Rochester’s New Town Administrator Likes Fit

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Glenn Cannon started out as an engineer who was frequently told he didn’t talk like an engineer. No wonder his career path ended where he is today, as Rochester’s town administrator since March of this year.

            The Wareham native, 58, said that as he grew up, engineering and math came natural for him. “But also I like to talk to people, give them the reasons, the facts behind anything I’m explaining,” he said.

            He didn’t mind it when in his early career he was told he did not sound like an engineer. He saw what they were saying. It was because he likes to communicate ideas to people in very simple, clear ways. “When it’s complicated issues, it’s important to me to be able to break down things and explain them simply to others.”

            After he graduated from UMass Dartmouth’s engineering program, he went to work for the state Highway Department and then the Cape Cod Commission. By the time he started the latter job, he had put hands-on engineering work behind him in favor of managing and budgeting projects such as the ongoing plans to replace the Bourne and Sagamore bridges.

            In 2017, he became the assistant town administrator in the town of Bourne. “It was an opportunity to work in Bourne and help them with their issues,” he explained, “such as assisting them with establishing their waste water treatment plant. It was still about helping the local community, which I love to do.”

            It was in these early jobs that he developed the skills he uses to this day as town administrator. In his Cape Cod Commission job, for example, he said, “I was building funding programs for projects and building the public and political consensus that gets projects approved. I learned you have to tally the consensus of leaders and the public before any project can move forward. It was a great experience for this job, for getting me ready for this job.”

            Cannon became Bourne’s acting town administrator after the chief administrator resigned. Then an interim town administrator was appointed but didn’t last long. Still, Cannon was not considered for the full-time job.

            Just the same, he said, “I left on good terms. I wasn’t leaving because I was not satisfied. I put two Bourne selectmen on my reference list.”

            Cannon said he applied for the job in Rochester because he saw it as a natural fit for him in more ways than one. “I saw this position as a chance to grow,” he said. “I saw it as the opportunity to advance myself. Plus, I live in South Middleboro. I can walk my dog to Rochester. I love the rural nature of the town of Rochester.”

            He’s happy he landed in Rochester and he is making the most of his first year here. He plans to introduce himself to every town board (he’s visited a few already.) He is getting great support from Town Hall staff. He sits down regularly with the prior town administrator, Suzanne Szyndlar, with lists of questions that she usually answers on the spot.

            What does he like most about being Rochester’s town administrator? “The town is trying to better itself,” he said. “There are plans for a new fire station (Town Meeting just approved a $110,000 feasibility study for this.) There are plans for a new Highway barn salt shed and to get a public water system for Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School (in cooperation with the school’s four other member towns.) I like those kinds of big projects and look forward to seeing them move forward.”

By Michael J. DeCicco

Parking Set for BYC Event

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            Having done her homework, Johanna Vergoni of the Beverly Yacht Club came back before the Marion Select Board on July 30 to gain approval for firmed-up plans for the BYC’s 150th gala celebration scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

            The special, one-agenda meeting was called to expedite requests the Select Board had made of Vergoni to tweak the event planning for the sake of more complete information regarding neighborhood impact and for the parking arrangement.

            Asked to reach out to neighbors whose comings and goings would be impacted, Vergoni reported that all but one resident within the sphere of prescribed consideration was a BYC member.

            Her other assignment was to shift parking from what would have become an over-capacity Sippican Elementary School to the more expansive area at Silvershell Beach. Either scenario planned for shuttle buses to the corner of Water and South Streets.

            The board took two votes, one to approve Vergoni’s revised parking plan and the other to approve road closures in the area of the event. The road closure schedule will be from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, providing a half-hour cushion on both ends of the event.

            Town Administrator Jay McGrail said that the town will work with the event organizers to ensure access to the Silvershell parking lot. McGrail reported no issues with the plan that concerned the Police or Fire chiefs.

            The Select Board voted to affirm the plan and asked that the BYC send out a letter to a broader group of neighbors as a general notice and report back to the board with any negative feedback.

            “If there are any complaints, they will call my office as well,” assured McGrail, who said he had not received any calls as of the June 30 meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 12, at 6:00 pm under the Cushing Community Center Pavilion. In the case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held inside the center’s main building.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Pies & More Bake Sale

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club proudly presents its annual Pies & More Bake Sale on Saturday, July 16 from 9 am until sold out at the Lions Club’s Harbor Days Festival. Profits from the Annual Pie Sale & More as well as the Taste of the Town benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund for Mattapoisett’s resident high school graduates and postgraduates with their continuing education.

            New members are always welcome to join the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. Find a membership application on the Club’s website at mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

The Rev. Robert Malm Officiates at St. Philip’s

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The Rev. Robert Malm, Interim, St. Peter’s on the Canal, Buzzards Bay will visit St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 34 Water St., Mattapoisett on Sunday, July 10. Services using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer will be used at the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services. All are welcome.

Tri-Town Against Racism

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The Tri-Town community has continuously come together during the past two years to engage in meaningful events to address concerns about racism, inequality, with a goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive region. This was showcased when community members came together so graciously to support the reopening of TTAR’s Little Free Diverse Library after the vandalism suffered at the end of 2021. During the reopening ceremony, TTAR leadership was able to engage in such meaningful conversation with community members that we felt compelled to rename our community outreach and engagement event. This event will occur in person at Rochester Memorial School, 16 Pine Street, Rochester, on Thursday, July 28, 7-8 pm. For planning purposes, we ask that attendees register here: forms.gle/HZFPkh4EMjEswGhT9. Participants are encouraged to provide questions about diversity, inclusion, allyship and how to be a part of the change in their registration form.

            For more information, connect with us by following Tri-Town Against Racism on Facebook. 

Peter Joseph Muise

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            Peter Joseph Muise, of Marion, formerly of Hanson, passed away on July 6th, 2022, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston after a courageous 19 year battle with cancers and post-transplant complications.

            He was born in Milton in 1955, son of the late Daniel Muise and Winifred (Caristi) Hayes, and spent his early life in Quincy, Braintree and Weymouth.

            Peter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Science degree in Finance from Bentley College. He began his banking career in 1977 at Quincy Savings Bank and rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer. Peter joined First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union in 1996 and served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before his appointment to President and CEO in August 2008 through his retirement in January 2021.

            Peter was very involved in his communities on the South Coast and the Cape, and gave so much of his time to causes and projects that helped others. He was the Chairman of the Board for the Housing Assistance Corporation, Inc. and an Executive Committee member of the Homeless Service Providers Network in New Bedford. He was one of the founders of Rise Up for Homes, a fundraising and advocacy organization to support ending homelessness. He served as the Co-Chair of the South Coast Regional Network to End Homelessness and was a member of the New Bedford Regeneration Committee. He was Chairman for four years on the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board and served for several years as the Co-Chair of the National Academy Foundation’s Advisory Board for the New Bedford High School’s Education and Industry Coordinating Council.

            While awards and accolades never defined him, because he was far too humble to be comfortable with the praise, he was the 2015 recipient of the Sister Rose Award from the City of New Bedford, the 2014 recipient of the Sydney Adams Award from the Inter-Church Council of New Bedford and The Standard-Times 2013 SouthCoast Man of the Year. In 2004 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees in recognition of his twelve years of dedication as an elected member of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee. He was also chosen as the Town of Hanson’s Citizen of the Year in 2006 after having served for two years as Chairman of the Town’s Government Study Committee.

            Peter was a friend to many, and never met a “stranger” in his life. He remained close friends with his various circles, the S B Crafters, the Nice Guys, Old Bankers, and the Band. Peter was a connector and supporter. Many who knew him, even if they had just met him once, were included in his network of friends, and he often emailed, texted or called to help out and support others and connect them to people who might help them achieve their goals.

            While his career contributions, accomplishments, and friendships were both significant and numerous, Peter’s number one pride and joy was his family. He will be remembered as a loving and constant presence, only a car ride or phone call away, willing to help whenever they needed support, advice, or assistance. He was an avid New England sports fan and he never missed watching Patriots games with his wife. As a beloved Gramps, he introduced each grandchild to NesQuik chocolate milk at breakfast, how to fill bird feeders, and proudly taught the older ones how to play chess and drive the red “people mover” around the neighborhood. He liked to play “on the ground” with his grandkids, despite his health, and was a silly-faced, giggle teaser. A lover of food, Peter relished in a good meal. When he wasn’t working or with his family, he could be found golfing or most likely, futzing around the yard in his crocs with socks.

            Peter is survived by his wife, best friend, and partner of 50 years, Robin (Fitzpatrick) Muise; and his three children, a son, Jason and his wife Alissa of Holden; a daughter, Carly and her husband Jeff Lavin of Mattapoisett, a daughter Krista and her husband PJ O’Brien of Tolland, CT; and 9 grandchildren, Wyatt, Emily, Lyla, Everly, Graeme, Finnegan, Myles, Rory, and Maisie. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara and her husband Dennis Fleming; a sister-in-law Joanne and her husband Dan Englehardt; a brother-in-law Robert and his wife Susan Fitzpatrick; and a sister-in-law MaryLee Muise. He was the favorite uncle of many nieces and nephews and godfather to 6. He was predeceased by his parents; brother David Muise; and father and mother-in-law Robert G. and Maria Aline (Machado) Fitzpatrick.

            The family is extremely grateful for the compassionate and loving care shown to Peter from the staff at Dana Farber, Brigham and Women’s, and Mass Eye and Ear. We thank them for the extra time they gave us to be together, and the way they honored Peter and held us through each trial and tribulation. These amazing people are more than caregivers, they are a part of our family forever.

            A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St, Mattapoisett, MA, on Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 10 am. The public is invited to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Old Landing Cemetery, Marion. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Rise up for Homes, (℅ Interchurch Council of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union Street Suite100, New Bedford, Ma 02740 or online at riseupforhomes.com) and the Housing Assistance Corporation (460 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 or online at https://haconcapecod.org/make-donation/). These donations will be used for continuing his work of serving the homeless and those less fortunate. For the online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Margaret Stanley Millspaugh

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Margaret Stanley Millspaugh, of Mattapoisett, MA, passed away July 4, 2022. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK, and daughter of the late Francis C. and Helena (Stanley) Millspaugh. Margaret “Margy” was raised in Plainfield, NJ before living in Concord, Watertown, and Mattapoisett.

            Margy was a graduate of the Hartridge School in New Jersey and Ithaca College in New York. She worked in several high-tech firms prior to becoming the sole proprietor of Twigs Tides Gift Shop in Wareham. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends while walking on beaches searching for her beloved scallop shells.

            Margy is survived by her two sisters; Virginia M. Parker and her husband George of Dedham, MA and Leslie C.M. Amodei and her husband Richard of Carlisle, MA; her brother E. Judson Millspaugh and his wife Elisabeth of Center Barnstead, NH; eight nieces and nephews, and a great niece and nephew.

            Her Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 15th at 11:30 am in Cushing Cemetery, Mattapoisett, MA.  Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

2022 Keel Awards

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            The Wanderer is pleased to announce that we are soliciting nominations for our 29th annual “Wanderer Keel Awards.” The yearly community service honor, presented to one Tri-Town resident from each of the three central towns in our circulation area, will be announced in our July 30 edition, and each winner will be the subject of a short feature highlighting his/her contributions to the local community. But The Wanderer needs your help in selecting these “unsung heroes.”

            The requirements are simple. Nominees must be legal residents for at least five years of Mattapoisett, Marion or Rochester, and must have contributed in some way to the overall benefit of the community – directly to town residents, indirectly through efforts in promoting town activities or working to keep the wheels of local government well oiled. The only restriction is that these persons cannot benefit from their efforts in any other way – either financially or politically (hence, sitting elected officials are not eligible).

            In doing this, we hope to applaud those who are rarely recognized for their countless hours of service and focus on the many people behind the scenes who remain otherwise anonymous, but who provide crucial support to many town functions.

            Like the keel of a ship that keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award will be recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an “even keel.”

            Past recipients of this honor include:

            – MARION: Claire Russell (1994); Ralph and Phyllis Washburn (1995); Annie Giberti (1996); Jay Crowley (1997); Tyler Blethen (1998); Olive E. Harris (1999, posthumously); Kathleen P. “Kay” Reis (2000); Loretta B. “Lori” Schaefer (2001); Ann and Warren Washburn (2002); Andrew Santos Sr. (2003); Eunice Manduca (2004); Annie Giberti (2005); A. Lee Hayes (2006); Horace “Hod” Kenney (2007); Margie Baldwin (2008); Jack Beck (2009); Dr. John Russell (2010); Jane McCarthy (2011); Nancy Braitmeyer (2012); Rodney Hunt (2013); Hanna Milhench (2014); Robbi Dunn-Tracy (2015); Joanne Mahoney (2016); Diane Cook (2017); Pete Smith (2018); Robert Raymond (2019); David Pierce (2020); Alan Harris (2021).

            – MATTAPOISETT: Maurice “Mudgie” Tavares (1994); Priscilla Alden Hathaway (1995); Norma Holt (1996); Gale Hudson (1997); Kenneth Stickney (1998); Clara Morgan (1999); Betty and Bert Theriault (2000); John N. “Jack” DeCosta (2001); Jo Pannell (2002); Stan Ellis (2003); Evelyn Pursley (2004); Luice Moncevitch (2005); Seth Mendell (2006); Bradford A. Hathaway (2007); Kim Field (2008); David Spencer Jenny (2009); Stephen L. Kelleher (2010); Bento Martin (2011); Howard C. Tinkham (2012); Ellen Flynn (2013); Jennifer Shepley (2014); Ruth Bates (2015, posthumously); Debbi Dyson and Julie Craig (2016); Bonne DeSousa (2017); Jillian Zucco (2018); Lois Knight Ennis (2019); Michael Hugenin (2020); Mike Hickey (2021).

            – ROCHESTER: Joseph McCarthy (1994); Jean Fennell (1995); Katherine Hartley Church (1996); Chris Byron (1997); Albert Alderson (1998); Arthur and Aline Lionberger (1999); Kenneth E. Daggett (2000); Georgia D. Chamberlain (2001); Mary P. Wynne (2002); Evelyn F. Benner (2003); Mike Meunier, Sr. (2004); Arthur F. Benner (2005); Pamela J. Robinson (2006); Anna E. White (2007); John E. Lafreniere (2008); Cathy Mendoza (2009); Kate Tarleton (2010); John Cobb (2011); Thomas Goyoski Jr. (2012); Kevin Woodward (2013); Kate Lanagan MacGregor (2014); Gordon Helme (2015); Doreen DeCosta (2016); Danni Kleiman (2017); Pamela and Oren Robinson of It’s All About the Animals (2018); Ann Cambra (2019); Kelcey Robertson (2020); Laurell J. Farinon (2021).

            Please send the name, address, and telephone number of recommended nominees, along with a brief description of their key contributions to the community and      why you feel they are deserving of this honor to: news@wanderer.com, or via mail, Keel Award, The Wanderer, P.O. Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

            The deadline for nominations is Thursday, July 22, by 3:00 pm.

Academic Achievements

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Audrey Wood, of Mattapoisett, graduated from The University of Tampa on Saturday, May 7.

Arts in the Park

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The Marion Art Center’s annual outdoor artisan market, Arts in the Park, returns to Bicentennial Park in Marion on Saturday, July 9, 10 am-4 pm. A rain date is scheduled on Sunday, July 10. The park is located across the street from the MAC, located at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion, at the corner of Main and Pleasant.

            The curated event will feature nearly 45 artists and artisans from across the region and includes many new vendors this year. Goods include baskets, ceramics, clothing, collage, fiber, glass, jewelry, woodworking, painted and handcrafted furniture, paintings, photography and more. Shop for gifts, fine art and handmade goods, grab lunch or ice cream, listen to live music by Richard Lewis and John Fernandes and bring the kids for free games and craft activities on the MAC lawn! Visit the MAC galleries throughout the day to see the new exhibit, Mary Ross: A Retrospective, featuring Ross’s unique collages, paintings and assemblages spanning over 60 years.

            Visitors can enter for a chance to win prizes from the raffle with one original piece from each vendor. This year, the MAC will raffle off two tickets to its premier summer fundraiser, Cocktails by the Sea, scheduled July 29, a value of $190! Tickets to the summer party will also be available for purchase inside the MAC. For more information, visit marionartcenter.org or email the MAC at info@marionartcenter.org.