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

Alan G. Inman

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Alan G. Inman, 82, of Marion, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home unexpectedly.

            Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Clayton and Lillian (Rogers) Inman. A longtime resident of Marion, Mr. Inman worked as a utility operator for the Town of Marion Water and Sewer Division for many years. He retired in 1999.

            Known to friends and family as “Lanny”, he could be found boating on Buzzards Bay in his vessels, “Leprechaun” and “Bossa Nova”. He took many trips to Red Brook Harbor and the Chart Room. He enjoyed clamming and quahoging so much that his friends and family also called him “Clamming Lanny”.

            Alan was an animal lover and enjoyed cat, “Susie”. He also enjoyed New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and taking trips to Florida to visit family.

            He was the brother of the late Stephen J. Inman and his late wife Virginia Inman.

            Services were private.

            Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Marion Fire Department Recognizes Eversource Employee

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Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman wish to recognize a local Eversource Energy employee who alerted first responders to a carbon monoxide incident on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

            Following a rain and windstorm that caused widespread damage and power outages in eastern Massachusetts, Eversource employee Ed Gonet was working as a damage assessor when he noticed a generator running at a Front Street home that had power.

            Gonet smelled fumes and saw a cord running into the home through an open door. Feeling that something wasn’t right, he called 911.

            Marion firefighters arrived at 9:21 pm and found the occupant was sleeping upstairs. Firefighters measured low levels of carbon monoxide inside the home and determined there was a potential for levels to rise during the night. The generator was shut down and windows and doors were opened to vent the home.

            The resident was evaluated at the scene and declined transport to an area hospital.

            “We are thankful that Mr. Gonet was in the right place at the right time this week and reacted quickly when he felt something wasn’t right,” Chief Jackvony said. “His actions ensured we could respond to and resolve a carbon monoxide incident before it became a tragedy.”

            Added Town Administrator Gorman, “We are grateful for our partnership with Eversource Energy and thank all of their team members, including Mr. Gonet, who work diligently during weather events to evaluate outages and ensure power is restored for our residents quickly and safely.”

            Community members are reminded that a generator should always be placed outdoors facing away from doors, windows and vents. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use a generator safely before an outage. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be installed on every level of the home and tested regularly. If a CO alarm goes off or you suspect CO exposure, get out of the house to get fresh air and immediately call 911.

Sippican Choral

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Come Sing with Sippican Choral This Spring. Rehearsals for our Spring 2024 concert will begin on Monday, January 8, at 7:00 pm, at Wickenden Chapel, 86 Spring Street, Marion. Please note new, earlier start time. Doors open at 6:30 pm, so come early to register and pick up your music envelope. Are you unsure about being able to sing with us? Come anyway! Try us out for two weeks, then decide. Dues of $40.00 are due by the third rehearsal for all singers.

            Our Spring Concert will be held at Wickenden Chapel on Sunday, May 5, at 4:00 pm. Our featured work will be French composer Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in D Minor, a prayerful lament for the dead, noted for its serene and peaceful outlook – and its sublimely beautiful music. Full program details will be posted on our website at sippicanchoralsociety.org in mid-January.

Big Books, Little Books and Sea Monkeys

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Books are my preferred Christmas gifts, and this year was no different.

            Last year my son gave me a rather large book, nearly 1,000 pages, which is the size of a concrete block and about the same weight. He should have given me a set of barbells along with it because I had to train until Valentine’s Day just to be able to pick it up. I’m kidding, but I am proud to say I have finished about half of it. The type was so small an eagle couldn’t have seen it if he were perched on the back of my recliner. I had to purchase a magnifying glass, which was appropriate since the book was about the FBI.

            This year he gave me a few more books, also big and heavy. (I really must talk to that young man and remind him just how old and infirm I am.) Had he asked, I would have suggested he give me comic books. The rage these days are graphic novels, but they are still comic books to me. They are much thinner and lighter and have fewer words, mostly drawings, which I can more readily relate to.

            They do remind me of the comic books I devoured in my youth. There was a drug store at the corner of Main Street and Route 6 that had a huge magazine section as you came in the back door. I’d sneak in so as not to be noticed and sit there reading all the popular comics until Mr. Lariviere, the owner and pharmacist, spotted me and shooed me away. “Buy one or go home.” he’d scold.

            Off I’d march down Route 6 until I reached Tinkham’s Pharmacy, near the Post Office. It shared the building with a baseball factory, which later became a convenience store and a dry cleaner. The drugstore became the infamous “wind tunnel,” the depository of all town gossip. There are hair and nail salons there now.

            Tinkham’s had an even bigger comic book selection than Lariviere’s. The magazine racks were by the front window, out of view of the pharmacist, so I could sit there all day perusing the pulp pages of Archie Comics, Superman and Captain America. (I might accidentally glance at the Police Gazette, Hollywood Confidential or Modern Romances.)

            The end pages would always have advertisements. One promised you could “create life before your very eyes,” just added water and Walla, “Real Sea Monkeys” which were actually brine shrimp. Another was the Charles Atlas ad that proclaimed “97-lb. weakling becomes the world’s most perfectly developed man” and how “in only fifteen minutes a day, you too can become a real man.” A tempting deal for a skinny, bespectacled kid like me.

            One ad I did fall for was the Art Instruction School’s “Draw Me” contest. Just copy the pirate on the page and you could “win” a scholarship to their correspondence course. I did win and, though the course was free, my folks had to pay for the textbooks. Thankfully they succumbed to my begging, and I am still drawing today. Unlike with college now, the debt has long been paid.

            Alas, comic books took a hit in the late forties and nearly disappeared by the late fifties. Claims that comics corrupted youth, making mush of our minds and turning us all into delinquents spread like wildfire across the country. Town meetings were held, comic books were burned at public rallies. Groups cleaned out drugstore shelves to protect “our youth” from corrupt ideas. Words like indoctrination were bandied about in newspaper editorials.

            There were even Senate Hearings held, and a Comic Book Code was adopted, which resulted in a small stamp appearing on all comic books declaring “Approved by the Comic Code Authority.” By then I was reading Sports Illustrated, which I had to pay for. Comic books were for kids.

I sure wish I had gotten comic books for Christmas.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

River Junction Fixes Paperwork

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            The River Junction, the recently rebuilt tavern that sits at the site of the old Gilda’s at 27 Wareham Road (corner of Route 6 and River Road near the Wareham town line), got approval on a state-mandated correction to its alcohol license during a brief, public hearing held by the Marion Select Board on December 29 at the Town House.

            “This is an administrative action only and does not change the setup, layout or previous request,” explained Town Administrator Geoff Gorman to the board.

            The board approved an application for an Alteration of Premises to an existing, on premises license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, per the request of the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABCC.) The information in the original application filed by the owners did not match the other information on the premises, so a public hearing was necessary to correct the documentation.

            No comment on the case was forthcoming from the board or the public during the public hearing.

            In other actions, the board voted to accept an anonymous, $150 donation to the Harbormaster Department.

            The board approved three Water/Sewer commitments: $1,322,932.31 (quarterly billing December 19, 2023), $155 (sewer-reconnection fee December 19, 2023) and $1,241.60 (final readings December 20, 2023.)

            Gorman publicly recognized retiring Finance Director Judy Mooney, whose final day on the job was on December 29, the day of the meeting. New Finance Director Heather O’Brien, whose finance background is in the business world, has spent the last few months working with Mooney to learn the ropes.

            The Select Board entered executive session under state law for Purpose 3 for strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel (the town administrator) and/or to conduct collective-bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and did not return to public session.

            The Marion Select Board scheduled its first regular meeting of the new year on Wednesday, January 3 and has also scheduled a special meeting for 12:00 pm on Thursday, January 4. With Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15, the board has also set its second regular meeting of 2024 on a Wednesday: January 17 at 6:00 pm. Until further notice, the Select Board is meeting in the conference room at the Town House Annex Building (Main Street entry.)

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Native American Archaeological Sites

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On Friday, February 9 from 6:30 to 7:30, the Marion Natural History Museum will be hosting a presentation on “Native American archaeological sites in and around Marion.” Principal investigator Erin Flynn of The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. will be discussing some of the local Native American sites they’ve been studying and reviewing a few articles from the museum’s collections. Please RSVP on the museum’s website: www.marionmuseum.org/login. A $10 donation to the museum will be much appreciated.

Book (re)Marks: What’s up this Month at Plumb?

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Happy New Year everyone. Book (re)Marks is back for 2024, offering up all the info you need about books, what’s happening at the Library and more.

            Since it’s a new year, we’d like to remind you of all the things happening at the Library that you can participate in.

            Let’s start with book clubs. The COA Book Club will be meeting at 1 pm, Tuesday January 16 to discuss “What Happened to the Bennetts” by Lisa Scottoline. This suspenseful page-turner will keep you guessing right to the end. Books & Babble Book club will be discussing “The Book of Hope: a Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Jane Goodall at 6:30 pm, Thursday January 25. This is the first book under our 2024 theme: It’s Wild Out There.: Animals and Nature. Books for both clubs are available for pickup at the Library.

            Do you like to knit, crochet, or cross-stitch? If so, join us on Monday nights from 6 to 8 pm for a social gathering of handcrafters. Bring your latest project, something from the stash, or a problem pattern to work out.

            Baby, Toddler, and Preschool Story times return this month for a combined Winter/Spring session running from January 16 thru March 29, except for the week of February school vacation. All sessions are currently full; please contact Ms. Lisa for waitlist information. Email: lfuller@sailsinc.org.

            For kids, the Scrambled Word will return in January, changing every Monday. There will also be a Snowman Seek and Find in the building. Completing either of these activities earns you a prize from the treasure chest.

            If you’re interested in helping out the Library with fundraising, activities and events, come see what the Friends of the Library are all about. They will be meeting at 6:30 pm Thursday January 4 to wrap-up the Holiday Auction, as well as discuss plans for upcoming spring fundraising opportunities, including a book sale and a clothing drive.

            The Board of Library Trustees is meeting at 6:30 pm Monday, January 8. This meeting is open to the public and the agenda is posted here: www.townofrochestermass.com/node/425/agenda.

            And don’t forget about our selection of Zoo and Museum Passes, offering you free or discounted admission to seven attractions in the area. Our newest pass is for the Trustees of Reservations Properties, offering admission to trails, preserves and historic properties across the State.

            Questions? Please call 508-763-8600 or email info@plumblibrary.com. As always, we hope to see you soon at the Library.