Valentine’s Candidate Brunch

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A free Valentine’s Brunch will take place from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on February 14 where women and minorities in Marion can explore running for town offices. Here is an opportunity to create broader representation in town government. Women in particular are encouraged to come. We will invite women who have participated or have experience in local politics. You will have opportunities to meet with them to discuss their thoughts about being part of decision-making offices. These jobs affect every person and family in our community. Elections this year will be for Assessor, Select Board, Planning Board, ORR and Sippican school committees, and the Board of Health. You do not need previous experience in town government to apply. Information about each position will be available at the party.

            The brunch will be held at 10 Cove Street, Marion, and those interested in coming should text a response with their name or call 603-759-9287.

Elizabeth Taber Library New Library Card Policy

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The Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion has updated their library card policy to increase access to Library resources and expand upon privacy protections guaranteed to library card holders of all ages. The full text of the policy is available at elizabethtaberlibrary.org/policies and was adopted by the Library Board of Trustees at their January 26 meeting.

            Under the new policy, Massachusetts residents of all ages are eligible to register for a library card. The previous policy limited library card sign-up to residents over the age of five. An increase in preschool outreach by children’s librarian Macy Davis was one of the factors that inspired this change.

            “As the Library visits area preschools, the kids are excited to visit us in return, but previously they were unable to sign up for their own library card,” Davis said. “Having a library card empowers kids to take responsibility for their own library use and engages them more deeply as they develop important early literacy skills.”

            Families are invited to sign their child up for a library card on Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, February 7. Between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, there will be book giveaways, crafts, and more.

            When expanding access to youth, the Library has lowered the age to independently apply for a card from 16 to 14. The Library is a site for late-bus drop off from ORR, so youth this age may frequently be at the library without a parent/guardian and would previously have been unable to apply for a library card on their own.

            The updated policy also expands upon visitor cards. Visitor cards are available for non-residents who may be temporary visitors to Marion. These cards are only valid for one year and limit the holder to 10 checkouts. Included in the new policy are considerations for Tabor Academy Students. Tabor students may apply for a visitor card using their student ID.

            “These policy changes were designed to expand access to library cards for all students and families in Marion. We’re excited to welcome more teens from both Tabor Academy and ORR, who have both been underrepresented as library patrons in the past,” said Library Director Elizabeth Sherry.

            The revised policy enumerates privacy practices that the Library has long followed, but wanted to make apparent to patrons as they apply for a Library card. Per the policy, “All Library Card holders, regardless of age, have a right to privacy regarding their library use and records. This extends to information sought or received, materials consulted or borrowed, search records, online resource use, questions asked to staff, circulation records, registration, and personally identifiable uses of library materials, facilities, programs, or services.”

            With these changes to the policy, Library staff are excited to welcome new cardholders to our community of library users who have access to physical materials from across the SAILS network, e-books and audiobooks, games, toys, tools, and more.

Is The Cold Snap Over Yet?

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No. Sorry, but not quite yet. The yearly sighting of the famed polar vortex is here for a little longer, which is also primarily to blame for the nor’easter a couple weeks ago.

            Temperatures across the Tri-Town look to peak midweek at just around freezing temperature and then take a dive again over the weekend. Since the start of the new year, we’ve received nearly 2 feet of snow. This weekend also has a bit of snow predicted, but currently no more than an inch, so just a dusting over the white mountain on the corner of your driveway. No, we are not yet entirely sure how they time these things to happen exclusively on weekends.

            Luckly, the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to breach freezing temperature and climb mightily into the high-30s, subtly diminishing the grandeur of the previously mentioned white mountain. However, and I am sorry for this, The Weather Channel is predicting the warmer weather will bring rain, ice, and snow starting Friday, February 13 and maintaining stormy weather on and off for a number of days after. Though, as we all know by now, forecasts like these are difficult to predict and vary wildly as the day approaches.

            Be safe and have fun from us at The Wanderer. If you wish to curse the weather, direct your aim towards that groundhog in Philly. The first day of spring, the vernal equinox, will be on March 20.

By Sam Bishop

Fourteen-Year Project Completed

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            Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by signing the Certificate of Completion for a 14-year-old project.

            That long ago, then-Conservation Agent Laurel Farinon noticed the storage of concrete blocks near wetlands at 0 and 107 Cranberry Highway and said they needed to be removed. Tuesday, project engineer Bill Madden reported the removal project has been completed. The Conservation Commission approved the Certificate of Compliance with minimal discussion.

            Next, the board also signed without debate an Amended Order of Conditions for work to install a portion of Townhouse Building Seven and a wood deck at 22 Cranberry Highway to include double catch basins, an overflow diffuser with associated riprap and a drainpipe. No work will be done within the 25-foot, no-disturb buffer, the petition promises. Commission members agreed to the amendment without comment. It is the site of a planned townhouse development and a 68-unit, age 55-and-over, senior-living apartment building within Rochester Crossroads.

            Drawing more discussion was a Notice of Intent Public Hearing for plans to construct a single-family home on Walnut Plain Road filed by Botelho Custom Homes. Project engineer Steve Carvalho of Farland Corporation, attending the meeting virtually via Zoom, said that this house on the 87,000-square-foot parcel had been placed closer to wetlands because the proposed septic system had to be farther away from the proposed well. Walnut Plain Road abutter Pamela Souza provided the push back here. She said she was representing an elderly neighbor who wanted to know how many homes will be built there. Initially, it was to be only one. Carvalho explained there will be three homes built there after two more groundwater perc tests were successful there. The commission approved the plan with standard Order of Conditions and a demand that the wetlands border be clearly marked.

            Lastly, the commission approved a new proposed site plan for 7 Forbes Road. Chair Christopher Gerrior noted the design has changed from a two-story home to a ranch-style home, taking the plan out of the commission’s jurisdiction.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be February 1 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

A Tribute to Titus.

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To the Editor;

            A Tribute to Titus.

            Dave was my friend, tennis partner, dinner partner, town government colleague and attorney for over thirty-five years.

            In all that time and in hundreds, maybe thousands, of interactions I never saw Dave be anything but a gentleman and truly nice guy. He never had anything bad to say about anyone, and he had plenty of chances. For years he moderated town meeting with his calm wisdom. And I usually came away from our many times together smarter than I entered them.

            I believe one is judged by how he treats his family, his friends and his community.

Dave gets all top honors, and this good man will be remembered kindly.

Lee Hayes

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.

February School Vacation Programs at the MAC

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Registration for all February School Vacation camps with Benares Angeley for ages 7-10 at the Marion Art Center are now open. All classes are in the MAC Studio at 80 Pleasant St., Marion. Each session is $35 for MAC members and $40 for nonmembers.

            Create, Color & Upcycle: Kids will turn words, colors and recycled treasures into bold, vibrant masterpieces. We’ll explore fun, energetic artworks by modern artists to spark imagination and inspire our own wild, wacky, one-of-a-kind creations. Tuesday, February 17 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

            Arctic Animal Adventures: Kids will explore arctic animals, such as polar bears, penguins, and seals while making dioramas full of snowy landscapes and icy habitats. This hands-on class lets kids sculpt, paint, and build their own mini arctic worlds, learning about animals and their environments while having tons of fun. Wednesday, February 18, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

            Patchwork and Paint Art Club: In this class, artists will combine paint, fabric, buttons, beads, and thread to design a bold, textured artwork all their own. Kids will explore layering, patterns, and creative problem-solving while turning everyday materials into art. Perfect for imaginative kids ready to level up their creativity and make something truly unique. Wednesday, February 18, 1:00 am to 3:00 pm.

            For more information and registration, go to marionartcenter.org/events.

Marion Planning Board

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The Marion Planning Board is currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill a recently vacated seat. The applicant will seek appointment for a temporary seat starting March 2 to May 15. Online applications are available on marionma.gov or you may complete a hardcopy at the Planning Board Office at the Marion Town House Annex, 14 Barnabas Road, no later than February 17, 2026. Any questions, please contact Doug Guey-Lee at dgueylee@marionma.gov or 508-748-3513.

Island Wharf Control Transfer?

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            The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday and offered some important updates regarding town projects, fiscal year past performance and future predictions, and the upcoming town meetings, among other things.

            Following the pledge and approval of the last meeting’s minutes, the board moved to discuss future regulation of Island Wharf with talks mainly focused on parking and the lot between the Music Hall and Maritime Center.

Marion received custody of Island Wharf in 1901, with the board noting regulation passed by the Marine Resources Commission in 2009 has led to the current arrangement. The Select Board may seek to nullify the article from 2009 and make it so the Select Board itself is solely responsible for Island Wharf. Member Norm Hills said, “In 1901, the area was given to the town exclusively for a public purpose, not commercial,” referring to commercial vehicles or heavy equipment often parked in the area. He added, “parking should not be on the green space.” Vice Chair John Hoagland replied, “I think we need to be flexible on parking on the weekend,” mentioning he wants to keep incentives for people visiting and driving over from the Cape.

            Hills replied that he mostly had an issue with equipment and boats themselves taking up space. Hoagland said, “business is important and work still has to get done.”

            The Select Board wants to pass these comments and others to the MRC and to open up further discussion by way of getting Island Wharf on their meeting agenda to “come up with something that works, along with the merchants there. It’s important they have somewhere to park,” Chair Randy Parker affirmed. The board agreed to put in a rough deadline for the end of March for the discussion with MRC to take place. “Something needs to come back from the MRC on how to handle it,” Hoagland concluded, noting the creep of the busy summer season.

            Next, the board approved some changes and revisions to the Music Hall Regulations and Fees. One of the main changes was for the Music Hall’s closing time to be set earlier, from the current 1:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight).

            Next, the board moved on to decision regarding a new potential business eyeing up the town. There has been some questioning from a resident regarding the possibility of a fortune-teller business, though there is currently no store front or official application yet. Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator Donna Hemphill mentioned the proposal is a serious one.

            It was stressed that it must be a resident of Marion that submits such an application. Neither Mattapoisett nor Rochester has ever issued a license to a fortune teller, but Wareham gave one out in 2020. The Select Board requested the interested party come to their next meeting to further discuss the possibility with specifics.

            A letter from Department of Public Works Director Jody Dickerson was read, where he requested the DPW be permitted to go into a deficit for the removal of snow and ice. Town Administrator Geoff Gorman said this is a regular occurrence when there is heavy snowfall. Approval was granted. At the end of the meeting, Chair Parker said, referring to the DPW’s clearing of snow and ice, “They did an A-1, excellent job. Thank you to all of them.”

            There was then back-to-back presentations from Finance Committee Chair Sean Healy and Finance Director Heather O’Brien on the recap of Fiscal Year 2025, as well as predictions for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027. For 2025, Marion had $29,900,000 in revenue, with 79% of that coming from property taxes. Town expenses were at $27,200,000, showing around $2,700,000 in surplus. There is currently around $38,397,000 of total debt being paid back, $25,000,000 of which is for the Sewer Enterprise Fund, $7,400,000 for water, and $5,900,000 for the General Fund.

            For FY27, health insurance costs for the town look to be rising between 8-14% every year, though work with an independent auditor identified “significant savings” in this area, Gorman said. It was also mentioned that Old Rochester Regional enrollment is dropping. For grades 7-12, around 285 from Marion.

            The town administrator then gave his report. There is a DPW open house scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 1:00 pm. He then moved to further talks regarding ORR. Gorman stated ORR is “significantly in the red” for healthcare costs. He said the ORR School Committee is working with a number of brokers to conduct numerous audits to determine root cause and recommended ways to remedy the currently $4,500,000 deficit.

“Town Meeting’s going to be a school discussion,” Hoagland said, adding that the “whistle had been blown” on the deficit on December 3 and “nothing has been done.”

            Gorman announced that the Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, March 23 at 6:45 pm, but said he didn’t have the list of articles ready to present. Gorman stated the location for purchasing town stickers such as beach parking, shellfish permits, or other is at the town clerk’s office in the Town House Annex, 14 Barnabas Road. They will be distributed from there until they move back to Town House. Stickers became available for pick-up as of Wednesday at 8:00 am. Nomination papers are also available in the town clerk’s office for the upcoming election on May 15.

            Gorman stated the Maritime Center lift is “broken again.” Issues with it are resulting from the door getting jammed due to high winds.

            There was then an update on the long project of water-meter conversion, where all 2,900~ water meters in town needed to be replaced so they can be read remotely. Currently, there are still 35 residents who still have not responded to DPW requests to change. All the new water meters are available, and the swap can be made in around 30 minutes. Hoagland recommended sending a letter threatening to shut off water if a reply is not received.

Nomination papers are available in town clerk’s office.

            Finally, the town administrator offered an update on Town House renovations. Sheet rocking recently began, and Gorman added they should be ready to put the original granite back on soon. Front-step concrete pouring was also recently completed.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Artemis II Launch Delayed

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We reported last week in our “What’s Up There?” column, rather excitedly I might add, that the launch of the spacecraft Artemis II would take place on Saturday, February 7 or someday soon after. NASA has officially delayed that launch until March, though no official date has been announced yet.

            Astronauts were already in isolation for mankind’s first voyage back to vicinity of the Moon if over half-a-century, but upon regular testing and filling of the SLS (Space Launch System) craft with liquid propellent, a leak was discovered. Troubleshooting was unable to close the leak in a quick-enough time to ease worries, coupled with the discovery that a valve on the Orion crew module required some adjusting and impeded the craft’s pressurization. NASA stated cold weather had an effect on the SLS, as well as multiple other pieces of equipment on the ground or launch pad.

            NASA’s Rachel Kraft said, “Crew safety will remain the highest priority, ensuring NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, return home at the end of their mission.”

By Sam Bishop

Marion Democratic Town Committee

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The Marion Democratic Town Committee will hold its caucus to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Convention at its monthly meeting on February 19. The meeting will begin at 5:30 pm in the Community Room, Marion Police Station, 550 Mill Street. All registered Marion Democrats are welcome to run for delegate positions. We will elect four delegates and four alternates. The convention will be held on May 29 and May 30 at the DCU Center, Worcester. This is a nominating convention, where delegates vote for Democratic candidates, so it is an important way for Democrats to participate in government.