A Boston Pops Season Finale

on

On Friday, August 29, the Marion Concert Band will close its 2025 season with a concert in the style of the Boston Pops Orchestra. The program, which includes selections by Boston Pops arranger Leroy Anderson and former Pops conductor John Williams, is as follows:

Montmartre March – H. Wood

Barber of Seville Overture – G. Rossini

Strike Up the Band – G. Gershwin

Belle of the Ball – L. Anderson

Flute Cocktail – H. Simeone

Bugler’s Holiday – L. Anderson

Clarinet Escapade – R. Ward

John Williams: Evening at Pops – arr. J. Higgins

Mancini. – H. Mancini

Young Person’s Guide to John Williams – arr. J. Bocook

The Stars and Stripes Forever – J. P. Sousa

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 pm at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf Park off Front Street in Marion. The concert is free and open to the public. “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

New Exhibit at Rochester Historical Society

on

It will be a while until our next exhibit is up and running. The grand opening will be October 4, but before then, we can use some help. The exhibit is ” The Tools and Industries That Made Rochester”. We are looking for loans or donations of old tools that reflect that. We’re thinking tools that have to do with farms, forges, mills, dairies, cranberries, hat making, furniture building, etc. If you have something to add to our display, you can contact me at eshbach2@aol.com or call 617 750 2818. Because I don’t ever call my own landline, I put in the wrong phone number last week. The correct one is 508-763-4932. Another correction (I’m batting 1000) is the tool in this past week’s article is an ice SAW not AXE. Sorry about the mix up.

Vivian Dalee Jones

on

Our hearts are broken as we share the passing of our beloved Vivian Dalee Jones on Friday, August 22, 2025, after a yearlong battle with cancer. Vivian’s time with us was far too short but she filled our lives with joy, laughter, love and a little sass every single day.

            Anyone that met Vivian knew that animals were at the center of her world; she hoped to be a zoologist someday and knew so many facts about so many animals. Vivian enjoyed all things outdoors; camping, riding her bike, riding her horse Max and always loved a good playground. Many family vacations created endless memories, Vivian’s favorite was always Disney World.

            Vivian’s desire to learn was evident in how much she enjoyed school; she wanted to understand how things worked, created beautiful art and loved to read. Vivian was lucky to have wonderful teachers, counselors and an incredible group of friends, all of whom supported her while she battled cancer.

            Although only here for a short 11 years, Vivian was a precious gift to our world and a reminder to be curious, be brave, laugh a lot and dance in rain.

            Vivian was deeply loved by her mother Jennifer and her sister Everly, who will always remember her as Sissy. She was so loved by her dear grandparents, F. David and Sandra Jones, uncle Jeremie and his wife Danielle and her two cousins Emma and Jacob Jones, all of Rochester.

            There will never be enough words to express the gratitude the family has over these last impossible months; the aunties and their families, extended family, amazing friends that are now family, the Dark Horse family, the entire team at Rochester Memorial and the incredible care teams at Dana Farber/Jimmy Fund and Boston Children’s sixth floor.

            Vivian was so proud of her Beads of Courage during the last year. The family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to this amazing organization in her name at beadsofcourage.org.

            Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Visiting hours will also be held at St. Anthony’s Church on Thursday, August 28th from 4-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Town Hopes to See Action along Route 6

on

            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust met on Tuesday, August 12 to discuss active cases involving housing projects around town, more specifically, at the former Lockheed Martin site immediately south of the Cushing Community Center and the neighboring developments off the ocean side of Route 6 at the Wareham town line.

            Reorganization of the board was also on the agenda, but the trust decided to wait until member Toby Ast is present before voting on the current positioning of the body.

            On updates of housing projects, member Norm Hills explained Matthew Zuker has sold his property on 78 Wareham Road to the multi-billion-dollar national Toll Brothers, Inc, whom he said is “talking about getting started.”

            The most-recent iteration of Zuker’s former proposal was a 48-unit, market-rate, village-style development (36 detached residences and 12 townhouses) nestled in between the Weweantic River and Heron Cove Estates (developer Ken Steen’s planned, 120-unit, affordable-housing rental development).

            Though Heron Cove Estates was green-lighted by the state and the town via negotiations with the Select Board as a Local Initiative Program (670CMR) and vetted by the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals, the project remains at a standstill.

            In his update to the Affordable Housing Trust, Hills said Steen was “still in the legal ramifications – nothing. Nothing’s changed there.” He later stated the Toll Brothers may be interested in that site as well.

            Regarding Paul Downing’s project at the former Lockheed Martin site, Hills stated he has not received any updates or heard anything. He did mention Town House employees are currently busy moving to the Town House Annex, which could explain the information gap.

            The trust discussed high home costs and whether it would be possible to get in contact with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or veterans’ groups for the construction of affordable housing, though this was left to future discussion.

            Near the beginning of the meeting, after the approval of minutes from previous meetings, Hills questioned the balance of the budget, pointing out a budget item of $3,340.23. He questioned whether the money was “CPC” (allocated by the Community Preservation Committee), to which the other members of the trust stated it was not, adding there is nothing attached to the money restricting its use by the trust. It was stated the money is not CPC and is part of the trust’s budget, though its exact origin was not pinpointed. Some members suggested the funds likely came from work on Little Neck Village.

            The body went over social-media usage and outreach, and what the best platform would be. They said the Town of Marion needs consistency and more online visibility, which they said they will further discuss at their next meeting. The trust also said they will look for updates on current projects to discuss at their next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is currently scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 pm at the Marion Police Station.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Sam Bishop

“I shall now, sir, close my correspondence with you…”

on

            This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, the Continental Army was laying out plans to combat their dire lack of supplies, both food and arms. Washington was also displeased with information circulating of American POWs being treated improperly and sent a message to the British commander.

            This week, British Lieutenant General Thomas Gage responded to Washington’s letter, claiming Washington’s spies have lied and the British following the King have humility and righteousness on their side. He states even though they have “take[n] arms against King and Country” are being treated better than the King’s own men. He mirrors Washington’s threats from last week, saying any retaliation will have “dreadful consequences.”

            That same day, August 13, the Massachusetts General Court, having corresponded with Selectmen of towns throughout the colony, stated they would work with General Washington to stiffen solider absence and abandonment. There was also a small skirmish in Chelsea at 3:00 am along the river, with Continental troops opening fire on boats. No American casualties were reported.

            To tackle the supply issues, Washington appoints Philadelphia Quaker Thomas Mifflin to the position of Quartermaster General. Mifflin is tasked with finding ways around supply shortages, to which he and Washington, the same day he is appointed, are again working on the plan to strike at Bermuda. In writing to the Governor of Rhode Island Nicholas Cooke, saying “The voyage is short, our necessity is great: The expectation of being supplied by the inhabitants of the island under such hazards as they must run, is slender: so that the only chance of success is by a sudden stroke.” Supplies are running low, and time is of the essence. The night of August 14 was the actual raid. Henry Tucker, a local Bermudan merchant impacted by the cutoff trade between the island and the Thirteen Colonies now in revolt, had met with the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to come to business agreements. According to The Smithsonian, “Tucker didn’t have gunpowder to offer, but he knew how to get it.”

            There aren’t many sources on the matter, with historians having to guess, estimate, and retrace events using various letters. We know men in touch with Tucker broke into the powder magazine, and eventually made out with 126 kegs of gunpowder. With each keg being about 25 pounds, that makes 3,150 pounds of powder, “enough to quadruple Washington’s ammunition” according to the Smithsonian’s Matt Jancer. Two American ships were involved, the Lady Catherine and the Charleston and Savannah Packet, with both making it away even being chased by British customs ships upon departure. Eventually, most of the powder found its way to Washington’s hands.

            On August 15, Washington’s General Orders instruct troop regiments to supply detailed lists to the newly appointed Quartermaster General of their own numbers along with the supply stocks of ammunition. He warns of desertion and thievery, saying any regiment caught with missing ammunition will “be charged with the deficiency and so much of his pay stopt accordingly.”

            On August 19, Washington sent his final reply to the British Lieutenant General Thomas Gage. An enraged General Washington again chastised his opponent’s treatment of Continental officers and citizens in Boston. He ends his letter without much room for reply, saying “You advise me to give free operation to truth, to punish misrepresentation and falsehood. If experience stamps value upon counsel, yours must have a weight which few can claim. You best can tell, how far the convulsion which has brought such ruin on both countries, and shaken the mighty Empire of Britain to its foundation, may be traced to those malignant causes.” Washington then says his cause is just, and the Lieutenant lacks honor and vision. He concludes, “I shall now, sir, close my correspondence with you, perhaps forever.”

This Week In Revolutionary History…

By Sam Bishop

Marion Social Club Chicken Dinner

on

The Marion Social Club located at 44 Pumping Station Road, Marion, is having a Chicken Dinner which will include a chicken, potato salad, vegetable and dessert for $17.00 each. It will be held on Sunday, September 21 at 1:00 pm but doors open at 12pm for socializing. Please call Betsy Youngson for tickets at 508-295-8253.

            We still have a few raffle tickets available for the scholarship fundraising if anyone is interested, they will be available at the dinner. Hope to see you there.

Bikes For All Fall Collection

on

“Bikes for All” is entering its fifth Fall season of collecting, refurbishing and distributing the generous contributions of bicycles of all sizes. Over 282 children and adults have been able to enjoy their recycled bicycles throughout the past four years. Each bicycle was refurbished, equipped with a bell and lights as each rider was fitted with a helmet to ensure safe riding. We are thankful to all of you in the tri-town area who responded to our call for gently used bicycles.

            And we’re here once again, requesting that you respond to our need for gently used bicycles with 20-inch or greater wheels. On Sunday, September 14 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, bikes can be dropped off at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, located at 27 Church Street, in the Barstow Street parking lot, which is across from the Center School.

            Our repair team of skilled cyclists continue to refurbish donated bicycles and we need your help to continue responding to requests for bicycles. Residents throughout the SouthCoast have been requesting bicycles to get to work, school and to enjoy the beauty of our region’s bike paths. In addition to local non-profit organizations and word of mouth, our Facebook page “Bikes for All” has enabled us to receive the needed requests. We hope you will keep us in mind if you’re thinking about replacing your bike or you or your children have outgrown their bikes. We know from many of our families who have been enjoying their recycled bikes that biking is making a positive difference in their lives.

            As one of the people who recently received a trike from Bikes for All shared, “I appreciate it cuz I don’t have a car and I don’t have transportation. I walk everywhere and this trike will help me out. I appreciate it. l appreciate you so much.”

            None of this would have happened without our community’s shared desire to help one another enjoy safe bicycling. Bikes for All is a program of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path. As a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, contributions to “Bikes for All” are tax-deductible.

            If you would like to make a charitable contribution of a gently used bicycle, please bring your donation on September 14. If you are unable to bring your bike to us, we’ll arrange to meet you by contacting Jane Finnerty at 631-312-2560 or email Jane.mattrail@gmail.com.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church Yard Sale

on

On Saturday, September 7 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm the Mattapoisett Congregational Church will once again host their annual yard sale in Reynard Hall, rain or shine.

            Lots of great items will be available including home furnishings, housewares, collectibles, beautiful handbags, sports equipment, books, small furniture, toys and games as well as new hand knit items, handmade jewelry and yummy baked goods. You are sure to find so many more treasures.

            Cash and checks accepted. All proceeds will benefit the ministries of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

League of Women Voters SouthCoast

on

The League of Women Voters SouthCoast is pleased to announce that Celia Canavan, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters Massachusetts, will be the featured speaker at its upcoming Community Meeting. This event will take place on Wednesday, September 10, at noon at the Wamsutta Club, located at 427 County Street, New Bedford.

            Ms. Canavan has extensive experience as a community organizer and policy professional, showcasing a strong track record in intergovernmental affairs, a deep commitment to voter engagement, and civic education. In her previous role as the Director of Government Affairs for the City of Brockton, she:

            -Streamlined federal funding processes to maximize resources for local projects.

            -Engaged municipal offices in long-term civic development strategies.

            -Co-managed the launch of the Brockton High School Massachusetts School Building Authority project, the Commonwealth’s largest school construction initiative.

            Before her tenure in Brockton, Ms. Canavan worked on landmark ballot initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts, including efforts to overturn Citizens United and advance campaign finance reform, as well as a grassroots push for universal healthcare.

            A native of Brockton, Ms. Canavan was a founding member of the LWV Greater Brockton.

            The League of Women Voters SouthCoast is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to expanding and protecting voting rights through advocacy, education, and community engagement across nine communities.

            All members of the public, community leaders, and civic-minded residents are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at noon at the Wamsutta Club, located at 427 County Street, New Bedford, for this special Community Meeting with Celia Canavan.

            RSVP is required. Please visit www.lwvsouthcoast.org/events to register and select your meal. With a suggested donation of just $10, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal, light refreshments, and great company.

            For more information, please visit www.lwvsouthcoast.org/events, Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and event reminders.

Open Space and Recreation Committee Begins Working

on

            On August 19, the first meeting of the Mattapoisett Open Space and Recreation Committee was held. Leading the meeting was Michelle Tinger, Assistant Director of Environmental Planning for SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District).

            SRPEDD was invited to assist Mattapoisett as it crafts what could be called a mini-masterplan only this time more focused on matters related to land use for recreational purposes.

            First order of business was to select a Chair for the OSRC. Barry Lima, who volunteered to represent the Conservation Commission on the OSRC, again raised his hand to help the town as committee Chair.

            Other appointed members are Marissa Hughes, Kristen McCormick, Frank White, and Janice Robbins. Some appointees are representing the Mattapoisett Land Trust, or other town committees such as the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board.

            Tinger presented an outline of what the committee is expected to accomplish. Most notably, the creation of a survey. The group spent the majority of the hour-long meeting debating the merits of various survey questions and best ways to engage the public.

            The primary goal of the committee Tinger stated was the creation of an OSRC plan that will be submitted to the state and if accepted could set up Mattapoisett as it sought state funding for OSRC projects. She called the funding “free money.”

            Before the meeting concluded, the members were able to grasp the full scope of what expectations are for the work the committee will do and were given web-based tracking tools to manage the data flow created by SRPEDD.

            The next meeting of the OSRC is planned for September 16, at which time a survey will be drafted.

Mattapoisett Open Space and Recreation Committee

By Marilou Newell