Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club awarded two $2,000 scholarships to Mattapoisett residents who are graduating high school seniors and a $1,000 scholarship to a Mattapoisett resident who is in pursuit of a post-secondary degree. This year’s recipients are:

            Kara LeBlanc, a student at Old Colony Regional Technical High School, plans to attend Johnson and Wales University to expand her baking and management skills. She was a camper at the YMCA from a very young age and has progressed to become a staff member for the past three years.

            ORR student Emma Williamson plans to attend Northeastern University with a double major in Mathematics and Political Science. During her high school career, she interned with the Sippican Historical Society as an archival researcher and also received many school honors. She is an active member of the Massachusetts Climate Education Organization (MCEO), whose goal is to mandate climate justice.

            Serena Jaskolka, a graduate of ORR and Worcester State University, is pursuing an MS in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of New Hampshire.

            The MWC’s scholarship history started in 1943 with $5 awarded to a Center School Mattapoisett student. In 1948, the amount was $100 and has steadily increased, thanks to our community supported fundraising efforts. To date, more than $100,000 in scholarships has been presented to local scholars.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is always open to new members from the South Coast area. For more information and a membership application, please see the Club’s website at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/members.

Bishop Stang High School Commencement

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Bishop Stang High School will celebrate the graduation of 121 seniors who have successfully completed their course of studies on Friday, May 28. The graduation will be presided over by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha S.D.V., D.D. who will confer the diplomas and address the graduates. Presentation of candidates will be conducted by Bishop Stang President/Principal Peter Shaughnessy, Assistant Principal of Academics Kathleen Ruginis, and Bishop Stang Assistant Principal of Students Michael O’Brien. Invocation will be performed by Father David Pignato and congratulatory remarks made by Daniel S. Roy, Fall River Diocese Superintendent of Schools. Tri-Town Graduates include:

            From Marion: Marissa Botelho, Bridget Clavell, Raquel da Costa, & Sophie Lynch,

Martin, Ryan; From Mattapoisett: Liam Downey, Cole Dube, Hayden Duke, Ella Meninno, & Joel Michaud; From Rochester: Dylan Aguiar, Maxwell Brulport, and Isaac Ouellette.

Charles Evans Bascom

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Charles Evans Bascom died peacefully in Tucson on March 29th, 2021 at the age of 79 as the gorgeous full moon was setting. His last days were spent at home surrounded by loving caregivers, friends and family.

            Charlie was fascinated with all things to do with the sky, be it celestial navigation or pyrotechnics. There was no holiday or event that couldn’t be enhanced by a few fireworks. He was a collector of marine instruments, tools, friends, experiences, blues albums, scraps of unused paper – you might call him a hoarder. He was a tinkerer and a fixer – had more tools than most and knew how to use them all. And, he was a great cook. He loved to travel and was intrepid when attempting to speak a foreign language or learn to cook an unfamiliar cuisine.

            Charlie was most comfortable at sea – unfortunately he married a landlubber but she did try. He loved “messing about in boats” – rigging, chartering, cruising, and inviting friends on an “adventure” (you know who you are!). He loved to amuse people with his very dry, subtle and often off-the-wall sense of humor. He was a wild and crazy dancer with a style all his own – very hard to follow but definitely enthusiastic! He could spend hours listening to B.B. King and Chuck Berry. He was always ready to recite Eskimo Nell – a “poem” in the style, if not the content, of Robert Service. Then there were the movie and murder mystery parties, scavenger hunts and sleep overs – the early years in Marion.

            Cozy and comfortable was his style. A night by the fireplace with his friends and his dogs was his idea of heaven. Totally non-judgmental, empathic and a little quirky, he was a gentle man and a gentleman. Charlie met his personal challenges with grace and good humor.

            Charlie was born in St. Louis MO to Elizabeth Evans Bascom and Joseph Holliday Bascom in 1941. He graduated from Brooks School where he met a wonderful group of lifelong friends and had many nonacademic adventures – rewiring the school and riding to class backwards on his bike, for instance. Charlie also served on the Brooks School board from 2004-2015. He graduated from Boston University in 1964 and got his MBA from Columbia University in 1971. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1965 to 1970. In 1970, he married Christina Mitchell Bascom. They moved to Marion MA in 1971 and in recent years, divided their time between Marion and Tucson AZ.

            Charlie was an early adopter of computers and loved to write software. After Columbia, Charlie worked for Raytheon Technologies Corporation in Washington D.C. and later for Environmental Devices Corporation in Marion, MA He developed software for boatyards and founded Quadrant Corporation and WatchCaptain LLC. He was President of the Rotch Jones Duff House board and on the New Bedford Whaling Museum board and very active philanthropically in the New Bedford area. He was also a founding board member of the Marion Bermuda Race and the Marion Antiques Show.

            Charlie is survived by his wife, Christina, and his sister, Constance Bascom McPheeters and her children and families – Alex and Jennie McPheeters, Lizzy and Dave Rickard and Katherine McPheeters.

            Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Community Boating Center of New Bedford 1641 Padanaram Avenue, New Bedford,MA 02740

Edward F. Alves Sr.

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Edward F. Alves Sr. passed away unexpectedly on Friday December 4, 2020 at Tobey hospital in Wareham. He was born in New Bedford two loving parents Bernadette McQuade Alves and Edward Louis Alves on December 27, 1950. He is survived by his wife Lynette and three sons, Edward F. Alves II of New Hampshire, Robert G. Alves and grandson Robert E. Alves of Connecticut, and Mark Moore and wife Carolynn and grandchildren Audrey, Jacqueline, and Ryan of Braintree.

            Edward is also survived by his four siblings, Catherine Clark and husband Dan of New Hampshire, Joseph Alves and wife Judy of Virginia, John Alves and wife Diane of Dartmouth, Paul Alves and wife Janet of North Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

            Edward graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School with a degree in welding in 1969 and then enlisted in the United States Navy in 1970. Responsible for the maintenance of DC3 cargo planes during the Vietnam War, he was promoted to Aircraft Mechanic Captain in charge of flight crews responsible for the maintenance and welfare of these aircraft. He was recognized for his service by receiving the National Defense Service Medal and an honorable discharge from the US Navy on April 29, 1975.

            A lifelong resident of Mattapoisett, Edward adored his family. He was quick to lend a helping hand and perhaps more so, to share his sense of humor to lighten the mood and raise our spirits. His kindness, generosity, and quick wit that defined his character will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

            A private funeral service with military honors will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on June 4, 2021.

            Rest in peace Eddie.

Stephen Joseph Rogers

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Stephen Joseph Rogers, 88, of New Bedford passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 16, 1932 in New Bedford to Joseph Rogers and Mary (Oliveira) Rogers.

            Steve was a U. S. Army Korean War Veteran and served in the Occupational Forces in Germany.

            Steve graduated from Dartmouth High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. He was the Founder/Owner of Whaling City Drywall, Inc., and later became a Carpentry Instructor at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School.

            He was an ice hockey AHA and NCAA referee and member of the Naragansett Wheelman. Steve was also a member of the Marion, Allendale and New Bedford Country Clubs. He served on the New Bedford Cultural Council and the Veteran’s Advisory Board. In addition, he was a member of the Zeiterion Theater, the Friends of Buttonwood Park, and the Whaling Museum. For many years, he participated in the Art Therapy for Seniors Program. He volunteered as a tour guide at the Waterfront Historic District, and as a docent at the Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Military Museum.

            Stephen is survived by this wife of 55 years, Helen (Seferiadis) Rogers; his son, Christopher Joseph Rogers of Dartmouth; his daughter Elaine (Rogers) Dupre of Dartmouth and her husband Peter; and two grandchildren, Jacob Joseph Dupre and Annica Eleni Dupre.

            He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

            Donations in Steve’s name may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center Street, P.O. Box 751 Fairhaven, MA 02719 or the Fort Taber Military Museum, 1000C Rodney French Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02744. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rochester Historical Society Reopens

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            Nestled along an old roadway on the outskirts of modern-day Rochester stands the East Rochester Church, once the home of a Methodist congregation. Today it is still stately in its Greek Revival old age and still gives people a place to go and reflect on the town’s long history. It is in this manner of reflection and observing items left behind by our ancestors that we come to understand ourselves better or, at the very least, have a grand time checking out really old stuff.

            On May 22, the Rochester Historical Society opened the doors to the church museum at 355 County Road that the society has owned since 2003. For the princely sum of $1, the society became the owner of the 1857 church and the contents there in: namely pews, lectern, and the church’s organ. But as member Connie Eshbach stated, that $1 bargain has cost them far more in upkeep over the years.

            Thusly when the world shut it doors last March, things got a bit tight for the organization that depends on donations generated from visitor revenue. Now, as it appears the U.S. is on the verge of reopening the country, the RHS is back to planning public events. Hosting seasonal yard and bake sales and opening the church museum doors started on May 22.

            In preparation for “A Curator’s Show Part 1: Treasures of the Past,” the current exhibit that will run until September, Eshbach and fellow member Susan LaFleur plumbed the depths of the building’s cubbyholes, uncovering a vast selection of donated items not previously put on display.

            In one corner inside a glass curio case, itself a piece of history, sat a handwritten thank you note from one Mr. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow dated 1882. In another area was a notebook from 1795, and books written by the Leonard sisters including one by Caroline Leonard Goodenough with the titillating title, “Legends, Loves and Loyalties of Old New England.”

            One almost feels that by cracking open the book secrets from past liaisons will spill out. Alas, that is not the case. According to LaFleur, “It’s a genealogical study of her family, really.” Leonard Goodenough’s sister, Mary Leonard, is responsible in part for a book simply titled, “Mattapoisett and Old Rochester,” a history of the region long out of print. Mary Leonard also wrote “The Days of The Swamp-Angle.” That one may be worth a second trip to the museum.

            You’ll also find snippets of the history of the post office. Now, you may think this a bit on the droll side but see what the society members have put together from oral and written histories.

            They share on a descriptive label, “According to Mary Hall Leonard, acknowledged as Rochester’s historian, there was a romantic tragedy associated with the early post office run by Nathan Willis.” As the story goes, Willis’ daughter didn’t like the fact that one Miss Bashie Holmes was receiving love letters from an unnamed suitor. Willis’ daughter made sure the letters were never received by Holmes. The tragedy is that apparently Holmes died an unmarried matron feeling spurned by her boyfriend. But fate has a way of evening the score. Willis’ daughter was reported to have had “a short and strenuous marriage,” dying at the age of 30 in 1821.

            There is every manner of unique item to study and ponder over in the exhibit. In yet another corner is a shelf covered with Civil Defense booklets, and nearby stands an old ballot box looking as if it was repurposed from a crate of fruit, along with items left behind from a hat factory once upon a time located near Snipatuit Pond. And let us not forget – a flogger. It is as evil looking in real life as it is in the movies.

            The exhibit is sure to excite the imagination and inform those seeking to further their local history. And it’s no small task to ensure that future generations will also have this very special historical gem to enjoy and learn from.

            The Rochester Historical Society members are a team of totally invested people. They work hard to support the needs of the building that is home to their collections and a place to hold lectures and events that brings history to life not only for residents but anyone wishing to learn more about Rochester, its past, and its people.

            Eshbach said, “Our mission is to preserve and share Rochester’s history through lectures, press releases, and displaying historical items.”

             If you attend an event at the society’s church museum building, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Woodside Cemetery gently embracing the exterior of the church grounds like an arm wrapped tenderly around a departed loved one. There you’ll find Lucy and Mary resting for all eternity, along with women whose fantastical names speak old New England – Resolva, Drugilla, Emerintha, and Sarepta.

            The May 22 show was sponsored in part by the Rochester Cultural Council. To learn more including when the church museum is open, call 508-295-8909.

By Marilou Newell

Willoughby Elliott Retrospective at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center is pleased to announce its next exhibit, “Willoughby Elliott: A Retrospective.” The show will feature paintings, serigraph prints, and ceramic vessels by the late artist, spanning over 30 years. Elliott’s atmospheric, impressionistic compositions contain gestural brush strokes of bold and vibrant colors. His emotive paintings remind one of a humid summer day in New England, some evoking the feeling of walking along on the edge of a marsh or cranberry bog. The soft edges of trees and overlapping colors present a calming view of landscapes or vistas familiar to all who live in the region.

            Elliott was born in California in 1943. He earned a Master’s in Fine Arts in Painting from Rhode Island School of Design in 1967 and went on to chair the Department of Fine Arts at the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he was professor of painting and printmaking. Elliot was a beloved teacher and a prolific artist. Starting out as a printmaker, he was later known for his paintings featuring local landscapes, which he exhibited extensively at galleries and museums throughout New England. Elliott passed on April 12, 2016 at age 72.

            The MAC exhibit runs June 4 – July 16, with an Opening Night Viewing scheduled on Friday, June 4, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The number of guests allowed in the galleries at one time will be limited, but visitors may mingle outdoors on the MAC lawn during the event. Art in Bloom @ the MAC is also scheduled during the retrospective. Visitors can view floral arrangements inspired by Elliott’s works, June 24 – 26. The Marion Art Center is located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion, MA, at the corner of Main and Pleasant streets.

            This exhibition is presented by the Marion Art Center in partnership with the College of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. One-third of all proceeds from sales will support the Willoughby Elliott Endowed Scholarship Fund at the CVPA. The purpose of this fund will be to provide scholarship to a fulltime undergraduate in his or her junior or senior year with a preference for a painting major with financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office at UMass Dartmouth. Additional donations to the fund can be sent to the Office of Advancement Services, UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747. For more information about the show, visit marionartcenter.org. Contact the MAC by calling 508-748-1266 or by emailing info@marionartcenter.org.

Sippican Historical Society Scholarship

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The scholarship committee of the Sippican Historical Society is pleased to announce Emma Williamson as the first winner of the Judith Rosbe History Scholarship. Applicants are required to submit a paper or project on a historical topic with local history of particular interest to the committee. Emma’s submission, a paper entitled, “An Amorous Connection: The Story of the Reynolds Pamphlet,” was well-researched and extremely well-written. The committee was pleased to award Emma the $1000 scholarship in its inaugural year.

Progress Made on Doggett’s Brook Farm

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Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! RLT has raised over $50,000. We are well on our way to our $100,000 goal. We are also excited to share that we have extended our deadline to June 30.

            Buzzards Bay Coalition has officially closed on the property. The next steps are to put a conservation restriction on the land and sell to a suitable buyer (they have had several offers). The donations from RLT and from you will help to secure the best possible buyer with the most restrictions on the property.

            We hope you’ll join us in saving this important piece of Rochester’s rural legacy. You can mail donations to RLT at P.O. Box 443, Rochester, MA 02770 or donate on our website: www.rochesterlandtrust.org.

Clean Sweep on FY22 Warrant

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            The atmosphere on Monday night at Rochester Memorial School was festive, in stark contrast to 2020, as Finance Committee Chairman Kris Stoltenberg addressed attendees of the May 24 Annual Town Meeting and remarked on a “growing sense of normalcy and optimism.”

            In prefacing the 17 articles on the warrant that would all carry with only a few drawing isolated voices of dissent, Stoltenberg told attendees that all the Fiscal Year 2022 budgets are within the scope of a level-funded budget philosophy with any increases explained, scrutinized, and ultimately recommended.

            A pie chart accompanied the literature on the table inside the meeting hall, indicating a consistent approach, and Stoltenberg explained that to pay for Article 4, the $22,887,488 FY22 operating budget (up from $22,522,236 for FY21), 59 percent would come from $13,394,343 in tax levies, 22 percent or $4,955,000 in local receipts (includes SEMASS PILOT payments and approximately $800,000 in excise tax), and from various other sources.

            The Rochester Memorial School budget, he said, increases by 2.5 percent, ORR by 2 percent, and Bristol Aggie by 7 percent, the latter because its transportation costs are no longer part of the RMS budget. The Plymouth County Retirement Fund is up 11 percent.

            Stoltenberg further noted that this is Rochester’s second year benefitting from the services of a volunteer Capital Planning Committee, and praised its efforts in “forward-thinking, balanced recommendations with available funds.”

            In 2019, Rochester passed the Green Community Act with 240 other towns in the state and in FY21 received $136,000 in associated grant funding for energy conservation measures.

            Rochester continues its participation in the federal CARES Act, $550,000 of which has assisted schools and $250,000 to the town in non-budgeted pandemic-related reimbursements as administered by Plymouth County.

            “The town is in a strong position and can now work past the pandemic and work in a fiscally responsible way,” said Stoltenberg, thanking the Finance Committee and Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar for their work on the FY22 budget.

            Two articles in particular resulted in comments from the floor.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnie Johnson told attendees that on May 11 the board recommended unanimously to adopt Article 10.

            Town Counsel Blair Bailey explained from the stage that Article 10, the Flood Plain District Amendment, is a federally funded insurance program and that, in order to be eligible to collect, the town must have a zoning bylaw that complies with federal and state regulations. Only a few areas of town fall into a flood plain district, he said, and further stated that the amendment does not represent any substantive changes but is meant to clarify the bylaw and meet federal and state requirements.

            David Arancio, Finance Committee member who also chairs the Capital Planning Committee, explained that Article 11 recommending $201,190 in funding from the Capital Improvement Fund means there is no borrowing, and he thanked associated participants and stakeholders for their work in arriving at the expenditure that will cover replacement of two Highway Department dump trucks, an aging alarm system and outdated technology at Rochester Memorial School, a new floor for the Highway Barn, irrigation for a playing field, and the purchase of air handlers, compressors, and related electrical.

            Meeting attendance easily exceeded the 30 required to establish a quorum, a minimum that will no longer be in effect in two weeks when the state of emergency expires.

            Before the first article was read by Moderator Kirby Gilmore, Selectman Woody Hartley recognized new faces in town administration, new Council on Aging Director Eric Poulin, new Veterans Services Director Christopher Gerrior, and from the public education sector Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical Superintendent Director Aaron Polansky and the Old Rochester Regional Central Office team represented by Superintendent Mike Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Jannell Pearson-Campbell, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber, and Director of Student Services Craig Davidson.

            Hartley also made a special recognition of Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon, who drew a round of applause. Farinon is leaving the town’s employ this summer after a 35-year career.

            The final article approved the Town Election to be held on Wednesday, March 26, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Senior Center at 67 Dexter Lane. One amendment on Article 17 was required to correct the Planning Board race from one open seat to two.

Rochester Town Meeting

By Mick Colageo