Hoff Property Conservation Restriction Approved

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The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission approved the final version of the conservation restriction for the Hoff Property during its January 7 meeting.

            The version was sent to MOSAC by the state Division of Conservation Services.

            MOSAC member Amanda Chace moved to approve the final version of the conservation restriction for the Hoff Property. Member Casey Gunschel seconded “that emotion,” drawing laughs. The members voted in favor, except for Alan Harris, who abstained.

            Chace thanked Chairman John Rockwell for his effort in working out the details.

            As Rockwell explained during the meeting, the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Town of Marion are the present owners of the conservation restriction, but the BBC is expected to sell its interest to the Sippican Lands Trust after MOSAC acquires the conservation restriction.

            MOSAC members will report to the Town House for signatures that must be notarized by January 19.

            After the approval of past meeting minutes, MOSAC broke into an executive session to discuss a piece of property per state General Law 30A, Section 21a Purpose 6 under the state Open Meeting Law.

            The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 4.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Mick Colageo

‘Team Charlotte’ Determined to Defeat Deadly Foe

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            Tabor Academy sophomore Charlotte Forker has been forced to grow up way ahead of schedule. Having lost her mother, Jen, a school nurse and beloved member of the Tabor community, to cancer on October 22, 2018, Charlotte wants to change the world.

            The 15-year-old has joined the Students of The Year campaign through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and has set a fundraising goal of $20,000 over a seven-week period that begins on January 29. She will have until 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 20, to accept donations.

            “Personally, I’d love to even break my goal,” said Charlotte, who is involved in a fundraising effort for the first time.

            After her father, Jim Forker, started volunteering last year with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the two went to Tabor Dean of Students Tim Cleary to discuss involving Charlotte in the Students of the Year program.

            “Through this discussion, it was clear this is something that’s incredibly meaningful for them,” said Cleary, who understands the challenge well as an annual fundraiser for Special Olympics. Charlotte’s goal, he said, is ambitious. “Knowing Charlotte and the type of kid she is, there’s tremendous potential here. I have confidence she will reach her goal.

            “And she’s running the show; she’s in charge. Charlotte’s driving the bus; she’s doing the lifting. She’s really devoted to this.”

            The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer. Since 1949, is the non-profit’s mission has been to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma while helping address everyday needs for patients and their families.

            “I got to learn more about the organization,” said Jim, who recently raised   $27,000 as executive chairman of LLS’s New England campaign. After his wife’s 2017 diagnosis, Jim rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge, raising $17,332 in 2018 and $13,800 in 2019.

            “I was on board right away,” said Charlotte, who will have strong in-school support from Kelly Wagner, the ninth-grade class dean, and a Spanish teacher, along with six Tabor Academy students dedicating time to the project that will still take up most of her own.

            Charlotte’s campaign will utilize some of Jim’s contacts from his prior efforts but will network more through Tabor faculty and student body as a student-run campaign.

            “She also has friends over at [Old Rochester Regional High School] that are going to be on our team. She’ll also be working with local businesses; I didn’t do any of that,” said Jim, a real estate agent with Robert Paul Properties in Marion. “Charlotte will learn how to approach businesses, whether local or large companies, and explain what her goal is.”

            On her donation page, Charlotte explains that she “decided to join Student of The Year to end the world of blood cancers. As many of you know, my mom Jen was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 when I was 11 [years old]. For a year and a half, I watched my mom battle with the cancer from at home and the hospital. I would go lay in the tiny hospital bed and watch Gilmore Girls with her while she would be receiving treatments. Even during the long times away from home, my mom still managed to keep me smiling by dancing or playing games with me. When the cancer started to tear away her body, she never let it break down her spirit. I am doing this to honor my mom but also for all of those that have been impacted by blood cancer.”

            Now a Marion resident, Charlotte was living in Rochester when her mother was diagnosed. She attended ORR Junior High School through eighth grade before transferring. Her older brother, Ben, graduated from Tabor in 2020, and her younger sister, Nora, an eighth-grader, plans on joining Charlotte at Tabor next year. Charlotte and Ben share a passion for soccer; Ben played at Tabor, and Charlotte, a forward, hopes to get back to playing soon.

            “The family is an integral part of our community, has been for years,” said Cleary.

            Tabor students are technically back from their Christmas break but are in remote learning mode up through February 2. Until Charlotte can restart a normal social life, she has been using her time to learn what organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society do.

            “When my family and I were in the fight with my mom, we were unaware of the amazing work LLS has been doing for years. LLS’s continued advancements are responsible for the blood cancer survival rate doubling and tripling; in some cases, the survival rate has even quadrupled,” she wrote on her donation page.

            Getting the word out two weeks in advance of the kickoff to her effort is a challenge, but Charlotte will be using Instagram, and Jim will be using Facebook while going live with phone calls and personal visits. “And then we have our fundraising page where donations can be accepted (beginning January 29),” said Charlotte.

            To learn more or donate, visit Charlotte’s page on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website at events.lls.org/ma/bostonsoy21/cforker.

By Mick Colageo

Academic Achievements

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Zoe Kelley of Marion and Connor Severino of Mattapoisett have earned recognition on Ohio Wesleyan University’s 2020 fall semester Dean’s List. To qualify for OWU Dean’s List recognition, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes.

            Curry College congratulates Ashlee Andrade of Rochester, Virginia Larsen of Marion, and Hannah Ribeiro of Mattapoisett, who were named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List. To earn a place on the list, fulltime undergraduate students— those who carry 12 or more graded credits per semester— must earn a 3.3 grade-point-average (GPA) or higher.

                        Bucknell University has released the dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2020-21 academic year. Ava Ciffolillo, class of 2022, from Mattapoisett, and Charlie Donley, class of 2023, from Rochester, have achieved dean’s list status. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean’s list recognition.

Curtis S. Hardy, III

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Curtis S. Hardy, III, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Tobey Hospital. He was the husband of Lynne Rushton-Hardy.

            Mr. Hardy was born in New Bedford, son of the late Curtis S. Hardy, Jr. and the late Anita (Dupre) Hardy and had been a longtime resident of Rochester. He was a 1961 graduate of New Bedford High School. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a bricklayer and was a proud member of the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen for over 50 years. He loved horses and later became a horse trainer and consultant, a field in which he won many awards and was well respected. Mr. Hardy was a member of both the First Congregational Church, Rochester and the Rochester Senior Center.

            Survivors along with his wife include his son: Curtis S. Hardy IV of Rochester; his daughter: Kim Hudak and her husband Cornell of CT; 4 step-sons: Robert Souza and his wife Jill of MA, Paul Souza and his wife Katherine of Carver, James Roy and his significant other Christine of RI and Neil Roy and his wife Meghan of RI; 2 step-daughters: Lynda Caton and her husband Joseph of Mattapoisett and Andrea Lowder and her husband Richard of VA; and a blended family of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

            He was the brother of the late Bruce Hardy.

            Private arrangements are under the direction of the Kirby Funeral Home, 61 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester, MA 02770,

            To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Franklin A. Caswell, Jr.

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Franklin A. Caswell, Jr., 92, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on Tuesday, January 12, 2020.

            He was the husband of the late Loretta M. (Uppstrom) Caswell.

            Born in Mattapoisett on Mahoney’s Lane, son of the late Franklin and Gertrude (Bradley) Caswell he lived in Mattapoisett all of his life.

            Franklin served proudly in the U.S. Navy during WWII and in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict.

            He was well known in the town of Mattapoisett, working for 35 years in the public school system. He loved sports, being with his family, summer nights at the wharf and coffee with the boys.

            Survivors include his children, Wayne F. Caswell and his wife Lori of Mattapoisett, and Deborah Mae Bailey and her husband Donald of Mattapoisett; two grandchildren, Lynne Mae Pelland and her husband Jason, Kimberly Anne Clough and her husband Simon; four great-grandchildren, Bailey Mae Pelland, Owen Pelland, Liam Clough and Shane Clough.

            He was predeceased by his siblings, Frances Wordell, Eileen Cole, and Jean Benjamin.

            His visitation will be held Friday, January 15 from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. His funeral will be private.

            Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Bike Path Seeks Stronger Ties with Town

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            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path came before the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen on January 12 to affirm their desire to “strengthen relationships” with the town, said founding member Bonne DeSousa.

            After introducing board members Bill Coquillette, Liz DiCarlo, Ann Bryant, Chris Matos, Renee Pothier, Robin Lepore, Jane Finnerty, Dick Grahn, Allyson Bradford, and Arlene Enos, the group presented a short video initially produced for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The stunning aerial footage, along with land-based imagery showing the scope of the epic project, was a powerful reminder that persistence does pay off.

            Phase 1b, slated for a ribbon-cutting in the spring, features three bridges and four paved sections leading from Mattapoisett Neck Road across the Eel Pond spillway along barrier beaches terminating at Depot Street. The entire span from Brandt Island Road to Depot Street has been 20 years in the making.

            Pothier, treasurer for the group, asked that the selectmen consider what other essential items will be needed, if the town is prepared for the influx of new visitors, and form a list of new projects the group could focus on next.

            Board of Selectman Chairman Paul Silva said that Selectman John DeCosta would be their liaison. DeCosta said he was ready to work with the group and felt suited to the task, given his recreational resources background. DeCosta asked to meet with the group and to report back to the board members. He said he wanted to address and complete everything associated with Phase 1a and 1b before taking on any new projects related to the bike path.

            Silva added that the town’s first priority would be safety, especially at the intersections of Mattapoisett Neck Road and Brandt Island Road, and that parking needs to be addressed. He said that the board would be working with Representative Bill Straus, as a utility right of way might hinder efforts to secure new parking at trailheads. “It’s a real concern,” said Silva.

            Selectman Jordan Collyer also echoed Silva’s concerns, saying, “My priority is safety,” adding that amenities, while important, would come last. He acknowledged, however, that trash barrels are essential, followed by benches and signage.

            During a recent discussion regarding the connector trail from the end of Industrial Drive to the Marion line, Collyer said more parking was added. He said upon reviewing the plans with the designers that he felt more parking would be warranted. There are now nine parking spots and one handicap space on the drawings.

            Earlier in the meeting, Pothier reported that over the past 20 years, the “Friends” group had received donations of some $200,000 and continued to do fundraising. Pothier said the group was ready to earmark $20,000 for the opening of Phase 1b, now known as the Shining Tides Trail.

            In a follow-up, DeSousa said that a new program was about to be launched that would go a long way toward giving bicycles to anyone in the town that needed and wanted to ride. DeSousa said that DiCarlo had proposed a program whereby people could donate gently used bikes for all ages to the Friends, who would then distribute them. DeSousa said the program was not finalized, but that interest and enthusiasm is running high.

            The Mattapoisett Historical Commission, represented by Bob Spooner, came before the selectmen with continued concerns that the historic stone bridge on River Road continues to be threatened by heavy truck traffic. Spooner said that signs installed 15 months ago signaling to motorists that the bridge was weight restricted to 2.5 tons was doing little to stop heavier vehicles.

            Silva said the board would send a letter to the chief of police asking for stepped-up surveillance of the bridge for a two-week period, issuing warnings to violators followed by the issuance of tickets thereafter. DeCosta also suggested the positioning of electronic message boards along the roadway leading to the bridge, announcing the restrictions.

            Collyer said that computer mapping programs could be updated by the MassDOT programs used by commercial truckers. Those systems could alert drivers of the bridge’s weight restriction.

            Spooner said that the Historical Commission had also been in discussion with the Planning Board to ensure that, when construction begins on a proposed solar array off of Randall Lane, trucks associated with that construction would be diverted away from the bridge.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said he would follow up with the Planning Board, but Silva was confident that the Planning Board would have the best interest of the bridge in mind when drafting conditions for the construction.

            In other business, Lorenco said that a printing error had been discovered on tax bills stating the tax rate was $13.49 but that the actual calculated amount due had been based on the correct rate of $12.96. He apologized for the error. Anyone with questions was directed to call the collector’s office for assistance.

            Lorenco also reported that the federal CARES Act ended on December 31. The FFCRA had paid town employees their salaries while stricken and unable to work due to COVID-19, he said. The use of personal sick time had been unnecessary. Now, Lorenco said, employees who contract the virus will receive paid leave if the disease is directly related to their employment environment. Use of personal sick time will be used if the employee’s exposure and subsequent illness are attributable to other sources.

            On the theme of COVID-19, Lorenco said that first responders had begun to receive vaccines, that Phase 2 of vaccine distribution is slated for February and will include people over the age of 75 and those at high risk due to preexisting conditions. That group will also include teachers and food service employees. He noted that the general public would have to wait until May or June, adding, “Cases grow day by day.… I ask everyone to please wear a mask and continue to fight the good fight.”

            Ending on a happy note, Lorenco said that the town was saving 80 percent year over year on electricity since the installation of LED lamps. He said that the latest electric bill for town buildings was only $516 versus the previous year, which stood at $2,600. Collyer added, “We are saving $28,000 a year,” chuckling that he remembered the exact number.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for January 26 at 6:30 pm.     Editor’s Note: Marilou Newell is a member of the Mattapoisett Historical Commission.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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New Year, New books! The Mattapoisett Library staff have been working diligently to ensure that the library is ready when the time comes to reopen our doors to browsing, but, until then, we want to make sure patrons have access to all of the library’s newest titles. Starting now, patrons can sign up to receive four titles from our ‘new’ shelves. You can request a theme (i.e. fiction, romance, drama, crime, or nonfiction, history, cookbooks, poetry, etc.) or have the titles be completely random!

            To participate, or if you have any questions, contact us at 508-758-4171 or email us at mfpl@sailsinc.org. Please be sure to notify us of any preferences when making a request to participate.

            Well-Read Wednesday: A Nonfiction Book Discussion Group— Join a new nonfiction book club hosted by Mattapoisett Library staff, starting with our first meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 pm. This discussion group will focus on recently published nonfiction titles of note; suggestions are welcome, though title choice depends on availability at network libraries. The first book selection is “Underland: A Deep Time Journey,” by Robert MacFarlane. Recognized as one of the best nonfiction books of 2019, this book explores the layers of human history as coded in geologic time, from such places as the catacombs in Paris to the icy depths in Greenland.

            Registration is required to get the Zoom link. Copies of the book will be available for pick up upon request. Send an email to jjones@sailsinc.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171 for more information or to register.

Litter

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To the Editor;

            With respect to the plot of undeveloped land adjacent to Dunseith Gardens and the 7-11 complex, it is overloaded with litter, large and small. It is not a dumping area and should be treated accordingly. Whose responsibility is it to clean up this area?

Michael Voss, Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will 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 Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Richard Nighelli Sworn in as New Marion Police Chief

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            The Marion Police Department is pleased to announce that Richard B. Nighelli has officially begun his new role as Chief.

            Chief Nighelli, a 17-year veteran of the department, was sworn in during a private ceremony at the Marion Police station on Thursday, January 7.

            “As a member of the Marion Police Department for a majority of my career, it is an honor for me to step into this position,” Chief Nighelli said. “I’d like to thank the men and women of the Marion Police Department who come to work each and every day, night, weekend, and holiday to ensure Marion is a safe place to live. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.”

            Chief Nighelli began his career as a police officer with the Department of Mental Health in Boston in 1999. He became a patrolman with the Nantucket Police Department in 2002 before being hired as a patrolman with the Marion Police Department in 2003. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and promoted to lieutenant in January 2018. He was named Chief in May 2020 and has served as Acting Chief since December 12, 2020.

            In his new role, Chief Nighelli hopes to continue to foster the department’s relationship with the community through transparency and open communication.

            “Our department is fortunate to be part of a wonderful and supportive community,” Chief Nighelli said. “Since being named Chief of Police, I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received from the community, which means a lot to myself, my family, and the department. As Chief, I will continue to ensure that the Marion Police Department provides professional, courteous, and exceptional service to our residents.”

            Chief Nighelli served as the accreditation manager during Marion’s state re-accreditation process in 2018 and previously served as Operations Commander for the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) SWAT team.

            Chief Nighelli attended the New England Law Enforcement FBI Executive Development Seminar in 2018 and successfully completed a two-week comprehensive training program for police supervisory personnel at Roger Williams University. He has also assumed leadership roles and assisted with security planning for multiple town events. In 2014, he assisted in the on-site planning and search for the Boston Marathon bombing suspects in Watertown. He has also received commendations for an attempted murder investigation in 2006 and a fugitive from justice arrest in 2004.

            He holds a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement from Western New England University. He is a certified field training officer and Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission State Assessor and has trained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Incident Command Systems, SWAT operations, emergency medical dispatch, and 911 telecommunications.

            “I’d like to congratulate Chief Nighelli on this new step in his career,” Town Administrator James McGrail said. “I have no doubt that his wealth of knowledge and experience will serve him well as Chief of Police, and I look forward to seeing how the department continues to grow and evolve under his leadership.”

            Chief Nighelli is a member of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, Southeastern Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

            He is married to his wife, Holly, and they have two children together.

            “Holly has supported all of my career advancements while putting her career on hold to raise our kids,” Chief Nighelli said. “I am confident that without her support of my career and its often irregular schedule, achieving the position of Chief of Police would not have been possible.”

            Chief Nighelli took over his new role following the retirement of Chief John Garcia, who officially retired on January 2 after a 36-year career in law enforcement.

COVID-19 Vaccination Begins in Marion

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            Marion’s dissemination of the COVID-19 vaccine will be a little bit like the evacuation of a boat taking on water; the key is not to let it turn into Black Friday at the mall.

            After being approved by the state to administer the Moderna vaccine to residents of Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Wareham, the town is starting this week with a by-invitation-only clinic for first responders from the four towns.

            Late in 2020, Marion Public Health Nurse Lori Desmarais organized a flu clinic that the town used as a rehearsal tool, all the while envisioning the scenario that commences this week with the vaccination of first responders.

            “We’re really proud to be at the frontlines of vaccinating our first responders this week in Marion. As soon as the opportunity to apply to be a regional distribution site became available, we jumped right in,” said Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail. “We have a great leadership team in our public health nurse (Desmarais), our police chief (Richard Nighelli), and fire chief (Brian Jackvony).”

            The Town of Marion has issued a press release detailing its plans to help Massachusetts carry out its three-phased approach. The first responders clinic this week is considered Phase 1.

            Residents have been asked not to call the Marion Board of Health at this time to inquire about vaccine availability. The town and the Board of Health will provide more information on the availability of the vaccine to the general public as it becomes available.

            Marion laid out an “Anticipated Vaccine Distribution Timeline” beginning with Phase 1, which will carry into February and include: Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care; long-term-care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities; emergency medical services, police, and fire; congregate-care settings; home-based health care workers; and health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care.

            Phase 2, which will begin in February and carry into April, will include: individuals with two or more co-morbid conditions and/or age 75 and over (high risk for COVID-19 complications); other workers including but not limited to early education and K-12 workers, transit, grocery, utility, food/agriculture workers, sanitation, public works, and public health workers; adults age 65 and over; and individuals with one co-morbid condition.

            Phase 3, which is projected to begin in April, will make the vaccine available to the general public. Some long-term-care facilities in Marion have started vaccinating residents, according to the press release.

            “We’re hoping to build on it to be able to vaccinate the next phases,” said McGrail of this week’s start. “This is the first step in moving on from this horrible year.”