Upcoming Adult and Teen Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Do you need some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Example topics include basic email assistance or help accessing Libby and Hoopla, the library’s eBook and audiobook platforms. Not sure? Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

            We are excited to start holding FRIYAY T(w)een Time. We invite patrons ages 10-17 to celebrate the end of the week at the Mattapoisett Library. Make crafts, play board games, read, or just chill in the teen space Fridays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

            Join Ms. Miyuki for Ready, Set, Stamp: a DIY fabric printing adventure tailor-made for beginners. It’s a blast, blending creativity with a splash of fun using an array of stamps, including veggies and fruits. This program will be held outdoors, weather permitting, on Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 pm. For adults 18 and up. Registration required.

            Stop by Silent Book Club on Sunday, May 10, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up – no registration required.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 pm in the library reading rooms. Come with friends and family or drop by solo to have some table-top fun. Bring your own games or play some of ours. No registration required.

            Our Fiction Book Club meets on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm. They are reading Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Copies are available at the library. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on May 27 at 6:00 pm. This month’s book is The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Eric Larson. Copies will be available at the library. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Lastly, a reminder that the Children’s Department and Meeting Room is closed due to a complete flooring replacement of the bottom floor. The upstairs areas will remain open as usual, where you can place and pick up holds. We look forward to welcoming you all back starting on June 2.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

Marion Fireworks and Independence Day Parade

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Come together with the Town of Marion as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Kick off the weekend with fireworks at Silvershell Beach at dusk on Friday, July 3.

            Our Independence Day Parade rolls out on Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 am, and we want to see your most creative, patriotic parade entries. Applications are now available. Paper copies are also available at the Marion Town House Annex, 14 Barnabas Road.

            The nationwide organization, Freedom Bells, invites all residents to toll bells together on July 4 at noon. Please join neighboring towns and community organizations as they toll the bells. You can find more information on their website: freedombells.org.

            We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Learn to Play Mah Jongg at the SWC

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If you want to learn Mah Jongg, now’s your chance. Starting Tuesday, May 19, the Sippican Woman’s Club (SWC) will offer free Mah Jongg lessons from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm noon at Handy’s Tavern, 150 Front Street, for three consecutive weeks. Pre-registration is required for the first eight women who sign-up on our website, SippicanWomansClub.org. You do not have to be a member of SWC to participate but should plan to attend all three classes: May 19, May 26, and June 2.

            The three-week session will teach American Mah Jongg using the National Mah Jongg League official standard hands and rules based on the 2026 card. Find out more on the SWC website.

Studies in Green – the Return to Life

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            Rowing in a whaleboat recently I noticed how the reappearance of the foliage punctuates the shores of Fairhaven with bursts of green accentuating the lovely architecture. My companion noted that if Eskimos can have hundreds (an exaggeration) of words for snow, then green merits the same here in New England. Nodding in agreement, we pulled our oars together past the soothing landscape, now coming to life as spring settles in.

            Other similar “primavera” moments have followed – taking in the bursts of buds on the trees as I drove back from Boston. This drive can be rather boring – especially when your focus is on the cars ahead of you. But seeing the progression of leaf canopy made a potentially mundane drive something festive. Something in the way the light hit the leaves and the contrast of dark and bright moved me. I was driving not along Route 495, but rather, a Corot landscape.

            And then again today riding the bike path and smelling the grass being mowed, I was again reminded of the significance of green. These are notable spring moments for me as the return of green always carries with it hope and renewal. One could argue that the color green has actual synesthesia-like qualities – the senses get sort of crossed – you can see it, taste it, smell it and feel it.  The regeneration of greenery has a powerful impact – a pull that takes us forward as well as to the past when we spent our childhood outdoors on green lawns. The return of green always brings comfort, even a euphoric feeling.

            There are innumerable shades of green ushered in by spring. Perky jungle green ferns; avocado green fig, subdued army blanket moss; teal-tinged pine; deep dramatic leaves of acanthus; chartreuse lady’s mantle and of course everyone’s favorite the green of summer grass. I don’t have to stray from my garden to find these welcomers of the growing season.

            “To be a gardener in a temperate climate is to be immersed in a world of greens — the rich dark green of yew, the yellowish green of young euphorbias, the soft green of young beech leaves, the glistening blackish green of laurel, the brownish green of unfurling ferns, and the intense bright green of springy new turf,” writes Susan Chivers in Planting for Color, in the Horticulture Gardener’s Guide. “Green soothes and calms and acts as a foil for every other color in the garden. It also provides a vital, seamless link between garden and landscape.”

            The author notes that gardens with predominantly green themes can be very striking, as proven in the works of landscapers Piet Oudolf, Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweden, who “make much use of grasses, arranging them in subtle gradations of green.” My gardens have a similar distinction, although it’s not by ascribing to a preference or design. It’s just the way things turn out. Variations in texture and range of color — both green and non-green – keeps the garden interesting.

            Green in common culture is a euphemism for eco-conscious. And many of green’s word associations have positive connotations. Ireland’s “four green fields” or provinces; Gatsby’s green light; the jolly green giant; Fenway’s Green Monster; Anne of Green Gables; Green berets; Sir Gawain’s Green Knight; Shamrock shakes; Kermit the frog’s greenness; green eggs; salsa verde; and let’s not forget green thumb.

            Green is the go sign. Take your shoes off and feel it.

            Federico Garcia Lorca: “Verde que te quiero verde.” (Green, how I love you green.)

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Bulldogs Break First in Tennis Showdown

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Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

            The Old Rochester Regional High School boys tennis team won the battle of the unbeatens on May 1, handing Somerset Berkley (10-1) its first defeat of the season by a narrow, 3-2 margin. The Bulldogs took an astounding 10-0 record into the South Coast Conference rivals’ rematch on Tuesday at ORR. The Bulldogs then visit Apponequet (0-10) on Thursday, May 7, in Lakeville.

Girls Tennis

            ORR’s girls tennis team played at Wareham (4-7) on May 1 and won 5-0. Junior Zadie Goyette won her first varsity singles match, 6-0, and was named the player of the match. The Bulldogs took an 8-0 season record (6-0 SCC) into their match at division rival Somerset Berkley (7-3) on Tuesday, and will host Apponequet (2-7) on Thursday, May 7.

Marion Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession

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The 2026 Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will take place on Monday, May 25 starting at 9:00 am in front of the Music Hall at 164 Front St, Marion. In the event of rain, the event will be relocated to the Multipurpose Room of Sippican Elementary School.

            The event will feature the Sippican School Marching Band led by Director Hannah Moore as well as The Portuguese American Band. The route of the procession is the same as in past years, stepping off from the Music Hall northbound on Front Street, marching 0.6 miles up Front Street to the Veterans’ Memorial at Old Landing. Upon arrival at the Veterans’ Memorial, the Town will pay tribute to our military’s “honored dead” who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

            The ceremony will conclude with members of the Select Board laying a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Technical Sergeant Mandy Givens of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

            Residents are encouraged to attend the remembrances as well as stand along the parade route on Front Street between Cottage Street and Ryder Lane.

At the Interface of Land and Sea: Understanding Salt Marsh Ecology

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After the museum’s quick annual meeting, we will be welcoming Callista Macpherson, Research Assistant with the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Callista will be speaking about her work monitoring some of our salt marshes. The event is on May 15 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please RSVP at www.marionmuseum.org.

            Existing at the interface of land and sea, salt marshes are as vital as they are complex and dynamic. Driven by a number of biological, physical, and chemical processes, understanding what makes up a salt marsh, is not always as clear as understanding the services they provide. Salt marshes support communities from the local to global level by providing critical wildlife habitat, continuous carbon storage, and coastal infrastructure protection. However, salt marshes, and the services they provide, are threatened by legacy impacts and complex modern stressors.

            Join Callista Macpherson from Buzzards Bay Coalition as she discusses what defines a salt marsh and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore them.

ORRSD Receives Best Communities for Music Education Award

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is proud to announce that the Old Rochester Regional School District has been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

            For 27 years, the Best Communities for Music Education has been awarded to districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding efforts to provide music access and education to all students. This is the fourth consecutive year that Old Rochester has received the award.

            “This honor belongs to our entire community, from our dedicated music teachers and talented students to the families and administrators who champion the arts,” said Richard Laprise, general music and band teacher at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. “At ORR, we believe music is an essential part of a well-rounded education, and this award validates our commitment to keeping music vibrant in our schools. Thank you for your continued support in making our district a place where music thrives.”

            Recipients were selected based on a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation and community engagement.

            “Congratulations to all of our music educators and students,” said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner. “Their dedication to the arts is the reason we have been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for four years. We are always proud to see how our students grow as musicians and people during their time at Old Rochester. The encouragement and support they receive from their teachers creates a learning environment where they can thrive.”

            “We are proud to be recognized as a leading district in music education,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Earning this honor four years in a row is a testament to our commitment to supporting a well-rounded education in academics and the arts. We understand the impact music has on our students, and are proud to provide them with a music program that builds confidence, teamwork and resilience.”

Outdoor Water Meters up for Consideration

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            The final article on the warrant for the Marion 2026 Annual Town Meeting is a previously tabled Citizens Petition from November’s Special Town Meeting asking if voters support property owners’ right to install, at their own expense, a secondary meter for outdoor water usage.

            A successful Article 43 may help some homeowners avoid footing Marion’s substantial sewer costs by changing how they are billed. A second water meter for outdoor usage would allow residents to use town water outside and not be billed for putting it through the town’s sewer system.

            The Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 6:00 pm in Sippican School.

            The annual review of the Town Meeting Warrant was held on Wednesday, April 29, with the Marion Select Board and other town representatives in the Marion Music Hall, where they had met the night prior to go over the Harbor Management Plan.

            Articles 1 – 5: Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman kicked off the meeting, explaining the Select Board would be going through each article chronologically and asked those with questions to rise to the podium. Executive Assistant Donna Hemphill began reading though the beginning articles which focus on finance and budget: Article 1 was to pay town officials; Article 2 is the town operating budget for FY27; Article 3 is the operating budget for the Water Enterprise Fund; Article 4 is the operating budget for the Sewer Enterprise Fund; and Article 5 is for the transfer of $25,000 from the Overlay Surplus Account to the Board of Accessors for revaluation of property.

            Articles 6 – 10: Continuing on with budgetary items, Article 6 is the transfer of $15,000 in Free Cash to the Compensated Absence Account for town employees; Article 7 is the transfer of $50,000 in Free Cash to the Facilities Department to complete building maintenance projects; Article 8 is the transfer of $7,675 in Free Cash to the Tree Warden for the emergency removal of diseased and storm-damaged trees; and Article 9 is the transfer of $25,000 in Free Cash to supplement the remaining balance from Article 10 of the 2008 Town Meeting which was for instituting tax-foreclosure proceedings on delinquent real estate parcels. The town administrator then read, with Article 10 being the reallocation of $36,000 originally allocated to Article 14 of the 2024 Town Meeting to be now used by the Department of Public Works for the construction of a water main at Island Wharf.

            Articles 11 – 15: Article 11 is the reallocation of $50,000 originally allocated to Article 9 of the 2022 Town Meeting to be now used by the Department of Public Works for the upgrading of the East and West Wells; Article 12 is the reallocation of $61,000 originally allocated to Article 16 of the 2025 Town Meeting to be now used by the Department of Public Works for the construction of stormwater upgrades to 290 Delano Road; Article 13 is for the transfer of $300,000 in Free Cash to the Department of Public Works for the improvement of public ways; Article 14 is the transfer of $20,000 in Free Cash to the Finance Department to complete the final phase of the Compensation Review; and Article 15 is a list of prioritized capital improvement projects.

            Articles 16 – 20: The town administrator continued, with Article 16 being the transfer of $684,823 from the General Stabilization Fund to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee to fund the deficit of the Gateway Health Trust; Article 17 is the transfer of $75,000 from the School Stabilization Fund to the remaining balance from Article 9 of the 2024 Town Meeting for the purpose of funding out-of-district placement; Article 18 is the transfer of $25,000 to the 175th Anniversary Committee to fund celebrations for the town’s anniversary next year; Article 19 is the transfer of $52,060 to the Information Technology (IT) Department to upgrade the online licensing/permitting system for the town; and Article 20 is an annual article for the transfer of $100,000 in Free Cash to the Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) Liability Trust Fund.

            Articles 21 – 22: Article 21 is the transfer of $2,000 from the Chester A. Vose Fund to the Board of Assessors for the reduction of taxes, and Article 22 is the transfer of $87,069,68 from the DPW Operations Building Construction Fund to the Board of Assessors for the reduction of taxes.          Articles 23 – 30: These articles are to see if the town will vote in favor of recommendations made by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC). Article 23 is to allocate $12,000 from FY27 for the committee’s administrative expenses; Article 24 is for the allocation of $153,702 to meet the requirements of the Community Preservation Act and $346,638 to the Community Preservation Act Budgeted Reserves; Article 25 is the allocation of $146,800 from CPA Undesignated Funds balance and $100,000 from the Historic Preservation Reserves to restore, repair, and stabilize the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on the corner of Front Street and Cottage Street; Article 26 is for the allocation of $22,140 from the Open Space and Recreation reserves to be allocated to renovate the Washburn Park Bathhouse and make it America With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant; Article 27 is the allocation of $22,140 from the Open Space Recreation reserves to renovate the Silvershell Beach Bathhouse and make it ADA compliant; Article 28 is the allocation of $37,600 from CPA Undesignated Funds to Point Road Bike Path design and engineering; Article 29 is the allocation of $79,900 from CPA Undesignated Funds to install Sparrow Hills Trails and Interpretive Signs; and Article 30 is to extend the period for the completion of the Marion Shared-Use-Path Easement Appraisals from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

            Articles 31 – 35: Article 31 is a larger article and is to Amend Chapter 109 (Animal Control) of the Code of Marion to include provisions on feces removal, kennel inspection, kennel licenses, and more; Article 32 is the authorization of imposition of municipal charge liens in tandem with the recently approved Stormwater Management Bylaw; Article 33 will authorize but not require the Select Board to accept grants for easements of street, water, drainage, sewer, and utility purposes; and Article 34 and Article 35 are for the reauthorization of the Recreation Revolving Fund and the Public Health Revolving Fund, respectively.

            Articles 36 – 42: Article 36 is to authorize the Select Board to apply on behalf of the town to state or federal agencies for aid or other funds; Article 37 authorizes the Select Board to defend the town pursuits of law; Article 38 authorizes the Select Board to get rid of surplus; Article 39 authorizes the Select Board to sell or transfer taxation possession property held by the town; and Article 40 authorizes the Select Board to negotiate and enter into lease agreements. Article 41 asks the town to consider reports from town officers and committees; and, finally, Article 42 sets ballots and open positions for the May 15 Town Election.

            Article S1 transfers $219,869.19 of Free Cash to the DPW to pay for expenses associated with the removal of record snow, and Article S2 transfers any remaining balance in the FY26 Group Insurance budget to the General Stabilization Fund.

            Chair Randy Parker of the Select Board put forth a motion to adjourn, which was approved by the board. The Marion 2026 Annual Town Meeting is on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 pm in Sippican School, 16 Spring Street.

Marion Town Meeting Warrant Review

By Sam Bishop

Rochester Memorial Day Boat and Kayak Race

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The Rochester Fire Department will again sponsor the Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race. The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race on the Mattapoisett River will take place on Monday, May 25, starting at 8:30 am at Grandma Hartley’s Reservoir, Snipatuit Road, in Rochester and finishing at the Mattapoisett Herring Weir at River RD and Route 6.

            A Kayak Division will again be included in the race this year. Basic guidelines for the division are: minimum age 18, single person kayak that the contestant can sit inside of the cockpit, contestant must wear an approved USCG personal flotation device for the entire race, and there will be a $10 entry fee. See the rules document for all information pertaining to the kayak division.

            For the Mattapoisett River Racer (MRR) boats, the minimum age for contestants is seven years old on Memorial Day. There will be two persons to a boat. The boat must be a homemade river racer design of any material you choose. There are no limitations or restrictions on types of paddles.

            Divisions include the kayak division and the MRR open/men’s, women’s, junior boys, junior girls, co-ed and parent/child divisions. Junior division teams are both contestants under 14 years old. Parent/child is for a parent with his/her child (child under 14 years old) or an adult (25 or older) with a child (child under 14 years old). Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in each division.

            A boat building seminar will not be held this year, but free plans are available for the asking. Contact Art, (artbenner@comcast.net) or Bill (watlingw@gmail.com). We can put you in touch with experienced MRR boat builders that can answer your questions and offer tips, tricks and considerations for building the boat.

            Pre-Registration Is Required. Only one registration session will be held at the Rochester Council on Aging (RCOA) Senior Center, 67 Dexter’s LN Friday, May 15, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Starting positions will be assigned or drawn after the registration closes. A signed registration form must be submitted by each contestant for a team to be eligible for a starting position. Registration forms and rules may be obtained at Lloyd’s Market, at Art’s house, 319 Cushman RD or at the registration session or email Art (artbenner@comcast.net) and request the rules and registration form.

            You may deliver the completed forms to 319 Cushman Road, or, you may return the forms by email but you must bring the original, signed forms, to the registration session, or, you may return them by regular mail (USPS). If returned by email or USPS mail, you’ll get acknowledgment that they were received. If you don’t get a reply from Art, assume the forms were not received and hand deliver a set. Registration forms must be in the Committee’s hands by Friday, May 15, 8:00 pm in order for last year’s teams to be assigned a starting position based on last year’s finish position or for new teams to draw a starting position for this year. Kayak division contestants will draw starting positions after the MRRs.

            The traditional Ham and Bean Supper will take place at the RCOA, Senior Center at, 67 Dexter’s LN, Saturday, May 23, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Supper tickets may be purchased at the door.

There will be raffles for each of two carbon fiber racing paddles made by Bill Watling III. There will be a silent auction for two additional carbon fiber paddles. Also, a red, white and blue afghan made by Cecelia Hall will be raffled. Tickets for the raffles will be sold at the registration session and at the Ham & Bean supper. The winners will be drawn at the supper.

            For further information contact Boat Race Chairman, Arthur F. Benner, 508-763-2024 or email; artbenner@comcast.net. Visit Facebook, “Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race” for any changes or updates.