Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee

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The Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee has partnered with The New Bedford Democratic City Committee to host a Swing States Postcard Writing and Kindness Rock Painting Party on Wednesday, September 24 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Greater Southeastern Mass. Labor Council/AFL-CIO located at 560 Pleasant Street, New Bedford.

            This drop-in event pairs hands-on civic action with creative mindfulness activity. Supplies such as postcards, rocks and painting tools will be provided but feel free to bring your pens, stamps and acrylic markers if you have them. Can’t stay long? Swing by and pick up a packet of postcards to mail on your own. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you then. For more details and to RSVP please go to mattdems.org.

Clock Tower Restoration Project

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To the Editor;

            The First Congregational Church of Marion would like to extend a huge thank-you to the residents of Marion and the greater South Coast community for your support of our Clock Tower Restoration Project.

            From its inception a little over a year ago, our goal to restore Marion’s beloved clock tower is now within reach. The Balzer Family Clockworks will soon be arriving in town to remove the clockworks, then whisk it off to their shop in Maine where it will live for approximately one year until it is ready to come home once again and ring joyfully across Sippican Harbor.

            We are grateful for the community’s positive vote at Town Meeting, all the financial support from private donations and the 325 people who attended the Irving Berlin Revue Fundraiser. With your generosity we are now within $7,000 of our goal.

            We look forward to providing updates while the restoration project is underway.

            With thanks and gratitude,

Nicole Delima

The First Congregational Church of Marion

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

ORR Runners off to Sweeping Start

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            The Old Rochester Regional High School boys and girls cross-country teams had their first meet on September 10 against Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. ORR’s boys won, 24-32, and the girls won, 15-50.

Noah Robert-Howley placed first overall in the 5k race for the boys with a 17:35 time. Ryan Calderone ran an 18:50, securing third place, and Connor Villafranca ran a 19:09. Other notable times were Brady Maguire running a 20:22, and Padraig Murphy running a 23:10. For the girls, Annalise Milhench ran a 21:24, placing first, as Ella Milhench ran a 21:40, getting second. Avery White ran a 22:33, Fiona Roveda ran a 22:38, and Emma Iappini ran a 22:48. The teams took 1-0 records into Wednesday’s meet against Bishop Stang.

Boys Soccer

            The Bulldogs played at Seekonk on September 10 and won, 2-0. Garrett Ignacio was named the player of the game, scoring two goals. Goalie Owen Harrington made six saves to secure the shutout. The Bulldogs took a 2-2 record into Wednesday’s home game against West Bridgewater (3-0). ORR’s junior varsity squad also defeated Seekonk, 2-1, on September 10, as Lazaro Rosa and Sidney Medeiros scored, moving their record to 1-1-1.

Girls Soccer

            Old Rochester faced Seekonk on September 10 and won 4-2. Goals were scored by freshman Mia Balestracci, Amanda Ignacio, Kate Thomsen, and Gigi Duchaine. The Bulldogs took a 2-1 record into Wednesday’s match at West Bridgewater (1-2).

Golf

            The Bulldogs played Apponequet on September 11 and won, 237-251, in stroke play. August Herbert and John Bongiorno were named the players of the match, as both shot a 1-over-par 37. ORR took a 4-0 record into Wednesday’s match against Bishop Stang (3-3).

Girls Volleyball

            Old Rochester defeated Seekonk, 3-0, on September 10. The set scores were 25-9, 25-14, and 25-20. Maya Morrison had 18 assists and 7 aces, Stella Holbrook had 9 assists, and Sadie Hartley Matteson had 6 kills. The Bulldogs took a perfect 5-0 record into Wednesday’s match at West Bridgewater (3-1).

Football

            ORR battled to the very end in another tight road game in the second week of the season but fell short, 19-17, at Bishop Stang on September 12. Looking to break into the win column, the Bulldogs (0-2) face a tough challenge on Friday night at 2-0 Fairhaven. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

A Mutiny And A Council of War

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            This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, Washington split his focus between a campaign to the north to assault Quebec and a proposition to attack Boston with Washington writing a letter to Canadians in an attempt to sway them to the Thirteen Colonies’ side and calling for a meeting with top generals to discuss plans to recapture Boston, the third most populous city in the colonies.

            On September 10, 1775, Washington receives word from Brigadier General Nathanael Greene of Rhode Island that a number of Pennsylvania riflemen stationed near Bunker Hill have deserted. This will eventually lead Washington to order the Generals Charles Lee and Nathanael Greene to march 500 troops, with bayonets fixed, to disperse and call for mutiny. The armed mutineers set down their weapons and surrender at the sight of Washington’s quick reaction. That same day, Washington writes to his younger brother, John Augustine Washington, and says“we are well and in no fear or dread of the Enemy.” He candidly hints at his desire to attack Boston.

            The next day, the commanders Washington ordered to come convene in a Council of War at the military headquarters in Cambridge. Washington is accompanied by Generals Nathanael Greene, Charles Lee, Israel Putnam, Artemas Ward, John Thomas, William Heath, John Sullivan, and Joseph Spencer. Washington immediately outlines his plans, reportedly to mixed feelings.

            He offers the following five reasons for a preemptive assault: “First That the Winter was fast approaching,” which follows into the second and third reasons, being the winter will necessitate extra resources, mainly firewood, wood for shelters, and clothing, which he notes the army doesn’t have the money for. The fourth reason, he adds, is “If the present army should not incline to engage for a longer time than the 1st January – you must levy new troops.” In other words, if we don’t use these troops now, they’ll have to go home soon. Finally, the fifth and final main reason is powder, or lack thereof. Reported at the time, the council’s decision was “After duly weighing the above proposition, considering the state of the enemies lines, and the expectation of soon receiving some important advices from England it was unanimously agreed that it was not expedient to make the attempt at present at least.” The generals have unanimously rejected Washington’s plan.

            The next day, Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin in Chelsea sends Washington news of worrying troop movements. He writes, “I have observed that the boat at Charlestown Ferry have passed more frequently than usual last night and this morning. Those from Boston to Charlestown being deeply loaded with soldiers.” Could the British be moving troops north in an attempt to drive Washington out of Cambridge?

            On September 13, in his General Orders, Washington writes of the 33 men from the mentioned mutiny a few days prior, saying they have been found guilty of “disobedient and mutinous behavior.” They are ordered to pay 20 shillings, except for their leader John Leamon, who pays and receives six days in prison.

            The following day, Colonel Benedict Arnold sets off for the north. Washington writes, “You are entrusted with a command of the utmost consequence to the interest and liberties of America: upon your conduct and courage and that of the officers and ⟨soldiers⟩ detached on this expedition, not only the success of the present enterprise and your own honor, but the safety and welfare of the whole continent may depend.” He adds, “consider yourselves as marching not through an enemy’s country, but that of our friends and brethren.” Again, further showing Washington and the Continental Congress’ desire and belief that the Canadians will pick up arms and assist in driving out the British. Arnold and his men are to meet with General Philip Schuyler before a unified campaign.

This Week in Revolutionary History…

By Sam Bishop

Snipatuit Brook ‘Dry Run’

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            In a room packed with residents and local experts, the Rochester Water Commission on September 10 hosted a “dry run” of the report presentation on Snipatuit Brook that is scheduled for an October 14 public hearing.

            It’s an important report because the brook flows to Snipatuit Pond, which connects to both Great Quittacas Pond (which supplies water to New Bedford) and the Mattapoisett River Valley watershed, a significant aquifer providing drinking water to the towns of Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. That brook is now flowing north, away from where it is needed for the MRV’s critical water needs, study research concludes, and Rochester officials want to find a solution.

            With the assistance of a slide show presentation with maps and study graphics, Matthew Dunn, representing the consultant that compiled the study, started with the explanation that the brook inlet runs south to north and discharges through the North Avenue culvert. Testing was done both in the winter and in July. The goal of the study, Dunn said, was to understand the flow conditions. The key takeaway is that the water flows in a northern direction in some sections of the brook, he said. The water remains level between the brook and the pond until that northern direction starts. Dunn said the project’s ultimate goal is to contain as much of that water within the Mattapoisett River as possible.

            The study has concluded with five possible alternative solutions, Dunn said. The first of these is to repair or modify the bog dike flume structure at Snipatuit Pond Dam as a way to contain that water. He said this alternative would be low cost and quite effective and limit the flow by 6%.

            Brad Chase of Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife, attending over Zoom, added that simply altering the boards at the Snipatuit flume dike seasonally would be a good solution. “I don’t think you need an extensive review of this,” he said. “You just need the property owners and the Conservation Commission involved.”

            Chair Fred Underhill and members questioned how the City of New Bedford and its Water Department would react over essentially seeing less water from Snipatuit. “My concern is the legal hiccup when their water goes away,” Underhill said. “Rochester has no rights to its own water. Rochester is at a disadvantage. There are two water-rights attorneys in the area, and they have conflicts because of their affiliations with Assawompset Pond Complex people.”

            On the other hand, New Bedford may not even notice the water loss, Conservation Commission Chair Chris Gerrior countered.

            “They’re going to scream and yell,” Underhill said.

            “Shut the flow down, and maybe they’ll have to talk to us,” board member David Hughes suggested.

            The commission ended discussion by agreeing to accept the study report as submitted, subject to the board’s review and revisions up until October 14.

            The Rochester Water Commission did not set up its next meeting before adjourning. The public hearing on the Snipatuit Pond report will be held on October 14, starting at 6:00 pm at the Council on Aging Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Water Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Joseph M. Sylvia

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Joseph M. Sylvia, 91, of Mattapoisett passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Our Lady’s Haven Fairhaven, MA. He was the loving husband of the late Nancy D. Sylvia for 65 years and the father of the late Sharon N. Rezendes of Marion, MA.

            Born in Acushnet MA, son of Domingo F, Sylvia and Margret T. (Maloney) of Fairhaven. Lived in Mattapoisett for over 50 years. Joe worked at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne, MA for 30 years as a Crash Fire Fighter then became Captain. He served in the US Navy for 2 years as an ABAN during the Korean War. Joe enjoyed deer hunting in Maine with his son and friends.

            Survivors include his daughter, Karen M. Sylvia of Fairhaven and son, Wayne F. Sylvia and his wife Anne of Fairhaven, sister Faith Hungsinger of California and brother James Sylvia of Fairhaven, grandchildren Jarell Purello and Gabriel Sylvia, several nieces and nephews.

            Private services were held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA and were under the direction of Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St, Fairhaven, MA. For memorial register please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

Dale S. Barrows

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Dale S. Barrows, 67, of Rochester died September 11, 2025 peacefully at Tobey Hospital.

            He was the husband of Marjorie L. (Wilborn) Barrows with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

            Born in New Bedford, son of Betty A. (Linhares) Barrows of Mattapoisett and the late Bradley L. Barrows, he was raised in Mattapoisett and lived in Rochester the last 40 years.

            Dale was formerly employed as a police officer with the Rochester Police Department. He then was the Board of Health Agent in Mattapoisett for 32 years until his retirement. He also served on the Board of Health in Rochester for 27 years.

            He enjoyed collecting dye cast models of heavy equipment.

            Survivors include his wife Margie; a daughter, Nichole Barrows and her husband Corbin Martin of Freetown; a son, Bradley Barrows and his girlfriend Taylor Connor of Fairhaven; a brother, Barry Barrows of Rochester; a sister, Karen Barrows of Mattapoisett; and a grandson, Cody Barrows.

            His Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 4-8 pm in the Freetown VFW 89 Middleboro Road, East Freetown, MA 02717 For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

World Class Musicians to Perform Benefit Concert

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“Musical Belles – A Benefit Recital for the Restoration of the Clocktower” is a delightful concert featuring flutist Wendy Rolfe and pianist Deborah DeWolf Emery on Sunday, September 28 at 4:00 pm, at the First Congregational Church of Marion. This musical offering will benefit the church’s 1860 E. Howard Clocktower restoration project.

            The performance will highlight flutes and music from around the globe including Brazil, Hungary, Germany, and more. The selections range from lively dances and tunes to stirring romantic virtuoso melodies.

            Wendy Rolfe is Professor of Flute at the Berklee College of Music. She has toured the United States with a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and has been a guest artist at festivals in Brazil, Ecuador, China, Finland, and more. Pianist Deborah DeWolf Emery has just returned from performing with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. She often appears with the BSO at Symphony Hall and performs with musicians from all over New England. Wendy and Debbie have been collaborating since they were classmates at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and have recorded together including their CD, “Images of Eve”, released on Odyssey Discs.

            The First Congregational Church is located at the corner of Main and Front Streets in Marion, MA, and is handicapped-accessible. Tickets are $25 for the benefit of the Clocktower restoration, and are available at The First Congregational Church Office, Penny Pincher’s Exchange (Marion), The Marion General Store and online at marionfirstchurch.org.  Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

Mattapoisett Rail Trail

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The Mattapoisett Rail Trail just received another embellishment on September 10. A new bronze plaque on the bridge over the Mattapoisett River recognizes Old Colony Regional Vo Tech High School, The Community Preservation Committee, the Town of Mattapoisett, the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail, and The Bike Path Committee for the extraordinary collaboration that expanded a 6’ wide utilitarian pedestrian bridge into the 14’ wide bridge we use on the bike path today.

            The bridge at Mattapoisett River was completed in 2015. Labor was provided by seniors in the Old Colony Carpentry Program under the direction of Stu Norton, Carpentry Program Director. Pictured here with the installed plaque is Trent Arancio, grandson of Stu Norton. Materials and other costs were paid for by a grant from Community Preservation Committee and from the Friends of the Bike Path.

            The bridge was built in stages: First laminated beams were prefabricated and shipped to Old Colony Carpentry Shop where railings were fitted and bolted in place. The beams (with railings) were trucked to Fairhaven then barged to the bridge site and installed on the existing train bridge abutments by crane. After everything was secured in place, the Old Colony students removed the old bridge planking and railings and installed the new, wider planking.

            The community and region is grateful. The Friends gratefully acknowledge that every aspect of the popular path we enjoy today has been a product of dedicated staff and elected officials in Town Hall, especially Selectboard members who supported the project and the Town Administrators. Mike Bohtehlo, Mike Gagne, and Mike Lorenco, who each managed different kinds of complexity for State construction and funding. We also acknowledge recent new plantings by the Tree Committee and the Highway Department.

Academic Achievements

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Southern New Hampshire University congratulates Samantha Grasso of Marion and Stephen Sauerbrey of Marion on being named to the Summer 2025 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.

            College of the Holy Cross congratulates Failenn Fitzpatrick, of Marion, Class of 2027, Joel Michaud, of Mattapoisett, Class of 2025, and Laura Pardo, of Marion, who were named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year.

            Luke Oliveira of Mattapoisett, received the Elmira College Key Award for academic and community leadership. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the EC Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.