Jeannette I. (Lemaire) Power

on

Jeannette I. (Lemaire) Power, 95, of Acushnet died January 15, 2026 at Tobey Hospital surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Lawrence H. Power.
Born and raised in New Bedford, daughter of the late Alphonse and Hermine (LeBlanc) Lemaire, she lived in Acushnet most of her life.
Jeannette dedicated her life to raising her three daughters. She was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan and enjoyed watching the games with her husband Larry.
At a young age, Jeannette learned how to knit and she carried her love for this pastime throughout her life. Most of her family and friends are in possession of at least one of the multitude of scarves she loved to make. Jeannette loved to travel, especially to places where casinos could be found. She and her husband enjoyed many vacations, including Florida, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. When Larry passed away, Jeannette continued traveling with her sisters Lorraine and Yvette. She especially loved their trip to Europe.
Jeannette’s family will always remember Sunday cookouts and card games held in her backyard, as well as her annual Christmas Eve parties.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Sippican Healthcare Center and Tobey Hospital for the excellent care that Jeannette received. Survivors include her 3 daughters, Joan Roberge and her husband Peter of North Easton, Karen Lefevbre and her husband Mark of Mattapoisett and Ann Wood of New Bedford; a sister, Yvette Bourassa of Acushnet; 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Raymond Lemaire and Lorraine Saucier.
Her private Funeral Service will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Screenshot

FY27 Budget Planning

on

The Marion Finance Committee, at the January 7 meeting in the Town House Annex, planned out a schedule for review of the Fiscal 2027 budget.

            Finance Director Heather O’Brien noted that many department-drafted budgets, including the school budget, have been received. She expressed optimism that by this week she will have received all drafts. She also said that she will have completed initial meetings with department heads by mid-January.

            Finance Committee Chair Sean Healy said that the Finance Committee will meet with department heads between February 2 and March 18. Committee members went over their individual schedules to determine which dates would work.

            Some committee members asked if the committee would have time to review and vote on non-departmental money items that will appear on the annual Town Meeting warrant in the spring.

            Healy said that the Finance Committee has been charged with submitting recommendations by March 31, so there should be time to review the entire warrant and make a formal recommendation.

            Healy tentatively recommended March 25 or March 26 and optimal meeting dates for an entire warrant review for Fiscal 2027, which begins on July 1.

            In recent years, town officials have called for fiscal restraint and maintaining a level-services budget, which calls for around a 2% increase from the previous year.

Marion Finance Committee

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Open Table Is Back

on

Mattapoisett Congregational Church is very excited to announce the second Open Table of 2026. The OT crew hopes to see you on February 27 for a delicious meal served in Reynard Hall at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett. There is no charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper will be served at 5:00 pm. Invite a friend or neighbor.

Grassi Bog Maintenance

on

            The Grassi Bog Conservation Area is a popular spot, but it’s riddled with potholes and people who use it to socialize during night hours, according to Open Space Acquisition Commission members at their January 8 Zoom meeting.

            OSAC members are looking to find donated posts to rebuild the gate to close the parking lot after hours. OSAC members learned that there are no Community Preservation Act funds for fixing the potholes, but members are asking the Department of Public Works for help with filling the potholes.

            OSAC members Adele Sands and Carol Molander frequently walk the trails there. They reported broken beer bottles there, out-of-town residents in pick-up trucks, and hunters who frequent the area. “There is a lot going on in the off-hours when we are not down there,” Sands said. “Quite a bit of activity down there.”

            OSAC member John Friedman says he knows someone who can donate pressure treated wood to help refasten a gate that once was there to close the area after daytime hours. Chairman John Rockwell said a dock owner once donated posts, but they were stolen. He said the gates are still in the town’s possession.

            The OSAC also approved some small routine items but talked at length about hiring an engineer to fill gaps within the gravel-surface Point Road walking and biking path. Neighbors in the area who frequent the path note that the area is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, limiting the access for some people. Rockwell also said that the project once had an in-house engineer to maintain the path, including submission of a stormwater management report to the Conservation Commission. He said since 2019, when first approved, OSAC no longer has an in-house engineer to maintain the gaps in the path or complete the stormwater maintenance reports.

            Select Board member Norm Hills expressed frustration over the issue. “We keep putting stuff on to stuff and we are not accomplishing anything. We are just wasting money,” Hills said, while also that the project originally was supposed to rely on donated funds and materials and has strayed away from that goal.

            Hills said only the Select Board can accept donations for town projects and he is not aware of donations recently for the Point Road path.

            OSAC gave Rockwell the green light to seek engineering funding from the CPA to remedy both issues.

            The next Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission meeting was not scheduled at adjournment.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

The Release of Common Sense

on

            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, Americans are crushed outside Quebec City, ensuring Canadian independence and sovereignty. General Richard Montgomery was killed, Major General Bennedict Arnold is severely injured, 50 Americans are killed and another 400 captured for no British fatalities. At this time, Colonel Henry Knox march east has been halted due to changing weather and thawing rivers.

            On January 7, 1776, General George Washington writes to Governor Jonathan Trumbull, at first thanking the governor for his help and loyalty, he then makes a tactical assessment that foreshadows battles to come. Through his extensive spy network throughout Boston, Washington has uncovered the British are outfitting ships in Boston Harbor for combat, and embarking troops out to sea. He says, “from the season of the year and other circumstances, [the ships] must be destined for some expedition south of this; and having such information as I can depend upon, -if not immediately designed against the City of New-York is nevertheless intended for Long Island; and as it is a matter of the utmost importance to prevent the enemy from possessing themselves of the city of New York.”

            While jumping the gun a bit, Washington’s assessment would seem prophetic, as The Battle of Long Island is about 8 months away from this point, correctly judging the inclination of the British to attempt to capture New York. On January 8, Washington would order Major General Charles Lee to New York City to bolster defenses.

            On January 10, a 47-page pamphlet is published in Philadelphia. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense would ultimately call for the full separation of Great Britian and the “Inhabitants of America.” It also notably pushes ideas of more equal governance, enshrining the ideas of democracies in the colonies. In its first three months of publication, the booklet would sell 120,000 copies. By the end of the Revolutionary War, it would sell 500,000, with the total population of the United States being around 2.5 million. Proportional to population, that makes it the most bought and circulated American publication being read by 20% of them.

            Paine was born in Norfolk, England and would emigrate to Philadelphia in late 1774. After a turbulent journey and a long recovery, he began the publication of the Pennsylvania Magazine and began the release of regular political writings. After only about a year in the area, he would spark a huge flame. The pamphlet was quickly circulated around, through taverns and local squares, boosting Continental Army recruitment dramatically just after many contracts had ended on January 1.

            Paine would write, “For all men being originally equals, no one by birth could have the right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others forever.”  He pushed egalitarian ideas, being a true student of the Enlightenment. Not knowing how fervently his message would spread, he also put down, “A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason.” He pushed for the use of one’s “common sense” to strive for liberty and equality at a time of increased absolutism.

            On January 13, not yet having read Common Sense nor anything from Quebec, Washington tragically writes to General Montgomery, not knowing he was killed nearly two weeks prior. He says, “our hopes that you will get possession of Quebec, if not already in your hands – I must beg therefore your attention to the wants of the Army here.” Washington would note the needs of the army around Cambridge while, again, not yet knowing the man he writes to is dead and nor his commanding army was functionally dispersed across the fridged north.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Falmouth Academy

on

Falmouth Academy, an independent college-preparatory school serving grades 7 through 12, will host its annual Scholarship Exam & Faculty Forum on Saturday, January 24, from 9:30 am to 11:45 am on the Academy campus.

            This event invites prospective students entering grades 7–9 and their families to experience firsthand what makes Falmouth Academy’s academic community distinctive while competing for one of four $10,000 merit scholarships awarded to the top scorers.

            Scholarship Exam: Students will participate in a faculty-designed exam that includes sections in math and English crafted to reflect the school’s rigorous and engaging curriculum. Snacks will be provided during a short break.

            Faculty Forum: While students test, parents and guardians are invited to attend a series of brief presentations from Falmouth Academy faculty. The forum offers insights into the school’s academic philosophy, programs, and the ways faculty nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual growth in students.

            In addition, representatives from the Admissions Office will provide an overview of the application process and available tuition assistance options.

            “We’re excited to welcome prospective families to campus,” said David Perry, Head of School. “This event showcases both student potential and the vibrant, supportive community that helps every learner thrive.”

            Registration: Families are encouraged to register in advance online. Drop-in attendance is welcome, but pre-registration helps the school plan appropriately.

            This event is intended for students applying for grades 7–9 for the 2026–27 school year. Currently enrolled Falmouth Academy students are not eligible to participate in the exam.

            For more information and to register, visit go.falmouthacademy.org/scholarship-exam.

Mattapoisett Library

on

From now until the end of January, we are collecting donations for local food pantries in the form of non-perishable food, pet food, diapers, cleaning supplies, and items to support personal hygiene. Thank you to those who have already donated. Your generosity has made all the difference.

            Our storytimes are back. Family Storytime is on Thursdays at 10:30 am, and Baby Storytime is on Fridays at 10:30 am. This batch of sessions will run until mid-February.

            The world-famous Quahog Reading Program is back for its 13th year. This reading program is specifically for children in grades 3-6 and runs from January 17 to April 12. We have a fantastic selection of books this year, so you will not want to miss out on this one. Registration starts on Staturday January 17 at 10:00 am, and registration for the program ends on February 28 at 4:00 pm, so that should give folks plenty of time to get down to the library and get signed up. Early bird registrants who register on the 17th are invited to watch The Wild Robot with us at the library and earn their first raffle ticket for the program. Come visit us, send us an email, or give us a call for more info.

            We’re trying something new later in January – two new play groups. On Tuesday mornings from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm noon, starting January 20, we will be hosting a Drop-In Play Group for crawlers to Pre-K. On Thursday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, starting January 22, we’re hosting a Drop-In Play Club for kids ages 5-10. Please note that these groups are drop-in, not drop-off: There’s no registration required, but adults must stay with their young ones.

            On Tuesday, January 20, at 3:30 pm, we have the return of the community favorite No-Sew Sock Snowman Craft. Due to limited supplies, please register beforehand to guarantee your spot at this wicked fun, and festive program.

            To register for our events or for more information, please check out our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or give us a call at 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

Solar Project Approved

on

Rochester’s Planning Board began its meeting Tuesday by putting the finishing touches on its approval of the massive Logging Swamp Solar project off of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            The board endorsed the developer’s Approval Not Required application to permit the creation of four house lots within the 35-acre project. Chair Arnold Johnson said the plan had a flaw. There was inadequate frontage for at least one of the lots. Project representative Greg Sampson successfully argued there are adequate 40-foot setbacks on the plan. He added he was unsure of detailed plans for these lots. He noted simply that the property owner has asked him to create these lots.

            The panel then approved the project’s draft decision, the final hurdle to allowing the solar array to be built after months of hearings that debated plan details and addressed neighbors’ concerns. The plan covers 35 acres of a 2,000-acre wooded property bordered on one side by Northern Avenue and surrounded by a 350-acre swamp.

            Next, the board came close to approving the Definitive Subdivision plan for 19 County Road, West Wareham, a proposal to divide an 8.67-acre parcel into three lots. The board voted in favor of the permit waivers in the draft decision but also continued the hearing to its January 27 meeting and the decision deadline to February 14. Johnson urged the project’s representatives to have the appropriate surety bond, $760,000, in place by then.

            The Site Plan Review application for a project closer to home was also continued to January 27. This is a plan to clear land behind town hall and re-grade it with a 12-inch gravel base and stone surface for an 8,220 square-foot parking area and 10-foot-wide mulched border.

            Project consultant Rick Charon said the goal is to add 18 parking spaces to the Town Hall lot and correct the drainage system that pools storm water in front of Town Hall. Town Administrator Cameron Durant acknowledged that the land behind town hall has already been cleared. He did not know the project needed a Site Plan Review approval, until now.

            Johnson instructed Charon to return with a more detailed plan of the drainage plan, specifically a cross-section of where the new water flow will go.

            In other action, the board continued to February 10 its hearing into a modification of the “Sniptauit Ponds Estates” Definitive Subdivision Plan for Gerrish and Bishop Roads and the decision deadline to March 16. The board scheduled a site visit to the Rochester Memorial School Solar Canopy project for January 19 at 8:00 am. Johnson noted the panels are already being installed.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, January 27 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

The Liver Disease No One Talks About

on

If you have diabetes, are overweight or have bad lipids, you may have MASLD: metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease – or fatty liver to be brief.

            Most of us know that heavy alcohol use is bad for your liver, and years ago, most patients with cirrhosis (advanced liver damage with scarring and loss of function) were alcoholics.

            In 2026, with the world-wide epidemic of overweight and obesity. MASLD has become the commonest cause of liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis. Up to 38% of adults have this! If you have Type 2 diabetes, that rises to 65%!

            The first stage is fatty infiltration of the liver. If nothing is done, scarring and replacement of functioning liver tissue with fibrous (scar) tissue can follow. Eventually the liver loses much of its function, and the complications of a scarred non-functional liver ensue. These include jaundice, swelling of the legs and abdomen and bleeding.

            Untreated MASLD is also the number one cause of liver cancer.

            How can you prevent this cascade of catastrophes?

            First, if you fit the risk profile (diabetic, overweight and/or high triglycerides), ask your doctor to check your liver. While most doctors know they should check your eyes if you have diabetes, many do not think about the liver.

            Standard “liver function tests” are not routinely done and are not always abnormal in early stages of MASLD. While elevated liver enzymes may offer the first clue to the problem, 20-25% of people with biopsy-proven fatty livers have normal liver blood tests.

            A better test is the “FIB-4” value, which is calculated from your age, two simple liver enzyme tests and the count of your blood platelets. If this is abnormal, an ultrasound test should be done to look for any scarring.

            The good news is that getting your lipids and blood sugar under control and losing weight will reliably reduce fat in the liver and prevent you from going on to worse liver disease.

            The GLP-1 drug semaglutide (Wegovy) has been proven to improve MASLD and is FDA-approved for this use. Though not studied for this use, the other GLP-1 agents would probably be equally effective.

            You cannot live without your liver, so look after it!

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Marion Art Center

on

Winter is full of activities and learning for all ages. The Marion Art Center is pleased to present winter classes for all: Six Stories, Six Weeks – Instructor Sarah Banse returns with our popular writing class, 6 Weeks, 6 Stories. This is an opportunity to experiment with new forms and share fresh work in a supportive environment. This generative class is for anyone ready to take on writing practice, whether you’re a seasoned writer or brand new to the world of fiction. You can expect to write a new story draft (ranging from 300-1000 words) each week, and to be workshopped by the class with written feedback from the instructor. You’ll leave class with: new ideas and inspiration, six new story drafts, writing prompts to carry you forward, and a grasp of the fundamental elements of short fiction. Classes are on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm in the MAC Studio. The Winter session runs February 3 through March 17 (no class Feb 24th) $235 MAC members and $275 nonmembers. Classes are held at the MAC Studio, 80 Pleasant St. Marion. More information at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom – Learn a new fiber skill on a rigid heddle loom. Have you ever wanted to try weaving but not sure where to begin? Join instructor Lisa Elliott for this course over five weeks. You can create and take home your very first woven project. Students will weave one of the following: a scarf, table runner, set of placemats, or set of tea towels. Classes are on Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:30pm. Classes begin on February 12 and run through March 12. The cost is $160 for MAC members and $170 for nonmembers. Classes are held at the MAC Studio, 80 Pleasant St. Marion, MA. More information at marionartcenter.org/adult-classes.

            Adult Tap Fit – Ready to tap out of “adulting” for a bit and get a good workout? Join the MAC at our partner location at the American Legion Post 280, 3 Depot Street, Mattapoisett, for a lively, fun dance class led by instructor Teah Keogh. This 60-minute class is designed for adults who want to add a little more happiness and a little less seriousness to their week. In this all-levels class, you’ll develop rhythm, balance, and coordination while exploring your creativity and boosting both physical and mental wellness. Whether you’re brand new to tap or dusting off old skills, this is your percussive playtime. This means no prior dance experience necessary. Classes are ongoing on Monday evenings from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins must be registered by 4:00 pm on the day of class. Register at marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement. A 10-class punch card is $215 for MAC members and $255 for nonmembers. Drop in is $25 per class for MAC members and $30 for nonmembers.

            Youth Theater – The MAC is pleased to announce its after school theater program for ages 9-12. Instructor Garrett Olson returns to work with young actors in this interactive afternoon program that will explore multiple facets of theater craft. Activities may include acting, improvisation, theater games, scene study and exploration, script analysis, and movement for the stage. We’ve added a new option for 2026 – an additional one-hour scene study module. This longer class is great for students who wish to hone their scene study and monologue skills. In this final hour, students will dive deeper into these activities in this focused portion of the class. The course starts on January 26 and runs through March 16. There are no classes on February 16 or March 2. Classes are held Monday afternoons starting at 3:00 pm at the MAC – 80 Pleasant St. Marion. The 2-hour session runs for 6 weeks and costs $195 for members and $225 for nonmembers. The more in-depth 3-hour sessions run from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and cost $290 for MAC members and $330 for nonmembers. More information at marionartcenter.org/youth-theater

            Half-Day Early Dismissal Camp: The MAC is once again running Early Dismissal Half Day Camps for Ages 6-12 starting at 12:20 in the MAC studio and running until 3:00 pm in the MAC Studio, 80 Pleasant St, Marion on January 28. The cost for each child is $75 for MAC Members and $85 for nonmembers. Instructor Aylin is creating a Fidget Zone, where kids can unleash their creativity by designing and building their own sensory and fidget toys of all kinds – ones that you can wear, squish, spin and more. Registration and information at marionartcenter.org/art-lab.

            Art In the Afternoon, Fridays – The Maker Club (Ages 6-12) – In this hands-on art club, kids will have access to a wide variety of arts and crafts materials, tools, and textures each week. From paint and paper to recycled bits, fabric, wire, and more – every session is an invitation to explore, invent, and make something uniquely their own. With creative prompts to spark ideas and a supportive instructor to help guide their process, students are free to experiment, tinker, and express themselves in a relaxed, imaginative environment. The 4-week winter session runs January 23 through February 13, in the MAC Studio. Choose from 1 or 1.5 hours starting at 3:00pm after school. The cost for the 1-hour class is $105 for MAC members and $125 for nonmembers, and the 1.5-hour class is $155 for MAC members and $185 for nonmembers. More information: marionartcenter.org/art-lab.

            Dance & Music – Rolling registrations – MAC Dance Academy winter session will take place on Mondays, January 26 to February 23. Preschool/Kinderstep (ages 2.5-5) classes run from 4:15-5:00pm are $105 for members and $125 for nonmembers. Elementary/Tumbling classes (ages 6+) run 5:00-6:00pm and cost $120 for members and $145 for nonmembers. Registration is also open for the 10-week spring session starting March 9. Learn more: www.marionartcenter.org/mac-dance-academy.

            Guitar, Piano, & More All Ages and Levels (Adults too) The MAC and Instructor Colin Bradley have added availability for music lessons for adults and children. The 6-week winter session runs January 13 to February 12 (with no classes the week of February 17). Students may enroll at any time and pro-rated to actual attendance. The cost for a 6-week period is $235 for MAC members and $260 for non-members. Spring sessions are also open for registration. Half-hour lessons are scheduled on Tues, Wed, and Thurs afternoons in the MAC’s upstairs Patsy Francis Gallery. Students attend one day per week. Find more information at: marionartcenter.org/kids-music-lessons, or for adults: marionartcenter.org/adult-music-movement.