Historic District Study Committee

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To the Residents of Marion,

            My family has resided in Marion continuously for over 150 years, and the village has great significance for us. I support the Historic District Commission’s proposal for new guidelines to protect Marion as I believe that the beauty and value of our town is now under threat.

            We are witnessing a change in the fabric of Marion, in slow motion; the signs are there. One of the letters published in your paper on this topic (3/20/25) noted that “there is increasing pressure to demolish smaller, historically valuable houses or to purchase vacant lots or non-historical properties and maximize the profit potential without consideration the overall effect will have on the immediate neighborhood.” This is the root of the problem, and the transformation is underway. It creeps in slowly. If we do nothing it will accelerate.

            We are therefore in dire need of a stronger zoning system that will protect our village, its historic architecture and its value. Just because the town has remained much the same for two hundred years does not mean that it will continue to do so. We must all think bigger: if structures are demolished or McMansions go up next to your house or business (and there is already evidence of this “maximization of profit”), this will in fact decrease the value of the property you own, and in the long run make Marion a less desirable town to live in.

            New rules are not bad things. And in any case, the changes proposed for future construction are minor. The proposal by the Historic District Study Committee is fair and considered, and what I call “Historic Lite”, compared to many other Massachusetts towns. It is not an onerous burden to have an extra layer of supervision before a building is torn down or largely altered, and I do not believe this would place an undue burden on property owners. One reaction to the proposed Historic District in your pages (3/20/25) suggested that the plan to designate the district would add layers of complexity and delay and that we have existed perfectly well without a commission so far. I disagree, times are changing and adding an extra layer of oversight or experiencing a minor delay is far from onerous, in fact it will protect our investment and is a small sacrifice we should make in the name of a greater good.

            I believe that we must all, as a community, endorse this alteration in the town rules as a collective good and as a vote for maintaining the value of our property and the integrity of the village. It is a vote for the future of Marion.

Sydney Weinberg

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 Sippican Lands Trust Events

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Enjoy a “Guided Woodland Walk” at the White Eagle/Hoff Property (Marion) on Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 am. Join Jim Rassman, Service Forester with the State Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, for a walk in Aucoot Woods. We’ll begin at Hoff parking area and tour the early spring woods, including opened areas, older forested areas, and formerly farmed spots. We hope you’ll come to appreciate the woods a bit more from this experienced and knowledgeable guide. Perhaps you meet some new “buds”. Registration is requested. Register at sippicanlandstrust.org/events.

            Explore Brainard Marsh (Marion) during “Spring Tidepooling” on Saturday, April 26 at 12:30 pm. Join SLT and Dr. Carolyn Tepolt on our seasonal visit to Brainard Marsh and its tidepool critters. Bring your curiosity and shoes that can get wet. This event is kid-friendly. Register at sippicanlandstrust.org/events.

Hello from Plumb Library

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The Friends of the Library Spring Booksale will take place from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on Friday April 25 and from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Saturday April 26 in the Library’s Downstairs Program Room. On sale will be gently-used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games for kids and adults. This area is handicapped accessible via a lift and there is a ramp on the far end of the building. All proceeds benefit the Friends, who in turn, support Library programs, events, and special collections.

            The Friends will also be hosting a clothing and book collection in collaboration with Savers from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Saturday May 10. Drop off any resale condition clothing, shoes, bedding, accessories, purses, curtains, tablecloths, small kitchen goods, and books (bagged and boxed please) directly into the truck. Donations will only be accepted on the collection day.

            Are you interested in joining the Friends? Membership forms are always available at the desk and can be paid by cash or check. The Friends of the Library are a vital part of how Plumb Library is able to continue to bring quality programs, events, speakers, the summer program, storytimes, book clubs, and more to our patrons. The Friends are in need of board members too. For more information, please attend their next meeting at 6:00 pm Monday, April 28 at the Library.

            Other Upcoming Meetings: Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday, April 24. We will be discussing “The Wife” by Meg Wolitzer ; Board of Trustees 6:30 pm Monday, May 12; Oral History Workshop 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 17 (registration required); COA Bookgroup 1:00 pm. Tuesday, May 20 to discuss “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston; Local Author Talk with Richard Cutler 12:30 pm on Saturday May 31.

            The Library will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

            Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Association Pier into Briggs/Hammett Cove Draws Ire

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The Marion Planning Board met this past Tuesday and began with a continued hearing from last meeting’s hearing on a Special Permit request from Derek A. Maksy and Denise Allard of 61 & 63 Oakdale Avenue. It was cited that the two lots were one until a few years ago. The property owners were present and seek to receive a Special Permit for both properties to add a pier onto the property. The proposed pier would be 127 feet in length with 16 feet of that being a ramp from land down over the sea wall. There will also be a bench at the end. The two properties would act as a single association, both sharing the pier.

            There were numerous concerns raised from concerned locals. Worries over waterways navigational travel led to the request for a temporary marker to mark off where the pier would be to gauge its effect on maritime traffic. Chair Andrew Daniel said, “getting a boat through at high tide would be impossible.” Other members of the public were weary of boats passing, stating two boats could not pass side-by-side. Another from the community said, “please visit at low tide before you vote.”

            The proliferation of docks, piers, and other coastal structures led to the citation of fears of the status of submerged aquatic vegetation. The properties’ representative stated, using GIS mapping, there have been no detection of sea grass or eelgrass in the proposed work area. There will also only be two piles into the water to reduce effects.

            The Chair also stated the creation of an association pier and the implication that two properties can serve as an association “seems like a loophole.” He also said he would need to speak with Town Counsil on this.

            A continuance was asked for by both the Board and the properties’ representative. The Chair stressed the need to cut the pier back as much as possible, with Member W. Dale Jones stressing the need for compromise.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

I Am Sick… Where Should I Go?

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In the “old days,” say the 1950s and ’60s, getting sick was much simpler. If you did not feel well, you called your doctor and either went to his (and 90%-plus were male) office or he made a house call. Now, the set of choices is overwhelming – but where you decide to go can have a major impact on your health and your wallet. Your choices include:

            The Emergency Department (ED). Pros: always open, prepared to handle just about anything acute that you may have. Cons: usually no idea who you are or your underlying health issues; very expensive – even if you have good insurance, there is usually a high co-pay; little continuity of care, and, unless you are critically ill, a long wait, often a very long wait.

            Urgent care center. Pros: extended hours including weekends; can handle most minor emergencies; usually have X-ray and lab; less expensive than ED. Cons: Not 24/7, so be sure to check if they are open; no continuity of care; moderately expensive.

            Pharmacy-based drop-in clinics, usually nurse-staffed. Pros: weekend hours; can handle most “minor” illnesses well; usually less expensive than the prior two. Cons: limited diseases that can be handled; little continuity; limited lab or X-ray available.

            Your doctor’s office: Pros: they know you and can generally avoid over-testing; continuity of care automatic; least expensive. Cons: limited hours; may not be able to see you quickly.

            So, what should you do?

            As the ubiquitous phone message says, if you are having a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911. If you are experiencing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain or are bleeding profusely, you belong in the ED. Calling 911 will get you there more safely than driving and will ensure you are seen more promptly. Ambulance patients are almost always seen before those who drive themselves or are driven. Most insurance covers emergency ambulance transport (but not “convenience” rides).

            If you need urgent attention but are not severely ill – think foreign object in your eye, a deep cut that will need suturing or a red swollen arm on a Saturday – the closest Urgent Care Center is probably your best bet.

            For the myriad other “minor emergencies” that need prompt attention such as a bad sore throat, an earache, a possible urinary infection or a very itchy rash, try your doctor’s office first. If they are unable to see you, a convenience clinic at the local pharmacy will probably be able to help you at lowest cost and least waiting. These are the kinds of problems that do not belong in the ED.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

American Semiquincentennial

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The war for the nation’s independence was simmering to boil 250 years ago. This past week on April 18 was the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere and William Dawes’ “the British are coming!” April 19 marked the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington. April 22 was the Gunpowder Incident, where, following the battles in Massachusetts, the Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia, Lord John Dunmore, attempted to seize gunpowder from the powder magazine in Williamsburg. This brought violent clashes and militia uprisings south. Things are heating up. Or, were.

            Events in the area and across the country are slated for the next few years. So far, festivities have primarily been seen in Boston, Concord, and Lexington. Though, as we pass the anniversary of other historic events, other celebrations will pop up.

            The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act, signed in 2016, instructs numerous public offices to carry out various activities of historic importance. The law also pushes for “such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of vessels.” Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Act’s committee.

            Another fun fact: Americans Centennial celebrations in 1876 coincided with the country’s first hosting of the World’s Fair.

            For more information on events across Massachusetts, you can visit the MA250 website at massachusetts250.org. The Wanderer will continue to update and cover local events in the Tri-Town as they are announced.

By Sam Bishop

Five ORRHS Seniors Honored as SCC Academic All-Stars

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to recognize five Old Rochester Regional High School seniors who were honored for their academic accomplishments at the 36th annual South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Banquet.

            On Thursday, April 17, Old Rochester Regional High School seniors Nolan Bushnell, Dillon Furtado, Caitlin O’Donnell, Xavier Pateakos and Aubrey Sylvia-Everett were recognized as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars during the banquet held at Independence Harbor in Assonet.

            The event was also attended by Superintendent Nelson, Principal Devoll and National Honors Society advisors Kathleen Brunelle and Randy Allain.

            Each year, South Coast Conference schools recognize the top five students of the graduating class with the South Coast Conference Academic All-Star Award. The chosen students reflect each of the National Honor Society’s four pillars – Service, Character, Scholarship and Citizenship – and have positively impacted their schools and community.

            The South Coast Conference includes Apponequet Regional High School, Bourne High School, Joseph Case High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Fairhaven High School, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Old Rochester Regional High School, Seekonk High School, Somerset Berkley Regional High School and West Bridgewater High School.

            “I am so proud of these five students, and I look forward to seeing all the great things they accomplish in the future after graduation,” said Superintendent Nelson. “These distinctions as South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars were highly deserved. It is such a privilege to have them represent Old Rochester Regional High School and watch them receive this recognition.”

            “Each year, I look forward to this event and I couldn’t be any prouder of our five South Coast Conference Academic All-Stars. This is such a fitting way to kick off the celebration of accomplishments for our Class of 2025,” Principal Devoll said. “I have been privileged to attend 17 of these banquets over the years, and each one perfectly captures the amazing accomplishments of our top five ranked seniors.”

Academic Achievements

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Graduating Psychology major and student-athlete Carly Drew from Rochester, is the student speaker at the 76th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Anna Maria College.

Spring Hike with MLT and OutHounds Adventure Club

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Are you home with your kids during School Vacation Week? On Friday April 25 at 10:00 am Mattapoisett Land Trust is excited to collaborate with the OutHounds Adventure Club to bring you a co-hosted dog hiking Adventure. We can’t think of a better way to spend a couple of hours on a Friday morning than hiking with friends and dogs in the woods. Bring your own dog or meet new ones on this Adventure Hike. We will meet at the new Grace Pond parking lot (please continue past the Bowman Rd. kiosk to the new lot) for a walk through Old Aucoot District. The Old Aucoot District is a collection of properties making up 397 acres of protected land and trails. Don’t have a dog to bring? No problem – there will be plenty of dogs to share. We will begin by heading down the red trail towards the water, then loop back and meander up Old Slough Road to the parking lot for an approximately 1 ½ hour walk. What a great way to close out school vacation week. This event is free and will happen rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes, and your dog should be on leash. Questions? Email manager@mattlandtrust.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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This article is in part a look back at a previous article that I wrote in February of 2021 regarding a factory located in Rochester. The factory was the F.T. Anderson and Son Piano Manufacturers, and it was located in the woods off Walnut Plain Rd.

            Frederick Anderson came from Sweden in 1883 and began a career in the piano making industry. He worked for the Vose Piano Factory in Boston and at Kurtzman’s in Buffalo, New York. After 41 yrs. in the industry, he retired with his family to their longtime vacation home in Rochester.

            That retirement didn’t last long as he soon decided it was time to join with his son to start their own piano factory right here in town. Frederick and his son worked together using their skills as draftsmen, pattern makers and musicians to turn out finished pianos in 3 to 4 months.

            In 1927 alone, they made and sold 24 pianos which were sent by truck to Middleboro to be collected by buyers or taken to the train for shipment. They made and sold upright pianos and baby grands. They also made a player piano as an experiment and kept that one in their showroom.

            Now for the reason for this repeat article. I received an email from a woman who works for AARP in their Wish of a Lifetime department. The 94 yr. old woman’s whose wish she is working on is the granddaughter of our piano maker, Frederick Anderson. Her wish is to be able to play on one of his pianos.

            It would seem that somewhere in our area an Anderson piano could be sitting in a home or hall. You lift the lid to find the maker (usually). So, my “wish” is if anyone has or knows of an F.T. Anderson & Son piano would you be willing to let our “wishee” play some music on it. We can all play detective and if anyone is successful, please contact me at eshbach2@aol.com or call 617 750 2818. I will be able to put you in contact with AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime. The piano in the accompanying picture is not an Anderson piano, but it is a piano.

By Connie Eshbach