Looking Back: The Wanderer, October 2000

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            To look back to the year 2000 is to nearly look back across the entire extent of my life. Though for others, it will bring back (hopefully) good memories of a time now lost, where I couldn’t merely pull out the little one-pound block in my pocket and instantly answer any question I could ever have. Maybe I could afford a house then, too! Using The Wanderer’s online archives, this article seeks to look back to October 2000 to see what was going on in the Tri-Town then, some 25 years ago.

            Still fresh off our victories over the machines 10 months after the Y2K computer error, or lack thereof, October 2000 was an eventful time in the Tri-Town. A Letter to the Editor at the end of September had said, “I am appalled and disappointed in the Town of Marion for allowing a Dunkin’ Donuts on the Route 6 area!” For some reason, I had assumed the Dunkin’ had always been there, since time immemorial. Also, the median home price in Massachusetts was about $160,000. Today, it is over $650,000. No, I am not letting that go.

            In our first October edition for 2000, Tim Lynch of Mattapoisett was on the cover, posing aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. The Wanderer reported on the start of BULLDOG TV, a program at Old Rochester Regional High School started thanks to a $600 donation from AT&T Broadband, now defunct. This service allowed students to learn about news coverage and technology while also being able to report on current events on cable TV. Speaking of ORR, the class of 1975 held their 25th reunion on October 20, 2000. They just held their 50th last week.

            On October 18, we reported “Old Rochester Regional Building Committee (ORRBC) opened four General Contractor bids for the renovation and additions to the ORR Junior and Senior High Schools. All of the bids were above the budgeted amount, with the lowest bid being approximately 10 percent over.”

            At this time, the Marion Board of Selectmen (still a few decades off their rebranding to Select Board) was looking at applications for a new Town Administrator, as Ray Pickles was slated to retire from that position by the end of the year. Chair of the Board of Selectman at this time was Albert E. Winters.

            Rochester’s Board of Selectmen at this time were planning their Town Hall renovations and expansion, with contractors touring the site and offering bids the following month. We also reported: “Progress on the Police/Communications Building project has been ‘moving slowly’ and they’ve yet to hire a Clerk of the Works, although they’ve interviewed prospective candidates. The new Highway Building, however, is forging ahead, with plans to pour the foundation slated for later in the week.”

            The Rochester Scouts, Troop 31, were hosting their third annual Haunted Hayride, and Frank McNamee was meeting with the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club to speak on antiques and jewelry.

            This month also, all three Boards of Selectmen were discussing Town Meeting warrants. Not much has changed there.

            The Rochester Lions Club hosted its Annual Halloween Parade, and Marion was planning a Veterans Day parade for the next month for the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

            Flu clinics were up in all of the Tri-Town, as they are now, though at least we didn’t have to worry about Covid or West Nile. Much has changed since then, but a lot hasn’t much either. The town’s boards and committees still chug on, Town Meetings still happen one or two times a year, and The Wanderer still reports on these three great towns.

October Y2K

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee

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Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 16, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Neimad Facility, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett.

            The meeting will address important community concerns. The evening will also feature light refreshments, a cash bar, and open conversation among community members. Please visit Facebook.com/MattapoisettGOP for information on our scheduled monthly speaker.

            “This meeting is about working together to protect our local voice and ensure citizens are represented fairly,” said Paul Criscuolo, Chair of the Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee. “We encourage all residents to join the discussion and learn more about these critical issues.”

Marion’s 175th Anniversary

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In 2027, the Town of Marion will proudly celebrate its 175th Anniversary, and we want you to be part of the festivities. The Marion Select Board is currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join the 175th Anniversary Committee.

            The committee will be responsible for planning and organizing events throughout the year to honor Marion’s rich history, vibrant community, and bright future. Whether you’re passionate about local history, event planning, arts, or simply love Marion, your ideas and energy are welcome.

            Interested in volunteering? For more details, reach out to the Select Board Office at 508-748-3520 or dhemphill@marionma.gov. The Volunteer Application is available at the Marion Town House Annex at 14 Barnabas Road or online at www.marionma.gov/277/Vacant-Board-Commission-Committee-Seats-.

            Let’s make 2027 a year to remember.

Mattapoisett Voters

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To The Editor:

            The residents of Mattapoisett came out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, to vote overwhelmingly to approve the Select Board of the town to 5 members next year.

            It is time to accept the desire of the residents and let this issue end.

            The unnecessary meeting has cost the town money that could have been used for many other needs.

            Let’s stop the division and make this community united again.

            “Mattapoisett is Special,” let’s keep it that way!

Sandy McGowan

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.

Cottage Bylaw Discussion

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            The Mattapoisett Planning Board met on Monday for two continued discussions and a vote on new filing requirements for the board.

            Talks began with a continued discussion regarding the Draft Cottage Housing Bylaw. Research and examinations of such a bylaw began by the board in early May. Member William Wennerberg stated he wanted to “talk through each part” in order to make sure each item is agreed upon by the board members as to have it done and ready for a public hearing. Most discussion and change revolved around wording, grammar, and consistency in the document. Member Karen Field mentioned the town’s lack of affordable housing, making the passing of the bylaw paramount to rectifying this issue and others.

            On cars and parking, Wennerberg stated each house should be allotted room for two cars and “we should come up with a calculation that says, if there’s eight houses in a development, there should be four additional parking spaces beyond that” to account for guests. For garage additions, member John Mathieu highlighted the importance of maintaining the existing house’s style for such an add-on, saying, “the garages have to be the architectural standard of the house.” A public hearing on the bylaw will likely be scheduled during the next meeting.

            Next was another continued discussion with a vote, this time on filing requirements. The Planning Board approved the new filing requirements as written, with a unanimous vote.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, October 20 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Conference Room and remotely on Zoom.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Hogan, ORR Run past Fairhaven

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            Old Rochester’s unified basketball team played at Fairhaven in their season opener on October 1 and won 58-51. Michael Hogan led the team with 28 points, followed by Tom Grondin with 8 and Traeh Carrington with 6. David Wilson was named the Player of the Game for his outstanding defense, as well as adding 10 points.

“With a handful of new players joining a strong core of returners, it was great to see everyone come together and contribute to a hard-fought team victory,” said ORR Head Coach Emma Fenton.

The Bulldogs took their 1-0 record into Wednesday’s home opener against visiting Apponequet on October 8.

Boys Soccer

            The Bulldogs played at Fairhaven on October 1 and won 4-0. Goals were scored by Grady Oliveira, Garrett Ignacio, Brendan Foster and Nolan Blanchette. Goalkeeper Owen Harrington made 3 saves in the shutout. ORR’s JV squad also played and won 2-0, as goals were scored by Quin DeMello and Sidney Medeiros. Old Rochester took a 7-2-2 record into Wednesday’s game against Apponequet (2-5-3).

Girls Volleyball

            Old Rochester hosted Fairhaven on October 1 and won 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-15). Leading the Bulldogs was Maya Morrison with 24 assists and 4 aces. The win officially qualifies ORR for the state tournament. The Bulldogs were 10-2 heading into Wednesday’s match at Apponequet (4-9).

Golf

            The Bulldogs hosted Bishop Stang on October 1 and won 230-236 in cumulative stroke play. Jack Czerkowicz shot 35, Brady Mills shot 37, John Bongiorno shot 38, and Luke Pierre shot 39. ORR took a 13-0 record into Wednesday’s match against Catholic Memorial (8-5).

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

MAC Annual Meeting

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The Annual Meeting for the Marion Art Center will be held on Thursday, October 16 at 4:30 pm. The meeting will take place in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. All members are invited to attend, in person or virtually. A Zoom link will be provided a few days prior to the event at www.marionartcenter.org/events.

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.