Christopher John Wallace

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Christopher John Wallace, 63, of Dartmouth died at St. Luke’s Hospital on November 23, 2024 after a massive heart attack.

            Christopher was raised in Marion and graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School. He studied architectural engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and went on to design buildings of all types and size in southern New England.

            Chris lived in Dartmouth with his fiancée Sarah Ketchel in an historic farmhouse, the former home of Noelie Houle, affectionately known as “The Goat Lady.” He was enthralled by the history of the property and took seriously his stewardship of it, the creative restoration of which was in many ways his life’s work. His particular skills included building old-fashioned stonewalls and creating Victorian-style decorative shingle work. He was the proud owner of an antique Farmall tractor, which he used to cultivate his large vegetable garden.

            Never able to turn away from an animal in need, Christopher had a special love for his dogs and cats, all of whom were rescues. But most of all, Christopher loved people. He had an affinity for older people and a deep appreciation for their individual stories. He grew in knowledge and spiritual wisdom from the range of people he encountered.

            Always forward-facing, Chris was filled with hope for the future and eager to bring to fruition his many plans. He was one-of-a-kind, with a quick wit, a wry sense of humor, and a wealth of little-known historical facts. Known for his unique gift giving, Chris delighted in finding one-of-a-kind items for people at antique stores and yard sales. And he was able to make the ultimate gift by donating his liver and kidneys to people in need of life-saving transplants and his heart for medical research so others might benefit.

            Chris is survived by his fiancé Sarah Ketchel of Dartmouth; his parents Janet and LaVerne Wallace of Marion, MA; brother Gregory Wallace and his husband Craig Sheppard of Seattle, WA; brother Timothy Wallace and his wife Deirdre of Plymouth, MA; brother Andrew and his wife Dawn of Alton, NH; and sister Ann Wallace and her fiancé Konstantin Vail of Jersey City, NJ. He was the proud uncle of a dozen nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved pets: dogs Leah and Tucker, and cats Max, Gizmo, and Nora.

            A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 11:30 am at the Friends Meeting House, 103 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, followed by a luncheon and celebration of life at a local private residence (the address will be provided at the service or people can contact Ann Wallace at annwallace409@gmail.com for info). In lieu of sending flowers, the family would love for people to make a donation in Chris’s name to Lighthouse Animal Shelter, the wonderful rescue organization in New Bedford where Chris and Sarah adopted their dogs Tip and Leah.

            Arrangements are being handled by Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

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Patricia D. “Pat” (Glennon) Waldron

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Patricia D. “Pat” (Glennon) Waldron, of Fairhaven, formerly of Wareham, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, in St. Luke’s Hospital, New Bedford, on Friday, November 22, 2024. She was 72.

            Pat was born in Schenectady, New York, and was the daughter of the late Patrick J. Glennon III and his late wife Thelma (Moore) Glennon and the late Edith (Bowden) Smith and her late husband Frank “Ozzy” Smith.

            Pat was raised and educated in Schenectady, New York. She attended the former St. John the Baptist Elementary, graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, and continued her education at the former McIntosh College in Dover New Hampshire, where she earned her associates degree in travel service.

            Pat’s career was vast and focused on the service of others. Her first job was working in the cash room of K-Mart. She rose within the company and achieved the position of store manager. Pat retired from K-Mart after 20 years of service. Following K-Mart, Pat delved into the travel industry. Pat later worked as a corporate travel agent, for several corporations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston until 2003. She developed a love for real estate, so Pat earned her real estate license and worked for various agencies in the Wareham, Marion, and Onset area. Pat’s most recent job was working as an office administrator for Paquette Associates of Wareham. Throughout her professional career, Pat loved working for Paquette Associates the most. She was always grateful for the support they showed her.

            Pat loved to travel, so it was fitting for her to help other people travel the world as a travel agent. Culture and people were important to Pat, and she enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing new adventures. Her beloved Paris was certainly the place she loved to travel to the most. She also enjoyed traveling around the world to Aruba, the Caribbean, Europe, and Saratoga, New York for race week.

            Pat loved animals, especially cats and birds. Having lived in many rural areas throughout her life, wildlife visiting in the backyard was always welcomed by her. In her later years, Pat enjoyed birding with her husband, Ed.

            Pat was a quiet and reserved person, though she had a wonderful sense of humor and strong constitution. Pat’s lasting impression on the people who knew and loved her will be part of her legacy that continues through all the lives she touched.

            Pat’s husband and family would like to extend their gratitude for all the care and support given to her. From the staff at South Coast Cancer Center in Fairhaven, Tobey and St. Luke’s Hospital staff and teams, ambulance first responders and her most recent employer. Pat’s family is sincerely grateful for your professional and tender support.

            Pat was the beloved wife of Edward J. Waldron, with whom she shared 32 loving years. She was the aunt of Dustin Waldron of Medway, and Kaitlin Waldron of Los Angeles. Pat was the great-aunt of Riley, Mallori, and Brayden Waldron. She was the sister-in-law of Charles L. and his wife Kathleen (Coakley) Waldron of Medway. Pat is also survived by her adoring cat Gilford, and many loving extended family members and friends.

            Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 9-11 am in the St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

            Pat’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

            Interment is private.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Pat’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

            See www.Keohane.com for online condolences and directions.

Roger D. Boucher

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Roger D. Boucher, 94, of Rochester, MA, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Roger was the beloved husband of Yvette C. (Serra) Boucher for more than seven decades, sharing a life filled with laughter, faith, and cherished memories.

            He is survived by his son Ronald Boucher and wife Sandra, his daughter Renee Lemieux and husband Pierre and his daughter Carol Fox. He is also survived by his grandchildren Erin, Marco, Danielle, Katie and Noelle as well as great-grandchildren Brianna, Abigail and Vivian.

            Born in Acushnet, Roger was the son of the late Ulric and Denise (Gagnon) Boucher. He grew up in New Bedford as the eighth of thirteen children, a family bound by deep ties and traditions. His siblings-Norman, Adrienne, Beatrice, Adelard, Edgar, Germain, Roland, Maurice, Conrad, Claude, Yvette, and Donald-shaped his early years with love and resilience.

            Roger’s life was one of service and dedication. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served his country during the Korean War. After his military service, Roger worked as a postal clerk at the New Bedford Post Office. He served as the President of the Postal Union for 12 years and eventually became the Postmaster of the Mattapoisett Post Office.

            After many fulfilling years serving as a Postmaster, he enjoyed a well-deserved retirement in The Villages, Florida, where he made countless happy memories. Faith was central to Roger’s life. While in Florida he became a Eucharistic Minister and served his church until his return to Rochester in 2014 in order to be closer to family where he was able to continue to share his love and wisdom with those around him.

            Roger’s greatest joy was his family, whom he cherished beyond measure. Whether playing cards around the table, sharing stories, or laughing at his wife’s quick wit, his presence brought warmth and joy to every gathering.

            He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew him.

            Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 26th, at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial will be private for immediate family. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

            In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Roger’s memory to a charity of one’s choice, reflecting his generous and compassionate spirit.

            May his soul rest in eternal peace

Marion Historic District Plans Progress

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The Marion Historic Study Committee is awaiting a response from the state on its bylaw draft proposal for a historic district within the town village.

            Meg Steinberg, the town’s Historic Commission chairwoman and an advisor to the study committee, told Planning Board members recently that homeowners within the district can renovate homes and can even demolish some properties, as long as the rebuild matches the neighborhood within the village.

            Repeating her report to the Planning Board, Steinberg and study committee members via a zoom meeting last week were brainstorming the next steps in hopes of getting a bylaw proposal before voters at the annual Town Meeting in the spring.

            Steinberg said most renovation and remodeling projects would not need any local approval as long as the visible, front exterior still maintains the same historical facade. For instance, new windows or a new roof would not need local review, Steinberg noted.

            Steinberg said homeowners can even make significant alterations to the backside of a home as long as it is not visible from a public way.

            Steinberg and study committee chairman Will Tifft said that the committee awaits feedback from the Planning Board. After that, the committee will await suggestions from the state Historical Commission to “see that we are conforming to state guidelines and views.”

            “We have supplemented this by informing the town administration and select board of conversations and building inspector about what we were thinking,” Tifft said.

            Tifft said the committee is under deadline to submit a final recommendation by March 1. After receiving suggestions for revisions from the state, the committee plans on hosting a public meeting about the proposal in February.

            Tifft, citing a survey conducted last year, noted that 75 percent of respondents were supportive of a historic district within the village area.

            Committee members noted that some were hesitant about losing control over future decisions involving their homes or businesses.

            Steinberg has called the proposal a “light” district, meaning there would be fewer restrictions upon homeowners in terms of possible renovations, rebuilding or remodeling. In fact, committee members noted that most projects within the district would not need town approval other than demolition or major renovations to the exterior facade.

            The committee also plans on sending out mailers with frequently asked questions and answers about the bylaw proposal.

            The committee will meet again via Zoom on December 7 at 5:00 pm.

Marion Historic Study Committee

By Jeff Wagner

Robert Kennedy Jr. is a Danger to Our Health

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I will leave it to others to comment on the nature of other Trump nominations but must try to convince you that Robert Kennedy Jr. is uniquely unfit to be the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

            Not all his ideas are bad. His campaign against ultra-processed foods and food additives could benefit the U.S. population if they withstand the onslaught of opposition from the food industry. It would also be better if the revolving door between industry and regulatory agencies could be shut, as he has proposed.

            Unfortunately, his rabid anti-vaccination stand by itself should disqualify him from a position overseeing the nation’s health.

            Vaccines, along with clean water supplies, have done more to save lives than almost any advance in history.

            I am old enough to remember the scourge of polio. Almost every summer the city of Montreal would shut public swimming pools because of polio outbreaks. In the mid-20th century, over half a million people world-wide died or were left paralyzed by polio. The best care available was the iron-lung, which took over for paralyzed respiratory muscles.

            The Salk inactivated polio vaccine was released in 1955, and in 2 years, U.S. cases of polio fell from 58,000/year to 5,600. By 1961, that number was 161.

            The Sabin oral polio vaccine soon followed, and the ease of giving an oral rather than an injected vaccine led to mass administration around the world. By 2021, only two cases of polio were reported world-wide.

            Measles, too, sickened and killed millions before the 1963 introduction of an effective vaccine. Prior to vaccination, there were over 100 million cases and 6,000,000 deaths world-wide. In the U.S. there were some 4,000,000 cases and 450 deaths annually, along with over 1000 left brain-damaged.

            Andrew Wakefield, in Britain, published two studies in 1998 and 2002 claiming that the MMR vaccine caused autism. Both studies have been withdrawn by the publishers, citing fraud, and numerous studies since then have shown no association of vaccination and autism.

            Celebrities with no scientific background have continued to push this discredited idea, leaving some parents hesitant to vaccinate their children. The result has been a series of measles outbreaks across the U.S.

            Even though most decisions about mandatory childhood vaccination are made at the state level, having a vaccine skeptic as head of the nation’s health agencies will only lead to more parents opting out and more children needlessly sick or dead.

            Kennedy has also jumped to support therapies such as ivermectin for COVID, despite very solid studies showing that no dose of the drug did any good and, in some cases, did harm.

            If you agree to the severity of this, please write to your senators immediately and beg them to reject this candidate as Secretary of HHS.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Mattapoisett Museum Visit

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The rafters of the Mattapoisett Museum rang with excitement when Center School’s curious and eager 1st graders visited. Welcomed by Curator Connor Gaudet, they quickly settled in their seats and were ready to learn about Mattapoisett’s past.

            Gaudet showed the attentive first graders two rocks to explain what an artifact was. He explained that a rock found in nature was not an artifact because it was unaltered by human hands. Then he held up a rock that had been fashioned into an ax head. He pointed out that the rock had been shaped into a tool that helped Indigenous peoples do work – and that made this rock an artifact. Gaudet pointed out that every object, or artifact, in the Museum was from a place or a person living in Mattapoisett.

            Next, Education Committee member, Gail Roberts, described the artifact “seek and find” activity that would introduce them to many of the Museum’s artifacts. Each child received a sheet with photos of several artifacts. Every time they found one of the artifacts, they put a star sticker on it. The students were grouped for easier access to artifacts and led by Education members Katherine Gaudet, Robbin Smith, Pauline Hamel and Gail Roberts.

            As eagle-eyed students respectfully explored the Museum, they asked questions about objects they viewed. Among their favorites were the first Mattapoisett fire engine. They were amazed that fires were put out with buckets of water as well as just one hose. They also loved the old phone with the rotary dial and “cradle” for the handset. After finding all their artifacts, students head back to wrap up.

            Using a Powerpoint, Gaudet showed different artifacts and asked questions. How is this artifact the same as today’s object? How is it different? What has changed? Their answers were thoughtful and astute.

            The Education Committee and Connor Gaudet look forward to hosting more school groups in the future.

Scanography

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Come to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library to see Donna St Amant’s astonishing photography exhibit, called “Scanography,” from December 1 to December 31. Using a very unique process, Ms St Amant captures nature’s treasures on a flatbed scanner.

            Donna’s love of capturing images began in the early ’80s with black and white film and her own darkroom where she marveled at the development process. When the digital era began, replacing film and supplies became more difficult to find, and she stepped away as the extensive time on the computer required in that new format was too close to how she spent most of her workday as an engineer. She sought out more tangible ways to express herself and found working with metal, flame, and hammer as a metalsmith gave her the perfect balance.

            Now in retirement, she has rekindled her love of photography. St Amant captures the close-up detail and beauty of flowers, worn beached objects, and elements of nature on a high-resolution flatbed scanner in a process often called “Scanography.” Once used to digitize her photographic negatives, the scanner is now her ‘studio camera’ and the fine detail it captures never ceases to amaze her. Whether a single bloom or a ‘medley’ of treasures, the objects are placed directly on the scanner glass with the cover left open building depth and layers from foreground to background. Using a preview feature, St Amant can see the image as it will be recorded and can rearrange elements until it is just what she had imagined.

            To St Amant, this process feels somewhat like organizing a group portrait. She places the individuals near one another in a pleasing and cohesive composition, intertwines outreaching elements to project a feeling of connection, and then captures the moment.

            Overall, she says “it’s all about passion, the joy of creating … and the continuous quest to learn and grow.”

Neighbors Get No Respect

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Neighbors came out to share their concerns and negative experiences at the Park Place subdivision on November 12, as a Notice of Intent filing by Jordan Medeiros got underway. Medeiros, represented by David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone who outlined plans for the construction of the final single-family dwelling in the subdivision.

            Davignon explained that there was nothing out of the ordinary in the plans, the home will be serviced by the municipal sewer system, have a paved driveway, and underground utilities. He said roof runoff with be handled by an infiltration system and that the project is not in the wetlands but exclusively in the jurisdictional buffer zone.

            But this project hearing did give neighbors the opportunity to air grievances arising from another home in the subdivision also owned by Medeiros that has been under construction for two years. Gail Ciano stated that calls to the Board of Health had been placed due to the amount and frequency of construction related debris and trash flying around the site and into adjacent properties. Ciano and her husband said several times that Medeiros had “no respect” for his neighbors and that they were concerned with another construction site close by even more construction trash would follow.

            Chairman Mike King said he and member David Lawrence would go to the site the following day to see for themselves if something could be done to ease the issues discussed, but, problems noted on this site could not be visited on the new NOI filing. King said that situation was unacceptable and that construction debris in jurisdictional areas would not be allowed.

            The NOI filing for 0 Park Place lot 508 was conditioned with conditions added for a dewatering basin, and roof runoff system.

            Also receiving conditioning was the NOI filing by Eric Lawrence, 0 Foster Street for the construction of a single-family home. As this project has wend its way through the permitting process abutters and neighbors have expressed concerns over storm water flooding their properties. This buffer zone project was represented by Andrew Stackpole of Field Engineering. As concerned residents aired their issues with the plan King suggested that the neighborhood get together and try to work out a storm water management plan for the long term. He said that storm water runoff was a problem throughout Mattapoisett and that maybe there was a state grant that they could apply for to ease the financial aspects of a neighborhood-wide system.

            The filing was granted and conditioned with a ground water recharge system and a blind drain for possible sump-pump discharge.

            A NOI filed by James DePierre, 20 Cove Street was continued until November 25 pending DEP file number and comments from Natural Heritage.

            A letter received from David McIntire was discussed. McIntire inquired of the commission if they would prefer a septic system or connection to the municipal sewer system for property he anticipates developing behind Chase Canopy. The general consensus of the commission was it is always better to use a sewer system versus septic systems, especially in the aquifer.

            A NOI filed by Joseph and Sandra Calabro, 12 Centre Drive for the construction of an addition and septic repair was conditioned.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for November 25.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Really Important Things on My Mind

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Now that the election is over, I can go back to thinking about some really important things that have been on my mind. You may be interested in them as well. While you were concentrating on politics, and I am sure you were, much has happened in the world. So, I have compiled a list of especially important news reports that you probably missed. It is important to keep up to date on these matters.

            Let’s start with William Shakespeare. Yes, the bard has been in the news recently. If you are a Shakespeare aficionado, you may have heard that some people believe he did not write his many plays, sonnets, and poems. They suggest that Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of the playwright, actually penned Shakespeare’s work. Some even say that Marlowe was Shakespeare. Anyway, that’s the theory.

            Well, here’s a twist. Apparently, some very bored mathematicians have been selling the “Infinite Monkey Theorem” that suggests that a monkey with a lot of time on his hands and a typewriter could write all the collected works of William Shakespeare. Thankfully, two brilliant University of Technology Sydney professors have published a paper that declares the theorem is just bananas. In fact, their exhaustive research shows that there is “roughly a 5% chance that one monkey could type the word “bananas” in a lifetime.”

            Shakespeare wrote 884,421 words. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust adds that he introduced 1700 words into the English language and that “banana was not one of them.” Other academic types agree and say that the whole study was “a wild goose chase,” a phrase Shakespeare did invent.

            On to other news. I haven’t been to New York City in some time but as I recall the streets are covered with pigeon…hum…pigeons. I’ll leave it at that. Pigeons are synonymous with that city. Now, an artist has honored the iconic pigeon with a giant, two-story high statue, smack dab in the heart of the city. The “dinosaur” as it has come to be called is in homage to its ancestor, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. (Who knew?)

            As you might imagine, the statue’s arrival came with some complaints from the good people of the city, since the birds have often been called “rats with wings.” They are known to be very smart, able to recognize words and faces. They (the pigeons, not the current populous) arrived in the city in the early 100s of years ago and are prized by pigeon racing fans like Mike Tyson and the late Marlon Brando. Not to mention the military used carrier pigeons to send important messages during wars. So be sure to salute the giant pigeon statue the next time you visit New York City.

            Finally, recently it was widely reported that NASA has confirmed the exact date the world will come to an end. (Not to be confused with those that predicted doomsday after the election). Relax, don’t hide under the bed just yet. It seems that the late physicist Stephen Hawking had predicted that the world would come to an end in a ball of fire in the year 2600 due to overpopulation and the use of too much energy. NASA has been studying this very prediction for many years. Despite the latest furor the report has caused, they have denied they know the exact date of the end of humanity. Whew!

            There, I told you this was really important stuff.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Peter Pan at the MAC

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The MAC Theater is pleased to present J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, adapted by Craig Sodaro. Kate Fishman directs this very special limited presentation. Show dates are December 6, 7,13,14 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 15, at 2:00 pm. All performances are in the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater, located at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion.

            This superb adaptation captures all the magic and charm of everyone’s favorite story. The Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan’s adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery. Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures. Wendy, John, and Michael become friends with the Lost Boys and Princess Tiger Lily, and Wendy becomes everyone’s mother. When the evil Captain Hook captures Wendy and the Lost Boys, Peter Pan comes to their rescue. Together with the ticking crocodile, Peter Pan puts Captain Hook in his place and returns the Darling children to their home.

            The cast includes Libby Achilles, Aubrey Arsenault-Sousa, Kourtney Bartlett, Zoe Callina, Eliza    Conley, Penny   Conley, Natalie Dai, Charlotte DaRosa, Elizabeth DaRosa, Ann-Marie Foley, Celia Gonet, Amina Goodman, Sophia Goodman, Michaela Healy, Abigail Jacques, Lirin Loranger, Ryan Medeiros, Kaiya Morse, Kaylin O’Connor, Charlotte Osterday, Finnian Patrick, Crosby         Ribeiro, Vivienne Sanford, and Phoebe Van Inwegen. The production team includes Steven McManus on Light/Sound and Stage Managers Marisa Beiver and Ron Beiver.   

            Tickets, just $20 for MAC members and $23 for nonmembers, can be purchased at marionartcenter.org/events. The MAC is also a participant in Mass Cultural Council’s card to culture program. Learn more on the online ticket page.