Solar Arrays, Stone Walls, and Senior Living

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The Rochester Planning Board Tuesday approved the waivers and began the draft decision phase for the Special Permit and Site Plan Review permit for Logging Swamp Solar’s plan to install a solar panel array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            Project representative Zach Farkes of Rewild Renewables began the discussion by asking if the board was okay with the $2500 Stormwater Bond being proposed and the location of the access road, which is being moved north because abutters were requesting it be placed further from their properties.

            Farkes said he was particularly concerned about the road redesign because its new location encroaches on a stone wall and the town typically tries to protect and preserve such walls. Board members, however, said they had no problem with the stone wall’s new location because addressing the residents’ concerns are the priority. Abutter Lisa Christiansen, in fact, said to the developer’s consultants before the hearing closed and the waivers were approved, “Thank you for working with us and accommodating our requests.”

            Chair Arnold Johnson said he had no problem with the proposed bond. In fact, he complimented the developer on proposing one that does not low ball what the board usually requests.

            The plan covers 35 acres of a 2,000-acre wooded property bordered on one side by Northern Avenue and surrounded by a 350-acre swamp.

            The meeting began by endorsing two Approval Not Required applications, one for 192 Pierce St. and the other for Walnut Plain Road. The plan for 192 Pierce St. is work on a five-acre conversion parcel out a 242-acre property. The plan for Walnut Plain Road is to subdivide the acreage there into three lots.

            The board later approved the waivers for the Site Plan Review permit for Afonso Built Homes’ plan for a Townhouse development within Rochester Crossroads. The plan here is for a total of 15 buildings and a total of 44 units in a series of three-unit and two-unit buildings, with a drive-under garage and driveway parking spots. Here too Johnson said the board will now write the permit’s draft decision.

            In other action, the board approved two other important draft decisions. It endorsed the Site Plan Review permit for a 68-unit age 55-and-over senior living apartment building proposed for Rochester Crossroad. It also approved the Site Plan Review and Special Permit application for the 53 Dexter Lane floating solar array project.

            The board continued to its next meeting its hearing into a modification of the “Sniptauit Ponds Estates” Definitive Subdivision Plan for Gerrish and Bishop Roads that was approved in 1979. The request here is to swap two parcels of open space land and create a 3.578-acre buildable lot on one of them. Johnson said the town prefers open space to be donated to the town. A land swap would require that the land being swapped is of equal or lesser value. Applicant Robert Pellegrini said the land appraisal that will answer that question was only received that day and will be forwarded to th3e board. The board also extended this project’s decision deadline to January 31, 2026.

            The board also continued to its next meeting the hearing for the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 19 County Road, in the area of West Wareham.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Accessory Dwelling Unit Presentation

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There will be an ADU Presentation on Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marion Council on Aging presented by Buz Artiano will be here along with Bob Grillo, Marion Building Commissioner.

            You Will Learn: What is an ADU? What goes into making an ADU? Who is an ADU for? What can YOU build? What are the ADU laws? There will also be a question-and-answer period, light refreshments will be served.

Budget Increase From Health Insurance

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The Marion Board of Health met on December 11 in the Town Hall Annex and approved a preliminary fiscal 2027 budget increase of 2.8-percent.

            Health Director Lori Desmarais noted that the largest increase will be connected to an initiative to create online permitting. She said that it costs $6,750 to start-up the process around that same amount annually. That said, that line item is slated for $13,500.

            She said she is looking at grant opportunities to pay for the start-up costs.

            Other increases include a recertification stipend for Health Agent Gabrielle Almeida, who is eligible for this stipend increase as an assistant inspector and evaluator.

            Desmarais also budgeted an additional $100 for advertising costs with some demolition projects expected to occur this year.

            Desmarais said that, based on recent data, she was able to budget fewer funds for cell phone expenses for health employees.

            Desmarais said that there will be a 25-percent increase in health insurance costs, especially ones that are tied to pensions, a line item with no wiggle room.

            Board of Health members applauded Desmarais’ budget work but said it might be hard to justify a 2.8-percent increase when most departments are increasing by only 2-percent.

            Board members asked her to talk with Select Board members about using capital funds for the online permitting system.

            At this short meeting, board members agreed to the same schedule of meeting every first and third Thursday of the month.

            The board will not meet on January 1, being a holiday, so the next Marion Board of Health meeting will be on Thursday, January 15.

Marion Board of Health

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Stormwater Management Bylaw Editing

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The Marion Planning Board met on Monday for a continued public hearing on the proposed adoption of stormwater management regulations to the Stormwater Management Bylaw.

            First, the board approved the payment of an invoice to Toll Brothers Inc. for a Field Engineering Peer Preview of an unspecified amount. Then, they moved to the Public Hearing.

            The changes include a definition change, plugged the Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of “Larger Common Plan of Development.” Chair Andrew Daniel read the definition from the agency’s Stormwater Handbook, stating: “A continuous area where multiple separate and distinct construction activities may be taking place at different times on different schedules. Under one common plan, the common plan is any announcement of a piece of documentation including a sign, public notice, hearing, sales pitch, advertisement, drawing permit, application, zoning request, computer design, et cetera. Or physical demarcation including boundaries, signs,

lost stakes, surveyor markings, et cetera. Indicated that construction activities may occur on a specific plot.”

            Most work at this meeting revolved around making the bylaw more concise and more generally understandable, specifically pertaining to Subdivision Regulations §300-4.6 of the bylaw.

            The Public Hearing was continued to the next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board and hearings on the continuing process for the Stormwater Management Bylaw will be on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Tremont Advent Christian Camp Meeting Association

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The Marion Historical Commission is pleased to announce that the Tremont Advent Christian Camp Meeting Association property on Oakdale Avenue has received a Determination of Eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. This preliminary approval was made recently by the Massachusetts Historical Commission following a unanimous vote of support by the Tremont Association Board of Directors.

            The origins of this particular camp meeting lie in the 1860s in the Tremont section of Wareham.

            By the mid-19th century seasonal revival camp meetings had become a common fixture in the landscape of America. Located in the countryside and often on bodies of water, campgrounds included permanent buildings for common use such as dormitories, kitchens, dining halls, and assembly rooms, and eventually individual residential cottages. These revival meetings featured charismatic speakers and were punctuated with enthusiastic hymn singing. Plentiful food and a wide range of recreational activities were also mainstay aspects of camp meeting life. Camp meetings were described by Transcendentalist philosopher and poet Henry David Thoreau as “a singular combination of a prayer-meeting and a picnic.” They reached their greatest popularity between the Civil War and World War I.

            When the Wareham camp was completely destroyed in a fire on March 31, 1905, they chose the property on Hammett’s Cove. The first Marion Campmeeting was held here July 25-August 6, 1905.

            The first buildings were constructed between 1906 and 1911, and most of the extant camp buildings were erected by the mid-1920s. Hurricanes in 1938, 1954, and 1991, and a windstorm in 1944 had various effects on the campground, including necessitating the relocation several of the cottages, including 23 and 35 Oakdale Ave. The dining hall was destroyed in the 1954 hurricane; its successor was destroyed in 2015 and was replaced in 2019. Many of the cottages remain in the families of those who constructed them.

            The MHC noted that the property is eligible for the National Register at the local and possibly state levels in the area of Religion for its association with the Protestant Camp Meeting Movement, and also derives its primary architectural and historical importance as a significant and distinguishable entity, even while its components lack individual distinction.

            With this eligibility opinion, the preparation of a National Register nomination will now commence. The Marion Historical Commission has contracted with preservation consultant, Eric Dray, to complete the nomination. The project is being funded with Community Preservation funds. Submission of the final nomination papers is anticipated for summer, 2026, after which the MHC submits it to the National Park Service for final approval.

Center School Principal Linda Ashley to Retire at End of School Year

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson announces that Center School Principal Linda Ashley plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.

            The district will begin the search process for the next principal in the coming weeks. Superintendent Nelson will share updates with staff and families as the process moves forward.

            Dr. Ashley became principal at the Center School on July 1, 2022, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience as an educator, school leader, curriculum director, and advocate for high-quality instruction and family engagement.

            Before arriving at the Center School, Dr. Ashley served as a principal in Franklin, Milford, and Norton Public Schools, as well as a curriculum director supporting teaching and learning across PreK-12 grade levels. Her background includes leading a National Blue Ribbon School, guiding schools recognized for high achievement and growth, expanding professional development systems, and strengthening curriculum, data-informed instruction, and multi-tiered systems of support.

            Superintendent Nelson praised Dr. Ashley’s steady leadership and the impact she has had on students, staff, and families.

            “Speaking for the school district, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Dr. Ashley’s leadership at the Center School,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Since coming to the Center School, Dr. Ashley has supported our staff with thoughtful guidance, strengthened communication with families, and fostered a school environment where young learners feel cared for, encouraged, and excited to grow.”

            “We are deeply grateful for her leadership,” Superintendent Nelson added. “Please join me in thanking Dr. Ashley for her service to the Center School and all of our students. We wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.”

            During her tenure, Dr. Ashley strengthened communication with families, supported the implementation of instructional best practices across classrooms, and continued building a warm, nurturing school culture defined by collaboration, curiosity, and community pride.

            Dr. Ashley expressed her appreciation for the Center School community and for the honor of serving the students there.

            “Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional journey,” Dr. Ashley said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary school. I am especially proud of the progress we have made together – strengthening instructional practices, nurturing a culture of belonging, and placing students’ well-being at the heart of our work. Thank you for the privilege of serving this wonderful community. The relationships and memories I’ve made here will remain among the greatest gifts of my career. I will be cheering on Center School and the entire Mattapoisett community for years to come.”

Six Tree Removals Approved, Black Oak Spared

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The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday for a Public Hearing for tree removal on Point Road and Washburn Park Road, as well as some other routine business and community updates.

            The board began with the chair of the Open Space Acquisition Commission, John Rockwell, being phoned in by Select Board Chair Randy Parker for the public hearing. Local Landscaper Steve Gonsalves spoke first in support of the removal of the trees for the Marion Shared Use Path. There was a list of seven trees designated for removal on the path’s proposed route. “Out of the seven trees that are here, we are going to be able to save that Black Oak (Tree #6 on Washburn Park Road).” Gonsalves added the tree and its roots would be unharmed. “It’s tough to see some of these trees go, but the path needs to go there.” He said the state would give two trees for every one tree removed. So, 14 trees would be granted in total. These trees are to be removed in the spring of 2027.

            The state is responsible for paying for the tree removals, not the town. He added the tree survey was of great benefit, as they discovered the white pine, or tree number 7, was at risk of falling due to rot. The hearing was closed; the black oak was removed from the list as it will be preserved.

            Next, Children’s Librarian Macy Davis of the Elizabeth Tabor Library spoke on a grant request for a desired project. A Community Biodiversity Grant of $35000 is sought for the establishment of an outdoor classroom space. It would be on the south side of the library, between the building and the Town House. No electrical or irrigation would be necessary. If funding by the state was awarded, final plans would be brought to the Select Board for approval.

            The project would see six raised garden beds: half for pollinator garden plants and half for hands-on vegetable gardens. All-weather storage and stage as well as picnic tables and signage showing the importance of local organisms would also be constructed. Outdoor instruments would be powered-coated metal, storage and stage are to be pressure-treated wood.

            It would all be specifically designed for outdoor use with children. The stage is about 3 inches tall. Hills asked and it was clarified that this and the accompanying project would fit into the library’s decorating budget. Davis stated it would, with no funding alteration needed.

            The current timeline shows funding awarded in February with surveying and planning following. The grand opening would be in June 2026. “This is still largely hypothetical” Davis said, as they await grant approval.

            The select board unanimously approved the effort for the grant.

            The board then, following a quick discussion, approved the Revised Water & Sewer Regulation Review Committee Charter.

            Next, Luke Mello, currently in training, was appointed as Inspector of Animals. This inspector is shared between Marion and Mattapoisett, with the latter solely paying for the position.

            The Southeastern Massachusetts Resource Recovery Facility (SEMASS) contract amendment was approved. This is a 5-year contract involving the waste-to-energy plant in Rochester.

            The Marion Select Board has an Executive Session scheduled for Friday, December 19 at 3:00 pm involving negotiations with the Town Administrator. The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 6 at 6pm.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

(Two Hundred Fifty-) Two Years Since the Boston Tea Party

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            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, Colonel Henry Knox reported good progress on his trip to Fort Ticonderoga. He aims to get artillery to relinquish the siege at Boston and has already managed to send some from a pitstop in New York. The Scot John Paul Jones was commissioned by the Continental Congress to eventually serve as a privateer for the Continental Navy. Philip Schuyler is sending an additional 3,000 men to Cambridge from Albany, while at the same time the Battle of Great Bridge is fought in Virginia, a catastrophic defeat for the Brits who retreat to sea and abandon much of the south.

            On December 10, 1775, the most prolific killer from the Old World finally begins to take center stage: smallpox. The men in Canada have already experienced it, and it will soon take more and more. George Washington writes to James Otis Sr. of the Massachusetts General Court (the state’s legislature) to issue dire warning over refugees fleeing Boston. He says, “some of the people who came out of Boston were infected with the small pox – As this disorder should It spread may prove very disastrous & fatal to our army & the country around it.” He urges taking steps to mitigate its spread, though is privately cautious of army inoculation as it could lead to many of his soldiers requiring bedrest.

            On December 11, at long last, Martha Washington arrives at the camp in Cambridge from Mount Vernon to spend the winter in Washington’s company. This same day, Washington sends a lengthy letter to John Hancock at the Continental Congress airing many grievances and worries. At this time, Congress, specifically Samuel Adams, are organizing the newly created Continental Navy. Washington is increasingly fearful of the spread of pox, and says, “the information I received that the enemy intended spreading the Small pox amongst us, I could not suppose them capable of. I now must give some credit to it, as it has made its appearance on several of those who last came out of Boston.” Biological warfare. Smallpox would eventually kill more in the Revolution than battle. Washington adds, “every necessary precaution has been taken to prevent its being communicated to this Army, & the General Court will take care, that it does not spread through the Country.

            In his General Orders on December 12, Washington announces what was approved by Congress days earlier: the appointment of Colonel Henry Knox of Boston to a new position, fitting his role in the collection of cannons, Colonel of the Regiment of Artillery. Before the war, the 25-year-old owned and operated the “London Book Store” on today’s Washington Street in Boston. His interest in military history and strategy led to him being self-taught using many of the books at his disposal. That same day, Washington receives news of the rapid spread of smallpox through the lines. Doctor John Morgan reports that the number of sick in and around the Cambridge camp “amounts to 676, but they have sometimes amounted to near 1,500.”

            While Washington struggles with disease, supplies, and maintaining army organization sieging Boston, December 16, 1775, marks the two-year anniversary since the Boston Tea Party. This instance would set the ball of continuing increases in hostilities that would eventually see a General Washington laying siege to former comrades in what many at the time viewed as a civil war. By 1775, many of the members of the Sons of Liberty who hurled tea into Boston Harbor would now lead prominent roles in the revolution. We’ve already mentioned Sam Adam’s focus this week, being a Massachusetts delegate in the Continental Congress. Paul Revere at this time is working on behalf of Congress to better understand the milling of gunpowder in Philadelphia. John Handcock is President of the Continental Congress. Bennedict Arnold is leading the charge on Quebec in the far-north. Hamilton, Mulligan, and many others are still in training or on the periphery of the conflict, currently stationed in New York.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Open Table Is Back

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Mattapoisett Congregational Church is very excited to announce that Open Table is back with 3 dinners planned for January 9, February 27, and March 13 (weather permitting), so be sure to mark your calendar now. The OT crew hopes to see you on January 9 for the first of 3 delicious meals served in Reynard Hall at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett. There is no charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper will be served at 5:00 pm. Invite a friend or neighbor. All are welcome.

Call for Entries for the Winter Members’ Show

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The Marion Art Center announces a call for entries for the Winter Members’ Show opening January 10 with a reception from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The show runs through February 6. All members may enter a piece. Works must be original, must have been executed by the artist within the last five years, and must not have been previously shown at the Marion Art Center. The MAC will not exhibit works that are in poor condition (including frame) or are not properly prepared for easy installation.

            To exhibit, members should drop off artwork at the MAC at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion, on Saturday, January 3 between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm or Tuesday, January 6, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Artists may download and print the consignment agreement ahead of time, found online at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit. Anyone wishing to participate who is not yet a member can join online any time at marionartcenter.org/join. More information can be found at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.