Children’s Christmas Concert

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‘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 its Annual Children’s Christmas Concert, on Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm at the Sippican School, 16 Spring Street in Marion, in the Multi-Purpose Room. The concert is a wonderful family experience designed for all ages and is free of admission charge.

         The Tri-County Symphonic Band will perform seasonal favorites including “Holiday Emblem,” “Ding Dong. Merrily on High,” “Wassail,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “March of the Toys,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

         A special part of this year’s concert will feature the Sippican School Concert Choir, under the direction of Patricia Richard, performing “Where Are You Christmas?” and “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The Concert Choir will also perform “The Christmas Song” with the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

         The youngsters in the audience will enter a drawing with the winners playing the sleigh bells with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”

         The concert will conclude with a “Christmas Sing-along” featuring the Sippican School Concert Choir, followed by a volunteer community band called the “Cottage Street Jam Band,” under the direction of Hannah Moore, leading a march from the Sippican School to Island Wharf to greet Santa as he arrives via “water sleigh.”

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

Commission Treasurer and State Senator Present Check to Rochester

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            Plymouth County Commission Treasurer Tom O’Brien and State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues came to Rochester Monday to present its Board of Selectmen a $413,605 check for new Police Department digital radios and new Fire Department turnout gear.

            The oversize cardboard check the pair came to town hall with represented two actual checks Rochester has been granted from county ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) monies, O’Brien explained. One is a $234,000 check for the radios. The other is $189,520 for the firefighter gear.

            O’Brien boasted Plymouth County was the first county to spend every penny of the ARPA funds it had been allocated and at a lower operational cost than the other Massachusetts communities. “The average cost to administer is 7-8 percent,” he said. “We administered using 1.4 percent because other counties partnered with us to administer the funds.”

            Next, the board approved the placement of a new Eversource Energy ‘stub’ utility pole on the south side of Hartley Road as proposed by Verizon New England INC and NSTAR Electric Company. This approval came after objections from Highway Surveyor who said he would rather see the pole on the island there. Selectman Brad Morse agreed. “My concern is visibility of the road to motorists,” he said. The Verizon representative said the company had already answered Eldridge’s request to place the pole further off the road, as far as was possible.’

            In other action, the board approved placing a proposal to create a Town Administrator bylaw with a set of regulations for the position on the January 27, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant. This vote came after Town Administrator Cameron Durant reported that he and the town’s labor counsel Jane Friedman had worked together to create the proposal. Both selectmen who were present, Brad Morse and Adam Murphy, said they were satisfied with the results and moved to place the measure on the warrant.  The board appointed six members to the new Events Committee who will serve three-year terms. They are Sarah Paiva, Kami Mederios, Renee Duffy, Maureen Viera, Sharon Hartley and Michelle Hamilton. Durant noted there is one spot open on the seven-member board and anyone who would like to join should send town hall a letter of interest.

            The board also appointed its first member to the Opioid Task Force, Michael Kovadevich, who will serve a three-year term.

            The selectmen continued until its next meeting discussion of increasing building increases proposed by Building Commissioner Paul Boucher and approving a new Police Department towing policy. Both issues had to be delayed because there was no third member; Paul Ciaburri was unable to attend.

            Murphy said he struggles with increasing building fees only because the town’s number of building permits went down this past year. “The cost of permit should meet the cost to administer it,” he said. “I struggle to pass a cost like that to the consumer.” Morse said he had no problem with increasing fees to align with surrounding communities’ fee rates and acknowledged a third board member is needed to break the tie.

            Police chief Michael A. Assad, Jr. explained the new towing policy would add regulation of the towing companies the town uses. Driver must look and act the part, Assad said. The policy requires proper licensing and insurance and bars use of any controlled substance, cannabis or alcohol on the job.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, December 16 at 6:00 pm at 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Rochester Historical Society’s December

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Join us from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Plumb Memorial Library on Saturday, December 14. We will be selling hats, sweatshirts, tees, books, maps, denim shirts, and Rochester themed tic tac toes.

         Christmas comes to the Rochester Historical Museum at 355 County Road at 2:00 pm on December 15 when Organist Bruce Gadzina is back to play our rare Vocalion organ. While our organ looks like a pipe organ, it is a smaller size that was a perfect fit for a home and the pipes are just window dressing. The music, however, equals or surpasses that of a pipe organ. Watching Bruce play as he manipulates the pedals, keys and stops, is a unique experience. After the concert, we will have refreshments downstairs.

         On December 18 at 6:30 pm, we’re having a Christmas party upstairs among the Museum exhibit with its toys from the ages and before we have cookies and cocoa to celebrate, Tom and Sheila Perry will be leading us in singing holiday songs.

         We’re asking attendees to donate an unwrapped gift for a teen or child.

Lightning-Fast Select Board Meeting

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The Marion Select Board met in a lighting fast meeting on Tuesday, December 3. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from three meetings, October 7, October 16, and November 6. Minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

            The next agenda item was approving liquor licenses. The board unanimously approved all outstanding requests, though the Board of Health will also need to comply with said approval.

            For the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, the board unanimously approved the town’s estimated seasonal population, at 5,490 people. This is up from around 5,100 last year as stated by a board member.

            For next year’s meetings, the board unanimously approved the recommended meeting dates for 2025. No comments or adjustments were added with one board member saying, “we’re flexible.”

            In water and sewage commitments, the board unanimously approved $10,000 for West Drive sewage connections, now up to around 12 houses per a board member. It was stated the area should see more sewer tie-ins as West Drive is a “sensitive area” near the sea. They also approved $4745.90 in final readings.

            With that, the board convened with “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays.”

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Season of Mattapoisett Lights Begins

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On Saturday, November 30, the holiday season official began with Marino Carreiro of Mattapoisett illuminating Acushnet Road and bringing holiday cheer and excitement to all those who pass by. Continuing the yearly tradition, Carreiro excitedly unveiled this year’s light design and fully decorated lawn. Complete with tens-of-thousands of lights suspended from trees, on the ground, and on the house. There are also inflatables, giant yeti and nutcracker, and an illuminated arched walkway (as seen on the cover).

            Now through the rest of the month, the Carreiro house on 59 Acushnet Road welcomes all to bask in the light and cheer, whether it be just a drive-by or an up-close look through the arches. The bright red star atop the tree eclipses the nearby telephone poles and other trees. I was told by a local it can be seen from 195, though I may have to test that. If you’re in Mattapoisett, you can’t miss it, both figuratively and literally.

            Marino Carreiro loves the occasion to share his excitement and his inner artist shines with the light of his house.

By Sam Bishop

Jill (Crippin) Vancour

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Jill (Crippin) Vancour, 57, Of Mattapoisett died November 28, 2024 unexpectedly at St. Luke’s Hospital. 

         Born in Wareham, daughter of Harriet L. (Kremp) Crippin of Mattapoisett and the late Warren D. Crippin, she lived in Mattapoisett all of her life.

         She was employed as a cook in several local restaurants, and was a 1985 graduate of Old Colony Vocational High School.

         Jill enjoyed making jewelry and painting art.

         Survivors include her mother; her fiance, Scott Davis of Marion; her son, Scott Perry of Wilkes-Barre PA; a daughter, Dayna Crippin of Sanford, FL; a sister, Jan Thomas of Mattapoisett; six nieces and nephews, Derek Crippin and his wife K-Leigh Crippin, Cory Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Taylor Crippin, and Kyle Pina; and one great niece and one great nephew, Sophia and Adam Crippin.

         She was the mother of the late Zachary Sherman.

         Her funeral service and burial in St. Anthony’s Cemetery will be private.  Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Steven A. Briggs

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Steven A. Briggs, 68, of Marion passed away unexpectedly at home on December 1, 2024. He was the husband of Rita L. St. Germaine and the son of the late Sherman and Joanne (Mead) Briggs.

         He was born in Wareham and lived in Marion his whole life.

         Mr. Briggs worked as a self-employed painter in the tri-town area for over 40 years.

         He enjoyed collecting antiques and interesting or unusual things, helping people out, carpentry, goofing around and making people laugh, making use of people’s old stuff he found during his frequent trips to the dump, visiting his friends, sitting by the fire, driving around town with his late beagle Boo Boo, and grabbing his daily morning coffee at Uncle Jons. He was loved by many, and will be missed by all, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.

         Survivors include his wife, Rita St. Germaine of Marion; 3 daughters, Kari MacRae and her husband David of Bourne; Stacia Briggs and her partner Shawn Case of Marion and Stevi Briggs and her partner Jake Fugate of Norton; stepson Jacob St. Germaine of Attleboro, 4 grandchildren, Brandon MacRae, Sydney MacRae, Ryan MacRae and Maddox Fugate; 5 great grandchildren, Kolby, Lucas, Carter, Rowan, and Ava; a brother, Sherman Briggs of Marion; He was the brother of the late Shawn Briggs and Sharon Garnett and stepfather of the late Bethany Clickner.

         Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

         His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham.

         Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Mass Audubon Society, Development Office, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773

         For more info and online guestbook, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Frank L. Fletcher

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Frank L. Fletcher, 83, of Mattapoisett, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on January 3, 1941, in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Thomas and Stephanie (Greska) Fletcher. Frank was a longtime resident of Mattapoisett.

         A standout athlete, Frank was an exceptional tennis player at Fairhaven High School. He later went on to serve as the tennis professional at several local racquet clubs. While teaching tennis, Frank also worked at the Marion Sports Shop, which he purchased in 1967. He successfully operated the business until 2021 when a fire forced its closure.

         In 2005, Frank opened his second clothing business, Collections on Court, in downtown Plymouth, MA, that is still in operation today.

         Frank was deeply embedded in the Mattapoisett and Marion communities, known as a devoted family man and a passionate local business owner. He took great pride in supporting small businesses and appreciated the important role they played in the local area. Both Frank and the Marion Sports Shop & Clothiers became synonymous with the town of Marion. Over the years, Frank formed lasting, meaningful relationships with his tennis students, customers, employees, and neighbors. His love for the community was matched only by his devotion to his family.

         Frank was a proud father who, along with his wife Nancy, raised two sons in Mattapoisett. He was also a passionate cook, always exploring new recipes from his vast collection of cookbooks. He delighted in preparing gourmet meals for family and friends, creating countless cherished memories around the dinner table.

         Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Fletcher; his brother, Thomas Fletcher; and his sister, Marion Roberts.

         He is survived by his son Thomas B. Fletcher and daughter-in-law Kristin of Stamford, CT; his son Stephen L. Fletcher of Mattapoisett; and his nieces Lori Fletcher Sherburne and Lisa Fletcher Shore, both of New Hampshire, as well as his nephew Chris Roberts of Acushnet, MA.

         In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Frank’s name may be made to the Southcoast Health Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719. A memorial visitation date is pending. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Annual Holiday Pops Concert

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On Sunday, December 15, Music Director Yaniv Dinur will lead the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra in two performances of its popular Holiday Pops Family Concert, this year taking place in the Bronspiegel Auditorium, New Bedford High School. Bring your family and friends to the festively decorated theater to enjoy the most entertaining holiday concert in town.

            The NBSO will play a sleighful of your holiday favorites, including A Merry Carol of the Bells and works from “The Nutcracker” ballet. Members of the Southeastern Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (SEMAYO) and the Showstoppers will join the orchestra for several merry numbers. The children’s matinee at 3:30 pm will offer a craft activity for the children from 2:30 pm to 3:25 pm and the concert runtime is no more than one hour. The 7:00 pm performance features a bit more music. Both concerts offer a photo station in the lobby before and after the performance. Please note there is no intermission.

            A concession selling water, soda, and snacks will be available in the lobby. Debit and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment – no cash. Please note that water is the only item allowed inside the auditorium.

            Tickets are $20-$45 for adults, while admission for children and students is just $10 (not available online). Purchase your tickets through the Z box office, by calling 508-994-2900, in person at 128 Union Street in the lower lobby of the DeMello International Center, New Bedford, or online at www.nbsymphony.org. Free parking is available in the lots around the high school and across the street at Keith Middle School.

            The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org today.

Rochester Women’s Club Wreath Sale

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The Rochester Women’s Club will be having its annual Christmas Wreath Sale on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Last year the club sold out within two hours. Get there early!

            Our wreaths are decorated as naturally as possible. Using local greens and holly. With or without a bow and all priced at $30.

            This year we will be having a bake sale. Homemade goodies to enjoy as you shop or to take home, plus free hot chocolate.

            The wreath sale is one of the club’s biggest scholarship fundraisers. Three scholarships are offered each year to high school graduating seniors who live in Rochester and will be furthering their education in the fall.

            Reminder that we are open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and wreath sellout fast.

            The Club House is located at 37 Marion Road Route 105 in Rochester.