What’s Up There?

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Autumn is here, although it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. The gas giants Saturn and Jupiter will be easily visible this month, though Mars will hang low on the horizon. There are two meteor showers, a supermoon, and increased solar activity, making Aurora Borealis more likely than usual.

            With the cooperation of the United Nations and the World Space Week Association (whose board includes Buzz Aldrin, Bill Nye, Tom Hanks, and many others), World Space Week takes place between October 4 and October 10. These two dates are both notable, with October 4 being the 67th anniversary of the launching of Sputnik 1 and October 10 being the 57th anniversary of the signing of the Outer Space Treaty.

            In honor of space week, a supermoon and the Harvest Moon! On October 7, the October full moon, or the “Hunter’s Moon,” will shine bright. This is the first of three “supermoons” this year. The next two full moons this year will also be such. Super is quite an overstatement, as the moon will only seem slightly larger and brighter.

            Also on October 7, the peak of the Draconids Meteor Shower which runs for four short days, October 6 to October 10. It will yield about 10-to-20 meteors per hour. The meteors of this shower originate from the 21P/Giacobini-Zinner comet (first observed by the French astronomer Michel Giacobini in 1900), although the shower itself is named after the Draco constellation, the spot in the sky where meteors most often appear. The supermoon is on the same day, so viewing the meteors won’t be as easy as they would otherwise be.

            There will be a new moon on October 21, should you want to spot anything with darker skies like galaxies, constellations, nebulae, or even the sheen of the Milky Way, if you can get it dark and clear enough. You can also see meteors!

            As opposed to the aforementioned meteor shower, another will peak on October 21. The Orionids Meteor Shower runs from October 2 to November 7, producing about 20 meteors per hour. With there being no glare from the moon, this will be a perfect opportunity.

            There is always plenty to see and many apps, websites, and other resources to aid in identifying. NASA is always great for events (like the meteor shower) and ISS flyovers. Happy and lucky stargazing to you.

Astronomy Update for October

By Sam Bishop

ConCom Appoints Former EPA Member

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            The Marion Conservation Commission, at their September 24 meeting, continued one public hearing, held two others for 5 Main Street and 14 Aucoot Avenue, awarded two Certificates of Compliance to Zora Enterprises, Inc. for work on Olde Meadow Road and Olde Farm Road, and appointed a new member of substantial applicable experience.

            Natalie Burgo was approved as an associate member of the Conservation Commission. Burgo stated she had previously worked for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 10 years, saying she had worked with numerous conservation commissions and was leaving the federal agency at the end of September. Her work has primarily focused on plastic and hazardous waste affecting waterways around the South Coast and Greater Boston.

            The multi-billion-dollar developer Toll Brothers, Inc. requested to continue their Public Hearing for the 48-unit condominium development at 78 Wareham Road (Route 6). The hearing will now take place at the Conservation Commission’s next meeting on October 8.

            First for discussion was two Certificates of Compliance for Zora Enterprises, Inc. for two adjacent properties. The house on the first property had previously been approved in 1985 and revised in 1987. Members of the committee had recently visited the site, with commissioner Shaun Walsh stating, “the house has been there for a number of years” and “seems fine,” though he did mention it encroached on the property line by a few feet. Both Certificates of Compliance were granted by the committee.

            There was a Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent for 5 Main Street by applicant Helm Realty Trust. The hearing was for the proposed addition of a blue stone patio with accompanying landscaping improvements. David Davignon of Schnieder, Davignon & Leone, Inc. spoke on behalf of the applicant. He initially stated, “this project started out bigger when we filed the NOI, and it has shrunk.” Originally, Davignon had said that the proposed staircase was supposed to extend farther to the property’s lower lawn and closer to the water. Now, he says, it would be “a very minor project.”

            Much of the discussion with the commission revolved around leveling the land and grading. Commissioner Walsh questioned how erosion patterns would change, finishing with “make sure that obviously it’s installed properly.” The Public Hearing was closed with no further questioning.

            The next Public Hearing was for an Amended Order of Conditions by applicants Matthew de Groot and Justin Brasington of 14 Aucoot Avenue for the modification of an approved site plan including razing, grading, and reorienting of structures and pool, and tree removal. Rachel Watsky of Watsky Law represented the applicants alongside project engineer Chris Gilbert of Farland Corp.

            Gilbert explained the proposed plan and the new changes in it. Originally proposed was a raised and pile-supported living space above ground-level toward the southern end of the property. The new plans shift the dwelling north, closer to the road. All living space is above the flood zone. For the pool, instead of a bordering fence there would now be a retractable cover. In migrating the house, the current non-FEMA-compliant dwelling would be demolished to make way. Chair Matt Shultz said he had “no issue” with the proposed amendment, and the hearing was closed.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Hello from Plumb Library

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Let’s look ahead to October. We have some interesting events on the schedule, and we’d love for you to join us. More information and links for registration can be found on our Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com.

            Boards and Cards: Games for Adults. Are you a grown-up gamer? Join us for a social get-together from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday October 11. Bring a game to share or play one provided by our game masters. If you have a special interest in Magic: The Gathering , you should definitely stop by.

            The Dangerous Art of Chainsaw Sculpture: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday October 18. Master Chainsaw Carver Jesse Green will be here to talk about his new book, as well as his 20-year long career as a commissioned artist. View photos, here stories, ask questions. Jesse’s book “Chainsaws, Cheeseburgers, and Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be available for sale and signing. This program is geared toward adults, but all ages are welcome. Registration is required, as space is limited.

            Bead Therapy Workshop with ZMakesBeads: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday October 20. Join us for this expressive arts workshop on beading basics. Learn about precious and semi-precious stones, their history in jewelry making, and their healing and grounding qualities. Participants will create beaded pieces to take home. This free workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Adults 18+ only, registration is required and space is limited.

            Board of Trustees Meeting: 6:30 pm Monday October 6. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda is posted on the Town of Rochester’s website.

            Annual Friends Meeting: Want to learn more about the Friends of the Library? Come to the annual meeting at 6:00 pm Thursday October 9. All are welcome. Volunteers and board members needed.

            The Friends of the Library Savers Clothing & Book Drive. Saturday October 11. The Savers truck will be in our parking lot. Just drive up and drop off your bagged clothing, shoes, and soft household goods or boxed books. All items should be in resale condition. Proceeds from this event benefit the Friends of the Library.

            Writer’s Group: 6:30 pm Thursday October 16. New members always welcome, adults 18+ please. Writing prompts are provided, sharing is encouraged, refreshments served.

            Book clubs: The COA Group 1:00 pm Tuesday October 21 at the Council on Aging to discuss “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” by Allison Pataki; Books and Babble 6:30 pm Thursday October 30 at the Library to discuss “Vampires of El Norte” by Isabel Canas. Books are available at the desk.

            Please note: the Library will be closed on Monday October 13 for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day.

            Library hours: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed Sundays and Holidays. Contact us: call 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Want to stay up-to-date on monthly Library happenings? Ask to be added to our Newsletter email list, or check out our Events Calendar, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Fall Family Festival & Touch a Truck

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On October 4 the Old Colony RVTHS PTO will hold its annual Fall Family Festival & Touch a Truck at 476 North Ave in Rochester from 11:00 to 3:00. There will be music by DJ Zavey Entertainment. We will also have the Carabiners Climbing Tower, giant inflatables, the National Guard inflatable obstacle course, laser tag, henna & character artists, reiki & tarot card readings, food trucks, vendors, raffle baskets, bake sale table and more. New this year, cooking demonstrations with professional chefs. Bring the whole family for a wonderful multi-community event.

UCCT 8th Grade Open House

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Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will host an 8th Grade Open House on Saturday, October 4, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. All 8th grade students residing in Bourne, Falmouth, Marion, Sandwich, and Wareham are invited to attend with their parents/guardians.

            There will be academic and technical program presentations as well as information on athletics, school activities, and post-secondary planning. Special demonstrations will also take place throughout the day, including a VR paint simulator in Auto Collision, robotics and 3D printing in Engineering, culinary creations at the Snack Shack, planting and floral displays in Horticulture, soldering demos in Plumbing and Heating as well as hands-on activities in Veterinary Science, among others.

            The technical programs offered at Upper Cape Tech are Automotive Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, Health Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Horticulture, Information Technology, Marine Technology, Plumbing and Heating, and Veterinary Science.

            For more information regarding Upper Cape Tech and the open house, please visit www.uppercapetech.com.

Special Town Meeting

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To the Editor:

            Recently, several Mattapoisett residents received campaign-style text messages urging them to attend the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 4. What is deeply troubling is that these texts used the official seal of the Town of Mattapoisett to promote attendance at what is, by definition, a non-binding and unnecessary meeting.

            The unauthorized use of a town seal is not a trivial matter. State law expressly prohibits using an official seal to give the impression of legitimacy or authority where none exists. The Town Clerk is the sole custodian of our seal and should immediately investigate this misuse.

            Let’s not forget: the voters of Mattapoisett already decided this issue at the Annual Town Meeting last May, approving the expansion of the Select Board from three to five members. That process went through all proper legal channels, was signed into law, and reflects the will of the people. Now, because a handful of opponents gathered signatures, our Town Administrator has been forced to schedule this Special Town Meeting. He has acknowledged that it will cost taxpayers at least $3,500 – money wasted on relitigating a decision already made.

            One cannot help but notice the timing. The current Select Board Chairman, Tyler Macallister, is a declared candidate for Congress. The use of the town seal in these campaign-style texts raises the question of whether this manufactured controversy is being leveraged for political gain. Mr. Macallister owes this community a clear statement: that he had no role in this effort, that he denounces the misuse of the town seal, and that he will not exploit this meeting for his campaign.

            Our democracy depends on respecting both the will of the voters and the integrity of our institutions. Mattapoisett deserves better than costly distractions and questionable tactics.

            Sincerely,

Elizabeth Stewart, 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.

Pamela A. (Hoyt) Newell

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Pamela A. (Hoyt) Newell, 83, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2025, surrounded by her family after a long illness.

            She was the wife of the late Piatt Andrew Newell.

            Born and raised in Fort Fairfield, Maine, Pamela was the daughter of the late Albert F. and Ella L. (Armstrong) Hoyt. She graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1960. Shortly after, she moved to Boston, where she worked as an administrative assistant until her marriage in 1970. She then settled in Mattapoisett, where she would spend the rest of her life.

            Pamela was a devoted mother and grandmother who found deep joy in the company of her family and friends. For more than 30 years, she looked forward to her weekly Monday afternoon Mahjong games with close companions. She loved to entertain and often hosted gatherings in her home. A lifelong animal lover, she cared for many cherished dogs and cats over the years. She was an avid reader who especially enjoyed mystery novels and loved sharing that passion with friends through her book club. She was also a longtime member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and served on several church committees over the years.

            She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Newell, and her husband, Joseph Smith, of Dedham; her son, Peter Newell, and his wife, Eileen, of Mattapoisett; four cherished grandchildren, Ella Modzelewski, Samuel Modzelewski, Piper Newell, and Reese Newell; a niece, Joyce Nelson of Florida; and a brother-in-law, James Newell, and his wife, Sally, of Vermont. She also leaves behind cousins David Armstrong, Dale Armstrong, and Linda Hayes, all of Fort Fairfield, Maine; several nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Gatsby.

            Pamela was predeceased by her sister, Natalie Nelson; her sisters-in-law, Paula P. Doty and Nancy C. Newell; and her brothers-in-law, Henry H. Newell and James J. Doty.

            Visiting hours will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11th, at 11 am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the ASPCA.

Notes, Keys for Clock Tower

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On Sunday, September 28, patrons to the “Musical Belles” event held at the First Congressional Church of Marion were treated to a spirited performance by flutist Wendy Rolfe and Pianist Deborah DeWolf Emery.

            Rolfe is one of the nation’s leading performers of both historic and modern flutes. Currently, she is a Professor of Flute at Berklee College of Music in New York and tours the globe, having performed in concert in Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Finland, and China.

            Emery is a trained pianist soloist, having studied at the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Ohio. Alongside being a prestigious soloist, she has also served as a pianist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

            The duo’s program that Sunday night ranged from classical selections to lighter, more contemporary pieces, offering something for every listener. Beginning with Atrahente by Gonzaga and Songs Without Words by Delphine von Schauroth, the arrangement slowly drifted from the 1800s through the past century into more modern, like Frevo – Canção – Bossa by Aquino. The church’s rich acoustics carried each note beautifully, creating a sense of intimacy despite the full pews. Audience members were especially charmed by the interplay between the two musicians.

            The concert was mainly a benefit for the church’s restoration. Each $25 ticket went towards the goal of $150,000 in funding for restoration work of the church’s clock tower. The original clock from 1860 was electrified in 1954 and needs much work some 70 years later to become operable again.

First Congressional Church of Marion ‘Musical Belles’

By Sam Bishop

Garage Awaiting Refile

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The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on September 25 urged residents at 45 Williams Avenue applying for a variance to build a garage larger than the 1,000 square feet that town regulations allow to withdraw and refile because it was determined that the applicant needs more than one variance for his plan.

            William Flaherty III came before the board with a proposal to build a 1,490-square-foot detached garage to store his personal and hobby vehicles. “Especially for my wife, it’s the square footage I need to keep our vehicles out of sight,” he said.

            Member Richard Cutler pointed out the problem with this plan. Town regulations state no structure shall be placed in front of a residential property, he said, and this garage to the right of his house would be in the front yard.

            Flaherty said there is not much room to place it to the left of his home. Locating it to the right would place it too close to his and his neighbors’ property line. He is limited from placing it farther back because of the location of his well.

            Flaherty was told he would have to refile with a second variance request for relief of the town regulation against structures in a property’s front yard. He agreed to do so. He requested that his application be withdrawn without prejudice. The board waived his submission fees for the refiling and to continue the hearing to October 23. Board Administrator Andreia Lacerda told Flaherty he will still need to pay the fees for mailing the abutters’ notices and legal advertising in The Wanderer.

            In other action, the board continued to October 9 its hearing into the petition for two variances for a plan to build a three-car garage in excess of the permitted 1,000 square feet at 447 Neck Road, upon the petitioner’s request.

            The board approved reverting its meeting time from 7:15 pm back to 7:00 pm.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library will remain closed on Sundays for the remainder of 2025.

            On Wednesday, October 8 at 11:00 am The Cozy Cup Book Club will be discussing Rita Mae Brown’s Claws for Alarm. As always there is free tea and coffee. Copies are available at the circulation desk in the Library. Registration requested.

            Join us in welcoming Jeff Belanger back to the Elizabeth Taber Library with Wicked Strange New England: Your Guide to Ghosts, Monsters, Oddities and Urban Legends from New England, Friday October 10 at 6:00 pm. Copies of Jeff’s newest work will be available for purchase during the program. No Registration required.

            The Banned Book Club will meet at the Library on Tuesday October 14 at 6:00 pm to discuss the horror classic Dracula by Bram Stoker. All are welcome to attend, find copies available at the circulation desk.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is hosting author Gwendolyn Wallace for a reading and author talk on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm. Gwendolyn is the author of picture books Joy Takes Root, The Light She Feels Inside, and Dancing with Water. This program is best for kids ages 5+ and their grownups – but all are welcome.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will close as 12:00 pm on Friday, October 3 for an all staff meeting.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.