Dog Kennel Expansion

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Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals is allowing the dog kennel at 246 New Bedford Street to expand. The board on February 26 granted a Special Permit to allow up to 15 adult dogs for a kennel license that currently permits a maximum of six.

            Applicant Jacqueline Orlando explained she breeds Australian Shepherds. She now has 12 adult dogs at her and her husband Michael’s 1.19-acre kennel and horse farm. There are typically eight puppies in a litter, but these dogs are not part of the kennel count because they are under six months old and are quickly “re-housed” with other people. She needs an expanded license but will keep her dogs within the existing building and the existing footprint, she said.

            Acting Chair Davis Sullivan asked how quiet her dogs are. Orlando said she keeps them as quiet as possible, and she’s only had one complaint that she quickly resolved.

            Input from neighbors who attended eased the approval decision. Ray Melanson said he and his wife Marilyn have had no problem with the Orlando kennel. “They’ve been a great neighbor,” he said. “Let her do it. It’s a farm.”

            The board unanimously approved the Special Permit with the following conditions: The building footprint is not to be modified; and the permit allows no more than 15 adult dogs over six months of age to be on the premises.

            In other action, the board approved cutting its budget for FY27 in half, from $1,000 to $500. This vote came after Board Administrator Andreia Lacerda noted she historically spends only $500 from the account every year, and the town is looking to cut costs for the upcoming fiscal year.

            The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals did not set a date for its next meeting before adjourning.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Census and Dog License

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The annual census forms for the Town of Mattapoisett were mailed out in January. If you have not returned your form yet, please do so as soon as possible. Please review the information and make any necessary changes. According to Massachusetts General Laws, failure to respond to the census may cause you to be made an inactive voter.

            At the bottom of the census, there was a dog licensing form. If you have not licensed your dog for 2026, please take care of that soon. According to Town by-laws, a late fee of $10 each will start on June 1. Payments may be made online through the Town website, by mail, through the drop box in front of Town Hall, or in person. For any questions regarding the census or dog licensing, please call 508-758-4100 x 2.

Winter Tree ID with the MLT

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is hosting a Winter Tree ID walk on Saturday March 7 at 10am at our Brandt Island Cove District preserves – Anchorage Way entrance. Our walk leader will be Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust’s land manager Linda Vanderveer. Linda has been the Land Manager for the DNRT since 2013.  In her capacity as Land Manager, she oversees the management of nearly 2,000 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands in the Town of Dartmouth.  She is an avid hugger of trees, especially in winter. Won’t you join us for this lovely winter hike and learn how to identify our native trees in their winter outfits?

            Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes -it will be wet! Only the worst weather will cancel an MLT hike. No RSVP required for this free hike. Email manager@mattlandtrust.org or call 774-377-9191 with any questions. Check our Facebook page for any event updates.

Sean Sweeney Selected to Fill Vacancy

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            As rain fell, whilst whittling away the mountains of snow left by last week’s blizzard, the Marion Select Board was accompanied by the Planning Board for a Joint-Meeting for the interview of applicants to fill the remainder of the vacant seat on the Planning Board.

            First though, they began with a Public Hearing for applicant Sonal Patel of the Marion Beer & Wine Store for a retail package good license for the sale of wine and malt. Sonal’s mother spoke, as she will be acting as manager of the store. “I promise we will do good,” she said, saying they will follow all laws and guidelines before them in order to serve family and friends.

            They’ve owned the property since 2015, currently the site of Lighthouse Liquors at 664 Mill Street on the corner of Route 6 and Converse Road. She mentioned all work on the exterior of the building will be done next week and will be followed by interior work, beginning with the ceiling.

            Chair Randy Parker said he wanted a public safety inspection before opening. “As soon as you’ve got that done, you could go see Donna [Hemphill] and she would issue your beer and wine license.” A $75 fee paid to the Building Commissioner is required for the inspection.

            Next began the Joint Meeting with the Planning Board in the search for candidates to fill the vacant term up until May 15, where Town Election will decide a candidate for a full term.

            Kimberly Holbrook participated in her interview first, as a member of the Energy Management Committee, she noted her experience with the town.

            She mentioned she was a film executive producer and had previously lived in New York City. She said, “I love being a part of a team and hearing disparate views and trying to make everyone happy.” When asked, she said she was considering a run for a full term but will use this interim term to try it out.

            They asked on her experience, with none yet on planning boards. Though she said she was dedicated and looking to learn.

            Lauren Knight went next, who had lived much of her life in town. She noted her mother’s work in town, notably at the Marion Art Center, and her dad who was a history professor at Tabor Academy. She is a retired educator with a master’s in education who lived and taught in Holden, “I have yet to give back as I’ve over a busy mother of three.” She mentioned she would run in upcoming election.

            She worked on a major renovation in Holden as a key person. She added she’s been involved in Marion as a member of the board of the Marion Art Center for 10 years as well as a Elizabeth Tabor Sculpture committee member for 2 years.

            “I consider myself a peacemaker,” she said. She is a homeowner on Olde Knoll Road and a new mooring owner who is a life-long sailor and has participated in 5 Bermuda races and taught sailing at Tabor.

            She said she believed the job of the Planning Board is to bring business to the town but maintain the town’s history. Lockheed Martin leaving is a great opportunity for such, she said. Planning challenges in town would be updating the Master Plan, last done in 2017. She also mentioned work on Route 6, roads, and sidewalks as priorities.

            Ann Morgan went next, saying she moved to town a couple years ago and recently retired as Director of Planning and Economic Development in Webster on November 14, 2025. She lived much of her life on Martha’s Vineyard. She has 40 years of experience in planning. She mentioned she loves working with municipal government.

            She said she would be running in the upcoming election. “I see the environment down here being beautiful and fragile.” She mentioned she was a “big fan of listening to people” as well as preserving the unique character of the town. She made reference to various preservation bylaws as well as saying “I’m a history buff” and mentioned she was the chair of her town’s historic commission.

            “Have you had a chance to look at our master plan?” The chair asked. “I have,” she replied, “it’s outdated” she said to laughs around the room.

            Sean Sweeney spoke next, saying he was excited by the number of people running. He’s been in town on-and-off since 2006. He was on the Planning and Design group at MIT for three years recently. He wants different town bodies to work together like ten planning and zoning board.

            He is a civil engineer by training and had been in construction for 40 years. He works for the national agency CHA Consulting that works on over $1 billion of construction projects nationally.

            He has an MBA in finance and a law degree that he uses for construction law. He said he would run for the full term in May.

            Ted Warmhart’s resume was read aloud, who owns Arron’s Inc on Route 6 and had been on the Zoning Board of Appeals in the past.

            Chair Parker then moved to hold a “straw poll” but first, Vice Chair John Hoagland asked the Planning Board what exactly they need for the next two months in filling this role. Member Eileen Marum said she preferred Ann Morgan due to her experience and her ability to “contribute a positive way” on day one, mentioning experience as a “vital” quality. Vice-Chair Alana Nelson mentioned the same thing, saying it’s good to make use of the few months they have to complete work.         Member Ryan Burke mentioned fellow member Jon Henry will be absent due to surgery, saying again that experience it’s important. Tucker Burr, joining the meeting on the phone, said he puts a value on people who are from around here and know the town.

            Chair of Andrew Daniel said of filling this position, “I would’ve dreamed for a qualified candidate, I never dreamed we’d get five – actually 6. It’s mind blowing that people are starting to want to get involved.” He said he didn’t have much experience when he joined but had learned on the job. “I’m just ecstatic. Whoever doesn’t get picked, I’d strongly consider running. If not for this, another position in town. We desperately need your passion.”

            Hoagland said he would support what the Planning Board believed they needed. Member Norm Hills said he believed someone who would hit the ground running was important for the decision. Chair Parker said there would be a poll by raise of hands.

            The final tally was: Holbrook: 0 votes, Knight: 2 votes, Morgan: 3 votes, Sweeney: 3 votes, Warmhart: 0 votes.

            Due to the tie between Sean Sweeney and Ann Morgan, there was a tie breaker vote. Morgan: 3 votes, Sweeney: 5 votes. Daniel made a motion to nominate Sean Sweeney for the temporary term, which was approved by a majority vote. Norm Hills, Alana Nelson, and Eileen Marum abstained from this vote.

            There are three (3) spots on the Planning Board open in healing election.

            Finally, there was a discussion regarding a fortune teller license from Valarie Lansfied.

She wants to hold tarot card readings to her painting event business. She said it was a hobby, but a license is required in order to charge money for card reading per a state law from the 1960s. The Chair confirmed there isn’t official town policy regarding it.

            A quarry/background check was recommended. The Chair said he would recommend going forward, but there needs to be follow up, should a revocation policy be added. Chair Parker approved it pending an official revocation clause being added in. They also want to look at Wareham’s law to see if they have one. There will be a $50 application fee for the license.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

            Likewise, the next meeting of the Marion Planning Board, with their new member Sean Sweeney, is scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Blizzard Cleanup Just About Finished

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On February 22, we were hit by a blizzard that paralyzed the region for nearly the entire week and stressed the electrical grid to its furthest extent.

            The final numbers, according to the Narional Weather Service, have Rochester, the only time in the Tri-Town the service measures, coming in at 25 inches of snow. A little over two feet in the span of about 24 hours.

            At the same time, wind gusts in Marion were registered at a peak of 50 miles per hour, recorded at 5:30 am. Nearly all of Marion experienced power outages, with 3,111 households affected. There were 1,164 household outages in Mattapoisett and 1,446 in Rochester.

            Models and predictions had swung unprecedentedly as the storm approached. Although New York City, the Jersey Shore, and Long Island were the first to be put in the crosshairs, it quickly became apparent that the South Coast and Cape Cod would be the true targets.

            That being said, the record for this snow fall, and the area hit hardest, would prove to be Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay. T.F. Green International Airport measured 37.9” of snowfall, as National Grid scrambled to keep up with outages.

            Here in the Tri-Town, power had been restored to nearly all residents past mid-week. Eversource called on mutual aid from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and other parts of Massachusetts to assist in the restoration of power to Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable counties.

            The travel ban was lifted the day after the storm, on Tuesday, February 24 at noon. The Rochester Select Board held an emergency Zoom meeting that day to discuss conditions and cleanup efforts.

            In Marion, city offices like the Town House Annex and Maritime Center had to be closed for much of the week, with the Maritime Center staying closed throughout.

            In Mattapoisett, the Town Administrator Michael Lorenco offered an official thank you message to the hard work of members of the Highway Department, Water/Sewer Department, and the Police and Fire Departments, saying, “For four straight days, the men and women of these departments worked around the clock, leaving their families at home during a difficult time to serve, assist, and protect our community. Their tireless commitment and professionalism ensured the safety and well-being of Mattapoisett residents during what was truly an unprecedented storm.”

            In a cruel twist of fate, snow began to fall from the heavens this past Tuesday, though it didn’t stick and would transition to rain, pelting and slowly melting the monolithic, immovable mountains of snow around the towns.

By Sam Bishop

Planning Washington’s Winter Gambit

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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 best logistical and tactical minds gathered in Cambridge. General George Washington is set on descending on Boston and putting an end to the 10-month-long siege. Dorchester Heights was chosen as the spot to set up Colonel Henry Knox’s artillery he recently brough back from Ticonderoga. Washington has been given the “go-ahead” from the Continental Congress to attack when he deems it ready.

            On February 18, 1776, Washington sends a report to John Handcock, President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He offers updates to the preparations outside Boston, “The late freezing Weather having formed some pretty strong ice from Dorchester Point to Boston Neck and from Roxbury to the Common, thereby affording a more expanded and consequently a less dangerous approach to the town. At the time, Boston was a small peninsula with a narrow neck. Due to the freezing sea, the neck has widened, allowing for a larger and more dispersed assault. However, he informs the Congress he is still awaiting both more militia men and gunpowder. He says, “I do not utter this by way of complaint – I am sensible that all that the Congress could do, they have done, and I should feel, most powerfully, the weight of conscious ingratitude were I not to acknowledge this.”

            Washington feels he has been handed a potential massive tactical advantage on a platter, with the approaches to Boston frozen over. He feels he is unable to make use of this advantage due to the lack of powder. The next day, he sends a letter to Governor Jonathan Trumbull in Lebanon, Connecticut. He says he is “grieved to find” about 4200 pounds of powder instead of the promised 6-to-8 thousand pounds.

            On February 20 in his General Orders, Washington instructs officers to ensure “every regiment should be furnished with colors, and that those colors should, if it can be done, bear some kind of similitude to the uniform of the regiment to which they belong.” Battle is coming, and the commanding officers must be able to identify which columns are what in the onslaught. He also attempts to stress discipline, saying, “The General cannot again help urging it in the strongest terms to the Colonels the necessity of the strictest attention to the discipline of their men – learning them to march and perform all the different evolutions and maneuvers; which is of more essential service, than dwelling too long upon the manual exercise.”

            That same day, Washington writes to Joseph Johnson, a Mohegan man in Eastern Connecticut. The general says he is pleased by “our brothers of the Six Nations.” He urges Johnson to convince the other Native Americans to stay neutral “on the dispute between us and the Ministers of Great Britain.” Washington adds something that can be seen highly ironic, “you have seen a part of our strength, and can inform our brothers, that we can withstand all the force, which those who want to rob us of our lands and our houses, can send against us.” The general says he would be happy if Natives “take up the hatchet for us,” but must at least remain out of Britian’s forces.

            On February 22, Washington celebrates his 44th Birthday from his army headquarters in Cambridge. It is hard to understand the age of the man, as we generally see him as a timeless, prophetic figure. However, Washington was 43-49 throughout the Revolution. Later, serving as President, he was 57-65, and would pass a few months before his 68th birthday and just 18 days before the year 1800.

            Back to his 44th birthday, the General does not mention his birthday in his orders nor his writings. Washington spends the day writing to his officers and his estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

            On February 23, Washington writes to Governor Nicholas Cooke in Rhode Island requesting the Governor give hospitality to a Prussian that has washed ashore. The Baron of Woedtke was on his way to Philadelphia to pledge his services when he made landfall on Cape Cod. This is not the famed Prussian Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, he is to arrive in 1778, but instead Frederick William, Baron de Woedtke. Different man, lesser abilities. This does show that the Prussians, at this time ruled by Frederick the Great and being known for their martial prowess, are making their way with other Germans to the Americas to join the battle.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

The Last Class

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The Democratic Town Committees of Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, and Rochester as well as the Plymouth County Democratic League will host a special screening of The Last Class, a documentary featuring former U.S. Secretary of Labor and economist Robert Reich, on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm at the AMC Theater in Dartmouth.

            The film follows Reich during his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley, weaving together personal reflections with a timely examination of economic inequality, democracy, and the importance of civic engagement. The Last Class has been praised for its thoughtful and accessible exploration of issues facing communities across the country.

            Following the screening, attendees are invited to continue the conversation at the nearby Olive Garden, where a set of tables has been reserved for informal discussion. Meals and beverages will be available for individual purchase.

            Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Seating is limited. A limited number of free tickets are available for students; interested students should email acushnetdems@gmail.com.

            Tickets and details: gathr.com/events/4d3e3251/the-last-class-at-amc-dartmouth-mall-11

Sung Bok Kim

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Sung Bok Kim, of Mattapoisett, born September 1932 passed away on February 23. He retired to Mattapoisett in 2013 after a 40 year career at the State University of New York at Albany where he was a Distinguished Service Professor of History. During his years there he taught, was Department Chair and Dean of Undergraduate Studies. He was the recipient of several Chancellor’s Awards for both teaching and scholarship. He also was named a Collins Fellow, an award which recognizes faculty who over a sustained period have shown extraordinary devotion to the University and the people in it.

            Sung Bok came to the United States from South Korea in 1960 and began graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. He then went to Michigan State University where he received a PhD.

            American International College was his first teaching position. From there he moved to Williamsburg, Va, as a post-doctoral fellow at the Omohundro Institute sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg. Simultaneously he taught in the History Department at The College of William and Mary. His next move was to The University of Illinois.

            During that period he published a book, Landlords and Tenants in Colonial New York, which dealt with the NY Manorial system. His final academic move was to Albany where he spent the rest of his career working on a book about the American Revolution.

            While living in Mattapoisett he continued to write and very much enjoyed coastal living as it reminded him of where he grew up. He loved this area. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Leda; a daughter, Briana of Schoharie, NY; and twin sons, Cortland (wife Tia) and Blakeley of San Francisco, CA.

            In addition to his overwhelming passion for American history, he enjoyed watching lacrosse especially when his sons were playing. He also adored the numerous Bouvier des Flandres dogs that shared his home over the years.

            Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals and will be private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Jennifer (Andresen) Cipriano

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Jennifer (Andresen) Cipriano, 76, of Marion passed away on February 26, 2026, after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Patrick Cipriano with whom she spent 37 wonderful years. He was the love of her life.

            Born in Medford, MA, to the late Robert and Florence (Hartley) Andresen. She lived most of her life in Marion.

            Jennifer graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 1967 and University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University, in 1972 with a degree in fine arts. Jennifer was very talented within the arts. She worked in various art related positions such as a textile transfer artist in New Bedford, retail advertising artist for a large chain of stores in Newport News, Virginia, and was a freelance scrimshander for nine years with her work being sold worldwide. Jennifer moved on to have a career in customer operations and retired from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc after 25 years of service.

            After retirement, Jennifer continued her passion for art by participating in various art associations and shows. She sold many paintings, was commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind painting for a client and worked with many different mediums in her paintings. Jennifer also had a wonderful life spending time with her husband, their close friends and family. The beach was a special place for Jennifer to spend time with close friends and celebrate nature. Jennifer’s other passion, photography, resurfaced during this time motivating her to take pictures of nature and then create beautiful oil paintings.

            Jennifer is survived by a son, Christopher Cipriano of New Bedford, a daughter, Leisha (Cipriano) O’Brien and her husband, Neal, of New Bedford, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

            Jennifer’s visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Peter Alexander Borsari

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Peter Alexander Borsari, 82, of Marion, passed away February 24, 2026, at home.  He was the husband of Marjorie (Parker) Borsari and the son of the late Leopoldo “Paul” and Mary (Gubellini) Borsari.

            He was born and grew up in Wareham before moving to Marion in 1970.  Mr. Borsari graduated from Wareham High School, class of 1961. He attended Franklin Institute of Technology.

            Mr. Borsari worked as a sales engineer for Instron Corporation for most of his career before retiring in 2006 at the age of 62. His “second career” was working as an assistant harbormaster for the Town of Marion and as a fulltime substitute teacher at Wareham High School. Having traveled all around the world for his career, his favorite commute was taking his skiff from Marion’s Old Landing to the Town Wharf for work at the Harbormaster’s office. He loved the ocean and taught us many lessons such as “bluefish bite,” “just be nice,” and “lets poke the nose out the harbor and see where it takes us,” which usually meant the Chart Room.

            Pete was affectionately known by family as “MacGyver” because of his ability to fix and repair most anything. He was accomplished at chair caning and had several projects in his basement that were in progress. Pete loved football! Coaching Pop Warner Football for the Wareham Tigers and Old Rochester Bulldogs helping build multiple championship teams. He loved animals and had rescued many stray cats and dogs over the years. Most of all, he loved his family. Gathering and celebrating. His Quahog Fests were legendary and Wednesday Pasta nights were a weekly tradition for years. Pete had an unforgettable smile but most of all, Pete was just a really good guy!

            Lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Parker) Borsari; his children, Peter Borsari and his wife, Kristen of Rochester and Lisa Allman and her husband, Ron of Needham; the grandchildren he was so proud of, Nickolas Borsari, Jonathan Borsari and Emily Allman; nephews and nieces and his beloved cat, Lily.

            Visiting hours are from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.