This month’s meeting of the Rochester Historical Society will be September 18at 7:00 pm at the Museum, 355 County Road, Rochester. There will be a talk by Connie Eshbach on “Notable People of Rochester: Past and Present”, which is also the topic of this year’s exhibit. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
Fall and Winter 2019 programs at the Marion Natural History Museum will include:
September 18– Open House – Getting to know your museum. This is a half school day so come on over to the museum to create with Legos, enjoy our displays and learn about our upcoming programs. We are open from 12:00 – 4:00 pm, free admission.
September 25– Netting at the Marion Harbormaster’s beach – while it’s still warm out let’s see what we can find in our harbor with the museum’s seining net. Please plan to get wet. Pick up will be at the harbormaster’s beach.
October 9– Massachusetts Turtles – What kinds of turtles do we have in Massachusetts? Did you know we have a turtle who likes to build his own house in hide in? What turtle is called a “stinkpot”. What should we do when we find a turtle? Let’s learn a little about these fascinating creatures with Brian Bastarache, Natural Resource Management Chairman at Bristol Agricultural School.
October 23– Fall is here! – What is our native wildlife doing to prepare for the coming cold? We’ll look at some winter survival strategies used by our local wildlife. Then we’ll head to the woods to look at how plants, trees and squirrels are getting ready to adapt for winter. Please be sure to dress for a walk outside!
November 13– Cranberries – This fruit has been a valuable product from the southeastern Massachusetts area for many years. Dawn Gates-Allen of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association will be introducing us to the life of a bog-owner, including the many challenges they face. We’ll be doing some experimenting and hands-on activities. Let’s find out a little more about what is involved in providing this important fruit for the holidays!
December 11– Holiday party 2019 – Our annual event is always a popular program. We will be having some fun using natural and recycled materials to make gifts for the holidays. Light refreshments will be served.
Registration forms are available at www.marionmuseum.org
To the Editor:
The Elizabeth Taber Library Board of Trustees and all those involved in Marion’s Elizabeth Taber Library would like to thank Nita Howland and her crew who unselfishly and tirelessly took on the work of administrating the 2019 Annual Elizabeth Taber Library Book Sale.
There are many shades of volunteers but few like Nita Howland. Each year she takes on the monumental task of putting on the daunting annual book sale, which includes 12 months of sorting through thousands of book donations as well as the set-up and sale each year.
As one of the only private libraries left in the state, the Elizabeth Taber Library must do significant fundraising each year to help balance our budget, including sponsorships, donations and events. The Annual Book Sale is our biggest fundraiser and this year, Nita and company made sure the book sale was another huge success.
Thank you very much Nita, and thank you to many others who helped including the Marion DPW, Charlene Sperry, Diana Markle, Genya Hopkins, Nicole Davignon, Sarah Mendes, Emma Williamson, Carol Houdelette, Karilon Grainger, Dana Janik, Laura Pardo, Jorie Borden, Connie Pierce, Stephen Carnazza, John Rolli, Mark Howland, Bob and Judy Rosbe, Meg and Barry Steinberg, Bob Raymond and Peter Sowden.
Without these people and the silent assistants not mentioned, this event would not have been possible. Thank you all for your time and your dedication in helping to make the Elizabeth Taber Library the center of our town.
Jen Jones
Elizabeth Taber Library Board of Trustees
The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wandererwill 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 Wandererreserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderermay choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wandererhas the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wandereralso reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.
During the September 10 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, several matters related to public safety, and at least one impacting historical preservation were addressed.
Since the construction of a solar array field off Crystal Springs Road began several years ago, residents living near the historic stone bridge spanning River Road started sounding the alarm that large tractor trailers were damaging the walls of the bridge, slowly chipping away at a piece of Mattapoisett history.
After a year that saw the town’s Historical Commission and neighbors in the area lobbying Town Hall to limit travel across the bridge, a concept embraced by the board, the selectmen signed a letter that will ultimately place a weight restriction on the bridge. That letter confirms to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation that the town wishes to limit heavy trucks from using the one-way bridge.
An August 26 letter from MassDOT reads in part, “…[We are] in agreement with the town regarding approval of a 24-hour heavy commercial vehicle exemption.” Vehicles 2.5 tons and greater will no longer be allowed to use the route across the Mattapoisett River including River Road to Crystal Spring Road, “…due to the geometric restrictions and safety concerns…”
The selectmen voted to express their acceptance of MassDOT’s decision. Signage will be posted at the intersection of Route 6 and River Road, as well as at the intersection of Acushnet Road and Crystal Springs Road.
In other matters related to traffic movement, Highway Superintendent Barry Denham presented the board with an inventory of all stop signs in the town. Town Administrator Michael Gagne said, about every ten years, cities and towns need to review stop sign inventory lists and move to accept them in order to make violations defendable should the stop be challenged in court. The selectmen accepted the inventory as presented.
But that wasn’t all. The selectmen also made a motion to have all non-posted streets designated with a maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour. Police Chief Mary Lyons was on hand and concurred that posting the 25-miles-per-hour speed limit would help. Signs, if approved, would be posted at the eight entrances to the town and would read: “Thickly settled, Speed Limit 25 citywide, unless otherwise posted.” A letter will be sent to MassDOT requesting approval and acknowledging the town’s desire to move quickly in this matter.
Selectman Tyler Macallister also expressed his concern about cars parked illegally along Mattapoisett Neck Road where the bike path crosses the roadway. He asked Chief Lyons to increase patrols along that stretch and begin towing away violators.
There was preliminary discussion with Lyons regarding the possibility of adding a four-way stop at the intersection of Pine Island Road, Church Street extension, and Old Main Road, a move that many in the area believe would make the intersection safer as part of a large roadway project planned for the village.
Coming before the selectmen regarding a Home Rule Petition draft was Kathleen Costello, administrator of assessing, and Attorney Matthew Thomas. Costello said that for several years, assessors across the Commonwealth had been attempting to get legislation approved that would close a loophole in alternative energy regulations. As the laws currently stand, she said, cities and towns cannot impose personal property taxes or payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) programs on businesses setting up alternative energy operations.
After discussions that touched on Mattapoisett’s potential to see more large-scale solar array projects coming to the community with the closure of Brayton Point Power Station and Pilgrim Power, Costello and Thomas presented the board with a draft for a home rule petition that would require commercial energy producers to make a decision – either engage in a PILOT program with the town, or pay personal property taxes on the equipment.
Companies producing 1.25 times more energy than they need for their use would fall into the category of a commercial producer, as would those businesses constructing alternative energy facilities for the sole purpose of selling energy credits to a utility. This law would not impact homeowners and businesses using alternative energy for personal use.
Costello said that the home rule would “minimize legal action that might come to the town.” The selectmen voted to place the home rule petition on the warrant for the fall special town meeting scheduled for October 21 at 6:00 pm in the Old Rochester Regional High School auditorium. If this is accepted at town meeting, Mattapoisett would be the first town in the Commonwealth to enact such a ruling, Costello said.
Also coming before the selectmen to receive final approval of his application for the transfer of a permit for a portion of the town’s 100-acre shellfish propagation area off Brandt Island was Dr. Dale Leavitt of Blue Stream Shellfish, LLC. The company would assist the town in clean up of the entire site previously held by Taylor Seafood, and Dr. Leavitt would continue to contribute his vast knowledge in the field of shellfish farming to the town and its shellfish operations. Furthermore, in addition to the $1,000 per-acre bond, Blue Stream would also be assessed $200 per acre to cover municipal oversight. The selectmen voted to approve Blue Stream’s 10-acre permit. Blue Stream may ask for additional acreage in the future if the first year is successful and the town is satisfied with the operation.
Leavitt said that the first year would be one of study to evaluate growth potentials for both oysters and kelp, which the company also plans to farm.
On the subject of family quahog permits, Selectman Jordan Collyer said that anyone taking shellfish from Mattapoisett should be required to use a container that measures the catch accurately. Gagne had said that shellfish wardens were concerned that people were using everything from “plastic bags to pillowcases”, which made measuring the haul impossible. Macallister said one peck per family was allowed. Edits will be made to the Shellfish Rules and Regulations requiring a measuring device be used by all license holders. Collyer agreed, adding, “The wardens should deal with anyone not complying.”
Wrapping up the meeting, Gagne said that a Tri-Town Selectmen’s meeting was planned for October 24 at 7:00 pm in the ORR Junior High School media room.
Free flu vaccinations will be available to all adults over the age of 18 on October 10 from 9:00 – 3:00 pm at the Southcoast Wellness Van, which will be parked at 22 County Road adjacent to Ying Dynasty.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for September 24 at 6:30 pm in the Town Hall conference room.
Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen
By Marilou Newell
Jack Matthews is easy to listen to; he likes what he is currently talking about – the publication of his first novel Arte Perdida, which translates to “Lost Art”. It has been, for Matthews, an eight-year labor of love. Now that the book has been published, he is on the road sharing his joy of research and writing at venues throughout the area.
On September 8, Matthews stopped by the Mattapoisett Public Library to talk about his book. A former Mattapoisett resident, the author has used the very shores of Mattapoisett Harbor and the town itself as a place of mystery and murder. What fun.
Matthew explained that the process of writing a book is no small task. But early in his life the love of reading was prominent, even necessary. “I’d go to the library with my mother and bring home stacks of books,” he remembered. As a youngster, he never imagined becoming an author. In fact, his life took several professional trajectories that included enlisting in the armed services during the Vietnam War, 34 years working for a non-profit organization, and later teaching at a college. Yet, somehow, somewhere along the way, a seed was planted – one that took many decades to germinate.
“I had a crazy idea to write a novel,” said Matthews. That thought bubble was formed more than 20 years ago. Then, eight years ago, he began to pull his thoughts together when a bit of spontaneous insight struck him during a return visit to his former home. “I was walking along and it came to me – it exploded in my head!” It was right here while walking along Water Street. The joy of that moment clearly delights him still.
But books don’t write themselves, and Matthews set the bar very high for himself. He wanted his novel to be believable and steeped in historical details that could not be refuted. Years of research ensued.
The plot of the novel follows the mystery surrounding the gruesome findings of various body parts turning up around Mattapoisett. It’s the story of works of art stolen by the Nazis during the bombing of Berlin and spirited away, eventually, to Mattapoisett. But to get from point A to point B, Matthews took his cast of characters and readers on a journey that includes such ports-of-call as Hamburg, Germany (think: third largest port in Europe), Bell Island, Newfoundland, New Bedford, and finally Mattapoisett.
The story isn’t just a romp through Europe; it is a very well researched and believable mystery.
To ensure he could give his readers detailed scenes, scenes that described locations to perfection, Matthews, along with his daughter, traveled throughout Europe. He also spent significant time understanding the inner workings of German U-boats and submarines, he said, “In case someone reading the book knew how they operated.”
Matthews also used members of his family to populate the storyline, such as the main character, Manny Pereira, a disabled decorated Vietnam vet. He used an aunt’s name and several other members of his family to add layers to the story. During his travels, as he met people and engaged with them in conversation, Matthews found more characters that could add context and interest to his evolving story.
Not wishing to give too much away from the book itself, Matthews focused on the process of writing, the necessity of being organized, and how and when inspiration strikes. “You’ve got to write it down right away.” He talked about the “hooks” used to keep the reader engaged and how he used people in his story to accomplish that. The people he knew and the people he would meet along his eight-years of writing Arte Perdidabecame the story, heavily seasoned with his love of the area. Matthews is a natural-born storyteller equally at ease with writing as well as speaking.
To learn more about Arte Perdidaand its author, Jack Matthews, you may visit his Facebook page: “Jack Matthews, Author”.
By Marilou Newell
Michael J. “Mike” Kralovich, 74, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 after having been lovingly cared for by his family and Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association.
Mike was born in New York City and was the beloved husband of nearly 50 years to Margaret Kralovich. He was an Army veteran who had been stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Mike was a Certified Public Accountant who worked at Merrill Lynch and the New York Stock Exchange in New York City. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Mike loved to fish, play bridge, talk, tell stories, listen to classical music, read, do crossword puzzles, root for the NY Yankees, and travel and socialize with friends and neighbors. Most of all, Mike loved being Papa to the love of his life, his grandson, Nicholas.
In addition to his wife, Margaret, he is survived by his much-loved children, Michael Kralovich and his spouse Kimberly Trowbridge of Seattle, Washington and Teresa Camara and her husband Vinny of Fairhaven; his grandson, Nick of Fairhaven; and his sister, Rosemary of Ohio. Mike also has several in-laws, Mary Fitzgibbon, Ann and Bob Hogan, and Thomas Donohue and several nieces and nephews that survive him.
His brother Bobby predeceased him.
Rest in Peace, Mike.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday September 16, 2019 at 10 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday September 15, 2019 from 2-5 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
The weather gods were on the side of the Sippican Lands Trust on Saturday, September 7, as blue skies prevailed just in time for the start of their Beer and Oyster Fest fundraiser at Silvershell Beach in Marion. There was significant weather monitoring the week leading up to the event as Hurricane Dorian made its way up the eastern coast, but nervous anticipation gave way to sighs of relief from event coordinators.
Planning for this year’s fundraiser took the SLT in a slightly different direction from its 2013 Beach Bash. This time around, the focus was fun and food, specifically in the way of beer and oysters. SLT Board President Alan Harris shared that, as a non-profit organization supported by its members, this type of event leans toward celebrating those members and utilizing both local resources, as well as local open space.
“It was great to get the support of the community for the Sippican Lands Trust,” said Harris. “We are trying to get people outside and connected with our lands and, apparently, one way to get connected is through your taste buds. Many of the oysters came from an oyster farm less than a half-mile from the event. This was a great way to celebrate Marion’s environment.”
Dorian aside, the fundraiser faced another challenge a few weeks prior as the event was originally scheduled from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis concerns, however, the SLT found it necessary to change the time slot to 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
The afternoon hours proved positive, as there were over 200 in attendance for the fundraiser, which featured local craft beer, local oysters, food from the Oxford Creamery “Oxcart”, music by the Dave Mitton Project, a cash bar, auction and raffle items, and games and activities for all ages.
SLT Executive Director Jim Bride shared his excitement with the turnout. “I was delighted to see so many people attending the first-ever Sippican Lands Trust Beer and Oyster Fest in support of local land conservation in Marion,” said Bride.
Funds from the event will help support the SLT’s general expenses.
The SLT, in its 45th year, protects and maintains Marion’s natural areas while working toward acquiring additional spaces. Currently, the SLT is constructing a 1,800-foot long all-accessible trail at its Osprey Marsh property on Point Road.
“We have many benefits from open space, like mental health from walking, improved air and water quality, and quality of life,” said Harris. Building on that philosophy, the SLT boardwalk will be the first of its kind in the region, a trail for all to enjoy, as it will allow access for those with mobility constraints.
As the SLT looks ahead to future fundraisers, it appears the first Beer and Oyster Fest may not be the last.
“It was a great celebration of the SLT on a beautiful, late summer Saturday afternoon,” said Bride. He also acknowledged the many involved with organizing the fundraiser, thanking all for their support.
For more information about the Sippican Lands Trust, visitwww.sippicanlandstrust.org.
By Shawn Sweet
Mattapoisett Recreation Fall registration is still available for the following programs: Yoga for grades K-3. Children can unwind after a day at school and learn a variety of tools to help them stretch and relax their busy minds. Classes are on Thursdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm starting October 3 in the Center School gymnasium. Cost is $85. Running Club is open to Grades 4-6. Develop a life-long love for running and a healthy lifestyle. This club is great for runners of all abilities. Join Mrs. Hughes for some afternoon fun on Tuesdays from 3:00 – 4:00 pm starting October 1. Cost is $55. Fencing is open to ages 7 – adults. Come learn the language and art of fencing. All equipment is provided. Classes are Monday evenings from 5:30 – 6:30 and 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Cost is $165. Limited spaces still available in Crafting, Center Stage Kids- Drama, Sport Fit, Portuguese, Center School Robotics and Author’s Workshop. Check out all of program offerings at www.mattrec.net.
It’s All about the Animals, an animal Shelter in Rochester is excited to announce that their largest fundraiser of the year, Octopurr Fest will take place on Sunday October 6, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm,at the Shelter, 103 Marion Road in Rochester, from 11 am to 4 pm rain or shine. This is a free family event with local crafts, jewelry, homemade gifts, treats, gift baskets and raffle items to win! Children are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes and trick or treat at the vendors tables. Each of our vendors will have candy to give out. We invite everyone to participate in the Tom Cat Ball Drop fundraiser by buying advance tickets for $10 each. There is only one winner for this Tom Cat event and that person will receive a $500 prize. Tickets can be purchased at the shelter, during our normal adoption hours of Saturdays or Sundays 1-4 pm and depending upon their availability, on the day of the event as well. This is an important fundraiser for our Shelter since we are a volunteer-only organization and 100% of any donations provide food, supplies and medical care for our animals.
It’s All About the Animals, Inc. is a cage free, no kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter. We give abused and abandoned animals the opportunity to receive the love, care, and shelter they need until they find forever homes. Our happy cats have space to run, play, and explore safe enclosed outdoor areas. Each of our adoptable kittens and cats have been spayed/neutered, vaccinated for distemper and rabies plus they are given a microchip which is registered with a professionally managed database.
The Friends of Plumb Library will be holding their annual Book Sale on Saturday, September 14from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Rochester Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester. Items for sale will include books, CDs, DVDs. puzzles, and games, plus the Junior Friends Bake Sale. Donations will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 12. If you’d like to volunteer, stop by or call the library at 508-763-8600.
There are a few spaces open in the Library’s “Twos and Threes Together” story time on Fridays at 10:30 am starting October 4. Please email lfuller@sailsinc.org or register on the library’s Events Calendar found on the website. Join Ms. Lisa for an engaging interactive “partial lap sit” storytime that includes early literacy fun with books, songs, fingerplays, music, movement and more! Our storytimes are enhanced with activities that build 6 important pre-reading skills – talking, singing, reading, writing and playing – that children need to be able to learn to read and write.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. Is your library card falling apart from over-use? Is it lost, stolen, or strayed? During Library Card Signup Month, replacements are free (the usual fee is $2). Children getting their first library card during September will receive a library card holder and a special sticker.
The Council on Aging Book Group will discuss “The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” by James McBride on Tuesday, September 17at 10:15 am at the Rochester COA on Dexter Lane. Books are available at the library. Bring your library card to the meeting. A young African-American man describes growing up in an all-black Brooklyn housing project, one of twelve children of a white mother and black father, and discusses his mother’s contributions to his life and coming to terms with his confusion over his own identity.
“Just the Facts” Nonfiction Book Group will discuss “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King on Thursday, September 19at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the library.
A dual autobiography and primer on writing follows King’s childhood and coming of age, the struggling years that led to the creation of his first novel, his personal demons, and his recommendations on developing the writer’s craft.
Cafe Parlez Book Group will discuss “Astray” by Emma Donohue on Thursday, September 26at 6:30 pm. Books are available at the library. The author of “Room” presents a new collection of short stories featuring a cross-section of society including runaways, drifters, gold miners, counterfeiters, attorneys and slaves from puritan Massachusetts to revolutionary New Jersey to antebellum Louisiana.