Ralph E. Sanford, Jr.

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Ralph E. Sanford, Jr., 90, a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett, MA, the beloved husband of 63 years to wife Patricia, and devoted father to Caroline, Neal, Mark, and Paul, died peacefully at home on August 15, 2023, with his family by his side.

            He was born in Westport, MA, on February 27,1933, to Ralph, Sr., and Emma (Hall). After a wonderful upbringing in Westport, the family moved to Palmer, MA, where Ralph finished high school. He then took a job as an apprenticed draftsman for General Electric located in Pittsfield, MA.

            He married and lived in Dalton, MA for several years before moving to Mattapoisett where he and Patricia raised their children. Ralph pursued his education receiving his bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a master’s degree from Bentley College. He was a gifted teacher and patient educator at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School and then as a respected instructor at Bristol Community College, retiring with the honor of professor emeritus. Ralph quietly and warm-heartedly shared his wisdom, knowledge, and joy of learning with his students, family, and all those he met.

            He was an Eagle Scout, a proud Veteran of the Army who also enjoyed sailing on Buzzard’s Bay, skiing all over the New England area, bicycling, traveling, spending time at Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH, and being a member of the AMC Four-Thousand-Footer Club. Members of the family will continue to carry on his many interests.

            He is lovingly survived by Patricia, their children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

            Calling hours are on Sunday (9/10) from 2 to 4 pm at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (9/11) at 11 am at St. Raphael Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester. Committal prayers will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 D.W. Highway, Boscawen, NH.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the services of veterans by way of the Manchester (NH) VA Medical Center (ATTN: Voluntary Service) at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester NH 03104 (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675) .To leave a message of condolence, please visit https://www.lambertfuneralhome.com/

Marijuana Store Down to Details

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            Rochester’s Select Board Monday signed the host agreement for Megan’s Organic Market, the recreational marijuana retail store planned for 621 County Road, with two amendments, one altering the fee structure and the other a slight change in location.

            Prior to the board approving and signing the document, Select Board member Brad Morse explained that state law has changed the provision that allowed a town to charge a flat fee to a marijuana-related business moving into its community. The new law, he said, states that a host community must compile the cost of services the town renders to the business and charge that amount yearly.

            Of the location change, Morse said the store is merely moving from one building to the other on the same business pad and property at the Rochester Crossroads mixed use development site at Routes 58 and 28.

            But the change led Megan’s Organic Market attorney Chris Alphen, appearing remotely via Zoom, to request a change in venue for the follow-up community-outreach meeting that is required under state law for a marijuana-related business moving to a Massachusetts community. He asked to be allowed to host this meeting on Zoom rather than in person.

            The Select Board approved this change after Town Administrator Glenn Cannon noted few people attended the initial outreach meeting in January 2023. In fact, he said, he was the only member of the public who attended that meeting.

            The Planning Board is now considering the business’s Special Permit and Site Plan Review applications. On August 8, the Planning Board continued the project’s hearing until September 12 after approving two waiver requests: a reduced distance from the stormwater treatment center of only 157.2 feet and a reduced distance between stormwater system and the sewerage system of 132 feet.

            Under correspondence, Morse alluded to a recent complaint against the flagpole at the Plumb Public Library by announcing the town has no authority over the library, as it is managed by the Library Board of Trustees. He added only that the Board of Trustees meeting of September 14 will discuss the issue.

            After the meeting, Cannon said he believes the flag in question was the “rainbow” flag. In a separate interview, Library Director Kristen Cardoso would not comment on the nature of the complaint, saying only that it will be discussed on September 14.

            In other business within the Select Board meeting, the board approved a newcomer to town, Drew McManus, as a new associate member of the Conservation Commission. Morse noted the recent transplant to Rochester is the conservation agent for the Town of Mashpee.

            The Select Board set its next meeting for Tuesday, September 5, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way. Cannon explained this will not be a Monday meeting because September 4 is Labor Day.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

A Boston Pops Season Finale

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On Friday, August 25, the Marion Concert Band will close its 2023 season with a concert in the style of the Boston Pops Orchestra. The program, which includes a tuba soloist and selections by Boston Pops arranger Leroy Anderson and former Pops conductor John Williams, is as follows:

Montmartre March – H. Wood

Skydance – R. Sheldon

Strike Up the Band – G. Gershwin

A Touch of Tuba – A. Dedrick; Reece Ashley, tuba

Belle of the Ball – L. Anderson

Bugler’s Holiday – L. Anderson

Clarinet Escapade – R. Ward

John Williams: Evening at Pops – arr. J. Higgins

The Waltzing Cat – L. Anderson

Mancini. – H. Mancini

Young Person’s Guide to John Williams – arr. J. Bocook

The Stars and Stripes Forever – J. P. Sousa

            Reece Ashley is an active tubist in Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts. Along with the Marion Concert Band, Reece has performed with many ensembles, including the Washington Commanders Marching Band, the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, the Metro west Symphony Orchestra, the Tri Country Symphonic Band, and many more. He completed his undergraduate degree in Tuba Performance at Rhode Island College and will be attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee to pursue a master’s degree in Tuba Performance beginning in the fall of 2023.

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. The concert is free and open to the public. “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Second Annual RE-Art: Recycled Art Show

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The Mattapoisett Sustainability Partnership will host the second annual RE-Art Recycled Art Show from August 29 through September 2. The Community Room at the library will become a gallery featuring artworks made from recycled materials. Last year, artists contributed works of collage from recycled paper, sculpture from found objects, paintings that featured bottle caps among other great works. The intention of this show is to bring attention to the amount of waste that can be found in our environment as well as creative ways to repurpose that waste. Artists can still sign up until August 22 to be part of this show. Email to director Jennifer Jones at jjones@sailsinc.org to get the details for participating.

            Members of the public are encouraged to stop by the library during the week to view the show. The gallery will be open during the library’s operating hours. A reception will be held on Saturday, September 2 at 2:00 pm for all to enjoy. Light refreshments will be served.

            On Saturday, August 26 from 10 am to 1 pm, as we are setting up the gallery, members of the Mattapoisett Sustainability Partnership will host a workshop on creating cards from upcycled fabric and other notions. Come in to sew a card and learn how you can upcycle scrap fabric into art. No registration is necessary. Experience with a sewing machine is helpful but not required. Adults must be present to assist children. Contact the library at (508) 758-4171 with any questions or email to mfpl@sailsinc.org to get more information.

Mattapoisett Library Artist Exhibit

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Come to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library between September 5 and September 30 to see Chris Morgado’s photographs of rock and roll concerts. Morgado’s interest in rock and roll photography stems from his early participation in a punk rock band in which he performed. Morgado is a former summer resident of Mattapoisett, where his extended family has lived for more than 120 years – he now lives in New York. He holds a BFA in theater and communications from Salem State University. When not working as Supervisor of the World Wrestling Entertainment Media Library, Morgado photographs concerts using a Canon Adjustable lens camera and iPhone. His intention is not to document the event, but to create an impression – to put the viewer in the moment to experience the cacophony of sound and light from the concert venue.

Janet Theresa (Burdette) Risgin

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Janet Theresa (Burdette) Risgin. She passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 11, 2023 at the age of 76.

            She was the loving and devoted wife of the late John E. (Jack) Risgin with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She was also the loving daughter of the late Everette A. and Helen M. (Long) Burdette, born on March 31, 1947 in Washington D.C.

            Janet is survived by her 3 children: Jill K. Risgin and Antonio Botta of Wareham, MA; John A. Risgin and his wife Leanne of Dartmouth, MA; and Joseph E. Risgin and his wife Julie of Franklin, MA. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren: Dylan Zell, Adrienne Risgin, Ethan Risgin, Jamison Risgin and Ruby Risgin. She is also survived by her four siblings: Gary Burdette of Scottsdale, AZ; Sharon Francis of Bakersfield, CA; Steven Burdette of Pleasant Hill, CA and Deborah Burdette of Tulsa, OK.

            A wake service will be held for Janet on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals located at 50 Country Road (Rt 6) Mattapoisett, MA. She will be cremated with her ashes to be scattered at a later date along with our Father’s. For full obituary, directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

ZBA Renews Variance for Multi-Family Home

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            Rochester’s Zoning of Appeals on August 10 reapproved two variances to allow the construction of a multifamily home at 149 Marion Road.

            Amy and Jesse Hartley-Matteson were returning to the board because they had let the previous variance approvals for the project lapse without starting work; such variances are valid for only one year. Amy Hartley-Matteson said they were unaware of the one-year limit, as it was given only a one-sentence mention in the paperwork they signed, and they had not yet started that part of their renovations. Zoning board members responded they had no problem renewing what had been granted a year ago.

            The petitioners were seeking a variance of the lot-size requirements and another variance to allow an increase in the floor-structure area to exceed 30%, with the goal of turning a single-family dwelling into a multifamily home so Amy’s parents, Woody and Sharon Hartley, may live there.

            Next, the ZBA was less positive toward a variance request of the 40-foot minimum setback requirement for an existing pool shed at 2 Bishop Road. The board continued the hearing to August 24 after noting doubts that it would grant approval.

            Consulting engineer John Romanelli said the 12×16-foot shed at 2 Bishop Road is less than 40 feet from 0 Bishop Street because he made a mathematical error when drawing the lot lines. Now the owner of 0 Bishop, Mark Wilson, wants to sell his vacant lot. But the pool shed owned by Romanelli’s client, Logan Smith, 2 Bishop Road, is massive, filled with electrical and other equipment, and would be difficult to move.

            ZBA member Richard Cutler set the tone of the board’s response by noting, “This is a created hardship. It’s not allowed.”

            Romanelli said he cannot make the other lot conform to town zoning without ruining the shed, resulting in a lot of expense. Board member Jeffrey Costa suggested it would not be as big of a concern if the neighbors had no problem with it. ZBA Chairman David Arancio motioned a short recess to let Romanelli to speak to Smith before seeking a withdrawal or a continuance, but Romanelli was unable to contact him.

            When motioning the continuance to August 24, Arancio proposed that both property owners attend the meeting and that any ultimate agreement between the two be in writing to guard against the issue becoming a problem in the future.

            In other action, the ZBA agreed to organize its own bylaw-review subcommittee. Arancio said he has yet to hear from Town Counsel on Town Planner Nancy Durfee’s proposal to create a similar, less-formal bylaw study group. The board set creating the subcommittee at its next posted meeting.

            The Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, August 24, at 7:15 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Accessory-Dwelling Bylaw Debated

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            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust held a substantial discussion during Tuesday night’s public meeting on a potential bylaw revision to the existing one governing accessory dwelling units, but movement is not imminent.

            “Norm (Hills) wants to slow down on this, (but) the thing is, if we wait for the Codification Committee, what do you feel in this bylaw needs to be tied to any other bylaw? Toby (Ast) did a nice little rendition here,” said AHT Chairperson Terri Santos.

            Hills explained that many of the bylaws that he has spent countless hours sifting through are problematic because they conflict with other overlapping bylaws. He doesn’t want the same thing to happen with the bylaw that addresses accessory dwelling units.

            Referencing the last Planning Board meeting that engaged in a discussion with concerned residents regarding short-term rentals in their neighborhoods, Hills said, “they’re all tied together. I don’t think we can do one without the other. Short-term rentals basically suck up any affordable units.”

            Santos countered that most of the properties in Marion that are being rented are high end.

            “They all get swept under the same rug,” said Hills. “A bylaw is written without consideration of impact on others … then the building commissioner is trying to (weigh) … doing this in a vacuum is not a good idea.”

            Santos believes that the whole short-term, rental issue can be addressed by adding to the governing bylaw. Hills noted the Planning Board’s intentions to write a short-term-rental bylaw.

            Eileen Marum, the AHT’s newest member but no stranger to municipal government or housing matters, referenced existing rental bylaws in Barnstable and Alford.

            Ast noted that the last Planning Board meeting saw several residents criticizing short-term rentals. Santos estimates that there are 50 short-term rentals in Marion. Ast and Hills plan to work together on the accessory-dwelling bylaw.

            The trust voted to approve the draft letter of reply to former Select Board member John Waterman’s letter recommending the town do away with the Affordable/Inclusionary Housing Bylaw.

            Member Susan Miller’s effort to fast-track Marion into a rain-barrel water program meant to assist the needy has met obstacles.

            Ast consulted with Community Preservation Committee Chairman Jeff Doubrava, whom he says does not think CPA funds can be used for the rain barrels. Ast reported the same general response from the nonprofit Community Preservation Coalition.

            Miller said the number of Mattapoisett homeowners taking advantage of the program is up from 47 to 57. “It’s something that’s meant to help with the water bill, but it’s not for everyone,” she said.

            Santos suggested a look into grant-funding opportunities.

            The AHT potentially has two new members, including applicant Chris Collings, a former member of the Planning Board.

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, at 6:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Mick Colageo

Locals Working for Collaborative

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            The South Coast Public Health Collaborative met virtually on Monday morning and announced three hires, including Gabrielle Almeida as the full-time PHE Shared Services Health Specialist (inspector), Shallyn Rodriguez as the part-time PHE Shared Services Health Specialist (inspector) and Olive Wicherski as PHE Shared Services coordinator.

            Almeida, who is scheduled to start her new full-time job on Monday, August 21, left her post as Mattapoisett’s administrative assistant to the Board of Health, but as an employee of the collaborative, could spend time in her new role serving Mattapoisett.

            Rodrigues’ new part-time role with the collaborative calls for up to 15 hours per week on top of the 30 hours she works as Marion’s Health agent.

            As coordinator, Wicherski plans to meet with representatives from each member town to learn local regulations and get a feel for what towns are looking for in the collaborative.

            Presiding over Monday morning’s meeting, Westport Director of Public Health Matt Armendo reported that all member towns have signed the Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA.)

            In a meeting last week with the Rochester Board of Health, Armendo explained the pact, stating that the grant funding will last until at least 2033. The initial grant last year was $300,000, he said, and another $300,000 was received this year. A total of $132,000 will be added to that amount for 2024.

            On Monday, he explained that each member community has a primary representative who can vote and alternate members who can vote in the primary member’s absence.

            Representing Mattapoisett, Public Health Nurse Emily Field is the primary member, and Board of Health Chairman Carmelo Nicolosi is the alternate.

            Representing Marion, Health Director Lori Desmarais is the primary member; the Board of Health will discuss its official representative going forward, Albin Johnson, Dr. Ed Hoffer or Dr. John Howard.

            Representing Rochester, Board of Health Chairperson Sarah Tisdale Eby is the primary member, and Public Health Nurse Connie Dolan is the alternate.

            Lakeville will be represented primarily by Board of Health Chairman Chris Spratt, and Armendo represents Westport, the host town.

            “The next meeting is going to be interesting,” said Armendo, who invited members to request topics for the agenda as all the new hires will be officially on board and available to take questions.

            The collaborative is looking into holding a health fair in the fall, and there could be training sessions with guest speakers on particular subjects.

            Armendo asked member-community representatives if, like Westport (the host town of the collaborative), other member towns have regulations requiring the phasing out of cesspools. More to the point, he asked how towns are approaching homeowners dealing with financial hardships related to septic requirements.

            According to Armendo, the state Department of Environmental Protection now allows a 0% loan. No other member town has applied for such, but Marion Health Director Lori Desmarais noted that Marion is exploring opportunities to support betterments in town.

            Spratt said Lakeville is “pretty active with betterments” but noted that while the 5% loan is available to everyone, the 0% loan sponsored by MassDEP is based on income.

            Armendo also told member-town representatives that he will send out information on a grant-type program for homeowners.

            It was noted that Rochester was not represented on Monday morning’s Google Meet.

            The next meeting of the South Coast Public Health Collaborative is scheduled for Thursday, September 21, at 9:00 am in person in Westport.

South Coast Public Health Collaborative

By Mick Colageo

SHS Speaker Series Presents Author Lauren Wolk

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The Sippican Historical Society Speaker Series presents author Lauren Wolk on Thursday, August 24, 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall.

            Wolk’s award-winning and beautifully written novels for young adults are a delight for all ages. Winner of the Scott O’Dell prize for historical fiction and recipient of multiple Best Book of the Year awards, Beyond the Bright Sea takes place on Buzzards Bay in the 1920s on Cuttyhunk and Penikese islands. Wolk’s first novel, Wolf Hollow, was also named Best Book of the Year by many publications as well as being a Newbery Medal Honoree and a New York Times bestseller.

            Wolk will discuss her writing technique, where she finds inspiration and ways to research and build stories. A reception and book signing will follow the talk; books will be available for sale.

            Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just love to read, join the Sippican Historical Society Thursday, August 24, 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The talk is free, but registration is requested at info@SippicanHistoricalSociety or 508.748.1116.