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 »

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 »

            The recipients of the Wanderer’s 30th Annual Keel Award for the Town of Rochester are Michelle Kirby and Andres Hammerman, the main drivers behind the effort to preserve the health and water quality of Snows Pond.             Kirby, who is president of the Snows Pond Association, and her husband Andy were nominated in a […] Read more »

This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, supply issues still plagued the Continental Army with no real end in sight, all while an offensive campaign north into Quebec began and King George III signed the “Proclamation […] Read more »

There was a surge in Covid infections this summer, and most predictions are for another in the coming winter. We are also facing flu and RSV outbreaks as surely as the sun rises.             The best defense against respiratory viruses is immunization.             While nothing is guaranteed 100% safe, vaccines offer the best combination of […] Read more »

On a recent sunny Wednesday morning, the members of the Town Coffee Committee, charged with solving all the world’s problems, gathered at the town wharf. The meeting was called to order citing all members present (save one who absconded across the pond to the UK); a quorum was declared.             First order of business (again) […] Read more »

            Third in a series exploring Europe’s diverse landscapes and gardens, from formal designs to wild, natural beauty…             Labor Day is finished and with it most of the summer, but I’m still reveling in some of the lovely memories of two months ago.             My last piece recalled the beauty of Paris and how […] Read more »

Construction in the Marion Town House began on Monday, September 1 with the Town House functions being moved to the Town House Annex on the other side of Route 6 at 14 Barnabas Road. All functions, including the drop-box for payments have henceforth moved.             Renovations have so far just included a teardown. Ceiling tiles […] Read more »

The sun has begun its slow retreat, the cicadas are turning down their concerts, and the halls are filled with the smell of erasers and sharpened pencils. Yes, summer break is over, and with it, the annual migration of backpacks, lunchboxes, and sleep-deprived students has begun. All the schools in the Tri-Town are back in […] Read more »

The first day of kindergarten is a significant moment – and this year, some of Rochester’s newest students had a little extra company for the ride.             On Friday morning, August 29, Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson joined Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. and Lt. […] Read more »