All Approved

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Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting held Monday passed its 25 articles, including a zoning amendment, several high-priced capital expenditures, and a Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget exceeding $27,000,000, without much of a fight.

            A quorum of 108 residents took just over an hour to approve, with no serious push back. Priorities starting with a $27,022,457 budget for the next fiscal year, which is roughly $1,000,000 over FY25 (budgeted at $26,022,613).

            Finance Committee Chair James Austin reported education is once again the town’s largest expense, with a line item of $15,300,000. He said total general, non-school government expense for FY26 is $11,700,000, an increase of $324,374 or 2.85%, and the school budget is a 4.6% increase. Nonetheless, no debate or questions from attendees preceded this approval vote.

            The next serious budgetary approval vote came with Article 9, a transfer of $364,000 from the town’s Capital Improvement Fund for needs that ranged from $125,000 for a new Highway Department roadside mower to $40,000 for audio-video enhancements at Rochester Memorial School.

            Starting a series of transfers from free cash, the highlights then included $200,000 for the Rochester Memorial School Special Education budget, another $200,000 to replace the Highway Barn roof, $25,000 to digitize paper records at the Town Hall Annex building, $150,000 for information-technology upgrades for the town, establishing a Facilities Management reserve account with $20,000, paying off the debt of the new ambulance and fire truck, $50,000 to hire consultants, and $75,000 for a matching grant fund.

            Turning to non-money articles, the meeting endorsed a new personnel bylaw military leave policy. Town employees who also serve in the armed forces will have their rights protected to not lose their seniority or pay.

            The meeting approved submitting a home-rule petition to the state that will allow Fire Chief Scott Weigel, 65, to work past his mandatory retirement age to age 70, provided he passes a yearly physical and mental exam.

            The meeting endorsed a new personnel bylaw policy that allows town employees to opt out of the town-offered health insurance plan. An employee must commit to the opt-out option for a full fiscal year.

            Lastly, again without debate or audience questions, meeting members approved a zoning change to the Cranberry Highway Smart Growth Overlay District, site of a 40R residential/mixed-use project being proposed for Cranberry Highway and County Road.

            Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson explained before the vote that this move simply adds another parcel to this district. He said the developer of this project, Ken Steen, had asked for this change to open up financing opportunities for the project. The Planning Board had approved this project four years ago. Since then, economic conditions have made the original 208-unit plan less financially feasible, so Steen is adding townhouses to the mix. The advantage to the town is that, when the project is built, Rochester will still reach the state-mandated goal of having 10% of its housing stock affordable, Johnson said.

            Steen explained to the Town Meeting that the plan for the 32.9-acre site will now be 212 multi-family units. There will be an additional subdivision for townhouses with four more multi-family units.

Rochester Annual Town Meeting

By Michael J. DeCicco

“Secret Gardens of Marion” Tour

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The Marion Garden Group is delighted to present the 3rd biennial “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour, set to take place on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore 11 private gardens nestled throughout the historic village of Marion, a picturesque harbor town on the Southcoast of Massachusetts on Buzzards Bay.

            Attendees will experience a diverse array of coastal gardens, each showcasing the creativity and passion of local gardeners. From vibrant botanical displays and flourishing perennial beds to productive vegetable plots and serene ocean vistas, these hidden gems are sure to inspire and delight garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Event is on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and will be held in Various private gardens throughout Marion. Tickets are $35 and available online at www.mariongardengroup.org, or $40 on June 19 and 20. Lunch available. Please note that the tour is not handicapped accessible.

            Additional Information: The event will proceed rain or shine. Pets are not permitted. Photography is welcome.

            The “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour not only celebrates the beauty and diversity of local gardens but also fosters community spirit. Proceeds from the event will support ongoing town beautification, community gardening initiatives and educational programs.

            The Marion Garden Group wishes to thank their sponsors and partners. These incredible sponsors make this beloved event possible.

ORRHS to Attend Boys’ State & Girls’ State

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Eight members of the class of 2026 at Old Rochester Regional High School will be attending the Boys’ / Girls’ State Convention, June 14 to June 20 at Stonehill College in North Easton, MA.

            Boys’ State attendees include: Brody Hiles, Tucker Cook, Linden White, and Noah Robert-Howley.

            Girls’ State attendees include: Alexandra Fiano, Neva Matos, Hannah Thorell, and Ella Milhench.

            To be eligible for Boys’ / Girls’ State, a student must be a member of the junior class who has achieved high academic success. Delegates must also show evidence of leadership ability and an interest in the democratic process. At the convention, delegates will study local and state government. They will establish and operate their own cities and towns and state government in miniature. This will include forming two political parties, holding conventions, nominating candidates, conducting campaigns, and electing officials. The primary goal of Boys’/Girls’ State is for attendees to develop a better understanding of how State Government functions.

SAIL Summer Program

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Jaime Curley are pleased to announce that registration is open to students of all grades for an educational summer recreation program called Summer Adventures in Learning (SAIL), which is now being offered for the 18th year by the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55.

            Available slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A completed online registration form, online health form, and a check for the tuition fee, if applicable, must be submitted for each student by June 4.

            The program is held at the Old Rochester Regional High School, running for six weeks, broken into two, three-week sessions. Held on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 8:30 am to noon, Session A will run from July 1 through July 17 and Session B will run from July 22 through Aug. 7.

            The tuition is $225 per student for each three-week session, or $450 total to enroll a student in both three-week sessions.

            Each session offers participating students a choice from a variety of exciting courses designed to keep students learning and having fun during the summer. Grade levels associated with all courses refer to student placement as of August 2025.

            Course titles include “Learning Through Sports,” offering an education while working out both the mind and body; “Creative Minds, Creative Writing,” exploring the elements of a story, teaching students about imagery, similes, metaphors and personifications; “Summer Sports Squad,” delving into the history and mathematical concepts that are essential to the roles of a sports analyst, journalist and athlete; and “Living Creatures,” blending biology, mathematics, art and English, while discussing everything from molecules to microbes, and mice to mammoths.

            A full course selection, online registration, health forms and additional information can be found on the school district website by going to www.oldrochester.org/summer-sail-program.

            The program is being led by SAIL Co-Directors Kyle C. Letendre and Charles West.

            “We look forward to another exciting, enriching summer with our students,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Curley. “Now in its 18th year, the SAIL program keeps students engaged in learning while having fun during the summer. We are grateful to our co-directors, Mr. Letendre and Mr. West, along with all of our wonderful staff, who help make this summer program possible.”

            “The SAIL program is such a great resource for our students to continue their education during the summer in a way that’s engaging and fun,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Each year, our amazing SAIL staff members do an outstanding job to make this program a fun and engaging experience for all of our students who participate, keeping their developing minds active during the summer. We look forward to another summer adventure of learning and fun.”

            If anyone has questions about the SAIL program they should not hesitate to contact the program’s co-directors by email at kyleletendre@oldrochester.org or charleswest@oldrochester.org.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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The first race in the Buzzards Bay Trophy Series will be held on June 7. The Spring Round-the-Bay Race is a “pursuit start” PHRF Handicap race for Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Classes. The course begins and finishes outside of Mattapoisett Harbor. This is the first race in series of long distance races sponsored by local yacht clubs to determine the overall winner of the 2025 Buzzards Bay Trophy. Scratch sheets will be available online. The entry fee is $65.00 for both members and non-members.

 Information and registration are available on our website www.mattapoisettyc.org.

Mary Patricia Bernard

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Mary Patricia Bernard – December 28, 1934 – May 10, 2025

            Mary Patricia, “Pat” or “Patsy” Bernard was born in Boston in 1934 to Mary (Cunningham) and Edward Dervan. She grew up in West Roxbury, was a parishioner at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, and graduated in 1952 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She worked as a professional secretary and married her sweetheart Philip A. Bernard in 1957. Their happy marriage lasted until his death in 2005.

            They lived for many wonderful years in Roslindale, Raynham, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Georgetown, SC, and treasured each community and the lifelong friends they made along the way.

            Besides her husband Phil, she was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Anne Doherty. She is survived by three dear siblings  Jane Dever, Rita Meunier and Eddie Dervan. She leaves her loving children PJ (Becky) Bernard, Janine (Fred) Peccini, Stephen (Angela) Bernard, and Regina (Jim) Sisk, and the six joys of her life who knew her as “Mamie”- her grandchildren Jonathan, Kevin, Annie, Lindsay, Colleen and Molly. She is also survived by throngs of adoring nieces and nephews, many of whom were her special Godchildren.

            While Pat didn’t receive a formal education after high school – she was self taught, well read and devoured books focusing on art, culture and history. She worked many years for the Old Rochester Regional School District and loved the kids who swung by her desk – particularly the “rascals”. She was an exceptional gardener, and knew exactly where to throw her egg shells, banana peels and coffee grinds.

            Pat loved cheering on the Celtics, the New England Patriots, and had an ultimate devotion to the Boston Red Sox, where she stayed up very late during the summer to watch extra innings when everyone else had long gone to bed. She will be remembered for her laugh, entertaining her friends and family, and playing the piano for gregarious sing-a-longs.

            A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Charleston Preservation Society at https://donate.preservationsociety.org/ or simply make a small gesture of kindness, even just by sharing a warm smile.

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

Collyer Maintains Hold On 21 Year Seat of Select Board

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Mattapoisett’s town elections were held on Tuesday, May 20 with voting wrapping up at 8:00 pm.

            Running unopposed, Jordan Collyer secured his seat at the Select Board table for another term. He has been on the board for 21 years and now enters his 8th term.

            There were three contested races. Water and Sewer Commissioner saw Dana Lebaron Barrows running for re-election against newcomer Mason Mathieu. Barrows won, maintaining her seat and receiving 562 total votes.

            For a Board of Health seat, Michelle Bernier was up for reelection against N. Douglas Schneider. Bernier also maintained her seat, securing 742 total votes. Running, she expressed her focus on waste disposal, saying” we are starting a swap shop for reuse and have ordered a new scale for the transfer station.”

            A seat on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee was fought over by Betsy Stewart and Nina Datshkovsky-Ennis. Stewart won with 802 votes. Before the election, Stewart stated, “My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety, and increasing civil discourse.”

            Both ballot questions passed. Question 1 asked voters to agree to bond the Oakland Street sewer renovation. Question 2 asked voters to fund, via a bond, renovations needed at the “Town Barn,” also known as the Highway Department.

The final results are as follows:

SELECT BOARD (3 Years) (1)

            Jordan C. Collyer – 920

ASSESSOR (3 Years) (1)

            Cary a LeBlanc – 976

MATTAPOISETT SCHOOL COMMITTEE (3 Years) (2)

            Cristin Cowles – 824

            Mackenzie Jean Emmons – 662

OLD ROCHESTER REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE (3 Years) (1)

            Nina M. Datshkovsky-Ennis – 448

            Betsy Stewart – 802

TRUSTEE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY (3 Years) (2)

            Michael F. Rosa – 832

            Jeanne L. Hopkins – 669

MODERATOR (1 Year) (1)

            Lizanne Capper Cambell – 910

WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONER (3 Years) (1)

            Dana Lebaron Barrows – 727

            Mason Thomas Mathieu – 347

BOARD OF HEALTH (3 Years) (1)

            Michele C. Bernier – 742

            N. Douglas Schneider – 442

PLANNING BOARD (5 Years) (1)

            Nathan C. Ketchel – 897

CONSTABLE (3 Years) (2)

            Michael D. King – 832

HERRING INSPECTOR (3 Years) (1)

            Jonathan William Wilbur – 953

TREE WARDEN (3 Years) (1)

            Christian Paul Nadeau – 934

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (2 Years) (2)

            Michelle Hughes – 948

            Charles William McCullough – 813

BALLOT QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1

            YES – 680

            NO – 469

QUESTION 2

            YES – 681

            NO – 472

By Marilou Newell

Robert James “Bob” St. Pierre

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Robert James “Bob” St. Pierre, 97, of Mattapoisett passed away on May 15, 2025, rejoining his beloved family in eternal rest.

            He was born on December 1, 1927, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Elise and Jean “John” St. Pierre. During his youth, Bob lived in several North Shore towns including Beverly, Peabody, and Nahant before settling with his family in Salem. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Salem and went on to attend Salem State College, where he graduated as class salutatorian.

            After his first year at Salem State, Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 as a clerk, helping to discharge hundreds of service members returning to civilian life. He later married Elizabeth Fossa of Danvers, Massachusetts, the valedictorian of his graduating class. The couple moved to New Bedford as Bob searched for a full-time teaching position. He first worked as a department manager at Cornell-Dubilier before beginning his teaching career in Westport. Amid work and family responsibilities, he earned a Master’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State College.

            Bob dedicated his life to family and education. He mentored countless students and colleagues while teaching science and mathematics at Westport High School and later at Westport Middle School. Bob devoted many hours to Scouting, serving as a troop leader as well as a Commissioner and as a Program Director at Camp Cachalot in Plymouth for many summers. After retirement, he and Elizabeth rarely ate lunch at home, choosing instead to enjoy the freedom they had earned. Lifelong Red Sox fans, they regularly attended games and spent several springs in Winter Haven, Florida, to watch the team’s training. During these trips, Bob had the memorable opportunity to play golf with Ted Williams and Jim Rice.

            Bob and Elizabeth were passionate supporters of the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He served for years on the team’s board and managed concession operations, earning an outstanding service award. He was also the official timekeeper for both the girls’ and boys’ basketball home games in Westport, a role that he filled for an astonishing 58 years. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the Westport Hall of Fame in 1997 and received an appreciation award from the Hall of Fame Committee in 2024. A lifelong golfer, Bob enjoyed many rounds at the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, where he was granted a lifetime membership.

            Bob is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Deschamps of Salem; two sons, Robert James of East Bridgewater and his wife Susan, and James Edward of Mattapoisett and his wife Kim; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, in 2020; his daughter, Sally Goldrick, in March 2025; and his siblings Richard St. Pierre and Constance Cercone.

            To many, Bob was the kindest man they ever knew. His legacy of quiet strength and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

            His Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 3-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting

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The Nasketucket Bird Club will host The Many, Many Owls Around Us: A Discussion of the Owls of Southeastern Massachusetts with Brian Cassie on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Join us for fun stories, and to learn a thing, or two, or three about owls. The meeting is open to the public and handicapped accessible.

            Check our website at: massbird.org/Nasketucket/ or email our President Justin Barrett at jmbarrett426@gmail.com.

Enlarged Garage Approved for Pleasant Street

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met Thursday, May 8 for a Special Permit hearing for the Morgans living at 73 Pleasant Street. The permit would be for the expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming garage.

            In detailing its correspondence with other town bodies, the ZBA said the Board of Health had “no comments” on the special permit application. The Conservation Commission had stated the project is “not jurisdictional,” or it does not concern them. The Planning Board only recommended the design of the new work on the garage to be consistent with the architectural style of the existing house. Finally were comments from abutters and neighbors across the street at 72 Pleasant Street. The abutters were in full support of the work with no negative comments.

            Following the reading of correspondence, Chair Cindy Callow stated she is also an abutter, so must recuse herself from the hearing due to conflicts of interest. Member Margherita Baldwin also stated she was an abutter, living within 300 feet, but stated she was far enough away to look at the issue impartially.

            The Morgans then presented their request, saying their current garage was built in 1912 and is too small for two cars and does not offer much storage. The residents do not like street parking, “particularly in the winter and snow.” For the work being done, another room would be added on that would conjoin the house to the garage. An existing bedroom would be enlarged and converted into an office.

            The Special Permit hearing was closed and approved with a unanimous approval vote.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled at dismissal but will take place after the Marion elections on May 16 though the Zoning Board has no open positions contested for the election. Chair Cindy Callow joked this could be her last meeting with the Zoning Board, as she is running for a spot on the Select Board.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop