Heimart von Zweck

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Heimart von Zweck, 94, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Monday, October, 14, 2024. He was the husband of Laura (Pollock) von Zweck.

            Born in Bernburg, Germany, son of the late Werner and Erna (Gransee) von Zweck, he was raised in Austria before immigrating to the United States aboard the SS Andrea Doria in the 1950s.

            Heimart lived in Cambridge for many years before settling in Marion where he and his family were long time members of the Beverly Yacht Club. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, and participating in the Marion-Bermuda races. Heimart was also a member of the Sippican Philosophical Society and owner of Physicon Corporation for over 40 years.

            Survivors include his wife, Laura; his daughter, Zoë von Zweck of Charleston, SC; his brother, Ortwin von Zweck; his nephew, Peter Von Zweck; and many extended family members across the US and Canada.

            The family would like to thank Community Nurse Home Care and especially Sandra for the care they provided to Heimart.

            According to his wishes, services will be private.

            For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Dorothy Alice Spear Ross

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Dorothy Alice Spear Ross, 92 of Mattapoisett passed away Tuesday October 15, 2024. She was married to the love of her life Calvin E. Ross for 66 years until his death in 2018.

            Dorothy grew up in Hyde Park where she and Cal were early childhood friends and started dating when they attended Hyde Park High and sang together in the church choir. One of her first jobs was in her parent’s laundromat – while Cal helped with the books. Together they raised their family in Quincy, Elmhurst, IL, and Braintree. There was a short stay in West Boylston before settling in Mattapoisett.

            A devoted mother her favorite times were family events. Supporting her sons’ health, educational, sporting and musical efforts including many years as a den mother for scouts. Christmas was a favorite time of year during family get-togethers. As a devoted daughter, she provided daily support to her mother during her mother’s long fight with Parkinson’s disease and never missed a day when Lillian required professional nursing home care.

            She was an advocate of education at all levels, supporting her husband’s efforts in his many years of night school to get his degrees. She encouraged her sons to advance in school and was very proud of the college courses she took. She found a special joy in volunteering at Braintree High School in the late seventies leading the daily Pledge of Allegiance over the intercom system.

            Dorothy loved to cook and garden, and was both an avid singles and doubles tennis player and golfer – proud of her hole-in-one! She was a talented artist who loved to paint, knit, sew, cross-stitch, arrange flowers and so much more.

            With Cal, she enjoyed traveling from camping at Niagara Falls to a cross country and Canada RV adventure. International travel to England, Scotland, Egypt, Asia and the Caribbean islands were planned with anticipation. Retirement winters were spent in Venice, Florida, with friends and family who had relocated there.

            Dorothy was always active in the community through her lifelong commitment to church; she was an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, and former member of the First Congregational Church of Braintree and the First Baptist Church of Wollaston, MA. She shared her talents for many years volunteering and helping organize the annual Christmas Fair at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, publishing the church’s community’s cookbook, as well as volunteering at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging.

            While in her twenties, Dorothy worked at the local city library and the church. Later, while raising her family, she worked as a church secretary and as a legal secretary in Braintree. She also spent time in sales at Jordan Marsh and Shreve, Crump and Low. Dorothy was especially proud of founding and running her own clothing store, Elegance Renewed, in Marion.

            She is survived by her sons, David Ross and his wife Emily Ross of Quincy, Donald Ross and his wife Ellen Ross of Mattapoisett, Richard Ross and his wife Kim Ross of Sandwich and Bradford Ernest Ross and his wife Lisa Logan Ross of Mansfield, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother Harry Warren Spear.

            Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23th, at 10:30 am with a service immediately following at 11:30 am at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Dorothy’s memory to a charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Things That Go Bump…

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…in the night. Jeff Belanger has been for many years curious about what lies beyond that thin invisible veil that separates the living from those not living. He has authored numerous books detailing legends and studying ghost stories now published in one of his many books.

The author, actor, television director, producer, podcaster, expert of paranormal phenomenon, and all-around entertaining speaker, spoke recently at the Elizabeth Taber Library sharing spook-filled stories and anecdotes of legends that poured into the old library’s shadowy corners.

Belanger’s research has taken him throughout New England on quests to ferret out the truth of reality, which is the seed of nearly all folk tales. Where truth ends and legend begins, even Belanger is hard-pressed to say.

Belanger talked about the flat-layered stones found in Salem, New Hampshire, formally known as Mystery Hill but now known as America’s Stonehenge. Believed to have been built by indigenous people or stone age migrants from Ireland or Scotland, the stones seem to be a type of astronomical calendar. The site has been heavily researched by Dr. Barry Fell of Harvard University who claims the ancient inscriptions can be attributed to Ogham, Phoenician, and/or Iberian script. Evidence of the people, however, remains hidden somewhere in the stones. Some believe the flat alter-like stones were used for sacrificial purposes.

Belanger reminded the audience that humans have been fascinated by death since the beginning of time. A physician named Duncan MacDougall from Haverhill believed the soul had weight and set out to prove it was so. As Belanger tells the story, MacDougall convinced dying people to let him weigh them before and after death. Finding there was a loss of weight after death, he was sure he had proven his point. He apparently forgot to account for the loss of bodily fluids at the time of death. Yuck.

Francestown, New Hampshire is the site of Haunted Pond, also known as Scoby Pond. As the legend goes, a great fire consumed the shoreline leaving behind fire-blackened skeletons where once trees stood. But in the late 1700s, workers at David Scoby sawmill pulled up a large male skeleton. Folks came to believe that it was the remains of a hunter killed by a wild animal. The remains were buried there, being too cumbersome to return the deceased home. Haunted Pond is also the place where a teenager drowned in 1810. He was found clasping lilies, as the legend goes. Still, more drowning deaths are recorded in 1816, 1824, and 1830. The pond certainly has earned its name.

The story of the Mary Celeste strikes close to home. Belanger told how Sea Captain Briggs and his family including the family cat departed on a trip to Italy never to be seen again. The ship named the Mary Celeste was found off the Azorean coast – completely empty. There wasn’t any evidence of foul play, simply, all the crew and the Briggs family had disappeared. The mystery has never been solved.

We had heard from a reliable source that the library itself has a resident ghost although a friendly ghost, like Casper.

To learn more about Belanger and his many stories and paranormal adventures visit his web site at jeffbelanger.com.

Elizabeth Taber Library

By Marilou Newell

Crystal Springs Road ANRAD Accepted

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            During the October 15 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission, an Abbreviated Notice of Resource Delineation filed by New Leaf Energy Inc. was approved.

            During the August 12 conservation commission meeting, members of the New Leaf team, headed by Brandon Smith, explained the on-site flagging and the reason for the filing.

            An ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation) request noted in the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, “…serves two purposes under the (Act). First, the ANRAD provides a procedure for an applicant to confirm the delineation of a Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). If an ANRAD is filed for a BVW delineation, confirmation of other resource areas may also be requested provided the other resource area boundaries are identified on the plans which accompany the BVW boundary delineation. The second purpose of the ANRAD is to serve as the application for Simplified Review for projects in the Buffer Zone.”

            In other business, members approved a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Richard DeTucci, 98 Marion Road, for the installation of erosion control materials to diminish the erosion of a slope on the property.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Alexandra Ablon, 4 Island View Avenue, for removal of invasive vegetation was conditioned.

            A minor plan change was accepted as presented by Davignon of 5 Pine Street, and a Certificate of compliance was approved for two properties located on Ned’s Point Road, numbers 26S and 26N. Also receiving a “C of C” was 16 Hereford Hill Road.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for November 12.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

From the File of the Rochester Historical Society

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Probably the smallest and most overlooked musical instrument in our display is the “harmonica.” Though not as impressive looking as the bass fiddle that might have been played at a dance in colonial times or as loud and commanding as the home organ, the lowly harmonica had something that they didn’t – portability.

            I’m sure that when as kids, we tried to make music on our toy harmonicas, we had no idea of the instrument’s history. In East Asia, the “sheng” is the Chinese version of the instrument, used in ancient times. In 1821, in Europe, several inventors came up with the first harmonica in that part of the world. The Hohner Co. in Germany began marketing them in 1857.

            The company’s owner shipped some harmonicas to his relatives in North America and they became instantly popular and a staple of certain genres of music. A good musician can get amazing sounds out of a harmonica, creating mood and beat.

            More to their portability, Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp, both, were known to carry harmonicas and Abraham Lincoln always carried in his pocket.

By Connie Eshbach

New Marion Development Leads to Environmental Concerns

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A bid to build a single-family home and in-ground pool on a vacant lot at 14 Aucoot Avenue drew some controversy from neighbors at last week’s Conservation Commission meeting. 

            Applicants Matthew Degroot and Jason Brasington’s application was heard by the commission last week due to some of the property falling within a wetlands buffer zone and near a barrier beach. According to applicant engineers, the home proposed will be on dry ground, a former yard, and the home will be raised on stilts in light of its proximity to wetland resources. 

            However, the application still raised concerns among neighbors, including direct abutter Lisa Adams. Adams and other neighbors expressed concerns that water will be redirected. The proposed home is also near some endangered species habitats, including the diamondback terrapin. 

            “It will disturb a significant portion of the buffer zone,” Adams said. 

            Adams said although the proposed house will not have a basement and will be built on stilts, the driveway and other portions of the property will be at ground level, which could impact that area’s flood zone. Adams also said that the state Department of Environmental Protection is changing its regulations to protect against coastal flooding and issues connected to sea-levels rising. The resident also said the applicant checked “no” for being within the habitat of endangered species. She said there are endangered species there per the state’s Natural Heritage program. 

            Another resident expressed concern over the condition of the road and said redirecting stormwater could put that street in further disrepair. 

            Commissioners confirmed that the project is outside the habitat of endangered species so the applicant did not have to file with Natural Heritage. Meanwhile, the state DEP has not changed its flood zone regulations so the commission can only go by current regulations.

            Adams said new regulations will be unveiled in a few months, which could make building a new home on this lot a flood risk. Applicant engineers said storm water is being directed toward the wetlands resource area and should not impact adjacent properties. Commissioners asked to consider installing drywalls around the perimeter of the property to redirect water run-off and recharge it back into the ground. 

            Commissioners closed the hearing and will continue it on October 23. Commissioners also expressed concerns involving the boulders on the property not being reflected in current plans. Commissioners would like those boulders to be added to the design drawings.  

            In other business, Marion Realty LLC applied for a request for determination of a stream on a lot on Wareham Avenue, which floods onto town property at times.  

            Engineers reported at the October 9 meeting that there is a coastal river nearby, but the water’s height varies depending on weather. Sometimes water levels appear like a “monsoon” while other times the area is fairly dry, making it difficult to determine the volume of wetlands in the area before new development proceeds. Commissioners conducted a site visit after the October 9 meeting and determined that there is only an intermittent stream in that area and not a wetlands resource.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffery D. Wagner

Mattapoisett Republican Party Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee monthly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 17 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the Niemad Corporation facility, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett. This month’s discussion will focus on the GOP efforts for a winning strategy in November. If interested, please attend or contact Paul Criscuolo, Chairperson, Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee for more information.

Rochester Dry Storage Deliberations

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Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals ended its October 10 meeting with an unusual move, setting a single-issue meeting for Thursday, October 17.

            The application to be reviewed on that date is for a variance to place a 30×71-foot steel carport on a residential lot at 173 County Road. Property owner Dwight Crosby told the board on October 10 the building is to be used for dry storage of his boat, RV, and other personal possessions.  The new building would need to be placed just over a wetlands buffer zone, near an existing cranberry bog.

            Board members said they had no problem with the building proposal itself.  Board member Donald Spirlet admitted Crosby does need a place to store these items under cover. 

            However, board members also said Crosby needed re-drawn plans that include a driveway that will support the weight of the vehicles Crosby will use to drive them into that carport.  Chair David Arancio explained the board needs the full plans in front of them before granting the variance. To be without this would only enable any legal challenge to the board’s vote.  He also cautioned Crosby that all easements need to be shown on the plan. For example, one abutter across the street is in Wareham.

            Board member Jeffrey Costa said whether there is a driveway on the plan or not should not affect how the zoning panel votes on a variance. Arancio responded that updated plans are needed because the board has to ‘condition’ the variance approval appropriately.

            The board drafted the following conditions, that the new structure shall be for dry storage only and there shall be no conversion to residential use, then postponed the hearing to October 17 at 7:15 pm in the town hall conference room.

            The Zoning Board of Appeals’ next regular meeting after October 17 will be Thursday, November 14 at 7:15 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

St. Anthony-St. Rita Christmas By The Sea Bazaar

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Mark your calendars and save the date! Please join us for the annual “Christmas By The Sea Bazaar” on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at St. Anthony’s parish, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett.

Seasonal handcrafted gifts, decorations, and stocking stuffers will be offered by local vendors, including wooden and leather wares, honey, ornaments (including the 2024 parish ornament designed by a local artist), seashell art, all types of sewn, crocheted, knitted and quilted items such as stuffed animals, hats, mittens and bags, carved wooden birds, jewelry, and much more!

When you arrive, you will be greeted with live festive music. As always, the Bazaar will offer a huge assortment of decorated wreaths and greens arrangements, gift baskets and art raffles, a grand raffle (1st prize: $1,000, 2nd prize: $500, 3rd prize: $250), a toy shoppe with toys, cookie decorating, and games, and a large bake sale with all types of wonderful baked goods.

There will be refreshments as well, filling the hall with festive aromas! Refreshments will include: malasadas and coffee, ‘Friendship soup” (recipe to be provided!), popcorn, hot chocolate bar, and more!

All proceeds will benefit St. Anthony- St. Rita parish initiatives, including providing college book scholarships to local high school seniors. Please find, like, and share our event on Facebook! If you have any questions, please reach out to Katie Silvia at katsa06@gmail.com. We hope to see you there.

Robert W. Maguire

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Robert W. Maguire, 79, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2024.  He was the devoted husband to the love of his life Sachi Maguire. The two met at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California over 55 years ago and have never looked back.

Born and raised in Taunton, son of the late John W. Maguire and Grace L. Maguire, he was the youngest of 9 children. Bob graduated from Monsignor James Coyle High School in 1963 and then went on to Graduate from Bridgewater State College with a degree in history and earning a commission in the Air Force as a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1967.

After serving in the Air Force, he requested an interservice transfer to the US Army infantry in 1969 where he served in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division earning the Bronze Star on October 14th, 1970. In 1971 was honorably discharged from the army and brought his family back to Taunton before settling permanently in Mattapoisett.  Bob continued his military career part time in the US Army National Guard in 1971 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1995.

While settling in Mattapoisett, Bob was hired as an English teacher at Upper Cape Regional Technical High School. Over the 32 years he was at UCRT he wore many hats from English/Science teacher to President of the Teachers Union to Basketball/Track Coach to Dean of Students and eventually Principal. He was an uncommon, beloved teacher who truly cared for his profession, school and more importantly his students.  Bob’s career was culminated by his induction into the UCRT Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2004 he retired to focus on family and recreation. 

 The best years of his life were spent wintering in FL with his loving wife. Being an avid sports fan, Bob enjoyed endlessly complaining about New England sports teams, especially the Red Sox (for good reason). As he aged, golf became his obsession.  He truly loved his extended family at the Reservation Golf Course where he was affectionately nicknamed “the Colonel”. As life became more challenging, Ressie became his “oasis” and he “honest and truly” loved being a part of such a special place.

Survivors include his beloved wife Sachi, his children Paul Maguire and his wife Christa of Mattapoisett, Linda Maguire and her husband Matthew Staples of Colorado, his step-daughter Sally Klaus and her husband Mark of Michigan. As well as his grandchildren, Alyson Maguire, Grayson Staples, Josie Staples, and Brady Maguire; several nieces and nephews including those who were his surrogate siblings, Madeleine, Leslie and Timmy; extended “family” includes James Fagan, Lori Howes, Jimmy Alves, Robert O’Brien and Albert Coelho.   

His visiting hours will be held on Sunday October 20th from 1-5 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Private burial with military honors will take place in the Massachusetts National Cemetery.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.