Special Reunion, Recognition for Band

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            The July 30 concert in Shipyard Park was one for the record books. It was a celebration of the Mattapoisett Town Band’s 125 years complete with recognition from the House of Representatives and the governor.

            Representative Mark Sylvia (D – 10th Bristol) presented the band with an honorary citation for its 125 years of “musical excellence” for the community and a Governor’s Citation conferred upon the band in recognition of its 125 years in existence. Band Director Jason Newell received these acknowledgements on behalf of the town and the larger community.

            What followed were musical tunes selected for the occasion, including several pieces composed during the early life of the band.

            During the festivities, small children under the age of 12 were asked to join the band by marching around the bandstand and in conducting the band as it played a variety of rousing tunes.

            The diversity of the band includes high school and college students as well as professional musicians. But not to be forgotten are the musicians who have returned to playing their instruments after a long hiatus.

            It may be interesting to note that the band has limited time to rehearse prior to the weekly performances. However, given the caliber of the musicians in terms of their expertise, the band wows the audience every time. Their ability to “sight read” the musical scores is skillfully executed.

            Newell’s lifelong passion for music in all its forms began at a very young age, possibly when he received a toy piano as a Christmas gift. Much later, as a birthday surprise, he received a Kimball piano. Lessons taken at the Marion Art Center were his first step towards achieving his end game – becoming a music educator. As for the Kimball, it enjoyed a very long life as Newell installed it wherever he was teaching, giving many young hands their first playing experience.

            Newell’s earliest teachers in the public-school setting encouraged his interest in music. One teacher, Fred Drifmeyer, became a lifelong mentor and friend.

            Newell is a music teacher currently sharing his musical knowledge and experiences with students at Durfee High School in Fall River. In his long career, he has shown countless students how to play instruments and how to read music.

            The Mattapoisett Town Band plays on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm from July to August at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett.

            Reporter Marilou Newell is Band Director Jason Newell’s mother.

By Marilou Newell

MAC Auditions

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The MAC Theater is auditioning for roles in the award-winning play, Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Richard Sherburne. Auditions will be held at the MAC Theater, located at 80 Pleasant St., Marion on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and on Sunday, August 17 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

            Catherine has been dealing with a lot. For four years, she has been the sole caretaker for her father, Robert, a genius mathematician who was dealing with mental wellness. After his death, she’s left wondering if her advanced penchant for mathematics indicates an inclination toward mental illness in herself. This concern is shared by her sister, Claire, who encourages her to leave her family home and live with her in New York. Along the way, Catherine becomes involved with Hal, one of her father’s admirers and former students. Catherine is put in the position of proving that some of the mathematical genius left behind in Robert’s office was actually her own work.

            The available roles are: Catherine, 24, Claire, her sister, late 20s, Hal, Robert’s former student, late 20s and Robert, a professor, 50s+. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. More information can be found at marionartcenter.org/auditions.

What’s Next at Rochester Historical Society Museum

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Our monthly meeting will be on August 20 at 7:00 pm at the museum, 355 County Rd., Rochester.

The program will be “Cemeteries, Genealogy, and the Revolutionary War.” We want to discuss ways to find and honor Rochester veterans of the Revolutionary War who are buried in our town cemeteries. This would be a project starting now and completed in 2026, as part of the 250th celebration of the United States. This project would be done in collaboration with the Rochester Historical Commission. All are welcome.

            Thanks to all who contributed to and/or shopped at our annual yard sale. We were very successful and should have no trouble paying for this winter’s oil (fingers crossed).

            If you visited the sale and have lost a debit card, call 617-750-2818. We have it and will be happy to find its owner.

John A. Hopkins

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John A. Hopkins, age 96, on July 26, 2025. He was surrounded by his four loving children at his home in Rochester, MA.

            John was born and raised in Westwood, MA. It was there he met Sally, his wife of 70 years. John and Sally were high school sweethearts and neighbors. A devoted husband and father, he embodied the principles of love, kindness, and hard work. John lived a rich and fulfilling life, touching the hearts of everyone who knew him. He had a humorous nature, and he especially joked about family events.

            John was a history buff, and he witnessed a lot of it. He served in the National Guard and the US Army in Korea. After his service in the Army, he graduated from Bentley College. In 1968, his family moved to Marion, MA where he worked at Sippican Ocean Systems.

            After his retirement, he and Sally built their dream house in Rochester, MA. They were avid gardeners, creating a beautiful landscape. They loved nature, especially birds. In the afternoons, they enjoyed a drink and relaxed on the back deck.

            John was a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan. He knew all the statistics of current and former players.

            He is preceded in death by his wife Sally. He leaves his children, John Jr. and spouse Sharon, Laura, Julie and spouse Paul Forman, Patricia and spouse Peter Guilday. He also leaves his grandchildren and great granddaughter. Lauren, Lisa, Kate, Jenny, and Julie will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

            His remains will be buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name can be made to the National Audobon Society.

Mary Worden

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Mary Worden of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on July 21 in Pinehurst, NC. Hers was a joyful life-filled with art, music, and theater-dedicated to educating and serving others and being with her family.

            Born in Nantucket in 1927, Mary was the daughter of immigrants Kathleen Cronin Moriarty and Alan Moriarty. After a childhood in Nantucket and New Bedford, she attended Emmanuel College and graduated with a BA in Social Sciences. She later received an MA in Religious Education from Emmanuel and an MEd from Bridgewater State College.

            After teaching several years in the New Bedford public school system Mary wanted to see more of the world, so she taught one year in Madrid, Spain and another year in Etajima, Japan. Her plan to spend a year teaching in Alaska changed because she met Vincent Worden, whom she married in 1959. Forever after it was his fault that she never made it to Alaska. For the last twenty years of her career, Mary was the principal of Dunbar Elementary School. Her art program there won a national award and the musicals she directed had huge casts that included all students.

            For decades, Mary and Vincent helped run bingo at St. James. Each year they also hosted four Bingo Parties for the volunteers. Their grandest celebration was a sit-down dinner for 112, possible because dinner was served on the patio and in every hallway and bedroom of the house; having five children and four Moriarty cousins with years of experience serving at these parties helped as well. Mary organized the Brandt Beach celebrations of the 4th of July, including the parade and the races on the beach. She also began the annual summer show and directed it until her daughter was old enough to direct the show herself.

            Camp Worden hosted grandchildren in the summertime who needed to follow the “Rules for Campers” posted by their grandmother. Mary was quite happy with this system until her grandchildren reached adolescence and followed her example by posting “Rules for Grandma.”

            After retiring, Mary taught theater, art, and music at St. James-St. John School and served as the Director of Religious Education at St. James Parish for 20 years. She taught public speaking, art, theater, and mock trial at the Nativity Preparatory School for 15 years. She was also an active member of Voice of the Faithful and the Women’s Circle of Sacred Threads.

            Mary was an accomplished painter who took art classes at UMass Dartmouth and RISD. She sketched, painted, and traveled extensively in most of Europe including Russia, China, Thailand, Mexico, and other countries, but never made it to Canada. Her artwork was sold in a gallery in New York, but the most fervent collectors of her paintings are her children and grandchildren.

            Mary was predeceased by her husband Vincent Worden, her sister Kate Ackerman, and her brother Chris Moriarty. She is lovingly remembered by her children Mary Kate (Douglas) DeSimone of Charlottesville, VA; Ann (Kevin) Fitzpatrick of Pinehurst, NC; Margaret of Hanover, NH; William (Deirdre Gilligan) of Tuscaloosa, AL; and Alan (Victoria Powers) of Bethesda, MD. She has also left wonderful memories for her fifteen rule-following grandchildren: Michael, Tim, Mary, and Will DeSimone; Meghan, Kathleen, and Sean Fitzpatrick; Eamon and Liam Worden; John and Kate Worden; and Henry, Charlie, Alexandra, and Isabelle Worden.

            A funeral service was held at St. Cecilia Parish in Boston on Friday, August 1. There was a graveside ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford.

            Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com

Parking Solutions and Road Improvements

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            The Marion Select Board on Tuesday agreed to have officials create approximately 75 temporary lined parking spots on Island Wharf to alleviate the parking shortage in the village area.

            Also, at Tuesday’s meeting in the Police Station meeting room, the board agreed to 28 items, or around $3,000,000, of road improvements on Point Road, including concrete-based sidewalk improvements.

            The Select Board earlier this spring approved the formation of a subcommittee to study parking around Island Wharf, an area shared by boaters with trailers, concert goers at the town bandstand, residents who visit the grass area for picnics, and patrons of local businesses.

            The topic of village parking has been debated at Marine Resources Commission, Planning Board, Open Space, and other town boards and committees over the last few months.

            At issue is a grassy open space area, and officials have debated whether that area, designated as open space, should be used for parking, especially for those who visit the area for passive recreation. Select Board Chair Randy Parker proposed looking at the original deed.

            The board, however, was not in full agreement with some of the recommendations. Select Board member John Hoagland said the grass area should be restricted to only weekend parking. Select Board member Norman Hills said residents and other visitors should be directed to park on Spring Street and other adjacent side roads during the busy weekend. Parker took issue with that point, as well as Harbormaster Adam Murphy.

            Murphy said if boaters park on the side streets during their permitted 72-hour parking period, it would be a nuisance for both boaters and officials to get boaters in and out of the area quickly.

            “You are going to deter parking for someone to go out on their boats,” Parker said.

            Planning Board Chair Andrew Daniel took issue with limiting parking within the grass areas, especially for new and other businesses looking to generate patronage and revenue.

            Officials on Tuesday also talked about the safety of some trailers and boats being parked within the adjacent open space grass area, especially when that area is jammed with concert goers looking to navigate a jammed parking area that has trailers and other marine-based equipment.

            Select Board members voted to allow Murphy, also a town police officer, and the Department of Public Works to use baseball chalk to create parking and one-way traffic on the wharf.

            Officials agreed it would help direct traffic and create more parking spots. They also agreed to further review Hoagland’s list of recommendations and allow the MRC to weigh in on the subcommittee report before taking further action.

            Police also recommended creating vegetated barriers in the grass area to prevent some motorists from crashing into trailers or boat vessels.

            The Select Board went through 28 items of road improvements on Point Road, some of which had been approved at the last Town Meeting. The board agreed that the sidewalks should be updated and some of the curves in the road should be modernized.

            Parker mentioned that he has fielded many complaints about the surface of the road, as well as the road layout, and lack of sidewalks.

            Department of Public Works Director Jody Dickerson said by the end of this construction season, a new asphalt coating should be on the road, making an immediate improvement.

            The board also discussed a letter from town counsel about developer Sherman Briggs’ proposed multi-unit condominium project off Spring Street.

            The 10-building project is looking for a residential sewer rate, as opposed to a commercial rate.

            The board described the project as falling within a commercial development but Briggs, Daniel and other officials, as well as project proponents, mentioned that both the zoning and status of each dwelling is a condominium and would be owned by individual families.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman and board members proposed that Briggs deliver a PDF of his plans and have Town Council review updated plans.

            Many at Tuesday’s meeting noted that Town Council might have been using older data when it made its determination.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Let Home Rule Prevail

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To the Editor:

            I am a business owner in Mattapoisett and hold a real estate broker’s license for my office. As a business owner and long-time resident of Mattapoisett, I’ve watched how real estate transactions in Town have grown more complex over the years. What used to be handled by a few, now requires more time, more coordination, and more oversight. As an example, there has been an increase in the amount of time prospective or actual homeowners must wait for town boards to approve changes or permits for their properties. Expanding our Select Board to 5 members will enable faster and more responsive handling of real estate transactions such as permit approvals, easements, negotiations or town land sales. A five-member board increases capacity, availability and decision-making efficiency that reflects reality without straining taxpayers. Neighbors debated this change and approved it at Town Meeting. The respectful course is to implement what was decided.

            The May 12th vote should be respected. Let Home Rule prevail.

Jocelyn Demakis Daluz, 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.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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On Sunday, August 10, The Rev. Robert Malm, Interim Rector, St. Peter’s on the Canal, Buzzards Bay, MA, will return for the second time during St. Philip’s 141st Summer Season. Services, using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, will be held at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. All are welcome to this historic church next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett.

Mattapoisett Town Band

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The Mattapoisett Town Band would like to thank everyone who attended and made our concert last week such a success. Next week’s concert, on August 13, will be songs from movies. The Town Band is also seeking requests for our final concert of the season, scheduled for August 20. Please message us on our Facebook page with any requests.

Continuing Development of Long Wharf

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            In their monthly meeting on Thursday, July 31, the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board primarily discussed ongoing talks with Childs Engineering on development of Long Wharf.

            At the beginning of the hybrid meeting, the chair of the board, Carlos G. DeSousa, asked for Harbormaster Isaac Perry to sit at the main table with the board members. Before getting into discussions, DeSousa also said, “This is an advisory board. So, anything that’s said at this meeting is not to be given as direction. Direction can only come from the Town Administrator through the Board of Selectmen [Select Board].”

            Getting into Long Wharf, the chair asked if anyone had thoughts on the current pump-out trailer at the end of the wharf and what opinions there were on a permanent, with plumbing, facility for the wharf. Currently, there is a trailer that is removed and winterized at the end of the season. For winterization, Harbormaster Perry explained it is done by both Water and Sewer and Harbormaster Department employees.

            Andrew Nilson, representative from Childs Engineering, stated his organization had asked that of the town in the past and hadn’t been given a definitive answer. He said “our intent was to maintain a similar system” but added he and Childs Engineering would like to know if the town wishes to upgrade their system as soon as possible. It was discussed that the current location of the trailer, at the end of the wharf, is a prime spot and it should be freed up for other use and not be as visible.

            Nilson explained many other marinas use more permanent-based systems and the town would be able to get a new system “off the shelf.” He did add, “I do think they would be rather pricey for the application, citing “over $30,000 for the system, maybe closer to $50,000.” The end of the dock is also known to flood, with the board members and harbormaster discussing the need for preventative action should a tank be situated at the end of the wharf.

            The chair then said there are issues with the timber-pile-supported pier at the end of Long Wharf jutting out too far past the floating docks, resulting in the potential risk of boats clipping it when they leave dock. Nilson stated Childs Engineering has created a setback for the pier in their plans, “so it avoids that issue.”

            There was talk on electrical issues and the spacing in between lights and boat hookups. Due to the wharf still being used for town functions, the need for good lighting and high light poles (8 to 10 feet tall) was reiterated. Nilson and Childs Engineering are continuing to work with town representatives and are regularly updating and changing plans for the wharf area.

            The planning stage is ongoing, and the next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 pm. The meeting is hybrid and is available in person in Town Hall or accessible on Zoom.

Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board

By Sam Bishop