William H. Goetz

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William H. Goetz, 94, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died Sunday, January 5, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a brief illness.

            Born in Evanston, Illinois on May 31, 1930, ‘Bill’ graduated from Chicago’s Lakeview High School in 1947 and enlisted in the US Coast Guard. He rose through the enlisted ranks, completed officer candidate school first in his class, and retired a Commander and Commanding Officer (captain) of New Bedford’s USCGC Vigilant in 1976.

            He met Elizabeth Oliver, the love of his life, in 1948 while stationed in Nantucket, Massachusetts. They married on June 7, 1950 and had recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary in 2024.

            Bill loved baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and was an excellent golfer and bowler. He served for many years as treasurer of the Mattapoisett Lions Club. He was happiest, however, in his role as family patriarch. He led by example, always encouraging his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in everything they did. He also was fun loving and a master joke teller. His warmth was felt by everyone around him, including nearly three dozen nieces and nephews, and he always was available to lend a helping hand.

            He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Michael (Suzanne) of Manville, Rhode Island and Stephen (Carol) of Deer Isle, Maine; grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Michelle (Chad), and Joseph (Meghann); and great grandchildren, Owen, William, and Allison.

            He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Elsie Goetz, and brother Paul Goetz.

            His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St., Mattapoisett, with everyone meeting directly at Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday, January 20th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

            In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s honor to either the charity of their choice or the St. Vincent dePaul Society of St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Robert J. Freitas

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Robert J. Freitas, 78, of Rochester died January 6, 2025 unexpectedly at home.

He was the former husband of the late Debbie (Morrison) Freitas.

            Born in New Bedford, son of the late John and Irene C. (Vieira) Freitas, he was raised in Fairhaven and lived in Rochester most of his life.

            He was formerly employed by the Massachusetts Highway Department for over 20 years until his retirement.

            Survivors include his son, Robert M. Freitas and his wife Chelsea of Rochester; a daughter, Catherine Freitas and her fiance Marco Prioli of Fairhaven; and 3 grandchildren, Ella, Emily and James.

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

Joan T. Heald

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Joan T. Heald, a cherished member of our family and community, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion.

            Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the beloved daughter of Clifford A. Trescott and Helen (Pray) Trescott. A proud member of the Class of 1951, Pembroke College at Brown University and the New England Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1951, she dedicated her life to the care and well-being of others.

            Her professional journey was one of compassion and purpose, spanning years as a pediatric nurse at Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital, and culminating as the beloved School Nurse/Teacher at the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. Her gentle care touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

            A resident of Mattapoisett for close to two decades, she retired early and moved to the Village to help care for her treasured grandsons. She embraced her new home with open arms, becoming an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and the Council on Aging. Her life was enriched by deep friendships, especially within the knitting community, where her intricate cable-knit sweaters became treasured highlights of the church’s Christmas Fair. Every trip to the Village included a drive to Ned’s Point Lighthouse.

            In her youth, she delighted in adventures, from riding the ski train to the White Mountains to exploring the National Parks. She celebrated her 80th birthday with a family hiking trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. A lifelong gardener, she marked her 50th birthday by transforming her backyard into a lush vegetable haven, sowing seeds of joy and resilience. She found peace and happiness on beaches everywhere. Her love of the ocean started with family summers on the Vineyard and continued with her grandsons by her side at the town beach, watching them grow and thrive. In retirement, she traveled to her bucket list places starting with Hawaii and finishing with many trips abroad.

            She was a devoted mother to Dr. Candace Lee Heald of Mattapoisett and a proud grandmother to Nathaniel Fuchs of Rhode Island, and his partner, Dr. Daniel Cubberly, and Walker Fuchs and his wife, Dr. Muriel Solberg, of Connecticut. She was also the treasured Aunt and mentor to a generation of nieces. Her family was her greatest joy, and her love for them was boundless.

            A private burial will take place in the spring at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Park Plans Progress and First Actions for the New Year

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            Rochester’s Board of Selectmen on Monday approved for the January 27 Special Town Meeting warrant the last two articles that had yet to be reviewed but learned two others involving police station upgrades might be put on hold.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant said the Capital Planning Committee will recommend shelving temporarily articles one and three, which propose spending $120,000 for new, safer sliding cell room doors at the police station and $175,000 to renovate the station’s second floor to create additional office, meeting, and storage space. Capital Planning board members, he said, visited the station recently to see for themselves the necessity of the funding requests and saw that the need is genuine but still want more review first.

            Meanwhile, the board on Monday threw its support behind Articles 16 and 17, new regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units and a zoning bylaw amendment that deletes Use Variances.

            Durant said the town ADU regulations respond to new state law mandating these dwelling units by right in every Massachusetts city and town. “They are a move to keep the town as characteristically Rochester as possible,” he said, “They are recommended by the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee.”

            Earlier in the meeting, Town Administrator Cameron Durant reported good, money-saving news regarding the Gifford Park Playground construction project. He said a bid challenge was filed against the original successful bidder for the contract to construct the playground. As a result, the Attorney General’s office instructed the town to get an additional bid.

            That winning bid, Durant said, by Creative Recreation, West Hartford, CT, was for $80,000, which is $17,000 less than the first bid award’s amount. Luckily, he added, this new contract was signed by December 31, the deadline for this expense to be supplemented by federal ARPA funds and the new quote will utilize the same brand name equipment. He noted, however, that because the playground site is in the Historic District, the Park Commission will need permissions from the Historical Commission and the Conservation Commission.

            Here, Park Com. chair David Hughes provided the good news. He said his panel has already approached both boards. The company with the winning bid is filling out the building permit now, he said. “I’d like to thank Cameran (Durant), he did one hell of a job helping us,” he said. “I thank the Board of Selectmen too. Now let’s get going and finish this project for the kids of this town.”

            The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,724.68. While half of that cost is being borne by the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children,” the other half is being paid for with the town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

            In other action Monday, the board accepted the resignation of Town Planner Nancy Durfee, which had been effective on December 17, 2024. Durant followed this vote by noting hers is one of several positions being posted to fill. He is also posted for a new Town Accountant/Finance Director. He said the person currently in that position, Suzanne Szyndlar, will not be retiring until June 30. But he wants a long lead time to take over those pretty big shoes. He said he would like to have someone Szyndlar can train in April or May. He is also advertising for a new Administrative Assistant for the Highway Department and a new police captain.

            Also, the board announced a public notice that the Mattapoisett Water Treatment Plant will be doing construction work between January 6 and April 30.

            The board announced the winner of the Town Website Photo Contest. He is John Oldham with his photo, “Barn and Fields.” The picture will be posted on the town website and printed in the town’s annual report.

            The board approved the scope of responsibilities and mission statement for the new Rochester Events Committee. The new panel will focus on planning, coordinating and supporting public events that foster a sense of community and celebrate Rochester’s unique character, Durant said. He noted that events sponsored by other town entities will continue to be managed by them, with the Event Committee’s support.

            The board voted to not exercise the town’s right to purchase two lots of Chapter 61A land being converted to non-agricultural on High Street and on High Street near County Road.

            The board did not set its next meeting date before adjournment.

Mattapoisett Polar Plunge 2025

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            On Wednesday, January 1, Mattapoisett’s Town Beach was packed with people from near and far starting the year off freezing. Moments after the clock struck noon, the crowded beach-goers experienced firsthand the biting cold of the winter sea. Though it was 50 degrees, far from polar, the overcast weather and bitter wind made up for it. Some ran in and ran out. Others dunked their heads and shook their hair. Others got acclimated to the cold and floated around in the water for many excruciating and exhilarating minutes.

            The polar plunge in Mattapoisett started around 2013, according to Keep on Plungin’. The local group raises funds through the event with the sale of baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate. All proceeds are for local families battling cancer and its accompanying enormous costs. The American Medical Association calculated that in 2022, Americans spend $16 billion out of pocket for cancer treatment. This number was and is projected to continue to rise.

            While the event itself, on the surface, seems masochistic, there were not any in attendance who did not carry with them a smile afterwards, hot chocolate or not. The tradition of polar plunges in America are generally believed to have started in New England in the early days of the 20th-century and have been an annual New Years staple in the region and nationally since.

By Sam Bishop

MLT Welcomes New Operations Manager

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Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) is pleased to announce that Sarah French Storer is hired as Operations Manager effective January 1st. Sarah replaces Colleen Andrews who served ably as MLT’s first paid employee and moved on to a new opportunity in Boston in November 2024. Sarah will manage MLT’s community engagement and land stewardship activities as well as assist with all aspects of MLT.

            Sarah has lived in Mattapoisett for a good part of the last 20 years and is known to many residents for her occasional service as a shellfish and animal control officer as well as a reporter for local papers. She brings a strong background in land conservation and non-profit management, having served as the Land Manager at Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust for 15 years and as a church administrator in New Bedford for five years. Sarah received her B.S. in Wildlife Biology and Management from the University of Rhode Island in 1995.

            Sarah’s skills are a perfect fit for the growing needs of MLT. President Mike Huguenin says “MLT is fortunate to hire someone with Sarah’s deep experience in land conservation to help us continue building our capabilities.” And Sarah tells us “I am absolutely delighted to join my hometown’s land trust and help continue MLT’s 50 years of accomplishments.” Please join us in welcoming Sarah to MLT.

Life on an Unpredictable Planet

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A significant percentage of the world’s population lives with the threats posed by various natural hazards. Why do people choose to live in risky places? What are some of the psychological factors that affect their perceptions of risk and likelihood of preparing for potential disasters? What factors help in disaster recovery? Come hear local author Matt Davis answer these questions on Saturday, January 11 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, drawing on his research and experiences at Italy’s Mt. Vesuvius, Washington’s Mt. Rainier, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and more. Please save your seat by registering for this event at plumblibrary.com/events-calendar.

Sippican Woman’s Club

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To the Editor:

            The Sippican Woman’s Club sincerely thanks the five Marion homeowners who graciously opened their homes for the Club’s annual Holiday House Tour on December 7.

            The Sippican Woman’s Club members; sponsors; florists; designers; volunteers, including student volunteers; the Marion Police, DPW, and other Town departments; Tabor Academy and the Beverly Yacht Club all played important roles in bringing this annual event together. We especially thank all those who participated in the Tour. The many attendees walking around town to the homes were a festive sight on a beautiful December day.

            We appreciate the publicity and support we have received from our local press; the shops and store that assisted in ticket sales: and the many locations that allowed us to display posters promoting our recent Holiday House Tour.

            Because of the generosity of the entire Marion community, the Tour was a big success and will provide scholarships to Marion students seeking higher education.

            Sincerely,

Priscilla Bradley, Sippican Woman’s Club President

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.

Sippican Woman’s Club

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For many the New Year brings on desires to cleanse, refresh, rebuild, and renew – to wipe the slate clean. Cleansing or clearing out is desired for both our minds, bodies and home environment – a fresh start for both our self and our space. On Friday, January 10, the Sippican Woman’s Club has invited Bethany Gardner, Interior Designer, Artist, and Owner of The Home Studio at the Ropewalk in Mattapoisett to enlighten us on the seven principles of Interior Design. It is those principles that designers consider when assisting clients in redoing a room, a new home or simply advising on selecting a color palate. What are the preliminary steps necessary before beginning a new look. Bethany will inspire us to take the plunge and tell us how to utilize the Seven Principles of Interior Design.

            Our meetings are open to guests. Membership is open to any woman whose primary interests are in the Town of Marion. We traditionally meet on the second Friday of the month during the months of September through April at 12:30 pm for social time, accompanied by finger foods, followed by a business meeting at 1:00 pm. The speaker/program generally starts at 1:30 to 1:45 pm. Parking is available in the parking lot in front of the bandstand off Island Wharf Road across from the Music Hall. See our website: www.sippicanwomansclub.org.

Elizabeth Morse Read

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Elizabeth Morse Read, 73, of Fairhaven died peacefully on Friday December 13, 2024. She was born in New Bedford and lived in New York before settling in Fairhaven. She is survived by her sisters and children. A memorial will be held in private at her residence. Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals.