Bulldog Comeback Comes up Short

            The Old Rochester Regional High School football team opened its 2025 season on Friday night at Plymouth North and, despite a furious comeback effort, fell by a 28-14 score.             “The boys played hard and never gave up,” said ORR Head Coach Bryce Guilbeault.             The Bulldogs battled all night long. After being down […] Read more »

Wetland Crossing Approved

            A Notice of Intent Filing by the Lisa Mueller Trust Declaration came before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on September 8. The filing noted the location as 89 Mattapoisett Neck Road and proposed the demolition of an existing dwelling to be replaced by a new single-family home that includes a plunge pool, gas fire pit, […] Read more »

How Much Protein Do I Need?

Protein has become America’s nutritional obsession, and protein bars have become a $2 billion/year business.             The World Health Organization and the American National Academy of Medicine recommend that we get 0.8 grams/kg body weight daily. For a 180 lb. person, that would translate to about 65 grams of protein daily. At least 85% of […] Read more »

Showstoppers Performance Troupe Seeking Local Talent

The Showstoppers community-service singing troupe is seeking talented youth for its 24th season. Boys and girls in grades 2 to 12 with singing ability are encouraged to apply.             Candidates are asked to submit 2 audition videos, one ballad and one upbeat song, for review. Call backs will be in person by appointment. Submissions do […] Read more »

Marion Democratic Town Committee

The Marion Democratic Town Committee will meet at 5:30 pm, September 18, in the Community Room of the Marion Police Station, 550 Mill Street. The group will discuss and decide upon its priorities for activities through December. All Democrats residing in Marion are welcome to come, participate and share their ideas in order to create […] Read more »

Kevin Tavares

Ask just about anyone, and they will most-fondly remember particular schoolteachers and principals who went out of their way to know them.             In his decade of administration that followed his 20 classroom years, former Principal Kevin Tavares made it a mission to know each and every student that walked the halls of Old Hammondtown […] Read more »

The Southcoast Gardener

            I suppose I’ve come to accept the arrival of fall. As I listen to the persistent hum of crickets and a Blue Jay’s distinctive jeer, I feel that familiar shift. I don’t mind the 70s temps, but the early morning dips do seem abrupt. By the calendar, fall doesn’t really happen until September 22, […] Read more »

New Director of Guidance and Student Services

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce that Christina Cioffi has been appointed as the Old Rochester Regional School District’s new Director of Guidance and Student Services for grades 7-12.             Cioffi stepped into the role effective August 20.             Cioffi, who earned a Master of Social Work at Simmons University, has spent the […] Read more »

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

Several years ago, when the Historical Society was celebrating its 50th anniversary of incorporation, I mentioned that at some of their meetings (held at member’s homes before there was a museum) older members told stories about their pasts. One that was briefly mentioned was told by my grandfather, Jim Hartley, and it took place at […] Read more »

Frank McNamee

The recipient of The Wanderer’s Marion Keel Award for 2025 is longtime resident, historian, public servant, and antiquarian Frank McNamee. McNamee was nominated for the award for his many behind-the-scenes contributions to the town and continued preservation of its history.             McNamee graduated from Bridgwater State College with a degree in Marketing and later earned […] Read more »