Rochester Historic Commission Historic Plaque Program

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The Rochester Historical Commission is pleased to announce a voluntary Historic Structure plaque program to recognize the rich historic and architectural history of our town and the people who lived here. Hopefully, these plaques will enhance the appearance of our town’s older properties and provide information about and pride in them. These plaques will help tell our shared history and stimulate an interest and appreciation of the diversity of architectural styles in our town. They will be a fitting way to recognize the historical and architectural heritage of Rochester.

            A property will qualify if it can meet two of the following criteria:

            Age: The structure is of an advanced age (usually built prior to 1970) and retains significant original character and design.

            Event: Structures associated with an historic event of local, regional or national significance.

            People: Structures associated with the life of a person or group who made a notable contribution to history. If the original owner cannot be verified, a subsequent owner of historic significance may be listed.

            Style: A structure with distinctive characteristics of architectural or construction type.

            Cultural Landscape/Archeology: A former structure that contributed to the understanding of our local history of record such as a farm or business.

            Plaques will not restrict owners from making changes to their property. The plaques are decorative and informational only. The plaque is a medium density overlay (MDO) waterproof signboard, finished with three coats of special sign painters’ oil-based primer and a white enamel topcoat with black antique lettering. Holes are predrilled and include stainless steel screws for mounting.

            The plaques are 12-inches high and 16-inches wide. RHC asks that plaques be attached to the front facade of the house and visible from the street, if possible.

            Homeowners may ascertain information about their properties by consulting the following sources:

            The Survey of Historical and Architectural Resources, 4 volumes organized into areas and streets which can be found at the Plumb Library, Town Hall and the Rochester Historical Society or online from the Massachusetts Historical Commission database (http://mhc-macris.net) or historic maps on the RHC website. Owners will then complete an application form found on the RHC portion of the town website and send it to the Rochester Historical Commission, 1 Constitution Way, Rochester with a check for $75.00 made out to Oulde Colony Artisans. The Rochester Historical Commission will review the applications at its scheduled monthly meeting. Any changes will be discussed with owners prior to submission to sign maker.

Sandra Lee (Braley) Bowman

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Sandra Lee (Braley) Bowman, 70, of Mattapoisett died Thursday, December 16th, 2021.

            She was the wife of the late Alexander Bates “Jock” Bowman, Jr.

            Born in Wareham, daughter of the late Walter J. and Annette (Gendron) Braley, she was raised in Rochester and lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

            She enjoyed arts and crafts, and spending time with her family.

            Survivors include her children, Alexander Bowman III and his significant other Tracey Burns of Norton, Donna Martin and her significant other Derrick Rodrigues of Assonet, Lori Serpa of New Bedford, Annette Bowman of Freetown, Steven Bowman and his wife April, and Kevin Bowman both of Mattapoisett, Edna Bowman and her significant other Nathan Limes of Illinois, Brian Bowman, Rose Bowman, Glen Bowman, Sarah Macfarland and Amanda Macfarland, all of Mattapoisett; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

            A celebration of life for Sandra and Jock will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 57 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett, on Saturday, January 15th from 1-4 pm. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Community Celebrates New Fire Station

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            The skies may have been overcast in shades of gray, but the atmosphere was one of excitement and sheer joy on December 11 when an estimated 350 residents, friends and family gathered inside Mattapoisett’s new fire station to celebrate its grand opening.

            And grand it was, with heart-felt speeches, fire personnel attired in dress uniforms and music appropriate to the occasion, all leading up to the big moment, the ribbon cutting. There were the soul-clutching sounds of the bagpipes played by retired Westport Deputy Fire Chief Sam Manley, followed by a thrilling and lilting rendition of the National Anthem sung by Erin Scott that provided that touch of grace. This was followed by Fire Chief Andrew Murray welcoming a standing-room-only crowd and leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

            A blessing and prayer from the Reverend Lucia Anne Jackson of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church preceded the speakers, as tiny children to senior citizens watched in solemnity and gratitude.

            Murray spoke to the critical need of replacing the 1951, long-outdated fire station at the corner of Route 6 and Barstow Street, where toxic off gassing from diesel fumes and other particulates had permeated the entire structure for decades, creating an unsafe working environment for the crews.

            The lack of a ventilation system along with the lack of the ability to shower or adequately clean fire gear contributed to the dangers faced by the department, he said. Added to that was the reality that toxins were most likely entering the private homes of the firefighters because equipment was being cleaned there. All of those immediate concerns were swept away with the opening of the new station.

            Another fact that became a real concern for the department and the town was the fact that modern-day fire apparatus would not fit inside the obsolete structure. To demonstrate that point, a newer engine was positioned nose to nose with a 1940s model that Murray compared to the size of a pickup truck.

            Marveling at his surroundings, Select Board Chairman Jordan Collyer told the assembled, “Look what you have given our very deserving family.”

            Collyer thanked Representative Bill Straus for his help in securing the grant funding for the traffic lights necessary for the safety of the public and Mattapoisett firefighters as they exit the station onto Route 6. That estimated $1,000,000 package was not part of the original $9,000,000 cost estimate for the new building, he noted.

            But Collyer’s message was as heartfelt as admittedly nervous. Fighting through his mix of emotions, Collyer spoke of firefighters as a family he has felt part of since he was a young boy. While acknowledging that the old firehouse held many fond memories, it is incumbent upon the crews to take those memories with them to the new fire station where “we will remain a family.”

            If there is a singular person worthy of note for his unflagging willingness to volunteer for the massive job of spearheading the Fire Station Committee, all agreed it is Mike Hickey.

            Hickey, a retired engineer whose career includes being part of teams responsible for building some of Boston’s iconic healthcare facilities, took upon himself the challenge of pulling together not only the committee that would spend two years researching structural options for a new fire station but then oversee on behalf of the town the actual construction.

            True to his unassuming nature, Hickey thanked others with a special shoutout to his wife, retired educator and author Kathleen Hickey. In his opening remarks, he said the catch phrase “It takes a village” was appropriate. “It has been a labor of love by all involved for a much needed and deserving department, and for the long-term benefit of all of Mattapoisett.” He said that the need for a new station was not a question. “That’s been known for 30 years!” Hickey said that the Fire Department was a patient department, “doing their job and making the most with the facility they had.” He thanked them for their service.

            Hickey commented on Murray’s many presentations to various committees and boards over the preceding years, “selling the project” and that once the project made it through to a warrant article at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting, “approval at town meeting was not to be taken for granted no matter how significant the need.”

            In the end, the project received overwhelming support with 441 Town Meeting members voting yes and only four casting a no vote. “Two weeks later at the polls the debt exclusion passed – 1160 to 160 – Thank you Mattapoisett!”

            Certificates of appreciation from the Fire Department to several critical players who assisted in getting the project done were given to William Cantor, Fire Station Committee member; Hickey, retired Director of Inspectional Services; Andy Bobola, Collyer; Town Administrator Mike Lorenco; former Town Administrator Mike Gagne, and soon to be appointed Police Chief Captain Jason King.

            Before the ribbon cutting, former Town Administrator Mike Gagne and former selectman Paul Silva concurred that the timing was right for the massive construction project to be funded.

            “The timing was perfect for the bond market,” Gagne noted with Silva adding that had the project been delayed construction costs would have jumped up to unknown heights. “If it had been 12 months later, we would have been in trouble,” Silva said.

            Hickey had also commented to The Wanderer that when the pandemic hit there had been discussions about suspending the construction already underway. But after careful consideration, “We decided to keep our foot on the gas pedal.” He, along with Gagne and Silva, concurred that the sustained push saved the project hundreds of thousands of dollars. Gagne said, “It’s the culmination of many people, and it’s a beautiful final product.”

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister said, “Pretty cool … long overdue.” Finance Committee Chairman Pat Donoghue said, “I’m thrilled. I feel safer now.”

            Counting up the numbers, Hickey said that there were “13 consulting firms, 40 contractors and 12 other firms providing systems, equipment and furnishings that were not included in the construction contract.”

            Lorenco told The Wanderer, “It’s not over, we have to maintain the building,” but he also stated, “We came in under budget.” Exact figures are pending. Also pending will be a warrant article most likely at the annual spring Town Meeting for a new fire engine to replace an aging and failing older model. That expense is on the Capital Planning Committee’s radar. And the good news is when a new fire engine is purchased it will have a home it can fit inside.

            Beside being large enough to house 21st century apparatus, the building features state of the art exhaust systems, washing machines for gear decontamination, shower and restroom facilities for all sexes, training rooms, an exercise and equipment room, a kitchen and sleeping area. Where once equipment for the department was spread across several locations in town, now everything is within easy reach of the crews.

            Towards the end of the formal speeches, Murray presented Hickey with the silver shovel he had used during the groundbreaking ceremony two years earlier. Hickey said he would find a place in his home to display it.

            Ribbon cutting was executed by Collyer, Murray, Macallister and Hickey, and a flag-raising ceremony followed outside the gleaming new fire station.

By Marilou Newell

Brogioli Reflects, Looks Forward

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The Old Rochester Regional High School girls’ basketball team kicked off its 2021-22 season on December 10 with a 56-24 win over Fairhaven. The Bulldogs performed well with Molly Sisson scoring 16 points, Maddie Wright scoring 15 and Logan Fernandes adding an additional seven. A notable absence, however, was senior Maggie Brogioli, who was away on a college visit.

Brogioli was a key part of the Old Rochester girls’ volleyball team’s run to the state championship last month and was named the South Coast Conference MVP. “I was definitely surprised!” she said of the honor. “I was the MVP last year for volleyball so I didn’t know what to expect, but I was so excited to be nominated two years in a row.”

The Bulldogs dominated the SCC for the second year in a row, and Brogioli was a major part of that success. In the final regular season game against Fairhaven, she had 13 kills in the 3-1 win that clinched the conference championship. After an impressive run in the Division 3 playoffs, the Bulldogs found themselves in a volleyball state championship game for the first time in 30 years, and they made the most of the opportunity.

In the 3-1 win against Dennis-Yarmouth on November 20, Brogioli made 20 kills, had two service aces and 17 digs on the way to the historic achievement. “The moment was very thrilling. The energy throughout the whole game was very upbeat,” she said. “Looking back, I know that the moment we won is a memory I will never forget, and I couldn’t imagine winning a state championship with a better team.”

Now, Brogioli’s attention is turned fully toward basketball.

“I have high hopes for the basketball season,” she said. “The team has lots of depth with several upcoming freshmen to help contribute. I think as long as we stay hard at work, we’ll go pretty far in states this year.”

The depth of the team was put on full display in the Lady Bulldogs’ win on Friday, and they’ll only be better when Brogioli enters the mix in their next game on Friday, December 17, when they face Falmouth in the first away game of the new season.

Sports Roundup

By Matthew Curry

Callow Offers Creative Solution

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            Dustan McGlinn admitted he made multiple mistakes in building a deck that blatantly violates property-line setbacks, but he dug in hard before the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals to dispute the emerging narrative that he operated on the theory that it’s better to apologize than it is to ask for permission.

            “I apologize if that’s the way it seems, but that’s just not the case,” said McGlinn during the December 9 continued public hearing.

            Already complicated, Case No. 797 took on another dimension on November 4 when McGlinn, who is still the applicant for a variance, sold his 20 Beach Street house to Steven and Heidi Nye.

            ZBA Chair Cynthia Callow was admittedly stymied by the series of events that placed McGlinn back before the board seeking forgiveness. “I have no idea why a permit was not pulled,” said Callow, noting that the abutter directly behind the house “doesn’t even see the deck.” Callow further stated that had such an application come before the ZBA prior to construction, “it would have been a five-minute meeting.”

            ZBA member Margie Baldwin concurred and added that it’s not fair to punish the new owners of the home.

            Steven and Heidi Nye were present on the December 9 Zoom call and stated that they bought the house for their daughter Jessica Nye and that the deck as built was a selling point because of the small yard.

            The variance from Section 230-5.1 of Marion’s zoning bylaws seeks allowance of an existing, nonconforming deck to remain in place despite its construction without Building Department permission, Conservation Commission vetting (because the property sits in the flood zone) or ZBA approval.

            The three-pronged violation, especially coming in the wake of multiple communiques with the town dating back to August 17, was a hard sell.

            “I want to let Mr. McGlinn know that it was pretty bad what he did here,” said Callow.

            McGlinn, who described himself as a Marine Corp veteran and a firefighter, blamed his missteps on ignorance and insists he did not intend to ignore communication from Building Commissioner Scott Shippey or violate regulations.

            Callow prepared a response and bounced it off Town Counsel Jon Witten. “Any way we can open up a new permit (application) or continue and ask the new owners to buy a little part of land from the abutters to meet the setbacks?” Callow asked.

            Impressed with the idea, Witten said that would work “if it can be done on the ground,” meaning if the Nyes and their abutter(s) could strike a deal.

            Steve Nye said he is amendable to a land acquisition. “I get it, I’m in the building industry, and I get it. We can’t let people run amok with what they’re doing.”

            Given her opportunity to address the board, abutter Veronica Williams, 122 Wareham Road, expressed outrage at the unpermitted construction and asserted that the deck invades her property, but McGlinn disputed the fact.

            “We’re trying to remove Dustan from the situation now that we’re the new owners. I totally understand the legality of this,” said Heidi Nye, who asked the ZBA for a 12-month period to formulate a Plan B in the event the board rules against McGlinn’s application for the variance. She acknowledged a potential land purchase and adjusting the deck to the setback requirements.

            While acknowledging Covid and weather-related delays in construction, Witten advised against granting the Nyes a full year to address the problem. “Because it’s an illegal deck, the board cannot be party to looking the other way; 12 months may be taken as looking the other way,” said Witten, who suggested a month for the parties to work out a solution.

            The board heeded his advice.

            In voting to continue the public hearing to January 27, Callow said “no construction or engineering is going to happen right away.”

            ZBA member Will Tifft was the lone dissenting vote against the continuance. ZBA member Dana Nilson recused himself from participation in judging the case so Callow replaced him on the voting roster with associate member Dannie Engwert.

            After substantial deliberation, the ZBA voted to grant Mark McKenzie a special permit under Section 230-5.2b of Marion’s bylaws to allow the division of an existing lot with two homes, contingent on specifically located water and sewer connections.

            The resulting two lots at 3 and 12 Taunton Avenue date back to 1947 with the building of the first of the two houses on the property. The more recent house was built in 1986 and an unattached garage added in 2001.

            According to both the town and McKenzie’s representative, Bill Madden of G.A.F. Engineering, the lots could have been divided by right and without the vetting of the ZBA had the lot sizes and frontage been divided equally. But an unattached garage and a piece of a driveway overlap with what would be the property line and necessitated the special permit.

            “A portion of one of the lots would intersect the driveway and require easements. It didn’t really make a lot of sense to divide them that way,” explained Madden to the board, noting that the effort in the petition is to “create two lots that are created most-nearly equal.”

            The resultant lots are uniformly shaped, Lot 265-A measuring 211.47 feet of frontage and 15,276 in total square feet and Lot 265-B measuring 241 feet of frontage and 15,898 in total square feet.

            “It doesn’t make sense to have a property line at the garage … I think they’ve done a pretty good job … I think the hardship is the location of those buildings,” said Nilson, recommending the board’s approval of the application.

            As Shippey explained to the board and confirmed by McKenzie, the houses are connected on one municipal service line, and then one feeds the other. McKenzie said he had already addressed the matter with the Water/Sewer department and assured the ZBA that there is no problem fixing the connection.

            As conditioned in the special permit, the lot at 3 Taunton Avenue will connect to services via Converse Road, and the lot at 12 Taunton Avenue will revert to its prior connection. Shippey said that there will be connection fees associated with the rearrangement through the DPW.

            In answer to Baldwin’s question, McKenzie confirmed the intention to sell both properties to settle the estate.

            Two members of the public spoke, Barry Gaffey, 22 Converse Road, in support, and Sharon Levine, 8 Taunton Avenue, who expressed concern over lack of notification.

            Board administrator Anne Marie Tobia told the board she mails to all abutters within 300 feet. Levine said no one on Taunton Avenue was notifie, and all have forwarding mail service. McKenzie said that unless residents notify the post office on an annual basis, their mail will not be forwarded. Tobia reiterated the fact of her effort.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, January 13, at 6:30 pm.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

Mattapoisett Library December Programs

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New events added to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library calendar. Check out all the fun things that are happening at the library.

            Artist Series: John Middleton: Found Objects Transformed – Exhibition: December 15 – January 14 – After receiving a PhD in English in the Midwest (writing his dissertation on Moby-Dick,) Mattapoisett resident John Middleton was an assistant professor of English in Georgia. He then had a career in sales and marketing. When he retired from business, he earned an MFA in artisanry from UMass Dartmouth. Middleton began collecting lost or discarded objects he found from local waters. Time, tides, wind, storms, marine organisms and the sun transformed these found objects, rendering them strange and beautiful. Middleton’s purpose is to bring these found objects together in sculpted works of art that call attention to the dignity, beauty and uniqueness of their transformations as well as to their stories.

            Well-Read Wednesday, a nonfiction book discussion group for adults, meets on Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30 pm to discuss Amy Klobuchar’s Antitrust: Taking on Monopoly Power from the Gilded Age to the Digital Age. Copies of the title are available at the library now. Registration is not required, however new members are encouraged to join the email list. Send an email to Jennifer Jones at jjones@sailsinc.org to be added and get updates about this group.

            The Graphic Novel Book Club, for ages 9 and up, continues with a meeting on Thursday, December 16 at 3:15 pm to discuss Ham Helsing #1: Vampire Hunter by Rich Moyer. Club members will enjoy a snack and an activity along with a short discussion of the book. Register online through our calendar of events to participate and stop by the library to grab a copy of the book once registered.

            Get into the holiday spirit with a lively presentation of music for the season courtesy of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra Trio. Musicians EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks, violin; Gillian Gallagher, viola; and Peter Zay, cello will play a selection of holiday music on Friday, December 17 at 2 pm at the library.

            A Gift Wrapping Party will be held on Saturday, December 18 from 10 am to 2 pm. Parents or anyone who needs space away from prying eyes in which to wrap presents should plan on stopping by on that Saturday. We’ll have cocoa, holiday music, holidays movies and all the supplies you’ll need to get everything wrapped in time for the holiday. No registration required. Thank you to everyone who donated supplies. We have loads of cheerful wrapping paper, bows, boxes and more.

            Just added – School vacation events:

            On Tuesday, December 28, from 11:00-2:00pm, come to the library for an afternoon of board games and puzzles. This is an all-ages event. No registration required.

            On Wednesday, December 29, from 2:00-4:00pm, join us for a showing of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. Light refreshments will be available. No registration is required.

            On Thursday, December 30, from 1-3pm, visit the library for an afternoon of gaming with our Nintendo Switch. This is an all-ages event. No registration is required.

            Drop-in crafts will be offered all week. Come make some art at the library during school vacation.

            Call the library at (508) 758-4171 or email to mfpl@sailsinc.org if you have questions.

Academic Achievements

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The following Tri-Town students have been recognized for their academic achievement and have earned a spot on the Head of School list at Falmouth Academy this fall. Students must earn a minimum of three A’s and no grade below B-minus for the trimester to be included:

Signe Gierhart, Class of 2022, of Marion

Max Richins, Class of 2022, of Marion

Natalia (Tasha) Sudofsky, Class of 2022, of Marion

Henry Richins, Class of 2025 of Marion

Benjamin Giumetti, Class of 2023, of Mattapoisett

Daicey Richardson, Class of 2026, of Mattapoisett

Howard Keeler, Class of 2022, of Rochester

William Dubreuil, Class of 2026, of Rochester

Andrew Muldoon, Class of 2027, of Rochester

Second Precinct Won’t Change Voting

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It’s official, well nearly official that Mattapoisett has become a two-precinct town – again.

            During its December 14 meeting, the Mattapoisett Select Board met with Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger to approve the precincts’ layout. The deadline for submitting the required paperwork to the state officials was December 15, causing Heuberger to say, “I’ll be running up to Boston tomorrow.”

            Regarding what voters can expect when going to the polls, Heuberger said little would change; there would be one polling location, Old Hammondtown School, and voting will be held at the same time for both precincts. Check-in will be slightly modified with tables for each precinct.

            But this isn’t the first time Mattapoisett’s population count required more than one precinct. “Between 2000 and 2010 there were two,” Heuberger stated. “I don’t think this is going away, but it comes down to the state.”

            When her office was first notified by state election officials that the town’s population had sufficiently grown to the point of needing two precincts, Heuberger sought to have the town remain a single precinct but was advised two would be required. A new voting machine has been purchased, she said.

            So what are the two precincts? “Most of the village and most of the area east of North Street,” will be one precinct, Heuberger said, and “most of everything west of North Street,” will be the other precinct. North Street is not a strict line of demarcation, however. A map of the precincts is available on the town’s website, Mattapoisett.net.

            Earlier in the meeting, Tri-Town Veterans Agent Chris Gerrior presented 38-year VFW Florence Eastman Post 280 member and Veteran George Randall with a letter of appreciation and a small gift. In acknowledging Randall’s military record, Gerrior said, “This is a chance for town leadership and the town as a whole to know the veterans in their community and to know what veterans do in their community.” He said he wants to rekindle this tradition.

            Gerrior said Randall is the “most senior” member of the Legion and well known for his renditions of the Gettysburg Address. “But before he was those things, he was a Machinist Mate Third Class in the United States Navy serving aboard the USS Robert H. McCard.” The vessel was a destroyer of the type nicknamed “tin cans.” Randall served from 1950 to 1954. “After the Navy, George then returned back home and worked on the family farm.”

            Gerrior also noted Randall’s service to the town as a selectman. Before closing out the brief ceremony, Gerrior handed Randall his Tin Can Sailor vest that Gerrior noted had been sewn “by Mrs. Gaspar.”

            Other matters handled on this night included the issuance of various licenses. The Select Board approved permits and or licenses for four liquor stores, a lodging business, eight automobile dealerships and 13 common victualers (food, all alcohol and entertainment for nearly all.)

            The board also appointed Van Cantor and Eric Beauregard to the Marine Advisory Board.

            A group of unidentified residents of Green Bough Drive were in attendance and asked the board to help them get roadway services returned to their private road. They said that for the past 30 years the town had been maintaining the road but since Barry Denham’s retirement nothing has been done. They said they had never wanted a private road. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said he would research the matter with the Planning Board and explained that there was a process for having a roadway accepted as a town way.

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister told the group that there are costs associated with having the town maintain a private road, primarily materials, with the town providing the labor and equipment. Lorenco said their application for roadway maintenance would be taken up at the next board meeting.

            The annual holiday tree lighting is planned for Shipyard Park on Saturday, December 18, at 5:00 pm. There will also be a swearing in ceremony on December 16 at 5:00 pm in the new fire station for incoming Police Chief Jason King.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 28, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

KofC Christmas Night

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The Mattapoisett Knights of Columbus will host a free family friendly night of caroling and s’mores leading up to the lighting of our Christmas tree on Friday December 17. Please join us at 6:30pm for live music and Santa arriving at 7:00pm by the shrine to ring in the season with family and friends. S’more ingredients and fire provided. Please bring your own “toasting sticks.”

Marion Natural History Museum

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There will be a Holiday Party after school at the Marion Natural History Museum on December 15, 3:30 to 4:30. Let’s have fun together designing gifts with natural and recycled craft materials. Bring your unique artistic talents and let’s make some gifts for the holidays. Depending on health restrictions at that time we will be offering snacks and drinks to fuel your creative efforts. Cost: $8.00 members, $10.00 nonmembers. Masks will be required. Preregistration is required. Please go to www.marionmuseum.org to register.