Water Street Work Approved; MRC Charter Adopted

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            The Marion Select Board met publicly on Tuesday following an Executive Session.

            The board began with a Public Hearing for Eversource Energy to locate underground cables, conduits and manholes along and across Water Street and the installation of 227 feet of 1-to-2 inch conduit. Jessica Elder, an agent for Eversource, represented the corporation and the proposed project.

            Board member Randy Parker, an electrician by trade, questioned the work being done and offered technical recommendations on the sizing of the pipes, stating they may be too small for their proposed output.

            Elder stated, “it will provide more power, and they will have fewer outages.”

            A resident from 52 Water Street was worried the work would damage the granite near the road on his property. The company representative stated all removed material will be replaced.

            Chair John Hoagland made a motion to approve, which was accepted by the other members.

            Following the approval of minutes from their April 29 and May 5 meetings, Hoagland stated Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman has been reappointed to another three years in the position.

            The board discussed the third read of the Blighted and Vacant Property Policy. Vice Chair Toby Burr argued against the policy, stating the 180-day deadline for properties to be classified as vacant was too short, and stipulations regarding negative impacts on the surroundings were “too arbitrary.” The board agreed to work on the policy and discuss it at their next meeting.

            Hoagland recommended the Finance Committee attend their next meeting on Tuesday, June 16, to discuss various projects and budgeting.

            The board then moved to discuss the Marine Resources Commission Charter. Chair Vincent Malkoski and member Scott Cowell were present to represent the MRC. There was a short discussion between the men, which culminated in the long-awaited and long-worked-on approval and adoption of the MRC Charter with a unanimous vote.

            Next, there was an update on the work at Island Wharf. Gorman said the Island Wharf watermain project will be ready to go to bid in the fall. Currently, water and sewer input/output is too much for the system to handle.

            Following work on the watermain, it was said the parking lot will be repaved. Parker recommended additions, such as electric car (EV) chargers. Gorman stated there is money in the budget for a feasibility study on much of the work. It was mentioned the Department of Public Works was beginning some work and evaluations the day following the meeting.

            Hoagland then spoke on a new policy recommended from Town Counsel: a Public Comment Policy. The proposed policy would protect the town from litigation while also providing clear guidelines for expectations for public-meeting conduct. The chair also said he desired each Select Board meeting would start with a time for public comments.

            Parker mentioned he didn’t understand the use for the policy, while the town administrator stressed it was a way to mitigate risk. “I think it needs work, if we need it at all,” Parker said. The board agreed to discuss it further in the future.

            Work on repairing and repaving Delano Road was brought up, with the board being in consensus that work had to be done. Hoagland wanted to, “do as much of Delano as we can.” There was no vote on this, but the board and DPW are in agreement work will be seriously discussed going forward.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station’s conference room.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

School Committee Needs Recount

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            Rochester School Committee incumbent Kate Duggan topped a four-way race for two spots on the committee in the Rochester Annual Town Election on May 27. Duggan earned 624 votes to keep her seat and begin a third term.

            “I’m just glad it’s all over,” Duggan said when asked how she felt about her win. She attributed winning the most votes in the race to her steady presence on the school board for the past six years. “Just being present was important for a lot of voters and important for the challenges that the school is facing. I say thank you to the voters. I know this is a big show of support for the direction we’re on. And I look forward to what’s next.”

            For the second open spot, Isabel Gomes-McCann, a stay-at-home mom and former biologist with 19 years of experience as a school-district volunteer, and Barbara Lee, a member of the Rochester Memorial School Council, are tied with 544 votes each. Town Clerk Marjorie Barrows said on Thursday there will be a recount. The fourth-place finisher was Stacie Noble Shriver, with 480 votes.

            Wednesday night, Isabel Gomes-McCann speculated on why she was one of the top vote getters. “It’s hard to say but I’d say they looked at my experience, and they saw the skills that make up what’s needed on the school committee,” she said. “Hopefully, this school committee will work to really be there for every single child.”

            In the election’s other contested races, incumbent Tax Collector Beatrice Renauld, with 850 votes, bested challenger Judith Shepley, who tallied 181 votes. “I’ve been in the office since 2011,” Renauld said, speculating on the reasons for her win. “Hopefully, it’s because the voters are happy that the Tax Collector’s office has done a good job, and that’s why the results were what they were.”

            In the Park Commission race, Brian Berube, with 438 votes, earned a narrow victory over Zoning Board of Appeals member K. Douglas Sims, who garnered 430 votes.

            Peter Damien McCann was elected as the new Rochester member of the Old Rochester Regional School Committee with 790 votes, replacing Joseph Pires, who did not seek re-election.

            This year’s election saw a total of 1,132 voters cast their ballots.

Rochester 2026 Annual Town Election

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Museum

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Please join the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street on June 13 at 6:00 pm for the amazing music of The Hot Club Cheese Roll. Founded by guitarist Jason Smith in 2016 and inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli of The Hot Club of France, they will perform a mix of music of jazz standards as well as more contemporary hits interpreted in the gypsy jazz/hot club style.

            Entrance to hear The Hot Club Cheese Roll costs $18 to Mattapoisett Museum’s members; non-members’ entrance fee is $20.

Sippican Historical Society Community Service Award

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The Sippican Historical Society will honor Bob Raymond with its 2026 Community Service Award at their Annual Meeting on June 18.

            “Marion is lucky to have Bob’s architectural experience. His expertise was instrumental in helping with the planning for the renovation of the Town House,” said Frank McNamee, curator of the Sippican Historical Society.

            For more than eight years, Bob contributed to the Marion Town House Feasibility Committee. After residents chose not to build a new administrative building Town House in 2018, work began to create a phased project that focused on the exterior, mechanical systems, accessibility and safety upgrades.

            The building originally served as Tabor Academy’s first academic building in 1876. It is the third administrative building Marion has had since becoming a Town in 1852. The first, located near Old Wharf, burnt down in 1881. Elizabeth Taber paid for its reconstruction. In the 1930’s, the Town and Tabor swapped property. The building at 2 Spring Street will complete final upgrades later this summer.

            Although Bob Raymond grew up in Eastern Massachusetts, his work as an architect specializing in health care facilities has taken him to the South Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. When he and his wife searched for a home port in 1996, the demographics, strong public schools and sailing made Marion home. Currently, his architectural practice is working on a psychiatric hospital in Cameroon and a children’s hospital in Rwanda.

            On June 18, 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street, the Board of the Sippican Historical Society will recognize Bob’s work. A tree will be planted in his honor at the Town House. Join the Board and members of the Sippican Historical Society to thank Bob for his commitment and for his expertise shared with Marion.

Old Hammondtown School Visit to Cuttyhunk

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On May 20 the Old Hammondtown School sixth graders boarded the Cuttyhunk Ferry to spend a beautiful day exploring the Island of Cuttyhunk. Students experienced hands on learning by exploring the natural beauty of marshes, as well as both the calm and the island’s wild wave battered shores.

            Students put on waders to explore eelgrass meadows up close and learned the importance the water flora has on our marine environment and the aquatic food web. The Mass Audubon lead explorations of some of the shorebirds that migrate to the island to nest and raise their young. A local oyster farmer discussed the business of oyster farming and how important the ecological environment that is needed for oyster growth and the contributions shellfish have on the water quality. A fun favorite among the students was trying their hands at crabbing along the docks.

            This field trip was organized by Ben Squire, the OHS and Center School science teacher and Michelle Carvalho a local resident of Cuttyhunk and the STEAM Academy Director.

Annual Marion Town Party

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Save the Date. The Annual Marion Town Party returns on Saturday, July 25, (rain date: Sunday, July 26) on the grounds of Silvershell Beach on Front Street. This community celebration supports the Marion Cultural Council and the Marion Firefighters Association.

            Festivities kick off at 4:00 pm with plenty to enjoy: delicious food and beverages for purchase, free children’s activities (including a climbing rock wall), live music from Marion’s own Flashback, and lots more fun for all ages.

            We’re looking for sponsors and volunteers to help make this event a success.

            For questions or to get involved, please contact Donna Hemphill at 508-748-3520 or dhemphill@marionma.gov.

ORR Students Awarded in Essay Contest

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Engagement is key to learning about our world. With this in mind, the Marion Democratic Town Committee (MDTC) sought to promote the interest of Old Rochester Regional students in an essay contest that would require investigation and learning about democracy. After several meetings, beginning in September with Dr. Erich Carroll, social studies department head, an essay contest was designed to answer the question- ” What is Democracy?” One ORR course, offered to juniors and seniors, is “Modern American Politics and Government”. The course description aligned perfectly with our MDTC goals to encourage learning about our government.

            On May 26, awards were bestowed upon four essay writers- all students in their junior year. First place winner was Isabelle Ortega, second place was Catherine Sylvia-Everett, third place was Emma Costa, and fourth place was Luke Pierre. Congratulations to all.

            The Marion Democratic Town Committee is looking forward to offering a similar challenge to next year’s junior and senior students. The committee thanks Principal Michael Devoll and Dr. Carroll. We also thank the students for meeting the writing criteria and for their esteemed accomplishments. We are grateful for the time our judges took to score the admissions in finding the best of the best.

Boston Post Cane Ceremony Honors Marion’s Eldest Resident

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Roy Wilson “Will” Wingate is Marion’s eldest resident, and he was honored last week with the Boston Post Cane in celebration of his 101st birthday.

            A Boston Post Cane is a gold-headed ebony cane periodically offered to the eldest citizen of a New England town. The now-defunct Boston Post newspaper began the tradition in 1909. The canes belong to the town, but they are passed from one eldest resident to the next.

            Wingate’s daughter was in attendance along with his 100-year-old wife Ann. They were joined by family, friends, Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, state Rep. Mark Sylvia, and members of the Marion Select Board – Chair John W. Hoagland, Vice Chair Carleton (Toby) Burr Jr., and Clerk Randy L. Parker.

            Parker and Rep. Sylvia both gave speeches to mark the occasion.

            “A century of life in and of itself is an achievement, but a life so richly lived, devoted to family, service, hard work and adventure, deserves special recognition,” Parker said.

            Wingate was born May 16, 1925, in Arlington, New Jersey. As a member of the U.S. Air Force during World War II, he intercepted covert intelligence involving foreign-language communications. He later established himself in a successful construction management career, creating opportunities for residents of New Bedford, Virginia and Florida. He and his wife have traveled to 28 countries in their lives. Scotland was their favorite.

            When the couple was asked about their secret to longevity, Wingate’s wife answered, “Being married for 71 years.”

            The Wingates raised five children and are now grandparents to seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Rep. Sylvia described them as Marion’s “power couple.”

            “It is our privilege to honor a life of service, integrity, family, curiosity and contribution,” Parker said. “May Mr. Wingate’s story continue to inspire generations to come.”

Mark Denis LaBrie

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It is with deep sadness and love that the family of Mark Denis LaBrie, of Westport, Massachusetts, announces his passing on May 30, 2026, at the age of 73. Mark was born on April 18, 1953, in Chicopee, Massachusetts, to Omer Denis LaBrie and Marion Balthazar LaBrie. He lived a life defined by generosity, hard work, faith, family, and quiet strength.

            Mark married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen “Kathy” Sullivan LaBrie, and together they built a life centered around family, loyalty, and care. Mark had a playful spirit, a magnetic personality, and an easy likability that drew people to him. One of the greatest gifts Mark gave to those around him was the way he made people feel truly loved. The words he said most often were simple but powerful: “I love you.” Whether in person or at the end of a phone call — even if it was the third call of the day — those words were always there.

            Mark gave without expecting anything in return. He loved without judgment, forgave easily, and found genuine joy in seeing others succeed. He was a dream maker, a cheerleader, a confidant, and a source of endless hugs that felt like a blanket of warmth. He put others before himself and lived with a selflessness that will long be remembered by all who knew him.

            Mark lived as a steward — of his family, his work, his friendships, and the people entrusted to him. He believed that what you build in life is not only for yourself, but for those who come after you. He took responsibility seriously, cared deeply for the people around him, and tried to leave things better than he found them.

            Professionally, Mark spent more than 45 years in the international moving and relocation industry, beginning as a helper and rising through hard work, determination, and care to become a respected executive, entrepreneur, and business owner. He served as Managing Director with Paramount Transportation Systems, one of the world’s leading international household goods relocation firms, and later started and owned Patriot Relocation Services, a company that became one of his great pride and joys. He cared deeply for his employees and believed in doing things the right way.

            Outside of work, Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved spending time with family and close friends deer hunting and fishing. He especially cherished his time on Anticosti Island, where he shared countless memories with many friends and family members over the years. He also loved taking his grandchildren fishing and was proud of his golden trout catches, memories that reflected both his love of the outdoors and the joy he found in sharing it with the people he loved.

            Mark also took great pride in building and creating with his hands. He appreciated the craftsmanship of a project done well and was especially proud of the family’s first home on Marion Road in Middleboro, which he built himself. It was more than a house; it reflected his work ethic, determination, and pride in building a life for his family.

            No matter how hard things became, even when Mark did not see a clear path forward himself, he always had a way of giving others the confidence they needed to carry on and stand tall. He lived that example himself and, in doing so, became an example for others.

            Mark leaves behind a legacy of leading with love — a legacy that will be remembered, carried forward, and passed down by his family for generations.

            Mark was predeceased by his parents, Omer and Marion LaBrie.

            He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Sullivan LaBrie; his daughter, Kara LaBrie Fitch, and her husband, Brian, of Middleboro, Massachusetts, and their children, Riley, Brodie, Logan, and Nora; his son, Colin LaBrie, and his wife, Michaela, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, and their children, Cormac, Reed, and Laina; his brother, Wayne LaBrie, and his wife, Naomi; his sister, Sandy LaBrie Jane, and her husband, Rod; his brother, Kevin LaBrie, and his wife, Kristen; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, employees, and all those whose lives he touched.

            Mark will be remembered most for the love he gave so freely, the pride he took in his family, the people he helped, the hugs he gave, the confidence he instilled, and the simple words that defined him best:

            “I love you.”

            A funeral Mass will be held June 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist, Westport, Massachusetts, an open celebration of life will be held immediately following from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the home of Colin and Michaela LaBrie in Mattapoisett. Family and friends may contact the family for details.

            In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s memory to the Friends of Jack Foundation, which supports children and families across the SouthCoast through programs focused on pediatric health, comfort, and well-being, at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/3znbDA?vid=1kbgxn.

            Donations may also be made to Wankinquoah Junior Associates, 112 Pine Street, Middleboro, MA 02346, for the Tihonet Annual Fishing Derby, in memory of Mark LaBrie.

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Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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Our Spring Storytime Session has wrapped up. We look forward to starting up the Summer Storytime Sessions, starting with Family Storytime on Thursday, June 18, and Baby Storytime on Friday, June 19, both at 10:30 am.

            Our Play Group and Play Club are also on break for the summer. Both groups have been enthusiastically attended, and we look forward to all the fun that the fall will bring.

            Our flooring replacement is in its final stages, and we are still on track to reopen on Tuesday, June 2. We are so excited to have everyone see it and enjoy the space once again. Come on down if you have the chance.

            On Friday, June 5, at 3:30 pm, our Kids’ Graphic Novel Book Club will be meeting for the last time until the fall. There’s still time to pick up a copy of the book: “The Cartoonist Club” by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Copies are available near the media lab upstairs. Contact faguiar@sailsinc.org with any questions.

            Last but not least, we are finalizing our plans for our 2026 Summer Reading Program – which will start on June 23. We have a lot of exciting events planned, and we can’t wait to share it all with you once everything is ready to go. Keep your eyes peeled.

            More information about all of our programs is available on our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or by calling 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.