Fire Gets Nod on New EMS Program

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            The Marion Board of Health heard from the Fire Department on a new EMS program during the former’s January 20 public meeting.

            “It’s really a changing dynamic in the fire service in that we want to learn more about our community and learn different ways where we can help people in our community,” explained Fire Chief Brian Jackvony. “Years ago, it was strictly geared towards fire prevention. Most of our response to incidents was geared towards fire prevention, but today we’re looking at programs that fall into the umbrella of community-risk reduction, and that’s where we’re looking to take our community EMS program.”

            Fire Lieutenant Lyle McKay attended the meeting and is serving as the Fire Department’s local expert.

            “As part of community EMS, there is no charge to get a license for it. … Marion is very fortunate to have the programs in place that they have. This is the most-proactive community that I’ve been a part of. It’s been really good with senior outreach so a lot of this stuff’s already going on,” said McKay. “We’re not looking to take any of that over or change anything, we’re just supplementing it.”

            Board of Health Chairman Dr. Ed Hoffer asked for the packet to be mailed out to the board and asked about funding. McKay said the program is not grant-funded but is something fire personnel is expected to carry out during regular working hours.

            Noticing home safety evaluations listed among the programs, Hoffer posed a hypothetical scenario about seniors needing grab bars for their shower and railings. “Recommendations would be a first step for us,” said McKay. “I do agree that some type of grant money down the road … would be appropriate.”

            Jackvony said the Fire Department works with the Council on Aging to point residents in the right direction for services.

            “As far as the grants, we have taken advantage for the last five or six years of a Safe Grant through the (state) Department of Fire Services, and a couple of things that are listed in this package have been paid for directly from the grant from DFS, which is called the Senior Safe Grant,” said Jackvony. “We started with the residential lock-box program. Say there was somebody in the community that had mobility issues and that person would fall in their home, the Fire Department would have immediate access to the home through a secure lock box.

            “We have many of those out in the community. There is no charge for those, we’ve gotten all those through a grant program.”

            With a drop-off in costs over the past year, the Fire Department opted to apply the grant to the assembly and installation of 200 reflective street-address signs. Fire Department personnel work on those in between calls.

            Jackvony said that identifying the right programs and available funding for those programs is “all about getting people to stay in their homes longer and stay in their homes safer.”

            He told the board that some other communities in both Bristol and Plymouth counties are enjoying success with the program.

            Board member Dr. John Howard asked about coordination with the Council on Aging. Jackvony said that it is common for COA representation at the department’s safety meetings.

            Howard asked for the top two priorities. Jackvony said the next step after reflective street signs and the lock box program is home-safety evaluation. McKay agreed and added fall prevention as part of that home evaluation.

            The board voted unanimously to endorse the program and help any way it can.

            Health Agent Ana Wimmer told the board she has started an online filing system for Marion’s septic files by address. Board member Dot Brown said she will help with the arduous task of scanning that information, a project Wimmer said could last a year or two.

            Wimmer said that Norm Hills sent back comments on the dumpster regulations and recommended stricter definition of fines. Wimmer said Mashpee, for instance, fines $500 for the first offense of commercial waste haulers, graduating upward to $1,000 and then $5,000.

            The board approved the dumpster regulations, and a draft memo will follow and next month a public hearing.

            Health Nurse Lori Desmarais reported on Covid cases. As of January 20, Marion totaled 910 cases including approximately 100 active cases. There were 189 active cases over the two weeks prior. Marion’s positivity rate was at 11.8 percent. There were 158 cases in December. That number increased to 296 in the January 1-20 period. Desmarais said the increase is typical of the rest of the state. There has been one Marion Covid death in January.

            The Sippican nursing home had strong vaccination rates and continue to test both rapid and PCR, but it wasn’t known on January 20 if booster shots have been widely distributed.

            Desmarais said that the highest rates of positive tests are among age groups 16-19 at 68 percent and 30-49 at 69 percent. The senior population is avoiding the virus. There have been only 10 January cases among ages 75 and over (six of those at Sippican nursing home,) and only eight cases among ages 65-74.

            As of January 20, Sippican Elementary School had two personnel in its test-and-stay program, eight in quarantine and 14 who tested positives and were in isolation. Sippican has had 110 cases during the 2021-22 academic year.

            At Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, there were two in quarantine and six positives in isolation. There have been 71 cases since the school year began, and at the high school there were two in quarantine and 11 positives in isolation. There have been 194 cases since the school year began.

            Desmarais said the state is moving away from the test-and-stay program in favor of testing at home and only symptomatic testing in ORR schools.

            Tabor Academy has had 109 cases this academic year.

            Marion held a Covid booster clinic on January 21 at the Cushing Community Center.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not scheduled at adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Democratic State Convention

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            On Thursday, February 17 at 7:00pm, Democrats will convene virtually to elect 2 delegates and 2 alternates to represent Rochester at the 2022 State Democratic Convention. This caucus will take place in line with public health guidance, and attendees may participate remotely by registering at: bit.ly/rtdc2022.

            Registered and preregistered Democrats in Rochester 16 years old by February 4, 2022 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35,) people with disabilities, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus.

            The 2022 Convention will be a hybrid convention, with in-person proceedings taking place alongside virtual participation options on June 3 and 4 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Delegates will convene to endorse candidates for statewide office ahead of the September Democratic Primary. The MassDems are closely monitoring changes in public health guidance and will update plans accordingly.

            Those interested in getting involved with the Rochester Democratic Committee should contact Jordan Latham at jordan.pouliot.latham@gmail.com or 603-657-0760.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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Our current Curator’s Show contains an interesting variety of tools ranging from a potato planter to 3 generations of bread-making machines. Early Rochester settlers, like everyone in the early centuries of America, did everything by hand, so all of our early tools are hand tools. As the many years have passed since those early days and with the coming of the Industrial Revolution, tools were invented to make work easier. These improvements happened most quickly for those jobs done by the predominately-male workforce. However, some improvements were also made in the ways that women accomplished their many chores.

            In 2022, laundry is still most often a woman’s task, but tossing clothes into a washing machine is a big improvement over the washboards that were used to scrub dirt out of clothing (we have some of those in our display). While early washing machines finally took over the scrubbing, a wringer (yes, we have one of those too) had to be operated by hand to squeeze out as much water as possible before hanging items on the clothesline. Of course, clothes dried on the line most often needed their wrinkles pressed out. Of all the jobs associated with “doing the wash,” ironing is probably my least favorite. Fortunately for me, today’s fabrics are less prone to wrinkle and items removed immediately from the dryer (my mother set the example here) often need no ironing.

            Beginning in the Middle Ages, blacksmiths made flat or smoothing irons. These were called “sad irons,” not because that’s how anyone using them felt, but because the old English definition of sad was solid. Metal was shaped into the triangle we still associate with an iron today. The bottom was polished until smooth. Metal handles were then attached. The irons, which could weigh as much as 9 pounds, would be heated in the fireplace or on the stove. The heat and weight combined to press out wrinkles. Of course, the metal handles heated along with the base and women had to wrap them with some type of cloth to avoid burned hands and fingers. As time passed, wooden handles made the process less painful.

            The first detachable handles were (not surprisingly) patented in 1871 by a woman, Mary Florence Potts, of Ottumwa, Iowa. With these handles, a woman could have more than one handle heating at a time and she could simply switch the handle from a cooled base to a hot one. Though the handles moved the job along faster, they didn’t make the irons any lighter.

            In the accompanying picture, you can see a sad iron base. Beside it is an interesting item that we found in the museum. It is a “necktie iron.” The literature that came with this invention claims that if you slip a necktie over the long triangular metal piece and then plug in the cord, you will have a wrinkle free necktie. As of now, we haven’t tested it to see how well it works. Thanks to Sue LaFleur for the information on the history of the “sad iron.”

By Connie Eshbach

Community Cultural Arts Center

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To the Editor,

            The Marion Art Center recently held their 2022 Winter Members’ Show presenting the work of talented community artists. Reporting on the exhibit, The Wanderer called the Marion Art Center “the jewel in the crown” of the community. Indeed, it is! For many years, the MAC has offered opportunities to see and participate in a variety of cultural activities, including art exhibits, theater, musical and drama performances and educational workshops. 

            Alas, Mattapoisett has no such cultural center. Yes, our fine Public Library has presented lectures, musical performances and art exhibits, but despite the outstanding efforts of the staff, the space is not a proper venue for these activities. Visual art is often arranged haphazardly atop the stacks competing with books, periodicals, other permanent artworks and windows or in a basement meeting room that is not obviously accessible to the library’s patrons.

            The Mattapoisett Museum also offers historical exhibits, lectures and musical performances, but the space has a limited display area, similar distractions, the acoustics are lacking and the seating uncomfortable.

            The good news is that Mattapoisett has two potential opportunities to rectify the lack of a first- rate cultural venue. The recently vacated fire station and the possible future move of the Town Hall to the Center School building offer a rare opportunity to raise our cultural profile to a new level our citizens deserve. True, either renovation would require deep pockets, the active participation of the community, volunteers, town officials, benefactors and other arts advocates who share a vision of a vibrant “Community Cultural Arts Center” for such a venue to become reality.

            These opportunities may fade away. The bike path didn’t become a reality overnight and neither did the new fire station. Before the old fire station is demolished or a developer acquires the historic Town Hall and turns it into high priced condominiums, the time to start a conversation around Mattapoisett’s cultural future is now.

Dick Morgado, 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.

Waterman Plans to Retire from Select Board

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            John Waterman gathered local press on January 21 to announce he will not run for reelection to the Marion Select Board, but in disseminating that news, he distributed a one-page outline of critical matters that his successor will try to help the town address.

            Waterman also used the occasion to endorse Dr. Edward Hoffer for the seat he will vacate on May 13, Marion’s election day. His final Select Board meeting will be on May 17.

            “I want my life back,” said Waterman, stressing his four years serving as a “fulfilling experience,” along with appreciation for the positive feedback he has received around town.

            In addition to biweekly Select Board meetings and quarterly Water/Sewer Commission meetings, it has been a regular practice of Waterman’s to sit in on other boards’ and committees’ meetings as his schedule allows. Select Board Chair Norm Hills and former Chair Randy Parker similarly spread their wings and are members of other boards.

            With a background in finance and a keen eye on Marion’s infrastructural challenges, Waterman has been banging the drum for market-rate housing that would allow residents to age in place and at the same time increase the number of water/sewer rate payers.

            This is where the rubber of the Hoffer endorsement meets Waterman’s road. A few years back, Hoffer worked on a survey that revealed senior citizens’ grave concern over the cost of living in their current homes as they advance in age. In 2017, senior housing was identified as a Master Plan priority.

            “We had hoped our survey would be done online, but all but three put it on paper and mailed it, which meant that I read every single one,” said Hoffer. “The comment that I heard over and over again was, ‘I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve raised my kids here, I go to church here … my friends are here. I don’t want to leave Marion, but I can no longer afford or retain my huge house.’”

            Pending the Planning Board’s decision on whether to vote the article back onto the 2022 Town Meeting warrant, Waterman is pushing for the potential revote on the Zoning change along Route 6 at the Weweantic River that lost at 2021 Town Meeting.

            Developer Matt Zuker sought a change to Residence E (multifamily) so he could build a 48-unit development called The Cottages.

            “You could put up mega mansions on a two-and-a-half-acre lot, but what the Master Plan calls for and what people want is housing that would not be restricted to seniors but be targeted to seniors,” said Waterman.

            The 34-34 split on the zoning question last year fell significantly short of the two-thirds required to pass, but Hoffer is also alarmed by the low turnout.

            “That meant 68 people decided this critical issue, which is 1½ percent of our registered voters. Something terribly important to the town, and we have 4,400 voters and 68 people made that decision,” he said. “One of the big problems in town, we are large single-family homes, which are terrific for raising kids, not so terrific when you’re an older couple or a widow/widower and don’t want to leave Marion and look around and find there’s not a whole lot of choices.”

            “That’s why I was so disappointed that the project down by the Weweantic failed to pass. That’s exactly what Marion needs.”

            While Waterman is focused on the two major municipal construction projects headed to Town Meeting warrant, the new Maritime Center and Department of Public Works headquarters, Hoffer has his eye on Tabor Academy.

            “A great many people have a very negative feeling about Tabor, and it’s quite understandable,” he said. “Tabor has got a sort of parasitic relationship with Marion. They use our police, our fire, our public health and they give very little back to the town. … We’d like to see them make payments in lieu of taxes. I could see them do more with their facilities to make them more accessible to town residents.”

            Hoffer identified the Lockheed Martin property as important to the town while also considering three, year-round, full-time employees in the harbormaster’s office “overkill.”

            He would also like to see Cumberland Farms and the town reach a solution for the property owned by the convenience chain directly across Route 6. “I think we need to put pressure on them to make it into something beneficial to the town and not just a white elephant,” he said.

            After 18 years commuting from Marion to Massachusetts General Hospital, the 78-year-old, semiretired cardiologist assists MGH in diagnosis and has more time for public office. In 2018, he wrote a book, “Prescription for Bankruptcy: A doctor’s perspective on America’s failing health care system and how we can fix it” (Omni Press.)

            Encouraged to run for a seat on the Board of Health, Hoffer joined in time to play a key role in guiding the town through the coronavirus pandemic. When the board reorganized, he took over the chairperson’s duties from Dr. John Howard, a fellow practicing physician on the three-person board along with scientist and vice-chairperson Dot Brown. Hoffer also sits on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

            “I love Marion, I expect to die in Marion, and I have the time to give to the town,” he said.

            Should he win a seat on the Select Board, Hoffer says he will give up his ZBA seat and relinquish the chair but remain on the Board of Health.

            Waterman has an idea to generate more participation in town government.

            “It would be nice if every house in town that had their voting residence here made a commitment for at least one person in that household to serve at least three years on a committee because we really need people to step up and help us run the town,” he said. “You need new blood, just fresh ideas and fresh energy.”

            Another point of participation that Waterman finds wanting in Marion is Town Meeting (Monday, May 9.) The town recently began holding a prelude meeting a week to 10 days prior to, in which residents are invited to pour over the warrant in a group setting and ask questions. Waterman sees great value in the preliminary meeting and urges citizens to attend.

            Nomination papers will not become available to candidates for elected offices in Marion until February 1. The Wanderer reached out to other rumored Select Board candidates for comment without result.

By Mick Colageo

Town on Target for Revenues

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In her Town Administrator’s Report, Suzanne Szyndlar told the Rochester Select Board during Monday night’s public meeting that the town is on target with revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2022.

            Estimates were approximately $246,000 for FY22 (July 2021 to June 2022,) and so far Rochester has received $142,000. “It looks like we’re on target … pretty much where we were last year at this time,” said Szyndlar.

            Marion is the tri-towns’ negotiating representative this year to the Old Rochester Regional School District, and Szyndlar relayed to the board members a direct invitation from Jay McGrail, Marion’s town administrator, to bring any concerns to directly to him.

            Szyndlar told the board that she has heard back on Rochester’s efforts to address its aggregation plan and that Senator Michael Rodrigues told her the process has moved along. Rodrigues thanked Szyndlar for reaching out and relayed the town’s concerns to Office of Environmental Affairs.

            Hartley asked if a reason was given for the delayed response. The answer is Covid.

            Szyndlar reported that all of Rochester’s Green Communities funds have been expended and closed out by the Southeastern Regional Economic and Development District. The spring-block grant application is due on April 8.

            A fuel pump at the Police Department that had been struck by lightning in October was replaced last week.

            The Selectmen were scheduled to sign off on employee contract renewals, but Hartley requested more time to review the renewals and get some questions answered. He asked that the item be held until the board’s next meeting. It was agreed the Select Board will have the contract renewals back on its agenda on February 7.

            The Select Board complimented Town Counsel Blair Bailey’s letter regarding the town’s disagreement with Bristol County Agricultural High School regarding debt service.

            Building Commissioner Jim Buckles will retire from the Town of Rochester after 38 years. His last day will be April 15. In making a motion to accept his resignation, Select Board member Woody Hartley added thanks to Buckles for the “great job he’s done serving the town for 38 years.”

            Hartley also asked that a discussion about Buckles’ job description be included on the board’s next agenda.

            The board approved requests made by the Patriot Half-Triathlon for June 18 and the Cranberry Tri-fest on August 21. Prior to the Select Board’s approval, the Police, Fire and Highway departments had signed.

            The board received a letter indicating that Rochester can stay as one election district and remain a single-voting precinct.

            Select Board member Paul Ciaburri attended a meeting last week with Region 5 regarding recent drivethrough food and Covid-vaccination clinics, calling it a good meeting that was well-attended.

            The Select Board entered executive session to discuss negotiating strategy with respect to union and non-union personnel and did not return to public session.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, February 7, at 6:00 pm.

Rochester Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Virginia A. Baird

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Virginia A. Baird, 95, of Acushnet passed away on January 25, 2022 after a brief period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Kenneth R. Baird, her childhood sweetheart.

            Born in Acushnet the daughter of the late Richard T. Pearson, Jr. and Mary Alice (Waterhouse) Pearson she lived in Acushnet most of her life.

            She was the epitome of strength and family devotion and was known to many simply as Gram. A communicant of St. Andrews Church from 1939 until her death, she was active in the church throughout her life. Virginia worked in the cafeteria of the Ford Middle School for 30 years. In her retirement, she volunteered for SHARE and at the polls. An avid quilter and knitter, many friends and family are blessed to have enjoyed her handmade gifts. Virginia loved boating and the beach. You could always find her swimming laps at any beach or pool she could find well into her 70’s and her son Bruce often brought her on trips around Buzzards Bay in her namesake boat “Ginny’s Dream”.

            Survivors include her son, Bruce K. Baird and his wife Diane of Wake, VA; a daughter Beverly E. Ciaburri and her husband Paul of Rochester; her former daughter-in-law Marianne (Ross) Tissari and her husband Allan of Henrico, VA; 3 grandchildren, Thomas Baird and his wife Barbara of Chesapeake, VA, Heidi (Baird) Wilkins and her husband Christopher of Henrico, VA, and Meredith (Ciaburri) Rousseau and her husband Marc R. Jr. of Rochester; 4 great grandchildren, Makayla and Dylan Baird, Abigail and Benjamin Wilkins and Kenneth Rousseau; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

            Her Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, February 2nd at 11 am at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Friends and family are invited to meet directly at church.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 169 Belleville Rd, New Bedford, MA 02745.

Let’s Talk About Food

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On Wednesday, February 9 at 7:00pm, South Coast Progressive Voices (SCPV) invites you to attend “South Coast Food Revolution: What Is It? Why Does It Matter?” with Christine Smith, program manager for the Southcoast Food Policy Council (SFPC.)  The Food Policy Council is a coalition of food pantries, farms, foundations and social service agencies working together to promote local food security. Formed in 2011 to address food security issues in our region, the SFPC’s mission is to connect, convene and advocate for local food producers, consumers and community leaders who seek to strengthen our regional food system, improve community health and eliminate food insecurity.

            Ms. Smith will present an overview of the food system in the US and take a deep dive into the food system in the Southcoast of Massachusetts.  There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

            If you are interested in attending this online meeting, please register at scpv.tiny.us/food.

            South Coast Progressive Voices is an occasional speaker series sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven.  SCPV features experts in fields of broad public interest from local, regional and national perspectives.  SCPV presentations are FREE and OPEN to the public.

            The Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven: uufairhaven.org is committed to the pursuit of religious freedom and to building a world that is just, peaceable and sustainable.

What’s Happening at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Kids Mini golf in the Library – Friday January 28 at 3:00pm – Come to the Library for some indoor mini golf. Decorate your golf ball then hit the green.

            Take and Make Craft – make your own library kit. Comes with due date cards, cardholders and date stamp. Pick up a take-and-make craft kit today.

            Weekly drop-in kids activities in the children’s room at the ETL. All events are drop-in and unsupervised.

            Tuesdays 10-12 Fun and Games. Everyone wins when playing our interactive board games.

            Fridays 10-12 Sensory Toy Tables. Sift, sort, pop, squish, crinkle and explore with a wide range of sensory activities.

            Saturdays 10-12 Crafty Kids. Find creative crafts in the kid’s room.

            Lucky Day Collection – Find copies of the most requested books in our collection, no-holds list, no waiting. If it’s here, it’s yours. The Lucky Day collection is only available to visitors in the library, stop by and see if it’s your lucky day.

            Tech help standing appointments – Tuesday from 1-2 – Learn to download books, use the SAILS app, set up new devices or just get your tech questions answered. Every Tuesday from 1-2.

            We hope to see you soon.

            For more information, visit us online at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To speak to a librarian, call 508-748-1252.

Sing the Winter Blues Away

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Rehearsals will begin Monday, February 7, for the Sippican Choral Society’s springtime “Mostly Mozart” concert, and everyone is invited to join in.

            “Come sing with us” invited the Choral Society’s President, Mike Chaplain. “Rehearsals begin at 7:30 at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett.” The group is inviting all past members, and also any newcomers who enjoy singing and making music. Anyone, including High School vocalists, are invited to join. “We all learn so much every year about the music and how to present it. Nobody should ever shy away from giving it a try. And we do not require auditions.”

            This will be Sippican Choral Society’s 58th year of making music. The group draws singers from all over the South Coast and surrounding communities. To protect everyone from COVID, the group takes extraordinary precautions. Wearing a mask and being vaccinated are mandatory to be a member. Also, rehearsals are conducted in a large, open church with lots of physical separation between singers. Also, rehearsals are kept short to minimize exposure. “With these precautions, we were able to put on two Christmas concerts in December,” Chaplain said. “The safety of our singers and audience is always our number one priority.”

            Sippican Choral Society will rehearse every Monday through April, with a concert being planned in early May 2022. If anyone would like more information, just come to the first rehearsal and members will gladly answer all your questions.