Radon

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To the Editor;

            Dr. Hoffer’s article of June 6, 2025, “Radon – What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You” provides valuable basic information in starting to understand the health risks of radon gas seeping into your home from the soil.

            However, it does not address another point of entry radon gas may use to enter your living space: your well water. Radon gas can dissolve in water as the water passes through the soil. When that water is used indoors in cooking, washing dishes, showering etc., the radon gas escapes into the air you breathe. Although ingesting water containing radon is also a health risk, the greater risk comes from airborne radon gas.

            Currently, there is no federally enforced standard for radon levels in drinking water. The EPA has proposed levels no higher than 4000 pico curries per liter(pCi/l) for municipal water suppliers. The EPA does not regulate private wells. Private well owners are responsible for the quality of their drinking water.

            Maximum radon levels in water vary greatly from state to state. For example, in Massachusetts that level is 10000 pCi/l, in New Hampshire 2000 pCi/l, and in Maine 4000 pCi/l. These limits are recommendations and advisory only.

            I am not a health professional, a scientist, nor an expert in radon mitigation. The information I have put forth comes from my own experience in dealing with elevated radon levels in my own well water here in Mattapoisett.

            My recommendation to anyone using well water is get your water tested regularly, including for radon ( and PFAS – a subject I hope Dr. Hoffer addresses in the future), and to consult a professional if necessary.

            Arthur Damaskos, Mattapoisett

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.

Mattapoisett Select Board Poised to Expand

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Since the May Town Meeting when a home rule petition for the expansion of the Select Board from 3 to 5 members passed by a majority, many in the community have been holding their breath. Would the Select Board pass the petition on to the legislature for acceptance? Questions arose as to whether or not the Select Board’s involvement was required.

            Nikki Demakis, the author of the home rule petition and prime mover to have the voters consider a larger Select Board, has contended that the town was not receiving accurate legal counsel from KP Law. Demakis researched case law and various legal venues to prove that the town meeting vote was legal and that the Select Board’s approval was not required.

            On June 10 as the Select Board met for their regular meeting, the training room at the fire station was packed to capacity. People on both sides of whether or not the board should be expanded were in attendance. It was an item for discussion on the evening’s agenda. Everyone wanted to know if a larger battle was on the horizon or if clearer legal conclusion would be held

            The board moved the “discussion and vote on article to increase to a five member Select Board” to an earlier slot. Rising to speak on behalf of the board was Jordan Collyer. Collyer intimated that legal advice had been incomplete after the Town Meeting vote. Now, weeks later, the board was prepared to let the process advance through the legislature.

            “I stand by my position to uphold Town Meeting.” Collyer said there had been a great deal of town-wide speculation regarding what the board may or may not do, could or could not do but in the end whether or not the board’s participation in a home rule matter was needed was resolved – it was moving forward. Collyer stated, “The board will take no further action now or in the future.” The audience erupted with applause.

            In other matters, the board voted to offer Sarah Landry the position of Director of the Council on Aging. They also accepted a draft by Town Administrator Mike Lorenco setting policies in place for production companies wishing to use the town in part or whole.

            Safety concerns brought to the attention of the board with respect to parking in and around Railroad Avenue were discussed. All were in agreement that “No Parking” signs should be posted along the roadway while acknowledging this was not a final solution. Collyer said that everyone knew parking would be a problem in that area once the bike path was opened to the public. The board will continue to pursue more permanent solutions with the police department.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Art in Bloom at the MAC

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Our popular seasonal event is back for summer: Art in Bloom sees our community choose an artwork and create a floral bouquet inspired by it. See creative floral arrangements inspired by works in our show featuring works by Peter C. Stone, currently on display in the MAC galleries.

            All are invited to participate by creating an arrangement. Visit the MAC galleries between May 30 – June 18 to view the exhibit. Regular gallery hours are Thursday-Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, or call ahead to visit other times during office hours Tuesday-Friday. Choose one of the works on display to inspire your artistic floral creation. There will be only one designer or design team per artwork. Designers are encouraged to bring their own unique stand or pedestal of appropriate size and height.

            The free reception for the event will be held on June 19 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. More information at marionartcenter.org/events.

Wickenden Chapel Steeple to Undergo Repairs

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A familiar feature of the Marion skyline, the Wickenden Chapel steeple will be undergoing repairs this summer. On June 16, the steeple will be carefully dismantled and removed from the top of the chapel by Ashmont Iron Works. It will be transferred off-site to repair structural members and connection points that have weakened naturally over time.

            According to Tabor’s Director of Facilities, Joe Irvine, this is the first time in the Chapel’s nearly 60-year history that repairs have been necessary.

            “We’ll be addressing structural integrity and moisture issues that have arisen due to age. We’re working closely with Ashmont Iron Works and Saltonstall Architects to make it structurally sound and watertight,” says Irvine.

            Importantly, he notes that the exterior of the spire itself will remain the same, however, modifications to the lower tower may be necessary for improved stability and longevity. The team of engineers and architects will be able to determine what additional repairs, if any, will be needed once the steeple has been removed. Regardless, the final design will aim to stay as true to the original as possible.

            The Wickenden Chapel was built in 1967 in honor of James and Nancy Wickenden. James W. Wickenden served as headmaster of Tabor Academy from 1942-1976. His wife, Nancy, was the school librarian during that time.

            The Chapel is still a central feature of student life at Tabor and a beloved gathering place for the community. In addition to local celebrations, memorials, and performances, Tabor students and faculty converge weekly for Chapel Talks, a non-denominational assembly, that provides members of the senior class the opportunity to share personal experiences and perform original musical and artistic pieces.

            The renewal of the steeple is made possible by a generous donation designated for this purpose. The Chapel will remain in use during repairs, and we look forward to seeing this iconic element home in Marion for many years to come.

Latest Solar Project Draws Crowd

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            In a short but well-attended meeting Tuesday, Rochester’s Conservation Commission approved an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation confirming the bordering vegetated wetlands boundaries at a new address on Walnut Plain Road for an application from Walnut Plain Road Solar LLC.

            Concerned abutters filled the meeting room as project representative Andrew Gorman explained via Zoom that the property is “entirely forested.” The map he presented on the Zoom screen indicated the wetland areas on the northern, eastern, and southern sides of the project footprint.

            Rochester Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly, who inspected the site work, confirmed it was “a good delineation. A little complicated but it made sense.” The commission, directed by Acting Chair Ben Bailey, easily accepted the delineation after no follow-up questions.

            After the vote, Bailey advised the residents in attendance that this is merely approval of the wetland’s delineation, and they should return to comment when the board reviews the developer’s actual plans for the site. The abutters said they are there to express concerns about yet another solar energy installation coming to town.

            In related action that also drew the residents’ attention, the commission continued to its next meeting its Public Hearing on the Notice of Intent application for proposed work on an access road for a ground-mounted solar array in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road upon the applicant’s request. The proposal by Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables includes work within bordering vegetated wetlands, the 200-foot riverfront area associated with an on-site perennial stream, as well as within a local 25-foot No Disturb zone.

            The commission also continued until the next meeting its Notice of Intent hearing filed by Sealord Enterprises, LLC for construction of a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities and stormwater management system at a new address on Cranberry Highway within 100 feet of wetlands.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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The picture with this article is of the Town Hall entrance with the plaque sourced by the Historical Commission. It bears the year that this version of Rochester Town Hall was built after earlier buildings were outgrown.

            The town has been governed by residents beginning several years after the Proprietors purchased the land on which our town sits. If we had the ability to look into those meetings, we would see only men conducting the business of the town. It was only recently that those elected to help lead the town have gone from “selectmen” to “select board”.

            However, after 135 years, in 1972, the town’s first female Town Clerk, Evelyn Aiken, was elected. Prior to her new job, she had been an executive secretary, managed a Boston hotel and was a script writer for WBZ radio. She had a master’s degree in psychology and had directed a psychological research department. It was no doubt this extensive resume in so many fields led to her being elected.

            While working in Town Hall, she became fascinated by all the history tucked away within the building. In the attic, she found old school slates that are now at the Historical Museum. In the basement, she unearthed old town records, including one large paper with a $2.00 bill attached. That $2.00 was pay for one full day’s work.

            Evelyn was the Town Clerk for 12 years. During that time, she had the town history that she had found bound into books and stored in the vault for safe keeping.

            In later years after her retirement, she moved to Westminster, MA. A Standard Times reporter interviewed her there in 2000 when she was 95 years old and she shared some memories of her days in Rochester.

            Rochester was lucky to have had someone in the Town Clerk’s position whose curiosity and love of history saved irreplaceable artifacts that provide an important look back into Rochester history.

By Connie Eshbach

Mattapoisett Road Race

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With less than a month until the 4th of July, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and start training for the Mattapoisett Road Race, “4 on the 4th”. When this tradition was started in 1971 by Bob and Doris Gardner, 15 runners raced from Point Connett to Shipyard Park. Over the years, the route has changed a few times, and now, over 1000 runners start at Shipyard Park, run through the village, around Ned’s Point lighthouse, and finish at Shipyard Park. Townspeople line the course and cheer on the runners. Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School, as well as support Old Rochester athletics. Over the years, more than $200,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. Registration for the race is online only, up until the start of the race. Until July 2, the registration fee is $25, on July 3 and 4, it is $35. T-shirt and number pickup is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on July 3, and 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on July 4. For more information and registration, please visit mattapoisettroadrace.com.

MAC Theater presents “The Glass Menagerie”

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 The MAC Theater Presents the Tennessee Williams classic, The Glass Menagerie, directed by Donn Tyler. Performances are held at the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater, located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion.

            The cast includes: Oliver Asker, Tim Moynihan, Cher Sauter, Eva Watts-Pine, Assistant Director/Costume Designer: Bethany Lamoureux, Stage Manager: Michele Letourneau, Technical Director: Steve McManus.

            The performances will be June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday shows at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for MAC members and $23 for nonmembers. More information and tickets: marionartcenter.org/events

            Amanda Wingfield had imagined a better life for herself, but she now lives in a drab apartment with son Tom and daughter Laura. The father has left home, Tom supports the family with a job he hates, and Laura lives in a world of her own. When Amanda convinces Tom to bring home a “gentleman caller” for Laura, all of the family’s dreams depend on the outcome of his visit.

Farmstand Snag Remains Unsolved

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Coming before the Mattapoisett Planning Board as a walk-in to the regular meeting on June 2 was Mike King, who has been attempting to receive the needed permissions to re-open a farmstand on North Street where locally grown vegetables, meat and poultry have been sold.

            As King noted, the night before his Special Permit hearing (May 15) with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), he received notification that a Variance was required, not a Special Permit. King said that the ZBA gave him a continuance, translating into time that might be adequate for receiving clear guidance from the Building Department.

            On Monday, King fully detailed for the Planning Board the confusion he has been experiencing in what he said several times is “a right to farm community.”

            He told the board members that in November 2024 he was selling Christmas trees at the farmstand and giving away hot cocoa. He said he was swiftly notified by Town Hall, “that I couldn’t do that,” without a Special Permit.

            King said he subsequently reached out to the town planner for assistance but didn’t hear back on his request for a site-plan review. In researching state requirements for farmstands, King now held that state statues allowed the farmstand to be open if it obtained a site-plan review from the Planning Board.

            King did meet with the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 15, at which time his request for a Special Permit and/or Variance was tabled in order to obtain final clarity from either the building inspector or Planning Board.

            During the discussion on June 2 when King met with the Planning Board, he gave some background saying the North Street location was a farm owned by the Ferguson family for decades. He said he has a 10-year lease on the property to grow produce there and sell it at the stand. The original homestead was built in 1810. King stated that delays in receiving a permit to operate the stand not only puts him in financial straits but threatens the Fergusons as well.

            King appealed to the board for a site-plan review. Possible hearing dates were discussed. Matters were directed to the town planner for follow-up.

            Board member Bill Wennerberg was flummoxed, saying he didn’t see what the problem was. He was ready to make a motion for the requested site-plan review.

            Chairman Tom Tucker said, “I think this is headed to Town Counsel.” As of Tuesday, the matter has been reviewed by the Town Counsel, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated. He concurred when asked that if this is a unique situation, as the town doesn’t have many farmstands.

            King still has a scheduled hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 19.

Earlier in the proceedings, the board members confirmed language changes for roadway-construction bylaws. The members also discussed cottage-style subdivisions in the Route 6 corridor and the size of Accessory Dwelling Units.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 16.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Burgers on The Grill

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            Most schools in the Tri-Town are out and graduations have wrapped up. The weather is getting warmer, and window rattlers have been installed. Spring rains are still here (seemingly nailing every weekend with calculated precision), but Memorial Day weekend heralds in the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Festivals and celebrations have already begun across New England, with tourism ramping up and roads already getting bogged down with seasonal traffic.

            Farmers markets are back, with the Washburn Park market now being open every Tuesday, and numerous others as well as farm stands are also beginning to pop up. Strawberry season is coming in fast! Food trucks are also becoming more prevalent.

            Camping under the stars is always fantastic in the region, especially with the cool nights offering respite from the heat. Increased solar activity has already seen this month deemed perfect for aurora borealis viewing, even being this far south.

            America 250, the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War or “United States Semiquincentennial,” also warrants an excuse to venture out and explore the past. There is no better region in the country to experience its colonial past than Massachusetts, especially given the prevalence of planned celebrations commemorating momentous historic events. This summer is predicted to be the hottest on record, with increased risk of wildfires and hurricanes. That being said, travel numbers will likely also break records. Airbnb predicts 40% of Americans will travel to domestic destinations, rather than international, to save money. Coupled with this, USA Today cited many Americans surveyed plan to drive instead of fly to cut costs.

            Summer offers us the ability to break free from routine and find joy in new adventures. Time for new hobbies or time for that long-delayed repair/renovation. Many use it as an opportunity to search for new work or begin their careers after graduation.

            Whatever your plans for this summer, regardless of the solstice being on June 20, the summer season is here, at least in spirit. “Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill.” – To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.

The Unofficial Start to Summer

By Sam Bishop