Hello from Plumb Library

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Are you a crafter who has too many supplies and needs to downsize? Did you have a hobby that you no longer do, but you still have all the “stuff”? Is there a craft closet in your house you’d like to reclaim? Maybe you’re looking to try a new craft, but don’t want to spend a ton of money to get started. The Friends of Plumb Library can help you out with all of that.

            We are collecting craft supplies, in resale condition, for an upcoming sale. Fabric, yarn, notions, patterns, crafting books, hooks and needles, sewing machines, embroidery hoops and floss, scrapbooking supplies, kids craft kits, and more. We’ll take it all. Drop off your donations any time the Library is open (see hours below) from now until August 16.

            The sale will be held August 22 and 23, with more information to be posted as the dates get closer. All proceeds from this sale go to the Friends and directly benefit the Library’s programing, events, supplies, and special collections for children and adults.

            If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Library, membership forms are available at the Library or via our website. If you’d like more information on the Friends and what they do to support the Library, please attend their next meeting: 6:00 pm Thursday August 31, at the Library.

            Library hours: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed on Sundays and Holidays. Contact us: call 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Check our Events Calendar, Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

            Library cards are required for checkout. If you’ve lost your card, it can be replaced for $2.00. Download the SAILS Mobile app, it’s a quick and easy way to always have your card with you. We’re happy to show you how it works.

Patrick William Cooney

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Patrick William Cooney December 8, 1991 – July 21, 2025

            Patrick William Cooney passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, in Boston,        Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family. He was 33 years old.

Born on December 8, 1991, in Newton, MA, Patrick grew up in a close-knit community where his love for the outdoors and adventure began. He spent his childhood in Newton but found his heart at Crescent Beach in Mattapoisett, MA, where he summered with family, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a deep connection to the sea. It was this connection that eventually led him to settle in Mattapoisett.

            Patrick pursued a life at sea, working as a Merchant Marine and earning the rank of Second Mate. His career took him across the globe, and he embraced the adventures and challenges that came with life on the water. Whether navigating a ship or telling stories about his travels, Patrick carried a quiet strength and commitment to his craft.

            Outside of work, Patrick’s greatest joys came from the simple pleasures of coastal life – swimming, sailing, and quahogging. He also had a deep love for travel and treasured the time he spent with his nephews, Thomas and Theo, who brought him endless pride and joy.

            Patrick is survived by his devoted mother, Judith Howley, and his loving brother, Tom Cooney. He leaves behind a wide circle of friends and family who will remember his kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering loyalty.

            His Memorial Mass will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St, Mattapoisett, MA 02739

Thomas M. Bibeau

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Thomas M. Bibeau, loving husband of Nancy DeCosta Bibeau of Marion passed away Saturday July 26, 2025 at home from a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He also leaves behind his fur babies, Lola and Luna.

            He was the son of the late Robert W. and Joan F. (Laurendeau) Bibeau. He was the brother of Robert E. Bibeau and his wife Mary of Canton, Gail Crocker of Osterville, John K. Bibeau of Lynn, and Edmund F. Bibeau and his wife Lisa of Millis. He is also survived by many nieces and most of all his numerous family of friends.

            Thomas was born in Arlington, MA and spent summers at Little Harbor in Wareham. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1973 and attended Bentley University. He was a service technician for IBM and Toshiba until his illness.

            He loved boating, gardening, feeding the birds, and riding his Simplicity tractor with his helmet on! Neighbors and friends could always count on him to lend a helping hand. He was known for his great sense of humor, his belly laughs, and his dance moves! He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

            Relatives and friends are invited to attend his graveside service at Evergreen Cemetery, Marion on Saturday August 2nd at 10 am. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the MSPCA.  Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Map Updated; Route 6 Development Tweaked

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            The Marion Planning Board met on Monday at 550 Mill Street and approved a Town Meeting zoning map. The map’s approval by the board will be uploaded to the town’s official website (marionma.gov) and General Informal System.

            Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee said a town representative, John Rockwell, worked with Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) on the updates. Rockwell said the maps adopted at Town Meeting will correspond with what people see on the website. Rockwell said the recent changes updated maps from 2014.

            “What people want to know is what is the zoning on my lot and want to zone in,” Rockwell said. He also said there are aquifer-protection districts that were not reflected accurately with some lot lines having changed as well, which were also not reflected.

            “Using lot lines and not referring to property lines is a problem,” Rockwell said. Some lot and property lines were from old aerial photos. Better technology and aerial photos help improve mapping. Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland said some earlier maps did not accurately display all Route 6 lines and that there was one zoning change that designated a property as commercial that was not reflected.

            “The map came out great! Very easily readable,” said Planning Board Chairman Andrew Daniel.

            The board conducted a site plan and Special Permit hearing for a 48-unit residential development on Wareham Road, proposed by Toll Brothers. The developers, earlier this year, amended the site plan after some concerns were raised by the board, according to Jeff Eidelberg, a Toll Brothers representative.

            Bruce Erman, an engineer for the project, said they wanted to make the layout better. He said they will no longer be duplexes but single-family homes and an area where all residents there can access the river.

            The layout has also been improved for better Fire Department access, according to Erman, adding that they eliminated a dead end and created a loop for fire truck access.

            Erman said that they also arranged a “boulevard entry” from Route 6 so people know that cars would be leaving the development and would slow down as they are driving along Route 6. Board members noted that the development is situated along a dangerous section of Route 6, with visibility blocked by a hill and blinded by sunrises and sunsets at certain times of the year.

            Erman said a common building is closer to the river view and can be legally accessed by all members of the development. He also said there are four to five proposed homes in a coastal buffer, but that number has dwindled to approximately two or three.

            The Planning Board will have its engineer review the proposed changes, and the continued public hearing will resume.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 4 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department’s conference room.

Marion Planning Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You?

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The term “gaslighting” originates from a 1938 play and later movie which depicted a husband who manipulates his wife by dimming their gaslights and then denying that the lights have changed, making her doubt her own perception and sanity. The term has since become a psychological term for a form of emotional abuse where one person manipulates another into questioning their own reality.

            In the patient safety movement, we hear the term used over and over by patients who feel their concerns are not being taken seriously by their doctors.

            Many diagnoses are easy to make and verify, and that satisfies both the patient, who has an explanation for their symptoms, and the doctor, who can suggest treatment and move on to the next patient. If you have visible bleeding or an abnormal ECG or blood test, the disease can be quickly diagnosed.

            Many diseases are not that easy to diagnose. The symptoms may be vague and common to many illnesses, and there may be no reliable tests to confirm or refute the diagnosis. This is particularly true for auto-immune disorders. Many such diseases are commoner in women than men, and women are much more likely to report that their doctor tried to say the symptoms were “all in their head.”

            Commonly dismissed conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), long Covid and fibromyalgia.

            A classic disease that can present in a wide variety of ways and which has no reliable blood or imaging test is endometriosis. Cells that normally line the uterus implant anywhere in the abdomen and cause recurrent pain. It has been found that it takes an average of 8.5 years between a woman first describing her symptoms and a diagnosis being made.

            The way out of this dilemma is for both doctors and patients to become comfortable with uncertainty.

            The worst thing a doctor can say when confronted with symptoms that have no obvious explanation is “It is all in your head. You are anxious.”

            What the doctor should say is “I have no immediate explanation for your symptoms, but I believe what you are telling me, and we will work together to find out what is going on.”

            This process may simply require some time to pass. A diagnosis often becomes more obvious over time. Many painful conditions are self-limited and will resolve over weeks.

            Diagnosis may require a second (or third) opinion. It may require more detailed imaging or invasive testing that are not appropriate at first presentation, but which are justified as the symptoms evolve.

            If you have a doctor who will work with you in this way, hold on to them.

            If your doctor “gaslights” you, find another doctor!

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Mattapoisett Town Band

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            The Mattapoisett Town Band would like to thank everyone who attended the Latin American Celebration Concert last Wednesday.

            Our next concert will take place on July 30, 7:00 pm at Shipyard Park. At this performance, we will celebrate our 125th anniversary as the Mattapoisett Town Band. Representatives from the town and the state will join us to help celebrate our 125th year. The concert program will feature some town band favorites, as well as a John Philip Sousa march that is also celebrating 125 years.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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As mentioned previously, Rochester had many one and two-room schools scattered around town. This enabled students to walk to and from school, though many walked as much as a mile in all kinds of weather. Over time many of the smaller ones were closed and schools became more centralized. This led to a school bus being provided in the 30’s and 40’s.

            Over the years there were a variety of bus drivers including “a bleached blonde woman” who was purportedly a poor driver as well as scandalizing the riders with her hair coloring. The bus had bars over the windows to keep children from sticking their heads out and so was dubbed the “Chicken Coop”. Reading through the Rochester Journals it would seem that the most memorable bus driver was Tuck Hartley.

            The Waterman School was built in 1833 near the home of George Waterman, hence the name. As older schools were closed, some of the buildings were moved to the Waterman to increase its capacity. The town also leased the Academy from the Church to accommodate the ever- increasing numbers of schoolchildren.

            As early as 1923, there was a call to build a new schoolhouse in the Center District, but nothing came of it. With student population growing and buildings aging, concerns were raised again. Deliberations began in the 1930’s as to the possibility of a new consolidated school being built. Under Superintendent of Schools, Arthur B. Webber, talks continued until finally in 1952, close to 25 years later, the town voted to build a school big enough for all of the town’s students. The Rochester Memorial School was built on the site of the Waterman School.

            In a town where “waste not, want not” must have been the motto, the Waterman School building was moved to a nearby site where it became the fire station and continues that role today, and so the building built in 1833 has been in use (no doubt with some retrofitting) as the home of Rochester’s fire- fighting equipment for over 70 years.

            The picture with this article is of a postcard that my grandmother sent to her mother in 1916 to share a picture of “where she went to work” each day.

By Connie Eshbach

Tick Cases Rising Statewide

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            The Marion Board of Health met on July 17 for a quick but informative meeting at the Town House, touching upon the rise of tick-borne illnesses and the safety of town beaches.

            Health Director Lori A. Desmarais informed the board that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple-E”) and West Nile Virus cases, both caused by mosquitoes, are lower this year. However, there has been a general rise in tick-borne illnesses statewide. Desmarais said there have been no reported EEE cases, and one goat in Worcester County tested positive for West Nile Virus.

            Tick-borne diseases have been on the rise, but so far Lyme Disease cases in Marion are down from 43 last year to 41 this year, according to Desmarais. She said there has been a rise in other tick-borne illnesses in Marion and in the state. She advised that anyone who finds a tick embedded in his or her skin for several hours should consult a physician. She also recommended doxycycline for those who test positive for Lyme Disease.

            In other health news, Desmarais reported that she has been visiting camps and advised the board to update its fee structure, especially with late fees. The director reported that there have been 270 Emergency Medical Service visits to the Health Board staff this year. She attributed the high number to more people being aware of this in-town service.

            Desmarias also reported that all beaches, public and semi-public, have been tested and passed water-quality tests as of July 14.

            Newly hired Health Agent Gabrielle Almeida was introduced to the board at the July 17 meeting. Almeida has been busy visiting town beaches, and she has conducted some food inspections, reporting only some minor infractions from a food vendor at Washburn Park.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is currently scheduled for Thursday, August 7, at 4:30 pm in the Town House.

Marion Board of Health

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Town Party Preparations

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The Marion Select Board meeting on Tuesday, July 22 took only 30 minutes, but the board managed to make some appointments, preview the Town Party this weekend, and offer an update on the bumpy Point Road.

            At the Police Station’s meeting room, the Select Board promoted Sommer Cardosa to Marion Police sergeant and Adam Murphy, the town’s harbormaster, as a full-time Marion Police officer.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman gave details to the Select Board on Point Road and said a contractor has been called on to repair sewer trenches. Gorman said the first attempt was not professional, so the contractor has agreed to return to working on the trenches.

            Gorman said this was just temporary work, but the town is preparing its own contractor to conduct a curb-to-curb repaving of the road. Gorman said he hopes that work is conducted in the fall.

            “We are looking at it aggressively,” Gorman said.

            Select Board Executive Assistant Donna Hemphill, who plans the annual Town Party, said this year it should be bigger and better. She said many volunteers and businesses have stepped up to donate time and/or money to the event.

            Hemphill said this year’s event will feature a rock wall for kids to climb, face painting, and other family-friendly events. The event starts at 4:00 pm at Silvershell Beach, and proceeds go to the Marion Cultural Council and the Marion Firefighters Association.

            Gorman will be preparing some food as well.

            Last year, the event was canceled due to mosquito-borne diseases in the area. The Health Department recently reported that, according to state records, only one goat tested positive for West Nile Virus in Worcester County, and no cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE or “Triple-E”) have been reported. Hemphill said, to stay ahead of that issue, she has asked for the area to be sprayed prior to the event.

            The Annual Marion Town Party will be held on Saturday, July 26 with a rain date of Sunday, July 27 at Silvershell Beach. The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00 pm in the Town House.

Marion Select Board

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Academic Achievements

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Gracie McCarthy of Marion received a B.A. in Public Relations and Anthony Steele of Rochester received a B.S. in Finance received their degrees in May as part of the Class of 2025 at Roger Williams University.

            Katherine Solowey, of Mattapoisett has been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the spring 2025 semester.