Mattapoisett Scholarship Committee

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As we reach the November 1 deadline to pay our Quarterly property taxes, I want to take this opportunity to remind residents of an easy and impactful way to support education in our community. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 60, Section 3, taxpayers are given the option to voluntarily contribute additional funds when paying their property taxes, and these funds can be directed to our local scholarship programs.

            We have two programs for Mattapoisett residents: 1) Scholarship Fund for those graduating with a High School diploma: and 2) Education Fund for those residents who are not graduating from a High School but seeking to continue their education from a recognized facility. These awards cannot exceed $1500 per winner but there are no limits placed on the number of qualified winners per year.

            Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to reward all our most deserving applicants. In fact, awarding one full scholarship in each category challenges our funding. Many of our residents are surprised to learn about this shortfall. Despite the area’s relatively high income level, many are not even aware of the scholarships or the methods for funding them.

            The official notice of this Scholarship fund is at the bottom of your tax bill. You can include an additional amount with your payment as directed on the bottom of your property tax bill. Additional funds can always be donated at any time via the Mattapoisett tax collector’s office. If you have a question concerning the scholarship, donations, etc, please direct them to Christine Richards, Mattapoisett Town Administrator, Assistant to Town Operations.

            This is a chance for us to invest in the future of our young people by helping deserving students pursue higher education. In a time when the cost of college continues to rise, even small contributions can make a big difference in helping students achieve their academic dreams. Local scholarship funds, supported by our community, are often the key to unlocking educational opportunities for students who may otherwise struggle to afford them.

            I encourage everyone in our community to consider donating to support our local scholarships when paying your property taxes this year. By doing so, you are not only helping individual students but also investing in the future strength and success of our town.

            Let’s come together and make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people.

Election Day Prayer Service

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Fr. Eric Fialho, Rector of Saint Gabriel’s Parish in Marion, will be hosting a noontime prayer service on Election Day, November 5. This simple service will be filled with prayer, meditation, holy scripture, and time for reflection. All people, regardless of political party, or religious background are encouraged to attend. An optional time of fellowship, conversation, and food will follow the liturgy. Fr. Fialho said, “This prayer service is offered as a way to help bridge a political divide that is continuing to widen in our nation. My hope is that through services like these, people will remember that there is actually very little that separates us from one another, and that we are all equal in the eyes of God.” Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church is an open and affirming community of faith and welcomes all people to come to church just as the people they are. The Parish is located at 124 Front Street in Marion.

Unleash Your Creativity at the Mattapoisett Library

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This November, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is celebrating creativity in full swing. We’re excited to launch a series of fun and imaginative events designed to inspire young storytellers, writers, and artists. Whether you’re into storytelling, comics, or graphic novels, we’ve got something special for you.

            It all kicks off with the Creative Storytelling Workshop. Join us every Saturday in November from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for this exciting hands-on workshop where young storytellers will dive into the art of crafting compelling stories. Participants will brainstorm ideas, learn storytelling tips, and watch their imaginations soar as they create stories in any form they choose—whether it’s traditional writing, poetry, or even comics. This workshop is open to all writing styles and recommended for ages 8-12. While registration is encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome.

            Our Graphic Novel Book Club is back on Friday, November 15 at 3:30 pm, and this month we’re diving into Timid by Jonathan Todd. Copies are available at the library, so pick yours up and get ready for an engaging discussion, craft activity, and of course, snacks. This event is ideal for ages 9 and up. To join, simply register through our website, or drop by if you have any questions.

            On Thursday, November 21 at 3:30 pm, the author and illustrator of Timid, Jonathan Todd, will visit the library for an exciting workshop on graphic novel creation for the program, How to Create a Graphic Novel Page. Learn from the expert himself as he guides participants through the process of crafting an amazing story, sketching thumbnail panels, and penciling and inking like a pro. By the end of the session, you’ll have your very own graphic novel page. Ready to unleash your creativity? Register online to secure your spot for this can’t-miss event.

            All programs are free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact Brooke Solaris at bsolaris@sailsinc.org. You can also find more information on our website at MattapoisettLibrary.org.

Scallop Season Fully Opened

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During the October 22 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, the scallop season openings were announced. Previously opened on October 15 were commercial and recreational fishing in the outer harbor. For recreational only fishing the inner harbor and Brandt Island Cove were also opened. On November 1, commercial and recreational fishing in the outer harbor, inner harbor, and Brandt Island Cove will be opened.

            In other business, the board met briefly with Andrew Nilson of Charles Engineering regarding the Long Wharf reconstruction project. Nilson said the project stands at 35 percent design completion and that material specifications will be determined later on in the project. Town administrator Mike Lorenco said that designs will be posted on the town’s website.

            Lorenco also shared that the installation of charging stations at the Police Department and the head of the bike path at Railroad Avenue was predicated on incentives offered by the state. He said that the cost to install two charging stations is approximately $370,000 versus $4,000 after the incentives are factored into the equation.

            The board also voted to exercise their right of first refusal for agricultural land off Chrystal Springs Road.

            Early voting continues during regular town hall hours and on Saturday, October 26 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Tri-County Symphonic Band Presents “A European Adventure”

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On Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will perform their season opening concert; “A European Adventure.” The program will be held in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA and will feature a world premiere by composer Thomas Borning as well as a tenor saxophone solo by Andrew Ponte. Mr. Borning is a composer, conductor, music educator, trumpet player, and Cape Cod resident. He wrote “Lift Off” knowing that it would be the first selection on the program and serve as the “jump start” for the adventure to follow. “Lift Off” was inspired by the power and energy of the DeLeo brothers of the Stone Temple Pilots.

            The band will also perform Karel Husa’s “Music for Prague 1968”, “Scenes from ‘The Louvre'” by Norman Dello Joio, “Vesuvius” by Frank Ticheli, and “Spain”, a Chick Corea jazz standard. “Spain” will highlight the jazz improvisational talents of tenor saxophonist Andrew Ponte. In his second season with the Tri-County Symphonic Band, Mr. Ponte is in demand as both a jazz and classical player in the area. He has appeared with the Marion Concert Band, Southcoast Jazz Orchestra, Get The Funk Out, and Jorge Ferreira.

            Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased at the Marion General Store, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

3rd Annual Pumpkin Palooza

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Come one, come all – join us at the Cushing Community Center on Rte.6, for an afternoon of fun. Let’s get together, show off artistic talents, and create a lighted pumpkin display along Rte. 6 for everyone to enjoy on Halloween weekend!

            We’ll provide pumpkins and carving stations with tools & tea lights, or you can bring your own carved pumpkins to add to the display. Costumes encouraged. Join us for music, refreshments, yard games, face painting, petting zoo, balloon animals, cotton candy, goodie bags, and new this year – a pet adoption event from WAGS Animal Rescue and pet parade at 2pm. Every dog entered wearing a costume will get a surprise and then we will have a grand prize winner of a doggie dog bag.

            The event will be at the Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion on Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

            Pre-registration required for a pumpkin and/or to enter your dog in the contest by calling 508-748-3570. All dogs must be vaccinated, leashed, well behaved, and friendly.

Marion Officials Participate in EMA Tabletop Exercise

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On Tuesday, October 8, MEMA staff visited the Marion Police Department and facilitated a tabletop exercise with participants from the police and fire departments, Department of Public Works, Council on Aging, Public Information, Board of Health, Sippican Elementary School, and Community Emergency Response Team.

            A tabletop exercise is a part of MEMA training that tests emergency response plans using a hypothetical event. This can also assess the level of readiness through discussion.

            Marion’s exercise involved a weather-related event, specifically a snowstorm, which tested the town’s emergency response plans. Officials were tasked with responding to a real-world situation based on current town plans, policies, and procedures.

            “These exercises are valuable to assess our emergency response plans and help us identify possible areas for improvement,” Chief Nighelli said. “Town officials are committed to ensuring we are prepared for any situation, and we see value in these discussion-based activities.”

            The scenario evolved through three modules.

            Module one focused on the incoming storm and preliminary forecast, the possible resulting conditions such as power outages and storm surges, and the needed preparations.

Module two added new and evolving circumstances such as high wind gusts and quickly accumulating snow, a vehicle crash with leaking fuel, power outages and phone problems, impassable roadways, a structure fire, carbon monoxide emergencies, and downed live wires and trees throughout town.

Module three focused on the aftermath when the inclement weather had passed but added factors, including blocked roadways preventing emergency access to facilities and ongoing power outages.

During each module, participants were asked to consider their agency’s current priorities, sheltering operations and logistics, staffing and agency resources, public works services and resources, communications with the public, and possible challenges.

            Overall, the exercise was meant to help town officials put emergency response plans to the test to evaluate their effectiveness and identify possible areas for improvement.

            “These tabletop exercises and discussions provide a valuable opportunity to implement and evaluate our emergency response plans,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “They help us ensure that our policies and procedures are effective and efficient, enabling us to achieve the best possible outcomes in various emergency scenarios.”

            “Tabletop exercises are an integral part of preparedness and education,” said a spokesperson for MEMA. “They provide an opportunity for a community to test and validate plans and policies including a municipality’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) using a hypothetical event. CEMPs detail how a town or city can mitigate, respond to and prepare for different emergency incidents or events. The plan identifies specifically how the city/town will coordinate resources during a disaster or other event, the necessary tools that can be utilized, and how the community can recover from an emergency. Tabletop exercises also address best practices, strengths, weaknesses, and possible areas for improvement.”

ORRJHS to Host Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) Principal Silas Coellner are pleased to announce that ORRJHS will be hosting the 31st Annual ORRJHS Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Banquet.

            The banquet is for Tri-Town (Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester) senior citizens and will take place on Sunday, November 24 in the ORRJHS Cafeteria at 133 Marion Road, Mattapoisett.

            Doors will open at 11:15 a.m., and the banquet will begin at 12:00 pm noon.

            300 tickets, with 100 seats per town, will be available and distributed through each local Council on Aging.

ORRJHS students and staff volunteers will help facilitate the event and serve guests.

            “This cherished event is not only a great opportunity for our students to volunteer their time but is also a way for them to practice making meaningful impacts on the community,” said Superintendent Nelson. “In the spirit of the holiday, I’m thankful for our continuation of this decades-long tradition of giving back to Tri-Town residents.”

            Last year, the event was held for the first time after a three-year hiatus. More than 170 seniors from the Tri-Town area attended, and more than 60 seventh-grade and eighth-grade student volunteers served a full Thanksgiving meal to attendees. More than 50 door prizes were available, including holiday gift sets, small home items, and gift cards.

            “The Thanksgiving Banquet is an event I always look forward to, and it is so rewarding to witness our students’ and their families’ willingness to support our community, ” said Principal Coellner. “With the approaching holiday season, these connections become even more priceless.”

            Any individual or local business interested in making cash contributions or donating door prizes can call ORRJHS at 508-758-4928 and speak with Toni Bailey, Administrative Assistant to Principal Silas Coellner.

Academic Achievements

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Daniela Gil Veras of Marion, Allison Paim of Marion, and Lilah Gendreau of Mattapoisett have been named to the 2024 spring semester dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston. To qualify for dean’s list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

ChileanSeaBassCrackers.com

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Facing a room full of residents loudly opposing the plan, Rochester’s Select Board Monday approved accepting a $35,000 donation from the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children” for the Park Commission’s proposal to reconstruct the Gifford Playground.

            Board chair Brad Morse began the discussion by telling the crowded room that this was not a public hearing, but he would entertain questions. Attendees did not hesitate to respond.

            Many objected to the town accepting a donation from what they called a “political” group; “Tri-Town For Protecting Children” includes members who have actively advocated for certain candidates in last year’s town election.

            “How can you accept a donation from a group that not everyone agrees with all their views?” resident Susan McQuire said, rising from her seat. She said the plaque that will later name the group making this donation is like an endorsement of a specific group and should not be allowed.

            Nathaniel Reece, a candidate for the Park Commission in last year’s election, objected to the design and the fact the public has been unable to provide input on it. He protested that this playground is not necessarily going to be accessible to disabled children.

            Board chair Brad Morse said the board was merely approving the donation acceptance. The design is the Park Commission’s responsibility, he said, and those concerns should be brought to that board. “The Board of Selectmen do not design the playground,” he added.

            McQuire said the town could scrap this plan in favor of broader-based donations and a more “holistic” design. Selectman Adam Murphy agreed the playground needs to be ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant. He asserted the current plan is better than what is there now.

            The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,881.70. While half of that cost is being borne by the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children”, and the other half is being paid for with the town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted the ARPA funds being designated for the playground project will not be available next year; they need to be spent now. But, he added, the project doesn’t need to be built by the original target date of April 2025, just that the contract is signed by then.

            Before the approval vote, Durant added that he will try to organize a Park Commission meeting in which the concerned residents will be able to participate.

            In an interview after the vote, Reece clarified, “there was no advertised donation campaign to residents or local businesses to seek more funds. So, it begs the question, is this playground project about getting the best playground possible for the youth of Rochester? Or is it about just having a single donor on the plaque who can take all the credit for it? How did the Eckerts (of “Tri-Town For Protecting Children”) get invited to the Park Commission meetings without any other residents being aware donations were being accepted?”

            He noted that the Eckerts fund conservative candidates in town politics and send out a large number of fliers and advertisements for candidates. He said they were also key players in getting the TTAR Little Library removed in front of the Rochester Library last year. “So, for some town residents, they see this plaque as a divisive poster to the entrance of a park that should be there to bring everyone together,” he said. “However, the purpose of my attendance tonight had to do with more than the park itself. The only issue I have with the donation is that more donations weren’t pursued. The Select Board said this is a starting point and more donations can be accepted. But the playground is designed, so what is left to fund raise for at this point?”

            In other action, Cameron noted that the January 6 town meeting might be postponed. He said two town boards with plans for town meeting articles might need more time to finalize and submit them.

            The board approved $8,152 of town ARPA funds for a Police Department drone.

            The selectmen approved allowing the volunteer group Rochester Helping Angels to sell items for charity at two tables in the Town Office Building conference room from December 4 to December 17.

            The board approved creating an Opioid Task Force Committee, consisting of the town administrator, the police chief, the public health nurse and two residents, one of whom must bring ‘lived experience’ to the new panel’s decision making.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, November 4 at 6:00 pm at 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco