County System Approach

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To the Editor,

            My parents moved away from New England in the mid 70’s and eventually settled in Maryland. They missed all things New England, but my Dad told me with frank honesty that he loved the “County System Approach.” The school system was enormous, but the bureaucracy was more efficient because there was only one Police Chief and one Fire Chief (as well as a single administrative department, consistent human resource standards /guidelines and combined purchasing power).

            In light of the overdue spotlight on how our communities are failing to provide the best possible Public Safety services equally to everyone. I propose (although I can’t take credit for this initiative, it’s a compilation of things I have learned) that we: Consolidate Police, Fire, Ems, Public Health, Town Nursing, Social Workers, Dare Officers, Psychologists, and all other “Professional People Persons” into a cross purpose Public Safety Partnership.

            Involve local, state, county, federal, international and global levels.

            Avoid political partisanship whenever possible (and make it possible).

            Rethink the uniforms, titles, promotion path, chain of command, hiring and firing standards and most importantly their overarching mission. They are all part of a Public Safety Partnership… that means the whole organization is half of the equation; the partnership with the communities they serve are the other half.

            Some certified partners may need various educational degrees but most training should be provided at no cost for committed team members.

            For example, as a high school student I would like to be a formal part of the Public Safety Partnership component of my community. I apply to become an apprentice with initial areas of interest being anything from emergency preparedness, wellness and health, challenged current and historical issues, fire prevention, ecological issues, human infrastructure, human resource adaptability, fighting fires, protecting our environment, to enforcement of statutes and laws.

            If I am accepted into this organization, I take a pledge (almost like an enlistment) and for that commitment I will work hard to perform my assigned task and will also receive training, mentorship, career options and the opportunities to better the Public Safety Partnership philosophy. A system that is transparent, involved, caring, just, and based on our tried-and-true Constitution (one that allows for amendments when new ideas come to light). If I don’t have the discipline and maturity to live up to your pledge then, I simply step aside and let someone else step up to the plate (this career path is not for everyone). Public safety needs are 24-7 and they take no vacations.

            Regarding uniforms… how about blaze purple. I might start off my shift helping with traffic control at a construction site, next help facilitate blood donations at a local clinic, then respond to an ill neighbor’s request for food assistance, then tutor a special needs student with their studies and watch over a coworkers children because that coworker is unable to come home on time because they are fighting a fire elsewhere in our county.

            If I am the team member at the fire or in that clinic, I will need to wear the appropriate equipment but for the bulk of my professional work day I will be a caring and committed purple polo shirt wearer, helper, lover and contributor that can (and will) grow and blossom into one of many PubSafePartners.

            Earthicans- I just made up the word (maybe someone beat me to it, not sure) But, we are more than just New England, we are more than just Americans, we are more than the population of currently alive humans, we are … You know where I’m going. Earthicans; yesterday, today, and tomorrow (our legacy, our lives, our destiny).

            Moe’s thoughts for your consideration. Thinking out of this 3D box we are living in.

Moe Molander, Marion

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.

Potential For Old Colony Revote

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            The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School Building Committee is recommending the region’s five member towns hold another election for the $288 million request to fund a new facility that failed to pass in November of last year.

            Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky revealed in a meeting with officials and project planners at the school on January 27 that this recommendation is set to be approved by the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School Committee on January 28 as the first step to a “revote” election in June or early September.

            Polansky said the building committee approved the revote option after reviewing a total of five alternative plans. These included just repairing and/or upgrading the current building to address the district’s needs without the state reimbursement of project costs that a larger project would garner. He said a revote was the district’s most viable and fiscally responsible option. “A ‘no’ vote does not eliminate costs to the taxpayers,” he noted. “It shifts 100 percent of the financial responsibility to them.”

            A revote is not ignoring the previous outcome, he added. “It is providing taxpayers with information relative to the financial impacts of a no vote,” he said. “The bottom line is every alternative to a revote costs more locally and delivers less value.” He added the best path is the one that secures state funding and fixes the school’s problems and inadequacies all at once with long-term solutions.

            The first questioner from the audience asked what the building committee would do differently this time. Polansky said they will seek to be collaborative with voters and officials and disseminate more information to help taxpayers better understand the most fiscally responsible approach.

            Rochester Finance Committee member David Arancio said more should be explained to voters about the financial and tax impacts on their vote either way. Project engineer Chad Crittenden of PMD Consultants said not all the ‘What Ifs’ in every aspect of the project’s costs and debt costs are predictable. Polansky said there will be more time to educate residents on what they need to know.

            The state School Building Authority’s reimbursement for the new school’s price tag was projected to be $129 million. The remaining total cost that the school district members would share was estimated at approximately $159 million. Rochester’s share of that price tag would have been $28.4 million. But both the $288 million request to fund the building project and a proposal to pay for Rochester’s $24 million share of that cost with a debt exclusion resulted in a resounding No vote in the November 2025 election. The question to approve the building project failed across all of Old Colony’s member towns, Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett.
The money would have funded a larger, more modern building that replaces the serious infrastructure deficiencies of the current facility at 476 North Avenue in Rochester.

Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School Building Committee

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarships

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club has announced two $2,500 scholarships available to Mattapoisett residents who are high school seniors planning to continue full-time studies at the college level.

            Scholarships are available in the guidance offices at Old Rochester Regional High School, Bishop Stang High School, Tabor Academy, Old Colony Vocational Technical High School, Bristol County Agricultural High School, and online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org (see Scholarships). Applications must be postmarked on or before March 31. Incomplete submissions or those received after the deadline will not be considered.

            Our scholarships are made possible by fundraising events in our community. Membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is open to any woman interested in furthering and supporting the philanthropic, academic, civic, and social goals of the organization.

Two Mattapoisett Fires in One Week

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5 North Street  

          On the morning of Thursday, January 22, a fire broke out at the house on 5 North Street in Mattapoisett. At the three-story house subdivided into four apartments, one victim was rescued from the building and brought to the hospital with another being treated for smoke inhalation on site. Other building residents evacuated or weren’t present but were accounted for.

            According to the Mattapoisett Fire Department, an alarm was sounded and Fire Chief Andrew Murray and retired firefighter Mike Hickey arrived on scene at 11:06 am. They confirmed there was a fire and there were still people in the home. The pair worked to evacuate residents and inform others to stay away. Three fire trucks arrived on the scene, Engine 3, Engine 1, and Ladder 1.

            A second alarm was reached, calling upon neighboring towns for assistance. Through mutual aid agreements, Marion, Fairhaven, Acushnet, and Rochester fire departments also arrived on the scene. Wareham Fire Department provided coverage to the others. Mattapoisett Police were also on the scene to help with security, traffic, and transporting a resident to the hospital.

            Firefighters climbed to a lower roof and used their water hose running from Marion’s ladder truck Engine 3 and an axe to break in through the wall. In the Mattapoisett Fire Department’s official statement, they said, “This was extremely difficult with this type of older style construction, where the fire can travel in the walls, ceilings, and floors. I’m exceptionally proud of the work and efforts that everyone demonstrated today.”

            One resident was treated for smoke inhalation and brought to the hospital. A firefighter was also later brought to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Families in the home are currently displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

            This is still a developing story, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated. Extensive damage was caused to the structure, and it is not yet known if the home can be partially saved or will require demolition.

2 Martha’s Way

            On Monday, just after 2:00 pm, the Mattapoisett Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 2 Martha’s Way, off Bowman Road. When arriving on scene, Fire Chief Andrew Murray reported that the two-story single-family home was fully involved but all occupants were out of the building.

            Overall, the efforts to extinguish the fire was made difficult by the cold and icy road conditions following the winter storm the day prior. Additionally, the remote location of the home meant the departments had to lay down long runs of hoses just to get water to the scene, with water pressure often being a problem. All efforts were focused on fighting the fire from the exterior due to the risk of collapse.

            Mattapoisett received assistance from Marion, Wareham, and Rochester at the scene. Acushnet Fire Department covered the Fire Station during the incident.

January 2026 Nor’easter

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            This past weekend, we had our first major winter storm of 2026, unofficially dubbed “Winter Storm Fern” by The Weather Channel. The colossal storm system stretched across most of the nation, leading to winter storm warnings for over 200 million Americans from Texas, across the Great Plains to the Great Lakes region, over Appalachia striking Chesapeake Bay and the Northeast. The nor’easter has led to, as of the time of writing, over one million power outages and 50 fatalities including a man in Marshfield and a woman in Norwood.

            Rochester averaged about 16.5″ of snow through Sunday, January 25 and into Monday, with Marion and Mattapoisett averaging a bit less, relatively speaking, due to proximity to the sea, according to the National Weather Service. Boston Logan Int. Airport reported nearly 2 feet, with hundreds of flights cancelled and numerous others delayed throughout the week. The ripple effect of the hub airport, and other northeastern airports’ scheduling changes will affect flights throughout the week.

            Forecasts show varying and ever-changing predictions, though this weekend looks to yield more snow with parts of the Tri-Town possibly getting up to an additional 6”.

By Sam Bishop

Select Board Deems Dog Dangerous

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            The January 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board included a thorough hearing regarding a dog that had caused grievous bodily harm to another dog last July. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, the board was asked to determine whether the dog, owned by Mark and Stella Brogioli, 14 Acushnet Road, could be and should be labeled as “dangerous.” Requesting the hearing was Jayne Maniatis of 7 Cathaway Lane.

            The Brogiolis defended their dog, saying he had never displayed aggressive behavior in the past.

            Emotional testimony from the Maniatis family included highlighting their inability to enjoy being outside with grandchildren and other young family members due to fear regarding the neighbor’s dog and the possibility of it coming into their yard.

            The Brogiolis explained in detail the measures they have taken since the fateful incident including erecting a 4-foot-high fence with 2-inch-wide openings. The Brogiolis said the holes were too small even for a small dog to get their nose through.

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister thought it might be prudent to have the parties involved avail themselves of information available under MGL 40 and return to the board with a plan of action moving forward.

            But board member Jordan Collyer believed it was the board’s responsibility to decide now whether or not the dog in question was dangerous, “…as the authority in this matter, we are duty bound to take this matter up. We need to render a decision. We’ve got to look out for the public.”

            Board member Jodi Bauer said she was very concerned about pedestrians and cyclists given that the Brogioli property will be adjacent to the bike path in the future.

            After nearly an hour of testimony and reference to MGL 40 the board made their ruling.

            They determined that given the Brogiolis’ dog was responsible for the death of another dog, it was clearly dangerous. The board went further, ordering that the offending canine must be muzzled when off the owner’s property, if left outside it must be restrained, and that the Brogiolis must show proof of insurance.

            The board also asked that the Brogiolis work with the neighbors to ensure all parties were in agreement. They are to return to the board with a plan in 30 days.

            In other business, the board met with Police Chief Jason King, Fire Chief Andrew Murry, and Harbormaster Isaac Perry to briefly discuss the FY26 operating budget and capital needs.

            All department heads indicated that other than negotiated increases all budgets will be level funded. Capital needs for the harbor enterprise fund include only one expense for docks and floats, a sum estimated at $15,000.

            While the rebuilding of Long Wharf remains a fixture on the town’s budget, Perry didn’t believe that project would move forward in 2026. The project is pegged at $10,000,000 and will be funded by debt according to the Capital Plan.

            The Mattapoisett Police Department’s capital plans include the following for FY27 $160,000 for two cruisers, and $50,000 for building maintenance which King said was sorely needed.

            King also noted that funded from ambulance receipts is a much-needed new ambulance estimated at $400,000 and a new stretcher. On the police side of the ledger, King will also be seeking $52,000 for firearms.

            Fire Chief Murry’s capital needs list $500,000 for a tanker truck. He explained to Bauer who questioned the line item that having a tanker truck was necessary for the many locations throughout the town where hydrants are not available.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, has a lot to keep you busy this February.

            Are you in need of some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Example topics include basic email assistance or help accessing Libby and Hoopla, the library’s eBook and audiobook platforms. Not sure? Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

            Students in grades 9-12 are invited to our monthly Teen Advisory Board meeting on Tuesday, February 3, at 6:00 pm. The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an action-oriented group of students who work to integrate their youthful voices into MFPL’s services, programming, goals, and communications. New members are always welcome.

            Our Silent Book Club returns on Sunday, February 8, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up — no registration required.

            Patrons 12 and up are invited to join Pop Up Art School on Tuesday, February 10, at 3:00 pm to learn how to use a barbed needle to sculpt wool. In this MCC grant-funded program, we’ll make a soft, fuzzy cactus with heart-shaped flower adornments when we’re done, and “plant” it in a mini terra-cotta pot. Space is limited. Registration required.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, at 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends will continue accepting jewelry donations for their December 2026 sale. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            Our Sunday Book Club meets on February 15 at 2:00 pm. The club is intended for adults. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, February 17, at 6:00 pm. This month’s pick is “Really Loud Librarians,” a fast-paced, merciless word-shouting board game. *If you’ve never played before, please arrive 15 minutes early to review the rules. Space is limited. Register online to save your spot.

            T(w)eens ages 12 to 16 are invited to join us on Friday, February 20, at 3:00 pm for another exciting Game Lounge. Enjoy February vacation by hanging out with friends and playing video games at the library. No registration.

            Grab your family and join us for another fun-filled installment of Family Jeopardy on Saturday, February 21st at 2:00 pm. Enjoy competing in a friendly challenge as your family goes head-to-head with others in a battle of wits. All ages welcome. No registration.

            Emerging adults 20 and up are invited to join us for our first Literary Society book club meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 6:00 pm. The Literary Society Book Club is a “read what you like” meeting where young professionals and emerging adults discuss their current book choices with others. Attendees are encouraged to participate at their leisure, with no firm requirements, commitments, or pressure. No registration required.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month at 6:00 pm in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for February 25. We will discuss “The Burning of the World: The Great Chicago Fire and the War for a City’s Soul,” by Scott W. Berg. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Join us on Saturday, February 28, at 2:00 pm for Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash Songs and Stories with Matt York. Longtime New England singer/songwriter Matt York will perform songs and tell stories about the two musical icons and the important role their friendship played in the trajectory of folk and country music. All ages welcome. No registration required.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Rochester Democratic Town Committee

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The Rochester Democratic Town Committee is coordinating a non-perishable food drive to benefit local families in need. The drive will run February 2 to February 15. Collection boxes are located at Rochester Town Hall, Plumb Memorial Library, and Lloyd’s Market, 8 Hartley Road. All donations will be delivered to Damien’s Pantry in Wareham, whose mission is to help end hunger in the South Coast region of Massachusetts. Thank you for your generosity as we work together to support our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Siedwalk Snow

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            Dear Editor,

            Over the weekend, I was dog sitting for my daughter who was out of town. So every day I would take the dog for a walk around the village. I noticed that most sidewalks were un walkable because they were not shoveled.

            The footprints made in the slushy snow have now frozen solid, making the pavement very uneven and dangerous to walk on. According to town bylaws, the town is responsible for general maintenance responsibility of the sidewalks, including snow and ice operations.

            The town is pushing us to accept the DOT design as being safer for town residents, because it includes more sidewalks and wider sidewalks for pedestrians. The town seems unable to accept the responsibilities of snow removal on the current sidewalks, making them significantly more difficult to walk on and more dangerous for the town’s residence. They also seem unable to fix sidewalks that are raised by the roots of trees, creating many slip and fall hazards.

            Wider sidewalks doesn’t seem to be the answer since highway department can’t take care of the ones we already have.

            The DOT program does not include anything for bicyclists and refused to consider speed bumps or tables as seen in many other cities in the area. My understanding is the Fire Chief is concerned about response time. I can’t imagine it significantly affects the response time while the town leaders are seems willing to sacrifice pedestrian safety so the fire department can respond to about 40 fires a year, most of which are not life-threatening.

            The current Select Board seems so focused on the pot of gold at the end of the DOT rainbow, while ignoring the real needs of its citizens. I really hope they reconsider the path they’re on.

            Best regards,

Donald Bamberger, 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. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

MSEFC Donates Buddy Benches to Sippican School

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If a Sippican Elementary School student feels lonely during recess, they now have a safe space to sit with the knowledge that a peer will soon see them and extend an offer to play.

            This is a result of the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s recent donation of $2,500 to Sippican, which funded the installation of Buddy Benches on the playground.

            Buddy Benches, found at school playgrounds around the world, are brightly colored benches that promote inclusion, empathy and kindness among students. If a child feels lonely at recess, they can sit on the bench to signal how they are feeling. In response, other students are encouraged to invite them to join a game or conversation.

            “The installation of Buddy Benches at Sippican provides a new way to promote friendship and kindness across the student body,” said Principal Lynn Dessert. “The benches allow students to advocate for themselves by acknowledging their feelings and, in turn, their peers respond positively by reaching out.”

            The Committee’s donation funded the installation of two Buddy Benches. The remaining funds were used to purchase 25 copies of “The Buddy Bench” by Patty Brozo, which tells the story of one school’s experience with a Buddy Bench and its impact on students.

            The Buddy Bench project builds on the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee’s longtime support of Sippican.

            “We are grateful for the support the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee has provided to Sippican Elementary School over the years,” said Marion School Committee Chair April Nye. “Whether it is through classroom resources, family engagements or projects like the Buddy Benches, their support helps the school foster a positive and inclusive experience for every child.”

            In January 2023, the Committee donated $375 to support the One Book One School initiative, $1,000 to help sustain the school’s annual Vocabulary Day tradition and $300 to help relaunch Anchor, a family engagement group that hosts community-building events such as the Spaghetti Supper and Bingo Night.

            In 2016, the Committee also contributed $2,000 toward the purchase of technology equipment for the school.

            “The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee is proud to contribute to Sippican in ways that support both academic growth and a caring school culture,” said Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Dowd. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Sippican through this Buddy Bench project, and we hope that many friendships will begin on these benches.”

            The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee also offers scholarships to Marion High School students through the generosity of Marion residents.

            “We thank the Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee for their continued generosity toward Sippican,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “These investments support learning, connection and kindness. The simple act of inviting a classmate to play can make a lasting difference for a child, and the Buddy Benches will help create those moments every day.”

            The Town of Marion maintains The Scholarship and Education Fund entirely

through donations from generous Marion Residents. Contributions can be made via a check payable to: Town of Marion Scholarship/Education Fund, mailed to 2 Spring St., Marion, MA 02738.

            “The Committee greatly appreciates every donation, and we look forward to continuing to support Marion students,” said Chairperson Dowd.