Photographer and educator Tianxu Zhou of Marion, Massachusetts, has recently published The Way Home, a collection of black and white and color photographs that capture the quiet beauty and character of this New England coastal village. The book is available at Mimi’s, the Sippican Historical Society, and the Marion Art Center.

            The Way Home features landscapes, close-up details, and everyday scenes from woodland conservation areas, boatyards, wildlife habitats, and Sippican Harbor across all four seasons. The images reflect both the lively energy of summer and the calm stillness of winter. While rooted in Marion, the photographs also speak more broadly to the essence of coastal New England. Many of the scenes – boats at rest in the harbor, shifting light on the water, narrow woodland paths – can evoke a sense of familiarity and memory even for those who have never visited the town.

            Viewers have often remarked on the timeless quality of the images and the way they evoke personal memories – warm summer light, quiet shorelines, and the distinct textures of the New England coast. Even without knowing Marion, many people find that the photographs resonate deeply, reminding them of their own connections to coastal landscapes.

            Zhou explains that the project grew from a desire to honor the place where he and his family have lived for more than two decades.

            “I’ve lived in many different places – Beijing, small towns in Virginia, and larger suburban areas,” he says. “But Marion is the place where we chose to raise our family, and every aspect of it feels like home. Every time I leave – whether it’s a long trip or just an afternoon away – I’m reminded of how special it is when I return. This book reflects the feeling of taking that look again and appreciating this place with fresh eyes.”

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

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.”