ORRJH Annual Tri-Town Thanksgiving Banquet

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It’s a yearly crossing of the generations, a giving of thanks that unites the youth and the elderly of the three towns that comprise the Old Rochester Regional School District.

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner are proud to announce the upcoming 32nd annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Tri-Town (Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester) senior citizens.

            This year’s event has been scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at noon, in the ORRJHS cafeteria (doors will open at 11:15 am), at 133 Marion Road, Mattapoisett.

            “We gather each year to celebrate our senior citizens,” said Principal Coellner. “Our three towns – Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester – owe so much to our eldest residents. It is so important to bring them together with our students. Like so many of those attending, this gathering gets better every year.”

            The meal has been sponsored by members of the ORRJHS community. Community members donate pies, turkeys, gift cards and door prizes.

            “This yearly Thanksgiving banquet really shows off the best our three towns have to offer,” said Director Cioffi. “Our students always turn out to give their time and effort. So many community members step up and offer so much generosity. And our dinner guests never leave without teaching us all a little something about what makes our towns so special.”

            There are 300 tickets available, 100 per town, and will be distributed through each town’s Council on Aging. Shut-in meals will also be available.

            Last year, more than 230 senior citizens attended the Tri-Town banquet. The event was staffed by 75 students and a hard-working team of staff and parent volunteers.

            “The Thanksgiving Banquet is a longstanding tradition that we all look forward to each and every year,” said Superintendent Nelson. “It’s important that we do our part to give back to Tri-Town residents, and this event is one of the many ways our students and staff show their appreciation for the community’s support.”

            To attend or help reach out to the Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester Council on Aging with the names and address of the intended recipient. Any individual or local business interested in making cash contributions or donating door prizes should call the ORRJHS at 508-758-4928 and speak with Christina Cioffi, Director of Guidance.

Annual Ecumenical Service

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The Trustees of the Mattapoisett Christian Church invite the public to attend their annual Ecumenical Service on Sunday, November 23, at 2:00 pm. The service will take place at the historic Mattapoisett Christian Church, home of the Mattapoisett Museum, located at 5 Church Street, Mattapoisett. The service will be led by Rev. Michael Frady of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, with Father Paul Fedak of St. Anthony’s Church and Rheannen Williams from the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting also participating. Michelle Gordon and Karen DeVoe will lead the music. This long-standing community tradition brings together residents and visitors of all faiths to celebrate unity, reflection, and fellowship. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Connor Gaudet at curator@mattapoisettmuseum.org or

visit www.mattapoisettmuseum.org.

A “No” From Rochester

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Rochester’s election on November 18 seeking approval of both a $288 million Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project and a debt exclusion to fund the town’s $24 million share of that cost resulted in a resounding “No” to both questions.

            The question to approve the building project, which was also on ballots in Old Colony’s other member towns, Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett, failed in Rochester with a tally of 680 voters saying “no” and 503 votes saying “yes.”

            The question on the town ballot to approve a Prop 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the expense garnered 682 “no” votes and 507 yes votes. Town Clerk Marjorie Barrows reported 1,192 ballots were cast in Rochester, a town that has 5,717 residents as of the 2020 census.

            Now the school district awaits the final voter tallies from Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett. That’s what Old Colony School Committee member and Rochester resident David Hughes said he is waiting for. “The people of Rochester have spoken,” Hughes said. “Now we’ll see what the other towns will do to come to form a final conclusion.”

            The state School Building Authority’s reimbursement for the new school’s price tag was projected to be $129 million. The remaining total cost that the school district members would share was estimated at approximately $159 million. Rochester’s share of that price tag would have been $28.4 million. The debt exclusion would have cost $646.86 per year for the average home assessed at $610,000.

            The money would have funded a larger, more modern building that replaces the serious infrastructure deficiencies of the current facility at 476 North Avenue, Rochester.

Rochester’s Old Colony Vote

By Michael J. DeCicco

Tree Lighting Time Change

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Rochester’s Select Board Monday did ordinary business until it came time to discuss the November 18 election asking the town to approve the $288 million Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project.

            The Select Board began by voting against exercising its right to purchase Great Bear Farms, 53 Dexter Lane, which is currently changing ownership. Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted this property is not changing use, so acquiring it as a protective measure is unnecessary.

            Durant reported that this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Office Building will be on November 30 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, a dramatically changed time from past years. The board approved a flammable liquids license for the propane tanks at the Water Department buildings at 87 Marion Road, 189 New Bedford Road and 52 Wolf Island Road.

            The board then appointed Herbert LeFleur to the Historic Commission.

            The board saved the most impactful for last. Chair Adam Murphy ended the meeting with what will happen whether or not the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project is approved on November 18. He said there will be a lot of work to do either way.

            Murphy said on that date the town needs the debt exclusion override vote on the town ballot to pass as well as the Old Colony district’s (Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, and Rochester) request to approve the $288 million plan for a new school building. The town now takes $500,000 from free cash nearly every year to balance its budgets, he emphasized. To fit another $2.4 million, the project’s cost to the town, into that budgeting without a debt exclusion “won’t happen,” he said.

            Asked what the town will do if the school project is approved but the town does not approve the debt exclusion, the board declined to say that it would go directly to another debt exclusion ballot vote. The response will be some serious planning.

            Durant noted the town’s first major payment of this debt would be 2028. “We’ll have some time to plan what we need to do,” he said.

            “We’ll have a plan, and quickly,” Member Brad Morse said.

            “We’ll have a lot of work to do either way,” Murphy said.

            The Board of Selectmen did not schedule its next meeting before adjourning.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

RMS Recognized by State for MCAS Scores

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz, Principal Heidi Letendre and Rochester School Committee Chairperson Kate Duggan are proud to share that students at the Rochester Memorial School helped put their school among only 63 across the state to reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels for grades three through eight in the 2025 MCAS test for Math or English.

            Rochester Memorial School was honored recently by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Pedro Martinez for reaching or exceeding benchmarks last achieved in 2019 for MCAS testing in grades three through eight. The school was presented a certificate of recognition for the achievement.

            About 54% of students at Rochester Memorial School scored a 500 or better on the 2025 MCAS for math, meaning they reached the state’s “meeting expectations” results category. Among those are the 9% of Rochester Memorial School students who achieved a score of 530 or above, putting them in the category of “exceeding expectations.”

            This is all an improvement from the school’s results in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, when 52% of students scored at least 500.

            Statewide, MCAS math scores for 2025 among students in grades 3 through 8 were down 8 percentage points from pre-pandemic 2019 scores. Also, MCAS math scores statewide in 2025 showed no improvement from 2024.

            Meanwhile, MCAS math scores for 2025 among students in grades 3 through 8 at Rochester Memorial School were up 7 percentage points from the school’s 2024 results, jumping from 47% of students “meeting” or “exceeding expectations” to 54%.

            Fifth graders at Rochester Memorial School far surpassed statewide results for MCAS science testing, outpacing the state’s “meeting” or “exceeding” achievement levels by 17 percentage points.

            The fifth graders also improved their MCAS science scores from the previous year, with 60% of students achieving “meeting” or “exceeding” in 2025 compared to 59% in 2024. The 60% also represents a large improvement from 2019, when 49% of Rochester Memorial fifth graders scored “meeting” or “exceeding” on MCAS science tests.

            As a result of the school’s outstanding performance on the MCAS, the school district is being recognized for its accomplishments at DESE’s “Celebrating Academic Success” conference scheduled for Dec. 2 in Marlborough. The event will offer an opportunity for educators representing the Rochester Memorial School to share best practices and strategies with their colleagues from around the state, explaining how the school was able achieve pre-pandemic levels on MCAS for math from Grade 3-8.

            Principal Letendre said she credits the school’s success to the dedication of both students and staff, as well as the district’s focus on consistent, data-driven instruction and targeted academic support.

            “Our teachers have worked incredibly hard to identify students’ individual needs and to help every child grow,” said Principal Letendre. “This recognition reflects not only our students’ perseverance and commitment to learning, but also the collaboration among educators, families, and support staff who ensure that all learners are given the opportunity to thrive.”

            Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz said the results highlight the district’s deliberate focus on high-quality instruction and timely academic interventions.

            “Our team has placed a strong emphasis on using assessment data to help ensure that students receive the exact support they need, when they need it,” said Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz. “Seeing this level of growth affirms that our strategic team approach is making a meaningful difference for students.”

            School Committee Chairperson Duggan commended the teachers and students at Rochester Memorial, along with the administration, for helping to make this all possible.

            “I am so impressed by the students and educators at Rochester Memorial who put in the hard work to earn such solid MCAS scores, as well as by the building and district administrators for fostering an environment where this level of achievement is possible,” said School Committee Chairperson Duggan. “While all of these efforts were not made with statewide recognition in mind, it is gratifying to see our town’s name listed as one of just a handful in this category of performance improvement. Given our school and district’s recent adoption of new high-quality curricula in math and ELA, I look forward to building on this accomplishment and Rochester Memorial’s reputation for excellence in the years to come.”

            Superintendent Nelson said the recognition demonstrates the strength of the district’s instructional practices and its commitment to continuous improvement.

            “This achievement is a testament to the strong teaching and learning happening every day at Rochester Memorial School,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I am deeply proud of the students, educators and families who have worked together to reach this milestone, bringing this hard-working elementary school back to – and even beyond – pre-pandemic levels of success.”

Upcoming MWC Presentation

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club invites interested local residents to its November 20 monthly meeting featuring a special presentation from Rosemary Gill, president & CEO of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford. The Zeiterion is undergoing significant $37 million renovation that started in 2023 and is anticipated to culminate in a grand reopening in 2026. It’s a bold reimagining of a beloved institution. Ms. Rosemary Gill emphasized that “this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a transformation that will enhance the theater’s role as a cultural and economic engine for the region.” Ms. Gill became the president and CEO at the Zeiterion in 2020 and brings more than 15 years of experience driving organizational growth, operational excellence, and impactful transformations. Her work has been recognized nationally by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Island Foundation, and the Carney Foundation, among others. Visitors are welcome to attend this exciting program which will begin at 11:30am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church in Reynard Hall.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a civic, social, educational and philanthropic organization. Membership is always open to local women who are interested in the objectives and mission of the organization. For more information or questions please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Marion Native to Perform with Airmen of Note

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Master Sergeant Kristian Baarsvik grew up in Marion while attending the Sippican School, Falmouth Academy and Tabor Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Sergeant Baarsvik is currently the lead alto saxophonist with the Airmen of Note, The United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

            Sergeant Baarsvik joined the Airmen of Note in 2019, where career highlights include the Jazz Heritage Series performances and recordings, with jazz luminaries Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Randy Brecker, John Fedchock, Diane Schuur, Sean Jones, Ted Nash, and Peter Bernstein.

            Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the Airmen of Note consists of 17 active-duty musicians and one vocalist. It is the premiere jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force and is one of six musical ensembles that make up the U.S. Air Force Band.

            The Airmen of Note will be in concert on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 pm. The concert will be held at the Philip Bronspiegel Memorial Auditorium, New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Blvd., New Bedford.

            The concert is free with general admission – no reserved seats. Please visit this link for ticketing information: www.music.af.mil/USAFBand/Events/National-Tours/Airmen-of-Note.

A Free Thanksgiving Day Meal

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The Church of the Good Shepherd is serving a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal in its Church Hall beginning at 1:00 pm on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. Good food, a warm festive setting and fellowship are on the menu. An optional prayer service of thanksgiving will be offered at 12:30 pm in the Church Sanctuary. Good Shepherd is located at 74 High Street in Wareham. All are welcome, just as you are.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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November is international games month and on Saturday, November 15 you can play a life-size version of Chutes and Ladders at the Library. Stop by between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to try your luck and see who wins.

            On Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 am, join Miss Macy for a Saturday Storytime.

            Drop in on Thursday, November 20 any time from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm to make your own spice blends for unique holiday gifts.

            Banned Book Club’s next meeting has been moved to Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00 pm. Join us to discuss Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate. No registration required.

            Ongoing in November- Spice Pantry free recipes and spice packets available all month long.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais

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Noreen D. (Andersen) Lyonnais of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on Wednesday November 12, 2025.

            Born on September 9, 1938, she was raised in Fairhaven, the daughter of Martin Sorvik Andersen and Agnes Nellie (Hansen) Andersen. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman J. Lyonnais. They were married for 64 years.

            Noreen was a graduate of Fairhaven High School. In 1959, she married Norman, whom she met on a blind date. They moved to Somerville where she began her career at the New England Telephone Company and enjoyed a little side job teaching at Arthur Murrays’ School of Dance. Dance was always part of the Lyonnais family. After four years, they returned to New Bedford to raise their family.

            Noreen eventually returned to work at the New Bedford Housing Authority. She retired after 25 years of service. In her retirement, she volunteered at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, but she was happiest when surrounded by her family celebrating birthdays and holidays, cooking and baking her “secret recipes.” She attended all of the grandchildren’s football, lacrosse, basketball and baseball games, as well as all school events that her girls and the grandchildren were involved in. She treasured her time spent with life long friends, while sharing martinis, desserts, and laughter. Her love and kindness will remain in our hearts forever.

            Noreen is survived by three daughters, Cheryl Pereira and husband John of New Bedford, Donna Downey and husband Paul of Mattapoisett, and Kristen Dailey and husband Christopher of Lakeville. She was the proud grandmother of Justin Downey, his wife Sarah, and their daughter Clara, Connor Downey, his wife Anne and their sons Hayes and Landon, Owen Downey and his wife Emily, Mikala “KK” Downey, Jack Dailey, Garret Dailey and Carter Dailey. She also leaves her brothers, Robert “Bob” Andersen and Martin “Butch” Andersen; and many nieces and nephews.

            She was predeceased by her brother Donald Andersen and her sister Anita Ryle.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 20th at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett . A private family burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. In these difficult times, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Damien’s Food Pantry, 242 Marion Rd., Wareham, MA. 02571 or online @ (damiensfoodpantry.org) or any food pantry of your choice. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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