Projects Set Back by Storm

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John Rockwell may be sailing abroad, but that isn’t stopping the chairman of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission from connecting for scheduled public meetings via a Zoom connection.

            When MOSAC connects online Thursday, December 2, the commission will be looking to produce a representative to the town’s Community Preservation Committee.

            In the meantime, the commission’s November 4 meeting addressed a few lingering project-related matters made slower by the massive cleanup in the wake of the late-October storm that knocked the power out of the vast majority of businesses and residences.

            Rockwell said that MOSAC has funds to finance clearing of the first 1,000 feet of the Point Road Path, but a discussion with Jody Dickerson of the Department of Public Works painted a bleak picture.

            “All the tree-clearing, brush-clearing people sort of have their hands full so it’s not realistic to have the DPW involved any time soon,” said Rockwell, referring to a town-wide clean-up effort.

            The answer for now is for MOSAC to turn its attention to private enterprise to hire out clean-up help for the month of December and then proceed on a month-by-month basis. Rockwell figured that perhaps December might allow the committee to see the second thousand feet of the path also staked out.

            Another area affected by storm debris is the Great Swamp Area off Joanne Drive, where Rockwell says G.A.F. Engineering was working on design and permitting for the fire road improvement.

            “The trees are so bad that, until that road is improved, they’re not going to get any equipment back there,” he said. “David Jenney was kind enough to volunteer to do it, and it’s all a mess again. … Most of our maintenance meetings now are just getting trees cleared.”

            MOSAC member Amanda Chace agreed that the committee’s projects are “at the back of a very long line in terms of getting stuff cleared.”

            Rockwell also alluded to a meeting with Dickerson at Grassi Bog where cutting has been needed. “I hope we don’t have any more storms so DPW can catch up,” he said.

            One place where Rockwell was able to report progress was in MOSAC’s new Open Space Map. Noting his “obscure” colors, Rockwell acknowledged his map-design shortcomings in good humor.

            “The master mapmaker at the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program has also pointed out to me on more than one occasion my maps are terrible,” he said.

            So Rockwell requested the National Estuary Program map designer remake her 2016 map with 2021 data that Rockwell furnished. MOSAC members much prefer that map, and Rockwell said that Town Planner/Conservation Agent Doug Guey Lee told him a large printer would only need an ink cartridge on back order to produce the new map.

            MOSAC’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 2, at 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Mick Colageo

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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To anyone who lives or has lived in an old house knows, there is a need for constant upkeep. With our museum, a church built in 1857, the same is true. It often seems that as soon as one repair job is done, another appears. We replaced the roof  around 10 yrs. ago, paying for it one cupcake at a time and with help from George Church, but just this past year, more roof work needed to be done. Then there’s the woodpecker who has no respect for an historic building and keeps Art busy patching holes.

            One job that had been put off for years was cleaning out the heating vents. Several years ago a company was hired to blow them out. They did a great job and in the process made an interesting discovery in the cold air return grate in front of the pulpit.

The find included documents from the church’s early days prior to 1880; a small (almost locket sized) picture of J. Madison Mayall and his personal hymn book labeled “Meth. Prot. Hymn Book “.

            Our building was first organized as a Methodist Church with 50 members. It remained as such for about a quarter of a century and Mayall was the 3rd pastor. In the 1880’s a schism occurred among the congregants which caused most to leave to start a new church at a different location.

            The remaining 6 members reorganized as the East Rochester Congregational Church in 1887. It remained that way until with a dwindling population, the building was sold to the Rochester Historical Society in 2003 for $1.00. Under the care of the Society, it has become a museum with the upstairs unchanged from its days as a church that was built in the Greek Revival style , popular in New England in the 19th century. In 2007, after a lot of hard work on the part of Betty Beaulieu, the church was placed on the National Register of Historical Places (the woodpecker hasn’t been impressed by that ).

            Two other items were also found in the grate. They were election flyers from the 1800’s. On one titled the Union Ticket, James Ruggles was running for Town Clerk and Theophilus King was running for Treasurer and Collector. On the 2nd one King was then running for Town Clerk. The records show that both men served did serve as Town Clerks for Rochester.

By Connie Eshbach

Single Tax Rate Approved

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Pat DeCosta, the chair of Marion’s Board of Assessors, and Associate Assessor Linda Dessert appeared before the Select Board during the latter’s November 23 meeting to continue a Classification Hearing originally opened on November 16.

            “It would be a real burden on the business to split the tax rate, and the Board (of Assessors) would recommend a single tax rate,” said DeCosta, noting that Marion’s property is 93 percent residential.

            In referring to a spread sheet provided the Select Board members by Dessert, Town Administrator Jay McGrail explained that a split tax rate would provide only limited benefit to residential taxpayers but, at the same time, prove devastating to business owners in town.

            The spreadsheet displayed averages for homes valued at $200,000, $300,000 and $400,000.

            A $400,000 home would be taxed $4,340 in a single-rate scenario and $4,180 in a split-rate scenario, an annual savings of $160. But a $400,000 business that would be taxed $4,340 in a single-rate scenario would pay $6,512 in a split-rate scenario, a negative swing of $2.172.

            The split-rate hit on a $300,000 business would be $4,884 (a $1,629 difference), and the split-rate hit on a $200,000 business would be $3,256 (a $1,086 difference). Split-rate property tax on a $300,000 home would save that property owner $120, and the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $80 less.

            The spreadsheet gave added real examples.

            The Marion General Store, valued at $735,800, would pay $7,983.43 in annual property tax in a single-rate system but $11,978,82 in a split-rate system, a $3,995.39 difference.

            Burr Bros. Inc., a boat company valued at $9,601,810, would pay $104,179.63 via single rate but $156,317.46 via the split rate, a difference of $52,137.83.

            “I’m good with (the single tax rate), we want to encourage businesses, not chase them out of Marion,” said Select Board member John Waterman, whose background is in finance.

            Select Board member Randy Parker noticed that the tax rate also dropped to $10.85 per $1,000, a decrease from $11.32. DeCosta said it is a 4.2 percent decrease from last year.

            “We’ve come down in two years almost a whole dollar,” said McGrail.

            Waterman identified overrides coming off, and McGrail said values are also going up.

            Noting the hard work put in during the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Parker applauded the Assessors for “getting it done.”

            Waterman echoed Parker’s sentiment and the Select Board voted unanimously to accept the single-tax rate.

            In other business, the board voted to approve a Common Victualler License for Harriet’s Catering, which has reopened at 7 Cottage Street, the former location of Sweet Pea Kitchen. The license is good for the rest of 2021.

            McGrail said Harriet’s, which already had official approval from the Board of Health, will also appear on the Select Board’s next agenda for its 2022 approval.

            A Pie and Poinsettia pickup for Marion seniors will be held on Saturday, December 11, at Cushing Community Center, courtesy of the Town of Marion, the Brotherhood and Tabor Academy. Those interested are asked to sign up ahead of time with Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory.

            The Select Board will meet on Tuesday, December 14, at 6:00 pm at the Cushing Community Center, followed by a Holiday Party for town employees.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Marion Garden Group Holiday Boutique

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Annual Garden Group Holiday Boutique to be held Saturday, December 11 at the Marion Music Hall

            From seasonally designed window boxes, urns and planters around the Village to wreathes, greens, garlands topiaries and ornaments the Marion Garden Group works hard to beautify the Village, town and private homes of the local area in and around Marion.

            Members begin making unique crafts and ornaments as early as October. One of a kind, handcrafted items are created with new items introduced every year. Momentum builds in a marathon buzz of activity that culminates in “Greens Week” during which the prized Garden Group wreathes, arrangements, greens, centerpieces, garlands and table toppers are created. Everything you need to beautify your house and gift to your friends and family.  Items start at low at $3.00 and the group accepts credit cards. 

            This years Boutique will be held from 9am-12:30 in the Marion Music Hall.

            The Marion Group accepts donations any time of year to help support its town beautification efforts. For more information see: mariongardengroup.org

Sommers, Bulldogs Avenge Apponequet

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On Thanksgiving, the Old Rochester Regional High School football team walked onto the field at Apponequet Regional High School with their minds set solely on redemption.

Seven months prior in the 2020-21 Fall II season, the Bulldogs suffered a crushing 35-point loss to the Lakers, costing them the South Coast Conference championship. The defeat served as a major source of motivation for the 2021-22 campaign, with pictures of the scoreboard posted all throughout the school.

On November 25, Old Rochester got a shot at avenging the loss and was more than successful, picking up a one-sided, 28-7 win to clinch the SCC Blue title.

After winning the coin toss, ORR received the opening kickoff and made a statement on the first drive with runs from Zack Profit, Harrison Hughes, and Jacksen Martin setting up junior quarterback Noah Sommers for an 18-yard touchdown run. Apponequet went on to fumble on its first possession, leading to a 31-yard touchdown pass from Sommers to Hughes.

Apponequet remained scoreless in the second quarter, while a 35-yard run from Hughes put ORR up 21-0 going into the second half.

The Lakers were able to hold off the Bulldogs in the third quarter while also scoring their first touchdown of the game, but it would also be their last.

In the fourth quarter, a 27-yard pass from Sommers was caught by Martin, marking the last touchdown of the game. An extra point from sophomore kicker Remy Wilson, who went 4-for-4 on Thanksgiving, solidified the 28-7 win.

“That game meant a lot to me as well as the rest of the team,” said Sommers. “The way we lost to them last year lit a fire inside of all of us so that win definitely felt good. It was a good way for the seniors to go out.”

Since returning from an injury that kept him out of the first two games of the season, Sommers has been a major factor in Old Rochester’s success. Going into Thanksgiving Day, Sommers had totaled seven rushing and five passing touchdowns over the course of the season, and he extended those stats to eight and seven, respectively.

Sommers will be a senior next year. When asked about his goals for his final season, his answer was obvious.

            “I want to make it to Gillette (Stadium) and win a super bowl, that’s been my goal since the start of high school,” he said.

            In addition to Profit, ORR will also lose the following seniors from the football team: Hayden Rinta, Christopher Cortes, Stephen Old, Tyler Kelly, Elijah Motta, William Baltz, Lucas Morrell, Thomas Botelho, Christopher Feeney, Nathaniel Bangs, James Coleman, Connor Garcia, Keene Macgregor, and Justin Allain.

            The Bulldogs will also retain some key weapons, including Martin and Hughes as well as Walter Rosher, who led ORR in scoring prior to a season-ending injury. With Sommers’ leadership and key players returning, Sommers’ goal might just be within reach.

Sports Roundup

By Matthew Curry

Festival of Trees A Joyous Success

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            The November 27 opening reception of the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging Festival of Trees fundraiser drew large numbers, people seeking to begin their holiday not only supporting the FMCOA event but people seeking to find the joy of the season. To that end – it was a grand success.

            The fundraiser featured 14 trees decked from top to bottom in themed resplendence. Each tree was sponsored by its own team of elves, whose imaginative interpretations of traditional trees created a fanciful and precious forest throughout the main hall of the Cushing Community Center.

            Raffle tickets were sold for a drawing that will be held on Thursday, December 9, at noon when the lucky winners will go home with a tree that they found especially fetching. Baskets filled to overflowing with holiday goodies were also raffled off.

            The fundraiser was another effort by the FMCOA to secure funding for the construction of an outdoor pavilion on the grounds of the former VFW, a space the group is calling Pavilion Park.

            Throughout the year, a variety of fundraising events have been hosted by the group with the goal of reaching the $50,000 mark. FMCOA president Merry Conway was beaming as she said the group was very near their goal and would be meeting soon with the Marion Select Board to discuss next steps. She said that the 2019 event had been well attended but that 2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic. The 2021 event proved to be a great success.

            From the moment the event opened until the end, the two-hour reception was packed with merrymakers. The festival’s team of organizers that included Conway and other members of the FMCOA, COA Director Karen Gregory, COA Program Coordinator Linda Jackvony, and COA assistant Mike Poznysz, were all delighted by the overwhelming turnout.

            At the grand piano tickling the ivories with the sweet sounds of holiday music which helped to set the tone for the afternoon was Dave Valerio. His renditions of traditional Christmas tunes were simply perfect.

            But the real draw, the reason so many broke away from Saturday chores was to see the trees.

            Each tree bore a title that spoke to its unique theme. There was “All You Need Is Love” decorated with hearts by “Friends” Ellen, Jeannie, Vicki and Wendy. “Cheers To Christmas” was decorated by Tabitha Tripp, a tree covered in wine corks creatively sculpted into snowmen, elves, forest creatures and even a tiny manger scene. “Classy Tree” by Cheryl Lorantos and “Tuxedo Tree” by Joyce LeBlanc and Jean MacCormack both donned black top hats, setting a very sophisticated mood, while “Penguin Christmas” created by children attending before and after-school programs at East Fairhaven School was a giant sized – you guessed it – penguin.

            “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” created by members of the COA staff was a lovely, delicate display of crocheting excellence with white handmade snowflakes of intricate lace-like pieces. “Tree By The Sea” created by Lissa Magauran and Ami Milano brought a touch of the salty sea to the room, while “Flamingo Fun” by Jill Pitman held a giant pink flamingo in evergreen branches just for fun.

            And speaking of fun, the tree named “Sweet Little Place for Sweet Little Folks” decorated by Volunteers at Sippican Elementary (VASE) was festooned with colorful ribbons and images of rainbow candy, a Candyland-themed offering.

            Another youthful theme was the tree titled “Zooming Out of 2021 As Fast As We Can” and covered from top to bottom with Matchbox cars decorated by a local automobile business. “Winter Wonderland” by Janet Wallace and Lorraine Sowden and “Yester Year” by the Russo Family were trees giving a nod to bygone days with themes of snow-covered woodlands and heirloom ornaments. “Memory Lane” decorated by Siobhan McDonald will continue to grow as it was designed to be interactive, giving people the trimmings to make more decorations.

            Touching on an importance of Alzheimers awareness, “Memories Matter” is a tree decorated by Barbara Meehan on behalf of Alzheimers advocate Christine Gallagher, decorated in purple, silver and white, a tribute to those living with dementia.

            The trees will remain on display through Thursday, December 9, if you are looking for inspiration. For more information on the Friends of the Marion COA, visit fmcoa.org.

Friends of the Marion Council On Aging

By Marilou Newell

The Jim Robitaille Trio Coming to the MAC

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce the return of live music in the Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater on Friday, December 10 with The Jim Robitaille Trio Space Cycles Album Release Concert, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for MAC members and $20 for nonmembers.

            The Jim Robitaille Trio performs original music and arrangements that express a wide scope of emotional elements and rhythmic dialects, generating atmospheres realized with a complete dynamic range from moving ballads to compositions displaying explosive energy. The trio features Jim on electric and acoustic nylon string guitar along with bassist Bill Miele and drummer Chris Poudrier. The trio’s new recording on Whaling City Sound entitled Space Cycles, documents their ability to deeply listen to one another and create an empathetic and authentic interplay, culminating in an impassioned journey for the listener within the interpretation of each song.

            All theater guests must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or submit proof of a negative test to enter the MAC Theater. (Accepted tests include a PCR test within 72 hours or proctored/administered antigen test within 6 hours of attending a show. No at-home tests will be accepted.) Anyone unable to meet these requirements will not be allowed entry. Each guest must wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose at all times while inside the Marion Art Center. Seating capacity for this indoor production will be limited to no more than 55 guests. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended. To purchase tickets visit marionartcenter.org/events.

Lions International Peace Poster Contest

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The Mattapoisett Lions Club is pleased to announce the local winner of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Ben Silva, a 6th grade student at Old Hammondtown School, won the local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club.

            The poster is just one of more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in this annual contest. It was chosen by Lions Club member Helene Rose and school staff members. The criteria for the contest were originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the theme “We Are All Connected.”

            Mattapoisett Lions Club President Valerie Kane said she was “impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown School.” President Kane also noted that she is proud that the Mattapoisett Lions Club was able to provide this opportunity to the students.

            Silva’s poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition, if he is to be declared the international grand prize winner.

            Silva was awarded a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Second Place went to Madeline Gendreau who was awarded a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. Third Place went to Drew Butler who was awarded a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Honorable Mention certificates were awarded to: Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Grace Victoria, & Bobby Calder

            The Mattapoisett Lions Club would like to thank Mrs. Bowman, Mr. Tavares and the educators at Old Hammondtown School, as well as parents, for their continued support of the Peace Poster project.

            For more information on the Mattapoisett Lions Club, go to Mattapoisett Lions Club To view past International Peace Poster International Grand Prize winners go to: Lions International Peace Poster Contest Grand Prize Winners

Shirley A. L’Italien

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Shirley A. L’Italien, 86, passed away peacefully in her home before sunrise on Tuesday,November 30, 2021. Shirley was born on August 4, 1935 in New Bedford, MA to the late Mary Alice and Teodore Przymierski. She attended public schools and left New Bedford Vocational School as a sophomore to help care for her year-old niece, Lorrie Leite, who was terminally ill. Nearly forty years later, Shirley attended night school classes at New Bedford High School and graduated in 1980. During her childhood, she loved to play sports like softball and basketball but it was her love of dance that she will most be remembered for. As a teenager, she worked in the textile mills, first, as a factory worker and later in the offices. In 1958, Shirley joined the Arthur Murray School of Ballroom Dance as a dance instructor. It was on her first day at the dance school that she met her future husband, Ronald L’Italien. Shirley and Ron were wed in 1959 and had four children that they raised in New Bedford. While Ron traveled around the U.S. for work, Shirley started and grew Shirl and Ron L’Italien School of Ballroom Dance from 1971 to 1976 in the basement of their Summer Street home. With their grace, elegance and charm, they stood out on every dance floor they stepped onto. They would teach hundreds of students in their home studio and at the YWCA of New Bedford. They were known for their Friday evening studio dances and could be found at the local church dances on Saturday nights. Shirley participated in dance conventions in New York City and Boston as a member of the Dance Educators of America.

In 1983, Shirley lost Ron unexpectedly. It was shortly after that she moved to Mattapoisett into a house she had built. As a young widow, she went to work at Anderson-Little, Harve Benard and then Alexon. In the evenings, she attended Newbury College and graduated from their Fashion Merchandising Program in 1989. After decades of requests for her to re-open her dance studio, Shirley resumed teaching ballroom dance classes in the late 90’s at Knight of Columbus Hall in Mattapoisett. She also held dance clinics at Bishop Stang in North Dartmouth and Tabor Academy in Marion. She taught many generations to waltz, rumba, salsa and tango, whether it was for their first dance at their wedding or their high school prom. In her sixties, Shirley was performing as a ballroom dancer at Water Fires in Providence. Once she retired from dancing, she worked as a sales associate at Gotta Have It and Fabulous Foundations until she was 83 years old.

Shirley was a huge fan of the singer, Clay Aiken. She found a group of wonderful friends through his fan club. They would travel the country seeing him at concerts, galas and at his Broadway show. Shirley volunteered at his many fundraisers for the National Inclusion Project.    When she took ill and was bedridden, Clay and his mother, Faye Aiken called her on Thanksgiving to let her know that she was in their thoughts and prayers. She would later pass away on his birthday. Her family takes comfort in the vision that Shirley has been reunited with her husband, Ron, and they are waltzing their way around heaven.

Shirley is survived by her eldest son, Thomas L’Italien, and his wife, Shari; her daughter, Deirdre L’Italien and her partner, Deane Ferioli; her daughter, Raquel L’Italien Powers; her grandchildren, Jillian Enos, Jane Enos, Josh Powers, Hannah Powers, Luke L’Italien, Lisa Antonelli-Jones, Dakotah Jones, Jaggar Jones, Tanya Allain and Chace Allain; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald L’Italien and her son, James L’Italien; her parents, Mary Alice and Teodore Przymierski; her sister, Claire Leite; her brothers, Donald Przymierski and Theodore Przymierski; her niece, Lorrie Leite; and her daughter-in-law, Bonita L’Italien.

The family sends special thanks to all those who cared for her during her illness, Bea Bruce, Lisa Bindas, Jaci Barnett, Linda Gomes and the nurses of hospice care.

Memorial visiatation will be held on Friday December 10, 2021 from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Clay Aiken’s Foundation, the National Inclusion Project @ https://www.inclusionproject.org.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Robert L. Bowman

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Robert L. Bowman, 83, of New Bedford passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford after a period of declining health. He was the longtime companion of the late Wilma Wilson.

            Born and raised in Mattapoisett, son of the late Walter and Florence (Foster) Bowman, he grew up attending the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting House. Robert had worked at Chamberlain Manufacturing for many years. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox.

            He is survived by a daughter, Samantha Wilson of Florida; brothers, Walter Bowman of Fall River, Mark Bowman of South Dartmouth, Stanley Bowman of Acushnet, George and Carlton Bowman both of Florida and Neil Bowman of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Jesse and Kasey and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Bowman was the father of the late Robert L. Bowman, Jr. and was the brother of the late Douglas and William Bowman.

            Calling hours are Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 2-5pm in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. Cremation will follow and interment in the family lot in Pine Island Cemetery, Mattapoisett will be at a later date. For memorial register or facility directions please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.