Old Landing Usage Depends on Town Meeting

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On April 16, the Marion Marine Resources Commission met to discuss various facets of harbor management for the FY26 budget.

            The commission spoke on a new patrol boat for the Harbormaster Department, currently located in Washington state undergoing sea trials. Harbormaster Adam Murphy said he would fly out the following Wednesday, and if everything looks good, the boat will be shipped cross-country the week after, saying “we should see it the second week in May.” The current patrol boat will become surplus to be sold off, seeing its revenue added to the town’s “free cash” General Fund.

            For harbor management, Bird Island had its floats installed and gangway repaired. Murphy said the current float was “pretty much trash” and they would add plywood to it to make it through this summer, though it will need to be replaced for next year. Mass Wildlife has created new sheds for birdhouses, which were also delivered by barge. The harbormaster wanted everything in place before the arrival of birds.

            Murphy said they were not successful in capital funding this year, having not received a forklift nor funds to build a new dock at Old Landing. He added there is not enough funds in the current budget to install a float either, stating the “deterioration is pretty bad” and the town would have to close it due to it being unsafe for use. It was clarified that the money for a forklift and the Old Landing float replacement is in the newest version of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, to be voted upon on May 12.

            Speaking on shell fishing permits, the harbormaster said the number of applicants and funds has “fallen off.” He cited an aging population as a possibility.

            The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Maritime Center Conference Room.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

By Sam Bishop

ORRHS Hosts Mattapoisett Police for ‘Sullivan’s Message’ Presentation

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that, thanks to a partnership with the Mattapoisett Police Department, a special presentation of “Sullivan Message” was held at Old Rochester Regional High School on Wednesday, April 16.

            The presentation, which focuses on the dangers of drug use, was funded by the Town of Mattapoisett, using resources received through national opioid lawsuit settlement funds.

            “Sullivan’s Message” shares the tragic story of Taylor Meyer, a 17-year-old high school senior from Plainville, who drowned in 2008 after wandering away from an outdoor underage drinking party. Her mother, Kathi Sullivan, shares her story to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use and the importance of making safe, thoughtful decisions with the future in mind.

            In addition to Kathi Sullivan’s presentation, her husband Chris Sullivan gave a presentation in each of the two sessions called “Not in the Playbook,” speaking on his personal story of recovery from substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Sullivan is a former NFL football player for the New England Patriots, who went from winning the Super Bowl to fighting for his life, battling anxiety and an addiction to drugs. But now he shares a message of hope, coping and mental health wellness.

            The presentations, given to all Old Rochester Regional High School students during two separate sessions, featured a heavy focus on substance use, alcohol awareness, mental health and wellness. Instead of succumbing to short-term temptations and misguided loyalty, the presentations encouraged students to prioritize health, integrity and long-term goals.

            After their presentations, the Sullivans handed out pink and blue bracelets for students, and they also passed around Sullivan’s Super Bowl ring. The pink bracelet carries the message “Taylor Lee Meyer” and “I’m Here 4 A Reason,” while the blue bracelet makes a statement, “Sullivan’s Message” and “you matter.”

            For more information about “Sullivan’s Message” and “Not in the Playbook,” go online to www.sullivansmessage.com.

            The presentations were coordinated with the help of Mattapoisett Police Department in partnership with Old Rochester Regional High School staff and Sgt. Junior Cardoso, who previously served as a school resource officer.

            “As a former school resource officer, the mission was always to create and ensure a safe learning and working environment for our students,” said Sgt. Cardoso. “I also made it a point in teaching life lessons to the students – something they could take with them outside of school to help them make good decisions, with safety being the objective. I believe this presentation is something that will help with that in their lives moving forward.”

            Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King emphasized the department’s commitment to prevention and community engagement, explaining that “Sullivan’s Message” provides a powerful lesson on the importance of making good decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. Chief King said the Police Department is grateful for the Town of Mattapoisett’s continued support for proactive, life-saving education.

            “Our job isn’t just about enforcement – it’s about education, support, and giving our young people the tools to make good choices,” Chief King said. “‘Sullivan’s Message’ delivers a lesson that can stay with them long after graduation. We thank the Town of Mattapoisett and Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for recognizing the strong value of turning settlement funds into a meaningful investment in our students’ futures.”

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll both thanked Kathi and Chris Sullivan for delivering powerful, touching presentations about the dangers of substance use and the importance of making good decisions.

            “We were grateful to be able to bring this presentation Old Rochester Regional High School to provide this important message to our students about the dangers that can result from alcohol and drugs, and the tremendous challenge that addiction poses for people in recovery,” Principal Devoll said. “Thank you to the Mattapoisett Police Department and the Town of Mattapoisett for making this event possible. We want the best for our students and want to see them all grow to live happy, healthy lives.”

            “‘Sullivan’s Message’ is a heartbreaking but inspiring story, and we thank Kathi and Chris Sullivan for all they’ve done to share this with all of us,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This presentation provided not just a dire warning but also heartfelt encouragement for our students to make safe, thoughtful decisions. We’d like to thank Mattapoisett Police Department and Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for supporting this important event for our students. We are grateful for all of your help in our collective efforts to look out for the safety and wellbeing of our students.”

Historic District Study Committee

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To the Residents of Marion,

            My family has resided in Marion continuously for over 150 years, and the village has great significance for us. I support the Historic District Commission’s proposal for new guidelines to protect Marion as I believe that the beauty and value of our town is now under threat.

            We are witnessing a change in the fabric of Marion, in slow motion; the signs are there. One of the letters published in your paper on this topic (3/20/25) noted that “there is increasing pressure to demolish smaller, historically valuable houses or to purchase vacant lots or non-historical properties and maximize the profit potential without consideration the overall effect will have on the immediate neighborhood.” This is the root of the problem, and the transformation is underway. It creeps in slowly. If we do nothing it will accelerate.

            We are therefore in dire need of a stronger zoning system that will protect our village, its historic architecture and its value. Just because the town has remained much the same for two hundred years does not mean that it will continue to do so. We must all think bigger: if structures are demolished or McMansions go up next to your house or business (and there is already evidence of this “maximization of profit”), this will in fact decrease the value of the property you own, and in the long run make Marion a less desirable town to live in.

            New rules are not bad things. And in any case, the changes proposed for future construction are minor. The proposal by the Historic District Study Committee is fair and considered, and what I call “Historic Lite”, compared to many other Massachusetts towns. It is not an onerous burden to have an extra layer of supervision before a building is torn down or largely altered, and I do not believe this would place an undue burden on property owners. One reaction to the proposed Historic District in your pages (3/20/25) suggested that the plan to designate the district would add layers of complexity and delay and that we have existed perfectly well without a commission so far. I disagree, times are changing and adding an extra layer of oversight or experiencing a minor delay is far from onerous, in fact it will protect our investment and is a small sacrifice we should make in the name of a greater good.

            I believe that we must all, as a community, endorse this alteration in the town rules as a collective good and as a vote for maintaining the value of our property and the integrity of the village. It is a vote for the future of Marion.

Sydney Weinberg

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.

Upcoming Sippican Lands Trust Events

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Enjoy a “Guided Woodland Walk” at the White Eagle/Hoff Property (Marion) on Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 am. Join Jim Rassman, Service Forester with the State Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, for a walk in Aucoot Woods. We’ll begin at Hoff parking area and tour the early spring woods, including opened areas, older forested areas, and formerly farmed spots. We hope you’ll come to appreciate the woods a bit more from this experienced and knowledgeable guide. Perhaps you meet some new “buds”. Registration is requested. Register at sippicanlandstrust.org/events.

            Explore Brainard Marsh (Marion) during “Spring Tidepooling” on Saturday, April 26 at 12:30 pm. Join SLT and Dr. Carolyn Tepolt on our seasonal visit to Brainard Marsh and its tidepool critters. Bring your curiosity and shoes that can get wet. This event is kid-friendly. Register at sippicanlandstrust.org/events.

Hello from Plumb Library

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The Friends of the Library Spring Booksale will take place from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on Friday April 25 and from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday April 26 in the Library’s Downstairs Program Room. On sale will be gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games for kids and adults. This area is handicapped accessible via a lift and there is a ramp on the far end of the building. All proceeds benefit the Friends, who in turn, support Library programs, events, and special collections.

            The Friends will also be hosting a clothing and book collection in collaboration with Savers from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Saturday May 10. Drop off any resale condition clothing, shoes, bedding, accessories, purses, curtains, tablecloths, small kitchen goods, and books (bagged and boxed please) directly into the truck. Donations will only be accepted on the collection day.

            Are you interested in joining the Friends? Membership forms are always available at the desk and can be paid by cash or check. The Friends of the Library are a vital part of how Plumb Library is able to continue to bring quality programs, events, speakers, the summer program, storytimes, book clubs, and more to our patrons. The Friends are in need of board members too. For more information, please attend their next meeting at 6:00 pm Monday, April 28 at the Library.

            Other Upcoming Meetings: Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday, April 24. We will be discussing “The Wife” by Meg Wolitzer ; Board of Trustees 6:30 pm Monday, May 12; Oral History Workshop 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 17 (registration required); COA Bookgroup 1:00 pm. Tuesday, May 20 to discuss “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston; Local Author Talk with Richard Cutler 12:30 pm on Saturday May 31.

            The Library will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

            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 1:00 pm to 8:00 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 Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Association Pier into Briggs/Hammett Cove Draws Ire

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The Marion Planning Board met this past Tuesday and began with a continued hearing from last meeting’s hearing on a Special Permit request from Derek A. Maksy and Denise Allard of 61 & 63 Oakdale Avenue. It was cited that the two lots were one until a few years ago. The property owners were present and seek to receive a Special Permit for both properties to add a pier onto the property. The proposed pier would be 127 feet in length with 16 feet of that being a ramp from land down over the sea wall. There will also be a bench at the end. The two properties would act as a single association, both sharing the pier.

            There were numerous concerns raised from concerned locals. Worries over waterways navigational travel led to the request for a temporary marker to mark off where the pier would be to gauge its effect on maritime traffic. Chair Andrew Daniel said, “getting a boat through at high tide would be impossible.” Other members of the public were weary of boats passing, stating two boats could not pass side-by-side. Another from the community said, “please visit at low tide before you vote.”

            The proliferation of docks, piers, and other coastal structures led to the citation of fears of the status of submerged aquatic vegetation. The properties’ representative stated, using GIS mapping, there have been no detection of sea grass or eelgrass in the proposed work area. There will also only be two piles into the water to reduce effects.

            The Chair also stated the creation of an association pier and the implication that two properties can serve as an association “seems like a loophole.” He also said he would need to speak with Town Counsil on this.

            A continuance was asked for by both the Board and the properties’ representative. The Chair stressed the need to cut the pier back as much as possible, with Member W. Dale Jones stressing the need for compromise.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

I Am Sick… Where Should I Go?

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In the “old days,” say the 1950s and ’60s, getting sick was much simpler. If you did not feel well, you called your doctor and either went to his (and 90%-plus were male) office or he made a house call. Now, the set of choices is overwhelming – but where you decide to go can have a major impact on your health and your wallet. Your choices include:

            The Emergency Department (ED). Pros: always open, prepared to handle just about anything acute that you may have. Cons: usually no idea who you are or your underlying health issues; very expensive – even if you have good insurance, there is usually a high co-pay; little continuity of care, and, unless you are critically ill, a long wait, often a very long wait.

            Urgent care center. Pros: extended hours including weekends; can handle most minor emergencies; usually have X-ray and lab; less expensive than ED. Cons: Not 24/7, so be sure to check if they are open; no continuity of care; moderately expensive.

            Pharmacy-based drop-in clinics, usually nurse-staffed. Pros: weekend hours; can handle most “minor” illnesses well; usually less expensive than the prior two. Cons: limited diseases that can be handled; little continuity; limited lab or X-ray available.

            Your doctor’s office: Pros: they know you and can generally avoid over-testing; continuity of care automatic; least expensive. Cons: limited hours; may not be able to see you quickly.

            So, what should you do?

            As the ubiquitous phone message says, if you are having a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. If you are experiencing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or are bleeding profusely, you belong in the ED. Calling 911 will get you there more safely than driving and will ensure you are seen more promptly. Ambulance patients are almost always seen before those who drive themselves or are driven. Most insurance covers emergency ambulance transport (but not “convenience” rides).

            If you need urgent attention but are not severely ill – think foreign object in your eye, a deep cut that will need suturing or a red swollen arm on a Saturday – the closest Urgent Care Center is probably your best bet.

            For the myriad other “minor emergencies” that need prompt attention such as a bad sore throat, an earache, a possible urinary infection or a very itchy rash, try your doctor’s office first. If they are unable to see you, a convenience clinic at the local pharmacy will probably be able to help you at lowest cost and least waiting. These are the kinds of problems that do not belong in the ED.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

American Semiquincentennial

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The war for the nation’s independence was simmering to boil 250 years ago. This past week on April 18 was the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere and William Dawes’ “the British are coming!” April 19 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington. April 22 was the Gunpowder Incident, where, following the battles in Massachusetts, the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, Lord John Dunmore, attempted to seize gunpowder from the powder magazine in Williamsburg. This brought violent clashes and militia uprisings south. Things are heating up. Or, were.

            Events in the area and across the country are slated for the next few years. So far, festivities have primarily been seen in Boston, Concord, and Lexington. Though, as we pass the anniversary of other historic events, other celebrations will pop up.

            The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act, signed in 2016, instructs numerous public offices to carry out various activities of historic importance. The law also pushes for “such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of vessels.” Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Act’s committee.

            Another fun fact: Americans Centennial celebrations in 1876 coincided with the country’s first hosting of the World’s Fair.

            For more information on events across Massachusetts, you can visit the MA250 website at massachusetts250.org. The Wanderer will continue to update and cover local events in the Tri-Town as they are announced.

By Sam Bishop

Five ORRHS Seniors Honored as SCC Academic All-Stars

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to recognize five Old Rochester Regional High School seniors who were honored for their academic accomplishments at the 36th annual South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Banquet.

            On Thursday, April 17, Old Rochester Regional High School seniors Nolan Bushnell, Dillon Furtado, Caitlin O’Donnell, Xavier Pateakos and Aubrey Sylvia-Everett were recognized as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars during the banquet held at Independence Harbor in Assonet.

            The event was also attended by Superintendent Nelson, Principal Devoll and National Honors Society advisors Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain.

            Each year, South Coast Conference schools recognize the top five students of the graduating class with the South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Award. The chosen students reflect each of the National Honor Society’s four pillars – Service, Character, Scholarship and Citizenship – and have positively impacted their schools and community.

            The South Coast Conference includes Apponequet Regional High School, Bourne High School, Joseph Case High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Fairhaven High School, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Old Rochester Regional High School, Seekonk High School, Somerset Berkley Regional High School and West Bridgewater High School.

            “I am so proud of these five students, and I look forward to seeing all the great things they accomplish in the future after graduation,” said Superintendent Nelson. “These distinctions as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars were highly deserved. It is such a privilege to have them represent Old Rochester Regional High School and watch them receive this recognition.”

            “Each year, I look forward to this event and I couldn’t be any prouder of our five South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars. This is such a fitting way to kick off the celebration of accomplishments for our Class of 2025,” Principal Devoll said. “I have been privileged to attend 17 of these banquets over the years, and each one perfectly captures the amazing accomplishments of our top five ranked seniors.”

Academic Achievements

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Graduating Psychology major and student-athlete Carly Drew from Rochester, is the student speaker at the 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Anna Maria College.