Tri-County Symphonic Band Presents “Power and Glory”

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On Sunday, October 19 at 3:00 pm, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will perform their season opening concert; “Power and Glory.” The program will be held in the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA and will feature a collection of dynamic pieces that help tell some of the most time-honored stories of all time. From the sheer strength of Samson to the tumbling walls of Jericho, the compositions are all very programmatic and display the symphonic band at its fullest, spirited and most energetic, while also showing the gentle side of the flexibility of wind and percussion orchestration.

            After opening with the exciting “American Salute” by Morton Gould, the band will perform Camille Saint-Saens’ “Danse Bacchanale” from his opera “Samson and Delilah”, “Noah’s Ark” by Bert Appermont and the march “Power and Glory” by John Philip Sousa. After intermission, the band with offer their rendition of two masterworks for symphonic band: “Jericho – Rhapsody for Symphonic Band” by Morton Gould and “Give Us This Day” by David Maslanka. “Jericho” is a highly programmatic work depicting the story of Joshua leading the Battle of Jericho complete with a battery of trumpets and a tumbling wall. “Give Us This Day” is an epic offering from Maslanka that is both emotive and reflective as well as highly energetic and intense. Both pieces are considered cornerstones of the symphonic band repertoire.

            Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Marion General Store, the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at tricountysymphonicband.org Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

The Children’s Department at the Mattapoisett Library

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On Friday, October 17, at 3:30 pm, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Children Department’s Graphic Novel Book Club is having a special guest speaker visit via Zoom. Author Violet Chan Karim will be talking about her book Summer Vamp and doing a short Q&A with the group. In order to attend, library patrons must register online or over the phone and are encouraged to pick up a copy of the book – we have plenty on hand.

            On Saturday, October 18, at 1:00 pm, we will be screening Hotel Transylvania – light snacks and refreshments will be provided, and costumes are encouraged. No registration necessary, just come on down and enjoy.

            On Wednesday, October 23, at 3:30 pm, we will be hosting a No-Sew Halloween Plushie craft for ages 6 and up. We will be using hot glue, so adult supervision is required. Supplies are limited, so prior registration on our website or by phone is required.

            Lastly, our Fall story time sessions are set to continue until November 21. Family Storytime is every Thursday at 10:30 am, and Baby Storytime is every Friday at 10:30 am. No registration necessary for any Storytime.

            To register for our events or for more information, please check out our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or give us a call at 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

Building Commissioner Selected

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            During the October 4 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, candidates for the position of Building Commissioner were interviewed.

            Ken Murphy of Sagamore Beach told the board he had been a building commissioner for six years. Presently Murphy is the building commissioner for the town of Bourne. Murphy also shared that he has held the position of building inspector for the towns of Harwich and Dennis.

            Murphy said that he was proud of the work he had done in other communities, especially those communities that had expanded commercial activities. He emphasized that he was not only familiar with FEMA, but that the Town of Bourne is completely mapped by FEMA as a flood zone.

            Murphy said he can help guide property owners through the process of securing permitting for commercial structures, which will help Mattapoisett as the town looks for new commercial expansion possibilities.

            A well-known figure to those that follow the town’s School Committee, James Muse, also met with the board on this night to discuss what he would bring to the position of building commissioner.

            Muse detailed his extensive experience in construction. His resume lists his current position as a Rehabilitation Specialist for the City of New Bedford, which includes structuring programs for the city’s Section 8 housing and attending various public meetings to explain designs. Muse also discussed his work as a construction manager for the Homes for Our Troops Organization.

            While the board was impressed with both candidates, they said the need for a building commissioner outweighed other factors and thusly plan to offer the position to Murphy.

            In other business, shell fishing was opened for the season. Check the town’s website for details.

            Faust Fiore was appointed to the Bike Path Committee, a one-day liquor license was permitted to St. Anthony for their parish dinner, and the board approved a Santa 5K race for MS on December 6.

            It was announced that Community Preservation grant applications are now available from the town’s website. The annual Halloween Costume Contest will be held in Shipyard Park on October 31 at 6:00 pm.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco noted that there wasn’t any pressing business before the voters now, nothing that would warrant a Fall Town Meeting. He said that certified cash was pending and that there weren’t any budget issues that required voters’ participation.

            As the meeting was drawing to a close, from the back of the conference room an unidentified speaker asked the board when they would make a decision on the Board of Health vacancy. Select Board Chair Tyler Macallister said to hold a meeting to make that decision required a joint meeting of the board and the BOH with quorums coming together from both boards. “Do you see anyone here from the Board of Health?” he replied.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Marion Fire Department Open House

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The Marion Fire Department will host an Open House on Friday, October 17 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Meet Marion’s Firefighters, Trooper Harris, and his partner Koala, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Pat Patriot. Enjoy demonstrations, education, free swag, pizza, popcorn, and bounce house.

Marion Democratic Town Committee Meeting

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All interested Marion residents are invited to the Marion Democratic Town Committee meeting Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 pm in the Community Room, Marion Police Station, 550 Mill Street. The agenda will include current outreach efforts and activities scheduled through the end of the year. MDTC welcomes residents who just want to engage in particular events or those who would like to become voting members.

Heron Cove Talks Lack Conclusion

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, October 2 following an Executive Session to discuss litigation strategy regarding Heron Cove Estates LLC vs. Marion Zoning Board of Appeals through Plymouth Superior Court.

            ZBA Chair Cindy Callow moved to discuss a variance for the modified application from Heron Cove Estates which would allow single-family dwelling units on the 17-acre plot on Wareham Road (Route 6) with a density not exceeding 3-to-4 units per acre.

            Attorney Mark Bobrowski represented Heron Cove Estates LLC and began by asking the board if there was anything in the planned draft that troubled them. He added, “I understand that there’s a considerable difference between the amount per unit that was being contributed before and the amount being contributed now.”

            Upon discussion, board member Danielle Engwert stated “most things were resolved” in prior talks. Member Dana Nilson stated “originally, we had approved a 40B project and we went through an exhausting process and came to an agreement that everyone was satisfied with.” He added, “now we’re doing something completely different.” He expressed his concern, stating he believed the proposed variance detracts from the intent of town bylaws. He later reiterated, saying “I believe our approval of this will seriously detract from the intent of the bylaw, and I don’t know a way around that…”

            Following this, Bobrowski asked the chair for her opinions, to which Callow responded she believes there is still a 3-2 split in the voting members of the board who feel the same way. At this time, Bobrowski asked his counsel to step into the hallway to discuss. After the private discussion, Bobrowski and the petitioners returned, with Bobrowski saying “we are back, we’d like to hear what you talked about.” Chair Callow quickly responded, “We didn’t talk. We talked about the Red Sox, we talked about the Chicago Cubs, we talked about which three baseball fields – we talked about my mother. We didn’t talk about anything. We were waiting for you.”

            Bobrowski stated they had used their time to discuss the original $110,000 cap on the pump station, saying he’d like to “make a better offer” and raise it to $150,000. Zoning Board Member Margie Baldwin responded, “it’s not so much about the money for the members that are inclined to vote ‘no.’ It’s meeting the requirements of the variance.”

            Bobrowski then set out to walk through the variance process to discern where the disagreement lies, but after a short discussion on the land excavation and soil composition, Callow replied, saying “I don’t want to delay the inevitable anymore.” But rather than conducting an official vote, per Bobrowski’s request, the board held a “straw vote” to gauge opinions of the members. The board still retained a 3-2 split. Bobrowski requested a continuance, which was granted for Thursday, December 11 due to various scheduling conflicts.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Winter Approaches, Firewood Dwindles

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            This week in Revolutionary War History, let’s discuss what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, George Washington set out to make a detailed list of all soldiers in all regiments in his army. This is so he can send it to the Continental Congress to gauge supply needs for the encroaching winter. Colonel Benedict Arnold wrote from Maine, making great distance on he and his troops to Quebec. Just north of him, Ethan Allen had been captured outside Montreal. British ships are increasingly seen off the southern New England coast, creating further worries as supplies run low. Finally, the Chief Physician & Director General of the army is found to have committee treason.

            On October 1, 1775, supplies are still on the mind of Washington, the Congress, and the men in the army. This fear is exacerbated by cooling temperatures. Without much supplies, Washington’s General Orders instruct “all the carpenters in their several regiments, to erect barracks for the regiments and corps they respectively belong to.” In other words, start building winter barracks and shelters in and around Cambridge.

            On October 2, The Portsmouth Committee of Safety in New Hampshire writes to Washington, claiming they have captured a British ship, the Prince George. They say the ship had departed Bristol, England and was on its way to Boston but entered their harbor by mistake. The ship was “loaded with eighteen hundred & eighty barrels, & twenty four half barrels of flour, for the supply of General Gage’s army” and it “was taken possession of by our people this day.”

            On October 3, Washington officially bans “games of chance,” or gambling, from men in the army. He specifically mentions “toss-up” and “pitch & hustle” as two coin games that cannot be played. Those found guilty of these crimes were to be “confined and punished for disobedience.”

            Last week, it was discovered that the army’s Chief Physician, basically the first Surgeon General, had been found colluding with the enemy. Calling a Council of War on October 4, Washington and other major officers in the army discussed the truth of these accusations, calling Benjamin Church to testify. The official record states, “The General then asked the opinion of the Council severally whether it did not appear that Dr. Church had carried on a criminal correspondence with the enemy – to which they unanimously answered in the affirmative.” The Council and General both were unsure exactly how to enforce a punishment, nor did they have the authority to do many things. So, it was referred to the Continental Congress and John Hancock for guidance.

            Upon receiving a letter pleading innocence and mercy from Benjamin Church, Washington still writes a lengthy letter to Hancock, President of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. He begins, “I have now a painful tho a necessary duty to perform,” before laying out the charges. Finishing the explanation, he says he and Council of War “has [] unanimously agreed to lay it before the Honbl. Congress for their special advice, & direction. At the same time suggesting to their consideration, whether an alteration of the 28th Article of War may not be necessary.” He is proposing an alteration to the Article of War, a set of laws by the Congress, to allow him to more effectively punish such charges as they are becoming more prevalent.

            On October 6, Washington writes to the Massachusetts General Court expressing the army’s need of firewood for the upcoming winter siege of Boston. He says, “evil is increasing & more alarming as the winter approaches.” Prices are going up, and lumbermen and woodcutters are hoarding supplies, refusing to sell to the army. This will be a prevalent theme in the weeks to come.

This Week In Revolutionary History…

By Sam Bishop

David Roy Anderson

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David Roy Anderson, known and admired for his intellect, eloquence, and the rare ability to welcome all points of view with kindness and grace, died peacefully at home with his loving wife Phoebe Girard at his side, on October 3, 2025. He was 92.

            Born March 16th,1933 in Westbrook, Maine at the beginning of the New Deal, raised by loving and able civic-minded parents and grandparents, David grew up in small-town Maine — Caribou, Dover-Foxcroft, Gorham — before attending Bowdoin College and Harvard Law School. He would go on to shape and be shaped by the distinctive places he called home: Washington, DC; Arlington, Virginia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and his maternal family’s homeplace since1857, “Silvercroft,” in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

            Being “free and able to advance my political beliefs” was a value that David lived by. This took on many forms including participating in local and state political groups, joining the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s March on Washington, advocating for those on the margins, or those often overlooked. As an attorney in Washington, DC, David was most inspired by several of his pro-bono assignments like representing the indigenous people of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands for reparations from nuclear testing in the 1950’s.

            Beyond being a devoted father of three, his joys included a life-long love of literature, book collecting, family history, writing letters to the editor, a good hand of cribbage, the Boston Red Sox, visits with his grown children and their families, and any and all time with his marvelous wife.  David always took the greatest delight in spending time with the people who kept it interesting such as his childhood chums, college classmates, personal connections, church communities, non-profit boards, and a Thursday-morning gathering of friends known affectionately as “the Rant.”

            David was predeceased by his first wife Maryse Haan Anderson, his sister Joan Farnsworth and so many dear friends that he cherished deeply. He is survived by his wife Phoebe Girard, three children: Marc Anderson and partner Mary; Chuck Anderson, and wife Jennifer; and Kate Anderson; his five grandchildren –Rachel, Parker, Samuel, Marcel and Muriel– and in his own words; “so very many amazing people who are so good to me.”

            His funeral services will be held at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church St., in Mattapoisett on Tuesday October 28th, at 11:00am. An act of kindness is the greatest gift. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library Trust Purrington Lecture Series, P.O. Box 475, Mattapoisett, MA 02739, and/or the Mattapoissett Congregational Church Capital Campaign Fund are welcome and appreciated.

195 Flu Inoculations So Far

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            At the Marion Board of Health’s last meeting on October 2, the board heard updates from town health officials and held a Public Hearing for a variance requested for work at 24 Ichabod Lane.

            Following a quick update from Health Agent Gabrielle Almeida regarding septic inspections and restaurant compliance, the board heard Public Health Director and Nurse Lori A. Desmarais give an update regarding diseases and vaccines.

            Desmarais explained the town has been “ramping up” their administration of flu vaccines. They operate at a few local clinics, including the Tabor Clinic, as well as regularly conducting home visits. At the drive-through flu clinic held on September 25 at the Cushing Community Center, Desmarais reported that the town had 110 originally sign up, and despite a stormy day, 103 came to receive their inoculation. Those who couldn’t make it were offered alternative dates or home visits.

            With various other vaccine clinics and home visits, Desmarais stated 195 have been administered, with work still ongoing.

            Board of Health Vice-Chair Dr. Ed Hoffer then moved to the Public Hearing for a variance requested by Zenith Consulting Engineers regarding sanitary waste at 24 Ichabod Lane. The requested variance is away from the required 2,000-gallon septic tank for a dwelling of five bedrooms or larger and instead to a 1,500-gallon tank.

            Tom Morris of Zenith Consulting Engineers explained the property’s existing system is being upgraded with a MicroFAST system, with Morris explaining “the unit sized for this flow comes with a 1,500-gallon tank, and the only way to get a bigger tank would be a bigger unit, which is significantly more expensive.”

            Chair Albin Johnson III requested if it would be possible to move the new denitrification system further away from the water table. This is in reference to a large hump over the system, which Johnson recommended applying for a variance against. The board closed the hearing with a conditional approval of both the original variance and another variance pending the submission of changed plans regarding the depth of the separation of groundwater, as discussed.

            Following the Public Hearing and back to the Public Health Director’s update, Desmarais said the first Covid vaccine clinic would be held on October 8 at the community center. She said they have about 50 doses, and if interest is high enough, another clinic can be scheduled.

            For disease updates in the state of Massachusetts, Arbovirus has seen one animal test positive, and West Nile Virus has had eight humans test positive. She noted “nothing so far in Plymouth County or Bristol County,” though she added the risk prevails until the first frost. Desmarais said the oral-rabies vaccine program, administered aerially (bait via helicopter) to local wildlife, has been completed.

            The town’s health director also said the Community EMS program has conducted approximately 360 visits so far this year, including wellness checks and vaccinations.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, October 16 at 4:30 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Board of Health

By Sam Bishop

Looking Back: The Wanderer, October 2000

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            To look back to the year 2000 is to nearly look back across the entire extent of my life. Though for others, it will bring back (hopefully) good memories of a time now lost, where I couldn’t merely pull out the little one-pound block in my pocket and instantly answer any question I could ever have. Maybe I could afford a house then, too! Using The Wanderer’s online archives, this article seeks to look back to October 2000 to see what was going on in the Tri-Town then, some 25 years ago.

            Still fresh off our victories over the machines 10 months after the Y2K computer error, or lack thereof, October 2000 was an eventful time in the Tri-Town. A Letter to the Editor at the end of September had said, “I am appalled and disappointed in the Town of Marion for allowing a Dunkin’ Donuts on the Route 6 area!” For some reason, I had assumed the Dunkin’ had always been there, since time immemorial. Also, the median home price in Massachusetts was about $160,000. Today, it is over $650,000. No, I am not letting that go.

            In our first October edition for 2000, Tim Lynch of Mattapoisett was on the cover, posing aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. The Wanderer reported on the start of BULLDOG TV, a program at Old Rochester Regional High School started thanks to a $600 donation from AT&T Broadband, now defunct. This service allowed students to learn about news coverage and technology while also being able to report on current events on cable TV. Speaking of ORR, the class of 1975 held their 25th reunion on October 20, 2000. They just held their 50th last week.

            On October 18, we reported “Old Rochester Regional Building Committee (ORRBC) opened four General Contractor bids for the renovation and additions to the ORR Junior and Senior High Schools. All of the bids were above the budgeted amount, with the lowest bid being approximately 10 percent over.”

            At this time, the Marion Board of Selectmen (still a few decades off their rebranding to Select Board) was looking at applications for a new Town Administrator, as Ray Pickles was slated to retire from that position by the end of the year. Chair of the Board of Selectman at this time was Albert E. Winters.

            Rochester’s Board of Selectmen at this time were planning their Town Hall renovations and expansion, with contractors touring the site and offering bids the following month. We also reported: “Progress on the Police/Communications Building project has been ‘moving slowly’ and they’ve yet to hire a Clerk of the Works, although they’ve interviewed prospective candidates. The new Highway Building, however, is forging ahead, with plans to pour the foundation slated for later in the week.”

            The Rochester Scouts, Troop 31, were hosting their third annual Haunted Hayride, and Frank McNamee was meeting with the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club to speak on antiques and jewelry.

            This month also, all three Boards of Selectmen were discussing Town Meeting warrants. Not much has changed there.

            The Rochester Lions Club hosted its Annual Halloween Parade, and Marion was planning a Veterans Day parade for the next month for the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

            Flu clinics were up in all of the Tri-Town, as they are now, though at least we didn’t have to worry about Covid or West Nile. Much has changed since then, but a lot hasn’t much either. The town’s boards and committees still chug on, Town Meetings still happen one or two times a year, and The Wanderer still reports on these three great towns.

October Y2K

By Sam Bishop