MNHM After School Program

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Marion Natural History Museum Fall 2021 after school programs include:

            September 29 – Seashore netting. We will be walking down to the Marion Harbormaster’s beach to use the large seining net and see what animals are still in the harbor.  Water shoes are strongly recommended, and please wear appropriate clothing. We will definitely be getting wet! (Pick-up will be at the Harbormasters Office).

            October 6 – Introduction to Forestry with MA State Forester James Rassman. Join Service Forester Jim Rassman as we learn about the trees of Massachusetts. We will learn about different types of local trees, how to tell how old a tree is, and the benefits that trees and forests provide to us all. If the weather is nice, we will get to meet a few trees that grow nearby.

            October 20 – Bird Migration! with Justin Barrett, President of the Nasketucket Bird Club. Bird migration is one of the most harrowing feats a bird can accomplish! We’ll be learning about how and why so many birds migrate every year, and some of the dangers that come along with it. We’ll also be exploring the outdoors looking and listening for birds. If you have a pair of binoculars, please bring them.

            November 3 – NECWA terrapin and sunfish program with Carol “Krill” Carson, founder and president of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance. Each late summer and fall, ocean sunfish strand along the shores of Cape Cod. Many are trying to navigate their way south to warmer wintering areas. NECWA is the only organization that attempts to save these animals and get them back into deeper water. If they wash ashore dead, then we conduct a necropsy. We also assist Mass Audubon with its sea turtle stranding season which occurs in late fall through the end of December. Last fall, NECWA expanded its rescue and research to include the Atlantic torpedo, the only electric ray that also strands annually along our NE shores.

            November 17 – Shed hunting 101 – Shed hunting is the pursuit of finding antlers that have been naturally shed by any antler-bearing mammal such as moose, caribou, elk, and deer. These dropped antlers are commonly referred to as “sheds” or “shed antlers.” Shed hunting is a great opportunity to get outdoors, work your legs, and spend time with family and friends of any shed-hunting skill level. Let’s see if we can find any evidence of deer in Holmes Woods.

            December 15 – Holiday party – Let’s have fun together designing gifts with natural and recycled craft materials. Bring your unique artistic talents and let’s make some gifts for the holidays. Depending on health restrictions at that time, we hope to be offering snacks and drinks to fuel your creative efforts.

            Programs are $8 for members, $10 for nonmembers. To register for these programs, please visit www.marionmuseum.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Of all the items found in the Historical Society, the many scrapbooks that have been donated give us a good look at everyday life in Rochester’s past. For every scrapbook in the museum, there are at least twice as many in the homes of Rochester’s residents. These are not the “scrapbooking” collections popular today; rather, they are clippings from newspapers that tell the stories of the many events in the community. They are selected because they refer to local people and local areas that reflect the interests and connections of the scrapbook’s creator.

            One example is the scrapbook of Walton “Sonny” Jenkins. It is a collection of newspaper articles about Rochester and Cuttyhunk happenings from 1939-1945. The Rochester Historical Society was allowed to copy it in 2012. Starting in 1939, the articles chronicle weddings, like that of Winifred Schofield to Herbert Hartley, the arrest of a Rochester man and his brother for a series of local burglaries, the medals awarded to three members of the Cuttyhunk Coast Guard Station, and deaths like that of Rochester’s oldest citizen and last surviving Civil War veteran, George H. Randall.

            Then, as the fighting in Europe intensified and the United States entered World War II, the type of clippings began to change. Unlike the wars of our more recent past, everyone was involved in the reality of the war. Rather than being fought by the members of the National Guard or fulltime Armed Services soldiers, sailors, and marines, this war was fought by both drafted and enlisted civilians from every town and city. Now the scrapbook chronicles the farewell parties for boys who were drafted or had enlisted, or girls, like Miss Mary Nute, who had been inducted into the SPARS and was headed to Florida for training.

            While there continued to be clippings about new pastors for area churches, car accidents, and school graduations, more and more were war related. Pages are filled with pictures of soldiers, like the three Rochester brothers – David, Donald, and Walton Jenkins – who were serving in the Maritime Service and in Aviation. The wedding stories are of couples marrying during furloughs and before being sent overseas.

            One article warns residents not to remove stamps from sugar rationing books, and another tells about the Rochester National War Fund Drive chaired by Mrs. Lorenz B. Rounseville. Others tell of Second Lieutenant Edward C. Humphrey who was missing in action, and First Class Private Sewell A. Peckham, who was cited for bravery after being wounded during the Japanese surprise air raid on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, and others who died or were in prisoner of war camps. All of these stories are mingled with everyday tales of sheep shearing, house fires, and the news of a new postmaster.

            The new exhibit at the Rochester Historical Museum, opening on October 2, will include military memorabilia and tools among other items. We are looking for any items that people would be willing to loan to us for the exhibit. If you have an item, please call Connie Eshbach at 508-763 4932.

By Connie Eshbach

Little Diverse Library

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Tangi Thomas of Tri-Town Against Racism takes part in the September 10 ceremonial ribbon cutting for the newest Little Diverse Library at Ned’s Point park in Mattapoisett. Members and supporters of the local anti-racism organization celebrated the realization of the vision of 2020 Keel Award winner Kelsey Robertson, who at age 10 sought to bring books to libraries that reflect the diversity of community children. Little Diverse Libraries are planned for each of the Tri-Town communities. The contents of the Little Diverse Library in Mattapoisett were donated by the town. The final Little Diverse Library will be located in Rochester near Plumb Library sometime this fall, Tri-Town Against Racism co-founder Alison Noyce said. The Little Diverse Library in Marion is located at Old Landing on Front Street. Photo by Marilou Newell

MOA in Place for Next Two Years

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            In emerging from an executive session held early in its September 8 meeting to discuss collective bargaining, the Marion School Committee voted to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Sippican Elementary School teachers and support staff.

            The committee agreed with Sippican’s teachers on a two-year contract through the 2022-23 academic year and with the school’s support staff, including paraprofessionals, nurses, and cafeteria workers, on a three-year contract through the 2023-24 school year.

            Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail, appointed to work on behalf of the town with the School Committee, was not present because the meeting fell in conflict with a Select Board meeting, but Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson reported that McGrail supports the committee moving forward with the agreements.

            In an effort to achieve some consistency across the ORR district, the principals worked with Central Administration and one another on an updated Student Handbook. Sippican School Principal Marla Sirois called the result “a compilation” that reflects more additions than subtractions, along with updated language.

            In answering committee member April Rios’ question on the three-step on-bus disciplinary system that begins with a warning followed in the next instance of a seat at the front of the bus and, ultimately, if warranted, a five-day suspension from riding the bus, Sirois said Sippican’s students are generally well behaved.

            “I have not gotten to that [level of discipline with any student] yet,” said Sirois. “There are many bus policies that have complete expulsion. After that third time, as an elementary [school] principal, I have a real problem with that because our children are learning how to behave, so I feel like they need to be given as many chances as we can provide to them.”

            The policy was not amended, but Sirois said, “Our children are well behaved and generally do their best on the bus.”

            Nelson thanked the principals, noting that they also took the time to get legal counsel for feedback on language options in the Student Handbook.

            The Marion School Committee voted unanimously to accept the Student Handbook as is.

            In her Principal’s Report, Sirois thanked staff for its work in getting the Sippican building ready for the 2021-22 academic year. Spacing in classrooms is 3 feet and spacing in the cafeteria is 6 feet.

            A parent informational session was held, but parents missing any notes can find information on the Sippican website. Sirois thanked VASE, which is working on a fall Ace program that will include a running club, a craft club, and a sign-language class.

            New Assistant Principal Pete Crisafulli joined Sippican School after spending 18 years in the Frontier Regional School district in South Deerfield. “Not all districts are alike, and I’m learning a lot,” he said.

            In a committee reorganization, Rios was unanimously voted to replace Michelle Smith as chairperson. Smith made the nomination. Nichole Daniel was unanimously voted vice chairperson.

            Diana Russo was voted as recording secretary, but Nelson suggested the committee leave it “to be determined” while recognizing the “top notch” effort of Russo and Toni Bailey in the role. Russo was not present at the meeting.

            Smith will continue to represent Marion on the ORR School Committee. Rios and Daniel will remain on the Joint School Committee Superintendency Union #55 and be joined by Marion School Committee member Christine Marcolini, who will fill the spot vacated by Jody Dickerson. Marion School Committee member Mary Beauregard will serve as an alternate.

            Marcolini thanked Sirois and her staff for its attention to detail in getting the Sippican building ready for teachers and students. “I think that was very difficult for a lot of schools to do, and I think Sippican did it well,” said Marcolini, noting that Sippican has achieved a balance.

            In her Chairperson’s Report, Rios thanked the building staff for making it possible for students to have a happy, in-school experience. “That’s the one thing that I feel when you walk in that door, I feel that happiness again. That’s kudos to all of you,” she said.

            On August 26, nine new teachers were welcomed to the ORR District, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell discussed the new Teacher Induction Program including mentorships and professional development opportunities.

            At Sippican, Tracy Anthony is a new Special Education teacher. Anthony, in addition to having played rugby in college, competes on two billiards teams.

            Susan Swoish is a new Grade 4 teacher; her father taught at ORR High School for over 30 years, and she has two daughters who attended Sippican and later graduated from ORR.

            New support staffers include paraprofessionals Lucy Lizotte, Debra Smith, Sydney Swoish, and Jocelyn Ulloa, cafeteria staffer Jacqueline L’Heureux, and Assistant Head Cook Noreen Mackie.

            Sirois told the committee that the school has an opening for a social worker.

            In reporting on the summer break, Nelson discussed a staff retreat focused on helping others but making sure the person in a position of leadership helps her or himself. Dr. Alex Hirschberg conducted a social-emotional learning review on the staff with recommendations for the new school year.

            Nelson said the Acceleration Road Map most noticeable during the week-long, intense Acceleration Academy will continue to influence the school year.

            Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Janell Pearson-Campbell reported on the Teacher Collaborative, opportunities for the staff in keeping with the district’s three priorities of 21st century learning, global citizenship and project-based learning.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported on the district’s preschool screening scheduled for Tuesday, October 19. Also to be held that day is the Tri-Town Early Childhood Council meeting at 6:00 pm.

            In reporting to the committee, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said the food service indications are that students are eating well. Per the USDA, 100 percent of all meals were free in 2020-21. This year students receive will free breakfast and lunch, but any additional lunches will be charged.

            Nelson reported to the committee on ORR’s Summer Acceleration Academy that brought K-2, Grades 3-4, 8, and 10 into the high school on August 16-20 for an intense week of learning. The K-2 students focused on early literacy, and the older grades focused on math.

            The committee voted to accept a donation from Mike Demelo of Staples office store in Wareham, which has donated 125 boxes of school supplies and 50 packages of personal protective equipment.

            The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, October 13. The next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for September 23. All meetings begin at 6:30 pm and are accessible via Zoom.

Marion School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Abutters Granted More Time

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            It’s not the norm for abutters to request two-week continuances for applications before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, but that is precisely what occurred on September 13 when the Notice of Intent continuance for 7 Nashawena Road was reopened.

            Representing client Alexander Bauer was N. Douglas Schneider of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone Inc., who said that a new plan of record had been submitted 10 days earlier and included all the requested changes asked for by the commissioners and abutters. For a least a year, abutters had been watchful that existing drainage problems in the area were not exacerbated by the reconstruction of a single-family home.

            Schneider pointed to a reduction in the overall size of the footprint, including pervious areas and a roof-runoff catchment systems to redirect storm water into underground chambers for recharging. He said that he has visited the site since a recent record rainfall event took place and found only a small area where ponding remained, a location for historically slow recharging of storm water into the ground.

            Schneider also said that the requested testing of soils for recharging and groundwater levels has taken place as well. He conceded that, even given the summer’s dry conditions of subsoils and the construction of an underground drainage system, there might still be wet season occasions when drainage would be a problem.

            Chairman Mike King said that everyone was going to have to get used to record rain events, but that the new plan has covered everything requested. The commissioners were ready to render their decision, but not before abutters were recognized for their comments.

            David Behenne, 31 Antassawamock Road, said that perc testing had been requested but not performed. King said that only the Board of Health requires perc testing for septic systems, but that soil testing has been done as requested. “The applicant has met all [the requirements of the] Wetlands Protection Act; you’ll have 10 days to review our decision or appeal it.”

            Behenne asked several times when abutters were notified that new plans were available to review, then asked for a two-week continuation in order to review the updated plans with his engineer, Robert Field.

            King pushed back from that, again saying the applicant is in compliance. “He’s addressed everything you were worried about.” Behenna shot back, “That is up to the abutters!” King said that if abutters are “aggrieved” of the commission’s decision, they can appeal it.

            Speaking next was William Straus, 8 Nashawena. Straus said several times that he understood the position of the commissioners, the hard job they had based on his own previous appointment to the commission, but believed an appeal was in no one’s best interest.

            “Alex Baur is a decent guy; he would not take the same position as his engineer,” said Straus, who believed he had heard Schneider say he wanted the application done on this night. However, it was subsequently made clear that that comment was spoken by commissioner Chapman Dickerson, a sentiment echoed by David Lawrence. Straus urged the commission to grant a two-week continuance for the sake of giving abutters more time to study the new plan.

            In the end, Schneider agreed an appeal to the Department of Environmental Protection would only drag out the process even further. A continuance was granted until September 27.

            In other business, a Notice of Intent filed by Leonard and Joyce Almeida for a new septic system was conditionally approved upon receipt of a DEP file number.

            Later in the proceedings, the commission discussed the ratification of environmental agent services subcontracted to Brandon Faneuf of Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. in an arrangement whereby applications requiring agent oversight will pay for Faneuf’s services. King said, “There is no cost to the town.” The contract was to go before the Select Board for finalization on September 14.

            In the meantime, a search will continue for a part-time conservation agent. Recent applicants were only interested in full-time positions, King said.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is planned for Monday, September 27, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Machacam Club Meeting

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The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm, and a short business meeting at 6:45 followed by our speaker’s presentation. Chef Colby has planned an all-time favorite dinner – a surprise that we know will satisfy your appetite! Callers, please transmit your counts for dinner to 508-758-1326 or email cwmccullough@comcast.net by Monday evening, October 4.

            The purpose of the Machacam Club is for each member to enjoy the comradery of the group – nothing more, and nothing less! We meet on the first Wednesday of each month, and new members are always welcome.

Briggs Makes Case to Changing AHT

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            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust has seen recent turnover in membership, and longtime resident and developer Sherman Briggs took the opportunity to address the trust’s newer faces during the September 14 public meeting.

            Citing his long-standing opposition to the town’s inclusionary-zoning bylaw that he says has never been utilized, Briggs said it has taken him 10 years to get through the vetting process.

            “I would hope the Housing Trust would start to get more active in the bylaws and what we go through and the time it takes,” he said. “We need to streamline the bylaws. Once we get through that, we can create more of these projects that aren’t subsidized and ones that meet the seniors of Marion’s needs.”

            When Briggs began seeking approval for his 28-unit, multi-family residential project at Spring and Mill Streets, he said the bylaw was asking him to choose between building an affordable housing complex and paying a $639,000 fee to mitigate the choice not to. That fee is now $150,000, a check Briggs is much happier to write if he can have a say on what happens to the money.

            Leveraging developers toward affordable housing projects, he says, is counterproductive for the town for two major reasons: 1. Marion is at 11.5 percent, a favorable number in affordable housing when taking into consideration existing and planned projects; 2. Tax revenue is the biggie for Briggs, who asserts that, in an affordable-housing scenario, a 42-unit development would generate only $28,000 per year. His proposed, 28-unit, market-rate development could generate 10 times the tax revenue. He insists that is his prime motivation as a longtime resident.

            Briggs is concerned that the current set of requirements will continue to leverage developments toward 40B classification (affordable housing) that do not generate enough tax revenue and end up failing economically.

            As for the $150,000 fee due the Affordable Housing Trust on a project like the one he is proposing, Briggs said, “That money should be used to help seniors rather than be put into a fund that will take years to get where this needs to go.” He believes the funds would be best spent to help more seniors stay in their houses with a series of smaller projects such as “a new roof on a house, a septic system, maybe a paint job.”

            Briggs has plenty more to say, drawing questions from AHT members seeking clarification on town bylaws and procedures.

            He said he is concerned about the potential senior housing development on the location where Lockheed Martin had been until last year. “If that ever fell off the tax rolls, we’d be in more dire straits as far as tax revenue. That’s more my view as a taxpayer than my project.”

            Briggs is hoping his proposed, 28-unit development off Spring and Mill streets will sell for $650,000 and $700,000 per unit.

            “Five years ago, if this was built, the town would have a million dollars in its coffer. … It’s been one hell of a battle, I won’t deny that,” he said.

            Terri Santos, the new chair of the AHT, called Briggs’ preferred scenario “a win-win for the trust because we will also get $150,000 to go to programs.”

            Santos said funding the programs that the AHT looks at doing is complicated because they cannot use CPC money due to deed restrictions, etcetera.

            “There’s nothing better than to keep someone who lives in Marion their whole life in their home,” said Briggs. “If I can support and earmark the money that I have to pay to go in a direction, that’s what I believe.”

            Santos said the Planning Board’s Codification Committee is putting forth a bylaw change regarding conservation subdivision.

            In other matters, Santos and fellow AHT members Norm Hills and Nancy McFadden walked the Lockheed Martin site three weeks ago. Santos said she will keep the AHT informed. “A lot of possibilities, I personally think,” said McFadden.

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, at 6:00 pm.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Mick Colageo

Dual-Use Solar Project Continued

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            A proposal for a two-phase construction of a canal canopy solar array and a dual-use energy array that will be used for renewable energy and agricultural purposes was heard by the Rochester Planning Board on September 14 without conclusion.

            The new public hearing was opened solely to continue the application to the board’s next meeting on September 28, but that action paved the way for an informal discussion of the application filed by Hingham-based Renewable Energy Partners, LLC for Special Permits for a solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 109 Neck Road.

            As explained by Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson, the board did not hold an informal meeting to discuss the project and, on the advice of Town Counsel, opened the hearing solely to continue the meeting to the Planning Board’s next meeting on September 28. By then, the board’s engineer will have examined the project.

            In the wake of that action, Sarah Stearns of Beals & Thomas gave an overview of the project to acquaint the board and interested citizens. There is no sitework in connection to the solar-canopy project, according to Stearns.

            The setback of the proposed, 3.2-acre project from Neck Road is approximately 1,700 feet. The panels when tilted in the morning toward the sun will be 12 feet high on one end and 8 feet high on the opposite end. At noon, the panels will be horizontal at 10 feet off the ground. Spacing at 23 feet will support a strategic use of light for agricultural purposes.

            Stearns told the board that the project has begun the vetting process with the Conservation Commission.

            Johnson said the project will need a 16-foot-wide road inside the fence for fire protection. He also said that the Planning Board reserves the right in its decision that, should the screening not be considered adequate, then the applicant will be required to address the matter. “Because this is out in the middle of nowhere, the screening has to be done first,” said Johnson.

            It was pointed out to Stearns that, since the light poles in the background of the project are visible from Snipatuit Pond, so will the solar array be visible. The applicant suggested producing images of the view from abutting properties across Snipatuit Pond.

            Johnson said the board also must decide on whether to approve the vegetation plan for underneath the solar array. He referenced a failed experiment off Route 58 in Carver where solar panels are atop a bog no longer capable of cranberry harvesting. Johnson said that discussion would be held in earnest when the board next convenes on September 28.

            During Stearns’ presentation, several comments came in via the computer chat function, but Johnson said the board cannot address the comments because the public hearing had already been continued to pave the way for the informal discussion.

            Anticipating a site visit in advance of the board’s September 28 meeting, Johnson requested a general staking of the project to establish a reference point.

            The review of the draft decision for the Longbow Lane project in which Planning Board member Ben Bailey proposes a definitive subdivision at 0 Gerrish Road was not rendered. Citing the discussions that occurred during the public hearings of the case, Johnson thought it prudent to wait in case there are any other questions on it.

            Bailey, who was represented by Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, once again recused himself from participation as a board member. Regarding the change in lot numbers, Johnson said, “There was no misinterpretation on this board’s part. … We were not notified.”

            A public hearing continued from July 27 in which Cushman Solar, LLC filed applications for Special Permits for a 3.9-megawatt (large-scale) solar array and groundwater protection for property located at 0 Cushman Road was continued at the applicant’s request to September 28.

            An Approval Not Required (ANR) filed by Decas Cranberry for a single-lot subdivision at 0 Mary’s Pond Road was approved by the board.

            A review of the application filed by Snipatuit Road Solar, LLC was met by a swift vote to approve the final decision.

            The last item discussed was the Plumb Corner development and its infrastructural problems. Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Gerrior, in attendance, asked Johnson about a potential enforcement order. Johnson said the project owners know the town’s deadlines and are running out of time.

            Johnson took a moment to welcome Gerrior’s interest and said he looks forward to working with him so as to maximize the commission’s input and vice versa. Earlier in the meeting, new Town Planner Nancy Durfee was welcomed by Johnson, who told the board that he and Durfee plan to visit various sites of open cases to give the new planner an orientation.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, at 7:00 pm in hybrid format. The meeting is held at the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School library and also accessible via Zoom.

Rochester Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Robert Barker Brack

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Robert Barker Brack, 83, of Concord, formerly of Natick, died suddenly on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

            Bob was born in Newton on July 11, 1938 as the son of the late Robert and Evelyn (Barker) Brack. After graduating from Natick High School in 1956, Bob continued his education at UMass Amherst where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1960 and later completed his Master of Education at Northeastern University. He married his high school sweetheart, the late Joan Haskell Brack, in June of 1960. Bob and Joan lived in Natick and had three children Virginia, Kenneth, and William. Tragically, Joan died in 1999 from ovarian cancer. Bob married his second wife, Janet Bailey in 2001.

            Bob leaves behind his three children: his daughter, Virginia Brack, her husband Clay Block, and their children, Maxwell Block and his wife Nicole Dayhoff and Samuel Block; and his two sons, Kenneth Brack, his wife Denise, their children, the late Michael Brack, Christopher Brack and his wife Megan, and Amanda Brack and her husband Andrew Lowrey; and William Brack, his wife Jessica Ladd, and their children, Benjamin and Isabel Brack. He was the adopted father of Eric Cooper and his daughter Kiara Mundy. Bob also leaves behind his second wife, Janet, and her two children; David Rossini, his wife Molly Chafetz, their children Eliza and Gabriel; and Katherine Dennis, her husband Joshua, and their children Thomas and Miles Dennis. He leaves his brother, Harold “Skip” Brack and his wife Judith Bradshaw-Brown, and his sister, Beverly Droz and her husband Thomas, as well as several nieces and nephews. Bob was also the brother-in law of Steve Haskell, step-brother-in law of William Thompson and step-sister-in law Lisa Pearson.

            In 1960, Bob joined the family business, Barker Steel Company, as the third generation following his father Robert and his grandfather, Harold Barker, who founded the company in 1920. Bob left the steel business briefly in 1963 to teach material science for one year at Wentworth Institute of Technology, before returning to Barker Steel in 1964 to stay. Bob became CEO of the company in 1976 and under his leadership Barker Steel grew from a small one-shop company in Watertown, Massachusetts to having 17 locations in 11 states and more than 600 employees at its peak. Bob was shocked, but very proud when his son Bill joined Barker Steel in 1995 representing the fourth generation of family in the business. Under Bob’s leadership, Barker Steel became one of the largest independent reinforcing steel fabricators in the United States and furnished reinforcing steel for concrete construction throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Barker Steel fabricated reinforcing steel for thousands of projects large and small, both public and private. Barker Steel fabricated the majority of the reinforcing steel for the “Big Dig” – the Central Artery/Third Harbor Tunnel (CA/T) project and helped rebuild New York City after 9/11, including furnishing the reinforcing steel for several of the World Trade projects and the Freedom Tower. Bob sold Barker Steel to Nucor/Harris Rebar in 2007 and he “formally” retired in 2012, never letting go of his life-long passion for the rebar business. Through his compassionate leadership and caring ethos, Bob touched the lives of thousands of families over his 50-year career at Barker Steel.

            Bob was a “life-long member” of the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) serving as treasurer, executive board member and president of both the CRSI and the CRSI Education & Research Foundation. In 2012, Bob was awarded the first ever CRSI Distinguished Service Award which was prompted by Bob’s career-long dedication to both the reinforced concrete industry and the CRSI. Bob also remained engaged with his alma mater, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, serving on the Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Committee and supporting the establishment of the Robert Brack Structural Testing Facility at Tilson, among other roles and activities.

            Bob was passionate about actively engaging in and supporting the communities he lived in. While residing in Natick, Bob was member of Eliot Church (including serving as church moderator), and actively served on the board of several local charities, including the Natick Community Organic Farm, Natick Service Council, and Foundation for MetroWest. Bob coached his sons in farm league baseball and later coached them in spring soccer and helped start the Natick Soccer Club in the mid-1970s. He enjoyed singing in the Eliot Church choir with his late wife Joan.

            Bob also had an enduring love for and connection with Machiasport, Maine, where he and Joan bought property fronting Machias Bay. “Little Respite,” a cottage built in 1981, became a treasured place of renewal for themselves and their family. In later years Bob worked closely with Maine Coast Heritage Trust in establishing a contiguous preserve to help protect the area’s natural and archaeological resources.

            After the tragic loss of his first wife Joan in 1999, Bob and his children Jinny, Ken, and Bill created the Joan H. Brack Charitable Foundation, with a focus to support ovarian cancer research and local community charities. Over the ensuing twenty years, Bob and the foundation provided support for numerous charities including the Dana Farber Cancer Institute; the Jimmy Fund Golf Program via the Joan H. Brack Charitable Golf Tournament; the Joan H. Brack Learning Center, a component of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Framingham; MetroWest Legal Services; Jewish Family Services of MetroWest; and Hope Floats Healing and Wellness Center, founded and run by his daughter-in-law Denise and his son Ken.

            After moving to Concord in 2000 and marrying Janet in 2001, he joined First Parish with Janet and actively participated in many of the social justice and governance committees of that community as well as supporting additional local charities, including Family Promise MetroWest and Open Table. Bob was passionate about Open Table because it was started by The Women’s Parish Association at First Parish and addressed the critical problem of hunger in the MetroWest region. Janet was President of the Women’s Parish Association. Most recently Bob was a resident at Newbury Court in Concord where he had already made many friends and dinner companions.

            Bob was always most at home on the sea, especially on Buzzard’s Bay. He was an avid sailor, sailing his 19-foot Corinthian, Embarker, for 54 years with his family and friends and participating in the Marion to Bermuda sailboat race several times. Bob loved swimming in Wareham (Parkwood Beach) and later Mattapoisett and was known for his world class freestyle backstroke. He enjoyed puzzles of all types, especially jigsaw and Sudoku. Perhaps most of all, Bob loved his grandchildren. He was their number one cheerleader, particularly in soccer, and was known for driving hours to see a game. He was very fond of having ice cream with them in the summer –in fact he was very fond of ice cream in general. Bob loved music of all genres, especially dramatic classical music such as Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler and Wagner. Bob was an avid runner and regularly participated in the annual Mattapoisett Road Race together with his children and grandchildren until 2013 when his grandchildren started beating his time and he retired his bib with a grin.

            Due to safety protocols for COVID, family and friends will gather to celebrate Bob’s life during a private memorial service by invitation only at First Parish, 20 Lexington Road, Concord Center, on October 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be available to the public via live stream zoom link which will be posted on Bob’s obituary page at www.DeeFuneralHome.com when available. Bob will be laid to rest during a private burial service at Glenwood Cemetery in South Natick.

            In lieu of flowers, contributions to honor Bob’s memory may be made to Hope Floats Healing and Wellness Center, P.O. Box 345, Kingston, MA 02364 (www.hopefloatswellness.org), The Joan H. Brack Charitable Foundation C/O Citizens Wealth Management Operations, One Citizens Bank Way JCB115 (please feel free to indicate the contribution is earmarked for cancer research), Johnston, RI – 02919, or Open Table (www.opentable.org/donate/).

            Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.

Academic Achievements

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It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates Jamie Ditata of Rochester, Jodi Richards-Auld of Marion, and Katelyn Goyette of Rochester on being named to the summer 2021 President’s List.

            MCPHS University is pleased to announce the students who have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester: Cayla Silva is a native of Marion and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree. Cayla will graduate from the MCPHS University Online campus in 2021. Sarah Sirois is a native of Mattapoisett and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology degree. Sarah will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2022. Elexus Afonso is a native of Rochester and is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Elexus will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2022.

            The Dean’s List recognizes those students with a full-time course load who have achieved outstanding scholarship with a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic term.