Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Library will have a delayed opening on Tuesday, January 9 to facilitate an all-staff safety training. The library will reopen from 2:30-8 pm.

            One Up Games presents a playable history of video games on Saturday January 20 from 12 to 3 at the Marion Music Hall. Learn about the evolution of video game consoles by playing retro & modern games. A great time for all the gamers in the family.

            Storytimes for all ages, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

Gonet to Bring ‘Kroks’ to ORR Stage

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            Of all the things Eddie Gonet could have become after graduating with the 2022 class at Old Rochester Regional High School, a Krokodilo was not on anyone’s radar.

            The Fairhaven native who attended ORR on school choice has always been up for a challenge. In high school, he helped start multiple clubs, survived an attempted coup of his leadership role of the school’s DECA chapter that he cofounded, and pressed on in good humor, his effort unrelenting to embrace each adventure and tap its potential.

            Now he sings with the Harvard University Krokodiloes, who will perform at ORR on February 3.

            “Every show wherever we sing it’s spelled a different way,” said Gonet. “We do 180 shows throughout the year. The summertime and winter is when we get busiest. … Basically, how the group works is three months every summer we travel to six continents … we did 25 countries last summer.”

            Pronounced krockahDIHlohz, the singing group at first glance looks like a college version of Straight No Chaser. But it’s hard to imagine their professional counterparts working any harder than they do in performing numbers from the “Great American Songbook.”

            According to the event press release, the Kroks are an internationally renowned group with a 75-year history in front of audiences, including the likes of Julie Andrews, Ella Fitzgerald, Anne Hathaway, Johnny Carson, Bill Clinton, Ryan Reynolds and the U.S. Congress.

            Harvard students do not Zoom to school – all classes are attended in person – so the commitment is enormous. Miraculously, Gonet was able to spend some time at home for the holidays, but on Tuesday he was already off to New York. Perhaps the Kroks will consider adding the juggling act to their repertoire.

            “What happens is, the day after graduation … we fly out and fly in one week before classes start. … A week before the ORR show, we will be in Alaska,” said Gonet, for whom recruitment is not the chore one would suspect. “Surprisingly, it’s not hard … there’s quite a lot of interest. We have a great community of alumni and have a fun time. We’ve never struggled to get people to join.”

            The cumbersome audition process to join the “Kroks” filters through many people, and practice in between tours is held five nights a week for a couple of hours each week.

            “I don’t think people know entirely what they sign up for,” he said. “That’s one of the jokes is no one has a girlfriend, but this year we have quite a few. … Thankfully, my girlfriend is very supportive.” A relationship is another adventure for Gonet, whose special someone is a Harvard student from Massachusetts.

            “I love balancing it. I find it fun juggling things around,” said Gonet, a sophomore studying economics.

            Among his professors: a former Russian economist whose job, he said, “was to fix the mess of the Soviet Union.” He has also sat in class with Jason Furman, who had served as President Obama’s economic advisor. “It’s great learning from people who really know their stuff.”

            With a year and a half of Ivy League college life under his belt, Gonet advises first-year students. As a freshman, he learned the ropes of the Kroks as a singer; now he is the group’s tour manager and plans its travel.

            “There are a lot of sacrifices, including a summer internship. We have to give that up to travel, but the opportunities … are incredible,” he said.

            Eddie’s sister (and ORR student) Emerson Gonet is the point person for tickets to the Kroks’ 7:00 pm performance on Saturday, February 3, in the ORRHS auditorium. There will be a meet and greet after the show in the gym. Concessions will be sold. All profits will benefit the ORR Class of 2025.

            For tickets ($20 for adults and $10 for students), visit: gofan.co/event/1293957?schoolId=MA14686&utm_source=GoFan&utm_medium=qrcode&utm_campaign=HQEventLink. For more information, email emersongonet@oldrochester.org.

By Mick Colageo

Trees Okay to Cut Down at Island Wharf

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The Town of Marion Harbormaster Department will be allowed to remove trees that are interfering with the construction of its new Maritime Center that began in December and is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

            “Basically, it was an oversight on our end. We never had any intentions of them staying. Obviously, the building is in that corner of the property,” said Marion Harbormaster Adam Murphy, who thanked the commissioners for responding quickly with a site visit to Island Wharf. “It’s going to undertake some (complicated) projects at the same time with the seawall coming to fruition in the real, near future.”

            The Harbormaster filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal of pine/evergreen trees along the northeast corner of the property where the new headquarters will be built.

            Conservation Commission members Jeff Doubrava (chairman), Emil Assing (vice chairman), Shaun Walsh and Millie Seeberg (associate) heard from Murphy. The commission needed only three votes so Seeberg’s participation was limited to discussion.

            Murphy said the groundbreaking of the construction would necessitate the excavation of the entire area. He said there have already been issues with the installation of the perimeter fencing where it runs into trees at the existing bathroom area.

            “We’re just asking (the commission) to allow us to remove them. We’re going to get with the Tree Committee and replace trees to their wishes and put them in a location where it’s conducive to the site once it comes to fruition,” Murphy explained.

            Murphy said the construction was set to begin on December 27 (and completed by August) but had begun the week before with the installation of helical piles and the drilling of test holes.

            “They didn’t meet the specifications that they wanted to, so there’s a little delay figuring out if they’re going to drive down regular pilings versus (helical holes),” said Murphy, noting that a construction meeting was scheduled for December 28. “So the footing and the elevation is still up in the air how we’re going to get it there because they weren’t compliant with the helixes and there’s 68 of them, I believe.”

            Murphy said the 68 helicals were supposed to be drilled to 15 feet, and of the six that were drilled, only one went as far as 14-feet deep. The rest, according to Murphy, were deemed noncompliant. Some went in approximately 8 feet and hit ledge.

            “The engineers are working on a Plan B, if you will,” he said.

            According to Walsh and Doubrava, the simultaneous seawall repair will alter the vertical design to a 1-to-1 slope, pulling the top landward and leaving the bottom of the seawall in its present position.

            “With everything going on, it’s going to be a busy part of town, especially with that recent storm,” said Assing.

            Murphy said the water rose 8 inches higher than it had in a prior storm of significance. Both Island Wharf and Silvershell Beach parking lot were under water.

            Walsh fashioned his motion to issue the Harbormaster a Negative Boxes 2 and 3 Determination of Applicability in that the work, albeit occurring in an area subject to the protections of the Wetlands Protection Act, will not alter the area. Furthermore, the work is in the buffer zone but will not alter the resource area.

            The commission was asked to comment to the Planning Board regarding Sippican LLC, 13 Barnabas Road.

            “I believe they’re proposing to convert the maintenance shop at Sippican Corp. into a storage site, and this site is definitely within the buffer zone,” said Doubrava. “They came before us (with a RDA filing) to take the building down, so certainly they would need a permit for that – my opinion.”

            The applicant has an order of conditions from the commission to drop the building and leave the concrete slab. The wetlands line, said Doubrava, is approximately 20 feet off the paved parking lot at the site.

            The commission discussed Eversource’s notification of tree cutting in the right of way from Wareham town line to Point Road where the high-tension power lines run over the Weweantic River that separates Marion from Wareham. There was no permitting necessary with the project.

            Doubrava noted from recent inspections he conducted on behalf of the Sippican Lands Trust that the swampy, overgrown land in the area would make a nice walk if it was made passable.

            “It’d be really nice if that whole right of way was cleared. You could actually walk it because that gets you through the most barren parts of Marion,” he said. “But most of it you can’t walk it.”

            The commission issued two full certificates of compliance to William and Elizabeth Weber for float modification at 21 East Avenue and to Barbara Grainger Trust-1994 for the removal of floats at 33 East Avenue.

            A public hearing on the December 27 agenda for a RDA filed by Byron and Cynthia Deysher, 44 Lewis Street, was not heard because the application was withdrawn.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, at 7:00 at the Police Station, Route 6.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Mick Colageo

Financial Peace University at FCCR

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You work way too hard to feel this broke. Now is the time to take back control of your money, and that starts by taking Financial Peace University. Visit www.fpu.com/7C6CCE to join our class at First Congregational Church of Rochester, 11 Constitution Way, Rochester, starting on Saturday, January 20. Make today the day you decide to own your money — not the other way around.

            Classes meet every Saturday at 9:00 am for nine (9) weeks and last approximately 1.5 hours. They begin with fellowship as we grab some breakfast grub, continue as we check-in on the week’s progress and watch a session of the video-led curriculum and end with open discussion as we journey alongside one another to stay on track. Classes are coordinated by Jeff and Amanda Costa who took this course for the first time in 2018 and never looked back. Contact the church office at 508-763-4314 or rochestercongregational@comcast.net with any questions or for more information.

Quahog Book Award Returns

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On Tuesday, January 9, the much-anticipated Quahog Book Award is back at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, inviting students in grades 3 to 6 to embark on a literary adventure. This annual award aims to cultivate a love for quality literature among youth by empowering them to choose their favorite book from curated lists consisting of five nominated titles.

            Students interested in participating are welcome to register by visiting the children’s room of the library between now and March 3. During the course of the program, the library will host a range of events specifically for Quahog readers, offer weekly beads, opportunities to participate in raffles and, of course, provide the delight of delving into exceptional books. To celebrate, a pizza party will be held at the end of the program. This festive gathering will serve as the platform for announcing the winning books and applauding the readers for their enthusiasm and dedication.

            Students from Mattapoisett and all surrounding communities are welcome to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or by calling the library. You can find more information about the Quahog Book Award on our website, MattapoisettLibrary.org.

McIntyre’s Emotive Art

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The town of Mattapoisett is home to a number of visual artists whose works are truly outstanding. And now the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is exhibiting a retrospective of stunningly emotive quality from the hand and the mind of Chuck McIntyre.

            On view now through January 31, the 20-plus paintings capture a vast range of human emotions. The artist is keen to share how his thoughts merge or separate, collide or embrace through the use of fully saturated colors.

            One finds the depth of McIntyre’s soul. His use of color emphasizes the emotion being depicted along with the Muppet-like faces on some pieces. Scaling the heights of joy or lows of depression, we find McIntyre’s compassion for people, especially those who may be conflicted or lonely.

            And there are messages: “My paintings tell stories.” McIntyre explained that one piece was like shattered glass with each shard a part of his personality, while others are his family portraits, one that includes his grandfather who has since passed away. “That was the last time we were together.”

            After listening to McIntyre describe his work as surreal abstract, we found ourselves drawing a line between this New Englander’s style and Frida Kahlo with a dash of Salvador Dali. Regardless of what style it is, McIntyre’s painting causes you to stop and take notice.

            Take notice of the messages of friendship and love. Take notice of the messages of empowerment, determination, excitement and happiness. Take notice of self-deprecation, fear, anger, sadness and then ultimately success and joy. Take notice of the human need for expression and, yes, acceptance.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

By Marilou Newell

Additional Trap Rock Spurs New Filing

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            What was thought to be a simple, two-lot subdivision at 14 Snow Fields Road returned to the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on January 2 as a new Notice of Intent filing.

            The property in question is owned by Dennis Arsenault, and the latest filing, a Notice of Intent, is for work done beyond the approved limits.

            Representing Arsenault was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc. Davignon said that some 700 square feet of trap rock had been added to the edging along an extended driveway. With this change, he explained that the state Department of Environmental Protection would only issue a partial Certificate of Compliance. Davignon asked that an after-the-fact Order of Conditions be issued for the placement of additional trap rock. The commissioners had no issue with the request.

            With this in place and in the absence of the commission’s decision being appealed, Arsenault can return for a Certificate of Compliance.

            In other business, the commission approved a new septic system design for 18 Shore Drive. Evelio Suarez, owner, filed the Request for Determination of Applicability.

            New Notice of Intent filings all represented by Davignon were quickly approved. They were: Robert and Carol Hall, 17 High View Avenue, for the construction of a standalone, two-story garage; Arthur Harris Alden III, Aucoot Road, for the construction of a new single-family home; and James and Lisa Tenglin, 124 Aucoot Road, for the construction of a single-family home.

            New RDA’s also represented by Davignon were John and Tricia O’Reilly, 6 Pearl Street, for driveway improvements, and Alexander Bauer, 7 Nashawena Road, for a proposed deck.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Anne Quinlan

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Anne Quinlan, 83, wife, mother, gma, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, left this world peacefully on December 3, 2023. She was surrounded by family and passed away at home after a 2-year journey with cancer.

            She was born to Gerald and Abigail Fitzgerald in March of 1940 in New York. The family moved to Mattapoisett in 1945. Anne graduated high school from Sacred Heart Academy then went on to graduate from Stonehill College where she studied to become a teacher. It was at Stonehill where she met the love of her life, Paul Quinlan, whom she married in 1963. Paul remained her lifelong love even after his death in August of 1992. Together, they had 4 children: Kelly Morten of Forest Park, IL, Scott (Anne) Quinlan of Scottsdale, AZ, Katy (Kornel) Balon of Nokomis, FL and Shannon Quinlan of St. Petersburg, FL. Paul’s job brought the family from Massachusetts to Illinois in 1976. In 2014, she joined her 2 youngest daughters in FL and eventually settled in Venice, FL.

            Anne taught middle school grades at St. Joan of Arc Church in Lisle, IL for 25 years. She stayed busy with endless sewing projects in her work as a seamstress especially during prom and homecoming season for the school kids. She played cards in various bridge groups and maintained many friendships along the way. She returned home to Mattapoisett, MA with her children every summer to reunite with all of her family and extended network of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She gifted her love for Mattapoisett to her children and grandchildren and countless others that visited over the years. “Mattapoisett, it’s Special” and Anne made sure everyone knew it!

            Anne is survived by her her brother, Michael (Anne) Fitzgerald of Mission Viejo, CA, her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul Fitzgerald, her sister, Kathleen Maune, her cousin and best friend, Marylee Barrett and her dear cousin, Miles “Tony” Murray. Anne’s cremated remains will be buried in a private ceremony in Mattapoisett, MA in July of 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Anne’s lifelong church home, St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett, MA.

Beverly A. Briggs (Nickerson)

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Beverly A. Briggs (Nickerson), 91, of Marion, MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 3, 2024 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Carlton “Carly” F. Briggs. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Nickerson of Marion, MA (formerly of Brockton, MA). Born and raised in Brockton, Beverly spent much of her childhood summering at family homes in both Scituate and later Marion, where she met Carly in her teenage years. Beverly moved to Marion upon marrying Carly in 1952.

            “Bev” as she was known, worked with her husband supporting him however she could after Carly successfully launched C.F. Briggs, Inc. in 1964. Bev busily balanced the various tasks in support of the business while caring for her four children and managing the home. This continued until Carly’s passing in 1977 and the transitioning of the business to son Dale Briggs.

            Being very much a people person, Bev would eventually work at the Marion & Mattapoisett Pharmacy, which she enjoyed immensely. With her fun-loving personality and good listening skills she was loved by both co-workers and customers alike. For leisure activity Bev enjoyed boating, trips to Cuttyhunk, and most importantly time spent with family and friends. She would often meet a few of her many friends for a walk or coffee at Uncle Jon’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. Bev also spent many enjoyable hours gardening and taking care of her yard.

            Bev’s wish was to be able to remain at home throughout the course of her life and recent illness. This was accomplished in large part by her granddaughter Nicole who provided much of the day-to-day care and compassion to have this wish fulfilled.

            Bev is survived by her brother Robert Nickerson and wife Joan of Brockton, sister-in-law June (Briggs) Martin of Middleboro, son Dale Briggs and wife Laura of Marion, daughter Deb Thornhill and husband Dan of Acton, ME, daughter Diane Lynch of Mattapoisett, and son Scott Briggs of Marion.

            Also survived by several grandchildren; Nicole VanDerPol and husband Matt of Marion; Timothy Briggs and fiancé Chas Willis of Rochester; Andrew Fatula of Mattapoisett; Jessica Murphy and husband Adam of Rochester; Jennifer Wilson and husband David of Fairhaven; and Brittany Briggs of New Bedford.

            Several great grandchildren: Alexandra (Lexi), Isabella, Ava and Matthew Jr. VanDerPol; Hailey and Adam Jr. Murphy; Kynlee, Connor and Kendyl Briggs.

            Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

            All are welcome to attend her graveside service at Old Landing Cemetery, Spring St., Marion, on January 19, 2024., 11:00 am.

Jean Garvey

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Jean Garvey, 93, of Andover, died peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023.

            Born in Dover, NH, daughter of the late Leo and Evelyn (Morin) Garvey, she spent most of her life living in Washington, D.C. After retiring Jean lived in Jefferson, Maine where she built her own house.

            Jean was formerly employed as a linguist for the federal government for many years. She held her pilots license and enjoyed playing the fiddle. Jean liked going out to eat and socializing with others. She loved cats.

            Jean was a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston.

            Survivors include her brother, Richard Garvey and his wife Pat of Rochester; her sisters Susie Garvey of Rochester, Mary McLaughlin of Andover; and a sister-in-law Joan Garvey; and many nieces and nephews.

            She is predeceased by her siblings, Leo, Jr., John, and Patricia.

            A private burial will take place at a later date. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com