Thank You

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Dear Marion Residents,

            I am deeply honored by your trust in electing me to serve on the Marion Select Board. Your support throughout this campaign has been truly inspiring, and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in the Marion Town election.

            I promise to serve all residents fairly, diligently, and with respect. By listening to you, together, we will build a stronger Marion.

            I am grateful that you have returned me to the same seat that the voters elected me to in 1986. With that fact in mind, I commit today not to run again in 39 years. Thank you again for your confidence in me.

            I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead.

            Sincerely,

John Hoagland

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-Towns Share Winner’s Circle

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Memorial Day saw the continuation of the annual Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race, as every town in the Tri-Town region, Marion, Rochester and Mattapoisett, saw a winner this year in some division.

            Competitors build and race in their kayaks down 12 miles of the Mattapoisett River. Racers are staggered, one departing every minute from Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir off Snipatuit Road at 8:30 am. Almost exactly two hours later, the winning team reached the finish line at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir just before Route 6.

            Organizer Art Benner stated, “several records were broken.” For the Kayak Division, C.J. Hedges, IV of Marion in Kayak Number 101 finished with a solo time of 2:04:56. In the Parent/Child Division, Katelyn Watling and Bill Watling III of Rochester (10) finished with a time of 1:58:46. For the CO-Ed Division, Rebecca Milde and her brother Alex Milde of Mattapoisett (2) finished with a time of 1:50:16. This is four minutes faster than the previously held record in this category. The Mildes also won overall with the fastest time.

            In the Junior Boys Division, Henri Roy and Mason Zell of Rochester (23) finished with a time of 2:24:55. In addition to their first-place trophies, they also received a plaque in recognition of three consecutive wins, Benner said. He added they are the third team to win that plaque in the history of the race. The Old Man River Award, given to the oldest person finishing the race who had not previously already won the award, was Manuel Francisco (44).

            Many gathered near the finish line to eat popcorn and hot dogs, watch the Canada Geese swim about and, importantly, await and cheer on the exhausted racers. Though forecasts earlier predicted rain or clouds, it was a bright, clear, and comfortable day.

Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race

By Sam Bishop

Hello from Plumb Library

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We invite you to join us at the Library on Friday May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm as we celebrate the retirement of our children’s librarian, Lisa Fuller. Stop by the library to offer up congratulations and best wishes, sign the memory book, and enjoy some light refreshments. We will have the book available at the desk leading up to the party, and possibly for a short time afterward if you’re unable to attend on May 30. Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. We would love to see as many friends and families as possible show up for this farewell event.

            Other Upcoming Events: Local author Richard Cutler will be hosting a talk from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm Saturday May 31. Come hear about the writing process from rough drafts to published books. Richard is an engaging speaker who is passionate about all types of writing, but especially science fiction. He’s happy to answer questions about writing projects and the genre in general. Please register for this talk, as space is limited. Registration is available on the Event Calendar on our website.

            The Boards and Cards game group will meet at 11:00 am Saturday June 7. This is a social group for adults (18+), run by volunteers, who are gaming enthusiasts. Join them for games, snacks, and socializing. Games are provided or bring one to share

            Now that it’s officially summer, you know what that means. The annual Summer Reading Program will be kicking off at the Library. This year’s theme is Level Up at Your Library and there is a very full calendar to keep kids, teens, and adults reading and entertained. Check the Events Calendar at plumblibrary.com for the full schedule. This year’s program runs from June 11 to August 2. Registration opens online at 11:00 am on June 11 for any events, activities, or programs that require sign-ups because of space or age restrictions. You may stop by the Library anytime from June 11 forward to pick up a reading tracker log and activity sheets.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1-8 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Events Calendar, newsletter, Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Mattapoisett Museum

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Join the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street on May 31 at 6:00 pm for the amazing music of The Hot Club Cheese Roll with a trio that stars Jason Smith (guitar), John Birt (guitar), and Mark Russell (violin). Founded by guitarist Jason Smith in 1916 and inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli of The Hot Club of France, they will perform a mix of music of pre-WWII jazz and of jazz standards as well as more contemporary hits interpreted in the gypsy jazz/hot club style.

            Entrance to hear The Hot Club Cheese Roll costs $18.00 to Mattapoisett Museum’s members; non-members’ entrance fee is $20.00.

MYC Spring Round the Bay Race

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The Mattapoisett Yacht Club Spring Round the Bay Race on June 7 is the first race in the Buzzards Bay Trophy Series. 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

Tour de Crème

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This coming Sunday, we will once again offer riders the chance to sample the frozen wares from our creamery sponsors while enjoying the SouthCoast’s charming countryside by bicycle. Not just a bike ride, The Tour de Crème is 3 pedal powered tours of Southcoast Creameries and a seaside party brought to you by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. Proceeds from the event help build and maintain recreational trails.

We have 3 tours starting and ending in Mattapoisett. The 9-mile-tour departs at 12:00 pm to Little Bay Road on the bike path. For those who want to ride a little further, we have a 25-mile tour departing at 11:00 am from the Town Beach to Little Bay Road on the bike path. Lastly, for the true bike-and-ice-cream aficionados, we have a 45-mile ride departing at 10:00 am.

            If you would like more information about the Tour de Crème, please contact Jane Finnerty at 631-312-2560 or email at jane.mattrail@gmail.com.

SLT Arthur Scholarship

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Sippican Lands Trust is pleased to announce the 2025 recipient of the Richard I. and Helen A. Arthur Scholarship. This award is given to a high school senior or a student in their first or second year of college who is a Marion resident, with a preference towards students interested in the environment, conservation, or a related field of study.

            The scholarship is made available through the Sippican Lands Trust Scholarship Fund. This award was created and named after Richard I. “Dick” (1933-2018) and Helen Adams Arthur (1940-2008), who were beloved residents of Marion and long-time volunteers with the organization. Dick and Helen were deeply committed to preserving Marion’s beautiful open spaces.

            Sippican Lands Trust is delighted to announce Elizabeth Houdelette from Old Rochester Regional High School (ORR) as this year’s award recipient. Elizabeth stood out as an exceptional applicant, demonstrating intellectual curiosity through rigorous academics and leadership in student government, as well as on the tennis court and hockey field. She also gives back to her community—coaching youth field hockey, serving as a peer tutor and an active member of ORR’s Community Service Club, and volunteering regularly at Damien’s Pantry in Wareham.

            Elizabeth’s passion for biology was particularly compelling, especially her insight into the connection between environmental and human health. While she aspires to be a physician’s assistant, we are confident her knowledge, drive, and talent will open many doors for this promising young scientist.

            Sippican Lands Trust wishes Elizabeth continued success in her future endeavors.

A Continued Continuance

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The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, May 14 for a continued hearing on the Oren Robinson Revocable Trust 2017’s property at 16 Spinnaker Lane for the Notice of Intent for the reconstruction of a single-family dwelling. Though this was main on the docket, a representative was not present, and a further continuance request was requested and granted for Wednesday, May 28.

            Next, the Commission discussed comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals, where they said Sippican Holdings LLC’s 14 Barnabas Road was not juristically to the Conservation Commission, and proceeded with no further discussion.

            694C Mill Street has an enforcement order placed upon it and is currently undergoing the beginning of restoration work. Board members discussed what they had seen on the property the previous weekend, saying it looked “fantastic” and were surprised by the amount of work done.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Marion Independence Day Parade

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The Parade will be on Friday, July 4, beginning at 9:00 am sharp. The Parade will form beginning at 8:00 am in the ball field behind the Marion Town House and adjacent to the Sippican School. Parade organizers will be on-site to check participants in and to line up the parade. Trophies will be awarded for First, Second, and Third place in each category listed on the application. There is also a Best in Parade award.

            Insurance regulations prohibit the throwing of any objects from parade entries.

            Candies or other such items may be passed out by individuals walking beside the parade entry.

            For questions please contact the Parade Committee at 508-748-3520 or email Donna Hemphill at dhemphill@marionma.gov.

            We look forward to celebrating with you! All units participating in the Independence Day Parade are required to report to the ball field behind the Marion Town House on the corner of Spring and Main Streets on Friday, July 4. All units are to be on-site no later than 8:30 am to assemble.

            The parade will start promptly at 9 am and proceed as follows: East on Main Street to Spring Street, North on Spring Street to Route 6, East on Route 6 to Front Street, South on Front Street to Main Street, West on Main Street to the ball field for disbanding.

            Complete the online application before June 30 by clicking this link: Independence Day Parade Online Application.

            Paper copies are also available at the Marion Town House.

            For more information, please call 508-748-3520 or email dhemphill@marionma.gov.

Farm Stand Hearing Postponed

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The May 15 meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals included a Special Permit Application filed by Mike and Elizabeth King for property located at 84 North Street. The agenda item reads, “Case #1563: Petition of Micheal and Elizabeth King, Wyandotte Farm… request to seek a special permit for a Farm to Fork Stand and Farmers Market.” But prior to the meeting, King was advised that a Variance not a Special Permit was required on the advice of the town’s legal counsel.

            In a follow up, King said there had been some confusion but had been told a Special Permit was needed not a Variance. He asked for and received a postponement to allow for further clarification in this matter before filing anything further. The new date was scheduled for June 26.

            In other matters, a request for a Variance solicited by Timothy and Shyana Fisher, 4 Mattakiset Road was granted. The applicants’ plans include the removal an existing garage and shed.

            North Eastern Trade Service, on behalf of Nancy Griswold, 5 Bay Road, filed a Special Permit request for the construction of a master bedroom above an existing garage with no outward expansion. The request was granted.

            A Special Permit filed by James DePierre, 20 Cove Street for the construction of a new home on a flood compliant foundation was granted. Also granted was a Special Permit requested by George Luber, 13 Waterman Street to elevate an existing home.

            Representing Alexandra Ablon, 4 Island View Avenue was David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone for a Special Permit to construct a breezeway and garage addition to a single-family dwelling. The garage will become an accessory dwelling unit. The permit was granted.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for June 19 at 6:00 pm in Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell