Marion Stickers, Licenses, and Guest Passes

on

Marion residents will be able to purchase the 2021 Marion Beach/Parking stickers, Marion Transfer Station stickers, Shellfish Licenses, and Guest Passes beginning Wednesday, December 16.

            However, the process to purchase them will be different this year. Stickers, etc., will only be available for purchase via mail.

            In order to purchase stickers, etc., you must send copies of all the proper documents along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Marion Town House, 2 Spring Street, Attn: Harbormaster’s Office. You can either mail them or use the Drop Boxes in front of the building on Spring Street. Requests will be completed within two weeks of being received in the office. Please make checks out to the Town of Marion.

            The complete policies and sticker requirements can be found at www.marionma.gov on the Harbormaster page.

            Please call 508-748-3515 or email dhemphill@marionma.gov with any questions. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Thankful

on

To the Editor;

            As I write this during the holiday season, I have so much to be thankful for.

            The last few months have had their peaks and valleys, but October 3 will long live in the hearts of the Hathaway family. That is the day I finally completed my 32-year, 24,901-mile “hike around the world.”

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust organized a fundraising celebration of that final mile. I thank all of those members who made it a day to remember.

            I thank the more than 100 donors, some of them anonymous, who contributed $9,254 to the Trust to help protect land in the Old Aucoot District, where I walked most of those miles.

            Thank you to the selectmen for their framed citation of appreciation, those who walked with me or greeted me along the way, the sign makers— many of them children, those who sent cards or made telephone calls, the local, regional, national, and worldwide press (including TV in the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, and India), the First Citizens Federal Credit Union for its support, and the bagpiper who joined the line of march at Harbor Beach.

            Thank you all. My family and I will be forever grateful.

Brad Hathaway and family

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence.

Hilario’s Efforts Taking Marion into Changing World

on

Marion Planning Board member Andrew Daniel poked fun at the blemish on Gil Hilario’s 2020 record-seeking grant funding, but he did so in the context of a huge compliment during the board’s Zoom meeting on Monday night.

            “It would have been nice to go five for five,” said Daniel, calling Hilario’s appointment to a full-time role as town planner, “an investment I was in favor of making,” and one that he said has been rewarding for the town.

            Planning Board member Eileen Marum was equally gracious, thanking Hilario “for having the foresight” in grant applications that make Marion more compatible with climate change. “I think a lot of changes will be coming,” she said.

            Referencing climate change on a regional basis, Planning Board member Norm Hills told the board members about a sea-level-rise study for Woods Hole that forecasts impact in the years 2030, 2050, and 2070.

            Under Hilario’s guidance, the Town of Marion applied for five grants in 2020 and was awarded four, totaling $177,739. Marion was awarded $120,238 from the Green Communities Program, $27,750 for its Hazard Mitigation Plan, $14,751 for its work with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Self-Evaluation Plan, and $15,000 for its Community Compact Human Resources Review of Policies.

            Although Marion did not receive the $10,000 it sought in grant funding for a net-zero feasibility study for the new Department of Public Works facility (being designed by Planning Board Chairman Will Saltonstall), Hilario said it was still a good decision to apply.

            “It shows we’ve been active,” Hilario told the Planning Board. “They encouraged us to apply next year, and they’re really confident that we will get the grant next year.” Hilario anticipates the net-zero feasibility study to take place in the spring of 2021.

            The ADA Self-Evaluation Plan is underway, as the Institute of Human Center of Design has surveyed a few buildings, according to Hilario, and mostly outdoor venues such as Silvershell Beach, the bandstand, Bicentennial Park, the grounds of Sippican Elementary School, Washburn Park, and the harbormaster’s building. Hilario said a questionnaire has been circulated to all departments and that responses are being tabulated.

            “I’d say they are about halfway done. They plan to survey buildings next year,” said Hilario, who will work with a subcommittee on the self-evaluation.

            Asked for comment by the Zoning Board of Appeals on two matters, the Planning Board opted to make no recommendations in either case.

            Attorney Robert L. Perry had brought an Approval Not Required (ANR) application before the Planning Board several weeks ago on behalf of the Botelho and Allard Trust, owners of the lots at 61 and 63 Oakdale Avenue. They wish to divide the lot into separate properties.

            Given a few different options to proceed, Perry applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

            “In my opinion, it makes intuitive sense to allow them to split the ANR. They just want to draw this property line,” said Saltonstall of the Planning Board’s part.

            Noting that she took a drive to the property and found it to be set back, Marum asked the board how a property division might impact the neighbors, namely, would it affect the neighbors’ property values?

            Hills thinks a division will result in two more valuable lots.

            Saltonstall said the result would be two non-conforming lots, but a new situation would allow the owners to sell the houses.

            “The applicant will have to prove that they met the criteria for a special permit,” said Saltonstall. “Once they get over the zoning issue, there is legal precedence in the state for them to apply for an ANR. I don’t think we can stop them.” A Marion bylaw, said Saltonstall, could pose complications.

            The Planning Board had intended to consult with Town Counsel Jon Witten, but Perry’s decision to apply to the ZBA rendered such an expense moot. “We may still want a town counsel interpretation when [Perry] comes back to us,” said Saltonstall. “We didn’t want to waste money with town counsel until [Perry] comes back to us.”

            According to Saltonstall, the Planning Board has to sign off on an ANR. The board voted to make no recommendations to the ZBA.

            In the other case, Kevin Walsh proposed a small residential deck slightly outside the setback at 12 Richardson Road.

Marion Planning Board

By Mick Colageo

Tri-County Symphonic Band

on

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land, town folks were gathering to hear the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

            The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, celebrates the festive holiday season with a Family Virtual Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 13, 1:30 pm on ORCTV’s Comcast Ch. 9 and Verizon Ch. 36 in Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. The program will also be live-streamed on the Tri-County Symphonic Band and ORCTV’s Facebook pages. The concert is a wonderful family experience designed for all ages and is free of charge.

            The concert will be a collection of archived material from the full band and new, recently recorded offerings from families connected with the band and with Sippican School in Marion. Full band selections, chamber music from brass and clarinet ensembles, vocal soloists, vocal ensembles, jazz groups, and popular settings of traditional favorites.

            Visit tricountysymphonicband.org/ for more information.

            As the band rounds the corner and jolly Santa’s in sight, he wishes peace to all and to all a good night.

Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path

on

The Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path are pleased to report that the community has responded enthusiastically to the Friends’ campaign to raise funds to complete the Marion Connector. To date, over 90 households have made contributions or pledges ranging from $5 to $25,000. Although contributions are still coming in and some pledges remain to be collected, the fundraising progress to date has enabled the Friends to issue the $95,000 commitment letter required for the project to be put out to bid in December.

            “The generous support for this fundraising effort from so many people demonstrates just how important the completion of the bike path is to our communities,” said Bonne DeSousa, president of the Friends. “We expect the final totals for this campaign will be sufficient to provide some protection against cost overruns in the Marion Connector project, as well as permit the Friends to retain some of its cash on hand for future projects. The broad support for this campaign is encouraging to the Friends Board. It means there is wide backing for the work required to complete the remaining segments of the bike path.”

            “The Town of Mattapoisett is very grateful to all those who are contributing to this campaign and making it possible to complete the Marion Connector in the near future,” said Mike Lorenco, Mattapoisett town administrator. “The fact that many contributions are from residents of other towns in the area is evidence of the regional importance of the bike path.”

            The “Marion Connector” is a half-mile bike and pedestrian path between the eastern end of Industrial Park Drive and the Marion Town line. (At the border, it will connect with a similar shared-use path to be constructed in the future by the Town of Marion.) It provides a trailhead with handicapped-accessible parking and access to the woodland trails of Tinkham Forest and the Aucoot Woods area. When Marion’s Pathway project (which is funded and currently in permit review) is complete, walking, running, and cycling on a paved shared-use path will be available between Point Road in Marion, Route 105 in Marion, and Industrial Drive in Mattapoisett.

            The Friends is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, so contributions to the Friends for the construction of the Marion Connector are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

            Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, P.O. Box 1336, Mattapoisett, MA, 02739.

Contacts: Liz DiCarlo, 508-942-9343, lizdicarlo@comcast.net; or Bill Coquillette, 216-789-2303,

william.coquillette@gmail.com.

Academic Achievements

on

The University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences recognized John Breault of Mattapoisett during the virtual ceremony for earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Charles “Charlie” Joseph McGowan Jr.

on

Charles “Charlie” Joseph McGowan Jr. of Mattapoisett, Mass. and Venice, Fla. died on November 30, 2020, at his home in Mattapoisett surrounded by his loving family at the age of 84, after a nearly twenty-year courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 60 years Kathleen “Kathy” Flaherty McGowan; daughters Katie Emche (James) of Ocean Pines, Md; daughter Marya Dunham (John) of Mattapoisett, Mass. and Bangladesh; daughter Kerry McNulty (Brian) of Duxbury, Mass.; and daughter Betsy Friedman (Ted) of Barrington, R.I.; nine grandchildren who he adored, Jake (Gabby), Phoebe, Elizabeth, Matthew, Kathleen, Kate, Izzy, Caroline and Addison; sister Anne Boucher of Chelmsford, Mass.; brother Robert McGowan (Sandy) of Mattapoisett, Mass. and Venice, Fla.; sister-in-law Helen McGowan Gardner of Mattapoisett, Mass.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his son Peter McGowan of Mattapoisett, Mass.; brother Paul McGowan of New Bedford, Mass.; sister Susan McGowan of Mattapoisett, Mass.; and brother-in-law Roderick Boucher of Chelmsford, Mass.

Born in New Bedford, Mass., Charlie was one of five children of the late Anna Smith McGowan and Charles Joseph McGowan. As a child, Charlie spent summers with his family in the small coastal community of Mattapoisett. It was there that he developed his love for the ocean and particularly racing beetle cat boats as a young boy on Buzzard’s Bay. Charlie graduated from Coyle High School and received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Boston College.

Soon after graduating from college, Charlie married Kathleen Flaherty, a young woman whose family also summered in Mattapoisett and with whom he had known since he was a young boy. Charlie and Kathy settled in Mattapoisett and had their first two of five children there. Job opportunities took Charlie, Kathy and their growing family to live in different parts of the east coast over the course of the early years. They lived in Mattapoisett, Mass., Franklin, Mass., Old Saybrook, Conn., Manassas, Va. and Guilford, Conn. For a good portion of Charlie’s career, he worked in contract negotiations for Sikorsky, Electric Boat, and IBM.

In 1968, Charlie and Kathy built a summer home to fit their growing family in Mattapoisett. They built their home at the Cedars Beach in an area where, as children, they both spent their summers close to. From there they helped to create their family’s small tight knit summer community with lifelong friends and neighbors that remain to this day. At their home, Charlie was able to nurture his children’s love of Buzzard’s Bay and anything related to the water: sailing, swimming, digging for quahogs, sitting on the beach, taking walks to Ned’s Point Lighthouse, or just watching the sunset from their front porch.

Unlike so many men of his generation, Charlie’s work career did not define who he was as a man. Life outside of work held much more appeal and excitement. His interests were vast and limitless. He was an avid reader all his life. Charlie enjoyed painting, doing scrimshaw, needlepointing, traveling extensively with Kathy to foreign countries as far reaching as India and Africa, taking up piano lessons in his 40’s, gardening, being a eucharistic minister at church, playing tennis into his late 70’s, sailing any of his various sailboats and cooking for family and friends. He was a true Renaissance man.

Volunteerism was also always an important part of Charlie’s life. Charlie volunteered through various organizations and interfaith ministries over the years; tutoring young elementary aged children, heading up teen youth groups, helping to set up a backpack food program for at risk children to ensure they got food on the weekends, creating “Charlie’s Closet” for individuals to be able to access free medical equipment such as wheelchairs and crutches and was a mentor and confidant to many. In 1999 Charlie was awarded a special Citation of Citizenship from the State of Connecticut for his outstanding work serving the elderly, handicapped, adults in need and the youth in the state.

Charlie had that unique ability to create a lasting impression with people of all ages without needing to be the center of attention. After visiting the McGowan home and hearing a funny story, sharing a meal, being taken to dig for quahogs, going for a swim or a sail with Charlie, friends and family alike would leave feeling as though they had made a deep connection. Charlie’s positive outlook and generous spirit was legendary. His curiosity, sense of humor and adventurous nature was infectious, and he always enjoyed sharing fun experiences with everyone.

More than anything, Charlie enjoyed spending time with his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Kathy, and their large family at their summer home in Mattapoisett. Having grandchildren was a dream come true for Charlie. He had a whole new crew of young people to share his life experiences and explore with. He was happiest when the entire family was gathered around their ever- expanding dining table to share in a meal. It did not matter what was being eaten, although Charlie’s specialty dishes Clam’s Casino, Quahog Chowder and Clams Aglio e Olio were amazing, it was more about being together for Charlie. Afterwards, as always, he wanted the meal to be polished off with some ice cream! Charlie was a loving, kind, sweet natured man and a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend to all. His smile, generosity and humor will be greatly missed by all that were lucky enough to know him.

Due to the current concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a funeral gathering at this time. Per Charlie’s request, there will be a memorial service and big celebration of his amazing life in the summer of 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at https://www.dana-farber.org or to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation at https://cjdfoundation.org.donate in memory of his late son Peter.

John F. “Jack” Chase

on

John F. “Jack” Chase, 80, of Mattapoisett died peacefully November 28, 2020 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

            He was the husband of Anne M. (Blouin) Chase.

            Born in Boston, son of the late John L. and Rita E. (Burns) Chase, he lived in New Bedford and Mattapoisett most of his life wintering in Florida.

            He was formerly employed in the family business, Eagle Linen Supply and later was employed with the New Bedford School Department until his retirement.

            He was an avid golfer, member of the Reservation Golf Course and enjoyed playing in a golf league in Florida.

            Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Kelly Cox and her husband Michael of Lakeville; a son, John E. Chase and his wife Susan of Medway; 5 grandchildren, Michael Chase, Jacqueline Chase, Kaitlyn Cox, Andrew Cox and Alison Cox.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 19th at 10 am in St. Anthony’s Church. Due to Covid-19, his visiting hours are omitted.

            Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Capacity at church will be limited to 100. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

James W. “Bunk” Mercer

on

James W. “Bunk” Mercer, 76, of Mattapoisett died peacefully December 5, 2020 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with ALS.

            He was the devoted husband of Judith A. (Smith) Mercer, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage.

            Born in Boston on Bunker Hill Day, son of the late James D. and Annie J. (Montgomery) Mercer, he was raised in Birmingham, AL. He later lived in Washington, D.C., Arlington, VA, Meridian, MS, Leicester, MA, Cranston, RI, and San Diego, CA before recently moving to Mattapoisett, MA.

            James graduated from Livingston College (now the University of South Alabama) and earned an MBA from Mississippi State University in Meridian. He provided computer support at Washington Gas Light Company, Stream and Microsoft, and consumer support at Metropolitan Life Insurance.

            He was a beloved husband and kind, dear person deeply loved by his family and friends. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor were always endearing, and his kindness and generosity blessed all his friends and family. He cherished his family and dear friends and loved to read, explore new and different areas and share those experiences with others. In his younger days, James earned his pilot’s license and was a certified scuba diver. He loved walking and living a healthy life to the end. He supported his wife in countless ways and was very proud of her professional accomplishments.

            Survivors include his wife; daughters Mary Melson of Mattapoisett and Amy Melson of Delhi, NY, and their respective partners Marc Anderson and Aaron Gell; three brothers, Fred Mercer and his wife, Teresa, of Mobile, AL; Robert Mercer and his wife, Gayla, of Fairhope, AL; Richard Mercer and his wife, Mary Lucas Mercer, of Orange Beach, AL; his uncle, Bob Russell of Foley, AL; three grandchildren, Sophie, Russell and Nora Gell; nieces Lindsey Mercer Hilner (Jason), Angel Mercer Smith (Michael), and Jessica Mercer, as well as nephews Leo, AJ (Katie), Matt, and Justin (Ashley) Mercer and several cousins. His three sisters-in-law and their husbands include Mary Jean Foster and Steve of Windermere, FL; Diane Wallace and Bob Home of Tarpon Springs, FL; and Anne and Jack Humeniuk of Standish, ME. Dearest best friends include Jim and Lee Noles of Lewes, DE; Mike and Sue Ellen Gray of Birmingham and Orange Beach, AL; and Harold and Danita Crabbe of Bessemer, AL. He was the brother of the late Charles Mercer.

            His family would like to thank the staff of the Community Nurse Home Care Hospice Program at Fairhaven, MA, and Compassionate Care-ALS in Falmouth, MA, for their tremendous care and support.

            Celebrations of his life will be held in June in Rhode Island and Alabama, and in Maine in July. If one wishes to honor James’ memory, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to The Community Nurse Home Care Hospice Program at 62 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

40R Development Anticipates Green Light

on

            After approving multiple vouchers relating to the peer review of plan sets for ongoing projects, the Rochester Planning Board continued the discussion on the public hearing relating to the Cranberry Highway development.

            In the meeting held on December 8, Phil Cordeiro of Allen and Major explained to board members that the review process with Field Engineering has come to a close. After responding to the fourth review letter sent by Field Engineering, Cordeiro presented a plan that addresses and resolves all concerns surrounding the project.

            The new plans include additional landscape screening on the external parts of the site and the addition of a complete copy of the bus plan that will run through the site. Cordeiro also notified board members of his ongoing discussions with Field Engineering to ensure that all Rochester Fire Department regulations for the site and buildings thereon have been met.

            Cordeiro also presented a complete architectural plan for the site so that board members could gain a thorough understanding of how the completed site will look.  In addition, the architectural plan has been altered to reduce the number of sidewalk connections on the site.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson raised some minor concerns on the plans relating to lighting fixtures on certain roads on the exterior of the site and requested an additional stop sign to promote the safety of exiting vehicles.

            With all of the outstanding concerns relating to the project resolved, Cordeiro expressed his hope for a vote to close the public hearing so that a draft decision could be submitted for the project. Before that could occur, the Planning Board had to approve several required waivers for the site, including a request to waive all vegetative screen requirements on the site’s interior.

            The Planning Board voted to approve the waiver requests based on the insight provided by Field Engineering, which demonstrated its support for the project and all waiver requests in a letter to the board. With that, the board voted to approve all requested waivers and close the public hearing on the proposal. The draft decision for the project will be voted on in the next Rochester Planning Board meeting.

            The Planning Board transitioned to an Approval Not Required (ANR) application for a plan of land submitted by Shawn McCombe. Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering came before the board to discuss a proposal for a new building lot. “We would ask the board to endorse this as an ANR plan,” Rogers told board members.

            According to Rogers, the site has more than the required frontage on all of the surrounding roads, and all of the requested information was provided in his plans. Johnson explained that Rochester bylaws require the addition of nearby well locations on the plan set. Johnson recommended that the board vote to approve the ANR on the condition that Rogers provide that additional information before the next meeting. Rogers agreed, and the Planning Board voted to grant the ANR for the project.

            In the board’s final hearing, Jason Patry of Trinity Solar came before the board representing a new solar project application submitted by Paul Eaton. The proposal would see the addition of rooftop solar panels to the Rochester Golf Club. Patry explained that the new panels would adhere to the town’s black-on-black regulation to keep the panels concealed. The orientation of the panels would also effectively shield them from view from the road. Patry told board members that the roughly 200 feet of wooded area blocks the rooftop panels from view from the road.

            “This is a limited site-plan review because of the simplicity of the proposed system,” Johnson explained to the board members. Overall, the Planning Board showed support for the project, but due to a lack of a written request for all required waivers, the proposal could not be approved in this meeting. Patry explained that he would work with Town Planner Steve Starrett to submit the necessary waivers so that the plan can be approved in a future meeting.

            The next Rochester Planning Board meeting will be held on January 12 with in-person attendance at the Rochester Memorial School and remote access via Zoom.

Rochester Planning Board

By Matthew Donato