Bulldogs Reach State Final

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            The Old Rochester Regional High School boys’ basketball team is headed to the MIAA Division 3 state championship game after hitting the John P. Brissette ’88 Competition Court at Worcester State University running, building an insurmountable lead and coasting to an 82-72 victory against third-seeded Pittsfield on Monday night.

            ORR saw its 2023 tournament run end in the semifinals, but this edition of Bulldog basketball was simply too versatile to be denied a trip to the championship weekend.

            The win puts the second-seeded Bulldogs (21-4) in the state final against the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between top-seeded Charlestown and 14th-seeded Taconic. The date and time for the title tipoff at Tsongas Arena in Lowell was not announced in time for press. Eight championship games will be played at Tsongas, beginning Friday, March 15, at 6:00 pm with a second game at 7:45 pm. On both Saturday and Sunday, four games will be played at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

            Pittsfield started off Monday’s game with a three-pointer, but the Bulldogs caught fire, running off 13 straight points and in the second half, growing their lead to 27. Point guard Gavin Martin ran the offense and Zach Maurao (27) and John Butler (26) combined for 53 of ORR’s season-high 82 points. Chase Bensacon was also in double figures with 17 points.

            After Malik Perry (team-high 21 points) dunked the ball for Pittsfield late in the game, Butler looked to match the feat at the other end of the court, but the play went sideways and led to a sloppy stretch that allowed the Generals to whittle ORR’s lead down to 14 points with 2:39 remaining. Coach Steve Carvalho had a talk with his starters, who sealed the deal from there.

            On March 8, ORR played Dover-Sherborn at home in the “Elite 8” and won 72-55 in a statement game that put the second-seeded Bulldogs into Monday night’s “Final Four” match.

            The quarterfinal win against Dover-Sherborn came more easily than the March 6, Round of 16 win against a tough Salem squad.

            At the start of the first quarter against Dover-Sherborn, it was a close game, but soon, that was not the case at all. ORR center Robert Spenard had a great quarter, dominating the paint and building up a huge lead.

            “We wanted to get the ball inside, we were bigger than them,” said Carvalho.

            By halftime, the Bulldogs held a 21-point lead. In the second half, every time Dover-Sherborn made runs, Old Rochester responded. The Bulldogs took care of business and ultimately came out with the win.

            Maurao led the way with 20 points, including six three-pointers. Spenard had 14 points and 7 rebounds, and Besancon also had 14 points, including 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Butler had an all-around impactful game, scoring 14 points while adding 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

            ORR played Salem in the Sweet 16 on March 6 and won 66-58. The Bulldogs had a rough first quarter but ended up leading 16-10 by the end of it.

            “We were getting a little outrebounded in spots; we talked about it, and we made a little switch on defense,” said Carvalho.

            In the second quarter, the Bulldogs turned a tough start into a great defensive half with many steals, closing out the half with a six-point lead.

            “In practice, we work on maybe giving up the drive, and then help comes, and we’re helping that help. We have a huge emphasis on getting them off the three-point line,” said Butler.

            It was a back-and-forth third quarter, with ORR scoring many points inside. At the start of the fourth, it was a three-point game. But with the Bulldogs’ monster offense and defense, it was all over for Salem.

            The Bulldogs had a dominant final quarter, scoring 27 points.

            “We had enough offense to take it home,” said Carvalho.

            Butler made two steals and slam dunks on the other end in a matter of 15 seconds to end the hopes of a win for the visiting Wizards.

            “We got good, slow looks. We really calmed down,” said Butler.

            It was a team effort, as three ORR players scored in double figures. Mourao had 18 points, Besancon had 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Butler had 15 points and 6 rebounds. Martin did it all, as he had 6 points, 5 assists, 4 steals and 5 blocks.

State Tournament Basketball

By Aiden Comorosky and Mick Colageo

Tri-County Symphonic Band

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On Sunday, March 17 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will continue its 2023–2024 concert season with a program dedicated to the music of Percy Aldridge Grainger. Grainger’s compositions range from sweet simplicity to immense sophistication, often in a matter of a few measures. His masterwork “Lincolnshire Posy” will be performed as well as “Shepherd’s Hey”, “Colonial Song”, “Spoon River”, “Walking Tune”, “Country Gardens”, “Children’s March” and, of course, “Irish Tune from County Derry” (Old Danny Boy) as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

            Matthew McGarrell, Professor Emeritus from Brown University (after serving on their faculty for 35 years), will be the Announcer/Commentator for the concert. McGarrell is also an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees for The Percy Grainger Society as well as being an international advocate for symphonic band music over the years. He will offer his learned insight to the works of the preeminent innovator in symphonic band scoring; Percy Aldridge Grainger.

            The concert will be held at the Fireman Performing Arts Center, on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion, MA 02738. Adult tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth, The Marion General Store in Marion or online at tricountysymphonicband.org

            Please visit tricountysymphonicband.org for more detailed information.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The seed library is back. Check out seeds and educational materials to get your garden growing. Kids can grab a Take and Make kit to grow their own mini library on Monday, March 18.

            Come and hunt for lucky ducks at our Golden Duck Scavenger Hunt: Friday March 15 at 3pm

            Join actress Sheryl Faye and the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library for a showing of the one-woman show “Her Majesty — Queen Elizabeth II” Sunday, March 24 at 3:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall. The performance will be preceded by an afternoon tea featuring a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of special sweets. Tickets can be purchased at the library for $40. Proceeds will benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            Get your team together to challenge friends and neighbors in a battle of wits at the Third Annual Lizzy T Trivia Bee – Friday April 5 at 7 pm at the Marion Music Hall. $200 for team registration, team sizes limited to 5-6 people. Silent auction, cash bar, and free table snacks available. Spaces are limited, get your registration form at the library.

            Storytimes for all ages Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library

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The Friends Annual Meeting will be held next Saturday, March 16 at 1:30 pm. At this brief gathering, President Kathy Sites will update everyone on the Friends’ activities for the year. Please plan to attend, and renew your membership if you haven’t already. We look forward to seeing you, and bring a friend. All welcome.

            Immediately following the annual meeting, Kathy Sites will introduce our speaker, award-winning author Roxana Robinson at 2 pm, March 16. Ms. Robinson will speak about her new, highly-praised novel, Leaving. It was one of Oprah’s most anticipated books of 2024. The book will be available for purchase, and Roxana will sign copies at the reception to follow upstairs in the Reading Room. Please call the library to reserve a seat for yourself and your guests, 508-758-4171. This will be a wonderful event. Roxana Robinson’s last visit to the library was standing room only and very entertaining. She’s a wonderful speaker.

            The Friends are looking forward to more book sales, author visits, and family programs. Please remain active and invite friends to join in support of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

Suzanne Keith Dixon

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Suzanne Keith Dixon, 73, of Rochester, MA, peacefully passed away on March 3, 2024 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham after a decades-long battle with cancer. She was born July 8, 1950, in Wareham, MA, the daughter of the late Wendell T. and Ruth W. (Taber) Keith.

            Suzanne graduated from Fairhaven High School, class of ’68 and UMass Dartmouth. For most of her life, Suzanne resided in Rochester with her husband of 51 years, Walter H. Dixon, in a home they built together. Early in their marriage, much to their parents’ dismay, Suzanne and Walter purchased their property “way out in the country” and spent years making it an incredibly beautiful and special place. Suzanne loved her home and could be found most days reading, knitting, or lost in her vast gardens of flowers. She was creative and clever beyond measure and most who met her were in awe of her resourcefulness and imagination.

            For many years, Suzanne could be found at local craft fairs, selling her dried flower arrangements, procured from her garden, or as a first mate on her husband’s commercial fishing vessel, the Pedlar. Later in life, she was known by many for her beautiful fresh bouquets that she sold on her home’s farm stand.

            Suzanne is survived by her husband Walter H. Dixon of Rochester; son, Jacob H. Dixon of Attleboro; daughter, Molly K. (Dixon) and spouse Christopher T. Fournier, and their children, whom she loved fiercely, Winslow, Felix, and Ashby of Rochester. Suzanne is also survived by her half-brother Donald I. Pierce of Reading, MA and was predeceased by her brother Thomas Keith formerly of Fairhaven, MA.

            Per Suzanne’s wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held later in the year when her gardens are in bloom. In lieu of flowers, keep those you care for close and tell them you love them every day.

            Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence, please visit chapmanfuneral.com.

FY25 to Reform Town Employee Plan

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            Rochester’s Finance Committee Monday reviewed a new Personnel Classification and Compensation Plan for town employees that will be on the May 13 Annual Town Meeting warrant and will add $19,833 to the FY25 budget.

            Presenting the results of her committee’s review of the town’s current plan, Personnel Board Chairperson Kristine Nash explained that one of the main goals was to line up job classifications for noncontract employees with Personnel Bylaw-contract employees. She said this review found many problems that need to be rectified.

            The review discovered that there were no approved job descriptions for these employees, she said. Pay-grade ranges are not the same for people with like duties and responsibilities. Bylaw language is not being followed regarding step advances. Pay percentages between steps are irregular and unequal. Employee steps one and two are rarely used when hiring new employees. The current plan has not been substantially reviewed in 20 years.

            The remedy’s first goal was to develop job descriptions for the 21 noncontract town employees not covered by the Personnel Bylaw, and those new descriptions have been completed and approved, Nash said. The next step is the Personnel Board’s proposals for a new FY25 Classification and Compensation Plan.

            That eight-step plan, she said, would declassify all current employees into clearly defined categories and make grade adjustments to bring parity between positions with the same responsibilities and duties.

            The plan would eliminate the word “grades” because current ones are more reflective of individual employees than a classification as the bylaw states it.  It would add one step because, Nash said, 50 percent of veteran employees covered by these employees are at the maximum step. It would change the bylaw language regarding how an employee gets a step increase and equalize that increase between all steps to 2.5% between each. It would establish a low, middle and high wage-range for positions in a category and wage ranges utilizing FY24 “grade” ranges for all classified positions.

            Nash said Finance Director Suzanne Szyndlar has calculated the cost to implement the new plan for FY25 to be $19,833 because it will affect nine “max” employees and the grade adjustments for six employees.

            Nash concluded her presentation by noting “the 21 employees in this new plan represent the heart and soul of the town. But because they are ‘non-bylaw’ employees, they don’t feel heard. This will give them their voice.”

            In other action, the Finance Committee approved Chairman Kris Stoltenberg’s motion to recommend a FY25 Cost of Living Increase of 2.5%, lower than the 3% amount that the committee had previously approved.

            Szyndlar then reported the reason for this change. She said the next fiscal year’s budget currently shows a $55,700 deficit between expenses and revenues.

            The town has seen a 3.41% revenue increase, but school-budget request increases are higher. Rochester Memorial School’s request is a 6.63% budget increase. Old Rochester Regional High School’s request is a 4.84% increase, despite the fact the town is sending five fewer students there this fiscal year. Szyndlar said she and Town Administrator Glenn Cannon are planning to meet with school officials to revisit these requests. Stoltenberg said the committee will want to meet with the Highway, Police and Fire departments at its next meeting to discuss their budget requests.

            The Rochester Finance Committee is scheduled to meet next on Monday, March 25, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Finance Committee

By Michael J. DeCicco

‘Lil’ Shop’ Has Cast Eager to Take on Edgy Roles

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Old Rochester Regional High School senior Jackson Veugen isn’t considering a career in dentistry any time soon, but Veugen has embraced his role as Orin, the sadistic dentist in ORR’s upcoming spring performance of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

            The ORR Drama Club will take the stage on March 21, 22 and 23 at 7:00 pm and March 24 at 2:00 pm.

            Veugen, who has been involved in drama, did not want the role of this archetype villain at first but now feels the role was meant for him. Veugen auditioned for one of the “plant roles” in this adventure, but director Maxx Domingos had something else in mind for him: Orin.

            “I’m glad that happened,” Veugen said, but conceded jokingly, “I don’t think anyone is supposed to like this character.”

            Other ORR actors also can relate to their respective characters and are looking forward to bringing the quirky comedy to the stage.

            Seniors Jorge Carrillo and Mackenzye Caton will take the stage in their first leading roles. Carrillo will play the lead male Seymour Krelborn, and Caton will play Krelborn’s love interest Audrey.

            Caton said she remembers watching an old “black and white version” of the musical with her nana. Caton said Audrey was her favorite character, along with the plant-based Audrey II. Caton said her nana will be attending the performance, deepening her emotional ties to the play and the character.

            Carrillo said he related to Rick Moranis’ portrayal of Seymour.

            “He spoke to me, and I loved the lines he delivered. I thought I could fit that character,” Carrillo said.

            Eloise Casi landed her preferred role as Ronette, a talking urchin.

            “I really wanted to be part of the singing ensemble,” Casi said, but got more than what she bargained for. “It’s fun singing, and I get to be part of the storytelling aspect of the show.”

            Other principal characters include Aidan Silk as Mr. Mushnik, Emerson Roy as Audrey II (voice), and the following students as urchins: Chloe Bean, Casi, Alia Cusolito, Kennedy McKay, Amanda Tomasso and Emily Wyman.

            Music direction will be done by Jenna Kendall and the sound design by John Farrell.

            The musical will be Domingos’ sixth as director and assistant director’s Sarah Whinnem’s fifth.

            General Admission is $15 and students and senior citizens $12. Tickets are available at the Marion General Store, Isabelle’s in Mattapoisett, Friends’ Marketplace in Rochester and at the door for all performances. Eventbrite is selling tickets online (small service fee added) at bit.ly/ORRDrama-LittleShop-2024.

ORRHS Drama Club

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Listening to the news these days can be alarming, especially when Russia’s leader talks about the potential use of nuclear weapons while he moves to take over Ukraine. Of course, history teaches us that it often repeats itself, and those of a certain age are reminded of this same feeling of heightened tension in the early 60’s with the “Berlin Crisis” and the “Bay of Pigs ” crisis.

            As early as 1951, the Cold War led the U.S. government through speeches and magazine articles by President Kennedy, as well as Civil Defense pamphlets, to prepare for the possibility of nuclear war. Promises of public fall-out shelters were made and citizens were encouraged to construct and supply their own fall-out shelters.

            Some companies seized on the idea and marketed bomb shelter kits. Lists were published with the items that should be placed in these shelters. Canned food, extra clothes, flashlights and batteries, games and toys were some of the suggested supplies. The Civil Defense recommended dosimeters to measure radioactivity and one quart of water per person per day. (This is sounding like the grandfather of the “Prepper Movement”- that old history repeating itself again). People began to realize that they might have to stay in the shelters, living off the grid, for weeks and would need tools and even more supplies.

            Children weren’t exempt from these preparations with schools “duck and cover” drills. How many of you questioned if your school desk would really protect you from a bomb? In Weymouth, they picked a day when all students had to walk home. I guess they didn’t think the bus drivers would be around during an attack and they wanted to make sure that we could all find our way home. It doesn’t make sense to me now and it didn’t then.

            I have to say I didn’t know anyone who had a fall-out shelter or had any friends who were the proud owners of the dollhouse offered by the Marx Toy Company in 1962. It was a metal dollhouse that included a bomb shelter complete with supplies pictured along the wall.

            By 1963, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was passed, and countries began a de-escalation that ended the Cold War. The threat of a nuclear disaster along with talk of bomb shelters waned. However, I finally did get to see fall-out shelter and it was in Rochester. When Tom Strutski was remodeling the former Dempsey’s aka Plumb aka Bonney House, he gave us a tour of the bomb shelter in the basement.

            The shelter had bunk beds, a table, shelving, an escape hatch to a tunnel, an exit to the yard and a hand crank ventilator shown in the picture. It helped to move the air around within the shelter.

            The basement is still there but without the trappings of a bomb shelter. I wonder if the Plumb Memorial Vault with the 1976- time capsule inside could be down there somewhere.

By Connie Eshbach

Nasketucket Bird Club

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The next meeting of the Nasketucket Bird Club will be on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. Free and open to the public. More bird info at the Nasketucket Bird Club website: www.nbcbirdclub.com or the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/NasketucketBirdClub.

            The meeting program will feature Shawn Carey who will be speaking about Iceland.

OHS Annual Grade 6 vs Staff Charity Basketball Game

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            Doors open at 6:00 pm with tipoff at 6:30 pm. This year, OHS will be partnering with Gifts to Give as the charity for the Student vs. Staff Basketball game. Below is a list of items needed most by Gifts to Give. Please note the clothing can be new or gently used. Their shelves are bare after a very long holiday season. There will be a donation trailer located at OHS through the weekend of March 17. There will also be collection bins at the basketball game on March 15 at ORRHS.

            Childrens Clothes (Sizes Infant to 18), Childrens Shoes and Sneakers

            New in-package underwear and Boys and Girls socks; Girls sizes: 4, 6, 8, 14, 16, Women’s sizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, Boys sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, Men’s sizes: XS, S, M and L

            Socks sizes: S, M, L