How Could I Have Glaucoma? My Vision is Fine

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            The top two causes of blindness world-wide are cataracts and glaucoma.

            Cataracts happen to us all eventually. This clouding of the normally clear lens is the eyes’ equivalent of graying hair. If the cataract does not bother you, it can be watched. Eventually surgery may be needed, and is usually successful, but no or minimal symptoms mean no need to do anything.

            Glaucoma is different. It has been called “the sneak thief of sight,” because it can be doing serious and often permanent damage without you being aware.

            The exact way glaucoma damages the eye is complicated and not fully understood. One way to think of it is that the pressure inside the eye is too high, and this pressure damages the optic nerve, the nerve that carries impulses from the retina to the brain.

            Most people with glaucoma have increased eye pressure, which the optometrist or ophthalmologist can easily measure.

            The reason it is complicated is that a small fraction of people have high pressures but never develop damage, while others can have classic glaucoma damage with normal pressures.

            Let’s leave these outliers to the specialists and focus on the large majority, who have high intra-ocular pressure and evidence of eye damage.

            The damage to the optic nerve is slow – it may take 25 years between onset and blindness. It also damages the peripheral (side) vision first, sparing the straight-ahead vision. This is what makes it so sneaky. Looking straight ahead, your vision may be fine, while you are slowly developing tunnel vision. The loss is usually permanent; progression can be stopped, but what you have lost cannot be restored.

            Treatment is well-studied. For most people, eyedrops at bedtime are all that is needed. Some sufferers need two or three different drops, and a minority do not respond to drops and need surgery.

            The key is early detection. Even if your vision is fine, when you hit forty, get an eye exam. You cannot suspect glaucoma yourself, and early detection is the best way to preserve your vision.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Fall into Fun – Children’s classes at the MAC

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The MAC has a full slate of fun activities to acclimate the kids to the exciting fall season.

            MAC Dance Academy is back – MAC Dance Academy is a classically taught dance studio that fosters individuality and fun for dancers of all ages and experience levels. This relaxed dance program provides extraordinary dance instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, and also touches on contemporary, hip-hop, and gymnastics – all in a safe, fun learning environment. Movement and music is offered for the youngest dancers.

            This fall, MAC Dance Academy classes will be held at the Community Center (owned by the First Congregational Church) at 144 Front Street in Marion. Choose from a wide range of classes for ages 2.5 to 6 and up. All classes will take place on Monday afternoons-evenings and run from 30-45 minutes to 60-90 minutes depending on age range and selection (Preschool/Kinderstep, Elementary, Tumbling, or combination). Registration is open now for the 12-week fall session. The 12-week session starts at just $95 for members and $110 for nonmembers. Members receive significant discounts on tuition – join at any time.

            If you are not sure that your student will enjoy the class, the MAC offers a free trial class, subject to availability. More information and registration for the programs is on our website at marionartcenter.org/mac-dance-academy.

            Art in the Afternoon is Back – Art class instructor Miss Aylin continues at the MAC with new fall programs for afterschool art. The new 6-week Maker Club is a hands-on art club for ages 6-12. Young artists will have access to a wide variety of arts and crafts materials, tools, and textures each week. From paint and paper to recycled bits, fabric, wire, and more – every session is an invitation to explore, invent, and make something uniquely their own. With creative prompts to spark ideas and a supportive instructor to help guide their process, students are free to experiment, tinker, and express themselves in a relaxed, imaginative environment. Whether they’re building, drawing, gluing, or sculpting, Maker Club is all about the joy of creating without pressure – where the process matters more than the final product. Perfect for curious minds who love to explore and make art in their own way.

            In addition to the new Maker Club theme, young artists can now attend for either one hour (3:00 pm to 4:00 pm) or one and a half hours (3:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Fridays after school. The new, longer option allows another half hour for creation and exploration, and a bit more time for guardians to arrive for pickup, depending on family needs. Session 1 runs September 12 through October 17. The one-hour class runs from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the MAC Studio and costs $145 for MAC members and $175 for nonmembers. The 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm class runs 1.5 hours and costs $215 for members and $255 for nonmembers. More information and registration can be found on our website at marionartcenter.org/art-lab.

Music Lessons – New Fall Schedule

            Instructor Colin Bradley continues to offer guitar, piano, and more for students age 7 and up (adults too.) on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at the Marion Art Center. Thirty-minute lessons are held upstairs in the MAC’s Patsy Francis Gallery, located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. MAC Members receive a significant discount on tuition. Receive 10% back when you register two or more students from the same household. Fall session 1 runs Sept 9-10 through Oct. 21-22, and Fall session 2 runs November 4-5 through December 16-17, with no lessons September 23, 24, November 11, 12. The cost for each 6-week session is $215 for MAC members and $240 nonmembers. More information and registration can be found online at marionartcenter.org/kids-music-lessons.

School Supply Collection

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These are difficult times for many local families as they struggle to manage rising costs for everyday needs. As a new school year approaches, students and staff at Rochester Memorial School could use some help with classroom supplies. To that end, the Rochester Democratic Town Committee is coordinating a collection of supplies to be donated to RMS.

It’s easy to help.

            Collection boxes will remain at the following locations until September 20: Rochester Town Hall, Plumb Memorial Library, and Lloyd’s Market, 8 Hartley Road  

            Requested items are posted at each box and include: #2 pencils, erasers, colored pencils, crayons, glue sticks, sharpies, dry-erase markers, highlighters and Post-it notes. Also, tissues, paper towels, ChapStick, Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and baby wipes, underwear and sweatpants.

            Thank you for your generous support as we work together to support our community.

Marion Makes

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            On Tuesday, the Elizabeth Taber Library opened their new workshop, or “makerspace” they’re calling “Marion Makes.” Many showed up to see all the new equipment at their disposal, with bikes dumped at the curb and kids running inside to use some of the new 3D pens, 3D printer, cricut machines, and plenty of others.

            At the entrance, library patrons could enter in to a raffle to win a bookmark freshly cut and engraved from the new laser Glowforge Aura, also available for use. The machine cuts and engraves materials like wood, acrylic, leather, cork, and many more. Likewise, the 3D printer UltiMaker 3 can print with PLA, PETG, and other plastics.

            The cricut and press table was full, as visitors made words and names to press onto mugs and hats. The embroidery and sewing machines were prepped to go, ready to be used by the mass of interested patrons.

            The Marion Makes equipment is funded by grants and federal funds. For more information on the machines present and their availability, you can visit the library’s website at: www.elizabethtaberlibrary.org. Otherwise, assuming you have a library card, you can show up and try your hand at creating something.

Elizabeth Taber Library – Makerspace

By Sam Bishop

MS4 Public Hearing to Be Held September 2

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The Planning Board on August 18 met for a two-item agenda that focused mostly on discussion of the proposed Municipal Separate Stormwater Systems Bylaw – also known as MS4, and whether it should be a general or zoning bylaw.

            The board at a previous meeting were still mulling over whether the bylaw should be classified as a general or zoning bylaw. The board agreed on the latter and will have a public hearing on Tuesday, September 2.

            The board on August 18 made no official recommendation but officials say the hearing on September 2 would determine how the board will seek to modify the proposal, which was recommended by a Select Board-assembled subcommittee.

            According to officials, that direction comes with a risk. Zoning bylaws are more difficult to pass and if this potential bylaw fails on Town Meeting floor in December and fails again in the spring (when communities have annual Town Meetings), the town could face sanctions or repercussions from the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has given the town until December the deadline to pass a bylaw and Town Meeting is in November.

            According to estimates from some town officials, the town has been out of compliance for as many as eight years.

            The board at the last two August meetings went through the bylaw draft. Planning Board Chairman Andrew Daniel has mentioned one section that states that any alteration to land an acre or more should require a permit if it is within an MS4 zone. He said that might be a difficult requirement for an applicant looking to build a single-family home.

            Board members also indicated that there should be language that points out how the EPA map that delineates flood zones, or MS4 areas, is in flux.

            The board has recommended changes that would also make the bylaw proposal more consistent with language and wording within other planning bylaws.

            The board has also recommended changes that make it clearer for businesses.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board and public hearing for MS4 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Planning Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee

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On August 27 at 6:00 pm in the downstairs public reading room of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee is proud to announce that it will host a special presentation by Nancy Becker, a distinguished voice from MA50501. Ms. Becker will share insights on grassroots organizing, protecting democracy, local policy issues and national challenges. This presentation will offer a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to voters and provide an opportunity for community members to engage directly with a local leader of an organization which is shaping the conversation at the State and national level.

Machacam Clubs

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The first meeting of the Machacam Clubs 2025/2026 season is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3. We meet at the Eastman American Legion Post on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5pm with dinner served at 6:00 pm. Our speaker for the evening will be introduced at 6:40 pm. Callers please communicate your counts by 5:00 pm on Monday, September 1. New members welcomed. Email cwmccullough@comcast.net with questions.

Col. Robert Francis Paling

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Col. Robert Francis Paling, Ret. USAF, 73, of Wareham, passed away on August 21, 2025, at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough. He was the husband of Yvette Renee (D’Harlingue) Paling.  They were married for fifty years. He was the son of the late William H. and Barbara K. (Marble) Paling.

He was born in Brookline, raised in Wareham, and retired in Nashua, NH before moving back to Wareham in 2018 to enjoy the beaches he grew up on with his family.

Col. Paling graduated from the Air Force Academy and received master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University and Rivier University in NH. He was a passionate lifelong learner.

He proudly served active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1973 until 1998. After a distinguished career, receiving multiple awards including the Meritorious Service Medal twice, he retired as a Colonel. He served as navigator in multiple international conflicts.

Bob’s accomplishments and interests were far too many to list, but among the notable include: he belonged to International Foster Parents Plan for over 40 years, coached T-Ball for all three of his children, was a Boy Scout leader from Tiger Scouts to Eagle Scouts, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Nashua, NH. In 1979, he was recognized by the Jaycee’s in Dover, DE as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” in the military category. He loved travelling and visited all 50 states and 6 of the 7 continents.   He enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening, and coin collecting. Above all, though, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Yvette Renee (D’Harlingue) Paling; a son, Jason Paling and his wife, Siobhan Kemezys of Nashua, NH; his daughters, Sarah Paling Cardoso and her husband, Tiago Cardoso of Nashua, NH, and Kathryn Donovan and her husband, Matthew Donovan of Mattapoisett; 2 brothers, David Paling and Richard Paling both of Wareham; a sister, Judy Santangelo of Wareham and their families; 4 grandchildren, Gabriel Buxton, Harper Cardoso, Eleanor Cardoso, and Jeannette Donovan.

Visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Plan International (formerly International Foster Plan) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Solar Federal Tax Credit Sunsetting Soon

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Are you considering solar panels for your home? If so, delay no further. The whopping 30% federal tax credit available for home solar projects will set with the sun on December 31, 2025. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the incentive is being revoked by the federal government, just as many Americans are reaping substantial savings on their electric bills, thanks to free solar power from panels on their own roofs or backyards. Electric rates are expected to rise, making future savings even larger. There’s still time to receive this credit if you purchase and install your system by the end of the year.

            Not only is this subsidy disappearing at year’s end, so are rebates through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. This program offers up to $2000 savings on new heat-pump heating/cooling units and up to $1200 credit on modifications to make your home more energy-efficient. Again, it’s not too late, but you must hurry to take advantage of these substantial cost savings.

            Finally, if you have been contemplating the replacement of your gasoline-fueled car with an electric vehicle, the fuse is even shorter. The $7500 federal rebate for new EVs ($4000 for used ones) will end on September 30.

            For further information:

www.npr.org/2025/07/16/nx-s1-5462190/trump-tax-credit-solar-ev-heat-pump

www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit

By Jennifer Francis, Marion’s Energy Management Committee

Mattapoisett Yacht Club Race Result

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Tuesday Night Ensign Series August 12 – Three tie breakers tonight in the hotly contested Ensign Fleet. Odyssey wins the tie breaker over Black Ice for first place for the night. Uncle Fester beats out Brou Ha Ha in the tie breaker for third place and Hamburglar wins the tie breaker over Brass Monkey for fifth place for the night.

Odyssey and Black Ice remained tie for the August Series each with two firsts and two seconds, Odyssey holding the tie breaking edge.

            Five ORR Sail team 420s also raced, getting in 3 races. Each week the young sailors look better and better honing their skills for the upcoming high school race season.

            Wednesday Night PHRF, August 13, Restless led the A Fleet on this rocky night beating No Quarter Given for first place. Surprised placed third and Coconuts was fourth. This puts Restless and NQG in a tie for first place so far in the August series.

            In B Fleet, Lindisfarne beat Fir Na Tine by 41 seconds corrected time for their second win in the August series. Kinsail placed third and Chickadee was forth.