Plumb Library Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

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Friends of Plumb Library Holiday Fair Fundraiser – The Friends Holiday Fair Fundraiser is here. Please stop by between 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday, December 9 and help support the Friends of Plumb Library. Take a photo with one of Santa’s Helpers from noon-1 pm. You can shop via the Pick-a-Prize Basket Auction, Silent Auction, Bake Sale Table and the Rochester Historical Society Table. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Plumb Library and directly support Library programs, events and projects.

            Friends of Plumb Library Holiday Pick-a-Prize Fundraiser – Thanks to many wonderful donors, we have 12 beautifully curated baskets available for viewing through December 9. There’s something for everyone – 3 children’s baskets, Family Game Night, Baking, Spa, Book Lovers, Artist, Chef, Spirit of Christmas, Friends Market and a Gingerbread House. Buy 12 tickets for $10 and select which baskets you’d like to win. Drawing will be held at the end of the Holiday Fair which is happening on December 9 from 10 am to 2 pm. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Plumb Library and directly support Library programs, events and projects.

            On the Road to Creativity At Your Local Library (Ages 6-12) – Join Devin “Nived” McLaughlin from the New Bedford Art Museum artMOBILE on Saturday, December 16 from 11 am to 1 pm to learn about owls. Create your own owl out of air-dry clay. Supplies and instructions included. This event is for children aged 6-12. Registration is required and is limited to 20 children between the ages of 6-12 only – with one grown-up each. Children ages 10 and up do not require adult assistance, but adults must stay in the building. If the event reaches capacity, take-home craft kits will be available while supplies last. This event is inspired by the Audubon prints on display in the Under the Sheltering Sky exhibition at the New Bedford Art Museum. There are 20 spots available. Please register through our Events Calendar.

Catherine J. “Kay” (Cousey) Levine

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Catherine J. “Kay” (Cousey) Levine, 90, of Mattapoisett died November 30, 2023, peacefully in her sleep at Nemasket Healthcare Center.

            She was the wife of the late Paul I. Levine, and they recently celebrated their 67th Wedding Anniversary.

            Born in Waterbury, CT. She was the daughter of the late Vincent J. and Catherine Cousey. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Marion McGrath, and Patricia Fusco.

            She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, CT, where she met the love of her life, Paul Irving Levine.

            After high school she worked at the Timex Corporation in Waterbury, CT, for several years before marrying Paul and moving to Boston, MA, where she worked at the John Hancock Company. She then relocated to Brooklyn, NY where Paul was stationed in the U.S. Army. While in New York she worked at Otis Elevator’s Brooklyn office, until she and Paul found themselves in Indianapolis, IN, for Paul’s final Army duty station. Next stop was Dorchester, then Needham, and finally her beloved Mattapoisett in 1969.

            Kay was a long time, active communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lecture and Altar Server.

            She was also active with St. Vincent De Paul, Nativity Preparatory School, and supported her beloved parish in numerous other ways. In recognition of her devoted service to the Diocese of Fall River, she was awarded the Marian Medal.

            She was the proprietor of Fashion Corner Uniforms in Dartmouth for many years until retirement.

            She was a voracious reader, marvelous storyteller, and prolific letter writer. She enjoyed staying fit and participated in all sorts of activities including ice skating, tennis, bowling, yoga, aerobics, and tai chi. She was also a long time Boston Celtics fan.

            She enjoyed travel and together, she and Paul formed the Mattapoisett Touring Company which allowed them to travel the world together with a wonderful group of friends.

            She was a long-time member and past president of both the Mattapoisett Women’s Club and the Mattapoisett Council on Aging. She was also a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 53 and was a regular parent volunteer with the local Brownie Girl Scout Troop.

            Survivors include her 2 sons, Paul Levine and his wife Charlotte of Los Angeles and Brian Levine of Mattapoisett; a daughter, Karen Jermstad and her husband David of Washington; 8 grandchildren, Brittany Levine, Tyler Levine. Paul R. Levine, Colin Levine, Jessica Livolsi, Katie Livolsi, Kevin Levine and Patrick Levine; a great-granddaughter, Olivia Last and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

            The Levine Family would like to thank all of their Friends and Family who kept Kay in their thoughts, prayers, and hearts. A special thanks to the wonderful Folks at Nemasket Healthcare for their devotion to the care of our most loved ones.

            Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, December 20th from 4-7 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Raffle of Gift Baskets at Book Sale

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A new feature at the annual Holiday Book Sale at the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion will be a Raffle of more than a dozen unique gift baskets. These include a Family Movie Night Basket, a Baby Book Lover Basket, a Baseball Fan’s Basket, a Winter Gardening Basket, a Secret Life of Bees Basket and a Christmas cookie jar filled with an assortment of freshly baked Christmas cookies, which is a sample of the variety. Raffle tickets will be for sale from December 2, when the Book Sale begins, through Sunday, December 17, when the drawing will be held at 2 pm.

            Another added attraction of the Holiday Book Sale is that refreshments of mulled cider and home baked Christmas cookies will be served. The sale will feature books in gift giving condition, as well as puzzles and games. Colorful ETL T-shirts, for children and adults, and onesies, all priced at $25, will also be for sale. The sale will begin on December 2 and run through December 23, for the convenience of last-minute shoppers. It will be held at the library at 8 Spring Street, Marion.

MGG Annual Holiday Boutique

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The Marion Garden Group’s annual Holiday Boutique opens on Saturday, December 9 at 9:00 am sharp and closes at 12:30 pm. An array of wreaths, garlands, table decorations and hand-made one-of-a-kind ornaments will be installed in the Marion Music Hall. The historic building lends itself as an elegant backdrop to showcase the various items for sale. Volunteer MGG elves have been working tirelessly all year in preparation for the festive event. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization and support beautification projects around town, tree tagging, plus educational and enrichment programs.

            December 9 is a busy time in Marion: – Sippican Women’s Club House Tour, The Congregational Church Luncheon and a visit to Elizabeth Taber’s gift to Marion, built in 1893, the venerable Music Hall, corner of Front and Cottage Streets.

Mattapoisett Museum Holiday Sing-Along

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The Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street invites the community to join together on Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 pm. Join us for a Holiday Sing-along led by Steve LaValley and accompanied by Gail Roberts. The song list will include old time favorites such as Jingle Bells, Rudolf, Deck the Halls and many more. Song booklets of the words will be provided. After the singalong, participants will meet Santa Claus himself and enjoy some festive refreshments.

ZBA Seeks Counsel on Heron Cove

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There was division among the members of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals after receiving a November 7 letter from Mark Bobrowski, developer Ken Steen’s attorney, seeking relief for his client from a previously agreed upon timeline stipulating that certain fees are due within 10 days of the issuance of the first building permit for the construction of Heron Cove Estates.

            At a prior meeting with Steen and Town Administrator Geoff Gorman, ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow asked Steen to verify his request that the town henceforth regard those timelines as insubstantial as opposed to substantial. Callow reported that Gorman was concerned that Steen was scheming to avoid paying sewer installation fees but believes the developer is merely looking to defer those payments.

            Callow read from Bobrowski’s letter, “We are not looking or expecting any of the fees to be waived. We will be paying the total amount of fees previously agreed to. (Those include) $590,000 for the (infiltration and inflow sewer-related treatment), $410,000 for (sewer) connection, and up to, not to exceed $110,000 as a contribution toward the replacement of the Creek Road (pump) station. We are simply requesting the timing of the payments be adjusted pursuant of the former requests.”

            Callow then turned to the ZBA membership, suggesting the involvement of Town Counsel. She suggested that with a tweak requiring that permit fees be waived until the beginning of the laying of a foundation, “I think everybody would be in agreement with that, and I think that we could go forward with the project.”

            Not everyone agreed.

            Tucker Burr articulated concern that Steen could put himself in a position to drag things out, but Callow reminded him that the ZBA set a five-year limit on construction, a year of which has been eaten up without any activity on the site.

            Burr thinks it could handcuff the town by releasing the leverages it presently has with the requirements of the agreement on payments 10 days after the issuance of permits.

            “I think that he has no intention of ever building the sewer. I think the only way that sewer line’s ever getting built is if Matt Zuker builds it,” said Burr.

            Callow did not hesitate to disagree. “Matt Zuker hasn’t done anything either,” she said.

            “I think what winds up happening is they get into a game of chicken, and it just never gets built,” said Burr. “I think they’re both going to be in this game of chicken, and what’s going to happen is Marion is going to end up with this 40B development that we’re going to be obligated to always support and have absolutely no strings to pull on. Then we’re going to eventually get below the 8% (affordable housing), we’re still going to be obligated to let him build it, and other people are going to be able to come in over the next five years and apply for a 40B.”

            The present agreement obligates the developer to install a sewer line to serve the project along the northern portion of Route 6, Wareham Road, to Hill Street. Said sewer line is to be designed and installed in accordance with all rules, regulations and policy as approved by the Marion Water & Sewer Commissioners (the Select Board.) Construction and installation is a condition precedent (antecedent) to the issuance of a building permit. (Callow noted that this condition was not part of the original agreement.)

            Within 10 days following the receipt of a single or combination of building permits, the applicant shall pay the town $590,000 for the town’s use for improving the I/I into the town’s wastewater treatment work.

            In the same time frame, the agreement obligates Steen to pay the town 10% of the bid cost to repair and replace the Creek Road Pump Station up to a maximum payment of $110,000, the same deemed a critical component of the town’s sewer system.

            In the same time frame, Steen is to pay the town $410,000 for connection to the town’s wastewater treatment work.

            Callow’s interpretation of Steen’s request is that he wanted to pull a building permit without being required to pay these fees within the next 10 days. “That’s my understanding,” she said.

            Callow stuck to her optimism that Steen intends to build his affordable-housing development.

            “I do not believe they are stalling tactics,” said Callow. “I think it has to do with economy, I think it has to do with he’s a businessman.” Callow acknowledged that Zuker’s delay most likely factors in Steen’s.

            Callow’s understanding of the overall plan is that Steen and Zuker are obligated to split the costs of sewer upgrades in keeping with their agreements with the town, but she feels as though, right when they should be meeting to work things out, they go away from each other.

            Callow told the membership that Gorman has granted her permission to discuss the matter directly with Town Counsel. She encouraged the board to submit questions.

            Citing past losses in legal battles with Steen over “substantial versus insubstantial” changes, Callow advised the board not to make that a battlefield for the town.

            “We’re treading on thin ice here, and we’re all trying to do the right thing by the town. I think he intends to build it, I just do. He’s never given me a reason (to doubt),” said Callow, emphasizing due diligence at this point. “That is my plan going forward.”

            Select Board member Randy Parker, in attendance, was given the floor, and said he has gone through the agreement “thoroughly” and discussed the issues with Gorman and Grillo.

            “I’m agreeable to it. I think it’s a cash-flow thing,” said Parker. “I think the price of money is expensive, and quite frankly for him to get going on this and spend all that money up front have to pay interest … is expensive. I find him to be sincere.”

            Parker admitted to prior confusion over the issue of Steen paying for permits but insisted the rest of the matter is about cashflow.

            Callow agreed.

            Grillo suggested tweaks to the latter to be submitted to legal counsel for feedback, stating that the permits shall be issued without any “initial fees.” He also suggested the addition of a sentence stipulating that “all building permit fees to be paid in full prior to the start of foundation for each individual unit.”

            Because Steen will have a separate building permit for each unit, Grillo said Steen should not have to pay for all the permits at once.

            In the end, all members present supported the action.

            After a continued public hearing, applicants Eric Winer and Nancy Borstelmann were voted a Special Permit allowing the extension of an existing, nonconforming, side-yard setback at 18 West Avenue.

            “What we’re doing is extending an existing nonconformity on the north, gable end of the structure,” said Representative Henry Bobeck, noting a detached garage with a living space.

            Callow thanked the applicants for agreeing to continue the case due to the lack of membership available to hear the case.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Mystery Writers Share Secrets

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            A fun and fascinating hour was had at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library when four mystery writers from the southeast region converged. Dubbed the Sisters in Crime, Sharon Healy-Yang, Sharon Ward, Maureen Boyle and Stephen Rogers led the audience through a process of building a mystery story. Not that it is the actual process they use, but more an entertaining game of “who done it and why,” using one’s imagination.

            Each of the featured authors has their own unique style when developing their plots. Healy-Yang places her characters in the 1940s and even came dressed in vintage style clothing. Her featured main character is Jessica Minton. Sharon Ward’s main character is Finn Fleming, a scuba expert whose plots keep finding death and drama in underwater spaces. Rogers not only writes mysteries in the short-story form but is a poet as well. And then there is Boyle, who writes about true crime, stories she has heavily researched and of which, “I always know how the story ends,” she quipped.

            After the introductions, the authors took the audience on a journey exploring possible story lines, character development and even murder weapons.

            The audience was invited to provide character names, story locations, motives and what time setting should be used. The audience offered such diverse responses as Prince Harry (he started out in the 21st century but ended up in medieval times.) There was also a Vosco and a Jean Paul who ended up being an undercover police officer. Locations offered by the audience included Hiller Farm, a hunting lodge and/or London Bridge. Not surprisingly, a small seaside village was also offered up. Motive became the age-old infidelity.

            Time travel was layered in adding new intrigues and allowing for Prince Harry to stay in the past, while other characters were busy solving a modern-day mystery. By the time they were closing in on who did what and why, the authors and audience had at least 10 characters moving through the pages in their mind.

            Somehow a pumpkin became the place where important ancient manuscripts were hidden in the medieval times, but the authors and audience modified that bit to a pumpkin painting behind which the documents were hidden.

            The authors, in real life, approach their craft in different ways. Boyle, for instance, has to rely on in-depth research of real crimes that have taken place, while Healy-Yang noted, “we go where the characters take us.”

            Rogers said he was a plotter when it came to writing, and that might be necessary in keeping the short-story form tight, not letting it run amok.

            Ward, a certified diving instructor, has taught diving for many years. With years of experience under her weight belt, she is at no loss to create underwater crime locations and the story surrounding them. She said she had nearly 15 storylines in the cue, just waiting for their time to come.

            Sisters in Crime was funded by the library’s Purrington Lecture program.

            To learn more about these authors, visit sharonward.com, stephenrogers.com, sharonhealyyang.com and maureenboylewriter.com.

By Marilou Newell

William O. Simpson, III

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William O. Simpson, III, 69, of Mattapoisett passed away November 28, 2023 unexpectedly at Tufts Medical Center.

            Born in Quincy, son of the late Bertha T. (Southerland) Simpson and William O. Simpson, Jr., he lived in Mattapoisett all of his life. He was the proprietor of Seven Seas Marine and subcontractor for Triad Boatworks, of Mattapoisett for 25 years.

            More than anything Bill enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He will be best remembered for smuggling them cookies.

            Survivors include his son, William O. Simpson, IV and his wife Quinn of East Sandwich; 2 brothers, Jamie Simpson and his husband Bob Dumas of Eustis, FL and Thomas Simpson of Mattapoisett; a sister, Priscilla McDonald and her husband Kenneth of Braintree; 4 grandchildren, Brayden, Emilia, William V, and Jackson; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

            He was the brother of the late Evelyn Ellis.

            His visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 15th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 16th 11:30 am at funeral home, followed by a celebration of life. Details will be announced at the service.

Patricia D. (Davis) Figueiredo

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Patricia D. (Davis) Figueiredo, 87, of Marion passed away at home on December 1, 2023. She was the former wife of Edward J. Figueiredo and the daughter of the late Ferman C. and Dorothy R. (Robertson) Davis.

            She was born in New Bedford and lived in Marion for all of her life. She graduated from Wareham High School and raised four children with her husband and was a Brownie Leader, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother and a Softball Coach. She also enjoyed having holidays and cookouts at her home for family and friends.

            Mrs. Figueiredo worked as a town clerk administrator for the Town of Marion for several years and loved working as a Crossing Guard for Sippican School in her retirement.

            Pat was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Marion and sung in the Choir and presided over many Christenings in her role as a Deacon and was on many committees.  Pat also sung in the Sippican Choral Society for many years.

            Pat could always be seen walking in the Village of Marion with friends and her dogs, Yogi and Maggie, respectively as well as playing tennis and riding her bike. Pat was an avid Volunteer having worked storms as a Red Cross Volunteer. She was a member of Penny Pinchers for many years as well as a member of the Tobey Guild where she volunteered at the Gift Shop at Tobey Hospital. Pat also enjoyed traveling to locations such as England, Scotland, Ireland, the Caribbean, Italy, Greece and Egypt to name a few with friends through her retirement.

            Pat was known for her sense of fun and was always a good sport. She had many friends with whom she stayed in touch with, whether it be from years ago or more recently. She had an open door policy and was never more happy as having someone stop by for an unexpected visit.

            Her Grandchildren were always welcome at her house and enjoyed many a “Sundae” after school at Grammy’s house and many, many sleepovers. The yearly summer vacation with her children and grandchildren in New Hampshire and Maine was always her highlight for the summer. Pat could also be seen relaxing at her beloved Silver Shell or Planting Island Beach.

            Survivors include her children, Steven E. Figueiredo and his wife Tania of Wareham, Stephanie (Figueiredo) Harding and her husband Richard of Marion, Thomas J. Figueiredo of Marion and Linda L. (Figueiredo) Dronet and her husband Mark of Biloxi, MS; 10 grandchildren, Steven, Jr., Brandon, Kelsey and Shelby Figueiredo, Timothy Harding, Rebecca Andresen, Sophie Harding, Ruby and Nina Figueiredo and Dakota Dronet; a step granddaughter, Ava Reise and several Great Grandchildren.

            Pat was predeceased by her brother, Charles R. Davis and his wife, Lucia of Marion and survived by her sister, Barbara D. Hiller and her husband, Ira R. Hiller, III. of Mattapoisett.

            Her graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Evergreen Cemetery, Rte. 6 & Converse Rd., Marion.

            The Family would like to thank her Caregivers, Sandra and Teresa for their great care and compassion.

            Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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It seems that any article about area taverns that I have come across at the museum ends with the admonishment that many a farmer or worker ended up in the alms house after spending all his money on liquor. Perhaps it was this philosophy that was behind the temperance movement in the towns of old Rochester that started long before the 18th Amendment ushered in Prohibition and the banning of all alcohol in the United States which lasted from 1920-1933.

            The temperance movement was alive and well in our area as early as the 1830’s. At that time, the town meeting sent a petition to the state legislature to pass a new law that would give either the county commissioners or the Selectmen the power to license tavern keepers to run their taverns as usual but a ban would be put on the selling of “spiritous liquor”.

            A second petition was later sent, and it contained more emotional language pleading the case of the “wife’s streaming eyes over her naked and supperless children” whose husband’s drinking was ruining their lives.

            In Mattapoisett, feelings were strong. Ship captains tired of drunken crews involved themselves in town affairs and began working to ban liquor at events like town picnics and clambakes. For many years Rochester was known as a dry town.

            Rochester’s various villages formed what was known as “cold water armies” made up primarily of women and children. By the 1840’s, Total Abstinence Societies were being formed. Dr. Robbins of Mattapoisett became a strong proponent of abstinence.

            The picture with this article is of the cover of a small book I found at the museum. It is “The New Temperance Melodies”. Inside are “Glees, Songs, & Pieces” that were composed to be used by temperance organizations in the United States and Canada. They were written by Stephen Eubbard and published by Oliver Ditson & Co. in 1859. In the preface, the author states his belief that music which “soothes, subdues and inspires” can influence the “great reformation of the day, the temperance reformation”.

            Several of the songs and their titles extol the value of cold water and urge all to come together to fight for temperance. However, my favorite song is titled “I’m not to Blame”.

            I want to thank Barbara Keohane for her list of ‘kid westerns” some of which I had forgotten, like Cisco Kid and Range Ryder. I have a feeling this list will show up in our next exhibit.

By Connie Eshbach