Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library

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At the conclusion of the second year of existence of the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library, members of the Board reflected with pride on the accomplishments of the past year. Not only were they able to contribute $8000. toward the operating budget of the library, they also paid for two costly museum passes for the use of library patrons, donated dozens of boxes of books to Damien’s Pantry and other organizations that make them available to their clients at no charge, supported the Marion Veg Garden Tour with person power, provided volunteers for the Annual Summer Reading Program Kick-off, and organized and conducted a monthly Book Club at the Marion Council of Aging.

            The next major fundraising event will be the annual summer Book Sale at the Music Hall in early August, which will provide an opportunity for people to make book donations, which had been put on hold during the recent library renovation. Also, a member drive and an event to welcome new members is being planned for the fall, as the Board finishes its organization process and adopts by-laws for the group.

Memorial Day Remembrances

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            The weather could not have been better on May 26 as the community of Mattapoisett gathered at Center School to remember the living and the dead whose military sacrifices were tenderly recalled.

            The hour-long ceremony featured the vocal talents of the Showstoppers whose harmonies while singing much-loved patriotic tunes and favorites such as Amazing Grace filled the space with reverence.

            There is something tremendously moving when our youth sing songs we have lived with for decades but possibly hearing the words for the first time. And so, it was when the group sang the Pledge of Allegiance as the audience was asked by master of ceremonies Veterans’ Agent Chris Gerrior to “hear” the words being sung. It was quite moving.

            Veteran and Chairman of the town’s Cemetery Memorial Advisory CommitteeRaymond Hanks was invited to the podium to tell the assembled about work taking place at the Old Hammondtown Cemetery on River Road. Restoration plans and back-breaking labor has gone into clearing and cleaning this nearly forgotten parcel of the town’s long history.

            Hanks thanked the volunteer efforts that included local Scouts and a grant from the town’s Community Preservation fund to professionally care for the graves of Revolutionary soldiers.

            Hanks also reflected on the Vietnam War saying, ”I like to call this Remembrance Day.” He said we honor soldiers from the Revolutionary War through present day wars and that our military suffer from wounds seen and unseen. But the most striking comment was Hanks reminding all that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice not be forgotten. Hanks said when we speak their names, in that moment they are present.

            “We were sent to an unpopular war. When returning, we received little or no recognition for our service…” He then spoke the names of just a small number of soldiers, of fallen heroes, most of whom Hanks had personally known. They were PFC Willam Young, Lance Corporal Robby Hanvey, Sgt. William McTaggart, Cpl. Robert Gonneville, Lance Corp James Ferro, Sgt. Edward Byrne, Pvt. William O’Neill, and Cpl. Robert Sylvia. All whose names were spoken were under thirty years of age. We send the young to face our enemies.

            Hanks was instrumental in Mattapoisett’s recognition as a Purple Heart Town. He said that there isn’t a national database listing all who received purple hearts thus inviting the public to bring those people to his attention so they might be honored for their service in an upcoming ceremony. Date to be announced.

            After closing the day’s ceremony, the assembled placed floral arrangements and wreaths at war memorials located at the library and another cast unto the harbor.

By Marilou Newell

New Harbormaster Boat Delivered

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            The Marion Marine Resources Commission met on May 21 for their first meeting after Town Meeting and the Town Election. Following the approval of the commission’s minutes from their last meeting, the commissioners, along with Harbormaster Adam Murphy, began discussions on the harbor.

            Murphy began by saying the town’s new patrol boat has been delivered. The Harbormaster said they’ve done some tests with it in the harbor, and it will soon be picked up to paint the bottom as the exterior hull remains unpainted. There was some discussion on the paint job, with a quote returning for $20,000 in work, though the Harbormaster said they are looking into less-expensive alternatives. He did add that some maintenance will be done on the old boat, a Boston Whaler, so that It can remain in use until training with the new boat is complete.

            Floats and channel markers are all in, though Murphy added some minor adjustments are necessary. Murphy then added his thanks at the support he felt for the town’s vote against Article 51 (the separation of the Police and Harbormaster departments).

            Talks then shifted to the Harbor Management Plan. Chair Vincent J. Malkoski, Jr., said he had hoped to discuss things at Town Meeting, but there was too much else going on. He added, “our plans to try to start working on that before the season didn’t pan out – and you can see, it’s already filling up out there [in the harbor].” Malkoski then spoke on looking back at previous harbor-management plans, such as one from 1980 and another from 1964. In drawing on examples from the past, the commission hopes to come to a more amicable and agreeable plan for the harbor.

            In terms of billing, many are still outstanding according to the Harbormaster. He reported a total paid of $477,500.76 and a total still owed at $65,129.40. He added calls have been made with some warnings being issued.

            Later in the meeting, talks continued around the aftermath of the Article 51 Town Meeting discussion and vote. It was said the Harbormaster office may have an “image problem,” and there should be an effort to disclose to the public the daily operations of the department to ward against the public thinking “the Harbormaster wants to be a cop, you know, and wear a gun and draw a gun and all this other stuff,” as one member of the commission explained. The Harbormaster stressed the importance of public outreach and a personable approach.

            The Marion Marine Resources Commission continues to look into next year’s Harbor Management Plan. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Maritime Center Conference Room.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

By Sam Bishop

JoAnn Falletta to Lead the Buzzards Bay Musicfest

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The Buzzards Bay Musicfest is excited to announce this year’s special guest conductor, JoAnn Falletta. She will conduct the orchestra in its 27th season, July 9 through July 13, at Tabor Academy in Marion. All concerts are free admission.

            Multiple Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta serves as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Music Director Laureate of the Virginia Symphony, Principal Guest Conductor of the Brevard Music Center, and Conductor Laureate of the Hawaii Symphony. She was named one of the 50 great conductors of all time by Gramophone Magazine and ASCAP has honored her as “a leading force for music of our time.” As Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Falletta became the first woman to lead a major American orchestra. She has guest-conducted over a hundred orchestras in North America, and many of the most prominent orchestras in Europe, Asia, and South America. She is a leading recording artist for Naxos, and has won two individual Grammy Awards, for Richard Danielpour’s “The Passion of Yeshua” with the BPO and Spiritualist by Kenneth Fuchs with the London Symphony. Her Naxos recording of John Corigliano’s Mr. Tambourine Man with the BPO received two Grammys. Her Scriabin recording with the BPO is nominated for a 2024 Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance. Falletta is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has served by Presidential appointment as a Member of the National Council on the Arts. She has conducted over 1,600 orchestral works by more than 600 composers, including over 135 works by women composers, and over 150 premieres. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Mannes, Falletta received master’s and doctoral degrees from The Juilliard School.

            More detailed information can be found at www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com.

MWC Scholarship Recipients

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to announce that Mattapoisett residents Caitlin O’Donnell and Meredith Cameron are the recipients of the 2025 MWC scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors.

            Caitlin is a senior at Old Rochester Regional High School and plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst and pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology. In addition to her outstanding academic performance, she is the editor of the school newspaper and has been involved in many community service projects.

            Meredith is a senior at Tabor Academy who will attend American University and plans to major in political science. She has achieved academic honors, is the captain of the debate team, a member of the soccer and lacrosse teams and has participated in many extracurricular and community activities.

H.H. Richardson Speaker Series

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The Sippican Historical Society and the Marion Historical Commission will host a 3-part June lecture series on Henry Hobson Richardson and his Percy Browne House in Marion.

            The kickoff event will be June 11 at the Marion Music Hall. Following the Sippican Historical Society’s annual meeting at 6:30 pm, the jSociety will host a 7:00 pm presentation by Chris Milford, Jay Wickersham and Hope Mayo on their new book, Henry Hobson Richardson: Drawings from the Collection of Houghton Library, Harvard University. The authors will discuss the extensive collection of Richardson drawings and what they reveal about collaboration in his studio. Designs for the Percy Browne House in Marion (192 Front Street) are included in the book.

            On Tuesday, June 17, architect Mark Wright will present his research on the original design of the Percy Browne House and its significance in the history of Marion in the Gilded Age. Mr. Wright is a partner in the firm Wright & Robinson of Glen Ridge NJ, which specializes in sensitive renovations and additions to historic properties. His paper H.H. Richardson’s House for Reverend Browne, Rediscovered was published in 2009 and continues to be the definitive analysis of the house and its changes over time. Mr. Wright’s extensive knowledge and quirky fascination with all things H. H. Richardson promise to make this an informative event. It will take place at 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall.

            On Tuesday, June 24, again at 6:30 pm at the Marion Music Hall, local photographer and Richardson enthusiast Bryan McSweeny will give a talk on H.H. Richardson’s buildings in New England, based on photographs and research for his book Henry Hobson Richardson in New England. A long-time Marion resident and member of the Marion Historical Commission, Dr. McSweeny’s photographic talents have inspired him to document many historic properties in Marion and throughout New England.

Thank You

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Dear Marion Residents,

            I am deeply honored by your trust in electing me to serve on the Marion Select Board. Your support throughout this campaign has been truly inspiring, and I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in the Marion Town election.

            I promise to serve all residents fairly, diligently, and with respect. By listening to you, together, we will build a stronger Marion.

            I am grateful that you have returned me to the same seat that the voters elected me to in 1986. With that fact in mind, I commit today not to run again in 39 years. Thank you again for your confidence in me.

            I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead.

            Sincerely,

John Hoagland

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.

Tri-Towns Share Winner’s Circle

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Memorial Day saw the continuation of the annual Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race, as every town in the Tri-Town region, Marion, Rochester and Mattapoisett, saw a winner this year in some division.

            Competitors build and race in their kayaks down 12 miles of the Mattapoisett River. Racers are staggered, one departing every minute from Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir off Snipatuit Road at 8:30 am. Almost exactly two hours later, the winning team reached the finish line at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir just before Route 6.

            Organizer Art Benner stated, “several records were broken.” For the Kayak Division, C.J. Hedges, IV of Marion in Kayak Number 101 finished with a solo time of 2:04:56. In the Parent/Child Division, Katelyn Watling and Bill Watling III of Rochester (10) finished with a time of 1:58:46. For the CO-Ed Division, Rebecca Milde and her brother Alex Milde of Mattapoisett (2) finished with a time of 1:50:16. This is four minutes faster than the previously held record in this category. The Mildes also won overall with the fastest time.

            In the Junior Boys Division, Henri Roy and Mason Zell of Rochester (23) finished with a time of 2:24:55. In addition to their first-place trophies, they also received a plaque in recognition of three consecutive wins, Benner said. He added they are the third team to win that plaque in the history of the race. The Old Man River Award, given to the oldest person finishing the race who had not previously already won the award, was Manuel Francisco (44).

            Many gathered near the finish line to eat popcorn and hot dogs, watch the Canada Geese swim about and, importantly, await and cheer on the exhausted racers. Though forecasts earlier predicted rain or clouds, it was a bright, clear, and comfortable day.

Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race

By Sam Bishop

Hello from Plumb Library

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We invite you to join us at the Library on Friday May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm as we celebrate the retirement of our children’s librarian, Lisa Fuller. Stop by the library to offer up congratulations and best wishes, sign the memory book, and enjoy some light refreshments. We will have the book available at the desk leading up to the party, and possibly for a short time afterward if you’re unable to attend on May 30. Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. We would love to see as many friends and families as possible show up for this farewell event.

            Other Upcoming Events: Local author Richard Cutler will be hosting a talk from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm Saturday May 31. Come hear about the writing process from rough drafts to published books. Richard is an engaging speaker who is passionate about all types of writing, but especially science fiction. He’s happy to answer questions about writing projects and the genre in general. Please register for this talk, as space is limited. Registration is available on the Event Calendar on our website.

            The Boards and Cards game group will meet at 11:00 am Saturday June 7. This is a social group for adults (18+), run by volunteers, who are gaming enthusiasts. Join them for games, snacks, and socializing. Games are provided or bring one to share

            Now that it’s officially summer, you know what that means. The annual Summer Reading Program will be kicking off at the Library. This year’s theme is Level Up at Your Library and there is a very full calendar to keep kids, teens, and adults reading and entertained. Check the Events Calendar at plumblibrary.com for the full schedule. This year’s program runs from June 11 to August 2. Registration opens online at 11:00 am on June 11 for any events, activities, or programs that require sign-ups because of space or age restrictions. You may stop by the Library anytime from June 11 forward to pick up a reading tracker log and activity sheets.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1-8 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Events Calendar, newsletter, Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Mattapoisett Museum

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Join the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street on May 31 at 6:00 pm for the amazing music of The Hot Club Cheese Roll with a trio that stars Jason Smith (guitar), John Birt (guitar), and Mark Russell (violin). Founded by guitarist Jason Smith in 1916 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 pre-WWII jazz and 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 $18.00 to Mattapoisett Museum’s members; non-members’ entrance fee is $20.00.