Stricter Agenda for Agendas

on

            Rochester’s Board of Selectmen won’t find it as easy anymore to bring up topics on the spur of the moment in its meetings.

            Town Administrator Glenn Cannon informed the board Monday that the new Town Counsel has said that from now on, every meeting topic must be on the agenda, no exceptions.

            To adhere to the state’s Open Meeting Law, the Old Business and New Business items on a meeting agenda must never be blank. Board members must call the town administrator before the closing of the agenda to have a topic placed on the warrant. The selectmen can no longer include “Any Topics the Chairman did not reasonably anticipate would be discussed” on its agendas.

            Of the latter requirement, Cannon explained that anything important enough to be a last-minute topic should require an emergency meeting instead.

            Select Board Chairman Woody Hartley and member Paul Ciaburri, who attended the meeting in person, and member Brad Morse, who was attending on Zoom, seemed happy with this change.

            In answer to Hartley’s question seeking clarification, Cannon told the board that should a member request that the town administrator put an issue on the meeting agenda, “I’ll be glad to do it.”

            Cannon was also upbeat in acknowledging that next Monday, May 22, is the date of the Annual Town Meeting, to be held at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School, 16 Pine Street.

            “We’re excited for it,” he said. “It’s a big warrant, 32 articles. But we hope to get it done in one night.”

            The warrant features a $25,000,000 FY24 budget and a move to cease the town’s participation in the Green Communities program and rescind its adoption of the Stretch energy codes that tighten the base building codes in the name of more energy-efficient construction. Proponents of the exit strategy assert that the Stretch Code makes Green Communities participation too expensive, especially for a town studying potential expansion of its public-safety facilities. Other articles will include a move to change the town clerk’s position from elected to appointed.

            In other business on May 15, the board approved a draft letter to the regional planning agency SRPEDD, requesting assistance for collecting data for a study of Route 28. “This study will make way for a better corridor,” Cannon said, noting the review will also affect, positively, Lakeville and Middleboro.

            The board reappointed Stanley Moszczenski to the Historical Commission, after he noted in a letter that he had failed to reapply for the seat in time for the last appointment cycle.

            The board appointed Rochester Police officers Don Kemmett and Steve Reimer to provide police details during the Wednesday, May 24, Town Election to be held from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Senior Center on Dexter Lane.

            The board voted to not exercise its right to purchase 2.45 acres of Mary’s Pond Road under 61A regulations. The board had to revote this action after the property owner’s attorney had reported the previous vote did not specify only a portion of a larger parcel.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, June 5, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Library Leave No Trace Workshop

on

Bob Sirhal, Rhode Island’s Leave No Trace State Advocate, will provide a free orientation on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:00 pm in the Community Room of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. This program is a joint effort of the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Sustainability Partnership. Registration is necessary to participate and is available on the library’s events calendar at mattapoisettlibrary.org. Sirhal will present the seven principles of the Leave No Trace philosophy and discuss how to lessen human impacts on the environment and nature trails. Materials and handouts will be provided.

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to acquiring and preserving natural resources and wildlife areas in Mattapoisett for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, educating the public about the wise use of natural resources and collaborating with other organizations that have similar goals. Learn more about the Land Trust at mattlandtrust.org.

            The Mattapoisett Sustainability Partnership is a group dedicated to promoting sustainable living in the community. Meetings are typically the first Saturday of the month at 10 am; schedules are subject to change so check the library’s events calendar for updated information. To be a part of this group, stop in for a meeting or email mfpl@sailsinc.org to get details.

            For more information about this event or to register, call the library at 508.758.4171 or email to jjones@sailsinc.org. Check the library’s events calendar at mattapoisettlibrary.org for more upcoming programs and book discussions.

Marion Community Preservation Committee

on

To the Editor;

            I have been a member of the Marion Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the past 9 years, its Chair for the past 6 years. I understand that there was a great deal of discussion regarding the CPA articles and process at our recent Annual Town Meeting. Unfortunately, I was traveling on business and unable to attend the May 8 meeting and would like to provide some additional detail.

            Marion adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in May 2005, replacing a historical 2% tax surcharge that was used to fund the Land Bank with a 2% surcharge funding the CPA. The CPA surcharge includes an exemption for the first $100,000 of assessed value. In the 19 years since Marion’s adoption of the CPA, tax surcharges have totaled $5.15M and Marion received a total of $1.83M in state matching funds. The state match varies and has ranged from 100% to 17%.

            The CPC is composed of representatives of 7 Town boards: Conservation, Planning, Select Board, Open Space, Affordable Housing, Historical and Recreation. The CPC, coordinates the applications process and makes recommendations at Town Meeting, with voters making the final funding decision. For the season just completed we held five open meetings, the last a public hearing. The articles were also reviewed at the Select Board’s May 2 meeting.

            Town meetings have funded 77 CPA projects with a total value of $6.53M. The remaining CPA balance is $478k. I have grouped these 77 awards into 11 categories:

-Restore Town Buildings – 13 projects, $2.57M

-Restore Private Buildings – 6 projects, $311k

-Land Acquisition – 3 projects, $507k

-Open Space Planning – 3 projects, $16k

-Watershed Protection – 3 projects, $170k

-Pathways – 3 projects, $636k

-Recreation – 19 projects, $511k

-Veterans’ Graves – 3 projects, $21k

-Document/Artifact Catalog, Preserve – 12 projects, $399k

-Affordable Housing – 8 projects, $1.23M

-Other – 4 projects, $152k

            Marion’s exit from CPA is a complex question. While a CPA exit would eliminate the 2% tax surcharge, this action would also end the state match – $1.83M over the past 19 years. If Marion exits the CPA how would the projects funded by the CPA be financed? More than 93% of CPA monies were used to fund Town properties and projects ($6.1M). These projects would have to be included in the Town’s conventional operating or capital budgets, wait for the generosity of outside groups, or be deferred for later decision. Unless one argues that most CPA projects are unnecessary, exiting the CPA would likely increase taxes because of the loss of the State match. If projects proposed for CPA funding are not worthwhile, they should be voted down at Town Meeting. During the last 10 years I recall only one project that was rejected with few articles generating any questions.

            My opinion, and I am speaking as a citizen, not on behalf of the CPC, is that the CPA is a valued resource that provides an alternative funding process, supported partially by State funds, that remains in full control of the voters. The Town House provides an example of the value of CPA funding. The Town House was the victim of 50 years of deferred maintenance, and recent failed attempts to restore or replace the building through conventional funding. CPA monies, with some supplemental private funds, restored at least the outside of the building and made it an asset to the Town.

            My suggestion is that we retain the CPA and that interested townspeople become active in the entire funding process. We would welcome the participation of interested citizens throughout the process.

Jeff Doubrava, 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. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Tour de Crème Set for Sunday

on

            Ice cream and bike rides aren’t usually a common partnership, but Mattapoisett has found a way to pair the two.

            The Tour de Creme, a once annual event that encourages bike riding and free ice cream, was shut down thanks to Covid-19. But now, the local land trust and bike committee will be serving up this fun again on Sunday, May 21.

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail are teaming up for this bike-ride fundraiser that will generate funding for more outdoor recreational opportunities.

            MLT Community Engagement and Stewardship Manager Colleen Andrews said (as of Monday, May 15) there are more than 400 bike riders registered. Some will ride a 40-mile route at 10:00 am, some will take a 24-mile trek at 11:00 am and some will take a 9-mile ride at 12:00 pm.

            Riders will leave from Mattapoisett Town Beach and should be back at 1:00 pm at nearby Munro Preserve for a community event that will feature a food truck and cart, live music, beer and – of course – ice cream.

            The event is named appropriately – riders are encouraged to stop by local creameries while riding and enjoy a free scoop or two. Creameries are offering up these scoops for the riders.

            Depending on the route, riders will be going through Rochester, Acushnet, Freetown and Marion along the way.

            “We’re doing the same sort of thing we’ve done before,” Andrews said.

            Andrews said that the two groups worked together for consecutive years but have not held this event since 2019. With the new bike path open, the land trust and bike committee hope to continue hosting this annual event after the four-year hiatus.

            All proceeds go toward Mattapoisett Land Trust and bike-path initiatives, such as improving the safety of the path, as well as building and placing benches along the routes.

            “We have similar goals between the two organizations – providing outdoor space and recreation,” Andrews said.

            According to the Mattapoisett Rail Trail website, the partially completed, 4.5-mile bike path runs along Buzzards Bay and through Mattapoisett. It then runs into some of the neighboring South Coast communities, providing riders with scenic waterfronts and quaint, wooded views.

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Burr Takes Chair

on

            The Marion Select Board shuffled the deck during Tuesday night’s public meeting, reorganizing to elect Toby Burr as the new chairman, with Randy Parker becoming vice chairman and Norm Hills clerk. The members’ liaison assignments have not changed and will be posted at marionma.gov.

            The brief meeting featured many action items and a short report from Town Administrator Geoff Gorman.

            In his report, Gorman updated the Select Board on progress with irrigation at the Cushing Community Center. He reported that the Community Center Working Group is contacting a vendor to add irrigation to the front lawn and to add pavilion items.

            It was noted that “the living wall” (plantings) look beautiful. Harry Norweb, who was in attendance, told the board the group had money to install pipes and connected to a hose to get water to the plantings.

            In an update on Wells Road, Gorman said he was working with Town Counsel and learned that a portion of the road in question is owned by the state. Representative William Straus is working with the state to provide for discontinuance. Gorman will work with Town Counsel to get an easement process started.

            In an update on American Tower Asset Sub LLC to lease a Benson Brook parcel for a cell-phone tower, Gorman said that procurement law will require a bidding process. The lease on the parcel ran out in September 2022. Gorman said the best-case scenario will be to miss a month or two of payments. There is no transition period between contracts.

            Gorman publicly thanked Facilities Manager Shaun Cormier for his department’s work using an ADA Improvement Grant to build a walkway at Silvershell Beach. Parker noted that crushed gravel is in place and compacted, making the project ready for concrete.

            “It still amazes me every day how much those three gentlemen do,” said Gorman. Parker noted that the beach building and sign have been painted.

            Thanks to the DPW, Old Landing curb stops are in place, reported Gorman.

            The town is also asking for bids by June 2 for the July 1 Fireworks event (rain date July 7.) Tabor Academy was publicly thanked for a donation of $10,000 toward the event.

            Noting the recommendation of Chairperson Margie Baldwin, the Select Board approved the appointment of Ellen Bruzelius to the Parks and Tree Committee.

            The board approved road closures for two events: the Monday, May 29, 9:00 am Memorial Day Remembrance ceremony (Front Street from the Music Hall to Old Landing) in which U.S. Air Force Major Christopher A. Bonzagni will be the keynote speaker, and the Saturday, July 8, Arts in the (Bicentennial) Park event (Main Street and Spring Street) from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (rain date July 9.)

            The board approved Tabor Academy’s request for a performance extension of 30 minutes for its Saturday, June 10, reunion weekend dinner, meaning the music could run until 11:30 pm.

            A special, one-day alcohol-beverage license was approved for the Tri-County Music Association at Tabor Academy on Sunday, June 11, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, as was a special, one-day alcohol-beverage license for The Bartending Service of New England on Saturday, July 22, from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Silvershell Beach.

            Discussion items tabled included a letter to Eversource regarding support of the Southeastern Massachusetts Clean Grid Concept and Cemetery Commission fee increases. Both decisions were due to a lack of backup information.

            After being told that Department of Public Works Director Becky Tilden would like to meet with Water Department supervisors, annual water restrictions were also tabled.

            Two of four seats in the Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization are up for election in August. SMMPO develops plans for 27 communities in the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD.) Parker asked if the incumbents whose terms are up wish to continue to serve. If a Marion Select Board member becomes interested, he will notify Gorman for application information.

            The board approved Water/Sewer commitments of $11,031 (new service on May 3); $155 (sewer reconnection on May 9); $11,000 (new service on May 5); and $659.36 (final readings May 11.)

            Upon DPW recommendation, the board approved a Water/Sewer abatement of $2,439.93 at 929 Point Road but voted against another abatement request for $2,000 at 34 Pine Hill Lane after it was learned that a plumber found a crack in the discharge mechanism.

            Discussion of the Marion Housing Production Plan 2022 will appear as a New Business item on the board’s next agenda.

            The Open Space & Recreation Plan, measuring over 200 pages is available.

            The board reviewed a first read of the Public Comment Policy drafted in response to Open Meeting Law. A new policy would provide a way for the board to control the tempo in a public meeting. Burr said he would like such one-off policies all to be accessible in one location.

            Parker noted the importance of knowledge management and being up to date, and Hills asked that the policy be posted at marionma.gov.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Tuesday, June 6, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

            Previously, I wrote about Rochester’s Bicentennial which was commemorated on July 22, 1879. This date was chosen because it was 200 yrs. from the signing of the “Sepecan Purchase” in Plymouth. The 200th was a one-day celebration which according to reports of the day was attended by 6000 people.

            As years passed, it was once again time to plan a birthday celebration; this time for the town’s 250th. There are many interesting differences between the two celebrations. The first being that the 250th anniversary in 1936 was actually 57 years after the 200th. This was because the planners used the date of incorporation, June 4, 1686.This was only one of the differences. Rather than a one-day celebration, there were events on June 4, as well as, July 4 and 5.

            While the 200th’s activities (speeches and a clam bake) took place in Marion, the events of the 250th were spread throughout Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett. Also, this time more of the key pieces took place in Rochester Center.

            In 1935, as the 250th drew close, Town Meeting’s moderator, George Cowen, appointed a five-member committee to prepare a “suitable programme of commemoration”. As with the Bicentennial, Wareham, Marion and Mattapoisett (Rochester’s “daughter towns”) also formed committees. Unlike in 1879, there women were given a place on some of the committees. Both Wareham’s and Rochester’s committees included two women.

            The appointed Rochester committee was made up of Mrs. Louise Westgate, Mrs. Marion N. Peirce, Mr. Louis C. LeBaron, Rev. Harry L. Coole and Mr. Sanford Robinson. Planning began in 1935 and originally, there was talk of marching militia and cannons for June 4, but by 1936, the activity for that day was an Antique Exhibit. Pictured here are Mrs. Minnie Fuller, chairman, and Mrs. Alberta H. Gerrish. Many of the items on display dated from the early days of Rochester as did many of the ladies’ colonial gowns. There was also a Colonial Tea in the First Congregational vestry put on by the First Congregational Sewing Circle.

            At various times during the day, school children dressed in colonial clothing “sang songs of the early days” under the direction of Mrs. Arthur G. Webber and Mrs. Andrew H. MacGregor. The children also danced the Minuet on the grass in front of Town Hall. By the end of the afternoon’s festivities, over 400 people had signed the “Guest Register”.

            On the evening of the 4th, a banquet was held at the Rochester Women’s Club. There was music by the Marion and Mattapoisett bands and speeches representing Wareham, Marion and Mattapoisett were given.

            The next rounds of birthday events happened on the weekend of July 4th and 5th. On the 4th, there was a parade in Mattapoisett. It began at 9:30 am. There were many floats of all kinds, representing area businesses and organizations and several, bands. Prizes were awarded in different categories.

            At 1:00 following the parade, it was back to Rochester’s Women’s Club for a clambake. Then it was on to Marion for 2:00 swimming and running races at the “Marion Public Bathing Beach”. There was also a baseball game between the Wareham and Rochester town teams.

            Back in Rochester at 6:00 pm in the field behind Town Hall, an historic pageant was presented jointly by the four towns. There was a cast of 175, an orchestra and a male chorus. The pageant highlighted important events, beginning with Capt. John Church’s meeting with the Native American, Queen Awashanks, and moved on to scenes from the arrival of the first settlers, the first meeting in the church, the start of the Revolutionary War, arrival of the stagecoach running between New Bedford and Plymouth, the division of the town and a grand finale with birthday greetings and floral tributes from Wareham, Marion and Mattapoisett. It was said that the audience numbered between 3500 and 4000.

            The end of the pageant was not the end of the day’s events. It was back to Marion for the 8:15 awarding of prizes for all of the contests. These were given out at the Marion Bandstand before a band concert and the “largest display of fireworks ever seen.”

            On Sunday, July 5, there was a service at the First Congregational Church of Rochester with seating both in and outside of the church. Following the service, tea and refreshments were provided by the “ladies” of the North Rochester, East Rochester and First Congregational churches.

            This is truly just an outline of events. There is even more information in the exhibit at the Rochester Historical Museum. My favorite quotation from the Anniversary Record is how they dealt with the possibility of inclement weather, “They just proceeded to vote, unanimously, that there should be no storm allowed here at all during the celebration of the Rochester Bicentennial.”

            The sun shone all three days.

By Connie Eshbach

ORRJHS Students of the Month

on

Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for April, 2023

            Green Team: Toby N. McNulty & Reilly B. Patraiko

            Orange Team: Isabel J. Marujo & Belle O. Comorosky

            Blue Team: Caden J. Gonsalves & Nathan J. Tobin

            Red Team: Nathanael K. Bushnell & Bridget G. Coryer

            Exploratory Team: Benjamin A. Graham & Luke C. Pierre

Philip Bruce Marcosa

on

Philip Bruce Marcosa, 75, passed away in Colts Neck, New Jersey, on Monday, May 8, 2023 from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.

            He was born in Chicago, IL and moved to Mattapoisett, MA as a child. He graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School and served in the United States Air Force in Vietnam in the K9 Security Division.

            He worked briefly at Hiller Printing before starting his career in law enforcement with the Mattapoisett Police Department. He also held multiple additional jobs throughout the years, including as a bus driver for the ORR school district and an installation expert at Village Signs. In addition, Phil earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Bristol Community College. After 33 years with the force, he retired as a lieutenant.

            Phil was a member of the Social Harmony Lodge in Wareham, MA and served as a Past Master. He was a motorcycle and Corvette enthusiast and loved day and weekend trips throughout New England with his wife and their friends. He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. He firmly believed any day could be made better by a bowl of ice cream.

            Phil and Cheryl retired to North Fort Myers, FL and enjoyed many years there, during which they were actively involved in the Parkinson’s support community. Phil was often known to lead Parkinson’s exercise groups and helped to educate many about living with the disease.

            He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cheryl (Heath) Marcosa, his younger brother, Louis Marcosa and his brother-in-law, Michael Heath. He is survived by his daughter, Stacey (Marcosa) Murphy of Point Pleasant, NJ, and grandchildren, Charlotte St. Martin and Declan Murphy, and by his son, Scott Marcosa and wife, Laurie Marcosa of North Smithfield, RI and grandchildren, Lexi Marcosa and Bradley Marcosa, as well as by his brother -in-law, Stephen Heath and wife, Meredith (Moore) Heath of Marion, MA and his sister-in-law, Rebecca (Heath) Bacon of St. Petersburg, FL.

            Private services will be held at a later date.

Rochester Elections

on

Editor’s note: The Wanderer invited candidates in contested races (more candidates than open seats) to write up to 350 words explaining their candidacy for elected offices. The 2023 Rochester Town Election will be held on Wednesday, May 24. Mattapoisett and Marion candidates appeared in the May 11 Wanderer. Today, we present Rochester candidates. Questions submitted by the League of Women Voters South Coast helped provide talking points for the candidates.

Rochester Select Board

Two (2) candidates are on the Rochester Town Election ballot for one (1) open seat on the Select Board.

Greenwood Hartley III, Incumbent

Citizens of Rochester, in 2017 you chose me to serve on your Select Board. Since then, I’ve been working with not only my other Select Board members, but all the elected and appointed officials of Rochester to make significant progress in many areas, including: (1) Establish and appoint a Capital Planning Committee to work with department heads and identify and fund projects based on town-wide priorities; (2) Design and appoint a diverse and qualified Public Safety Feasibility Study Committee to review our fire and police buildings and prepare a plan for the future; (3) Protect our natural resources and expand public water supplies; (4) Implement Electrical Aggregation to reduce electrical rates; (5) Secure over $450,000 in grants for improvements in energy efficiency that is resulting in annual savings of over $20,000/year; (6) Secure additional grants for police, fire, Council on Aging, Library and other departments – all projects to improve services and reduce costs; (7) Resurrect the Personnel Board and charged them with reviewing and updating our By-Laws and Job Descriptions. The Select Board should lead, generate ideas, update and refine procedures and policies and propose new possibilities and advocate for improvement. Some of these opportunities had been overlooked by previous boards, but at my suggestion were reconsidered and implemented. Your Select Board and Town Government in general is far more proactive now that I’m involved. I have a track record of leading our town forward. I have made a difference and if re-elected I will continue to do so. Rochester is a special place to live. The people who move here, as well as those who have been here for generations, understand that. So do I. The town will continue to grow and change. When guiding that change there is no substitute for experience, trust and communication. I’m proud of Rochester. We are heading in the right direction. Your Select Board is better with me as a member. Please honor me with your vote on May 24.

Adam Murphy, Challenger

I have been fortunate to be born and raised in the Town of Rochester, married to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jessica Murphy and father of Hailey and Adam Jr. Along with Rochester-based Tri-Town Service trucking and Murphy’s Auto Salvage Inc., I have dedicated the past 20 years to public safety. As Marion’s deputy harbormaster and certified patrol officer for the Marion Police Department, I work on the annual budget, assist and protect boaters, other local agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard and MA Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and write grants that help offset department needs. Most recently, we secured $1,600,000 toward the $3,500,000 Maritime Center. In 2022, I was appointed to Rochester’s new Personnel Board and elected chairman. The opportunity to collaborate with department heads and other town officials and hear town employees’ concerns inspires me to propose that all committee chairpersons meet to better connect our boards to the community. I want to be a conduit to champion the public’s interests. Despite recent growth, Rochester lacks commercial-tax revenue to help offset budget increases. To realize our revised Master Plan, one of my goals is to find new ways to obtain grants for future capital projects. The town is conducting a feasibility study of the Police and Fire facilities. If elected, I will recommend that an outside agency completes an evaluation to determine the needs of each department and provide recommendations. I will also request an open house providing town residents the opportunity to tour current facilities. Workspace vacated by Rochester’s participation in the regional 911 service can be renovated as capital projects and salvaged. I want to understand more on the proposed $9,000,000, 6,000 square-foot addition to the Police Station. If elected, I will do my due diligence to get answers to the important questions before decisions are made. My background in public safety and working for a municipality have afforded me knowledge in town government and make me an ideal candidate. In this election, you have an opportunity to bring a new, fresh and vibrant insight to the Select Board. I ask for your vote on May 24.

Rochester Planning Board

            Three (3) candidates are on the Rochester Town Election ballot for two (2) open seats on the Planning Board. Incumbent John Demaggio did not respond to the Wanderer’s invitation to participate in this format.

Bendrix Bailey, Incumbent

            My name is Bendrix Bailey and I am running for a fourth term on the Planning Board. Experience, consistency and continuity are the three pillars of an effective member of the Planning Board. In addition to hundreds of pages of State and Town laws and rules, there are bi-weekly packages of plans and applications a member must be able to understand and respond to. As a personal matter, I have been a Rochester resident since 1985 and serve on both Planning and Conservation. This year I initiated a Citizens Petition to remove Rochester from the Green Communities program and the burdensome, wasteful and expensive SMART building codes. In the coming year, I will research and initiate a zoning change, making it commercially attractive for developers to construct housing for seniors. It will be a Free Market solution, not a government-funded morass. I was asked what my first choice would be for the use, if provided, of a $1,000,000 grant. It would be roads and infrastructure which are somewhat neglected for lack of funds. But honestly, why wait for a handout from the state. We can work those problems now. Please vote for me on May 24. Thank you.

Dennis McCarthy, Challenger

            My name is Dennis McCarthy. I have lived in Rochester for over 20 years with my wife as we raised our six children. Prior to coming here, I served eight years on active duty as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the Army. I am running for Planning Board because I believe that I can bring a well needed perspective to the board. For the past 20 years, I have developed and built commercial properties in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. I think the experience that I have bringing towns and developers together for a common goal can be used right here in town as we face some very big decisions in the near future. The town has a large apartment and commercial complex starting construction on Route 28, Police and Fire station additions/replacements and a technical high school that is looking to expand. These projects require someone with experience in navigating the complex issues related to permitting and construction. Rochester is a small town with small-town values. That’s why many of us moved here. We do not have the tax base that other towns have, and this has to be kept in mind when projects come up. There are ways to attract development that are beneficial to the town, and this is where my experience can help. Because I have been in the commercial construction business for so long, I can look at some of the bids and make sure that we are getting a fair price and a quality job. The other thing that needs attention is affordable housing. Our seniors and young families are being priced right out of town. We need to come up with a comprehensive plan for more affordable housing. Seniors are the soul of this town and young families are its future, so let’s act now to keep both those groups here.

ORR School Committee

            Editor’s note: The Old Rochester Regional School Committee has races for open seats this year in all three of the Tri-Towns. This week we present two candidates for one open seat in Rochester. Marion and Mattapoisett candidates for ORR School Committee seats appeared in the May 11 issue of The Wanderer.

James O’Brien, Rochester Challenger

            Hello! My name is James “Jim” O’Brien and I am running for the Old Rochester Regional School Committee. I spent my 35-year career at the forefront of education, developing and implementing innovative and unique educational programs designed to advance students. I retired as superintendent of Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. I served as chair of the ORR School Committee, Chair of SMEC Board of Directors and have coached both youth and high school level sports programs. I am the father of two beautiful, brilliant daughters who have benefited greatly from the Old Rochester Regional School District. There is not a piece of the educational system I have not seen, and this is why I am the best fit for this job.

            I demonstrate: realistic expectations (knowledge of what can and cannot be changed); deep respect for teachers, administration, students, and committee members; commitment to work on issues that truly matter; eagerness to work with, not against, others to come to compromise and resolution; and mastery of state laws and DESE requirements that must be complied with. We all have a responsibility to serve our community, and I know I can best serve mine with my ability to listen and facilitate meaningful conversations to ensure students, families, staff, and administration all feel supported. My ability to work as a conduit between fellow committee members, the community, parents, teachers, and school administration will bring everyone together for the best interest of our students. Vote Jim O’Brien on May 24 for ORR School Committee.

Joe Pires, Rochester Incumbent

            I am proud to say that I have lived in a great community with wonderful people in Rochester for over 21 years. It has been a blessing to have been able to raise children in a community that promotes good morals, values and respect for each other. My commitment to the school community is rooted in my belief that every student deserves a safe and academically enriching environment to learn and grow. I am an honest individual who values transparency and open communication. I am deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our children. I believe that we must take a proactive approach to ensuring that our schools are safe and secure, and I will work tirelessly to advocate for policies and procedures that prioritize student safety. Every student deserves a high-quality education. I will work diligently to ensure that our schools are providing students with the resources, tools and support they need to thrive academically. We need to become more efficient on where our tax dollars are spent. We need to ensure that our schools have the resources to retain our school teachers, faculty and staff. We cannot afford to lose talented educators who are invested in the success of our students. As a candidate who is a minority, I understand that it is important to focus on making decisions that will benefit everyone, not just a select few. By prioritizing the needs of the entire community, you can ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. I am committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions that will benefit everyone. Above all, I am someone who stands up for what is right, even in the face of opposition. I believe that the School Committee has a responsibility to do what is in the best interests of our students and our community. I looked forward to continuing to serve our school community as a member of the ORR School Committee. Please vote to “Re-elect Joe Pires” for ORR School Committee! Sincerely, Joe Pires

Rochester School Committee

            Editor’s note: Four (4) candidates are on the ballot for two (2) open seats on the Rochester School Committee.

Kate Duggan, Incumbent

            My name is Kate Duggan and I am a candidate for re-election to the RMS School Committee for a second three-year term. I’ve lived in Rochester for 13 years and my husband and I have two children attending RMS. As current chair of the Rochester Cultural Council, a parent member of the RMS PTO and volunteer for many other groups, I am an active contributor to enriching life in Rochester. I hold a Masters degree in Education and work for a major university in the area of grant development and strategy. I’ve applied all of my life and professional experiences to my service on the RMS School Committee and look forward to continuing to deliver on the promise of an excellent public education in our town. I am always well prepared for RMS School Committee and subcommittee meetings, and I bring thorough reports and updates on what’s going on with the Early Childhood Council, Policy Subcommittee, and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC). Given my experience and perspective, I believe we need to continue efforts to address learning loss coming out of the pandemic. Last year, the RMS School Committee allocated funds for a review of the literacy curriculum, and I am hopeful this effort will be particularly helpful for the children currently in Pre-K who may be running a bit behind in Kindergarten readiness due to effects of the pandemic. Additionally, the committee must continue to allocate sufficient funding to repair or replace computers regularly; our students live in a connected world and need to build these skills for their future studies and employment. Finally, another of my priorities as a School Committee member is to work with the entire Rochester community to build a welcoming school environment for all students, teachers and staff. As a parent, I am extremely invested in making sure RMS is a safe, supportive environment for my kids and their classmates to learn and thrive. I show up, put in the work and, with your support, will continue to do so for the next three years. Thank you for your consideration.

Anne Fernandes, Incumbent

            My name is Anne Fernandes, and I am an incumbent running for a third term on the Rochester Memorial School Committee. I have a Master’s in Special Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership. I have served for 22 years as a paraprofessional, a classroom teacher, a Reading Recovery teacher, and a Special Education teacher in three local elementary schools. As a representative, I have collaborated on teams negotiating teachers’ and paraprofessionals’ contracts, the Budget Subcommittee, Capitol Planning, the Joint School Committee, board member of the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC), the superintendent’s review process, the hiring teams for our current superintendent and assistant superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and the development of the Strategic Plan. I have championed the district’s decision in its pursuit of the new Literacy approach espoused in the Science of Reading for staff and students. Literacy instruction based on this evidence-based practice is a win for all students including those with decoding struggles. I affirm our district’s use of Responsive Classroom as a Social Emotional Learning approach in cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, and self-control. Responsive Classroom is a Social Emotional Learning model which provides age and ability-appropriate expectations to develop student-to-student and student-to-staff relationships in all school settings. Finally, valuable parents’ rights are documented in the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment that parents should receive at the beginning of every school year. I advocate that all curriculum and DESE’s Learning Standards should be posted on the RMS website for parent review. I advocate that the district adopts an “opt-in” model when seeking permission for surveys, rather than an “opt-out” format. Finally, I encourage the inclusion of parents and community members as decision-makers, as afforded in the committee’s Policy AB and evidenced during February of 2022 when parents gave input regarding the rescission of the mask mandate. That was powerful! Given the continued opportunity to represent you on this Committee, I will work towards including parents and community members in decision-making, assuring your parental rights, school safety, and academics for all students. Please vote in Rochester’s Town Election on Wednesday, May 24.

Gregory Hardy, Challenger

            I’m the son of a retired teacher and grew up in the town of Acushnet where I attended elementary and junior high before moving on and graduating from New Bedford High School. In 2017 my family and I decided to move to the great town of Rochester for several reasons. We knew about the great school system Rochester had to offer and we also have close family who have lived in town for over 30 years. My wife and I have two kids that currently attend RMS, and according to staff members they are both well liked and great students. As a youth coach, I’ve always taken the approach of treating every child equally, working towards improvement and building confidence. I’ve always taken a strong interest in everything my kids do, and their education is no different. I regularly attend School Committee meetings for RMS and ORR.Committee members need to work together, support each other and make sure that all sides of the issues are heard and recognized. Common sense needs to prevail, and a middle ground needs to be found on dividing issues. If elected, I would also like to advance school safety at RMS, especially in the form of private security or a resource officer. Next year’s RMS proposed budget is over $6,700,000. I would be happy to work with the administration on adjusting the budget for improved school safety. I believe that we need more balance on our school committees. Our students lost valuable time during Covid, and I believe it’s also important to stay focused on academic achievement. Studies also show that a family’s engagement has a direct positive impact on a child’s learning success. That includes making sure that teachers are given the tools that they need for all students to achieve a positive experience.

Sydney Teixeira, Challenger

            My name is Sydney Teixeira and I am running for the Rochester Memorial School Committee. One of the reasons I am running is to add to the perspectives that the current School Committee has because I understand the pressures that students face both in and outside the classroom. I can provide insights that other School Committee members have not experienced. As an ORR alum, I experienced the incorporation of technology into education like no other School Committee members have. I understand the stresses associated with preparing and taking standardized tests like the MCAS throughout elementary, middle and high school. I also have experience as a college mentor with a focus on organizing a program geared towards fostering a sense of belonging, increasing mental wellbeing, and promoting academic success within first-year students in my biology program. I want to continue our efforts on ensuring students are entering and leaving our school, excited to learn, and feeling comfortable and safe both in the classroom and on the buses. I would like to collaborate with our fellow School Committee members to ensure that our budget aligns with the needs of our teachers. We need to provide our educators with the necessary tools and resources to help our students reach their learning goals. I want your students to know that they deserve to feel accepted by their friends, peers and school staff and faculty regardless of their skin color, gender identity or beliefs. In addition, we need to stress the importance of positive student-teacher relationships and the impact that it makes on a child’s social and emotional wellbeing. As a community, we need to work together to ensure that all students are happy, eager and supported at RMS because a happy child is a better learner.

Trustees of Rochester Public Library

            Editor’s note: Three (3) candidates are on the Rochester Town Election ballot for two (2) open seats on the Trustees of the Public Library. None of the three is an incumbent.

Heather Alford

            With the new library director, I feel there’s new energy around the library and I would love the opportunity to play a part in overseeing the library activities, helping Kristen to get her objectives accomplished, and being a voice for my community in bringing some exciting new programming for all ages to the library and help make it more of the community hub it deserves to be. Our library is a hidden gem!

Jane Taylor

            I am seeking a position on the Board of Trustees of the Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library to give back to a town resource that has given so much to me. Early on, the library was a great resource to us as we renovated the old farmhouse we had purchased. We were able to access information on the period in which the house was built and, in the process, learned a lot about the history of the town. My involvement with the new library began with moving books from the old Town Hall location to the newly built Joseph H. Plumb Memorial library. Shortly after, having joined the Rochester Women’s Club, I brought the idea of a Children’s Story hour to the membership. We hoped to staff the story hour on a rotating basis with club members as volunteer readers. With an enthusiastic response, I met with Mrs. Olive B. Winslow, longtime librarian at the time, who gave us the go ahead. In my long career in education – teaching children, educating teachers from preschool to college, and for 23 years as Old Rochester Regional School District’s Early Childhood coordinator and a developer of Project GROW, I attained a strong connection with and understanding of the needs of Tri-Town children and their families. Through grant opportunities available in the Early Childhood office, I was able to collaborate with the library, helping to build the children’s and parenting book collections. More recently, now reading almost exclusively for pleasure, I greatly appreciated the creativity of our talented library staff in providing books to patrons throughout the pandemic. This service was a welcomed oasis in that stressful time. Now that I am retired, I have the time to help support our new library director and to give back to this valuable town institution. I have always enjoyed helping to develop new services and start up new programs. Having lived in town for 50 years has given me a perspective of its growth and development over time.I would like to help that growth and development of library services continue as a library trustee.

Sarah Verbyla

            My name is Sarah Verbyla and I am running for the position of Joseph H. Plumb Library Trustee. I have been a resident of Rochester for six years and a lifelong patron of libraries. I believe that libraries are an important resource intended to serve the entire community. I am running in order to help and guide the library in its mission to serve “all segments of the community,” “reflecting many points of view.” I am a licensed pharmacist, having worked in the hospital setting for seven years before transitioning to the IT department of a local healthcare system four years ago. From being a pharmacist, I have learned that sometimes “I don’t know, let me look into it,” is the best answer at a given moment. Working in IT has taught me there is no such thing as making a decision in a vacuum. Every decision affects the whole system in some way, and it is important to understand the potential implications of a decision. Both of these qualities would be brought into my role as Library trustee. If elected, top priorities would be to work on areas of weakness identified in the library five-year plan for 2021-26. Of particular interest to me are working to increase programming attendance, expand the library of things, and increase millennial outreach. Libraries have transformed into so much more than just a place to get books, and I would love to help further that transformation to become an even greater resource for our community. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Marion Memorial Day Events

on

The 2023 Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will take place on Monday, May 29 starting at 9:00 am in front of the Music Hall at 164 Front Street. In the event of rain, the event will be relocated to the Multipurpose Room of Sippican Elementary School.

            The 2023 procession and remembrances will follow same route as in past years, stepping off from the Music Hall northbound on Front Street, marching 0.6 miles up Front Street to the Veterans’ Memorial at Old Landing. Upon arrival at the Veterans’ Memorial, the town will pay tribute to our military’s “honored dead” who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

            The procession and remembrances will feature the Sippican School Marching Band led by director Hannah Moore as well as The Portuguese American Band. The ceremony will conclude with members of the Select Board laying a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Major Andrew Bonney of the US Air Force.

            The featured speaker is Major Christopher Bonzagni of the U.S. Air Force. Major Bonzagni grew up in southern Massachusetts and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 2005 as an infantryman, deploying twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and 2008, which deployment included more than 50 combat patrols and multiple high-value target captures. In 2011 Major Bonzagni transferred to the Air National Guard as a geospatial intelligence analyst before commissioning in 2014. In his civilian capacity he is the founder and CEO of CB Consulting where he is a national security and technology consultant. Major Bonzagni holds a B.A. in Political Science from Bridgewater State University, from which he graduated summa cum laude and is currently pursuing an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Major Bonzagni resides in New Hampshire with his wife and children.

            Residents are encouraged to attend the remembrances as well as stand along the parade route on Front Street between Cottage Street and Ryder Lane.