Retirement Planning Strategies For Any Age

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It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. In fact, the earlier one plans, the potential for an early and/or more comfortable retirement. This session provides a practical guide focused on strategies of which you may, or may not, be aware. Your presenter, Sam Docknevich, retired in October 2019 after a career with IBM and Siemens Building Technologies in the services and security fields. He now volunteers his time with the AARP Speakers Bureau.

            Presentation on Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 pm at 17 Barstow St., Mattapoisett. Enter at walkway with white bench to the doors with blue awning. Free. Register at tinyurl.com/5xz2dcee or email to coadirector@mattapoisett.net.

Influenza – NOT just a “bad cold”

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Unless you are Chinese, you have probably never heard of Barbie Hsu, but in the Chinese-speaking world this Taiwanese actress is famous. That world was shocked to learn of her death from influenza while on a family vacation in Japan.

            Ms. Hsu was young (48), healthy, rich and treated in a country with an excellent health care system. Why did she die?

            People tend to dismiss “the flu” as just another cold, and only a minority of people around the world get their annual flu shot. As of Feb 1, about 45% of Americans have received their vaccination. For younger adults, it is well under 40%.

            Influenza is much worse than the run-of-the-mill winter respiratory virus. While it is not usually fatal except in infants and frail elders, Ms. Hsu’s death reminds us that even healthy people do die from influenza.

            Even if you rarely die, influenza is a very nasty illness. You have a terrible cough, ache all over, and are usually sick for a week or more. In the U.S., for the 2023-24 flu season, there were 18 million flu-related medical visits, 470,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 28,000 flu-related deaths.

            This year, there have been a larger than average number of influenza cases, office visits and hospitalizations. It looks as if this will be the worst flu season since 2009-2010.

            What should you do?

            Get your flu shot! While far from perfect, the immunization does reduce your chance of catching influenza by about 40% and reduces your risk of being sick enough to require hospitalization by 60%. It is not too late to get the shot.

            Given the surge in cases, you should also consider wearing a mask when you are in crowded indoor environments.

            If you are sick, please stay home! Sharing life’s bounties is good. Sharing your respiratory virus is not.

            Good hand hygiene is also important.

            Remember – the life you save could be that of your best friend or favorite aunt.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

ORRHS Second Term Honor Roll

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The following students have achieved honors for the Second term at Old Rochester Regional High School:

                  Highest Honors: Penelope Angeley, Clara Bonney, Nathanael Bushnell, Phoebe Cowles, Alexander Dai, Sara Duane, John Ferreira, Brendan Fuller, Caden Gonsalves, Katherine Guevara, Lucas Hadley, Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Isabella Hollis, Tiera McCarthy, Ella Milhench, Elise Modracek, Xavier Monteiro, Caitlin O’Donnell, Owen Osterday, Jiya Patel, Varunyu Phimolmas, Jasmyn Pumphery, Tessa Ripley, Claudia Surace, Scarlett Sylvia, Emily Wyman

                  Honors: Caroline Achilles, Elizabeth Achilles, Lily Ambrosi, Gianna Annunziato, Wesner Archelus, Seraphina Arruda, Georgia Bailey, Chloe Bairos, Abigail Balsis, Cody Barrows, Ella Bartholomew, Claire Bates, Malcolm Bean, Hayden Belanger, Henry Berry, Alessandro Bike-Diaz, Ella Bishop, Nolan Blanchette, Sydney Bosma, Rose Bouley, Caleb Bousquet, Christopher Braga, Laila Brown, Patrick Burke, Nolan Bushnell, Drew Butler, Aiden Cabral, Brianna Cabral, Ethan Cabral, Lucas Cabral, Sarah Cabral, Bobby Calder, Keira Canto, Erin Cardinal, Cassidy Carroll, Keith Cavanaugh, Bronwyn Chace, Russell Chace, Delaney Chase, Kelsi Chick, Quinn Chisholm, Grace Clark, Rosemary Clark, Gavin Coffey, Alden Cole-Vieira, Aiden Comorosky, Belle Comorosky, Gabriel Connors, Ashton Cook, Taylor Cook, Tucker Cook, Owen Cooney, Raegan Correia, Bridget Coryer, Emma Costa, Cadogan Crete, Makenzie Crowley, Olivia Crowley, Sarah Curry, Rylee Cusick, Jack Czerkowicz, Jackson Daniel, Matthew DaRosa, Emma Debonise, Gianna DeLeo, Jake Dellas, Breann DeMarco, Reis DeMello, Averee Depina, Abigail Desorcy, Luke DeVoe, Mara Donnelly, Rafael Duarte, Gisele Duchaine, Jeannine Duchaine, Abbigail Dupont, Benjamin Durocher, Aidan Eagle, Noah Eagle, Calder Eaton, Sage Elia, Parker Erickson, Elizabeth Feeney, Kayla Fernandes, Max Ferrari, Riley Ferreira, Alexandra Fiano, Michaela Fiano, Ava Figueiredo, Mia Figueiredo, Katelyn Fisher, William Fortier, Brendan Foster, David Fredette, John Galavotti, Caroline Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Giada Gandolfi, Brandon Gates, Jacob Gear, Lillian Gendreau, Madeleine Gendreau, Daniel Giandomenico, Maya Giandomenico, Emerson Gonet, Clara Gouveia-Silva, Isabel Govoni, Zadie Goyette, Benjamin Graham, Logan Hart-Bonville, Ian Hartwig, Madalyn Haverty, Grace Hebert, Patrick Henry, August Herbert, Meredith Higgins, Brody Hiles, Lily Hinds, Estella Holbrook, Hunter Horsey, Elizabeth Houdelette, Braelyn Hughes, Emma Iappini, Jacob Iappini, Amanda Ignacio, Garrett Ignacio, Taryn Jackson, Emma Johnson, Jacob Jones, Chase Karo, Riley Karo, Lanie Kazen, Jazmin Kearns, Kierra Keegan, Genevieve Kelly, Hazel Kelly, Andrew Kennefick, Hadley King, Leighton King, Olivia Kinney, Hadley Kuppens, Tenley Lane, Jack Langlais, Austin Lassiter, Seamus Leary, Mackenzie LeBlanc, Cormac LeClair, Bree LeFavor, Lucy Lombard, Caitlyn Lund, Jenna Lynch, Aiden MacLeod, Addison Mahar, Logan Maher, Marley Mailloux, Logan Mann, Abigail Mansfield, Hannah Mansfield, Joshua Marcolini, Paige Marotta, Neva Matos, Faelyn McCarthy, Katherine McIlmail, Carly Mello, Levi Mello, Ethan Miguel, Maiwenn Moisy, Aiden Moore, Blake Moreau, Maya Morrison, Miah Motta, Caillaigh Mullen, Desmond Murphy, Mario Musto, Piper Newell, James Noblet, Asher O’Brien-Nichols, Grady Oliveira, Liam Osterday, Morgan Paiva, Angela Palmer, Zoe Papadakis, Xavier Pateakos, Scarlet Patnaude, Morgan Patraiko, Reilly Patraiko, Jayden Pedro, Eamon Perez, Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Marley Perry, Quinn Perry, Benino Petrone, Luke Pierre, Nina Pierre, Gabriela Pinhancos, Alexander Pither, Audrey Pither, Zoe Plante, Zachary Ponte, Tyler Porto, Delilah Post, Jake Proffit, Leah Ptaszenski, Logan Ranney, Dimitri Raposo, Brady Reardon, Alexis Rezendes, Noah Robert-Howley, Ellen Robitaille, Matthew Rock, Sebastian Romig, Erin Root, Lazaro Rosa, Grace Rousseau, Sienna Roveda, Addison Roy, Maxwell Roy, Tucker Roy, Lucille Runyon, Julian Sanchez, Kaya Savaria, Rebecca Schaefer, Austin Scully, Christina Shultz, Ian Shultz, Ella Silva, Eve Skomal, Kaelie Smalley, Chelsey Soltau, Molly Souza, Addyson Spencer, Alexa St Louis, Stefan St. Louis, Heather Surace, Avery Tavares, Ezra Thompson, Olivia Thompson, Katherine Thomsen, Hannah Thorell, Noah Thorell, Alexandra Tobin, Amanda Tomasso, Landis Treichler, Amelia Trout, Richard Troy, Nathaniel Tse, Rachel Tse, Cassandra Tseki, Lucia Valadao, Olivia Valentim, Deryn Veloso, Claire Vergoni, Grace Victoria, Nicholas Victorino, Nolin Vieira, Sasha Volkema, Avery White, Liam Whittaker, Matthew Williams, Caitlin Wilson, Molly Wronski, Katherine Young, Kennedy Zussy.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Rochester has had many noteworthy residents, some born here and others arriving from other places. One such person, Dr. Gabriel Farrel, with his wife, like many before them, started as weekend residents until 1953 when they began to spend more of their time living in town. The change of address from Cambridge to Rochester came about with his retirement from 20 yrs. as director of the world-famed Perkins School for the Blind.

            While Dr. Farrell is famous for his work with the blind, his career had followed many paths following graduation from Dartmouth College in 1911 and then from the Episcopal Theological School of Cambridge in 1915. He first worked as a curate and then a rector before becoming a US Army chaplain during the First World War. Also, during World War II, he served on the Advisory Committee for the War Blinded, first, for the Army and then for the VA.

            After serving again as a church rector, this time in Rhinebeck N. Y., he was chosen in 1931 to be the director and administrative head of the Perkins School. Along with his work there, he both chaired and served on many committees that were devoted to helping those with blindness to participate more fully in day-to-day life.

            Dr. and Mrs. Farrell’s home was on Rounseville Rd. and was once owned by L.C. Humphrey who sold them both the old farmhouse and 10 acres of land. The farmhouse was built in 1714. Dr. Farrell was apparently a man of many talents and in the first 15 yrs. of ownership restored the house, exposing cabinets and beams that had been plastered over in the living room. He did much of this work himself, but that was not all that kept him busy.

            Upstairs in his attic workroom, he wrote “The Story of Blindness”. This book told the history of the way blindness had been treated and the social and medical progress in the treatment of the blind through the centuries. He included the history of the creation and development of Perkins School of the Blind since the Massachusetts Legislature established it in 1829.

            Rochester’s history never fails to amaze me with its many stories that can be found in the museum’s collections. Going back to an earlier story, I heard from Susan Doane Wainio regarding the article about her uncle, Robert “Bob” Doane and the date of his accident on the bridge over the Acushnet River. The car he was driving belonged to his grandfather who died in 1942. By 1945 Uncle Bob was married with a family. Putting these facts together, a more likely date for the accident would have been in the 1930’s. It’s always great to get feedback, especially when it comes to the timelines of undated newspaper clippings and pictures.

By Connie Eshbach

Marion Art Center

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Get your body moving with our Adult Tap Class and our Intro to Improv Comedy Workshop:

            Adult Tap-Dancing Class with Teah Keogh- March 25, April 1 and April 8. Join a tap-dancing class at the MAC to work on your skills. Instructor Teah Keogh leads this three-week course for adults who need to tap out of “adulting”. Want more happiness and a bit less seriousness added to your week? This one hour tap class provides percussive playtime for adults (teens ages 15 and up are also welcome) that “taps” into our inner courage, creativity, and strengthens our physical and mental health. This basic level beginner tap class is geared toward those who have had little or no tap training but will also be fun for anyone who has worn tap shoes before. Some tap shoes are available to borrow. MAC members: $25 per session or $65 for all 3 weeks Nonmembers: $30 per session or $80 for all 3 weeks. Classes run Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm. Register at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Don’t miss a new workshop, Intro to Improv Comedy with instructor Kate Teichman on Thursday, April 17 from 6:30-7:30pm in the MAC Theater.

            In this intro to improv class, students will learn the basics of improv comedy in a supportive and fun environment. No experience is necessary – this class is for everyone. Whether you’re looking to unleash your creativity, build confidence, or simply have a blast, this class is your perfect ticket to laughter and fun. The class will include warm-up, various games and exercises, and the sharing of ideas for creating characters and scenes. The cost for the class is $40 for MAC Members and $50 for nonmembers. See more information and register at: marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement.

            Get hands-on with Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom, Acrylic Painting, Watercolor classes, Music lessons and Beginner Wheel Throwing at Mudstone Studios:

            Lisa Elliott returns to guide our Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom class. Learn a new fiber skill on a rigid heddle loom. Have you ever wanted to try weaving but not sure where to begin? In this course over five weeks, you can create and take home your very first woven project. Students will weave one of the following: a scarf, table runner, set of placemats, or set of tea towels. The cost for the class is $150 for MAC members and $160 for nonmembers. Looms and weaving equipment are provided for a $10 fee. Students will provide their own yarns. The class meets in the MAC Studio on Thursday evenings, April 3 – May 1 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

            Acrylic Painting workshop with Elyse Laurelle: Boats & Stormy Seas.

            Delve into the art of acrylics and boats. In this class, attendees will learn how to work with acrylic paint to create their own boat/stormy sea-inspired painting. The instructor will provide demos and examples while working through the painting process with participants. Elyse will share her techniques and offer advice and feedback to students during this informal session.

            The goal of this class is for participants to feel more comfortable working with acrylics and to take home a completed painting of their very own. While the instructor’s demos and examples are the basis for the class, participants will be encouraged to explore their own artistic style with their boat-and-sea-inspired artwork. The one-day workshop runs Saturday, April 5,10am-1pm in the MAC Studio. All materials will be provided. Cost: MAC Members: $50, Nonmembers: $60.

            Beginner Wheel Throwing at Mudstone Studios in Wareham – A collaboration between the MAC and Mudstone Studios.

            Learn the basics of wheel throwing in this six-week class taught by instructor Theresa Hadley. This class will cover techniques for forming small pots like mugs, tumblers, and bowls as well as surface design and glaze application. Students can expect to have at least four to six finished pieces by the end of the class. This new collaboration allows the MAC to expand its offerings to include working with clay. All classes will take place at the accessible Wareham location.

            Mudstone Studios is located at 3065 Cranberry Highway #B20, Wareham, MA 02538. Classes are on Thursdays, from April 10-May 15, 1-4pm. All materials and tools will be provided. The cost for the six-week session is $315 for MAC members and $350 for nonmembers.

            Jay Ryan’s Watercolor classes – All Levels Watercolor Painting for Adults – Spring Sessions.

            This course is great for those with a little painting experience and is also a perfect “next step” for those who would like to explore watercolor painting beyond a basic understanding of color and brush strokes. If you cannot commit to a full session, it’s possible to ‘drop-in’ for a single class based on availability.

            Thursday Classes are from 10-12 noon from March 6-April 24 (8 weeks) The cost is $195 for members and $225 for nonmembers.

            Fridays Classes are from 9:30-12:30pm March 7 – April 25, 2025 (8 weeks) The cost is $295 for MAC members and $325 for nonmembers.

            Hands-on courses: more Info and Registration: marionartcenter.org/adult-classes/

            Music Lessons for Adults- Guitar, Piano, and More | For all Ages, Styles, and Experience

It’s never too late to start or improve your music. Colin Bradley offers one-on-one lessons in music, customized to the student’s experience and interest. Half-hour lessons will focus on the training of the ear, improvisation, songwriting, and music reading comprehension. Instruments of study include guitar, bass, ukulele, slide guitar, piano, and more. While some materials are provided, others may need to be purchased separately depending on the student’s goals. Spring Session 1, 2025 (5 lessons): March 18/19/20 – April 15/16/17. The cost is $175 for MAC members and $195 for nonmembers (No lessons April 22-24). Spring Session 2, 2025 (5 lessons): April 29/30, May 1 – May 27/28/29. The cost is for 5 lessons: $175 for MAC members and $195 for nonmembers. Exact times and scheduling will be determined with the instructor on an individual basis. Register online at marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement.

Council on Aging

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To the Editor;

            Upon hearing of the soon to be retirement of the council on aging’s director Jacqueline Seney, I would like to publicly thank her for how she has personally supported me through the past several years. (I realize she’s will still be around for a while, but here goes).

            Not only has she been a gem in the Mattapoisett community, there have been instances when I have called upon for help. The most important time was when I was recovering from gastric surgery, I was also having to try to meet the needs of my adopted cat who was also having medical issues at the same time. When it came to a point where I could not lovingly take care of my cat’s needs, I called Jackie to see if she could help me find her a good home. She not only came to my home to pick up my cat, she personally took her to her home. She then proceeded to find a suitable home for her where she would get the best care. Coincidentally, the adopters were two veterinarians. I could not have felt more relieved about the situation.

            Jackie would always be wonderful support when I called her for advice on several different matters over the years, I know she is wonderful support for the whole senior community, but I want to thank her publicly. I know she’ll still be around for a while, but when she has left the COA, she will be truly missed by all of the community member so, thanks for everything Jackie.

            Stephanie Mitchell, 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.

Upcoming Work On Route 6 Discussed

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The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, February 12 to go over various different property alterations, comments from the Planning Board, and discussions on the proposed Marion Historical District and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) work on Route 6.

            A request for a Certificate of Compliance was brought forward for 11 Parkway Lane. The project involves the construction of a single-family dwelling, driveway installation, the addition of sewer and water services, and fill and grade. Several commission members visited the site over the weekend to assess whether the work adhered to the approved plans. No issues were discovered nor discussed, and the certificate was granted unanimously.

            A request for a Determination of Applicability was brought forward for 11 Hiller Street. Owners seek the addition of a sunroom and expansion of an existing deck. Members of the board stated the work was “simple” and it was approved unanimously.

            Next was a hearing for a Notice of Intent for 38 Rocky Knook lane for repairs and alterations to the existing septic system to Title 5 standards. The property sits near wetlands. No other/better places on the property were found for the septic system and the hearing was closed and approved unanimously.

            The commission then moved to discuss the Marion Historic District Study Committee. Will Tifft began by saying the central part of Marion contains “arguably the most intact historical village in at least the eastern half of Massachusetts.” Tifft then explained he was meeting with the committee to answer any potential questions over future interactions and overlaps between the Conservation Commission and the potential “historic preservation” commission created to maintain the proposed historic district. Tifft stated both groups seek to protect the town and that they both have the same goals.

            The Commission next spoke on maintenance, road work, and the repaving of Route 6. The work would start “from the intersection of Front Street and Route 6 and extend 1200 feet both east and west along Route 6.” Land lines, crosswalks, and signs would also all be replaced – including utilities such as drainage structures. The commission said the timing of when the work will begin, or end, is not definitive at this time.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be Wednesday, February 26.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Roosevelt In Marion, 1933

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For Presidents Day, we look back on our favorites of the 47 and remember what they accomplished. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was known to frequent Marion during the summers. Even while in office, he would visit the town for pleasantries and (well-known and believed in the area) even some form of treatment for his battle with polio, kept hidden from the public. Franklin and his wife Eleanor seemed to love the town. His favorite past times were swimming, due to its alleviation of many of his disease’s symptoms, and sailing. He could often be seen from the shore partaking in both.

            Being President of the United States is a difficult position and brings with it its own baggage of stress. For FDR, that is coupled with the chronic deterioration of his body to polio and WWII. Roosevelt was first diagnosed with polio in 1921 at the age of 39. He had just left his position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy and would become Governor of New York 8 years later, and President 12 years later.

            FDR’s schooner, the Amberjack II, would often accompany him to Marion. When sailing, Coast Guard and Secret Service boats would accompany him. He was known to “evade” these vessels for fun and sport. In one instance, according to the US Naval Institute, Roosevelt sailed into encroaching fog, leaving his escort searching for him for a few hours.

            Three months after being sworn in as President in the summer of 1933, Roosevelt captained the 45-foot twin-masted Amberjack II from Marion. On a 10-day, 400-mile voyage, he, and his presidential escort, set sail from the town and headed for one of his summer homes, this one on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada. The US Navy Institute also says: “The trip marked the first time Secret Service agents and Navy commanders experienced sailing with—or tailing behind—the new President, a sport that became commonplace during Roosevelt’s 12 years in the White House. Presidential guards traded in their suits and ties for oilskins and life jackets as they did their best to keep up with America’s new sailor-President.”

            Not long into the vacation, the stormy seas may have led FDR to make a surprise stop in Nantucket. Here, nearly the whole town arrived to welcome the president. Many even rowed out to get a close-up look. Though he did choose to take a stop on the island, Roosevelt stated he “did not intend to set foot on dry land for two weeks.”

            This would not be the only of his presidential sea-excursions. Even with the slow deterioration of his health and the ramping stress of his job, Roosevelt longed for the sea and, though we can’t know for sure, seemed to love Marion. We at least know he had a lot of fun I the town.

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Scholarship Committee

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As the March 6 deadline to pay our Excise Tax approaches, we want to take this opportunity to remind residents of an easy and impactful way to support education in our community. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 60, Section 3, taxpayers are given the choice to voluntarily contribute more funds to town scholarships. This can be accomplished when paying their excise taxes. These funds are directed at our local scholarship programs. While these donations can be made at any time, contributing when paying Excise or property taxes is a great way to help and very welcome.

            We have two award programs for Mattapoisett residents: First is the Scholarship Fund Award, which is for those students graduating this year with an accredited high school diploma, and the next, the Education Fund Award, is for those who are not graduating from a high school this year but plan to continue their education at a recognized educational facility or training program. Individual awards cannot exceed $1,500 per winner but there are no limits placed on the number of qualified winners per year.

            Unfortunately, despite your past generosity, we do not have the funds to reward all our most deserving applicants. In fact, awarding one full scholarship in each category challenges our funding. Many of our residents are surprised to learn about this shortfall. despite the area’s high-income level.

The official notice about the Mattapoisett Scholarship Fund can be found at the bottom of your excise tax bill. You can include an added amount with your payment as directed at the bottom of your bill, and added funds can be donated at any time via the Mattapoisett Tax Collector’s office.

            Donating to the Mattapoisett Scholarship Fund is an opportunity to invest in the future of our young people by helping deserving students to pursue higher educational opportunities. In a time when the cost of college continues to rise, even small contributions can make a big difference in helping students to achieve their academic dreams. Local scholarship funds, supported by our community, are often the key to unlocking educational opportunities for students who may otherwise struggle to afford them.

            We encourage everyone in our community to consider donating to the Mattapoisett Scholarship Fund when paying this year’s taxes to support our local students. Let’s make a lasting difference in the lives of our young people and Mattapoisett itself.

Attention Mattapoisett Harbor Customers

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This is a friendly reminder that harbor invoices for the 2025 boating season are now due. If we had an email address on file, an invitation from our new vendor, Town Moorings, was sent during the first week of December. This email contained a link to set up an account as well to pay your invoice(s). Those permit holders without email addresses on file were mailed a hard copy. If you cannot find that email or invoice, please email Marine Resource Officer Isaac Perry at iperry@mattapoisettpolice.com or call 508-758-4191. In order to avoid a late fee, please make payment before February 28, 2025.