Buzzards Bay Coalition Recognized for Commitment to Excellence

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The Buzzards Bay Coalition has been again identified as one of the nation’s top conservation organizations.

            The Land Trust Accreditation Commission affirmed the Coalition’s strong commitment to the public trust and conservation excellence by renewing its land trust accreditation, culminating a yearlong review of the organization’s practices. Of the more than 1,300 land trusts in the U.S., only 400 have received accreditation.

            “We are very proud to be recognized again by the Land Trust Alliance for the care and quality of the work that we do,” said Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. “Land conservation and restoration is an essential part of our ongoing mission of protecting the health of our local coastal waters and the watershed lands that surround them.”

            The accreditation process involves a rigorous review of the Coalition’s policies and processes to ensure that conservation land remains forever protected, as well as an in-depth third-party evaluation of practices.

            “It requires extra effort and attention to meet the highest professional standards required to maintain our national accreditation,” said Brendan Annett, the Coalition’s Vice President for Watershed Protection.

            “It is no easy task as we work to increase the pace of protecting the most important places around the Bay. But our commitment to accreditation has clearly improved the quality of our work and made our organization stronger by holding us accountable to those high standards.”

            Since its formation in 1986, the Coalition has protected more than 8,500 acres of upland forests and wetlands from Westport to Woods Hole and restored damaged habitats, such as The Sawmill property in Acushnet, which now welcomes thousands of visitors for explorations of the natural world. At present, the organization is in the final stages of a multi-year effort to purchase and protect forever the critically important barrier beaches and upland landscape of Cuttyhunk Island.

            Beyond land conservation, the Coalition works to protect the Bay, Vineyard Sound and its watershed through focused research that informs efforts to safeguard the environment and through advocacy work with municipal, state and federal governments; local businesses and civic organizations.

            “It is exciting to recognize the Coalition’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Melissa Kalvestrand, Executive Director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

            The Coalition is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

First Congregational Church of Rochester

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To the Editor,

            New England is well known for the iconic churches that are in most town or village centers. The oldest of these are Congregational Churches such as the First Congregational Church of Rochester. Towns’ people, whether members or not, often view these churches as “their church” (it is actually God’s Church; members are exactly that, members). The Church is a centerpiece for the town. Couples are married there, children are dedicated there, and funeral services are held there even when they may not be members. The Church family welcomes these people with the hopes that they will attend services and maybe eventually become members. Sadly, most don’t. Still they might consider the Church as “their Church.” 

            Congregational Churches are independent. That is, there is no hierarchy that oversees, provides ministers or money when needed. The local Church members and non-member attendees bear all the responsibility and costs with occasional support from those in the community that have felt the Church has made a favorable impact on them or helped in times of crisis.

            The First Congregational Church of Rochester has been around a long time. Its first buildings were modest and were replaced as the population and financial support increased. The current sanctuary is 180 years old. The Vestry, which was once a school, or Academy as it was referred to, is the same age. Maintaining these structures while taking care of all other obligations is expensive and thankfully the Church membership has been able to keep up with most repairs, but there are limits.

            In recent years, considerable work has been done to repair the leaking roof and bell tower on the sanctuary. Thankfully that has been completely leaving an expensive ceiling repair inside. That may have to wait for some time, as other issues become a priority. 

            The Church now faces the same issues on the Vestry. The tower itself is rotten and rainwater now finds easy access to the interior. Just like the sanctuary ceiling, this is not an easy or inexpensive repair and it must be done correctly. The Church is looking for ways to fund this repair, and while “God will provide”; provision is sometimes done by moving mere mortals to do something special.

Richard Cutler, Rochester

                  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.

Town Meeting, Elections Officially Postponed

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            The Marion Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to postpone town meeting and town elections to undetermined dates during its April 9 emergency meeting held via videoconferencing. 

            “My hope would be to… hold a town meeting Monday with a Friday election, but I don’t want to be locked into that,” said Town Administrator Jay McGrail.

            The board also closed the town meeting warrant which, if held in a non-traditional format, will only include Articles 1-4 to secure budgeting so the town can operate in fiscal year 2021. The rest of town meeting would be postponed until it can be conducted in the traditional manner.

            McGrail thanked the Finance Committee for its joint meetings with the Board of Selectmen and Assistant Town Administrator Judy Mooney for her work on the budget. “When we started from November to today… we’ve been able to stay online and on target… It took a little bit out of me, to be honest,” he said.

            On a brighter note, McGrail publicly thanked the Community Center staff for its effort on the morning of the April 9 meeting for delivering groceries to over 100 cars groceries in the pouring rain. “They’re not looking for kudos, but they certainly deserve it,” he said.

            The postponed town meeting and elections, to a date no later than June 30, will be announced at least 20 days in advance. The decision to postpone them had been freely discussed, forecast and planned in prior Select Board and other public meetings attended by McGrail and/or Selectman John Waterman.

            The state offered towns a provision to postpone town elections beyond June 30, but McGrail told the board it is not needed at this point.

            Attorney Brad Gordon, attending the meeting, asked if Marion had considered a remote-access town meeting.

            “We can explore it. I haven’t heard of any town using that option,” said McGrail, who then shared the hybrid concept of using Sippican School with a large main meeting room and several classrooms to comply with open-meeting law and, at the same time, maintain social distancing practices with appropriate spacing.

            In this scenario, classroom monitors would televise the main meeting room via Zoom, and attendees looking to participate would be able to walk from a classroom to the main hall without overcrowding it.

            Gordon asked if using Sippican School was in order to verify the eligibility of the participants, to which McGrail acknowledged, “That’s a good point.” Chairperson Randy Parker reiterated safety amidst the threat of COVID-19 as the primary motivation.

            “There’s no danger of anyone being shut out because they don’t have the technology,” added Waterman.

            Town elections may be tweaked and absentee ballots may be encouraged, but according to Town Clerk Lissa Magauran, they cannot be required as polls must remain open on the day of the election for a minimum of four hours.

            “I think the further out we go it’s going to be easier to get election workers. Twenty days (notice) should be fine,” she told the meeting.

            The April 14 meeting of the board was canceled. The Board of Selectmen will meet at 3:00 pm Thursday, April 16, via remote access.

Marion Board of Selectmen

By Mick Colageo

Montigny Statement Regarding 2020 MCAS Exam

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Today, the Massachusetts State Senate approved legislation waiving comprehensive testing requirements, better known as MCAS, for the remainder of this academic year. Under S2629, the waiver is automatic and does not require approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This legislation will now be reconciled with the House of Representatives before it can proceed to Governor Baker for his consideration.

            “There is absolutely no reason why we should enforce testing at a time when students and their families are struggling to access basic needs.  It’s unconscionable,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “State discretion whether or not to cancel testing is simply not appropriate. A clear waiver is necessary right now, and the Senate has taken action to ensure districts can focus on providing the necessary support and learning opportunities during this crisis.”

MLT Vernal Pool Exploration Cancelled

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Mattapoisett Land Trust is disappointed to announce the cancellation of our annual Vernal Pool Exploration on Saturday afternoon April 18. Social distancing mandates in light of the COVID-19 pandemic will not allow safe operation of this event. But spring is here, and vernal pools are full of frog and salamander egg masses, usually found clinging to submerged twigs or branches. Get outside on a sunny day and take a walk to see these new beginnings! Both MLT’s Grace Preserve (in the Old Aucoot District) and Woodcock Preserve (by the BBC Tinkhamtown Woodlands, on Long Plain Road) feature large vernal pools with egg masses. Trail maps showing the location of the pool and trails at each preserve can be downloaded from www.mattlandtust.org. Contact MLT at info@mattlandtrust.org or 774-377-9191 for more information.

Tabor Academy Extends Closure through End of School Year

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This is the time of year when Tabor students, faculty and staff would be enjoying the spring weather, cheering each other on at games, engaging in senior projects, sailing and rowing on the harbor, auditioning and casting for spring one acts, celebrating the 50 days dinner with the seniors, and soaking up the beautiful sunshine along the waterfront.  Instead, it is eerily quiet with staff working remotely off campus, faculty teaching in their homes, and students away from the dormitories and fields. 

Unfortunately, Tabor Academy has announced the school will remain closed to students through the end of classes on May 22. Additionally, Reunion and the Orientation at Sea Program on SSV Tabor Boy for incoming students have also been canceled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

Julie Salit, Acting Head of School, said in a letter to parents and alumni, “Tabor students and faculty will not be returning to campus this year and will continue in our online distance learning modality through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Thus far, our distance learning has gone remarkably well. Faculty and students alike opened the third trimester with an impressive amount of energy and enthusiasm for this new kind of schooling.”

The decision to keep campus closed means there will be no Prize Day, Baccalaureate or Commencement celebrations with families at the end of May. Mrs. Salit said, “The senior class is missing out on their own once-in-a-lifetime senior spring, senior week, and Commencement weekend, and I understand this decision will be very difficult for them. We will celebrate them in some virtual way on May 29th, the originally scheduled Commencement day, as well as plan for them to reunite at some point this summer, if possible, for a ceremony on the waterfront.  For the ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders, they will be sad that this year will end remotely, and will look forward to returning to the normalcy that a Tabor school year provides next fall.“

Mrs. Salit went on to report that she has made no decision regarding summer programs at this time in the hopes that Tabor will be able to offer programming later in June, July or August. She will continue monitoring the situation and share decisions as they are made.

Gardening Tips from a Sometimes Gardner

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            If you are a New England gardener, then you know it involves a year-round cycle of preparing and anticipation of each season, not just the growing season. But with the growing season about to burst on the scene, I feel compelled to try once again, taking up my spade and trusting that my partner will do all the heavy lifting, “Oh Honey…”

            We’ve been gardening our patch for 30 years. Once upon a time, long before our backs said “Uncle!” we planted and hoed long rows of beans, tomatoes, lettuce and lots of flowering plants. Our plight came in the form of migrating deer and groundhogs. It’s one thing to fend off worms or mildew, but it’s an entirely different game when your enemy has four legs.

            My husband was up to task in those early years. He dug a trench around the 30×40-foot garden, filling it with rocks and small boulders and installing a 6-foot-high wire fence. He felt confident that these barriers would keep out the groundhogs, rabbits and migrating deer. We fought the good fight. The animals won. This went on each season until we finally realized we’d never win. You know what they say about insanity, doing the same things repeatedly and expecting a different outcome. We surrendered.

            More recently I’ve taken to container gardening. Nothing more. I’ve even given up expecting Hosta to bloom or iris or daisy or… well, you get the picture. The deer are the biggest bandits. We’ve scaled back, but this year I’m feeling excited about stuff growing in my yard. I want that thrill of planting something and watching it mature into the masterpiece nature intended. So off to the garden center go I.

            It’s fair to say that gardening is, above all else, an activity that demands hope more than skill. You don’t fix a gutter, paint a wall, remodel a kitchen with your fingers crossed. Indeed, those labor-intensive chores are just that, chores. But gardening – well gardening is an activity where, with a bit of muscle and a whole lot of high hope, something truly wonderful will result.

            Being a New England gardener places one in a special category of those with vast depths of hope in their souls. There are so many things that can go wrong during the short growing season, but we don’t think about those pitfalls, those dusty molds, tomato worm, aphid-covered moments of despair. Heck no! We think about juicy, ripe, cherry tomatoes, tender lettuce greens, carrots straight at sticks or peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis, pumpkins, melons and more.

            “The year has no beginning and no end; it is a continuous cycle…,” said that sage of all things growing in the dirt, Jim Crockett, of the Victory Garden. He advised that during the months of February and March soil preparation should begin. It’s been some years since Crockett held us captive watching his every move on PBS. Today soils are easily purchased from any garden center ready to go complete with growing instructions on the bag. My trick is to mix in a few bags of enriched garden soils as a top coat to my gardens.

            Yet being aware of the quality of the soils you purchase is important. Those offering fertilizer as one of the ingredients will only provide about 10 weeks of enrichment. And soils coming out of bags can be compacted and of poor quality or, worse, full of funguses. Crockett might advise, if you can’t make your own soil, something “real” gardeners apparently do, then at least invest in top-quality brands. Container gardens demand really good prepared mixes.

            One of the best ways to spend some quality time outdoors is at a garden center. We all have our favorites from big-box to mom-and-pop operations. Whatever your pleasure might be, roaming through the racks bearing all manner of veggies refreshes the spirit.

            Here’s something to be aware of before selecting plants or sowing seeds: Not all veggies play nicely together. That’s right. Some vegetables are friendly and some can be downright dangerous.

            Here’s what the Farmer’s Almanac says on the topic.

            Tomatoes, one of my personal favorites, likes being with basil, marigolds, carrots, celery, onions and leafy greens. It does not like being around cabbage, beets, peas, fennel, dill or rosemary. Peppers also like basil as well as tomatoes and leafy greens, but – caution – don’t put them with beans due to spreading vines.

            Green beans, oh tender young green beans, go along with corn and can use the stocks to climb. Marigolds, rosemary, broccoli, and the cabbage family may go along with green beans, too. Beets and onions should be avoided.

            Cucumbers – guess what – they like marigolds, too. As a matter of fact, marigolds go with everything so just plant them everywhere. Besides, marigolds are darn-right beautiful and an endearing touch of the old fashioned. Anyway, cukes like them as well as nasturtiums, beans, celery, peas and dill. But, please, no aromatic herbs.

            Onions love root veggies, carrots, beets, parsnips along with tomatoes and rosemary but not beans, peas or asparagus.

            Lettuce, all varieties, want mint, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, corn and peas. Exclude parsley.

            Mr. Zucchini, step-up. Here we have a squash that will be awesome in sweet breads or a savory side dish with any number of embellishments from cheese to sausage stuffing. Plant them with their cousin summer squash or corn, beans, peas, radishes, and dill. But do not, I repeat, do not plant them near potatoes, which are prone to blight.

            Carrots like loose soil and tomatoes, leeks, herbs like rosemary, sage and chive but not coriander or dill.

            Radishes go along with cucumbers, carrots, onions, beets, cabbage family and leafy greens. Hyssop is a no-no.

            And last but by no means least for gardens big or small is sweet corn. Plant with green beans, cucumbers, peas, pumpkins, melons or zucchini. Do not plant around tomatoes, however.

            If you are just starting out, today’s technology puts abundant knowledge at your fingertips. Yes, the internet helps, but nothing replaces talking to gardeners and plowing the depths of their experiences to gain an advantage in your own gardens.

            Once again you may need to rely on technology, given the need to communicate remotely with people at the present time. But that is easily done.

            On Facebook, there are local garden clubs you can join, whose members are happy to share information. Rochester Garden Club, Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, and the Marion Garden Group are Tri-Town’s groups making their personal and many public spaces fruitfully beautiful.

            If all goes well, it is possible that the Rochester Grange will hold its annual fair in August, one of the oldest in the country. Now that’s certainly a place to witness the glory of a New England garden. It’s worth noting here that gardening can be a great family activity starting right now. To learn about the Plymouth County 4H programs, visit https://plymouthcounty4h.org.

            Regardless of one’s age, the joy of planting and watching things grow cannot be overstated – not now, not ever.

            And one final word about gardening, it’s good for character building. No other activity will test your patience quite as much as gardening will. But then again, good things come to those who are willing to try hard and then simply wait.

By Marilou Newell

April School Vacation Cancelled

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Dear Tri-Town Communities,

            The Joint School Committee representing the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts School Superintendency Union #55 convened remotely on April 13, 2020. During this meeting, the school committee voted to cancel April school vacation for the 2019-2020 school year. As a result, remote learning will continue April 21, 2020 through April 24, 2020 for all students. Our schools will be closed on Monday, April 20, 2020 to recognize Patriots’ Day. 

            In response to the COVID-19 crisis, our school community has worked hard to establish our remote learning plan and it is important to maintain its momentum. It is hoped that by canceling April school vacation that our educators, families and students will continue to focus on remote learning routines with one less interruption. The last day of the school year is now scheduled for June 18, 2020. 

            Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

            Respectfully,

Douglas R. White, Jr. Superintendent of Schools

Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent

Joanne E. (Evans) Mee

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Joanne E. (Evans) Mee of Fairhaven died April 14, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a period of declining health. 

She was the wife of the late William F. Mee. 

Born in Fairhaven, daughter of actors, the late James W. and Kathryn L. (Fraser) Evans, she lived in Fairhaven all of her life. 

Mrs. Mee a graduate of Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in interior design was the proprietor of Joanne Mee Interiors, specializing in window treatments. Her mantra “Joanne Mee has the loveliest curtains” will long be remembered. Her family & friends will remember her for her strength, intelligence and sense of wit. She loved sharing memories about growing up as the daughter of Vaudeville performers, her life as an interior designer, and the history of Fairhaven. 

Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer Collyer of Fairhaven; 2 sisters-in-law, Kathleen Evans of Mattapoisett and Charlotte Evans of Florida; 3 grandchildren, David Mee, Ryan Mee and Evan J. Collyer; several nieces and nephews, including adored nephew Dr. Mark F. Evans of West Hartford, Connecticut. 

She was the mother of the late William E. Mee, mother-in-law of the late Karl M. Collyer and Paula D. Mee and sister of the late George “Buster” Evans and James F. Evans. 

Her Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the William E. Mee Youth Sailing Program, P.O. Box 947, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

No April Vacation for Old Rochester Schools

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            Both sides of the Old Rochester/Union No. 55 Joint School Committee voted to eliminate April Vacation during Monday’s emergency meeting held via Zoom video conferencing.

            The decision moved up the last day of school from June 24 to June 18. Parents were to receive the decision on Tuesday morning, April 14.

            Whether or not students return to class on May 4, the last return-to-campus date prescribed by the state, ORR schools will still be out on Patriots Day, Monday, April 20, but will not use the following four days for vacation.

            “One of the things we’ve been talking about is the fact that we’re gaining momentum in what we’re offering kids,” said Superintendent of Schools Doug White in his April 13 report to the Joint School Committee. “Each of the four unions overwhelmingly stated that they’d like to continue education through the April vacation.”

            The decision was left up to local school districts and, as such, will pose ramifications on collective bargaining with the district’s four unions.

            Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) testing has been suspended for 2020, but remote-access education took on a more serious tone after Massachusetts Commissioner of K-12 Public Education Jeffrey C. Riley wrote a March 30 letter recommending that school districts across the state start-up remote-learning programs.

            Old Rochester intensified its already established online engagement with students to make accountable, expand and add structure in order to achieve curriculum-related goals for what might last the duration of the school year.

            The state recommended that students are engaged in remote learning for approximately half the length of a regular school day and that their activities be divided evenly between educator-directed and self-directed learning. Equity of access is a mandate in this open-ended format.

            While school superintendents have met weekly via remote access to discuss strategy, yielding many online platforms including a partnership that Massachusetts now has in place with WGBH Television and its affiliates, Riley stressed in his letter that remote education is not synonymous with online education.

            Teachers have been encouraged to create offline learning experiences for their students away from the classroom including nature exploration, activities to support communities, hands-on projects, and artistic creations, all the while maintaining safe practices amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The focus in the remote setting is still on the reinforcement and improvement of learned skills, but with the introduction of new material as educators determine to be appropriate.

            Assistant Superintendent Mike Nelson told the meeting that ORR has continued following the commissioner’s guidance in special education where it concerns remote-learning plans, including any out-of-district placements and has maintained contractor and vendor contracts. “I feel like we addressed all those areas,” he said.

            White told the meeting that transportation is “most concerning” at this time, as Amaral Bus Company has laid off drivers but is billing ORR the full amount for normal services. White planned to meet on April 14 with the three town managers to discuss the matter. “We’ve stopped paying at this time until we’ve negotiated,” he said.

            Budget-wise, White said that ORR continues to receive grants and circuit breakers, and all employees are being paid, putting the school district on par with other towns in Massachusetts. That includes cafeteria workers who, unlike most staff who are working remotely, report to school and provide over 850 lunches daily, a number he thinks will continue to grow “the longer we’re out.”

            White said there has been discussion about putting some town employees on furlough, “but we’re not considering that at this time.”

            Should the postponed town meetings not be held, ORR will receive 1/12 of the FY20 budget for FY21 until the budget is passed and moves forward.

            If students do not return to the classroom this spring, a main concern among administrators has been the senior class.

            ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll has been working with other Southcoast-area principals regarding graduation. One philosophy of thought is to postpone graduation until August, while other schools are toying with ideas on the traditional timeline.

            “The seniors have effectively lost their athletic season and are desperately hanging onto their end-of-season things like prom,” said Devoll.

            Region-side Chairperson Cary Humphrey asked if high schools are considering virtual events.

            Devoll said awards night has been discussed. “To be honest, the kids are not ready to embrace those things yet,” he said, noting that ORR’s National Honor Society includes two seniors. “It’s hitting us; we’re trying to figure out ways to honor everybody appropriately… I have a lot of teachers who really care about this senior class and we want to do them right.”

            “The wisdom of this crowd here will help us get through it,” said Humphrey.

            The next scheduled meeting of the Joint School Committee is June 11, but Humphrey said there will be a meeting scheduled ahead of that date to discuss the contract for Nelson, who takes over as superintendent when White’s term expires on June 30.

ORR/Union No. 55 Joint School Committee

By Mick Colageo