Kenneth L. Hanson

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Kenneth L. Hanson, 86, of Marion, formerly of Brockton and North Easton, lost his battle with dementia on Wednesday July 27, 2022.

            Born in Brockton, he was the son of the late Henry G. and Arveda M. (Eklund) Hanson.

            A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ken leaves behind his wife Beverly A. (Rowley Egger) Hanson, his daughters Dawna Hanson and companion Mark Davock of West Bridgewater and Heather Hanson Moran (Patrick) of Buzzards Bay, his stepsons John Egger IV (Janet) and Jeffrey Egger (Kathleen) all of Marion, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Judith Anderson (Lawrence) of Mansfield, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

            Ken was a 1953 graduate of Brockton High School and 1956 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, majoring in printing management and technology. Ken served in the Air National Guard and was deployed to Phalsbourg, France during the Berlin Crisis. He was honorably discharged in 1963.

            Ken returned to Brockton and joined his father in their family business, eventually becoming the owner and president of Hanson Printing Company. He was a great leader and mentor to many.

            Throughout his career, many organizations benefited from his passion of community service. Ken dedicated much of his time to the First Congregational Church of Marion, Old Colony YMCA, Signature Healthcare, Rotary Club of Brockton, Twenty Associates, Pilgrim Foundation, Printing Industry of New England, American Red Cross and the United Way of Greater Plymouth County.

            In his spare time, Ken was an avid fisherman, known to be ready to grab a pole at the first sign of fish breaking. He loved his days with Beverly on their boat the “Morning Star” and spent many a day with his fishing cronies, up at the crack of dawn, heading out to catch “the big one”.

            We will miss him dearly, but will remember him greatly. Ken’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Sippican Healthcare Center for their wonderful care during his stay.

            A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Organization alz.org, American Cancer Society donate3.cancer.org or the First Congregational Church of Marion, P.O. Box 326, Marion, MA 02738.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Phylis (Almeida) LeBert

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Phylis (Almeida) LeBert, 72, of Middleboro passed away peacefully at home, Tuesday, July 19, 2022. She was the loving wife of 35 years to Roger D. LeBert.

            Born and raised in New Bedford, daughter of the late Manuel and Mary (Soares) Almeida, she lived in Rochester from 1978-2015 then settled in Middleboro. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and later was a customer service rep at NBIS and retired from Santander Bank 10 years ago.

            She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Everyone who had the privilege of being part of her life, loved her dearly. She will be deeply missed by all.

            She is survived by her loving husband Roger; her daughter, Michelle (Perreira) Rivera and her husband Robert Jr. of New Bedford; two grandsons, Michael Perreira and Brandon DeAndrade and several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Phylis was the sister of the late Charles Almeida.

            The family would like to thank the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for the wonderful care extended to Phylis during her illness.

            In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 at 11am in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven.

            For memorial register please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to an animal charity of your choice.

Highway Department to Advise on Stormwater

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On July 25, the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission heard a Notice of Intent filing brought by David Halle of 23 Grand View Avenue. The application was represented by Peter Therrien of Field Engineering for construction of a 32×32-foot detached garage with an impervious patio area. Therrien detailed the stormwater considerations in the plan, but the commissioners felt those might not be sufficient.

            Contract Agent Brandon Faneuf reminded the commission that stormwater standards for a single-family residence are not very strict but that Highway Surveyor Garrett Bauer might not appreciate stormwater runoff pooling on the public roadway. Faneuf pointed out that since the entire lot is in jurisdictional spaces, the commission could ask the Highway Department to weigh in on the plans as presented. The NOI was continued to August 8.

            Also continued to August 8 was a NOI filed by Andre Ricksts, Scott Atkinson and Margo Wilson-Atkinson for property identified as 0 Route 195 off Park Lane. The NOI seeks the construction of an access roadway to uplands for a planned, two-lot subdivision.

            The applicants’ representative, Claire Hoogeboom of LED Environmental Consultants, Inc. delved into the intricacies of three wetland crossings and one stream crossing with a roadway 20-feet wide and 580-feet long. There will also be some 4,000 feet of disturbance in a BVW with an appropriately sized replication area on the property, Hoogeboom stated.

            Pending are a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection file number, certification of wildlife impacts, if any, and approval of a sewer extension. The project will return on August 8.

            A Request for Determination of Applicability was filed by Fogcutter LLC for 50 Ocean Drive for the construction of a 12×20-foot screened porch. The filing was represented by Mark Leone of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc. A Negative 2 determination was rendered.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, August 8, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

RHS Yard Sale Drop-off Dates

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The Rochester Historical Society will be having a yard sale at the museum at 355 County Road. Our first two drop-off dates are August 5, 10:30-12:30 and August 9 from 2:30-4:30. Guidelines for donated items: no clothing, no large electronics, small electronics must be in good working order, items donated should be clean and saleable. Additional drop-off dates will be posted in future issues.

Bike Path

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To The Editor;

            One could hardly disagree that a marvelous experience exists in the extension of the bike path from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Reservation Road as described in your article of July 9: ” …the vistas of wetlands and wildlife now easily seen from an elevated bridge over marshlands.”

            State Representative William Straus’s promise in the same article that “There is more to come,” is encouraging. But while he was referring to further extension of the path from Reservation Road across to  Goodspeed Island and into Mattapoisett Village proper, Selectman Jordan Collyer’s remarks were more timely because they raised the need to address some imminent, possibly fatal dangers that the new crossing over Mattapoisett Neck Road present. As your article reported, Mr. Collyer said, “People need to be considerate of one another regarding use of the bike path and stressed cyclists need to abide by traffic rules and regulations.”

            Mr. Collyer’s observations are bang-on!

            Cyclists who arrive at the intersection from either direction need to recognize that stop means precisely that: Stop, look to your right and left to be sure that no traffic is approaching. Problem is that many cyclists, including the adults among them, flagrantly ignore those simple rules of the path. Anyone who drives on that road is familiar with this problem.

            And it is a problem terrifyingly exacerbated by existing speed limits approaching the intersection: 40 mph in either direction, frequently violated by drivers roaring along at 50 mph or more.

            Imagine then, the consequences of a collision between a vehicle traveling at 40 mph or more and a cyclist ignoring the stop sign or simply slowing before dashing ahead or a younger soul, a teen pedaling over with the sense of invulnerability that tends to exist in such minds these days.

            Might we take for a day every now and then one of the multitude of cops assigned to guard pothole repairs and assign them to that intersection, enforce the rules of the path and reduce the speed limit near the intersection so drivers are not careening forward at a rate of speed that makes it practically impossible to stop in time?

            G. J. Price, Mattapoisett

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Pool Safety Has Wrinkles

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            Marion Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer Bob Grillo was on hand at the July 21 Board of Health meeting to discuss pool and spa regulations and what is deemed a bedroom under Board of Health regulations.

            Grillo reported to the board that Marion’s fencing requirement around pools is now in conflict with the state regulation that allows safety covers in lieu of a barrier. The safety cover or retractable safety cover must meet certain criteria, but Grillo considers it a poor idea.

            “Problem is, I can’t enforce your regulation,” Grillo told the board members. “So if I go out to a pool on a final (inspection) and there’s no fence around it and there’s a safety cover that’s appropriate, I have to sign off on it. Enforcement (of Marion’s regulation) would be up to the Board of Health.”

            Grillo wanted to ensure that he and the board are on the same page as to the scope of his authority and work.

            Building code, he explained, happens at the state level; building regulations are established at the municipal level. Grillo said he is happy to relay information to applicants and make notes that Marion’s pool regulations require an approved barrier. He would also inform the Board of Health that he passed a pool inspection that has yet to meet Marion’s required barrier.

            Dr. John Howard, the Board of Health chair, said that Marion’s regulation had changed from a 6-foot to 4-foot fence in sync with the state’s regulation change. He was not eager, however, to abandon the current barrier requirement in order to fall in line with current state code.

            “I would suggest we wait for Town Counsel to come back (from vacation),” he said.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer, the only other board member at the present time, disagreed with the state code. “I feel that one drowned kid is an awful lot too many and that we should keep the fence requirements,” he said.

            Grillo agreed to report back and was invited by Howard to inform the board at any time regarding such matters.

            As a 30-year contractor, Grillo acknowledged that “everyone has their own interpretation of what a bedroom is.” He referred to the state Department of Environmental Protection having its own definition. In Sandwich, he said, a deed restriction is used as a tool to enforce a three-bedroom house against using its designated “home office” as a bedroom.

            “I would interpret (the building code) as, if it’s not intended to be a sleeping area, then it’s not a sleeping area. … It should be standard across the board,” Grillo said.

            “That’s going to be a tough call,” said Howard, acknowledging the complexity of enforcement.

Grillo noted that for the purposes of septic installation, a single-family dwelling is a minimum, three-bedroom house.

            Hoffer said that most complaints that reach the Board of Health are about rental properties.

Also reporting to the board on July 21 was Bob Ethier, who is acting as Marion’s Health agent while the town is in a hiring process. Ethier, a recent retiree who is serving multiple towns on a part-time basis, discussed home inspection and working with struggling residents.

            Two problem properties on Pitcher Street are closing in on resolution.

            Howard said that the problems at 28 Pitcher Street have been ongoing for over a decade.

“This has been going on too long … the owner has been before the board in the past. I think it’s time to act,” he said.

            Hoffer suggested is it time to issue a demolition order.

            Ethier reported that there are holes in the house, that the eaves are falling off, making entryways for insects and rodents. He said there is rot under the garage and had he the opportunity would have told the owner, “I don’t believe that it is salvageable.”

            Grillo said that from a structural standpoint, there is a provision in the town’s regulations for the Board of Health to issue a “make safe or teardown” order, but he does not think 28 Pitcher Street has reached that point. That would change, he said, if children could access the inside of the house.

            As it is, wild animals are around the house, prompting neighborhood complaints. “I think we have to represent the neighbors who have put up with this … a very long time,” he said.

            Ethier said, “The kids have a right to recreate out in the yard and they cannot do that.” He said the next step should be a letter from the Health Department requiring the owner to bring in a structural engineer on a 30-day deadline. The structural engineer has the authority to order demolition. “If he doesn’t, we’d have to take it to the (state) Housing Board,” said Ethier.

            Hoffer suggested an ultimatum in the form of a 30-day deadline for the owner to produce a contract to get the house repaired or the board issues an order to demolish it. Grillo said that an order to demolish would require a road inspection because the animals inside would scurry and could wind up in a neighbor’s house.

            Howard agreed with Hoffer on a 30-day deadline to sign an order for repairs or face demolition. “The owner was out of state, but I think it’s time,” he said.

            Ethier discussed several other properties and reported to the board.

            He said the attorney for the owner at 33 Pitcher Street said there are plans to build a new house on the site, but Ethier told him the site needs to be cleaned up or the town will not sign any building permits.

            In order to stop the odor coming from the cesspool at 278 Congress Road, Marion would agree to a contract to pump the cesspool daily as needed until the property is either hooked up to town sewer or a new septic system is installed.

            Ethier reported that he was not allowed inside 464 Front Street but said he told the lady present that he would help her get the property cleaned up.

            Grillo could not get access to 1121 Point Road, which has shutoff notices on its front door. Ethier said no one is living there, that a “tax lawyer” was around. He called the property a “real mess” and said, “we’re going to get some compliance … we’ll keep trying.”

            A leak in the kitchen at 34 Pine Street is a hardship situation for a family.

Finally, Ethier said the situation at 1010 Point Road has been repaired and the case is closed.

            Ethier told the board he planned to visit 578 Front Street later on July 21 regarding a high-nitrate situation. “I expect one or all of them to be in compliance next time,” he said.

            Howard and Hoffer expressed appreciation for Ethier’s detailed report.

            In her Health Director’s Report, Lori Desmarais told the board that vaccines have been ordered for the fall. She reported 11 food inspections since the last Board of Health meeting. Covid-19 cases, said Desmarais, are back on the decline, having sunk from 37 in June to 15 in July.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not set at adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Lions Club Triathlon Biggest Yet

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            Participants in the “sold out” annual Lions Club Triathlon caught a break on July 24, as skies were overcast, misty fog cooled the air and the temperature hovered around 75 degrees.

            The recent heatwave had club organizers wondering if the event should be postponed, but a weather forecast cautiously tracked by one of the club’s event planners, Rob Haley, called for cooler morning temperatures, blessed overcast skies and at least a 5-mph breeze. Mercifully, the forecasters got it right this time.

            Haley said the event sold out (139 bibs) in part because the larger, USAT-sanctioned Boston Triathlon had cancelled its race set for the same day and time. “We probably picked up about 30 additional people,” Haley estimated, but even without those late entries, the event was heavily attended. “We’ll take a look at opening up maybe 50 more slots for next year … more money for our charities.”

            The relay entrants were assisted in racking their bikes and instructed to have their cyclists waiting for the swimmers at the bike’s location to hand off the electronic ankle bracelet monitoring their times. Coordinating the seamless flow of fast moving athletes is a critical part of keeping everyone safe.

            And what about those participants!

            Likely, the youngest competitor doing the entire race herself was 11-year-old Eshe Stockton of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Before the race began, Stockton and her mother Anne Marie Almirol, who was also suited up for her race, were enjoying the party-like atmosphere. Almirol said that Stockton had participated in eight triathlons, including Sunday’s event, five of those in one year.

Stockton sailed along, taking the number one spot in her category, females 19 years of age and younger, clocking in at 1:08:57. Almirol’s time was 1:04:06.

            Friends Maggie Sexton-Dwyer and Cailey Denoncourt had signed up for the Boston event but quickly switched to Mattapoisett’s as soon as Boston cancelled. “We do things like this for fun,” the women stated with beaming smiles. Denoncourt’s time was 1:04:42, while Sexton-Dwyer crossed the line in 1:08:54.

            Aner Larreategi of Spain, visiting locally as a foreign exchange student, was all business preparing for the challenge. But the 17-year-old is no novice. Larreategi is experienced in the challenges that triathlons present, having participated in numerous events in his home country. He finished with a time of 51:00.

            Becky Padera said that she had in 2019 placed first for women and third overall. She bested her overall performance in this 2022 event, clocking in at 56:34 for second women’s finisher overall behind Emily Tato.

            The mean age of the competitors was somewhere in the 27-35 range, but there were plenty of folks proving age is just a number. More than 30 entrants identified themselves in categories covering 60 to 69 years of age.

            Low tide may have slowed down some of the swimmers as they slogged their way to deeper water for the quarter-mile swimming sprint. The swimmers lined up in rows of three, the starter paced their entries into the water every five seconds. The swim was followed by a 10-mile bike ride that wound its way north of Route 6. Last but not least was the 3.1-mile run for those who still have legs that are willing.

            The community was out in force, urging on the athletes with verbal encouragement, cowbells and clappers. And no event of this scale could happen without the assistance of the town’s safety departments, Harbormaster, Police, Fire and EMT’s. One unfortunate cyclist took a spill approaching the bike finish line, injuring his leg and elbow. Medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and the athlete was later seen retrieving his belongings from the beach area.

            Lions Club member and volunteer Mike Medeiros said that he had participated in the past but more recently was sidelined due to injury. But that does not mean he didn’t play a pivotal role.

While managing the overseeing the competitors’ first transition from the swim to the cycling segment, Medeiros acted as a pit crew, helping fix one cyclist’s bike chain and unlocking another’s brakes, all in a flash to help them minimize lost seconds.

            “I’ve rebuilt plenty of bikes. It’s nice to be able to help,” he stated with a smile. “I’ll do this race again.”

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Here at the Rochester Historical Museum, we have lots of artifacts. The Curator’s exhibits over the last two years have showcased many of them. Our new exhibit coming in October will be focusing on three categories of items located here, and they are signs, maps and a look at the many town celebrations that have taken place over the years.

            Many of our signs are quite large. Some have been donated, while others came with the acquisition of the church building. One of these is the old wooden sign for the East Rochester Congregational Church, and another is the listing of the rules for former Knight and Look Campground. Quite a few of these signs are very large and heavy, particularly one that advertises the Rochester Historical Society Graft Guild Sale. Prior to having a museum, the Society members wanted to have a shop in which to display and sell crafts, antiques and collections. They checked out various unused buildings in town until finally settling on a small building on Samuel Corse’s property. In the end, they had a big sale but could not keep a shop going. However, we have the impressive sign here at the Museum.

            Speaking of signs, you may be wondering why there is a picture, which has appeared before with this article. That is because this is a brand-new sign. As many of you may have noticed, our sign was looking increasingly woebegone. It was peeling in several places and was a poor representation of the Society and Museum. The previous sign maker not only failed to give us a sign with longevity but also failed to spell museum correctly.

            Now, thanks to Impact Expressions and Charlie Wade, we have a new sign that should last ten years or more and with museum spelled correctly. Thanks to his generosity of tailoring the sign’s price to match our small, nonprofit’s budget, we not only have a great new sign but one at a cost we could afford. Thank you, Charlie Wade and Impact Expressions.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club 2023 Garden Tour

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Have you ever stood at the window facing your backyard and said, “The garden is really turning out beautifully this summer. I sure wish I could find a way to share it with people!” The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club may have a way for you to make a wish come true, read on.

            Next summer, on June 24, 2023, the Club will be staging its biannual Garden Tour, and your garden could be one of them. We are planning a Tour that features beautiful gardens of flowers, crops and all types of living vegetation that are not only possible but also doable for everyone.

            If you would like to have your Garden be part of the 2023 tour, have questions about the tour, or suggestions of other homeowners to contact who might also be interested in being part of the tour, please get in touch with Kathy McAuliffe @ kathymcauliffe7@gmail.com

We hope to hear from you.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club Racing Results

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Once again, the Ensign Fleet didn’t race due to high winds. This will make next weeks’ races all the more important to see who wins July.

            Wednesday night was a perfect sailing night. No Quarter Given continued its win streak in Class A with Kindred Spirits second and Restless third.

            In Class B, Hamburgler got the win followed by Strider in second and Fir Na Tine in third.