Marion Natural History Museum

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The Marion Natural History Museum will have open hours Wednesday, April 21, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, and Friday, April 23, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. If you’d like to schedule time on the virtual reality set during these times, please contact the director at Director@marionmuseum.org. Masks and social distancing will be required. Space is limited to observe COIVD-19 protocols.

            If you’d like to sign up for our upcoming after-school programs, please go to marionmuseum.org and submit registration with payment to hold a space.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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There are no doubt many differences between our Rochester and the other American Rochesters, like the ones in Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri, to name a few. One difference that comes to mind is the iconic New England stone wall.

            In Rochester, we are fortunate to have an abundance of them. Driving around town they can be spotted on New Bedford, Vaughan Hill, Mendell, and Rounseville Roads, as well as many others. These are stone walls that separate homes from the street, divide fields, and create boundaries. Some walls show their age, while others are of newer construction, and still others are mostly the scattered remnants of past walls. The oft repeated reason for the stone walls found throughout New England is that farmers had to find something to do with the plentiful rocks that appeared as they carved fields out of their land. Probably Rochester’s most planned and extensive stone walls are at Eastover Farm on Mary’s Pond Road.

            The Leonard family began its ownership of the lands at Eastover in 1812 with the purchase of a single share of the Rochester forge by three Leonard brothers. Between then and 1848, when George Leonard died, he had added property, buying the surrounding land from previous owners – Handy, Haskell, Basset, Hammond, and King. Upon their father’s death, Charles and Theodore Leonard, already successful businessmen, inherited the property. Theodore took care of the Rochester business interests and lived on the south side of Mary’s Pond Road. Charles was established as the New York connection for the family’s businesses, which included whale oil trade, oil refining, and candle making. Also, through his connection with his father-in-law, he participated in several commercial ventures and was a part owner of some whaleships. In 1853, Charles and Elizabeth, his wife, began the transformation of Eastover from a rural enclave to a gentleman’s estate.

            As part of this transformation, Charles commissioned long stretches of stone walls to be built. Their purpose was to outline and break up the land. He hired a master mason, Isaiah Smith of New Bedford, who along with six local workmen, among them J.S. Ryder, Abram Parlow, Rufus Savery, Elisha Nye, and Alphas Bishup, constructed the two miles of wall. At a height of five feet and a thickness of two feet, the wall took over 1,000 days to complete. L.C. Humphrey, in his memoirs, wrote that the boulders used came from the farm itself. They were spilt, and every block carefully squared, and the entire wall was faced. No mortar was used in the building of the wall, which cost $60,000.

            Stone walls in Massachusetts are protected by law. Specifically, General Law Part IV, Title I, Ch. 266, Sec. 105 speaks to the unauthorized removal of stone walls. In short, anyone who willfully or without right pulls down or removes any portion of a stone wall will be fined. Like many historic sites, stone walls are an endangered species. While many street-facing walls are protected by being on town-owned land, not every new homeowner is aware of this. Some towns have bylaws to protect their walls. In Rochester the town relies on an owner’s respect for history. Unfortunately, as he wrote in his poem, “Mending Wall,” by Robert Frost: “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” so we must all do our part to protect them.

By Connie Eshbach

House Project Sparks Wetland Debate

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            Robert Malm’s Notice of Intent for the construction of a three-bedroom, single-family home on Aucoot Road was met with fierce opposition during the April 12 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission via Zoom.

            The dispute centered around condition of the 6.3 acres of land.

            After the proposal was summarized for the commission by project representative Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone Inc., abutter Julie Craig, 77 Aucoot Road, described herself as a civil engineer formerly with G.A.F. Engineering and questioned the wetland delineation.

            Craig said that in 1993, Robert Hiller, the property’s owner at the time, asked G.A.F. to ask if the property was buildable. In overlaying the 1993 wetland delineation line with the site plan presented on Monday night, Craig cited three wetlands flags consistent with 1993 findings but also several others that show new wetlands delineation lines coming away from Aucoot Road, placing the house in the wetlands and its septic system in the buffer zone.

            “I strongly disagree with this line,” said Craig, who said she is certified in reviewing soils and after gaining permission, went onto the neighboring property. “I dug a hole and that is wetlands soil, I can tell you,” she said.

            Commission Chairman Mike King cited the work of Brandon Faneuf from Ecosystem Solutions Inc., calling Faneuf “a qualified wetlands scientist” whose work, King said, was reviewed by Mattapoisett Conservation Agent Liz Leidhold and witnessed by ConCom member David Lawrence. Their observations, said King, resulted in pulling the project away from Aucoot Road based on soils.

            “As a member of the commission, I have every confidence in the agent as well as Mr. Phaneuf,” said King.

            Leidhold said the commission’s representatives did look at the soil and as a result changed delineation in the area of A8-11. “We did not look at the other property,” she said.

            “If you extend your line A10, 11, 12, that’s not uplands soils. That line is not correct,” insisted Craig.

            The proposal calls for construction of a single-family home on the southern end of the property within the 100-foot buffer zone. Elevation, Davignon said, is 20.1 feet, while the base-flood elevation is 18 feet. He alluded to an October 2020 wetland line survey and described an onsite septic system with denitrification (a town requirement for properties within 100 feet of the wetland boundary), and a 5:1 slope ratio to alleviate impact. The house is to have a crushed stone driveway that leads into a drive-under garage. The house would be served by municipal water and be built with an erosion control barrier one block high, a utility shed and, upon completion, loam and seeding. Davignon said the proposal received a state DEP file number without comments.

            Craig also disputed the site plan’s omission of a river/stream behind the property, saying it was approximately 200 feet from her stone wall. King said that if the stream is more than 200 feet from the project, it is not jurisdictional for the commission. Davignon suggested overlaying the USGS map that would show the limits of the riverfront “just to put it to bed,” but Craig disputed the accuracy of the USGS map used in the presentation.

            King said ConCom would take Craig’s remarks under advisement and noted that her comments are in the record. “We generally try to encourage that applicants and abutters come to an understanding prior to public hearing so we can build a consensus,” he said.

            Hugh Kelly, 98 Aucoot Road, spoke for himself and family members at 80, 82, 84, and 96 Aucoot Road, urging a redetermination of the wetland delineation and a survey of the stream.

            Brad Hathaway, 87 Aucoot Road, said, “Some consideration ought to be given to what’s happening to runoff in this town.”

            Jonathan Craig, 77 Aucoot Road, asked why the overall layout was pushed to the south whereas the north end is higher and dryer. While confirming Jonathan Craig’s suspicion that the intent of the plan is to create the ability to split the lot, Davignon said that there are no plans to develop a second lot.

            After the case was continued (to April 26) in keeping with the town’s policy on newly introduced NOI’s, King encouraged all parties to get together in the next two weeks and “work out your differences.” He also encouraged the abutters to check Faneuf’s credentials and described Leidhold as “a very conservative wetlands scientist.”

            In separate votes, the commission issued its standard special Order of Conditions for both Cases SE44-1425 and SE44-1426. Both were notices of intent filed by CJC Construction Corporation for the construction of adjacent, single-family homes on Windward Way on Mattapoisett Neck.

            The public hearings, continued from March 23, once again drew criticism despite plans improved to add several drainage basins to each lot meant to capture runoff from two, 10, and 25-year storms.

            “Mr. (David) Davignon has submitted a very well thought-out, improved plan,” summarized King, citing storm surge, more specifically sea surge, as the challenge for the entire area. Noting that several abutters requested the applicant hire a stormwater consultant under Chapter 53G, King said that is not required. “I don’t want to set a precedent for that.”

            Abutter Tim Kelley insisted he can show significant standing water where it was said there is none. He also said that the applicant did not reach out to abutters despite being encouraged to do so by the commission. “Good advice by you and they did not take it up,” said Kelley.

            King countered that, although not required, the applicant spent a significant amount of money “because of the concerns that were raised by the entire neighborhood. They kind of went above and beyond what we asked them to…. We all have a high degree of confidence in the design plan.”

            ConCom member Chapman Dickerson agreed with King that the applicant should not be forced into a 53G consulting application. “I wouldn’t support anything that costs this owner more, they’ve already done enough,” he said.

            King reminded the project’s opponents that, if they can appeal the decision to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

            In a continued public hearing, N. Douglas Schneider presented updates to Alexander Bauer’s NOI at 7 Nashawena Road for reconstruction of a single-family house. Commission members and abutters noted improvements. The case was continued to April 26.

            Two other new NOI’s were heard and continued to April 26 per town policy, including Barry Sturgis’ proposed repair of an existing failed septic system at 34 Meadowbrook Lane and Conrad and Janice Roy’s proposal to demolish a fire-damaged house and construct a new home at 56 Ocean Drive.

            ConCom voted to issue a Negative 3 Determination in three Request for Determination of Applicability cases. New Rustico LLC at 62 Marion Road can move an existing cooler and expand a deck to 17 feet, 3 inches long by 15 feet wide; John Cornish can replace his existing deck at 18 Tupola Lane; and 9 North Street Realty Trust, c/o Annette Ewing, can demolish an existing house and remove part of a flagstone patio and turn it into lawn. Representing Ewing, Davignon explained that the historic structure once on the property was demolished 20 years ago in favor of the current structure. The intent is to divide the property between two bordering lots in the same family.

            Two continued public hearings were continued without discussion, an ANRAD filed by Aaron Halimi for property owned by Gerald Randall at Route 195 (to April 26) and a NOI filed by Randall Lane Solar LLC for a proposed solar array at 29 Randall Lane (to May 10).

            The commission voted to issue certificates of compliance to Robert B. Hiller II for work at 70 Aucoot Road and to Brian and Betsy Andrade, also listed at 70 Aucoot Road, for completed beach nourishment work. Jay Malaspino, Shagbark Circle, proposed moving his construction slightly farther away from the wetlands, resulting in a minimal change to the plan of record. The case was approved.

            In other business, ConCom unanimously approved a request from Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Mattapoisett Land Trust to amend an existing Conservation Restriction to include an additional 8.7-acre parcel acquired in December 2020.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, April 26, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Updated Information for Proposed Marine Facility in Marion

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            This past September, the Town held a meeting to review a proposed new Marine Facility to be located at Island Wharf. Based on the discussion and comments received at that meeting, the design of the proposed facility has been revised. Attached are “Before and After” drawings showing the original design from September 2020 and the updated design from April 2021.

            Below is a narrative regarding the design of the proposed new Marine Facility.

            Current Facility – In 1982, the Town of Marion undertook a study of its responsibilities for oversight of Marion’s Waterways. As a result, the Department of Marine Resources was created and became operational on May 18, 1983. A full-time director was appointed to serve as both harbormaster and shellfish officer and tasked with maintaining an orderly and secure harbor, control of shellfishing, and oversight of the roughly 880 moorings. The study also resulted in the construction of the 225 square-foot Harbormaster’s Office atop the existing Island Wharf Bathhouse. The following year, the appointment of a full-time assistant was approved.

            A lot has changed in the nearly 40 years the department has been in operation. The department today is comprised of three full-time employees with an additional seven employees during the summer months. Total mooring numbers now stand at nearly 1,300; coupled with vast increases in public access opportunities, the total number of vessels using Marion waters during the summer months is around 1,700. Oversight and responsibilities of today’s operations is tenfold what it was in the mid-1980s.

            Why/Right Size – The Marine Department is tasked with many responsibilities and duties, our most critical being the safe use or our water-related recreational and commercial opportunities so that life, property, and resources are protected. To support these, this new facility is being proposed to remain at the waterfront. Rapid access to the department’s vessels, lifesaving gear, and equipment is critical to the fulfillment of our mission throughout the entire year. Currently, the Marine Department operates out of three separate and individually inadequate locations: Island Wharf, Town Hall, and Atlantis Drive. This arrangement results in a number of inefficiencies that hinder every facet of day-to-day operations. The current Island Wharf facility simply does not provide adequate storage for lifesaving gear, equipment, supplies, tools, and materials crucial to the success of this mission. It does not allow for meeting space or code required accessibility for the citizens of Marion and visitors being served.

            Consolidating our administrative functions to a single location is another important step toward ensuring that we maintain and continue to improve our level of service. Additionally, the General Services Administration Guidelines designate an average of 190 square feet as the optimum workspace per person, leaving our office well short of meeting the federal benchmark. Lack of adequate workspace, as with storage, results in a very inefficient working environment. Phone calls, radio transmissions, and in-office meetings all overlap in the same space. Reconfiguration of some of the current interior spaces has taken place; however, these changes have proven to be short-term fixes for these problems.

            Simply put, the department outgrew the existing facility years ago. Working in conjunction with the Marine Resources Commission, as well as multiple Town departments and boards, we have been very successful at maximizing public access opportunities through a variety of projects. Coupled with the ever-increasing uses of Marion’s Waterways and the availability of grant funding for projects such as this, we feel this is the opportune time to get the community involved and develop a consensus to move this much needed and overdue project forward.

            What Changed in the Design? (Original Design vs. Revised Design) After the preliminary design was made public, concerns were expressed by some about the size. We reevaluated the design with the goal of reducing the size while still meeting the needs of the Marine Department. The following changes were made:

•Total footprint of 5,343 sf was reduced to 2,685 sf;

•Building footprint of 2,528 sf was reduced to 1,790 sf;

•New elevated public bathrooms deleted in favor of renovating the existing two ground-level restrooms/showers (will be two stand-alone 9’x13’, 117 ft structures);

•ADA ramp removed in favor of a handicapped accessible lift accessible at ground level;

•Elevated Observation Deck removed. These areas will remain open space with the potential for future deck/patio construction;

•Harbormaster/Shellfish office space reconfigured and large storage room eliminated;

            New renderings illustrate how these changes visually reduced the building’s scale to better blend into the fabric of the waterfront and the town. The reduced scale of the building has allowed for compliance with local height requirements without needing to seek a variance.

            Why Can’t We Renovate? – Any expansion of the existing building must meet or exceed FEMA and state building code regulations. In short, any addition would have to be elevated out of the flood zone. Additionally, any renovations to the existing building exceeding 50 percent of the building’s value would trigger the entire structure, including those areas only being renovated, to be made code compliant. The gross inadequacies of the existing facility, along with flood zone and code requirements, make a renovation/ expansion of the existing structure unfeasible. This includes meeting ADA requirements for handicap access and fire code such as sprinkling the building.

            The proposed new harbormaster facility is situated in the NE corner of the property to allow for safe traffic flow to and from the facility, parking lots, and other recreation activities supported at the site. This new building location better accommodates storage of department vessels, trailers, and equipment under the building while opening up the site to the greatest extent possible for views to Sippican Harbor.

            Funding Sources – We intend to apply to the Seaport Economic Councils Grant Program. This Program has funded a substantial portion of the cost of similar projects in several waterfront municipalities around the Commonwealth. Additional funding, including any matching funds, will come by issuing new debt. The annual debt service, including principal and interest, will be paid from the Waterways account, which has not carried any debt since FY16. We believe this can be done with little or no impact to current and future waterways fees.

Mattapoisett Land Trust

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust Education Committee has new and updated family activities such as story walks and scavenger hunts ready and waiting for your participation at MLT properties.

            On the Bowman Road “Grace Pond” property, you will find a new installation of Kate Butler’s ORR Visual Design art students’ work that corresponds with the “Monarch and the Milkweed,” by Helen Frost and Leonid Gore story walk. The walk is alongside a beautiful wildflower meadow where milkweed grows.

            All family activities will teach you about many of our Mattapoisett Land Trust Properties. Visit mattlandtrust.org to obtain trail maps for hikes. And watch for our ‘Staycation’ banner at the (Dexter) Tub Mill property off Route 6!

FY22 Schools Budgets Discussed

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            Coming before the Mattapoisett Finance Committee on April 7 were Old Rochester Regional School District Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber and Superintendent Mike Nelson to discuss the FY22 budgets that have been unanimously approved by the school committees.

            Barber spoke expansively on the details of the budget and the bottom line. For Center School, the FY22 budget is $3,041,951, or $109,585 over FY21, and Old Hammondtown School’s FY22 budget is $2,293,418, or a $13,500 increase over FY21. For these schools, the all-in number, which includes transportation and other institutional expenses, is $7,823,908, an increase of $312,035 over FY21.

            The ORRHS FY22 budget is $7,205,699, an increase of $109,585 over FY21, and the ORRJHS FY22 budget is $4,674,923, or $144,658 over FY21. The all-in number, which includes transportation and central office expenses, is $21,174,638, a 2.423-percent increase over FY21.

            FinCom Chairman Pat Donoghue asked about increases to line items covering utility costs, wondering if those had been paid by funding from the CARES Act. Barber said that, given the necessity to run ventilation systems continuously, grant monies had been used but moving forward were no longer available. “Day-to-day operational costs are up.” He went to say CARES Act funding, which reimburses municipalities for non-budgeted, pandemic-related expenses, had paid for such materials as masks, HVAC filters, cleaning supplies, and cleaning services. Barber also said that Chromebooks were purchased for remote learning and that more substitute teachers were hired as well. “CARES funding paid for one-time things and didn’t pay for staffing,” he said.

            Donoghue said that each year the schools’ budgets went up, “but it doesn’t tell me if those increases are warranted.” She said that per-pupil costs are 25 percent higher than nearly all other public schools on the south coast or south shore. “Most schools are at $13,000 (per student), Mattapoisett is at $18,000.” She asked Barber for a per-student breakdown.

            Regarding reduced student enrollment, of the 41 students exiting the system, Donoghue asked if those students would be returning when district schools fully reopen later this month. Nelson responded that at this time no one knows. But, as if acknowledging there is a bigger question regarding student enrollment, he said, “We know this needs to be looked at, needs to be examined.”

            Donoghue dovetailed off Nelson’s response, saying, “We tend to gloss over our aging population, but we need data to decide how we are going to spend our dollars.”

            There was some discussion about ORRHS offering a vocational-type curriculum as an incentive to stay in the system for students seeking certificate courses such as for daycare positions.

            Donoghue also asked if the long-awaited capital needs list had been drafted yet. Barber said he had forwarded it to Facilities Director Gene Jones but would send one out to the committee. Nelson interjected, “We need to have a high-level discussion about capital needs.” Donoghue said, “We need to see the whole list of needs.” She said that she was aware that the “field people” (i.e., the committee formed to pursue improvement to the high school playing fields) would be coming back, but in the absence of a complete list of capital needs, that singular item could not be considered.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell

Outdoor Classroom Exceeds Imagination

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            Little could Joanne Smith and Kirsten Jimenez realize in January 2020 just how significant their little idea would be to the children attending Rochester Memorial School a year later.

            Entrenched in a normal winter, Smith, an art teacher at the town’s elementary school, and Jimenez, the Parent-Teacher Organization president, began discussing and planning an outdoor learning space that they envisioned would open in Spring 2020 in one of the school’s courtyards.

            “We had no idea what was to come about with COVID in March of 2020 and schools closing. We had already begun planning ideas and needed funding,” said Smith, who serves as project coordinator. “When the Tri-Town Education Foundation Learning Grant came up, we decided that this would be something to apply for to help fund student benches and a teacher workstation.”

            Smith and three other Rochester Memorial faculty members associated with the project were awarded $2,000, according to Tri-Town Education Foundation member and Old Rochester Regional School District Web Coordinator Erin Bednarczyk.

            Two months after Jimenez and Smith began discussions, Massachusetts had shut down school for the duration of the 2019-20 academic year, and only recently have Old Rochester Regional district schools reinstituted a full, in-person learning model for grades K-6. Over a year later, plans are in place for a full return for all grades later this month.

            Despite a pandemic that knew no end a year ago, Kate Duggan, Melissa Weigel, Cindy Baronas, and Tracey Forns helped Jimenez and Smith form a committee representing grade levels and parents to enact the project that is known today as the Nurse Thayer Memorial Outdoor Classroom.

            The space is dedicated to the late Joanne Thayer, who served as school nurse at Rochester Memorial. Thayer’s body was claimed by cancer, but her legacy belongs to Rochester students.

            “Nurse Thayer was a caring and dedicated nurse. Also, her grandchildren attended RMS and her daughter, Karin Henry, still works in our Project Grow (program),” said Smith. “It was appropriate to name it after a nurse in (light) of the (pandemic) and all the medical workers who are caring for COVID patients.”

            Classes in all grades and specialist classes like art and music, from primary to upper grades, have used the space this year.

            “Mr. Edmund and Pat O’Connell from Marion heard about the story and it touched their hearts, as his wife was also a retired nurse and their grandchildren attended RMS,” said Smith. “They then reached out to help fund the rest of the money needed for the teacher workstation.”

            Equipped with a dry erase board, the teacher workstation, along with the benches, was custom designed and handcrafted by local woodworker Rodney Fielding in Wareham. In all, the project was completed for under $3,000 and will be completed with mulch, flowers, and garden boxes.

            “You never know, you get these ideas. We started to have lunch and talk about it,” said Smith. “The Tri-Town Education Foundation learning grant was awesome; we’ve definitely been using it. The benches were set up in the fall until it got too cold, and when it warmed up, we started using it again.”

            The teacher’s station was completed a week ago, making for what Smith called “an easily accessible” site capable of “getting all the kids outside where they can have a mask break and snacks. It’s a comfy little space.”

            There is a sign-up sheet on location, but cooperation has not been outdone by competition.

            “Not yet,” said Smith. “Right now, everyone’s been good to each other, sharing the space.”

            With the next application deadline extended by five days, the next Tri-Town Education Foundation Meeting has been rescheduled for April 27.

By Mick Colageo

The Trail Tale

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The Plumb Library and Rochester Land Trust are collaborating to offer a free spring activity for families. The Trail Tale at the George and Catherine Church Wildlife Conservation Area takes you on a half-mile walk through the woods as you follow the story of “The Gruffalo,” by Julia Donaldson, a popular children’s book about a mouse and his friend. Extend this experience with an outdoor activity at the Plumb Library. The Trail Tale and activity at the library will be available April 15 – May 6.

            The 20-acre Church Wildlife Conservation Area is centrally located on 193 Marion Road (Route 105) near the center of town and its half-mile, easy walking trail is perfect for young children. This property is a pine forest in transition, with selective trees cut in the past few years to make way for new, healthy trees. While the forest is in transition, visitors will find many nooks and crannies from fallen trees that provide homes for animals.

            The Plumb Library, located a mile from the Conservation Area, has beautiful grounds for families to explore while they follow instructions for a seek-and-find scavenger hunt. The first 20 families to complete both activities will receive a special prize!

            This opportunity is a great way to enjoy nature and reading with your family this spring. The Rochester Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization that owns and manages six properties open to the public for passive recreation across town. For more places to walk, visit RochesterLandTrust.org.

            Per public health guidelines, please practice 6 feet social distancing and wear masks. The trail takes you through the woods. Please wear appropriate clothes, footwear, and tick prevention.

            As of April 12, Plumb Library no longer requires an appointment to browse for books. Appointments are still required for computer use. Contact the library at 508-763-8600 with any questions.

New Programs for Adults and Teens at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to present new programs for adults and teens. Plein Air Sketching begins May 19, and Midsummer Stages begins June 28.

            Would you like to draw the beauty of nature around you, but aren’t sure where to begin? Join instructor Catherine Carter for an outdoor drawing class and learn to capture the observed landscape in your sketchpad. Through live demonstrations and individual guidance, we will cover methods for selecting a subject, composing the page, describing organic form, and achieving value and texture. This class is perfect for both beginners and those with previous drawing experience. The six-week Plein Air Sketching class will meet on the MAC lawn, patio, or in Bicentennial Park on Wednesdays from May 19 – June 23, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The cost is $160 for MAC members, and $180 for nonmembers. To register, visit marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Join a youth theater troupe this summer! Midsummer Stages at the MAC is a summer theater company consisting of young adults in grades 7-12. The program incorporates movement, acting, and performing for a complete theater experience, running a full production from start to finish. The company meets for three hours, three days a week for seven weeks. Each day, actors will meet to rehearse, create costumes, and perform. Participants will also explore movement of the body and develop their own yoga practice along the way. Actors will work with local theater teacher and Equity actor, Jacob Sherburne, alongside the Marion Yoga Loft’s very own Elke Pierre. Program guests will include local actors who have been seen on the MAC stage. During the weekend following the final session, there will be three performances of Shakespeare’s greatest rom-com, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, at the outdoor Bandstand at Island Wharf in Marion. Rehearsals and practice will take place in Bicentennial Park, at the Bandstand at Island Wharf, or inside the MAC Theater. All theater company meetings, rehearsals, and productions will adhere to current CDC and state guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols. Actors are expected to wear a mask at all times while inside, or when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.

            No stage experience is required to be part of this production. People of all types and abilities are encouraged to sign up! Auditions for lead roles will take place on Saturday, May 22, with options to audition in person or via Zoom. Auditions are NOT required to participate in the program. The company will meet for seven weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm – 6:00pm, June 28 – August 11 at the MAC. The cost is $445 for MAC members and $495 for nonmembers.

            Think you might be too young or too old to participate? Have schedule conflicts? Please call the Marion Art Center at 508-748-1266 or email info@marionartcenter.org with questions. Find out more and register online at marionartcenter.org/midsummer-stages.

DeCosta Addresses Community

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            Mattapoisett Selectman John DeCosta, speaking from prepared notes, addressed the residents of Mattapoisett before the Board of Selectmen’s April 13 meeting got underway. DeCosta told the public that he recently received a cancer diagnosis but believes he is fully capable of carrying out the duties of selectman.

            “I ask for your thoughts and prayers,” he said. Both Selectmen Paul Silva and Jordon Collyer expressed their sincere best wishes, offering prayers for DeCosta and his family.

            In other business conducted by the board on April 9, the selectmen voted to have a debt exclusion question posed to voters at the May 10 Spring Town Meeting and on the May 18 election ballot – whether or not there is a fiscal appetite to borrow $450,000. The funding, if secured, will be earmarked for roadway design projects, primarily the long-discussed Main, Water and Beacon Street span and improvements to Marion Road.

            The funding will be used to complete 75-percent design development already begun by engineering firm VHB as required by the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Program known as T.I.P. The language in the question will also give the town leverage to use interest on the bond to pay down the borrowing. The impact on the property tax rate for the Proposition 2½ ceiling was estimated at $10 per year. Both the ballot question and the article will have to find favorable responses before further action can be taken.

            Coming before the board on April 13 was Alan Decker of the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Mike Huguenin of the Mattapoisett Land Trust with a request to approve the inclusion of 8 additional acres to an existing conserved parcel known as the Old Aucoot District. The additional acreage comes from the MLT’s acquisition of the former Santos Farms, which will become a meadow, Huguenin stated. The board unanimously approved the amendment to the conservation restriction.

            The board also unanimously approved the return of the annual Mattapoisett Boat Race sponsored by the Rochester Firefighters Association to be held on May 31. The event was truncated last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic and state restriction on gatherings. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that the town could limit to 150 (per the current state guideline) the number of people participating and gathering to watch the boaters come across the finish line at the herring run located on Route 6. The selectmen added that people will not be allowed to congregate after the race is completed and that no concession services will be allowed.

            Also discussed were rules for gathering at Ned’s Point, also known as Veteran’s Park. Lorenco asked the board for guidance on how to handle the increasing number of requests that Town Hall is receiving.

            After discussing the pros and cons, and desirous to try and come up with a formula that would allow gatherings while maintaining the state’s safety guidelines, the board determined that up to 50 people would be allowed to gather for weddings and picnics, pending permission. They also said that weddings would have a time limit of one hour, and picnics three hours, and that a two-hour separation between events would be in place.

            DeCosta added that use of the town’s parks including Shipyard Park and The Landing needs a complete review, including fees and updated policies.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell