Presentation by Lynn Smiledge, Preservation Consultant

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The Mattapoisett Historical Commission invites you to a Presentation by Lynn Smiledge, Preservation Consultant, on March 29, at 2:00 pm in the meeting Room at the Mattapoisett Public Library. Ms. Smiledge has completed Phase One of a multi-phase inventory of significant historic and cultural resources in the Town of Mattapoisett. This survey was funded by matching grants from the Community Preservation Act and the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

            The presentation will provide information on the background and rationale of historic property surveys. Survey highlights include town history as it relates to the built environment, early houses, interesting architecture, interesting histories, and interesting owners. Ms. Smiledge will focus on individual historic homes, public buildings, areas and cemeteries. Three area forms and seventy-five individual form B’s have been completed thus far. They can be found on the Town of Mattapoisett website (Mattapoisett.net) under the Historical Commission.

            Please join us for this free and informative presentation. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the amazing historic resources of Mattapoisett.

Open and Affirming

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It took one voter making a motion at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s 2023 Annual Meeting, and a unanimous vote in favor, to set into motion a process to explore becoming an Open and Affirming Church. This meant that the Church would welcome people of all sextual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions into the full life and ministry of the congregation.

            Over the next two years, working with dedicated Church members and the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ, the congregation began an extended period of discernment through education, in depth basic teaching of scripture, prayer, reflection and discussions as a church. During this time, the Church also improved its accessibility by upgrading and adding new lifts, installing doors accessible with push-button access, and more wheelchair spaces embedded into pews.

            The two-year journey included a unanimous vote of the congregation at a 2024 special meeting, and the adoption of the ONA covenant. It culminated on Sunday, February 23rd, when the Church received its Certification and is now listed on the Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ and national UCC websites.

            A favorite song of the Congregational Church is “All are Welcome Here” by Marty Haugen. We encourage everyone to come as you are.

Butterfly Arrivals with Joe Dwelley

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Butterfly naturalist Joe Dwelley will be focusing his presentation on the butterflies we might see in spring, summer and fall on Wednesday March 12, 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Marion Natural History Museum. He’ll be concentrating on native plantings to attract butterflies to our backyards. We’ll be learning how to identify our local species and what we can provide to attract them so they’ll stay. We’ll be meeting at the museum so please remember to RSVP to ensure there is enough seating. Please RSVP at the museum’s website: www.marionmuseum.org.

Village of Marion

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To the Editor,

            I am writing to express my support for the proposed By-Law that would create a historic district in the Village of Marion. My wife and I are new residents and property owners in the Village, and it was the historic character and welcoming nature of the Village that drew us to Marion.

            The town we came from had a historic district. I was a member and Chair of that Commission for more than a decade. I would like to offer some insight to those who are concerned as to the impact the By-Law might have on their rights as property owners.

            The proposed Marion By-Law is extremely limited in scope and the review process is consistent with the procedures used by other Historic District Commissions throughout the State. The review process allows for initial informal notification of an applicable project and provides property owners with resources and guidelines to prepare a formal application. The application is a simple form supported by documentation that might be utilized when applying for any required permits. The Commission’s role is to work with the property owners to ensure that the design of their new applicable structure maintains the character of the Village.

            In the years serving on my former town’s commission, not a single project was ever denied. There may have been adjustments to design, but every project went forward. In fact, not a single applicant ever reported that the suggested adjustments increased the cost of their project. In many instances the costs were reduced by the commission’s recommended adjustments. A collaborative approach between the property owners and the commission always resulted in the efficient administration of a project application and a project that added to the preservation of the character of the historic district.

            I would ask my friends and neighbors who live in the Village to view the historic district By-Law in two important ways. First, the By-Law protects the investment you have made in choosing to live in the Village. Second, the By-Law is the most effective and proven way to maintain the character of the Village. In supporting this By-Law, we have the opportunity to preserve what we all love about the Village for ourselves, our families and for future generations.

            Please join me and my wife in voting YES for this By-Law.

            Regards,

John Morgan, 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.

John F. Camacho

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John F. Camacho, 89, of Mattapoisett, a devoted family man and devout Catholic, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Born on October 4, 1935 at his family home in New Bedford, he was the devoted husband of E. Sylvia (Correa) Camacho and the adored and loving father of five daughters.

            He was a 1953 graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. Upon graduation, Mr. Camacho’s intention was to serve in the United States Marine Corps, but due to a medical condition, he was unable to do so. Therefore, he took a job as a ride mechanic with a traveling carnival. He then went on to work at Raytheon, Public Finance as a bill collector, and a branch manager at Bank of Boston, as well as Luzo Community Bank. He served as a police officer in Mattapoisett for 25 years where he also was an EMT and CPR instructor.  Growing up, Mr. Camacho worked on his family’s pig farm, proudly alongside his dad. Years later, he and his wife pursued his dream of opening a restaurant on the very same land; thus in 1992, The Farm restaurant was opened in the North End of New Bedford, and successfully operated for 10 plus years.

            Mr. Camacho was a dedicated family man who enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays. He was an animal lover, an avid hunter, and loved nature and working in his yard. Although a quiet man, he was also humorous and loved to tell jokes.

            Mr. Camacho is predeceased by his loving parents, Antonio F. and Virginia (Braga) Camacho, and his sister, Linda Vasconcellos.

            Carrying on his legacy are his loving wife of 65 years, E. Sylvia Camacho, daughters Deborah Camacho, Marcia Gracia and husband James, Lynne Lapalme and husband David, Cheryl Disabella, Victoria Asiaf and husband Derek, 11 grandchildren; Heidi Perkins and husband Wayne, Ross Gracia and wife Ashley, Brady Gracia, Sienna and Zachary Lapalme, Tyler, Logan, Dylan, and Kylee Disabella, Jacob and Jared Asiaf, three great-grandchildren; Avery, Alexy, and Amyah Perkins, his furry companion “Butch”, and his niece Diana L. Bourassa and nephew Edouard Bourassa, Jr.

            We are very thankful for his caregivers who have provided exceptional care, devotion, and compassion to our dad and have become like family (Melissa, Sue, Trisha, Arsenia, Sandra, and Luci). We are also grateful for the dedicated staff at Fairhaven Community Nurse for providing their knowledge and assistance during this journey.

            His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10am at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett, with everyone invited to meet directly at Church. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 24, 2025 from 3pm – 6pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Camacho’s memory may be made to Bristol County Agricultural High School, c/o Animal Science Association – In Memory of John F. Camacho, 135 Center Street, Dighton, MA 02715.

Cole Road ‘Jungle’ Arguments

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on February 27 for a public hearing and to go over various correspondences with other boards.

            Shane C. and Denise Whittaker of 6 Cole Road had requested a Special Permit to “allow the removal and reconstruction of a legally non-conforming, single-family dwelling which would not increase the current non-conformity but increase the building area and volume as allowed.”

            The current cottage was built in 1948 on a lot which, at the time of construction, had lots of fauna growth and trees. Since they have been taken down, the cottage is now non-compliant per FEMA as well as with non-compliant setbacks from Cole Road. The permit request would allow for the removal of the cottage, the concrete patio, and gravel driveway and, in their place, construction of a new dwelling. It was stressed numerous times that the new house would “basically align with the old house,” given that the plan still calls for one floor and similar dimensions. To comply with FEMA, the house would be elevated due to its location in a flood zone.

            Various correspondences from other boards and commissions were addressed. The Marion Board of Health had requested an Asbestos Remediation Report it found necessary due to the age of the cottage. The Conservation Commission issued the applicant an Order of Conditions that the applicant must abide by during the process. The Planning Board had no comment.

            A local from 14 Cole Road expressed some concern, saying “what’s going to happen to the jungle that’s there? It’s an eyesore,” and also expressed concern with wetland breaches.

            Members of the Conservation Commission agreed to take a look at these concerns. Finally, argument broke out between the owners of 6 and 14 Cole Street with the permit requestor saying, “someone keeps throwing trash and leaves” on the lot, to which the abutter stated, “it’s your trees.” Due to these vegetation growths, the residents at 14 Cole Street are concerned over their property value diminishing.

            ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow interrupted the disagreement and told the abutter they must go to an alternative board, likely the Planning Board, as these issues do not fall under the purview of the ZBA.

            The public hearing was continued to Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 pm at the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Quite a while ago, one reader asked if I had written about Rochester’s schools and said she would be interested to read about them. I have written a few articles about some of the schools that are no longer in existence, but there’s always more to tell.

            Long before schools were even considered, Rochester’s town fathers were concerned with churches, roads, mills of various types and other infrastructure that had to be put in place. But by 1704, the first movement to provide schools for the town’s children was considered. Minister Rev. Samuel Arnold was given a rate of ten pounds to support a teacher as well as the job of finding one (an English pound =240 pennies).

            The next references to a school can be found in 1705. The selectmen discussed the need to “engage some able person to teach children and Youth to Reed and Right”. That able person would receive a wage of 2 shillings (a shilling = 12 pennies) along with “dyet washing and lodging”. However, there is nothing to show that any school was created at that time.

            I’ll take a moment here to state the obvious. In colonial times the spellings of words were not standardized and those who wrote spelled words the way they thought that they sounded.

            Going forward six more years to Sept. 5, 1711, “mrs. jane mashell” was hired at a salary of 12 pounds and it is questionable if she ever taught because three townsmen, “joseph Benson, john dexter and ichabod bury” (capitals and punctuation were also not standardized) made a protest against her being hired. They said that she was “not as the law directs”. Mary Hall Leonard wrote in her history that she believed their objection was not to her morals but to her qualifications.

            After this, schoolmasters (all men) had to be examined and approved to be “qualified as the law directs”. According to Abraham Holmes, born in 1754, the qualifications were to be able to write legibly, read passably and know basic rules of arithmetic – so reading, writing and “rithmetic”. Reading through some of the town fathers’ documents makes me wonder who did the examining for competence. No doubt it was the current minister at the church, since the clergy were generally the most educated people in town.

            The teacher salaries that began at 12 pounds for Mrs. Mashell rose over the years to sixteen, then twenty and finally thirty pounds, all with “dyet”. Early reference to school really refers to the schoolmaster who would travel around town to a building or home in one of the “five quarters in which the town was divided for educational purposes and wherever that was, would be the school. Lots would be cast to determine in which order school would be held in each section of town. While this system was set up, not every year saw schooling brought to any or every part of the community. Abraham Holmes wrote in his memoirs that he personally had no “benefit of a spelling book till after he was a man grown”.

            Some of the schoolmasters employed by the town were William Griffith, Josiah Mashell (maybe he was Jane’s son) and Benjamin De La Noy (Delano). De La Noy was eventually paid 30 pounds, his dyet and also, given use of a horse.

            In 1770, a vote was passed in town recommending that a grammar school be maintained and in 1789, the now state of Massachusetts passed a law allowing towns to divide themselves into school districts and Rochester adopted the district system in 1799. This ended the migratory system and over time one room schoolhouses were built throughout town. In these buildings one teacher would teach all the grades.

By Connie Eshbach

UCT College Fair

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Upper Cape Tech welcomes area high school students and their parents/guardians to attend the annual UCT College Fair on Thursday, March 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

            Over 60 colleges, technical schools, and military representatives will be available to meet with interested students about post-secondary opportunities and admissions requirements. Counselors will be present to assist students with identifying appropriate institutions and navigating the fair. The event is most appropriate for 10th and 11th grade students, as well as 12th grade students who may still be exploring their options for next year.

            There is no cost to attend the fair. Questions may be directed to the Upper Cape Tech Guidance Office at 508-759-7711 x210.

Tabor Receives Historic $10 Million Gift

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Tabor Academy is proud to announce a transformational $10 million commitment from John Fish ’78, P’15 and his wife Cynthia Fish P’15, marking the largest single pledge of support in the school’s history. Over the past 40 years, John and Cynthia Fish have contributed nearly $20 million in support of Tabor Academy and its priorities, including most recently the resodding of the Upper Chapel Field and the addition of turf to the new Fish Field.

            The Fish family has been a long-time advocate for education and a dedicated supporter of Tabor Academy. The Fish family’s generous financial commitment will have a lasting impact on Tabor and will strengthen the foundation of the “School by the Sea” for many generations to come.

            Head of School Tony Jaccaci said, “We are deeply grateful to John and Cyndy for this inspirational gift that will allow us to change lives in profound and transformational ways at Tabor.  John and Cyndy live the values of our school, and this generosity is a testament to their commitment to connect, serve and lead.  A gift of this magnitude will make a deep difference in providing the best education possible for our students and I know will motivate others to support as well.”

            This extraordinary investment directly supports Tabor’s Mapping Our Journey strategic plan, advancing key priorities that ensure our students and faculty thrive. The gift will focus on three critical areas:

            1. Empowering Excellence: Faculty and Staff Support: Tabor’s strength lies in its people. This gift will enhance professional development opportunities and support the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and staff, ensuring Tabor continues to attract and nurture the best educators.

            “Tabor is blessed with incredible resources, and perhaps the most valuable resource is the faculty and staff members who work with our students every day. So many Tabor alumni have told me the Tabor faculty changed their lives. This gift will allow us to identify and attract the next generation of educators who will change the trajectory of the lives of our graduates in profound and significant ways. John and Cyndy’s support for our faculty and staff shows they understand these teachers and staff members are the heart of our campus community, are our greatest asset, and are worth every penny invested,” added Jaccaci.

            2. Thriving Together as Teams: From the waterfront to the fields and courts, athletics play an integral role in shaping the student experience at Tabor and developing essential life skills through collaborative teamwork and leadership. This gift will bolster our athletic programs, providing essential resources for coaching, training, and programmatic support that will elevate our teams.

            “John and Cyndy’s extraordinary generosity will strengthen our athletic program, fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the field. Their support empowers our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while developing the character, teamwork, and resilience that will serve them for a lifetime,” said Kelly Walker, Director of Athletics.

            3. Enriching Minds, Enabling Dreams: A Tabor education should be within reach for all talented students who seek it. A significant portion of this gift will be dedicated to financial aid, ensuring that our ‘best-fit’ students—regardless of financial circumstances —can access all that Tabor has to offer.

            “Each year, we see a growing number of applicants in need of financial aid, and each year we must turn away accomplished young people who would surely have thrived at Tabor. This gift will allow us to accept more students with the potential to have a positive impact on the Tabor community,” noted Rachael Beare, Associate Head of School for External Affairs.

            “John and Cyndy’s generosity has shaped Tabor in profound ways. Their unwavering commitment ensures that our school remains strong, accessible, and true to its mission,” said Stephen Ginter, Director of Advancement.

            “Tabor Academy will always hold a very special place in my heart. While attending Tabor in high school, I built lasting relationships with teachers and coaches who changed my life forever. Through Tabor academics and athletics, I learned the value of collaboration, leadership, courage and caring — core values that are important to me today. But most importantly, at Tabor I learned winning isn’t normal and that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” said John Fish. “Cyndy and I are thrilled to support this incredible institution of learning and its ambitious plans for the future.”

            For more information, please contact Director of Advancement Stephen Ginter at sginter@taboracademy.org or 508-291-8568.

Galligan, Skaters Never Quit

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Connor Galligan’s senior season of hockey was in peril after separating his right shoulder midway through the schedule, but last week’s triumphant return allowed him and his teammates to win a state tournament game and finish a challenging season on a high note.

            “When he went out nine games ago now, all our hearts sank,” said Old Rochester/Fairhaven Coach Zach Ledogar, describing Galligan’s all-around effect on the Bulldogs’ 200-foot game after they defeated St. Bernard’s, 4-1, on February 26 in the first round of the MIAA Division 4 playoffs at Tabor Academy. “He’s the heart and soul of the team, especially on the offensive side of things. Getting him back was huge.”

            Galligan’s ordeal began on one of the first shifts of a game against Dennis-Yarmouth, and the separation was initially classified as Stage 5, which would have ended his high school hockey career. That diagnosis was revised, according to Ledogar, to Stage 2, setting the stage for a three-goal performance in the opening round of the state tournament. Galligan returned to the lineup with two points in the regular-season finale against Apponequet.

            Coming back and contributing was Galligan’s focus ever since learning of the possibility, and he wasn’t shy in re-engaging a rough-and-tumble sport.

            “I try to not really think about it because (doing so) affects how I play, but at the end of the day I’ve just got to trust my body. My body’s taken time to heal,” said Galligan.

            Ledogar leaned heavily on Galligan to drive the top forward line at 5-on-5, along with his playmaking and scoring ability on the powerplay and his offensive threat keeping opponents cautious when they have the man advantage.

            Against St. Bernard’s, the Bulldogs were down a goal at the end of the first period, but they scored four straight goals en route to the victory at Tabor Academy.

            “Very proud of the way the boys played. After being down 1-0 after the first, they never wavered from our game plan of executing our systems and winning puck battles,” said Ledogar. “The last half of the season has been strong for us, winning eight out of the last nine games. It’s a testament to their willingness to play good team hockey when we need it most.”

            Connor Foley scored a goal and added two assists against St. Bernard’s, and junior goalie Tucker Roy’s 30 saves factored more than the scoreboard would indicate, considering the Bulldogs were chasing the game at first intermission. One of those saves was his 2,000th career stop.

            “Tucker’s been unbelievable,” said Ledogar, noting the 1.98 goals-against average and .948 save percentage that he took into the postseason. “We talk about Connor Galligan being the heart and soul of the skaters, Tucker is the anchor to our team, he’s the MVP, definitely, to this team.

            “He’s always going to stop the first puck, he’s going to stop the second and maybe the third and fourth, but we have the right guys in front of him. We know we’re going to be okay with him in net.”

            “He’s good every night, I don’t think he’s ever had an off game … we’re lucky to have him,” said Galligan after the victory against St. Bernard’s.

As the son of Pat Galligan, who led Dartmouth High in scoring as a senior, Connor Galligan remains interested in playing hockey beyond high school. “I’m looking at Florida … I’m hoping to play on a club team,” said Connor, who also played golf at ORR.

            The tournament road ended for ORR/Fairhaven against Hanover for the third time in the last four years. Saturday’s result was 5-2 Hanover, launching the second seed into a quarterfinal matchup against 10th-seeded Hudson on Wednesday.

            Connor Foley scored both goals for ORR/Fairhaven with two assists from Chase Almeida and one each from Caleb Bousquet, Matthew Tobin, and Michael Brown.

            Along with Galligan, Bousquet and Brown, 2025 graduates completing their high school hockey careers include Justin Marques, Jarrod Frates, Jack Langlais, Gavin Austin, Padraig Carrier, and Nate Lewis.

MIAA Division 3 Hockey

By Mick Colageo and Aiden Comorosky