Theodore Reed Lorentzen

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Theodore Reed Lorentzen, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Fairhaven, MA on February 5, 2026 after a long neurological illness. He was married to his beloved wife Barbara (Mee) Lorentzen for fifty-three years and was a devoted son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend.

            Born on January 4, 1945, in Boston, MA, to Clathie (Mitchell) and Eric R. Lorentzen, Ted grew up in Hull, MA and graduated from Hull High School and Drew University in Madison, NJ. At Drew he ran for the cross-country team and earned a B.A in Political Science and Sociology. After graduation in 1967, he served in the Army National Guard.

            Ted worked as a truck driver for his family’s trucking business for thirty-eight years. From 1974, after his father’s death, he managed the business and hauled produce from ports in Newark, NJ, Albany, NY, Wilmington DE, and Bridgeport, CT for Tropical Banana Company and Stop & Shop. Upon retiring in 2006, he worked part-time as a driver and shipper for BMI Surplus in Hanover, MA until 2009.

            Ted and his family lived in Hopkinton, MA for twenty-seven years and moved to Fairhaven in 2002. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 65, and bought and restored a 17-foot catboat that he enjoyed sailing in Buzzards Bay. Fascinated by the history of Fairhaven and town politics, Ted served on what became the Marine Resources Committee for eight years and also as a Board member on the Fairhaven Improvement Committee.

            Ted found great pleasure in helping many friends in his retirement, assisting in the restoration of a wooden sailboat and in building an outdoor pizza oven and kitchen, tagging along as crew on a sailing trip, and driving elderly friends to appointments. He loved making something old feel new again, be it an old house, an antique truck, a piece of furniture, or an abandoned boat. He lived his life with a spirit of generosity, kindness, good humor, and hard work.

            Ted is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son Christian Lorentzen and daughter Allison Lorentzen, both of Brooklyn, NY, his sisters, Katherine Gallagher of Northport FL, and Ann Marie Richards and her husband Ricky of Hopkinton, MA, his brothers and their spouses Paul and Mary Ann Lorentzen of Hopkinton, MA, and Eric and Deborah Lorentzen of Hull, MA, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

            A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25th at the Unitarian Church, 102 Green Street, Fairhaven at 11am and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Millicent Library, 45 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

For the Love of Democracy

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Dear Editor,

            This past Valentine’s Day, a group of determined women from Marion boldly chose to celebrate more than just flowers and chocolates. They embraced the profound power of community, championed fairness, and reaffirmed their commitment to democracy.

            The leitmotif, “For the Love of Democracy,” invited women to consider running for local office; it felt timely and long overdue.

            Currently, Marion’s boards, committees, and commissions are predominantly male. Although the contributions of these men have been valuable, our town government does not yet mirror the full diversity of our community, those who live, work, raise families, and run businesses here. When women take on leadership roles, communities gain from a wider range of perspectives, collaborative problem-solving approaches, and real-life experiences that influence decisions regarding schools, public safety, economic development, recreation, and long-term planning.

            Local government is where decisions directly touch daily life. It determines the safety of sidewalks, the quality of classrooms, the preservation of green space, and the vitality of small businesses. Women, especially mothers, bring invaluable insight into how policies affect families. They understand firsthand the juggling of schedules, the needs of children, the care of aging parents, and the importance of creating neighborhoods where everyone can thrive.

            There is also something quietly transformative about children seeing their mom, or any woman they know, serving on a town board or commission. It expands what they believe is possible. When girls see women leading, they learn that their voices matter. When boys see women in positions of authority, they grow up understanding that leadership is not defined by gender but by commitment and capability. That kind of example shapes a town’s culture for generations.

            The initiative “For the Love of Democracy” transcends partisan divides; it emphasizes the importance of civic engagement. This initiative seeks to invite knowledgeable and capable women to contribute their expertise and insights. By elevating Marion’s voice, we can ensure that every decision reflects the diverse perspectives inherent in our community. Collectively, we have the opportunity to shape a future that accurately represents us all.

            On Valentine’s Day 2026, we proudly celebrated not only romantic love but also the powerful expression of civic love. This type of love is about taking action, stepping up, and ensuring that all voices are heard and included at the table. It’s a commitment to community that strengthens our bonds and fosters a vibrant society.

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.

Boating Safety Certification Classes

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The Marion Police Department and Harbormaster’s Office are offering two free sessions of boating safety certification courses in accordance with new laws impacting recreational boating.

            The Massachusetts Legislature passed a law, The Hanson Milone Act of 2024, requiring anyone operating a motorized vessel in Massachusetts to possess a Boater Safety Certificate. Starting April 1, 2026, all motorboat operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels or personal watercraft such as a jet ski. Anyone born before January 1, 1989, will have until April 1, 2028, to obtain their boater safety certificate.

            In response, the Marion Police Department and Harbormaster’s Office are offering Boating Safety Courses to anyone ages 12 and older during March and April. The classes are being offered at no cost at the Marion Police Department, 550 Mill Street.

            Session dates are:

            March session: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22

            April session: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12

            Attendance is required on both days of the session to receive certification.

            Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers certify instructors, provide classroom materials and additional support.

            The courses are nationally approved. Course completion will allow anyone to operate a boat in states requiring Basic Boating Safety courses.

            “Education is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent boating tragedies,” said Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli. “We’re proud to offer this free course to help our community meet the new education requirement while gaining the knowledge that keeps everyone safer on the water. I also want to thank our staff for their commitment to providing this important instruction.”

            Community members can register for the March session here or the April session here. Registration is open for the March class and opens on March 11 at 1:30 am for the April class.

NASA Astronaut Speaks from International Space Station to Students at OHS

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While orbiting the Earth aboard the International Space Station, NASA Astronaut Dr. Chris Williams spoke live with students at Old Hammondtown School during a video conference held on the Wednesday afternoon before February vacation.

            The entire school gathered in the cafetorium for the virtual event, which was organized by Old Hammondtown Reading Specialist Katie Samost, who is Dr. Williams’ sister-in-law. Students submitted questions in advance, and during the call Dr. Williams answered several of them, personally addressing students by name and generating excitement throughout the room.

            Students asked thoughtful and wide-ranging questions, including what it felt like to see Earth from space for the first time, whether moving in microgravity feels like swimming or floating, how astronauts shower in space, and whether it’ll be difficult to walk again upon returning to Earth.

            During the live connection, Dr. Williams provided a virtual tour of portions of the International Space Station and demonstrated how water behaves in microgravity, allowing droplets to float freely before capturing them midair. Students watched as he moved effortlessly through the station’s modules and even demonstrated how astronauts eat by enjoying a floating candy.

            Dr. Williams described daily life aboard the station, explaining how astronauts secure their sleeping bags to the wall, maintain hygiene without traditional showers, and balance advanced scientific research with routine maintenance. Dr. Williams also shared what it’s like to work collaboratively with astronauts from multiple countries and experiencing foods from around the world during his mission in outer space.

            “I think I speak for all staff and students at OHS when I say that we are grateful to Dr. Chris Williams for taking the time to talk to us from the International Space Station,” said Samost. “Some of the highlights from the video call were being able to see the Earth outside the space station window, watching Dr. Williams float through the modules of the ISS, and even watching him eat a floating M&M. OHS students demonstrated their scientific inquisitiveness with the questions they submitted to Dr. Williams. It was a wonderfully enriching experience for our students.”

            Dr. Williams is currently serving as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station as part of Expedition 74. He launched on Nov. 27, 2025, aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft for a long-duration mission expected to last approximately eight months.

            Selected by NASA in 2021 as part of the agency’s 23rd astronaut candidate class, Dr. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford University and a doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining NASA, he worked as a clinical physicist and researcher at Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

            While in orbit, Dr. Williams is contributing to scientific investigations and technology demonstrations that advance understanding of living and working in microgravity, research that has applications both in space exploration and on Earth.

            “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to connect our students directly with a NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station,” said Principal Stephanie Wells. “Experiences like this ignite curiosity and show students that science, exploration, and big dreams are within reach.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson also expressed appreciation to Dr. Williams and to the staff who helped organize the event, noting that opportunities like this reinforce the district’s commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

            “We are grateful to NASA and to Astronaut Williams for taking the time to connect with our students while serving aboard the International Space Station,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Opportunities like this spark curiosity, reinforce the value of STEM education, and encourage students to think beyond the classroom.”

Mattapoisett Library Reopens Seed Exchange

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The Mattapoisett Library is excited to announce the return of our beloved Seed Library. As the days grow longer and the snow gradually melts away, it’s a perfect time for local gardeners and nature enthusiasts to prepare for spring planting. Whether you’re starting a new garden or expanding your collection, our Seed Library is restocked and ready for you.

            This season, we’re offering a wide variety of plants, including mizuna, parsnips, beets, tomatoes, kale, radishes, peas, and corn. We also have native wildflowers to beautify any landscape. Supplies are limited. Please take only what you need so we can ensure plenty for everyone.

            Seeds do not need to be returned. However, we encourage patrons to bring in any seeds they’ve collected or no longer need when they come check out new ones. And while you’re here, visit our Library of Things for all the tools and kits necessary to dig in and grow a garden, including Soil Testing Kits, Soil Block Kits, Tillers, and more.

            The Seed Library is free and open to everyone, regardless of gardening experience. Patrons only need an active SAILS library card to participate.

            No library card? No worries. Just bring your ID and sign up for one when you visit to browse our seed selection. Library cards are free and provide access to resources offered at the MFPL and surrounding SAILS libraries.

            Stop by 7 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett and borrow what you need to start your garden today. For more information, visit the library, email mfpl@sailsinc.org, or call us at 508-758-4171.

Erosion Control and Storm Debris

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            The Marion Conservation Commission met on February 11 at the Police Station’s conference room and took no issue with a few small projects proposed.

            Ryan Burke, of Seahorse Way, filed a Request for Determination of Applicability for water service to two parcels he owns, explaining that the shoreline neighborhood has water services and relies on a water distribution tank. Burke proposed that the water line be connected via Dexter Way and service his home there. Burke said, in the long haul, other homeowners can also tap into the line. Burke also said the flood zone is not within the parcels that he owns.

            At member Millie Seeberg’s motion, the commission voted Burke’s proposal a Negative Box 2 determination, thereby approving his plan.

            For another project at 137 Allens Point Road, applicant Hope Sidman filed a RDA proposing demolition of a cottage on her property and the addition of an entertainment room. Sidman’s engineer, Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering, disclosed that the work proposed for the property would include disturbing land at the fringe of the 100-foot buffer zone to the coastal bank. In explaining his RDA application as opposed to a Notice of Intent, Rogers said that all excess material would be removed from the site and pointed out on his site plan that the new construction only slightly penetrates the 100-foot buffer zone.

            Commissioner Shaun Walsh made a motion, which was approved by the entire board, to issue a Negative Box 3 determination, allowing the work as long as the builders take erosion-control measures to protect the nearby buffer zone prior to the start of any work at the site. Walsh said that the presentation showed limited work that could lead to erosion, but a plan on the record would protect neighboring lands. “We want to make sure it doesn’t fall toward the harbor,” he said.

            The agenda on February 11 featured three hearings, but the first one was withdrawn by the applicant – demolishing a home on Beach Street and building a new one.

            Commissioners also discussed an ongoing problem but made no motion for change. However, they cautioned residents and officials to be vigilant of the number of downed trees and limbs that have littered various areas in town due to the snowy, windy weather this season.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Thomas P. Lovett

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Thomas P. Lovett of Weston and Marion, MA died on February 14, 2026 with his family around him. He was born in Cambridge, March 23, 1947, the son of William F. And Kathleen (Geaney) Lovett of West Roxbury. He leaves his wife of nearly 55 years, Elena H. (O’Neill) Lovett and two sons, William C. Lovett and his wife, Jacqueline (Gange) of Needham and Thomas P. Lovett, Jr. and his wife, Camila Eisenstadter of Cohasset and grandchildren, Ryan, Kaitlyn, Maya, Lia and Samuel. Tom is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Charles T. (Ted) O’Neill and J. Patrick O’Neill, both of Belmont, and a sister in law, Michaelene O’Neill McCann of York, ME. He is predeceased by brother in law, Robert K. O’Neill, and sisters in law, Suellen A. O’Neill and Maura O’Neill Walsh. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many cousins here and in Ireland.

            He was a graduate of Catholic Memorial High School, West Roxbury, Class of 1964. He was a graduate of Fitchburg State College and received his M. Ed. From Bridgewater State College. He taught Industrial Arts for 34 years in the Schools of New Bedford, Fairhaven and E. Bridgewater, where he served as Department Chair of Industrial Arts and Home Economics and in Natick, where he served as Coordinator of Industrial Arts Co-operative Work Education. He was a builder who designed and built two homes for his family. He also owned two businesses, Tom Lovett Charters and Tom Lovett Cabinetry.

            Tom, Elena and their sons sailed the New England Coast together for many years out of Sippican Harbor in Marion. They sailed the Caribbean on charted trips many times. Later, their sons’ spouses and grandchildren often sailed with them. Tom also crewed on the El Greco II in the 1979 Marion to Bermuda Race.

            Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave, Needham on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 4-7pm. His funeral will be held from the funeral home on Friday, Feb. 27 at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Needham at 11am View Live Stream. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment on Saturday, Feb. 28 in Little Neck Cemetery, Marion at 10am.

            In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: Alzheimer’s Association; Att: Donor Services (Research donation); 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl. 17; Chicago, IL 60601.

            This is the live stream link: https://www-harborview-live.filesusr.com/html/fee40e_617b11c0ec089abf64bc1fa77b22869a.html#

Marion Social Club Chicken Dinner

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The Marion Social Club will be having a Chicken Dinner on March 8 at the Club located at 44 Pumping Station Road in Marion.

            The Dinner will include a barbequed chicken, baked potato, vegetable & dessert. Cost is $18.00 for each ticket, and the cutoff date is March 1. For ticket information please call Betsy Youngson at 508-295-8253. Doors open at noon for socializing, dinner will be served at 1 PM. We are always looking for new members if anyone is interested.

Preparing Dorchester Heights

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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, British General Henry Clinton disembarked in New York, just as the American Major General Charles Lee arrives to prepare the city’s defenses. Tensions are high, but Lee leaves shortly after to the south. Though attention is split between New York, Quebec, and New England, General George Washington is pressing ahead with preparations for a move on Boston.

            On February 11, 1776, Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Putnam writes to Washington and informs the general that this area around Roxbury in the south and Bunker Hill in the north are unsuitable for fortifications. He recommends Dorchester Heights as a staging post, due to its proximity to the city and the suitability of the earth, as ground in other areas is frozen. Washington and Colonel Henry Knox are out this day surveying land, along with the army’s chief surveyor Colonel Richard Gridley. They spend their time looking for wig lines to Boston and the best places to station artillery.

            Just as Dorchester begins to be seriously considered and prepared, the empire strikes back. On February 14, British troops under General William Howe make haste across the frozen and not-yet-filled-in South Bay. They raze houses and other potential fortifications before slipping back across to Boston. Washington writes to President of the Continental Congress John Hancock, saying, “Last night a party of regulars, said to be about five hundred, landed on Dorchester Neck and burnt some of the houses there, which were of no value to us, nor would they have been, unless we take post there.” He notes as soon as a response was mustered, the enemy retreated.

            On February 16, Washington holds a Council of War with most commenting officers around Cambridge with the express purpose of finally putting forth a plan to capture Boston. He states reinforcements are arriving, as well as, crucially, gunpowder. There are few defenders left in the city, with the general noting, “the state of Boston Harbor has been all this year, and now is, a bombardment might probably destroy the town without doing much damage to the ministerial troops within it.” His estimation is that there are currently around 5,000 defenders, though reinforcements are likely. The army currently under Washington’s command around the city numbers around 12,600, far less than he expected to have. With that, he recommends against an immediate attack and instead, await supplies, reinforcements, and to fortify Dorchester with cannons and mortars. By the time the artillery is in place, the general believes powder will have arrived.

            Adrenaline is high on February 17, as Washington instructs, through his General Orders, army regimented immediately prepare for battle with 24 rounds of ammunition each. Men are to be ready for an assault at a moment’s notice, and cannons are to be prepared and primed, entrusting the latter to Colonel Knox. At long last, Washington’s men in Cambridge and surrounding Boston are mobilizing and preparing to break the siege, nearly ten months after the Battles of Concord and Lexington.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Elizabeth A. (Jaillet) Dawson

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Elizabeth A. (Jaillet) Dawson, 85, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Boxford died February 21, 2026 peacefully at Tobey Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was the wife of the late John Dawson, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Lowell, daughter of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Tumelty) Jaillet, Elizabeth and John married in 1963 and made their home in Manchester, Connecticut. They relocated to Saugus and eventually settled in Boxford to raise their six children before retiring to Mattapoisett. Elizabeth was a graduate of St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Hunt Hospital and Union Hospital. In retirement, she traveled with her husband John, spent countless hours with her grandchildren, and volunteered her time as a long-term care ombudsman, a hospice aide, with St. Vincent de Paul, and Nativity Preparatory School.

Elizabeth was a devoted communicant and choir singer at St. Anthony’s in Mattapoisett. She loved having coffee with friends, spending days on the beach with her grandchildren, attending Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts, and engaging with her community. She will be remembered for her consistent devotion to family before herself.

Survivors include her six children, Anne O’Leary and her husband Kenneth of Medfield, Sheila Geiger and her husband Robert of Reading, John Dawson and his wife Michele of Beverly, Maureen DiNapoli and her husband Richard of Harvard, Michael Dawson and his wife Jennifer of Sherwood, OR and Kevin Dawson and his wife Laura of East Greenwich, RI; 13 grandchildren, Caleigh and Stephen O’Leary, Jessica Echerarria and her husband Joseph, Molly and Jack Geiger, Henry, Peter and Curtis DiNapoli, Andrew and Brian Dawson, Micah, Maeve and Eliza Dawson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her grandson Daniel O’Leary and sister Lorraine Barry.

Her visiting hour will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 8 – 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by her Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in St. Anthony’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.