ORRJHS Music Rings in the Holidays

on

The Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Music Department performed another wonderful concert for a full auditorium on Wednesday night, December 19. Congratulations were abundant for musicians in the Jazz Band, 7th-grade Band, 8th-grade Band, and the Chorus.

Angie Vaughn, the chorus director, maintained the high standard of performance that her musicians consistently achieve. Band Director Richard Laprise, now in his second year at the Junior High School, started off the evening with the Jazz Band which had everyone’s toes tapping.

The highlight of the night was when the 7th-grade and the 8th-grade bands were joined on the stage by local professional musician and educator Tobias Monte. Monte, a professor of music at UMass Dartmouth, gave clinics and performed two solos with the bands as part of a grant funded by the Tri-Town Education Foundation.

“It is rare for musicians of this age to get the opportunity to perform alongside a professional musician and they rose to the occasion,” said Laprise. “I am extremely proud of their hard work.”

Be sure to check out the FORM Choral Concert on March 5 and the FORM Instrumental Concert.

SLT New Year’s Day Walk

on

Kick off the New Year right and join the Sippican Lands Trust (SLT) for its first walk in 2019 on Tuesday, January 1at noon at SLT’s White Eagle property at Aucoot Woods. The Sippican Lands Trust will celebrate its 45th Anniversary in 2019 and this walk will be one of many walks and special programs throughout the year. Alan Harris, Sippican Lands Trust’s Board President, will lead the New Year’s Day Walk again in 2019.

The event will begin at our White Eagle Property kiosk. White Eagle is located off of Route 6 in Marion. Take Parlowtown Road across from the town cemetery and follow road until you reach the cul-de-sac. Bear left onto the dirt road and follow past the abandoned cranberry bog on your right. Parking is available directly past the bog and along the dirt roadside. The kiosk is a short walk beyond.

The walk is free and no registration is required. If more than two inches of snow are on the ground, then the walk will be canceled. If the walk is canceled due to inclement weather or more than two inches of snow on the ground, then information will be posted to SLT’s website and Facebook page. For directions or further information visit sippicanlandstrust.org or call Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080.

Inn in Mattapoisett

on

To the Editor:

The historic seaside Inn in Mattapoisett has had several owners and we remember some of the finest. When the Goddus owned it, you could always depend on fine dining. Irving Bookstein was famous for his prime rib. The music was tasteful and piano sing-alongs were common. And who can forget the great duo of Couto and Mulligan?

Today, however, the Inn is not known for either fine dining or tasteful piano music. After 10:00 pm, the amplified music is deafening and several neighbors have called the police department to complain.

We were 46-year residents of Mattapoisett and ran the original Mattapoisett Chowder House and the Fairhaven Chowder House so we know and understand how necessary rules must be followed. Liquor licenses are dependent on following all of the Selectmens’ rules.

Shame on the Mattapoisett Selectmen and the police department. How have you let the Inn continue with this obnoxious noise when several people have complained?  With all of these neighbors complaints how can you continue to approve it’s liquor license and it’s entertainment license? Has the Inn ever been issued a warning?

We challenge the selectmen and the police department to do their jobs. Is there over-serving of alcohol as well? From the noise generated, it would seem so. The ABCC board would be interested in that!

This Inn is located in a high-end residential neighborhood. Therefore, the amplified music should stop at 10:00 pm and it should be closed at a reasonable hour. Why does it have to be open until 1:00 am when most other restaurants are closed earlier? After 10:00 pm it’s a CLUB and the patrons are not Mattapoisett’s finest.

Patricia & Robert Clarkson

Deerfield Beach, FL

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

Selectmen Visualize Next Town Administrator

on

What strengths, experience, and skills will the new town administrator have, preferable, and what are the challenges facing Marion that he or she must be ready to face? This was the jumping off point for the Marion Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, December 19, as it held a special meeting to get the town administrator search underway with the assistance of professional recruiter, Bernard Lynch.

Lynch, the former city manager for the City of Lowell, wants the input of Town House and Town department staff in addition to the selectmen, “And then we can create a profile,” said Lynch. “That’s a tool for us to market the position but, I also think it’s a valuable process for us to go through because when we talk to candidates we can speak intelligently about the town.”

Selectman Jon Waterman was curious and asked Lynch, “Is the position relatively attractive (to applicants)?”

“Some people like small towns,” said Lynch. “I try to see the silver lining behind every community. … We try to put this together in a way that would appeal to a candidate.” Lynch said often the area’s amenities, cultural institutions, and prospects of a spouse finding work in their field attract candidates. “This particular area of Massachusetts, I think, has an appeal,” said Lynch.

The board knows why they love Marion and the surrounding Southcoast, but Marion – the small town with big issues – is not without its challenges, which Lynch asked selectmen to list in order to get a better idea of Marion’s needs in a new town administrator.

Water, sewer, digitizing town records… “Town infrastructure really is our key challenge,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Norm Hills.

“Money, money, and money,” Waterman said, pointing to Proposition 2 ½ as an obstacle to funding much of Marion’s needs. “Followed by more money,” interjected Hills. “Right now we’re in a big go-around with our wastewater treatment plant.”

“That’s why experience in wastewater treatment management is important,” Waterman said.

Also, as Hills pointed out, the Town is just about to address imminent climate change effects and the town’s sustainability and ability to adapt.

“Sounds like it’s going to take a certain person and a little ‘packaging,’” Waterman said about the position. And it is uncertain if one of the candidates would be an internal candidate, Dawson suggested.

The board tossed around some qualities the right person would possess for the job, including one who is a good communicator, knowledgeable in municipal processes, and someone perhaps “a little bit ahead of us” in technology, said Waterman. Experience and interest in solid waste and recycling management is a big one, Hills said.

“And no doubt strong – I mean really strong capital planning background and implementation all around,” said Dawson, “because there are so many moving parts here. … There has to be a lot of time managing and budgeting how you’re gonna fit the pieces of this puzzle together.”

The way Lynch screens applicants is by funneling resumes into categories: qualified, not qualified, and a third category, “interesting.”

“Some of them might not have experience in the position, maybe they’re department heads … but somebody you should look at,” Lynch said.

The selectmen had already chosen to appoint a hiring committee to review candidates Lynch will screen and present, which has been condensed from a seven-member committee into a committee of five – one selectman, one department head, and three citizens. Lynch will also attend the meetings, but not as a voting committee member.

The holidays have inadvertently set the Town back in its progress of the search process that could take as long as 16 weeks – about a couple weeks beyond the time current Town Administrator Paul Dawson will remain in his position until he retires on March 15.

“We’ve done it in 12,” said Lynch, “but I don’t think we could do it in less than 10.”

Lynch estimates that he would have a candidate profile to present by mid-January and accept resumes until mid-February. Hiring committee meetings would start shortly after and begin interviews the first week of March, with the Board of Selectmen to make a final selection during the week of March 18. If the candidate were currently a town administrator, it would take another 30 days for them to provide their current town proper notice.

“So you would have someone on May 1,” said Lynch – just in time to present the new hire to the community during the proposed May 13 Annual Town Meeting.

Lynch said he would also be interviewing town employees and members of the administration to gauge the type of town administrator they would prefer to work with.

“The first thing they’ll say is we don’t want a micromanager,” said Lynch. “No one wants a micromanager.” Although, Hills pointed out, some among the Board of Selectmen could be considered “micromanagers.”

“Sounds like we have some interesting work ahead of us,” said Lynch.

The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen is tentatively scheduled for January 8 at 4:30 pm, either at the Marion Police Station or the Marion Town House.

 

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

It’s Coming on Christmas

on

Everywhere I go now, every social media platform, every radio station, every retail outlet, the faint drumbeat is getting louder – it’s coming on Christmas.

Of all the holidays and happy event occasions we traditionally celebrate, Christmas is the hardest. Etched deep within my aging brain are all those images of childhood Christmases spent living on the edge of hypervigilance with its associated anxiety and the feeling that at any moment the worst was about to happen.

By the way, it never really did. Instead, Christmas was a mixture of unseen, yet ever-present discordant notes mixed with failed attempts at being happy. Generally speaking, my parents were able to keep it together long enough so the day passed in relative calm. But happy? No, we were not happy.

All the classic 1950’s scenes of trees adorned with tinsel and lights, wrapping paper strewn across of the floor, and Christmas stockings overflowing with treats – I have those images. But the overarching unseen doom, the atmospheric tension that in an instant the illusion would be ruptured by a scream, held us all in suspended animation just trying to get through the day. Our family motto was, “Don’t make a wave.”

My mother’s mental health issues ruled our lives. But we didn’t call it that back then. Truthfully, I didn’t call it that until I was well into my own adult struggles with dark moods and throbbing migraine headaches. But clearly I didn’t suffer as she did; clearly I had learned how to right my own ship by way of new ideas, an active maintenance of mental health and therapy. I talked and stumbled and talked some more. I was highly motivated to make a better life for my child, while repeating the very things that had hurt me so much when I was a kid. So many missed opportunities.

I did make a huge effort to give my son happy holiday experiences, saving a few dollars each week year-round so that I could surprise him with that longed-for toy. There was the Christmas I wrapped up a new wardrobe of summer clothing that he, with as much dignity as a 10-year-old boy could muster, responded to with a “thank you.” Finally, he opened that slim envelope that held the Disney World brochure. February school vacation at the Magic Kingdom was a great surprise. I hope I never forget the look on his face as it went from total dejection to complete delight. That memory makes me smile, especially when I need it the most.

It’s coming on Christmas. I have time to adjust my thinking.

When the grandchildren were little, our home became the Christmas epicenter. There were trips to Edaville, followed by a sleepover weekend, dress up, impromptu parades through the house, hide-n-seek, baking cookies, craft projects, and if there was snow, sledding. I’d fill a weekend from morning to bedtime with the stuff that makes happy memories for children, as I lived a second childhood of my own making and laughed, laughed, laughed. My inner child in recovery.

It is wonderful when those now grown women recall a happy childhood memory of fun with Grandma. For it wasn’t only Christmas that I claimed anew, it was any time I was with them. Every single opportunity to play, sing, dance, shop, go on adventures, pack the mini-van and head out, I grabbed at the chance to be happy and spread joy. Their happiness was all that mattered. I was healed over and over again.

My mother didn’t want to be the way she was. In later years when she was more stable, when raging hormones and rollercoaster mood swings were dramatically smoothed out due to age and a little medication, she grieved over having been a lousy mother. I assuaged her self-loathing by telling her we turned out okay. But it was a lie. One she wanted to hear. I told her that any residual psychological problems her children had were their responsibility to repair. She’d cry and I’d be right back to being a 6-year-old kid trying to comfort my mother. I reminded her that her grandchildren, who revered her and on whom she lavished every ounce of love she had to give, were all successful people doing well. That didn’t make her happy. She mourned a wasted life. Habits of thought are so hard to break.

Today we understand mental health problems. Today there are many choices for living with and improving the lives of people with depression, anxiety, and its many manifestations. In my mother’s day, there was little that medical science could offer other than tranquillizers that she abhorred. And all my father would say to her is, “Knock it off!”

We rode the anger, tears, compulsive meticulous cleaning, inability to sleep, desire to stay in bed all day, overeating, not eating enough, and yes, those peaceful interludes – we rode them with her, and for me, I some days ride them still.

“It’s Coming On Christmas” is a Joni Mitchell song with heartbreaking musical passages that sets the tone of the season for me. That sense of wanting to be somewhere else, be someone else, lifted up on the high notes and gently placed beside a manger on the low notes, and holding tightly the knowledge that if I can hold on long enough, this too shall pass.

This Mattapoisett Life

By Marilou Newell

Preschool Screening Clinic Scheduled

on

The Old Rochester Regional School District will be holding its annual screening clinic for three and four year olds on the following dates and locations:

Wednesday, January 16, 2019– Center School, 17 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739

Thursday, March 21, 2019– Sippican School, 16 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738

The screening clinics are a service to young children and their families in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. The screening will look at social-emotional skills, cognitive development, speech and language development, physical development, vision, and hearing.

If you question your child’s development in any of these areas, please contact Robin Mobley in the Early Childhood Office at 508-748-1863 or email robinmobley@oldrochester.org for further information or to schedule a screening appointment.

Sippican Historical Society

on

In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

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. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

This installment features 72 Water Street. The Green House at 72 Water Street is a Queen Anne- and Shingle-style residence built around 1890 for George U. Crocker, an attorney and treasurer for the City of Boston. He resided in this house until 1920.

Annette R. (Paquin) Moran

on

Annette R. (Paquin) Moran, 81, of Mattapoisett passed away on Thursday December 27, 2018. She was the wife of retired Mattapoisett Police Chief James F. Moran.

Born and raised in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Mercedes (Lavoie) Paquin and stepdaughter of the late Beatrice Paquin. She was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School ,Class of 1956.

Annette was a resident of Mattapoisett for the past 57 years, where she was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Parish and was a former high school CCD teacher.

She was a secretary at Old Rochester Regional High School for many years and later worked at the Bristol County District Attorney’s office in New Bedford.

She was a volunteer for the former Hearts and Hands, and also volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was an avid reader.

Annette loved and felt a deep compassion for all God’s creatures, big and small.

Besides her husband of 59 years, she is survived by her son, Major Patrick Moran, M.E.P., and his wife Heather of Buzzards Bay; her daughter, Christine Richards of Mattapoisett; and one delightful granddaughter, Molly Richards.

She was the mother of the late Stephen H. Moran.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday January 3, 2019 at 9 AM at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett, followed by burial in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to It’s All About the Animals, Inc., 103 Marion Rd., Rochester, MA 02770. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

RMS Sets the Stage for the Holidays

on

The young musicians of Rochester Memorial School ‘Decked the Halls’ and then played to a colorfully dressed audience of students, staff, and parents on Thursday, December 20.

Choral Music teacher Sue Audette encouraged everyone to sing along and the joyful sound was enough to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, the 5th and 6th grade band played “The Star Spangled Banner”, “Christmas Chimes”, “Pat-a-Pan Processional”, and “Frosty the Snowman.”

The Jazz Band played “Blue Train” and “Jingle Jazz.”

“We are very proud of our young musicians at RMS!” said Christine Williamson, the Instrumental Music teacher at Rochester Memorial School.

Strong Start for ORR Girls Basketball

on

Old Rochester Regional High School girls basketball has taken advantage of every opportunity in the early going, heading into the holiday break with a 4-0 record. The Bulldogs’ most recent win came over Durfee in a 56-37 effort to follow up from their 60-46 win over Dartmouth.

One thing that’s helped Old Rochester Regional separate itself from the rest of the pack is the Bulldogs’ balanced offense. Nine Bulldogs scored in the win over Dartmouth, eight in the victory against Durfee. Furthermore, the top scorers weren’t the same in either contest. Maggie Brogioli scored 13 in the win over Dartmouth, with Logan Fernandesadding in 11. Ashley Soaresled the way with 15 against Durfee, while Meg Horanfinished second on the team with eight points.

A big reason for the well-spread scoring is Brogioli, Fernandes, and Annie Perry—who scored six against Dartmouth and five against Durfee—have all made major contributions as freshmen. So not only are the Bulldogs succeeding in the here and now with players like Meg Hughes, Mary Butler, and others serving as stable veterans, but they are also establishing a foundation for the future.

“You forget they’re freshmen,” Old Rochester Regional girls basketball coach Bob Hohne said after the win over Dartmouth. “That’s a nice problem to have. Our bench is deep.”

The Bulldogs put their 4-0 record to the test on the road against Seekonk on Friday at 6:30 pm.

ORR boys basketball took care of business against Fairhaven in its last matchup before the holiday break, winning 56-53.

Matt Brogiolihad a strong night in the scoring column and on the glass, finishing one rebound shy of a double-double, scoring 17 points to go with nine rebounds. Sam Hartley-Mattesonfinished second in scoring for Old Rochester Regional, but did log a double-double by scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 boards.

However, ORR boys basketball coach Steve Carvalho felt the Bulldogs could have done more to avoid the tight finish.”

“Our defense on the last two possessions (won it),”Carvalho said. “We played a sloppy game with too many turnovers.”

Regardless, the Bulldogs improved to 2-1 and tip off again when they host Seekonk on Friday at 6:30 pm.

Old Colony

Unfortunately for Old Colony boys basketball, weather forced a cancellation in the Cougars’ last contest, with rain seeping into the gym in the game against Tri-County on Friday.

“We did everything we could,” Old Colony boys basketball coach Matt Trahan said. “We put down rugs: we put fans on it. We were able to get through the (first) half, but people were just sliding all over the floor.”

But it wasn’t a leak in the ceiling. It was rain tracked in from the spectators’ wet shoes.

“It just all ended up in the gym,” Trahan said. “I’ve never seen anything like that in all my years.”

However, the last matchup the Cougars were able to finish off, ended in a 72-62 win over Diman where two players combined for 55 points, while two others picked up the remaining 17.

Jake Jasonwent 20 for 21 from the free-throw line, playing a major role in his 34-point performance. Zach Soucylogged 21 for the Cougars, making two three-pointers—a total Jason also matched.

“I think we put him in a situation where we could isolate him and let him do work,” Trahan said on Jason’s performance at the three-point line. “They didn’t have much of an answer for him getting to the basket.”

Joel Cortezscored 11 and led Old Colony with three three-pointers, while Hunter Soareschipped in six.

Old Colony (2-0) gets back to work after the New Year and takes a trip to Norfolk Aggie on January 4 at 5:00 pm.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar