Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is now operating out of the Marion Music Hall for the month of February to facilitate a library improvement construction project.

            During this time our temporary phone number for library services will be 508-538-1214

            The Elizabeth Taber Library will continue to provide access to collections of new fiction, new non-fiction, new children’s and new young adult materials, along with our Luck Day collection of the most requested books, a portion of our Library of Things collection, and our Black History Month collection for all ages.

            Patrons can continue to place and pick up holds at the Marion Music Hall with their library cards and access museum passes, however no computer or printing services will be available during this time.

            Story Times will continue on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 am.

            The Elizabeth Taber Library is excited to host the Excellent family with Tri-Town Against Racism for a Black History Month StoryTime. Join us at the Marion Music Hall on Saturday, February 8 at 11 am for stories read by John, Kate, and Owen and an activity following story time.

            Our temporary hours during our stay at the Music Hall will be Monday 10-5, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-3. We will be closed on Sundays for the duration of the month of February.

            Please check our website for further updates.

            Kids can learn embroidery Program and Full Moon Party, Wednesday, February 12 at 3pm, for ages 5+.

            Join the ETL at the Marion Music Hall for Swipe Right: A Night of Romance Novels and Reviews, Thursday, February 13 from 6-8pm for ages 18+. Celebrate romance and laughter as we review some of our favorite romance novels and make self-care goodies.

            Join Jewelry Artist Heather Beck’s weekly copper stamping workshops, Saturdays in March at the library from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm:

March 8: Copper Bookmarks.

March 15: Copper Keychains.

March 22: Copper Pendants.

March 29: Copper night lights.

            Heather Beck’s classes are aimed at young adults and adults and participants can attend one or multiple workshops. Anyone interested in registering for these workshops can email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org or register in person at the library’s temporary location at the Marion Music Hall. Spaces are limited and participants must be ages 12 or older.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

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Visit the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 7 Barstow Street this month—after all, February is for library lovers.

            Join us on Saturday, February 8, at 11:00 am for an author talk with Alfred H. Saulniers of Spinner Publications. Alfred’s book, The French of New Bedford, tells the story of the city’s French speakers, from their arrival and growth through their eventual decline caused by new immigration restrictions, the Great Textile Strike of 1928, and the Great Depression. All ages welcome.

            Throughout February, Tri-Town Against Racism (TTAR) will exhibit student artwork from its Black History Month Creative Expression Art contest in the library’s large meeting room. An award reception will be held on February 8 at 2:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

            Join us on February 11 at 6:00 pm for “Larchmont Remembered” to learn more about the harrowing tale of the 1907 maritime disaster. This event is presented by Daniel Harrington, a former East Providence City Councilor and longtime monthly columnist for the Providence Journal.

            On February 16 at 2:00 pm, the Fiction Book Group meets in the Marine Room. This month, we are discussing The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. Come on down.

            Our next Cookbook Club meeting is on February 18 at 6:30 pm. New members are always welcome. This month, we’re reading and cooking from Where Cooking Begins by Carla Lalli Music. Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. Stop by and snag one.

            Join Alanna Nelson on February 25 at 6:00 pm for the next Sippizine writing group in the Marine Room. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session.

            As always, these events and activities are free and accessible to all. Visit our website for more information and updates. If you have any questions, please email mfpl@sailsinc.org or call us at (508) 758-4171.

Marion Historic District

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To the Editor;

            Having previously written about the benefits to the overall community and the importance of legacy, let’s get practical and focus on the direct personal economic benefits of historic districts, especially in this part of the world:

            Property Value: Research has shown that property values in historic districts often rise faster than in other areas. In other words, if the time comes when you want to sell your house, you will receive a premium on your investment.

            Investment Attraction: Historic districts can also attract investment by signaling a community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and character. This can make the area more appealing to attractive businesses or residential developers, which can spur further economic activity. Consider how attractive Padanaram has become in recent years.

            Sustainability: Historic preservation is often a more sustainable choice than new construction. It saves materials and reduces the energy use associated with demolition and new building. It can also make use of existing infrastructure, reducing costs and impacts associated with new construction.

            Job Creation: Restoration and renovation projects within historic districts typically require more labor than new construction, creating jobs for local tradespeople. These jobs often pay well and contribute to local economic stability.

            Small Business Development: The unique atmosphere and charm of historic districts can provide an ideal environment for small businesses, particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and arts and crafts. These districts can become a draw for local residents and visitors alike, fostering a thriving local economy and stronger tax base to be invested back into the community.

            Preservation Grants and Tax Incentives: Many state and federal programs offer financial incentives for preserving historic properties. These can include tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans. Such funding can stimulate local economic activity and job creation during the restoration process and beyond.

            Sense of Community: The unique character of a historic district can increase the desirability of a town, leading to increased residential demand and higher property values. A vibrant, thriving historic district can contribute to a positive feedback loop of investment and growth.

            In short and as recognized in Marion’s 2017 Strategic Plan, preserving and maintaining historic districts can be a crucial part of small-town economic strategies, particularly in a region like ours with a rich historical heritage.

William N. Tifft

Chair, Marion Historic District Study Committee

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.

Town Meeting and Town Election Dates Approved

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Mark your calendars. Rochester’s Board of Selectman Monday approved May 19 as the date for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and May 28 as the date for the Town Election.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant was happy to report that town council and Rochester Memorial School, where the town meeting will be held, have both agreed to that date, and town moderator David Arancio is “ready to go” as well.

            The board also learned of plans to turn the Church Wildlife Conservation Area near the Pines into expanded walking trails and to make them handicapped accessible. It endorsed the Rochester Land Trust’s application for a $50,000 FY25 MassTrail Grant to make the plan a reality.

            Land Trust president Wendy Keeler said the application was due that same day, February 3, but the board’s signature was still needed. She explained the work will make the trail compliant with Americans With Disabilities Act regulations. It already has long trials, but right now they are very unusable by people with disabilities and senior citizens.

            Because these trails abut the Pines, she added, residents will be able to cut across their housing development to access the walking paths. This, she said, will be an advantage on the grant application. She noted this will be a reimbursement grant, meaning grantees must first pay for expenditures and then submit for reimbursement using the required documentation. It is also a matching grant that requires proponents to provide a minimum of 20 percent of the total project cost. Here, however, she had good news. The trust does have its account the $5,000 that will be needed for the town’s share. After the select board’s approval vote, fellow Trust member Russ Keeler elaborated that the plan is to expand the trails, install park benches, post informational signs and level the trail grounds.

            In other action, the board approved and signed a new Inter-municipal Agreement for the Marion waste disposal transfer station and appointed Board chair Brad Morse to work with the town administrator and Marion officials to complete this agreement.

            The board appointed Sydney Lewis as a new member of the Historic District Commission.

            Durant reported news on the personnel front. The town is currently in contract negotiations with its choice of Town Planner. However, he declined to reveal the winning candidate’s name until negotiations are complete. Meanwhile, Corey Pereira has started working as a new part-time administrative for the Highway Department.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, February 17 at 6:00 pm at 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Board of Selectman

By: Michael J. DeCicco

Cranberries On Ice

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Cranberries play an important role in late-year festivities like Thanksgiving and Christmas. In the Tri-town and surrounding Southeastern Massachusetts, cranberry bogs are a defining feature of the land, culture, and history of the region. We pass them on the road, we hike past them in the summer, we visit local farms in the fall, then we eat them, by can or fresh from the store. One time of year lacks public focus and knowledge; what happens to them in the winter? What happens to the cranberry bogs during the freezing cold? Is anything done with them? Are they just left until the next harvest? What preparations must be done?

            There is work to be done after harvest and before the coming of freezing temperatures. Cranberry plants do need to be protected from winter winds, with the bogs themselves entering a period of “dormancy” during the winter months. Generally, all bogs are flooded in some regard. The water, often turning to ice, protects plants from harsh winds. A layer of ice also acts as additional insulation. Winter winds can lead to “desiccation,” or the drying out of the plant. Farmers monitor the ice through the winter and adjust the water levels to maintain the right balance and not bring harm or suffocation to the plants. Fungal diseases can also develop under prolonged wet conditions, making careful water management crucial. Another major concern is the timing of the thaw. If winter protection is removed too early, a late-season frost could damage the developing buds, reducing the yield for the next harvest. Local farmers must carefully and constantly monitor weather conditions to ensure they drain the bogs at the optimal time.

            Should a sufficient layer of ice form above the plants, Sippican Land Trust’s Alan Harris says, “I do know they often flood the bogs during a cold snap for frost protection and in the hope that it will freeze solid enough for long enough that they can spread a layer of sand on the bogs.” He continued, “the sand improves the vine growth and used to be more regularly scheduled but winters have been less reliable.” Sanding is a common practice across bogs, though Harris states it is less reliable now, predominantly due to higher temperatures and a lack of ice build-up. When temperatures rise and the ice in the bogs melts, the sand spread across the ice settles into the vines and acts as nutrients to promote growth. It also prevents pests by burying insect eggs and improves the plants’ health and condition coming into the spring.

            Harris also mentioned another plight to the local bogs – muskrats. “The dikes often host muskrat burrows (not wanted by the farmer) and freeze-thaw cycles in the winter can lead to these collapsing. So, they need to be filled and maintained” he said. The muskrats are complemented by mice and voles who are also known to frequent bogs. Through the drain and fill cycle of the winter, farmers must also be vigilant for these habitats.

            Many bogs in the Tri-town are accessible through hiking trails. While they seem dormant and frozen in time, there is a lot of work that goes into achieving this delicate balance. As winter gives way to spring, the water is gradually drained, and the vines come back to life, ready to begin another growing season. The work of cranberry farmers doesn’t stop with the harvest; it is a year-round effort to maintain the health of their bogs. Their careful winter preparations ensure we have juice for summer drinks and our end-of-year feasts.

By Sam Bishop

Marion Republican Town Committee

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The Marion Republican Town Committee will conduct its next monthly meeting on Monday, February 10 at 7:00 pm at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center, 460 Mill Street, Marion. The public and new members welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

Town Of Marion Volunteer Opportunities

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The Town of Marion has a vacancy on the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission (MOSAC). This position will be appointed by the Select Board and MOSAC and the appointment will end May 2025.

In addition to this appointed position, the Marion Select Board is seeking volunteers to serve on the following Town Boards and Committees:

-Conservation Commission (1 Associate).

-Cultural Council (1).

-Energy Management Committee (1).

-Finance Committee (1 Alternate).

-Fireworks Committee (6).

-Marine Resources Commission (1 Alternate).

-Music Hall Advisory Committee (1).

-Scholarship Education Fund Committee (1).

-Trees & Parks Committee (1).

            As of January 28.

            Deadline for applications is February 12.

            Applications to serve are available at the Select Board office and on the Town of Marion website. Please submit a letter of interest or completed application either online or return hard copy of application to the Marion Select Board, Two Spring Street, Marion, Massachusetts 02738 by end of business on February 12.

OHS Fifth Grader Wins Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket

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On Monday, January 27, Thomas’ winning ticket and five others were announced on WPRI’s Channel 12 during the 4:30 pm news.

            Thomas chose to donate the $500 gift to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to honor his “Yaya.”

            “Learning about the importance of paying it forward is an invaluable experience, and this opportunity serves as a foundation for our young learners,” Mattapoisett School Committee Chairperson Carly Lavin said. “The excitement the students feel about contributing to an organization of their choice is palpable.”

            Each Feinstein Jr. Scholar receives an individually numbered Golden Ticket.

            Beginning in October, random drawings are held on WPRI Channel 12, and five student tickets from elementary and middle schools across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are randomly selected each week.

            “We are thankful to the Feinstein Foundation for recognizing Thomas and providing him with the opportunity to donate to a cause of his choice,” Principal Stephanie Wells said. “Not only does this program allow students to make choices of where they would like to see a direct impact, but our school greatly benefits as well.”

            “On behalf of the district, I would like to thank the Feinstein Foundation for their donation, and I’m grateful that they can provide this opportunity to our students,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Thomas has exemplified the value of giving back, and I know that the funds will go to great use.”

Volunteers Sought for Town Celebrations

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As discussed at its February 4 meeting, the Select Board and Town Administrator’s office are reaching out to residents to help organize upcoming celebrations.

            The first is the annual Fourth-of-July fireworks display. The committee responsible for organizing this highly popular event for several years needs new members in order to continue. Funding for the event (fireworks, barge, crowd control, and other costs) is expected to come from both the town and donations. But planning and organizing the myriad details, big and small, depends on community members volunteering their time and energy.

            In addition, the year 2027 will mark the 175th anniversary of the Town of Marion. Envisioning a year-long celebration to include a time capsule, more fireworks(!), and a range of programs offered by local philanthropic, fraternal, educational, recreational, and historical organizations, the Town Administrator is eager to put together a team of community volunteers for subcommittees to plan and organize these events.

            Those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Donna Hemphill at Town Hall – dhemphill@marionma.gov.

            In other business, the board approved a request for a Mobile Home & Trailer permit at 71 Lewis Street, for no longer than two weeks. According to a neighbor, a person has been inhabiting a bus parked on the property since early December. This will allow the property owner to make other arrangements and remove the vehicle.

            The Town Administrator reported that the new Harbormaster’s office is now open and noted plans for a celebratory Open House to welcome the public to view the new facility inside and out. The board suggested that this be planned for a weekend day to enable both interested residents and the many people who worked to achieve this to be able to participate. He also updated the committee on the Highway Department Building, which is proceeding on or ahead of schedule: concrete now finished; load-bearing work to begin February 10 and the mezzanine to begin February 17. A member who visited the site commented that the quality of the work done appears to be excellent.

            The Administrator then updated the board on the timeline for the next Town Meeting, scheduled for May 12 at 6:45 pm at the Sippican Elementary School. Warrant articles – including Citizen Petitions – must be submitted by March 14 and the warrant will close on April 1. Details are available on the town’s website, marionma.gov.

            He also noted that the Town Election will be held on May 16. Open positions are listed on the town website. Nomination papers are available now at the Town Clerk’s office and must be submitted no later than March 28. For more information, see the website or call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-748-3502.

            The next meeting of the Select Board is scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, at 6:00 pm, in the Town House Conference Room, 2 Spring Street.

Marion Select Board

By Mary McCann Fiske

After School Activities for Kids

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The Marion Art Center (80 Pleasant Street, Marion, MA) is pleased to present Kids’ Clay Studio, our newest program. For ages 8-11, the program is on Thursdays from 3:15 pm to 5:00 pm. Spring Session 1 starts on February 13 through March 27 with no class on February 20. The cost is $175 for MAC members and $205 for non-members. All materials and firing are included. Students will learn the basics of clay hand-building techniques with slabs, coils, pinching and texture to create 3D animals, pots, ornaments and sculptures. Clay work will be kiln fired, decorated and made to last. More information can be found at: marionartcenter.org/art-lab.