Marion Village Historic District Update

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The Marion Historic District Study Committee is pleased to note that they are moving forward with the proposed bylaw for a design review district in the historic village center.

            The Preliminary Study Report has been submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for review. It will soon be available locally and will be presented to the Planning Board on January 6.

            A letter to all property owners in the proposed district will be mailed on January 2. This packet includes the draft bylaw, a list of frequently asked questions and a map of the district boundaries. The district includes these properties: all of Cottage Street, Hiller Street, Main Street, Pie Alley, School Street, South Street, Water Street, #1-9 Allen Street, #137-183 Front Street, #1-2 Island Wharf Road, #2-10 Lewis Street, #61-78 Pleasant Street, and #8-16 Spring Street.

            Property owners in the district are invited to attend the Study Committee meeting on Wednesday, January 15, at 5:30 pm, to be held at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center (COA building) on Mill Street. This will be an opportunity for property owners to learn more about the bylaw and have their concerns/questions addressed.

            A Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30 pm, also at the Cushing Community Center. Our consultant, Eric Dray, will again offer his presentation on the historic importance of Marion Village and a detailed explanation of the bylaw provisions, exemptions, procedures, and design guidelines.

            The bylaw offers a review process only for demolition, new construction, and new additions visible from a public way. Most exterior maintenance and renovation projects will be completely exempt from review. Interior renovations are exempt as well.

            The Study Committee has worked diligently for the past 18 months to develop a bylaw that helps protect “the most historic seaside village on the South Coast” while also minimizing procedural process and intrusion upon individual property owner rights.

The First American New Years

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I had assumed, as many I have talked to, that New Years has been a holiday for time immemorial. However, we were wrong! The celebration of the dawn of a new year is relatively new, only being celebrated similarly to how we do today towards the end of the 19th-century. This makes sense when you remember few were able to afford to have clocks in their homes even though most were made nearby in Connecticut (think Waterbury and Seth Thomas). Most staples of New Years didn’t arrive until recently. The first Pasadena Rose Parade was in 1890, with the first Time Square Ball Drop being on New Years Eve 1907.

            I had assumed the Pilgrims disembarking from the Mayflower into the “New World” in the winter of 1620 would be eager to revel in the coming of the new year. However, that was not how our ancestors operated. Predominant days of celebration would be harvest festivals and religious holidays, not the changing of the calendar year from 1620 to 1621. This is also remiss of the fact the early settlers were generally more concerned with survival than celebrating arbitrary dating. Fun fact: the Pilgrims, being of a sect of Protestantism, followed the Julian calendar and were thus 10 days behind the Gregorian calendar we follow today.

            The winter of 1620-1621 was brutal and did not warrant much celebration. The first Thanksgiving is generally considered the have occurred the first autumn after the pilgrims landed, so about a year later. Of the 102 passengers who left Plymouth, England and founded the Plymouth Colony, 45 would die in the winter. This is from a lack of food and shelter and a lack of knowledge of the area. They are quite lucky the colony did not end up the same Jamestown did a decade prior. This is all to say, starting a colony, one dependent on the cultivation of crops, is not advised in the middle of December.

            I was hoping to learn of the colonists stepping off the boat, harvesting their hops and barley, having a bonfire, and dancing. Certainly not the traditional pilgrim way, but I had at least hoped for something. That was not the case, nor would it be for nearly 250 years. Many, if not most native groups in the Americas did have celebrations for the Winter Solstice. These which would run what could be called the “holiday season.” So, while the colonizers were dying off, there was some celebrating going on throughout the continent. Happy New Years!

By Sam Bishop

Library Finds Issues with Part-Time Staffing

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Personnel and capital improvement issues were discussed extensively at the December 19 Library Board of Trustees meeting.

            The board has recently maintained library services with only part-time staff and now is trying to get through the fiscal year in the wake of longtime custodian Raymond Rose retiring, according to Susan Pizzolatto, an interim library director who is stepping in after library director Colleen Tierney resigned in November. Tierney moved to Texas but Pizzolatto, a long-time librarian, has filled in. She gave an extensive report last week to the trustees.

            During her report, trustee board members commented on how the library’s lack of full-time staff could potentially impact services.

            The board ended the meeting by agreeing to begin searching for the next library director and assembled a search committee. The item was not on the agenda, so the board conditionally approved starting the process next month and naming a committee at its next meeting.

            Pizzolatto said right now, there are no full-time staff members and many capital improvement issues, including – among other issues – roof problems, a need for carpeting and an elevator issue.

            She mentioned that Rose has agreed to advise the board and library members, as it is making do with a cleaning service but no maintenance member who can identify, fix and offer other maintenance services.

            “Ray will come in on an hourly abscess and lives nearby,” Pizzolatto said, noting a silver lining.

            Board members agreed that his replacement should be a retired school custodian with a skillset similar to Rose.

            Pizzolatto reported that the library department appointed a new full-time children’s librarian, Kevin Thompson, who will begin his tenure in the last week of December. She mentioned that filling this position is crucial, especially with library reading programs and school visitations. She said having Thompson, who unequivocally impressed board members during the interview and has worked in schools, will help spread the word about the library from school children to families and stimulate library programming.

            Pizzolatto said that the children’s librarian computer took more than 10 minutes to turn in recently so a new computer will be needed before Pizzolatto begins his tenure in Mattapoisett.

            Pizzolatto relayed some good news in that the library has received a state grant of just under $9,500. She noted that this year’s grant was higher due to the overall affluence of the community and the volume of materials borrowed by a respective library is more than other community libraries within the SAILS network.

            Pizzolatto indicated that the volume of borrowing within the network helped Mattapoisett’s funding numbers for this year.

            “It is very important to us for certification,” she said. “We look at every little pot to get what we can get.”

            The Board is scheduled to meet again at the town’s Library History Room at 4:00 pm on January 16.

Mattapoisett Library Board of Trustees

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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It was primarily a musical evening. This year we resurrected the tradition of a Christmas party at the Rochester Historical Museum and expanded it to invite the public. It was a musical evening and the top picture shows Andrew Cody, 6th grader at RMS, playing We Wish You a Merry Christmas on his trumpet. He entertained us with three Christmas trumpet solos. The second picture shows Tom and Sheila Perry leading enthusiastic singers in many well- known Christmas carols, including The Twelve Days of Christmas.

            I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

By Connie Eshbach

Mattapoisett Future Water and Sewer Plans

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The Water and Sewer Board at its December 18 meeting discussed its future, including capital improvements to water and sewer lines over the next five years.

            Water and Sewer Superintendent Henry Renaud mentioned around $1 million in debt coming off the books, which will leave room for some extensions of the water and sewer lines to other areas of town.

            Renaud said “unfunded mandates” from the state or federal government could complicate plans, which is why he did not outline plans beyond five years.

            For fiscal 2026, Renaud said he has earmarked $50,000 for water well repairs and $40,000 for a new truck, which should be financed from the self-sufficient enterprise account.

            For fiscal 2027, Renaud and his department hope to conduct water extensions along Mattapoisett Neck Road and Mattapoisett Village, as well as Bandt Island Cove. He said there are plans in fiscal 2028 to reline Prospects and Pine Island neighborhoods. He said that with some old, outdated piping, his department plans on re-piping approximately 1,000 feet per year – a plan endorsed by board members last week.

            For fiscal 2029, Renaud would like the department to extend new water mains through Main Street, Beacon, and Marion Roads. He said his department does many in-house projects and this extension would normally cost more than $1 million if the town hired an outsider but his staff can conduct such work for a fraction of that cost.

            “We are going after some water quality issues and seeing what we can do about it,” Renaud said.

            Renaud also said he would also like the department to hire an assistant superintendent to help him wade through the volumes of paperwork – an initiative also endorsed last week by the Water & Sewer Commission.

            In other business, Renaud reported that there are plans to replace water filters at the bypass treatment facility starting next month and ending in April. All impacted residents will receive a letter about the project and how services will be impacted.

            Renaud said his department met with the Planning Board and by February 3, he plans on finalizing a hazard mitigation plan, with both state and federal funding available.

            The Water and Sewer Commission discussed water and sewer extension plans on the Bay Club property, as well as Old Slough Road.

            Boards are collecting more data on The Bay Club development; a combination of golf courses and village housing.

            On Old Slough Road, there is one house lot, which receives water and sewer. Commissioners expressed concern that the road, a former ancient way, might not have the frontage or the infrastructure for sewer and water line extensions.

            The Commissioner advised Renaud to tell the developer he can obtain conditional approval or wait a few months as the commission revises its regulations.

            Once regulations are revised, it might be possible for water and sewer to be extended to three other proposed housing lots.

            The Water and Sewer Commission plans to meet again on January 15.

Mattapoisett Water and Sewer Commission

By Jeffery D. Wagner

Mattapoisett Bible Study Group

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The Lamb of God Christian Church of Mattapoisett will be holding a no-cost Bible Study group at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library (Lower Meeting Room), Mattapoisett on January 7, February 4, and March 4, Tuesdays at 10:00 am.

            This study is open to all who have an interest in the Bible. Any Bible translation can be brought. This group study is moderated by Pastor Mathew (6-year seminary student) using the NASB 1995 Bible translation.

            For more information call (508) 998-6990, or E-Mail: pastor@lambofgodma.org or Facebook: Mathew Vangel.

Fluoride – Friend or Foe?

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Among the controversies around public health, fluoridation of the public water supply ranks second behind vaccination. The nominee for Secretary for Health and Human Services wants to remove it. Is that a good idea?

            The major benefit of fluoride is that it dramatically reduces dental cavities in children and to a lesser extent in adults. In 1945, Grand Rapids, MI became the first city in the world to add fluoride to its water. Dental cavities in children living there have dropped by more than 60% since that was done. Calgary and Alberta stopped fluoridation and the rate of cavities in children doubled.

            Canadian, Australian, and U.S. dental societies support fluoridation, though most European countries have stopped mandating fluoridation. Most dentists also recommend topical fluoride, including fluoride in toothpaste, which fights plaque but does not reduce cavities.

            What are the hazards? Very high levels of fluoride can lead to bone disease and staining of teeth.

            (I must note that very high levels of almost anything can be harmful. Marathon runners and others have died from drinking too much water).

            The biggest concern is that studies have suggested that when mothers drink fluoridated water, their children have lower IQs. These studies were done in regions of Asia and Mexico where naturally occurring levels of fluoride in water are very high. None were done in U.S. communities that had fluoridation programs.

            Good studies show that there is no harm to animals or humans from levels up to 10 times the usual consumption of fluoride.

            The FDA has recommended a very conservative level of 0.7 mg/liter in the public water supply, a level that maximizes benefit while minimizing risk. In the U.S., about 85% of communities fell in that range.

            How can you know? In most of the U.S. and Canada, fluoridation is a local decision. Call your town’s Department of Public Works. If your town adds fluoride they should know, and indeed should publish that data annually. Not every state requires fluoride to be added, and if it is not added testing will probably not be done.

            If you use well water, you can arrange for private testing.

            What about fluoride in toothpaste? If it is not swallowed, very little gets into the body. If you have children too young to follow the advice not to swallow, put a very small amount (less than 1/8 inch) on the toothbrush yourself.

            If you are pregnant and worried, you can buy deionized water to drink during your pregnancy.

            So, proven benefit for children’s teeth or very unlikely effect on their IQ? You decide.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

It’s Time to Reset Your Health in the New Year

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January marks a fresh start—the perfect time to embrace small, sustainable changes that can transform your health and boost your immune function. The Marion Institute invites you to kick off 2025 by joining their 3rd Annual Free 21-Day Reset and discover the power of simple, natural practices to bring balance and vitality to your life.

            What is the 21-Day Reset? The 21-Day Reset is a guided, stress-free program designed to introduce impactful wellness habits that align with “Natural Laws to Live By.” Over the course of 21 days, you’ll receive one email per day filled with small lifestyle shifts that can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

            How It Works: The program is built to fit seamlessly into your daily life, with no pressure or overwhelm. Here’s what you can expect:

            Daily Emails: Each day, participants will receive an email highlighting a different natural health practice, such as: Hydrotherapy, Healthy Sleep Habits, Grounding, Movement, Essential Fatty Acids, and Practical Guidance. Each email includes actionable tips, resources, and inspiration to help you incorporate these simple, powerful habits into your routine.

            A Flexible, Go-At-Your-Own-Pace Program – The 21-Day Reset is designed to work for you. Participants are encouraged to choose one or two practices that resonate most and work toward making them a daily habit. There’s no need to tackle everything at once—the key is gradual integration for long-term success. By saving each email, you can revisit and build upon these practices throughout the year.

            Celebrate with an In-Person Wellness Event. As we bring the 21-Day Reset to its close, we invite you to a serene and rejuvenating 90-minute event designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Event Highlights:

            Gentle Yoga: Stretch and open your body with accessible movements.

            Mindfulness Meditation: Center your awareness and promote relaxation.

            Chakra Healing: Connect with your body’s energy centers for release and revitalization.

            Sound Healing: Experience the soothing vibrations of sound bowls, bells, and gongs, harmonizing your energy and enhancing your sense of calm.

            Guided Intention-Setting: Conclude with a reflective meditation to set personal intentions.

            Enjoy the magic of the setting sun over the serene Onset Bay waters as golden-hour light filters through the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows, creating the perfect backdrop for this holistic healing experience.

Event Details:

            Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

            Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm

            Location: Onset Bay Center – Onset, MA

            Cost: $35 per person

            Registration: Reserve your spot today and immerse yourself in this transformative experience.

            This event is open to all, with no prior yoga or meditation experience needed—just bring an open mind and a willingness to unwind. Sign Up Today.

            Join the Marion Institute for the 3rd Annual 21-Day Reset and take the first step toward better health and well-being. To register and learn more, visit: marioninstitute.org/2025-21-day-reset-sign-up.

            Register and join us for our in-person wellness event on Saturday, February 1 at the Onset Bay Center here: marioninstitute.org/sound-healing-and-yoga-event-feb-2025.

Marion Community Preservation Funding

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Applications for Community Preservation Act funding will be available in the Town Clerk’s office at the Marion Town House located at 2 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738 on January 13. The Community Preservation Act is a Massachusetts Law that allows participating cities and towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge supplemented by State matching funds in order to fund community preservation. Eligible projects must be directed towards: open space/recreation, historic preservation, or community housing. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm on February 17 to be considered for presentation at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

            Past Community Preservation funds have been used to: construct a pavilion at Osprey Marsh and install fencing, ADA-compliant benches, and litter receptacles at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Park, catalog the collections and restore exhibits at the Marion Natural History Museum, construct Pickleball Courts at the Point Road playground, and install smoke and fire alarms at the Marion Art Center

Quick and Unsatisfactory Parks Meeting

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In a hearing room crowded with residents, Rochester’s Park Commission opened and closed quickly a rare Monday morning meeting on December 23.

            The lone agenda item of note read “Review Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Charles Morgan on 11/12/24”. Commission chair David Hughes announced the purpose of this meeting was a request to the Attorney General to answer a complaint.

            Then, without further deliberations or comment, Hughes motioned to adjourn, and the meeting members dispersed, leaving attendees dissatisfied. Hughes further declined to elaborate to the Wanderer as he left the meeting room.

            At issue is an Open Meeting Law complaint Morgan filed regarding the Commission’s deliberations over the construction of a new children’s playground at Gifford Field using funds donated by the local, private non-profit group “Tri-Town For Protecting Children.” The basic claim is that the commission conducted these discussions without proper notifications to the public in meeting postings and minutes. “Agenda June 26, 2024, No mention of Playground,” Morgan’s complaint reads. “Yet minutes show discussion took place. Agenda July 2, 2024 ‘To Discuss Playground. Is this ‘New Business’ or ‘Old Business’. There are multiple playgrounds in town, which one will be discussed? Poor details, yet it is on the agenda.”

            The underlying concern here, as expressed by residents in previous Park Commission meetings, is that the playground plan quickly became a done deal without the chance for more than one private group to contribute toward the proposal or for the town to create a larger master plan for the park.

            Hughes had argued in past meetings that this plan to rehabilitate the playground is long overdue and the board can add more equipment with future donations. “We’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he said. “We’ve been held back by funding. We are doing the best we can with what we have.”

On December 23, as unhappy attendees exited the meeting, Morgan said, “There should have been a resolution to this issue. Instead, there was no response to the matter at hand.” Morgan added he was unsure what he would do next.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant clarified that the town is addressing the complaint. “Town Council will address it,” he said. “I don’t know why he (Hughes) did not discuss it further, literally. That’s not to disparage him. I haven’t spoken to him.”

Durant elaborated, “This issue needs to be addressed fairly and quickly. And I will assist with addressing this matter as best I can.”

            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.

Rochester Park Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco