Joseph Lincoln “Linc” Medeiros

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Joseph Lincoln “Linc” Medeiros of Naples, Florida died peacefully in Mattapoisett on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 with his family by his side, after a valiant struggle to beat esophageal cancer.

He was born in Middleboro, MA, son of Manuel J. and Barbara (Hathaway) Medeiros. He graduated from Middleboro High School, attended Marquette University and received his degree from Bentley College. He worked for the Great A&P Tea Co. and was a salesman for Nabisco, Inc. for 25 years.

He was married to his loving wife, Judith Rioux Medeiros, for 55 years, and leaves his two devoted daughters, Stephanie (Jay) Wasserman, and Mary Beth (Larry) Burch. He also leaves his three grandchildren, Sarah and Daniel Wasserman and Carly Burch, and his sister Jo-Ann (David) Demers, and many nieces and nephews.

In retirement, he enjoyed golf both at his home course at Foxfire Country Club, and at various courses on Cape Cod and the South Coast of MA.  He loved travel and was very happy that he got to enjoy circumnavigating the globe with his wife on many cruises, crossing every ocean and visiting every continent save landing on Antarctica but enjoying “Rounding the Horn” of South America, He also delighted in the many family trips he took with his children and grandchildren, and on trips with his close friends from Foxfire. 

Many thanks to all of Linc’s caregivers, especially to the nurses on Crapo 4 at St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford and to the nurses and staff of the South Coast Health VNA, who were always available to help our family. Also a big thank you to the Mattapoisett Police EMT’s and officers , who gave such ready assistance this past  month.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Southcoast VNA Supportive Care Center, 200  Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719, www.southcoast .org/vna or the American Cancer Society, 1324 Belmont St. Brockton, MA 02301.

Due to current restrictions there are no visiting hours. All are invited to attend his funeral Mass, 10 am, Saturday, August 1st, at St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St.  Mattapoisett, MA. All attendees are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing.  Burial will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Middleboro, MA. Arrangements by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals 50 County Rd., Route 6 ,Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saunders-dwyer.com.

Winifred B. (Schofield) Hartley

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Winifred B. (Schofield) Hartley R.N., age 100 of Rochester, passed away Monday, July 27, 2020 after a brief illness at Sippican Health Care in Marion supported by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Herbert Hartley, with whom she enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Born in Taunton, MA the daughter of the late Elliott and Anna (Pietryka) Schofield, she spent most of her life in Rochester and was a graduate of St. Luke’s School of Nursing, class of 1941.

Mrs. Hartley was employed as a Register Nurse with St. Luke’s Hospital and later as the school nurse at Old Rochester Regional High School until her retirement in 1982. She was a member of the St. Luke’s Hospital Alumni Association, was an avid reader, enjoyed cross word puzzles, traveling cross-country with her husband in their Volkswagen Camper, and luncheons and activities at the Rochester Council on Aging.

She is survived by her three daughters, Norene Hartley of Rochester, Phyllis Hartley of E. Falmouth and Deborah Hartley MD and her husband Richard Moniz of Rochester and several nieces and nephews. Winifred was the sister of the late Edwin Makara.

Arrangements were in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at FAIRLAWN, 180 Washington Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. In lieu of flower’s memorial contributions in Winifred’s honor may be made to the Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Ln, Rochester, MA 02770 or the Rochester Land Trust, P.O. Box 337, Rochester, MA 02770. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com

The Wanderer Announces 2020 Keel Award Recipients

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            The Wanderer created the Keel Award in 1994 and ever since has recognized a dedicated person from each of the three Tri-Town communities whose actions exemplify the spirit of community and volunteerism. Like the keel of the ship that keeps the vessel from sinking, the recipients of the annual Keel Award are recognized for their stalwart efforts in keeping the community on an “even keel.”

            The year 2020 has been one of complex challenges, any one of which would by itself have defined the year. It is with that in mind that this year’s Keel Awards will recognize not only those who have kept their community on an even keel for many years, but also someone whose contribution so early in life is bound to impact his community for generations to come.

            We are proud to present to you the 2020 Wanderer Keel Award winners – Marion’s David Pierce, Mattapoisett’s Michael Hugenin, and Rochester’s Kelcey Robertson.

 

           What Kelcey Robertson accomplished during this spring’s Black Lives Matter protest marches may be duplicated in the future, but the 10-year-old’s act of ingenuity and love will always be a pacesetter for those looking to make a difference in the Tri-Town communities.

            The Rochester resident, who has a white mother and a black father, was looking for a way to contribute when it became apparent that he would not be able to attend the marches held in Mattapoisett and Rochester. Because Kelcey’s mother, Rhonda Baptiste, has a compromised immune system and is vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, joining the crowds for those events was decidedly unsafe. “I’m very fortunate in that I can work from home,” said Rhonda, a director of human resources at LifeStream. ”Kelcey wanted to do something and asked, ‘Can we raise some money?’”

            The family uses the deck behind their house as a platform for a garden, and it produced approximately 40 heads of lettuce that Kelcey sold to raise money. The idea to put the proceeds into books for the school libraries in the Tri-Town communities came from Kelcey’s interest as an avid reader and also from Tritown Against Racism, the recently formed group addressing racial issues in the local area and particularly in the public schools.

            “We reached out to Tritown Against Racism… they were doing a book drive for the diversity library,” said Rhonda. “Tritown Against Racism had an Amazon wishlist, and we were able to go through the wish list.”

            With assistance from his mother, Kelcey picked out 57 books that Tritown Against Racism has waiting has for his signature. “Then Kelcey is going to get to present those books to the library at Rochester Memorial School,” said Rhonda. “We put it out on Facebook. That day we raised $480 in two hours. People started contacting me saying they wanted to donate… We took in $700 that first day, took in that initial $700 and actually ordered – picked books that either resonated with us or picked out for people in our lives.”

            The rest of the money will go to Tritown Against Racism so the organization can buy books for the libraries in the other district schools.

            After that, Rhonda recalls, more people said, “We want to give money.”

            Kelcey ended up raising just under $2,000 and even offered to help out the public library, which thought it best to remain focused on the schools first.

            “As a mother of two children of color, I am excited at the opportunity for my children to have access to books with characters that represent them. Representation is important, and for a young person at the tender age of 10 to understand this need and take action to increase access to this type of literature is impressive,” said Old Rochester Regional Joint School Committee member Frances Kearns.

            For Kelcey, taking such an action is as normal as meeting his cousin to ride their go-carts at the school’s parking lot. Having turned 10 in December, Kelcey is enjoying his summer and anticipating the fifth grade this September at Rochester Memorial School.

            To start off a meeting last month, Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail read a summary of David Pierce’s accomplishments to the Board of Selectmen, who joined in congratulating the longtime, multi-board leader.

            “He’s the guy you put into a meeting and he brings it all together. We already miss him desperately,” said Marion Board of Selectmen Chairperson Randy Parker in a follow-up call, noting that Pierce connected via Zoom last week to attend the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District’s most-recent committee/commission meetings. “He never gets excited, and he’s not there to be the chair. He just does his job.”

            So long as meetings are held by remote access, Pierce is happy to continue lending any expertise or advice sought by his former groups. 

            “I didn’t want to interfere, and I wanted to make sure people step forward (into leadership positions),” said Pierce. “I’m perfectly happy to offer any help and comments, and I think the response has been very good. But if I can be of some help, that would be fine.”

            Pierce’s long and storied career in Marion began in the fall of 1973 when he moved into the town and embarked on a 47-year teaching career at Tabor Academy. He started with Advanced Placement Mathematics and Physics, then was head of the Science Department from 1981-93, then Science Department chairman teaching AP, Honors and Modern Physics, Meteorology, and Astronomy.

            He augmented that career with an incredibly wide range of community service including stints as chairman of the Energy Management Committee, the Water Committee, and the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District Commission. He was treasurer of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee, president and membership chair in a 30-year stint with Marion’s Natural History Museum board, vice president of the Sippican Historical Society, and held memberships on Marion’s Board of Selectmen (2003-07), Planning Board, and the Housing Partnership and Music Hall committees.

            For six years he helped the Council on Aging and the Sippican Historical Society host classic movies in the Music Hall. The movies were free and so was the popcorn, and musicians performed live before the movie. After the movies, Pierce took questions on the stage and discussed the featured films with viewers. “That was one of my favorite things, a lot of fun,” he said.

            In his final year at Tabor he did not teach but was named school historian, and in retirement is presently working on the definitive history of Tabor Academy from 1960 to the present. “I’m hoping to have it published in the spring,” he said.

            When Pierce’s house sold prematurely, he had to move into an apartment in Marion for the academic year. finally leaving on June 1 for Randolph Center, Vermont, only a half-hour from the Norwich farm on which he grew up. “Lo and behold, the Zoom has come along,” he said. “At least I can maintain contact and be of any help that I can be from afar.”

            Michael Huguenin, 70, has been an environmental consultant since age 25, dealing with oil spills, hazardous waste-site remediation, and the like. When he and his wife opened an environmental consulting firm in 1984, the Cambridge residents began spending their summers in Mattapoisett.

            Huguenin turned over the firm to a younger partner, and upon his 2010 retirement made Mattapoisett his permanent residence. His free time has belonged to the town and especially the Mattapoisett Land Trust ever since.

            “I would like to see all the Land Trust members and volunteers receive the (Keel) award,” was Huguenin’s first remark upon hearing the news of his selection.

            Nominated by multiple people, Huguenin has made impact of all sizes on a regular basis. As president of the Mattapoisett Land Trust since 2015 and a board member prior to, Huguenin has helped manage and preserve over 680 acres of land that birds, box turtles, and other wildlife seek out for their natural resources.

            “Like the limitless amount of energy the ocean carries, Michael T. Huguenin harnesses that same energy to serve and protect local lands to benefit and enrich the quality of life for all,” said Mattapoisett Land Trust Chair of Education and board member Ellen P. Flynn.

            It is not uncommon for Huguenin to be found down on the ground weeding around the stumps at the Brownell Blueberry Preserve or helping engineers repair the coastal sea wall at the Munro property. Although not an elected official, Huguenin frequently attends Conservation Commission, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and other public meetings at Mattapoisett Town Hall. During the COVID-19 outbreak at the end of the winter, Huguenin supported the Mattapoisett Land Trust Education Committee with an updated installation of the Seasonal Story Walk at the Dunseith Property so that families could safely walk the trail while reading a book.

            “Mike communicates kindness and acceptance. It’s easy to say yes when he asks you to help out on one of the many projects that the Land Trust is working on,” said Mary Cabral, board member, and MLT Education Committee member, noting Huguenin’s variety of skills. “Mike is extremely knowledgeable in all matters related to the environment and land conservation, from practice to policy. He has been instrumental in securing grants as well as ‘chairing’ fundraising activities. These monies have been used for the purchase of many Mattapoisett open spaces. It is on these lands that Mike enjoys working on stewardship with school-age volunteers and MLT members creating and maintaining trails.”

            A former scout himself, Huguenin has on occasion worked with Boy Scout Troop 53 and Cub Scout Pack 53, teaching, assisting and coordinate outdoor activities and service projects on Land Trust Properties. “The scouts value his leadership and kindness and his constant enthusiasm for working with the youth in our community,” said Wendy Copps, board member and Mattapoisett Land Trust Education Committee member.

Summer Fun with Hands-on Nature

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Join in the fun on Friday, July 31 at 3:00 pm when Hands-on Nature will present an online program titled “Creepy Crawly Creatures” for children 4 and up. “Discover some of our fascinating local bugs – such as beetles, worms, slugs, ladybugs, and caterpillars! Through learning about them, we will gain a better understanding and appreciation of their importance to our lives, and their role in our ecosystem. Observe live bugs with magnifiers! Optional Activity:  Join us for A Bug Hunt outside to discover where insects can be found!” 

            Sign up online on our events page at eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=MATTAP. Click on the register button under the date and description of the program. Then we’ll send you an invitation to the online ZOOM meeting as well as worksheets to go along with the workshop.

            This program is funded by the Richard and Ann J. Prouty Foundation.

            For more information on up-coming children’s programs, please visit our website at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org/childrens or like us on Facebook.

Rachel J. Koczera

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In loving memory, we announce the loss of our beloved daughter and sister, Rachel J. Koczera, age 38, of Mattapoisett, MA. Rachel passed away suddenly on December 3, 2018.

            Born on January 22,1980, New Bedford, MA., Rachel graduated from Franklin Pierce University in 2002, with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Upon graduation, Rachel served as a Title 1 English Teacher, at Old Hammondtown Elementary School, in Mattapoisett, MA; and served as Notary Republic at the Law Office of Andrew S. Koczera, providing credit counseling and certified electrical filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the 1st District Court, in Boston, MA.

            Rachel also lived and worked in New York City, NY, where she served as an Account Executive for Hokanson Design and Marc Phillips Decorative Rugs, both worldwide recognized leaders in design and manufacturing, in which she worked out of their showrooms in the Decoration and Design (D&D) Building. It was there, that Rachel was a designer in her own right, working with clients in New York City and in Washington, D.C., and assisted in high profile projects in luxury retail stores and luxury private residences, as well as manufacturers on a worldwide basis.

            Rachel was beautiful young woman, with a contagious smile that warmed every room she walked into, and that is how she will be remembered. She had a sweet and gentle soul, was a loyal friend, and could make anyone laugh. Rachel was an extremely gifted artist and talented athlete. She grew up skiing most of early her life in North Conway, N.H.; and was also a member of the Mattapoisett Women’s Bowling League at the Bowlmor of Mattapoisett, where she competed alongside her Mother Susan, with whom they brought laughter and kindness to many. Rachel was also a tremendous animal lover. Her dogs Smokey, Harry and Coco, were always by her side.

            Rachel was the devoted daughter of Attorney Andrew S. Koczera and the late Susan J. Koczera of Mattapoisett, MA., and was the loving sister of Kristin L. Koczera of Arlington, VA.

Susan Johnson Koczera

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Susan Johnson Koczera, age 69, of Mattapoisett, MA., passed away unexpectedly on June 24, 2019. Susan was the devoted wife of Attorney Andrew S. Koczera of Mattapoisett, MA., and the loving mother of Kristin L. Koczera of Arlington, VA., and the late Rachel J. Koczera of Mattapoisett, MA.

            Born on November 18, 1949, in New Bedford, MA., Susan graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1971, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education. Upon graduating, she was employed by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, as an Occupational Therapist. Directly following, she was a Regional Sales Manager for Johnson & Johnson, covering South Coast and Cape Cod. Later she served as Office Manager and Paralegal at the Law Office of Andrew S. Koczera, providing certified electrical filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the 1st District Court, in Boston, MA.

            Above all else, Susan was fiercely devoted to her family and dearly loved her daughters. It was with the greatest of joy, that she was able to enjoy the success and growth of both her daughter’s careers in New York City and in Washington, D.C., and that of her husband’s law practice.

            Susan had a beautiful singing voice and was an All-State Soprano, while she attended the University of Massachusetts. Susan was a gifted athlete and a member of the Mattapoisett Women’s Bowling League, where she was featured in the Standard Times for her high scores. She competed alongside her daughter Rachel, at the Bowlmor, where they enjoyed their time together and shared in laughter with those who bowled beside them. Susan loved living in Mattapoisett and spent many peaceful days on the beach with her family and dogs; and spoke often and fondly of her childhood where she spent the summer’s sailing with her Father, at their cottage in Plymouth, MA.

            Susan was incredibly kind-hearted and had a beautiful soul. A truly genuine person and friend, and that is how she will always be remembered.

Elite Stables Receive Special Permit

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            The remote meeting on July 16 held by the Mattapoisett’s Zoning Board of Appeals heard attorney Chris Saunders speaking on behalf of his client Steven Goodwin regarding a request for a Special Permit. Goodwin is the property owner of a large horse stable described by Saunders as “state of the art,” situated on approximately 11-acres at 158 North Street.

            Saunders said that the original Special Permit granted to Goodwin some years ago only authorized the boarding of seven horses, although the stable structure and surrounding grounds could easily accommodate more. Saunders said the business model, boarding horses and providing training to those horses and their owners exclusively, would not change. “It will not be open to the public,” he said.

            Instead, Saunders said that Goodwin, along with his daughter and son-in-law who would manage the operation, wants to increase the number of horses on the property to fully utilize the facility. While a hearing for a Special Permit was not necessarily required, Saunders said the Goodwins want to be good neighbors and avoid any future issues with the increase in the number of animals on the property. The proposal would add approximately seven or eight additional horses to the rooster. He said that one abutter to the stable said, “Horses make better neighbors than people.”

            Regarding the operation, Saunders also said that during the winter months the business would be shut-down. The managers would take horses to their Florida facility for the season and return again in the spring.

            Director of Inspectional Services Andy Bobola said, “It is a state-of-the-art business. They have also contracted with a Rochester company to remove manure from the property. It’s a win-win situation.”

ZBA member Tony Tranfaglia said, “It complies with the right-to-farm provisions.” The Special Permit was unanimously approved.

            Also coming before the ZBA remotely was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, and Leone, representing Donald and Carol LaMarr in their application for a Special Permit for property located at 5 Tallman Street. The couple sought permission to 2,000-square-foot accessory garage. Davignon said the purpose of the garage is to store the applicant’s boat and motor home and that the structure would be a metal building 14-feet in height and covering a space measuring 40 by 50 feet. Davignon said the applicant had spoken directly to each abutter, none of which opposed the project. In support of that assertion, a signed list of abutters was provided. The project received unanimous approval.

            The last hearing of the evening was also represented by Davignon for clients Peter Guernsey and Erika Warmbrunn for property located at 13 Ridge Avenue. The couple proposed the construction of a second-floor addition to an existing home. The renovations also include a porch and side entry.

            Davignon said the project met all setback requirements. ZBA member Colby Rottler said he was familiar with the home and its location and that, “…most of the homes in the area are two-story; this will fit in nicely.” The Special Permit requested was unanimously approved.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals will be posted at mattapoisett.net once scheduled.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

Elisabeth Anne “Betty” Pennington

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Elisabeth Anne “Betty” Pennington, Ed.D, R.N., 78, of Mattapoisett died July 26, 2020 at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

            Born February 3, 1942 in Cambridge Massachusetts. Daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Galera) Pennington and sister of the late Frank Pennington, Jr. and Kathleen Pennington.

            Dr. Pennington graduated from Somerville High School and the Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She received her BSN from Boston University and her M.Ed. and Ed.D. from Teachers College Columbia University.

            During her clinical career Dr. Pennington specialized in critical care nursing with a special focus on cardiac care. She worked with Dr. Paul Zoll at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston on his cardiac research unit. She was a critical care and emergency room supervisor at Saint Luke’s Hospital, New York while pursuing her degrees.

            Dr. Pennington began her academic career as an Assistant Professor at City College of New York teaching adult health nursing and clinical supervision of students in the intensive care units of Mount Sinai Hospital. She then joined the National League of Nursing staff as an educational consultant. She consulted on curriculum design, clinical teaching strategies, and accreditation requirements for schools of nursing nationally and internationally.

            She enjoyed that position but after a few years found she missed the academic and clinical environment and became the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Education at The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She eventually took on responsibilities for the Masters and Doctoral programs and was named Associate Dean for Nursing Education.

            In 1993 Dean Pennington was appointed Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

            Dr. Pennington was a member of many professional organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau. She published a number of articles related to clinical nursing as well as nursing education. Dr. Pennington served on the Board of Trustees of Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, The Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, and Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River.

            She retired from UMD in 2004.

            Since that time she was active in the community. She served on the Town of Mattapoisett Finance Committee, the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Elderly of Mattapoisett and the Mattapoisett Historical Society. She was an active volunteer at the New Bedford Whaling National Park where she delighted in introducing all of the beauty and historical features of New Bedford and the surrounding area to visitors.

            She is survived by her nephews, Gregory Pennington and Jonathan Pennington and his wife Ronda all of Lowell; cousins, Susan Calabro and her partner Joanna Holmes and their children, Aidan and Catherine of Plymouth and Sharon Cloran and her children Madelyn and Olivia of Newton.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 31st at 11 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 22 Barstow St. Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday, July 30th from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rochester Senior Center

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The Rochester Senior Center has increased the distribution of food significantly, thanks to community partners and hard-working volunteers. Food for distribution is obtained through various community partners. Criteria varies by organization. If you are a Rochester resident and are in need of food, please contact the Senior Center at 508-763-8723. The staff will connect you to the appropriate resource. Food for distribution is provided by several community partners, including volunteer donations. The Rochester Senior Center would like to thank all of their partners for their generous donation of fresh produce last week. Most food is distributed by curbside pick-up at the Senior Center. Frozen protein is delivered by the Senior Center van to ensure freshness upon receipt.

            The Rochester Senior Center remains closed. However, a very limited number of events may be scheduled. COVID-19 guidelines are in place for all activities and events held at the Rochester Senior Center; all participants must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, and maintain a social distance of six feet from other attendees who do not live in their household.  If you are not feeling well, or have any cold-like symptoms, please stay at home. Participants must sign a COA Waiver of Liability Agreement. At this time, activities and events held at the Rochester Senior Center are available for Rochester residents. People are asked to provide their own face-covering. The Senior Center has a limited supply, in case you forget your own. The Senior Center will sanitize areas used regularly. Sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer are available for use while visiting the Senior Center.

Gibbs Needs Special Permit for Sign

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            The Marion Planning Board facilitated a reorganization of the roles of its members in their remote access meeting held on July 20. The reorganization came after the June 26 reelection of Norm Hills, Eileen Marum, and Christopher Collings.

            In their first meeting since the town election, Chairperson Will Saltonstall began by congratulating his fellow board members on their success in the recent election and moved quickly to determine who would fill the positions vital to the function of the board.

            Members of the Marion Planning Board unanimously supported Saltonstall in continuing his role as chairperson. Andrew Daniel was nominated to continue his role as vice chairperson. Marum was chosen to continue her work as the clerk.

            With the board’s internal business settled, members moved on to address the sole public hearing brought to their attention.

            Community member Dan Gibbs, owner of Gibbs Roofing, came before the board to present his idea to erect a sign advertising his business on property located at 459 Mill Street. Gibbs hopes that the advertisement will help boost public awareness of his business.

            Saltonstall explained that the chosen property is designated as a limited industrial zone. Gibbs currently uses the property to store some of his vehicles and equipment for his business.

            According to Saltonstall, the industrial designation does not permit any kind of commercial usage of the property. This means a special permit would be required for Gibbs to be allowed to construct the sign on the property.

            “I encouraged Dan to come here,” Saltonstall told the board. “I don’t think a site plan is required to do this kind of work, but it does seem like a special permit is required by the Planning Board for this to continue.”

            Marum explained that she was concerned about where the sign would be positioned. Because the sign would be positioned close to the highly trafficked Route 6 in Marion, the sign could prevent dangers for drivers exiting Mill Street and entering the main road. With that, Marum expressed general support for the venture. “There is already signage in that area,” Marum said. “I have nothing against signage, and I think it would enhance his business.”

            The board agreed that the project would have little to no negative impact provided the sign is positioned safely. With no impact on the natural environment and a potential social and economic value, the board encouraged Gibbs to put forth an application for a special permit.

            Gibbs agreed to return in a formal application for the permit with a more detailed proposal demonstrating where the sign would be located in order to quiet any safety concerns surrounding the project.

            The next Marion Planning Board meeting is set to be held remotely over the Zoom platform on August 3.

Marion Planning Board

By Matthew Donato