There is a Special Town Meeting scheduled for Mattapoisett voters on Monday, November 8. It will be held starting at 6:30 pm in the auditorium at Old Rochester Regional High School. The deadline for new voters to register to be able participate in this meeting is Friday, October 29. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm on that day only. Please call Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger at 508-758-4100 x 2 or email townclerk@mattapoisett.net with any questions.
Julia Winsper of Rochester made the Dean’s List at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the Summer 2021 semester.
William J. Giordano, 80, of Mattapoisett died October 26, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness.
He was the husband of Marsha G. (Hussey) Giordano.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, son of the late Costanzo and Johanna S. (Konow) Giordano, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.
He and his wife were the proprietors of W.J. Sales for many years until retirement.
In retirement, he enjoyed himself. Bill’s sarcastic sense of humor did not betray the fact that he was a big teddy bear. Bill hated all New England sports and was a big Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. This didn’t work so well for him over the past 20 years. Bill loved teasing Marsha about everything, talking about his grandchildren, his retirement role at New Bedford Floor and his Sunday morning breakfast crew. Prior to his death, he was fortunate to be able to see Marsha, his children and his brother’s sons, who were so special to him.
Survivors include his wife Marsha; a daughter, Jacqueline Giordano Bedard and her husband Eric of Norwood; 2 sons, Braden Giordano of Reston, VA and Bryon Giordano and his wife Sara of Alexandria, VA; 5 grandchildren, Alexandra, Olivia, Maggie, Robert and Ellis; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Robert Giordano and father of the late Christine Giordano.
His funeral arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project in his name: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043
For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
November brings new and exciting programs to the Mattapoisett Library for people of all interests. Starting with Composting 101 presented by Casey E. Doyle, this two-part event takes place on Tuesday, November 2, and Thursday, November 4, at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Composting 101 will go over the understanding and science (a little) of what compost means, why everyone should do it, ingredients involved, how to speed up the process, and what to do with it. This program is funded by the Richard & Ann J. Prouty Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee. Registration is required to receive the Zoom invite link. If you are interested in participating, visit our library calendar or call the library for more information.
On Wednesday, November 3, at 7:00 pm, Henry Quinlan presents “USSR- Russia: Myths, Mysteries and Spying” in person. Quinlan began his ventures in Russia in 1986 when he agreed to publish a book by the Soviet Diplomat Vitaly Churkin. This was the beginning of a 30-year involvement with the former Soviet Union and Russia. His presentation includes insider knowledge on living in Russia during the demise of the USSR, The Amber Room, The Czar’s Jewels, the impact of WWII, Vladimir Putin, spying for the FBI, and so much more. No registration required.
On Saturday, November 6, at 10:30 am, Screen Printing returns. Join us as we teach you a simple method of screen printing. You bring in your fabric of choice and we will provide everything else! We encourage you to bring your own stencils if you have a particular design in mind! Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is required.
Continuing our Start Locally, Live Sustainably initiative, we are beginning a book discussion on “Regeneration: Ending the climate crisis in one generation,” by Paul Hawken on Saturday, November 6, at 2:00 pm. There are 30 copies of the book available to interested participants. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please visit our website calendar or email mfpl@sailsinc.org. This program is funded by the Richard & Ann J. Prouty Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee. You can learn more about our Start Locally, Live Sustainably initiative, by visiting our website “About” page.
On Tuesday, November 9, at 6:00 pm, Certified Gold KonMari Consultant Christine Thorn presents “The Lifestyle Magic of Tidying & Decluttering: The KonMari Method” on Zoom. Thorn offers an informative and entertaining presentation about the lifestyle benefits of the KonMari Method of tidying and decluttering. In her presentation, Thorn details the life changing benefits of KonMari’s category-by-category system of tidying, explaining how it focuses on keeping only those items which bring joy to your life, rather than on what needs to be eliminated, and discusses the importance of the fundamental KonMari question: Does this spark joy? Registration is required.
Send an email to mfpl@sailsinc.org or call the library at 508-758-4171 for more information. All programs are free and open to the public.
While the October 14 meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission did not offer updates on the Point Road multi-use path or open space maintenance, MOSAC Chairman John Rockwell took the opportunity to give listeners some backstory where it concerns certain aspects of the shared-use pathway that runs from Fairhaven into Mattapoisett and remains fragmented there and in Marion.
Not to be confused with the Point Road Path that has a regular place on MOSAC’s monthly agenda, discussion around the shared-use path meant to ultimately span the South Coast and the entire length of Cape Cod touches on obscure points of history in the Tri-Town.
Reading a map, MOSAC member Debbie Ewing referenced a green line indicating open space area in Washburn Park where the path would intersect.
As Rockwell described the direction of the 10-foot-wide bike path that emanates from the Mattapoisett town line, it will cross Route 105 on the east side of the child-care facility near the Brew Fish restaurant.
“That is the location of the New Bedford-Onset trolley line,” noted Rockwell, alluding to the erstwhile rail system that connected the South Coast from the late 19th century into the 1920s. “That piece of property, which is under the control of (MOSAC) goes down past Parkway Lane, so it intersects with what we refer to as Washburn Lane, which is really just a private easement.”
Rockwell said that traveling up the paved segment of Washburn Lane approximately 200 feet – “This is all on town property” – it connects to an existing woods road in the direction of the old spring house location. Traveling along the edge of the multi-purpose field, the path would connect to Washburn Road. At that point a “greenway,” cyclists would ride with the traffic on either side of the road.
The surface in that stretch is not ideal. Rockwell told the commission that the town would often drag the stones atop the gravel base. Lacking the equipment to flatten the road, people fill potholes in the road with stones or asphalt shaving that get cast out, said Rockwell.
“It’s wider than it has to be. You only need one lane for the traffic speed,” said Rockwell, who said based on one lane for traffic that 10 feet in width would be sufficient.
MOSAC would like to see a bike lane on both sides of the road, preserving the green strip dividing the traffic directions, but Rockwell said that the 250-foot stretch of road would need to be rebuilt.
The funding model for the bike path has changed over the years. Rockwell said in the old days, towns would pay 10-percent of the costs, but once grant funding was being secured the towns needed a Town Meeting vote.
As a state highway project, the commonwealth funds the construction but needs to sign off on design funded by the individual towns.
“We’re sort of tangentially connected to this as we’re the landowners of the biggest stretches, so we own the railroad bed that goes from the back of Mattapoisett to the Brew Fish, and then we own the trolley line that goes from 105 past Parkway Lane. And then we – [MOSAC] on behalf of the town – we own the old railroad line from Washburn Road at the entrance to the park up to 195, and then we own the property that borders 195 out to Point Road, so we’re the major landowner of this and, really, it’s been an effort to target properties over the last 20 years to make this possible.”
As far as ongoing work is concerned, Rockwell said he is more involved in the project as the chair of the Pathway Committee.
Alan Harris, president of the Sippican Lands Trust and former MOSAC vice-chairman, attended the MOSAC meeting and participated in discussion about signage at Goldavitz Bog area property.
“That is one thing I was going to recommend, is maybe trying to get some signage out,” said Ewing. “They’re not all easily accessed, but there are places you can access, and just to have something that indicates it’s Marion Open Space property, especially like where a lot of them abut the Sippican Lands Trust property.”
Rockwell noted that MOSAC member Casey Gunschel has made signs for Great Swamp Trail and that he has some wood that can be used for posts and other raw material, plus boundary markers that can attach to a post or a tree.
“We’re so lucky to have all this open space,” said Ewing, who believes better signage can increase awareness. “It’s just such a wonderful thing for Marion to have all this property.”
Rockwell suggested the online placement of pins onto Google maps for visitors to download.
Harris said that a lot of the open spaces and land around Aucoot Cove are not easy to access.
Ewing said that while some areas are not meant to be accessed, the areas adjacent to recreation areas need improved access. Ewing suggested she coordinate with Harris on improving access and signage.
Wayne Sweet was publicly thanked for volunteering to remove garbage that had been deposited at Grassi Bog. Rockwell said he had filled out a work order with the Department of Public Works before receiving the news of Sweet’s gift.
The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Mick Colageo
The East Rochester Congregational Church, our museum, is on the National Register of Historic Places due to the hard work of Betty Beaulieu. Looking through the material that she collected during the application process, I developed an appreciation for the church’s Ladies’ Sewing Circle.
The church that was built in 1857 has undergone many changes, as would be expected of any building of this age. The biggest changes came in 1892 when the gallery was taken down, a portico was put on the front, the platform was enlarged, and new pews and new pulpit furniture were put in. Here’s where the Ladies’ Sewing Circle comes in. They were the ones who ran the campaign to raise the $500 needed to pay for the repairs and improvements.
In 1900, the inside shutters were put up and in 1907, the annual meeting voted to patch the roof, rebuild the outside chimney, and put a new brick underpinning beneath the church entrance. The Ladies’ Sewing Circle, seen in the accompanying picture, again raised $500 in 1911 for more repairs. The church was shingled, and a new metal ceiling was installed. In addition, the walls were papered, all the wood was painted, and an old chimney was removed. New carpets and lamps were also installed. The women in the picture that have been named are front and leaning left: Lillian Kelly, second row Ella Beaton, ?,?,? and standing from left, ?, Clara Thomas Galt, Jemima Beaton, and Grace Cowan.
Work on upgrades and repairs was constant over the years. Some highlights were 1915 when electric lights were installed, 1928 when a new door was placed at the southwest corner and a memorial stained-glass window added, in 1932 when an organ was donated, 1940 when the kitchen was updated, 1963 when a new furnace was installed, and 1986 when a bathroom in the basement replaced the outhouse (featured during our October 2 event).
Since the Rochester Historical Society took ownership in 2003, they have taken over the care and repairs that are needed for this historic place. The roof has been replaced, some organ repairs have been made, the building has been painted, the side stairs have been replaced, and most recently, work was done on the steeple.
It goes without saying that maintenance of an almost 65-year-old building is both time consuming and expensive. I like to say that we’ve paid for the work one cupcake at a time, but the money we make through clothing, books, bake sales, memberships, and donations is our only source of income and it goes directly into society programs and maintaining the building. The free labor we get from Art Benner, the Phinneys, and other members is a godsend, and they all follow in the footsteps of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle.
By Connie Eshbach
Edward J. Figueiredo, 90, of Marion, died October 24, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was the former husband of Patricia D. (Davis) Figueiredo and the son of the late Guido and Mary L. (Daggett) Figueiredo.
He was born in New Bedford and lived in Marion all his life. He graduated from Wareham High School in 1949.
He was a Korean War Veteran serving in the U.S. Navy until he was Honorably Discharged and returned home.
Mr. Figueiredo worked as a District Line Supervisor for the Plymouth County region at Commonwealth Electric for 38 years before retiring. Mr. Figueiredo weathered many storms and hurricanes during his years.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Marion and the American Legion in Plymouth.
He was a talented athlete and enjoyed playing baseball and hockey well into his 50’s. He was also an avid golfer and was well known at the local Golf Courses. He coached both of his son’s little league teams and both teams went on to win championships. Mr. Figueiredo also had a great love of horses and enjoyed taking his family on pony rides with their Pony, Danny Boy.
Mr. Figueiredo enjoyed taking yearly vacations with his children and their families to New Hampshire and Maine until his health declined well into his late 80’s. Mr. Figueiredo had a love of the holidays, namely, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was known for showing up first thing Christmas morning at his children’s homes laden with gifts. Mr. Figueiredo was a loving and generous Father and Grandfather who will be sorely missed.
His family would like to thank Sandy, Kelly, Nadia and Julie for their kind and compassionate care.
Survivors include his former wife, Patricia D. (Davis) Figueiredo of Marion; his children, Steven E. Figueiredo and his wife Tania of Wareham, Stephanie (Figueiredo) Harding and her husband Richard of Marion, Thomas J. Figueiredo of Marion and Linda L. (Figueiredo) Dronet and her husband Mark of Biloxi, MS; 10 grandchildren, Steven, Jr., Brandon, Kelsey and Shelby Figueiredo, Timothy Harding, Rebecca Andresen, Sophie Harding, Ruby and Nina Figueiredo and Dakota Dronet; a step granddaughter, Ava Reise and several Great Grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Constance M. Hopkins of Marion.
His graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Evergreen Cemetery, Rte. 6 & Converse Rd., Marion.
Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.
Wesley N. Bowman, 80, of Mattapoisett died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, October 23, 2021. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Kubik) Bowman, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.
Born, raised and educated in Mattapoisett, he was the son of the late Alexander Bates Bowman and the late Edna (Morell) Bowman and lived in Mattapoisett all of his life. Wes left school at an early age to work with his dad taking care of properties in town. He then worked for Pallatroni and Gingras and Paul Cleary until he started his own lawn care and tree cutting service and backhoe business. He was the Mattapoisett tree warden from 1974 to 1987. He then ran a successful campaign for Mattapoisett highway surveyor and proudly served in that position from 1988 until 2006. When Wes retired he never stopped working, he actually worked until the day he died.
Wes was a mentor to so many young men who were starting their own businesses and helped many to find their way and was a second father to many. If you needed it, he would have it for you. He loved his town and all the characters in it, as he was one too. He loved his Fords but most of all he loved his family and was happiest when they were around. He was so proud of every one of them. Though he struggled with his aging and overworked body, he would be quick to say, “But rather than that, I’m doing alright.” He was the best Dad and Poppa. Wesley was loved by so many and will be missed terribly.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; four children, Wesley Bowman, Jr., Nancy Duff, Susan Henshaw and her husband Todd, and Gary Bowman and his wife, Kim; eight siblings, June Emerson, Nancy Borden, Warren Bowman, Joyce Gagnon, Joan Garib, Frank Bowman, Sandra Dittoe, and David Bowman; ten grandchildren, Mitchell Duff, Wesley Bowman, III, Timothy Bowman, Marissa Donovan, Rachael Sweet, Mary-Louise Duff, TJ Henshaw, Matthew (Joe) Duff, Mason Henshaw, and John Bowman; five great-grandchildren, Colin Sweet, Travis Sweet, Chase Bowman, Caleb Bowman, and Daisy Louise Donovan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family friends.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Alexander Bowman, John Bowman, and Edna Hebert.
His graveside service and burial will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10 am in Pine Island Cemetery, 65 Marion Road, Mattapoisett. Visiting hours will be held Friday, October 29, 2021 from 4-8 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wes’ memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Dr., Ste. 602, Boston, MA 02215. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In her Public Health Director / Nurse Report to Tuesday’s meeting of the Marion Board of Health, Lori Desmarais said there are 41 active COVID-19 cases including 25 over the last two weeks.
There were 39 positive cases in Marion in September 30, but that number has risen to 53 so far into October; 20 of those cases are with children under age 12. There are four positives among ages 12-15, none among ages 16-19, three among ages 20-29, 11 among ages 30-49, 11 among ages 50-64, four among ages 64-75, and two who are over age 75.
Of the 53 October cases, 33 were eligible to be vaccinated. Of those 33, 16 were unvaccinated. Among those who were vaccinated, 10 had received the Pfizer-brand vaccine, five had received the Moderna vaccine, and two had received the Johnson & Johnson.
On October 19, Sippican Elementary School had 10 people in the “test and stay” program and nine testing positive and in quarantine as a result. Sippican has had 23 positive cases so far this academic year.
The numbers are better at Old Rochester Regional, with five junior high personnel in quarantine, one positive test, and five for the school year. At the high school, there have also been five positive tests this academic year, but there is currently only one in the test and stay program and none in quarantine.
Tabor Academy held random testing last week, and among the 116 tests two were positive.
Desmarais anticipates news next week of approval for half-dose boosters of the Moderna vaccine. She also has attended discussions where approval for ages 5-11 are being held.
Dr. Ed Hoffer, a practicing physician and chairman of the Board of Health, said that the Moderna vaccine has been a better vaccine in that it has kept antibodies up much higher than the Pfizer vaccine. He also said that those who originally received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine who are also seeking a booster are “better off” switching brands.
Dr. John Howard, board member and also a practicing physician, noted that even the adults who have been vaccinated and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 have had “mild cases.”
Desmarais said the only one October case from Marion was hospitalized as a result.
Estimating that the data indicates a 10-1 advantage for vaccinated people over unvaccinated, Hoffer said, “Vaccinations will never be perfect, but they are pretty good.”
Since the beginning of the outbreak, Marion has documented 540 COVID-19 cases.
Desmarais also reported on flu vaccine clinics held on October 14, including a drive-thru and a smaller clinic at Cushing Community Center.
Board of Health member Dot Brown and Health Agent Ana Wimmer will look into the possibility of creating regulations for the routine testing of private wells in Marion.
“As near as we can tell, there are no regulations governing private wells as far as routine testing,” said Hoffer, suggesting there should be a minimal annual requirement for testing by homeowners with wells who are not hooked into town water. Hoffer, with a hint of a chuckle, did allow for the irony of last week’s public water crisis posing a challenge to the idea.
If a residence sits near an agricultural area (bogs, for instance), it would be recommended for more frequent testing and for more contaminants.
Brown noted that aquifer protection rules would be up for vote on Town Meeting floor later Tuesday. The Board of Health received a letter from the Planning Board indicating that while state regulations prevent any drainage into an aquifer district, the Town of Marion has no such regulation. One advantage the Board of Health has over the Planning Board is in its ability to address conditions resulting from problems created prior to a regulation’s existence.
The Board of Health also discussed regulations in light of a dumpster complaint from resident (and member of both Marion’s Planning Board and Energy Management Committee) Eileen Marum, who reported that dumpsters at her residence have been overflowing during renovation work. Debris from the construction project has apparently left no room for residents’ trash, and as a result the overflow is available to animals.
“I can see why that would be annoying,” said Hoffer, noting that the situation at Marconi Village Apartments is being considered a health issue.
Wimmer reported that she and Desmarais spoke with SK Management, which runs Marconi Village Apartments. “They said that they usually have the people that do those renovations take the trash out of the property,” said Wimmer, who added that record keeping is key to the ongoing effort to establish accountability.
The management company plans to keep record of any requests from trash collecting company Republic. “That way there’s a paper trail,” said Wimmer.
Wimmer will receive Maven training (microblading and permanent makeup), as Marion seeks to have more people become literate in the science so it can more effectively recognize appropriate health standards in light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in town.
In her Health Agent Report, Wimmer said two body art studios are in the permitting process. Two people are in training at one of the studios, while the other studio has completed training and should be applying for an operating permit shortly. A third establishment has indicated interest.
Now that the Boil Order has been lifted, Wimmer intends to start scheduling food inspections at restaurants around town.
Hoffer said the BOH remains under budget for 2021.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Tuesday, November 2, at 4:00 pm.
Marion Board of Health
By Mick Colageo
Mattapoisett gardeners, do you have a garden you’d like to share with others for part of the day on June 25, 2022? Mattapoisett residents, do you have a garden to recommend that you’ve always wanted to see?
The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Garden Group is seeking local gardens for their June 2022 Garden Tour. If you are interested in having your garden on the tour, please contact Kathy McAuliffe by email at kathymcauliffe7@gmail.com.
On the day of the tour, ticketholders are invited to view gardens selected for a variety of gardening styles from formal to informal, woodsy to cottage-style, seaside to secluded. The gardens usually highlight the use of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees, and even beautiful container plantings. The locations of the garden are revealed on a map the day of the tour.
The proceeds of the garden tour will benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund. The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is always open to new members from the South Coast area. For more information and a membership application, please see the Club’s website: www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/members/.