A Homeschool Cooperative in Rochester

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Interested in homeschooling? Let RCLC help. Rochester Christian Learning Center is a homeschool Christian cooperative at the First Congregational Church of Rochester, where volunteers assist parents with the homeschool education of their children. Operating three days/week, children in grades K-8 gather for academics, fun, and socialization. In addition to core academics, the children also have classes in Bible, baking, karate, music, American Sign Language, and enjoy monthly field trips.

            Rochester Christian Learning Center is accepting enrollment applications through May 15 for the 2026-2027 school year. For more information, or to apply online, please visit RochesterChristianLC.org.

Spring Nature Drawing and Journaling Program

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Join us outside (hopefully) Saturday, April 4, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm along with natural science illustrator and wetland scientist Tricia Cassady of The Art & Nature Studio to explore nature drawing and journaling in the springtime when everything is starting to bud and come alive. If you have been taking classes with us this past year you can now try out some of the techniques and materials we have been learning and apply them to your nature sketchbook/journal. Please bring any materials you are interested in working with: Pen & Ink, watercolors (small travel kit is the best), colored pencils, graphite pencils, etc…

            We will be learning how to observe, identify some of the species we see as well as how to create an appealing sketchbook page layout. We will all learn to be scientists and artists during this class. No experience necessary.

            To register please go to the museum’s website: www.marionmuseum.org.

OCRVTHS Students Host Successful Blood Drive

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Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School students recently rolled up their sleeves and gave back to the community by hosting the school’s first blood drive in nearly 10 years.

            The blood drive, which was organized by seniors Kyla Troup and Angelina Fowler, surpassed its goal of 30 donations, helping address the region’s ongoing blood shortage.

            Kyla, a Health Careers student from Carver, organized the drive as part of her civics project for U.S. Government classes.

            “I wanted to do a blood drive for my civics project because many states, including Massachusetts, are in a blood shortage crisis,” said Kyla. “This is leading to where hospitals are suffering and can only use the donor blood they have for major issues like desperate transfusions, traumas, etc. I myself have health issues requiring the need for blood transfusions, so this is a personal issue, too.”

            Once she helped form the idea, Kyla contacted the Red Cross of Massachusetts, which eagerly partnered with the school.

            The student leaders said the purpose of the blood drive was to help address the region’s blood shortage while engaging students in community service.

            They were supported by their advisor, history and English teacher Brandon Terrien, who first donated blood through a school-sponsored blood drive as a high schooler.

            Superintendent Aaron Polansky praised the students’ leadership.

            “Thanks to Kyla, Angelina and their peers, our community has come together to help those in critical need,” Superintendent Polansky said. “Their initiative shows how students can make a real difference, and we hope it inspires others to get involved in giving back.”

Kaitlyn Donna Leary Griffin “Katie”

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Kaitlyn Donna Leary Griffin “Katie”, 44, of Taunton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Morton Hospital in Taunton. She was born in Taunton, the daughter of Ret. TPD. Francis “Ted” and Patricia (Leary) Griffin of Mattapoisett. Kaitlyn overcame her disabilities and challenges with a profound triumph. Kaitlyn had a luminous aura of love that everyone around could see and actually feel. Kaitlyn’s love was genuine, sincere, and authentic.

            Kaitlyn had a distinctive one-of-a-kind generosity that no one will ever be able to duplicate. Kaitlyn was brave and strong right up until her last breath. Kaitlyn believed in Jesus Christ. Kaityln was an angel on Earth. Kaitlyn was devoted to her family. Having been blessed with a niece Kassidy (Syd), and then two nephews Declan and Collin.

            Kaitlyn began a new life of being able to share her big heart and a very deep love with each of them. Kaitlyn shared her big heart and generosity with all her cousins (almost too many to count) and their children too. Kaitlyn remembered all of their names. Kaitlyn never forgot a birthday, a special event, a face, or anyone’s name.

            Kaitlyn was the best daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and person ever. Kaitlyn was a special Olympian who earned hundreds of medals, gold, silver or bronze, it did not matter. Kaitlyn was able to compete with her lifelong friends and then celebrated their achievements together, skiing, bowling, softball, whatever sport, it was the gathering of friends after the competitions, that mattered most.

            Kaitlyn dedicated her life to children. For 20 years Kaitlyn volunteered at the YMCA in Taunton in the childcare program. There, Kaitlyn made many lifelong friends, Ms. Renee, Ms. Lisa, and Ms. Brittany are only a few. During her high school years, she assisted in a childcare program for young mothers who were able to continue their education at Taunton High School. Kaitlyn would help to care for their infants, to this day some of those mothers still remember her for longer than 20 years until Covid hit. She not only loved all of the children, she also acquired some of the best friends of her life! We now call them family. Kaitlyn’s family would like to thank cousin Dr. James Hoye for his exceptional care, love, and his unique empathy. Thank you to the ICU staff at Morton Hospital for their expert care and compassion, to our friends and family who took us through this journey with grace and compassion, Thank you. Additionally, in no particular order, Karon Terry and Jessica Sprout, we could not have gotten through these past two weeks without you, we love you, we thank you. Kaitlyn taught us how to love. Kaitlyn showed us that the little things matter. A random hello, good morning, rainbow, or smiley face text, always make your day a better day. Kaitlyn was a gift from God.

            Survivors besides her parents are her brother: Michael Griffin and his wife Nitaya; a niece: Kassidy; two nephews: Declan and Collin.

            Services were held for Kaitlyn in Taunton, Mass on March 18, 19.

Plumb Library Expands Access to Technology

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Did you know that you can borrow hotspots with your library card at the Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library in Rochester? Thanks to grant funding, the library now has ten additional hotspots available to borrow. You can also borrow a high contrast large print computer keyboard, an assistive computer mouse, or a Kobo Clara Color eReader. Technology like this can be expensive, but if you borrow it from the library, you can try it for free before you buy or borrow it for free only when you need it. The high contrast large print computer keyboard and assistive computer mouse are great for seniors and the visually impaired. The Kobo Clara Color eReader includes built-in Overdrive integration, making it easy to borrow library ebooks directly on the eReader – no computer required.

            Additionally, Plumb Library now offers access to Northstar Digital Learning, an online training program for building essential computer and digital skills. Northstar Digital Learning focuses on three main areas: essential computer skills (such as phone keyboard basics and using email), essential software skills (such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs), and using technology in daily life (such as using social media, navigating Telehealth appointments, and cybersecurity basics). Access it right at home from the library’s website: plumblibrary.com/digital-borrowing-streaming/.

Women’s History Month

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To the Editor;

            In honor of Women’s History Month, the Rochester Democratic Town Committee would like to recognize Sister Aurora Avelar for her legacy of work with immigrants and the poor in Southeast MA. The true measure of any life is how it elevates the lives of others. By that standard, Sr. Aurora Avelar was a living treasure. Her loving hands quietly lent dignity to the lives of thousands of the less fortunate. She earned her reputation as the Mother Theresa of New Bedford.

            Sr. Avelar was born in 1903 to US citizen parents on the remote Portuguese island of Corvo, Azores, which had a population of roughly 700 people. In 1923 she left this sheltered, secluded life to come to the United States at 20 years old, where she joined the Sisters of St. Dorothy and served as a teacher in New York City and Bristol, Rhode Island. In 1960, Sister Avelar arrived in New Bedford to teach at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School where she would devote the remainder of her life. She had wanted to do more for her community, and after Vatican II permitted nuns to work outside of the church, she took the opportunity to do so. Sr. Avelar continued teaching Portuguese at the parish school in the mornings but during the afternoons she ventured out into the neighborhoods of New Bedford to assist those who desperately needed help. Sr. Avelar then gave up any leisure time she had, including time to play her beloved piano. She later said, “I forgot everything… I left everything in order to help the poor.”

            A typical day for Sr. Avelar could entail accompanying someone to an immigration hearing, medical appointment, or substance abuse treatment. She assisted with English translation, immigration hearings, employment services and benefits applications. She visited the sick and the incarcerated. She helped immigrants navigate the culture and customs of their new American home. She also ran a used clothing and furniture store out of the basement of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church to aid the poor. Over the years, Sr. Avelar developed a network across local government agencies and charitable organizations to help those she took under her wing. She learned to navigate the maze of government bureaucracy and was recognized as an effective and determined advocate for those in need. Seven days a week, 365 days a year, she left those she touched in a better place than where she found them.

            Sr. Avelar did things the old-fashioned way. Lacking a driver’s license, she walked or took the bus as she crisscrossed the city, through the heat, snow, and rain, well into her eighties. Her mission was simple. “I live in a convent” she said, “I have no house to take care of, no children to take care of. I use my time for my neighbors”. These “neighbors” were anyone who needed help, no matter if they were born here in Massachusetts or anywhere else on the globe. Sr. Avelar believed in helping people become self-sufficient, saying “I help them to help themselves”. She believed in the basic decency of people. “Real Americans are good people” she said, “They love to help”; but she also believed in striving to do better, “I believe we could love one another better than we do, we could care more for others than we do”. Sister Avelar said she considered those she assisted to be her “family” and was committed to helping them improve their condition.

            Sr. Avelar was awarded “1987 Person of the Year Award” by Prince Henry Society of Massachusetts, New Bedford chapter; she also received citations from the City of New Bedford and Massachusetts Senate at that ceremony. In1996, the city of New Bedford honored her by naming the Crapo St. Community Center in her honor. This center also now also houses Casa da Saudade Library and Immigration Assistance Center. Sr. Avelar died in 1999, at the age of 96.

            Damien McCann

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.

‘You’re The World’s Greatest Filibusterer’

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            The Marion Select Board met in the Police Department on Tuesday night. On their agenda was the appointment of new full-time police officers as well as the reappointment of other town positions. They also had some discussions, with one getting a bit fiery as it went on.

            They began by approving the minutes of their last meetings, March 3 and March 10, without any alterations.

            Next, Marion Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli spoke on Police Officer positions. Tyler Paquette was first reappointed as Sergeant.

            Next was the full-time Police Officer appointments. Peter O’Brien and Brandon Carrillo just recently graduated from Police Academy. Robert Randall graduated in 2019, and is now “taking on that responsibility,” as the chief said.

            Nighelli thanked the men for their dedication and commitment to the town. He mentioned the “long hours, missed holidays, and the uncertainty” that comes with the job. He also thanked the officers’ families for their dedication as well.

            O’Brien was in the Harbormaster Office beginning in 2025 and was also a Marine for 27 years, having retired in 2023. He had spoken at that year’s Veteran’s Day ceremony in Marion. He was confirmed by the board with March 21 beginning his one-year probation period.

            Cardelli was a dispatcher since 2025 and had attended Bishop Stang and graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut with a 3.97 GPA. He was approved by the board, also beginning his probationary period on March 21.

            Randall graduated from Police Academy in 2019 and worked with Plymouth Police Department following that. He left the force and got a job in electrical work where he had his own contracting company. He wanted to come back to police work, with the chief saying he has worked hard to fulfil new requirements. He had also been part of US Army Reserves. He was approved by the board, with March 29 beginning his probationary period.

            The new Town Clerk, Katrina Desroches, performed the swearing-in ceremony.

            Next, the board made quick work of their town position reappointments. Inspector of Animals Susan Connor and Assistant Inspector of Animals Luke Mello were approved. William Horrocks was reappointed as Alternate Building Inspector. Kathy Broder was also approved for a license in Aquaculture Renewal.

            A One Day Alcohol License was granted to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church for a country-western line dance on March 28.

            Next, a $43,500 donation from the Friends of Marion Fireworks was accepted. Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman said the funds would allow the town to enter into a contract for fireworks. He cited that the total cost for fireworks was around $70,000. It’s nearly $40,000 for the fireworks themselves, and the rest is police detail, electrical, and other.

            An update on the Revocation Policy regarding licensing, including a fortune-teller license, was quickly discussed. The board said they would need more time to go through it, and so no action was made.

            There was then discussion, per Select Board Member Norm Hills, on the Inclusionary Fee Bylaw, which hasn’t been updated in four to five years. He said it has to be done yearly, per wording at the end of the document. The current fee is $75,000, but the board discussed raising it. Hills recommended $100,000, noting the proposed amount will also have to be voted at Town Meeting, though Chair Randy Parker said it may not, since the wording may give the board the ability to change since it says they must “review annually.”

            Parker recommended the Planning Board also review the bylaw. Vice Chair John Hoagland agreed and also suggested the Zoning Board of Appeals be involved. If it goes to Town Meeting, it needs a two-thirds vote of approval, per the town administrator. Parker said they have time and would like to see it be “cleared up.” Gorman said the Town Meeting Warrant is to be closed next Tuesday.

            Following that, 53G Fund Regulations for the Department of Public Works was discussed. It will allow the town to accept checks from Toll Brothers and analyze their work more closely. They agreed to also push this decision to Tuesday to give them more time to look through the regulations.

            Discussion of Island Wharf parking was next, with Hills citing examples from the town’s past. “Back in 2009 when the town transferred to Marine Resources Commission, it was to be managed as parks and recreation land,” he said, adding that the state recognized what the town can do with parks and recreation land, “and parking lots isn’t one of them.” The lot was sold to the town “for like a buck” in 1901, Hills said, adding it was for no commercial use per the original agreement. Norms argued it “should be green space … not parking or boat storage.” Hoagland stated that the general parking regulation and rules in town for those with a parking permit must be specified and clarified, and Hills agreed.

            Chief Nighelli spoke per Parker’s request, saying that for the police, it’s difficult to enforce the current parking limit of 72 hours. He said they don’t currently have the ability to check, but finished, “tell us what to enforce and we’ll enforce it.”

            Marion Marine Resources Commission Chair Vincent J. Malkoski, Jr., said, “I’m very curious why the MRC, who is appointed by the Select Board, has been ignored for a year.” Malkoski claimed the MRC sent multiple recommendations on this issue but has never received a reply. He stated he had likewise submitted other notices and questions but has “not ever” received a reply. “If you ignore us, we can’t do our job,” he said, asserting that the Select Board was making a “knee jerk reaction,” adding, “I believe you do not understand the problems that this is going to create.”

            Malkoski went on to say, “Parking is an issue in town. We all know that. I suggest we all sit down together.” Hills agreed, but the MRC Chair said he’s still been ignored nonetheless.

            Hoagland asked what his proposed solution is, but Malkoski said he doesn’t have an exact one. He believes all the town departments should get together to solve it. He then said the Select Board had a “management by crisis” approach to its work, saying it “is a problem.”

            Hills agreed with Malkoski that other parking options should be explored, but he went back to the original 1901 purpose for the land, saying parking at Island Wharf was not the original intent of the agreement, nor is it proper use of land designated for parks and recreation. Malkoski pushed for the area to stay parking, but Hills again pushed back, saying it wasn’t the original purpose. The MRC chair said, “that’s all there is.”

            “I don’t think we’re getting anywhere with this,” Parker said.

            Next, Hoagland spoke, referring to the book Master of the Senate by Robert A. Caro, when he told Malkoski, “I would say in Marion you’re the world’s greatest filibusterer I’ve ever met.” Hoagland referred to similarities between Malkoski’s approach to that of Richard Russell Jr., or who in the book is called “the world’s greatest filibusterer,” according to Hoagland. The Select Board vice chair then asked for a week to fix parking regulations.

            “It’s only a filibuster if I’m trying to stop progress,” Hoagland replied. Hoagland shot back, “I think you are.” Though Hoagland then apologized for the Select Board not getting back on the issue, he asked Malkoski, “how long do you need?” to come up with a solution to the issue. Malkoski said “you can replace me, I understand that – I want to find a resolution so we’re not doing this in six months.” As volumes rose, Hoagland then said, “we’re not getting through another summer with this – if it’s that important for you, figure it out, now!”

            Hoagland recommended a meeting be called in two weeks, but Malkoski will not be available then. Hoagland recommended, “figure it out and give it to someone else on the board to be here.”

            For public comment, resident Bill Washburn rose, saying, “I’ve got some real radical ideas.” He mentioned some “kind of vacant” lots near Tabor Academy. He said he knows they didn’t have much time to strike a deal, and added he believed Tabor “owes us a bit of a favor.” He said the town and Tabor could strike a deal to use the parking spots together, to which the board said they could explore such an option.

            “Anyone else on parking?” Parker asked. “Great,” he joked, when there was no response.

            There is a special meeting of the Marion Select Board scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Department’s conference room.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Commission Hears Eight Cases

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            The March 23 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission found eight cases being heard, both new cases and continued cases.

            First on the agenda was a new Notice of Intent filing by Alexandra Ablon Trust for property located at 4 Island View Avenue for various landscaping design projects. A full narrative is available at the commission office it was noted. The town’s conservation agent Samantha Careau had reviewed the plans and the site saying she had no concerns regarding the filing or the plans. She said that review completed by the Department of Environmental Protection did not evidence any issue with the filing. The case was conditioned. The filing was represented by David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone for owners Alexandar Ablon Trust. Work will commence during the spring planting season.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Tracey White for property located at 70 Aucoot Road for the construction of a new 2-feet by 30-feet in ground swimming pool. The filing was conditioned. There were no DEP comments.

            Also conditioned was the filing of a Notice of Intent from Donald Middleton Jr., Revocable Trust for the purposes of performing seawall repairs for property located at 2 West Silver Shell Avenue. Comments from agencies with oversight of such projects noted that no construction may take place between May 1 and May 31 due to horseshoe crab mating season.

            Coming before the commission with a Notice of Intent for the construction of a single-family dwelling in a flood zone located at 14 Barstow Street was Rick Charon of Charon and Associates. He pointed out that the structure will be FEMA compliant and that storm water will be handled with storm water recharge system. The project was conditioned.

            DEP had no comment on a project planned by Stephen Cabral for 23 Holly Woods Road owned by Mattapoisett IV Ltd. The updated plans now include one or more new wetlands areas, the construction of an ADU and sports courts. It was further noted that earlier orders of conditions for this property will be appropriately closed out.

            Conditioned on this night was a Notice of Intent filed by Vincent and Shelley Mondo III, property located at 26 Sagamore Road for the construction of an attached two car garage with a great room above. The filing was represented by Andrew Stackpole of Field Engineering.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is planned for Thursday, April 23.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Machacam Club

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The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street. Social time begins at 5pm followed by dinner at 6pm. Our speaker will be introduced at 6:40 pm. Chef Colby is planning another satisfying meal. Callers, please send your counts by 9:00 pm Monday, March 30, 2026. Please submit inquiries to cwmccullough@comcast.net.

ORRJHS Drama Club to Perform ‘Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Silas Coellner are proud to announce that the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Drama Club will present a musical about a play starring the teenage heartthrob of every girl in Shakespearean England.

            It’s called “Adventures of the Fearsome Pirate Frank,” and the ORRJHS Drama Club is performing it at the Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Auditorium, 133 Marion Road, on March 27 and March 28 at 7:00 pm, followed by a 2:00 pm performance on March 29.

            The production is a comedic, high-energy spoof that follows the story of a popular stage actor known for playing the Fearsome Pirate Frank, who becomes entangled in real-life pirate adventures when he and his fellow performers are unexpectedly kidnapped during a performance.

            The show blends humor, adventure and pop culture references, featuring a wide range of colorful characters, including pirates, mermaids and even a surprise superhero appearance, as the story unfolds both on stage and at sea.

            The production is directed by Kate Fishman, with set construction by Shawn Sivil and Rick Verbois, and illustration by Haley Roberts.

            “Productions like this showcase the incredible creativity, collaboration and dedication of our students,” said Principal Coellner. “The Drama Club continues to provide an outlet for students to express themselves, build confidence and take pride in their work, and we are excited for the community to see what they have accomplished.”

            “We are proud to support our drama students as they explore the arts and develop important life skills both on and off the stage,” said Superintendent Nelson. “The hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved in this production are impressive, and we look forward to a fantastic set of performances.”

            Tickets will be sold at the door, with admission set at $13 for adults and $7 for ORRJHS students and children 12 and under.

            “Students have been working incredibly hard and are so proud of what they have created,” said Beth Faria, ORRJHS Spanish teacher and advisor to the drama club. “They have been amazing this year, and it has been wonderful to see their dedication and excitement come together in this production. We are very proud of them and hope the community will come out to support their efforts.”