Hello from Plumb Library

on

Do you have Library Event FOMO? Do you ever see photos from an event and wonder how you missed it? There are a few ways that you can keep track of all the things happening at Plumb Library.

            Sign up for the Library Newsletter. Every month you’ll be emailed a short, but informative, newsletter with upcoming events, meeting dates, and library activities.

            Follow the Library on Facebook and/or Instagram. We post frequently about upcoming events and activities for not only the Library but other local organizations as well. We also post our monthly calendar and pics from our events (with permission).

            Pick up a paper calendar at the Library. If you still like the old-school look and feel of a printed paper calendar, we have them available in the building for you to take home with all our upcoming meetings, events, and activities.

            Take a look at our website. We are in the process of making some changes to our homepage, but there is still a lot of great info to be found on our site. Coming soon: a new calendar and program registration links.

            Be a frequent visitor. The very best way to know about all the things that we’re doing here at Plumb Library is to stop in and say hello. There are always flyers and displays in the hallway and at the desk advertising our upcoming events and programs.

            Upcoming events in February include:

            For Adults: Writer’s Group 6:30 pm Thursday February 20; Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday February 27.

            For Kids: Pokemon Card Swap 11 am-1 pm Saturday February 22; Storytime with Guest Reader Jane Taylor, Library Trustee 10:30 am Wednesday February 26 (ages 3-5 years, siblings welcome).

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 charge. A great way to make sure you always have your card with you is to upload it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

            Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm We are closed on Sundays and Holidays (Presidents Day February 17). The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. We are unable to respond to email, voicemail, or Messenger outside of normal operating hours.

The Church Mouse Thrift Shop

on

After a very successful October opening and with the support of our pastor, Rev. Jude Thaddeus Osunkwo of St. Isidore Parish, the Church Mouse Thrift Shop in the former rectory of St. Rose of Lima Church at 282 Vaughn Hill Road in Rochester is expanding.

            A very dedicated group of volunteers hope you will take a ride to our country church, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and peruse our enlarged space with its Christmas shop, large selection of children’s clothing in sizes infant, toddler, and junior. While shopping, check out the children’s books and toys. Our kitchen items will delight and be useful to those looking for a gift or thrifting to set up a new home.

            Enjoy our large selection of adult men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. In the shop we have many high quality winter coats, sweaters, pants, shirts, and dresses from well-known designers including Vineyard Vines, LLBean, Nike, Under Armour, Talbots, J.Jill, and Coldwater Creek.

            We welcome your donations of new and gently used clothing, small household and kitchen items, books, games, and children’s items gladly during shop hours only, please.

            We do not accept electronics, broken items, torn or stained clothing, or bulky or large furniture items. Expanded hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Follow The Church Mouse on Facebook

Marion’s Energy Management Committee

on

To the Editor;

            Marion Has Saved over $1 Million from Renewable Energy Agreement. Renewable energy pays. A lot.

            About a decade ago, Marion’s Energy Management Committee helped negotiate an agreement to buy electricity from four new wind turbines to be built on cranberry bogs in Plymouth along Route 25. Through this so-called Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the town agreed to acquire enough power to supply about 90% of our municipal needs (town buildings, sewage treatment plant, streetlights, etc.) for 20 years, and in exchange we would receive a discount hovering around 20% off the regular rate. The agreement was simple: The town pays its monthly electric bill to Eversource as usual, then every month the town receives a check for the agreed-upon discount.

            At the time, the town explored questions about the benefits and possible downsides of the agreement:

            What if the turbines failed? Answer: The town would pay its electric bill as it always had.

            What if it’s a scam? Answer: PPAs have been around for years, supporting renewable energy projects and helping organizations save money.

            Are my tax dollars being used to fund the state incentive program? Answer: No, the funds come from a small fee on each of our electric bills every month called the “Renewable Energy Charge.” They’re typically about $1/month per household.

            The new wind turbines began pumping out electricity in 2017, and now – eight years later — we are reporting the results. As of August 2024, the town had received a total of $913,662. Monthly checks since then pushed our savings over the $1,000,000 mark. These funds go directly into Marion’s general fund to help pay for all the facilities, services, and expenses needed to run our beautiful town. Residents should also feel good about their town’s municipal electricity coming from a renewable source and not from fossil-fuel-burning power plants. Compare this with the electricity for the state as a whole: in 2023, two-thirds came from burning methane and propane (a.k.a. “natural gas”). Additional savings are reaped from a similar PPA with the ORR school district, the total for which was not available at the time of this writing.

            These renewable energy agreements are a win-win for us all: They reduce emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases that are warming the planet, which leads to more intense and volatile weather systems, higher sea levels, and more acidic ocean waters. They also save the town a boat-load of cash. Marion’s Energy Management Committee has been working on many other projects to save money and energy, and we are just getting started. Do you want to be part of the solution? Join us.

            Jennifer Francis, Marion

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.

Bulldogs Hockey Ends Season With Record High

on

Boys’ Basketball

            The Old Rochester regional high school boys’ basketball team hosted West Bridgewater on February 14, in their last game of the regular season. The Bulldogs started the game out hot, going into a full court press and not allowing West Bridgewater any breathing room.

            “Our pressure defense hurt W-B leading to some easy hoops early,” said ORR Head Coach Steve Carvalho.

            The score at the end of the first half was 51-33, as Old Rochester was showing a combination of gritty defense and pure offense. The final score was 77-55 with the Bulldogs showing no signs of slowing down in the second half. Gavin Martin was named the player of the game, scoring 23 points, dishing 7 assists, and having 5 steals. Noah Thorell came up big in the first half, scoring 15 points.

            “I’m proud of the team winning their last three games, dealing with basketball adversity and going into the tournament with hopefully some momentum,” said Carvalho.

Hockey

            The Bulldogs faced Apponequet in their final game of the regular season on February 15 and won 3-1. After a 1-3 start and being 3-7 in the middle of the season, they won six-straight games and ultimately ended the season with a record of 10-8.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

New Town Planner In Rochester

on

            Rochester’s Select Board Tuesday announced the appointment of Falmouth municipal employee Michaela Shoemaker as the new Town Planner. Her background includes recent work as the Community Development Planner in Falmouth and the Town Planner in Hanover.

            She is replacing the previous Town Planner, Nancy Durfee, who retired in December of 2024 after multiple years in the position. Rochester Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted she is not the first in her family to be in municipal planning. Her mother also worked for the New Bedford Housing Authority. “She has a lot of experience and will be a good fit,” Durant said.

            The board’s other actions on Tuesday started with the appointment of Durant as the town’s new representative to the Assawompset Pond Complex Management Team. Water Commission Chair Fred Underhill advised Durant that he needs to know more about the fact the town does not have full voting rights on that panel. Durant said the town is in the process of assigning an attorney from town counsel to research this problem.

            Durant later announced a change in how residents will be able to view Select Board meetings. Starting that night, February 18, each Select Board meeting is being broadcast live via the town’s Facebook page. He said there will be no interactive feature to these broadcasts. But he noted Rochester is the last of the three tri-town communities to do so.

            Durant also announced that articles for the May 19 Annual Town Meeting will be due on April 2.

            The board tabled until its next meeting entering into a new contract with the Solect solar energy systems company over its plan to install solar panels at Rochester Memorial School. Selectman Adam Murphy raised questions about the Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes agreement within the pact. Durant said he is seeking input on this with town counsel.

            The board approved eight new utility poles on Featherbed Lane as requested by Eversource/Verizon New England, Inc.

            The board approved a revision to the Chapter 61A land conversion for properties on High Street, County Road, Cross Street, and Forbes Road, re-asserting that the town is not exercising its right of first refusal to purchase same. Durant said there had been a filing error within the previous paperwork.

            The selectmen approved waving the Inspection Fees for the Dexter Lane and Gifford Park playground projects. The board, however, voted that henceforth all non-profit organizations should pay all required annual inspection fees. Durant said that in the past some have paid these fees and some have not, and the policy need to be more consistent.

            The board approved entering into a contract with Tax Title Attorney firm, Louison, Costello, Condom and Phaff, LLP. Durant explained the town has 14 properties under tax title dispute, totaling approximately $41,000 in value to the town. He said this is a firm recommended by town council. “This is just about cleaning up the books,” he said.

            Durant announced that SEMASS’S PILOT payment for January is $404,130.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, February 24 at 6:00 pm at 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Marion Harbormaster Open House

on

The Town of Marion’s Harbormaster Department will host an Open House at the new Maritime Center at Island Wharf on Saturday, February 22 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

Mattapoisett Congregational Church

on

If you have wandered by the Mattapoisett Congregational Church on 27 Church Street at night recently, you might have noticed a profusion of lights on its entrance. What is going on?

            Pastor Michael Frady, when questioned, explained, “As a Church community, we are intentional about the change of seasons both on our liturgical calendar and for the secular world. The use of different lighting reflects these seasons and celebrations.”

            In the past, lights were orange for Halloween, purple during Advent, red and green for Christmas and white on Christmas Eve. Currently, the lights are red to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, and the community can look forward to a festive green for St. Patrick’s Day in March. Pastor Michael said that during the summer, residents will find red, white and green lights to honor Mattapoisett’s nautical heritage.

Academic Achievements

on

Cameron Gonzalez, of Mattapoisett, earned dean’s list honors at University of Tampa for the Fall 2024 semester. Gonzalez is a Freshman majoring in Biochemistry BS ASBMB-Accredited.

            Lauren Rapoza of Marion was named to the Dean’s List during the Fall 2024 academic semester at Salve Regina University.

            Rochester Resident Paige Sommers, Member of Project Team Awarded Honorable Mention in the 2024 Worcester Polytechnic Institute President’s Interactive Qualifying Project Awards

            Benjamin D. A. Giumetti, son of Shannon and Don Giumetti of Mattapoisett has again earned Dean’s List honors at Providence College for the Fall 2024 semester. Ben is a Honors Finance major in the Ryan School of Business.

            Tufts University recently announced the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester which includes Emma Vivino, Class of 2025, of Marion, Tasha Sudofsky, Class of 2027, of Marion, Lauren Cohen, Class of 2028, of Marion, Brooklyn Bindas, Class of 2028, of Rochester, and Theo Jacobsen, Class of 2028, of Mattapoisett

Christopher M. Collins

on

Christopher M. Collins 42, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday January 29, 2025 in Washington DC. Chris grew up in North Dighton, Massachusetts graduating from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School where he excelled in academics and athletics.

            Chris continued his education receiving his Bachelor of Science in Education from UMass Dartmouth. He started his career as a middle school teacher in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Driven by his passion to influence education policy at a broader scale, Chris pursued his Master of Science in Public Policy at Brown University. After graduation, he moved to New York City where he met the love of his life, Jennifer Thomas. For the past 13 years, he dedicated his career to Moody’s Investors, focusing on the higher education sector.

            Our family is heartbroken by the passing of Chris, our cherished husband, son, brother, and uncle. Chris was a genuine adventurer with a deep passion for the outdoors and a lifelong affection for animals. While Chris and Jen crafted a vibrant city life together, Chris’s love for the outdoors remained steadfast, with a special fondness for the coastal landscapes of Brewster and the entirety of Cape Cod.

            Chris, adored by his parents, Bob and Nancy, was known for his enthusiasm for friendly competition with his brother, Matt, and for cherishing moments spent with his niece and nephew. His early discovery of the love for dogs blossomed into a deep passion that only intensified with time. Walking the dogs at Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford, CT brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

            Chris’s kindness and compassion knew no bounds, whether you were family, friends, and even strangers he encountered during his outdoor adventures. His memory will live on eternally in our hearts and minds.

            Chris is survived by his wife, Jennifer Thomas of Stamford, CT, parents, Bob and Nancy Collins of Marion, MA, brother, Matthew (wife Jennifer, children Dominic and Sienna) of North Dighton, MA, in-laws Jim and Tina Thomas of Savannah, GA and cherished aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Herbert and Lily Holt and Bob and Myra Collins.

            The Collins Family will be holding a memorial for family and friends on Saturday March 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at Wickenden Chapel in Marion, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lucky Dog Refuge CT, 36 Pulaski Street, Stamford CT 06902 or by visiting https://www.luckydogrefuge.com/ and clicking on the Chris Collins Legacy Fund.

            A public Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in Stamford, CT in early April.          Further information regarding the event will be disclosed shortly.

            A scholarship in memory of Chris will be established at a later date.

            On behalf of The Collins and Thomas Family, we express our sincere appreciation to the community for the abundant love and support shown during this challenging time. For those who would like to offer online condolences, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Sylvia Ann (Jarratt) Knight

on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screenshot