Sippican Historical Society

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Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. Over 100 were cataloged and photographed. SHS will feature one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

            This installment features 18 South Street. The house at 18 South Street evolved from a small “shop” as indicated on the 1855 Marion map. It achieved its present complex form between the mid-1850s and 1880s.  For many years, it was the home of master mariner Capt. Henry C. Lewis.

Spartan Village Moves Online

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            Along with the rest of our nation (and world), Bishop Stang High School has moved online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the students, administration, teachers, staff, and families that usually create “Spartan Village” on Slocum Road are keeping the school community alive by other means during this period of social distancing. 

            On St. Patrick’s Day, Tuesday, March 17, after a weekend of extensive planning, training, and preparation, online school began. Bridget Bourque, English Teacher and Technology Integration Coordinator, helped to prepare teachers to utilize Zoom.us as the teleconference platform to deliver online instruction: “While the thought of moving online seemed daunting at first, our faculty and staff and students have been truly amazing at stepping out of their everyday classrooms and into the world of online learning. In the spirit of true community, our faculty members have assisted and encouraged one another in order to further Stang’s mission to provide the highest quality Catholic education even during these unprecedented times.”

            The “school day” lasts from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and the schedule follows the regular rotation of classes the school normally uses. Five classes of 45 minutes in length meet each day with plenty of break time. Attendance is taken each period, instruction ensues, assessments are taken and teachers stay online after the school day ends if students need additional help.  Both parents and teachers have appreciated the structure and ability to stay connected that this model brings. Bishop Stang parent, Sandy Thomas, commented, “As we now navigate the uncertainties that accompany the COVID19 pandemic, it is very encouraging to see how prepared and responsive Bishop Stang has been in the continued education of our children.”

            Bishop Stang High School was uniquely prepared to meet this challenge. All students follow the “Bring Your Own Device” policy and all teachers receive a school-issued laptop. Additionally, teachers have drawn on years of experience with technology integration and blended learning to develop strategies for engaging their students. All teachers and students utilize Google Classroom on a daily basis. 

            While working from home, Bishop Stang continues to make educating the whole person a priority. All members of the community are encouraged to maintain a “wellness inventory” that includes the spiritual, physical, intellectual, intellectual, emotional, social and creative dimensions of each person’s life. School Counselors are available to students throughout the school day for academic counseling, to assist with the college search and selection process and for social-emotional support. President/Principal, Peter Shaughnessy stated: “We are fully committed to continuing the Bishop Stang educational experience for our students during this time. In addition to online learning, the health and well-being of our students is paramount and we are working hard to keep our school culture and sense of community alive and strong.”

            There are myriad examples of school culture and community being kept alive during this challenging time. Organized by Campus Ministry, the school community continues to pray together, services opportunities are being explored and co-curricular clubs and organizations have begun their own online meetings and activities. The school’s choir conducted an online performance and several online mini-concerts are being planned. The inaugural concert on St. Patrick’s Day featured Bishop Stang’s very own history teacher and Irish musician, Tom Kennedy, on Facebook Live!

            Furthermore, the school’s administrative offices continue to be fully operational. The admissions, business, advancement offices are fully operational although off-site. While this new experience evolves, constant feedback is sought in order to constructively assess the online program, adjust and improve.

ORR Alumnus Dayne Johnson Ready for First Head-Coaching Job

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            Whether it was as a player on the 1993 Super Bowl team, as a coach at the turn of the century and again under Justin Kogler, then Bryce Guilbeault, or during his time between stints on Old Rochester Regional High School’s football staff, Dayne Johnson has been impacting the Bulldogs for years. All of that is about to change, even with his three children attending ORR and his wife Marissa serving as the ORR Youth Football president for over a decade.

            Johnson is the new head coach at Upper Cape Tech.

            “It’s such a great community, and I get ready every fall to do this so there is a little bit of bitter-sweetness walking away,” Johnson said. “But also, I am more than excited for the challenge of finally getting the opportunity to have my own program and be a head coach. That’s something that’s outweighing the negatives at this point.”

            While this is Johnson’s first chance to run a high school program, it is not the first time he has thrown his name in the mix for the top job. He always had his eyes on his alma mater, but was never given the keys to drive the car.

            With Guilbeault taking charge for the Bulldogs upon Kogler’s departure, Johnson saw the program was going to be set at the coaching position for the foreseeable future. He couldn’t pass up on the chance to coach at a school that still pulls students from one of the Tri-Town areas (Marion).

            “(ORR) seemed like a perfect fit,” admitted Johnson. “(I) played there, ran the youth program, kind of just graduated into that role. But it just never came to fruition. So I wanted to, over the last 10 years or so, become a head coach. This last time that I didn’t get it, last year, it just seemed like — Bryce is a good coach, a good guy and he’s going be there a while. That broadened my search a little bit. I certainly didn’t want to go too far from home.

            “And Upper Cape is growing, expanding. They’ve got new facilities over there. I feel like they’re getting athletes from multiple towns so someone could really, with the right direction, if they get the kids to buy in, it has certainly become a formidable program there.”

            Along with his persistence, Johnson is in a position to take Upper Cape to another level because of his experience running program at multiple levels.

            “I’ve had the luxury of coaching seven-year-olds all the way to 18-year-olds, and you get to have bonds with kids when you coach (them) very young,” he said. “And you get to understand, different kids at different ages or different levels. So, it’s going to be good for me (that) I’ve been through the whole gamut of coaching.”

            As experienced as Johnson is, being the one calling the shots for a high school program is uncharted territory. He will face some challenges that he has not encountered before, but he has the confidence of at least one head coach he’s previously worked under.

            “He’s done everything that he’s needed to do up to this point to show that he’s ready,” Kogler, now the head football coach at West Bridgewater High School, said. “He’s done so much for football in the Tri-Town area, Rochester area. He knows the game well. And I just think really what… makes people successful coaches in my opinion is communication skills and relationships, and I think that that’s really what he’s really good at.

            “The kids in the program really liked him at Old Rochester, and the parents. He’s just a well-liked person. And he knows the game. He has a lot of experience with football. I think Upper Cape… that was a really good hire for them.”

Sports

By Nick Friar

Mattapoisett’s New Fire Station Planning Continues

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            On March 19 there was some good news coming out of at least one committee in Mattapoisett – the Fire Station Building Committee.

            Chaired by Mike Hickey, the committee was the first volunteer group to attempt virtual meetings via telephone conferencing. It went smoothly once everyone calling in found the mute button. Once the ambient noise was canceled, the committee met to discuss subcontract bids associated with the $9.275 million new fire station planned for County Road next to the police station.

            For municipal projects, Massachusetts allows 13 subcontract trades such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing and painting to submit their own bids for their respective areas rather than require their containment in the general contracting bid. Hickey said that the process could mean that a general contractor might select the lowest subcontracting bids for a given trade or that the subcontractor might elect to not work with a contractor. “Only in Massachusetts,” Hickey demurred.

            Helping to navigate these issues and others is the firm Vertex, a construction management company. Also on the call were architects Jeff Shaw and Chris Logan of Context. Mattapoisett’s committee was represented by Hickey, Fire Chief Andrew Murray, Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola, Selectman Jordan Collyer, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, and consultant Mike Gagne.

            The group noted that subcontract bidding was coming in under budget by approximately $200,000. Hickey said if that sum held, it could be moved to contingency funding. There was further discussion regarding which subcontractors would work best not only with the selected general contractor but also which subcontractor would give the town its best effort. Those companies would be studied, Hickey said.

            The next step, according to Hickey, would be to “drill down” through the documents received by the subcontractors. He said that in two weeks they would have the general contracting bids for review and consideration.

            Directly impacted by the construction of a new fire station on property adjacent to the police station is the electrical service to that building. Hickey said that work would proceed on that project prior to commencement of the fire station groundbreaking. Gagne confirmed that the town administrator had the authority to authorize that work now.

            The committee also discussed Route 6 traffic lights and traffic controls. Gagne said that since the group last met the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) had requested additional studies and existing condition layouts for the state highway. He cautioned everyone that given the uncertainty created by COVID-19, transportation bond bills could be negatively impacted due to a slump in earnings. But Hickey said planning would continue. MassDOT’s request would be addressed with Hickey saying, “We’ll just have to ride this out.” The state agency also requested additional details on proposed curb-cuts that G.A.F. Engineering would respond to, Hickey said.

            Concerns over the type of materials to be used for the fire station aprons were also discussed. Murray reminded the teams that during the value engineering process the aprons were not included due to the importance of durability. Murray pointed out that fire apparatus was extremely heavy, thus the aprons needed to have specific mechanical properties and sub-surface structures. Hickey assured Murray that would be the case.

            Hickey said in a follow-up that they hope to have shovels in the ground by May. The next meeting of the Fire Station Building Committee was not scheduled but is expected to be held in the next two weeks.

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Women’s Club

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The Rochester Women’s Club is extending the deadline for scholarship applications to May 1. If any senior would like to email us the application, please do so to rwomenclub@aol.com.  Please send along your phone number so we can have another way to get in touch. We realize being a senior in high school is stressful enough. Adding in the scholarship process while we are under the coronavirus watch is just a lot for any of us to handle. The Women’s Club is very understanding of this stress and welcome phone calls or emails at any time. Contact Marsha Hartley at 508-322-0998.

Mattapoisett’s Industrial Drive Project Explained

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            And now for something completely different – let’s talk roadway improvement that is slated to bring economic development to Mattapoisett. That’s what was discussed and taped on March 18 when Highway Superintendent Barry Denham, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, and former Town Administrator Mike Gagne gave their presentation at Town Hall, albeit to an empty room.

            Due to the necessity of closing Town Hall to the public, the team involved in spearheading improvements to Industrial Drive were videotaped in the Town Hall conference room. The presentation was another opportunity for Gagne to discuss a project he had been at the helm of for nearly two years. He once again took the spotlight to share with the townspeople the good news that the project would be moving forward and how it will progress.

            First and foremost, Gagne discussed why the project was necessary. He discussed drainage issues along Industrial Drive that impact downstream water quality. Regarding the economic opportunity the project will bring, Gagne explained that land currently segregated for septic systems could now be developed as usable space. The public sewer-system extension from the Bay Club subdivision would allow property owners to tie into the system, freeing up additional areas for business development and building expansions, he said.

            Returning to the issue of the roadway itself, Gagne and Denham discussed modest redesigns to the Industrial Drive layout that will make it safer for vehicles and pedestrians while also protecting some of the wetland features along the way.

            Gagne said that the $735,000 grant received from the U.S. Economic Administration will be matched by the town as agreed during the October town meeting and January special town meeting, bringing the total currently available for the project to $1.470-million.

            Denham and Gagne also discussed the shared-use path commonly known as the bike path. They said that preliminary plans are underway for Phase 2a of the bike path that would transverse Route 6 from Depot Street and end at North Street near the park-and-ride parking lot. They briefly shared conceptual designs for crossing North Street and entering the business park on Industrial Drive.

            Planned upgrades to Industrial Drive will not fund the shared-use path, Gagne said, but was quick to add that additional grants are being sought for that work. The design upgrades to the roadway, however, will make space for a dedicated pedestrian lane in the future, he said.

            Denham said he had originally become involved with the project as he worked with teams developing plans for the bike path. “I got involved because the bike path is going to add a lot to the town. Grant money will allow safe crossings and modern drainage, which is an important part of the project… it’s a coordinated effort to build the road once and build it to last.”

            Lorenco stated that he believed the project was an important part of the town’s economic growth, while providing new and additional recreation areas, that, “…improves life for all.”

            Although the presentation was not aired to a direct public, the team said comments and questions are encouraged. Visit the town’s website (www.mattapoisett.net) or call 508-758-4100 extension 4 to provide your input. Work is planned to commence on Industrial Drive this spring.

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Congregational Church Suspends Services & Activities

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On Friday, March 13, Pastor Amy Lignitz Harken, and Phil Jackson, Chair of the Council at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church (MCC), jointly announced the suspension of all activities taking place at the Church until the beginning of April. Church leadership determined that the best course of action, at this time of great stress and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus, was to suspend all activities. This includes worship services, fellowship activities including Open Table, all classes as well as all the organizations that utilize the building. The situation will be reassessed on a weekly basis. Please watch for updates on the church’s website at mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org as well as the church’s Facebook page. For questions or concerns, please contact the church at 508-758-2671 or mattcongchurch@gmail.com.

Ruffed Grouse Spring Drumming

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            Our own woodland Ruffed Grouse that drums in the spring is actually the very same bird as the celebrated Partridge in a pear tree of the Christmas carol. The Grouse gets its descriptive plumage title from the ruffed ring of dark feathers that rise up around its neck, lifted up by the air thrust of furtive wing beat drumming, as illustrated. It is a seasonal symphony to attract a receptive partner for reproduction, to be heard for up to a half a mile, once it is identified. It starts out slowly quiet at first, and then speeds up like the sound of starting a two-cycle engine. The drummer often mounts straight up on a low podium of a resonant hollow log, with its decorative tail proudly splayed out for effect. Then it cups its wings forward to trap the tattoo against its breast for loudest audible detonation.

            The Ruffed Grouse is classified in the Phasianidae family of birds, like the cock Pheasant at the edge of a farmland hedgerow to romantically beat wings and crow like a barnyard rooster at dawn, to attract a hen for reproduction. A distant western cousin is the greater Sage Grouse. Its mating display is to strut and rapidly inflate and deflate sacs in its breast, producing loud bubbling sounds, while displaying its tail, and raising ruff on its breast. It is the same historic ritual ceremony as written by Chaucer about his Chanticleer mythical rooster in his classic work The Canterbury Tales.

            The Ruffed Grouse as a ground-nesting bird is also very much an earth-bound species hatching out of an egg completely camouflaged in color and design for its new habitat. It is also capable of morphing its plumage to match the shades on northern grey conifers, or tones of southern rust brick-colored feathers. It spends most of its life within a short distance of its original birth and annually survives by timely adjusting to seasonal variations and requirements. Each performance for the circle-of-life ending winter is also justification for the spring renewal ritual here.

By George B. Emmons

School Closure – Alternative Learning Opportunities

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Good afternoon Students, Parents, Guardians, and Staff. I am hoping everyone is safe, healthy and doing well. 

            This notice will provide you with an update on resources as well as an overview of the alternative learning opportunities we will be offering our students in the coming weeks. We are well aware that all of our families are handling this unprecedented situation in different ways and have a variety of means.

            As a school community, we are here to assist and provide support. We are currently offering a breakfast and lunch program for those in need, Monday through Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at our elementary schools and our high school. We are able to offer technology support to any family in need. Please check previous communications or call the Superintendent’s Office at 508-758-2772 ext. 1956, if you have questions on either of these two programs.

            In addition to these two programs, starting today, the district educators have created a webpage on the district and school websites sites.google.com/oldrochester.org/orrsdextlearn/home filled with an extensive list of age-appropriate alternative learning resources that families can use to support learning for their students.

            Starting the week of March 23, 2020 teachers and related service providers will begin to communicate regularly with their students. Educators will be adding resources and materials to the alternative learning website page, as well as providing other learning opportunities on their website or learning platform for their students. These alternative learning opportunities will provide students with a chance to practice and reinforce their current skillsets. At this time, lessons will not address new content materials. During this three-week closure, teachers will be expected to interact with their students through a variety of mediums (i.e, email, videos, phone calls, etc.) to provide feedback on their educational efforts, but will not assign grades. 

            Students – we are expecting that you check in on your teacher’s learning platform (i.e. google classroom, schoology, teacher website, etc.) on a daily basis. We expect that you will utilize the alternative learning resources and participate in our alternative learning opportunities, so you are ready to continue your learning when you return to school. If your student is unable to access materials online, we ask that you contact your building principal, who will make arrangements for you to receive these resources in a different format.

            We hope that you find our alternative learning plan useful and beneficial during these very difficult times. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your building principal. We are receiving guidance and support from the Department Elementary and Secondary Education daily, which may change how we deliver academic support in the coming weeks. 

            I will keep you informed and share new information as it develops. Staying safe is our number one priority – please take all COVID-19 precautions and recommendations seriously.

Douglas R. White, Jr. Superintendent of Schools

Local Support

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To the Editor:

            I patronized a Rochester restaurant that advertises in your paper that is now reduced to take-out only. I would ask your readers to do this to help them out, and to remember also to tip the waitstaff as if it was a sit-down dinner. Your server is affected by this too.

Stay safe,

Richard Bumpus, Marion

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.