Holiday Luncheon And Cookie Sale

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The First Congregational Church of Marion is happy to host its Annual Holiday Luncheon to coincide with the Sippican Women’s Club Holiday House Tour. The luncheon takes place on Saturday, December 13 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. With a price of $18 per ticket, this event promises to be a delightful stop during the House Tour or an opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer.

            The luncheon features our famous hot chicken salad or soup, dressed greens, bread, beverages, plus cheesecake with topping for dessert. The cost of the luncheon is $18. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Marion General Store, at Penny Pinchers, online, and will also be available at the door on the day of the event.

            Before or after lunch, stop by the Cookie Sale to purchase delicious holiday cookies made by some of the best bakers of the church. These cookies will be offered in beautifully decorated boxes and will make a perfect host or hostess gift or a special treat when company pops in.

            The Holiday Luncheon and Cookie Sale will be held on the second floor of The First Congregational Church Community Center, 144 Front Street, Marion. This building, equipped with a stairlift, is located at the rear of the Marion General Store parking lot. Parking is available at the back right of the lot, plus there is additional parking at Island Wharf.

            Come, bring your friends, and enjoy.

Thomas M. Ferreira

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Thomas M. Ferreira, 82, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025.

            Born on November 30, 1942, Tom was raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Manual B. Ferreira and Mary (Ornellas) Ferreira. He was the devoted husband of Margaret (Rimmer) Ferreira for nearly 60 years.

            Tom’s childhood in New Bedford was filled with good-natured fun-and the occasional bit of mischief-while his parents worked full-time. He and his lifelong friend Bob shared many adventures, some of which landed them in just enough trouble to become great stories later on. Those early years shaped his easygoing nature and the man he would become.

            A proud 1960 graduate of New Bedford High School, Tom went on to attend Cape Cod Community College, where he met Margaret and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

            After marrying in 1966, Tom and Margaret settled back in New Bedford. Tom worked full-time during the day while taking night classes, determined to support his new wife and their growing family. He earned his degree in education from Boston State College and returned to New Bedford High School-this time as an educator-where he discovered his true calling. He dedicated decades to the New Bedford Public School System, guiding and encouraging students as they pursued their goals and carved out their own paths to success.

            In 1973, Tom realized his dream of living near the ocean when he and his family moved to Mattapoisett Neck Road. Tireless and hardworking, he provided for his family in every way he could. A skilled handyman, he tackled car repairs, plumbing issues, and carpentry challenges with confidence. After long days at work, he still made time to throw a football in the yard, attend every high school game, and create unforgettable family memories. Summers and winters brought ski trips to Mont Sutton, sailing on Buzzards Bay, and the ongoing adventure of boat upkeep. Tom ran competitively in local road races, loved cooking hearty homemade meals, and appreciated a good red wine shared among family. Family was at the center of everything he did-a gift he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

            After a dedicated 40-year career in education, Tom retired and embraced the joy of simply being with family. He celebrated birthdays and holidays in Mattapoisett, traveled to Cape Cod and beyond to watch his grandsons’ hockey and soccer games, and explored beaches, mountains, and vineyards throughout Virginia. He treasured quiet moments at the lake in New Hampshire, afternoons apple picking, restful days in ski lodges, and cheering on the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins-often with a cold beer in hand in the small, cozy family den crowded with the people he loved most.

            Tom is survived by his beloved wife Margaret and their four children: Mark and his wife Darlene of Winthrop; Jane Connolly of Sandwich; Kristen Ferreira of New Bedford; and Matthew and his wife Marisa of Richmond, Virginia. He was the proud and loving grandfather of seven grandchildren: Patrick, Sean, and Jack Connolly; Meghan Sequin-Ferreira; and Ben, Beau, and Brooke Ferreira. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Sean Connolly, whose memory remains a cherished part of the family.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 24th at 11:30 am in St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St. Mattapoisett.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Andrew Daniel’s Petition

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            Marion will hold its Fall Town Meeting this Monday, November 24 at 6:45 pm in the Sippican School Multipurpose Room. Andrew Daniel, resident and Planning Board Chair, filed a Citizen’s Petition regarding the separation of water and sewer meters. Leading up to the vote, Daniel spoke to The Wanderer regarding the reasoning for his petition, his drive for filing it, as well as the support he’s garnered in doing so.

            “This started because I was doing a project for my house,” he started, after being asked of the origin of the filing. In doing the work, he said “Man, I’m spending a fortune in sewer fees.” I asked of the importance of his initiative, and the timing of it. He referred to the town’s past, saying , “they’ve talked about the second meter as long as I’ve been in town – the timing was kinda perfect.” He continued, “As you start researching, most towns have the ability to split. I noticed Fairhaven, Wareham, Mattapoisett, they had votes similar to this one.” He later continued, “It’s the fair and the right thing to do. I’ve heard it again and again from the other towns. The other towns saw a small increase in water and a decrease in sewers. I don’t think you should be a millionaire to take pride in your property, or water your lawn or wash your car.

            I asked how the public perception has been and whether he has largely heard support or detraction. “I started meeting with people, I heard some sad stories. They had to stop taking care of their outside because they couldn’t afford it,” he responded. For a Citizen’s Petition, the document needs 100 signatures to be brought forward at Fall Town Meeting. Daniel collected those the final day applications were open, September 18. “I thought there was no way I’d get 100 signatures by the end of the night. I got 120 within like 6 hours.” He said he has gotten support from many residents since filing the petition on the final open-day. “I’ve learned a lot,” he finished.

            He referenced issues and discrepancies he’s detected in town, saying “A lot of people have put in well. If you’re driving around and see a really nice lawn, odds are, it’s a well. They’re expensive and a gamble,” he said, referring to the unknown water quality of well-drilling.

            I referred to the Select Board meeting from October, where Daniel and the board argued over the petition and the Select Board presenting arguments against, cautioning against strikes to the town’s budget. He said, “the Select Board agree, but they’re worried about the financial impact, which I understand.” He finished on budgetary concerns, saying “But it’s all a guess.”

            For his final comments on the petition, Daniel said, “It would be allowing people the opportunity to have a choice. Now they have no choice.” He then stated, should the petition not pass, “At the very least, I got the conversation started.” He finished, “My intent wasn’t to cause trouble. It’s time for the rate-payers to get a small victory. Whenever there’s a debt, the whole town gets a vote, but it’s a small share paying the bill. Give them a choice. That’s it. The premise of it is pretty hard to deny. It’s not going to be a big money-saver to most people. But if I was allowed to put in a second meter, I would definitely take advantage of that. At least I know I’m paying for the services I’m getting.”

            Andrew Daniel’s Citizen’s Petition is to be Article 2 of the Fall Town Meeting. Article 1 is the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) bylaw, to align the town’s regulations with those put forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. The MS4 Bylaw was largely worked on by the Planning Board, which Daniel is the Chair. “It’s going to be the Andrew Daniel meeting at this point.” He joked. “Hopefully we get a lot of people talking.”

By Sam Bishop

A Third of a Century

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            As we approach November 21, a date that marks the unique 33 1/3-year anniversary of The Wanderer, I can’t help but reflect on our journey. It’s a milestone that sets us apart, having published our first edition on July 24, 1992. This must be some record, 33 1/3, a third of a century. It’s not like 45 or 72 years, but I imagine that joke will be lost on a lot of younger folks. For that third of a century, as some folks know, I’ve been running the show, so to speak. Week in and week out for 1,700 editions now. That’s a lot of ink! And it’s all thanks to your unwavering support and readership that we’ve been able to reach this milestone.

            Recently, I’ve been thinking about the future, both mine and my legacy, The Wanderer. It’s important to me that The Wanderer continues to support the community. I have some years left; after all, Donald Jason ran the Presto Press for 36 years, another record to pursue. That gives me about three years to find a successor, but it must be the right transition.

            Over the years, I’ve gained a profound understanding of the vital role local journalism plays in our community. It’s not just about reporting the news, but also about empowering you, our readers, with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Did you know that many sources show an increase in local government budget costs without local professional journalism? It’s a fact that underscores the importance of our work. I usually refrain from such discussions, as they might be perceived as self-promotion however, it’s crucial to be transparent and let our readers know the importance of knowledge. Therefore, it is vital to continue The Wanderer, even after I move on, to ensure you continue to have access to this vital information.

            While I have time, years even, I want to explore options that will best suit the three towns we have always focused on. One option is for The Wanderer to be “passed down” to a new publisher. The second option I have started exploring is building a nonprofit collective, with a group of experienced members, to guide the newspaper for future generations. With the right board, it could be very successful, leading to a more comprehensive newspaper than our small team can provide. This would also open the door for endowments and grants. Currently, 100% of our operating costs are covered by advertising sales, but this is affected by the loss of local small businesses, which provide the majority of our revenue. Your Tri-Town paper not only provides community and town government news but also serves as an effective way for local businesses to share their message. You’re reading The Wanderer and proving my point for me right now, thank you!

            As we look ahead to the next third of a century, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and readership. The Wanderer exists because of you, and we eagerly anticipate serving as your Tri-town newspaper for many more years. Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please share your thoughts with us at support@wanderer.com. Thank you for being a part of The Wanderer family.

Paul Lopes, Editor

ORRJH Annual Tri-Town Thanksgiving Banquet

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It’s a yearly crossing of the generations, a giving of thanks that unites the youth and the elderly of the three towns that comprise the Old Rochester Regional School District.

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Director of Guidance Christina Cioffi and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner are proud to announce the upcoming 32nd annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Tri-Town (Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester) senior citizens.

            This year’s event has been scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at noon, in the ORRJHS cafeteria (doors will open at 11:15 am), at 133 Marion Road, Mattapoisett.

            “We gather each year to celebrate our senior citizens,” said Principal Coellner. “Our three towns – Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester – owe so much to our eldest residents. It is so important to bring them together with our students. Like so many of those attending, this gathering gets better every year.”

            The meal has been sponsored by members of the ORRJHS community. Community members donate pies, turkeys, gift cards and door prizes.

            “This yearly Thanksgiving banquet really shows off the best our three towns have to offer,” said Director Cioffi. “Our students always turn out to give their time and effort. So many community members step up and offer so much generosity. And our dinner guests never leave without teaching us all a little something about what makes our towns so special.”

            There are 300 tickets available, 100 per town, and will be distributed through each town’s Council on Aging. Shut-in meals will also be available.

            Last year, more than 230 senior citizens attended the Tri-Town banquet. The event was staffed by 75 students and a hard-working team of staff and parent volunteers.

            “The Thanksgiving Banquet is a longstanding tradition that we all look forward to each and every year,” said Superintendent Nelson. “It’s important that we do our part to give back to Tri-Town residents, and this event is one of the many ways our students and staff show their appreciation for the community’s support.”

            To attend or help reach out to the Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester Council on Aging with the names and address of the intended recipient. Any individual or local business interested in making cash contributions or donating door prizes should call the ORRJHS at 508-758-4928 and speak with Christina Cioffi, Director of Guidance.

Annual Ecumenical Service

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The Trustees of the Mattapoisett Christian Church invite the public to attend their annual Ecumenical Service on Sunday, November 23, at 2:00 pm. The service will take place at the historic Mattapoisett Christian Church, home of the Mattapoisett Museum, located at 5 Church Street, Mattapoisett. The service will be led by Rev. Michael Frady of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, with Father Paul Fedak of St. Anthony’s Church and Rheannen Williams from the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting also participating. Michelle Gordon and Karen DeVoe will lead the music. This long-standing community tradition brings together residents and visitors of all faiths to celebrate unity, reflection, and fellowship. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Connor Gaudet at curator@mattapoisettmuseum.org or

visit www.mattapoisettmuseum.org.

A “No” From Rochester

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Rochester’s election on November 18 seeking approval of both a $288 million Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project and a debt exclusion to fund the town’s $24 million share of that cost resulted in a resounding “No” to both questions.

            The question to approve the building project, which was also on ballots in Old Colony’s other member towns, Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett, failed in Rochester with a tally of 680 voters saying “no” and 503 votes saying “yes.”

            The question on the town ballot to approve a Prop 2 1/2 debt exclusion for the expense garnered 682 “no” votes and 507 yes votes. Town Clerk Marjorie Barrows reported 1,192 ballots were cast in Rochester, a town that has 5,717 residents as of the 2020 census.

            Now the school district awaits the final voter tallies from Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, and Mattapoisett. That’s what Old Colony School Committee member and Rochester resident David Hughes said he is waiting for. “The people of Rochester have spoken,” Hughes said. “Now we’ll see what the other towns will do to come to form a final conclusion.”

            The state School Building Authority’s reimbursement for the new school’s price tag was projected to be $129 million. The remaining total cost that the school district members would share was estimated at approximately $159 million. Rochester’s share of that price tag would have been $28.4 million. The debt exclusion would have cost $646.86 per year for the average home assessed at $610,000.

            The money would have funded a larger, more modern building that replaces the serious infrastructure deficiencies of the current facility at 476 North Avenue, Rochester.

Rochester’s Old Colony Vote

By Michael J. DeCicco

Tree Lighting Time Change

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Rochester’s Select Board Monday did ordinary business until it came time to discuss the November 18 election asking the town to approve the $288 million Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project.

            The Select Board began by voting against exercising its right to purchase Great Bear Farms, 53 Dexter Lane, which is currently changing ownership. Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted this property is not changing use, so acquiring it as a protective measure is unnecessary.

            Durant reported that this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Office Building will be on November 30 from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, a dramatically changed time from past years. The board approved a flammable liquids license for the propane tanks at the Water Department buildings at 87 Marion Road, 189 New Bedford Road and 52 Wolf Island Road.

            The board then appointed Herbert LeFleur to the Historic Commission.

            The board saved the most impactful for last. Chair Adam Murphy ended the meeting with what will happen whether or not the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School building project is approved on November 18. He said there will be a lot of work to do either way.

            Murphy said on that date the town needs the debt exclusion override vote on the town ballot to pass as well as the Old Colony district’s (Acushnet, Carver, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, and Rochester) request to approve the $288 million plan for a new school building. The town now takes $500,000 from free cash nearly every year to balance its budgets, he emphasized. To fit another $2.4 million, the project’s cost to the town, into that budgeting without a debt exclusion “won’t happen,” he said.

            Asked what the town will do if the school project is approved but the town does not approve the debt exclusion, the board declined to say that it would go directly to another debt exclusion ballot vote. The response will be some serious planning.

            Durant noted the town’s first major payment of this debt would be 2028. “We’ll have some time to plan what we need to do,” he said.

            “We’ll have a plan, and quickly,” Member Brad Morse said.

            “We’ll have a lot of work to do either way,” Murphy said.

            The Board of Selectmen did not schedule its next meeting before adjourning.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

RMS Recognized by State for MCAS Scores

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz, Principal Heidi Letendre and Rochester School Committee Chairperson Kate Duggan are proud to share that students at the Rochester Memorial School helped put their school among only 63 across the state to reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels for grades three through eight in the 2025 MCAS test for Math or English.

            Rochester Memorial School was honored recently by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Pedro Martinez for reaching or exceeding benchmarks last achieved in 2019 for MCAS testing in grades three through eight. The school was presented a certificate of recognition for the achievement.

            About 54% of students at Rochester Memorial School scored a 500 or better on the 2025 MCAS for math, meaning they reached the state’s “meeting expectations” results category. Among those are the 9% of Rochester Memorial School students who achieved a score of 530 or above, putting them in the category of “exceeding expectations.”

            This is all an improvement from the school’s results in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, when 52% of students scored at least 500.

            Statewide, MCAS math scores for 2025 among students in grades 3 through 8 were down 8 percentage points from pre-pandemic 2019 scores. Also, MCAS math scores statewide in 2025 showed no improvement from 2024.

            Meanwhile, MCAS math scores for 2025 among students in grades 3 through 8 at Rochester Memorial School were up 7 percentage points from the school’s 2024 results, jumping from 47% of students “meeting” or “exceeding expectations” to 54%.

            Fifth graders at Rochester Memorial School far surpassed statewide results for MCAS science testing, outpacing the state’s “meeting” or “exceeding” achievement levels by 17 percentage points.

            The fifth graders also improved their MCAS science scores from the previous year, with 60% of students achieving “meeting” or “exceeding” in 2025 compared to 59% in 2024. The 60% also represents a large improvement from 2019, when 49% of Rochester Memorial fifth graders scored “meeting” or “exceeding” on MCAS science tests.

            As a result of the school’s outstanding performance on the MCAS, the school district is being recognized for its accomplishments at DESE’s “Celebrating Academic Success” conference scheduled for Dec. 2 in Marlborough. The event will offer an opportunity for educators representing the Rochester Memorial School to share best practices and strategies with their colleagues from around the state, explaining how the school was able achieve pre-pandemic levels on MCAS for math from Grade 3-8.

            Principal Letendre said she credits the school’s success to the dedication of both students and staff, as well as the district’s focus on consistent, data-driven instruction and targeted academic support.

            “Our teachers have worked incredibly hard to identify students’ individual needs and to help every child grow,” said Principal Letendre. “This recognition reflects not only our students’ perseverance and commitment to learning, but also the collaboration among educators, families, and support staff who ensure that all learners are given the opportunity to thrive.”

            Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz said the results highlight the district’s deliberate focus on high-quality instruction and timely academic interventions.

            “Our team has placed a strong emphasis on using assessment data to help ensure that students receive the exact support they need, when they need it,” said Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz. “Seeing this level of growth affirms that our strategic team approach is making a meaningful difference for students.”

            School Committee Chairperson Duggan commended the teachers and students at Rochester Memorial, along with the administration, for helping to make this all possible.

            “I am so impressed by the students and educators at Rochester Memorial who put in the hard work to earn such solid MCAS scores, as well as by the building and district administrators for fostering an environment where this level of achievement is possible,” said School Committee Chairperson Duggan. “While all of these efforts were not made with statewide recognition in mind, it is gratifying to see our town’s name listed as one of just a handful in this category of performance improvement. Given our school and district’s recent adoption of new high-quality curricula in math and ELA, I look forward to building on this accomplishment and Rochester Memorial’s reputation for excellence in the years to come.”

            Superintendent Nelson said the recognition demonstrates the strength of the district’s instructional practices and its commitment to continuous improvement.

            “This achievement is a testament to the strong teaching and learning happening every day at Rochester Memorial School,” said Superintendent Nelson. “I am deeply proud of the students, educators and families who have worked together to reach this milestone, bringing this hard-working elementary school back to – and even beyond – pre-pandemic levels of success.”

Upcoming MWC Presentation

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club invites interested local residents to its November 20 monthly meeting featuring a special presentation from Rosemary Gill, president & CEO of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in New Bedford. The Zeiterion is undergoing significant $37 million renovation that started in 2023 and is anticipated to culminate in a grand reopening in 2026. It’s a bold reimagining of a beloved institution. Ms. Rosemary Gill emphasized that “this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a transformation that will enhance the theater’s role as a cultural and economic engine for the region.” Ms. Gill became the president and CEO at the Zeiterion in 2020 and brings more than 15 years of experience driving organizational growth, operational excellence, and impactful transformations. Her work has been recognized nationally by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Island Foundation, and the Carney Foundation, among others. Visitors are welcome to attend this exciting program which will begin at 11:30am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church in Reynard Hall.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a civic, social, educational and philanthropic organization. Membership is always open to local women who are interested in the objectives and mission of the organization. For more information or questions please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.