Garage Awaiting Refile

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The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on September 25 urged residents at 45 Williams Avenue applying for a variance to build a garage larger than the 1,000 square feet that town regulations allow to withdraw and refile because it was determined that the applicant needs more than one variance for his plan.

            William Flaherty III came before the board with a proposal to build a 1,490-square-foot detached garage to store his personal and hobby vehicles. “Especially for my wife, it’s the square footage I need to keep our vehicles out of sight,” he said.

            Member Richard Cutler pointed out the problem with this plan. Town regulations state no structure shall be placed in front of a residential property, he said, and this garage to the right of his house would be in the front yard.

            Flaherty said there is not much room to place it to the left of his home. Locating it to the right would place it too close to his and his neighbors’ property line. He is limited from placing it farther back because of the location of his well.

            Flaherty was told he would have to refile with a second variance request for relief of the town regulation against structures in a property’s front yard. He agreed to do so. He requested that his application be withdrawn without prejudice. The board waived his submission fees for the refiling and to continue the hearing to October 23. Board Administrator Andreia Lacerda told Flaherty he will still need to pay the fees for mailing the abutters’ notices and legal advertising in The Wanderer.

            In other action, the board continued to October 9 its hearing into the petition for two variances for a plan to build a three-car garage in excess of the permitted 1,000 square feet at 447 Neck Road, upon the petitioner’s request.

            The board approved reverting its meeting time from 7:15 pm back to 7:00 pm.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library will remain closed on Sundays for the remainder of 2025.

            On Wednesday, October 8 at 11:00 am The Cozy Cup Book Club will be discussing Rita Mae Brown’s Claws for Alarm. As always there is free tea and coffee. Copies are available at the circulation desk in the Library. Registration requested.

            Join us in welcoming Jeff Belanger back to the Elizabeth Taber Library with Wicked Strange New England: Your Guide to Ghosts, Monsters, Oddities and Urban Legends from New England, Friday October 10 at 6:00 pm. Copies of Jeff’s newest work will be available for purchase during the program. No Registration required.

            The Banned Book Club will meet at the Library on Tuesday October 14 at 6:00 pm to discuss the horror classic Dracula by Bram Stoker. All are welcome to attend, find copies available at the circulation desk.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is hosting author Gwendolyn Wallace for a reading and author talk on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 pm. Gwendolyn is the author of picture books Joy Takes Root, The Light She Feels Inside, and Dancing with Water. This program is best for kids ages 5+ and their grownups – but all are welcome.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will close as 12:00 pm on Friday, October 3 for an all staff meeting.

            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.

Marion Road Work

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The Marion Department of Public Works, will begin reclamation work and structure adjustments for roadway improvements on Tuesday September 30, 2025, on the following roadways:

            -Delano Road (Point Road traffic lights to Cross Neck Road).

            -Point Road (Jenna Drive to West Drive).

            -Hiller Street (Front Street to Main Street).

            -Spring Street (Main Street to Fire Station).

            Installation of permanent pavement will occur during the week of October 12, and line striping will follow. Schedule and completion of all work is subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

            During permanent paving, a temporary traffic detour may be implemented.

            Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience to residents and motorists. Driveway access for residents within paving area will be maintained throughout the project, though there will be small delays. Please do not park vehicles along the roadway during the construction period. Motorists can expect delays while traveling through the construction area and should seek alternate routes. As always, please slow down and use caution while traveling through the construction areas.

            Please contact the Department of Public Works should you have any questions: 508-748-3540 Monday – Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. For outside of the regular DPW office hours, please contact the Marion Police Department and they will relay any concerns to the appropriate Town Department: 508-748-1212.

Get Started Estate Planning

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Join local attorney Amy Mello at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 7 Barstow Street on Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 pm for an introduction to estate planning. Attorney Mello lives in Mattapoisett and enjoys practicing law on the South Coast. She provides a wide variety of professional and comprehensive services to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. Attorney Mello has extensive experience representing clients in the administration of probate estates and trusts, as well as guardianships and conservatorships, for their loved ones. Her work includes preparing Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and federal estate tax returns. With over a decade of experience, Attorney Mello prepares documents tailored to meet the unique needs, goals, and requirements of each individual client. Her informative event is free and open to all; no registration required.

            For more information, please visit us online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

What’s in a Name

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Dear Editor,

            My wife and I belong to our town-sponsored fitness center. Several years past, there was a friendly older gentleman named Ray who also attended. If he was there when we went, he’d always be smiling from ear to ear; and when he wasn’t exercising on one of the pieces of equipment, he’d be greeting someone by their first name. We’re convinced if there was a “mayoral election” at the gym back then, Ray would have received all the votes.

            In my earlier years in business, there were two very successful people who I was privileged to know and at some point, informally interviewed about the secret to their success. One was Sue Wong, who owned a Chinese Restaurant called the Cathay Temple. The other was Manny Gomes, who owned Manny’s Gas and Service Station. Both told me the same thing. It was not about what seemed most obvious – the best Chinese food or the highest-octane gas: it was about a working relationship with people and purposefully calling them by name.

            These examples serve as evidence of the influence and success in the “bothering” to know someone by name. A book by Franklin Graham entitled The Name brings this concept and process to the greatest focus. The name he talks about in his book is Jesus Christ – the one name that is the lightning rod because it represents the division of life between good and evil, God and Satan, light and darkness, righteousness and sin and heaven and hell.

            Isn’t it amazing how so many people these days are quick to dismiss, defame, or take the name of Jesus Christ in vain? Sadly, it’s bordering on the politically correct thing to do. Before we join those ranks and the eternal consequences associated with such foolishness, we need to know what God’s word says. The Bible says there is no other name for us to rely upon to be saved, that we should pray to the Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus, and one day every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father.

            So, what’s in a name? If we’re referring to the real Jesus Christ, the anointed One and Son of the Living God, then it’s the name that profoundly transcends earthly elections or business success. It’s the name that simply means everything.

            Sincerely,

Steven J, Bouley

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.

Temporary Closure of Center School Playground

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Center School Principal Linda Ashley would like to announce the temporary closure of the Center School Playground to accommodate a resurfacing project.

            The Center School Playground, located at 17 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, will be closed starting on October 1 for a period of approximately two weeks.

            As part of the project, the old surface will be removed, and a new poured-in-place rubber surfacing will be installed. Other playground structures will remain.

            Security fencing will be installed around the playground for the duration of construction, which will last about two weeks, weather permitting.

            During this time, Center School students will continue to enjoy outdoor recess on the field and blacktop areas behind the school gymnasium.

            “We are excited for this upgrade to our Center School playground,” said Principal Ashley. “We thank all of our students and families for their patience while the resurfacing project is completed. We look forward to enjoying a safer, revitalized playground together in late October.”

            “Thank you to our community for patience as this work is completed, as well as your support for this resurfacing project,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We are proud to provide a newly revitalized, durable playground surface for all of our students to safely enjoy.”

Marilyn T. Nye

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Marilyn T. Nye, 88, of Marion, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion.  She was the wife of the late Howard F. Nye.

            Born in New Bedford and a lifelong resident of Marion, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Augusta A. (Ingalls) Thomas.

            Mrs. Nye worked for many years at several well-known stores in Wareham; J.J. Newberry’s, Jimmy’s IGA, and the former Brooks Pharmacy, Rite-Aid and now Walgreens. She enjoyed reading, puzzles and taking long walks.

            She is survived by her children, William G. Nye of Marion, Robert H. Nye of Charlottesville, VA, Linda F. Montour of Venice, FL and Sandra L. Holmes of Mashpee; her grandchildren, Derek Holmes, Catherine Holmes, Douglas Holmes, Stephanie Holmes, Olivia Montour and Nicholas Montour. Also surviving are 8 great grandchildren.

            Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 7th at the funeral home at 10 am. Burial will be held privately.

            For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Judy “Chickadee” MacGregor

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Judy “Chickadee” MacGregor passed away on September 28, 2025 surrounded by all those that loved her. Chickadee spent 83 wonderful years spreading love, joy, laughter and lots of sass! Most of her time was spent taking care of her family, her friends and her community.

            Judith Dorothy MacGregor was born on December 19, 1941, in New Bedford Massachusetts to parents Dorothy Eaves and Robert William Walton. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her children and many grandchildren.

            She was married to the late John Edmund MacGregor for 56 years. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Peter and Carolyn MacGregor, Jon and Kristen MacGregor, Dan and Kate MacGregor, Nancy and Lorenzo Warren, Mark and Melissa MacGregor, and Andy and Heather MacGregor. The true joy and passion of her life were her 16 grandchildren (Ian, Meg, Eli, Kade, Dorrie, Ethan, Connor, Mariah, Martha, Emma, Braden, Keane, Rylan, Brendan, Duncan, and Drew) and 3 great-grandchildren (Addie, Leland, & Clara).

            Before retiring, Judy managed the cafeteria at Sippican School in Marion, Massachusetts and in the summertime she managed the kitchen at Camp Farley in Mashpee. After retirement she kept busy as a volunteer in the gift shop at Tobey Hospital, an active participant at the Rochester Senior Center, and spreading cheer to residents at several local nursing homes. Judy was also a devoted member of the South Primitive Methodist Church in New Bedford since a young age. Her favorite past times included cooking, playing Scrabble, and playing board games with her grandchildren.

            Chickadee, as she was affectionately known, has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. Her family will especially miss her Macaroni and Cheese, her frosted brownies, and her famous Halloween cookies! Chickadee may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts.

            In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated and memorial visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 3-6 pm in the Donaghy New day Cremation and Funeral Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford with a service at 5:30 pm. For memorial register or facility directions please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.

Purnell “Joe” Guard, Jr.

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Purnell “Joe” Guard, Jr., 84, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He was the husband of Nancy I. (Borges) Guard for 61 years. Born in Greensboro, NC, son of the late Purnell Hall Guard Sr., and Mary (Finnegan) Guard, he lived and raised his family in Mattapoisett before moving back to Cary, North Carolina. He returned to Fairhaven as soon as his grandchildren were born and spent many winters in Florida. Survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Steven Guard, Esq. and his wife Kathi of Scituate, Thomas Guard and his wife Michele of Marion, and Joseph Guard and his partner Emilie Barland of Jupiter, FL; his sister Rosemary Winkler and her husband Skip and predeceased by his brother Bruce Guard and his wife Jackie; and his grandchildren, Rachel, Adam, Michaela, Hannah, Chase, Tucker and Eliza Guard.

Joe was an avid golfer and proud member of the Reservation Golf Course where he was regarded as an accomplished golfer and a dedicated member. In 1972 he founded Joe’s Arco a/k/a Guard Auto Center and Family Oil in Mattapoisett where he served the automotive needs of his customers throughout the South Coast for many years. As an avid car enthusiast, Joe was able to spend his life doing what he loved. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962 and sailed aboard the USCG cutter “Eagle,” the United States Coast Guard Academy training ship, where he was able to make two transatlantic voyages to Europe. While stationed in Nantucket he met his wife of 61 years on leave in New Bedford and settled in New England. He was most proud of and dedicated his life to his three sons with whom he shared his entrepreneurial experience and guidance every day. He was beloved by the staff of Guard Oil in Fairhaven where he spent much of his time in retirement and enjoyed being a part of the day-to-day activities. Joe was known for his gardening skills and the small scale train he built himself and drove in many parades where he won various awards. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren who fondly named him “Grampy.” He brightened the faces of everyone whenever he was around. His smile made you smile. His shining eyes, expressive face and easy laughter will be held in our hearts forever. We will miss you Dad.

His Funeral will be held on Friday, October 3rd at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday October 2nd from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Marcelle Brenda (Caron) Morris

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Marcelle Brenda (Caron) Morris, 81, of Marion died September 21, 2025 at Tobey Hospital.

            She was the wife of the late Francis A. Morris.

            Born in Paterson, NJ, daughter of the late Alfred T. and Cecelia M. (Jacques) Caron, she lived in Marion most of her life.

            Brenda was formerly employed as a registered nurse for many years until her retirement.

            She is survived by her son Francis J. Morris of Marion.

            Her Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 12 Noon at Evergreen Cemetery in Marion.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.