Covid Cases Rise Amid Contention

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            The message in Rochester was clear on Monday night. The town isn’t going to tell anyone what to do, but its public officials hope that by sharing information, it influences considerate and smart choices in the community.

            Society’s polarization over public policies related to the COVID-19 virus became evident at the local level according to comments made during Monday night’s Rochester Select Board meeting where it was noted that anti-mask parents tried to take their protest into a school committee meeting last week.

            Conflicting opinions were acknowledged by Public Health Nurse Connie Dolan, who was given the floor to update the town on the state of the virus.

            “People are getting COVID for the second and sometimes third time,” said Dolan, who said she began recognizing names associated with prior COVID-19 cases during the summer. “It tends to be healthcare workers, mostly, but we are definitely seeing people get COVID more than once.”

            Dolan said that more children are testing positive and this time around are showing symptoms as opposed to the 2020 spike when many children were asymptomatic despite testing positive for the virus. Now she says there have been several instances of unvaccinated children infecting older family members and their grandparents. Transfers likely occurred at Thanksgiving Day gatherings.

            Drawing from the Maven database and Mass.gov, Dolan said 64 percent of Rochester residents are fully vaccinated and that there are 70 active cases, a sharp increase over the 10 to 15 cases the town had been averaging the prior few months. The current rate of positive tests, 5.48 percent, is also an increase over the 3 percent.

            Of the 70 active cases, Dolan said 24 are with vaccinated people; of the 24 vaccinated positives, 18 are ages 12 and under (26 percent.) “This is a trend,” said Dolan.

            She reported 798 documented cases to date in Rochester but added the caveat that residents performing at-home COVID tests do not register in the state-distributed statistics.

            “School officials are being faced with some very angry parents in relation to quarantine requirements and masking requirements,” said Dolan.

            Statewide, said Dolan, ages 5-14 are yielding the highest number of positive cases, adding there is a significant instance of infections between children and adults. Nationwide, 20 percent of COVID-related hospitalizations are children ages 9 and under.

            Because COVID vaccines are widely available, the virus is deemed preventable. Therefore, the state Department of Health does not anticipate the implementation of anymore statewide restrictions.

            “I’m the last guy who wants to push on the mask thing,” said Board of Health Chairman David Souza. “I want to see it fixed … knowledge is power. … Just think about someone else, just do what you can. Try to think of other people.”

            Souza told the Select Board that he doesn’t want to wear his mask, but he brought it with him in case it was warranted.

            Rather than incite any more anger with town-wide restrictions, Dolan suggested taking the educational route. “Our concern is people maybe don’t understand,” she said, alluding to her efforts alongside Health Agent Karen Walega.

            Dolan suggested a reverse 911 call delivering a rational public-service announcement, along with case information and advice on what people can do to protect themselves, where clinics are, information and guidance, especially hearing into the holiday and winter seasons.

            In her Town Administrator’s Report, Suzanne Szyndlar acknowledged a memo from Covanta on the company’s ownership change and new CEO. Rochester also received a notice from Covanta after restricted material was not accepted for disposal.

            “It’s important that people understand,” said Szyndlar, noting that the information is traceable.

            Rochester has received a Green Communities FY22 grant award, most of the $147,000 going to LED lighting. The town has also received $66,000 for permitting software awards. Szyndlar thanked administrative assistant Patti Braz for her work on the project.

            In other business, the Select Board voted to sign the water agreement with the Town of Wareham and voted to approve all license-renewal applications for 2022.

            Town offices will close early on the Thursdays before Christmas and New Year’s Day, which both fall on Saturdays. Offices will be closed altogether on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

            The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 23, at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School.

            Town Counsel Blair Bailey told the board that everything has been signed and is underway for the solar project at RMS. Select Board member Woody Hartley said the developer will hold up construction until school lets out for the summer.

            The board entered executive session for negotiation with union and non-union personnel and to also discuss potential litigation with a vendor contract.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, December 20, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Survival Leads to Discovery, Redemption

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            He’s a grown man now, a man who has survived torture and torment, grief from immeasurable losses, disappointments and finally discovery that led to redemption of his true self. But that kind of transformation doesn’t come free of charge. It takes a great deal of acceptance and forgiveness, qualities that are found in vast quantities in this man – Derek DeCosta.

            DeCosta, author and entrepreneur, is now pursuing another passion, possibly the most important one for himself and others, to share his journey so that others may make their own discoveries, find their own redemption from their living hells. DeCosta is gaining momentum as a motivational speaker.

            Since 2014, when a local print shop helped DeCosta produce and distribute 100 copies of “The Moonlight King” primarily to book clubs, much has been written of the author’s passage from his comfortable home in Korea with an intact family to his parents’ divorce, which for him and his sister meant being given away to an orphanage.

            Seven years later, the book has been officially printed and released by Gatekeeper Press, a publisher just outside Columbus, Ohio. In 2021, many more are reading DeCosta’s compelling story.

            As he tells it, divorce in Korea was so heinous, so shameful, that all evidence including any children produced from the marriage needed to be erased. Thus DeCosta and his sister, just small children at that time, would ultimately find themselves being placed in a tragically hostile home on Cape Cod, where abuse of every conceivable type rained down on these innocent beings for years.

            He would come to realize there were only two choices: Sink into total despair and failure or rise above and fly away to discover who he could be. He would eventually choose the latter.

            On December 1, DeCosta spoke to a supportive audience both in person and via Zoom, one of a growing number of local authors that the Mattapoisett Library has hosted as part of its local author series.

            DeCosta said that the years of abuse could have created in him a person who would take a dark path, but “ultimately I choose redemption.”

            His redemption would be a complete mind, body and soul makeover. “In spite of the trauma,” he said, “the horror of living with evil, I found I could save myself through reflection and healthy goals.” The author fully believes that taking good care of one’s body must be part of the program for a healthy lifestyle, and thus it has become a big part of how he spends his time, helping others to strengthen their bodies.

            DeCosta said he wasn’t out to make money off the sale of his book but instead wished to use it as a springboard by which he can reach as many people as possible with his story and the tools needed to free them of negative forces.

            “Change how you think about yourself,” was one bit of advice DeCosta shared. “You become what you believe, what your surround yourself with.” He credits the good people he eventually found with helping to shape the belief system he now promotes for himself and others. A major takeaway was a rather simple but oftentimes overlooked reality. “Your happiness is your responsibility,” DeCosta asserted.

            Throughout his hour-long presentation, DeCosta shared tattered pieces of his time living with his adoptive parents, a time when he believed his mother surely must have been looking for him. The images that those memories conjure up demonstrate the bravery, shear strength of will it takes to overcome devastation. DeCosta knows he’ll spend a lifetime recovering from what others did to him, but he refuses to define who he has become or rob himself the joy that life offers, including love.

            DeCosta told of being reunited with his mother after she had come to America. The little boy in his soul imaged a warm reunion. What he found instead was a woman with her own demons, unable to be a mother and lacking the insight or desire to become one. “She was just a very immature person,” he said. DeCosta had to accept a second rejection and the reality she had not been looking for him.

            Many elements from many philosophies whose core is “the power of positive thinking,” a process first introduced by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, are part of DeCosta’s message today. He talked about the Kaizen method of continuous improvement and the wheel of happiness, a system for gauging how satisfied you are with the use of your time.

            In the current release of his book, DeCosta has added some concrete guidance for those just beginning their journey of discovery and redemption. He wrote of finding and “drafting” likeminded people to help, cutting off toxic relationships, having the strength to walk alone, staying humble and taking “massive” action. The end of the book contains other positive guidance tools.

            The Moonlight King is assuredly a story of survival and redemption, but it is also a story that will continue to be written throughout DeCosta’s life, for the journey of continuous improvement doesn’t have a finish line.

            To learn more about The Moonlight King and Derek DeCosta, visit moonlightking.com.

By Marilou Newell

SLT Hosting Holiday Open House

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Come celebrate land conservation in Marion with the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) at our Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 9 from 6 to 8 pm at 173 Spring Street in Marion.

            Bring a guest or two and learn more about the work of the Sippican Lands Trust with our volunteers, members, supporters and friends who make land conservation work happen in Marion.

            Light refreshments will be served, and parking is available behind 173 Spring Street. The event is free, but registration is preferred, and please send an email to info@sippicanlandstrust.org to register for SLT’s Holiday Open House. For more information about this event call (508) 748-3080 or send an email to info@sippicanlandstrust.org.

Rochester Holiday Decorating Contest

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Let’s shine some lights in Rochester on this Holiday Season. The Rochester Lions Club is having a holiday decorating contest.

            Put up your best lights and decorations display on your house and/or yard between now and December 15th. Judging to take place on the evening of December 15.

            So, bring the beautiful lights of the holiday season to Rochester, and you could win one of three prizes: 1st Prize  $100 for most original; 2nd Prize  $75 for the most lights; 3rd Prize  $50 for Simple and Stylish.

            All you need to do is be a Rochester resident, and send your name and address along with a $10 donation to:  Rochester Lions Club, PO Box 36, Rochester, MA 02770. Entries must be received no later that December 10th to be eligible. Happy decorating.

COA Ready for Pavilion, Food Bank

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            The Marion Council on Aging and Friends of the Marion Council on Aging put forth a readiness to tackle two projects that could change the community, the pavilion outside the Cushing Community Center and a food bank inside.

            The two items before the Marion Select Board on Tuesday night are the latest in a series of opportunities for the grounds popularly known as the Senior Center to grow its game.

            Between building expansion, the recent installation of a walking track out front, plans to upgrade infrastructural aspects, safer cooking equipment and plans for a large carport-like structure out back, Cushing continues to evolve in response to community needs.

            The Friends of the Marion Council on Aging have raised the needed $25,000 in grant-matching funds in part due to the successful summer evening event held on Front Street overlooking Sippican Harbor.

            “The outpouring has come from so many. It makes one realize what a generous gift the VFW gave the community,” said Merry Conway. “Let’s keep a good thing growing.”

            Grow it will.

            “By spring, we hope to see a new pavilion in the Cushing Community park,” said Harry Norweb of the COA, referring to the 26- by 36-foot pavilion that will sit in the shade of the trees on the south side of the building. The gift, said Norweb, does not include the installation of electric service that the COA plans to contract locally as funds permit.

            The Select Board agreed with the proposed, green color scheme that will mesh with the future installation of benches. The members, Chairman Norm Hills and members Randy Parker and John Waterman voted to accept the gift and to authorize Town Administrator Jay McGrail to sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

            The Select Board also voted to approve the creation of a pilot food bank at the Community Center.

            Karen Gregory and Paul Naiman presented a plan modeled after the Wareham-based Gleason Family YMCA Food Bank. Gleason works with the Boston Food Bank.

            Gregory explained that monetary donation pledges have been made and that a wide range of volunteers will be stepping forward. The program will be evaluated as it goes. The plan is to be open one weekday, one weeknight and one weekend day, set up in the conference room of the main section of the building behind a locked door with only dry goods to start.

            “Once we get our walk-in cooler, we might expand (to perishables),” said Gregory, who envisions a setup like a grocery store. The food bank will be only for Marion residents, and they will be requested to visit no more than weekly.

            During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, COA staff was overworked collecting, sorting, packing, then twice per week presiding at the drive-by service, according to McGrail. “This time, volunteers will operate on the evenings and on weekends,” he said. The plan is to avoid working the everyday staff and instead rely on volunteers who will help run the operation.

            According to McGrail, 20 to 30 families receive food from Sippican Elementary School. Naiman expects a lot of seniors, noting that over 300 residents receive food-stamp benefits.

            Hills asked how the program will be evaluated. McGrail said it will be reviewed with him days in, followed by a presentation to the Select Board at the 60-day mark.

            The board approved the program’s starting plan.

            Jim Parker appeared on behalf of the Kittansett Club which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year by hosting the 67th USGA Senior Amateur Championship from August 25 to September 1.

            The national tournament will be the first at Kittansett since the coastal club hosted the Walker Cup in 1953. The 156-player field, which will have qualified to participate, will play practice rounds on August 25-26, followed by stroke play on the August 27-28 weekend. The low 64 scores advance to match play with the final being played on Thursday, September 1.

            The challenge off the course is the reason Parker, Kittansett COO and GM Steve Mann, and Clarke Gee, a Town of Marion employee and liaison to Kittansett Club were also at the meeting.

            The Select Board was impressed with the amount of consideration given to detail by Parker and the club. Both Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Chief of Police Richard Nighelli endorsed the plan that Parker brought to the board on Monday night.

            The plan includes limited access to Point Road during the tournament with residential access tags and special parking requests for maintenance personnel.

            The two-section parking area at Kittansett will be reserved for the players. The 78 asphalt spots and 38 more adjacent in the grass overflow area cannot accommodate 156 players, but for the full group, similarly to a PGA Tour event, the tournament schedule is divided into a morning and afternoon wave of tee times, and a valet service will shuffle vehicles forward to best absorb the volume during the transitional hours.

            McGrail said that Sippican Elementary School and the Cushing Community Center could be used for additional parking.

            The board voted to approve 18 temporary parking passes to Kittansett for maintenance personnel in two designated locations off Point Road. The members voted to approve limited access to Point Road, a checkpoint right after Planting Island that can be used as a turnaround point.

            The limited-access hours will be from 5:30 am to 6:30 pm pending weather, and as the field dwindles during match play those hours will dwindle to 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31, and a 6:30 am start for the final day, September 1.

            Two police details were also approved.

            Hills requested an update on planning in June.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, McGrail told the board that the MultiFlo installation began last week, and a segmented approach designed to limit weather exposure is underway at the Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon. The first section of lining was laid last week with heat weld performed on Tuesday morning. McGrail reported an admittedly “optimistic goal” that the Waters company will complete the installation of the lining by Christmas.

            On the advice of Town Counsel Jon Witten, McGrail reported that Marion has joined a statewide opioid class-action lawsuit that will yield $537,000,000 over the next 18 years to Massachusetts communities participating.

            The two main reasons Marion signed onto the suit: 1. The town will presumably receive funds for abatement and disorder prevention; 2. The more municipalities that join, the greater the award across the state.

            Marion would receive 0.07 of the 15 percent of the award earmarked for municipalities over the 18-year period. McGrail said it is “very targeted how it can be spent,” and the town’s plan would be to use the funds for Board of Health initiatives in public schools.

            News that ARPA funds cannot be used to match a federal grant threw a wrench into Marion’s plan to use those funds to achieve a 25 percent match for infrastructure. The result, according to McGrail is sewer and water projects over the next five years will require the town to take on debt.

            The Select Board voted to approve the renewal of all licenses including common victualer and alcohol with the understanding that incomplete applications or delinquency in any aspect will hold up the release of those licenses. McGrail thanked Donna Hemphill and Deb Paiva for their assistance in pulling together the necessary information.

            The board voted to accept Town Clerk Lissa Magauran’s estimation of seasonal population at 6,200 total residents. The information is used for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC.) The board also approved Kittansett’s slate of officers for the purposes of its license with the ABCC.

            The board voted and agreed to sign approvals for NStar dba Eversource for permission, easement and licensing regarding the underground cable/conduit and one manhole for the Town House electrical upgrade.

            The board voted to reappoint Millie Seeberg to a three-year term as a full member to the Marion Cultural Council.

            There will be a Pie & Poinsettia event on December 11 at the Cushing Community Center from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Call 508-748-3570 to reserve a spot.

            Transfer Station fees were approved at $50 (veterans and seniors $40.) Rochester prices will be the same.

            The Select Board Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, December 14, after a brief board meeting to approve the reconnection for Tabor Academy sewer to the library.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Robert E. Chandler

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Robert E. Chandler, 93, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021. He was the husband of the late Patricia (Dowd) Chandler.

            Born in New Bedford, son of the late Earl and Alice (Guillet) Chandler, he lived in New Bedford for many years before moving to Rochester.

            Robert served proudly in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was stationed in England for most of his time in the service.

            Robert was a devoted husband, father, and Pappy to his grandkids. He was a hard worker who owned and operated Fairhaven True Value Hardware. He lived in The Pines in Rochester, where he had many wonderful friends. He enjoyed his daily walks with his dog Molly and his neighbors. Robert was a Eucharistic Minister with his wife Pat at St. John Neumann Church for many years. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus. Robert attended St. Anthony’s High School in New Bedford, and graduated from Bryant College.

            Survivors include his children, Robert Chandler, Jr., of Florida, Trish DuBois of Fairhaven, Raymond Chandler and his wife Michelle of New Mexico, and Michael Chandler and his wife Laura of Acushnet; his grandchildren, Maggie, Kelly, Kevin, Brooke, Steven, Christian, Kendall, Rachael, and Mikayla; two step-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Russell; six great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friend since age 5, J.P. Tetreault.

            He is predeceased by his sisters Cecile Liston and her husband Bill, Muriel Curadossi and her husband Al; his sister-in-law Mary and her husband Muddy Gentili; and his son-in-law David C. DuBois.

            Robert’s family would like to thank the staff at Sippican Nursing Home for the care and compassion that they received.

            His Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Neumann Church at 10 am on Thursday, December 9th, 2021. The public is invited to meet directly at Church at 9 am for a visitation. Private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Robert’s memory to the Nemasket Group Inc., 56 Bridge Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Violet L. (Gibbs) Adams

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Violet L. (Gibbs) Adams, 95, of Marion passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021 at home. She was the wife of the late Nelson M. Adams, Jr. and the daughter of the late Thornton and Violet (Bennett) Gibbs.

            She was born and raised in Marion. She graduated from Wareham High School.

            Survivors include her daughters, Nancy Daniels of Marion and Ellen Borges and her husband, Allan of Marion; daughter-in-law, Donna Adams of Marion; sister-in-law, Catherine Gibbs of Marion; her grandchildren, Timothy Adams and his wife Alissa of Sandwich, Melissa Melanson and her husband Timothy of Marion, Brad Borges of Marion, Laura Daniels of Marion and John Daniels of Fairhaven; 8 great grandchildren.

            Violet was predeceased by her son, Nelson Adams, III; and her siblings, Beatrice Briggs, Thornton Gibbs, Preston Gibbs, Clifton Gibbs, Franklin Gibbs, Alvin Gibbs and Milton Gibbs.

            Her graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 10, 2021 at North Marion Cemetery, County Rd., Marion.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations,  2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Tri-County Symphonic Band

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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 12, 1:30 pm at the Sippican School, 16 Spring St. 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 “Jazz Gloria” by Natalie Sleeth. 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”.

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

James P. Manning

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James P. Manning, 86, a 32 year resident of Marion, died Thursday, December 2nd of Alzheimer’s disease.

            Jim worked as a manufacturer’s representative covering the New England states with his partner Sheila Mitchell, a long career that he much enjoyed. Until recently he was a tennis player and loved living in Marion. Jim always looked forward to family get-togethers and his tropical winter vacations. He was proud of his Needham roots and his time spent in the U.S. Army.

            In addition to Sheila, he is survived by his children, Jamey Manning, Susan Smith, and Sally Langis and their spouses; two sisters, Donna Jovin and Helen Turner; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

            He was predeceased by his parents, Edward C. And Helen M. (Furlong) Manning and his sisters, Anne Gallant and Mary Carreiro.

            Private arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals.

Student Awards to Be Decided with TLC

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The Marion Scholarship Committee has applied the final touches to its annual application form that will become available in local high schools before Christmas vacation.

            The committee met via Zoom on Monday to discuss any wrinkles and solve any questions except the one anyone would want to know: How many scholarships are available and for how much money?

            Unfortunately for all stakeholders, the answer to that question does not emerge until after the committee receives the pool of applicants and pours through each and every one with intense care.

            “We are in the situation where we have to wait and see how much money we have,” explained Marthe Soden, the chair of the committee. “We understand about costs, the amounts we give as a scholarship. It might cover one textbook.”

            Soden noted that only a couple of years ago the decision was made to award one $750 scholarship. Five scholarships were awarded for 2020-21.

            “Everybody looks at them all, and it’s a blind process. The names are removed and the addresses are removed,” she said.

            The list of criteria begins with residency in the Town of Marion and includes academic achievement, civic responsibility, community service and involvement, extracurricular activities, personal passion, a vision for post-secondary school, and leadership qualities.

            A plan for college attendance during Fall 2022 is a hard prerequisite for eligibility, as students planning any kind of gap between high school graduation and their first semester of college are disqualified from consideration. To be considered, applicants must plan to enroll in fall classes.

            The importance of grade-point average was debated during Monday’s meeting by committee member Patty White, who said she would prefer the use of high school transcripts. White noted that some students hold dual enrollment elsewhere and take courses including at local colleges. That work, she said, should also be taken into consideration.

            Deliberation is passionate, and some of the group decisions break individual hearts within the committee.

            “It was agonizing, there was a good case to be made for each of the applicants,” said Soden of the 2020-21 vote, noting the work that went into the process. “The applications were thoughtfully done.”

            One committee member suggested during 2020-21 deliberations that the funds be divided equally so that all the students could get some assistance. “It was really, really hard because they’re all so good, but there isn’t enough money for that,” said Soden.

            Applications, available later this month in guidance offices, must be submitted by March 30. Award recipients will be notified by Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson during the first week in May. The committee may advertise in the local newspapers to make students aware.

            “People have been very generous,” said Soden. “This is not a good economic time, (but) people have been super, for which we are all extremely grateful.”

            If anyone wishes to send a donation, checks can be made out to The Scholarship and Education Fund and mailed to Marion Town House, 2 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738.

Marion Scholarship Committee

By Mick Colageo