Island Wharf Argument Tabled

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The Marion Select Board tabled its discussion of Island Wharf and the disagreement around public parking to the board’s next meeting during a joint session with the Marine Resources Commission on Tuesday night.

            Planning Board member Eileen Marum decried members of the Select Board, specifically Chair Randy Parker and Vice Chair John Hoagland, regarding governmental responsibilities around Island Wharf. “You took that power away from them, Mr. Hoagland and Mr. Parker,” said Marum, referring to the Marine Resource Commission’s voting matters.

            Resident Diane Cook told members of the committee and Select Board that she had lived there for 50-plus years, and now recently they have started seeing development taking over. They said there used to be more flowers, and greenery growing over there until there was none.

            After much deliberation and correspondence from the MRC, the Select Board decided to table the topic of discussion until their next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station Conference Room. The next meeting will be after the Marion Town Election on Friday, May 15.

Marion Select Board

By Jared Melanson

Rochester Republican Town Committee

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Rochester Republican Town Committee will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Ponderosa Sportsman Club, Acushnet.

            Tom Hodgson, an American politician who served as Sheriff of Bristol County from 1997-2022, will be the guest speaker. The Rochester Memorial School Committee candidates for the upcoming Rochester Town Election have also been invited to speak at this meeting.

All are invited to attend.

MTPI Year Concludes with Performance

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The MAC is proud to announce that the year-long MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator (MTPI) will conclude with a performance of the Attorney-in-Fact, a new play by Philip Ardell. The play was honed over the course of the 2025-2026 season with the playwright and two mentors – Harvey Ussach & Tony Ferreira.

            Mr. Ardell’s play was selected from over 60 submissions and resonated with the mentors. Both mentors have extensive experience in theater. Mr. Ussach has experience as an adjunct professor in both writing and public speaking, as well as publishing and producing his own plays. He notes “Working with Tony Ferreira on Philip Ardell’s script was rewarding. Words have more effect, characters become more real and dimensional, and stage action works better.”

            Mr. Ferreira is an actor, director, stage manager and dramaturg. When asked about his experience in mentoring and then directing this play he said “I learned that a good play could become a great play by developing a positive and constructive relationship with the playwright. I also discovered how fluid a play can be, where even a little tweak could make an entire scene’s perspective change. I also gained a much better appreciation for playwriting and the difference between a great play and a mediocre play.”

            After a playwright is selected for the incubator program, the playwright works with two mentors over the course of 6-9 months to workshop the script. A staged industry reading is then planned, where theater professionals attend and give constructive feedback. Mr Ardell notes “The industry reading comments [during the] talk-back made me think of ways of strengthening the internal logic of the play, by making sure that actions were not only plausible within the laws of New York City but also within the psychological makeups of the characters. I also realized from the reading and comments that I’d missed opportunities for improving the characterizations, and I set about revising the play again – I think for the better.”

            Jodi Stevens, the Executive Director of the MAC says “This is the fourth year the MAC has staged a production through the MTPI program, and the quality of the work is exceptional. It’s exciting to see how each team – playwright and mentors – participate in this process. It’s also a great chance to bring fresh ideas and a unique theater experience to the community. Audience members learn about the process of creating a play and have the chance to provide valuable feedback for the playwright.”

            The Attorney-in-Fact will be performed with full staging on May 8, 9, 10 with curtain at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and a 2:00 pm curtain on Sunday. There will be a talk back post-show with the playwright, creative team, and cast. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. More information and tickets at marionartcenter.org/events. This is an ArtWeek SouthCoast event.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

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To the Editor:

            On March 31, the Marion Select Board did something small that carries large consequences: it removed Article 31 from the Town Meeting Warrant. The article would have let residents decide whether to transfer land from the Marine Resources Commission (MRC) back to the Select Board, land that could support a proposed Parkland, and, more importantly, land that belongs to the public.

            Articles 2–30 passed without discussion. Article 31 was different. Clerk Norman Hills observed that the MRC no longer has a significant use for the parcel it received in 2009. Reassigning the parcel would lead to better management and stewardship. However, Chairman Randy Parker opposed this measure and, along with Vice Chair John Hoagland, voted to remove it from the Warrant. Clerk Hills was the only one who voted to keep the question before Town voters.

            That decision did more than halt a proposal. It removed the public from the decision.

Island Wharf is not just another parcel. Its 1901 deed is explicit: the land is to be used for public, non-commercial purposes. Yet today, commercial activity and vehicle storage occupy portions of the site. The damage is visible. More importantly, it conflicts with the deed and the town’s obligation to protect a shared asset.

            At the same time, planning around Island Wharf is accelerating. At recent MRC meetings, officials have discussed parking management, seasonal permits for commercial vehicles, and coordination through the harbormaster. At an April meeting, Chair Vincent Malkoski remarked that “the idea that you can never put stuff on the grass is just not a reality.” That statement reflects a broader shift, from asking whether the land should be protected to how its use can be accommodated.

            Residents are paying attention. Many showed up on April 28 expecting to discuss parking, only to be told the topic would not be heard. They left without answers.

            This is why Article 31 matters. A harbor management plan effectively considers water, land, boating, fishing, safety, and access. Parking is part of that. But when decisions affect land bound by clear legal limits, public input is not optional. It is essential.

            Instead, the public forum where this question belonged – Town Meeting – was closed off. Discussions continue in committees and planning sessions, but without the one mechanism that guarantees every resident a voice and a vote.

            No single action proves intent. But the pattern is hard to ignore: routine items rushed through; one consequential article singled out and removed, and parallel planning moving forward elsewhere. The result is the same regardless of motive: less transparency, less accountability, and less public trust.

            Island Wharf is a test. Will Marion honor the plain language of its deed? Will it protect a public space from gradual erosion into commercial use? And will it trust its residents enough to let them decide?

            The land’s purpose is clear. Its condition is increasingly clear. What remains in question is whether the town will include the public in shaping what comes next, or continue to decide it for them.

Eileen J. Marum, Marion

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join the Banned Book Club on May 12 at 1:00 pm to discuss “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

            On May 12 at 6:00 pm meet Hannah Traggis, who works for the Marion Institute managing their Frogfoot Farm program – a 6-acre farm on the Wareham-Plymouth town line and learn about their programs!

            Readers’ Advisory Group meets every 4th Wednesday at 11:00 am. If you enjoy discussing reading or books, join our Adult Readers’ Advisory group for popular book ideas, to see what others are reading, and to explore new genres!

            Do you like knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, or crocheting? Join our newest club; Fiber Arts Club, Fridays at 11:00 am! Meet new people, share fiber art project ideas, work with others, and share some laughs!

            Join the Elizabeth Taber Library on Wednesday, May 27 at 1:00 pm for a lively and immersive program with Linda Booth Sweeney, author of The Noisy Puddle, winner of the Massachusetts Book Awards picture book/early reader category. Designed for young children and their caregivers, this special event blends storytime with hands-on discovery, celebrating the wonder of vernal pools and the living systems they support. The program will begin in the library with a read-aloud of The Noisy Puddle, followed by a conversation with the author. Families will then be invited upstairs to the Marion Natural History Museum for guided, hands-on exploration.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

ORRHS Drama Club presents “Mamma Mia.”

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 Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club will light up the ORRHS stage on Mother’s Day weekend May 7 to 10 with “Mamma Mia.” Mr. Brayden Fanti is thrilled to be directing his sixth production with the ORRHS Drama Club and this will be the second ORRDC show for Assistant Director, Vanessa Medeiros. Music is performed by a live orchestra under direction of Pedro Silva & Jenna Champagne and choreography is by Jocelyn Ulloa.

            Set on a Greek island, “Mamma Mia!” is a high-energy musical built around the iconic songs of ABBA. The action begins as Sophie (Fiona Roveda) is about to get married but has a mystery to unravel. She doesn’t know the true identity of her father. After secretly reading her mother Donna’s (Amanda Tomasso) old diary, Sophie invites three gentlemen from Donna’s past to the wedding hoping to finally uncover the truth. Is it Bill (Liam Osterday), Sam (Linden White), or Harry (Lucas Cabral)? Chaos, comedy, and heartfelt moments follow as all three arrive, each potentially her dad, without Donna knowing what Sophie has done. The story unfolds with ABBA’s legendary hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and more classics turning every twist into a musical celebration. Other key roles include Mara Donnelly as Tanya, Charlotte Cook as Rosie, and Lincoln Fauteux as Sky.

             Show times are May 7, 8, and 9 at 7:00 pm and May 10 at 2:00 pm at the ORRHS Auditorium, 135 Marion Rd, Mattapoisett. Ticket cost; Students & Senior Citizens: $12, General Admission: $15. Purchase online through the link: bit.ly/ORRDC-MammaMiaTickets. Tickets also sold through our local vendors: Isabelle’s in Mattapoisett or Friends Marketplace in Rochester. Please note ORRHS is a latex-free building so please do not bring bouquets with elastics or latex balloons inside.

Christine A. Cervelli (Tanner)

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Christine A. Cervelli (Tanner), 71, of Rochester, Massachusetts, passed away at home with her family on November 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with PSP.

            Born on September 26, 1954, in Smethport, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Greta and Walter Tanner.

            Chris was the wife of the late Francesco “Frank” W. Cervelli. Together, they operated the well-loved Cervelli Farm in Rochester, Massachusetts, supplying the community with the best sweet corn, a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and beautiful flowers.

            Chris cherished farm life and found joy in planting, nurturing, and harvesting. In addition to sowing seeds, she was a talented seamstress, known for creating some of the best Halloween costumes. She embraced life fully and enjoyed many travel adventures with Frank. Chris also loved attending annual knitting retreats—while she didn’t knit, she enjoyed her crocheting—as well as girls’ weekend getaways to Monadnock. She loved deeply and lived simply.

            Chris was incredibly proud of her son, Scott, and her grandson, Dana, who meant the world to her.

            She is survived by her son, Scott Makowski, and his wife, Melissa; her grandson, Dana Makowski; her siblings, Cathy Miller and her husband, Kevin; Cindy Anticil and her husband, Richard; and Brett Tanner and his wife, Ami; as well as her stepsons, Frank Cervelli and Alan Cervelli. She also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Bruce Tanner and Carla Cogar.

            A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 pm at Arch at the Meadow.

Buzzards Bay Musicfest

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The Buzzards Bay Musicfest will be returning to Marion this summer from July 15 through July 19 in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Hoyt Hall on the campus of Tabor Academy. World class musicians will grace the stage in a five-concert series that is completely open with free admission to the public. Renowned Australian conductor Antony Walker will lead the orchestra this year. On Wednesday, July 15, there will be an open rehearsal at 2:00 pm. That evening, the first concert of the series will feature the full orchestra with works by Beethoven and Haydn as well as a concerto by Grieg featuring piano virtuoso Cynthia Raim as soloist. On Thursday July 16, a chamber music concert will include a flute duo, a trio for oboe, bassoon and piano, a Mozart divertimento for winds and a Beethoven string quartet. The Buzzards Bay Swing Band will take the stage on Friday, July 17 with “Music from the Movies.” The Saturday evening (July 18) concert will be chamber ensembles performing works by Françaix, Dohnanyi and Franck. Sunday afternoon’s (July 19) concert will begin with a Beethoven overture and end with a Beethoven Symphony. There will also be a Mozart French horn concerto performed by the legendary horn soloist James Thatcher.  Start times for the evening concerts is 7:30 pm. The Sunday afternoon concert is at 2:00 pm. Please visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/ for more detailed information.

Mattapoisett Annual Town Meeting & Election Information

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The Annual Town Meeting in Mattapoisett is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 6:30 pm at the Old Rochester Regional High School Auditorium. The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at Old Hammondtown School. Polls will be open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. Vote by mail ballots can be requested and will be available for mailing soon. Check the town website at www.mattapoisett.gov for more information. Please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-758-4100 x2 or email the town clerk at townclerk@mattapoisett.gov with any questions regarding these two important events.

Art Center to Be Expanded, Refurbished

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, April 23 to hear two cases, one pertaining to the Peters of South Street and one involving the Marion Art Center.

            Chair Cindy Callow began the first Public Hearing, originally submitted by Jessica and John Peters of 20 South Street, for a Special Permit for the renovation and expansion of the existing residence. Will Saltonstall and Joe DiPaolo of Saltonstall Architects, Inc. of Marion, spoke on behalf of the applicants. Saltonstall explained he has worked with the applicants for the last few years on this project, that will include two side-yard setback issues.

            On the proposed work, much of the front house and facade would be preserved as well as the gables. Porches would be brought forward and enlarged with the main addition being added to the back of the home. The property’s shed would also be expanded. The architects did not have the exact square-foot measurements of the expansion.

            Abutter Chris Chicoy was present to support the project, saying, “I’m confident that we have worked well together in the past and will continue to do so.” Other abutters, Sandria Parsons on one side and the Shield family on the other, were not present but were said to have been supportive of the project.

            The hearing was closed, and the ZBA voted to approve the project as presented with a unanimous vote of approval.

            Next was a Public Hearing from the applicant, the Marion Art Center at 80 Pleasant Street. Before the hearing began, Chair Callow and ZBA members Danielle Engwert, Margie Baldwin and Will Tifft all noted they were Marion Art Center members. The hearing was for a Variance of the Zoning Bylaw and a Special Permit to allow for various renovations and additions of the existing building to exceed 40% of the ground-area coverage.

            Will Saltonstall of Saltonstall Architects, Inc. was also representative for this project. He noted over the last few years, they have performed “an intensive feasibility study” to determine the needs of the building, including making the MAC handicap accessible/ADA compliant. Proposed improvements include an elevator, an additional level, an accessible ramp entrance, a covered entryway onto Main Street, and a new gallery space.

            The hearing was closed, and both the Special Permit and the Variance were granted with unanimous votes of approval.

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

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop