Pleasant Street Land Swap Approved

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            The Marion Planning Board met on Monday to discuss a land-parcel swap, the Special Permit for the Toll Brothers plot at 78 Wareham Road, comments to the Zoning Board of Appeals over Heron Cove Estate’s development, and the draft of the Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations.

            An Approval Not Required hearing for lot lines at 9 Pleasant Street began, with Bob Rogers of GAF Engineering speaking on behalf of the applicant. Due to an agreement between the owners of 3 Pleasant Street and 9 Pleasant Street, a swapping of equal-sized land portions would take place between the two properties. Rogers explained frontage and total area of both properties would remain the same, but two parcels, referred to as “Parcel A” and “Parcel B,” would be swapped. As approval is not required, the representative sought the endorsement of the Planning Board as well as the plan being put in the public record and being used in the deed descriptions of both properties. Without question, the Planning Board voted in favor of the proposal and signed the plans.

            Next was the Continued Public Hearing for an amendment to the Major Site Plan and Special Permit for the Toll Brothers’ work at 78 Wareham Road. This hearing was again continued, this time to Monday, October 20, per request of the applicant.

            Keeping with the Toll Brothers, the Planning Board then accepted a Field Engineering Peer Review Invoice of $3,910 paid by the developer for consulting at 78 Wareham Road.

            The board then moved to make comments on the recently continued variance hearing from the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals for Heron Cove Estates LLC’s work on their plot on Wareham Road. That hearing was continued by the ZBA to December 11, as the applicant’s representatives felt a vote against the variance was likely and needed more time to deliberate. The Planning Board declined to offer more comments, as their previously given discussion still stands.

            Finally, there was a discussion and review of the Draft Stormwater Management Rules and Regulations scheduled. Much of this review was pushed to the Planning Board’s next meeting to allow more time to check on neighboring towns and their own similar plans. Chair Andrew Daniel also requested Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee talk with town attorneys about consistency in the wording of various sections of the Draft Stormwater Management plan and the MS4, especially highlighting possible redundancies. Guey-Lee clarified, saying “it is not about wording. It’s about how (the two potential bylaws) interact with each other.” He added, “do we need to do anything to either to accommodate one or the other?”

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board will be held on Monday, October 20 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Thoughts on… Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Me

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            Just about this time last year, I announced my candidacy for Congress. I hadn’t decided whether to run for the United States House of Representatives or the Senate. I still haven’t but count on me to decide something soon… or later.

            I like to weigh these things carefully before I make a decision. I do my due diligence and collect all the facts. I seek advice of others, past and present. My mother used to say… “Reach high.” (She was referring to the cereal box on the top shelf, but that stuck with me.)

            The presidency has been in the news a bit lately… well, all the time. I’ve been thinking, maybe I should go for the gold, top of the heap, chief honcho. Maybe I should run for President.

            Since I like to listen to people who are smarter than I am, I have been doing some research. Ben Franklin, a Founding Father, was way smarter than me. You remember old Benny, the chubby fellow with the tiny glasses who, when asked what kind of a government we created said, “A republic, if you can keep it.” He sure was smart. (Well, he did stand out in a lightning storm flying a kite with a metal key attached, but we all do stupid things from time to time.)

            He had a lot to say about the Office of the President. He didn’t want one! Yup, he wanted an executive council making the big decisions. Having lived under a king, he was worried about all that power going to one person. Old Benny liked George Washington but was thinking about the future. He wondered what if a real despot somehow got elected, what then?

            He said in a speech at the Constitutional Convention that a government “likely to be well administered for a course of years… can only end in despotism, (so) corrupted as to need a despotic government.” He thought the people might become “uninformed or disinterested.”

            He told James McHenry, a delegate to the Convention from Maryland, that executive power “will be always increasing here, as elsewhere, till it ends in a monarchy.” Wow!

That can’t be right. Must be fake news or AI.

            But, as a true politician, Benny voted for a president anyway. So, if a president was good enough for Ben Franklin, it’s good enough for me. I’ll be a great president. I’ll guarantee a chicken in every pot and two cars in every garage. Hmmm, that slogan may already have been taken. I’ll check.

            Speaking of checking… I best check another opinion about this whole idea.

            How about Thomas Jefferson? I have faith in his opinion because he was pretty smart too (and tall). After all, he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Tom said he had “no ambition to govern men. It is a painful and thankless office.” He said he was also afraid of “corruption.” Well, you wouldn’t have to worry about my presidency, I’m not a crook.

            He also said “…my movement to the chair of government… would be like… those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.” Whoa wait! What? That’s not very encouraging.

            Maybe I should give this whole running for higher office a second thought.

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Barbara Louise Rohrback McManus

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Barbara Louise Rohrback McManus, 86, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease.

            Barbara was born in York, Pa., to Martin Rohrback and Dorothy Myers, who raised her in Hagerstown, Md., where she attended North Hagerstown High School. After losing both parents in her teens, she lived with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse B. Humphreys, in Braddock Heights. Barbara attended Hood College for two years before transferring to Boston University, where she was elected to the Delta Phi Alpha National German Honorary Society and earned a bachelor’s degree in Germanic arts and literature. She later attended Katherine Gibbs School.

            It was in Boston where Barbara met Gilbride, the love of her life, and an exciting new chapter began. They lived on Commonwealth Avenue during the early years of their marriage before moving to a fairytale, stucco home nestled in the woods of Milton. There, they raised their two children and created a lifetime of beautiful memories, a golden retriever always within arm’s reach. Barbara and Gil lived life to the fullest, traveling extensively with friends and family as they golfed, skied, and danced their way from one memory to the next—good times were the itinerary, and laughter was the soundtrack. Barbara’s love, devotion, and impeccable taste transformed their houses into homes, filling each room in Milton, Pawlet (Vt.), and Marion, with a palpable, welcoming warmth. She relished their decades of family vacations together in Sea Island, Ga., and in Vero Beach, Fla., where she and Gil eventually lived as “snowbirds” with some of their dearest friends.

            Nicknamed “Gunner” in her teens for her skill on the basketball court, Barbara could pick up any new sport with ease and enthusiasm. She enjoyed many years of tennis at Dorset Field Club and Sippican Tennis Club before catching the golf bug and retiring her racket for a driver and endless rounds at Kittansett, The Country Club, Riomar, and wherever friends and travel took her. She had never strapped on skis before meeting Gil, but Barbara learned the sport with instant and astonishing effortlessness. Long after the dynamic duo’s knees could no longer take the impact of long runs and moguls, Gil continued to brag about his bride’s smooth turns, and her jaw-dropping style even on the slopes—conspicuous Bogner suits and fur hats that embarrassed her children to no end, but boy did she wear them well. She enjoyed many years of skiing with her family at Stratton Mountain, followed by memorable trips to Vail, Alta, and Snowbird.

            Throughout it all, Barbara was a pillar of quiet strength. She gave herself wholeheartedly to what mattered most—raising her children and providing her family with the most loving life possible. Once the grandchildren started rolling in, “Mum” became “Mumma Boo,” and then, for efficiency, “Boo.” In her final years, Boo returned to Marion, where she lived with her daughter and her family until her passing. The end of Barbara’s life was filled with an abundance of laughter and love, entertaining teenage antics, angelic caregivers, endless football, golf, and tennis on the TV, and, much to her pleasure, the delightful bookend of one last golden retriever to love.

            Barbara’s legacy of love and devotion to family will be carried on by her daughter, Anne Rohrback McManus; her son-in-law, Matthew Hurlbut; their four children—William, Lila, Natalie, and Teddy; her cherished cousins, Wendy Myers Heinz and Sandra Myers Hamilton; and her daughter-in-law, Melissa McManus, and her daughter, Barbara. She is now lovingly reunited in an infinite embrace with her husband, John Gilbride McManus, and her son, John Gilbride McManus, Jr., along with countless other treasured friends and relatives. 

            Anne and her family extend their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and schedulers at Attentive Home Care and Cahoon Care Associates, to the fabulous Sheila, and to the Community Nurse hospice team, for adoring Mumma Boo and going above and beyond to ensure that she was cared for by real-life angels in the hours when they needed to be off at work and school.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s name to Community Nurse Hospice (https://www.communitynurse.com/), or The Michael J. Fox Foundation (https://www.michaeljfox.org/).

            A memorial service celebrating the lives of Barbara and her son John will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Saint Gabriel’s Church (124 Front St., Marion), followed by a reception at The Kittansett Club (11 Point Rd).

            For information about the service and to leave messages of remembrance, please visit Chapman Funerals and Cremations (2599 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham), or online at www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Peter Converse McDonald

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Peter Converse McDonald, 80, of Carver, passed away on September 22, 2025, at Royal Megansett Nursing Home in Falmouth after a brief illness.

            Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Patricia (Converse) McDonald and William James McDonald. A native of Marion, Peter lived in Germany, Hadley, MA, Minneapolis, MN, and Fairfield, Iowa, before returning to Massachusetts and settling in Carver.

            A graduate of UMass and the Episcopal Theological Seminary, Peter dedicated his life to service as a minister, chaplain, and counselor to the disadvantaged. He was also a student of Transcendental Meditation and a devoted caregiver, especially to elderly families navigating grief and loss.

            Peter served honorably in the U.S. Air Force in Germany during the Vietnam War. A passionate sailor, he found solace and expression later in life through writing, particularly on the topic of grief.

            He is survived by two daughters, Alexa Donaher of Doylestown, PA, and Hadley Sullivan of Topsham, ME; and two brothers, Derek McDonald and Roger McDonald, both of Falmouth.

            He was predeceased by his brother, Courtland McDonald.

            Remembrance Donations can be made in his name to The Elizabeth Taber Library at 8 Spring Street in Marion. Elizabethtaberlibrary.org

            His Memorial Service and burial at sea will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Marion Republican Town Committee

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The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Monday, October 13 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The public and new members are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.

Marion Art Center Unplugged Jazz Series

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ugged in the MAC Gallery. This series of jazz concerts began in 2023, and this was the tenth program since its inception.

            The unplugged concerts are held upstairs in the Patsy Francis Gallery which is transformed into an intimate jazz club, complete with cabaret seating and mood lighting. Introduced by MAC director Jodi Stevens, Ott and Lopes proved to be the perfect duo for this space, mixing an interesting collection of jazz standards, some lesser-known jazz tunes, and two of their own compositions. Playing “things that they like”, these two skilled accompanists and improvisers took the attentive audience on an interesting journey.

            The Latin-American influenced ‘Angelica’, written by Italian pianist and composer Salvatore Bonafede, opened the set, followed by Worcester, MA jazz legend Jaki Byard’s twelve-bar blues ‘Chanda’, and Gerry Allen’s jazz fusion tune ‘Unconditional Love’. This mini-set of the lesser-known songs was introduced by Ott as, “great jazz tunes not heard as much”. By highlighting specific artists and styles of jazz, Ott says that she tries to “vary the energy and tempos, and factor in the context. So, for a duo, realistically, it won’t work to play much Afro-Cuban music. I try for a theme.”

            Thomas “Fats” Waller’s lively ‘Jitterbug Waltz’ followed, and then a pair of their own very imaginative jazz compositions, Ott’s ‘Orbit 13′ and Lopes’ ‘Snowy Owl’. As far as including original music in a set, Ott says, “We both love to write and arrange jazz music.” She added that when presenting original music, it helps to have a “friendly and open-minded audience.” I also asked Ott if there is an advantage to being a “married jazz couple”. She said, “Yes I think so. We definitely rehearse for our concerts, and we inspire one another, for sure.”

            The one-hour set concluded with the Thelonius Monk standard ‘Bemsha Swing’ and the oldest song in the program, Whiting and Chase’s 1930’s popular song ‘My Ideal’, here reimagined in a jazz style and completing a span of almost 100 years of jazz music compositions.

            Both Ott and Lopes loved the small venue, calling the atmosphere upstairs in the Marion Art Center “a dream with a very chilled vibe”. They will continue with several performing and recording projects this fall, working with a new quartet named “Hum” which includes saxophonist John McKenna, guitarist Steve Fell, and the multi-talented Lopes on drums. Ott and Lopes are also working toward a trio recording of some “minimalist jazz” in November with drummer Steve Langone.

            Ott and Lopes will perform with their Latin-jazz ensemble at UMass Dartmouth on October 23 in CVPA room 153 from 7-8 p.m. This group features Bertram Lehmann on drums, Manolo Mairena on congas, and Jared Sims on sax and flute.

            There are two more Unplugged Jazz programs at the MAC this year. On November 21 (sets at 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm), Donn Legge will be joined by keyboardist Jack Coleman, and on December 17 (7:00 pm and 9:30 pm), a “holiday jazz” program will feature Legge and vocalist Dori Rubbicco, joined by keyboardist Matt Richard. Additional information on all MAC music events can be found by visiting www.marionartcenter.org/music.

By Matt Richard

Buzzards Bay Shellfish Beds

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To The Editor:

            There are reports that Buzzards Bay shellfish beds can be contaminated with pollutants from various sources, including boats, runoff from roads and farms near the shore, and naturally occurring bacterial outbreaks. However, the main offender is combined sewage overflows.

            Massachusetts seeks to address the pollutants by creating a Coastal Waters Waste Management Financing Committee to combat nitrogen pollution and outdated sewer systems that jeopardize coastal ecosystems and public health in the communities of Acushnet, Carver, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Lakeville, Gosnold, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, New Bedford, Plymouth, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport.

            To safeguard these precious coastal ecosystems, the community must embrace the transformative potential of Bill H.R. 1000 and S. 638. This legislation envisions the formation of a commission dedicated to assessing infrastructure needs and nitrogen reduction targets across multiple towns. It aspires to craft equitable and sustainable funding and cost-sharing mechanisms, laying the groundwork for essential upgrades, expansions, and groundbreaking innovations.

            The true impact of this bill hinges on the committee’s ability to design effective funding structures, allocate costs fairly, and implement strategic initiatives. Securing robust state and federal support to bolster local resources is crucial, alongside fostering seamless collaboration among local governments and stakeholders across municipal lines.

            When thoughtfully structured and adequately funded, the committee can unleash a dynamic portfolio of engineering, policy, and ecological strategies to tackle nitrogen pollution head-on, modernize aging sewer and septic systems, and ultimately protect public health while nurturing the richness of the SouthCoast waters. By joining forces, we have the opportunity to foster a healthier and more dynamic future for both our communities and the precious environment we cherish.

Eileen J. Marum, Marion

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.

Snipatuit Road Solar Array Approved

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            Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday approved the Order of Conditions for Logging Swamp Solar’s plan to install a solar panel array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road, a property located within a Residential-Agricultural District and partially within a Groundwater Protection District.

            Project representative Sarah Sterns of Beals and Thomas Engineering reported she and her associate Jeff Murphy were back after several months of continuances with a comprehensive plan that has been modified based on the public’s and the town engineer’s comments. The proposed access road has been moved in a southwesterly direction away from abutters’ property lines, as these abutters had requested. “The access road has been shifted significantly,” Sterns said.

            Murphy elaborated that an old logging path is being extended, and a culvert is being removed. A water channel will be connected, and a timber bridge will be built over it. Sterns added that test pits have been done. The data from these pits and Town Engineer Ken Motta’s comments were all incorporated into the new plan.

            “I think you’ve addressed all our comments,” Member Mike Gifford said. The commission motioned the positive Order of Conditions after the abutters who have been attending the hearing since it began in the spring had no further comments.

            The proposal includes work within bordering vegetated wetlands, the 200-foot riverfront area associated with an on-site perennial stream as well as within a local 25-foot No Disturb zone.  Next, the project itself must be reviewed for approval by the Planning Board.

            The Conservation Commission next reviewed a request for a negative Determination of Applicability to wetlands regulations for a proposal at 756 Snipatuit Road. This plan would relocate a drainpipe that currently runs under the house and level off the grading in a backyard within the 100-foot buffer zone of a vegetated wetland. Homeowner Cameron Pierce explained he simply wants to match the grading of his neighbor’s yard. This hearing was continued to the board’s next meeting so Pierce can return with engineered plans.

            Next, the commission granted a negative Determination of Applicability to a proposal at 0 County Road to develop an agricultural water supply reservoir as a “normal improvement” of land in agricultural use as a cranberry bog. Saunders Family Cranberry Company engineer William Madden explained supplying water to the bog will be the reservoir’s only purpose.

            In other action and onto continuances, the commission continued to its next meeting an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation hearing for work at 0 Walnut Plain Road proposed by Botelho Custom Homes.

            The commission also continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing for a plan to construct a single-family home within the 200-foot riparian zone at 0 Robinson Road.

            The commission again continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing for the construction and installation of floating and ground-mounted solar arrays at 53 Dexter Lane, upon the petitioners’ requests.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Conservation Commission will be October 21 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Healy Takes FinCom Chair

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            The Marion Finance Committee met on Wednesday, October 1 to go over various action items, including the reorganization of the committee with new appointments, discussion on the town’s Budget Timeline, and deliberation on the Special Town Meeting Warrant.

            It was announced at the beginning of the meeting that Shay Assad, not in attendance, would be stepping down as committee chair. Sean Healy was nominated and sworn in as the Finance Committee’s new chair with a unanimous vote. Healy recommended Assad become the new vice chair, though a decision couldn’t be made due to his absence. Healy explained Assad’s schedule has been busy, but “is gonna calm down next month, and he expects to be fully engaged in the budget process. Discussion on a vice-chair was tabled until the next meeting.

            Next, member David Herron volunteered and was subsequently nominated and confirmed as committee clerk with a unanimous vote. Prior to this meeting, GR Pitman and Mal Durkee were appointed as alternate members.

            Onto the meeting itself, chair Healy delegated work regarding the town’s budget, saying “I communicate with Mike Nelson and the School Committee; Tom (Crowley) would talk to police and fire; Fred (Mock) would work on civic, Dave (Herron) might do civic.” In planning like this, he’d like to have each member become an expert of a certain facet of the town’s budget.

            For the Fall Town Meeting, the Finance Committee agreed they should, similarly to last Town Meeting, offer recommendations towards the different articles to the Select Board. The Select Board will discuss and close the warrant on Tuesday, October 14 at the Marion Police Department Conference Room at 6:00 pm. A Town Meeting Review has yet to be scheduled. The Fall Town Meeting will be held on Monday, November 24 at 6:45 pm at Sippican School.

            The next meeting of the Marion Finance Committee was unscheduled at adjournment, but will be held in November.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

Finding Solace in Nature

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            Autumn is here, like an old friend arriving with ease and familiar comfort. Welcome back! Your return gives us much to be thankful for. Empty beaches to roam, comfortable weather and some of the most dazzling colors in nature.

            We know the signals – the orange, red, and yellow foliage that begins to blanket the landscape, the maples ablaze with color, and pumpkins appearing at farm stands.

            What comes to mind when you think about fall? I asked Suzanne – we’ve tallied many falls together since meeting in 5th grade – coincidentally she visited yesterday when I was thinking of this column. Her response: “Crisp mornings, sunny blue afternoons, fall festivals and hayrides and corn mazes, coastal bike rides, vineyard tours, apple picking, chili cookoffs, apple cider, and pumpkin latte.”

            We heartily agree – the sights, the smell and the taste of fall and the colors of the trees seen on the commute to work – all of fall’s present and past converge. When you grow up in New England it’s a much-cherished time. For many of us, it’s the sensory overload that is so captivating. Not all of it is about pumpkin-flavoring, but more the natural scents that fall brings – the decaying leaves, wood fires, crisp morning air, the orchard’s fallen apples fermenting. This morning’s mist, mingling with the crunch of fallen leaves, deepens the simple pleasures of the season. The quiet hush of birdsong has given way to the steady chorus of crickets.

            Gardening season is winding down, but there is still plenty to do and it’s much more comfortable now with temperatures hovering in the 70s. Now is the time to assess and to (in following the lead of our local squirrels) get everything inside that isn’t hardy. Any avid gardener knows that fall is time to take inventory of plants and also to make plans for alterations and expansions of borders.

            While clearing the withered remains of plants in a woodland garden yesterday, I instinctively considered ways to improve it. The understory of this garden is home to epimediums, bluebells, lily of the valley and other spring blooming wildflowers and ferns. I think it might be nice to add a companion to the fall-blooming Kirengeshoma palmata (yellow wax bells) to add more interest. I tackle the uninvited vines that have woven their way into the rhododendrons and mountain laurel. It becomes more than a few hours of work.

            Sometimes I think fall comes too quickly as there are things I forgot to do or didn’t quite get to yet. Like gathering seaweed to overdress the winter garden. Some gardeners go further – drying the seaweed, then combining it with fallen leaves and chopping them up (with the mower) and spreading it over the beds like a winter blanket. In spring it can be incorporated into the soil to add tilth.

            Fall is also the time to collect seeds of flowers and add them to the already numerous piles of labeled paper lunch bags. That reminds me I have to purge the shed again and replace a broken windowpane. I need two label seeds that I have saved. Divisions and decisions about how the garden will be shaped or changed next year happen now. Many of these flood my head – one such is creating a dahlia bed – I used to grow them, and I’ve missed these beauties.

            Autumn is also a time to take note of stone walls again – plants having receded or in some stage of decay. As I was taking in the laundry from the clothesline the other day, a section of wall caught my eye – a large cinnamon fern splayed out underscored by ivy and above them the shrubbery – now shedding its leaves… all of this backlit by the afternoon sun.

            Another great feature of fall is the blue slanted light. It doesn’t seem real. Notice how everything is sharply defined. It has a solitary quality. Fall is sort of like the goodnight kiss at the front door. There’s no follow up.

            Well, there is winter. But we’ll leave that alone for now. There are still pleasures to be had. Watching the bees rustle the blossoms overhanging our patio, I try to recall lines from the romantic poets.

            “To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,

            And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

            To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

            With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

            And still more, later flowers for the bees,

            Until they think warm days will never cease,

            For Summer has o-er-brimmed their clammy cells.”

             – from “To Autumn,” by John Keats

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean