ORR Spikers Have Midseason Momentum

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            Old Rochester’s girls volleyball team played at Somerset Berkley (6-3) on September 24, and won 3-0 by set scores of 25-20, 25-17, and 25-11. Carly Mello was 15-for-16 at the service line and was named the player of the game. Maya Morrison recorded 24 assists and 5 aces, and Kate Rodrigues recorded 14 digs. Molly Franco and Erin Root each recorded 7 assists. The Bulldogs took a 9-1 record in Wednesday’s match against Fairhaven (7-2).

Field Hockey

            The Bulldogs played at Dighton-Rehoboth (1-6) on September 23, and won 3-0. Morgan LeBlanc was named the player of the game, scoring all 3 goals. Old Rochester is now 7-1, and the Bulldogs’ next game will be at Somerset Berkley (6-1) on Thursday, October 2.

Football

            Old Rochester gave unbeaten Dartmouth a fight in the Bulldogs’ home opener on September 26, but a 33-21 loss to the visiting Indians (4-0) has the Bulldogs (0-4) regrouping as they head into the bye week.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

Shrinking the MAB?

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The Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met on Thursday, September 25 for further discussions on the town’s Waterfront Management Plan and on work at Long Wharf.

            Initially, Chairman Carlos G. DeSousa stated he and the board should review recordings of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission’s prior meeting from September 22 as it pertains to the Management Plan and general harbor water flow.

            For the Waterfront Management Plan, the board went over comments from the Harbormaster office. In agreement with comments received, Chair DeSousa stated there would be no expansion of the mooring area near Ned’s Point. Other comments primarily focused on wording changes and grammar corrections. The chair explained the Management Plan still requires two weeks of public review and approval by the Select Board.

            Changing topics, Chair DeSousa said “I’ve been thinking about this for a while now,” referring to a possible reduction in the member amount for the Marine Advisory Board (MAB). The reasoning for this, he explained, would be to lower the number of people needed for a quorum. He stated two members have resigned recently, Mike Costa and Will Langlois. The chair would like five full members (instead of seven) and two alternates. He also added, “not long ago, we had nine members and three alternates.” Further discussion on the subject will necessarily involve the Select Board, which will have the determining say in any decision.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is scheduled for Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 16 Main Street.

Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board

By Sam Bishop

Finding Solace in Nature

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            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 untenable and unfair becomes decidedly something you can bear, spurred on by the sunshine and the sounds of nature – which have inherent healing powers. My preferred “sit spot” is an alfresco sofa on a patio with a view of the garden, a small fishpond, and a glorious tree known colloquially as a “Seven Sons Tree.”

            My late friend, the horticulturist Allen C. Haskell, recommended planting this stunning tree as a focal point in our front garden. Its proper name is Heptacodium miconioides and it is noted for its clusters of seven flower buds, fragrant white flowers and peeling tan bark. It is native to China, specifically the mountains of Hubei Province where it is considered rare and vulnerable to extinction. Thanks to the British plant collector Ernest Wilson, it was introduced to Western horticulture in 1907 and later became more widely available in the United States through seeds sent from the Arnold Arboretum in the early 1980s.

            In the fall, the quietude of this spot beneath the Seven Sons vanishes with the arrival of the bees. Before you see them, you hear them; loud and insistent, their drone is at a fever pitch now. Unlike most flowering trees that bloom in spring, this one saves up the show for autumn and the bees – honey bees and bumble bees – make their pilgrimage in full frenzied ecstasy.

            It’s sensational to lie beneath this mountainous white canopy fully enveloped by the scene. Gazing up you can see their tiny bodies move in arc-like patterns with the precision and dexterity of trapeze artists. They dive into the frothy effervescence of flora, and quickly resurface, moving from bloom to bloom methodically. Watching them has become an annual event here and as a beekeeper it makes me feel very connected.

            Getting a close look at the bees you will see them gathering pollen, storing it in combs on their hind legs. When full, these leg sacs resemble cowboy chaps. The insects’ subtle movements send a show of white blossoms down on the seats and table below. The dispensed petals land ever so lightly on the brick terrace and plants below – collecting in the groove between hosta stem and leaf-like foam. It’s as soft and quiet as the falling snow it foreshadows. The scene is suggestive of the confetti tossed by well-wishers at a wedding… a happy mess. I sweep it away, but it continues to fall, so the surfaces are reglazed again, with the bees’ agitations. It’s a lovely sight – and when the show is finally over after weeks of the bee delirium, the tree reveals vivid red, fan-shaped bracts, which give the appearance of it blooming anew.

            And so it happens… The last sail. The final plunge into the sea. Shortening daylight. And so many other “endings.” Astonishing how it all happens so suddenly. We’re never prepared for it.

            Do you remember those childhood summers when the days seemed to stretch on forever? One-two-three redlight! We’d play until dusk, until our mothers called us home. But the game never really ended – it waited for us, ready to begin again the next evening. We didn’t think in terms of time back then. Each day blended into the next – we didn’t have to check off or hoard the experience. We’d happily chase the summer’s fireflies, creatures as elusive and fleeting as summer itself. You cannot bottle either after all.

            Not to sound lugubrious. But we all admit that the summer, even with its hot, humid, harried days is the season of life let loose. It’s the main attraction, the one season we adults measure and countdown – in an attempt to seize it fully.

            An hour ‘til sunset, an outline of a waxing moon is visible over the tree line, and the smell of fresh mown lawn lingers while the cricket’s steady song continues. By the front lamppost a ruffle of pink roses punctuates the scene. Life in the garden continues. For a moment I’m transported to a June evening. And then a little chill intrudes, proving it’s just a deception after all. You can no more call it back than your own youth. We have arrived into the next season and there is no turning back.

            “The song is ended, But the melody lingers on” – Irving Berlin

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

October Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Our four-week Fall Yoga Series continues on Thursday, October 2 and October 9, at 11:00 am. There will be no yoga on October 16. The class concludes on October 23 at 11:00 am. Stretch, unwind, and relax with a beginner-friendly yoga flow series. This adaptable experience suits all ability levels. Class will be held outside, weather permitting. Please dress accordingly. No registration is required.

            Join local attorney Amy Mello at the library on Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 pm for an introduction to estate planning. Attorney Mello lives in Mattapoisett and enjoys practicing law on the South Coast. She provides a wide variety of professional and comprehensive services to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations. This informative event is free and open to all. No registration required.

            We’re celebrating the spooky season all October long with our Frightfully Fun Film Festival every Tuesday. These free, outdoor movie screenings will be held on the library’s lawn, weather permitting. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and spooky spirit as we welcome Boris Karloff’s 1931 classic “Frankenstein” back to the big screen on October 7 at 6:00 pm. All ages welcome – no registration required.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, at 6 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends are still accepting jewelry donations. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk by November 16. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            Our Frightfully Fun Film Festival resumes on Tuesday, October 14 at 6:00 pm with the 1968 Family Comedy “Blackbeard’s Ghost.” The fun continues on Tuesday, October 21 at 6:00 pm, with the 1966 Comedy-Horror film “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.” Feel free to come early and get comfortable on the library’s lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs—weather permitting—no registration required.

            We’re hosting a free poetry event, featuring local and area poets, on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 pm in the library’s large meeting room. All are welcome to join us for light refreshments and a joyous celebration of the written and spoken word – no registration necessary.

            Join us for our Board Game Club’s first meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:00 pm. Our first game is “Trekking the National Parks,” a friendly competition featuring North American National Parks. Camp at parks, collect stones, and earn the most victory points to win. This game is recommended for two to five players. Space is limited. Register on the library’s website to save your spot. *Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to review the rules if you’ve never played before.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month in the Marine Room. The next meeting is scheduled for October 22 at 6:00 pm. We will discuss The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides. New members are always welcome. No registration required.

            The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library are hosting their next book sale on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the library’s meeting room. All proceeds from the event benefit library programs and activities. Please stop by and check it out. Book donations can be dropped off at the library the week of the sale, starting October 21.

            Our Frightfully Fun Film Festival Finale takes place in the large meeting room on Tuesday, October 28, at 5:30 pm, featuring live music by Jeff Rapis. Long before Andrew Lloyd Webber created the hit stage musical, the 1925 silent film adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera,” starring Lon Chaney, helped place ‘Phantom’ firmly in the pantheon of both horror and romance. See it if you dare. No registration required.

            Drop by the library on Tuesday, October 28, at 6:00 pm for the next Sippizine writing group. Bring your favorite writing accessories (e.g., paper, pen, computer) and get ready for the spark as ideas pop up in this creative writing session. No registration required.

            Join us for Estate Planning 101 with Fall River attorney, Jane E. Sullivan, on Wednesday, October 29 at 6 pm for an introduction to organizing your finances, starting a will, and planning your estate. Attorney Sullivan established her own Estate Planning and Elder Law practice in Fall River in 1996 because she recognized the need for prompt, personalized estate planning services. This educational event is free and open to the public; no registration required.

            Please remember that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

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

Sippican Historical Society Autumn Events

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The Sippican Historical Society (SHS) announces its lineup of autumn events. This season’s offerings include engaging lectures, family-friendly activities, and an exhibit that brings new perspectives on Marion’s heritage.

            Kicking off the season on October 10 is the exhibit opening In Her World: the Life and Legacy of Elizabeth Taber at 141 Front Street in Marion from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

            Vintage enthusiasts, book lovers and bargain hunters should swing by SHS the weekend after for its Sidewalk Sale. On Friday, October 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and on October 18 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, you can also find craft inspiration in the boxes of free maps and ephemera.

            Stop by the Sippican Historical Society on Friday, October 31 from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm after the Halloween parade for a bit of candy and culture – no costumes necessary.

            On November 13 at 6:30 pm, award-winning author Lauren Wolk returns to the Marion Music Hall to share her guidance on Writing Without a Map.

            The Sippican Historical Society invites everyone in the community to participate in its events. For more information and to sign up for weekly emails, go to sippicanhistoricalsociety.org.

            About the Sippican Historical Society: The Sippican Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Marion, Massachusetts. Through its collections, exhibits, and public programs, the society works to educate the public and foster an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the Sippican region.

Henry Stopka

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Henry Stopka, 95, of Rochester, passed away on October 3, 2025, at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven.  He was the husband of the late Nancy A. (Lake) Stopka. They were married for 60 years.  He was the son of the late John and Alexandria (Ostrawski) Stopka.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Rochester since 1957.

He began his military service in the U.S. Air Force and was a Korean War Veteran.  He then joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served for 30 years, retiring as a Senior Chief Firefighter. He also served in the Massachusetts National Guard.  

Mr. Stopka worked in civil service at Otis Air Force Base as a firefighter for 26 years.  He also worked for Decas Cranberry Company for many years.   He and his wife were commercial quahog fisherman, a job which he and his wife enjoyed very much.

He was a member of the Tri Town Veteran’s Association, and he enjoyed gardening.  Most of all he loved his family and attending various family events and being surround by his loving family and friends.

Survivors include his children, Stephen Stopka of Middleboro, Deborah Veary and her husband, Kenneth of Rochester, Gary Stopka and his wife Anne Marie of Rochester, and Jennifer Thomas and her companion Dennis Lynch of Fairhaven; 5 grandchildren, Justin Thomas, Ryan, Trevor, Caitlin, and Jethro Stopka; a step granddaughter, Heather McIvor and her husband, Thomas; a great granddaughter, McKenna Thomas; many nephews and nieces. He was the father of the late Jeffrey Stopka.

Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300

Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

What’s Up There?

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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 United Nations and the World Space Week Association (whose board includes Buzz Aldrin, Bill Nye, Tom Hanks, and many others), World Space Week takes place between October 4 and October 10. These two dates are both notable, with October 4 being the 67th anniversary of the launching of Sputnik 1 and October 10 being the 57th anniversary of the signing of the Outer Space Treaty.

            In honor of space week, a supermoon and the Harvest Moon! On October 7, the October full moon, or the “Hunter’s Moon,” will shine bright. This is the first of three “supermoons” this year. The next two full moons this year will also be such. Super is quite an overstatement, as the moon will only seem slightly larger and brighter.

            Also on October 7, the peak of the Draconids Meteor Shower which runs for four short days, October 6 to October 10. It will yield about 10-to-20 meteors per hour. The meteors of this shower originate from the 21P/Giacobini-Zinner comet (first observed by the French astronomer Michel Giacobini in 1900), although the shower itself is named after the Draco constellation, the spot in the sky where meteors most often appear. The supermoon is on the same day, so viewing the meteors won’t be as easy as they would otherwise be.

            There will be a new moon on October 21, should you want to spot anything with darker skies like galaxies, constellations, nebulae, or even the sheen of the Milky Way, if you can get it dark and clear enough. You can also see meteors!

            As opposed to the aforementioned meteor shower, another will peak on October 21. The Orionids Meteor Shower runs from October 2 to November 7, producing about 20 meteors per hour. With there being no glare from the moon, this will be a perfect opportunity.

            There is always plenty to see and many apps, websites, and other resources to aid in identifying. NASA is always great for events (like the meteor shower) and ISS flyovers. Happy and lucky stargazing to you.

Astronomy Update for October

By Sam Bishop

ConCom Appoints Former EPA Member

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            The Marion Conservation Commission, at their September 24 meeting, continued one public hearing, held two others for 5 Main Street and 14 Aucoot Avenue, awarded two Certificates of Compliance to Zora Enterprises, Inc. for work on Olde Meadow Road and Olde Farm Road, and appointed a new member of substantial applicable experience.

            Natalie Burgo was approved as an associate member of the Conservation Commission. Burgo stated she had previously worked for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 10 years, saying she had worked with numerous conservation commissions and was leaving the federal agency at the end of September. Her work has primarily focused on plastic and hazardous waste affecting waterways around the South Coast and Greater Boston.

            The multi-billion-dollar developer Toll Brothers, Inc. requested to continue their Public Hearing for the 48-unit condominium development at 78 Wareham Road (Route 6). The hearing will now take place at the Conservation Commission’s next meeting on October 8.

            First for discussion was two Certificates of Compliance for Zora Enterprises, Inc. for two adjacent properties. The house on the first property had previously been approved in 1985 and revised in 1987. Members of the committee had recently visited the site, with commissioner Shaun Walsh stating, “the house has been there for a number of years” and “seems fine,” though he did mention it encroached on the property line by a few feet. Both Certificates of Compliance were granted by the committee.

            There was a Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent for 5 Main Street by applicant Helm Realty Trust. The hearing was for the proposed addition of a blue stone patio with accompanying landscaping improvements. David Davignon of Schnieder, Davignon & Leone, Inc. spoke on behalf of the applicant. He initially stated, “this project started out bigger when we filed the NOI, and it has shrunk.” Originally, Davignon had said that the proposed staircase was supposed to extend farther to the property’s lower lawn and closer to the water. Now, he says, it would be “a very minor project.”

            Much of the discussion with the commission revolved around leveling the land and grading. Commissioner Walsh questioned how erosion patterns would change, finishing with “make sure that obviously it’s installed properly.” The Public Hearing was closed with no further questioning.

            The next Public Hearing was for an Amended Order of Conditions by applicants Matthew de Groot and Justin Brasington of 14 Aucoot Avenue for the modification of an approved site plan including razing, grading, and reorienting of structures and pool, and tree removal. Rachel Watsky of Watsky Law represented the applicants alongside project engineer Chris Gilbert of Farland Corp.

            Gilbert explained the proposed plan and the new changes in it. Originally proposed was a raised and pile-supported living space above ground-level toward the southern end of the property. The new plans shift the dwelling north, closer to the road. All living space is above the flood zone. For the pool, instead of a bordering fence there would now be a retractable cover. In migrating the house, the current non-FEMA-compliant dwelling would be demolished to make way. Chair Matt Shultz said he had “no issue” with the proposed amendment, and the hearing was closed.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission will be held on Wednesday, October 8 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Hello from Plumb Library

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Let’s look ahead to October. We have some interesting events on the schedule, and we’d love for you to join us. More information and links for registration can be found on our Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com.

            Boards and Cards: Games for Adults. Are you a grown-up gamer? Join us for a social get-together from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday October 11. Bring a game to share or play one provided by our game masters. If you have a special interest in Magic: The Gathering , you should definitely stop by.

            The Dangerous Art of Chainsaw Sculpture: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday October 18. Master Chainsaw Carver Jesse Green will be here to talk about his new book, as well as his 20-year long career as a commissioned artist. View photos, here stories, ask questions. Jesse’s book “Chainsaws, Cheeseburgers, and Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be available for sale and signing. This program is geared toward adults, but all ages are welcome. Registration is required, as space is limited.

            Bead Therapy Workshop with ZMakesBeads: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Monday October 20. Join us for this expressive arts workshop on beading basics. Learn about precious and semi-precious stones, their history in jewelry making, and their healing and grounding qualities. Participants will create beaded pieces to take home. This free workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Adults 18+ only, registration is required and space is limited.

            Board of Trustees Meeting: 6:30 pm Monday October 6. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda is posted on the Town of Rochester’s website.

            Annual Friends Meeting: Want to learn more about the Friends of the Library? Come to the annual meeting at 6:00 pm Thursday October 9. All are welcome. Volunteers and board members needed.

            The Friends of the Library Savers Clothing & Book Drive. Saturday October 11. The Savers truck will be in our parking lot. Just drive up and drop off your bagged clothing, shoes, and soft household goods or boxed books. All items should be in resale condition. Proceeds from this event benefit the Friends of the Library.

            Writer’s Group: 6:30 pm Thursday October 16. New members always welcome, adults 18+ please. Writing prompts are provided, sharing is encouraged, refreshments served.

            Book clubs: The COA Group 1:00 pm Tuesday October 21 at the Council on Aging to discuss “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” by Allison Pataki; Books and Babble 6:30 pm Thursday October 30 at the Library to discuss “Vampires of El Norte” by Isabel Canas. Books are available at the desk.

            Please note: the Library will be closed on Monday October 13 for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day.

            Library hours: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed Sundays and Holidays. Contact us: call 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Want to stay up-to-date on monthly Library happenings? Ask to be added to our Newsletter email list, or check out our Events Calendar, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Fall Family Festival & Touch a Truck

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On October 4 the Old Colony RVTHS PTO will hold its annual Fall Family Festival & Touch a Truck at 476 North Ave in Rochester from 11:00 to 3:00. There will be music by DJ Zavey Entertainment. We will also have the Carabiners Climbing Tower, giant inflatables, the National Guard inflatable obstacle course, laser tag, henna & character artists, reiki & tarot card readings, food trucks, vendors, raffle baskets, bake sale table and more. New this year, cooking demonstrations with professional chefs. Bring the whole family for a wonderful multi-community event.