Santa Sightings Around Tri-Town

on December 5, 2014

Santa Claus is coming to Tri-Town. Whether you are looking to take the kids to visit Santa Claus or you are looking to play Santa yourself and participate in a local toy drive, there are a number of opportunities for you and your family to celebrate the season in your own neighborhood as early as this weekend.

During the holidays, we give and we receive. Your children might be a few of the lucky, good boys and girls that Santa will visit this year, and taking them to visit Santa to read him their Christmas lists is part of the tradition.

Then there are children who depend on toy drives for a present this year – a gift that shows them that somewhere, someone cares and wants him or her to find a reason to smile on Christmas morning. Won’t you play Santa for a child in need within the region?

There are several toy drives going on in Tri-Town, and it is easy to play Santa for another child somewhere out there who wants what all children want – a present on Christmas morning.

Simply pick up an extra toy, winter coat, or pair of sneakers while out shopping for your own loved ones and drop it off, unwrapped, at any of the following locations or during some of the events going on leading up to Christmas.

Would you and your family enjoy having pancakes with Santa? If so, the 3^rd Annual Pancakes with Santa at the Sippican School in Marion is happening on Saturday, December 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Breakfast is provided, compliments of the Marion Police Brotherhood. If you plan to play Santa, the brotherhood is collecting unwrapped toys for its “fill a cruiser” toy drive. Donated children’s gifts will go to the Justice Resources Institute for distribution to local non-profits that provide intensive foster care and adoption programs for children in the region.

The Marion Police has posted the wish lists of several children in the program, which can be viewed by visiting the Marion Police website at www.marionma.gov/police.

If you can’t make it to Marion, tell the kids to grab their Christmas lists and head over to St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett for the Annual Christmas Fair, also on Saturday. Santa arrives at 10:00 am.

Rochester residents on Saturday, December 6 need only stop by the Plumb Library during its Holiday Open House from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to visit the big guy. Santa arrives at 11:30 am.

The Mattapoisett Knights of Columbus is hosting a “Pancakes with Santa” affair on Sunday, December 7 from 8:00 to 11:00 am at the K of C in Mattapoisett on Route 6. Bring a gently used or new toy or winter coat for children in need. Tickets are $5.

You can join the Rochester selectmen at the Annual Tree Lighting ceremony at The Rochester Town Hall on Monday, December 8 at 7:00 pm. Santa will arrive in style, riding on a fire engine with lights flashing and sirens sounding, so make sure you come out to greet him.

Jumping to the next weekend, the 9^th Annual Mattapoisett “Holiday in the Park” on Saturday, December 13 promises an exciting entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus as they ride into Shipyard Park at dusk on a fire engine in time for the tree lighting ceremony and, of course, free food! Local “Santas” can bring an unwrapped child’s gift or non-perishable food items to the big tent at Shipyard Park where members of the Mattapoisett Lions Club will be present to collect donations. The whole event is from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

On Sunday, December 14, Santa will arrive at Island Wharf to hopefully (details are still being finalized) enter the town on a horse-drawn carriage for the 20^th Annual Marion Christmas Stroll on Front Street. The event is from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, but stick around to stroll down to the Marion Town House for the tree lighting at 6:15 pm.

Back in Rochester, join Santa for juice from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 20 at the Rochester Post Office.

The Mattapoisett Free Library will be collecting brand new children’s pajamas and books throughout the winter to help kids “cozy up” this holiday season. The library wants to “add a little joy to someone’s life” with the help of its library patrons. Simply purchase a new set of pajamas and accompany it with a new book for the child to read. The donations will benefit children being served by The Women’s Center of New Bedford.

We at The Wanderer wish all of our Tri-Town (and beyond) readers a Merry Christmas and warm and Happy Holidays! When you attend these events, be sure to smile for the camera and read The Wanderer. You might be in it!

By Jean Perry

Arthur E. Schneider, Jr.

on December 5, 2014

Arthur E. Schneider, Jr., 78, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully Tuesday December 2, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Ellen R. (Rosselot) Schneider. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Arthur E. and Ella (Breuschke) Schneider. He resided in Birmingham, Michigan for 15 years before moving to Mattapoisett in 1975. He also lived in Chicago Heights, Ill., Middletown, RI, and Holden, MA, before returning to Mattapoisett for retirement in 1998. He was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

Mr. Schneider was formerly employed as a metallurgical engineer, beginning his long career with General Motors at the Fisher Body division in Michigan, then joining the Continental Screw Company in New Bedford where he was the lead engineer, and retiring from the Reed-Rico Company in Holden where he served as the engineer for advanced manufacturing. Arthur was a member of the American Society of Metals and was recently recognized for his lifetime accomplishments in metallurgical engineering.

He was a professional photographer specializing in weddings. He had a keen interest in amateur photography and enjoyed taking pictures of people at every event he went to. He was an avid computer buff and programmer.

He was a member and Past Master of Pythagorean Lodge, A.F. & A.M. in Marion, a member of the Rufus Putnam Lodge, A.F. & A. M. in Rutland, MA and was a member of the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. Arthur was an Eagle Scout, and past scout master for many years. He enjoyed outdoor activities, camping and canoeing. He graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit and was active with the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and alumni association for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his children, Walter T. Schneider and wife Carolyn of New Bedford, N. Douglas Schneider and wife Lynda of Mattapoisett, and Jean M. Londergan and husband David of Oxford; his sister, Marlene A. Hickman and husband Gerald of Midland, MI; his sister-in-law, Katherine Slack and husband Brian of Roanoke, VA; his sister-in-law, Martha Rosselot of Atlanta GA, his grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be on Saturday December 6, 2014 from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett, MA. His Memorial Service will be held on Monday December 8, 2014 at 2 PM at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church Memorial fund or the charity of your choice.

Craft Fair

on December 4, 2014

The Council on Aging, in conjunction with the Marion Garden Club, will be holding a craft sale on December 13 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Music Hall. Please come see our local artisans’ work and pick up your greens from the Garden Club at the same time.

Mom’s Night Out!

on December 4, 2014

Sippican 6th Grade Parents Group is hosting Mom’s Night Out! on Friday, December 5 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Sippican Elementary. Enter through the back Bus Loop. Come join us for a night of shopping from local vendors and crafters. Homemade scarves, jewelry, personalized gifts, homemade tote bags, wreaths, burlap décor, headbands, and more. Companies like Silpada, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Stella Dot, Younique, and more. Join us at 8:00 pm for a 50/50 Bingo game and raffle prizes all night long.

Hot-To-Trot Dog Walk

on December 4, 2014

On November 30, a spring-like winter’s day, the Sippican Lands Trust held its 2nd annual Hot-To-Trot Post-Thanksgiving Day dog walk. About 12 dogs of all shapes and sizes brought their humans out for a guided tour of the White Eagle property located off Route 6 in Marion. Dogs received stylish orange neckerchiefs and dog treats. Photos by Marilou Newell

New Trash/Recycling Program Delayed

on December 4, 2014

The new automated curbside trash and recycling program slated for January of 2015 has been pushed back until Friday, February 6, 2015 due to delays in the delivery of contractor vehicles, Rochester Town Administrator Michael McCue told the Rochester Board of Selectmen on December 1.

According to McCue, ABC Disposal, Inc. will deliver the new trash and recycling carts to residents in mid-January before the new program starts in February.

“However, these new carts should not be put out for collection until the February 6 start date,” stated McCue in a follow-up email. “Carts put out before that date will not be collected.”

For now, residents should continue to place recycling bins in the usual manner until the start of the new program.

During the December 1 meeting, Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon asked selectmen to approve the use of $1,800 from the Conservation Department’s Notice of Intent account to cover the cost of upgrading the Conservation Commission’s website. The board approved Farinon’s request.

Rochester Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson, Planning Board member Ben Bailey, and Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Richard Cutler informed selectmen of their intent to compile a more cohesive codification of the Town’s zoning and general bylaws.

“In the end,” said McCue in a follow-up interview, “everyone agreed to get some quotes and look into hiring a consultant to help put the bylaws together into something decent.”

In other sad news, Rochester’s oldest resident Ralph Walker passed away at the age of 100, and now the Boston Post cane that Walker had in his possession has been returned to Town Hall. Selectman and Town Clerk Naida Parker will be researching to find the next oldest resident in Rochester to present him or her with the Boston Post cane.

The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for December 15 at 6:30 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

By Jean Perry

Shirley A. (Spencer) Dufton

on December 3, 2014

Shirley A. (Spencer) Dufton, 78, of Easrt Falmouth died November 25, 2014 Shirley A. (Spencer) Dufton

She was the wife of the late Charles R. Dufton.

Born in Boston, the daughter of the late John A.R. and Dorothy E. (Helliwell) Spencer, she lived in Brookline, Wellesley and Falmouth for many years.

She was a 50 year member of Electa Chapter Eastern Star and formerly served as worthy matron.

Survivors include 2 sons, Robert Dufton and his wife Rosemary of Natick and Philip Dufton and his wife Elizabeth of Reading; a daughter, Sheryl Dufton and her companion Marc Normandin of Mattapoisett; a brother, John Spencer of Riverside, CA; a sister, Betsy Peterson of Wilmington, MA; 5 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Gary Dufton and the sister of the late William Spencer.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 11 AM in the Waquoit Congregational Church, 15 Parsons Lane, East Falmouth. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please www.saundersdwyer.com.

Elizabeth Taber Library Adult Programs

on December 3, 2014

Mystery Book Club: Join us at the Elizabeth Taber Library for our monthly Mystery Book Club which meets the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am. The upcoming books we will be discussing are:

– January 7: What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

– February 4: Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

– March 4: Broken Harbor by Tana French

– April 1: Strangers by Bill Pronzini

– May 6: Bad Wolf by Nele Neuhaus

– June 3: On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

Please stop into the Elizabeth Taber Library to register and reserve the monthly book!

Winter Recipe Exchange, December 16 at 4:00 pm: In need of some new hearty winter recipes? We’ll be swapping our favorites with others in the community and taking a look at ways to use Pinterest to find even more recipes online! Please bring a copy of your favorite recipe with you and we will make the copies for you to exchange! To register, please call the Elizabeth Taber Library at 508-748-1252 or email Libby O’Neill at eoneill@sailsinc.org.

What Makes you Grateful Art Display: Between now and the end of the year, we are creating a display of postcards showcasing (anonymously) what the community is thankful for! So stop into the Elizabeth Taber Library soon to share what makes you most grateful this holiday season in your own words or even your own artwork and to view this exhibit of thanks. The inspiration for this display comes from the book What Makes You Grateful: Voices From Around the World by Anne Kubitsky.

Old Rochester’s Winter Farmers’ Market

on December 3, 2014

The Old Rochester’s Winter Farmers’ Market will be held on Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The market will have a number of vendors that provide fresh vegetables, cheeses, breads, goodies, soups, homemade wool items, meat, coffee, homemade pizza, soaps, olive oil, local wines, yogurt, knife sharpening, artisan crafts and much more! This month’s market will have special entertainment to celebrate the holiday season. Starting at 11:00 am, we will have a performance by the “Showstoppers” as well as a visit from the Mattapoisett Fire Department’s truck carrying Santa and Mrs. Clause to visit with the children at the market. Free holiday face-painting will be available for children of all ages. The market runs every month on the second Saturday at the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School’s gymnasium. Check out who will be at the market and what they will have on http://rfmarket.blogspot.com.

Medical Reserve Corps

on December 3, 2014

Dear Editor/Readers:

The Marion-Rochester unit of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is actively working to further develop our unit so that it is run by members of our community and able to respond to situations that impact the health and wellness of our community members. We need everyone’s help as we reorganize to both bring in new members and to help define the structure of our Marion-Rochester unit of the Medical Reserve Corps.

We recognize that the MRC will only be successful in responding to the community if our membership reflects the community and has both non-medical and medically trained members. We are actively recruiting individuals in both of these categories in order to develop a strong unit that is capable of responding to events and threats to the health and well-being of our communities. Our needs are great and varied, and we are looking to recruit nurses, physicians, public health professionals, behavioral health professionals, pharmacists and veterinarians. We also need personal care attendants, childcare workers, educators and business-oriented individuals. We are looking for people with strong people skills, and people with strong organizational skills. We need people who are comfortable organizing groups and individuals with strong technological skills. We need those who can help us direct traffic and address security needs. In a nutshell, we need the varied strengths of all in this community to make the Medical Reserve Corps strong and capable of responding to the needs as they arise.

There will be two additional recruitment meetings for Marion and Rochester residents who might be interested in joining us in this effort. The first will be held Monday, December 8 in the conference room of the Town House, 2 Spring St., Marion from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. The second meeting will be Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 – 11:00 am, also in the Town House conference room. These meetings are informational, and we will be distributing and collecting applications at both of these meetings.

In January 2015, we will be having a meeting of all members interested in helping us restructure the MRC. We will be forming a steering committee to help us organize groups to accomplish the tasks that need to be addressed to keep the Marion-Rochester unit prepared to meet whatever challenges we may be faced with.

Please help us strengthen the MRC’s ability to respond within the Marion-Rochester Health District by volunteering.

Sincerely,

Kathy Downey

Karen Walega

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.