Quahog Book Award Returns

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On Tuesday, January 9, the much-anticipated Quahog Book Award is back at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, inviting students in grades 3 to 6 to embark on a literary adventure. This annual award aims to cultivate a love for quality literature among youth by empowering them to choose their favorite book from curated lists consisting of five nominated titles.

            Students interested in participating are welcome to register by visiting the children’s room of the library between now and March 3. During the course of the program, the library will host a range of events specifically for Quahog readers, offer weekly beads, opportunities to participate in raffles and, of course, provide the delight of delving into exceptional books. To celebrate, a pizza party will be held at the end of the program. This festive gathering will serve as the platform for announcing the winning books and applauding the readers for their enthusiasm and dedication.

            Students from Mattapoisett and all surrounding communities are welcome to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org or by calling the library. You can find more information about the Quahog Book Award on our website, MattapoisettLibrary.org.

McIntyre’s Emotive Art

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The town of Mattapoisett is home to a number of visual artists whose works are truly outstanding. And now the Mattapoisett Free Public Library is exhibiting a retrospective of stunningly emotive quality from the hand and the mind of Chuck McIntyre.

            On view now through January 31, the 20-plus paintings capture a vast range of human emotions. The artist is keen to share how his thoughts merge or separate, collide or embrace through the use of fully saturated colors.

            One finds the depth of McIntyre’s soul. His use of color emphasizes the emotion being depicted along with the Muppet-like faces on some pieces. Scaling the heights of joy or lows of depression, we find McIntyre’s compassion for people, especially those who may be conflicted or lonely.

            And there are messages: “My paintings tell stories.” McIntyre explained that one piece was like shattered glass with each shard a part of his personality, while others are his family portraits, one that includes his grandfather who has since passed away. “That was the last time we were together.”

            After listening to McIntyre describe his work as surreal abstract, we found ourselves drawing a line between this New Englander’s style and Frida Kahlo with a dash of Salvador Dali. Regardless of what style it is, McIntyre’s painting causes you to stop and take notice.

            Take notice of the messages of friendship and love. Take notice of the messages of empowerment, determination, excitement and happiness. Take notice of self-deprecation, fear, anger, sadness and then ultimately success and joy. Take notice of the human need for expression and, yes, acceptance.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

By Marilou Newell

Additional Trap Rock Spurs New Filing

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            What was thought to be a simple, two-lot subdivision at 14 Snow Fields Road returned to the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission on January 2 as a new Notice of Intent filing.

            The property in question is owned by Dennis Arsenault, and the latest filing, a Notice of Intent, is for work done beyond the approved limits.

            Representing Arsenault was David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc. Davignon said that some 700 square feet of trap rock had been added to the edging along an extended driveway. With this change, he explained that the state Department of Environmental Protection would only issue a partial Certificate of Compliance. Davignon asked that an after-the-fact Order of Conditions be issued for the placement of additional trap rock. The commissioners had no issue with the request.

            With this in place and in the absence of the commission’s decision being appealed, Arsenault can return for a Certificate of Compliance.

            In other business, the commission approved a new septic system design for 18 Shore Drive. Evelio Suarez, owner, filed the Request for Determination of Applicability.

            New Notice of Intent filings all represented by Davignon were quickly approved. They were: Robert and Carol Hall, 17 High View Avenue, for the construction of a standalone, two-story garage; Arthur Harris Alden III, Aucoot Road, for the construction of a new single-family home; and James and Lisa Tenglin, 124 Aucoot Road, for the construction of a single-family home.

            New RDA’s also represented by Davignon were John and Tricia O’Reilly, 6 Pearl Street, for driveway improvements, and Alexander Bauer, 7 Nashawena Road, for a proposed deck.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Anne Quinlan

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Anne Quinlan, 83, wife, mother, gma, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, left this world peacefully on December 3, 2023. She was surrounded by family and passed away at home after a 2-year journey with cancer.

            She was born to Gerald and Abigail Fitzgerald in March of 1940 in New York. The family moved to Mattapoisett in 1945. Anne graduated high school from Sacred Heart Academy then went on to graduate from Stonehill College where she studied to become a teacher. It was at Stonehill where she met the love of her life, Paul Quinlan, whom she married in 1963. Paul remained her lifelong love even after his death in August of 1992. Together, they had 4 children: Kelly Morten of Forest Park, IL, Scott (Anne) Quinlan of Scottsdale, AZ, Katy (Kornel) Balon of Nokomis, FL and Shannon Quinlan of St. Petersburg, FL. Paul’s job brought the family from Massachusetts to Illinois in 1976. In 2014, she joined her 2 youngest daughters in FL and eventually settled in Venice, FL.

            Anne taught middle school grades at St. Joan of Arc Church in Lisle, IL for 25 years. She stayed busy with endless sewing projects in her work as a seamstress especially during prom and homecoming season for the school kids. She played cards in various bridge groups and maintained many friendships along the way. She returned home to Mattapoisett, MA with her children every summer to reunite with all of her family and extended network of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She gifted her love for Mattapoisett to her children and grandchildren and countless others that visited over the years. “Mattapoisett, it’s Special” and Anne made sure everyone knew it!

            Anne is survived by her her brother, Michael (Anne) Fitzgerald of Mission Viejo, CA, her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul Fitzgerald, her sister, Kathleen Maune, her cousin and best friend, Marylee Barrett and her dear cousin, Miles “Tony” Murray. Anne’s cremated remains will be buried in a private ceremony in Mattapoisett, MA in July of 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Anne’s lifelong church home, St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett, MA.

Beverly A. Briggs (Nickerson)

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Beverly A. Briggs (Nickerson), 91, of Marion, MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on January 3, 2024 after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband Carlton “Carly” F. Briggs. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Edith Nickerson of Marion, MA (formerly of Brockton, MA). Born and raised in Brockton, Beverly spent much of her childhood summering at family homes in both Scituate and later Marion, where she met Carly in her teenage years. Beverly moved to Marion upon marrying Carly in 1952.

            “Bev” as she was known, worked with her husband supporting him however she could after Carly successfully launched C.F. Briggs, Inc. in 1964. Bev busily balanced the various tasks in support of the business while caring for her four children and managing the home. This continued until Carly’s passing in 1977 and the transitioning of the business to son Dale Briggs.

            Being very much a people person, Bev would eventually work at the Marion & Mattapoisett Pharmacy, which she enjoyed immensely. With her fun-loving personality and good listening skills she was loved by both co-workers and customers alike. For leisure activity Bev enjoyed boating, trips to Cuttyhunk, and most importantly time spent with family and friends. She would often meet a few of her many friends for a walk or coffee at Uncle Jon’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. Bev also spent many enjoyable hours gardening and taking care of her yard.

            Bev’s wish was to be able to remain at home throughout the course of her life and recent illness. This was accomplished in large part by her granddaughter Nicole who provided much of the day-to-day care and compassion to have this wish fulfilled.

            Bev is survived by her brother Robert Nickerson and wife Joan of Brockton, sister-in-law June (Briggs) Martin of Middleboro, son Dale Briggs and wife Laura of Marion, daughter Deb Thornhill and husband Dan of Acton, ME, daughter Diane Lynch of Mattapoisett, and son Scott Briggs of Marion.

            Also survived by several grandchildren; Nicole VanDerPol and husband Matt of Marion; Timothy Briggs and fiancé Chas Willis of Rochester; Andrew Fatula of Mattapoisett; Jessica Murphy and husband Adam of Rochester; Jennifer Wilson and husband David of Fairhaven; and Brittany Briggs of New Bedford.

            Several great grandchildren: Alexandra (Lexi), Isabella, Ava and Matthew Jr. VanDerPol; Hailey and Adam Jr. Murphy; Kynlee, Connor and Kendyl Briggs.

            Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

            All are welcome to attend her graveside service at Old Landing Cemetery, Spring St., Marion, on January 19, 2024., 11:00 am.

Jean Garvey

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Jean Garvey, 93, of Andover, died peacefully on Monday, December 25, 2023.

            Born in Dover, NH, daughter of the late Leo and Evelyn (Morin) Garvey, she spent most of her life living in Washington, D.C. After retiring Jean lived in Jefferson, Maine where she built her own house.

            Jean was formerly employed as a linguist for the federal government for many years. She held her pilots license and enjoyed playing the fiddle. Jean liked going out to eat and socializing with others. She loved cats.

            Jean was a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston.

            Survivors include her brother, Richard Garvey and his wife Pat of Rochester; her sisters Susie Garvey of Rochester, Mary McLaughlin of Andover; and a sister-in-law Joan Garvey; and many nieces and nephews.

            She is predeceased by her siblings, Leo, Jr., John, and Patricia.

            A private burial will take place at a later date. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Alan G. Inman

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Alan G. Inman, 82, of Marion, died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at his home unexpectedly.

            Born in Taunton, he was the son of the late Clayton and Lillian (Rogers) Inman. A longtime resident of Marion, Mr. Inman worked as a utility operator for the Town of Marion Water and Sewer Division for many years. He retired in 1999.

            Known to friends and family as “Lanny”, he could be found boating on Buzzards Bay in his vessels, “Leprechaun” and “Bossa Nova”. He took many trips to Red Brook Harbor and the Chart Room. He enjoyed clamming and quahoging so much that his friends and family also called him “Clamming Lanny”.

            Alan was an animal lover and enjoyed cat, “Susie”. He also enjoyed New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and taking trips to Florida to visit family.

            He was the brother of the late Stephen J. Inman and his late wife Virginia Inman.

            Services were private.

            Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Marion Fire Department Recognizes Eversource Employee

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Fire Chief Brian Jackvony and Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman wish to recognize a local Eversource Energy employee who alerted first responders to a carbon monoxide incident on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

            Following a rain and windstorm that caused widespread damage and power outages in eastern Massachusetts, Eversource employee Ed Gonet was working as a damage assessor when he noticed a generator running at a Front Street home that had power.

            Gonet smelled fumes and saw a cord running into the home through an open door. Feeling that something wasn’t right, he called 911.

            Marion firefighters arrived at 9:21 pm and found the occupant was sleeping upstairs. Firefighters measured low levels of carbon monoxide inside the home and determined there was a potential for levels to rise during the night. The generator was shut down and windows and doors were opened to vent the home.

            The resident was evaluated at the scene and declined transport to an area hospital.

            “We are thankful that Mr. Gonet was in the right place at the right time this week and reacted quickly when he felt something wasn’t right,” Chief Jackvony said. “His actions ensured we could respond to and resolve a carbon monoxide incident before it became a tragedy.”

            Added Town Administrator Gorman, “We are grateful for our partnership with Eversource Energy and thank all of their team members, including Mr. Gonet, who work diligently during weather events to evaluate outages and ensure power is restored for our residents quickly and safely.”

            Community members are reminded that a generator should always be placed outdoors facing away from doors, windows and vents. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use a generator safely before an outage. Carbon monoxide alarms should also be installed on every level of the home and tested regularly. If a CO alarm goes off or you suspect CO exposure, get out of the house to get fresh air and immediately call 911.

Sippican Choral

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Come Sing with Sippican Choral This Spring. Rehearsals for our Spring 2024 concert will begin on Monday, January 8, at 7:00 pm, at Wickenden Chapel, 86 Spring Street, Marion. Please note new, earlier start time. Doors open at 6:30 pm, so come early to register and pick up your music envelope. Are you unsure about being able to sing with us? Come anyway! Try us out for two weeks, then decide. Dues of $40.00 are due by the third rehearsal for all singers.

            Our Spring Concert will be held at Wickenden Chapel on Sunday, May 5, at 4:00 pm. Our featured work will be French composer Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem in D Minor, a prayerful lament for the dead, noted for its serene and peaceful outlook – and its sublimely beautiful music. Full program details will be posted on our website at sippicanchoralsociety.org in mid-January.

Big Books, Little Books and Sea Monkeys

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Books are my preferred Christmas gifts, and this year was no different.

            Last year my son gave me a rather large book, nearly 1,000 pages, which is the size of a concrete block and about the same weight. He should have given me a set of barbells along with it because I had to train until Valentine’s Day just to be able to pick it up. I’m kidding, but I am proud to say I have finished about half of it. The type was so small an eagle couldn’t have seen it if he were perched on the back of my recliner. I had to purchase a magnifying glass, which was appropriate since the book was about the FBI.

            This year he gave me a few more books, also big and heavy. (I really must talk to that young man and remind him just how old and infirm I am.) Had he asked, I would have suggested he give me comic books. The rage these days are graphic novels, but they are still comic books to me. They are much thinner and lighter and have fewer words, mostly drawings, which I can more readily relate to.

            They do remind me of the comic books I devoured in my youth. There was a drug store at the corner of Main Street and Route 6 that had a huge magazine section as you came in the back door. I’d sneak in so as not to be noticed and sit there reading all the popular comics until Mr. Lariviere, the owner and pharmacist, spotted me and shooed me away. “Buy one or go home.” he’d scold.

            Off I’d march down Route 6 until I reached Tinkham’s Pharmacy, near the Post Office. It shared the building with a baseball factory, which later became a convenience store and a dry cleaner. The drugstore became the infamous “wind tunnel,” the depository of all town gossip. There are hair and nail salons there now.

            Tinkham’s had an even bigger comic book selection than Lariviere’s. The magazine racks were by the front window, out of view of the pharmacist, so I could sit there all day perusing the pulp pages of Archie Comics, Superman and Captain America. (I might accidentally glance at the Police Gazette, Hollywood Confidential or Modern Romances.)

            The end pages would always have advertisements. One promised you could “create life before your very eyes,” just added water and Walla, “Real Sea Monkeys” which were actually brine shrimp. Another was the Charles Atlas ad that proclaimed “97-lb. weakling becomes the world’s most perfectly developed man” and how “in only fifteen minutes a day, you too can become a real man.” A tempting deal for a skinny, bespectacled kid like me.

            One ad I did fall for was the Art Instruction School’s “Draw Me” contest. Just copy the pirate on the page and you could “win” a scholarship to their correspondence course. I did win and, though the course was free, my folks had to pay for the textbooks. Thankfully they succumbed to my begging, and I am still drawing today. Unlike with college now, the debt has long been paid.

            Alas, comic books took a hit in the late forties and nearly disappeared by the late fifties. Claims that comics corrupted youth, making mush of our minds and turning us all into delinquents spread like wildfire across the country. Town meetings were held, comic books were burned at public rallies. Groups cleaned out drugstore shelves to protect “our youth” from corrupt ideas. Words like indoctrination were bandied about in newspaper editorials.

            There were even Senate Hearings held, and a Comic Book Code was adopted, which resulted in a small stamp appearing on all comic books declaring “Approved by the Comic Code Authority.” By then I was reading Sports Illustrated, which I had to pay for. Comic books were for kids.

I sure wish I had gotten comic books for Christmas.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado