Church of The Good Shepherd, 74 High Street, Wareham is having its annual spring rummage sale on Saturday, May 14 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Items include clothing, coats, shoes, books, puzzles, games, toys, small furnishings domestic and white elephant items. All proceeds to benefit the many outreach programs for the community and beyond.
The recently completed mural located on the Marion Natural History Museum’s second floor mezzanine celebrates one of the oldest organizations in our area and one of the first few natural history museums in the United States.
The sweeping mural greets visitors as they head up the staircases toward the second-floor foyer and Museum entrance. Painted by local artists, Erin Taylor and Karen Alves, the mural features the Bird Island Lighthouse and the island’s annual visitors, Roseate Terns, both of which are featured in the Museum’s logo.
The mural puts into motion improvements to the Museum’s exhibit space that will be implemented over the next two years—several of which will be in time for the Museum’s 150th anniversary celebration this coming summer. Other improvements include new signage, re-envisioned displays, and enhanced stations for the Museum’s Virtual Reality equipment and microscopes. Additionally, within the next few months the installation of a photo mural depicting a life-sized North Atlantic Right Whale will transform the interior of the museum thanks to the generosity of Michael and Hannah Moore. The photo taken by Dr. Michael Moore, author, veterinarian, and Senior Scientist at WHOI in Woods Hole, and Director of the WHOI Marine Mammal Center shows a rare view of a right whale skim feeding.
Located at 8 Spring Street, the building was donated to the Town of Marion by Marion’s famed matriarch Elizabeth Taber on September 27, 1872 for the sole use of a Library and a Natural History Museum. She also donated the Museum’s display cases and some artifacts that are still part of the Museum’s collection.
A well-loved institution, the Museum has helped to guide area youth into careers in nature, science, and engineering. Today the MNHM continues to give back to the community by providing free and low-cost programs and exhibits that inspire, educate, and nurture people of all ages. The Museum’s mission is to spark natural curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and inspire lifelong learning by making science and technology accessible to all. They specialize in the natural history of our local area, and provide exhibits, lectures, and educational programs for youth and adults.
The Museum welcomes visitors, volunteers, and new members, and is seeking sponsors, donors, and partner organizations—especially in preparation for the Museum’s 150th Anniversary and their ongoing improvements to the exhibit space. If you have time and talent (from cleaning and organizing to carpentry and electrical to printing and Lego building) the Museum encourages you to reach out via the Museum’s website marionmuseum.org/contact or email volunteer@marionmuseum.org.
Dear Neighbors,
We lost our little dog, Matty, in the Mattapoisett Land Trust off of Prospect Road. Although we were greatly saddened not to find him, the support of our neighbors, many of whom we have not met, lifted our spirits. We want to extend our appreciation to everyone who took the time to look for him and to spread the word. We are sure that Matty felt your concern and kindness as well.
Kevin Harkins and Eileen Barry, 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.
Linda May Jackson Sweeney, 71 years of age, unexpectedly passed away on January 27, 2022 at Beth Israel Hospital. Linda was born June 16, 1950 to the late Frank and Margaret (Bumpus) Jackson. She was the oldest of three children. Linda is survived by her husband Edward Sweeney; her two sons David R. Keirstead of New Bedford, MA and Michael S. Keirstead of Middleboro, MA; her siblings Robert A. Jackson of Sharon, NH and Margaret A. Mahoney of Sutton, MA. Linda graduated from Belmont High School in 1968.
She was a devoted Mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend who leaves so many family and friends that miss her dearly. Her infectious laughter and caring ways will always be remembered. Spending time with family and friends meant the world to her and she always “liked” whatever pictures friends posted on social media. She always looked forward to a special meal and a good movie and shared a life-long interest in dolls and coloring with her cousins. Linda had a special place in her heart for dogs and enjoyed a fun time listening to music. Furthermore, she had a “green thumb” with any house plants, vegetables, and flowers. Her hope was always found in her faith in God.
A private graveside service and celebration of life will be held in May. Donations in her honor can be made to: MSPCA-Angell, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 or online at https://www.mspca.org/donate-now/tribute-honor-and-memorial-giving/
Shirley (Zavalcofsky) Brustin, 89, of Marion, formerly of Brockton died peacefully on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Sippican Healthcare in Marion with her loving family by her side.
Born in Plymouth, she was the daughter of the late David and Esther (Bilsky) Zavalcofsky. Shirley was born on May 24, 1932 and would have turned 90 next month.
She was a longtime volunteer for 25 years at Good Samaritan Hospital. She lived each day with kindness for everyone, especially the babies in the nursery.
Shirley loved the ocean and sitting by Swifts Beach in Wareham.
She is survived by children, Richard Cudworth and his wife Donna of Wareham and Douglas Cudworth of Wareham; her brother, Sheldon Zaval of E. Bridgewater; her grandsons, Stephen Cudworth of Boston and David Cudworth of NY and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her children, the late Donna Cudworth and David Cudworth, and her sister, the late Diane Eubanks.
Funeral services and burial will be private.
Judith Benedict: July 8, 1938 – March 31, 2022. Judy Benedict was a loving sister, great friend, and the most fun aunt there ever was. She was a successful and dedicated teacher until her retirement. Judy was an outdoor enthusiast who loved biking, swimming, cross country skiing, walking, and collecting shells on the beach. Judy was a seeker and was open to exploring spiritual paths. She was active in the Unitarian Church. Judy was a long-term resident of Mattapoisett, MA. She spent many years volunteering at the senior center. Judy loved ice cream and coupons and scrabble and Skip-Bo. Judy leaves behind one remaining sister, a wealth of nieces, nephews, and friends. She was very loved by many and will be greatly missed.
There will be a Craft Fair on Saturday April 30 from 10-2 pm at 94 Aucoot Road, Mattapoisett. Table linens, beeswax candles, spring wreaths, dishtowels, aprons and herbal soaps to benefit Red Oak Garden, part of the therapeutic riding program, Helping Hands and Hooves.
On April 14, the Mattapoisett Finance Committee met to review the Spring Town Meeting draft warrant and to hear Town Administrator Mike Lorenco’s description and explanation of those articles that raised questions in the minds of the committee members.
“I’m still uncomfortable…” [with the per-pupil cost], said Finance Committee Chairman Pat Donoghue towards the end of the meeting and told attendees that she has researched the escalating per-pupil costs between 2002 and 2020. “In 2008, the per-pupil cost was the same for the high school and the local schools … by 2020, the high school costs had risen 20 percent while the local schools have risen 62 percent.”
Having questioned what had happened at the local schools to make those costs increase at a higher pace than at the high school, Donoghue said that locally she has been told that elementary school costs are higher than high schools. But, she said, her further research did not seem to bear that deduction out. To the contrary, she said discussions with state officials yielded suggestions that the opposite should be the case.
“This is a huge difference,” Donoghue said. “It’s like a feeding frenzy at the elementary schools.”
FinCom member Tom Kelley echoed Donoghue’s confusion in the matter of per-pupil costs, saying, “I’ve done some research also, it’s inexplicable.”
Part of Donoghue’s questioning seems to come from how costs could have continued to climb when, “we eliminated seven classroom teachers, yet there is an explosion of expenses. … I can’t get a good explanation; maybe the numbers are wrong.”
Lorenco’s responses were pragmatic.
“They need time to go through the budget. It needs to be a multiyear approach,” said Lorenco, adding that, even if the school budget was at 0 percent in terms of increases, “you are going to spend most of your budget on schools.”
Kelley said the schools still need to provide a plan for controlling costs. He also wondered aloud in reference to per-pupil expenditures, “Do the townspeople know about this?” Donoghue replied, “No, they don’t.” Lorenco added, “The public doesn’t know a lot about this. Maybe regular meetings with the schools would help, but slashing the school budget for one year won’t fix it.”
There are presently 25 articles in the warrant draft covering highway expenditures at $250,000, tasers for the Police Department at $50,000 and the first phase of police accreditation at $20,000, new littering and dumping bylaws, upgrades to the freshwater systems at $7,500,000 (Mattapoisett’s portion is 20 percent), a variety of water and sewer projects from replacement of the Pearl Street water line to repair and improvements of the Oakland Street sewer system.
The FY23 draft budget now shows local schools at $7,952,394, total town-wide operation expenses at $31,880,274 and estimated total receipts at $32,141,676.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Finance Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 21, at 6:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Finance Committee
By Marilou Newell
Shirley M. (Plummer) Cowell, 97 of Marion died April 17, 2022 peacefully at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion. She was the wife of the late Arthur Cowell.
She was born in South Portland, Maine, the daughter of the late Alfred and Sarah (Adams) Plummer. Shirley was a graduate of South Portland High School.
Shirley married Arthur Cowell, USCG, and they built their family home in Marion. They were members of the First Congregational Church of Marion and the Congregational Couples Club. In addition to serving on many church committees, Shirley was a dedicated choir member for over fifty years. She especially enjoyed performing solos during her time with the choir.
She entered the workforce after being widowed at a young age. For over twenty years Shirley worked for Dr. Earland Briggs of Marion. Later in her career, she became a real estate agent. She was an active member of her community all the while raising her two sons.
Shirley’s love of singing led to a long association with the Sippican Choral Society that spanned over fifty years. In fact, she was one of the founders and became it’s first president.
Other hobbies included attending concerts, playing piano, tennis, walking, knitting, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her son, Scott Cowell and his wife Cathy of Marion; her daughter-in-law Ann Cowell of Mattapoisett; four grandchildren, Michael, William, Adam and Robert; seven great-grandchildren, Jason, Alex, Jackson, Connor, Lucas, Lincoln and Emily; and several nieces and nephews.
Shirley was the mother of the late David Cowell and the sister of the late Robert Plummer, Beatrice (Plummer) Levisee and Vernon Plummer.
In lieu of flowers donations in Shirley’s name may be given to the First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main St., Marion, MA 02738.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 11:00 am in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main St., Marion with a reception following downstairs. Visiting hours are omitted and burial is private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In a previous article about the Rochester Women’s Club, I touched on two aspects of the club that sent me looking for more information. The first was the part that the Rochester’s Men’s Club played in the creation of the Women’s Club. The men had a clubhouse on Mary’s Pond Rd. next to the baseball field. Men gathered there to play cards, pool and to plan clambakes and chowder suppers along with other activities. For a while, Tuesday nights were set aside for women’s card parties. Eventually, as was previously mentioned, the women began their own club and became affiliated with state and national women’s clubs and had their own building.
The other thing that caught my attention was basketball at the Women’s Club. Looking at today’s building, I had trouble picturing a basketball court. I was assured that the basement had enough space for dances, volleyball, and yes, basketball. I was taking “basement” to mean “cellar,” an area under the main floor. However, in this case the basement is the large annex building which today houses some town hall functions (the women working there assured me that they were in the basement.) The addition, today’s annex, is six steps down from the main building, hence, its name.
So, back to basketball. The annex is a large, long area and without the dropped ceilings of today, had a high ceiling open to the rafters. A basket was set up at each end. There was also a wood stove in a wire cage at either end to provide heat. The bleachers were created using a double row of wooden benches on the floor and a third on top. A corner was curtained off to create a changing room for the players.
At one time, there were 4 to 8 town teams. Each team was sponsored by a business, like the Hartley Sawmill or an organization like the Grange. On Friday nights, there would be three games. Two were interleague games with hotly contested rivalries between the town teams. The third game would feature a Rochester team made up of the town’s best players against an out-of-town team. These games were well attended, and no doubt drew as much enthusiasm as today’s March Madness. If anyone has basketball memories to share, please send them to me at eshbach2@aol.com.
By Connie Eshbach