Six Tree Removals Approved, Black Oak Spared

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

            The select board unanimously approved the effort for the grant.

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

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

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

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

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Open Table Is Back

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

Call for Entries for the Winter Members’ Show

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

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

Heron Cove Estates Variance Granted

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals in the Police Station’s conference room on December 11 approved a variance for Heron Cove Estates, a proposed development that has changed from 125 proposed apartment units to 57 town houses.

            The ZBA at a joint-meeting with the Select Board on November 13 discussed whether the ZBA could even vote on a variance for a project that has drastically changed.

            Select Board members were all in agreement that the board could indeed vote on the variance and that the project would boast economic benefits to the town.

            Ken Steen of Steen Realty and Attorney Ken Debrowski outlined the economic hardships for developers, ranging from rising construction costs since the apartment project was proposed, as well as $1 million needed to build a retaining wall that abuts the nearest property on the west side of the development.

            Debrowski and Steen also mentioned that the topography of the area would also be an economic drain to the developers.

            “The land has to be filled and graded, and costs of raw materials are out of sight,” Steen said. “It has gone crazy.”

            The ZBA unanimously granted the variance and expressed no opposition.

            At the November 13 joint-meeting, Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland said that the scaled-down version of the project will likely attract older people without families. He said the development would connect to the town’s sewer and water, helping improve that infrastructure, as well as make road improvements in that area.

            Hoagland also said that the development’s close proximity to town businesses would be a boon to the local economy.

            He and other Select Board members said the developer has also promised around $500,000 to the town in addition to tax revenue.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals will be on Thursday, January 8.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Town Seeks Clarity in ORR-Acushnet Deal

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The Rochester Select Board’s biggest move Monday was to invite Old Rochester Regional School District Superintendent Michael Nelson to its January 20 meeting to learn more about ORR High School’s plan to accept Acushnet students in the 2026-27 academic year.

            Member Brad Morse began the discussion by noting he has seen too many social-media posts proclaiming what that deal between ORR and the Acushnet School Department will mean. He is especially bothered by talk of how much Acushnet will pay to send its high school students to ORR. In some media, it’s a number far less than it’ll cost ORR to accept those students, Morse noted. “My recommendation is to invite the superintendent in for our January 20 meeting,” he said.

            “We need to have a discussion in a public forum,” Chair Adam Murphy said as he agreed to extend the invitation. “We want questions answered.”

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted negotiations between Acushnet and ORR aren’t even happening yet. The December 9 meeting of the Acushnet School Committee agreed simply to start negotiations with both the City of New Bedford and ORR to form a new school-district partnership that would send Acushnet students to that community’s high school. As only a point to start the negotiations, Acushnet had proposed paying 70% of what the state reimburses a community for its per pupil costs and had calculated that figure as $8,200 per student, Durant said. “That’s just their starting point,” he explained.

            Murphy added that he is encouraged by the fact ORR has never said “that is the number” that will work for them. Rather, ORR has said “it’s in the ballpark” of what would work for them.

            ORR officials visited the Acushnet School Committee in August to give a presentation on why ORR should become the town’s new partner for high school students. In early November, Acushnet school officials toured ORRHS. On November 20th, the ORR School Committee authorized Nelson to negotiate a tuition-based contract should Acushnet choose ORR for its new high school partner in anticipation of Acushnet’s December 9 vote. Acushnet estimates having 120 high-school-age students in 2025-26, Nelson noted at the time, though approximately half of them attend Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School in Rochester.

            In other important business, Durant announced he is working on negotiating an inter-municipal agreement with Acushnet to share a Board of Health agent. He noted Acushnet has a similar inter-municipal pact with Mattapoisett to share a town planner.

            Durant announced that a photo contest to determine the cover photo for Rochester’s 2025 annual report has begun. Interested parties can visit the town website to submit their entry at townofrochestermass.com.

            The board announced Eversource is scheduling vegetation maintenance work at 0 High Street and 0 County Road for some time between the winter and spring of 2026.

            The board approved extending the contract to share the Lakeville Animal Shelter.

            The board accepted Anne Fernandes’ letter of resignation from the Rochester Memorial School Committee.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, December 29, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Thoughts for the Snowy Season

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            Reality is setting in. First, a sighting of Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman waving at me from the fire trucks enroute to Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park. Then, waking up to the loveliest of pictures: new-fallen snow with the gentle flakes still blanketing the ground. Not to mention the 14-degree temperature. With the winter solstice approaching this weekend we will surely understand what is ahead. Hint: Cold, quiet, peace.

            The winter solstice marks the official beginning of astronomical winter (as opposed to meteorological winter, which starts about 3 weeks before the solstice). It occurs once a year in each hemisphere: December in the Northern Hemisphere and June in the Southern Hemisphere. On the day of the winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the Sun as possible, which means that the Sun’s path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be. Think about the daily path of the Sun: It rises in the east and sets in the west, arcing across the sky overhead. During the summer, the Sun arcs high in the sky, but during the winter, it arcs lower, closer to the horizon.

            The winter solstice (also known as mid-winter) is the shortest day and longest night of the year when Earth’s pole is tilted farthest from the Sun. Cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment of deepest darkness, symbolizing rebirth, with festivals, rituals, and lights, as seen in ancient structures like Stonehenge aligned with the Sun.

            It is at this time of year when the fleeting nature of everything is quite apparent. Thus, the New England gardener’s lamentations begin anew as we face the reality and cruelty of change in the abject emptiness of the long cold season that we are entering, where growth ends, things die or go dormant.

            It always catches me unaware… just when the fall temperatures mellow, the inevitable chill descends like a lead weight. The seasons come and go, and this is payback for having a glorious fall season. Alas, endings happen. But they, in turn, leave room for a new beginning.

            A few weeks ago, on a particularly blustery day, a student drew my attention to the leaves streaming off a tree outside my classroom exclaiming, “Look, the tree is crying.” Indeed, at that moment it seemed plausible, but viewed another way, it will be turning over new leaves in the near future. Fresh and unblemished ones!

            Admittedly, the Sun’s light will grow dim – comparatively. Yet when you think of light – does anyone really want to live in constant brightness? Along with that will come frost, ice, and snow. Without it the earth would stifle. Yesterday’s gone, it’s true. But nothing should be static. Don’t see it as a nail in the coffin so much as a springboard to change and reinvention.

            The jolt will surely be hard at first, but you’ll soon get adjusted. Resigned to the season of nature’s slumber, we can take heart in what was and what will be again. The earth will sleep for a while, but then will come alive again, as it always does. But more than memories and hopes, we can find the silver lining to – dare I say it? – WINTER!

            Often just removing yourself from the immediate help. A visit to the city can renew one’s sense of possibilities. Here are some more shiny thoughts to help you through the dark days:

            -Decorate your window boxes. I put solar candelabras in each of mine and they look fabulous.

            -Look for inspiration at flower shows, floral decorating classes and seminars.

            -Enjoy a mid-winter breath of warmth – visit a greenhouse.

            -Plan your next move, from seed and plant lists to redesigning your garden.

            -Force bulbs indoors.

            -Try out things that were put aside. Like that bonsai kit your partner gave you last spring.

            -Feed the birds and enjoy how they animate the landscape. (Rewatching Mary Poppins inspired me in that regard!)

            -Clean out old files to make room for new ones.

            -Enjoy the tranquility of nature! Nothing restores like a walk through a snowy wood.

            Don’t over-lament. Try to appreciate the good parts of the garden, even in barrenness. So much depends on how we perceive things. As my daughter Olivia offered: “It’s not the season of doom and gloom, at least not until after the holidays have passed.”

            And remember, it’s not goodbye, but rather a sweet adieu.

            “What fire could ever equal the sunshine of a winter’s day?” – Henry David Thoreau.

Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Christmas Day Swim

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Please join us for a fun family tradition that helps those in need. Helping Hands and Hooves will host the 22nd annual Christmas Day Swim at 11:00 am at Mattapoisett Town Beach.

            Each swimmer is asked to donate $20 (payable on the day of the swim). The first 75 swimmers will receive a festive long-sleeved T-shirt. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Helping Hands and Hooves, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit based in Mattapoisett dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding lessons for adults with disabilities.

            If you would like to learn more about Helping Hands and Hooves, please go to our website: helpinghandsandhooves.org. If you have any questions, please call Debbi Dyson at 508-758-4717 or email info@helpinghandsandhooves.org.

Firing Range Hours Shortened

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            In a room packed with grumbling neighbors, Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals on December 11 approved a Special Permit to allow firearms and tactical training range at 0 County Road.

            The 2.3 acres there is currently the site of the “Fox Den” firearms training facility owned by Steve Morrell, who is selling the property to John Vasvalekis. Morrell told the board the site’s use will not change. It will continue to be used as an outdoor firearms and tactical training facility for local, state, and federal law enforcement, military personnel, and the general public. “It will continue to serve the community and help people be more capable,” Vasvalekis added.

            The push back against this plan started when ZBA Chair Donald Spirlet read aloud the letter from the association president of nearby Connet Woods and former ZBA Chair David Arancio. The letter urged the applicant to have strong communication with abutters and neighbors and to do something about the current operation’s concentration of noisy night activities.

            From there, neighbors in attendance focused their complaints similarly on the noise that they said the current operation generates. Dennis Santora said he was not a direct abutter but an abutter of the noise. He asked if sound barriers could be added and whether there could be groundwater testing for the lead contamination that could come from spent bullet shells. A resident of 49 High Street complained there is nothing to buffer the operation’s noise because of the low-lying cranberry bogs in the area. Referring to the 8:00 am to 8:00 pm hours of operation on the original permit, he said, “there ought to be more restrictions on the times of operation and the caliber of guns they can use. There’s no down time for the residents with these hours.”

            Spirlet noted that sometimes the gunfire noise in that area comes from other residents who are not affiliated with the “Fox Den” operation, firing their own weapons as target practice. Morrell offered that he notifies the police chief of large training groups and has a website for posting his schedule.

            Ultimately, the board granted the permit with conditions that include cutting the hours of operation that were within the original permit down to 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Saturday; Sunday hours 12:00 pm noon to 6:00 pm. The permit allows occasional night training that must end by 8:00 pm and must be approved by the police chief. The permit mandates that no caliber higher than 468 be used. Vasvalekis must post the night training schedule on his company website to keep residents better informed.

            The meeting began with the board accepting a bid from applicant Sandra Jones to withdraw without prejudice her frontage-requirement variance petition for a new two-family home at 309 Neck Road. The board continued this hearing from its November meeting after Building Commissioner Paul Boucher noted that a variance of such frontage requirements should not be allowed. Spirlet announced on December 11 that Town Counsel agreed with Boucher’s point of view. Jones said she has already filed a Special Permit petition for the plan, the preferred route to seek board approval.

            Lastly, the board approved two side-setback variances to allow a 16×22 addition to the garage at 194 Burgess Avenue.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Bulldogs Take Win into Home Opener

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The Old Rochester Regional High School girls basketball team played their first game of the season on December 12 at New Bedford High and won 58-40. Sadie Hartley-Matteson was named the player of the game. The Bulldogs will host Seekonk on Friday, December 19, in the ORR gym.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky