Committee Appointments Scheduled

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The Marion Finance Committee met remotely on Wednesday, September 24 via Microsoft Teams for a review of the applications submitted by G.R. Pitman and Mal Durkee to serve as alternate members. This would be followed by reorganization and appointments to committee positions.

            The meeting began with a unanimous vote in favor of approving the two applicants. This vote appoints Pitman and Durkee as the two alternates for the committee. “We have a full committee, that’s fantastic,” said Sean Healy, acting as chair of the meeting with Shay Assad’s absence.

            For appointments, Healy asked if the appointment of a committee officer should take place at this meeting. Donna Hemphill, the executive assistant to the Select Board, recommended this decision be tabled until the chair (Assad) and other committee members were present, making it a full-committee decision. Hemphill added which positions need to be decided, those being a chair, vice chair, and clerk, the latter of which is responsible for recording meeting minutes.

            With the two agenda items taken care of, the committee discussed when said appointments would take place. Hemphill and the committee agreed to meet remotely at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, October 1 for the Finance Committee Appointing Committee via Microsoft Teams.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Finance Committee is tentatively scheduled to take place Wednesday, October 15.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

St. Anthony-St. Rita Christmas By The Sea Bazaar

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Mark your calendars and save the date. Please join us for the annual “Christmas By The Sea Bazaar” on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at St. Anthony’s parish, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett.

            Seasonal handcrafted gifts, decorations, and stocking stuffers will be offered by local vendors, including wooden and leather wares, honey, ornaments (including the 2025 parish ornament designed by a local artist), seashell art, all types of sewn, crocheted, knitted and quilted items such as stuffed animals, hats, mittens and bags, carved wooden birds, jewelry, and much more.

            When you arrive, you will be greeted with live festive music. As always, the Bazaar will offer a huge assortment of decorated wreaths and greens arrangements, gift baskets raffles, a grand raffle (1st prize: $1,000, 2nd prize: $500, 3rd prize: $250), a toy shoppe with toys, cookie decorating, and games, and a large bake sale with all types of wonderful baked goods.

            There will be refreshments as well, filling the hall with festive aromas. Refreshments will include: malasadas and coffee, “Friendship soup” (recipe to be provided), popcorn, hot chocolate bar, and more. There will even be a special appearance from Santa himself.

            All proceeds will benefit St. Anthony- St. Rita parish initiatives, including providing college book scholarships to local high school seniors. Please find, like, and share our event on Facebook. If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Silvia at katsa06@gmail.com. We hope to see you there.

How to Slash Energy Costs

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The Marion Energy Management Committee welcomes David Green on October 29 to learn from his experience saving thousands of dollars annually on energy bills. The event will provide actionable, independent advice for achieving significant financial returns while cutting carbon emissions.

            He will draw from personal experience, having cut his own home’s carbon emissions and bills to zero and powering his house for 24 hours with his Ford F150 Lightning during an outage. The presentation will also cover subsidies in the Inflation Reduction Act (available through 2025) and Massachusetts programs that can make heat pumps free or deeply discounted for many homeowners.

            A past attendee praised his talks, stating, “Minute-for-minute, point-for-point, one of the best webinars I have ever attended. Thank you.” Green’s advice is completely independent, as he has retired from a successful career in biotechnology and does not work for any installer or manufacturer of energy products.

            David Green is the author of two books on cutting carbon emissions, endorsed by Bill McKibben and Paul Hawken. He holds a BA in physics from Oxford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. All attendees of the webinar will receive a complimentary copy of his book, Zero Carbon Home.

            The Energy Management Committee invites the wider community to the Marion Music Hall on October 29, 6:30 pm. RSVP encouraged at: bit.ly/48CXiue.

Protect What Works

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To the Editor:

            Protect What Works – Vote YES on October 4.

            On Saturday, October 4 at 1 pm in the ORR High School Gym, Mattapoisett residents will have a chance to redeem a decision pushed through Beacon Hill – one that was passed at the May Town Meeting by a slim margin, with fewer than 110 total YES votes. That narrow vote supported expanding our Select Board from three to five members, a major structural change advanced without broad community consensus.

            In response, more than 335 Mattapoisett citizens signed a petition calling for this Special Town Meeting – a clear signal that the community seeks to be heard. While this meeting cannot legally override the earlier act, it is the next appropriate step in delivering the will of the people and affirming our commitment to sound, local self-government.

            Opponents now claim this petition is “non-binding” and “unnecessary.” Quite a statement – considering it was their unprecedented haste to rush expansion through the Legislature that ignored community sentiment and caused this situation. The people of Mattapoisett are simply demanding a voice in their own governance – something that should have been respected from the start.

            And let’s not forget: this is the same Legislature that refuses to be audited, despite 72% of Massachusetts voters supporting an audit in the last statewide election. The same body that exempts itself from public records laws – while allowing no FOIA transparency from citizens – even as the author of the expansion petition has filed 13 public records requests against our own town government. The double standard is striking: Beacon Hill demands transparency from towns yet denies it to the people. Should we be surprised they ignored a certified citizen petition and my formal filings to legislative committees asking for a delay? Sadly, no. This process reflects arrogance, not accountability — and a clear deafness to the will of the people.

            Under our three-member Select Board, Mattapoisett has:

            -Earned a AAA bond rating for exceptional fiscal management

            -Maintained one of the lowest rates of tax increases in the region

            -Submitted only one small tax override in the last 10 years – approved byvoters to meet a critical infrastructure need, an enviable record.

            Massachusetts communities:

            -Passed every independent financial audit

            -Governed with professionalism, transparency, and balance

            This is a record of competence and results – not dysfunction.

            Some argue that expansion is needed to increase “diversity.” But adding seats does not guarantee diversity of background or ideas – elections are unpredictable and may simply reproduce the same viewpoints. True diversity comes from voter choice and civic participation, not from enlarging government.

            Moreover, respected studies from the Harvard Kennedy School, the National

School Boards Association, and the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory confirm that larger boards often become less efficient, more divided, and less accountable. Growth in size rarely brings improvement – only complexity.

            Our three-member board has consistently demonstrated unity, fiscal discipline, and good judgment. Expanding it would risk replacing competence with conflict.

            This Special Town Meeting is our chance to speak with one voice – to redeem a hasty decision and affirm the common-sense leadership that works.

            Show up. Speak up. Vote yes on Saturday, October 4 to keep our Select Board at three members and uphold the will of the people.

            Let’s show everyone that arrogance has no home in Mattapoisett.

            As we said in the ’60s — Power to the People. Right on.

Paul Criscuolo, Mattapoisett

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.

ORR Spikers Have Midseason Momentum

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            Old Rochester’s girls volleyball team played at Somerset Berkley (6-3) on September 24, and won 3-0 by set scores of 25-20, 25-17, and 25-11. Carly Mello was 15-for-16 at the service line and was named the player of the game. Maya Morrison recorded 24 assists and 5 aces, and Kate Rodrigues recorded 14 digs. Molly Franco and Erin Root each recorded 7 assists. The Bulldogs took a 9-1 record in Wednesday’s match against Fairhaven (7-2).

Field Hockey

            The Bulldogs played at Dighton-Rehoboth (1-6) on September 23, and won 3-0. Morgan LeBlanc was named the player of the game, scoring all 3 goals. Old Rochester is now 7-1, and the Bulldogs’ next game will be at Somerset Berkley (6-1) on Thursday, October 2.

Football

            Old Rochester gave unbeaten Dartmouth a fight in the Bulldogs’ home opener on September 26, but a 33-21 loss to the visiting Indians (4-0) has the Bulldogs (0-4) regrouping as they head into the bye week.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

Shrinking the MAB?

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The Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met on Thursday, September 25 for further discussions on the town’s Waterfront Management Plan and on work at Long Wharf.

            Initially, Chairman Carlos G. DeSousa stated he and the board should review recordings of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission’s prior meeting from September 22 as it pertains to the Management Plan and general harbor water flow.

            For the Waterfront Management Plan, the board went over comments from the Harbormaster office. In agreement with comments received, Chair DeSousa stated there would be no expansion of the mooring area near Ned’s Point. Other comments primarily focused on wording changes and grammar corrections. The chair explained the Management Plan still requires two weeks of public review and approval by the Select Board.

            Changing topics, Chair DeSousa said “I’ve been thinking about this for a while now,” referring to a possible reduction in the member amount for the Marine Advisory Board (MAB). The reasoning for this, he explained, would be to lower the number of people needed for a quorum. He stated two members have resigned recently, Mike Costa and Will Langlois. The chair would like five full members (instead of seven) and two alternates. He also added, “not long ago, we had nine members and three alternates.” Further discussion on the subject will necessarily involve the Select Board, which will have the determining say in any decision.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 16 Main Street.

Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board

By Sam Bishop

Finding Solace in Nature

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            Mother Nature is a healer. Some of the gladdest moments a person can have are footsteps away – in the outdoors where the vibe is always comforting and consoling. I’ve been doing just that for a few days after a misstep led to a sprained foot that necessitated slowing down.

            What initially seems untenable and unfair becomes decidedly something you can bear, spurred on by the sunshine and the sounds of nature – which have inherent healing powers. My preferred “sit spot” is an alfresco sofa on a patio with a view of the garden, a small fishpond, and a glorious tree known colloquially as a “Seven Sons Tree.”

            My late friend, the horticulturist Allen C. Haskell, recommended planting this stunning tree as a focal point in our front garden. Its proper name is Heptacodium miconioides and it is noted for its clusters of seven flower buds, fragrant white flowers and peeling tan bark. It is native to China, specifically the mountains of Hubei Province where it is considered rare and vulnerable to extinction. Thanks to the British plant collector Ernest Wilson, it was introduced to Western horticulture in 1907 and later became more widely available in the United States through seeds sent from the Arnold Arboretum in the early 1980s.

            In the fall, the quietude of this spot beneath the Seven Sons vanishes with the arrival of the bees. Before you see them, you hear them; loud and insistent, their drone is at a fever pitch now. Unlike most flowering trees that bloom in spring, this one saves up the show for autumn and the bees – honey bees and bumble bees – make their pilgrimage in full frenzied ecstasy.

            It’s sensational to lie beneath this mountainous white canopy fully enveloped by the scene. Gazing up you can see their tiny bodies move in arc-like patterns with the precision and dexterity of trapeze artists. They dive into the frothy effervescence of flora, and quickly resurface, moving from bloom to bloom methodically. Watching them has become an annual event here and as a beekeeper it makes me feel very connected.

            Getting a close look at the bees you will see them gathering pollen, storing it in combs on their hind legs. When full, these leg sacs resemble cowboy chaps. The insects’ subtle movements send a show of white blossoms down on the seats and table below. The dispensed petals land ever so lightly on the brick terrace and plants below – collecting in the groove between hosta stem and leaf-like foam. It’s as soft and quiet as the falling snow it foreshadows. The scene is suggestive of the confetti tossed by well-wishers at a wedding… a happy mess. I sweep it away, but it continues to fall, so the surfaces are reglazed again, with the bees’ agitations. It’s a lovely sight – and when the show is finally over after weeks of the bee delirium, the tree reveals vivid red, fan-shaped bracts, which give the appearance of it blooming anew.

            And so it happens… The last sail. The final plunge into the sea. Shortening daylight. And so many other “endings.” Astonishing how it all happens so suddenly. We’re never prepared for it.

            Do you remember those childhood summers when the days seemed to stretch on forever? One-two-three redlight! We’d play until dusk, until our mothers called us home. But the game never really ended – it waited for us, ready to begin again the next evening. We didn’t think in terms of time back then. Each day blended into the next – we didn’t have to check off or hoard the experience. We’d happily chase the summer’s fireflies, creatures as elusive and fleeting as summer itself. You cannot bottle either after all.

            Not to sound lugubrious. But we all admit that the summer, even with its hot, humid, harried days is the season of life let loose. It’s the main attraction, the one season we adults measure and countdown – in an attempt to seize it fully.

            An hour ‘til sunset, an outline of a waxing moon is visible over the tree line, and the smell of fresh mown lawn lingers while the cricket’s steady song continues. By the front lamppost a ruffle of pink roses punctuates the scene. Life in the garden continues. For a moment I’m transported to a June evening. And then a little chill intrudes, proving it’s just a deception after all. You can no more call it back than your own youth. We have arrived into the next season and there is no turning back.

            “The song is ended, But the melody lingers on” – Irving Berlin

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

October Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Our four-week Fall Yoga Series continues on Thursday, October 2 and October 9, at 11:00 am. There will be no yoga on October 16. The class concludes on October 23 at 11:00 am. Stretch, unwind, and relax with a beginner-friendly yoga flow series. This adaptable experience suits all ability levels. Class will be held outside, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. No registration is required.

            Join local attorney Amy Mello at the library on Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 pm for an introduction to estate planning. Attorney Mello lives in Mattapoisett and enjoys practicing law on the South Coast. She provides a wide variety of professional and comprehensive services to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. This informative event is free and open to all. No registration required.

            We’re celebrating the spooky season all October long with our Frightfully Fun Film Festival every Tuesday. These free, outdoor movie screenings will be held on the library’s lawn, weather permitting. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and spooky spirit as we welcome Boris Karloff’s 1931 classic “Frankenstein” back to the big screen on October 7 at 6:00 pm. All ages welcome – no registration required.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends are still accepting jewelry donations. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk by November 16. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            Our Frightfully Fun Film Festival resumes on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:00 pm with the 1968 Family Comedy “Blackbeard’s Ghost.” The fun continues on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00 pm, with the 1966 Comedy-Horror film “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.” Feel free to come early and get comfortable on the library’s lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs—weather permitting—no registration required.

            We’re hosting a free poetry event, featuring local and area poets, on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 pm in the library’s large meeting room. All are welcome to join us for light refreshments and a joyous celebration of the written and spoken word – no registration necessary.

            Join us for our Board Game Club’s first meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:00 pm. Our first game is “Trekking the National Parks,” a friendly competition featuring North American National Parks. Camp at parks, collect stones, and earn the most victory points to win. This game is recommended for two to five players. Space is limited. Register on the library’s website to save your spot. *Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to review the rules if you’ve never played before.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 6:00 pm. We will discuss The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library are hosting their next book sale on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the library’s meeting room. All proceeds from the event benefit library programs and activities. Please stop by and check it out. Book donations can be dropped off at the library the week of the sale, starting October 21.

            Our Frightfully Fun Film Festival Finale takes place in the large meeting room on Tuesday, October 28, at 5:30 pm, featuring live music by Jeff Rapis. Long before Andrew Lloyd Webber created the hit stage musical, the 1925 silent film adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera,” starring Lon Chaney, helped place ‘Phantom’ firmly in the pantheon of both horror and romance. See it if you dare. No registration required.

            Drop by the library on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00 pm for the next Sippizine writing group. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session. No registration required.

            Join us for Estate Planning 101 with Fall River attorney, Jane E. Sullivan, on Wednesday, October 29 at 6 pm for an introduction to organizing your finances, starting a will, and planning your estate. Attorney Sullivan established her own Estate Planning and Elder Law practice in Fall River in 1996 because she recognized the need for prompt, personalized estate planning services. This educational event is free and open to the public; no registration required.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, browse our website at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at (508) 758-4171.

Sippican Historical Society Autumn Events

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The Sippican Historical Society (SHS) announces its lineup of autumn events. This season’s offerings include engaging lectures, family-friendly activities, and an exhibit that brings new perspectives on Marion’s heritage.

            Kicking off the season on October 10 is the exhibit opening In Her World: the Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Taber at 141 Front Street in Marion from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

            Vintage enthusiasts, book lovers and bargain hunters should swing by SHS the weekend after for its Sidewalk Sale. On Friday, October 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and on October 18 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, you can also find craft inspiration in the boxes of free maps and ephemera.

            Stop by the Sippican Historical Society on Friday, October 31 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm after the Halloween parade for a bit of candy and culture – no costumes necessary.

            On November 13 at 6:30 pm, award-winning author Lauren Wolk returns to the Marion Music Hall to share her guidance on Writing Without a Map.

            The Sippican Historical Society invites everyone in the community to participate in its events. For more information and to sign up for weekly emails, go to sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

            About the Sippican Historical Society: The Sippican Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Marion, Massachusetts. Through its collections, exhibits, and public programs, the society works to educate the public and foster an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Sippican region.

Henry Stopka

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Henry Stopka, 95, of Rochester, passed away on October 3, 2025, at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven.  He was the husband of the late Nancy A. (Lake) Stopka. They were married for 60 years.  He was the son of the late John and Alexandria (Ostrawski) Stopka.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Rochester since 1957.

He began his military service in the U.S. Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran.  He then joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served for 30 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Firefighter. He also served in the Massachusetts National Guard.  

Mr. Stopka worked in civil service at Otis Air Force Base as a firefighter for 26 years.  He also worked for Decas Cranberry Company for many years.   He and his wife were commercial quahog fisherman, a job which he and his wife enjoyed very much.

He was a member of the Tri Town Veteran’s Association, and he enjoyed gardening.  Most of all he loved his family and attending various family events and being surround by his loving family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Stephen Stopka of Middleboro, Deborah Veary and her husband, Kenneth of Rochester, Gary Stopka and his wife Anne Marie of Rochester, and Jennifer Thomas and her companion Dennis Lynch of Fairhaven; 5 grandchildren, Justin Thomas, Ryan, Trevor, Caitlin, and Jethro Stopka; a step granddaughter, Heather McIvor and her husband, Thomas; a great granddaughter, McKenna Thomas; many nephews and nieces. He was the father of the late Jeffrey Stopka.

Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300

Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org