A Look Back at History

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The speakers for the June Rochester Historical Society will be Howie Smith (Wareham Minutemen and Militia) and Chris MacDonald (Lafayette Durfee House) who will present a PowerPoint and live presentation of “Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware”. The actual event occurred Dec. 25 -26, 1776 and was an important military victory for the Continental Army. Howie, Chris, and their wives, Claire and Glorimar, participated in a re-enactment of this event on December 8, 2018 in PA and NJ. They will share details of the original crossing and of their experiences during the re-enactment. This educational and entertaining evening will be held Wednesday, June 19, 7:00 pm at the Rochester Historical Society’s museum 355 County Rd., Rochester. It is open to the public.

MWC Advanced Education Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club (MWC) is pleased to announce the winner of the $1,000 scholarship granted to a Mattapoisett resident in pursuit of a post secondary degree or certification. The selected recipient is Tory Saltmarsh of Mattapoisett who is pursuing a graduate degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing.

Rochester Council on Aging

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The Rochester Senior Center welcomes a new Afternoon Program Assistant, Barbara Wilson. Barbara is a Senior Aid sent by Coastline Elderly Services. 

            The Greater Boston Food Bank Free Commodity Food distribution will take place on Wednesday, June 12from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Program participants must pick-up their own food items unless other arrangements have been made in advance. Please bring grocery bags to carry your items. Contact the Senior Center to register for this free food program. 

            Hanna Milhench and her team are preparing a special luncheon on Monday, June 17at 12:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, but advance sign-up is required to ensure that the correct amount of food is on hand. An anonymous donation of $5.00 is requested for this luncheon.

            Barbeque season is back at the Senior Center. On periodic Mondays, lunch will be prepared on the grill. This tradition begins on Monday, June 10at 11:30 am. Please sign-up in advance. $5.00 donation is requested.

            The Friends of the Rochester Senior Center are holding their annual meeting on Wednesday, June 12at 10:00 am. All members are welcome to attend. New members are always welcome. Fundraising ideas will be discussed at this meeting. 

            Community Nurse Home Care presents, “What’s in Season” with Registered Dietician, Barbara Canuel on Tuesday, June 18at 10:00 am. Canuel will discuss seasonal foods and meal planning on a budget. 

            On Friday, June 14, the Rochester Senior Center will be taking a bus trip to White’s of Westport for a Celebration of Seniors. This trip includes breakfast, a resource fair, and speakers on senior related topics. Admission is free. The bus leaves at 8:00 am and returns at approximately 1:00 pm. Please call in advance to reserve a seat on the bus.

            RIDES: We provide free transportation for Rochester residents. Please call for a ride with one of our friendly drivers at least 24 hours in advance so we can schedule a driver.

Please contact the Senior Center at 508-763-8723 for more information or to make reservations for rides and/or events. 

Rochester Celebrates 340th Birthday

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If the Town of Rochester was founded on June 4, 1679, then that can only mean one thing – Rochester has just officially turned 340 years old.

            It used to be called “Sippican” by the Wampanoags, the Native American tribe who inhabited the land when the first English settlers arrived in the area and founded Rochester, naming it after their native home of Rochester, England.

            Fast forward to June 4, 2019 to a Rochester that, although it is geographically smaller, still maintains much of its rustic charm 340 years later. To celebrate the 340 years of bucolic existence, third-graders from Rochester Memorial School helped the town celebrate this big birthday at the Senior Center by licking blue icing from a big beautiful birthday cake and enjoying a guided tour of historical Rochester, an event coordinated by Cathy Hardy.

            Hardy, a retired fourth-grade teacher from RMS, decided this year was an ideal time to reinstate the guided tour originally created by Judy Gurney, a town historian and founder of the Rochester Historical Society.

            “I just felt like this was a good year to start back,” said Hardy, who is looking ahead to the town’s 350thbirthday already. “Three-hundred and fifty is coming up and, if we educate the kids as to what’s in the town, and if we get them to have pride in Rochester, we should be able to put together a fantastic [350th birthday] celebration for the town.”

            The students started the day in North Rochester, broke for a picnic lunch at the Dexter Lane ball fields, and then walked over to the Senior Center for a little celebration with members of the COA, Friends of the COA, and Selectman Woody Hartley and his wife, Sharon, a member of the school committee.

            The students each received a free t-shirt courtesy of a grant provided by the Rochester Lions Club and an anonymous donor. A grant from the United Way of Greater New Bedford and the Friends of the COA helped pay for the busses for the tour.

            “Everybody’s been so supportive,” said Hardy.

            Where will you be on June 4, 2029? If you’re lucky, it will be in Rochester celebrating 350 years as a town. But if you happen to find yourself in parts of “Old Rochester,” you can consider that to be just as much of a blessing.

By Jean Perry

Itty Bitty Bay Explorers

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Get outside and explore different beach habitats with your little ones this June during Itty Bitty Bay Explorers, a series of three free outings on Wednesday mornings with the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Through fun games and hands-on activities, your family will learn all about coastal animals and their habitats along Buzzards Bay’s shorelines.

            On June 5, explore the sandy shores of North Water Street Beach (8 North Water St., Wareham). On June 12, look for fish, crabs, and other small critters along the Weweantic River at Brainard Marsh (344 Delano Rd., Marion). And on June 19, find out what lives in a salt marsh at Shining Tides Beach (99 Reservation Rd., Mattapoisett).

            Itty Bitty Bay Explorers is recommended for families with children aged five and younger. We encourage you to attend all three programs, but it is not required.

            Registration is required for each program. To RSVP, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/ or contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at 508-999-6363 ext. 219 or bayadventures@savebuzzardsbay.org.

            These events are part of Discover Buzzards Bay, an initiative to help people across the Buzzards Bay region find unique and exciting ways to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and connect with nature. To learn more, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/discover. 

Historic Long Wharf Repairs Coming

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            During the May 30 meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board (MAB), members were starting to smile as they heard from Chairman Carlos DaSousa that Long Wharf repairs have not been forgotten.

            The condition of the historic wharf, built in the 1800’s at the height of the boat building era, has been a concern for not only the MAB and Selectmen, but also for boaters who depend on the wharf. 

            DaSousa said that Field Engineering had provided some preliminary drawings to begin the process of scoping out just what the structure needed. He added that the town had engaged Foth-CLE Engineering Group to develop construction drawings from which the bidding could take place. 

            In a follow-up with Town Administrator Mike Gagne, he told The Wandererthat in the Fall, once the construction documents have been completed, the town could apply for a B.I.G Grant, or Boating Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. According to Gagne, those monies could be as much as $180,000. He added that at the Town’s Fall Special Town Meeting, the Selectmen would be asking voters to appropriate $60,000 to cover the cost of developing the construction documents.

            As an aside, Gagne said, the position for a full-time harbormaster had just been posted on professional platforms such as The Beacon and Massachusetts Harbormasters Association, and would also be advertised in local media. At the Spring Town Meeting, voters approved a plan to expand the harbormaster position to full-time from seasonal. The Selectmen had supported the change believing that the town’s biggest asset was its waterfront and that the Waterfront Enterprise Fund could financially support the change.

            Regarding the town’s new pump-out boat, Harbormaster Jill Simmons told The Wandereron May 31 that several pieces of electronic equipment still needed to be installed and that the hose connections needed to be relocated to the rear of the boat from the center console. She mentioned she is also waiting on the delivery of weather-proofing materials for the GPS equipment. Simmons thought that the boat would be ready in about two weeks to provide sanitary pumping services. In the meantime, boaters aren’t without a place to clean-out their holding tanks.

            Simmons said that the pump-out service located at the end of Long Wharf was available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. For those needing assistance at the shore-side sanitary unit, staff are available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the present time.

            Recently the new boat, which has hose equipment and pumps capable of dewatering marine craft, was used as part of a rescue when a 46-foot wooden boat was recently launched and immediately began to take on water.

            Simmons also commented on a plan she rolled out to the MAB during their April 25 meeting. At that time she said she’d be narrowing the channel coming into the inner-harbor from 500-feet to 300-feet. She said this was necessary because visitors who are not familiar with the local marine rules oftentimes exceed the 5-mile-per-hour speed sending wakes that rock boats moored nearby. “It’s not too bad if you are on the deck, but if someone is working up on a mast, they’ll be rocking and rolling … It’s dangerous,” she stated.

            The next meeting of the Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for June 27 at 7:00 pm in the town hall conference room.

Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board

By Marilou Newell

ORR Boys Lacrosse Season Ends in Round 1 of State Tournament

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            At first, it looked like sixth-seeded Old Rochester Regional was going to set the tone early in their matchup against No. 11 Plymouth South. But by the game’s end, the Bulldogs had run out of answers and time, falling 9-4 in the first round of the MIAA Division 2 South Sectional tournament.

            The biggest obstacle for the Bulldogs (12-7) after taking a 2-1 advantage in the first was slowing down Plymouth South (10-8). The Panthers were quick and efficient with moving the ball and their substitutions. That was largely a result of Plymouth South’s superior numbers, which made life difficult for the Bulldogs.

            “Unfortunately, we got tired early. We’re not very deep,” ORR coach Justin Shay said. “We haven’t been deep all year long, and we’ve been able to rotate our guys in and out all year long. Plymouth South didn’t allow us, with the way they were changing, the way they were pushing the ball up the field, didn’t allow us to change our guys. And our offensive (midfielders) got tired very early. That showed on the offensive end of the field with them being able to hang onto the ball and give our defense a rest.”

            With the Panthers controlling possession in their offensive zone for the majority of the game, ORR goalie Nate Kingwas tested often. The senior finished the match with 13 saves. But Plymouth South was able to get off too many shots from directly in front of the net, some of which came in too quickly for King react.

            “We played a little bit of a zone today, as well as the end of the season, to allow the outside shots on Nate where he’s very, very good,” Shay said. “Unfortunately, we gave up too many closer shots, back to the slow legs and defenders not getting out on some of their shooters. And hats off to Plymouth South, they had some good shooters. They moved the ball well [and] they’re a well-coached team.”

            In addition to Powers, Ryan Quinlan(one assist), Robert Salit, and William Tirrelleach scored a goal. ORR was able to rip off 12 shots on goal. But the Bulldogs struggled to get quality looks against Panthers goalie Paul Hasenfus, particularly in the second and third periods.

            Old Rochester Regional baseball got its revenge against Wareham in the season finale on Sunday in large part thanks to Noah Maxwell’sperformance on the mound in the 3-0 win. Maxwell punched out 10 hitters on the day and only surrendered two hits in his complete game effort.

            “He turned his curveball over well,” ORR coach Steve Carvalho said. “He was really a Bulldog on the mound. He challenged hitters in every at-bat. I was very proud of him.”

            Maxwell also scored two runs and laced a double at the plate. Thomas Coucciwent 2-for-3 with an RBI, and John Farrellknocked in a run, as well.

Old Colony

            While Old Colony baseball awaits the pairings for the MIAA Division 4 South sectional tournament and girls lacrosse has its game against No. 3 Cohasset on Wednesday, softball’s season has come to an end. But, the Cougars had a memorable year on the diamond offensively, with three players hitting over .500 on the season.

            Te’Lynn Laytonhit .561 and led Old Colony with 34 RBI. Taylor Haskellhit an even .600, finishing second on the team with 39 hits and five doubles. Then there’s Hannah L’Heureux. She led the team in average (.710), hits (44), doubles (six), triples (five) home runs (three), and runs (40). She also finished second in RBIs with 30.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar

Mildred Waring Palmer

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Mrs. Mildred Millie W. Palmer, born on July 17, 1929 in Marion, Massachusetts, to the late Hilda Saunders, passed away at age 89 on June 3, 2019. Mildred was the loving wife of the late Bryant Palmer. She was preceded in death by her sister, Hazel Palmer. Mildred is survived by her sons, Clifford Palmer and David Palmer; daughters, Regina Palmer Cyr and Johanna Palmer Mulholland; grandchildren, Jessica Cruz, Katie Palmer, Tori Lee Castanha, and Rylan Cyr; great-grandchildren, Adriana Cruz, Colton Cruz, and Myles Cruz; and friends, Meredith Ryder and Jeannie Lake. She loved cooking, gardening, arts and crafts and ceramics. She was a Sunday school teacher at Marion Methodist Church. Friends and family members may attend the graveside service, officiated by New Hope Chapel, on Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at North Marion Cemetery, 15 County Road, Marion.


Academic Achievements

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Thomas Browning of Mattapoisett, Mikayla Demanche of Rochester, and Leah Przybyszewski of Mattapoisett have been named to the American International CollegeSpring 2019 Dean’s List. Dean’s list students are full time students who have achieved a 3.3 to 4.0 GPA. 

            Curry Collegeis proud to announce that Matthew Burnett of Marion and Virginia Larsen of Marion have been named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2019 semester. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a 3.30 GPA, have no incompletes, and have no grade lower than a “C” for the semester.

            American International Collegeawarded more than 600 undergraduate and graduate degrees with students representing 22 states and nine countries at the 134th Commencement on May 11, 2019. Receiving degrees were Mikayla Demanche of Rochester who received a bachelor’s degree in General Business and Devyn O’Connor of Marion who received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

            On May 26, Tatum Leclair of Mattapoisett earned an MA degree in Psychology from Wesleyan University. Leclair previously attended Tabor Academy.

            Sean Persico of Marion received a graduate degree in School Leadership from American International College at the 134th Commencement in May. More than 22 states and nine countries were represented by more than 600 students at the ceremony.

            Julianne Mariner of Marion graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and Stephanie Sheehan of Rochester graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology during commencement ceremonies on May 19, 2019 at the University of Vermont.

            Oliver Russell of Mattapoisett was named to the dean’s list at Bates Collegefor the winter semester ending in April 2019. This is a distinction earned by students whose cumulative grade point average is 3.77 or higher. Russell, the son of Dr. Gregory D. Russell and Dr. Jennifer D. Russell of Mattapoisett, Mass., is a 2017 graduate of Falmouth Academy. He is a sophomore majoring in history and German at Bates.

            Select students have been named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the dean’s list that semester.

            Catherine Ball of Mattapoisett, Nicholas Ferreira of Rochester, Celeste Hartley of Rochester, and Emily Kiehl of Marion have been named to the spring 2019 dean’s list at Roger Williams Universityin Bristol, R.I.

            Gabrielle Poitras of Marion has been named to the Becker CollegeDean’s List for the spring 2019 semester. Poitras is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Mental Health Counseling Concentration.

            Assumption Collegehas announced that Mackenzie Drew of Rochester has been named to the college’s prestigious dean’s list for the spring 2019 semester. To receive recognition, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 for a five-class, 15-credit semester. The dean’s list is announced following the spring and fall semesters.

Donate your Used Books

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It’s time to clean your shelves of your used books to make way for the new ones you’ll be buying at the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library’s annual book sale. We’re looking for good-quality hardcover and paperback books, audio and video tapes, DVDs, children’s books and puzzles. Please, no periodicals, encyclopedias, or textbooks. Donations can be left at the circulation desk during business hours. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation that serves the library’s needs. We provide a number of museum passes annually; support the summer Children’s Programs, and others by request; and serve to provide the library and its staff with wants and needs as they arise. Our funding comes from our small membership fees and our book sales.

            The book sale will be held in the Meeting Room at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 7 Barstow Street, July 18from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for members only, and July 19 & July 20 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Membership forms can be found at the library, or through the library’s website at MattapoisettLibrary.org. Volunteers are always welcome.