Town of Rochester Tax Bills

on

FY 2020 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills were mailed March 20 and are due on May 1. If paying by personal online banking, allow sufficient time for the bank to generate a check and mail it to the Town. Please supply sufficient information on the check identifying which bill should be credited.

            To access online bill pay, go to townofrochestermass.com, and click on Town of Rochester online payment center. There is a lockbox located at the bottom left side of the front stairs for your convenience; checks only please.

            Cash payments are being discouraged at this time Due to COVID 19 but if you must pay by cash you must call ahead and make an appointment with the Tax Collector at 508-763-3871  ext.16

            If you have not received your tax bill in the mail please contact the Collector’s Office at 508-763-3871 ext. 16. If you have questions regarding property values and abatements, please contact the Assessor’s office at 508-763-5250. 

            Due to COVID 19, the Town of Rochester Town Hall is closed to the public until further notice. I will be in the tax office daily at 11:00 am to process the daily mail and answer all e-mails and phone messages. If I do not answer the phone, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, Beatrice Renauld

Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Marion, Mattapoisett

on

            On March 30 the Wanderer received a call from Mattapoisett’s Board of Health Agent Kayla Davis stating, “We wanted to let you know we are releasing a statement today, there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mattapoisett.” By 2:30 pm, Marion had announced its first case.

            The notice on Mattapoisett’s website, mattapoisett.net, was available for all by 1:45 pm.

            Following is an excerpt from the town’s press announcement: “COVID-19 Cases In Mattapoisett. Dear Residents of Mattapoisett, As COVID-19 testing capabilities expand in Massachusetts and transmission of the disease continues throughout the State, we will see an increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 here in Mattapoisett. Local community spread of COVID-19 is happening now, including in Mattapoisett. We continue to closely monitor the situation and implement the necessary measures to protect us all. We are asking for your help so that together, as a community, we can minimize the spread and impact of this highly contagious disease.

            In a follow-up, Davis said the language in the announcement had been drafted by the Board of Health members. The announcement did not establish number of cases in the community. When asked, Davis said there was more than one.

            Davis explained the process for reporting confirmed cases flows from the state agencies to the local public-health nurse, then to the local boards of health.

            In Marion, Town Administrator James McGrail and Health Director Karen Walega confirmed notification by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

            The infected person was, on Monday afternoon, in isolation per DPH orders with additional contact tracing by health officials underway.

            Here is more from the Town of Marion: The individual is currently in isolation per DPH orders. Additional contact tracing by health officials is underway. Close contacts (defined as someone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive case) if any, will be identified, contacted by health officials, and may be ordered to quarantine. Those who are quarantined will be monitored by Marion health officials to limit the risk of spread. In order to protect the resident’s medical privacy rights, no additional information will be disclosed.

             Both towns have urged residents to stay at their homes to avoid unnecessary risk.

            Marion directs questions and concerns to: the town’s website, marion.gov; Massachusetts Department of Public Health at mass.gov/covid-19; the state 211 line available 24/7; the state’s COVID-19 Text Message Notification System (text COVIDMA to 888-777); and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

            Mattapoisett directs questions and concerns to the town’s health agent at 508-758-4100 ext. 213 or Mattapoisett’s public-health nurse at 508-758-4118. Also use 211 for 24-hour, seven-day phone connections to information about critical health and human services. Visit Mattapoisett.net/home/pages/covid-19-coronavirus-information-links-mattapoisett.

Marion & Mattapoisett Boards of Health

By Marilou Newell and Mick Colageo

Aisles Need More Smiles

on

            Word spread quickly on social media that grocery stores would be open at specific times for senior citizens to do their shopping. I thought, “This is great.” Then I saw the hours that “special shopping” was being offered to seniors – butt-crack dawn.

            Why is it that so many believe senior citizens are up enjoying life at the crack of dawn? No doubt there are many people whose daily habits include rising from the warmth and comfort of their beds at dawn. But these people aren’t all over the age of 65. In fact, I’d speculate that most of them are young people on their way to work or school, when those venues were fully functioning.

            Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining so much as pointing out a fact – old people don’t necessarily like being awake at dawn much less going grocery shopping in the dark. Heck, my 80-something-year-old neighbor prides herself on staying up late and sleeping in, bless her bohemian soul. But I thought it was my duty to take advantage of the opportunity to be six-feet from my peers searching the shelves for an off-brand can of beans. Truth be told, I was mining the experience for this column.

            It was depressing. People didn’t look very pleased to be up and about. The public-address system in the store wasn’t playing music. The lighting was too bright, casting deep shadows across the elder faces. I thought, “Don’t they know that pink tones favor older skin?” I was wishing I had taken the time to fix myself up with a layer of make-up. On second thought, it simply doesn’t matter. No one was looking at me anyway, not even my husband.

            Mornings can be a difficult time of the day for seniors suffering from mobility issues. Heck, I’m usually not fully functional until 10:00 am. Yet there I was pushing a grocery carriage along, keeping my distance as I tried to put my best foot forward, literally, and hunt down what I could for the pantry at home.

            People seemed scared. Was I the only one making eye contact and smiling? Pleasantries weren’t being exchanged. These people were on a mission, some looking rather desperate as they collected products and dropped them noisily into the baskets.

            I’ll pause here to say the employees of the store were great. At that time of the day, the staff were filling shelves as fast as they could. Aisles were cluttered with pallets of non-perishable items. There was plenty to select from but, for many of the shoppers I watched, these were not the items they were seeking. Disappoint was on full view.

            As the clock ticked away the moments allocated to the aged, it was clear that a silly, fun, lighthearted story was slipping away from me. It began to feel more surreal and sad by the moment. What was I doing out there? After all my husband, the Great Gatherer historically, is the grocery shopper in our little family. He’s the one who literally brings home the bacon. I occasionally join him in what I call “recreational food shopping,” but this early-morning experience had been far from recreational. It was a sociology class.

            What happens to us when our world is tipped away from all we considered to be normal? It didn’t seem to be bringing out the best in us at that moment. Fight or flight was in the air. Or, was it just me seeing things through brown-colored glasses. Give me the rose color any day.

            At 7:30 am the doors were opened to all-comers. The younger crowd poured in through the opened doors, each and every one of them focused on the task at hand. I smiled at them. No one smiled back. I wanted to cry. Maybe they thought I was just a senile old lady. That’s how I probably looked.

            I’ve only been back to the large-chain grocery store once in the last three weeks. I’ve always supported small, local retail outlets and now plan on doing so exclusively whenever possible. I’ll try the curbside service many are offering, while remaining mindful that germs may cling to any surface. It’s important to wipe down everything that comes into your home, then wash your hands after handling materials from the outside world. No, I’m not being paranoid by the way.

            If I’m up at dawn again any time soon, I hope it’s because I write best during the earliest part of the day, not because I need to buy milk. But if you are shopping at dawn, as you go up and down the aisles, I hope you remember to look up, make eye contact, and smile at your fellow shopper. You never know whose life might be improved by simply seeing your smile.

This Surreal Mattapoisett Life

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Selectmen Meet via Teleconferencing

on

            Not only are Mattapoisett’s Board of Selectmen facing the challenges of being a two-person board, the added necessity of social distancing came into play on March 19.

            That morning Selectmen Paul Silva and Jordan Collyer, along with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, consultant Mike Gagne and members of the media dialed in to hear that the town was officially declaring a state of emergency.

            Lorenco read the declaration that would give the town access to county, state and federal funds for first-responder supplies and other necessary materials, as well as circumventing long-held purchasing rules and regulations in an effort to expedite buying if needed.

            After the declaration was read, the selectmen approved it for submission to the state.

            Later that same day on a much happier note, the selectmen again met utilizing teleconferencing to discuss the $735,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. The grant was approved by town meeting vote both in October 2019 and again in January 2020.

            The October vote, however, tied the grant to other types of grants in a bundle slated to be used for roadway and infrastructure improvements to Industrial Drive. While the USDCEDA grant was received by the town, the manner in which it was tied to receiving other grants could place in jeopardy the entire $735,000 sum should only some of the grants fail to materialize.

            Just days before the deadline set for accepting the USDCEDA grant would expire, a Special Town Meeting held in January 2020 found town meeting in favor of separating this grant from those that were not received. The modification to the warrant article from the October town meeting was overwhelmingly moved by a packed town meeting in favor of accepting the monies.

            The selectmen on March 19 voted to have the town administrator sign documents accepting the grant. The grant, along with a matching $735,000 also approved at town meeting, now means that design, planning and preliminary construction may begin on Industrial Drive.

            At press time, the next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen had not been scheduled. Visit www.mattapoisett.net to view the up-to-date meeting schedule. You may also view a full presentation on the Industrial Drive project on the town’s website.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

True American Spirit

on

To the Editor:

            The worldwide pandemic is unsettling to all and strikes fear and worry into many – the effects of which could be more crippling than the COVID-19 illness. The disruption to typical day to day life that we’re all dealing with presents itself as a temporary interference for some of us – not able to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, missing the opportunity to sit and enjoy a good meal at a favorite eatery, thinking twice before venturing out for some shopping or entertainment. And for many of us, while our investments may have taken a hit, our weekly/monthly fluid funds have not and will not be disrupted. But consider that many, many of our family, friends, and neighbors have lost their weekly/monthly income due to the pandemic; and specifically due to business shutdowns and business cutbacks – business owners as well as their employees fall into this category. The fear of not being able to pay the rent or mortgage, the horror facing a parent about how to put food on the table, the threat of not being able to purchase heating fuel or purchase a tank of gas for the car – bundle these concerns with the fear of a family member possibility contracting COVID-19 and you begin to appreciate the level of anxiety and fear that many are feeling. Unemployment insurance will help somewhat, and the financial package now being debated and considered by Congress will provide further support – but many of our fellow citizens – owners and employees – may never be made whole.   

            My monthly income has not and I don’t expect it to be impacted by this worldwide crisis.  If I find that I am eligible for an “economic stimulus check” from the Federal Government, it is my intention to donate the full amount to those who have lost the most – small business owners and their employees as well as workers at large corporations. No one should profit from this crisis – and I challenge those of us who have not experienced a decrease in our weekly/monthly income to do the same. We’re talking about helping our auto mechanics, landscapers, retail workers, construction workers, small business owners and workers and the kids working their way through school. The value of these neighbors to our collective daily lives has been reinforced over the past two weeks and we miss them!! We do appreciate the support and service they provide to our community. Also in need of a cash infusions are our area soup kitchens and food pantries who have stepped up impressively to the challenge of providing support to those in need – not only during this difficult time but week after week throughout the year.  

            The true American spirit shines during times of crisis and difficulty- we must have a positive outlook and we must keep our commitment to one another in proper perspective. Reach out and help a fellow citizen – and please no one should “profit” from this catastrophe.

Chuck McCullough

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.

Wareham Garden Club Scholarship Awards

on

Given our current situation with COVID-19, the due date for scholarship applications is currently June 30, 2020. That date could be changed to a July date depending upon our circumstances. Please feel free to check in with our Scholarship Chairperson via email contact below. 

            The Wareham Garden Club has announced that $1,000 scholarships are available for award during the spring of 2020. If you know any students in your neighborhood or circle of friends and family, who may be interested, please have them contact our Chairperson, Norma White via e-mail norma.white@comcast.net, email the club at warehamgardenclub@gmail.com, or mail to The Wareham Garden Club, PO Box 3276, Wareham, MA 02571.

            Scholarships are available to qualifying high school seniors and college students.   Applicants must have maintained a legal residence in Wareham, Massachusetts for at least a year, be a current student with a minimum “B” average (3.0 on a 4.0 scale), and have good character.  Scholarships are available for students with focus of study in one or more of the following areas: Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Conservation, Landscape Design, Architecture, Forestry, Agronomy, Floriculture, Land Management, Botany, Biology/Marine Biology, City Planning, Allied Studies.

            Eligible High School Students Must be: Graduating, spring of 2020 from any High School or Technical School; accepted to an accredited college or school of higher education; able to submit an application postmarked on or before June 30, 2020. This date is flexible and could be changed to July 31, 2020.

            Scholarship applications will be available at area high schools. Interested students should contact their respective Guidance Offices for further information, or they may contact the WGC Scholarship Chair. Any qualified applicant will be given extra consideration on for having participated in extra-curricular activities in any of the fields listed above in high school and/or in the community.

            Eligible college student applicants must be: a current student at an accredited college or school of higher education, able to provide official transcripts showing successful completion of course work; able to submit an application and transcripts postmarked on or before June 30, 2020.

Thoughts on: Change is in the Air

on


            With nowhere to go and nothing to do the fine spring weather and the not so fine Coronavirus brought out the masses in recent days in an attempt to avoid cabin fever. Dog walkers, bicyclists, joggers, and just plain strollers meandered around the village in larger numbers than usual in late March offering pleasant greetings and nods while adhering to the new social distancing norm.

            Many ventured over to Depot Street and down the old railroad bed to Goodspeed Island for what was likely their first encounter with the under-construction bike path. No doubt many were surprised to see that their view of the Eel Pond was now obstructed by a long ribbon of grey steel barriers like those one would see on the medium strip of a major interstate highway.

            As they approached the beach they discovered that the bike path we voted for at town meeting months ago had become a major construction project. It became apparent that the old sandy path between the shore and the Eel Pond would not merely be paved leading to a quaint wooden Concord Bridge-like structure over the fifty-foot wide inlet channel but rather a gigantic superstructure of massive steel beams rising high above ground level stretching all the way to Reservation Road at the Shining Tides.

            What a shock for an old townie like this scribe who spend many an hour as a kid playing on the island and meandering along the beach collecting shells, clamming in the shallow waters or searching for old railroad spikes. In those days there was no channel. Later as a teenager we could drive our cars along the path. I remember a giant beach party with a bonfire and all which seemed as though everyone in town attended. As an adult my wife and I would walk the dog along the path. Before dogs were banned from the beach our kids would enjoy throwing a stick or ball which old Daisy would chase at warp speed.

            Nearly every morning since our retirement the missus would take her daily walk by the Eel Pond to the channel and back often photographing various birds and waterfowl and enjoying the quiet and beauty of mother nature’s landscape. Thankfully the ocean view will remain when the construction is completed and many more people will enjoy it. Alas, the last area of town which, until now, remained the same as when the Wampanoags arrived on our shores is forever changed.

Dick Morgado, 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.

April 7 Considered a Tough Target

on

            Officially at least, the Old Rochester Regional School District is aiming at a return to school on the state-prescribed April 7 date.

            Optimism, however, is sparse, and most of the concerns expressed to Superintendent of Schools Doug White during Monday night’s online-only meeting of the Old Rochester/Union No. 55 Joint School Committee were aimed at developing a plan for a potentially longer hiatus.

            The meeting, originally expected to include the formality of officially hiring Mike Nelson as White’s successor effective July 1, instead yielded other news including the fact that the 2019-20 school year will end no later than its 185th day for any school in the district. For ORR, that would be June 24.

            After snow days, ORR will not have to make up any other days missed due to COVID-19 aka coronavirus.

            The first four days since the March 13 decision to shut down schools (March 16-19) were categorized as snow days. “Those days are behind us,” said White, now working on setting up scenarios for the completion of the academic calendar and thanking school committee members for their support.

            Union-side committee chairperson Shannon Finning told the meeting that a “stomach bug” had taken her out of commission for two days – she said she does not have the coronavirus – and her inability to edit was the reason for the delay in announcing the expected contract for Nelson.

            Finning is part of the three-person negotiating team with region-side chairperson Cary Humphrey and committee member Michelle Smith. The next scheduled meeting of the Joint School Committee is June 11 so another meeting prior to June 11 will be set up to ensure a timely transition of the superintendent’s office.

            Nelson, the assistant superintendent through June 30, attended the meeting and commented on policy (more on that below).

            Most discussion surrounded concern about what happens next should ORR, in keeping with the vast majority of feedback sources, not return to school by April 7.

            The interim period has not included traditional classwork. Instead, teachers are sharing online tools for students to practice what they’ve learned. Participation is voluntary, and at present, there are no hard numbers available on levels of participation for different age groups.

            Staff has been asked to check email three times daily by mid-afternoon, check voicemail, be available to meet online via Zoom or Google Hangout. The staff has also been asked to reach out to students’ parents or guardians at least twice per week.

            Several members of the Joint School Committee voiced agreement that ORR will need a long-range plan if, as expected, the suspension of school outlasts April 7.

            Some cited the importance of “learning equity” and the maintaining of “that contract” with students, providing a platform for consistency across the board and keeping students “in learning mode.” Points raised included: Without a requirement, participation will fall off, and other schools are reportedly taking such steps.

            Heretofore, the expectations of students have been similar to summer assignments, but that will likely change without a return to the classroom on April 7.

            “I am all ears,” said White, hearing suggestions from the committee.

            Finning said that Comcast is offering two months of free internet essentials for low-income families with a two-hour waiting time for activation. Committee member Robin Rounseville told of a case in which that service was denied because the student was not registered for free or reduced lunch. Humphrey asked that the family’s identity be sought so the situation can be resolved.

            “I’m hoping and praying that we will be back in school in two weeks, but… this might be a nice drill to expose the areas we might work on,” said committee member Joe Pires, alluding to future scenarios of the suspension of school.

            Committee member Sharon Hartley agreed, noting her concern over the newness of the situation. “I hope we’ll have some plans for professional development as soon as possible. It’s hard, if you haven’t ever done these things before. It’s asking a lot,” she said.

            White reported from recent talks that the shutdown could be greater than three weeks and that educators statewide are strategizing on online learning opportunities and preparing a program. “If this environment is not going to be better in the next couple of weeks, we’re taking those steps and working on that,” he said.

            Hartley noted that some of the schools that are practicing online learning and having virtual classrooms have, in the process, cracked the code on solving snow days in the future and given school districts a new way to formulate academic calendars.

            The meeting also revealed behind-the-scenes efforts that continue to address the education-related needs in the community.

            In his report to the Joint School Committee, White cited the daily work of ORR cafeteria staff preparing 500 lunches last week and 135 more on March 23, the day of the meeting, for needy students.

            He also cited technological efforts that would put Google Chrome into 100 students’ hands by noon March 24, the custodians who work every day to clean out the buildings “deeper and deeper… we believe our buildings will be in a great position to address (students’ return).”

            White noted that all of the meetings of the administrative staff were being held live online via Zoom software.

            Nelson addressed ORR District policies in the Joint School Committee meeting, the need being to make sure they align to new legislation. The policies related to children in military families, those under foster care, the homeless, and school committee minutes. Nelson reported having reviewed the information and attended state trainings, telling the meeting that ORR’s policies all align and are all things that “we’re doing already” in those scenarios.

            The policy relating to homeless students deals with rights and services, the main difference being that students remain in their school of origin with an outline of transportation and additional support for which the district is responsible from fiscal and program standpoints.

            “I have no concerns in supporting the policies as represented,” said Nelson.

            White recommended that the Joint School Committee can vote to approve the “homeless” policy and bring back the other two policies for discussion.

            The policies relating to homeless students and school committee minutes were approved by both the region and union sides.

            Committee member Stefan Gabriel asked, regarding the policies that will be addressed at the Joint School Committee’s next meeting, if anyone will fall through the cracks. Nelson answered, “No, we’re already doing these things.”

            Nelson also reported on current efforts toward social-emotional behavioral support of students in need based on the changing environment, including the creation of a hotline. Nelson said, as information comes in, he will identify the appropriate clinical staff members to reach out, offering “support to kids who might not be on our radar when they are in the building” and continue to work with them on an ongoing basis.

            White said that homeschooling and special education were being discussed at a statewide level and seeking guidance from the federal level. There is a leaning toward pass/fail, and relaxed requirements will mean two places where MCAS is going to have to get relief.

            The 2020-21 academic calendar was approved on both sides of the Joint School Committee.

            While typically on the agenda at this time of year, the subject arrived like a door-to-door salesman in the middle of a family crisis. Nonetheless, the membership decided it prudent not to ignore it amidst the bigger fish currently frying.

            The result was approval on both sides of the committee for a slightly altered schedule that acknowledges the September 1 presidential primary and election day November 3.

            Typically, the first day of school, September 1 will be the first day for teachers with students reporting for classes on September 2. White noted that there was pushback against consideration for starting two weeks before Labor Day (Sept. 7).

            Another suggestion changes the Friday, October 9 (the Friday before Columbus Day) from an off day to a school day to make November 3 (election day) into an off day for students that could be used as one of the two full professional development days for faculty. The other full professional development day is January 16, 2021 (the Friday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as it has been). There are four half-days for professional development.

            Parent-teacher conferences will be held October 22-23 and in Mattapoisett on October 18-19. A two-week break for Christmas includes a half day on December 23 and a return to school on January 4.

            There has been some discussion about pushing away from April vacation toward a March vacation, but White said that is a bigger discussion for another day.

            “I’m just worried about getting through this week’s calendar,” he said.

            It was suggested in the committee meeting that the academic calendar should be posted with a disclaimer.

            Minutes were approved with minor corrections for January 29, February 29 and March 5 meetings.

ORR/Union No. 55 Joint School Committee

By Mick Colageo

Sippican Choral Society Spring Concert

on

Restrictions on public gatherings during the current viral pandemic have forced the Sippican Choral Society to cancel its Spring Concert, which had been planned for April 26 in Marion.  

            “It’s a decision we did not like, but we cannot see a way forward between now and curtain-up,” said Mike Chaplain, president. “We have lost a number of rehearsal dates, and there is no certainty that concerts will be permitted at all by the end of next month.”

            Statewide and national efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has led to “social distancing,” which has closed down concerts, restaurants, taverns, sports events and all manner of large gatherings. Even some church services have been suspended, said Chaplain.  

            People who already have tickets have three options. They can return them for refunds.  “Or,” said Chaplain, “they can keep their tickets, which will be honored at the annual Christmas Concert in December. The third option is to convert the price of the tickets to tax-deductible donations, for which the Sippican Choral Society will provide receipts.

            “It’s hard times for performers and arts organizations of all kinds right now,” Chaplain said. “If anyone can afford to help out, this is a good time to do it.”

            This spring’s “Mostly Mozart” program, or substantial parts of it, will probably be presented next April, said Chaplain. “It’s great music, and we’ve been loving every bit of it, but we’re not going to endanger anybody’s health or life in order to perform it this season,” said Chaplain. “We expect to be back in December with our annual Christmas Concert, to help brighten things up again.”

When Your Spotter Favors Social Distancing

on

            We’re living in very strange times in which our daily lives have been upended. Most of us want to be safe and compliant without surrendering every last one of our normal and familiar daily rituals.

            For so many of us exercise is an important part of our lives, and the thought of sacrificing a healthy avocation for health reasons is counterintuitive.

            As health officials preach distance between people and avoiding crowds, where does this leave working out at the local gym (if and when they reopen for business)?

            Exercise may boost your immune system, but the widespread transmission of a virus isn’t a very useful contribution to fitness. Reducing the risk of transmission is good, but skipping a workout to stay home hoarding toilet paper while binging on canned aerosol cheese hardly seems like a good tradeoff. The “Catch 22s” are afoot.

            I’ve actually never been a fan of group exercise classes.

            A great concept, and thousands of people have benefited from them, but they do have their fair share of shortcomings.

            The student-teacher ratio is problematic and doesn’t foster the best environment to learn or be supervised. It’s very difficult for a single person to demonstrate, watch and make corrections on different yet simultaneous biomechanical problems.

            There are usually too many divergent backgrounds and varying skill levels within the same group. Gyms may offer beginner and advanced classes, but labeling classes by ability doesn’t adequately match compatible students.

            Instructors tend to throw in the old failsafe countermeasure of advising everyone to “Go at your own pace,” but when’s the last time you’ve known a person to use common sense? Peer pressure didn’t get to be so popular because of humanity’s discretion.

            At the other end of the spectrum, there are many remote, online exercise options these days.

            As a strength coach, I’ve dabbled minimally in virtual training. It’s a great way to help people in different geographical locations, but I personally feel that it’s a poor substitute for being in the same room with hands-on instruction.

            In the interest of full disclosure, I feel compelled to share an embarrassing little mishap. I’m one of the few people who has managed to incur an injury during a stationary-bike workout. I was regrettably on one of those seldom-advertised Peloton bikes. The ride itself was fine, but the unfortunate episode occurred when disembarking. The hard-molded plastic convexity on the bottom of the specialized shoes did not quite jibe with the hardwood floor that I stepped onto. My bruised buttock and ego soured me on the whole concept of high-tech, Jetsons-style telecommunication exercise, though the piece of equipment itself was very well engineered.

            One of the most wonderful aspects of exercise is its versatility. You can exercise with equipment or without, you can work out in a specialized facility or in your own house, inside or outside, with a workout partner, by yourself, or in a group, and the list goes on. You can burn calories on a gym’s elliptical or walking in the park. You can work your pecs benching in a weight room or doing push-ups on the beach.

            Gyms will be up and running again before this COVID-19 problem is fully resolved. The order of the day is social distancing, and we should all exercise judgment when exercising our glutes and quads.

            Nobody wants to share a kettlebell with a sickly looking, drooling gym rat these days, or any other for that matter. Reducing risk is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Small groups are better than large groups; open space is better than close quarters; you can exercise with someone else without sharing equipment; and you can aggressively and relentlessly disinfect when you do share equipment.

            Don’t forget the doorknobs.

            Dust off that exercise graveyard that’s part of so many basements. It’s safe because it hasn’t been touched in years. When things begin to normalize and we reenter pre-coronavirus society, join a struggling empty gym rather than a successful popular one.

            There are countless ways to strength train, improve flexibility and burn calories:

            * lifting weights, body-weight calisthenic exercises, bands, climb a tree, chop wood

            * yoga, static stretching, twister, movement itself 

            * stereotypical cardio equipment, go for a walk, or basically any activity you can think of as long as you do enough of it and at a sufficient work rate 

            Make choices that are socially responsible. It may mean changing things up for a little bit, but it does not mean going without or sacrificing exercise value.

            — Certified strength and conditioning coach Norman Meltzer, the owner/operator of MW Strength and Conditioning in New Bedford, was known during his competitive weight-lifting career as “the Muscless Wonder” for his lean, mean physique lacking in the traditional bulk associated with strength training. Meltzer’s experience and knowledge has helped pro, college and high school athletes and teams and even regular people improve their strength and performance.

Schvitz’n with Norm

By Norm Meltzer