Shortest Town Meeting in History?

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The Marion Special Town Meeting was held in Sippican School on Monday. It began promptly at 6:45 pm, with Moderator Brad A. Gordon saying prophetically, “Hopefully this’ll be quick.”

            Residents were leaving in droves just eight minutes later but not due to some protest or disagreement – the meeting was over. The two articles voted on had passed with no debate, nor even a single “nay” vote.

            Article 1S: Transfers 2,977 square feet of land from the custodianship of the Select Board to the Open Space Acquisition Commission for the Shared Use Path.

            Article 2S: Grants a license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises to C & J Sull LLC (doing business as the soon-to-open J. Sull Wine at 119 Wareham Road).

            The only public comment was from a resident who, before the vote on Article 2S, said he had purchased liquor from C & J Sull and that they were an upstanding family with whom he liked to do business.

            After the unanimous votes of approval and so little discourse, Chair of the Select Board Randy Parker closed the meeting. The moderator said, “That’s the shortest Town Meeting in history.”

Marion Special Town Meeting

By Sam Bishop

Donna A. (Baker) Green

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Donna A. (Baker) Green, 79, of Mattapoisett, peacefully passed away on March 17, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of Donald A. Green for 58 wonderful years.

Born in New Bedford, Donna was the daughter of the late Richard W. Baker of Newton and Mary T. (Taylor) Baker of Dartmouth. A proud 1965 graduate of Dartmouth High School, Donna was known for her spirited cheerleading and even won the Best Dressed Award during her school years. As a child, she cherished summers spent at Wilbur Point in Fairhaven and winters in Dartmouth.

Remembered as a devoted mother, an amazing grandmother to her pride and joy Olivia, and a dear friend to many. Donna was the heart and soul of her family. She worked diligently in medical offices in Mattapoisett and contributed her talents through contract work at Seconds Count Consignment store.

Donna’s passions included gardening in her yard and enjoying the sunshine at Ned’s Point in Mattapoisett-her happy place. She loved spending quality time with family and friends and treasured road trips to Jackson, New Hampshire.

Donna will always be remembered for her deep love for family, honesty, generosity, integrity, humility, and tireless dedication.

She is survived by her husband Donald; her children, Christopher T. Green and his spouse Arthur of Lansing, MI, and Beth A. Green of Winthrop, MA; and her granddaughter, Olivia Rose Alliette Green.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Anita Regan and the wonderful staff at Regan Care Partners Home and Healthcare for their care and compassion shown to Donna during her stay.

In Lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation, https://lmcancer.org/

Her visiting hours will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 2-4 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Update On Shared Use Path

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            The Marion Pathway Committee met on Thursday, March 12 to give general updates on the Marion Shared Use Path, like the path’s current timeline, land appraisal, and the land swap to be voted upon at next week’s Special Town Meeting.

            Chair John Rockwell began the meeting by saying, “Well, we have a good timeline right now guys.” He added there will be a “conflict resolution meeting” on April 6 between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the project engineer to ensure “any little things that have to be fixed, they’ll come out of that meeting.”

            Rockwell also said the date at which construction will begin is currently August 15, though he mentioned the current grant to fund appraisals/acquisitions for the project expires towards the end of June, saying, “It’s gonna be close,” but added they have requested an extension on said grant. Another grant for acquisitions doesn’t expire until June 2027, the Chair said. He also stated appraisals can soon begin with ROW (right-of-way) Appraisal Contracts currently under review.

            For the land swap, Rockwell explained, “there is a three-thousand-foot corner of the Washburn Park extension that’s being crossed,” and added there is currently an existing deed restriction that prevents desired developments without a property transfer. The property is owned by the town but was originally intended for use by the Department of Public Works, with the thought at the time being it could possibly be used for a DPW building. The original wording of the agreement means any non-DPW development is not currently allowed.

            The reason this land swap needs a Special Town Meeting is due to timing, as the delay on waiting to the May Town Meeting could push the project past its grant deadlines.

            The Marion Special Town Meeting will be on Monday, March 23 at 6:45 pm in Sippican School, 16 Spring Street.

            The next meeting of the Marion Pathway Committee was not scheduled at adjournment.

Marion Pathway Committee

By Sam Bishop

Music at the MAC

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Carl Beverly & Richard D. Lewis are Making Music to Change the World on Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 pm Carl Beverly & Richard D. Lewis will be Making Music to Change the World. Carl and Richard are two gifted singer-songwriters whose music embodies the very best qualities of the human experience to inspire us all to create a more egalitarian and humane world. Come join us to hear well crafted songs with beautiful melodies and lyrical messages that will give you hope that, yes., we can save the planet and truly make the world a better place for ALL of humanity. General admission tickets are $25 for MAC members and $30 for nonmembers. The MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. Tickets and more information for this concert available at marionartcenter.org/events.

Mary Leona “Lee” (Harrington) Talty

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Mary Leona “Lee” (Harrington) Talty, 87, of Mattapoisett, passed away. on March 21, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard F. Talty.

Born in Malden, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Patrick L. and Mary (Martin) Harrington. She grew up in Medford and Malden before moving to Mattapoisett in 1966, the town she would call home for the next six decades.

Before becoming a nurse – and before meeting Bernie – Lee first felt called to serve through the Catholic Church. At eighteen, she spent several months in Baltimore discerning a vocation with the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Though she ultimately realized she was not called to religious life, that quiet season of prayer and reflection shaped her deeply. A life of service would always be her calling.

Lee graduated from Malden Hospital School of Nursing in 1961 and began her career as one of the first nurses to work in one of the earliest intensive care units built outside of Boston. She was immensely proud of her work as a nurse. After settling in Mattapoisett, she later worked as a private duty nurse, often arranging her shifts opposite Bernie’s at Rodney Metals in New Bedford so that one parent was always home with their six children.

As her children grew older, Lee served for many years as a floor nurse at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford – tenderly caring for others at the same time her own mother resided there. She later worked close to home at the Mattapoisett Nursing Home, and eventually became the nurse at Tabor Academy in Marion, where she remained until her retirement.

Lee’s steady example of compassion and competence inspired two generations of healthcare providers. Her daughter Kerrin became a palliative care and end-of-life nurse after many years as a teacher. Her granddaughter Hallie is a registered nurse pursuing her Nurse Practitioner degree, and her granddaughter Kaylee is a Physician’s Assistant. Nothing made Lee prouder.

She was a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church and attended daily Mass faithfully until 2020. Lee was also an avid tennis player, playing for years with friends in Mattapoisett and Marion, and later in Florida, where she and Bernie spent time in The Villages.

Lee was predeceased by her sister, Roberta McNamara.

She is survived by her children: Bernard Talty and his wife Julie Court Talty of Mattapoisett; David Talty and his wife Marla Brierley Talty of Wareham; Leanne Taillon and her husband Donald of Greenville, South Carolina; Kevin Talty and his wife Colleen Mahoney Talty of York, Maine; Kerrin Pratt and her husband Tim of Warner, New Hampshire; and Brendan Talty and his partner Jolie Kouta, also of Mattapoisett.

Lee leaves cherished grandchildren: Nicholas and Nolan Taillon; Kaylee Mattiello and her husband Anthony; Andrew Talty; Hallie Windhurst and her husband Nick; Catherine, Matthew, and Maggie Talty; U.S. Army Capt. Devin Pratt; Samuel Pratt; and Benjamin Pratt; as well as Jayce and Rylee Kouta. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, Magnolia Joy Taillon and Isabella Ann Mattiello.

Lee’s life was defined by quiet faith, steady devotion to family, a fierce work ethic, and a nurse’s heart that never stopped caring. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the patients she comforted, and the generations she inspired.

Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 1st at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, March 31st from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Southcoast Health at Home Hospice who provided amazing and compassionate care to Lee, and who were a wonderful support system for her family. Donations are used for patients/families that have financial difficulties. Southcoast Health at Home Hospice 200 Mill Road Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Oliveira

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Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Oliveira, 80, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his family.

Born on March 25, 1945 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to John Oliveira and Celina Amarello Oliveira, Larry grew up in the south end of New Bedford with a strong faith, loyalty to his family, and a sense of purpose that would define every chapter of his life. He graduated Holy Family High School in 1962 and earned his undergraduate degree from Stonehill College in 1966. He continued on to Georgetown University, where he received his DDS in 1970, and in 1972 completed his orthodontic studies at Boston University. Larry later returned to BU as a teacher in their orthodontic clinic – a testament to both his expertise and his commitment to giving back to his profession. Larry went on to establish a thriving practice in New Bedford and Mattapoisett that brought beautiful, healthy smiles to countless families across the region.

Larry built something truly remarkable in Mattapoisett – not just a home, but a life full of meaning, laughter, and generosity. He was devoted to his wife of over 50 years, Charlotte (Green) Oliveira of New Bedford, and together they created a family legacy that will echo through generations. He was a lovingfather to three sons. They and their spouses are Dr. Neil and Elizabeth Oliveira of Mattapoisett, Drs. Kevin and Tristi Oliveira of Marion, and Mr. Steven and Hon. Caroline Oliveira of Mendham, NJ. His greatest joy may well have been his ten grandchildren Ryan, Luke, Joshua, Leah, Grady, Charlotte, Henry, George, Alexandra, and Thomas, each of whom knew firsthand what it meant to be unconditionally loved and supported. He is survived by his siblings Mrs. Terry Gaffney and her husband Jim and Msgr. John Oliveira. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Celina Oliveira, and his sisters Celina and Gloria.

A devout Catholic and proud parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett, Larry’s faith was a quiet but constant presence in his life. He gave generously of his time and talent to his community, serving on the board of Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford and on the boards of several community banks. He was active in many organizations within Mattapoisett, and those who worked alongside him knew they could always count on his steady hand, honest counsel, and thoughtful leadership.

Those who had the privilege of calling Larry a friend would describe him, without hesitation, as a man of high standards who never needed to announce them because he lived them. Larry would do anything for anyone, at any time, without a second thought. He treated every person he met with genuine respect. Larry always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially on the golf course. He loved the game and cherished both the competition and the memories made…as long as he kept the score and all bets were settled before anyone left the course!

Though he never skied a slope or took to the water himself, he took enormous pride in making sure everyone around him could. He owned a ski house in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire and kept multiple boats – not for himself, but for the sheer joy of watching his family make memories. That was Larry: always giving, always providing, always quietly making the lives of others a little fuller.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at The Golf House Restaurant at The Bay Club in Mattapoisett on Thursday, March 26th from 4-7pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 27th at 10 AM in St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett, please meet directly at church.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford, MA – Donate – Nativity Preparatory School New Bedford

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Toll Brothers Seek Dock Expansion

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The Marion Planning Board met on Monday with their new member, Sean Sweeney. Sweeney will serve as a member for the remainder of the term, until the Marion Town Election on May 15 where he can pursue re-election.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of minutes from March 2, the board had correspondence with the Zoning Board of Appeals. The ZBA had received the application of Toll Northeast V Corp. (Toll Brothers Inc.) for the potential enlargement of the dock at their property on 78 Wareham Road. “They’re just asking for the existing dock there to be bigger,” member Tucker Burr said. The dock would reach farther into the Weweantic River, just south of where Route 6 crosses.

            Sweeney, at his first meeting, recommended a variance or a retractable Special Permit that would allow the town to maintain a grip on what development is pursued by the owners. Member Ryan Burke added that approach not only polices the waterway on the river, but also Wareham that lies across.

            As the dock would serve as an “association dock/pier” serving multiple homes, members of the board were unresolved as to what course to recommend or what permits are needed. Vice Chair Alanna Nelson recommended the ZBA refer to other association piers. Chair Andrew Daniel concurred, saying along with that, they recommend the ZBA puts in wording to prohibit certain activities like fires and also wouldn’t rely on the town for maintenance and upkeep of the dock and accompanying trail.

            The meeting was adjourned, with the next meeting of the Marion Planning Board scheduled for Monday, April 6 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

250 Years Since The Evacuation of Boston

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            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, the victor of the stalemate at Boston had been decided by the force of cannons. For nearly a week, artillery, brought by Colonel Henry Knox roughly 300 miles from Ticonderoga, rained down balls of cast iron on the city. The British, under lead of General William Howe, had announced their intention to leave on March 10, 1776. The four Boston Selectman trudged out to inform the Continental Army of this decision a few days later. The British continue to bunker down in the city, awaiting the stormy weather to turn in their favor.

            March 14, 1776, was a busy one, with the Continental Army awaiting any move by the British or any confirmation they are in fact leaving. General George Washington writes to Major General Charles Lee in New York, informing Lee of the successes so far, “The enemy were thrown into the utmost consternation when they perceived the next morning what had been effected the preceding night and made preparations to dislodge us – but a very heavy storm of wind and rain frustrated their designs.” His main message for writing, however, is highlighted by him continuing, “It is most probably their destination is for New York.”

            Though he has not yet said it, Washington is under stress as he feels must hasten the capture of Boston and immediately march west to defend New York City from counterattack. He concludes his message to Lee, “I am much pleased with your plans for the defense and security of New York,” and tells him of his continuing mission to recruit more troops and send them to the city. That same day, he writes to Major General William Alexander, known as “Lord Stirling” due to his prolonged claim to a Scottish title. He tells this Major General that he is sure General Howe is to depart eminently, but adds, “I am of the opinion that New York is their destination.” He warns that the British must not be allowed to capture New York, and refers to Boston, saying, “So long possession of the town of Boston, against and army superior in numbers, and animated with the noble spirit of liberty, I say you may judge by that, how much easier it is to keep an enemy from forming a lodgment in a place than it will be to dispossess them.” He signs off, finishing with, “the fate of America depends on you and the army under your command.”

            Back to Boston, in his General Orders for the day, Washington warns that he has received word from his intelligence network that the British may be trying to get Smallpox to spread throughout the city, thus, to ravage the Continental Army after the city’s capture. He tells men and their officers to follow instructions to the letter, and demands “the strictest obedience” to avoid the pox’s spread.

            On March 15, finally, the wind and weather are deemed favorable for departure. Boston’s four Selectman are summoned by General Howe. They are told the British are to embark today and will leave no man behind. He instructs the Selectman to ensure civilians remain inside during this time. If there is heavy resistance, either from without or within the city, Howe says his men will raze the city. Before the departure can be underway, however, the wild weather of late-winter swings again, again delaying the operation.

            Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Reed, confidant to Washington, writes to congratulate the general, while also poking for news. He says, “We shall be very anxious for further accounts as these have left you at a critical point of suspense when we are led to expect some very important change may soon happen.” These important changes were happening, though unfortunately for Reed in Philadelphia, he would still have a number of days to wait to get the news.

            March 16 was a lousy day for both sides. Torrential rain battered the troops and turned roads into impassable mud heaps. Over one-hundred British ships rock back and forth in the harbor, not quite able to fulfill their goal.

            That is until March 17. The British sought not to wait longer, as this day marked a week since Howe made the decision to leave Boston. Before the sun would even rise, at 4:00 am, the British began their evacuation, finally seeing a break in the constant storms. It took around five hours, and by 9:00 am, the British were out of the city.

            Over 8,000 troops, 667 women, 553 children, around 1,100 loyalist Bostonians and Massachusetts refugees departed on between 120 and 170 Royal Navy ships. The total number being over 11,000 departing, making it roughly equivalent to over 2/3 the modern-day population of the Tri-Town leaving over such a short period of time. Records indicate the Royal Navy was comprised of around 250 ships at the start of the Revolution, making it likely that half the force was present in Boston Harbor for what would be known as “Evacuation Day.”

            The siege had begun just following the Battles of Concord and Lexington on April 19, 1775. It finally concluded roughly 333 days later. It would also be just over six years after the Boston Massacre, which occurred on March 5, 1770.

            The Continental Army under Major General Artemis Ward were apprehensive in their entrance to the city. He initially led with troops already previously exposed to smallpox, though the rest of the band would enter the battered city in the following days.

            Washington had been constantly thinking ahead, beyond Boston. On March 16, the day before the evacuation, he had written Colonel Jeduthan Baldwin to leave Massachusetts and “proceed immediately” to New York. He is already pivoting to the location of the next standoff. His General Orders for March 17 were simple and only one sentence: “The regiments under marching orders, to march tomorrow at sunrise.”

            What of the 11,000 evacuees? The Redcoats themselves would regroup in Canada, namely Halifax. Of the loyalists, many would settle in London. Others made Canada their new home, where in New Brunswick, the large swell of loyalist settlers would lead to the unification of two neighboring cities, Parrtown and Carleton, into Saint John, NB.

            The capture of Boston by the Americans and the evacuation of the British would mostly put an end to any large-scale conflict in New England. The southern shore would continue to be a target for naval skirmishes and raids. However, the British targets would mostly move to the south, except for the Battle of Rhode Island, which occurred in 1778. We’ll get there in a couple years…

            So, as Washington marches west, Massachusetts captured and Crown driven out, let’s take a quick peak at what the other notable figures of the time are up to.

            Benedict Arnold is still in the slowly-thawing north. He maintains a presence in the outskirts of Quebec City, though any siege or blockade of the city is virtually impossible. He is to be replaced in April and will subsequently fight in other battles in the border region as he makes his way south.

            The Adams’s, both John and Samuel, are Massachusetts Delegates to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Both men express their impatience and are at this time pushing for a formal declaration of independence by the colonies. Thomas Jefferson is a Delegate from Virginia and finds himself in the company of John Adams in their desire for independence. The two men would become close friends around this time.

            Seventy-year-old Benjamin Franklin has served as the first Postmaster General. He is also a Pennsylvania Delegate to the congress. He also convenes with the pro-independence faction.

            The smith Paul Revere has traveled back and forth from Philadelphia and Massachusetts and recently opened America’s second powder mill in Canton, MA, tackling the continuing lack of gunpowder. He would mark his return to Boston on March 21, a few days after the evacuation.          

            John Hancock maintains his presidency over the congress, having recently married Dorothy Quincy and having his first child. He has largely worked behind the scenes, securing funds, army volunteers, and other support for Washington’s army.

            Looking a bit to the future, we have some popular figured not yet touched upon that will soon show themselves in the chronology. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton are both currently in New York City, with both men soon showing their importance as the battle comes to them.

            An eighteen-year-old Marquis de La Fayette, or just Lafayette, is in Paris and has expressed his immense personal support for the American cause, all while the French monarch eyes involvement.

            This weekly column will go on, though most Revolutionary War events will shift outside our home in New England proper. I, the author, will do my best to continue to scavenge the records and will relate back what I can find on the history of our home as I come across relevant information.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Master the Art of Public Speaking at the Mattapoisett Library

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Join storytellers Karen Chace and Andrea Lovett at the library on Tuesday, March 24, at 3:30 p.m. for “Polish Up Your Presentation.” This charismatic duo will lead a 90-minute public speaking workshop that is both fun and friendly. There will be interactive exercises, real talk, and skills you’ll use immediately. Whether you’re giving a class presentation, interviewing for a job, or have a desire to feel more confident speaking up, this workshop is for you! Stop dreading presentations. Start dominating them. Space is limited. Register online to save your spot.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at (508) 758-4171.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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As you know from reading the Wanderer or looking at the Town of Rochester website, the Rochester Historical Commission sells plaques to owners of historical Rochester homes. Recently a plaque request that spanned at Snipatuit R least two years was granted. With assistance from the Rochester Historical Society and some wise Rochester residents, the plaque was ordered and should soon be gracing the home at 392 North Ave.

            The reason this plaque took longer than usual is the house in question was not always located where it is today. Originally built in 1799, it was not an addition but rather an original part of the building which still stands at 780 Snipatuit Rd. This was once the Chaddock Academy Boarding House. It was across the road from the Academy. Among the students who attended the school and lived in the boarding house was Marcus Morton.

            Morton was a governor of Massachusetts. Unlike many, he served two non-consecutive terms. The first was from 1840-1841 and the second was from 1843-1844.

            The piece that would become 392 North Ave. was still part of 780 Snipatuit Rd. when the boarding house became Coombs Tavern. In 1871, the entire northeast corner of the building was sold to George Gerrish. The section removed included 5 rooms with 3 on the main level and 2 above.

            Wilson Mull, the current owner of the “mother” building, said that you can tell where the section was removed by noting a blank wall which would have had a window on the northeast side and the fact that the corner of the porch had to have foundation work done.

            Before the “new” house settled in to its current location. it was at one time next to the North Rochester Cemetery in 1879 and then in 1921 it moved to its current location at 392 North Ave.

            Because our plaques are based on the date of construction, this one will be dated 1799, the date it was built.

By Connie Eshbach