Sippican Historical Society

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Whether March comes in like a lamb or lion, two events presented by the Sippican Historical Society (SHS) this month will give you new historical perspectives.

            On March 19, textile curator Madelyn Shaw connects war, wool and economics with what we wear today. With co-author Trish FitzSimons, Shaw wrote Fleeced, which ties the Australian, New Zealand, English and American wool economy over the past 150 years. This Speaker Series presentation is open to all and will occur at the Marion Music Hall on March 19 at 6:30 pm.

            “One of our members attended Ms. Shaw’s talk in Rhode Island and found it fascinating,” said Executive Director Alanna Nelson. “The book really opened my eyes to connections I’d never considered. SHS will have copies of Fleeced to purchase after the talk.”

            On March 24, SHS will host a watch party for the panel discussion “The Past Is Now.” Featuring four indigenous speakers of Wampanoag and Nipmuc tribes discussing King Philip’s War (1675-1676), the live event occurs at the Cambridge Public Library. Enjoy a social evening in a small group to learn about southeastern Massachusetts history. Seats are limited so RSVP now to info@sippicanhistoricalsociety.org for this event on March 24 at 5:30 pm at the SHS.

            The Sippican Historical Society, located at 141 Front Street in Marion, is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to documenting and celebrating the history of Marion, Massachusetts. Thanks to its members, these events are free and open to all. Donations are always welcome. For more information, go to www.sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

Academic Achievements

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In recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, Emmanuel College has named more than 950 students to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. The following local students were named to the Dean’s List: Madeline Wright, of Mattapoisett. Wright is majoring in Biology. Paetyn Tripp, of Marion. Tripp is majoring in Nursing.

TrumpRx – What is it Good For?

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            In February, with much fanfare, TrumpRx was launched, claiming the ability to save US residents money on prescription drugs. Does it do so? Are there better ways to save money?

            If you go to trumprx.gov, you are greeted by a glossy picture and a claim that “TrumpRx is rewriting the script, bringing major savings on essential medications to all Americans.”

            Reality is less impressive than the rhetoric.

            The site does not sell medications. Rather it directs you to manufacturers’ websites where you can (with a prescription) buy the medications directly from the companies, for cash – no insurance accepted. The list price is contrasted with the lower “TrumpRX” price.

            43 medications are listed. All are brand name drugs. At least 18 are old-timers with much cheaper generic versions available at your local drug store, not only far cheaper than the list price but even cheaper than the discounted price offered.

            An example: Protonix, an acid-suppressing medication, is shown with “an original price” of $497.28 for 30 tablets and a TrumpRx price of $200. Sounds good, no? Almost 60% off. It sounds good until you go to Amazon and see you can get the generic version, 30 tablets for $11.60.

            Even for drugs where there is no generic yet available, you may well pay less at your pharmacy than the supposed savings offered via TrumpRx. Moreover, at the pharmacy you can use your health insurance, while using TrumpRx does not allow any insurance.

            So, can you really save money on prescriptions? Yes, by following some commonsense rules.

            First, always ask your prescriber if a generic is available for your condition. There are a few illnesses for which only one or a limited number of branded products will work, but such conditions are rare. For common conditions there are usually generic versions that are similarly effective.

            Beware of manufacturer coupons that claim to let you pay little or nothing for a new branded drug – these have a limited lifetime, and when the promotion runs out you will be on an expensive medication for a long time.

            Check the Mark Cuban Cost-plus Pharmacy (costplusdrugs.com). This has a large and growing number of medications at very reasonable prices.

            Look for savings coupons on GoodRx.com.

            If you have a condition for which only a very expensive drug will work, and your share will be financially stressful even using your insurance, call the manufacturer directly. Many have patient assistance programs that will lower your cost.

            For a few items, including fertility drugs and weight loss drugs, TrumpRx may save you money – it does not take much time to look.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Marion Special Town Meeting Warrant

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            Below are the two articles up for a vote at the Marion Special Town Meeting, scheduled for Monday, March 23 at 6:40 pm in Sippican School, 16 Spring Street. This warrant was mailed to Marion residents.

            Both articles are recommended by the Select Board.

            Article S1. To see if the Town will vote to:

            (1) transfer the care, custody, management and control of the portion of the Town-owned parcel of land identified as Assessor’s Parcel Plan 11, Lot 32C, described in a deed recorded with the Plymouth Registry of Deeds in Book 25219, Page 181, which portion contains 2,977 square feet, more or less, and is shown as “BP-8” on plans entitled “Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division Plan and Profile of Shared Use Path – Phase 1 in the Town of Marion, Plymouth County, Preliminary Right of Way Plans” dated February 18, 2026, a copy of which is on file with the Town Clerk, from the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission for the purposes for which it is held, including, but not limited to, park, recreation and conservation purposes to the Select Board for purposes of a shared use path;

            (2) as mitigation for the foregoing, to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the Town-owned parcel of land located at Old Indian Trail, containing 13.38 acres, more or less, identified as Assessor’s Parcel Plan 26, Lot 15, described in a deed recorded with the Plymouth Registry of Deeds in Book 20438, Page 114, and shown as Lot 4 on a plan entitled “Approval Not Required Plan of Land in Marion Prepared for Joseph and Lynn Goldovitz,” which plan is recorded with the Plymouth Registry of Deeds as Plan #341 of 2001, from the Select Board for the purpose for which it is held to the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission for passive recreation and conservation purposes under the provisions of G.L. c. 40, § 8C and subject to the terms of the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program requirements and

301 CMR 5.00, and the protections of Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution;

            (3) further, to authorize the Select Board to file a petition with the General Court for a special act authorizing the foregoing transfer and change in use under Article 97, such transfer and change to become effective upon the enactment of said Article 97 legislation;

            (4) and to authorize the Select Board to enter into all agreements and take any and all actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this article, or do or take any other action in relation thereto.

or take any other action thereon.

            Article S2: To see if the Town will vote to:

            authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for special legislation in the form set forth below to allow, the granting of one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on premises’ provided, however, that the General Court may make clerical or editorial changes of form only to the bill, unless the Select Board approve amendments to the bill before enactment by the General Court; and, provided further that the Select Board is hereby authorized to approve amendments which shall be within the scope of the general public objectives of this petition;

            An Act Authorizing the Town of Marion to Grant an Additional License for the Sale of All Alcoholic Beverages Not to be Drunk on the Premises.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of same as follows:

            Section 1: Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws, the licensing

authority of the Town of Marion may grant 1 additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 15 of said chapter 138, said license to be issued only to C & J Sull, LLC, doing business as J. Sull Wine, at 119 Wareham Road, Unit 105, Marion, Massachusetts. The license granted pursuant to this act shall be subject to all of chapter 138 except said section 17.

            Section 2: Such license shall be subject to all conditions imposed by the Select Board and shall terminate and the town revert to the statutory license quota upon the cessation of business operations at said premises, unless otherwise authorized by law.

            Section 3: This act shall take effect upon its passage or take any other action thereon.

Maryann E. DeMello

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Maryann E. DeMello, 59, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Norbert DeMello and his wife Cheryl DeMello of Mattapoisett and the late Madeline E. (Perreira) DeMello. Maryann raised her family in Marion before returning to New Bedford.

Maryann was a beautiful soul filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy. A devoted lover of books, she owned and operated Castle Books in Wareham, MA for several years before deciding to share her passion for language and literature by becoming an English teacher. Over the last 14 years, she inspired countless students and formed lasting friendships with colleagues who admired her warmth, humor, and dedication. Her classroom was a place where stories lived, imagination thrived, and every student felt seen.

At the time of her passing, she was employed as an 8th grade English teacher at Whaling City Junior/Senior High School in New Bedford. Prior to that, she spent 13 years teaching 8th grade English at Roosevelt Junior High School in New Bedford, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.

Maryann cherished flowers and spent many happy hours working in a flower shop before becoming a teacher. Her sense of adventure led her to explore places she loved, most recently Portugal, where she enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip with her family and created memories that will never be forgotten. Aruba and Nantucket were also among her favorite places.

Maryann had a playful and imaginative spirit. She especially loved Halloween and trips to King Richard’s Faire, where she delighted in the magic, laughter, and fantasy of the experience. A devoted fan of storytelling and adventure, she enjoyed the worlds of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Anime. Her treasured Snow White collection reflected her deep love of fairy tales and their enchantment. To family and friends, she will forever be remembered as Snow White.

Her memory lives on in the students she taught, the friends she cherished, and the family who loved her deeply.

She is survived by her father, Norbert DeMello; her stepmother, Cheryl DeMello; her stepchildren, Carolyn Horseman and her husband Tim Harding of Rochester, and Derek Horseman and his wife Kristy of Fairhaven; her brother, Randy DeMello and his girlfriend Kolina Kirkham of Mattapoisett; her sister-in-law, Jennifer DeMello of Fairhaven; two stepsisters, Kristin Gorman of Lakeville and Karley Roberts of Bristol, RI; and a stepbrother, Blake Roberts of Irving, TX.

She also leaves behind her niece and nephew, Alexa DeMello and Andrew DeMello and his fiancée Lexie Viveiros, as well as three cherished grandchildren, Nathan Oliveira, Hailey Harding, and William Harding.

She was the stepmother of the late Brian Oliveira.

Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 440 Main Street, Fairhaven. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Flowers are welcome, or donations in her memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Jeanne (Sadeck) Bancroft

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Jeanne (Sadeck) Bancroft, 92, of New Bedford, MA died peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her family after a long illness.
She was the wife of the late William Bancroft, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.
Born on February 2, 1934 in New Bedford, daughter of the late Marshall C. and Eva A. (Chicoine) Sadeck, she resided there in the city until moving to Mattapoisett in 1974 and residing there for many years.
She was the loving mother of 5 children, Colleen Gordon and her husband Herbert of Fairhaven and New Bedford, Kathleen Tavares and her husband Anthony of Stuart, FL, Debra Kershaw and her husband John of Maui, HI and Joyce Lavoie and her husband Regis of Mattapoisett. She was the mother of the late Daniel Bancroft. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bancroft of Oviedo, FL; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (with another on the way) which she loved and cherished throughout her life.
She was a faithful and active parishioner of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford for 74 years, and served actively there in many capacities. She was a long-time member of the Holy Name Couples Club for many years, serving on many committees to facilitate dances, dinners, raffles, and bazaars to raise funds to support the parish. She was also a member of the Holy Name Ladies Guild for many years as well.
A long-time member of the Holy Name Church choir, along with her husband, she contributed her beautiful soprano voice to every Sunday Mass and at various other parish events.
For most of her adult life she was a charter member of the Greater New Bedford Garden Club, adding botanical beauty to various historical sites and venues throughout the city.
In later years, she enjoyed traveling throughout many beautiful parts of Europe including Switzerland, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice, Italy as well as various parts of our own country with her husband as well.
Jeanne was known to have a sparkling, engaging personality and style who enjoyed life thoroughly – whether sewing and cooking for her family, playing cards or Rummy Cube, traveling on day trips with friends, or simply engaging in good conversation with all who knew her.
Jeanne Bancroft was a cherished wife, a gentle, loving mother and grandmother, and a good, loyal friend to many who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, she has now left behind, and by all who were privileged to be called her friend.
May she rest now in peace for all eternity until we meet again.
Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at _10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, March 11th fron 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or Holy Name Ladies Guild 121 Mount Pleasant St. New Bedford, MA 02740.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Children’s Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Last week, I wrote about how this was the last week to sign up for the Quahog Reading Program. This was before the Blizzard of 2026. Since we’ve all been snowed in, I’ve decided to extend the registration deadline to Saturday, March 7, at 4:00 pm. The Quahog Reading Program is open to all students in grades 3-6. For curious readers at home, the Quahog Reading Program is in its 13th year, and we have a great selection of books for this year. Notably, Pocket Bear by Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate, Snoop, by the one and only Gordon Korman, and the Newbery Honor Award Winner for 2026, The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest, by Aubrey Hartman. The full list of Quahog Award candidates, along with more information about the Quahog Reading Program, is available on our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or by calling 508-758-4171.

            Our weekly Drop-In Play Group will now feature exclusive activities each week. Children who are crawlers through Pre-K are welcome to drop in for the fun every Tuesday morning from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Adult caretakers must stay with their young ones for the duration of the program – it’s a Drop-in Play Group, not Drop-off.

            Baby Storytime returns this Friday at 10:30 am, so mark your calendars. Except for the week of April Vacation (April 19-25), Baby Storytime will occur every Friday morning at 10:30 am until May 15.

            Family Storytime will be returning next Thursday, March 12. Except for the week of April Vacation (April 19-25), Family Storytime will occur every Thursday morning at 10:30 am until May 14.

            On Thursday, March 5, at 10:30 am, patrons ages 2-4 can create a vibrant ping-pong ball light craft with fun and creative color combinations. No registration required.

            We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

Rochester Republican Town Committee

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The next Rochester Republican Town Committee meeting will be held on Monday, March 9, at the Ponderosa Sportsman Club, located on 242 Robinson Rd, Acushnet. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm. Republican candidate for governor, Brian Shortsleeve, will be the guest speaker. Come, and invite a friend. All are welcome to attend.

From Snow Smitten to Frost Bitten

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Like a lot of South Coasters, I go from laughing to cursing about the weather of late. We’d like some sign of a shift towards spring. Is it too much to ask for a pocket of warm air to tell us that the wait won’t be long? A warble from a returning bird?

            Not so long ago, all this living in a snow globe made me glow. Now it’s just wearing me down as with a relationship that’s gone bust. This is what I would say if I could say:

            Winter Winter!

            I’ll pine no more. Let’s admit it, we don’t get along as much as we did before. I’ve taken such a beating: the cold, the excessive shoveling, the tiresome dressing up, and all the problems that you caused… Delays, icy footing, dangerous travel not to mention your constant interference and intrusion at the oddest moments. How long can one endure?

            It was a time when I needed your presence – you sent chills down my spine and put color in my cheeks. I lost myself in your whiteness, but now you’re like a parasitic hanger-on, an overextended guest, who is monopolizing me. No matter how deeply I chip away, you’re icy to the core. Oh, there were a few days when you started to melt, but then I had to feel you freeze up all over again and that gets old.

            The next time you hear from me, I will be locked in a warm and rapturous embrace in the greenest glade filled with sweet blossoms and a lighter spirit. Less you think I was sinking to your level, be assured, I will rise above it and feel the sunshine tomorrow!

            Goodbye Old Man.

            The need for change isn’t to say that all is lost regarding winter. If it’s any consolation, the snow will magnificently refresh the groundwater and protect the perennials that are still asleep. We can also get recharged by looking through seed catalogs and garden magazines…

            The human decision to label the seasons and expect them to comply in a consistent manner showing their best is about as real as expecting everything in life to go as planned. The same compulsion finds us looking ahead to spring no matter what the weather is today. It is a hope inherent in our psyches, and humans need to have that.

            My silly rant aside, I really do try to find the positives in the here and now and even play a mental game when I’m out for a walk through what often appears as a frostbitten landscape. I look for 10 things that bring satisfaction to my senses and a fast-forward to the summertime that seems such a long way off. Perhaps it will be stiflingly hot, and I will want to disparage summer as I have done here with the winter.

            The distant sound of spring seemed closer earlier this week as I heard a few syllables of bird song in the morning and again on a quiet, terribly cold, dark silent night when the chill wind pulled a wind chime very softly but audibly to life.

            “We should be like a couple of hot tomatoes, but you’re as cold as yesterday mashed potatoes” – from A Fine Romance, lyrics by Dorothy Fields.

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Planning Board Nearing Bylaw Completion

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            The Mattapoisett Planning board once again took up the matter of drafting new bylaws governing accessory dwelling units and cottage communities.

            The purpose of including ADU regulations as a new bylaw comes after the state of Massachusetts allowed this new type of residential building ostensively to increase housing stock in the Commonwealth.

            In Mattapoisett the Planning Board, over the past decade or so, has been lobbied by the citizens in the town to find a way to add affordable housing as housing costs soared pricing out young families and people looking to downsize.

            As housing prices escalated the board heard time and again, especially during the drafting of the Master Plan residents call for more housing and affordable housing. While the jury is out on just how impactful ADUs will be in providing long term housing solutions the board labored on.

            During the early phases of drafting local ADU standards the Planning Board studied the state’s language under MGL40A and 760 CMR 71.00. The ADU Draft notes, “…this zoning provides for by-right ADU to accomplish the following, increase housing production to address local and regional housing needs across all income levels, development of small scale infill housing that fits in context of zoning district housing while providing gentle hidden density, provide a more moderately priced housing option to serve smaller households with lower incomes seniors and people with disabilities and enable property owners to age and place or downsize or earn supplemental investment in their properties. An ADU is a self-contained housing unit inclusive of sleeping, cooking and with sanitary facilities.

            Recognized in the ADU draft are regulations covering protected use ADU are attached or detached or internal Adu that is located or is proposed to be located on a lot with a single- family residential structure and is not larger than 900 square feet. It also recognizes non-conforming structures.

            The Planning Board has also taken into consideration during the many months they have labored in an effort to get the language right, with notations regarding short-term rentals, and guest houses and family apartments are mentioned. However, no changes are anticipated at this time for those bylaws.

            Another type of dwelling unit known as cottage communities was suggested by board member William Wennerberg. Wennerberg’s experience in building cottage communities in the northeast struck a chord with the Planning Board who pursued this housing concept as a good fit for Mattapoisett.

            In a follow-up with Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker, Tucker said from his perspective these units might prove attractive to those seeking to downsize or own a home in a small neighborhood setting.

            “These units might be helpful for people looking to age in place or who are just starting out.” Tucker continued saying “It’s an alternative to other types of housing.” He said cottage neighborhoods are walkable, low maintenance…an alternative type of dwelling which he noted might be more attractive than ADUs.

            The draft bylaw for cottage communities states that these community developments represent an alternative form of detached housing and are a critical component for the town’s comprehensive housing strategy.

            Wennerberg has noted during the months of writing and rewriting the cottage bylaw that cottage units would provide housing types that are responsive to the changing household demographics of age and interests and would encourage the creation of more usable open space while promoting the efficient layout of dwellings on parcels being developed.

            The footprint of the overall cottage development and the dwelling units therein remain smaller causing less visual impact than the standard size single family dwelling. The board conjectures that cottage developments would foster a sense of community openness and interaction among residents, it would minimize the visual impact of vehicles, it would maintain a single-family character along public streets while ensuring compatibility with neighborhoods.

            The board will continue to encourage the public to participate in public meetings in an effort to gather as much public feedback as possible before presenting the new bylaws at Town Meeting in May.

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

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell