Rochester Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race

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The Rochester Fire Department will again sponsor the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race.

            The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River will take place on Monday, May 26, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir at River Road and Route 6.

            A Kayak Division will again be included in the race this year. Basic guidelines for the division are: minimum age 18, single person kayak that the contestant can sit inside of the cockpit, contestant must wear an approved USCG personal flotation device for the entire race, and there will be a $10 entry fee. See the rules document for all information pertaining to the kayak division.

            For the Mattapoisett River Racer (MRR) boats, the minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles.

            Divisions include the kayak division and the MRR open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and parent/child divisions. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old). Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division.

            A boat building seminar will not be held this year, but free plans are available for the asking. Contact Art, (artbenner@comcast.net) or Bill (watlingw@gmail.com). We can put you in touch with experienced MRR boat builders that can answer your questions and offer tips, tricks and considerations for building the boat.

            Pre-registration is required. Only one registration session will be held at the Rochester Council on Aging (RCOA) Senior Center, 67 Dexter’s LN Friday, May 16, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Starting positions will be assigned or drawn after the registration closes. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible for a starting position. Registration forms and rules may be obtained at Lloyd’s Market, at Art’s house, 319 Cushman RD or at the registration session. OR email Art (artbenner@comcast.net) and request the rules and registration form.

            You may deliver the completed forms to 319 Cushman Raod. Or, you may return the forms by email but you must bring the original, signed forms, to the registration session. OR, you may return them by regular mail (USPS). If returned by email or USPS mail, you’ll get acknowledgment that they were received. If you don’t get a reply from Art, assume the forms were not received and hand deliver a set. Registration forms must be in the Committee’s hands by Friday, May 16, 8:00 pm in order for last year’s teams to be assigned a starting position based on last year’s finish position or for new teams to draw a starting position for this year. Kayak division contestants will draw starting positions after the MRRs.

            The traditional Ham and Bean Supper will take place at the RCOA, Senior Center at, 67 Dexter’s LN, Saturday, May 24, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Supper tickets may be purchased at the door.

There will be raffles for each of two carbon fiber racing paddles made by Bill Watling III. And also, a raffle for a beautiful handmade 94 x 66-inch quilt, the top made and designed by Faith Bettencourt and finished by the Creative Crafters of the Rochester Council on Aging. Tickets for the raffles will be sold at the registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            For further information contact Boat Race Chairman, Arthur F. Benner, 508-763-2024 or email; artbenner@comcast.net. Visit Facebook, ‘Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race’ for any changes or updates.

RLT Bird Walk

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The Rochester Land Trust is planning a Bird Walk next Sunday May 18 at 7:30 am (bird watching is best done early.) at the Shoolman Preserve in Rochester, led by avian enthusiast Tanya Sanders. This is the height of the migratory bird season, and Tanya will help us identify all manner of woodland and wetland birds by sight and sound. Please bring along your binoculars, and please leave the kids (and dogs) at home unless they are able to quietly observe their surroundings. We will meet at the parking lot on New Bedford Road.

            For more information please call Wendy at 774-454-4418.

ORRJH Students of the Month

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Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, announces the following Students of the Month for April 2025

Green Team: Lily Cunha & Genevieve Hebert

Orange Team: Madison Hardy & Owen Rider

Blue Team: Lily Connolly & Gabriel Gates

Red Team: Emily Lavin & Anthony Biscaia

Exploratory Team: Cara Jupin & Kaylie Silva

Earth Day

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To the Editor;

            After another successful Earth Day on April 20 the Rochester Women’s Club would like to thank everyone who came on that beautiful Saturday.  Our Boy Scout troop 31 and their leader Kevin Thompson, The members of the women’s club who come together year after year for over 23 years, the residents of Rochester who also put in their time often with little ones in tow, Ed Rose for his dumpster service and Lloyd’s Market for the yummy goodies.  We also would like to thank Jeff Eldridge and the Rochester Highway department for their speedy job picking up our bags.  We appreciate all of you!  See you all next year!

Marsha Hartley, President

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.

Rodeo Time!

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            Let them buckin’ broncos loose! Rochester’s Select Board Monday officially approved the license agreement for the rodeos that will come to the former Country Fair grounds this summer.

            New England Rodeo, which is currently headquartered in Norton, proposed holding a series of rodeos every other Saturday from June to September at 65 Pine St. earlier this month. The board Monday endorsed the agreement for leasing the 18.6-acre site for that purpose after one question from Select Board Chair Brad Morse.

            Morse asked who will police the requirement that the site be left clean after every rodeo event and how that policing be done. Town Administrator Cameron Durant said New England Rodeo has agreed to clean the site within 24 hours after each such event, and he and other town officials will walk the site the next Monday to verify what was done. He explained that New England Rodeo did not want to create the late-night noise of cleaning up on the same evening after one of its 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. events.

            As another nod to New England Rodeo’s sensitivity to neighbors’ concerns, Morse noted the company has agreed to meet with all parties in town involved and affected after its first rodeo to gauge the first reactions.

            After the approval vote, Durant elaborated New England Rodeo has agreed its first rodeo will be in June and it will hold only one final rodeo in September. The company will pay for its own use of utilities. It will make sure the events are covered by its own liability insurance.  It will provide its own bathrooms, likely porta-potties. It will allow community groups to fund raise during its events.

            Elsewhere on the agenda, the Select Board approved Verizon New England’s proposal to install a new mid-span utility pole on the east side of Snipatuit Road and its request to withdraw ‘without prejudice’ its petition for a new pole on Robinson Road. But after an abutter expressed concerns, the board continued until its next meeting the company’s proposal for a new mid-span utility pole on the west side of Cushman Road.

            Scott Snider of 149 Cushman Road said he wanted to know why a new pole was needed on his street, less than 200 feet from existing poles. He complained the new pole would be almost right outside his front door. “Couldn’t it go somewhere else?” he asked. Morse explained Eversource needs the pole for the heavier cables the new solar array on Cushman will need. But such a pole can be moved, he added. He motioned that Eversource officials be requested to attend the board’s next meeting to provide more information.

            In other action, the board approved the warrant for the May 28 annual town election.  Morse noted the warrant includes one ballot question: whether to change the town clerk from an elected position to an appointed one.

            The board reported that the SEMASD PILOT payment for April 2025 is $303,401.

            Sharon Hartley of the Events Committee reported changes in this year’s Memorial Day parade celebration over last year’s event. The parade on Sunday, May 25 will begin at the COA senior center on Dexter Lane and end at the town office building. First, at the COA, the local singing group, the Showstoppers, will sing the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the parade route will march from the COA to where the Rochester Memorial School Band will be playing at town hall, then to the Civil War monument at Daggart Square Square, then back to the COA.

            The board approved amending a new street name at a new subdivision, Freetown Farms, off of Dr. Braley Road. The street will be known as Gates Farm Road.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 6:00 pm. at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Bill Blasdale

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A Memorial Service for Bill Blasdale will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1 o’clock. The Celebration of Life will be held at Tabor Academy in the Wickenden Chapel located at 86 Spring Street, Marion.

A Homeschool Cooperative in Rochester

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Rochester Christian Learning Center is a homeschool cooperative located in Rochester for families with children in Grades K-8. This Christian learning center exists to support parents in the education of their children. Children work collaboratively in small classes with dedicated coaches. The coaches work to bring out the best in each child in collaboration with parents, so each child reaches their maximum potential. Children will have opportunities to engage in numerous field trips and extracurricular activities.

            Applications for enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year can be found on the website:

RochesterChristianLC.org

Hello from Plumb Library

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The Library is happy (and sad) to announce the retirement of our Library Assistant for Youth Services Librarian, Lisa Fuller.

            After 17 years at Plumb Library Ms. Lisa is graduating from Storytime and going on to her next adventure. We’d love it if you would join us in celebrating her time here with us. On Friday, May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm stop by the library to offer up congratulations and best wishes, sign the memory book, and enjoy some light refreshments. We will have the memory book available at the desk in the weeks leading up to the party, and possibly for a short time afterward if you’re unable to attend on May 30.

            Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. We would love to see as many friends and families as possible show up for this farewell event.

            May Happening at the Library:

            We will be joined by Karen Chace and Andrea Lovett for Carving Out Your Story: an Oral History Workshop. These talented storytellers will help you get those family story gems down on paper for future generations to enjoy. Using prompts and activities, they’ll guide you in finding the best parts of your own life story. This program will be held from 12-1:30 pm Saturday May 17 and is limited to 20 people. Sign up on the Events Calendar on our website, www.plumblibrary.com.

            The month wraps up with an author talk from local sci-fi writer Richard Cutler. Join us from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm Saturday, May 31 to hear about the writing process from rough drafts to published books. Richard is an engaging speaker who is passionate about all types of writing, but especially science fiction. He’s happy to answer questions about writing projects and the genre in general. Please register for this talk, as space is limited.

            Other Upcoming Meetings: Writer’s Group 6:30 pm Thursday May 15, new members always welcome; COA Bookgroup 1:00 pm Tuesday, May 20 to discuss “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston (at the Council on Aging); Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday, May 29 to discuss “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown (at the Library). Books for both book clubs are available to pick up at the Library.

            The Library will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

            Keep an eye out for the upcoming Summer Reading Program events calendar. This year’s program kicks off on the last day of school, June 11.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading 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. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Sippican Woman’s Club

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Through the generosity of homeowners that opened their homes, local businesses, Tabor Academy and our amazing community, the Sippican Woman’s Club 2024 Holiday By The Sea House Tour was a fantastic success allowing the Club to generously give back and support another amazing local treasure, the Marion Natural History Museum, with a $1,000 grant to support technology and website improvements.

            The Sippican Woman’s Club established in 1904, is a mere youth in comparison to the Marion Natural History Society that was established in 1867 with the Museum opening in 1872, recently celebrating their 150th Anniversary. Built by the generosity of Elizabeth Taber, the Museum focuses on the rich natural history of our locality, brought to life through engaging exhibits, enlightening lectures, and interactive educational programs for both the young and the young at heart.

            Taber compelled the society to “press onward to higher and higher attainments till they become unitedly a praise and a power in the community” and today as a cornerstone of education and information in our community, the Museum is dedicated to exploring and explaining the wonders of our local coastal and offshore environments with fascinating exhibits, archives, and dynamic outreach programs.

            The Museum’s collections are mostly historic contributions from the South Coast’s own amateur scientists and naturalists, including Mrs. Taber’s insect and shell collections and Mr. Week’s impressive display of nearly 1,000 butterflies donated over 100 years ago. Additionally, the Museum boasts a sizable collection of waterfowl and birds of prey, an equally large collection of Native American artifacts along with several specimens of fish, turtles and other creatures that live in our local wetlands and oceans.

            Offering after school and summer programs for kids, the Museum is more than just a place to visit; it’s a launchpad for future scientists, naturalists, and engineers. Upcoming programs include rocketry, harbor ecology and a visit to Ram Island. For those young at heart and still naturally curious, upcoming community programs include submarine vents, dragonfly and damselfly presentation and walk, a butterfly walk, and ambassador animals.

            The Sippican Woman’s Club is honored to support the Museum and invites you to “be curious” and see such wonders yourself by visiting the Museum at 8 Spring Street, above the Library. The museum is handicap accessible with an elevator located at the rear entrance. Learn more about upcoming programs, membership and museum hours by visiting www.MarionMuseum.org. The Sippican Woman’s Club welcomes all women interested in our local community and invites you to visit www.SippicanWomansClub.org to learn more about membership and upcoming events.

ORRHS Performs in the Great East Music Festival

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that the Old Rochester Regional High School Chorus and Concert Band both performed at the Great East Music Festival held at Gateway Regional High School on Friday, May 2.

            The Old Rochester Regional High School Chorus ensemble received a gold rating during their musical evaluation. The Old Rochester Regional High School Concert Band received a platinum rating, the highest rating awarded to any ensemble.

            The event serves as a showcase of all the hard work that the Old Rochester Regional High School Music Department does each year, while also providing students with professional feedback. As part of the event, students participate in a clinic on how to improve, with advice offered from a panel of musical adjudicators.

            The performance and adjudication are then followed up by a trip to Six Flags New England.

            “I am so proud of all of the hard work that every student has put into their musical craft this year,” said Pedro Silva, music director at Old Rochester Regional High School. “As a first-year teacher, I am beyond honored to teach all of these wonderful students and to be a part of the ORR community. The environment we are creating in the classroom helps in shaping the very music we perform and I’m ecstatic that we have been recognized for such efforts. I can’t wait to see what the future holds, but I have this feeling it will be excellent.”

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll congratulated the Chorus and Concert Band for capping off a year of success by earning such high ratings during the Great East Music Festival.

            “I’m extremely impressed by our music students,” said Principal Devoll. “Their hard work, passion and commitment to their craft are inspiring. I’d like to congratulate the Chorus and Concert Band for earning high ratings during the Great East Music Festival. This was a great way to mark the end of the year for our musicians.”

            “We are very proud of all of our musicians,” said Superintendent Nelson. “The Great East Music Festival was a fitting way to end a year of so much hard work by all of them. Congratulations to our Chorus and Concert Band for earning such high ratings. This is a feather in the cap for all of them. Once again, bravo to all of our instrumentalists and vocalists.”