Sylvia Ann (Jarratt) Knight

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Sylvia Ann (Jarratt) Knight, 86, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on February 17, 2025 after a long illness.

            Sylvia was born on October 13, 1938 in Manchester, UK to George and Eveline Jarratt. She emigrated to the United States on April 11, 1959 along with her lifelong friend, Alwyn Dexter (nee Allinson). She met her husband, the late Wayne C. Knight in Marion, Massachusetts and they were married at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion on December 10, 1960. Their marriage lasted 54 years until Wayne’s passing in 2015.

            Sylvia worked in administrative and clerical positions for several local companies over the years, culminating with more than 30 years with Cranberry Growers Service of Wareham.

            Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother, raising four children together with Wayne. She was a voracious reader, dedicated gardener and she enjoyed various creative hobbies including knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

            She is survived by her four children and their respective spouses: Andrew Knight and his wife Louise of Pepperell, MA, Sarah Kopka and her husband Michael of Manchester, NH, Kathryn Daener her husband Rob of Mattapoisett and Matthew Knight and his wife Paige of Houston, TX. Her grandchildren include Thomas Daener and wife Jennifer, Shannon Knight and husband Tim Barnett, Dylan Knight, Ian Knight and Katherine Knight. She also has two “honorary” children through Alwyn; Karen Dexter and husband Jeff White and Colin Dexter and wife Jo. Sylvia’s extended family also includes that of her other dear, longtime friend, Dorothy Antonioli and husband Frank and her third son David Cattley, his wife Susan and family.

            She is also survived by her siblings in the UK, Norman Jarratt and wife Kath, Rodney Jarratt and wife Margaret and Hilary Bromley and husband Per.

            Sylvia will always be remembered for her “proper” British accent, impish sense of humor and infectious laugh. Also, for her profound loathing of peanut butter (and contrasting, inexplicable fondness for Marmite) and her refusal to handle cats, which she found to be “squishy.”

            A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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Point Road Bike Path Work Nearing Approval

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The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission had a brief meeting Thursday, February 6. The first item discussed was the Point Road path. There is a current low bidder of $48,689 for work on the bike path. For work to begin, the bidder must sign the contract, get a certificate of insurance, and receive a signature from Town Hall. The contract also states work would start around April and will finish by the end of June. Community Preservation Act (CPA) grants were also discussed, with no one applying for CPA grants for the path.

            The next discussion was on a vacancy in the Commission which they would like to fill, going until the end of May and would then be up for reelection. Adele Sands spoke to the commission in an effort to fill this vacancy. As former Superintendent of Bristol County Agricultural High School, Sands moved to Marion seven years ago and stated she would like to continue work of natural resource management and conservation for the town. Sands’ qualifications and dedication were admired. Though to get the position, the Select Board has to meet with the Open Space Acquisition Commission in a joint meeting to vote for the appointment. Sands also said she seeks to join the ORR School Committee.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission will be Thursday, March 6.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Sam Bishop

Local Scouts Featured on NBC10

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On Saturday, February 8 at Camp Yawgoog in Hopkinton, Rhode Island, the long tradition of local scouts participating in their Klondike derby continued. Since the Scouts of America are now integrated, hundreds of boys and girls participated in this year’s event. Klondike derbies, named after that of the Canadian gold rush to the region, are held across the US and Canada and are made up of various stations and workplaces where scouts test their abilities outdoors and their leadership skills. The scouts at Yawgoog built their own sleds and flew between stations in them.

            Marion Scout Pack 32 was present, along with many other local groups. This was the first year this derby was integrated with both genders present. The “Boy Scouts of America,” now known as “Scouting America,” also celebrated its 115th anniversary on February 8. The NBC 10 News story that featured the scouts is titled “They’re not just the Boy Scouts anymore” and can be viewed online.

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club invites interested local residents to its February 20 monthly meeting featuring a presentation by Connor Gaudet, the curator of the Mattapoisett Museum. Mr. Gaudet will discuss the Mattapoisett Museum and its treasure trove of artifacts that bear witness to the fascinating history and unique culture that give Mattapoisett its charm. The museum is passionately committed to preserving these precious items so that visitors can experience the richness of Mattapoisett’s past for years to come. Visitors are welcome to attend this exciting program which will begin at 12:45 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church in Reynard Hall.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a civic, social, educational and philanthropic organization. Membership is always open to local women who are interested in the objectives and mission of the organization. For more information or questions please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Mattapoisett Select Board

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To the Editor;

            Mattapoisett should expand its Select Board from 3 to 5 members.

            As a Mattapoisett resident, I write to request Town support for a Citizen’s Petition proposing a Warrant Article at Town Meeting on May 12, 2025, voting to expand our Select Board from 3 to 5 members.

            Our Town has grown in size and demographics and expanding our Select Board will lead to more balanced decision-making, greater representation and a more effective local government.

            A three-member Board with a simple two-person majority can make significant decisions which affect the entire community. Increasing our Board to 5 members would encourage more diverse perspectives, reduce the risk of deadlocked votes, reduce the impact of conflict recusals and ensure that decisions are made with a broader range of input.

            Although expanding our Board may at times result in difficulty reaching “consensus” with 5 members, consensus does not necessarily result in the best solutions for our Town. The Select Board typically has a long list of projects and priorities, many of which remain unaddressed or incomplete for years due to the limited capacity of a 3-member Board. This is especially true for a 3-member Board like ours where each of the members also holds a full-time job. Expanding our Board to 5 members would allow for better distribution of responsibilities of each Board member, preventing burnout and improving responsiveness to concerns of our residents.

            Increasing our Select Board to 5 members would also avoid Open Meeting Law violations and allow 2 members to communicate with each other or with our Town Administrator to discuss and/or collaborate on Town issues between scheduled Select Board meetings. This could exponentially increase the efficiency of our Town government by allowing members on an expanded Board to do this.

            Many Towns of the Commonwealth have moved from a 3 to 5-member Board in recent years with Fairhaven voting in 2021 to expand, Eastham (where our TA came from), Provincetown, Lakeville, Concord, Auburn and Brookline to name a few.

            I would ask for your support of this Citizen’s Petition Warrant Article at Town Meeting on May 12, 2025, and I will be seeking signatures in support of it. There are more benefits than drawbacks to this proposal which will be explained in greater detail at Town Meeting. If you support this Warrant Article, I ask for your signature on the Citizen’s Petition.

Nicole Demakis, 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 Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is now operating out of the Marion Music Hall for the month of February to facilitate a library improvement construction project.

            During this time our temporary phone number for library services will be 508-538-1214

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will continue to provide access to collections of new fiction, new non-fiction, new children’s and new young adult materials, along with our Luck Day collection of the most requested books, a portion of our Library of Things collection, and our Black History Month collection for all ages.

            Patrons can continue to place and pick up holds at the Marion Music Hall with their library cards and access museum passes, however no computer or printing services will be available during this time.

            Story Times will continue on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

            Our temporary hours during our stay at the Music Hall will be Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Wednesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will be closed on Sundays for the duration of the month of February.

            Please check our website for further updates.

            Library events at the Music Hall

            The whole family can learn a new skill with fiber artist Lisa Elliot with a Drop in Weaving Workshop. Stop by any time on Friday February 21 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

            Jewelry Artist Heather Beck’s weekly copper stamping workshops, Saturdays in March at the library from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm:

March 8: Copper Bookmarks

March 15: Copper Keychains

March 22: Copper Pendants

March 29: Copper night lights

            Heather Beck’s classes are aimed at young adults and adults and participants can attend one or multiple workshops. Anyone interested in registering for these workshops can email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org or register in person at the library’s temporary location at the Marion Music Hall. Spaces are limited and participants must be ages 12 or older.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is now operating out of the Marion Music Hall for the month of February to facilitate a library improvement construction project.

            During this time our temporary phone number for library services will be 508-538-1214

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will continue to provide access to collections of new fiction, new non-fiction, new children’s and new young adult materials, along with our Luck Day collection of the most requested books, a portion of our Library of Things collection, and our Black History Month collection for all ages. 

            Patrons can continue to place and pick up holds at the Marion Music Hall with their library cards and access museum passes, however no computer or printing services will be available during this time.

            Story Times will continue on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

            Our temporary hours during our stay at the Music Hall will be Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Wednesday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  We will be closed on Sundays for the duration of the month of February. Please check our website for further updates.

            Library events at the Music Hall. Join the ETL at the Marion Music Hall for a night of love and laughter at Swipe Right: A Night of Romance Novels and Reviews, Thursday, February 13th from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm for ages 18+. Review some of our favorite romance novels and make self-care goodies.

            February Vacation Kid’s Activities:

Kids Try Wet Felting, Wednesday, February 19 at 3:00 pm.

Kid’s Drop-in Weaving Workshop, Friday February 21 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

            Jewelry Artist Heather Beck’s weekly copper stamping workshops, Saturdays in March at the library from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm:

March 8: Copper Bookmarks

March 15: Copper Keychains

March 22: Copper Pendants

March 29: Copper night lights

            Heather Beck’s classes are aimed at young adults and adults and participants can attend one or multiple workshops.   Anyone interested in registering for these workshops can email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org or register in person at the library’s temporary location at the Marion Music Hall.  Spaces are limited and participants must be ages 12 or older. 

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org

Jackie Seney Departs

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          The Mattapoisett Council on Aging Board of Directors met Wednesday, February 5 to give an overview of various reports, tackle budgeting, go over programs, and other items. The first order of business was a review of the Secretary’s Report. Firstly, the current budget was approved unanimously.

            The board proceeded to discuss various agenda items related to the community and local senior services. Topics included updates on outreach programs, community engagement, and resource allocation for senior support services. Outreach Coordinator, Liz Latham, provided insights into recent efforts to expand community services, including plans for enhanced senior wellness programs. Members exchanged thoughts on ways to improve participation and accessibility for local seniors, ensuring services continue to reach those in need.

            The board discussed sources of financial support including grants, local/town allocations, and other fundraising efforts. Concerns were raised regarding the sustainability of certain programs, especially those reliant on external funding. Members debated strategies to maximize resources while maintaining quality services. The importance of advocating for senior programs at the town level was emphasized, with some members suggesting increased collaboration with local officials like the Select and Planning Boards.

            Another key discussion revolved around event planning and community engagement. The board explored ideas for upcoming senior-focused events, such as workshops, health screenings, and social gatherings to promote mental and physical well-being among the elderly. Volunteer coordination and logistical hurdles were addressed to ensure successful event execution. Members also considered ways to better involve younger community members through school-based or other programs. This would foster stronger connections between seniors, the young, and the broader community.

            Towards the end of the meeting, a letter from Director Jackie Seney was read revealing her decision to resign after 13 years of service. She will continue to work in the private sector. Her last day will be June 30. Other members thanked Jackie for her service, eagerness to help, and dedication to her community. Other members joked to make a joke to not accept the resignation.

Mattapoisett Council on Aging Board of Directors

By Sam Bishop

Pinewood Derby for Rochester and Marion Cub Scouts

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            Woodworking culminated in a contest of speed as more than 30 Rochester and Marion Cub Scouts competed in a local pinewood derby Saturday, February 8.

            In the event held at Rochester Memorial School, small cars built by the participants from Rochester Pack 30 and Marion Pack 32 were raced against each other repeatedly to determine the fastest wooden four-wheelers. The winners from each town will next compete in a regional round.

            The Cub Scouts “love it,” Rochester resident Andrew Smart said.

            “They kind of go all out with these cars,” he said. “There’ll be some tight finishes, so the competition is tough.”

            The derby cars are cut out from a rectangular block of pinewood, according to Rochester Pack 30 leader Nate Reece.

            Cub Scouts are also provided the axles and wheels for the cars, which cannot weigh more than 5 ounces.

            Some streamline their cars for speed, while some aim to make their pinewood racers funny, Reece said. The cars are decorated and given names, like “Cat Mobile” built by Liana Janicki and “Summer Popsicle” built by Jessica Sample.

            Benjamin Smart, 9, spent a couple weeks making “The Heart Car,” so named for its Valentine’s Day theme, because his birthday is the day before the holiday, according to Andrew Smart.

            The cars take their marks on a four-lane track elevated on a stage inside Rochester Memorial’s cafeteria. The track dips down into the middle of the room, with gravity accelerating the cars towards the finish line in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it races that last little more than two seconds.

            “The kids get all excited about it,” Andrew Smart said.

            Some 100 heats were held during the derby. After about 60 races, the field was whittled down to a group of finalists for a final round of 40 races in order to determine the winners.

            The five fastest cars from Rochester and Marion at the February 8 local event moved onto a regional round, which will also be held at Rochester Memorial School in March and will include Cub Scouts from other surrounding communities. Sixth place acts as an alternate.

            Advancing to the regional race from Rochester is Bryan Lee, Georgia Duggan, Benjamin   Smart, Ben Reece and Chase Dion. Dylan Sims is the alternate.

            Advancing to the regional round from Marion is Henry Kanaly, Finn Lavin, James Whipple, Jack LeFavor and Muriel Whipple. Rowan Berube-King is the alternate.

By Erez Ben-Akiva

Marion Social Club Scholarships

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The Marion Social Club, a charitable service club made up of your neighbors, is pleased to announce the award of two $1,500.00 scholarships and one $2,500.00 to graduating high school or homeschooled students residing in the town of Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester.

To qualify, an awardee must be enrolled in a recognized school of post-secondary education. The scholarship is issued when the student completes their first semester with satisfactory grades.

            The scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s financial need, grades and a scholarship application. To obtain an application send a letter to Marion Social Club, PO Box 763, Marion, MA 02738. Applications are also available through the guidance department at Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational High School, Upper Cape Regional Technical Vocation High School and Bishop Stand High School.

            The Marion Social Club is an active non-profit corporation dedicated to serving the youth and elderly of Marion and surrounding towns; Our goal is to provide functions and services to improve the quality of life for our Tri-Town Youth.

            We hold public functions annually to raise money for the services we provide to our community. Our facility is available for public or private rentals for up to three hundred guests. Part of the reason for this large function hall is to support our annual scholarship aid program.

            Funds are paid following successful completion of the first semester at college.

            Applications must be received by the club by Friday, April 25.