The Rochester Historical Society Museum at 355 County Rd. will be open from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sundays throughout the Fall, so that interested people can view our exhibit: “The Tools and Industries That Made Rochester”. We also have fresh cranberries for sale and are always happy to open by appointment. It’s a good idea to double check with Sue 508-295-8908 or Connie 617-750-2818 to make sure we have docents available.
The Marion Art Center announces a call for entries for its final exhibition of the 2025 season, Small Works + Holiday Shop. This annual juried/invitational show features original works of art, all under fourteen inches, plus a curated selection of handmade goods including jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodworks, gifts, and more. Any artist who has previously shown at Arts in the Park, or any other juried MAC exhibition (this excludes members’ shows) is invited to participate and does not need to apply or be approved by the exhibitions committee.
Artists are invited to submit up to four pieces for this juried/invitational exhibit, the final show of the season. Works should be no larger than 14″ in any direction, including frame. Both 2D and 3D works will be accepted. All works must be ready to install (framed, wired, etc.) and available for sale. The show runs November 22 through December 19, with an opening reception scheduled on Saturday, November 22 from 3:00 pm to 5:00pm. Shop for yourself or find the perfect gifts for others. All pieces may be removed from the galleries upon purchase for this cash and carry show.
To apply to the Small Works show, use the form at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit to submit images. All new applications are due by November 10th. For more information, visit marionartcenter.org/events, call the MAC at 508-748-1266 or email info@marionartcenter.org with “Small Works” in the subject line.
After School Creativity with “The Maker Club” – The Marion Art Center announces new sessions of our Art In The Afternoon “The Maker Club” geared for ages 6-12. In this hands-on art club, kids have access to a wide variety of arts and crafts materials, tools, and textures each week. From paint and paper to recycled bits, fabric, wire, and more—every session is an invitation to explore, invent, and make something uniquely their own. With creative prompts to spark ideas and a supportive instructor to help guide their process, students are free to experiment, tinker, and express themselves in a relaxed, imaginative environment. Whether they’re building, drawing, gluing, or sculpting, Maker Club is all about the joy of creating without pressure – where the process matters more than the final product. Perfect for curious minds who love to explore and make art in their own way.
“The Maker Club” meets on Fridays from November 7 through December 19. There are two options – an hour class or a one- and one-half hour class. The longer option allows another half hour for creation and exploration and bit more time for guardians to arrive for pick up.
For member families the 1-hour option is $145, and the 1.5-hour option is $215 for the six classes. For non-member families, the 1-hour option is $175, and the 1.5-hour option is $255 for the six classes. More information and registration is available at marionartcenter.org/art-lab
Plans for a 48-unit condominium development still might be tweaked a bit based on peer reviews from Field Engineering and other town sources, according to the developers’ presentation at the October 22 Marion Conservation Commission meeting in the town Police Station conference room.
Toll Brothers Inc. representatives Mark Bamburak and Jeff Heidelberg said that Field Engineering, which represents both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board, said part of the property at 78 Wareham Road encroaches upon an easement from the utility company Eversource.
Heidelberg said the developers are proposing a retaining wall and might relocate one unit unless Eversource agrees to a deal to waive that easement for the development.
Heidelberg also said Field Engineering asked for wider access areas so backhoes can access the water detention basins. Field Engineering also asked that the developers widen an existing grass trail, and TBI is “amenable” to that request.
Bamburak said that the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife determined there would be little or no impact to the nearby aquatic habitat.
Some commissioners asked if there would be any changes to the project before final deliberations from the ConCom and other town boards.
Heidelberg said that there might be some minor alterations and that TBI was not expecting a decision at the October 22 meeting.
“There might be a change, but it likely would be minor in detail at this point,” Heidelberg said. “The intent was to keep you in the loop.”
Commissioners continued the public hearing to November 5 to further discuss the project.
In other Conservation Commission news, Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee said an oil spill was reported by a homeowner receiving a delivery of heating oil. Guey-Lee said the homeowner was seeking to dig 10 feet around the property to find the oil and remediate it.
The town planner said the leak was caught early, so officials believe that the leak is not deep within the ground or far from the home. However, the Conservation Commission granted an Emergency Order to dig and remediate around the home.
Also at the meeting, commissioners deliberated over some local items, taking no issue with the proposals.
Jerry Frates, of Converse Road, proposed constructing a lap pool but said plans revealed that his initial drawing would encroach upon sewer piping. Commissioners agreed to allow Frates to relocate the lap pool closer to a neighboring property.
Millie and Paul Seeberg, of 13 Edgewater Lane, received permission from the Conservation Commission to eradicate phragmites through environmentally friendly chemicals.
Commissioners also issued a certificate of compliance to the Dexter Beach Improvement Association.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner
Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals on October 23 approved two garages that will be placed technically in their front yards.
The board granted two variances to allow the construction of a detached garage greater than the permitted 1,000-square feet in the front yard of 45 Williams Way after property owner William Flaherty explained his current attached garage is “maxed out.” He needs the larger garage for his hobbies, equipment, and vehicles. He elaborated he has no other place on his property to place the garage. Moving to the left or the right of his home would place it near his septic tank or his neighbor’s property lines. Placing the garage further back on the lot would encroach on his well area. “It will be stick built. It will look good from the road,” he promised.
Member Richard Cutler admitted Flaherty doesn’t have a big property but has a big setback. Board member Davis Sullivan noted that from a certain point of view the new garage is further back. The board granted the variances with the standard conditions of no residential use or human habitation, no animal habitation, and no commercial use.
With the same conditions, the board then approved a variance to allow a proposed three-bay garage greater than 1,000 square feet in the front yard at 447 Neck Road. Property owners Chris and Molly Fournier said right now they don’t have a garage at all. They need this garage for their cars and other storage. The garage will have a second floor that will also be built for storage but additionally as a deck for a view of the water. They noted they have a non-conforming house built circa 1952, and they have no room in their back yard. “This seems like the only place to put it,” Molly Fournier said.
The board agreed with the Fourniers’ arguments as it voted for its approval. Cutler noted that the lot was subdivided before there were town bylaws “The self-imposed hardship doesn’t count here in my mind,” he said. “There’s no other place to move it,” member Davis Sullivan added.
In other business, the board welcomed new ZBA Associate Member Keith Riquinha.
The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Michael J. DeCicco
Join the library Thursday, October 30 starting at 6pm for a Halloween costume Karaoke party.
Our Tuesday morning Family Storytime is back on Tuesday, November 4. Kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers can join Miss Macy for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement activities designed to foster early literacy skills.
Afternoon Activities also return on Tuesday, November 4. Kids grades K-6 are invited to participate in a different activity every week between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Our November activities include creating art with bleeding tissue paper, a Lego zip line challenge, and designing your own board game.
Wednesday, November 5 is the full moon. Kids ages 3+ and their grownups can join us to celebrate the Beaver Moon at our full moon party from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Learn how beaver tails work, watch a beaver cam, and create a beaver puppet.
November 4 at 6:30 pm, discover the Wildlife of Costa Rica’s Cloud Rainforests with Joy Marzolf. Costa Rica’s cloud forests, often misty and rainy, are a haven for the resplendent quetzal and fiery-throated hummingbird. In this lush environment, birds are active by day while bats feed on flowers at night, learn more at this free program. Registration requested.
The Cozy Cup Book Club is meeting on November 12 at 11:00 am to discuss this months read “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto. As always there is free tea and coffee. Copies are available at the circulation desk in the Library. Registration requested.
Ongoing in November- Spice Pantry free recipes and spice packets available all month long.
For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.
My sister lives in a small town in western Massachusetts in the hills outside of Amherst. For many years they had only a nighttime police force. When the police officers clocked out of their day jobs, they were on call for any police activity that occurred. This left the town open to house break-ins (often committed by ne’er-do-wells from Springfield) during the day as daytime coverage was left to the State Police who were responsible for covering a large area. The break-ins were a problem until one burglar struck late in the afternoon when an armed officer was available. The officer shot the robber in the course of arresting him. News of this incident spread and the break-ins subsided.
Not that long ago Rochester had a much smaller police force. When Walter Pierce was Chief, his wife fielded police calls from their home with radio phones in every room, so she could answer quickly while doing her housework. Policemen patrolled in their own cars and for many years there would only be one officer on duty at night and that tour often ended around 10:00 pm.
Several years ago, when the Museum exhibit featured Fire and Police, I remember reading one newspaper article where one of the first officers to have a ride-along police dog said how he welcomed the company as driving through Rochester (a very large area for one man to cover) at night with the fog rising off the bogs was basically spooky.
This all leads to this article’s main story. At one time an important piece of a Rochester police officer’s equipment was a chainsaw. There was a time when bigger mischief than trick or treating could happen on Halloween. On just such an evening, Chief Pierce was the one officer out and about when he got a call for a downed tree. He went to investigate and checked out the tree. Returning to his car to go for help (remember this was a time without cell phones or pagers) with tree removal, he found that another tree had been felled, making it impossible to leave.
The hooligans/vandals took advantage of the situation and celebrated Halloween by torching any haystack they could find in town. Without a chainsaw in the trunk, the Chief was trapped and so they became standard equipment in any car used to patrol Rochester. Times have certainly changed with enough officers to patrol all of Rochester in fully equipped police vehicles which would make any tricksters rethink Halloween mischief. Happy Halloween and celebrate responsibly.
By Connie Eshbach
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to join us for our Teen Advisory Board Pizza Party kick-off on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:00 pm. This event promises delicious pizza and the opportunity to have a powerful impact on your community. Stop by for a slice and find out more — no registration required.
Need a break from school chaos? Join us for Sticker and Chill at the library on Wednesday, November 5, at 3:30 pm. Relax, get creative, and build your own 3D sticker scene with one of our soothing sticker kits – yours to customize and keep. For ages 13 to 17.
The library will close at noon on Friday, November 7, for staff first-aid, CPR, and AED training. We will reopen regular hours on Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 am. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Our Silent Book Club returns on Sunday, November 9, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up – no registration required.
The library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, at 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.
The Friends are still accepting jewelry donations for their December sale. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk by November 16. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.
ZMakesBeads will be at the library on Sunday, November 16, at 1:00 pm for an expressive arts workshop that teaches participants the basics of beaded jewelry making. Semi-precious stones and other natural jewelry materials will be used. The workshop atmosphere is a tranquil, meditative, interactive space that encourages participants to be present and at ease while creating. This event is for patrons ages 13 and up; it is not suitable for children. Space is limited and registration is required. Please see the library’s website to sign up.
The Sunday Book Club will meet on Sunday, November 16, at 2:00 pm. We’ll be discussing “The Lost Wife,” by Susanna Moore. Copies are available at the library. Please contact librarian Robbin Smith at rsmith@sailsinc.org with questions.
Join us at our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, November 18, at 6:00 pm. This month’s pick is “Art Society,” an art collection game where players bid on art, arrange it, and try to create the most fashionable collection. Recommended for 2 to 4 players, but teams can be formed to accommodate more. Space is limited. Register on the library’s website to save your spot. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early to review the rules if you’ve never played before.
The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group will meet on Tuesday, November 25, at 6:00 pm in the Large Meeting Room. We will discuss “Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America,” by Hampton Sides. New members are always welcome. No registration required.
In celebration of Thanksgiving, the library will close at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, November 26. We will reopen with regular hours on Saturday, November 29, at 10:00 am. Have a bountiful Thanksgiving, everyone.
Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.
As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, browse our website at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.
The Marion Institute is proud to announce the expansion of its Grow Education program into two new schools within the Old Rochester Regional School District & MA Superintendency Union #55: Old Hammondtown School in Mattapoisett (serving 4th graders) and Rochester Memorial School in Rochester (serving 3rd graders). With this exciting milestone, Grow Education now partners with 24 schools across six Southcoast districts – and counting.
Grow Education is a school-based initiative designed to plant knowledge and cultivate community through hands-on, garden-based learning. By integrating farm-to-school education into the daily curriculum, Grow Education supports teachers, engages families, and educates students in creating healthier eating and living habits. Together with district leadership, educators, and local food system partners, the program builds a more equitable, sustainable, and health-focused future for Southcoast communities.
“At its heart, Grow Education is about connection – to our food, to the land, and to one another,” said Liz Wiley, Executive Director of the Marion Institute. “We’re thrilled to bring this opportunity to students in Mattapoisett and Rochester, helping them understand not only where their food comes from, but how they can be part of building a healthier, more resilient community.”
Through a partnership-driven approach, Grow Education works directly with school districts, food service departments, and community organizations to create thriving school garden programs that serve as living classrooms. Each garden becomes a space where students explore earth science, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture through hands-on learning. Teachers receive professional development, access to standards-aligned lesson plans, and ongoing support to seamlessly integrate these lessons into their core curriculum.
“By bringing the Grow Education program to Old Hammondtown and Rochester Memorial, we’re giving students the chance to engage with the natural world in a meaningful, educational way,” said Michael S. Nelson, Superintendent of the Old Rochester Regional School District. “These outdoor classrooms will help cultivate curiosity, environmental awareness, and a lifelong appreciation for healthy living – all while reinforcing what students are learning in the classroom.”
The Grow Education model goes beyond gardening – it’s a community-building tool that strengthens family engagement, encourages cross-sector collaboration, and sparks early interest in STEM and food systems careers. As the program continues to grow, so does its impact on youth leadership, ecological literacy, and community resilience throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.
The Old Rochester Regional High School Bulldogs are MIAA Division 3 Golf State Champions!
The team finished its regular season undefeated for the second straight year at 15-0, while remaining unbeaten in South Coast Conference competition for the last five seasons. The team has also earned South Coast Conference and South Coast Conference Tournament Championships.
“Old Rochester Regional High School has a really incredible group of golfers this year,” said Athletic Director Chris Carrig. “The Bulldogs were unrelenting out there on the links. They worked hard, played hard, and really made us all very proud.”
The Bulldogs include the following student golfers – Chase Almeida, Captain, senior; Ben Bartholomew, freshman; John Bongiorno, junior; Drew Butler, sophomore; Owen Cooney, sophomore; Jack Czerkowicz, Captain, junior; Gavin Estevez, sophomore; Robert Flynn, sophomore; Brendan Fuller, junior; August Herbert, junior; Jacob Iappini, senior; Hunter Johnson, freshman; Paxton Jones, junior; Riley Karo, senior; Brady Mills, senior; Luke Pierre, Captain, junior; and Luc Silveira, sophomore.
Behind coaches Chris Cabe and Erich Carroll, the team qualified for the Division 3 South Sectional Tournament at Foxboro Country Club on October 14. The Bulldogs took first place by 19 strokes, posting a team score of 318 for the top four golfers, an average of 79.5.
Jack Czerkowicz was the low medalist with a score of 76, which qualified him to compete in the Individual New England Tournament at Foxwoods, on Sunday, October 26. Teammate Luke Pierre finished one stroke behind with a 77.
The Division 3 State Tournament was postponed due to weather from its original date of October 20, to October 27, at Blissful Meadows Country Club in Uxbridge.
Again led by Jack Czerkowicz (77) and Luke Pierre (77), the team posted a team score of 323, winning the State Championship by eight strokes. Brady Mills (83) and John Bongiorno (86) were the other contributors to the Championship total.
“With only two returning starters from last year’s State Finalist team, this year’s team had four players step into the starting lineup and outperform their opponents each and every time they stepped onto the golf course,” Coach Chris Cabe said. “This shows the resilience of this young team to gel together and compete for one another, the true meaning of TEAM.”
“Congratulations to an unbeatable group of golfers, on their Division 3 State Championship!” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “They’ve worked very hard to earn their spot at the top of the Division, and they deserve this esteemed title.”
From here, the team awaits a potential invitation to the National Championship, which takes place late in the spring, once spring postseasons in 49 other states conclude.
“No team works harder than our Golf team and I’m very proud of them for this achievement,” said Principal Devoll.
Halloween draws near, and with that, Rochester Memorial School held their annual “Spooktacular” this past Saturday. Hosted by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), the event allowed students, both current and former, siblings, and local kids to come get in on some candy early.
Dinosaurs, Spiderman’s (spider… men?), witches, karate kids, fairies, wizards, Beetlejuice’s, princesses, and many, many others, descended on the RMS campus to wage a magical, epic battle over who could have the most fun and get some candy a week before Halloween!
Disclaimer: There was no real battle involved, but there was plenty of candy and other treats. Some food trucks, coffee and ice cream, also zoomed over. Tables were set up of various decorations: Candy Land, Jurassic Park (hence the dinos mentioned earlier), and even Brain Rot; more on that later. The tables were helmed by well-respected students, faculty, and parents. Sweets of all sorts were collected and taken to down the haunted trail through the woods, which also offered a scavenger hunt.
Finally, the kids could eat candy and use their internet-derived slang, courtesy of Kai Cenat and CaseOh. Here is all I learned from my exposure:
The first turn off Ohio Ave. and onto Skibidi Lane, we left the NPC’s at home and got back to RMS for a Spooktacular time. Bet. No cap, candy’s bussin’. Some showed up to rizz up the huzz, but most showed up to mog their fits. Most slayed, but they all ate. Vice Principal West’s aura was wild bro. Weird flex wearing sandals, but mad drip tho. Ws in the chat for the PTO. Cooked hard on this one. I’m sorry for this. It’s giving cringe. It’s total brain rot.
Now that every child in a square mile has cringed from these words being written, a job well done. An adult using Gen Alpha slang; truly the scariest thing imaginable this Halloween.
The event was a great success. No one left without a smile or without some sweet treats.
By Sam Bishop