Marion Baker on the Food Network

on

If you tune into the Food Network Thanksgiving day, you’ll be delighted to see one of Marion’s own, Debi Lindsey, in an episode of Christmas Cookie Challenge. For about a decade, Debi has made beautiful works of art that just so happen to be delicious. Rather than a storefront, Debi runs things out of her home kitchen where she designs, bakes, packages, and sells her cookies.

            To see Debi in action competing against other bakers, check out the Food Network Thanksgiving night at 9:00 pm or catch it later on Max.

By Sam Bishop

A Holiday By The Sea in Marion

on

The Sippican Woman’s Club presents their 38th annual holiday house tour, Holiday By The Sea, on Saturday, December 7. Arrive early to start your seaside holiday at 10:00 am at Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front St., while delighting in glee with the Dickens Carolers.

            You will be swept away by five stunning homes within this seaside village, each full of character and celebration of the season. Pause to relax at the tour’s Sugarplum Tea with light refreshments held this year at Tabor’s Head of School’s Great Room from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm followed by jingle and mingle afterhours at the Beverly Yacht Club from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Make sure to take your chance winning your own “Holiday By The Sea”, a 2-night stay in a luxurious two-bedroom penthouse suite at Harbourtown in Plymouth.

            Giving nearly $500,000 since 1947 in scholarships to local students and charitable giving, 100% of all tour profits go directly back to the community. Tour and Holiday By The Sea Raffle tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance online at SippicnWomansClub.org.

            Also contributing to the festivities on December 7 are the Marion Garden Group’s Greens Sale Plus from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at The Music Hall, and The Marion Art Center’s Holiday Shop open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

December Events at the Mattapoisett Library

on

Visit the Mattapoisett Free Public Library at 7 Barstow Street this December.

            The Teen Advisory Board meets on Tuesday, December 3, at 6:00 pm. Interested teens can contact Amanda Lawrence at alawrence@sailsinc.org. TAB is intended for students between the ages of 12 and 18 who seek a leadership role in the library. New members are welcome.

            This winter, the Teen Advisory Board is collecting donations of new socks, hats, and gloves to benefit people of all ages in need of warm-weather gear. All donations may be left in the bins at the Mattapoisett Library until January 15. The Teen Advisory Board appreciates your support of the community’s needs.

            For the first time, the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library will host their Annual Jewelry Sale for three consecutive days. The special Preview Sale for Friends members is on Thursday, December 5, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The sale dates for the General Public will be Friday, December 6, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 7, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

            Join New Bedford’s own Painting at Splash on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am for a fun-filled morning of creativity. Painting at Splash will lead patrons through a step-by-step art lesson. Create a cozy gnome or do your own thing. This program is recommended for patrons aged 12 and up. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please see our website for more information. Remember to dress accordingly, as paint can be messy.

            Our next Cookbook Club meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 6:30 pm. New members are always welcome. This month, we’re reading The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen. Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. Stop by and snag one.

            As always, these events and activities are free and open to all. Check the calendar on our website for additional information and updates. If you have questions, please email mfpl@sailsinc.org or call us at 508-758-4171.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

on

As I’ve mentioned before, Abraham Holmes doesn’t make much mention of either Christmas or Thanksgiving. This is not surprising as the Puritan influence was strong. Christmas and Thanksgiving weren’t official national holidays until 1863.

            While we live in a state where the first Thanksgiving occurred in the 1620’s, the idea of a national day of gratitude was principally the mission of one woman, Sarah Josepha Hale (she wrote the poem, “Mary had a little Lamb”) began in the 1840’s lobbying for a unifying day of thanksgiving in the hope of bringing a divided country together. She wrote letters to governors, state representatives, and 5 different presidents. Finally, in October of 1863, Pres. Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. He hoped that it would bring comfort to a nation divided by the Civil War.

            The date for Thanksgiving moved around with Pres. Franklin Roosevelt changing it to the 3rd Thursday of November during the Depression and Congress in 1941, placing it on the 4th Thursday of the month.

            Back to early New England, days of thanksgiving were declared locally for a good crop or the end of a drought and were long days spent praying in church. However, it is surprising that in the Rochester Journals that contain the memories of many residents who grew up in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, there is almost nothing written about the holiday which had been in place for 70 or more years.

            In the 4th version of the Rochester Journals, there are two mentions of Thanksgiving. The first is one entrant’s memory that the only school holidays were Christmas and Thanksgiving. The second was written on November 21, 1879, by Roxanna Rounseville, mother of Frank Rounseville. It is among the letters that she wrote to her son while he was on a whaling voyage. In her first letter she explains that she would keep “a sort of journal for you, and in that way, I shall keep you posted in all the great events that may happen in our little town.” She knew that getting letters to a crew member on a whale ship was an iffy business at best.

            Back to November 21, 1879, she writes, “Thanksgiving Day- I would like to know what my Boy had for his dinner today. Something good, I hope”. She goes on to say, “You remember that Thanksgiving is the great hunting day for all the mill hands and Arthur went up to Ben’s last night to borrow your gun”. Apparently, both Arthur and his friend, Job Gifford, had a “grand time planned.”

            It, however, was not meant to be, as a letter requesting a last- minute order for boxboards arrived and hunting had to be replaced by work at the Rounseville Sawmill. One wonders whether anyone enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner. So, whether you’re eating or hunting, Happy Thanksgiving from the Rochester Historical Society.

By Connie Eshbach

Mattapoisett Library Director Resigns

on

On November 21, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting. But the meeting was far from regular as the board took up the matter of the library director’s sudden resignation.

            After eight months on the job as the library director, Colleen Tierney resigned. Tierney had relocated from Texas to take over the vacancy created when Jennifer Jones left to take a directorship in a nearby community. Now the town once again finds itself tasked with filling an important role in the fabric of the town and its character.

            During the board meeting, it surfaced that Tierney had been approached by Mathew Vangel of the Dartmouth-based Lamb of God Christian Church in asking about policies and procedures related to use of a community room in the library. He sought to hold Bible studies in the public space.

            There ensued a series of exchanges between Vangel and Tierney and between Tierney and the Select Board’s office beginning in June 2024. During the trustees’ meeting, its members said that Tierney never told them or the Select Board of difficulties she had with Vangel’s request.

             In a follow-up with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, he stated that such difficulties “never came up” during his conversations with Tierney.

            Lorenco also stated both during the meeting and the follow-up that the Select Board engaged legal counsel after receiving a demand letter from Vangel’s legal team for use of the library space. “The board decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Vangel for use of the library space,” Lorenco confirmed.

            During the board meeting, the trustees made it clear that they were unaware of any difficulties between Vangel and Tierney that would have prompted her resignation. They also believed they should have been informed of the brewing uneasiness.

            The trustees agreed collectively that it was time to review and overhaul the existing library handbook and take a hard look at various policies. Trustee William Coquillette stated, “We need to up our game, not be complacent.” Donald Fleming, a trustee, said, “We should have known about this.”

            Lorenco said at the meeting that Tierney had “felt differently” about the MOU but that the Select Board, on advice of counsel, decided to sign it allowing Vangel to use the library’s community room while following established policies. Lorenco said, regarding legal matters, it is the Select Board’s responsibility. “I don’t make the decisions for the town, I’m just the store manager,” he said.

            In the meantime, Library Trustees Chairman Ruth Joliffe said that the former director, Susan Pizzolatto, has returned on a part-time basis to help out. The trustees plan to create a new search committee that would include one or more residents.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Library Trustees is scheduled for December 19 at 4:00 pm in the library’s Marine Room.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library Board of Trustees

By Marilou Newell

Marion Village Stroll

on

Sunday, December 8 from 3 to 5:30 pm Coordinated by Angela Rossi and sponsored by The Marion Business Community Association, local merchants offer hospitality and treats; Santa arrives via boat at the Old Landing at 3:00 pm; Clydesdale horses pull wagons of happy guests. Added to this are crafts, games, and musical performances, and the Tree lighting at 5:30 pm at the Bandstand. During the Stroll, The Sippican Woman’s Club’s clubhouse aka “The Tavern”, 152 Front Street will be open to sit, visit and enjoy warm wassail.

            With window boxes decorated by the Marion Garden Group and small lighted evergreen trees done by the Marion Business Community Association, Front Street in Marion Village is a winter fairyland on a cold December night.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

The Library will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday November 27, and be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29 in celebration of Thanksgiving.

            The Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library’s annual Holiday Book sale will be kicking off on Sunday, December 1 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and will be operating until Sunday, December 22. Check out our holiday raffle baskets and find gifts for the whole family. All proceeds benefit the library.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Hobby Barn Gets Approval for Limited Water Usage

on

Rochester’s Water Commission on November 13 granted the Hobby Barn now under construction on New Bedford Road access to the public water main there.

            The board approved Briggs Brains LLC Project Manager Jason Maurer’s request to permit a two-inch connection to supply the two buildings being constructed on the property with domestic water service and another six-inch water main connection for fire prevention service.

            “These are not buildings that will be occupied all the time,” Maurer said. “It is expected the maximum usage volume will not exceed 300 to 400 gallons per day. But this is an occasional-use building without set hours so many days there will be a fraction of the maximum usage.”

            Ultimately, the board allowed the connection but restricted the Hobby Barn to water usage not to exceed 300 gallons of water per day. “It will be no more than the usage level of a residential home,” Maurer promised.

            ‘Briggs Hobby Barn’ is a plan to construct two buildings to store and repair collectible automobiles, trucks, and other motor vehicles on 2.8 acres on New Bedford Road. It received a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 23 and a site plan review permit from the Planning Board on June 11 Maurer said in his letter to the board that the project will be used only by the owner, Mark Briggs and his wife, and their personal guests as a private facility.

            In other business, commission chair Fred Underhill announced a public hearing will be held on November 19 on Zoom concerning 27 acres of land that the Buzzards Bay Coalition has purchased on New Bedford Road opposite Cushman Road. There is a Marion well in the area, Underhill explained, and all parties want to make sure that water is protected.

            Underhill also announced that the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District is holding a regional meeting on that same date, at 4:00 pm, also entirely on Zoom. This meeting, he said, will include the Water Departments, selectmen, and town administrators from Mattapoisett and surrounding towns, including the Wareham and Middleboro water departments. “Everybody will be there to see what each other is doing,” he said. He added that the public may attend but the meeting will be all-business.

            The Rochester Water Commission’s next meeting will be Wednesday, January 8 at 4:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Water Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Christmas on Church Street

on

The Mattapoisett Congregational Church’s annual Holiday Fair will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in Reynard Hall at 27 Church Street in Mattapoisett. This year’s event will include homemade frozen foods, baked treats, hand knitted and crafted items, Christmas/holiday decorations, gift items, greenery for wreaths as well as jewelry, a kids’ table and a delicious hot soup luncheon. All proceeds benefit the ministries of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. For additional information, please contact the church office at 508-758-2671 or mattcongchurch@gmail.com.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit

on

It’s been thirty-eight years since the Sippican Woman’s Club’s first Holiday House Tour. In 1986, club members Shirlee Thomas and Jean Collison suggested a fundraiser to then Club President Betsy Parks and Judy Harrison, Treasurer of the club. They agreed it was a great idea, and the first Holiday House Tour was launched. Both Shirlee and Jean had their own homes on the tour. Shirlee is the only surviving member of those original four.

            During 3 years of COVID, the club cancelled the House Tour, and the previous year the club was unable to secure a sufficient number of houses to hold the tour.

            Saturday, December 7 will be 34th Holiday House Tour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm sponsored by the Sippican Woman’s Club. The theme for this year’s tour is “Holiday by the Sea” and its theme may be carried out throughout the tour by homeowners and participating designers. Proceeds from the House Tour go toward scholarships to Marion students as well as other organizations serving the Marion community.

            Embellishments to the tour have been added. Recently post tour 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the Beverly Yacht Club has opened its doors to post tourgoers to relax; our clubhouse is decorated with a Seaside theme and the doors are open to view the compilation of the club’s history prepared by club member and club historian Jeanne Bruen; new this year is the location of the “Sugarplum Tea” (2:00 pm to 4:00 pm) to be held at Tabor’s Head of School’s residential Great Room. For tour information visit: SippicanWomansClub.org.

            Others have joined in the festivities of the season – The Marion Garden Group has its Greens plus Sale on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at The Music Hall; The Marion Art Center has its Holiday Shop open 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

            On Sunday, December 8 from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm The Marion Village Stroll is held and coordinated by Angela Rossi and sponsored by The Marion Business Community Association offering treats from local merchants, Santa arrives via boat at the Old Landing at 3:00 pm, Clydesdale pulled wagon rides, crafts, games, musical performances, Tree lighting at 5:30 pm at the Bandstand.

            In the center of Marion, the Marion Garden Group decorates seasonal window boxes and the Marion Business Community Association places small evergreen trees to be decorated with white lights along Front Street’s downtown area. Over the years, many have joined in celebrating the holiday spirit. On a cold winter night, the little village of Marion looks like a winter fairyland.