Fieldstone Abutters Will Be Heard

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            A continued public hearing Tuesday night with the Marion Planning Board on Major Site Plan Review for the application of Fieldstone Farms Market to expand its 806 Mill Street footprint upset abutters in attendance when the hearing was continued because the board is waiting on its peer review.

            Planning Board Chairman Tucker Burr issued an impassioned apology to those in attendance, saying he never should have allowed a discussion to begin without that information.

            Citing specific requests made by the town such as a stormwater report and zoning compliance, Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee told the board that he anticipates peer review wrapping up its work later this week and recommended waiting on that feedback before engaging in further discussion.

            Things got dicey when a letter submitted by the abutters outlining their concerns was mentioned. The board batted around the merits of holding discussion and when specifics were mentioned, member Jon Henry sought a point of order in asking if the case was going to be discussed.

            Vice Chairman Andrew Daniel noted that peer review will not look at screening, so the board might find that conversation to be useful. He also introduced photos that were taken, meant to address issues raised in the abutters’ letter.

            Doug Troyer, applicant Arnie Johnson’s attorney, was attending the meeting remotely and sought to maintain the intended order of the process.

            “We set up the peer review, let’s get the peer review,” he said, recommending a continuance of the public hearing. “That would also allow the abutters to review the peer review.”

            The public hearing was continued to Monday, May 6, at 7:15 pm.

            In a public hearing held earlier Monday night, the board voted to recommend several proposed bylaw changes at a future town meeting, only not the May 13 Annual Town Meeting, as the warrant has already been closed by the Select Board.

            Building Commissioner Bob Grillo was consulted for his comments on some of the proposed bylaw changes: 230-2.3 Powers of Board of Appeals; 230-4.2 Table of Principle Uses; 230-5.3 Multifamily Residential Housing; 230-5.6 Special Permit and Local Initiative Program (LIP) Dwelling Units 230-5.6A and 230-5.6B(5); 230-6.1 Nonconforming Uses and Structures; Signs 230-6.2(4), 230-6.2A(5) and 230-6.2D(4) and 230-11.2 Definitions.

            Grillo said the Powers of Board of Appeals needs to consult with Town Counsel for the change’s potential impacts on other bylaws. He said former Town Counsel Jon Witten had told the town that most towns do not allow for a use variance anymore, so he recommended striking the bylaw. “It’s something we want to make sure everything is in line before we pull the trigger on that,” said Grillo.

            Under Table of Principle Uses, Grillo identified an inconsistency that he recommended Marion address regarding retail uses by right for spaces less than 5,000 square feet. He said retail is probably the least invasive of any business use, so while a restaurant can be by right, it makes sense to allow the same for retail. The board voted to recommend the change for a future town meeting.

            Tweaks were made to language in other bylaws addressing accessory apartments and self-storage facilities.

            The board tabled a vote on the Multifamily Residential Housing after the application of the term “affordable” was considered inconsistent in some instances with its definition where it concerns state housing laws relative to terms such as “low-income” and the 40B statute.

            Local developer Sherman Briggs spoke on the matter, referring to his former proposal for 28 market-rate housing units off Spring Street, a plan he abandoned because of sewer rates he says the town is charging at $37,000 per unit under that scenario.

            “Last week, I filed for 42 units under this bylaw, and I will build the affordable units required,” said Briggs, who says with a 42-unit plan he can negotiate the sewer fees.

            He said Marion’s inclusionary housing bylaw makes it “next to impossible” to build a market-rate development, which he believes would better serve the town because of it would generate $300,000 per year in taxes and water/sewer fees.

            Grillo recommended tabling the bylaw change and sending it back to the Codification Committee for cleanup.

            During the Planning Board’s April 1 meeting, the members approved a site-plan-review contract with SITEC at $3,200 that cuts in half a previous quote at $6,500 for the Fieldstone project.

            The draft for a Short-Term Rentals bylaw was poured over. Daniel recognized editing work done by member Alanna Nelson and, prior to, Eileen Marum, in preparing a version that the board could run through in preparation for the public hearing to be held on April 16.

            Among items discussed was the limit on the total number of short-term-rental units in the town. Crafted as 20% of affordable-housing units in Marion, Daniel asserted that the overall housing number is what should be referenced. Burr said he did not like putting a number on it regardless. A limit of registrations to single owners was scrapped.

            Guey-Lee reminded the board of a comment at a prior meeting that predicted a “gold rush” to ensure a spot under whatever cap the town might set.

            Parking restrictions were also discussed, and the board opened the floor to residents attending the meeting. Dan Crete asserted that applying a bylaw outside of a residential zone is overstepping the intent of a short-term-rental bylaw’s concerns.

            Neither Marum nor Nelson were present at the April 1 meeting, and Burr said the board should ensure their comments on the April 1 iteration of the draft should be heard and taken into consideration.

            Guey-Lee reiterated his advice that the April 1 discussion not produce a vote to recommend any aspect of the bylaw because the session was not an advertised, public hearing.

            The MS4 Stormwater Management Bylaw proposal was also discussed on April 1. Burr said DPW engineer Meghan Davis would head up the process, and the board would revisit at a later date. Guey-Lee requested he remain in the loop. Burr does not anticipate the matter to continue being discussed by the board. Daniel reiterated his concern that the town obey the law but not in excess so as not to burden taxpayers.

            Select Board member Randy Parker asked Burr how it came about that the Planning Board is vetting the bylaw. Burr explained it came to the board and that he has hoped that Davis would lead the way. He is against a process that would add restrictions and expense.

            Daniel added that the board voted in a prior meeting not to support the current draft at Town Meeting. Guey-Lee said he and Davis determined that expertise is required to take the matter further to engage potential audits and/or enforcement on Marion’s status as required by the state and federal governments. Guey-Lee said the study is being paid for by a line item in the DPW’s budget.

            Member Ryan Burke said that the board’s pushback was essentially requesting that Davis limit the bylaw proposal to reflect the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency. In answer to a question from Parker, Guey-Lee and the board interpret Davis’s presentation of the bylaw as a draft inherited rather than authored.

            Daniel explained his battery-energy storage subject on the agenda to introduce the matter to the board that will be charged with drafting a bylaw. Daniel pointed out battery-farm fires contaminating water and necessitating evacuations.

            “Right now, they can do it anywhere and by right, and right now we’ve got nothing,” he said, noting that the existing solar bylaw should be integrated with a battery bylaw.

            Member Dale Jones said the board should make suggestions to the Select Board on the discontinuance of Wells Road and leave it in the Select Board’s hands. Crete said he worked in the area and said he experienced “many near misses” breaking on Route 6 westbound and turning right onto Wells.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Specially Processed American Meat

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            I like Spam!

            There, I’ve said it. I like Spam. That would be Spam with a big “S”, not spam with a small “s”. No one likes spam with a small “s”. Spam with a small “s” is junk that fills your email inbox with unsolicited commercial jetsam of useless garbage.

            Spam with a big “S” is a delicious wedding of pork and ham, which can be served in a variety of ways that satisfies one’s hunger for specially processed American meat. It comes in an easily recognized, convenient, rectangular container that can sit in your pantry for years. Whenever the cabinet is bare of other foods and the refrigerator is empty of leftover pizza or Chinese food, Spam is the go-to luncheon choice in our house. Well, for me – my bride hates it.

            Spam has been much maligned. It has a reputation as a low-quality product associated with World War II rations and poverty. Also, its high sodium content is frowned upon by sophisticated foodies of the world. Hey, I say everything in moderation, right? It is nutritious … really … and it fed our troops through thick and thin. If it’s good enough for Uncle Sam’s boys in the trenches, it’s good enough for me.

            I like Spam!

            Spam is versatile. It can be prepared in a wide-ranging variety of ways. Of course it can be eaten right out of the can, sliced to fit nicely between two slices of bread, preferably Wonder Bread white, maybe toasted, perhaps with a little mayonnaise and a slice of crisp lettuce. You can fry it and pair it with your morning eggs instead of pricey bacon for a nice breakfast. It can be diced and mixed in with scrambled eggs or rice. It makes a great hash too. I haven’t tried it, but some say you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted a delicious Spam potato chowder.

            There are hundreds of recipes for Spam, mostly created by Hormel, the manufacturer, but who cares as long as it tastes good. Right?

            I am surprised that I have never seen Spam on a restaurant menu, particularly at a diner paired with home fries and a pickle. Mmmm good. Or a sub shop. I could certainly devour a good Spam sub from time to time. Not to mention ground Spam on a pizza. Now you’re talkin’.

            Spam is really popular in Hawaii. According to Hormel, Hawaiians consume 7,000,000 cans of Spam per year, that’s five cans per person. It is ingrained in the island culture, even surpassing pineapple. “Hawaii’s Spam Cookbook” is a best seller there and is a staple in nearly every Hawaiian cook’s kitchen.

            Who wouldn’t enjoy a delicious, chopped pineapple, mango and Spam taco drizzled with a balsamic glaze. Or crispy Spam fries dipped in ranch dressing. Maybe a breakfast quesadilla or a jalapeno popper egg roll. Man, I’m hungry already.

            Each May, 25,000 people or more show up for the annual Waikiki SPAM JAM, a fundraiser for the Hawaii Food Bank, where people celebrate all things Spam. Costumed characters dressed as cans of Spam circulate throughout the crowd hocking blue and yellow tote bags, T-shirts and hats. Restaurants offer samples of all their best Spam dishes. The SPAM JAM is truly Spam heaven.

            I think a nice Specially Processed American Meat grilled cheese sandwich would hit the spot right now.

            I like Spam!

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Nasketucket Bird Club

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The next meeting of the Nasketucket Bird Club will be on Wednesday, April 24, 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

            Woodpeckers, Presented by Dana and Bob Duxbury-Fox. Come and hear Dana and Bob tell the fascinating story about the Woodpecker family of birds. With 233 species in the world, they are found almost worldwide where trees are abundant. They can’t sing like some other birds, but they certainly can make a lot of noise. They don’t migrate but survive on a variety of foods. They are the super craftsmen of the bird world using their bill like a chisel. Their four legs hold them vertically firm on a tree while they carve out their spacious homes and find food. We will go a bit deeper to see how this family evolved, their special biology and how they live in difficult locations. Of course, we have come up with some interesting stories about many of the most interesting species that might surprise you.

Seniors Learn about Financial Wellness

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Mike Devoll are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its inaugural Credit for Life Fair on April 10.

            The fair aims to help students learn about budgeting and money management skills, as well as starting to think about building healthy financial habits.

            Prior to the event, students selected a career of interest. Based on the associated salary of their chosen occupation, students were tasked with budgeting real-life expenses during the fair, such as housing, transportation, education, insurance and more. They were given checking and savings accounts and a credit card. They were also hit with real-life, pop-up scenarios along the way, such as their luggage being lost, expenses from their best friend’s wedding, saving money on insurance for safe driving, and receiving grant money for school.

            “Most high schoolers don’t have an understanding of what credit is, what a credit card is, or when to use it,” ORR senior Hunter Bishop said. “The best part of the event was learning how to manage our finances and knowing what accounts (credit, checking, savings) we should be paying for things with. It felt very interactive, and everyone ended up learning something.”

            Overall, the fair seeks to give students a “reality check” on how much money they would realistically be working with given the selected career, what their expenses may look like and how they can live within their budget.

            “It was exciting to host our first Credit for Life Fair this week to help our students learn about developing healthy financial habits,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Budgeting, saving and other skills students practiced through the Credit for Life scenarios are a valuable part of financial literacy education. We are grateful to host events like this that allow students to participate in hands-on, realistic learning experiences and ask questions of professionals.”

            Prior to the fair, Jim Curran presented to seniors about the FitMoney financial literacy certificate program, the five habits for financial wellness and using a household budget calculator.

            High school students throughout Massachusetts participate in the Credit for Life Fair in the spring. It is put on by a group of local banks that partner to support financial literacy in Massachusetts public schools.

UCT to Host Lacrosse Out Cancer

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Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School is proud to host a Lacrosse Out Cancer Challenge on Saturday, May 4 at Upper Cape Tech’s Football Field, offering an afternoon of competitive lacrosse games and comradery as they rally together to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research.

            Lacrosse Out Cancer is a lacrosse based “challenge” to raise awareness for the benefit of pediatric cancer research. Individual athletes or teams may pledge involvement for the purpose of awareness or to raise donations for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. The pledge is to participate in 47 reps on a daily or weekly basis to represent the 47 children diagnosed every day with pediatric cancer.

            On May 4, the below match-ups will be hosted on Upper Cape Tech’s Football Field:

            Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs South Shore 12:00 pm

            Boys ‘Varsity Lacrosse vs South Shore 1:30 pm

            Boys’ JV Lacrosse vs South Shore 3:00 pm

            There will be a suggested donation price for the game of $4.00 for students and $7.00 for adults. All proceeds will go towards the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. We hope that together we can Lacrosse Out Cancer and make a meaningful impact against pediatric cancer.

Town Officials Navigate ZBA Process

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               Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals on April 11 approved projects proposed and therefore expertly defended by two Town Hall officials.

               The board endorsed the variance of the required, 40-foot, side setback for a one-story, one-bedroom addition at 17 Gerrish Road proposed by Finance Committee Chairman Kris Stoltenberg and a Special Permit for the conversion of a basement into a dwelling unit at 305 Braley Hill Road filed by ZBA member Donald Spirlet.

               Both decisions hinged on the applicants’ careful arguments in favor of their petitions rather than any insider influence. Stoltenberg said the goal is for him and his wife to remain in their Gerrish Road home. Because of their age, he said, it has been a challenge to access their upstairs bedroom. “A first-floor bedroom would allow us to ‘age in place’ as they say,” he said.

               Stoltenberg said his 24×24-foot bedroom addition with bathroom and closet would match the colonial style of the existing home. It would be financially detrimental for them to have to move and difficult to place this addition elsewhere on the property, and the new space will be of no detriment to the neighborhood or the public good.

               Board member Jeffrey Costa commended Stoltenberg for hitting all three points important to qualifying for such a variance. The board approved, allowing a 5.5-foot side setback variance for the project, a 34.4-foot setback rather than the statutory 40-foot requirement.

               Spirlet said he had built his Braley Hill Road home with the intent of someday finishing the basement. He would now like to finish 50% of that basement to build a second kitchen with bathroom and laundry room. He said his three “rowdy” grandsons need a place to play where their noise won’t disturb the upstairs.

               Referring to the requirements for approval of a Special Permit, he said the change is appropriate to the site, as it is a residential use. There is adequate space for the new use, and the plan offers no hazard to pedestrians or vehicle. “Abutters know what I am doing,” Spirlet said.

               Board members approved the Special Permit after agreeing the plan fits all the criteria for what it called a “multifamily conversion” of the basement space. Conditions included that one unit within “remain owner-occupied” and that the new space not be used for a short-term rental.

               In other business, the ZBA announced it will attend a joint meeting with the Planning Board on May 14 at the Rochester Senior Center for the 0 New Bedford Road Briggs petition.

               Thomas Flynn, who served as acting chairman, reported this would be his last meeting as a Zoning Board member. He has been a ZBA member since 2011.

               The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will meet next on Thursday, May 9, at 7:15 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Tri-Town Hiking Challenge

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Mattapoisett Land Trust is introducing the “Hike50 Challenge” in celebration of their 50th anniversary this year. From May 1 through August 31 of this year, MLT challenges you to hit the trails in the Tri-Town and log 50 miles of hiking.

            This Hike50 Challenge is a fun incentive for folks to explore trails and get outdoors in Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester. Participants are encouraged to log miles on trails managed by Mattapoisett Land Trust, Rochester Land Trust, Sippican Lands Trust, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition within the Tri-Town community. Those who log 50 miles by August 31 will receive a special edition MLT 50th anniversary baseball hat, 50th anniversary stickers, and a complimentary 1-year membership with MLT.

            Go online to mattlandtrust.org/about/50th-anniversary to read the rules of the challenge and to print out your own mileage tracker. Mattapoisett Land Trust will host a kick-off hike soon as a way to jump start your mileage, so keep an eye on their events calendar. What better way to celebrate MLT’s 50th anniversary than exploring the ecosystems they have conserved.

RMS Hosts Wind Turbine Workshop

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Old Rochester Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson and Rochester Memorial School Principal Heidi Letendre are pleased to share that Rochester Memorial School fourth-graders participated in an interactive wind turbine workshop last month.

            In March, teacher Stephanie Cyr and her fourth-grade class welcomed special guests Tom Lynch and Jason Brooks, the father of fourth-grade student Nicholas Brooks. Both Lynch and Brooks are experts from the Axess Group, a renewable energy corporation.

            “We are very fortunate to have had a visit from two experts in the renewable energy field,” said Nelson. “This visit not only enhances students understanding of sustainable practices but also inspires them to become future leaders in environmental renewable energy.”

            Throughout the interactive workshop, students learned about the various components of a wind turbine and how they function to harness energy. Students learned about Lynch’s and Brooks’ involvement working on one of the first offshore windfarms in the U.S., Vineyard Wind.

            They were shown job site photos of the different equipment parts used to make the wind turbines. Students learned that the enormous blades, which were described as being 50 feet longer than a football field can reach up to speeds of 180 miles per hour.

            The highlight of the day was a hands-on activity where students had the opportunity to construct their own miniature wind turbines. The students were divided into groups to assemble their model turbines. After completing their designs, the class engaged in a friendly competition to see which group of students could optimize their turbine’s performance to generate the most energy.

            “As a school, we are very grateful that Mr. Brooks and Mr. Lynch, from Axess Group, took the time to share their expertise on wind turbines with Mrs. Cyr’s fourth grade class,” Letendre said. “The students were completely engaged in the scientific process of making predictions, testing their hypothesis and problem solving together as a team. These real-world experiences are so important for our students to make connections to what engineering looks like in our everyday lives.”

            Students placed their turbine designs in front of an industrial fan and watched the digital reading on the nacelle, which houses all of the generating components in a wind turbine, including the generator, gearbox and drive train.

            “The opportunity for our students to engage with real-world experts like Jason and Tom is truly enriching,” said Cyr. “Not only did they learn about wind turbines, but they also experienced firsthand the thrill of scientific discovery and collaboration.”

Energy Management Committee

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To the Editor;

            Save our Green Community Designation. It’s hard to believe that the Town of Marion would vote to end its status as a Green Community, but the Select Board is considering it. Marion’s Energy Management

Committee (EMC) brought this program to the town seven years ago believing that we should support the Commonwealth’s effort to reverse or mitigate climate change. Destructive storms, weird weather and global warming will come to Marion just as they have in the rest of the world unless we all join the effort to reverse the trend.

            Since 2017 we have won Green Community Grants for more than $548,000 to build energy conservation measures in municipal buildings. So far we have succeeded in reducing the municipal energy use by 24%, providing repeated annual savings worth about $200,000 each year. The energy audits and engineering for these municipal projects was paid for with Green Communities grants.

            Three building codes regulate construction in MA (Base, Stretch and Specialized). All 291 Green Communities have recognized the need to build homes with higher standards of insulation and lower carbon emissions, but now our Select Board is considering a switch from the Stretch Code to the Base Code in hopes that it will encourage construction with fewer energy conservation measures for a lower price.

            Towns on the Base Code are generally known for doing as little as possible in the fight against climate change. I would rather that Marion follow the more responsible path and continue its campaign for a healthier world.

            Energy Management Committee members recommend that we stay with the Stretch Code and remain a Green Community. Let’s hope that the Select Board and others in this beautiful town will agree when the issue comes to a vote.

Bill Saltonstall

Member of Energy Management Committee

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.

Ingrid Elizabeth Hellgren

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            Ingrid Elizabeth Hellgren, born on April 26, 1958, spent the summers of her childhood on Converse Road in Marion with her late grandparents, Harry and Thelma Kramer Ostenfeld; and lived there most recently from 2011 through 2013. The youngest child of the late Tage and Beryl Ostenfeld Hellgren, Ingrid was born in the Poconos of Pennsylvania and lived there for 19 years. She passed away suddenly on January 6, 2024 in Port Charlotte, Florida leaving a void in many hearts.

            Ingrid loved Silvershell Beach! It was the first place she wanted to go when she arrived on Converse Road as a child, and her favorite place to relax, read, and think as an adult. Like her grandmother Thelma, a pianist and music teacher, Ingrid loved music, learning several instruments, and attending as many live music events as possible throughout her life, including Friday night band concerts. She also loved to spend time with Gilda at the Stone Rooster, helping with preparations for the regular jazz nights in the summer.

            An excellent and very creative cook and baker, Ingrid loved making special things for neighbors and friends, and always kept them laughing with her quirky sense of humor. Along with music and baking, Ingrid loved animals, especially elephants and ponies, though she never had one of her own. However, while a teenager in Pennsylvania, she worked at a wild animal farm where she cared for many exotics including Boa Constrictors, Tarantulas, and a Siberian tiger. Her own pets also included spiders and snakes, as well as a raccoon, squirrel, and many cats. Her beloved dogs, Hooligan, a Jack Russell and Kona, a Golden Lab, loved exploring Washburn Park in the summer, and running along Silvershell in the winter.

            Ingrid is survived by her partner, Chuck Trites of Port Charlotte; her children, Carmine P. Crudele (Jennifer) of Plantation and Britt A. Crudele (Tyler Auner) of Tamarac, both in Florida; her sisters, Tonie Y. Waters of Inverness, FL and Janne Hellgren (Jack Boesen) of Marion, and her brother, Peter B. Hellgren of Stroudsburg. She is also survived by her nephews, Christian P. Waters of Cadillac, MI, and Erik L. Waters of Inverness; maternal cousins, Kenneth and Michael Grieve and Kat Gray and their families in Michigan; and her paternal uncle Ebbe Hellgren and cousins Jorgen and Ariel Hellgren and their families in Sweden. She was predeceased by her sister, Christa R. Hellgren, and by her aunt, Joan Ostenfeld Grieve (Tabor ’54).

            A Celebration of Life will be held on her birthday on Ft. Myers Beach in Florida. Remembrances would be greatly appreciated to a food bank or an animal rescue facility.