Amphibian Study Presentation at the MNHM

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Scott Smyers, Herpetologist, will be presenting a study of Wood Frog populations in high elevations in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on Friday, April 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Marion Natural History Museum. Scott Smyers has studied the behavior and ecology of amphibian and reptile species native to the eastern United States for more than 20 years. He has also led field studies for pond-breeding amphibians using various trapping techniques. His experience with amphibians includes laboratory studies of three species of pond-breeding salamanders in southern Louisiana, including Ambystoma opacum, A. maculatum and A. talpoideum.

            Take a look at ecosystems that are hidden in plain sight, many along the well-travelled Appalachian Trail. Guests will learn about amphibian species distribution, changes in communities and shifts in calling phenology that reveal how complicated these ecosystems are for amphibian survival. The museum suggests a donation of $10 per person. Please register in advance at marionmuseum.org to ensure a seat.

Grand Scale ‘Small’ for Garage

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Michael Walsh has been granted two variances that will allow him to build a 1,600 square-foot, one-story, wood-frame garage on his property 405 Neck Road. The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals granted the variances in two unanimous votes after hearing from Walsh and abutter Jeremy Jones during the board’s March 28 public hearing.

            Walsh sought two variances on the provisions of Chapters 20.40, Section E.2 of the Rochester Zoning Bylaw, the first variance granted him permission to exceed 1,000 square feet and the other to locate the garage in the front yard of the property.

            Asked by ZBA Chairman Dave Arancio why he needs the garage to exceed 1,000 square feet, Walsh said he has a garage that size in Lakeville and nothing fits in it. He needs to house a boat, antique cars and jet skis. The house has an attached garage, but the design putting the entrance through that garage renders it unusable for storage.

            Walsh described his proposed garage as wood frame sitting on a concrete slab with electricity but no plumbing. He plans on vinyl siding to match his house.

            There are three structures on the lot, one of which is habitable.

            Trees have been cut in the area where the garage is proposed. Walsh said many are overgrown with moss and hanging vines, and he said that some of the trees taken down were dead.

            Walsh considered the location of the garage to be in his side yard but says he was told that area is actually his front yard. A driveway not shown on the plan may eventually be paved but not when first constructed, according to Walsh.

            No setbacks will be exceeded, as the garage will sit 287.71 feet from the street where a 40-feet setback is required. One of the side setbacks matches the 40-foot limit, but the side is set back 86.6 feet against the same, 40-foot requirement. The rear setback will not be approached due to the substantial drop-off in topography.

            Asked for comment, Jones (309 Neck Road) expressed support for Walsh’s plan and agreed with the applicant’s assertion that putting the garage out back where there is a downslope is not an option. “Both of our properties just drop off, right down to the pond,” said Jones.

            Noting his familiarity with the property via a friendship with the prior owner, Jones further stated that the barn on the property is in poor condition and cannot be used for storage. Walsh does not plan on taking the barn down.

            ZBA member Richard Cutler noted for the record that abutters who attended the last meeting had no problem with Walsh’s plan.

            Upon deliberation, Cutler said he has no problem with the proposal, citing the quirky shape of the property with the downslope in the back. Noting how far it will be set back from the road, Cutler said the garage will not be detrimental to the intent of the town’s zoning bylaws. Member Davis Sullivan concurred.

            Member Donald Spirlet said 1,000 square feet “is not a big building. … I can usually understand anyone wanting to go bigger than that.” Given the shape and topography of the lot, Spirlet further supported Walsh’s hardship case on the location of the garage.

            Member Michelle Upton agreed that Walsh has satisfied the requirements of both variances.

            The motion was conditioned so that the proposed garage cannot be converted for residential use nor be used to house animals, and Arancio added that related parking should be off the street.

            The ZBA discussed a potential upcoming meeting with the Planning Board and the Historical Commission regarding an application changing for the third time. The original plan to convert a dairy farm into a hobby barn applied for a minor modification, but this modification will propose two buildings instead of one in a Limited Commercial district, also part of the Historic District.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, at 7:15 pm.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Marion Closing Food Pantry, Recommending Damien’s

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Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman and Council on Aging Director Karen Gregory would like to inform residents about the closing of the Marion Food Pantry and encourage residents to utilize the new Damien’s Family Food Pantry in Wareham.

            The last day of operation at the Marion Food Pantry will be Tuesday, April 30.

            While the Marion Food Pantry is ceasing operations, Damien’s Family Food Pantry, located at 242 Marion Road in Wareham, is accessible to Marion community members.

            Damien’s Family Food Pantry began operations in Wareham in February. The location is conveniently located on Route 6, approximately 4 miles down the road from the Marion Food Pantry.

            Damien’s Family Food Pantry is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The new pantry provides greater space for residents to make food choices and includes freezer and cooler spaces for meats, produce and dairy.

            Transportation in Marion to Damien’s Family Food Pantry will be available to community members twice a month on Thursdays. Those in need of transportation services should contact Gregory at the Marion Council on Aging at 507-748-3570.

            Applications for new patrons of Damien’s Family Food Pantry are available at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center on Route 6. Those interested in volunteering at Damien’s Family Food Pantry can visit damiensfoodpantry.org or call 508-295-3486.

            Since its inception in January 2022, the Marion Food Pantry has provided nonperishable food items to thousands of community members in and around Marion.  In 2023 alone, the Marion Food Pantry served 1,894 (duplicated count) residents with 1,178 residents over the age of 65.

            “On behalf of the Town of Marion, I would like to extend my gratitude to Karen Gregory and the hundreds of volunteers and donors who have contributed to the success of the Marion Food Pantry,” said Gorman. “It has been such a benefit to the residents of Marion for the last two years, and we could not be happier to witness the development of the new Damien’s Family Food Pantry right down the road as a more than suitable replacement.”

            Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Gregory at 507-748-3570.

High Tea & Treasures Road Show

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Sentimental Value or Family Treasure? Let the experts weigh in. Your grandmother’s favorite vase or necklace may be worth a small fortune. Would you like to know?

            Hosted by The First Congregational Church of Marion on Saturday May 18 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm, this event will be held at the Community Center, 144 Front Street (rear of the General Store parking lot) on the second floor. The Community Center is equipped with a chair lift at the end of the long hall. In addition to the Afternoon Tea, guests are encouraged to bring an antique, piece of jewelry, art or a curiosity piece to be reviewed by experts in their field. Marion’s local antique expert, Frank McNamee, along with colleagues Nick Taradash and Abigail Field will provide information and commentaries. Their love of history has led Frank, Nick and Abigail to their current careers with each having an affinity for a specific area whether it be jewelry, manuscripts, decorative art and design, or textiles, clothing and East Asian antiques. Frank, Nick and Abigail have conducted appraisal discovery days for numerous nonprofits groups and The First Congregational Church is thrilled to have Frank, Nick and Abigail join them on May 18.

            A limited number of tickets are available. Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door and includes one item for review by this talented team. Additional items may be reviewed at $10 per item as time permits.

            Tickets may be purchased in advance at the General Store, Church Office located at the Community Center Tues – Fri 9:00 am -2:00 pm, at Penny Pinchers Exchange, 39 Main St., Wed & Sat 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Additional information and online ticket purchase is available at the Church’s website: www.marionfirstchurch.org.

            Limited parking is available in the church’s lot at the right rear of the General Store parking lot. We kindly ask all others to park at the Town Wharf on Front Street, opposite the Marion Music Hall.

  Should Marion Remain a Green Community?

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To the Editor;

            Should Marion Remain a Green Community?

            In late 2018, Marion was accepted into the Massachusetts Green Community Program. To date, 83% of Mass municipalities have joined the program. To achieve this status, the town had to meet five criteria aimed toward helping the town reduce energy use and transition away from fossil fuels (see Mass.gov for details). Becoming a Green Community opened the door to state funds for improving municipal energy efficiency and thus saving tax dollars. Marion has received nearly $550,000 in grants that have paid for numerous improvements and upgrades to our municipal buildings and infrastructure. Thanks to these upgrades, our annual energy use has dropped by nearly 25%, which represents a savings of more than $180,000 this past year relative to energy costs in 2017.

            Despite these substantial successes and benefits to the town, questions are now being raised about whether Marion should remain in the Green Community Program. The rub arises from the requirement to adhere to the so-called stretch building code, which involves more energy-efficient construction than that required by the base building code. The stretch code applies only to new construction and major renovations. Both the normal and stretch building codes have evolved over time to promote additional energy efficiency, as we knew would occur as the state strives to reduce carbon emissions.

            Substantial incentive payments are provided by the state to offset additional costs for the more energy-efficient construction required by the stretch code. For example, a new all-electric 4000 sq ft home, after state rebates, costs about $20,000 less to build relative to one constructed under the base building code, and the cost savings per year for the home buyer (through changes to the downpayment, 30-year mortgage payment, and energy savings) amount to $548 per year (see Mass.gov for other examples). The stretch code and associated incentives were developed to save energy, reduce building costs, and lower homeowners’ energy bills. And remember that the base building code does not differ appreciably from the stretch code — in a few years, it will become the same as today’s stretch code.

            If Marion decides to stop complying with the stretch code, we cannot remain in the Green Communities Program. We’d be only the second town in Massachusetts to leave the program. Access to grants for additional municipal improvements and cost savings would be lost. Given the savings we’ve achieved through being a Green Community, why would Marion want to exit the program? The opposition being raised by a few misinformed residents would eliminate these substantial and ongoing benefits to us all.

Jennifer Francis, PhD

Member of Marion’s 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.

Cemetery Cleanup Discussed

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The Mattapoisett Select Board held its April 9 meeting, which included informal discussion full of historic undertones.

            The agenda listed “cleanup” of town-owned Hammond Cemetery. In an email generated by the Cemetery and Monuments Committee, Chairman Ray Hanks wrote that the committee is aiming to begin cleanup on Saturday, May 4, with tree pruning part of the clearing work needed at the historic site.

            “This is in preparation for a formal dedication of our Revolutionary War dead in both Hammond and Barlow Cemeteries by the organization the Sons of the American Revolution,” Hanks explained.

            Hanks wrote that the committee wishes to complete cleanup work before the 250th anniversary of the war, with a dedication service planned for 2026. Anyone interested in lending a hand is asked to contact Hanks directly at 508-789-7200.

            Select Board member Jordan Collyer thought it might be prudent to have the Cemetery and Monuments Committee work with the Historical Commission in identifying historic burial sites.

            Collyer also brought up that there are those in the community who were looking into the process for the possible inclusion of Center School to the National Register. However, he said, “…that’s a slippery slope we’ve been down before.”

            Collyer said that such recognition could mean that restrictions would be placed on use of the school building. He said that the Massachusetts School Building Administration might frown on loans and grants given to a school building with federal, historical restrictions. Collyer wondered aloud if the building could simply be declared a structure of historic value.

            In other business, the Select Board appointed Brent Lydon as town accountant and Elizabeth Carreiro to the Cultural Council.

            On April 26, the Town of Mattapoisett will celebrate Arbor Day with the raising of the Arbor Day flag at Town Hall. Mattapoisett has been designated a Tree City by the Arbor Day Association for 16 years, board member Jodi Bauer stated. Collyer read the Arbor Day proclamation that encouraged people to participate in planting activities.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that the Select Board would be meeting with the Finance Committee on April 26 to review budget items planned for the Town Meeting warrant. Presently there are 22 articles for Town Meeting to consider, but what those articles are was not fully addressed, as Collyer said he had not yet seen the warrant draft and needs about a week to review the document.

            Regarding the Finance Committee, Lorenco said there are open seats on that committee and asked interested parties with a background in finance to contact his office and send a resume for consideration.

            Lorenco said that there is approximately $4,600,000 in stabilization accounts currently, while also cautioning that trash-removal services have risen considerably as have school bus fees.

            Bauer congratulated Lilly Grace, who holds the honor of reaching 103 years of age, the oldest person in Mattapoisett.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Sippican Gets New Jungle Jim

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Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson and Marion Town Administrator Geoff Gorman have announced the recent completion of a playground addition project at Sippican Elementary School.

            The added equipment includes a new multipurpose structure with various slides, climbing structures, a bridge, overhead rung climbers and other features, as well as a six-swing bay.

            The new equipment was funded through capital funding designated for the playground project by the Town of Marion and a $50,000 donation from Tabor Academy.

            The equipment was added to the playground behind the Sippican School building. The project was completed in March and has since been opened for use by elementary students. In addition to Sippican students, the playground is also accessible to the community seven days per week.

            “This playground structure is a wonderful new addition to our Sippican grounds, and we are excited to have it open to not only our students but all Marion children,” Nelson said. “I am grateful to the Town of Marion and Tabor Academy for their contributions to this project. I would also like to thank Facilities Director Eugene Jones for his work guiding this project through the planning and installation process and the Marion Department of Public Works for its assistance and support.”

            “We are very appreciative of Tabor Academy’s donation, which helped to make this project possible,” Gorman said. “The playground is a valuable gathering space for our community, and we look forward to seeing the equipment used by Marion’s families for years to come.”

Barbara A. (Kubik) Bowman

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Barbara A. (Kubik) Bowman, 82, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on Saturday April 6, 2024 at Tobey Hospital after a brief illness.  She was the wife of the late Wesley N. Bowman.

            Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John and Beatrice (Moore) Kubik, she spent most of her life in Mattapoisett.

            Barbara worked as a bookkeeper for the family business, Wesley Bowman & Sons, where she was a whiz at numbers and was very well organized.  She had also been a bookkeeper for the Mattapoisett Highway Department from 1988-2006 while her husband was the Town Highway Surveyor. It was a job she was proud to undertake.

            Known for her great sense of humor and quick wit, she had a soft spot for animals, loved reading history books, and decorating her home for the holidays.  She adored her grandchildren and in her earlier years spent a lot of time being the coolest Gram.  She cherished her time spent with them and was a very proud grandmother.

            The family would like to thank her caregiver, Sarah Mello for the loving care and attention shown to Barbara.

            She is survived by her four children, Wesley Bowman, Jr., Nancy Duff, Susan Henshaw and her husband Todd, and Gary Bowman and his wife Kim; ten grandchildren, Mitchell Duff, Wesley Bowman III, Timothy Bowman, Marissa Donovan, Rachael Sweet, Mary-Louise Hansen, T.J. Henshaw, Matthew “Joe” Duff, Mason Henshaw, and John Kubik Bowman; six great-grandchildren, Colin Sweet, Travis Sweet, Chase Bowman, Caleb Bowman, Daisy Louise Donovan, and William George Henshaw; and her sister, Nancy M. Kubik.  She also had many special nieces and nephews, including Robert Bessette, Dennis Bessette, and Lisa Cardoza and her daughter Holly Cardoza.

            She was predeceased by her brother John Kubik.

            At her request, her funeral services and burial in Pine Island Cemetery will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Mattapoisett Police Department, P.O. Box 436, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.  Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rochester Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race

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The Rochester Fire Department will again sponsor the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race.

            A boat building seminar will be held at the Rochester Fire Station, Saturday, April 13, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The focus will be on the wooden boat construction. We are planning on demonstrating the process of building a Mattapoisett River Racer on a small scale to show the process and techniques. We are asking people who have a boat that is no longer needed to bring it to the Fire Station to sell, give, or loan to someone looking for a boat to use. Anyone in need of a boat should come and see what’s available for them.

            The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River will take place on Monday, May 27, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir at River Road and Route 6.

            A Kayak Division will again be included in the race this year. Basic guidelines for the division are: minimum age 18, single person kayak that the contestant can sit inside of the cockpit, contestant must wear an approved USCG personal flotation device for the entire race, and there will be a $10 entry fee. See the rules document for all information pertaining to the kayak division.

            For the Mattapoisett River Racer (MRR) boats, the minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles.

            Divisions include the new kayak division and the MRR open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and parent/child divisions. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old). Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division.

            Preregistration is required. Only one registration session will be held at the Rochester Council on Aging (RCOA) Senior Center, 67 Dexter’s Ln, Friday, May 17 at 6:30 to 8:00. Starting positions will be assigned or drawn after the registration closes. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible for a starting position. Registration forms and rules may be obtained by April 13 at Lloyd’s Market, at Art’s house, 319 Cushman Road or at the registration session or email Art (artbenner@comcast.net) and request the rules and registration form.

            You may deliver the completed forms to 319 Cushman Rd. Or, you may return the forms by email but you must bring the original, signed forms, to the registration session. OR, you may return them by regular mail (USPS). If returned by email or USPS mail, you’ll get acknowledgment that they were received. If you don’t get a reply from Art, assume the forms were not received and hand deliver a set. Registration forms must be in the Committee’s hands by Friday, May 17, 8:00 pm in order for last year’s teams to be assigned a starting position based on last year’s finish position or for new teams to draw a starting position this year. Kayak contestants will draw starting positions after the MRRs.

            The traditional Ham and Bean Supper will take place at the RCOA, Senior Center at, 67 Dexter’s Ln, Saturday, May 25, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Supper ticket price: adults, $10.00, children under 12, $5.00.

            There will be raffles for each of two carbon fiber racing paddles made by Bill Watling III and a silent auction for each of two carbon fiber paddles. And also, a raffle for a hand crocheted afghan, made by Cecelia Hall. Tickets will be sold at the registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            For further information, contact Boat Race Chairman, Arthur F. Benner, 508-763-2024 or email; artbenner@comcast.net. Check Facebook ‘Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race for updated info.

Intro to Photoshop Workshop at to the MAC

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Join professional local photographer Cathleen Broderick for class at the Marion Art Center, Introduction to Photoshop: Unleash Your Creativity with Digital Editing. The one-day workshop is scheduled Saturday, May 4, 10:00 am-2:00 pm in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater.

            Are you ready to transform your digital imagery and unleash your creative potential? Join us for an exhilarating journey into the world of Adobe Photoshop. Whether you’re a budding photographer, a graphic designer, or simply eager to learn new digital skills, this workshop is tailored just for you. In this introductory workshop, participants will dive headfirst into the fundamentals of Photoshop, the industry-standard software for image editing and manipulation. This hands-on session will equip you with essential techniques and tools to bring your artistic visions to life.

            The cost is $75 for MAC members and $90 for nonmembers. Students will need a laptop with Photoshop installed. (A link for a free 7-day trial can be found on the workshop registration page.) Students should also bring lunch or snacks; there will be breaks throughout the day. Learn more and register online at marionartcenter.org/events.