Rochester Rodeo Inbound

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            Rochester’s Board of Selectmen Monday approved the use of the former Country Fair grounds at 65 Pine St. for a series of rodeo shows this summer.

            The board authorized Town Administrator Cameron Durant to negotiate a licensing agreement with New England Rodeo for use of the 18.6 acre site after a public hearing that filled most of the seats in the Council On Aging Senior Center meeting room with concerned residents. 

            With the assistance of a slide presentation, company representative Kelly Pina started by noting the events will be run by a family of rodeo enthusiasts and experienced rodeo riders. The company is losing its headquarters in Norton to development in that town. Rochester will be a short-lived interim location for the rodeos for one season only, she said. The company is considering a more permanent site for 2027.

            The rodeos will be held between June 1 and September 30, every other Saturday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, she elaborated. The events will include audience participation, professional and junior bull riding and other demonstrations and even a mechanical bull. The company is looking to add an arena where tractor pulls once occurred and fencing. Its rodeos will attract 1,000 visitors for each event. But the company will also pay attention to safety, security and other community concerns. The speakers will be pointed downward to avoid neighborhood noise. Company staff will provide security. Police details will manage traffic. Town EMT services will be on hand, including company staff who are themselves EMTs. The animals will be under veterinary care and will be brought on and off site for each event.

            She added that local food trucks and vendors and local groups seeking to raise funds for their organizations will be welcome as will local boy scouts to direct the on-site parking as they did for the Rochester Country Fair. “We’re excited to work within a ‘Right to Farm’ community,” she said.

            The first question came from former Rochester Country Fair committee member Kelly Morgado, who asked if the rules her organization had to follow would be re-written for this use of the Pine Street property. Board chair Brad Morse answered that details of any agreement have yet to be negotiated.

            Then a resident asked if alcohol would be served. Pina said no, these will be family-friendly events. No residents had any further questions before the final approval vote.

            Turning to its other important agenda item, the board and the Finance Committee voted to recommend 23 of the 25 articles on the May 19 Annual Town Meeting warrant. The board tabled until its next meeting the consideration of three budget-related proposals. Durant said he wanted to re-vote one part of the town’s FY26 operating budget (Article #4) because the town wants to use free cash to eliminate a $260,000 borrowing debt on an Ambulance and a Fire Truck. This debt reduction will free up money to spend on the Rochester Memorial School Special Education account (Article #11), boosting that line item by $100,000. Another article proposes establishing a Facilities Management reserve account with $20,000 (Article #16). Selectman Adam Murphy said he wanted these measures put on hold pending further discussion. He said he needed more information on the $100,00 proposal and that this $20,000 could go into the Facilities Manager’s regular budget instead. As a result, the Finance Committee agreed to join the Select Board for that discussion on May 5.

            In other action, the board approved the installation of new Eversource Energy utility poles and manhole covers on Vaughn Hill Road.

            Durant announced the town is changing its process for applying for building permits to a fully computerized docu-sign system. But while it is being set up, the Building Department may need to revert to a paper system.

            The board approved a liquor license and ‘pledge of license’ request for Wine Spirits, Inc. (Rochester Wine Spirits and Market) at 621 County Road.

            David Hughes was re-appointed to the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee as Rochester’s representative.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, May 5 at 6:00 pm at the Council On Aging senior center, 67 Dexter Lane.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Calling all tweens grades 5-7. It’s time for a tween takeover at the Elizabeth Taber Library. From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7, we’ll be creating perler bead masterpieces.

            Kids grades K-4 and their grownups can join us on Thursday afternoons in May for an afternoon activity. On Thursday, May 8, we’ll be learning basic embroidery skills and creating spring tapestries.

            Spring is here, and with it is the May full moon – the Flower Moon. Join us from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Monday, May 12 for our full moon party. We’ll make flower presses, tissue paper flowers, and find hidden flowers around the Library.

            For the month of May, early childhood programs at the Elizabeth Taber Library are back on their regular schedule. Lapsit storytime for ages 0-24 months is Monday mornings at 10:30 am, Preschool storytime for ages 3-5 is Monday afternoons at 1:30 pm. Tuesdays feature Family Storytime for all ages at 10:30 am, and Messy Morning is on Thursdays at 10:30 am for ages 2-5.

            Banned Book Club will return Tuesday May 13 at 6:00 pm. May’s banned book title is “Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks. Find copies available at the circulation desk.

            Starting this May: The Cozy Cup Book Club will begin meeting on Wednesday mornings at the library. Join us for snacks, sips, and cozy conversations. The first meeting will be Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00 am. The first title selection is “The Gardener’s Plot” by Deborah Benoint. Find copies available at the circulation desk.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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In addition to being a member of the Rochester Historical Society, I am also a member of the Rochester Historical Commission not to be confused with the Rochester Historic District Commission. While we at the Historical Society focus on preserving historical papers and items that have a direct connection to the town, we also work to share that history with the public.

            The Historical Commission is focused more on the town’s historical buildings and that is done in part through our historic plaque program. The mission also includes sharing town history with 3rd graders at RMS and providing them with Rochester history coloring books.

            It’s not surprising that at times the activities of the Commission and Society overlap. Recently, a plaque request came to the Commission for an historic home on Neck Rd. The homeowners wanted the plaque to give the year in which the house was built along with the name of the Fuller family.

            While we understood their desire to honor the Fuller family members who lived in the house for more than 100 yrs. and have long been associated with “Scraggy Neck” which was the local name given to a stretch of Neck Rd., our policy has been to use the date that the structure was built and the name of the family who lived there at that time. Fortunately, the files at the Rochester Historical Society provided us with a very proper solution.

            According to the research in the books compiled by the Massachusetts Historical Commission and Archives, the house at 340 Neck Rd. is an example of a Federal-style residential building that was built in the early 19th century, and it shows up on the 1856 Walling map that we have at the Museum. It was built in and lived in by L. Snow.

            During the time when we were considering the plaque inscription, I found a letter written to L.C. Humphrey from Minnie Fuller in 1946. In the letter, she mentions that she had been looking over old deeds at his suggestion, because as he said she was ” the only one left who would remember the old places” which she acknowledged gave her a “funny feeling”.

            Now back to the letter and how it influenced the plaque. In her letter, she writes that her grandmother on the Crapo side who was born in1826, remembered watching the house being built by Linus Snow, son of Nicholas Snow. She was 5 or 6 yrs. old at the time, but she remembered Mr. Snow building and living in the house that later became her daughter’s home. The first Fuller to occupy the house was Allen F. Fuller, a farmer, who purchased the home in 1910.

            With such a connection between Snow and the Fuller family, it was easy to decide that the plaque would read Snow/Fuller Home.

            Anyone with an older home interested in a plaque can go to the Historical Commission section of the town website where all the plaque information is available.

            A small correction: Wish of a Lifetime, the charity mentioned in last week’s article is a charity affiliate of AARP, but it is a separate non-profit entity. Hope everyone is checking out old pianos.

By Connie Eshbach

Sippican School ‘Arts in Action’ Event

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Lynn Dessert are pleased to share that Sippican Elementary School students participated in the annual “Arts in Action” show on Wednesday night, April 16.

            With the theme “A Sea of Creativity,” more than 1,000 works of art created by students in grades K-6 were showcased during the “Arts in Action” show. The free event featured an exhibit called “Under the Sea Glow Show,” a scavenger hunt, live artist demonstrations, make-and-take art centers, longways dancing, live music from Sippican musicians and food that was available to purchase from the Music Cafe, with all proceeds supporting Sippican arts programs.

            “‘Arts in Action’ is a yearly event at Sippican School that takes months of planning and organizing through a team effort,” said Art Teacher Joanne Smith. “This fun event is all about celebrating the arts in our school, bringing the community together and creating joyful memories for our students.”

            Smith gave credit for the event to volunteers from the Music Department, the Art Department, and VASE (Volunteers At Sippican Elementary), along with parent volunteers, the Sippican Scoop, and high schoolers from Old Rochester Regional High School.

            “It is truly amazing how all the pieces come together behind the scenes with the help of so many volunteers to create this wonderful event of the arts,” Smith said.

            Smith praised the diversity of artwork that was featured in the “Arts in Action” show.

            “We had a bit of all types of art from weaving, printmaking, pottery, painting, to dance, the band and choir,” Smith said.

            In addition to student art, the event showcased art by members of the Pokanoket Tribe, wood burning by local artist Kristin Canto, cupola paintings by New Bedford artist Roy Rossow. VASE sponsored an “artist experience” with Rossow, whose cupola artwork has been featured at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

            Smith credited Instrumental Music Teacher Hannah Moore and General Music and Choral Teacher Patty Richard with creating a fun atmosphere for everyone.

            “Seeing all of the families enjoying themselves – as they viewed children’s artwork, participated in Mrs. Moore’s music cafe, joined in on Mrs. Richards’ longway dances and learned a new art technique from a community artist – is what ‘Arts in Action’ is all about,” Smith said

            Superintendent Nelson, Principal Dessert, and Assistant Principal Gregory Thomas thanked all the volunteers who helped make the “Arts in Action” event possible, along with all the students, teachers and community members who participated.

            “‘Arts in Action’ is a such an awesome way for our students to demonstrate their talents, get inspired and learn more about the arts from all the hands-on exhibits and stations that we ran throughout this wonderful event,” said Assistant Principal Thomas. “Thank you to everyone who helped out to organize, set up and operate this event.”

            “It was great to see so many works of art created by our students. We have so much young talent at Sippican. It’s really all so impressive,” said Principal Dessert. “I’d also like to offer a special thanks to Ms. Moore and Ms. Richard for help making this such a fun time for everyone, along with all of our community artists and Ms. Smith for all the hard work put into this event. This was an amazing night and a big success.”

            “Our annual ‘Arts in Action’ is an annual tradition and it is one of the biggest highlights of the year for our students, showcasing all of their creativity and hard work for us all to enjoy,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We also saw some fantastic artwork by members of the community, and some amazing musical performances. I’d like to congratulate everyone who participated, showcasing their works of art, and I’d like to thank our hardworking staff and volunteers who made the event possible.”

Arbor Day at RMS

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Tree Warden Jeffrey Eldridge recently procured 500 (small) trees to be distributed to the youth of Rochester in honor of Arbor Day, which is Friday, April 25, to take home and plant.

            Arbor Day is a day to celebrate trees. Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, reduce energy consumption, clean the air, and produce life-giving oxygen.

            They positively affect the local ecosystem by helping to clean water and create habitats for wildlife, which encourages biodiversity. They are renewable resources giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

            Arbor Day is observed throughout the nation and the world, and, on Friday, April 25 in our town of Rochester. Hopefully RMS students will enjoy the opportunity to plant a tree and observe it over time as they both grow up here in our town.

Old Landing Usage Depends on Town Meeting

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On April 16, the Marion Marine Resources Commission met to discuss various facets of harbor management for the FY26 budget.

            The commission spoke on a new patrol boat for the Harbormaster Department, currently located in Washington state undergoing sea trials. Harbormaster Adam Murphy said he would fly out the following Wednesday, and if everything looks good, the boat will be shipped cross-country the week after, saying “we should see it the second week in May.” The current patrol boat will become surplus to be sold off, seeing its revenue added to the town’s “free cash” General Fund.

            For harbor management, Bird Island had its floats installed and gangway repaired. Murphy said the current float was “pretty much trash” and they would add plywood to it to make it through this summer, though it will need to be replaced for next year. Mass Wildlife has created new sheds for birdhouses, which were also delivered by barge. The harbormaster wanted everything in place before the arrival of birds.

            Murphy said they were not successful in capital funding this year, having not received a forklift nor funds to build a new dock at Old Landing. He added there is not enough funds in the current budget to install a float either, stating the “deterioration is pretty bad” and the town would have to close it due to it being unsafe for use. It was clarified that the money for a forklift and the Old Landing float replacement is in the newest version of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, to be voted upon on May 12.

            Speaking on shell fishing permits, the harbormaster said the number of applicants and funds has “fallen off.” He cited an aging population as a possibility.

            The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Maritime Center Conference Room.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

By Sam Bishop

ORRHS Hosts Mattapoisett Police for ‘Sullivan’s Message’ Presentation

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that, thanks to a partnership with the Mattapoisett Police Department, a special presentation of “Sullivan Message” was held at Old Rochester Regional High School on Wednesday, April 16.

            The presentation, which focuses on the dangers of drug use, was funded by the Town of Mattapoisett, using resources received through national opioid lawsuit settlement funds.

            “Sullivan’s Message” shares the tragic story of Taylor Meyer, a 17-year-old high school senior from Plainville, who drowned in 2008 after wandering away from an outdoor underage drinking party. Her mother, Kathi Sullivan, shares her story to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use and the importance of making safe, thoughtful decisions with the future in mind.

            In addition to Kathi Sullivan’s presentation, her husband Chris Sullivan gave a presentation in each of the two sessions called “Not in the Playbook,” speaking on his personal story of recovery from substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Sullivan is a former NFL football player for the New England Patriots, who went from winning the Super Bowl to fighting for his life, battling anxiety and an addiction to drugs. But now he shares a message of hope, coping and mental health wellness.

            The presentations, given to all Old Rochester Regional High School students during two separate sessions, featured a heavy focus on substance use, alcohol awareness, mental health and wellness. Instead of succumbing to short-term temptations and misguided loyalty, the presentations encouraged students to prioritize health, integrity and long-term goals.

            After their presentations, the Sullivans handed out pink and blue bracelets for students, and they also passed around Sullivan’s Super Bowl ring. The pink bracelet carries the message “Taylor Lee Meyer” and “I’m Here 4 A Reason,” while the blue bracelet makes a statement, “Sullivan’s Message” and “you matter.”

            For more information about “Sullivan’s Message” and “Not in the Playbook,” go online to www.sullivansmessage.com.

            The presentations were coordinated with the help of Mattapoisett Police Department in partnership with Old Rochester Regional High School staff and Sgt. Junior Cardoso, who previously served as a school resource officer.

            “As a former school resource officer, the mission was always to create and ensure a safe learning and working environment for our students,” said Sgt. Cardoso. “I also made it a point in teaching life lessons to the students – something they could take with them outside of school to help them make good decisions, with safety being the objective. I believe this presentation is something that will help with that in their lives moving forward.”

            Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King emphasized the department’s commitment to prevention and community engagement, explaining that “Sullivan’s Message” provides a powerful lesson on the importance of making good decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. Chief King said the Police Department is grateful for the Town of Mattapoisett’s continued support for proactive, life-saving education.

            “Our job isn’t just about enforcement – it’s about education, support, and giving our young people the tools to make good choices,” Chief King said. “‘Sullivan’s Message’ delivers a lesson that can stay with them long after graduation. We thank the Town of Mattapoisett and Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for recognizing the strong value of turning settlement funds into a meaningful investment in our students’ futures.”

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll both thanked Kathi and Chris Sullivan for delivering powerful, touching presentations about the dangers of substance use and the importance of making good decisions.

            “We were grateful to be able to bring this presentation Old Rochester Regional High School to provide this important message to our students about the dangers that can result from alcohol and drugs, and the tremendous challenge that addiction poses for people in recovery,” Principal Devoll said. “Thank you to the Mattapoisett Police Department and the Town of Mattapoisett for making this event possible. We want the best for our students and want to see them all grow to live happy, healthy lives.”

            “‘Sullivan’s Message’ is a heartbreaking but inspiring story, and we thank Kathi and Chris Sullivan for all they’ve done to share this with all of us,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This presentation provided not just a dire warning but also heartfelt encouragement for our students to make safe, thoughtful decisions. We’d like to thank Mattapoisett Police Department and Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for supporting this important event for our students. We are grateful for all of your help in our collective efforts to look out for the safety and wellbeing of our students.”

Historic District Study Committee

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To the Residents of Marion,

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

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

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

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

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

Sydney Weinberg

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Upcoming Sippican Lands Trust Events

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

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

Hello from Plumb Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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