Thoughts on… Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Me

            Just about this time last year, I announced my candidacy for Congress. I hadn’t decided whether to run for the United States House of Representatives or the Senate. I still haven’t but count on me to decide something soon… or later.             I like to weigh these things carefully before I make a decision. […] Read more »

Finding Solace in Nature

            Autumn is here, like an old friend arriving with ease and familiar comfort. Welcome back! Your return gives us much to be thankful for. Empty beaches to roam, comfortable weather and some of the most dazzling colors in nature.             We know the signals – the orange, red, and yellow foliage that begins to […] Read more »

“It’s Alive! It’s Alive!!!”

            This past Tuesday, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library continued their October Frightfully Fun Film Fest. This week was James Whale’s Frankenstein from 1931.             This version of Frankenstein was the first time Victor Frankenstein’s monster was put in a major motion picture. The film, based on a 1927 play of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, […] Read more »

Is Acetaminophen Harmful in Pregnancy?

The short answer to that question is: probably not but we cannot be certain.             Let me beg your indulgence in an explanation about why that is the only honest answer I can give you.             The “gold standard” in assessing the risks and benefits of any medication is the “controlled trial”. In such a […] Read more »

Ethan Allen’s Capture

            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 was busy: Washington attempted to maintain his land claims to nearly 20,000 acres in what would become Ohio; Washington works with Nicholas Cooke to permit merchants in […] Read more »

Finding Solace in Nature

            Mother Nature is a healer. Some of the gladdest moments a person can have are footsteps away – in the outdoors where the vibe is always comforting and consoling. I’ve been doing just that for a few days after a misstep led to a sprained foot that necessitated slowing down.             What initially seems […] Read more »

What’s Up There?

Autumn is here, although it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. The gas giants Saturn and Jupiter will be easily visible this month, though Mars will hang low on the horizon. There are two meteor showers, a supermoon, and increased solar activity, making Aurora Borealis more likely than usual.             With the cooperation of the […] Read more »

Notes, Keys for Clock Tower

On Sunday, September 28, patrons to the “Musical Belles” event held at the First Congressional Church of Marion were treated to a spirited performance by flutist Wendy Rolfe and Pianist Deborah DeWolf Emery.             Rolfe is one of the nation’s leading performers of both historic and modern flutes. Currently, she is a Professor of Flute […] Read more »

Making Fast Work of It

Rochester Memorial School’s solar array is nearing completion. Though it is not online yet, the tall solar canopies are erected over the north parking lot of the school. The Rochester Planning Board, in August, approved a Site Plan Review and Special Permit for construction of the array to take place during the school year.             […] Read more »

ORRHS Receives National Banner Recognition from Special Olympics

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are proud to announce that Special Olympics North America is awarding Old Rochester Regional High School with National Banner recognition for its work to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities.             Old Rochester Regional High School was one of only 17 […] Read more »