Hobby Barn Composition a Concern

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            Rochester’s Historic District Commission on December 20 reviewed revisions to a plan to construct a hobby barn for collectible cars at 0 New Bedford Road and generally liked what they saw.

            The original plan for the parcel, which is within the town’s historic district, was a single 100×200 square-foot, pre-engineered, metal building to house both a barn to store the vehicles and a shop to restore them.

            The new plan presented on December 20 by property owner Ashley Briggs and Jason Maurer of Cape Building Systems splits the proposal into two buildings facing each other, a 9,000 square-foot shop and an 11,200 square-foot car storage barn.

            “We want to make sure our plans are heading in the right direction,” Briggs said, explaining the new plan will create “a smaller mass” because the two purposes are now in separate buildings.

            She added that both buildings will be single-story. An observatory in a silo-type structure would feature a telescope. A small car lift would be placed in the shop building.

            “We are hoping to preserve the existing landscape and trees and keep in harmony with the existing site,” Briggs said.

            Maurer then said what became the board’s main concern. He said the planners are considering metal siding in a dark shade that will blend with the historic district’s style. Board member Sara Johnson said if the board approves metal siding in the historic district for this project, it would set a bad precedent. Any future project would be able to request a metal structure.

            Commission Chairman Matt Monteiro also emphasized that this is the one aspect that may be the problem with approving the plan for the historic district. The commission has approved vinyl siding for district structures and metal only for agricultural use, over which the commission technically has no jurisdiction.

            Briggs asked what the planner’s next step should be. More detailed plans for the Planning Board? Or more detailed plans for the commission? They don’t want to move forward on a plan that another board would ultimately reject, she said.

            Monteiro said the order of which board approves the plan doesn’t matter. Both have to agree on the ultimate plan.

            Briggs then admitted that what probably comes first will be special permit variance that the project needs and the state’s environmental review, followed by more specific plans that town boards will be able to review.

            The commission concluded with words of encouragement. Johnson said she felt the plan changes were going in the right direction, “pending real, more specific drawings. It feels like the buildings will fit in with the community.” Board member Theodore Brillon said the new plan was a vast improvement.

            The Rochester Historic District Commission adjourned without scheduling a future meeting date.

Rochester Historic District Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Tree Committee

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To Mattapoisett Selectboard, Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco;

            Regarding the December 13 Tree Committee meeting, I want to thank Mike Lorenco and Jodi Bauer for their attendance and the Sippican News and The Wanderer for their coverage. At our meeting the loss of mature shade trees and financial impact of the project were discussed, among many other things. I hope that a future Town public meeting will be held in the next month and recorded specifically to inform residents and taxpayers about the other issues impacting the Village Roads Project: utilities, tree removals and protection, harbor water quality protection plans, process, et cetera.

            I understand the project was initiated back in 2013 and received widespread attention in 2017 and 2018 when VHB engineers were hired to lead the Town through a complicated and restrictive State DOT-TIP process. My research suggests that the last public meetings for the project were in 2018. We’ve missed an estimated 2022 construction timetable. As Selectboard noted in their September 12, 2023 meeting, aspects of the proposal changed significantly in the 2023 round of DOT reviews. Therefore it will be a good thing for the residents to be given the broad picture of a DOT funded reconstruction project looking back and forward prior to the DOT hearing.

            At DOT required public hearings residents are encouraged to state their pro/con opinions to help DOT decide if a specific project should go forward. I understand a two week period follows a hearing so residents may send written opinion after hearing presentations.

            The Town is at year 10 trying to get a competitive state grant which is estimated to be funded in 2026. Will that target date hold? Meanwhile we’ve already reconstructed 1.5 miles of Village roads using municipal bonds- while staying sensitive to Town character.

            In closing, the December Tree Committee meeting was a small step in the right direction. In the words of one of the citizens attending the meeting, “I had no idea that this project was moving forward again with important decisions being made during the recent Select Board meetings, so shame on me.” A public hearing in late January is a perfect time for many more citizens to learn about the current plans and understand the impact on the town we love, Mattapoisett.

            Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year,

Sandra Hering

Chairperson, Mattapoisett Tree Committee

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.

Michael J. Kauranen

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Michael J. Kauranen, 78, of Rochester, died Monday, December 25, 2023 at his home in Rochester after a long illness. He was the husband of Patricia (Stowe) Kauranen. They had been married for 60 years.

            Born in Cambridge, England, he was the son of the late Joyce (Chandler) and Uuno N. Kauranen. Mr. Kauranen was a union carpenter and a member of New England Carpenters Local # 346 in Weymouth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war from 1962 to 1965.

            Mr. Kauranen enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, but most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.

            He is survived by his wife, Patricia Kauranen of Rochester; his children, Terri Vroom and her husband Charles of Wareham; Kerri Correia of Rochester, Michael J. Kauranen, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Wareham and Mark Kauranen and his wife Michelle of New Bedford; his siblings, Maureen Rounds, Kevin Kauranen and Robert Grassi all of Wareham. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, the late Sherri Ashley.

            Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 pm. A funeral service will follow at 7 pm. Interment will be at a later date.

            For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Gardening Project Inspires Healthy Choices for Kids

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            The Marion Institute’s Grow Education Farm-to-School program proves that, if children learn about dirt, seeds and the sun, they will live healthier lives. Some third-graders at Sippican Elementary School already know their way around a garden, thanks to their parents and, in some cases, grandparents.

            “My dad has a garden in the back, and I help him all the time,” said Amelia Whinnem, 8. “He grows kale, carrots, beets, butternut squash, cucumbers … he grows tomatoes. … I eat plain cucumbers, I just cut off the top and I just eat them.”

            “My grandma grows, like, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash,” said Amina Goodman, 9. “Me and my little cousin … we like to help. We even have our own little wheelbarrow and gardening tools.”

            “My nana is a gardener, too, she used to have farm animals traveling and she had two horses,” said Abel Philbrook, 9. “Every single year she grows, like, every single vegetable including watermelon, cantaloupe and pumpkins.”

            “My grandfather, he does all these tomatoes, and when he’s going on a trip we go and pick them, so we end up with all the tomatoes,” said Liv Chase, 9. “I used to eat too much candy, now I’m a fruit person.”

            “My grandmother … she has a garden, and she mostly does tomatoes and flowers, but she also has strawberries, too,” said Rowan Berube-King, 8.

            The five third-graders, with teacher Tracy Anthony, took The Wanderer on a tour of the Grade 3 gardening project that began at Sippican Elementary earlier in the year.

            “Every class did something a little different,” said Anthony, who first joined fellow third-grade teachers Mary Jane Couet, Tracy Feeney and Kimberly Souza on a professional-development day. “When we went to the Round The Bend Farm (in South Dartmouth), they were telling us it’s about switching and trying to eat more vegetables and fruits that are grown locally to help with local farming.”

            Convenience and price tags relentlessly compete against a plant-based diet, but third-grade classes at Sippican and in other districts such as New Bedford and Westport are more connected to their outside world and are increasingly cognizant of what they consume.

            “I know that probably it would be good to, like, buy cranberries more often because we have a lot here in Massachusetts,” said Amelia.

            When Nate Sander of the Marion Institute visited in the fall, he introduced many students to general gardening practices, and the outcome was the planting of garlic and clover in brand new, raised gardening beds. Protecting those seeds for the winter months required the planting of pees as a “cover crop.” Now, the beds look like they are covered in green grass or a layer of hay.

            The students recalled that Sander brought blackberries that the students planted along the fence, and some of the students planted wildflowers including milkweed to attract Monarch butterflies. “Monarchs only like one flower,” said Rowan.

            The students also planted blackberry bushes, and some helped construct the trellises on which the vines will grow next year.

            “Every day we did it, it was like a half an hour maybe,” said Abel.

            “The sun keeps coming out every time we go out there. We went out there once and it was raining, and then it stopped raining once we got out there,” said Amelia.

            “We are thrilled to partner with Sippican’s third-grade teachers and the Marion School District to bring our Grow Education Farm-to-School (Grow FTS) programming to the Tri Town,” stated Liz Wiley, executive director of the Marion Institute in a press release. “These school gardens are microcosms of our regional food system where students learn about plants’ parts, lifecycles, and health benefits as well as the environment and its impact on local food. It is so important for our youth to be connected to their world in this way. We look forward to a great year at Sippican and to growing the partnership across the district’s elementary schools.”

            Sander will present in two virtual field trips this winter, then return after April vacation to lead a study of the Monarch butterflies, preside over early-spring plantings before conducting the garlic harvest in June before the end of school. Sander will also be present to discuss the Grow Education project during Sippican’s Arts in Action night this winter.

            “It’s wonderful to see our students participate in the Grow FTS program,” stated Sippican Elementary School Principal Marla Brown in the press release. “Having this hands-on learning experience fosters a connection to nature and promotes skills that extend beyond the classroom.”

            “Witnessing the positive impact of our new partnership with the Grow Education Farm-to-School program has been truly inspiring,” stated Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson in the release. “Together, we’ve cultivated a learning environment that goes beyond textbooks by nurturing tangible skills and passion in our students.”

By Mick Colageo

McLaughlin Tabbed New Treasurer

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            The Rochester Select Board held a special meeting on Tuesday afternoon at Town Hall to vote in Ashling McLaughlin as the town’s new full-time treasurer effective Monday, January 8.

            “We had number of candidates, and Ashling certainly showed herself to be the best. … She interviewed well, he references were outstanding,” said Town Administrator Glenn Cannon, who was happy to report an enthusiastic recommendation from Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. “You don’t always get that vibe from the other TA’s.”

            McLaughlin had already given the Town of Mattapoisett notice. “I’ve been very transparent with them,” she said.

            The contract language makes McLaughlin treasurer for the Town of Rochester until the agreement is revoked by the Select Board.

            After serving as Rochester’s treasurer for the last two years and four months, Kory Lydon returned this month to the Town of Duxbury as town treasurer. Lydon had served Duxbury as assistant treasurer for five years prior to coming to Rochester.

            In a related vote, Diana Knapp, the town’s payroll administrator, will serve as Rochester’s interim treasurer on a part-time basis through the January 1-7 work week.

            The original agreement designated Knapp the assistant treasurer, but Cannon told the board that the bank was not comfortable with that term. “It’s belt and suspenders for me,” said Cannon, who openly considered it less of a hassle to ask the Select Board to revise its terminology than to argue with the bank.

            Knapp’s term as interim treasurer will expire when McLaughlin starts.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report, Cannon publicly thanked the town’s Department of Public Works, Facilities Manager and Highway Department for its part in responding to storm damage sustained on December 18.

            “I know we didn’t get the response we wanted from Eversource, but our crews (did a great job),” said Cannon.

            Select Board Chairman Paul Ciaburri was less diplomatic in referring to the “horrible response” from Eversource.

            “This storm, they dropped the ball big time,” he said. “The portal they’re using now had the damage on Route 105 as being fixed. It wasn’t even touched. They didn’t even have the tree out of the road.”

            Ciaburri twice noted that Eversource had responded well in prior storms and said he spoke to the company’s representatives on December 19.

            “The last few years they’ve done a pretty good job with tree trimming,” he said but restated that, “when (the residents) really needed them, they were gone.”

In other news emanating from Cannon’s report to the board, the Rochester Highway Department is the recipient of a Chapter 90 (state) grant in the amount of $190,000 to be used in survey work.

            The Council on Aging Senior Center on Dexter Lane has a new custodian, Paul Santos, who will work 15 hours per week. Cleaning needs beyond what Santos can provide in those part-time hours will be hired out.

            The Town of Marion will host a Tri-Town Select Board meeting on Tuesday, January 9, at 7:00 pm at the Music Hall on Front Street across from Island Wharf.

            Cannon told the board he met with tri-town town administrators to discuss a broadband, infrastructural grant that will not require matching funds but will presumably enable the towns to identify where their signal deficiencies are. The Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) will also participate.

            Cannon outlined a tentative schedule of Select Board meetings for the 2024 winter, starting with Tuesday, January 2. He suggested the possibility of a short meeting in the days before the Special Town Meeting scheduled for January 22 at Rochester Memorial School.

            The board intends to meet on Monday February 5 and possibly on February 20, on March 4 and March 18, on April 1, and on May 15.

            The board entered executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law (Chapter 30, Section 21(a)(2)) to conduct strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel and did not return to open session.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, at 6:00 pm at the Senior Center on Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Intro to Acting & Theatre Workshops at the MAC

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The Marion Art Center with Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company, and Instructors Garrett Olson and Jess Wilson, present a series of theater workshops including a free informational session on Saturday, January 20. Cost for each session is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers, and those enrolling in all three paid sessions receive 10% off registration. The fourth and final session is free and open to all. A foul weather date is February 10. See all details and register online at marionartcenter.org/events. Attend any or all of the following workshops:

            Session One, 10 am-12 pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Want to be in the Theatre but Not on Stage: Do you love theatre, but hate the spotlight? There are lots of ways to be involved besides appearing on stage. In this 2 hour informative workshop you will have a relaxed and casual conversation with experienced theatre professionals. From box office and front of house staff to backstage crew, from designers to marketers to scenic artists to hair & makeup… it takes a lot of people to create the shows you love to applaud. Join us for an introductory look at what goes on “behind the scenes.” Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding all aspects of theatre.

            Session Two, 1 pm-3 pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Think You Want to Try Acting: Have you dreamed of being in front of the camera, up on stage or standing in the spotlight? Not sure where to begin? In this 2 hour informative workshop you will get a very basic overview of the first steps, from theatre terms and the difference between stage and film acting to how to get started with headshots, monologues, best audition practices, stage etiquette and self-care. This workshop will be an informative and casual conversation with professional working actors. Join us for an introductory look at “What’s next?” so you can turn your dream of acting into reality. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding acting.

            Session Three, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, The Actor As Advocate: This fast paced, 2-hour master class in self-advocacy and consent-based practices, including intimacy and fight safety is designed to motivate the participants and encourage them to make themselves priority one. Actors need to be safe and confident to do their best work, whether on stage, film set or recording studio and having the tools to be their own best advocate is important. The focus of this workshop is to empower each person to advocate for themselves with confidence, flair and ease. Participants will be brought into an immediate discussion regarding the most common reasons why they may fear speaking up for themselves or others and how to address it head on. The instructors who will be leading the workshop are professional actors, directors, and teaching artists who have many years of experience as advocates for individuals, organizations, and social causes. This class is a fully inclusive experience for students of all levels of experience and abilities. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions.

            Session Four: 6 pm-7 pm, Taste Of what’s To Come (free and open to all. Advanced registration recommended): During this hour, Garrett and Jess will give a brief demonstration and synopsis of upcoming theater classes and workshops at the MAC.

New Year Classes at the Marion Art Center

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Instructor Lisa Elliott will teach a new session of Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-3:30 pm in the MAC Studio, January 7-February 4. Have you ever wanted to try weaving but not sure where to begin? In five short weeks, you can learn a new fiber skill 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. Looms and weaving equipment are provided for a $10 fee, but students can provide their own loom. Students will provide their own yarns. The cost is $150 for MAC members and $160 for nonmembers, and the class is limited to six students. Register at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Two new eight week sessions of All Levels Watercolor Painting for Adults starts on January 18 and 19. Instructor Jay Ryan will teach a two-hour class on Thursday mornings from 10 am-12 pm, and he will offer a three-hour eight week course on Friday mornings from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. The cost for the Thursday class is $195 for MAC members and $225 for nonmembers, while the Friday class costs $295 for MAC members and $325 for nonmembers. Each class has a one-day drop-in option ($30 for Thursday, $45 for Friday) for those who can’t commit to the entire session or would like to get in some extra studio time with the instructor. Learn more and register online at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Registration is open for the winter session of MAC Dance Academy. Instructor Tess Hedblom and Program leader Teah Keogh will offer a 5-week winter session with Preschool and Beginner classes (ages 3-8) beginning January 8. The cost is $105 for MAC members and $120 for nonmembers. The 10-week spring session begins March 4 and costs $205 for MAC members and $235 for nonmembers. The age group for the spring session may be extended to include an intermediate class. All classes meet for half an hour on Monday afternoons. MAC Dance Academy is a low-key, low-cost dance program geared toward girls and boys ages 3+. To learn more, see the full schedule for both sessions, and to register, visit marionartcenter.org/mac-dance-academy.

Dogs Draw Crowd at ZBA

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            In a continued public hearing held November 30 in which applicants Benjamin and Elizabeth Frade had sought a Special Permit for an in-home, dog-training business at 16 Bishop Road, Rochester, Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman Dave Arancio read into the record a November 21 letter from Representative Richard Manning that the Frades have withdrawn their application without prejudice. The five members of the ZBA in attendance voted to accept that withdrawal.

            An interested citizen in a room full of attendees at the Senior Center asked for clarification on the status of ongoing dog-related activities at the address. The question posed was whether apparent, ongoing activities would require a hobby license (because it was asserted there were more than two dogs at the address), along with proof that the dogs are owned by the resident.

            After some discussion and interaction, the ZBA’s involvement in the matter was concluded, but citizens were advised to follow the application at town offices. Then the entire room full of attendees got up and exited the building.

            When it met in November, the Planning Board did not appoint any of its members to the Bylaw Review Committee, according to Arancio, who told ZBA members that he had offered to attend the Planning Board’s December meeting and suggested that such a committee “hit the ground running.”

            “I will tell you that the last time there was a Bylaw Review Committee, nobody from the Planning Board even showed up,” said ZBA member Richard Cutler.

            Arancio indicated that the Planning Board envisions a Bylaw Review Committee setting its schedule similarly to the Public Safety Feasibility Study Committee that met situationally. He also noted that while the Planning Board would hold a public hearing on any proposed bylaw change, voters would ultimately decide on any proposed bylaw change at Town Meeting.

            [Citing a full slate of commitments already in place, Arancio would request at the December 11 Select Board meeting that his appointment as chair of the new Zoning By-Law Review Committee be temporary with a plan to elect officers at the new committee’s first meeting.]

            With no petitions for meetings that would have been scheduled for December 14 and December 28, the membership determined to forgo a December meeting and schedule the next meeting of the Rochester ZBA in 2024.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

MAC Theater Auditions – Arsenic & Old Lace

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The Marion Art Center announces open auditions for the classic Arsenic & Old Lace on Saturday, January 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm and Sunday, January 7, 12:00-2:00 pm. The play, written by Joseph Kesserling, will be directed by Donn Tyler. There are nine performance dates scheduled March 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Evening shows begin at 7:30 pm, while Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 pm.

            Synopsis: Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him. Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police — not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage — it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

            View all character details and more information, and download sides (script samples), online at marionartcenter.org/auditions. Questions can be addressed to tyler.donn@gmail.com.

Chuck’s Fantasia – Artwork by Chuck McIntyre

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            From the neuro-divergent mind of Mattapoisett resident Chuck McIntyre comes an exhibit called Chuck’s Fantasia. It can be viewed at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library from January 2 to 31. Chuck considers himself an abstract surrealist although he creates landscapes and portraits as well. His acrylics are based on various themes such as emotions, states of mind, and identity. He feels his imagination and passion lead him to producing canvases the audience can be wowed by and appreciative of. Free and open to all.