Understandably, most of us have developed “Covid fatigue.” After what seems like years of warnings and behavior changes, we want to put it all behind us. Unfortunately, while we are tired of the virus, the virus is not tired of us.             The latest variant to appear, JN.1, is much more transmissible that its predecessor […] Read more »

I’m finally getting around to thinking about fulfilling my New Year’s resolution to clean out my bedroom closet. It is one of those chores you plan to do at least once a year but never get around to it. This year I am bound and determined to do so. I know there are many things […] Read more »

Like mother, like daughter, and like daughter again.             This phrase can be applied to the Connolly family of Marion. Barbara Connolly was born in Ireland and was a competitive Irish stepdancer from the age of three. Her daughter Katie followed her footsteps, and now her daughter Emersyn is doing the same.             In fact, […] Read more »

A public input meeting is planned for January 24 at 6:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Fire Station meeting room by the committee that has been tasked with securing public opinions for reuse of the town property known as the Holy Ghost Grounds.             The committee volunteers are Greta Fox (Recreation Department director), Nathan Ketchel (member […] Read more »

While we always look forward to the Marion Art Center’s exhibitions, there is something so necessary for our human condition during winter, that being the Winter Members’ Show (January 13 – February 23.) This show not only gives the member artists a venue to share their works (nearly all available for purchase), but moreover to […] Read more »

            The high point of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) showing its worth came in 1960, when Dr. Frances Kelsey refused to let thalidomide be marketed in the U.S. She prevented the U.S. from experiencing the epidemic of babies born with deformed limbs to mothers who were prescribed the drug for morning sickness in […] Read more »

            January 14is the anniversary of Andy Rooney’s birthday, the late columnist, essayist and reporter. He was best known for his curmudgeonly commentaries on the TV magazine “60 Minutes.” He was a proud veteran and successful writer. In honor of his journalistic legacy, I thought I would write a column he might just like. So, […] Read more »

Author Steven Dahill remembers his grandmother in Mattapoisett threatening to make misbehaving children disappear like the Mary Celeste crew.             The often-uttered threat would later serve as a source of inspiration for Dahill, who became an author and a sailor.             “It’s a story I have heard for a long time,” Dahill said.             Dahill […] Read more »

As children, we played Ring Around the Rosie, ending with “ashes, ashes, we all fall down.” When small children fall down, it is fun. When older adults fall down, it is anything but fun. Over the course of my career, I saw many frail but independent elders fall, breaking a hip, and ending up in […] Read more »

            Of all the things Eddie Gonet could have become after graduating with the 2022 class at Old Rochester Regional High School, a Krokodilo was not on anyone’s radar.             The Fairhaven native who attended ORR on school choice has always been up for a challenge. In high school, he helped start multiple clubs, survived […] Read more »