Mattapoisett Candidates Night

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To the Editor:

            Thanks to the League of Women Voters Southcoast for sponsoring the Mattapoisett Candidates Night this past Wednesday at Old Hammondtown Elementary School. As the League introduced themselves, we found out that they are a non-partisan political organization for concerned citizens which encourages informed and active participation in government. Amazingly, this organization has been around for 106 years. This annual event is part of their ongoing educational efforts to enable voters to make informed decisions about our upcoming election on Tuesday, May 19.

            The League gave the current candidates who choose to attend the evening an opportunity to introduce themselves and debate other candidates for Select Board, Trustees of the Public Library, the ORR School Committee, the Mattapoisett School Committee and the Board of Health. Some of these positions only have one candidate so they were able to simply introduce themselves.

            It was an informative night as the candidates responded to questions from the moderator giving everyone who attended the opportunity to share their skills, experiences and strengths that they would bring to the elected position, their vision for Mattapoisett, the challenges ahead, concerns about conflict of interest on issues facing the town, and funding the needs of our town without overburdening the taxpayers. Whew. It was quite a two-hour event.

            For voters of our town, I encourage you to turn on ORCTV Government on your phone or computer. ORCTV Government is a member of Vimeo (actually a video recording of the event). You just have to scroll down to Mattapoisett Candidates Night April 22, 2026, sit back and watch the candidates’ responses. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can check your local tv listings. It will be worth your time.

            Tuesday, May 19 will be our opportunity to vote for the candidates that we think will bring us closer to making Mattapoisett the town we all want it to be. We have the opportunity to elect three Select Board members from six candidates, two Library Board members from three candidates, and two candidates for one position on the Board of Health. In addition to three uncontested positions. Please take the opportunity to learn about our candidates so that you can make informed decisions that will affect us all and generations to come.

            Liz DiCarlo, 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.

Rochester Historical May Events

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May is our kick-off for all things “250”. The Plumb Library has been kind enough to partner with us at noon on May 9 for an author talk by Robert Barbosa on his book “Patriots of the South Coast”. If you’re interested in Revolutionary War on the water, pirates, privateers and more, come and join us. Open to all.

            The Historical Society will provide refreshments after the talk.

            May is a twofer month. Our 2nd event will be a Red, White, and Blue Bake Sale held at the Rochester Land Trust Pony Pasture on Mattapoiset Rd. We’ll be there from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on May 30.

Rabies Prevention, Control Efforts and Reducing Risk of Exposure

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The Marion Board of Health would like to inform the community of the following event: Rabies Prevention, Control Efforts and Reducing Risk of Exposure on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center.

            The Cape Cod and Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force is actively involved in rabies prevention and control efforts in the region. They coordinate with local health directors, animal control officers and natural resource officers to contain terrestrial raccoon rabies on Cape Cod. Twice-annual distribution of oral vaccination baits has been key to the program’s successes. Come learn more about their work and ways to reduce risk of exposure to rabies.

            Light refreshments will be served. Call 508-748-3570 to register to attend.

ORRHS Students Welcome Former Celtic Chris Herren

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From his first day of addiction to the last, former Celtics player Chris Herren let students at Old Rochester Regional High School try on his shoes as he shared his perspective about a promising basketball career derailed by substance abuse and his subsequent journey to sobriety.

            Herren presented his film “The First Day” during a 75-minute assembly held on Monday, April 13, in the Old Rochester Regional High School auditorium. After screening the film, which highlights his story as a basketball star and his fight for a substance-free life, Herren discussed how various experiences during his teenage years impacted him. He encouraged listeners to rethink how they view the scourge of addiction.

            Herren, who in 2011 founded the nonprofit Herren Project, also touched on related topics, such as drinking, smoking marijuana, vaping, pill use, peer pressure, bullying and self-harm. Herren then fielded questions from students in the audience to conclude the event.

            “Chris Herren’s story is powerful, real, and incredibly relevant for today’s students,” said Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring his message to our school and to partner with our community in helping students make informed, healthy decisions.”

            Students were informed that if they wish to connect with Herren’s student outreach team to form a Herren Project Club, which is a student group that’s focused on empowering youth to make healthy choices, they can visit herrenproject.org/student-resources or email prevention@herrenproject.org.

            This event was funded by the office of the Public Health Nurse for the Town of Rochester.

            “We were happy to host this presentation on such an important topic,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “As part of our role educating our young people, we want to make sure our students are empowered to make healthy decisions and to avoid choices that threaten their wellbeing. Thank you to our teachers, staff and guests who share this important information and help our students better understand the truth about substance abuse and the damage that it can cause.”

Phyllis M. (Mattson) Washburn

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Phyllis M. (Mattson) Washburn, 90, of Marion died Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Vantage of New Bedford after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Ralph G. Washburn, with whom she shared 73 years of marriage.

Born in Gloucester, MA, daughter of the late Leonard and Catherine (Perry) Mattson, she was raised by aunt and uncles in Maine after the loss of her mother at age 10. She later relocated to Marion where she lived for most of her life.

She married Ralph G. Washburn on May 16, 1952. They had three children, Peter, Debbie, and Charlie.

After raising her children, Phyllis went back to school and obtained her Medical Assistant certification from Upper Cape Tech. She was then employed by Dr. Baxter in Marion for many years until her retirement.

Phyllis loved family vacations to Vermont, nature and gardening. She was also an avid writer and had some of her work published in writer’s magazines.

She and Ralph adopted mute swans in Marion Harbor. They published a book called “Good Morning Sam” about their friendship and adventures with a handicapped swan that couldn’t fly. Phyllis wrote the story and Ralph provided the photographs. They were known around Marion as the “Swan People” and often had many onlookers when they fed Sam and his friends at the Old Landing. They launched their son Peter’s skiff and rowed it exactly one time to follow Sam. The next time the skiff had a brand-new Honda 5hp outboard! From there, they went to a 27′ trawler named Cygnus Olor which is the Latin genus for mute swans, all so they could be closer to Sam and his friends.

She is survived by her three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sister, Diana V. Barrows of Mattapoisett.

Her Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Little Neck Cemetery, Marion. Visiting hours will be Saturday from 10-11 AM, prior to the service. A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held over the summer, with details to be annouced once finalized. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Machacam Club

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The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5:00 pm followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. Our speaker will be introduced at 6:40 pm. Chef Colby is planning another satisfying meal. Callers, please send your counts by 9:00 pm Monday, May 4. Please submit inquiries to cwmccullough@comcast.net.

Schedule for Town Meetings, Elections

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We’re starting to get into election season! In the upcoming weeks, each town in the Tri-Town will hold both town elections and town meetings. Below are important dates for voters as we enter this exciting time to let your voice be heard.

Marion

            The Select Board will hold a Town Meeting Warrant Review at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 pm.

            The last day to register to vote at Town Meeting or the Town Election is Friday, May 1.

            In-person, early voting begins Thursday, May 7 during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm) in the Town Clerk’s Office.

            Marion’s Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 pm in the Sippican School Auditorium, 16 Spring Street.

            In-person, early voting ends Thursday, May 14 at 12:00 pm.

            The Marion Town Election will be held on Friday, May 15, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street.

Mattapoisett

            The last day to register to vote at the Annual Town Meeting is Friday, May 1.

            The last day to publish or post a warrant for Town Meeting is Monday, May 4.

            The last day to register to vote in the Town Election is Friday, May 8.

            Mattapoisett’s Annual Town Meeting will be held at Old Rochester Regional High School on Monday, May 11 at 6:30 pm.

            The last day to request a mail ballot is Tuesday, May 12.

            The Mattapoisett Town Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School, 20 Shaw Street.

Rochester

            The last day to register to vote is Friday, May 15.

            Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 pm in Rochester Memorial School, 16 Pine Street.

            In-person, early voting begins Monday, May 18 during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Friday 8:30 am to 12:45 pm) at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

            The last day to request a mail ballot is Tuesday, May 19.

            The Rochester Town Election is on Wednesday, May 27 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in the Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane.

By Sam Bishop

$50,000 Boost From Recovered Funds

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By Jeffrey D. Wagner

            The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission received some good news at the April 16 virtual meeting. Rockwell said the Point Road walking path’s land acquisition of town land has been approved by Town Meeting and when the state legislature approves it, the easements will go to the Select Board.

            The acquisition of 3,000 feet from Washburn Park was approved at a Special Town Meeting last month to help build the Point Road Bike and Walking Path. But to top it off, the OSAC learned that town finance officials found $50,000 extra that will be deposited into the OSAC’s treasury.

            Rockwell and OSAC member Kitty DeGroot noted that due to a clerical error, the money was labeled as an “environmental affairs reimbursement.” OSAC learned later that it was from a reimbursement grant in which OSAC had to pay some money and receive money in return.

            The project was for the acquisition of the 30-acre Hoff property, which provides a half-mile walking trail as well as wetlands and wildlife protections. OSAC acquired it for that purpose in 2021.

            “They (the Town Accountant and Finance Director) tracked down what happened with the money, and it sounds like there was an entry error and they will provide monthly reports and will get our first report in May,” DeGroot said.

            DeGroot updated OSAC on the open space property maintenance plan. The commission has sought help from Department of Public Works Director Jody Dickerson. The DPW does not have funding available for regular maintenance of open space lands and trails but Dickerson and his staff have conducted some maintenance work at Grassy Bog, including building drainage ditch and leveled out ditches at Great Swamp.

             “They did a great job,” OSAC member Adele Sands said. Rockwell, who also chairs the Point Road Path Committee, for the second consecutive meeting had updates on the path. He stressed that the state Legislature must approve the land swap. He said the Community Preservation Committee has approved funding that will analyze the existing path and cover material before final approvals are made.

            The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission is scheduled for Thursday, May 7.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

Wareham Garden Club Annual Spring Plant Sale

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On May 16, the Wareham Garden Club is planning a spring plant sale from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm noon, at the Methodist Meeting House 495 Main Street, Wareham.

            There will be: perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and much more. Also, there will be a herb table with recipes to share, garden treasures table, birdhouses, buoys, bake sale table, and raffles. A fun event for everyone. All proceeds will go to the scholarship fund.

Eugenia Lee “Jeanie” (Robertson) Heys

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Eugenia Lee “Jeanie” (Robertson) Heys, Mattapoisett died April 17, 2026 at Carvalho Grove Nursing Home.

            She was the wife of the late David G. Heys, Jr.

            Born in Richmond, VA, daughter of the late Edward L. Robertson and Edith (Martins) Avanzo, she lived in Fairhaven and Mattapoisett most of her life.

            Jeanie was a true force of nature-vibrant, generous, and full of life. Proud of her Portuguese heritage, she had an incredible talent for cooking, turning every meal into a celebration and making anyone who gathered around her table feel at home. Always willing to lend a hand, she welcomed anyone in need with open arms and a quick wit that could bring a sense of liveliness to any room.

            Playful and funny, Jeanie had an extraordinary knack for finding joy in life’s little moments. Her sharp observations and clever quips always a sure fire way to bring on smiles, or head shakes, between family and friends.

            A strong-willed woman who lived life on her own terms, she embodied resilience and courage. Her stubbornness-a testament to her strength-revealed her as one of the strongest souls we knew.

            With a steel trap memory, she could recall intricate family stories, ensuring our cherished history would never be forgotten. Above all, her deep love for family shone through in everything she did, shaped by kindness and unwavering faith. Though she may no longer be with us, Jeanie’s laughter, warmth, and the love she poured into feeding those she cared for will echo in our hearts forever, reminding us that life is best celebrated with family, friends, and a sprinkle of humor.

            Survivors include 2 sons, Eric Nightlinger and his wife Karen of Brooklyn, NY and Michael Sullivan of Bradenton, FL; a daughter, Jennifer Nightlinger and her husband Hudson Maynard of Mattapoisett; her former husband, James Nightlinger of New Bedford; 4 siblings, Roy Robertson of New Bedford, Kathleen Pine of Somerset, Brad Robertson of Ocala, FL and Antone Almeida of Fall River; 5 grandchildren, Bryce Nightlinger, Ericson Nightlinger, Sophia Nightlinger, Stella Sullivan and Amanda Sullivan; and several nieces and nephews.

            She was the sister of the late Lisa Almeida and Aaron Almeida.

            Her Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 17th at 12 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests from 11:30 – 12 pm prior to her service. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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