Winter: Gardener’s Recovery Mode

            It is hard to get excited about gardening at this time of the year, when everything’s washed out. The view is limited to bare branches, lichen-covered stone walls and firs. The brown/green/gray palette is somber and, although it can move me, it’s just not as stimulating as a June bustin-out-all-over border.             Still, it’s […] Read more »

What’s Up There?

            2026 starts off with a supermoon! On January 3, the full moon is known as the “Old Moon,” and the “Wolf Moon.” It’s also one of three supermoons this year, with the next not being until November. This month also offers good views of Jupiter and Saturn.             The Quadrantids Meteor Shower will peak […] Read more »

A Hectic World; A Productive Tri-Town

            The Year 2025 began with the Mattapoisett Polar Plunge, organized by Keep on Plungin’ and hosted since 2013. It was recently canceled for 2026. Nationally, this year was full of a constant barrage of news and negative press. Though we were not devoid of controversy or disagreement, the whole of the Tri-Town saw great […] Read more »

A Noble Train Across a Frozen Lake

This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, smallpox continued to spread among the Continental Army, beginning to be taken seriously by those in command. Reports out of Boston show a startling reality, as refugees flee […] Read more »

Oh, my Aching Knees

About 20% of Americans 45 and older have osteoarthritis of the knees, a condition which does not kill you, but which decreases your quality of life.             Osteoarthritis, by far the most common form of arthritis, is more than simple “wear and tear.” It does involve wearing away of the cartilage, the smooth “cushions” that […] Read more »

Delights of Christmas Present and Past

In the absence of flowers and leaves, let there be lights! Strung around trees and shrubs, wound around railings and arbors, adding sparkle to this special season.             Lights are the most vibrant part of holiday apparel, filling the dark, empty void and making everything a lot less gloomy. Variations on the theme are as […] Read more »

OHS Fourth-Grader Wins Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Stephanie Wells are pleased to share that Old Hammondtown School fourth-grader Ayda Medeiros was recently selected as a Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket winner.             The ticket earned Old Hammondtown School a $2,000 grant and an additional $500 for Ayda to donate to a charity of her choice.             Ayda, […] Read more »

Illegal Christmas and Ancient Complaints

We all know the classic Christmas stories, generally; or at least we get the gist of them. We know ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Grinch, but here’s a couple interesting Christmas tales you can quiz your family on this Christmas, should you fancy yourself an Alex Trebek.             In the Plymouth colony following […] Read more »

Center School Principal Linda Ashley to Retire at End of School Year

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson announces that Center School Principal Linda Ashley plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year.             The district will begin the search process for the next principal in the coming weeks. Superintendent Nelson will share updates with staff and families as the process moves forward.             Dr. Ashley […] Read more »

(Two Hundred Fifty-) Two Years Since the Boston Tea Party

            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, Colonel Henry Knox reported good progress on his trip to Fort Ticonderoga. He aims to get artillery to relinquish the siege at Boston and has already managed […] Read more »