Rochester Historical Society

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It’s almost spring, and things are stirring at the Historical Society. Our first meeting is April 19 at 7:00 at the museum, 355 County Rd. The program will discuss Rochester’s many celebrations, pre-1940.

            May brings us both the bees of Nettie’s Bees and the Historical Commission’s dedication of the new Revolutionary War Memorial. There is a new start time for the dedication events. We will be starting at 2:00 pm on May 7 in front of Town Hall.

            Anyone who still wants to join the Historical Society can do so by contacting Connie at eshbach2@aol.com or Sue at sash48@comcast.net or call her at 508-295-8908 or you can pay them at the April meeting.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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One of the many maps in our museum exhibit is titled, “Original Purchases from the Indians.” It was a gift to our historical society from the Lakeville Historical Society in 1974. On this map it is possible to trace some of the early North American pathways. Many of these became the template for the roads of early settlers.

            One such path was actually known as “Old Path”. It began in Plymouth and was for many years, the start of the stagecoach road to Dartmouth. Another ancient pathway met the “Old Path” a little northeast of Mary’s Pond. It led from Sandwich to Dartmouth, going through Rochester Center near the cemetery. In the early days of the town, it was called the “Country Road”. Later it was known in Rochester as “the Rhode Island Path.” As time went on, it became part of the Plymouth to New Bedford stage route.

            Another Native American trail began in Middleboro, went passed the Union Cemetery and continued down the west shore of Sippican. It became known as “Old Bay Path.”

            Theses paths were worn into the land by Native Americans who walked them for centuries. While they were well defined, they were narrow and only suitable for foot traffic. With the passage of time, early residents used them as bridal paths, and some were later widened to serve as wagon roads.

            Along with these trails through the woods, The Native Americans left us their names for area spots. Some that have remained are: Mattapoisett, Assawompset and Quitticus. Others have disappeared. Looking at the 1704 map of Rochester in our display, you can find Nipesincas Little Pond. On the 1795 map, it has become Snows Pond and on the 1854 map, an apostrophe has been added as well as the nearby residence of N. Snow.

            Maps are fascinating and at our September 20 meeting, Charlie Rowley will present a program; “Mapping Rochester”.

By Connie Eshbach

Academic Achievements

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            Bryant University is pleased to recognize the students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and achievement and have been named to the fall 2022 President’s List. The President’s List is an academic distinction reserved for Bryant’s highest achievers who earn a GPA of 4.0 for at least 12 semester hours of work. Congratulations to Margaret Adams of Mattapoisett, Alexandra Fluegel of Mattapoisett, Sydney Mendonca of Mattapoisett.

            Bryant University is pleased to recognize the students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and achievement and have been named to the fall 2022 Deans’ List. To earn a place on the Deans’ List, students must have a GPA of 3.4 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work. Congratulations to Margaret Adams of Mattapoisett, Alexandra Fluegel of Mattapoisett, Sydney Mendonca of Mattapoisett, Raegan Rapoza of Marion and Aiden Woods of Marion.

            The following local residents were named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the 2022 fall semester: Samuel Gordon of Marion. Gordon, a senior majoring in economics is a graduate of Tabor Academy. Abigail LaCasse of Mattapoisett. LaCasse, a senior majoring in psychology, is a graduate of Tabor Academy. Katherine Solowey of Mattapoisett. Solowey, a sophomore, is a graduate of Lincoln-Sudbury High School. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have carried a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester and earned an average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

            Maeve B. McEnroe of Marion was named to first honors, and Bernave Twyman of Mattapoisett was named to second honors on Clark University’s fall 2022 Dean’s List. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors or a GPA between 3.50 and 3.79 for second honors.

            Holden King of Rochester has made the Dean’s List at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the fall 2022 semester.

Bylaw Changes Set for Town Voters

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The Marion Planning Board was finally able to put a bonnet on the lengthy list of changes in town bylaws that will be brought before voters at the May 8 Annual Town Meeting.

            The board, made up of Chairman Norm Hills, Eileen Marum, Andrew Daniel, Jon Henry, Alanna Nelson, Chris Collings and Tucker Burr, was present for Monday night’s public meeting, except for Daniel, who would later rush into the Police Station only to learn that adjournment had just taken place.

            Daniel had just come from an emergency situation in his job as facilities manager for the Town of Rochester, where the police station was dealing with a sewage breach in the basement of its Dexter Lane headquarters.

            The uncharacteristically brief meeting and early adjournment was clearly frustrating for Daniel, who wanted to be present to help bring to conclusion an arduous, two-year process that Hills had engaged with the Bylaw Codification (sub)Committee.

            Daniel, whose concerns with details, in particular bylaws, played a role in extending the Planning Board’s discussion this far into the calendar year, were last focused on narrowing down the authority by which a town representative would be authorized to pull private or commercial signage off of public property, including the 10-foot setback from any public road onto residential property where construction companies typically place signs advertising their businesses.

            After a compromise achieved by the board during its February 21 meeting, it was agreed that Bylaw 230-6.2A(4) would finally read: “No private/commercial signs are allowed on public property, with the single exception of polling locations (with 150-foot setback) on election days. Any private/commercial sign placed on public property may be removed by Town DPW employees without further notice.”

            Two other sign-related bylaws follow: 230-6.2B addressing various types of signs in residential districts  not exceeding 3 square feet, not to be attached to utility poles of vegetation, nor attached to a vehicle primarily used as a sign, and 230-6.2D(4) addressing temporary banners or signs (15-day maximum requiring approval of the Town Administrator.)

            The three sign-related bylaw changes were only the finishing touch to many that Hills, in concert with the Codification Committee, had erased, rewritten, tweaked or otherwise updated before bringing to the Planning Board for recommendation to town voters.

            Other bylaw changes in Monday night’s packet were given a final look by the board.

            The unusually brief agenda also addressed Marion’s Open Space Recreational Plan (MOSRP), and Marion residents Deborah Houck and Kitty DeGroot attended the meeting to air concerns with regard to how the plan will affect Converse Road.

            “You’ve brought up a good consideration and we’ll fix it. There are 16 other things I’ve got to deal with,” said Hills, noting 18 written comments he will need to address. “They will be adjudicated with reasons provided. … We’re at the very end of the process, we’ve been working on this for two years.”

            Board member Chris Collings asked if public comments made in response to the MOSRP can be published on the town’s website. Hills said they can but noted that the last open-space plan was enacted in 2005. “That’s a long time ago. That’s why we’re trying to get this done,” he said, reminding the members and attendees that all of the meetings it took to form the plan have been open to the public and advertised. Board member Alanna Nelson was pleased to note that there have been 230 responses to the survey conducted on the MOSRP.

            Under Old Business, Hills told the members that he is still waiting for written comments from some on the Village Style Smart Growth District (VSSGD) proposal.

            Citing impending residential developments at the Wareham end of Route 6 in Marion, Collings said, “When we think about master planning and town planning, we should be on that and make sure everything (including Route 6 utility poles) gets moved back and their expense.”

            Based on a related discussion, Hills believes that the renovation of the bridge over the Weweantic River, originally planned for 2023, is now two years away and at the present time without a sewer-line connection. (The cost of regionalizing town sewer by connecting into Wareham’s system has been recently examined as part of ongoing consultation with Kent Nichols Jr. of Weston & Sampson, Inc., as Marion looks to achieve a 20-year, Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.)

            Nelson reminded the members that a dozen projects will be finally vetted on Friday, March 10, at the Community Preservation Committee’s 5:00 pm public Zoom meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, March 20, at 7:00 pm at the Police Station and live via Zoom.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett First with Live911

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            Mattapoisett residents now have an added layer of protection with improved response times to 911 calls, thanks in no small part to the innovating character of its police force headed by Chief Jason King. Since being tapped as the department chief, King has been looking for ways to improve the services provided by the Police Department.

            Recently while perusing a trade publication, King happened upon an article that detailed new software equipment for 911 calls and responses called Live911. The story went on to describe a small city in California that was using the system and the advantages provided. King was intrigued.

            After further study of the system and discussions with his staff, King filed an application in 2022 for a grant from the Massachusetts Department of 911 that could fund the emergency-response improvements. Fast-forward, today Live911 is being used in the field by the first Massachusetts town to have the system: Mattapoisett.

            “Now officers will hear the 911 call as it is coming into the dispatcher,” King said. “They’ll hear it firsthand and can pinpoint on their laptops the exact location of the caller.”

            Those precious seconds between the dispatcher receiving the call and relaying critical information to an officer in the field is now trimmed considerably, King explained. “A bit of information can make a big difference, and the officer is hearing the complete call, not just details shared by the dispatcher.”

            That’s not to minimize the work done by dispatchers. From the Live911 website, we find, “While 911 call takers are very fast in their ability to obtain information from callers, there is always a time lapse from when a 911 call is answered, details are typed and entered into the CAD, the dispatcher sends info to radio operator, it is read, airtime becomes clear and the call for service is broadcast. This process can take 90 seconds to two minutes before an officer even becomes aware of a critical situation.”

            Assisting King with the integration of Live911 was Mattapoisett Police Officer Sean Parker, the department’s defacto, computer go-to technician.

            “I’ll be out on patrol. A call coming into the station on 911 (that) I wouldn’t know about ahead of time until the dispatcher dispatches me. Now as the call comes in, it’s going to pop up on my screen. … I’ll get all of the information that the caller is giving dispatch in live time,” Parker explained.

            Parker went on to say that the incident’s location will be pinpointed. Laptop computers in police cruisers will access a split screen including two images, one pinpointing the exact location of the 911 call relative to surrounding patrol areas, the other a close-up overhead view of the location. Direct access and connection to the call can and does save precious minutes, the officer confirmed.

            Also displayed will be information now accessible as the call is being made. Knowing en route to a call the type of emergency aids the officers in preparing their response once at the scene.

            All 911 communications run through the state, so part of the system issues needing solutions were solved in conjunction with the state’s 911 program. Parker said everything is now operational.

            “We had to iron some things out, but we ended up getting everything working in collaboration with the state, Higher Ground (the creator of the software product) and our IT company … we got everything to work correctly, and it’s a great program.” The department isn’t taking anything for granted, however.

            While one might assume other municipalities in the commonwealth will soon be seeking consultation for their own prospective programs, Parker is focused on Mattapoisett. So far, so good, he said.

            “I think it’s too soon (to be thinking about other towns’ interest),” Parker said. “A lot of other departments are waiting to see what happens and if we got it up and running, which we did, so I think in the future, we’ll go from there and see what happens.

            “We were running in test mode for a little while, but now we’re up and running, and we haven’t had any problems since. … Dispatch needs to get a lot of information, they have to figure who’s calling, if there’s anyone there that can help. It’s a lot of information to gather before they give it to us.”

            What Mattapoisett officers now have is simultaneous access that will allow them precious time in response efforts. More information prior to arrival equips responders with more immediate and effective de-escalation techniques.

            Local schools are the highest priority for local police. LIVE911 calls from the schools will be transmitted via a “campus” link, enabling all officers to hear the call.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated, “The department took it on themselves.”

            Lorenco applauded the chief and his staff for taking on the opportunity, including obtaining the grant funds to pay for everything. “In this day and age, real-time data is important for situational awareness,” he said.

By Marilou Newell and Mick Colageo

An Essay on Ego

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            Our ego is an essential part of our nature. It is our persona, the way we present ourselves to others and the way we receive ourselves. But there are two sides to our ego: a positive and negative side.

            The negative side of our ego is a “me first” attitude. It has an insatiable need for attention and approval.

            It is where greed and selfishness come from. It feels anger when we think we have been misunderstood, cheated, ignored, or put down. It doesn’t care how other people feel, think, want: It is self-aggrandizing, self-serving, pouting, childish thinking.

            Now, the positive side of our ego is empowering.

            It is positive energy that tells us we can help. We can serve. We can strive to be the best at whatever we choose to do. It is a wholesome sense of self-worth and self-confidence. It attracts us to worthwhile things and people. It gives off a happy, loving energy that gives others confidence in us. It is an “I can do it” outlook.

            We are happier people when we live our lives in an unselfish, caring way. Being there for others with love and humility.

By Hope Bradley Finley

            Editor’s Note: Hope Bradley Finley passed away on January 13 at age 95. The Mattapoisett resident was thrilled to have The Wanderer publish her poems and essays, something we will continue to do this winter.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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New Banned Book Club, first meeting Tuesday March 21 at 6:30 pm. Learn about the history of attempts at banning books in American and international libraries and discuss books that have made the American Library Association’s Banned Book List.  This month we will be discussing Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. Pick up copies at the library throughout the month of March.

            The 2nd Annual Lizzy T Trivia Night Fundraiser, Friday, March 24 at 7 pm. Gather a team of 5-6 members and compete in a battle of wits to benefit the library. Topics include local history, sports, pop culture and more! Find registration forms at the library or on our website.  Event will be held at the Marion Music Hall. Refreshments, including beer and wine will be available. $200 team entry fee.

            Tables of Content Fundraising event May 7 & 19 at 6 pm – A fundraising event that pairs a delicious dinner in a Marion neighbor’s home with a lively book discussion! Find registration forms, including available titles at the library or on our website.  Tickets are $75 per person.

            Puzzle Swap March 16 from 6-8 pm – Exchange your gently used puzzle for a new challenge!  Puzzles will be available to swap or purchase, please only supply puzzles that are in good condition with all pieces included.  Puzzle donations welcome.

            Build a Leprechaun Trap, March 16 from 3-4 pm – Use recycled materials to build a leprechaun trap just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. Donations of clean recycled materials welcome.

            Grow your first plant program March 29 at 4 pm – Celebrate the quick growing plant.

            Our seed library is now open – Check out fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds with your library card.  Share seeds with the library and help grow community gardens.

            Join us for story times every Wednesday (baby lap sit) and Friday (all ages) from 10:30-11:30.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

Marion Republican Town Committee

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The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Monday, March 13, 7:00 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, Marion. The Public and new members are welcome.

Project Grow Application Priority Deadline

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Children with the experience of high quality preschool are well prepared for their future learning. In an effort to provide this opportunity to more children, Project GROW was established to serve preschoolers in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. The purpose of Project GROW is two-fold:

            -Provide a preschool experience to children whose families have been unable to enroll in another program and who desire a preschool experience.

            -Provide children with special needs the opportunity to receive services in an inclusive preschool learning environment.

            The program consists of two classes: Tuesday and Thursday, cost $2,520/year Monday, Wednesday, Friday Cost $3,780/year

-Marion – Sippican School (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)

-Rochester – Rochester Memorial School (9:00 am– 1:00 pm)

-Mattapoisett – Center School (8:45 am – 12:45 pm)

            Each Project GROW class is held at the elementary school of the town the family resides in, and all programs follow the public school calendar.

            Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from school each day. Enrollment is open to all children residing in Marion, Mattapoisett, or Rochester and turn 3 years of age prior to September 1. Preference will be given to children who may be considered educationally at risk, children who have had no preschool experience and children of families that meet tuition assistance eligibility guidelines. In addition to family income, foster care and special needs, other child risk factors are also considered. Family risk factors considered are parent(s) with special needs/disability, homelessness, parent(s) in active military service, teen parent(s), and children cared for by a grandparent or guardian.

            The program is based on developmentally appropriate practices and follows the High/Scope curriculum as well as alignment with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Early Learning Standards.

Mattapoisett Harbormaster

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Dear Editor:

            I am writing to express my gratitude to the Mattapoisett community as I prepare to leave my post as Harbormaster.

            During the past three years, I’ve met so many wonderful people that listing each of their names to thank them personally would likely fill a page of this newspaper. Please know that your support was appreciated beyond measure.

            Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not extend my deep appreciation to my fellow department heads and staff for their assistance as we worked collectively to keep the community safe both on the water and off.

            Mattapoisett, thank you for the opportunity to expand my knowledge. Thank you, again, to the members of the community who graciously provided guidance along the way. And, finally, thank you for putting your trust in me to maintain the safety of the Town’s waterways.

            To say I’ve enjoyed my tenure in Mattapoisett would be an understatement. Simply put, it’s been great.

            Fair winds and following seas.

            Jamie McIntosh, Mattapoisett Harbormaster

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.