It is true that many cities and towns face financial constraints born from rising costs for everything from union contracts to janitorial supplies. Town administrators, selectmen, and finance committees struggle to balance needs against revenue. That is no small task, especially for those towns facing declining school enrollments and aging populations. Being able to focus on how the town looks beyond basic grass cutting oftentimes can’t be considered.

            But Marion is lucky. It’s lucky to be located along a coastline creating a border of natural beauty – the sea. It’s also lucky to have a group of like-minded residents who have taken on a special project for the last couple of years – the beautification of Marion.

            The Marion Garden Group (MGG) held its second annual seaside fundraising gala on July 18 at the harborside home of the group’s vice president, Liz Hatch, and her husband, Josiah. In spite of heavy downpours forcing nearly 200 people inside her home, Hatch was smiling and greeting those who purchased tickets.

            “We were very close to selling out,” Hatch shared. With 250 tickets available, the fundraiser certainly brought in a substantial amount of money. “We received generous donations on top of ticket sales,” she said.

            Last year’s fundraiser gave the group sufficient funds to have the Marion “Welcome” sign placed on the grounds of the Captain Hadley house at the intersection of Route 6 and Front Street, as well as plantings at the base that give the exquisitely carved sign a floral skirt.

            But Hatch and her fellow members of MGG looked beyond that one location, finding other intersections in heavy traffic areas that could use a bit of dressing up. The project is Hatch’s brainchild, one born after visiting places such as Tiverton, Rhode Island, Osterville, and Chatham, and seeing what those towns had been able to do with their public spaces along roadways.

            For the last year, the group has continued its work identifying public spaces that could use a bit of help from their friends. MGG has placed urns at the split between Spring Street and Front Street, and at the turn around at the border of Marion and Mattapoisett on Route 6.

            But there is more that can be done, according to Hatch. She believes that the initiative shown by the MGG to spruce up heavy traffic areas will catch on in commercial locations. For now, the group will continue to work with the Marion Department of Public Works to ensure the plants that are in place are cared for, and to help identify new locations.

            Selectman John Waterman was on hand enjoying the party atmosphere and the opportunity to show his support of the hard work the MGG has been doing. He expressed the importance of community fundraising for such projects and said that fundraising would also be used to help with expenses associated with renovations needed for the aging Town House.

            “The Sippican Historical Society has committed a dollar for dollar match up to $500,000,” he said of that undertaking. He said the town hopes to raise $1 million through fundraising and will also seek state and federal grant monies. “We’ve hired [Town Planner] Gil Hilaro as a full-time grant writer,” Waterman said, “There’s money available.”

            Also enjoying a bit of the bubbly and a bite was Selectman Norm Hills who said he was impressed with how much the MGG had been able to accomplish in such a short time.

            Selectman Randy Parker rounded out the elected officials attending the event. Parker said, “This is a great accomplishment. We are very fortunate. Anything we can do to support them, we’ll do.”

            Also in attendance and getting a taste of MGG hospitality was Marion’s new town administrator John McGrail and his wife Tarja.

            The wide veranda surrounding the exterior of the home was overflowing with partygoers, while many of them watched a game of “closest to the pin.” Winners received gift certificates from local businesses.

            On the large dining room table were items for the silent auction. Attendees could bid on silver bracelets, floral arrangements, and other items. Of the auction, Hatch commented, ”that generated thousands more [raised].”

            Giving credit where credit is due, Hatch thanked Suzy Taylor, MGG board member and co-chairman; Phyllis Partridge, MGG treasurer and co-chairman; and Kym Lee, MGG member and past president.

            “[Kym Lee] was the benefit’s kitchen director also,” said Hatch said. She also extended her appreciation to “all of the MGG members who supported the event with selfless work, time, and donations.

            “All of the people who attended the event and show how much they care about the initiative, and all the people who supported us by purchasing tickets,” said Hatch. ”Every dollars counts and will be applied to our continued beautification efforts.”

By Marilou Newell

What is a tradition? Something that is handed down generation after generation, a practice, a belief, or in the case of Mattapoisett this weekend, an event. And nothing in Mattapoisett speaks louder about tradition than the annual Harbor Days fundraiser held by the Lions Club at the iconic Shipyard Park. Coupled with the history of the Lions Club creating community events with their goal of supporting eye research – it’s truly a winning combination.

            Leading up to the actual raising of the tents is the triathlon, a competition of grit, strength, and just being able to say, “I did it!” The swim-cycle-run challenge creates triumphant waves through the village streets and heralds the beginning of a week’s worth of community fun.

            Under the big tent erected in the park were paint night activities, opportunities to shop from direct marketeers, and let’s not forget the food – lots of food, a Taste of the Town. There was an ocean of good things to eat sponsored by local restaurants.

            Musical entertainment ran the gamut from straight up rock-n-roll to old time New Orleans blues, and just about every genre in-between to help wash down the steady waves of food. After all, what is a tradition without local foods?

            The Friday Night Fish Fry has become a tradition unto itself. Ken and Liz Ackerman of Oxford Creamery, the event sponsors, cut and fried 175 pounds of codfish and pounds more of golden French fries as mouths watered in anticipation of the perennial treat. And don’t forget the strawberry shortcake, of which boatloads were consumed.

            The kitchen was open most of the time feeding hungry festival-goers hot dogs, hamburgers, and, of course, caciola sandwiches served up by Lions whose commitment to raise money for eye research drives them forward through temperatures bordering on downright dangerous. It was a week of traditional summertime weather events, low temps, high temps, severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, wind, and searing heat. When the Center School Clock tower chimed 9:00 am on Saturday morning, temperatures were registering 98 degrees, and, still, the party atmosphere down at the wharves continued.

            Mattapoisett has a deep history of volunteerism. That was on full display with many volunteer organizations nestled between booths with colorful stuffed seahorse toys, expertly crafted furniture, essential oils, and even popcorn. There was the William Mee Sail Program, Mattapoisett Land Trust, Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path, Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, American Legion Post 280, and the stars of the show, the Lions Club. Also present raising the awareness of a local program serving special needs through riding programs was Helping Hands and Hooves, whose hair braiding delighted many a child. Mattapoisett’s own Historical Museum had a booth highlighting some of the publications and maps they have produced as they invited attendees to visit the museum and take in the latest exhibit Inspiration: Time & Texture, featuring works of art by local artisans.

            Mattapoisett’s Fire Department Association had a booth displaying fire safety for children and another tent set up as a cool misting station that was appreciated by all.

            The extreme heat on Saturday did cause the cancelation of the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s pony rides in Munro Preserve, but the MLT team was ready for any children interested in free face painting. 

            Freeman Bauer was there, steadfast in his efforts to bring a dog park to Mattapoisett. Although he remains unaffiliated with any organized group, this one-man campaign remains focused. He has found support for the last several years at Harbor Days and with his August event, the Doggy-Walkathon.

            Over at the American Legion table, poppies were being passed out for any donation received. Here, history is the cornerstone for everything the organization takes on, whether it’s Memorial Day celebrations or engaging returning servicemen and women. Legion member and Tri-Town Veterans Agent Barry Denham said that funds raised would be used to support renovations at the Legion Hall located on Depot Street. He pointed out that Post 280 was the only post named after a woman, Florence Eastman, an Army nurse who lost her life providing health care to soldiers stricken by the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic that killed scores of people. She is buried at Pine Island Cemetery. The post is celebrating its 100^thanniversary this year – now that’s history.

            Denham elaborated that when the Lions lost their fundraiser, an October haunted house, an art show was started and held in the Congregational Church.

            “It was an instant success,” Denham said. And he added that each year it is, in fact, “hot.”

            From that small concept and over time, Harbor Days has grown to become a must-see event for families and friends.

            While Saturday afternoon might have been a bit slow around the booths, by the evening people had rallied, making it a good night to enjoy a lobster dinner by the sea. Lions Club member Bob Haley reported that about 200 lobster dinners were sold and enjoyed, of course.

            The women serving ice-cold lemonade shared their thoughts on how Harbor Days began. Those women were Katherine Renzi and her friend, Meg Goulart, carrying on their grandmothers’ tradition. Ronni King and Kathleen “Sis” Renzi were friends, and their husbands Clayton King and Mickey Renzi were Lions. Goulart and Renzi said that those Lions Club members, along with Arthur Blackburn and Bruce Rocha Sr., conceived the event. With their husbands involved in organizing the event, Ronni and Sis started the lemonade stand, which has become a fixture everyone looks forward to.

            While enjoying the event, you could overhear people greeting one another as they met once again in the lanes that separated the craft booths. Grandmothers were telling little ones, “I used to come here when I was your age.” Families gathered under the big tent enjoying seafood and strawberry shortcake or pancakes on Sunday morning, along with the unadulterated joy of being together. Generations were walking together, talking together, or simply enjoying the music as children cavorted. It is an event in a place that brings people together; it is a tradition that is going strong with history that continues to be written in hearts and minds. It was another successful year. 

            To learn more about the Mattapoisett Lions Club and their mission visit www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org.

By Marilou Newell