MWC Holiday Greens Sale

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The sixth Annual Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Holiday Greens Sale will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the “What the Taco” porch & parking lot on Route 6 in Mattapoisett, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, or until items are sold out. In past years, all items have sold out in a couple of hours or less, so plan to shop early.

            This year’s sale will once again feature elegant, one-of-a-kind designs in the form of decorated fresh wreaths, swags, centerpieces, and 2025 Christmas ornaments, all beautifully handcrafted by the talented women of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. Bundled evergreens and holly branches will also be available for purchase. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

            We hope to see you on December 6 and look forward to sharing our creations and festive cheer with you. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be December 7. Proceeds from the Holiday Greens Sale and all our fundraisers directly support the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s Scholarship Fund and other charitable community endeavors.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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I found an interesting pamphlet in a file cabinet drawer at the Museum. It’s dated 1967 and is devoted to the town of Rochester. Among other information, it states that Rochester’s industries over the years included mills and that at one time lumber mills were Rochester’s chief industry. There were lumber mills of all types -box, shingle, longboard- and the three principal mills were the Church, Rounseville and Hartley sawmills. In the early 20th century, the supply of softwood, coniferous trees in the region fueled the boom in the business.

            In 1888, James Hartley who immigrated to the United States from England purchased the mill site on what was then Rochester Avenue. This site had hosted other water-driven industries. The business was so successful that at one time the operation owned 2,400 acres of woodlots, was the town’s largest employer and the road that ran in front of it was renamed Hartley Rd.

            Now, back to the pamphlet. It tells the history of the days when logging was a profitable concern. Gangs of woodcutters would move into Haskell Swamp. They would create their own camps with cabins for housing. Within the camp, they would have teams of horses or oxen to drag trees they felled to an area where the cedar and pines were stacked. The wood would be collected all winter and then when the logging trails became passable, trucks would drive into Haskell’s. The loads of logs along with those from other woodlots would be driven to a sawmill and the logs would be fed directly into the mill or dumped into the mill’s pond for summer storage.

            Logging gradually became a less lucrative business. Box mills lost out to cardboard and plastic. The Hurricane of 1944 brought down close to 90% of the largest pines in Rochester’s woods. Once you factored in the demands for higher wages, rises in costs and competition from lumber coming from both the west and south, running a large mill was unprofitable and by the 1960’s all the large mills were gone.

            The current exhibit “The Tools and Industries That Made Rochester” at the Rochester Historical Society Museum at 355 County Rd., Rochester, has an interesting collection of sawmill tools and memorabilia. The Museum will be open both Sunday, Nov.23 and 30th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. After that you can visit by appointment by calling 617-750-818.

By Connie Eshbach

Nemasket Group Celebrates 40 Years

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The Nemasket Group marked a historic milestone on Tuesday, November 4, celebrating its 40th Anniversary alongside the grand re-opening of its newly renovated Day Services and community space. The event brought together local leaders, partners, and community members to honor the organization’s legacy and chart its future.

            Executive Director Jenny Duval opened the celebration by welcoming guests and highlighting three major achievements: four decades of empowering individuals and families, the unveiling of the revitalized program space, and the launch of a new three-year strategic plan. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this momentous occasion and for your continued support of our mission to empower individuals and create inclusive communities,” Duval said.

            The afternoon featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the renovated facility, and the debut of a historical exhibit titled “History of The Nemasket Group,” which chronicles the organization’s journey and vision for the future.

            Among the speakers was Nicole Cummings, a participant in The Nemasket Group’s Day Services Job Paths Program, who delivered one of the most impactful moments of the day. Nicole shared her personal story of growth and inclusion, describing how Nemasket’s programs have helped her build skills, gain confidence, and feel truly connected to her community. Her heartfelt remarks drew applause and reminded everyone why Nemasket’s mission matters. Many attendees later said Nicole’s speech was the highlight of the event – a powerful testament to the organization’s work and the lives it touches.

            Other speakers included Jacqueline Einstein, Board President, who reflected on Nemasket’s enduring commitment and exciting new direction, and Rick O’Meara, Regional Director for the Department of Developmental Services, who praised the organization’s positive impact across Greater New Bedford and beyond. Local dignitaries also joined the celebration, including State Representative Mark Sylvia and Michael O’Sullivan, President & CEO of One SouthCoast Chamber. The Chamber presented Nemasket with a Certificate of Special Recognition, while Rep. Sylvia delivered an official House of Representatives Citation commemorating the anniversary and re-opening.

            The Nemasket Group’s mission remains steadfast: to empower individuals and families of all abilities to live self-directed lives through innovative services, meaningful opportunities, and inclusive community connections. As Duval noted, “We’re excited for what lies ahead and remain committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all.”

‘Hi-Viz’ Vests Available in Marion

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            A new initiative has just been launched in Marion. In an effort to increase pedestrian safety, free “hi-viz” (high-visibility) vests are now available, with proof of Marion residency. Being dispersed from the Marion Town Hall Annex, 14 Barnabas Road, the vests are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

            You can get the vests from the building’s greeters from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday.       The event is sponsored by the Marion Board of Health. Vice-Chair Edward P. Hoffer, MD, told The Wanderer the program has begun, and residents can now come, at times cited, to pick up their vests. Hoffer said the town ordered about 100 adult vests and 50 child-sized at the current time. He mentioned that, since they were ordered from Amazon, if more are needed, it’s easy to order more.

            He said this “grew out of an experience I had a couple weeks ago. It was around 7:00 pm; I almost hit someone with dark clothing walking a dark dog.” To increase public safety and their visibility, the “cart full of vests” is currently at the Annex. Hoffer added, when referring to dark clothing, “you may be visible inside, in the light, but you’re not visible outside.” As anyone who has driven around town at night, that’s fairly self-evident, especially with Tabor Academy students out and about.

            So far, only a couple of people have reached out to pick up vests, but the Board of Health and Town Hall Annex are ready to go, and excited to see how the initiative performs.

Marion: Be Seen, Be Safe

By Sam Bishop

Fall Town Meeting Warrant Review

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            The Marion Select Board met on Monday, November 17 in the Marion Music Hall for a list of action items, as well as the Fall Town Meeting Warrant Review.

            The board began by recognizing Marions new firefighters. Fire Chief Brian Jackvony rose to speak, mentioning the five new recruit firefighters who recently, November 5, graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Chief Jackvony called the new volunteer firefighters up for a picture and recognition: Jonathan Brown, Johnathan Gurry (unable to attend), Kyle Proffitt, Nicholas Sheehan, and Jackson St. Don. With handshakes and pictures, the men were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

            Next, Robbi Dunn Tracy’s appointment as a Full Member of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust was approved.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman then provided his updates, beginning with the new Department of Public Works building. He said the building is on schedule, although the air-to-water heat exchanger is not yet operational as it awaits a parts delivery. The building is heated, but the floor heater is what is affected.

            For the Town House, Gorman said “it’s looking great.” He said the workers have started drywall, with electrical and plumbing still being put in. The lift is still yet to be installed, though the hole in the ground is present with support beams being installed.

            The Flags of Marion Project, proposed last month by local artist Mike Malone, then had an update. The town’s legal counsel cautioned against putting flags in the middle of the street, and instead suggested flags on a crosswalk, or several crosswalks. That, or putting the flags in different locations on the street. Malone preferred the latter. Gorman then cited a letter from the Marion Historical Commission in opposition to any flags on the road in the town center. “Mike’s ready for it, if you give a thumbs up,” the Town Administrator added. To further discuss plans and locations, the board tabled discussion on flags until their December 16 meeting.

            Following the board’s action items, they then moved to the Fall Town Meeting Warrant Review with the Planning Board. First discussed was Article 1, or the MS4 Stormwater Management Bylaw. Chair of the Planning Board, Andrew Daniel, then read an executive summary of the proposed bylaw, saying:

            “The town of Marion received a formal order of non-compliance from the United States Environmental Protecting Agency. The EPA [is] requiring the town to adopt a post-construction stormwater management bylaw no later than December 15, 2025. In order to meet the Federal Clean Water Act requirements, our Marion Subdivision Bylaw Chapter 300-4.6 addresses many aspects of the 2016 Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) requirements. But they do not include land clearing outside of the subdivision development. This bylaw addresses that requirement. Passing this proposed bylaw at the Fall Town Meeting is a key step in meeting the compliance schedule set by the EPA and avoiding looming enforcement actions or penalties. The order specifically recognizes this Fall Town Meeting as the town’s latest opportunity to adopt this needed bylaw.

                  If residents approve this bylaw, the Planning Board will hold public hearings starting in December for input on its associated regulations. For context, stormwater runoff from development can lead to flooding, road damage, water pollution, [and] costly fixes if not properly managed. Currently, our permit acknowledges two pollutants that impair our affected water bodies. This proposed storm water management bylaw provides a targeted way to protect public and private property and infrastructure; drinking water supplies; safeguard the health of our local wetlands, rivers, streams, coastal waters, while minimizing the burden on our residents. The bylaw minimizes those burdens [for those] who are required to obtain permits and only applies to larger projects that have a meaningful impact on the drainage and soils. It establishes a straightforward standard. Any land disturbance of one acre or more requires a storm water management permit issued by the Planning Board. The same requirement applies to smaller activities only if they are part of a larger development plan that will ultimately disturb one acre or more. This threshold aligns with the existing federal rules and focuses oversight on the most significant source of stormwater impacts. Typical residential property maintenance such as gardening, landscaping, lawn care, the installation of fences or driveways are not affected. Protects fully regulated under the Water Protection Act or site plan review may also qualify for streamline compliance when they demonstrate that the stormwater standards are fully met.

                  Under this bylaw, the Planning Board were to review plans before the work was to begin to ensure proper erosion control and storm water measurements are in place. The town would have the clear authority to inspect these work areas as it progresses and issue a Certificate of Compliance once final requirements are met and take action if runoff problems occur. This bylaw includes standard enforcement tools to address serious and ongoing violations if needed. This bylaw positions Marion to meet the federal MS4 requirements while supporting responsible growth, protecting neighborhoods and infrastructure, and maintaining clean and healthy water resources. It offers a balanced approach to modern, modern storm water protections where they matter most without creating new obligations for the average Marion resident.”

            Following the executive summary, Andrew Daniel said, “this has been on our plate for a while,” highlighting the long progress of planning the MS4 Bylaw. “We came up with what we feel is the best, least intrusive way of doing this,” he added. It was noted the EPA would also have to approve the regulation following a passing vote.

            Next was Article 2, a Citizens’ Petition filed by Andrew Daniel. Daniel read the summary of his petition:

            “To see if the town will vote to authorize and direct the Marion Water Department  to establish a policy permitting property owners to install at their own expense a secondary water meter for outdoor water use such as lawn irrigation, gardening, feeding of livestock, swimming pools, and other non-sewer activities. Policies shall include but not [be] limited to the following elements, permitting and inspections. The proper owner seeking to install a secondary meter shall hire a licensed plumber. The plumber shall pull a plumbing permit from the building department prior to installation. A Water Department technician shall meet with the plumber on-site before installation to review requirements and confirm proper placement. Following the installation, the Water Department technicians shall install and seal the secondary meter. It shall be the plumber’s responsibility to ensure that all required final inspections are complete and initial installation fee shall be paid by the property owner to cover the meter costs. The labor and inspection annual billing for the secondary meter shall be issued separately from the PRI primary account once per year.

                  During the fall billing cycle, water rates for secondary meters shall be exactly the same as the rates for the first meter as set by the town of Marion Water Department, consistent with the town’s water rate schedule and subject to adjustment by the Select Board. The Water Commissioner’s sewer charges shall not be assessed on water consumption measured by the secondary meter administration and oversight. The Water Department shall maintain records of all properties with secondary meters. Fees may be adjusted periodically to affect meter size replacement labor and materials. The Water Department shall adopt and publish rules and regulations to administer the program.”

                  Select Board Vice Chair John W. Hoagland cautioned against, arguing “whatever we lose in sewer revenues has to be made up.” Saying sewer bills will likely rise.

            The Marion Fall Town Meeting will be on Monday, November 24 at 6:45 pm in the Sippican School Multipurpose Room.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Bulldogs on Road for Thanksgiving

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The Old Rochester Regional High School football team rebounded from a challenging start to the 2025 season by reeling off three midseason victories that propelled the Bulldogs into the MIAA Division 6 state tournament as the 13th seed, and on November 7 they stunned fourth-seeded Wilmington in six overtimes by a 47-39 score, a goal-line tackle stopping what would have set up a point-after to tie the game.

            The Bulldogs’ hopes for further playoff upsets ended in a 34-7 defeat against 9-1 Hudson, the fifth seed that on Saturday will play for a shot at the Super Bowl in the state semifinals against top-seeded Norwell. That game will kick off at 12:00 noon at Weston High School. The winner takes on the winner of Saturday’s other Division 6 semifinal between neighboring Fairhaven and Bishop Fenwick. That semifinal kicks off at 7:00 pm at Assabet Valley Regional High School in Marlborough. Seeded third, the 9-1 Blue Devils are trying to make it three straight trips to Gillette Stadium, having won the championship in 2023.

            ORR football has one more date on its calendar, the annual Thanksgiving Day game against South Coast Conference rival Apponequet. The Bulldogs are the visitors this year, and the game kicks off on Thursday, November 27, at 10:00 am at Griffith Stadium on Apponequet’s Lakeville campus.

Old Rochester Regional Drama Club Presents…

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The ORR Drama Club will be performing their rendition of Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery at 7:00 pm from November 20 to November 22, with a final showing at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 23.

            The fast-paced comedy play was originally written by Brian D. Taylor in 2013 following rehearsing actors suddenly embroiled in a murder mystery. Hence, a Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery.

            In choosing this play, Director Brayden Fanti said, “My absolute favorite genre of theatre is farce, because I genuinely love creating the controlled chaos. This is a genre we’ve tackled before, but I felt this show takes it up to a fresh and new level that these students have not had the chance to perform before. And it’s a whole lot of fun.”

            For their favorite part, Assistant Director Vanessa Medieros said, “My favorite part of Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery is the subtle comedic timing in the character dialogue. It’s been so much fun watching the students thrive and bring their roles to life. Their unique traits create a wonderfully cohesive comedy, and it’s been a joy to experience.”

            In terms of challenges faced in production, Stage Manager Max Chace said, “The biggest challenges we faced had to be getting the quick timing of this show down. The actors’ lines have to flow at a quick pace, and getting the timing of the lights and sound down as well was a challenge, but we did it.”

            Actor Lincoln Fauteaux, playing Richard Polk, said of his favorite part, “In a show where these characters are forced to replay the same scene over and over again, the character of Richard matches my excitement and genuinely enjoys every part of this show no matter how many times he has to do it.”

            Actor Amanda Tomasso, playing Ms. Polly, when asked for some behind-the-scenes details of the play, said, “The best part of watching this show behind the scenes is seeing the whole thing coming together from scratch. Watching actors at the very beginning, grinding to learn their lines, and seeing where they are now. Thinking about where the set started, and what it looks like now. That is my favorite part.”

            Finally, when asked what he wanted audiences to walk away with, Director Brayden Fanti said, “More than anything, I want the audience to be able to forget about the outside world for just a night and lose themselves in this whacky show. It is a wild production that absolutely doesn’t take itself too seriously and allows the cast and crew to just have fun. That is a brilliant lesson that any audience member can take home with them.”

            To witness the “controlled chaos” for yourself, as well as these truly talented and dedicated performers and crew in their element, you can see Murder Mystery at the Murder Mystery this weekend at ORR.

Pre-Show Interviews

By Sam Bishop

Two-Family Decision Delayed

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Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals struggled at its November 13 meeting over whether to approve a new, two-family home at 309 Neck Road, voting instead to seek Town Counsel’s input on whether the variance being requested would be legal.

            The plan here is to raze the single-family home there and create a single-story, two-family home in its place so resident Jennifer Jones can move her senior-citizen parents into the back section of the new construction. Jones is seeking a variance of frontage requirements for this plan. She said her parents need to move from their two-story home. She and her young daughter would occupy the front of the new home.

            The board continued this hearing to its December 11 meeting after Building Commissioner Paul Boucher noted a variance of frontage requirements should not be allowed in this case. “You can’t be granting a variance on frontage here,” he said. “They should not be able to get a hardship approved. A two-family on that lot is not allowed.” Boucher added that Jones should have gone for a special permit instead.

            ZBA Chair Donald Spirlet said Jones has the area for the new home but not the frontage. He noted making it an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) would require it to be too small. The legal maximum size for an ADU in the bylaw and state law (by right) is 900 square feet. Counting all three floors, the projected size for the proposed, two-family house is 12,249 square feet.

            Board member Richard Cutler motioned a continuance after noting Town Counsel’s input was needed because a variance here may not even be legal. The full motion was to continue to December 11 to await receipt of certified plans and seek an opinion from counsel. Board Administrator Andreia Lacerda said the ZBA has two other public hearings on its agenda that night.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Democracy

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Dear Editor,

            As our community in Marion rallies to support neighbors through food drives and donations to Damien’s Food Pantry in Wareham, we are reminded that democracy is more than elections or party lines. It is a living moral agreement, a shared promise between citizens and the government they create. That promise, at its best, rests on three enduring duties: protection, sustenance, and lawful governance.

The philosopher John Locke taught that government exists first to protect our basic rights, life, liberty, and property. When families face hunger or hardship, that duty extends beyond safety from harm to ensuring no one is left unseen or uncared for.

            John Rawls, a modern philosopher of justice, expanded that idea. He argued that a fair democracy must also provide sustenance, not as charity but as fairness. Genuine freedom diminishes in significance when individuals lack access to essential resources such as food, healthcare, and opportunities for personal and professional development. When citizens step up, as Marion has, to support those whose SNAP benefits have been reduced, they help fulfill democracy’s deeper moral promise: that everyone deserves dignity and a fair chance to thrive.

            And John Dewey, the great American pragmatist, believed democracy is “a way of life.” According to Dewey, effective governance relies on active participation, where individuals come together to learn, discuss, and work collectively for the common good. Every can of food, every act of giving, every civic conversation becomes part of that shared democratic education.

            When we protect one another, sustain one another, and govern together, democracy ceases to be an abstract idea. It becomes something visible and alive, something we practice every day in Marion. By helping to feed our neighbors, we are not just meeting a need; we are keeping faith with the truest meaning of democracy itself.

            Sincerely,

            Eileen J. Marum, Marion

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.

Holiday Luncheon And Cookie Sale

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The First Congregational Church of Marion is happy to host its Annual Holiday Luncheon to coincide with the Sippican Women’s Club Holiday House Tour. The luncheon takes place on Saturday, December 13 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. With a price of $18 per ticket, this event promises to be a delightful stop during the House Tour or an opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer.

            The luncheon features our famous hot chicken salad or soup, dressed greens, bread, beverages, plus cheesecake with topping for dessert. The cost of the luncheon is $18. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Marion General Store, at Penny Pinchers, online, and will also be available at the door on the day of the event.

            Before or after lunch, stop by the Cookie Sale to purchase delicious holiday cookies made by some of the best bakers of the church. These cookies will be offered in beautifully decorated boxes and will make a perfect host or hostess gift or a special treat when company pops in.

            The Holiday Luncheon and Cookie Sale will be held on the second floor of The First Congregational Church Community Center, 144 Front Street, Marion. This building, equipped with a stairlift, is located at the rear of the Marion General Store parking lot. Parking is available at the back right of the lot, plus there is additional parking at Island Wharf.

            Come, bring your friends, and enjoy.