Tables of Content Fundraiser

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The Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion is pleased to announce its 2019 Fall Fundraiser Event: Tables of Content, repeating an event that was highly successful in its first rendition in 2018.  On two evenings in November, generous friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library will host literary-inspired dinners in their homes to raise money for the library’s programming and resource expansion. 

            Each dinner is based on a book the host selects. Your choice of book and date availability will determine where you go. Lively discussion of the book will be the evening’s focal point, in addition to meeting new friends and enjoying a delicious meal. Adding a bit of mystery to the event, the location and host are not revealed until a week before the event. You won’t know who else is coming to dinner until the night of the event. What fun!

            Guests are asked to choose two books from the list, in order of preference. Assignments will be made to accommodate date and book choices to the best of our abilities. Among the books for this year’s event are both new releases and several older but well-received titles. Among the titles on this year’s list are The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony, The Library Book by Susan Orlean, The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and Quichotte by Salman Rushdie. Other titles are still being added.

The dates for this year’s event are Friday, November 8at 6:00 pm and Sunday, November 17at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased online on the library website, elizabethtaberlibrary.org or in person at the library, 8 Spring Street, Marion. Any dietary restrictions should be indicated on your reply form.

            Tickets will be sold beginning September 22. The deadline for responding is October18, so that assignments can be made with adequate time to read the book in advance of the dinner date. Tickets are limited so sign up early to ensure a place at our table.

            Questions and concerns, including any dietary restrictions, may be directed to Marthe Soden at 508-748-1277 or marthe48@icloud.com.

SLT Walk at Radio Tower Property

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Join the Sippican Lands Trust for a walk of our Radio Tower property on Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 am, starting at the end of Benson Brook Road in Marion.

            The walk will explore the site of what was once one of the largest telegraph stations in the world. The Radio Tower property features old radio tower foundations that once supported 400-foot antennas used by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America. These antennas received transatlantic wireless signals at the start of World War I and through the early 20th century.

            The radio towers and transmitting equipment were removed from the site in the early 1960s and the property has now returned to its natural state. SLT acquired the 144-acre Radio Tower property in 1986.

            The trail for the Radio Tower property is accessible from the Benson Brook Road, past the Marion Transfer Station, and parking is available in that area. The walk will leave from the end of Benson Brook Road. Please carpool if possible as parking is limited.

            The walk is free, and no registration is required. Please bring water and dress appropriately for the day’s weather as only the worst weather will cancel an SLT Walk. Please wear long pants and shirts if possible, in preparation for a 90-minute walk in the woods. If a walk is canceled, then information will be posted to SLT’s website and Facebook page. For directions or further information visit sippicanlandstrust.org or call Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080.

Fire Station Plans Will Improve Old Drainage Problems

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            Mattapoisett residents got a deep dive into the world of schematic drawings and architectural renderings when Chris Rogan of Context Architects, and civil engineer Katie Enright of Howard Stein Hudson, gave a 30-minute presentation outlining construction details for Mattapoisett’s new fire station during the September 16 meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board.

            In attendance were several residents from the Villages at Mattapoisett, a condominium complex that abuts the new fire station property line, as well as homeowners from the Pepperbush Lane, and Church Street areas. Those residents would voice concerns later in the proceedings.

            Enright spent the majority of her presentation explaining that drainage systems from the police station were not up to current standards. She said that a large underground drainage pipe that ran 500 feet from the police station to wetlands behind the skate park had for years dumped water in a manner that are unacceptable by today’s standards. She said that plans for the new fire station would address those drainage issues while also planning separately for drainage of the fire station itself.

            Enright said that several drainage options had been evaluated, including tying existing drainage systems into new systems for the fire station. Those ideas were discounted. She said that plans now include changing the police station drainage to a 300-foot pipe that would include check dams designed to slow water flow for greater absorption before water reached the wetland areas. The new design also included vegetated swales that would assist in absorbing some of the flowage.

            Rogan outlined the buildings features that include washdown drainage systems for the apparatus that separate gas and oil before wastewater enters the public sewer system. He explained in detail the interior spaces of the new station, designs that include sleeping quarters, showers, meeting/training space and room for all equipment in one central location.

            Rogan confirmed that plans meet all current zoning bylaws, saying, “A zoning analysis shows we are in compliance.”

            Regarding curb cuts onto Route 6, Rogan said a new driveway on the east side of the police station would allow the ambulance to exit the property faster. A second curb cut would be made at the entrance of the new fire station. Hubbard’s Way would be relocated about 5 feet to allow for parking changes at the police station.

            Anticipating questions from abutters and surrounding neighbors, Rogan explained that additional plantings along the lot line between the condominiums and the fire station are part of the landscape designs, as well as LED lighting. The LED lighting, Rogan assured all, would control light spillage by targeting the beams only where needed to illuminate the building and the parking lot. Plans also include sidewalks along Route 6.

            Residents’ concerns focused primarily on current drainage problems they are experiencing. David Fuerman of Pepperbush Lane said he lacked confidence in the town, given the many years his neighborhood has complained about water run-off without a solution. The consensus of the residents from abutting areas was that development along Route 6 equaled more water problems for residents downstream.

            Again, Enright explained stormwater management plans that would help slow down flowage and pooling problems. But she said residents in the Pepperbush neighborhood were situated between wetlands to the east and the Mattapoisett River to the west. “Water is going to flow naturally in your direction.”

            Church Street residents questioned if their property would become parking lots for the new fire station. Enright and Rogan explained that some trees would be removed, but that the majority would be left in place to create a natural buffer and screening.

            On the subject of signal lighting on Route 6, Selectman Jordan Collyer said that the town was seeking state grant monies.

            Site plan review for the new fire station was continued until October 7.

            Earlier in the evening, Scott Snow expressed his frustration with an outburst when he came before the board seeking “minor modifications” to a plan recently approved. Rich Rheaume of Prime Engineering, on behalf of Snow and the Eldridge Estates subdivision, asked if the board would entertain approval of minor adjustments to the plan of record.

            Chairman Tom Tucker was reticent to engage in decision of changes, saying, “You don’t want to go there.” What he was referring to, however, was not the many times the board had taken umbrage to the manner in which materials and associated information for the Eldridge Estates subdivision was provided or lack thereof, but instead was referring to another project Snow has apparently not fully completed in town.

            During previous discussions with Snow, the Ocean Breeze project was brought up. According to Planning Board Administrator Mary Crain during a follow-up interview, roadway work completion was pending, and outstanding monies are owed to the town for peer-review fees. However, she said, the Ocean Breeze project was not tied to the Eldridge Estate subdivision. Snow, for his part, said as much when he shouted from the back of the room, “That’s illegal…” in reference to Tucker bringing it up now.

            Tucker told Rheaume that the Eldridge Estates project would have to be re-advertised and then re-opened for public participation before the board would review any modifications. The project was continued until October 7.

            Also continued were Approval Not Required filings by Kate Tapper, 35 Pine Island Road, and The Preserve at Bay Club for lots on Split Rock Lane.

            The Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled to meet again on October 7 at 7:00 pm at Old Hammondtown School.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

The Halloween Cover Contest

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            Are you ready for some spooktacular fun? Dust off the cobwebs and sharpen those scary pencils! Your best Halloween artwork could be on the cover of The Wanderer and you could win a cash prize! Submit your best original Halloween drawing, photo, compilation, or artwork to enter for publication on our October 31 cover.

            Deadline for submitting artwork is Friday, October 18at noon. Online voting will take place from October 20 to October 28. The cover winner will win $100 and his or her artwork will be featured on the October 31 cover of The Wanderer! All entries must be original; cover entries must contain completely original artwork and/or photos. No copied items, including traced clip art, will be considered for the contest. All entries must be accompanied by a completed and signed entry form, available in our office or on our website. A full list of rules and regulations can be found at www.wanderer.com. For more information, call our office at 508-758-9055.

            This year we will also be accepting scary stories from the public, which we may possibly publish in The Wanderer. If we publish your submitted story, you will receive a great Wanderer T-shirt and coffee mug for your talent. We will accept literary works from now until noon on October 21. Email literary submissions to news@wanderer.com. Please, no handwritten or paper copies. Electronic submissions only.

Attic Treasures with Frank McNamee

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Frank McNamee will be discussing rare antiques he has found in homes on Monday, September 23from 12:30 pm. Over the past 40 years this family business has grown into one of the most respected antiques and appraisal businesses in New England. Frank encourages you to bring an item with you to this presentation for an appraisal. Program to be held at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center, 465 Mill Street, Marion.

            A catered lunch of smoky chicken corn chowder will be served at 11:30 am. Reservations are required for the lunch. Call 508-748-3570.

Bird Island Lighthouse Bicentennial Celebration

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To the Editor:

            On behalf of the Marion Harbormaster’s Department I would like to thank all of those that attended our Bird Island Lighthouse Bicentennial Celebration on Saturday, September 14, 2019. A great time was had by all. We would like to thank Donna Hemphill, Karen Perry, the Marion Cultural Council, Tom Guard, Stephen Gonsalves, Charlie Bradley, Ed Bradley, Jody Dickerson, Pete Smith and all the volunteers that made this evening such a success. A special thank you to the artists that donated either items for sale or their artwork for the Silent Auction: Albin Johnson, Anthony Days, David Zapatka, Helen Hills and Anne Cummings. 

            Once again, thank you to all involved. It was a great evening and we appreciate the support.

Isaac Perry

Marion Harbormaster

Marion Cub Scout Pack 32 Open House

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Girls and Boys in Kindergarten through grade 5 are welcome to Marion Pack 32’s open house Thursday September 19from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Sippican Elementary School’s multipurpose room. (Enter the school through the back/bus loop entrance) Cub Scout’s is a family-oriented program that helps to develop respect for others and self, confidence, character, communication and leadership skills while having fun with family and friends! Events with Pack 32 include a Soap Box Derby, a Pinewood Derby, camp outs, service to the community and so much more. Meetings are regularly held on Thursday’s with opportunities for extra events on weekends for the entire family! Please contact Pack 32 with any questions. Marioncubscouts@gmail.com or visit or Facebook Page www.facebook.com/Cubscoutsmarionpack32/ or website marionpack32.org/ Joining scouting is easy at beascout.scouting.org/ We can not wait to meet you and your future scouts.

Hearing Starts State CEA Application Process

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            The Rochester Board of Selectmen held the public hearing for the town’s participation in the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA) on September 16, and it looks like residents of Rochester are eager to start saving on their electric bills.

            “I think people know what’s going on and they’re very interested and looking forward to it,” said Selectman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley. “I’ve had only positive comments to me when I’ve run into people from the public.”

            That was ditto for Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar, who said residents seem positive and “anxious” for it to begin.

            John O’Rourke of Good Energy, the consultant that will be negotiating bids on electricity rates on behalf of the 24 municipalities in the SRPEDD CED, including Rochester, said the next step is the submission of a plan to the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). After about six to eight weeks, the DOER will issue a letter granting permission for Good Energy to submit an application with the Department of Public Utilities for final approval, a process that could take six to eight months – hopefully closer to the six-month side, said O’Rourke.

            O’Rourke told the board the best way to proceed would be for Rochester to go out to bid with the entire CEA in January 2021 when the SRPEDD CEA agreement expires.

            “That will be a tremendous advantage for Rochester in terms of getting a good rate,” said O’Rourke.

            In the meantime, come June or July 2020 when Rochester is finally approved to join the CEA, Rochester can go out to bid for the short period before January 2021.

            O’Rourke said he does not anticipate any delays in the process.

            In other business, the board voted to postpone any further discussion or action pertaining to an agreement for roof-mounted solar panels at Rochester Memorial School until the solar developer can answer questions from the board and town counsel.

            The selectmen reviewed some of the proposed articles for the November 18 Special Fall Town Meeting. Szyndlar will present the warrant at the next meeting for the board and the Finance Committee to review and make recommendations.

            The Governor’s Office has designated the Town of Rochester as a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Community as a result of the town’s completion of the six-step Community Resilience Planning for Buildings and Infrastructure process. The town is now eligible for associated grants through the program.

            The board approved adding Kevin Woodward to the C&C Auto Brokers’ car dealer license.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for October 7 at 6:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.

Rochester Board of Selectmen

By Jean Perry

Marion Celebrates Bird Island Bicentennial in Grand Fashion

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            Long before the Cape Cod Canal connected Buzzards Bay to Cape Cod Bay, and long before the villages of Marion and Mattapoisett separated from Rochester, the U.S. Congress authorized the construction of a lighthouse on Bird Island. It would be the first lighted navigational aid along the southerly coast. Built in 1819, the light would guide boats in the busy waters in and around Buzzards Bay, then a thriving hub of commerce dependent on boats to transport goods.

            Only accessible by water and thereby protected from human intrusion, the island has historically been a nesting site for marine birds, especially the severely threatened roseate tern. The 1.4-acre glacial till is 10 percent salt marsh, 70 percent coastal beach, and 20 percent tidal wash according, to the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

            When the lighthouse was being constructed, a riprap rocky collar, or seawall, was placed around the island in an effort to hold back tides that, if left unchecked, would eventually wash the entire island away. A cottage was also built on the tiny landmass to house the lightkeeper. The first lightkeeper was William Moore who was paid the princely sum of $300 per year.

            Today, the driving force behind the lighthouse is former harbormaster and lighthouse enthusiast Charles “Charlie” Bradley. On September 14, he and over 100 Marion residents celebrated the bicentennial of the lighthouse. But many in attendance also were celebrating Bradley and his tremendous contributions in preserving both the structure and its history.

            Bradley has been researching the history of the lighthouse for more than a decade and was eager to sit down with The Wandererand tell the story.

            Bradley had provided a well-prepared timeline of the lighthouse’s history starting in 1819 to 2019, which was no small feat.

            “There were three reasons why they wanted to build a lighthouse out there,” began Bradley.

            First, the Cape Cod Canal had not been constructed, so boat navigation via a natural river was the primary way lumber and other products could reach the Cape. “They traveled out to Aptucxet, you know, over there under the Bourne Bridge. It was a trading post,” he said.

            He went on to explain that the Tremont Nail Company in Wareham was a “growing concern”, and that, in addition to the tremendous demand for lumber, heading south made a lighthouse necessary. Thus, the Bird Island Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in Buzzards Bay.

            “It was the only logical place to put a lighthouse,” he said, adding,” The original light was fueled by whale oil.”

            When asked how he managed to pull together such a comprehensive history after so many years, Bradley responded, “It wasn’t easy.” To accomplish the task, he plumbed every scrap of local paperwork available, such as annual reports, but for other details he had to seek out publications and read through back copies.

            In the 1938 hurricane that wreaked havoc throughout the southeast, the lightkeeper’s cottage was torn apart. By then the cottage had already been deserted; the light had been decommissioned on June 30, 1933. 

            A very long period of neglect followed, much to the delight of the seabirds. It wasn’t until 1994 that interest was reignited in preserving the island and illuminating the light. “There was a lot of resistance,” said Bradley. After all, the lighthouse had been forgotten for 60 years.  But those headwinds couldn’t stop a favorable movement to preserve and conserve Bird Island. In January of 1994, the Bird Island Preservation Society was formed with Bradley as the chairman.

            With a light chuckle, Bradley told the story of how several workers busily restoring the lighthouse one December were nearly stranded. “We didn’t know bad weather was coming but I noticed winds picking up from the south.” Racing against the blow, Bradley made it to Bird Island, but the gale winds were pushing his small craft towards the beach. “I couldn’t get as close as I needed to because the wind would have driven me right up onto the beach.” The men had to walk in the freezing water to the shore.

            Bradley said that the International Chimney Corporation that specializes in historic preservation of large stone structures such as lighthouses did repairs on Bird Island light in 1996 and, by 1997, the light was once again shining – at 9:00 pm, to be exact. Bradley was appointed the keeper.

            Today, collaboration between the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Town of Marion keeps the light shining as a private aid to navigation. It should also be noted that conservation of the island was also funded in part from federal monies available from a superfund site in New Bedford because, Bradley said, “The birds couldn’t nest there any longer.”

            The island’s value to the roseate tern is priceless. It is the largest nesting site for this endangered marine bird. And make no mistake about it, the birds are not without their defenses on their precious breeding ground.

            Marion Harbormaster Isaac Perry shared his experiences overseeing the ongoing maintenance on the island and the birds. He said the majority of work has to take place in early spring or late fall when the birds are not nesting. He described a scene where one might observe a bird or two and think all is safe, but intrusion into a nesting area can cause hundreds of birds to ascend from the ground and swarm the unsuspecting.

            Perry said that researchers who are tasked with the challenge of counting birds and collecting nesting data have to wear protective clothing, including a hat affixed with a pole that sticks out above their heads.

            “It discourages the birds from attacking,” Perry said. He also likened the aggressive birds to those seen in Hitchcock’s thriller – that’s right, ‘The Birds’.

            Perry said that only boaters have access to the island and that the area is posted with signs warning of the nesting birds and restrictions if boaters disembark. He also said that Marion’s Natural History Museum takes young students to the island once or twice a year as part of its science programming.

            The celebration included a silent auction, which featured artwork depicting the lighthouse. One was a painting donated by local artist Anthony Days of Mattapoisett. There were also commemorative coins for sale. All funds resulting from the bicentennial celebration will be used to further conservation work on the island.

By Marilou Newell

ORYF Cheerleaders Bake Sale and Car Wash

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The ORYF Cheerleaders Annual Bake Sale and Car Wash Fundraiser will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 28at the Mattapoisett Fire Station. Car washes are only $5 and cheers are for free. There is no rain date.