Split Rock Lane to be Repaired

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On May 16, the Mattapoisett Planning Board took up the matter of roadway conditions at Split Rock Lane inside the Preserve at Bay Club property.

            During the April 5 meeting of the board, members heard from residents of the development that the roadway was deteriorating. Hugh Rowlett of 32 Split Rock Lane said he was speaking not only for himself but for 21 other homeowners living in the Preserve at the Bay Club neighborhood of Split Rock Lane and expressing deep concerns about roadway conditions.

            At that earlier meeting, Rowlett provided photographic evidence of the current condition of Split Rock Lane and asked that the Planning Board intercede on behalf of the homeowners before a topcoat is applied. He asked that specific requests be made of the developer such as a redesign of the road, a survey of the road, addressing the peer-review consultant’s (Ken Motta of Field Engineering) comments and an engineer’s report to the Planning Board once repairs have been made.

            “We are counting on you guys … homeowners need Town Hall to look out for them,” Rowlett stated at the April 5 meeting.

            Nina Huber and several other residents of the development shared similar concerns, while applauding Rowlett’s efforts to get the neighborhood some help.

            Representing developer Christos Kuliopulos on May 16 was Jeff Youngquist of Outback Engineering. Youngquist said that in December of 2019, a base coat had been applied. A review conducted by Motta took place last summer at which time Youngquist said, “Some things were found.” He now said that some “structures” were too high and others too low but would be repaired soon. He also noted that homeowners had added to the end of their driveways but that those structures would have to be removed.

            Youngquist reported that the roadway coating has not broken down since being laid in 2019 and that when repairs are done a crown will be added to the overall design.

            On that point, outgoing member Janice Robbins said, “Things have to be remedied before the topcoat is done. We need written specs and confirmation from Ken Motta.” Youngquist assured the board that specifications would be drawn up.

            Kuliopulos said that the delay in completing the road came at the request of the Bay Club but that the base was good, although it needs some “tweaking.” In the end, Kuliopulos agreed to pay Field Engineering for Motta’s time in reviewing the specification and updated plan of record. He also said there was a $125,000 cash surety in play.

            The board members also discussed setting up a solar bylaw subcommittee. Robbins said it should be a by-invitation-only committee consisting of representatives from the Fire and Police departments, Conservation Committee, Assessor’s Office and the Planning Board.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 6, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Community Preservation Committee

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To the Editor:

            Nearly lost in the hubbub at Mattapoisett’s Annual Town Meeting on May 9th was the excellent report provided by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). That report, printed on yellow paper, details CPC awards totaling $2.356 million from 2009 through 2021. We calculate that $0.707 million of these awards have been spent on open space, or about 30% of total awards. This is appropriate, since open space is one of three categories (along with housing and historic preservation) that require an allocation of CPC funds each year.

            We further calculate that $0.536 million of these open space awards have been to the Town itself, to protect land overlying municipal drinking water wells in the Mattapoisett River valley. Surely it is prudent to protect the source of drinking water used by four towns, rather than to spend more money later to purify ground water from the inevitable contamination caused by housing development near wells (e.g. lawn chemicals, driveway runoff, septic discharge). Organizations like Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT) and Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) have received only $171,000 in CPC funds over this 12- year period to acquire conservation lands to protect wildlife habitats, scenic views and enhance public outdoor recreation. Funds awarded to MLT and BBC account for only 24% of all open space funds awarded and 7% of total awards. We note that both MLT and BBC are able to leverage Town funds received many times over with much larger state and federal land conservation grants, and with private donations. In short, we believe past CPC awards for open space have been prudent and effective investments to improve the Town, and should continue.

            Citizens sometimes express concern that conservation lands don’t pay property taxes, and are limiting residential development. We disagree for several reasons. First, nearly half of all conservation lands in Mattapoisett are owned by the state (Haskell Swamp and Nasketucket Bay) and the state makes payments to the Town in lieu of taxes. Municipal and MLT/BBC lands do not pay taxes, but return value to taxpayers in the form of drinking water protection, wildlife habitat, scenic views, and public recreation outdoors. Second, a large part of conservation lands are wetlands, salt marshes, and priority wildlife habitat areas that are not suitable for development. Third, the steady rate of new home construction throughout town suggests that land is still available to meet market demands for housing. Open space conservation and new residential development are compatible in Mattapoisett.

            We support Mattapoisett’s strong fiscal management approach that has resulted in our AAA bond rating, carefully reviewed budgets, development of new revenue sources and judicious use of debt. There is no silver bullet to ease the financial strains on the town. Protection of open space will continue to be an important factor in keeping Mattapoisett Special, and is not in conflict with prudent financial management of the Town.

Gary P. Johnson

Mike Huguenin, Mattapoisett

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.

A Profusion of Abstraction

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Spring in all its glory is fully evident throughout our patch of the globe. Flowering trees combine with perennials to color the landscapes as only they can do.

            At the Marion Art Center, a new exhibit has just opened that adds to the delights of spring with color galore. Titled Profusion of Color: Abstracts, the show, features the works of artists Alyn Carlson, Pat Coomey Thornton and Pat Warwick.

            Upon entering the MAC, one is immediately enveloped is rich colors and shapes. Each wall of the two galleries holds thrilling, textured work with themes created by artists who “see” far beyond the reality into the imagined, into the what can be. Their ability to create and drive to do so is there for all to enjoy.

            Carlson has been creating works of art since she was a child, “but about 15 years ago, I started to take things seriously,” she said. Carlson admittedly felt timid about pursuing visual art. Yet there is nothing timid in her finished pieces.

            Carlson’s visual art creations run the gamut of methods from watercolors to oil to gouache and graphite as well as a wide variety of expression. Interior designs, theater both as an actor and director, author and paper art, are just a few more of Carlson’s creative inclinations. Of her art and its many forms, Carlson says, “You pick where you want to go with me.”

            The paintings on exhibit at the MAC stem from her early influences living on a farm. When you step back from several of her displayed paintings, you can feel and see the open plains and the vast prairies blanketed in waving grasses. And if you pause long enough, you may even feel the wind as it rolls across the vegetation and hear the rushing sound as if water were flowing. Carlson would surely agree.

            Pat Warwick was a tile artist; those small, intense, little ceramic pieces that somehow capture everything that can be found on large canvases were Warwick’s signature works. She made tiles for some 36 years. But Warwick felt it was time to branch out and give her creative energies room to move through the abstract art form.

            Five years ago, she began painting. She said of her process, “In the spirit of adventure, I make spontaneous marks with lots of color and texture to build layers, always on the lookout for a line or shape that emerges to evoke a memory. Often, I feel like an archaeologist creating order out of chaos. Though it is a personal journey for me, my hope is that a strong composition and nuanced surface will engage the viewer on a more universal level.”

            Warwick’s process, of letting the shapes and colors she puts forth inform the major theme of the work, is the abstraction between the real and the imagined. It is where her many years of creating tiles comes out to play in complete abandonment; they are creations meant to open the mind’s eye to what can be, and they are simply glorious.

            Pat Coomey Thornton says she has been creating art since she was 16. “I love everything about painting, the colors, the smells, everything!” She said that while raising her children, her art life had to take a backseat but that now, “I feel karma in the studio, it nourishes my soul.”

            In writing of her process and experience as an artist, Coomey Thornton said, “I try to capture a sense of fleeting time, a glimpse of parts that suggest the whole, and the energy of a continuum. I hope to create a work where color, texture and mark offer the observer an absorbing entrance to their own experiences and thoughts.”

            Coomey Thornton also said of her work, “I seize upon nuances from my surroundings and life as points of departure. I simplify shapes to suggest their recognizable relatives and hope to generate more than one interpretation.”

            As an educator, Coomey Thornton has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and the School of the Worcester Art Museum. She retired 12 years ago, giving her time to more fully explore her creative works. Her canvases feature themes from nature or spiritual experiences, experiential moods through time with shapes and colors that exude grace.

            Abstract art takes from reality but does not attempt to accurately depict forms. Abstractions in art instead employs shapes, colors or forms with gestural movement to reach out from imagination to touch the viewer’s heart. Abstract art may be considered an acquired taste. However, once the appetite has been whetted, it is impossible to set it aside. Visit the MAC and taste something new and very delicious.

            Profusion of Color: Abstractions is on view now through June 25. Visit marionartcenter.org for complete details.

Marion Art Center

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Lego Club Thursday, 4 pm, May-September – Lego club is back! Join us Thursdays at 4 pm in the library courtyard for child-led play, open to all ages. This is a drop-in activity, we provide the Legos, you provide the creativity! Oversized-Legos available for young children. Lego club will be held indoors in case of bad weather.

            Storytime in the Courtyard. Tuesdays and Fridays 10:30 am – All ages are invited to listen and play at our twice weekly outdoor story times. Story times will be held indoors in case of bad  weather.

            True Crime Book Club Hosted by Jay Pateakos. Thursday June 7 at 6:30 – Join us for a Thursday evening book club centered on thrilling and chilling true crime stories. Contact the library for more information.

            Dungeons & Dragons with Dylan. Beginning Tuesday May 31 4-6 pm – Join our resident table top enthusiast Dylan Benoit for D&D at the library. Beginners and experts welcome. For ages 14+. Call to sign up at the library.

            Summer Reading is coming! Summer reading kick-off event with Carabiner’s portable rock-climbing wall and Oxford Creamery’s OxCart. Saturday June 25 11-2 pm- The summer reading adventure begins on June 25 with a visit from a portable climbing wall and free ice cream! Little ones are invited to our summer splash event with splash pads, kiddie pools, sprinklers, and more!

            Looking for a place to hold your book club, knitting group, board game club, community action group, tutoring space or student meeting space?

            The Elizabeth Taber Library has indoor and outdoor accommodations available for all small group meetings. Call to reserve our meeting room space or to arrange for outdoor accommodations (shade tent included) or stop by anytime to check out our space. 

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org

Schools Troubled by Consolidation Timeline

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            The UMass Boston Collins Center for Public Management sent representative Heather Michaud to present an introduction of the center’s facilities study to Monday night’s public meeting of the Mattapoisett School Committee.

            A recent downward trend in student enrollment in the Tri-Towns, coupled together with Mattapoisett’s budgetary challenges, has sparked interest among town officials in potential school-building consolidation. Funded by a grant opportunity, the Collins Center was contracted by the town to evaluate Mattapoisett’s Town Hall and two elementary schools against enrollment trajectory and many other considerations and deliver recommendations.

            What the School Committee didn’t count on learning Monday night is that the two-pronged study was enacted on the town side a full year before the schools side was brought into the picture.

            “The timeline seems a little late, school’s almost over,” said retiring School Committee member Carole Clifford, who was attending her final meeting. “The final report is coming up soon, but you haven’t had much of a site visit yet and you said there would be several. … They may be rushing it.”

            Clifford asked if the timeline laid out by Michaud could be stretched out, and School Committee Vice-Chairperson Carly Lavin buttressed the concern, calling surveys targeting families in summer mode as “ill-advised.” Lavin suggested waiting until the fall. “I just think your participation will be better,” she said.

            “We agreed the timeline is aggressive. The Select Board is concerned. I myself was concerned,” said Michaud. “I certainly have never seen an overnight consolidation. … wouldn’t be best practice … you’re looking at a long-range plan.”

            Michaud explained that four Collins Center employees would serve on the team evaluating Mattapoisett: herself, along with colleague Mike Edwards, a building expert and a former school business administrator. “He needs to look at it from the town side and I’ll be looking at the schools,” said Michaud.

            Another person, she said, will offer an objective perspective, and a former superintendent of schools (Ann Wilson, assuming her availability) will assist with public engagement. Two are full-time UMass Boston employees and two part time.

            Anticipating the request from the committee, Chairman Jim Muse told the members he had already requested the documentation of the grant application filed by the town.

            “We absolutely should see what the genesis of this whole process is. We seem to be in the middle of it,” he said.

            Lavin and Tiffini Reedy agreed it would have been helpful for the Collins Center to be more fully represented. “This isn’t just about the school but the town and the town hall. Taxpayers are ultimately going to be funding this project,” said Reedy.

            Muse agreed with the committee members.

            “There is a lot going on, and the school wasn’t given even a whisper,” he said. “It would have been better to start this process together, and I know you can’t help.”

            In questioning as to prior relationships between town officials and any participants on the UMass Boston end, Muse said, “It seems like this just kind of happened. We were not in the know at all and only began to be in the know when you met with Mr. (Mike) Nelson (Old Rochester Regional superintendent of schools.) Something that is really, really, really very important and is something that is really, really, really rushed.”

            Lavin reiterated that the public forum on school consolidation should, like the survey planned for the summer, be held when school is in session to ensure proper opportunity for feedback.

            Muse concluded the segment and thanked Michaud for the time and thoughtfulness she put into her responses.

            Muse was less diplomatic in his Chairperson’s Report in which he called the May 9 Town Meeting “an absolute circus.”

            In reporting that the Mattapoisett school budget carried at Town Meeting, Muse expressed extreme surprise and extreme disappointment at what he termed an improper departure from the agenda for the sake of an attack from the floor on the school administration and committee.

            “It was nothing short of disgraceful, it was orchestrated, it was planned,” he said.

            Muse said hundreds of hours go into developing documentation of the data and processes involved with school budgeting. “They’re agonized over,” he said, referencing an annual effort “done thoroughly and presented thoroughly.”

            Muse insists that the financial information that Mattapoisett Finance Committee Chairperson Pat Donoghue and Town Administrator Mike Lorenco recently asserted was not readily available, in fact, was at their request.

            “The very worst thing … that night we had a fantastic opportunity to recognize a person who is the premier public servant … instead … she was vilified,” Muse said of retiring Mattapoisett Schools’ Principal Rose Bowman.

            Muse also said that the prior town manager was “vilified improperly and erroneously.”

            He concluded his remarks by saying, “We have children that need us. … I hope that we can work together, and I hope they will work in an honest fashion to do the right thing for the entire town and that’s our children.”

            Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson said he is confident in the budget. “Mattapoisett elementary schools consistently make the most of the resources afforded them,” said Nelson.

            After a public hearing was held on School Choice, the committee voted to keep Mattapoisett a School Choice district but capping the number of enrollment slots at 12 for the 2022-23 school year. Nine of those slots are presently occupied, including two in Kindergarten, two in Grade 1, three in Grade 2 and two in Grade 3.

            In answer to a question from Mike Rosa, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Howie Barber explained that the occupation of out-of-town students in School Choice slots saves the town money because the state funds $5,000 for each student in the program. According to Muse, the school is already incurring a $19,000 annual cost for the seat.

            In other votes, the committee approved the Memorandum of Agreement with the Mattapoisett Educators Association for next three school years. Select Board member Tyler Macallister, who attended the meeting via Zoom, was not present when the vote was taken, but Muse said the committee had a quorum so the tally was 5-0 in favor with one non-vote.

            The School Committee also approved meeting dates for the 2022-23 school year as September 12, November 14, January 9, February 27, March 20, April 3, May 15 and June 12. Lavin said she thinks there is too much work for two meetings before the new year and accepted Nelson’s suggestion that she request an October meeting at the September meeting.

            Two finalists have been selected to replace Bowman for the 2022-23 school year: Dr. Linda Ashley, who is presently working for Franklin Public Schools, and Dr. Christie Harvey-Cutone, presently with Wayland Public Schools.

            Director of Student Services Craig Davidson reported that the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is helping the ORR School District expand summer programming with $50,000 grants to all three of the Tri-Towns and one for the district at large.

            In her Principal’s Report, Bowman highlighted several upcoming events, including MCAS testing, Kindergarten screening, buy-one, get-one book fairs, a day with artist Bren Bataclan on June 2, picnic lunches on June 7, field days on June 3 (Center School) and June 17 (Old Hammondtown), a musical program on June 21 at Center School and June 8 or June 15 at Old Hammondtown and Flag Day June 14 at Center School with both schools and the band on hand.

            Old Hammondtown fifth-grade student Paige Mailloux, whose Arbor Day poster won top prize, entered the state contest in Newburyport and finished.

In Open Comment, resident Bodil Perkins, whose comments during the School Choice public hearing were unheard due to technical difficulties, suggested a more detailed financial breakdown of why School Choice is considered an overall win for the local school district. She also asked what happens if a School Choice student needs an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and how that is financially covered.

            Mike Rosa asked if the public will be invited back to school committee meetings in person and, if not, why not.

            Muse reminded the participants that Open Comment is not a question-and-answer session but an opportunity for comment. He invited questions to be directed to the ORR Central Office.

            The next meeting of Mattapoisett School Committee is scheduled for Monday, June 13, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, June 23. Both meetings will begin at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett School Committee

By Mick Colageo

ORR’s Wright Scores 200th Goal

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The Old Rochester Regional High School girls’ lacrosse team is 12-1 in the 2022 season, and a major driving force for the team has been senior Maddie Wright. Last week, she led the Lady Bulldogs to three big wins and in the process, found herself joining the 200-goal club.

            After a 9-8 win at New Bedford on May 10, Old Rochester returned home the next day for its matchup with Seekonk. The Bulldogs dominated on their home field with a final score of 18-6. Wright was their biggest weapon, scoring seven goals on her way to surpassing 200 career goals. Meanwhile, Sydnee Pires contributed three points while Caroline Brogioli scored two.

            Wright built off the momentum on May 13, putting on an even more impressive performance in ORR’s 20-10 win over Apponequet in Lakeville. She accounted for almost half of the Bulldogs’ goals, hitting the back of the net nine times. Also impressing against Apponequet was Kelly Quinlan, who scored eight goals. Old Rochester hosted Bourne on Wednesday and will visit Dighton-Rehoboth on Friday, May 20.

Boys Lacrosse

            ORR’s boys’ lacrosse team continued its undefeated streak last week with two conference wins. On May 11, the Bulldogs picked up a 12-2 win over Seekonk, before defeating Apponequet, 14-13, in overtime on Friday the 13. The Bulldogs hosted Dartmouth on Tuesday, visited Bourne on Wednesday and will host Dighton-Rehoboth on Friday, May 20.

Baseball

            The Bulldogs started last week strong, picking up a 5-3 win at home against Dennis-Yarmouth. Following the win, however, they went on a two-game skid, losing 6-5 against Carver on May 11 before losing 5-3 against Dighton-Rehoboth on May 13. On Monday, the Bulldogs got back on track with a 12-7 win against Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech. The Bulldogs will visit Somerset Berkley on Friday, May 20.

Tennis

            Both Old Rochester tennis teams defeated Somerset Berkley by 4-1 scores on May 12. They faced Apponequet on Tuesday and will take on Fairhaven on Thursday, May 19, with the boys having home-court advantage.

Sports Roundup

By Matthew Curry

Panelists Discuss Immigrant, Refugee Issues

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            Immigrants are people leaving their country of origin by choice. Those choices may be many, but their movement ultimately is by choice. Refugees are people fleeing their country of origins for reasons of personal safety; the safety issues may be varied, but in the end, this group had no choice. While these people may find themselves on the south coast for different reasons, they all need many of the same services as they transition into American culture and society.

            On May 15, the Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s Just Peace group hosted a community forum to explore all aspects of an immigrant and refugee experience and their associated needs.

            The panelists represented New Bedford based agencies. Representing Immigrant Assistance Center was Helena DaSilva Hughes; Corinne Williams represented Community Economic Development Center; the Southcoast Afghan Welcome Network and also the Department of Community Services for the City of New Bedford were represented by Mali Lim; and Marlene Cerritos-Rivas represented Mujeres Vicaoriosas (Partners in Health.)

            Each advocate spoke to the level of service their agency provides to immigrants and the types of needs all immigrating persons may face. The message coming through the discussion loud and clear: The needs of these populations are profound, expensive and growing.

            After introductions, each panelist discussed the role of their agency in the lives of people attempting resettlement here.

            Williams has been assisting newcomers to the Greater New Bedford area for decades and is a founding member of the Community Economic Development Center. She said that the agency services not only include English language classes but also teach new arrivals how to use financial systems such as banks, tax preparation and technology. And although the agency faced a disaster when its building burned down, the CEDC is now back in full swing at a new location in New Bedford.

            Williams said that many of the people the CEDC serves want to start businesses but don’t know how or where to begin. The agency assists with those matters too.

            The challenges associated with attending to legal matters was high on the list of arrangements that the CEDC has been able to pull together. “We’ve built an amazing network,” Williams said of the people who have come forward to offer transportation to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) hearings and medical services that are oftentimes many miles away.

            Yet the pandemic has impacted the availability of volunteer drivers, a worrisome situation for the agency.

            Cerritos-Rivas was invited to join the panelists to share her story. She came to the United States as a small child with her undocumented family. They had fled from El Salvador. She is now dedicated to pursuing her public health degree at a university. She believes in the importance of teaching women, many of whom are mothers, how to advocate for themselves, an integral part of the service offered by Mugeres Vicaoriosas. Cerritos-Rivas told the story of women who through months of advocacy were able to get the public school system to include foods that would be recognizable to immigrant children.

            Lim talked about the need to educate new arrivals on how to live day by day in what can be a challenging environment.

            “I work for the city … helping immigrants navigate bureaucracy, how to be good citizens – everything – including when to put their trash out,” she said.

            Lim recently became an immigration lawyer because the need for this type of specialty legal aid is growing daily. She pointed to the approximately 30 Afghan refugees currently being served in the area, and that it is likely the south coast will be receiving refugees from the Ukraine. But housing is a huge stumbling block, she said.

            Lim said that the Southcoast Afghan Welcome Network coordinates and/or supplies this population with furniture, food, clothing, finding jobs or teaching them how read. The task of integrating into a new country is already a complex journey, but without finances or the ability to earn money and the challenge of where to buy groceries or how to get medical help, the immigrants may feel hopeless, especially when government support steps away.

            To fill the breach, Lim stated, “We’ve coordinated Friends Circle.”

            The panelists were all acutely aware of the lack of housing stock in the region, especially since the pandemic-leveraged restrictions on evictions were lifted. Some 600 evictions have taken place in New Bedford, said Hughes. These citizens are now competing for housing with immigrants, she said. “It’s a housing crisis,” said Hughes of the Afghan refugees. “These people are our allies.”

            Hughes spoke to their need to learn English and explained that each new wave of immigrant arrivals brings new challenges that must be met. She emphasized the need for Spanish speakers in the schools to work with students, many of whom she said were struggling in the aftermath of physical and emotional traumas.

            Hughes said her agency works with the police department to bring justice to victims. She estimated that there are 15,000,000 undocumented people in the U.S. Another population in dire need of services. Pointing to her decades of working on behalf of the immigrant population, Hughes said that immigration reform has been politicized, thus, “Nothing gets done!”

            Williams said, “There are people coming across the border from 10 countries now, many from Brazil.” Lim said, “And some lawyers aren’t immigration lawyers, they are taking advantage of (immigrants.)” She asked for continued financial support and volunteers.

            Cerritos-Rivas shared what she believes is an important overall goal. “We want them to live their lives as productive people, get their own businesses and maybe one day return to their own countries.”

            To learn more, contact Lim at mali.lim@newbedford-ma.gov, Hughes at immigrantassistancecenter.org and Williams at cedenewbedford.org.

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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People driving by Plumb Corner these days may have the same reaction that they had when the shopping area was being built and that would be a comment about how Rochester was changing. While change is real and often inevitable, there is a nearby spot at the intersection of Marion Road. and Mary’s Pond Road. that has an almost timeless quality.

            It was the construction of the first meeting house near this spot in 1699 that led to the development of several local roadways. With the meeting house and the roads, this became the town center for Old Rochester in the 1700’s and remains the center of Rochester in the 2020’s. The meeting house is commemorated by a large boulder with a wide base and a narrow top and the brass tablet set into the stone reads, “Near this spot the town of Rochester built its first Meeting House in 1699. Here was organized the First Church of Rochester in 1703.”

            Changes happened even then. There were a total of four meeting houses on or near the common over the years. The commemorative stone sits near the first one and on the actual spot of the second one built in 1717 when more room was needed.

            In front of the stone are two items reminiscent of Rochester’s past when traveling involved horses rather than cars. The granite watering trough is 3 feet in length. Extending over this trough is a 2 and 1/2 tall wrought iron pump that sits on a wooden plank. When an archeological survey was done of Rochester’s historic areas in 1998, it was said that this pump was one of a few of this type left in Rochester and was similar to one found in Sherman Cemetery.

            However, the 1998 pump while an antique had only been there 13 yrs. when the survey was done. In 1985, it was discovered that the historic pump had been stolen from its spot. The pump was an antique (no one knew how old it was) whose value was mostly sentimental and what happened to it still remains a mystery. Town residents were quick to offer replacement pumps. The selectmen vowed to set the chosen pump in concrete.

            Along with the trough and pump is an arched top highway sign. It, too, has been there as long as anyone can remember. At one time, it also seemed to have disappeared, but it had only been taken down to be refurbished and was safely returned to its spot.

By Connie Eshbach

Academic Achievements

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Collin Fitzpatrick of Marion, majoring in Economics, was awarded a Certificate in Finance & Banking from College of the Holy Cross’ Carlyse and Arthur A. Ciocca ’59 Center for Business, Ethics and Society.

Thank You Marion

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To the Editor;

            I would like to thank all the Marion residents who trusted me with their votes, and I can only wish there had been a few more of them. Best of luck to Toby in his new role.

            I particularly thank the many friends who invited their friends and neighbors to meet me and discuss the issues facing Marion. My sons, Jed and Scott, were tireless in their efforts to get a polished look to my signs and website.

Toby’s strong campaign pushed me out of my comfort zone into going door-to-door to meet voters. That effort let me meet a wonderful group of people, all of whom were gracious and forthcoming with their ideas for making Marion a better place to live.

            I expect to stay active in town affairs and will continue to work to make Marion an even better place to live.

            Warmest regards,

Ed

Edward P Hoffer MD

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.