Marion Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession

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The 2024 Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will take place on Monday, May 26 starting at 9:00 am in front of the Music Hall at 164 Front St, Marion. In the event of rain, the event will be relocated to the Multipurpose Room of Sippican Elementary School.

            The procession and remembrances will follow same route as in past years, stepping off from the Music Hall northbound on Front Street, marching 0.6 miles up Front Street to the Veterans’ Memorial at Old Landing. Upon arrival at the Veterans’ Memorial the town will pay tribute to our military’s “honored dead” who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

            The procession and remembrances will feature the Sippican School Marching Band led by director Hannah Moore as well as The Portuguese American Band. The ceremony will conclude with members of the Select Board laying a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Technical Sergeant Mandy Givens of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

            Residents are encouraged to attend the remembrances as well as stand along the parade route on Front Street between Cottage Street and Ryder Lane.

Joseph Patrick Keogh III

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Joseph Patrick Keogh III, age 82, passed away on May 8, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, Mass., after a brief illness.

            Joe was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1942 to Joseph Patrick Keogh (Sr.) and Mary Louise Bierkamp. In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and there began his love affair with the sea. After service, he settled in Woods Hole, where he met and married Ellen Christian.  Together they had two sons, Sean and Timothy, whom they raised in Marion. Until his retirement from Edy & Duff boat yard, Joe helped build many of the boats dotting Buzzards Bay. Joe was an active member of the town and served on multiple committees, including the Marion Open Space Committee, the Marine Resource Committee, and the Circulation Committee all of which were responsible for giving residents easier access to natural resources.

            Joe was a man of many passions: sailing, Tai Chi, genealogy and scale collecting, to name just a few. Joe loved nature and spent his retirement organizing and leading local kayaking and hiking expeditions and keeping tabs on the ospreys of Marion.

            He was known for the indomitable spirit that lay behind his laconic demeanor. When he was forbidden from cycling for health reasons, he took up a recumbent bike without a second thought. When his knees made it hard to skipper a regular sailboat, he built himself a trimaran he could sail seated.

            He is survived by his sons, Sean and his wife Nicole and Tim and his wife Teah; his grandchildren, Olive, Martin and Cecelia; his sister, Kathy; and his good friend and partner, Deb Giokas.

            Services will be held on Thursday, May 15th at 4PM at St. Gabriel’s Church, 124 Front St., Marion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Sippican Lands Trust, an organization working to protect the Ospreys that Joe loved so dearly.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Gary James Ramos

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Gary James Ramos, 66, of Wareham, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025. He was the husband of Deborah (Lopes) Ramos for many years.

            Born in Milford, CT, son of Irene (Fortes) Ramos and the late James Ramos, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

            Gary was a jazz drummer, avid music lover and enjoyed going to the Newport Jazz Festival. He was the percussionist for his family tradition of Canta Reis. Gary loved spending time with his daughter and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was the life of every get together. Gary worked on the water for most of his life, first as a longshoreman and then as a first mate on the Portuguese Princess.  He most recently worked at Turk’s Seafood in Mattapoisett and Cast Seaside Bites & Bar in Marion.

            Survivors include his wife; his mother Irene Ramos; his daughter, Rosemary Williams and her husband Whynton of Mattapoisett; his siblings, David Ramos (Jill), Jeffrey Ramos (Jen), Marie Elena Almeida (Jay), Stephanie Ramos, and Mikela Riley; his precious grandchildren, Kymani, Kaimari, and Kamila Williams; several aunts, uncles and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members that he loved very much.

            His Funeral will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 AM. Burial will take place privately at a later date. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Funeral Home. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Finance Committee Votes to Not Support Article 17

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 The Marion Finance Committee met on Wednesday, April 30 to discuss Marion Town Meeting Warrant Article 17, to be voted on by the people on May 12. By the end of the meeting, the Finance Committee would all find themselves on the same page and vote accordingly.

            Article 17 goes as follows:

            To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $3,276,722 to be used for the renovation of the Marion Town House to provide accessibility, fire suppression, building code and HVAC compliance, including final design and all other costs incidental and related thereto; and to meet this appropriation to see if the Town will vote to transfer from available funds in the Treasury (Free Cash) the sum of $300,000 and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow $2,976,722 under the provisions of M.G.L. c.44, §7(1) or any other appropriate enabling authority, and to issue bonds and notes of the Town therefor; provided, however, that the appropriation authorized hereunder shall be contingent upon approval by the voters of a ballot question to exclude the amounts to pay for the bonds or notes authorized for this purpose from the provisions of Proposition 2½, so called; and further that the Select Board be authorized to enter into such contracts and agreements as shall in its judgement be necessary to effectuate the intent of this article; or take any other action thereon.

            The Finance Committee, helmed by Chair Shay Assad, felt the different proposed works on the Town House should be split into multiple articles and not be lumped into one. That being, separate votes on accessibility and compliance versus HVAC instillation. At the end of the meeting, the Finance Committee voted unanimously to not support Article 17 as shown and push to make an amendment.

            Most Finance Committee members would be at the Select Board meeting the following Tuesday to plead their case.

            The next Marion Finance Committee meeting was not scheduled at adjournment but will take place after Town Meeting and the election.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

Blanche B. Perry Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is extending its deadline for its $1000 Blanche B. Perry Scholarship to May 19. This award is available to a Mattapoisett resident graduating from Old Rochester Regional High School, Bishop Stang High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, or Tabor Academy by June 2025, and pursuing education in the sciences and/or environmental studies or a related field.

            The scholarship is made available through the Edith Glick Shoolman Fund, a bequest left to provide support for children in the community.

            Application forms are available in the guidance offices of participating schools listed above and at the Mattapoisett Land Trust website: mattlandtrust.org/education/grants-and-scholarships.

            The deadline for submitting the complete application and accompanying materials is May 19, 2025. The awardee will be notified on the week of May 27.

            The actual award will be disbursed after the student submits an official college transcript documenting a successful completion of the first semester in college to the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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There is what appears to be a small plot of land on Rte.105 with a for-sale sign. Though the land for sale looks small in size, its history is very large. The store shown in the first picture was originally a barn and stable built in 1710 and belonging to Minister Timothy Ruggles. The photograph was taken in 1934 when the store building was 294 yrs. old. In this picture, it is the John Alden General Store. In later years it became the Rochester General Store and has had several owners.

            Over the years, the buildings to the left and right have been home to a variety of businesses. In the late 1940’s, the building on the right became Rochester’s Post Office until the new one was built in the 1980’s. On the left there was a grocery store and beginning in the 1950’s George Kirby II operated a garage followed by one owned by Buster Locke.

            In later years there was a bar and restaurant and a lunch counter which was a community gathering place where you were sure to get caught up on local news and gossip. These businesses closed and the buildings were sold. Their last occupants were a bakery cafe with two apartments above and a commercial bakery behind. Once again, people gathered to eat, talk and catch up on community happenings.

            Unfortunately, on July 28, 2011, a massive fire consumed much of the building. The second picture shows the demolishment of what was left. That fire ended 310 years of this small Rochester center of commerce.

By Connie Eshbach

“Secret Gardens of Marion” Tour

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The Marion Garden Group is delighted to present the 3rd biennial “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour, set to take place on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. This walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore 11 private gardens nestled throughout the historic village of Marion, a picturesque harbor town on the Southcoast of Massachusetts on Buzzards Bay.

            Attendees will experience a diverse array of coastal gardens, each showcasing the creativity and passion of local gardeners. From vibrant botanical displays and flourishing perennial beds to productive vegetable plots and serene ocean vistas, these hidden gems are sure to inspire and delight garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The Event is on Friday, June 20 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and will be held in Various private gardens throughout Marion. Tickets are $35 and available online at www.mariongardengroup.org, or $40 on June 19 and 20. Lunch available. Please note that the tour is not handicapped accessible.

            Additional Information: The event will proceed rain or shine. Pets are not permitted. Photography is welcome.

            The “Secret Gardens of Marion” tour not only celebrates the beauty and diversity of local gardens but also fosters community spirit. Proceeds from the event will support ongoing town beautification, community gardening initiatives and educational programs.

            The Marion Garden Group wishes to thank their sponsors and partners. These incredible sponsors make this beloved event possible.

Happy Mother’s Day

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Happy Mother’s Day to all those who are moms, will soon be moms, have tried to be moms, or are currently trying to be moms. Until I was much older and mature, I didn’t realize the sheer heights needed to climb in order to just become a mother. Then comes the work after birth. I only recently became an uncle, having no children of my own yet. See the author of this piece? Sam! Uncle Sam. How very patriotic. Until I had actually witnessed the struggles and joys of pregnancy and birth, I truly had no real appreciation for mothers, regardless of the cards or flowers I bought for my own mom. Having glimpsed only a fraction of this process, the strength and determination of my sister has sparked a newfound respect, admiration, and love for my own mother.

            When I was a kid, I loved to be outside. I would ride around on my Razor scooter while my mom worked in the garden. Regardless of the weather or temperature, the garden needed to be maintained! That secret garden show wasn’t going to win itself! I have so many fond memories of my kid-brain going “what on Earth is she doing?” while I watched her plant, move, or reevaluate the layout of her garden. I had (and probably have to some extent) no real knowledge of plants, trees, or flowers until I actually finally started to pay close attention to what she was doing. I know her favorites are Lilies, specifically Casablanca (just don’t let the orange pollen get on your clothes! Lesson learned), with “Lily” even becoming a nickname of hers. My favorite was always lavender. Too cool. It smells good, is a nice shade of purple, and can ward away bugs and pests. Never a downside to me. Just don’t ask me of the struggles of baking a lavender cake.

            Every time I see or smell it, I think of her in an instant. Every house I had lived in with her, whether it be in Florida or New England, had lavender. Now, she claims to have partially done this because I always liked it, but I know the garden shows were the real prize!

            Anyways, having now witnessed the tolls of motherhood, I am so distraught over all the lame cards I got my mom. She deserves so much more than a giant “M” cut-out I made with printer paper. Moms go through a lot before and after pregnancy and then they have at least 18~ years of support (add a little more for our economic woes) only for us to take off to school or to work. Unfortunately, I cannot always be there to tell her “thank you” or “I love you” but this Mother’s Day, I will be helping her spread 6 yards of mulch. Or maybe I’ll do it while I let her straw boss. It’s the least I can do.

            Happy Mother’s Day to all and thank you for all you do and sacrifice to bring love and joy to your kiddos. It doesn’t go unnoticed.

By Sam Bishop

Should Parents “Do their own Research” on Vaccines?

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Rochester’s Conservation Commission spent most of its Tuesday meeting reviewing and fielding abutters’ concerns over a Notice of Intent for proposed work on an access road for a ground-mounted solar array system within a bordering vegetated wetlands in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            The proposal by Logging Swamp Solar c/o ReWild Renewables includes work within the 200-foot riverfront area associated with an on-site perennial stream as well as within a local 25-foot No Disturb zone. Project representative Sarah Sterns of Beals and Thomas Engineering began the hearing by explaining that a former logging road is the only way to access where the 49-acre site will be developed with a solar panel array. Two small areas of vegetated wetlands will be altered to connect them as a way to improve the groundwater flow, and a small timber bridge will be built. This will result in a 2500-foot road that the project’s construction equipment will need, she said.

            Abutters responded with strong concerns that the project will send more water onto their properties. Alan Gragnani of 655 Snipatuit Road complained the proposed road would be 40 feet from his property and 100 feet from his well. He said he and his neighbors have a lot of concerns. “I’m terrified by my concern about how this will affect my quality of life,” added Lisa Christensen of 663 Snipatuit Road.

            Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior suggested the developer look again into other places to build access to the solar field site, such as through easements across some abutters’ properties more upland of the site. Sterns, taking notes on all the comments she received, said she will look into all suggestions and share them with the developer. Upon Sterns’ request, the board continued the hearing to June 3.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Seaport Homes to construct a single-family home with associated clearing, grading and installation of utilities at a new address on Gifford Lane also filled the meeting room seats with concerns and protests that the project should not be built in such a wetlands sensitive area. Andy Hammersmith and other members of the Snows Pond Association said it was unacceptable that a house could be built there. “It is not buildable in any way,” he said.

            The commission ultimately issued the project an Order of Conditions, but with special conditions related to the abutters’ feedback. Permanent markers will be placed to delineate where wetlands begin. No fertilizer will be used. A septic system that will hold the groundwater’s nitrogen and phosphorous will be installed.

            In other action, the commission certified the completion of a project to construct a single-family home with associated grading and landscaping at 22 High Street by granting applicant Olivia Richard a Certificate of Compliance

            The commission approved an After-the-Fact Notice of Intent application for a proposal to cut trees and yard renovations within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 56 Marion Road. Applicant Justin Pavao explained he did not realize he was violating wetland laws when he and his wife began clearing the dense brush and the overgrown garden om his property.

            The board continued to June 3 a Notice of Intent hearing on constructing a 20,000 square-foot commercial building with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities and storm water management system at a new address on Cranberry Highway. Applicant Seaport Enterprises’ representative Bob Rogers requested the continuance pending the town engineer’s peer review and his hearing with the Rochester Planning Board next week.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be May 20 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Hot Bats Carry Cougars

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            The bats came through once again for the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School softball team, which had won four of its last six games going into Wednesday’s road game against Bristol Aggie in Dighton.

            The Cougars defeated South Shore Voc-Tech, 13-9, on May 1 in Hanover, as Sharon Delancey went five innings of three-hit ball on the mound while striking out seven batters and walking only one to raise her record to 4-4 on the season.

            Maeve Hunter knocked home four runs to lead the offense, while going 1-for-2 while scoring twice and stealing two bases. Laila Servis went 2-for-2 at the plate, scoring twice and knocking in three runs. Leah Robitaille went 2-for-3, scoring three runs and stealing a base, while Lindsay Sumner hit an RBI triple and scored twice. Kayleigh DeSousa got her 100th career hit.

            DeSousa, Robitaille and Patty Spillane all had three-hit performance in Old Colony’s 18-0 victory over Cape Cod Tech on April 28 in Harwich. Leah Robitaille (3-for-4) hit a three-run home run and finished with four RBI and two runs scored, while deSousa (3-for-5) tripled, walked, stole a base and scored two runs, and Spillane (3-for-4) scored three runs and had a RBI. Lindsay Sumner added a pair of hits and two RBI. On the mound, deSousa raised her record to 2-1 with 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits while striking out 10 batters.

Baseball

            The Old Colony baseball team collected its fifth win against Cape Cod RVT, 28-0. Leading the way hitting was Cam Valle with two hits and seven runs batted in. Leading the way pitching was Marc Donati with nine strikeouts while only allowing two hits.

Girls Lacrosse

            Old Colony defeated South Shore, 13-3, on offense from Maddie Caulkins (4 goals, 1 assist), Addison Tyler (3 goals, 3 assists), Logan Crook (goal, assist), Lauren LeBeau (3 goals), and Ella Harkins (2 goals). Jadyn Antao made 11 saves in net for the victory.

Old Colony RVTHS Sports Roundup

By Nic Giokas