First Annual Nolan Gibbons Memorial Event

Last August, our community lost a gifted young musical artist, Nolan Gibbons, to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). As COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, the family is planning a memorial event on July 11, the day before Nolan’s 16th birthday. To celebrate his life, “NolanFest” will be held at Silvershell Beach in Marion, beginning at 5:00 pm and ending around 9:00 pm. Please bring your own chairs or blankets.

            The event is free and open to the public. Please bring chairs or blankets.

            Nolan was a rising sophomore at Old Rochester Regional High School and already a very successful musician. He began singing locally at age 9 with the community service and music troupe, The Showstoppers. In 2017, at the age of 12, Nolan won New England’s Got Talent by performing an a cappella version of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” which he arranged and produced himself. In 2018, Nolan was cast as the main vocal percussionist of Acapop! KIDS, a national all-kids a cappella group formed by the founders and members of the Grammy Award-winning group, Pentatonix. Through Acapop! KIDS, Nolan travelled frequently to New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles to record and film music videos, which have amassed over 50 million views on YouTube. The highlight of his Acapop experience was an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show in January 2020. Most recently, Nolan was working on an album of original songs he had been writing, recording, and producing himself. In keeping with Nolan’s plans, his parents will continue to release his original music. Nolan’s next single, “My Turn,” will be released on July 12 on all streaming platforms.

            Nolan lived his motto: “Everybody Likes to be Themselves,” every day of his life by recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts in every person he met. NolanFest aims to encourage others to do the same. Family and friends from around the country are expected to speak, share stories, and perform on stage to pay tribute to Nolan. Videos of Nolan’s performances and his music will also be shared. The event will be capped off with the release of lanterns over the ocean. Food trucks will be onsite.

            If you would like to perform or volunteer to help with the event, please reach out to Laura at lmcarrillo1@gmail.com.

            NolanFest t-shirts and other items will be available for purchase (cash, PayPal, or Venmo only) on the day of the event. To pre-purchase t-shirts and other items, go to nolanfest.myshopify.com.

            If you would like to help with the cost of the event, you can donate via Venmo to @NolanFest. All proceeds will go to the development of The Nolan Gibbons Memorial Fund in support of the arts.

2021 Keel Awards

The Wanderer is pleased to announce that we are soliciting nominations for our 28th annual “Wanderer Keel Awards.” The yearly community service honor, presented to one Tri-Town resident from each of the three central towns in our circulation area, will be announced in our July 30 edition, and each winner will be the subject of a short feature highlighting his/her contributions to the local community. But The Wanderer needs your help in selecting these “unsung heroes.”

            The requirements are simple. Nominees must be legal residents for at least five years of Mattapoisett, Marion or Rochester, and must have contributed in some way to the overall benefit of the community – directly to town residents, indirectly through efforts in promoting town activities or working to keep the wheels of local government well oiled. The only restriction is that these persons cannot benefit from their efforts in any other way – either financially or politically (hence, sitting elected officials are not eligible).

            In doing this, we hope to applaud those who are rarely recognized for their countless hours of service and focus on the many people behind the scenes who remain otherwise anonymous, but who provide crucial support to many town functions.

            Like the keel of a ship that keeps the vessel from capsizing, the recipients of the Annual Wanderer Keel Award will be recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an “even keel.”

            Past recipients of this honor include:

            MARION: Claire Russell (1994); Ralph and Phyllis Washburn (1995); Annie Giberti (1996); Jay Crowley (1997); Tyler Blethen (1998); Olive E. Harris (1999, posthumously); Kathleen P. “Kay” Reis (2000); Loretta B. “Lori” Schaefer (2001); Ann and Warren Washburn (2002); Andrew Santos Sr. (2003); Eunice Manduca (2004); Annie Giberti (2005); A. Lee Hayes (2006); Horace “Hod” Kenney (2007); Margie Baldwin (2008); Jack Beck (2009); Dr. John Russell (2010); Jane McCarthy (2011); Nancy Braitmeyer (2012); Rodney Hunt (2013); Hanna Milhench (2014); Robbi Dunn-Tracy (2015); Joanne Mahoney (2016); Diane Cook (2017); Pete Smith (2018); Robert Raymond (2019); David Pierce (2020).

            MATTAPOISETT: Maurice “Mudgie” Tavares (1994); Priscilla Alden Hathaway (1995); Norma Holt (1996); Gale Hudson (1997); Kenneth Stickney (1998); Clara Morgan (1999); Betty and Bert Theriault (2000); John N. “Jack” DeCosta (2001); Jo Pannell (2002); Stan Ellis (2003); Evelyn Pursley (2004); Luice Moncevitch (2005); Seth Mendell (2006); Bradford A. Hathaway (2007); Kim Field (2008); David Spencer Jenny (2009); Stephen L. Kelleher (2010); Bento Martin (2011); Howard C. Tinkham (2012); Ellen Flynn (2013); Jennifer Shepley (2014); Ruth Bates (2015, posthumously); Debbi Dyson and Julie Craig (2016); Bonne DeSousa (2017); Jillian Zucco (2018); Lois Knight Ennis (2019); Michael Hugenin (2020).

            ROCHESTER: Joseph McCarthy (1994); Jean Fennell (1995); Katherine Hartley Church (1996); Chris Byron (1997); Albert Alderson (1998); Arthur and Aline Lionberger (1999); Kenneth E. Daggett (2000); Georgia D. Chamberlain (2001); Mary P. Wynne (2002); Evelyn F. Benner (2003); Mike Meunier, Sr. (2004); Arthur F. Benner (2005); Pamela J. Robinson (2006); Anna E. White (2007); John E. Lafreniere (2008); Cathy Mendoza (2009); Kate Tarleton (2010); John Cobb (2011); Thomas Goyoski Jr. (2012); Kevin Woodward (2013); Kate Lanagan MacGregor (2014); Gordon Helme (2015); Doreen DeCosta (2016); Danni Kleiman (2017); Pamela and Oren Robinson of It’s All About the Animals (2018); Ann Cambra (2019); Kelcey Robertson (2020).

            Please send the name, address, and telephone number of recommended nominees, along with a brief description of their key contributions to the community and            why you feel they are deserving of this honor to: news@wanderer.com, or via mail, Keel Award, The Wanderer, P.O. Box 102, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

            The deadline for nominations is Thursday, July 15, by 3:00 pm.

Sippican Lands Trust Hosting Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting

Sippican Lands Trust’s Annual Meeting this year will feature a presentation titled “Coastal Waterbirds of Massachusetts” given by Coastal Waterbird Biologist, Carolyn Mostello, who has been studying coastal waterbirds for over 20 years with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Mostello coordinates statewide conservation efforts for rare and endangered seabirds and shorebirds, especially terns and Piping Plovers, working closely with partners and landowners to effect beneficial management actions. Mostello has led protection, management, and research activities for Roseate and Common Terns on the Buzzards Bay nesting islands including Bird Island in Marion since 2000. After receiving her Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Hawaii in 1996, Carolyn began studying seabird colonies in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and became fascinated with marine and coastal birds, which are among the most vulnerable of bird taxa.

A brief business meeting will be conducted prior to the talk along with a short presentation of the accomplishments and highlights of the 2020 year, and a vote to approve a new mission statement and purpose clause for the Sippican Lands Trust. More information about the new mission statement and purpose clause can be found at www.sippicanlandstrust.org. Members and friends of the SLT interested in attending this year’s online Annual Meeting must send an email to info@sippicanlandstrust.org to register for the meeting. An email will be sent to you with the information about how to sign-in to this year’s Annual Meeting on Zoom. For more information contact Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080 or info@sippicanlandstrust.org.

Armand W. Bergeron Jr.

Armand W. Bergeron Jr., 55, of North Dartmouth, passed away on May 21, 2021 after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held by his beloved fiancé, Holly Durocher and her family on June 26, 2021 at 1pm at East Freetown Congregational Church where Armand was a long time congregant.

Merritt G. “Chuck” LaPlante

Professor Merritt G. “Chuck” LaPlante, 89, of Dartmouth formerly of Mattapoisett died June 15, 2021 unexpectedly at home.

            He was the husband of Julia L. (Mello) LaPlante.

            Born in Worcester, son of the late Merritt B. and Louise (Morris) LaPlante, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life before moving to Dartmouth 3 years ago.

            He was formerly employed as a professor at S.M.U. for many years before retiring as head of the business school.

            Chuck was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church where he served as treasurer.

            He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War.

            Chuck enjoyed coaching Little League, yearly foliage trips to Vermont with his wife Julia, wintering in Florida, gardening and Thanksgiving dinners with his roast turkey and prized pies and his memorable Thanksgiving blessings will be missed.

            Survivors include his wife; his 10 children, Debra Dine and her husband David of Merrimack, NH, James Henriques and his wife Donna of Florida, Cynthia Sylvia and her husband Kenneth of New Bedford, Antonio Henriques of Florida, George Henriques and his wife Karen of Westport, David Henriques and his companion Christine of Florida, Donna Friedlaender and her husband Nathaniel of Marion, Ronald Lopes and his wife Christine of Sandwich, Steven Lopes and his wife Beth of Mattapoisett and Scott Lopes and his wife Elizabeth of Sandwich; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

            He was the father of the late Merritt “Putt” LaPlante and Julia Catunto.

            His Graveside Service will be held on Monday, June 28th at 11 am at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett. Visiting hours are omitted. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Irma Jean Nicholson

Irma Jean Nicholson, age 90, Englewood Florida, passed away on September 17, 2020 of complications related to COVID-19.

            She was born in Boston, on June 16, 1930, daughter of late Helen (Beaton), and George Nicholson.  Irma graduated from Dedham High School, MA, class of 1948. She was an alumnus of Chamberlain School of Retailing, Boston.

            Irma’s illustrious career began as a clerk at R. H. Stearns Boston, MA, working her way up to Vice President of Sales Promotion. Irma continued as V.P. with Godchaux, New Orleans, LA; Millers, Knoxville, TN; and Jacobson’s, Jackson, MI. Through her positions she enjoyed many buying trips to unique destinations. Many of her trips were documented in the Boston Globe, including a trip to Europe on the Queen Elizabeth II with the owners of R. H. Stearns. The last step in Irma’s professional journey was the purchase of Babette, a boutique located in Fairhaven MA., which she ran for 14 years.

            Irma had wide ranging interests and hobbies. She served as a member of the Finance Committee for the town of Mattapoisett and twice as the President of the Brandt Beach Improvement Association. She enjoyed boating, gardening, winters in Florida, traveling, and beaches everywhere.

            Throughout her life her happiest times were with her family at her beach house in Mattapoisett which became her full-time residence. Irma stated when reminiscing about her life “We always end up at the Beach.”

            Irma will be sadly missed. She is survived by her sister Helen (Nicholson) Kirkness and husband Lawrence of Englewood, FL, brother George Nicholson and wife Judi of Punta Gorda, FL, eight nieces and nephews, six great nieces and nephews, and eight great, great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, her sister Marion (Nicholson) Cannon, brother-in-law Don Cannon, lifelong friend Betty (Beake) Butman, great niece, and great, great niece.

A celebration of life will be held privately with family.

Child’s Play Brings Grown-Up Feel

            Braydon Dion was only six years old when he decided kids need their own Brotherhood Ride. The Rochester resident is 9 now, and the Southern New England Brotherhood Kids Ride is growing as fast as the kids themselves.

            “I got the idea of just seeing (the adults) ride bikes and I really wanted to ride with them, but I couldn’t because I was too little,” said Braydon, who has been motivated by the story of Sean Gannon, the Yarmouth Police officer who was shot and killed while serving a search warrant on April 12, 2018. “I wanted to ride for him really, really bad because it made me sad for him and made a hole in my heart.”

            Since 2007, the Brotherhood Ride, made up of first responders, visits communities affected by a first responder’s loss of life in the line of duty and raises funds that go directly to bereaved families. It is entirely a volunteer organization, so all monies raised, except for the actual cost of the ride, is donated to the families.

            Andy Weigel, son of Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel and uncle to Braydon, is president of the Southern New England Brotherhood Ride which raises money for and recognizes affected families in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

            “After we did the first year, Braydon really enjoyed it, thought it was the greatest thing ever and, just being the kind, big-hearted kid that he is, he wanted to do something for the kids of the families,” explained Weigel on Saturday. “He wanted to raise money, so we started the Kids Brotherhood Ride.”

            On the event website, snebrotherhoodride.com, Weigel tells the story of the Kids Brotherhood Ride, how a 6-year-old Braydon, having seen the inaugural Southern New England Brotherhood Ride, woke up with an idea, telling his mother, “’Mom, I want to do a Kids Brotherhood Ride. I want to raise money and give it to the kids whose parents have died.’

            “We ride one year after their death to provide emotional support to the families, coworkers, and communities to show that their life and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The second year after their passing we then hand deliver a donation to the families to again show that they are still not forgotten.”

            The Southern New England chapter of the Brotherhood Ride started in 2018. The first Kids Ride was held in 2019 at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, but the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 ride. Now the Kids Ride is back and in greater numbers.

            “We knew that we needed a place to ride somewhere, and there was a nice little loop around Old Colony,” said Braydon, who estimates he rode “probably close to 20 or so, 23 laps” on Saturday. “The first time we only had 20 riders, but we had 81 riders. Not all of them could come, unfortunately.”

            All of the June 12 riders were preregistered, but attendance was still strong as the children bounced about inside two inflatable tents while the adults enjoyed the fellowship and bought raffle tickets, and everyone enjoyed hot dogs that were served free of charge.

            Weigel estimated that Saturday’s event was three times larger than the first Kids Ride in 2019. “It was much better than we could have hoped for, that’s for sure,” he said.

            Figuring the event can draw at least 100 participants, Braydon has a regimen in mind to prepare well for 2022. “Ride my bike a lot more,” he said, “train for next year, and get my legs a little stronger and make it to 30 laps next year.”

By Mick Colageo

Rochester Senior Center

The Rochester Senior Center is pleased to announce the return of our breakfast program on Monday, June 28. Breakfast will be offered Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 9:00am. All are welcome. All items are made to order and are home-made. Prices are reasonable. Reservations are not needed.

            Upcoming Schedule:

            Monday, June 21, at noon: How about a nice Pizza Party for Lunch?! Contact Lorraine for more details or to register. Cost is $5. 508-763-8723, Ext. 204

            June 24 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am: Free Chair Massages by Soothing Touch on the Go. Come get your free chair massage! Walk-ins welcomed, first come first served!

            June 24 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm: Meet and greet our new Director, Eric Poulin. Enjoy complimentary strawberry shortcake and beverages.

            It’s been a long time but the COA Birthday Luncheon is back! Join us June 25 at noon. All those with a 2021 birthday in January, February, March, April, May, or June get a complimentary luncheon. All others the charge is $5. Please call or talk to Carol at the senior center at 508-763-8723, Ext. 200 to reserve your seat.

            June 25 at 2:00 pm will be a Paint Party! We provide you with the supplies and an instructor to give you step by step directions, so don’t worry if you’ve never painted before! Contact Lorraine to register, advanced registration is required.

            Our Breakfast Program at Ye Olde Breakfast Shoppe is back starting the week of June 28. We will be open for breakfast Monday through Friday from 7:00 am – 9:00 am.

            Monday, June 28, at noon: Special Luncheon with Marsha, featuring chicken salad. Contact Lorraine.

            Monday, June 28, at 1:00 pm: Craft class – Come and get crafty with us!

            Wednesday, June 30: Drumming event at 10:30 am. Come beat your own drum, it will be fun!

            Monday, August 23, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Senior Picnic! Our Senior Picnic is back!

            For more news and a list of activities held at the Rochester Senior Center, please visit our page on the town’s website: www.townofrochestermass.com/council-aging.  Please contact the Senior Center at 508-763-8723 for more information or to make reservations for rides and/or events.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club Sets Cruising Schedule

The MYC Cruising Committee met last week to set the following schedule for the 2021 Season.

            June 18-20: Celebrate the Beginning of Summer with the annual “Sailstice” weekend cruise to Pocasset.

            July 3-5: Holiday Weekend Cruise. Possible fireworks viewing (if we are lucky).

            July 23 – Aug 1: The 2021 “Extended Cruise” will venture through the Cape Cod Canal to explore harbors in Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay with options to visit Provincetown, Scituate, and Cohasset. The exact destinations will be decided based on wind, sea, and weather.

            August 14-15: weekend cruise and overnight stay at the New Bedford Yacht Club in Padanaram.

            September 3- 6: The 5th annual Labor Day weekend cruise to Cuttyhunk to enjoy a bonfire and cookout on the beach.

            This year we are inviting power boaters to join our group of sailboats. Being places with other boaters is what we really enjoy. Visit MattapoisettYC.org/cruising for more information.

            Guest boats are welcome. Members and guests can sign up for individual cruises on the website, however registration is optional. All cruises are subject to change based on weather and other mitigating factors. Any specific questions can be sent to CruisingChair@MattapoisettYC.org.

Elizabeth R. Field

Elizabeth R. Field of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020 surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, William D. Field.

Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 2, 2021 at 10 AM in the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.