Water-Meter Petition on Warrant

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            On Tuesday night, the Marion Select Board met to vote on a long list of action items, but the board’s acceptance of the warrant for the November 24 Special Town Meeting was preceded by a critical response toward the Citizens Petition submitted by resident Andrew Daniel. With 120 signatures, the petition will nonetheless appear on the warrant.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman read from the petition, which states, “The town will vote to authorize and direct the Marion Water Department to establish policy permitting property owners to install, at their own expense, a secondary meter for outdoor water usage, such as non-irrigation, gardening, feeding of livestock, swimming pools, or other non-sewer activities.” Gorman continued, “It also included additional guidance on permitting inspections, billing and fees, and administration and oversight. The petition asks for a change of water and sewer regulations to allow us to separately install and build [secondary] meters.”

            Select Board member Norm Hills said he believed it was “generally not a good idea in my opinion” to which the other board members, and the town administrator, agreed. Referring to the next 20 years, Hills added, “we’re going to sewer up a lot more of the town.”

            Daniel, the petitioner and Planning Board chair, responded, saying the idea was “consistent with what Mattapoisett and Fairhaven do.” Discussions over the town’s large sewer deficit would linger, with the board arguing this petition would exacerbate the town’s sewer debts.

            The board would agree, with Gorman, that they did not support the measure, and Hills added, “we’re not here trying to screw the town (homeowners), we’re trying to make sure the town stays financially stable.” The town administrator would argue “a citizens petition is a hammer, and everything looks like a nail.”

            The board agreed to cease discussions and move on, where they would finally agree to accept the Fall Town Meeting Warrant as written, including the Citizens Petition.

            The meeting also included some appointments, a Front Street art project, and the Main Street/Front Street stop sign.

            The board began the evening by continuing a Public Hearing scheduled for a dog complaint at 116 Dexter Road. Owner Angela Brodeau could not make the meeting, so the hearing was continued to the board’s October 28 meeting.

            Next, Richard DePina was recognized by the Select Board for his years of service to Marion’s young students. DePina served as a crossing guard for 16 years at Sippican Elementary School, with Police Chief Richard Nighelli publicly thanking him for his dedication and hard work.

            The chief wasn’t done. Next, he spoke on behalf of three officers being appointed as student police officers. Peter O’Brien, Brandon Cardelli and Robert Caldas were all confirmed for this role by the board. They will all begin training in the coming weeks.

            Finally for Nighelli, he requested the appointment of retiring Police officer Edward Johnson as special police officer. Though he is retiring, Johnson would like to work details and, with the Select Board’s unanimous approval, will be able to.

            The Select Board then approved the appointment of Natalie Burgo to both the Conservation Commission and the Parks & Tree Committee. Candidate Vin Malkoski was not present, but the board still appointed him to the Stewards of Community Open Space.

            Mike Malone then presented his ideas for an art installation down Front Street. The proposed project would see Malone paint six 30×30-inch nautical flags, each representing a different letter to spell out “Marion.” Malone’s presentation was of interest to all Select Board members, with Gorman agreeing to work with Malone to make a more concrete plan. Malone did say he would like to complete the art installation before the winter holidays and annual Marion Village Christmas Stroll.

            The Marion Fall Town Meeting will be held on Monday, November 24 at 6:45 pm at Sippican Elementary School.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Special Town Meeting

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Dear Mattapoisett Voters,

            Thank you to all who attended the October 4th Special Town Meeting.  Town Meeting is a Mattapoisett tradition dating back to 1857 and represents true and local democracy at work.

            I was excited we had 535 voters attend to consider the citizen’s petition regarding the Select Board.  It was especially gratifying to see so many newcomers.  Understanding that Town Meeting procedures can be confusing, I hope to clarify a few elements of the Meeting.

            Town Meeting is a legislative body which follows the Massachusetts laws and procedures outlined in Town Meeting Time: A Handbook of Parliamentary Law.  These procedures are similar to Robert’s Rules of Order and serve to manage the proceedings of each meeting and provide consistency from meeting to meeting.

            During the October 4th meeting, a motion to postpone indefinitely was made directly after the presentation of the citizen’s petition.  Such a motion suspends debate on the current motion while the motion to postpone indefinitely is debated.  If a motion to postpone indefinitely passes, debate on the paused motion ends and there is no vote.  A motion to postpone indefinitely is a standard motion and was most recently used at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting during debate on article 34.

            I realize it was frustrating to some Town Meeting Members that we did not directly debate article one.  Please understand that a Moderator is required by our bylaws to follow the procedures described in Town Meeting Time.  If a motion to postpone indefinitely passes, the Moderator is required to end debate on the main motion without a vote.  Please rest assured that when the motion to postpone indefinitely passed 317 to 218, proper procedure was followed when I ended debate on article one.

            It was gratifying that so many Mattapoisett voters participated in the Special Town Meeting.  I encourage you to get educated by reading A Citizen’s Guide to Town Meeting available on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website and Mattapoisett Town Meeting Traditions & Procedures which is available on our town’s website and in the Town Clerk’s office.  If you want in-depth information, Town Meeting Time is available on the Massachusetts Moderators Association website.  You may also contact me at MattapoisettModerator@gmail.com with any questions you have.  I look forward to seeing you at the Annual Town Meeting on May 11, 2026.

            Respectfully,

Lizanne Capper Campbell, Mattapoisett Town Moderator

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.

Tri-County Symphonic Band Presents “Power and Glory”

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On Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will perform their season opening concert; “Power and Glory.” The program will be held in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA and will feature a collection of dynamic pieces that help tell some of the most time-honored stories of all time. From the sheer strength of Samson to the tumbling walls of Jericho, the compositions are all very programmatic and display the symphonic band at its fullest, spirited and most energetic, while also showing the gentle side of the flexibility of wind and percussion orchestration.

            After opening with the exciting “American Salute” by Morton Gould, the band will perform Camille Saint-Saens’ “Danse Bacchanale” from his opera “Samson and Delilah”, “Noah’s Ark” by Bert Appermont and the march “Power and Glory” by John Philip Sousa. After intermission, the band with offer their rendition of two masterworks for symphonic band: “Jericho – Rhapsody for Symphonic Band” by Morton Gould and “Give Us This Day” by David Maslanka. “Jericho” is a highly programmatic work depicting the story of Joshua leading the Battle of Jericho complete with a battery of trumpets and a tumbling wall. “Give Us This Day” is an epic offering from Maslanka that is both emotive and reflective as well as highly energetic and intense. Both pieces are considered cornerstones of the symphonic band repertoire.

            Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Marion General Store, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

The Children’s Department at the Mattapoisett Library

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On Friday, October 17, at 3:30 pm, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Children Department’s Graphic Novel Book Club is having a special guest speaker visit via Zoom. Author Violet Chan Karim will be talking about her book Summer Vamp and doing a short Q&A with the group. In order to attend, library patrons must register online or over the phone and are encouraged to pick up a copy of the book – we have plenty on hand.

            On Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 pm, we will be screening Hotel Transylvania – light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and costumes are encouraged. No registration necessary, just come on down and enjoy.

            On Wednesday, October 23, at 3:30 pm, we will be hosting a No-Sew Halloween Plushie craft for ages 6 and up. We will be using hot glue, so adult supervision is required. Supplies are limited, so prior registration on our website or by phone is required.

            Lastly, our Fall story time sessions are set to continue until November 21. Family Storytime is every Thursday at 10:30 am, and Baby Storytime is every Friday at 10:30 am. No registration necessary for any Storytime.

            To register for our events or for more information, please check out our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or give us a call at 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

Building Commissioner Selected

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            During the October 4 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, candidates for the position of Building Commissioner were interviewed.

            Ken Murphy of Sagamore Beach told the board he had been a building commissioner for six years. Presently Murphy is the building commissioner for the town of Bourne. Murphy also shared that he has held the position of building inspector for the towns of Harwich and Dennis.

            Murphy said that he was proud of the work he had done in other communities, especially those communities that had expanded commercial activities. He emphasized that he was not only familiar with FEMA, but that the Town of Bourne is completely mapped by FEMA as a flood zone.

            Murphy said he can help guide property owners through the process of securing permitting for commercial structures, which will help Mattapoisett as the town looks for new commercial expansion possibilities.

            A well-known figure to those that follow the town’s School Committee, James Muse, also met with the board on this night to discuss what he would bring to the position of building commissioner.

            Muse detailed his extensive experience in construction. His resume lists his current position as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the City of New Bedford, which includes structuring programs for the city’s Section 8 housing and attending various public meetings to explain designs. Muse also discussed his work as a construction manager for the Homes for Our Troops Organization.

            While the board was impressed with both candidates, they said the need for a building commissioner outweighed other factors and thusly plan to offer the position to Murphy.

            In other business, shell fishing was opened for the season. Check the town’s website for details.

            Faust Fiore was appointed to the Bike Path Committee, a one-day liquor license was permitted to St. Anthony for their parish dinner, and the board approved a Santa 5K race for MS on December 6.

            It was announced that Community Preservation grant applications are now available from the town’s website. The annual Halloween Costume Contest will be held in Shipyard Park on October 31 at 6:00 pm.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco noted that there wasn’t any pressing business before the voters now, nothing that would warrant a Fall Town Meeting. He said that certified cash was pending and that there weren’t any budget issues that required voters’ participation.

            As the meeting was drawing to a close, from the back of the conference room an unidentified speaker asked the board when they would make a decision on the Board of Health vacancy. Select Board Chair Tyler Macallister said to hold a meeting to make that decision required a joint meeting of the board and the BOH with quorums coming together from both boards. “Do you see anyone here from the Board of Health?” he replied.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Marion Fire Department Open House

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The Marion Fire Department will host an Open House on Friday, October 17 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Meet Marion’s Firefighters, Trooper Harris, and his partner Koala, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Pat Patriot. Enjoy demonstrations, education, free swag, pizza, popcorn, and bounce house.

Marion Democratic Town Committee Meeting

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All interested Marion residents are invited to the Marion Democratic Town Committee meeting Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 pm in the Community Room, Marion Police Station, 550 Mill Street. The agenda will include current outreach efforts and activities scheduled through the end of the year. MDTC welcomes residents who just want to engage in particular events or those who would like to become voting members.

Heron Cove Talks Lack Conclusion

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, October 2 following an Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy regarding Heron Cove Estates LLC vs. Marion Zoning Board of Appeals through Plymouth Superior Court.

            ZBA Chair Cindy Callow moved to discuss a variance for the modified application from Heron Cove Estates which would allow single-family dwelling units on the 17-acre plot on Wareham Road (Route 6) with a density not exceeding 3-to-4 units per acre.

            Attorney Mark Bobrowski represented Heron Cove Estates LLC and began by asking the board if there was anything in the planned draft that troubled them. He added, “I understand that there’s a considerable difference between the amount per unit that was being contributed before and the amount being contributed now.”

            Upon discussion, board member Danielle Engwert stated “most things were resolved” in prior talks. Member Dana Nilson stated “originally, we had approved a 40B project and we went through an exhausting process and came to an agreement that everyone was satisfied with.” He added, “now we’re doing something completely different.” He expressed his concern, stating he believed the proposed variance detracts from the intent of town bylaws. He later reiterated, saying “I believe our approval of this will seriously detract from the intent of the bylaw, and I don’t know a way around that…”

            Following this, Bobrowski asked the chair for her opinions, to which Callow responded she believes there is still a 3-2 split in the voting members of the board who feel the same way. At this time, Bobrowski asked his counsel to step into the hallway to discuss. After the private discussion, Bobrowski and the petitioners returned, with Bobrowski saying “we are back, we’d like to hear what you talked about.” Chair Callow quickly responded, “We didn’t talk. We talked about the Red Sox, we talked about the Chicago Cubs, we talked about which three baseball fields – we talked about my mother. We didn’t talk about anything. We were waiting for you.”

            Bobrowski stated they had used their time to discuss the original $110,000 cap on the pump station, saying he’d like to “make a better offer” and raise it to $150,000. Zoning Board Member Margie Baldwin responded, “it’s not so much about the money for the members that are inclined to vote ‘no.’ It’s meeting the requirements of the variance.”

            Bobrowski then set out to walk through the variance process to discern where the disagreement lies, but after a short discussion on the land excavation and soil composition, Callow replied, saying “I don’t want to delay the inevitable anymore.” But rather than conducting an official vote, per Bobrowski’s request, the board held a “straw vote” to gauge opinions of the members. The board still retained a 3-2 split. Bobrowski requested a continuance, which was granted for Thursday, December 11 due to various scheduling conflicts.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Winter Approaches, Firewood Dwindles

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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, George Washington set out to make a detailed list of all soldiers in all regiments in his army. This is so he can send it to the Continental Congress to gauge supply needs for the encroaching winter. Colonel Benedict Arnold wrote from Maine, making great distance on he and his troops to Quebec. Just north of him, Ethan Allen had been captured outside Montreal. British ships are increasingly seen off the southern New England coast, creating further worries as supplies run low. Finally, the Chief Physician & Director General of the army is found to have committee treason.

            On October 1, 1775, supplies are still on the mind of Washington, the Congress, and the men in the army. This fear is exacerbated by cooling temperatures. Without much supplies, Washington’s General Orders instruct “all the carpenters in their several regiments, to erect barracks for the regiments and corps they respectively belong to.” In other words, start building winter barracks and shelters in and around Cambridge.

            On October 2, The Portsmouth Committee of Safety in New Hampshire writes to Washington, claiming they have captured a British ship, the Prince George. They say the ship had departed Bristol, England and was on its way to Boston but entered their harbor by mistake. The ship was “loaded with eighteen hundred & eighty barrels, & twenty four half barrels of flour, for the supply of General Gage’s army” and it “was taken possession of by our people this day.”

            On October 3, Washington officially bans “games of chance,” or gambling, from men in the army. He specifically mentions “toss-up” and “pitch & hustle” as two coin games that cannot be played. Those found guilty of these crimes were to be “confined and punished for disobedience.”

            Last week, it was discovered that the army’s Chief Physician, basically the first Surgeon General, had been found colluding with the enemy. Calling a Council of War on October 4, Washington and other major officers in the army discussed the truth of these accusations, calling Benjamin Church to testify. The official record states, “The General then asked the opinion of the Council severally whether it did not appear that Dr. Church had carried on a criminal correspondence with the enemy – to which they unanimously answered in the affirmative.” The Council and General both were unsure exactly how to enforce a punishment, nor did they have the authority to do many things. So, it was referred to the Continental Congress and John Hancock for guidance.

            Upon receiving a letter pleading innocence and mercy from Benjamin Church, Washington still writes a lengthy letter to Hancock, President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He begins, “I have now a painful tho a necessary duty to perform,” before laying out the charges. Finishing the explanation, he says he and Council of War “has [] unanimously agreed to lay it before the Honbl. Congress for their special advice, & direction. At the same time suggesting to their consideration, whether an alteration of the 28th Article of War may not be necessary.” He is proposing an alteration to the Article of War, a set of laws by the Congress, to allow him to more effectively punish such charges as they are becoming more prevalent.

            On October 6, Washington writes to the Massachusetts General Court expressing the army’s need of firewood for the upcoming winter siege of Boston. He says, “evil is increasing & more alarming as the winter approaches.” Prices are going up, and lumbermen and woodcutters are hoarding supplies, refusing to sell to the army. This will be a prevalent theme in the weeks to come.

This Week In Revolutionary History…

By Sam Bishop

David Roy Anderson

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David Roy Anderson, known and admired for his intellect, eloquence, and the rare ability to welcome all points of view with kindness and grace, died peacefully at home with his loving wife Phoebe Girard at his side, on October 3, 2025. He was 92.

            Born March 16th,1933 in Westbrook, Maine at the beginning of the New Deal, raised by loving and able civic-minded parents and grandparents, David grew up in small-town Maine — Caribou, Dover-Foxcroft, Gorham — before attending Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School. He would go on to shape and be shaped by the distinctive places he called home: Washington, DC; Arlington, Virginia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and his maternal family’s homeplace since1857, “Silvercroft,” in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

            Being “free and able to advance my political beliefs” was a value that David lived by. This took on many forms including participating in local and state political groups, joining the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington, advocating for those on the margins, or those often overlooked. As an attorney in Washington, DC, David was most inspired by several of his pro-bono assignments like representing the indigenous people of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands for reparations from nuclear testing in the 1950’s.

            Beyond being a devoted father of three, his joys included a life-long love of literature, book collecting, family history, writing letters to the editor, a good hand of cribbage, the Boston Red Sox, visits with his grown children and their families, and any and all time with his marvelous wife.  David always took the greatest delight in spending time with the people who kept it interesting such as his childhood chums, college classmates, personal connections, church communities, non-profit boards, and a Thursday-morning gathering of friends known affectionately as “the Rant.”

            David was predeceased by his first wife Maryse Haan Anderson, his sister Joan Farnsworth and so many dear friends that he cherished deeply. He is survived by his wife Phoebe Girard, three children: Marc Anderson and partner Mary; Chuck Anderson, and wife Jennifer; and Kate Anderson; his five grandchildren –Rachel, Parker, Samuel, Marcel and Muriel– and in his own words; “so very many amazing people who are so good to me.”

            His funeral services will be held at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., in Mattapoisett on Tuesday October 28th, at 11:00am. An act of kindness is the greatest gift. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Trust Purrington Lecture Series, P.O. Box 475, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, and/or the Mattapoissett Congregational Church Capital Campaign Fund are welcome and appreciated.