm and comfortable. They come in all sizes and in black, red, navy, bright blue, and the Historical Society favorite of iron gray. They wash well and don’t pill. Definitely, the look for 2026.

            On December 14 at 1:30 pm, it’s Christmas at the Rochester Historical Society Museum at 355 County Road, Rochester.

            Our rare Vocalion organ will be the star of our holiday music and sing-along. Sheila Perry will be playing our organ, and she and Tom will lead us in singing along to favorite songs and carols. It’s truly a magical experience to enjoy this music in a 19th century church. It is an oasis of calm during the busy holidays.

            There will be hot cider and cocoa with goodies after the concert. The price of admission is an unwrapped gift for a teen or child.