Escape the Heat and Dive into History

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As Harbor Days approaches, the Mattapoisett Museum invites all visitors to take a refreshing break from the summer heat and enjoy a delightful afternoon of history, culture and family fun. On Saturday, July 20, from noon to 4 pm, the museum, located at 5 Church Street in Mattapoisett, will open its doors to the community with refreshments, air conditioning and exhibits designed to enhance your Harbor Days experience.

            What to Expect at the Mattapoisett Museum on Harbor Days:

            -Air-Conditioned Comfort: Beat the summer heat and enjoy a cool, pleasant environment.

            -Refreshing Beverages: Complimentary refreshments will be available to keep you hydrated and refreshed.

            -Engaging Exhibits: Discover the rich history of Mattapoisett through our thoughtfully curated exhibits, which offer something for everyone in the family.

            For more information about the Mattapoisett Museum and our Harbor Days activities, please visit www.mattapoisettmuseum.org.

            About Mattapoisett Museum: The Mattapoisett Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and cultural heritage of Mattapoisett. Through our exhibits, programs and events, we aim to educate and inspire visitors of all ages. We are open every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4pm.

Join Mattapoisett Museum for a Walking Tour

            Walk with a Mattapoisett Museum Guide through the Village to discover the unique history of this seaside town. Tour Mattapoisett’s past from its heyday as a shipbuilding center to the rise of summer recreation, and the impact specific citizens had on the development of the town.

            Tours begin and end at the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street. They follow Main Street to Shipyard Park and return via one of the side streets to the Museum. The duration is 45 minutes to 1 hour.

· Thursday, July 25 at 5:00 pm (led by Carole Clifford & Jenn McIntire)

· Thursday, August 15 at 5:00 pm (led by Carole Clifford & Jenn McIntire)

· Thursday, Sept 12 at 5:00 pm (led by Connor Gaudet; focusing on Saltworks)

            The Walking Tours are free; donations are welcome. Questions? Please email curator@mattapoisettmuseum.org.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett continues its 140th summer season with The Rev. Nathan Humphrey, Rector St. Thomas’s Church, Toronto, officiating the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services this Sunday. Each service will use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome to attend.

Burying Utilities

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To The Editor:

            Recently our Town Administrator and the Select Board delivered a letter and survey to the residents of Marion/Beacon/Water/Main streets regarding proposals to bury utility lines on some portions of that route, as part of the road reconstruction project. The letter suggested only those residents (the abutters) would have to pay all the cost of burying utilities, up to $55,000 each. The town asserted that those abutters will receive the “exclusive benefit” of burying the lines. This is a false premise.

            Perhaps if the streets in question were quiet waterfront roads in a private beach community only used by its residents, it would be reasonable for those residents to pay to underground the lines. But Marion/Beacon/Water/Main Streets are far from that—they are a central corridor used by a wide swath of Mattapoisett residents.

            There are two important benefits to undergrounding the utility wires while undertaking the Mattapoisett road reconstruction project: safety and beautification.

            Regarding safety and storm resiliency, the utility lines along Marion/Beacon/Water/Main connect with lines on Neds Point Road, Ship, Oakland, Foster, Freeman, Shipyard, Atkinson, Linhares, North St, Mechanic, Barstow, Church, etc. To claim that the residents of Marion/Beacon/Water/Main exclusively receive the resiliency benefit of burying those wires, the Select Board would have to be in the position to assure those of us residing on those connecting streets that we would not lose power if the very exposed lines on Beacon/Water/Main were knocked down in a hurricane.

            And regarding the aesthetics, the residents of the corridor streets are clearly not the only beneficiaries. Hundreds of town residents not living on Marion/Beacon/Water/Main regularly walk and bike (and drive) this route. I’m one, and many weeks I walk and bike this route daily. A week ago we had 1200 runners, from Mattapoisett and many other towns, start and finish under those ugly wires, with scores more lining the streets and cheering. These people are not exercising on the ADA compliant sidewalks on Route 6. We are walking on dirt paths and bouncing over the damaged pavement on Water and Main to enjoy the harbor views.

            Beacon/Water/Main streets connect us all to our waterfront, from Ned’s Point, to the town beach, to the wharf and Shipyard Park, to the views off Main Street, and to Goodspeed Island and the bike path. This is a scenic route enjoyed by many.

            It is not hard to be a little creative about paying for burying the utilities. Because the project benefits a wide range of residents, it is reasonable for town taxes to pay for some portion. And since the Beacon/Water/Main residents benefit, it is reasonable for them to pay some. But others can pitch in as well. I for one am certainly happy to put my money where my mouth is and contribute voluntarily to the project. And I bet many other residents would do the same. In addition, other municipalities have found creative ways to fund town projects, such as raising donations by selling family name-inscribed bricks for sections of the project’s new sidewalks.

            The proposal to underground the wires, particularly (in my opinion) the critical stretch along Water and Main Streets from Beacon to Depot Place, improves our town for everyone. The disingenuous survey sent by the Select Board appears designed to direct respondents to an answer that has already been decided. We can do better. Let’s work together expeditiously to find an acceptable way to pay for it so we can move this project along.

Paul Henderson, Mattapoisett

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.

Library Space Has Plan in Place

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            The Elizabeth Taber Library is getting more than an interior facelift, it’s getting a five-year improvement plan after the Marion Select Board enthusiastically endorsed the effort of the Spatial Planning Project Committee as presented by its chair, Kyle Pardo.

            As Pardo explained by reading a prepared statement, the committee formed in 2020 and comprised of library trustees, staff and citizens at large presented what they believe will function as a five-year road map to the future for the library with a directive to “create a more accessible, comfortable and inviting library for our community.”

            Based on the design by architect David King and John Sabbag, the library’s consultant and project manager, internal structural changes will feature wider aisles between the library stacks to accommodate wheelchairs. All changes will be ADA compliant.

            Pardo’s statement said that the renovation has the full support of the Board of Trustees chaired by David Finn-Clarke and Library Director Elizabeth Sherry. A remodeled front desk will accommodate different height-related needs, and the meeting space will be expanded and feature a portable separation wall.

            It’s expected the work can be completed over an eight-week span from November to January at a total cost ranging from $600,000 to $700,000, to be paid entirely with donations.

            Pardo said that Sabbag and King met with town officials including Facilities Manager Shaun Cormier, Building Commissioner Bob Grillo, Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Town Administrator Geoff Gorman.

            Within a confined shell, Select Board Chairman Norm Hills wanted to know if there will be a decrease in volumes; Pardo said no.

            A break room in the basement will require some plumbing work.

            Pardo told the board that the funding has been secured.

            Gorman told the board, with its approval, a Memorandum of Understanding between the town and the committee would be produced, and the board voted unanimously to support the project as presented.

            During the course of the meeting, the Select Board addressed two distinct cases in which both households are dissatisfied with their water/sewer bills.

            Resident Fred Mock, an attorney and a member of the Finance Committee, told the board he considers it unfair that water he uses for irrigation should be charged to his sewer bill (in accordance with the town’s billing system).

            “I’m arbitrarily being charged to fund the DPW … that’s the way I feel, and I’m not the only citizen that feels this way,” Mock said. “I’m not subtracting the water – I should pay that water bill … (but) charging me for a service that I’m not using …”

            Citing the fact that the citizens make up the legislative branch of the town, Mock said he would be happy to serve on a committee to solve the problem. He also noted he has not given up on an irrigation well.

            “There’s no magic wand that solves the problem. As it stands right now, this is the system we have, and it’s working for us,” said Hills, who asserted that Mock uses an “amazing amount of water.”

            Board member Randy Parker recommended delving back into former Finance Director Judy Mooney’s records, suggested that Mooney “had some of those answers, because this is not a new question.”

            “Quite honestly, we have no wiggle room in sewer and water, none,” added Parker, noting the town’s hardships in trying to increase the number of ratepayers and the projects the town has had to tackle including clean-up and lining of the lagoon at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. He credited Representative Bill Straus for helping Marion fund the project.

            Gorman illustrated the complexity of trying to count the cost of water saved by 128 irrigation wells, noting they differ in size and in each homeowner’s set of tailor-made restrictions.

            The other case was a Water/Sewer Abatement request from Matthew Christopher, 159 Spring Street, who was charged $9,122.34 for one quarter. The case had been discussed before.

            After more discussion, Gorman explained that it is not known when the water was used, therefore the board realized it unjust to charge the Christophers according to the current rate. Therefore, the board voted to abate $1,596.46 from the total, leaving the household with a bill for $7,525.88 (absent of fees or interest) and were instructed to work with Gorman on a payment plan.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Family at Heart of Long Life

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            She doesn’t get to take the cane home, but last week Rochester’s oldest resident Maureen Riley, 102, still received citations, gratitude and the “Boston Post Cane” honor.

            Council on Aging Executive Director Eric Poulin hosted a ceremony for Riley, who was surrounded by friends and family – many saying that being around loved ones is one of the secrets of Riley’s longevity.

            The Boston Post Cane award started in 1909 when The Boston Post newspaper publisher asked 700 communities in the state to award the cane to their oldest resident, according to its website. Poulin said that Rochester is still one of the few communities to continue the tradition.

            Poulin gave Riley a citation from the Select Board’s office, and Riley also heard from Minhtram Tran, a representative from Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz’s office, as well as Maureen Flanagan, a representative from State Senator Michael Rodrigues’ office.

            “Your 102 years are a testament to resilience, grace and enduring happiness,” Tran said, reading the citation.

            “It’s an achievement for you and your family. May you enjoy the new year with health and happiness,” added Flanagan.

            Poulin said that the cane will be on display at the COA, along with photos that were taken of Riley.

            Poulin noted that she gets to bring the citations home with her.

            “If you don’t have a trophy room, I hope you do now,” Poulin said.

            Riley lives with her daughter Katherine Riley-Keough and her husband John.

            While dementia and hearing impairment make it difficult for Maureen Riley to discuss the secrets to her longevity, Katherine Riley-Keough and John Keough noted that she goes on vacations with them every year, which certainly helps. They also said that she was active most of her life, at one time avidly playing tennis, gardening and living a spiritual life.

            Maureen Riley came to America from New Zealand more than seven decades ago. She worked as a cook for a Catholic rectory in New Bedford, staying employed up until her 80s. Her sense of humor also likely has played a part. She joked that she needed her reading glasses and couldn’t read the citations.

            Flanagan noted that those who work late and stay active longer might be one of the secrets to a long life.

            Riley-Keough said she expects that her mother will be around to receive honors next year. She will turn 103 on May 4, 2025.

Rochester Boston Post Cane

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Republican Party invites everyone interested to join us on Thursday, July 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett. This is a unique opportunity to meet two republican candidates with two different perspectives. Both candidates are seeking Elizabeth Warren’s United States Senate seat. Please join us and get to know your candidates for US Senate in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

            Candidate speakers begin at 7:00 pm. Each speaker will allow time for questions.

            There will be light snacks, cash bar and good conversation.

            If you have any questions, contact Paul Criscuolo, Chairperson, Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee, PCMattyGOP@proton.me

Blessing of the Animals

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All creatures are welcome for a blessing of the animals to take place on Sunday, August 11 during our Sunday morning worship service, which begins at 9 am. The pet blessing is hosted by the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street in Mattapoisett, on the church lawn. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. All well-behaved animals and their humans are welcome. www.mattapoisettcongregationalchurch.org.

MWC Silent Auction

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Visit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club table at Harbor Days under the big white tent on Sunday July 21 for your chance to own a painting by the late Priscilla Hathaway. Priscilla was a long-time member of the MWC, a beloved member of the community, an environmental activist, and a talented painter. The three framed paintings are flower scenes from Mattapoisett with dimensions ranging from 14.5”x14.5” to 21”x17”. Visit the MWC table starting at 9 am on Sunday to see the paintings and place your bid.

            All proceeds from this silent auction will benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s Scholarship Fund and community service organizations.  For questions or membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, go to www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/info. 

Three Subdivision Plans Heard

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            On July 15, the Mattapoisett Planning Board tied up loose ends on two subdivision plans and authorized a third being heard for the first time.

            Returning to the board was Andy Stackpole of Field Engineering, representing William Maxfield, who plans a two-lot subdivision off Harbor Acres Lane. The plan includes the use of an existing, extended roadway built in 1978. Because it is intended that the roadway maintain its private status, it does not have to meet established construction requirements. That does not waive the need for acceptance of the roadway by the Mattapoisett Police and Fire departments.

            Previously accepted waivers were reviewed and will be granted. Those waivers include: no sidewalks, no drainage calculations, no stacking, no erosion controls and no permanent monuments.

            Board member John Mathieu explained that a roadway agreement must be prepared to place maintenance of the private roadway as the responsibility of the property owners. Pending receipt of a confirming letter of acceptance of the roadway plan by the Fire Department, the hearing was continued to August 5. Such a letter from the Police Department is already in hand.

            A subdivision already underway at what is now known as Park Lane, Park Lane Extension Estates (part private roadway and part public), was before the board on this night for further discussion regarding a roadway surety. The property owners of the 15-acre parcel are Andre Ricksts, Scott Atkinson and Margo Wilson-Atkinson.

            An agreement for the holding of one lot as roadway-construction surety was in place, but when one owner’s private residence sold quickly, it became necessary to make other surety arrangements – a cash surety or bond, or a different lot.

            It was determined that bonds were not available on construction projects already underway. Another solution was agreed upon after further discussion. A different lot would be held, making it possible for the originally held lot to seek a building permit, and a cash surety of $5,250 would be ponied up.

            A third hearing was quickly handled. Approved was a Form A, Approval Not Required for a two-lot subdivision near Acushnet Road owned by R&M Realty Trust, Vera C. Gibbons Revocable Trust.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 5, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Surveying 40 Years of Brilliance

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            The Marion Art Center’s latest exhibit is a solo tour de’ force from local artist Nancy Dyer Mitton, now to August 9. The opening reception was heavily attended by fellow artists, family and friends on July 12. In the lexicon of the art world, the show is not considered a retrospective but instead is a “survey” of this master’s last 40 years of creating impressive works of visual art.

            Upon entering the first-floor gallery, one finds small works full of color, full of gentle flowing images inviting one to study the images just a bit longer.

            On the second floor are massive, expansive scenes inspired by coastlines. And then there are those early paintings of a library scene with first-edition volumes and antique porcelain. The juxtaposition of the books and her newer linear seascapes demonstrates not only the artist’s evolution over four decades but her desire to connect times and spaces into visual concepts.

            “My painting helps me connect to life, most are autobiographical,” Mitton shared.

            The artist’s background is also impressive. Her resume lists study at the Massachusetts College of Art where she earned her BFA studying under George Nick, a highly respected artist in his own right who taught hundreds of students the finer points of painting for many years.

            Mitton cofounded the Water Street Gallery that was in Mattapoisett and received artist in residences twice (1995 and 2001) at Rochefort-en-Terre in Brittany, France. She became an exhibiting artist member of The National Arts Club in New York in 1993 and a member of the Artists’ Fellowship in 1995.

            Mitton is also a published author of a book titled “A Romantic Art Colony: Marion, Massachusetts,” described as a book about careers of key American artists and writers who put Marion and New York on the global, cultural map during the late 19th Century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is exhibiting this group, “New York Art Worlds, 1870-1890,” on view through Sunday, July 21.

            Mitton’s works have been represented by Soprafina Gallery in Boston since 2001. Gallery director Frank Roselli describes Mitton’s art, “…its expansive beauty, power and light. Her paintings use the physicality of the oil paints as she creatively constructs her canvas using wet paint with adroit skill.”

            For Mitton the passion for painting remains strong. Her art survey brings to the public an opportunity to see works that spans styles, use of linear elements and, of course, color over 40 years of artistic perfection.

Marion Art Center

By Marilou Newell