Marion Music Hall – Putting Some Snap into the Village

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Designed by noted architect William Gibbons Preston in 1891, the Marion Music Hall stands proudly as a welcome beacon to all who enter the heart of the town. It was founder Elizabeth Taber’s wish that the Marion Music Hall offer lectures, concerts, meetings and festive occasions to enrich the quality of life and “put some snap into her village.” 

            Since its establishment over twenty years ago, the Marion Music Hall Advisory Committee has worked diligently to maintain this historic gem and realize Ms. Taber’s vision. As a result, over the past few years, the Music Hall has truly come alive! 

            Acoustical improvements – including tiles on the stage and main hall ceilings as well as a new Bose sound system – have received rave reviews from musicians, performers and audiences alike.

            Tabor Academy’s collection of paintings by prominent Marion artist Cecil Clark Davis, on permanent loan from the Sippican Historical Society, now grace the walls of the Reading Room and the Main Hall.  With upgraded lighting, controls and a generator, visitors can fully enjoy and appreciate these beautiful portraits whenever attending an event at the Hall. 

            The completed upgrades are resulting in more rentals and general use of this community centerpiece – reestablishing it as the town’s premier meeting place.  Concerts, celebrations, fundraisers, exercise classes, book sales, meetings, lectures, movie nights and weddings are filling the calendar. Elizabeth Taber would surely be delighted with all of the “snap” happening in her village.

            Much has been done, but there’s no stopping now! A very special gift from the Paulsen family of a Steinway piano will soon be unveiled. After its restoration, this concert-level quality instrument will find a permanent home on the stage. The Marion Music Hall Advisory Committee is also working on future projects which include replacement of the copper gutters, foundation work and walkway repairs. These important improvements will only enhance the enjoyment of this special venue. 

            A preview of Fall events includes an acoustical concert plus two fundraisers, one for Bird Island as well as the Fall favorite Wine Tasting to benefit the YMCA. Marion Antiques will also present their popular Antique Auction on Thanksgiving weekend.

            If you or your organization is interested in booking the Marion Music Hall, please contact Tami Daniel, Marion Music Hall Coordinator, at 508-748-9556 or at (tdaniel@marionma.gov).

Clare Healy Foley and Tinker Saltonstall

For the Music Hall Advisory Committee

Sippican Historical Society

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In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded half by the Sippican Historical Society and half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

            Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

            This installment features 456 Point Road.  The house at 456 Point Road was built between 1898 and 1903.  It ranks among the finest examples of the Shingle Style in Marion. An extensive lawn sweeps westward to Blankinship and Planting Island Coves.  This house was probably designed by Coolidge and Carlson, the Boston architectural firm that was responsible for a number of Shingle Style houses bordering West Drive in Marion.  This home was built for Mrs. F.C. Bowditch.

Little Relief for Bristol Aggie Transportation

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            When the Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester School Committees met together during the summer, they voted to allow the business administrator to request new bids from various bus companies to hopefully bring down the three towns’ costs to transport their Bristol County Agricultural High School students to and from school. Although one company did submit a bid to specific to the Marion School District that was lower than the prior contract, it was still well above the amount the district budgeted for Bristol Aggie bussing.

            Superintendent Doug White told the Marion School Committee on September 4 that, although Braga Transportation’s bid of $34,920 was lower than the prior contract, it was not as low as he had hoped it would be.

            “It’s still is going to be a significant shift in cost for Marion,” said White. “As you can see, the bus cost $34,920 for Marion; we only budgeted $17,000.”

            White said once the higher-than-expected bids were received, he met with the three town administrators from the Tri-Town and explained the situation. He said one possible solution that arose was for the three school districts to purchase one bus with shared ownership. While that is still a possibility at some point, for now, White said, it’s not a viable option.

            “We just felt that because of the timing and lateness to it in securing drivers, insurance, and all the costs that go along with that, we decided to… ask the committee to award the bid to Braga Transportation and we’ll work with the [Town of Marion] to offset the other $17,920,” said White.

             School Committee Chairman Michelle Smith expressed gratitude for the lower bid, saying, “I’m very thankful that the towns came out to meet with us and to talk… and be proactive about how we’re going to look at this for the future, so that was very exciting, very promising…”

            The committee voted in favor of accepting the $34,920 one-year contract, with the option of adding a second year if needed. In the meantime, White said he would investigate the costs associated with the schools buying and sharing a bus, including the cost of gas and the driver’s salary, and consider whether it would makes sense economically to move forward.

            In other matters, the committee accepted two donations: one for $1,000 from the Marion Teachers’ Association, and one for $100 from the Nye family. The funds will be added to the principal’s discretionary account.

            The next meeting of the Marion School Committee is scheduled for October 16 at 6:30 pm at Sippican School.

Marion School Committee

By Jean Perry

Cheryl A. (Gosselin) White

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Cheryl A. (Gosselin) White, 60, of Mattapoisett and Old Town, FL, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at home. She was the wife of David E. White.

            Mrs. White was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Robert E. Gosselin, Sr. and the late Barbara (Gifford) Gosselin. She had worked as a truck driver for KR Rezendes, Inc. in Assonet. She enjoyed spending time at the campground with her loving husband and grandchildren and being a groom for the Harness Racing Industry.

            Survivors along with her husband include her daughter: Crystal Borden of Mattapoisett; a brother: Lewis Gosselin of Old Town, FL; 2 sisters: Sharon Bentley of Mattapoisett and Sandra Gosselin of Dartmouth; 4 grandchildren: Liam, Logan, Levi and Lucas; along with several nieces and nephews.

            She was the sister of the late Robert E. Gosselin, Jr. and Steven Gosselin.

            Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the Potter Funeral Home at 3:30 pm.

            Visitation will be Sunday, from 1-3:30 pm, prior to the service.

            Interment will be private. 

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Local Artists Exhibit Watercolor Paintings

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            Painting with watercolor is one of the more difficult mediums for an artist. The thin fluid consistency of the paint makes it a challenge to direct. Watercolor, much like water, simply wants to flow. But watercolor can also be vivid, precise, sensual, bold, or delicate. There is one thing that is absolutely essential when working with watercolor, and that’s technique.

            The Canalside Artists, a group of painters from Wareham, Rochester, Marion, Carver, Plymouth, Lakeville, and other surrounding communities, take on watercolor in weekly classes held at the Bourne Council on Aging. There, under the guidance and encouragement of Kate Furler, they meet to explore and learn the intricacies of watercolor with dramatic results.

            Over at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center in Marion, the Marion Council on Aging invites the public to enjoy the results of the Canalside Artists watercolor classes now on display until October 30 in a space that is fast becoming a cultural center.

            The Marion COA frequently hosts works of visual art from artists of all ages, as well as lectures, presentations, and other events. On September 4, an opening reception was held for the Canalside Artists with some 50 works of art gracing the center’s walls. There are precious birds, old farm scenes, seascapes, and flowers executed with a precision that clearly announces: “We take our work seriously.” And while the artists are modest when speaking of their individual talents, their finished paintings tell the real story – they paint in full command of the medium.

            “I’ve been painting for about 15 years,” said artist Janet McDonald of Rochester. She said she paints exclusively in watercolor. She explained that Furler offers instruction and encouragement guiding the group. “She’ll bring in a photograph or a painting,” said McDonald, which the group then uses as a starting point, inspiration if you will, as they hone their skills.

            Betty DeVincent of Rochester has been studying and painting since 1953 when she attended the Museum School. “I paint for pleasure,” she said. DeVincent prefers still life painting because the artist gets to decide where the light will fall unlike “en plein air,” as she explained. “When you paint outside you have to be fast or take a photograph,” as the natural light changes almost moment by moment.

            The “Canalside” artists whose paintings temporarily grace the walls at the COA center are, in addition to McDonald and DeVincent, Karen Tamagini, Helen Johnson, Camille Rigney, Lori Paltola, Jane Doherty, and Furler herself.

            “We are happy to have these groups displays their works of art. They are so talented,” said Marion COA Director Karen Gregory of this event and similar shows. “The first sale took place before the show even opened,” she joyfully shared. Gregory believes that holding such events at the center provides “a rich cultural experience for the whole community.”

            Upcoming showings at the Marion COA will include “Art for All Ages” from November 1 through December 2, and “Anything Goes – Whimsy, Abstract, Fun and Fantastic” from December 4 through January 2. The current show and upcoming visual art openings are organized by Mary Ross of Marion, herself an outstanding artist whose collage works have also been displayed by the Marion COA.

            Visit the Marion Council on Aging via the Town’s website, www.marionma.gov, to find a complete list of other shows and times.

By Marilou Newell

Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride

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The days are getting cooler, the nights a little longer, and hints of that crisp autumn smell are in the air. Fall is approaching, and so is the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride! Pedal 35, 75, or 100 miles on October 6and join more than 300 others biking to protect clean water in Buzzards Bay. Registration is open at savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

            At the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, you’ll get some of the best coastal fall views that New England has to offer: long stretches of windswept beaches, bright foliage, and bogs red with cranberries. All cyclists are fully supported with a free lunch stop, multiple water and snack stations, on-the-road bike mechanics and dinner at the end of your journey. 

            Whether you’re a first-time cyclist or seasoned professional, the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride is sure to provide excitement, gorgeous landscapes, and an opportunity to experience what makes the South Coast unique. Each cyclist in the Watershed Ride has a fundraising goal that supports the Buzzards Bay Coalition, a nonprofit organization working to protect clean water in communities throughout Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound.

            This year, with the support of thousands of community members, volunteers and participants, we will raise more than $225,000 to support the Coalition’s work on education, advocacy, research, and conservation. Peter Pereira of New Bedford shares: “Cycling is the perfect mode of transportation to enjoy the natural beauty of our region. The Watershed Ride is the perfect opportunity to support the Coalition by doing an activity that I love.”

            Overlapping routes begin in Little Compton, RI (100 miles), Westport (75 miles), and Rochester (35 miles), with all three converging in Woods Hole for a finish line party with live music, beer, wine, al fresco dinner, and awards ceremony. Team participation is welcome and encouraged! To learn more or sign up, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

            The Buzzards Bay Coalition is also offering free training rides throughout the month of September in several towns. Meet other cyclists, ride parts of the course, and learn more about the Watershed Ride! To reserve a spot at a training ride, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/events.

Sew a Tote

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Tired of carrying flimsy plastic bags covered in advertising? Learn how to sew a tote with Bobbi Gaspar, local seamstress extraordinaire. Come to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, September 22 and 29 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Must be able to attend both sessions. Because of limited space registration is required. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own machine or use one of ours. All materials provided.

            Please register for this event by calling 508-758-4171, emailing rsmith@sailsinc.org (provide contact phone/email), or signing up in the library. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.

Marion Waste Treatment Plant

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To the Editor:

            The EPA is making the people of Marion pay tens of millions of dollars for changes to the Waste Treatment Plant, even though historical data collected by Buzzards Bay Coalition show that the Waste Treatment Plant does not harm the water quality of Aucoot Cove and Buzzards Bay.

            The forced changes give no expected benefit and no expected gain, but will make the Waste Treatment Plant and Marion worse off.  So why is the EPA doing this?

Albert Muren, Marion

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Mattapoisett COA Social Security

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The Mattapoisett Council on Aging will host a free workshop about Social Security benefits on Thursday,September 26at 4:00 pm. Delia DeMello, Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist, will discuss eligibility for benefits, early retirement, how to maximum benefits, and much more. Please call to register at (508) 758-4110.  Presentation will take place at the COA located at 17 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett.

Marion Art Center Gaining Ground, Literally

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            On September 7, as angry overcast skies threatened the late summer celebrations planned for the weekend, the Marion Art Center was in full celebratory mode inside and out.

            Through the fundraising efforts of the board of directors and a willingness of a neighbor to negotiate a fair purchase price, the MAC purchased a small parcel that will expand its property holdings by some 2,100 square feet.

            Neighbor Mark Barry was able to subdivide his abutting property after discussions and approval by town boards. With that bit of bylaw business completed and with favorable approval from officials, the way was cleared to grant the MAC the opportunity to purchase the land. While describing the mature trees on the land now owned by the MAC, Barry said he was pleased it all came together and that the center would now have additional space for special events.

            Jennifer Wolfe Webb, president of the MAC Board of Directors, said, “Thanks to Mark, we had the opportunity to purchase the land.” She also thanked unnamed donors whose contributions made the purchase possible. “Special thanks to Eric Strand for spearheading the donations,” she added.

            Webb spoke of the contributions of MAC Director Jodi Stevens, saying, “She made everything possible.” Webb said with a chuckle that now that the MAC has a yard, it also has grass that needs to be mowed. While it is too soon to say how the additional space will be used, Webb said, “There is lots of potential.” She noted such potential activities as outdoor art classes, exhibits, and special events. “It’s an exciting time for the MAC – we are growing.”

            Stevens said that having the space means there is the opportunity to make handicap access to the MAC a reality. While she wondered aloud how access to the stage area could also be modified to accommodate those using mobility devices, she was encouraged that people could possibly have easier access to the first floor gallery space. Thinking ahead, she said an elevator to the second floor gallery, while not planned at this time, might be considered at some point in the future. She said a feasibility study would help the MAC plan for the future.

            The artworks currently on exhibit at the MAC are paintings done by Nancy Dyer Mitton and Robert Seyffert through September 28. Upcoming events include a jazz concert on September 14 at 7:30 pm starring the David Mitton Project, and on September 28 at 11:00 am Robert Seyffert will give an artist’s talk.

            Visit www.marionartcenter.org for further details.

By Marilou Newell