Marion Garden Group Plant Sale

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Mark your calendar and join us at Bicentennial Park from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, for one of Marion’s most anticipated spring traditions.

            Our members have been busy digging, dividing, and repotting a beautiful selection of perennials, herbs, shrubs, all grown and nurtured right here in local gardens. We also have a large supply of Dahlia bulbs ready to plant. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you’ll find something special.

            This year’s sale will also feature a fun selection of houseplants to brighten your home. Special Guest: Marion native Kitty DeGroot will be joining us again this year – be sure to stop by and say hello.

            All proceeds directly support the Marion Garden Group’s mission to beautify our town. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.

Marion Town Election

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Select Board Candidate Spotlights

Carleton “Toby” Burr – Select Board

            My name is Toby Burr, and I seek election to the Marion Select Board.

            I have lived in town for 44 years with my wife Barbie. We raised two children on Ichabod Lane, and they each now own homes in Marion, so I get to see my grandchildren play in places I played as a child. I feel very lucky.

            My family has been in Marion for four generations because it is a great place to work and raise a family. For 40 years, I worked at Burr Brothers Boats, a family-owned business. Now I am retired, and my son Tucker is at the helm.

            Public service has always been an important part of my life. I was on the Marine Resources Commission for over 30 years. In 2022, I was elected to the Select Board. Serving on the Select Board is a big commitment, and when I first joined four years ago, there was a lot to learn. When it came time for re-election, I felt very comfortable stepping aside and letting somebody new with a fresh perspective have a turn. I think that that person has done a very good job.

            Now, after a sabbatical, I’m ready to return with valuable experience. If elected, I’ll bring the advantage of already knowing the job, which allows me to hit the ground running and serve more effectively. I also have a clear vision for our town: I want to see more state aid and less state control, along with greater public input and participation in local decisions.

            We have affordability issues. Our sewer is the most expensive in the state. Housing costs have risen to absurd levels, and young people starting out as well as seniors downsizing are priced out. Our town government cannot just pass costs onto taxpayers who are having their own troubles keeping up.

            I want to work with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and our state representative, and our state senator and other towns in the state, to stop the state from giving us more mandates, and get the state to help us pay for the burden they’ve already put on us.

            I want to broaden the tax base by encouraging small businesses. We have empty buildings at Tedeschi’s, Marion Sport Shop, Lockheed Martin and The General Store. I want to see them filled up. I want to make it easy for businesses to move in and help us with the tax burden. Businesses provide goods and services, create jobs, and help foster our town character.

            I hope to work on building a consensus on harbor management, Marine Resources and Island Wharf parking. Island Wharf is the public access to Sippican Harbor. We need to have consensus for what we want from the Harbor Department. Once we have that consensus, everything else will fall into place.

            Please vote for me, please, on Friday, May 15, and I will do my best to help Marion be an affordable place to live and work.

Norman Hills – Select Board

            It’s Marion election time again. The only contested position this year is for the Select Board. I am running again, bringing nine years of direct experience as a Board member. That nine years is backed up by 22 years of experience as a member of six other Marion boards or committees and Marion’s representative on two regional committees. This is backed by 43 years of management and leadership positions in government and private industry.

            Residents should be proud of the recent above-ground infrastructure improvements highlighted by the new Harbormaster and DPW buildings and the renovations at the Town House. The multi-year Pavement Management Plan for road and sidewalk improvements is underway.

            The aging, underground, wastewater collection piping infrastructure is a different story. Some Inflow and Infiltration problems have been addressed by lining some of the pipes. More may be lined, but some must be replaced. We are planning for our most immediate challenge, the EPA-mandated Phosphorus upgrade to the Wastewater plant, which will start next year. Concurrently, we are negotiating with MassDEP/EPA to increase our discharge rate so that we can implement Comprehensive Waste Management Plan improvements. These improvements combined with new housing production will increase the number of users, spreading the costs. I will note that there are two bills at the State Legislature that, if approved, would establish a Southeast Wastewater Financing Commission to help us fund these improvements. Regionalization of our wastewater system with Wareham was proposed in the past but has proven to be much more expensive than Marion initiating Comprehensive Waste Management Plan improvements on its own. The state recognized this, which is why we have to make the Phosphorus upgrade.

            Water supply is not a problem even with some wells offline. What may become a problem could be the state restricting our withdrawal rate due to drought conditions.

            Residents are encouraged to attend board/committee meetings addressing subjects that are of interest to them. The state Open Meeting Law requirements are specifically focused on ensuring transparency and accountability in town-government activities. Town employees and boards/committees are there to help and are always open to comments and suggestions.

            My town knowledge is extensive and detailed. My experience is unmatched in this election.

George “T.J.” Walker – Select Board

            I’ve lived in Marion with my wife Kelly and family for 40 years. I’ve participated on the Planning Board and Board of Assessors, (19 years of elected service), so I am very familiar with how town government works. I also have a law degree, so I understand and respect the rule of law. I have managed businesses in the hospitality and maritime fields for many years, so I am very experienced in prioritizing issues, searching for cost efficiencies, solving problems collaboratively with stakeholders and getting things done.

            What makes me different from the other two worthy candidates running for Select Board? Both of them have been elected Select Board members in the past. They have both had the chance to demonstrate to you, their problem solving and leadership skills, their transparency and accountability, their fiscal discipline, and their willingness to insist that your decisions are prioritized and respected.

            The results from their past service illustrate that they have been content to put band-aids on town problems, bury them, or postpone them when problems arise. That’s why we currently are facing crumbling roads and sidewalks; water and sewer rates among the highest in the state, a total lack of affordable housing, especially for seniors; an accounting practice of underestimating town revenue, to increase taxes, ensuring “free cash” at fiscal year end.

            Here’s why I’m different from the other two candidates:

            I want to seek answers from the Town Administrator and Select Board about these issues. That’s not being aggressive or meddlesome or exhibiting personality clashes – voters have a right to know – it’s about putting good government principles above personalities. I passionately believe in transparent government, community engagement, fiscal discipline, and economic growth. I believe the voters deserve to know how I feel on the issues and how I intend to work collaboratively to address our needs.

            Affordable Housing: I will suggest the possibility of relocating the Fire Station on Spring Street, to Route 6. Its current location is in a dangerous spot between two schools. Possibly using that site could encourage building an affordable senior housing alternative on Spring Street.

            Water/Sewer Rates:I will serve as a voice to explore regionalization with neighboring communities to reduce costs, address infrastructure inefficiencies, and provide meaningful relief to our residents.

            Island Wharf Issue: I want to ensure public access is respected, but does not use treasured parkland for paved parking, does not move the bandstand, and does not interfere with the existing swale which filters water entering the harbor. I’d encourage a collaborative attempt to work with neighbors on a win-win solution.

             Maintenance/Repair of Town Infrastructure:I will press to have a cost-effective fiscal PLAN that does NOT postpone known problems, but deals with them, even incrementally, at the time the problems arise or are identified.

            Fiscal Discipline/Accountability:I will insist on transparent budgeting. I will recommend the establishment of an audit committee with community input, to provide time-sensitive oversight of financial reporting and internal controls, review the annual town audit, etc. Some South Coast communities already have such committees.

            Together, we can build a stronger community and make a difference! If you want your Select Board and Town Administrator to inform you thoroughly, to seek your input, to welcome your participation, to find creative and collaborative solutions, to implement your decisions and to be accountable to you, I promise to do just that and I respectfully ask you to vote for me.

Marion Town Election

ORR School Committee Candidate Spotlights

Katharine McAuley – ORR School Committee

            Despite wearing many hats throughout my life, the one I can unequivocally say I am most proud of is that of a parent. With children in the ORR school system, the primary reason I am running for School Committee is that I have an informed and vested interest in what happens now and in the future.

            Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Stonehill College, I continued my education, earning a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Teaching from Northeastern University. I recently completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. This is complemented by graduate specialist certificates, multiple educator licenses, and an innate desire to be a student of my profession. My own education, coupled with experience working in the field of education for the better part of two decades in various capacities, provides me with a strong understanding of the profession and the challenges facing today’s schools. Our district deserves steady, knowledgeable leadership from the school committee with a clear focus on what matters most – students.

            I am committed to ensuring our district gets the fundamentals right – high-quality instruction, strong academic and behavioral standards, and support for every student to succeed. This includes ensuring transparency, maintaining a strong fiduciary responsibility, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions to help move our schools forward together.

            Our current schools build our future communities. What kind of community do we want?

Margaret McSweeny – ORR School Committee

            Incumbent Margaret McSweeny is seeking a third term as the Marion representative on the ORR School Committee. First elected in 2020, she helped the district successfully navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

            With over 18 years of experience in education and a master’s degree in the field, McSweeny brings a seasoned educator’s perspective to the committee. She is seeking re-election because she believes “there is still vital work to be done, and I have the experience and drive to see it through.”

            Beyond her duties on the ORR and Joint committees, McSweeny serves as the Policy Subcommittee Chair and the Vice Chairperson of the Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund. She is also an active member of the Equity Subcommittee. She notes that serving on the ORR School Committee requires significant “behind-the-scenes” work, demanding a commitment to long hours on the various subcommittees and a collaborative spirit with fellow members and administrators.

            “My goal remains constant,” she said. “To ensure every decision prioritizes student achievement and well-being, upholds our community values, and aligns with our long-term district goals.”

            Regarding the issues facing the Old Rochester Regional School District, McSweeny identifies the budget as a primary concern. “Like many public-school districts across Massachusetts, Old Rochester is at a financial turning point,” she explained. “While the FY2026 budget increases Chapter 70 aid by 6.7% to $7.36 billion, this increase does not fully offset sustained inflationary pressures or the 4.5% cap on Chapter 70 funding. With the rising costs of transportation, utilities, and health insurance, our district must bridge a widening gap. This reality necessitated this year’s budget increase, and continued collaboration with our towns and advocacy at the state level remain essential.”

            McSweeny acknowledges that, if she is re-elected, hard work lies ahead. However, she knows that the effort is worth it. “The quality of our schools directly determines the quality of our investment in future generations.”

Island Wharf Argument Tabled

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The Marion Select Board tabled its discussion of Island Wharf and the disagreement around public parking to the board’s next meeting during a joint session with the Marine Resources Commission on Tuesday night.

            Planning Board member Eileen Marum decried members of the Select Board, specifically Chair Randy Parker and Vice Chair John Hoagland, regarding governmental responsibilities around Island Wharf. “You took that power away from them, Mr. Hoagland and Mr. Parker,” said Marum, referring to the Marine Resource Commission’s voting matters.

            Resident Diane Cook told members of the committee and Select Board that she had lived there for 50-plus years, and now recently they have started seeing development taking over. They said there used to be more flowers, and greenery growing over there until there was none.

            After much deliberation and correspondence from the MRC, the Select Board decided to table the topic of discussion until their next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station Conference Room. The next meeting will be after the Marion Town Election on Friday, May 15.

Marion Select Board

By Jared Melanson

Rochester Republican Town Committee

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Rochester Republican Town Committee will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Ponderosa Sportsman Club, Acushnet.

            Tom Hodgson, an American politician who served as Sheriff of Bristol County from 1997-2022, will be the guest speaker. The Rochester Memorial School Committee candidates for the upcoming Rochester Town Election have also been invited to speak at this meeting.

All are invited to attend.

MTPI Year Concludes with Performance

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The MAC is proud to announce that the year-long MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator (MTPI) will conclude with a performance of the Attorney-in-Fact, a new play by Philip Ardell. The play was honed over the course of the 2025-2026 season with the playwright and two mentors – Harvey Ussach & Tony Ferreira.

            Mr. Ardell’s play was selected from over 60 submissions and resonated with the mentors. Both mentors have extensive experience in theater. Mr. Ussach has experience as an adjunct professor in both writing and public speaking, as well as publishing and producing his own plays. He notes “Working with Tony Ferreira on Philip Ardell’s script was rewarding. Words have more effect, characters become more real and dimensional, and stage action works better.”

            Mr. Ferreira is an actor, director, stage manager and dramaturg. When asked about his experience in mentoring and then directing this play he said “I learned that a good play could become a great play by developing a positive and constructive relationship with the playwright. I also discovered how fluid a play can be, where even a little tweak could make an entire scene’s perspective change. I also gained a much better appreciation for playwriting and the difference between a great play and a mediocre play.”

            After a playwright is selected for the incubator program, the playwright works with two mentors over the course of 6-9 months to workshop the script. A staged industry reading is then planned, where theater professionals attend and give constructive feedback. Mr Ardell notes “The industry reading comments [during the] talk-back made me think of ways of strengthening the internal logic of the play, by making sure that actions were not only plausible within the laws of New York City but also within the psychological makeups of the characters. I also realized from the reading and comments that I’d missed opportunities for improving the characterizations, and I set about revising the play again – I think for the better.”

            Jodi Stevens, the Executive Director of the MAC says “This is the fourth year the MAC has staged a production through the MTPI program, and the quality of the work is exceptional. It’s exciting to see how each team – playwright and mentors – participate in this process. It’s also a great chance to bring fresh ideas and a unique theater experience to the community. Audience members learn about the process of creating a play and have the chance to provide valuable feedback for the playwright.”

            The Attorney-in-Fact will be performed with full staging on May 8, 9, 10 with curtain at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and a 2:00 pm curtain on Sunday. There will be a talk back post-show with the playwright, creative team, and cast. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. More information and tickets at marionartcenter.org/events. This is an ArtWeek SouthCoast event.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

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To the Editor:

            On March 31, the Marion Select Board did something small that carries large consequences: it removed Article 31 from the Town Meeting Warrant. The article would have let residents decide whether to transfer land from the Marine Resources Commission (MRC) back to the Select Board, land that could support a proposed Parkland, and, more importantly, land that belongs to the public.

            Articles 2–30 passed without discussion. Article 31 was different. Clerk Norman Hills observed that the MRC no longer has a significant use for the parcel it received in 2009. Reassigning the parcel would lead to better management and stewardship. However, Chairman Randy Parker opposed this measure and, along with Vice Chair John Hoagland, voted to remove it from the Warrant. Clerk Hills was the only one who voted to keep the question before Town voters.

            That decision did more than halt a proposal. It removed the public from the decision.

Island Wharf is not just another parcel. Its 1901 deed is explicit: the land is to be used for public, non-commercial purposes. Yet today, commercial activity and vehicle storage occupy portions of the site. The damage is visible. More importantly, it conflicts with the deed and the town’s obligation to protect a shared asset.

            At the same time, planning around Island Wharf is accelerating. At recent MRC meetings, officials have discussed parking management, seasonal permits for commercial vehicles, and coordination through the harbormaster. At an April meeting, Chair Vincent Malkoski remarked that “the idea that you can never put stuff on the grass is just not a reality.” That statement reflects a broader shift, from asking whether the land should be protected to how its use can be accommodated.

            Residents are paying attention. Many showed up on April 28 expecting to discuss parking, only to be told the topic would not be heard. They left without answers.

            This is why Article 31 matters. A harbor management plan effectively considers water, land, boating, fishing, safety, and access. Parking is part of that. But when decisions affect land bound by clear legal limits, public input is not optional. It is essential.

            Instead, the public forum where this question belonged – Town Meeting – was closed off. Discussions continue in committees and planning sessions, but without the one mechanism that guarantees every resident a voice and a vote.

            No single action proves intent. But the pattern is hard to ignore: routine items rushed through; one consequential article singled out and removed, and parallel planning moving forward elsewhere. The result is the same regardless of motive: less transparency, less accountability, and less public trust.

            Island Wharf is a test. Will Marion honor the plain language of its deed? Will it protect a public space from gradual erosion into commercial use? And will it trust its residents enough to let them decide?

            The land’s purpose is clear. Its condition is increasingly clear. What remains in question is whether the town will include the public in shaping what comes next, or continue to decide it for them.

Eileen J. Marum, 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.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join the Banned Book Club on May 12 at 1:00 pm to discuss “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

            On May 12 at 6:00 pm meet Hannah Traggis, who works for the Marion Institute managing their Frogfoot Farm program – a 6-acre farm on the Wareham-Plymouth town line and learn about their programs!

            Readers’ Advisory Group meets every 4th Wednesday at 11:00 am. If you enjoy discussing reading or books, join our Adult Readers’ Advisory group for popular book ideas, to see what others are reading, and to explore new genres!

            Do you like knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, or crocheting? Join our newest club; Fiber Arts Club, Fridays at 11:00 am! Meet new people, share fiber art project ideas, work with others, and share some laughs!

            Join the Elizabeth Taber Library on Wednesday, May 27 at 1:00 pm for a lively and immersive program with Linda Booth Sweeney, author of The Noisy Puddle, winner of the Massachusetts Book Awards picture book/early reader category. Designed for young children and their caregivers, this special event blends storytime with hands-on discovery, celebrating the wonder of vernal pools and the living systems they support. The program will begin in the library with a read-aloud of The Noisy Puddle, followed by a conversation with the author. Families will then be invited upstairs to the Marion Natural History Museum for guided, hands-on exploration.

            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.

ORRHS Drama Club presents “Mamma Mia.”

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 Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club will light up the ORRHS stage on Mother’s Day weekend May 7 to 10 with “Mamma Mia.” Mr. Brayden Fanti is thrilled to be directing his sixth production with the ORRHS Drama Club and this will be the second ORRDC show for Assistant Director, Vanessa Medeiros. Music is performed by a live orchestra under direction of Pedro Silva & Jenna Champagne and choreography is by Jocelyn Ulloa.

            Set on a Greek island, “Mamma Mia!” is a high-energy musical built around the iconic songs of ABBA. The action begins as Sophie (Fiona Roveda) is about to get married but has a mystery to unravel. She doesn’t know the true identity of her father. After secretly reading her mother Donna’s (Amanda Tomasso) old diary, Sophie invites three gentlemen from Donna’s past to the wedding hoping to finally uncover the truth. Is it Bill (Liam Osterday), Sam (Linden White), or Harry (Lucas Cabral)? Chaos, comedy, and heartfelt moments follow as all three arrive, each potentially her dad, without Donna knowing what Sophie has done. The story unfolds with ABBA’s legendary hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and more classics turning every twist into a musical celebration. Other key roles include Mara Donnelly as Tanya, Charlotte Cook as Rosie, and Lincoln Fauteux as Sky.

             Show times are May 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm and May 10 at 2:00 pm at the ORRHS Auditorium, 135 Marion Rd, Mattapoisett. Ticket cost; Students & Senior Citizens: $12, General Admission: $15. Purchase online through the link: bit.ly/ORRDC-MammaMiaTickets. Tickets also sold through our local vendors: Isabelle’s in Mattapoisett or Friends Marketplace in Rochester. Please note ORRHS is a latex-free building so please do not bring bouquets with elastics or latex balloons inside.

Christine A. Cervelli (Tanner)

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Christine A. Cervelli (Tanner), 71, of Rochester, Massachusetts, passed away at home with her family on November 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with PSP.

            Born on September 26, 1954, in Smethport, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Greta and Walter Tanner.

            Chris was the wife of the late Francesco “Frank” W. Cervelli. Together, they operated the well-loved Cervelli Farm in Rochester, Massachusetts, supplying the community with the best sweet corn, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and beautiful flowers.

            Chris cherished farm life and found joy in planting, nurturing, and harvesting. In addition to sowing seeds, she was a talented seamstress, known for creating some of the best Halloween costumes. She embraced life fully and enjoyed many travel adventures with Frank. Chris also loved attending annual knitting retreats—while she didn’t knit, she enjoyed her crocheting—as well as girls’ weekend getaways to Monadnock. She loved deeply and lived simply.

            Chris was incredibly proud of her son, Scott, and her grandson, Dana, who meant the world to her.

            She is survived by her son, Scott Makowski, and his wife, Melissa; her grandson, Dana Makowski; her siblings, Cathy Miller and her husband, Kevin; Cindy Anticil and her husband, Richard; and Brett Tanner and his wife, Ami; as well as her stepsons, Frank Cervelli and Alan Cervelli. She also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Bruce Tanner and Carla Cogar.

            A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 pm at Arch at the Meadow.

Buzzards Bay Musicfest

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The Buzzards Bay Musicfest will be returning to Marion this summer from July 15 through July 19 in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Hoyt Hall on the campus of Tabor Academy. World class musicians will grace the stage in a five-concert series that is completely open with free admission to the public. Renowned Australian conductor Antony Walker will lead the orchestra this year. On Wednesday, July 15, there will be an open rehearsal at 2:00 pm. That evening, the first concert of the series will feature the full orchestra with works by Beethoven and Haydn as well as a concerto by Grieg featuring piano virtuoso Cynthia Raim as soloist. On Thursday July 16, a chamber music concert will include a flute duo, a trio for oboe, bassoon and piano, a Mozart divertimento for winds and a Beethoven string quartet. The Buzzards Bay Swing Band will take the stage on Friday, July 17 with “Music from the Movies.” The Saturday evening (July 18) concert will be chamber ensembles performing works by Françaix, Dohnanyi and Franck. Sunday afternoon’s (July 19) concert will begin with a Beethoven overture and end with a Beethoven Symphony. There will also be a Mozart French horn concerto performed by the legendary horn soloist James Thatcher.  Start times for the evening concerts is 7:30 pm. The Sunday afternoon concert is at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/ for more detailed information.