Awesome Autumn in Song and Story

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On Saturday November 15 at 11:00 am come enjoy some lively storytelling with legendary storyteller Jackson Gillman. The program will be outdoors at the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s Oliver Wendell Holmes barn foundation at 5 Angelica Ave. Jackson’s heartwarming show celebrates the beauties of the season: apples, pumpkins, harvest, a nip in the air, flaming maples, leaf piles, migrating geese. Afterwards, enjoy some cider with Jackson and your family around an open fire.

            This program is drizzle or shine, so dress warmly for the weather, since it is an outdoors event. Call the land trust at 774-377-9191 to determine if the event is cancelled.

            This will be the final show in the quarterly series of “Celebrate the Seasons in Story and Song”. These programs are supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Marion Cub Scouts Race to Success at Annual Soap Box Derby

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The weather cooperated for the determined Scouts who gave their all at the annual Soap Box Derby held Saturday morning on Holmes Street in Marion. The event, hosted by Marion Cub Scout Pack 32, brought together scouts, leaders, parents, and neighbors in a celebration of teamwork and skill.

            Pack 32 of Marion and Pack 30 of Rochester were the stars of the day, with Troop 32 of Marion lending their support to the younger scouts, guiding them through the race and offering assistance as needed.

            As the cars sped down the hill, the young drivers were completely focused, each race showcasing their determination and pride. But the Soap Box Derby is more than just a thrilling race down a hill; it’s the result of weeks of preparation, learning, and collaboration. Scouts spent time refurbishing old cars and building new ones, gaining hands-on experience and learning valuable life skills along the way.

            The program emphasizes leadership, STEM concepts, and teamwork, providing scouts with the chance to take on various roles—driver, builder, and leader. These experiences help develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, project management, and sportsmanship. Preparing for the Derby, scouts not only learn how to build a car, but also how to work together, think creatively, and overcome challenges.

            Throughout the day, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, cheers, and encouragement. Whether racing to the finish line or celebrating a successful ride down the hill, scouts demonstrated a remarkable sense of camaraderie. Their enthusiasm for both winning and participating highlighted the true spirit of the event: good-natured competition and mutual support.

            As the day came to a close, both Marion and Rochester Cub Scouts were already looking forward to next year’s race. If you have a child in kindergarten through grade 5 who’s interested in joining the Scouts, contact marioncubscouts@gmail.com for more information. For those aged kindergarten through 17, visit beascout.scouting.org to learn how to get involved in scouting.

            Marion Scouts also would like to remind our neighbors and friends of the food donation boxes at Hiller Dodge-Jeep, Uncle Jon’s, and Marion Police Department. These donations will be picked up on November 20 and be used to serve those in need this holiday season.

Floating Array Decision Delayed

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday moved closer to approving the Site Plan Review permit for a 68-unit age 55-and-over senior living apartment building proposed for Rochester Crossroads by agreeing to draft the permit decision.

            Project consultant Joseph Sandu met with the board to report the town’s peer review engineer had “mild comments” on the plan for 22 Cranberry Highway, and he asked for board members’ final comments. As they had no comment, they approved a short list of permit waivers requested by the applicant and moved to draft a permit decision in time for the next meeting.

            Before and after this decisive action, however, came a series of big project continuances. Upon the petitioner’s request, the Site Plan Review hearing for Afonso Built Homes’s plan for a Townhouse development within Rochester Crossroads was continued to December 16, and the board extended its decision deadline for the project to January 31, 2026.

            The Definitive Subdivision permit hearing for a three-lot subdivision on an 8.67-acre parcel at 19 County Road was also continued to that date and the board’s decision deadline extended to January 6.

            The Special Permit and Site Plan Review permit hearing for the proposal from Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables to install a solar panel array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road was continued to December 16 and the project’s decision deadline extended to January 15.

            Lastly, the board delayed its decision vote on the permit for the 53 Dexter Lane floating solar array project to December 16 and its decision deadline to December 17. This came after a lengthy debate on its draft decision. At the last Planning Board meeting, Member Ben Bailey recommended the unique permit condition that the petitioner monitor whether any waterfowl, who may mistake the array for the water surface, are injured or killed by the panels. Bailey complained on November 10 that the resulting permit condition in the permit has no teeth. Property owner Jim Rezendes promised he will monitor for such occurrences. Bailey wanted stronger language to that effect or to take the condition out. Chairman Arnold Johnson said the board needed more time with the draft and would not render a decision that night.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Marion Honors Its Veterans

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            Marion celebrated Veterans Day 2025 in high style despite frigid conditions. At Old Landing Veterans Park, Front Street, with snowflakes starting to fall, Town Administrator and retired Navy Commander Geoffrey Gorman introduced an invocation from Rev. Eric Osterday of the First Congregational Church of Marion, then the “Pledge of Allegiance” led by Marion Girl Scouts, then the “National Anthem” performed by the Sippican School Band led by Music Teacher Hannah Moore.

            The snowflakes had stopped by the time Select Board Chair Randy Parker introduced Planning Board member, former Select Board member and retired Army Colonel Jon Henry, whose words as guest speaker marked a highlight of the ceremony.

            Henry, whose time in the army featured tours in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam in the Engineering Battalion, pointed to the recent experience that revealed the appreciative attitude Americans have toward veterans today. He said he took an Honor Flight, which flies veterans to Washington, D.C. at no cost to visit their respective service memorials, with 135 fellow veterans including a Rhode Island veteran who was 106 years old.

            Early in the morning at T.F. Green Airport in Rhode Island when the group met for their flight to D.C., “There were 1,000 people sending us on our way,” he said. “And if I had any doubts about how the veterans look in the eyes of the public they were resolved at that moment, because it was really sensational.”

            At the time of the flight back, Henry said, the welcome wasn’t as sensational, but it was good. “There must have been hundreds of people if not 1,000,” he said. “We got the same kind of reception we got when we were sent off. Every time you do something like that you have more friends than when you started out. I was proud to be a member of that.”

            Then came reflections on his career that included graduating from Taber Academy and designing the stage for Bob Hope’s USO show in Vietnam. “Not bad for a jucket from Marion,” he said.

            “One thing I learned is to love every level of the people I worked with from patrol officers all the way up to platoon engineering group,” he concluded. “I felt a fatherly affection for them all.”

            After his talk, the ceremony ended with “President Day Parade” from the Sippican School Band, who, Moore said, has performed for the ceremony for decades. Then came a benediction from Rev. Osterday and finally the band’s rendition of “Grand Old Flag.”

            As if the skies knew it was over, snowflakes re-appeared only as attendees were exiting the park.

Marion Veterans Day

By Michael J. DeCicco

Small Works + Holiday Shop

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The Marion Art Center announces its annual exhibit, Small Works + Holiday Shop. The show runs November 22 through December 19 with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, November 22 from 3:00 pm to 5:00pm.

            The exhibit will feature original works of art all under fourteen inches, plus a curated selection of handmade goods such as jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodworks, gifts, and more. Shop for yourself or find the perfect gifts for others. All pieces may be removed from the galleries upon purchase for this cash and carry show. Can’t decide? We have gift certificates available. Learn more at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

Marion’s Percy Browne House named to Most Endangered Properties List

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Preservation Massachusetts has named 10 historic properties, including the Percy Browne House in Marion, to the 2025 Most Endangered Historic Resources List. Selections from across the Commonwealth were announced at a public reception on October 30, 2025, at the Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts.

            Since 1993, the Massachusetts’ Most Endangered Historic Resources Program has been key in identifying endangered historic resources from across the Commonwealth and discovering ways in which to work collaboratively with partners toward positive preservation outcomes.

            This year’s list was chosen by a committee from nominations submitted by groups and individuals concerned with local preservation issues. Submissions are researched and judged by several criteria, including their historic significance, the extent of the threat, and the community’s commitment to preserving the resource.

            The Percy Browne House at 192 Front Street sits on a hilly ridge overlooking Sippican Harbor. Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson, with 1903 additions possibly by Charles Allerton Coolidge, the house was built for Richarson’s friend, the Rev. Percy Browne.

            As described in the Awards Announcement, “The Percy Browne House is regarded by many architectural historians as the prototype of the Shingle Style in America, influencing countless later examples throughout New England and beyond. Its design anticipated ideas later refined by Richardson’s associate Stanford White. The house also reflects Marion’s late 19th century associations with national intellectual life – President Grover Cleveland, a friend of Percy Browne, summered here, as did Trinity Church Rector Phillip Brooks.”

            Positioned on the campus of Tabor Academy, the house was last used for faculty housing until 2010. Since then, it has been vacant. Demolition was briefly considered in 2019, causing a national outcry among preservationists and much local objection as well, led by the Marion Historical Commission. The Commission has been working with Tabor to find solutions that both protect this unique innovative example of the Shingle Style and also serve Tabor’s needs for current and future programming and growth.

            Tabor Academy acknowledges the significance of the property. Earlier this year they commissioned a campus masterplan by Sasaki of Boston. They have also just recently retained Saltonstall Architects to conduct a feasibility study to explore best future uses of the property, per Sasaki’s recommendation.

            Other properties across the state included on this year’s Most Endangered List are the William Russell Allen House (1886), Pittsfield, Buddy’s Diner (1929), Somerville, The Campanile (1913), Springfield, Donald T. Clark House (1947), Lexington, General John Glover Farmhouse (1750), Swampscott, Hudson Armory (1910), Hudson, Smith Baker Center (1884), Lowell, Ellen Stone Building (1833), Lexington, and the Williams Boltwood House (1779), Goshen.

            “Breathing new life into historic places requires both vision and commitment,” said Jessica Rudden-Dube, Executive Director of Preservation Massachusetts. “Each of this year’s listed properties holds tremendous potential to serve its community through thoughtful preservation and rehabilitation. Across Massachusetts, we’ve seen how creative partnerships can transform even the most challenging buildings, and we look forward to working collaboratively to achieve similar success stories with this year’s selections.”

            “We are hopeful that this designation will send a note of urgency to the community. We all have a responsibility to save this little gem and insure it survives as the hidden treasure that it is,” noted Meg Steinberg, chair of the Marion Historical Commission. “The Historical Commission looks forward to collaborating with Tabor to find a dynamic new use for this unique property.”

Past and Present, Rochester’s Veterans

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            On Tuesday night, residents, service members, and veterans came to the Rochester Council on Aging for The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center’s annual Veterans Dinner and Recognition Ceremony. The event was hosted by the Tri-Town Veterans Office.

            The event, which was also livestreamed onto Facebook, saw many come to pay their respects and honor the community’s veterans. It was also a dinner and a venue to tell stories and reminisce on the past.

            Following the dinner and with dessert served, Rochester Boy Scout Troop 31 brought forth the flag and members of The Showstoppers sang the Pledge of Allegiance. Following their performance, the two singers spoke and said: “The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag is a pledge to the ideals of our forefathers and the men who fought and died in building this great nation. It’s a pledge to fulfil our duties and obligations as citizens of the United States and to uphold the principals of our Constitution. Last but not least, it’s a pledge to maintain the four great freedoms cherished by all Americans: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.”

            Old Rochester student Esther Ebert then read the Governor’s Veterans Day Proclamation. There was then a period of raffle drawings, with the oldest veteran in the room, an unnamed 88-year-old, drawing the first ticket. Ironically, the evening’s guest speaker was the winner of the first pull.

            Rochester Select Board Chair Adam Murphy then delivered his remarks. He thanks everyone for putting the event together and for those attending. Of veterans, he said “Our local heroes. Here in Rochester, we are blessed with many veterans in our community. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, our friends, and our family members. They continue to lead, to volunteer, and to strengthen the very fabric of our town.”

            State Representative Mark Silva then spoke, thanking veterans and also highlighting the strength of family members.

            Finally, the event’s guest speaker was Connie Eshbach, Chair of the Rochester Historical Commission and Vice President and Program Director of the Rochester Historical Society. Eshbach remarked that she had also spoken in Mattapoisett earlier in the day. She then moved on to the importance of the next year, being the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Her work recently has revolved around uncovering information about Rochester’s Revolutionary War veterans. She said there is a list, but much is still unknown. She also highlighted the importance of Rochester’s involvement, stating more men had enlisted from the town proportionately to other similar sized towns in Massachusetts.

            “The idea is to make these names people” she said, in showing the purpose of their mission. Eshbach spoke of the importance of remembering, and that the study of history and connection to the past is crucial in our understanding of the present.

            Following her speech, a list of current Rochester veterans was then read. After the lengthy list, the room held a toast to Marine Beckett Kernan who passed February 5, 2018, from an aggressive bacterial infection.

            With that, a night of high-praise and remembrance was over.

Rochester Veterans Day

By Sam Bishop

Feats of Friendship: Running for MS

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            The Wanderer recently had the privilege of interviewing two women whose determination is astounding. You see, these friends are running hard to help others. Kristen Wingate and Jen Pease, Mattapoisett residents, are runners who have taken their joy of movement to the next level, running to raise money that will help Multiple Sclerosis research.

            We caught up with these amazing women in between their busy schedules that includes being mothers with young children.

            Wingate said, “Jen and I met through our daughters becoming best friends at daycare. We had both always been into running. After I had completed the 2021 Boston Marathon as a charity runner for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, Jen decided, after having her fourth child, that she wanted to also run the Boston Marathon.” Jen is also facing her own challenges as due to MS.

They would run the Boston Marathon for the Joe Andruzzi team. They raised $20,000 in 2023. That began their marathon running journey. They would go on to run the 2024 Chicago Marathon and the 2024 New York City marathon. They also plan on running the Boston Marathon in April 2026.

            Jen told us,” Kristen and I will both be running the Boston Marathon in April. She is running with her company, Brewster Ambulance, since they are a vendor for the race. I am running for the first time as an adaptive athlete since MS falls under ATAXIA, which is one of the impairment categories recognized by the Boston Athletic Association.”

            In discussing her diagnosis Jen said, “I have experienced numbness in my hands. My hands were fully numb from December of 2024 until August of 2025. My neurologist believes the numbness was caused by a new lesion on my spine, and since the spinal cord is so tightly packed, there was no room for my body to create a way around the scar formed there. Usually after the three-month mark, you kind of give up on your body figuring it out, but after nine months my feeling finally came back. Exciting times in my world.”

            The runners answered a number of questions, offering insight into their busy lives and what keeps them pushing on. We asked what inspired them to travel in their quest to bring attention to MS.

            “We set a goal in 2023 to run all six world marathon majors,” Kristen said. When Jen was diagnosed, their focus firmly became planted for MS fundraising. Jen added, “Once I was diagnosed with MS in December of 2024, we knew we found our driving cause.” They both applied to run the Berlin Marathon and raised money for MS charities from Jen’s hospital room. “From there we knew we were on this journey together,” Jen emphasized. “MS is a great cause to raise money for because the research being done and new disease modifying treatments being discovered have a significant impact on individuals living with MS.”

            We learned that the pair have run many road races including: Mother’s Day 5K, the Fourth of July road race, The Lions Club Triathlon, the New Bedford half Marathon, the USA Women’s Half Marathon , Mattapoisett Mother’s Day 5K, Mattapoisett Fourth of July Road Race, Mattapoisett Triathlon, the New Bedford Half Marathon, USA Women’s Half Marathon in Key West, The Falmouth Road Race, DNRT Trail Run in Dartmouth, Frosty Runner 10.5 Mile Road Race in Rochester, Boston Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, and the Colt State Park Half Marathon in Bristol, Rhode Island. They are also planning to participate in the Tokyo Marathon in 2027 for team MS-UK.

            Regarding the issues raised by MS, Pease shared, “The biggest effect I notice personally is that my legs go numb when I overheat, specifically after running. I will be fine for my entire run, but the second I stop running the heat takes over, my legs go numb, and I am unable to stand on my own. Luckily, Kristen is the best running partner of all time and will catch me at the end of our runs and hold on to my arm until my legs regain feeling a minute or so later.”

            “Being a mother with MS means facing every day with as much positivity as possible,” Pease said. “When it comes to being a mom, I haven’t given up anything. I will fight through fatigue to be present for my children and try not to show any effects of my disability, so they aren’t worried about me.”

            Now Pease and Wingate are bringing their enthusiasm to a race in Mattapoisett on December 6 at 9:00 am, called “The Santa Stampede.”

            We asked Pease how that came about. “Honestly, my eight-year-old daughter was the driving force in this race coming together. She saw the positive impact the Mother’s Day 5K has had on local postpartum moms and she wanted to do something good for people living with MS.”

            Jen said, “Multiple Sclerosis is not a one-size-fits-all disease. Every day feels different, and it’s a learning curve to realize when your body just feels a little off, and when you are experiencing a flare that may need medical attention. I never want people to be scared to ask me questions about it. I’m really open and willing to educate people about what I have learned so far on this journey. Living with an invisible chronic disease can be frustrating at times and can feel lonely in dealing with these symptoms, so it’s nice to know there are people who care and who support me even when they can’t outright see I am struggling.”

            We asked Jen what she would say to someone newly diagnosed. “My biggest piece of advice would be to stay positive. Multiple Sclerosis treatment has come such a long way over the past few decades that it is no longer a grim diagnosis leading to life in a wheelchair. Trust your body, speak up for yourself when something feels wrong, find the right treatment plan and team for you, and continue to live your life. I opted for a daily medication as my treatment, but there are so many options people can select that fit their life. My diagnosis inspired me to never stop moving and to use the MS community as a platform to have a positive impact in this world.”

            The Santa Stampede will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 9:00 am. For more information, you can visit runsignup.com.

By Marilou Newell

Toll Brothers Plans Progress

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            The Marion Conservation Commission took no issue with the Toll Brothers Inc. proposed 48-unit condominium development at the November 5 Conservation Commission meeting at the town police station conference room.

            At the previous hearing on October 22, TBI representatives Mark Bambauk and Jeff Heidelberg said that Field Engineering, which represents both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board, said part of the property, at 78 Wareham Road, said that plans would be revised after a review from Field Engineers, which represents the interest of the town.

            TBI also sought feedback from other town sources, including the Fire Chief and the Marine Division Director.

            TBI representatives on November 5 said one fire hydrant would be moved, per the review of the fire chief, while some areas would be sloped at different angles to direct water to a storm water basin.

            The Fire Chief also asked that the development refrain from harboring gas storage on site but residents can have gas storage for smaller, recreational purposes within their homes.

            At the October 22 hearing, Heidelberg also said Field Engineering asked for wider access areas so backhoes can access the water detention basins. Field Engineering also asked that the developers widen an existing grass trail and TBI is “amenable” to that request.

            Also at the October 22 hearing, Bamburak said that the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife determined there would be little or no impact to the nearby aquatic habitat.

            Commissioners and Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee noted that one Conservation Commission condition requires each roof to have its own storm water system but agreed that the condition is superfluous given that the development has a stormwater management system in place.

            Also on the Conservation Commission’s light November 5 agenda was a request from the Barrett family at Blackhall Court to remove an existing deck within a wetlands zone and replace it with a new deck.

            That drew new opposition from the Conservation Commission. The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting

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The Nasketucket Bird Club will host Counting for Conservation: Stories and Trends from the Massachusetts Christmas Bird Count on Wednesday, November 19 at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow St, Mattapoisett.

            Each winter, birders across Massachusetts brave the cold to take part in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC); one of the longest-running community science projects in North America. Hear highlights from recent counts, surprising species sightings, and stories from the field that reveal how local observations are shaping global bird conservation. Presented by Justin Barrett, Nasketucket Bird Club president.

            All meetings are free and open to all. Check our website at: www.nbcbirdclub.com.