It is true that many cities and towns face financial constraints born from rising costs for everything from union contracts to janitorial supplies. Town administrators, selectmen, and finance committees struggle to balance needs against revenue. That is no small task, especially for those towns facing declining school enrollments and aging populations. Being able to focus on how the town looks beyond basic grass cutting oftentimes can’t be considered.
But Marion is lucky. It’s lucky to be located along a coastline creating a border of natural beauty – the sea. It’s also lucky to have a group of like-minded residents who have taken on a special project for the last couple of years – the beautification of Marion.
The Marion Garden Group (MGG) held its second annual seaside fundraising gala on July 18 at the harborside home of the group’s vice president, Liz Hatch, and her husband, Josiah. In spite of heavy downpours forcing nearly 200 people inside her home, Hatch was smiling and greeting those who purchased tickets.
“We were very close to selling out,” Hatch shared. With 250 tickets available, the fundraiser certainly brought in a substantial amount of money. “We received generous donations on top of ticket sales,” she said.
Last year’s fundraiser gave the group sufficient funds to have the Marion “Welcome” sign placed on the grounds of the Captain Hadley house at the intersection of Route 6 and Front Street, as well as plantings at the base that give the exquisitely carved sign a floral skirt.
But Hatch and her fellow members of MGG looked beyond that one location, finding other intersections in heavy traffic areas that could use a bit of dressing up. The project is Hatch’s brainchild, one born after visiting places such as Tiverton, Rhode Island, Osterville, and Chatham, and seeing what those towns had been able to do with their public spaces along roadways.
For the last year, the group has continued its work identifying public spaces that could use a bit of help from their friends. MGG has placed urns at the split between Spring Street and Front Street, and at the turn around at the border of Marion and Mattapoisett on Route 6.
But there is more that can be done, according to Hatch. She believes that the initiative shown by the MGG to spruce up heavy traffic areas will catch on in commercial locations. For now, the group will continue to work with the Marion Department of Public Works to ensure the plants that are in place are cared for, and to help identify new locations.
Selectman John Waterman was on hand enjoying the party atmosphere and the opportunity to show his support of the hard work the MGG has been doing. He expressed the importance of community fundraising for such projects and said that fundraising would also be used to help with expenses associated with renovations needed for the aging Town House.
“The Sippican Historical Society has committed a dollar for dollar match up to $500,000,” he said of that undertaking. He said the town hopes to raise $1 million through fundraising and will also seek state and federal grant monies. “We’ve hired [Town Planner] Gil Hilaro as a full-time grant writer,” Waterman said, “There’s money available.”
Also enjoying a bit of the bubbly and a bite was Selectman Norm Hills who said he was impressed with how much the MGG had been able to accomplish in such a short time.
Selectman Randy Parker rounded out the elected officials attending the event. Parker said, “This is a great accomplishment. We are very fortunate. Anything we can do to support them, we’ll do.”
Also in attendance and getting a taste of MGG hospitality was Marion’s new town administrator John McGrail and his wife Tarja.
The wide veranda surrounding the exterior of the home was overflowing with partygoers, while many of them watched a game of “closest to the pin.” Winners received gift certificates from local businesses.
On the large dining room table were items for the silent auction. Attendees could bid on silver bracelets, floral arrangements, and other items. Of the auction, Hatch commented, ”that generated thousands more [raised].”
Giving credit where credit is due, Hatch thanked Suzy Taylor, MGG board member and co-chairman; Phyllis Partridge, MGG treasurer and co-chairman; and Kym Lee, MGG member and past president.
“[Kym Lee] was the benefit’s kitchen director also,” said Hatch said. She also extended her appreciation to “all of the MGG members who supported the event with selfless work, time, and donations.
“All of the people who attended the event and show how much they care about the initiative, and all the people who supported us by purchasing tickets,” said Hatch. ”Every dollars counts and will be applied to our continued beautification efforts.”
By Marilou Newell