Join the Marion Police Department at one of their favorite holiday events, Pizza with Santa, December 7, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill St. in Marion. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help us fill a cruiser for kids in need.
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the Hartley Sawmill which was a successful business for many years and finally closed in 1964. The actual site of that mill now marked only by rocks and a water course has an extensive history all its own. The area around it is historically referred to as the “Winslow Mill Area”, because in 1725, Maj. Edward Winslow developed the site as an iron forge.
It was a “bloomery ” forge where local bog iron was recovered from the water and then smelted to make iron bars for the nail works in Tremont. It’s believed that the bloomery forge shut down at some point after the Revolutionary War. Many of this type of forge were shutting down around this time, because the supply of bog iron was being depleted. However, the waterpower privilege was too valuable to be abandoned.
Elisha Ruggles turned the site into a grist mill in 1823 and over the next 65 years the site had many owners, among them; the David Peckhams, both Sr. and Jr., Hiram Waldron, Josiah Pierce, William T. Bryant and Charles and Eudora West. Many of these owners lived in close proximity of the mill.
Looking at the maps that we have for sale at the museum, the1856 map has the site as a grist mill. By the 1879 map, it is still listed as a grist mill, but box board and shingle mill have been added.
In 1888 (as mentioned previously), James Hartley purchased the property and from then on it was operated by him and then, his offspring. No doubt when he purchased the mill, it was powered by at least one waterwheel. As time passed, upgrades were made.
First, a 25 horsepower Acushnet Iron Foundry-built turbine type water wheel was installed to provide more power. By the early 1900’s, a steam engine and boiler were installed. In the late 1920’s, James Hartley, Jr., the 4th child and 3rd son, along with Malachai White replaced the horizontal wheel with a vertical-shaft-drive turbine. These upgrades in power were typical of how small sawmill owners improved their businesses
The boom years for the Hartley Sawmill were from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. In those years, the mill produced cordwood, house and boat lumber and boxboards and shingles. One of the Hartley Sawmill shingle machines is in George Church’s Museum on Mattapoisett Rd. The output of the mill was hauled by oxen and horse-drawn wagons to harbors like Marion and New Bedford to be loaded onto schooners.
After the mill closed down, the vacant and decaying mill buildings were removed or burned by the Rochester Fore Dept. However, the office building was left standing. Recently, Rick Miranda, the current keeper of the Hartley Sawmill Trust, has renovated the building which was the office of Hannah Ellen Hartley who both ran the hardware store and kept the records of all the mill transactions. One of her ledgers is part of the current exhibit at the Rochester Historical Society Museum. Anyone interested in viewing the exhibit; “The Tools and Industries That Made Rochester”, can set up time for a visit by calling Connie at 617-750-2818 or Sue at 508-295-8908.
By Connie Eshbach
Robert “Bob” Demeo, a long-time resident of Marion, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Bob was born on October 3, 1931, in Boston to Sophie A. (Bucewicz) Demeo and Pasquale J. Demeo. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 62 years, Patricia J. (Gannon) Demeo; his two half-brothers, Patrick Demeo and Rick Keith Rickson; and his half-sister, Candice Rickson.
As a teenager during World War II, Bob served in the Massachusetts State Guard, helping combat forest fires on Cape Cod. After graduating from Brighton High School in 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served throughout the Korean War as a Petty Officer Second Class.
Following his military service, Bob earned his Associate’s Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1955 and his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959.
Bob met his future wife, Patti, at a gathering of the “Hi Hubbers,” a social club for tall people in Boston. They married in 1961. Originally living in Peabody, they settled in Marion in 1963, where they built their home and raised their family.
Bob first came to Marion after joining Sippican Ocean Systems, and later continued his career at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, from which he retired in 1997. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, computers, and was also proud to serve as Commander of VFW Post 2425. He and Patti enjoyed attending numerous U.S.S. Destroyer Buck 761 reunions of “Tin Can Sailors” throughout the country where he rekindled old friends.
Bob is survived by his four children: Andrea (John) Adriany of San Diego, CA; Martha (James) Turner of Newbury, VT; Kristen Brown of Taunton, MA; and Paul (Michelle) Demeo of Merrimack, NH. He is also survived by his half-sister, Wendy M. Rickson of Grand Haven, MI. His legacy includes five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many dear friends and extended family members.
Visitation will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, on Tuesday, December 9th, from 4-7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Rita’sParish, 113 Front St., Marion, on Wednesday, December 10th at 9:30AM. Interment will follow, with military honors, alongside his wife at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. For directions and the online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
The rain was heavy, but the children’s hearts were light when Rochester held a different than usual annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of Town Hall on Sunday, November 30.
For years the entire ceremony had been held outdoors in the evening on the first Monday in December. This year, most of the ceremony took place in the First Congregational Church Hall starting at 4:00 pm. There, residents and their children prepared tree ornaments and consumed cookies and hot cocoa until Santa Claus, chauffeured in an antique jalopy, arrived outside.
The children were overjoyed to see Santa, a mood that couldn’t be dampened by either the rain or the sudden appearance of the Grinch shortly after St. Nick (at least it was the Grinch who handed out small gifts to the young attendees from his small satchel).
Back inside, a mix of children from the Rochester Memorial School sang Christmas songs, as Santa and even the Grinch himself joined in until Santa had to leave early because his elves needed him, Events Committee Chair Sharon Hartley told him.
Before he left, however, Santa spoke to The Wanderer to explain his visit to Rochester this year. “I was invited,” he said. “I heard there were so many good children in Rochester, and I wanted to stop by and say hello.”
When everyone went back outside, Select Board Chair Adam Murphy introduced First Congregational Church Pastor Colby Olson, who said a prayer blessing the event, then handed Hartley the switch to flick on the tree lights to the children’s cheers.
Asked why this year’s event was held on the Sunday of Thanksgiving week as opposed to the traditional first Monday in December, Town Administrator Cameron Durant explained, “The (Events) Committee wanted to try something different.” Asked if the switch to the indoor location for much of the ceremony will continue in future years, Durant said that it will be up to the committee. “I hope it does, no matter what the committee decides for next year,” he said.
Police Chief Michael Assad commented on the Grinch’s sudden appearance and quick disappearance at Town Hall. “We have an active investigation to apprehend him,” he said. “We have a ‘BOLO’ (be on the lookout) out on him. We’ll keep the town safe from him.”
Rochester Tree Lighting
By Michael J. DeCicco
Salty the Seahorse got a fresh coat of paint in 2024 for the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s 50th Anniversary. In December 2024 Salty’s old Santa Hat was put, but after being exposed to the winds of many winter storms his hat had become droopy and quite dingy. Local Mattapoisett resident, Mary Dermody, decided to take on the project of getting Salty a new Santa Hat for Christmas 2025. Doing some leg work around the area visiting several canvas places and sail makers, Mary was fortunate to discover that Sperry Sails of Marion had made the original Santa Hat for Salty and they were pleased to work on the project once again. Sperry patterned the new hat directly from the old one, sewing it from marine grade canvas and then attaching all the necessary lines and straps to ensure it will stay securely on top of the Salty’s head, no matter what the winter weather. The new red hat features a classic bright white brim and uses the “buoy” pom-pom from the old hat, which must have been repurposed from the waterfront at the time the first hat was constructed. Inspired by Salty’s new paint job in 2024 Mary Dermody managed the project from concept to completion, to ensure Salty’s new Santa hat was finished in time for it’s December debut. The funds for the new Santa Hat were provided by a generous anonymous donor.
Historic Handy’s Tavern is getting its final holiday touches this week in preparation for the 35th Annual Holiday By The Sea House Tour, taking place Saturday, December 13. The Sippican Woman’s Club invites the community to step into the magic of the season as ticketholders begin their tour at the Tavern before setting off to visit beautifully decorated homes, a Sugarplum Tea at Tabor Academy and warm cheer at Beverly Yacht Club.
We also welcome everyone to join us during the Marion Village Stroll on Sunday December 14, when Handy’s Tavern will once again open its doors for visitors to explore this treasured landmark and enjoy warm, spiced Wassail served with holiday cheer.
Come celebrate the season, the spirit of community, and the historic charm that makes Marion so special. For more information or tickets please visit SippicanWomansClub.org.
Priscilla Stuart Smith-Trudeau Hevey, 77 of Fletcher, Vermont passed away suddenly on October 23, 2025 with the love of her life, Gerard Hevey, at her side.
Born August 26, 1948 in Boston, MA she was the daughter of the late Henry Buckley Smith, Sr. and Annie Payson Provance Smith and the sister of the late Henry Buckley Smith, Jr. all of Rochester, MA.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Lisa McDaniel, of Arizona, her sister, Anne Payson Smith Holbrook, two nephews, James Payson Smith Holbrook and his wife Sarah Lafrinere Holbrook all of Rochester, MA and Matthew Christopher Smith of Wareham, MA. As well as three grand-nieces Stella V. Holbrook, Charlotte A. Holbrook, and Sloane L. Holbrook and a grand-nephew James Payson Smith Holbrook, Jr all of Rochester, MA.
As a child Priscilla grew up in Rochester, MA and attended Rochester Memorial School and the Old Rochester Regional High School. She is remembered by her classmates as happy and fun loving. She graduated in 1966 and went on to obtain her LPN and RN Certifications.
Priscilla and Gerard met while working on a nursing unit on the south coast of Massachusetts in 1989 and subsequently move to Vermont. They were married in Fletcher, Vermont on 23 August 2005. Together they built a life based on helping people in need and helping to improve their lives. As animal lovers they adopted and cared for many pets through the years that brought daily joy into their lives. She loved living on top of her mountain in Vermont and taking advantage of all the area had to offer, especially hiking the trails with her husband and enjoying nature.
She was employed at the University of Vermont Medical Center as a Rehabilitation Nurse in Burlington, Vermont. She retired in 2023.
Priscilla started her career as an LPN in the 1960’s and through the years attained the degrees of RN DC MSM BSN CRRN CCM HNB-BC. She was a graduate of Thomas Edison State College with a Masters in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of the State of New York. Her certifications included a Certification in Rehabilitation Nursing, a Certification in Holistic Nursing and a Certification in Conflict Resolution.
She was a Founder of the Women’s Rape Crisis Center in New Bedford, MA which was a precursor of the Women’s Center of New Bedford as it is known today. Originally a volunteer organization, it was established in the same year that Roe vs. Wade protected abortion rights. She was instrumental in the development of the Women’s Health Clinic as one of the Center’s premier programs and in 1983 was a vocal advocate for the Big Dan Rape victim traveling the country talking about what happened and what was needed to be done to protect women from abuse. Sadly, fifty years later the fight to prevent abuse is still being waged on a national level.
In 2001 she published a book “Peaceful Warrior Nurse. She reasoned that there were not “enough books written for nurses, by nurses and about nurses that enlighten, empower and encourage them to celebrate the diversity and spirit of nursing”. She wrote the book is about “living, loving, learning and leaving a nursing legacy.
Around the same time, she established her consulting firm “Wealth in Diversity Consulting” of which she was the Founder and President. She developed “A model for Creating and Sustaining Positive Change which acts as a framework for guiding organizational change as a vital resource leading to increased creativity, innovation and enhanced leader and team effectiveness.”
Her life was dedicated to developing a deep understanding about the strength of differences and an appreciation of shared humanness.
She will always be remembered by her family as a person who lived her dreams, cared for her grandmother and mother in their later years and encouraged her nephews to “live their dreams”.
Priscilla should be remembered not only for her love and dedication to nursing but also her love of animals and supporting animal rights groups.
Arrangements by A.W. Rich funeral home to leave a message of Condolence visit https://awrichfuneralhomes.com/
Joan E. (Grassetti) Lagunowich, 79, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Longmeadow, MA died November 29, 2025 peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of Paul G. Lagunowich, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Springfield, MA, daughter of the late Venicio and Shirley (Green) Grassetti. She raised her family in Longmeadow, MA before moving to Mattapoisett thirteen years ago.
She was known by many names-Joan, Joannie, Mom, Grammie, and Auntie Joan. The oldest of Venicio and Shirley’s ten children, she grew up on Bartels Street in a house always filled with laughter, love, and delicious food.
Joan and Paul met in junior high school, where he was determined to win her heart. They married in 1968 and lived in Longmeadow for 40 years.
Joan graduated from Springfield Hospital School of Nursing, now Baystate Medical Center. She spent the majority of her nursing career working in Labor and Delivery. Joan cherished helping families welcome their babies into the world and was deeply honored whenever friends or relatives asked her to assist when their own little ones were due.
Family and especially her grandchildren were the center of Joan’s life. Some of her fondest memories came from large holiday gatherings at Woodlawn Place, where the house overflowed with joy, warmth, and laughter. Ogunquit Beach was her favorite place to relax with family and friends. She loved soaking up the sun and walking the Marginal Way at the “Beautiful Place by the Sea.”
Though Joan’s passing leaves an ache in the hearts of those she loved, her warmth, generosity, kindness and unwavering love will continue to guide her family. Her legacy lives on in our hearts.
Joan is survived by her husband Paul; daughter Kate Butler and her husband Todd of Mattapoisett; a son, Nick Lagunowich and his wife Elena of Chatham, NJ; her sister-in-law Jane Grassetti (Joseph Grassetti deceased) of Ludlow and 8 siblings, James Grassetti and his wife Debra of East Longmeadow, Jeffrey Grassetti and his wife Mary of Hampden, John Grassetti and his wife Gail of Mashpee, Jerry Grassetti and his wife Cheryl of East Longmeadow, Jack Vincent Grassetti and his wife Sheila of Longmeadow, Judy LaValle and her husband Gary, of East Longmeadow, Christopher Grassetti and his wife Lisa of Agawam and Charles Grassetti and his wife Ann of Gloucester; and her six grandchildren, Mary Clare, Sally and John Butler, Luke, John and Nicholas Lagunowich; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Joan will also miss the company of her brother-in-law John and sister-in-law Ellen Lagunowich, especially enjoying their favorite “Treasure Chest Lobster.”
Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 11:30 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Her family will receive guests on Saturday from 9:30-11:30 am prior to her service. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Joan Lagunowich may be made to My Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 70273, Dartmouth, MA 02747.
The last Sunday that the Museum will be open from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm is the 30th, however, it’s a good idea to call Sue at 508-295-8908 to make sure there’s coverage. After this you can always call Sue or Connie 617-750-2818 to arrange a visit.
We will be at the Plumb Library Holiday Fundraiser from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm on December 13 with our Rochester clothing and other merchandise, all of which make good Christmas presents. In addition to tees, 3 styles of sweatshirts, hats. books, maps, Rochester tic-tac-toes and a new item, fleece vests.
On December 14 at 1:30 pm we will have our Holiday Organ Concert and Sing Along as well as our Christmas Party. More info later.
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church is thrilled to announce the return of its Annual Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 14, running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Back by popular demand and expanded for 2025, this year’s fair promises to be bigger and better than ever.
With 25 talented local artisans, visitors will discover a unique selection of handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, artwork, jewelry, specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind treasures – perfect for checking off your Christmas shopping list while supporting small, local businesses.
The festive fun doesn’t stop there. Guests can enjoy hot breakfast and a delicious homemade lunch, plus an irresistible assortment of baked goods and sweet treats available throughout the day.
And new this year – bring your family and strike a pose with our very special surprise guest who will be visiting the fair for photos.
The event also coincides with the town’s beloved Marion Stroll, making St. Gabriel’s a perfect stop as you enjoy a full day of holiday cheer in our community.
Join us for a joyful, family-friendly celebration of the season – shop, eat, mingle, and support a wonderful local tradition.