Parks Seek Doubled Budget

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Rochester’s Park Commission on August 21 focused its discussion on needing a bigger budget for FY26.

            Commission Chair David Sylvia said the board hasn’t had a budget increase since he began serving on the board 21 years ago. Its annual allotment is $25,000 for expenses and another $7,000 for salaries. He said the department will likely exhaust its salary account by November due to a part-time employee, an Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School student who is currently maintaining the town’s athletic fields.

            The commissioners concluded they will ask for funding increases as high as double current levels when the next budget cycle rolls around, early next year. As examples of the dilemmas they face, commission member Kenneth Ross said fencing around the athletic fields needs replacing every year. Sylvia said the commission cut back on fertilizer for the fields’ grounds in 2025 to use the funds on other important projects. That cut shaved from the budget $2,000-3,000 for a single application, but the commission said it’s a move that should not be repeated.

            The commission cannot keep cutting back on fertilizer every year, member Nathan Reece said. “Rochester people don’t want their fields to turn into a dust bowl,” he said. The commission needs to update its budget to make it realistic, he noted, as the cost of everything keeps going up.

            The commission agreed to seek some kind of budget increase based on exact calculations of what extra funding they need.

            The commission did not set up its next meeting before adjourning.

Rochester Park Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Academic Achievements

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The University of Rhode Island celebrated its newest alumni during the University’s 2025 Commencement on May 16-18, 2025, including:

            –Andrew Coucci of Mattapoisett, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Finance.

            –Mariana Ditata of Rochester, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences.

            –Quintin Palmer of Marion, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology.

            –Mason Tucker of Marion, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music.

South Coast Chamber Music Series

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The South Coast Chamber Music Series offers a Place to Pause. When life moves too fast and the world feels loud, we all need a place to pause. The South Coast Chamber Music Series returns this fall with five weekends of transformative musical storytelling designed to help you slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect – with yourself, with others, and with the beauty around you.

            From soulful string quartets to joyful piano quintets, this season invites you on a journey through soundscapes that stir the spirit and quiet the mind. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, healing, or just a moment to exhale, there’s space for you here.

            Under the inspired direction of pianist and Artistic Director Janice Weber, the 2025–2026 season is a vibrant mix of the familiar and the unexpected – featuring beloved classics, boundary-pushing works by contemporary composers, and rare gems that surprise and delight.

            Five unforgettable concerts. One intention: to leave you changed.

            Rach ‘n Soul – October 4 and October 5 – Begin in breath, end in brilliance. From Reena Esmail’s meditative Saans to Rachmaninoff’s heart-pounding cello sonata, this program is pure catharsis.

            Quintessentials – November 22 and November 23 – Grace, warmth, and a whole lot of joy. Hear Louise Farrenc’s rarely performed piano quintet paired with Schubert’s “Trout” – a match made in musical heaven.

            Winter Fire – January 31 and February 1 – Melt the midwinter chill with fiery string quartets and Mendelssohn’s soaring piano trio. Music to spark your spirit.

            Story Time – March 28 and March 29 – Let every note tell a tale. From Appalachian traditions to Middle Eastern laments, these works bring global stories to your ears – and your heart.

            Forursomes – May 2 and May 3 – Four voices. Infinite emotion. This season finale delivers serenity and storm alike, with music by Brahms, Roustom, and more.

            Concerts take place Saturdays at 3:00 pm at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion and Sundays at 3:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in South Dartmouth. Tickets: Individual concerts: $35 (advanced purchase required), Season subscription: $140 for all five concerts (save 20%. Available through October 3)

            To reserve your seat and find your moment of stillness, visit nbsymphony.org or call 508-999-6276 ext. 222.

            The South Coast Chamber Music Series (SCCMS) was formed to present superior chamber music for the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts. SCCMS held its first subscription series concert on October 20, 2001. Since then, we have performed composers from Bach, Brahms, and Ravel to present-day masters Takemitsu and Piston. Each program presents an engaging array of styles, timbres, and artists in lively acoustic environments in Marion and South Dartmouth. We joined forces with the NBSO in 2014, giving both organizations an opportunity to expand in all directions – more concerts, more musicians, and more music – and are thrilled to connect with our loyal and growing audience.

Welcome Home

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On Sunday, September 7 at 10 am the Mattapoisett Congregational Church will hold its annual homecoming in the sanctuary at 27 Church Street in Mattapoisett. Everyone in the tri-town area is invited to celebrate with us in worship with a Blessing of the Backpacks for students returning to school (children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to church).

            Traditionally, representatives from the police and fire departments are recognized for their caring service to the people of Mattapoisett. Following worship at 10 am, there will be games for the children, registration for Sunday School and ice cream on the lawn. There will be fun and fellowship for all.

            Please join us at 10:00 am; we look forward to meeting you. Contact the church office with any questions at 508-758-2671 or mattcongchurch@gmail.com.

Fun Volunteer Opportunity

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By becoming a”Hospital Caring Clown” with The Smile Factory Clowns, located at 88 Hatch Street, Suite 213, in New Bedford you can have fun volunteering in our three local hospitals; St. Lukes, Charlton Memorial and Tobey Hospitals. Classes are Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm for 10 weeks. They begin on September 16 with graduation in November/December. Each class is $20, which covers items given out. Our students are from our Marion, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven, and surrounding communities. Come have fun and experience the heartfelt touch your clown journey can have on your heart and others. Classes are taught by multi award winning clown of over 35 years, Elaine “Daisy D.Dots” Vercellone. Please e-mail: thesmilefactoryclowns@gmail.com or call: 201-388-0225 to find out more or reserve your spot. Only 6 Class spots remain for this class session. Come have fun with us!

Farm Stand’s Withdrawal Lacks Closure

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Michael King’s variance petition case 1563 involving King’s right to use 84 North Street as a farmstand came to an end on August 21. King, through his attorney James Marsh, asked for a withdrawal without prejudice which was granted by the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals.

            King’s long journey to get a definitive ruling from the Building Department seemed to take a number of twists and turns, not the least of which was King’s assertion that Mattapoisett is a right-to-farm community and that the farmstand is covered by the Dover Amendment which grants farmers certain rights over and above local zoning ordinances, and that the property in question had a history as a farm.

            After a number of meetings including not only the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Board, which subsequently approved his requested site-plan review, King withdrew his petition. However, that withdrawal did not include a discontinuation of what he referred to as “self-serve” operation for the sale of meats, fruits and vegetables. His ability to sell products from the stand was not challenged by the ZBA.

            The board members were in agreement that a withdrawal could be granted; the case was quickly opened and closed, leaving abutters wondering if they could voice their objections. That was not to be the case. Chairman Susan Akin said, “This goes someplace else now,” although where was not noted. She said, “We don’t deal with this any longer.”

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said in a follow-up that, although the ZBA noted the Select Board is now a likely route to a conclusion in this matter, that is not actually the case. He said the Building Department is the authority over this matter.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 6:00 pm at Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Marilou Newell

Do You Need Electrolyte or “Performance” Drinks?

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One of my favorite cartoons showed two young men walking off the basketball court, one saying, “I am bushed; I must be really low in electrolytes;” Response: “yes, we really need some electrolytes right away. “ First man: “What are electrolytes?”

            Electrolytes are minerals, predominantly sodium, potassium and calcium in the human body, that both circulate in the blood and are inside our cells, that regulate our fluid balance. The body tightly regulates the levels of electrolytes under most conditions.

            You lose electrolytes, predominantly sodium, along with water when you sweat. If you lose enough, you become dehydrated and can suffer low blood pressure and feel faint.

            Under most circumstances, drinking water is all you need to balance the fluid loss from heavy exercise and sweating. Rarely, if you are doing an endurance exercise such as running a marathon, particularly in hot weather, and are drinking large amounts of water, you can dilute down your serum sodium to dangerous levels. There have even been deaths.

            Dozens of “sports drinks” promise to replace your electrolytes and improve your athletic performance. Most also contain lots of sugar, though sugar-free varieties are available.

            Do you need these? Almost certainly not. For most sports activities, simply drinking water is fine. Remember that you also get electrolytes in your food. Bananas are rich in potassium; dairy products are rich in calcium and many foods contain sodium.

            If there is anything useful in these drinks, it is more likely the sugar, which will give you quick energy for exercise. The amount of electrolytes they contain is generally modest and will not have an impact on your performance or health.

            There have been recorded cases of toxins such as arsenic in these commercial sports drinks.

            So, save your money. Carry a water bottle when you exercise in warm conditions and have a few pretzels when you get home.

            Another product of which to be wary are the “energy drinks” and “energy shots” such as Monster, Red Bull, Celsius and Rock Star. These contain large amounts of caffeine and are often consumed by people who should get off the road or put away their books and sleep rather than force themselves to stay awake. These can cause serious heart problems and are best avoided by most of us, particularly young people.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Mattapoisett Yacht Club Race Results

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Tuesday Night Ensign Races. August 19 – Uncle Fester Wins the Night beating Odyssey in a tie breaker for first, placing 4th and 1st in the two races. Odyssey placed 1st and 4th. The next four boats all tied with 8 points, with Hamburglar winning the tie breaker for third place for the night with a sixth and second place finish. Black Ice scored a second and sixth, Brass Monkey finished with a fifth and third, and Brou Ha Ha with a third and fifth. Recess placed seventh in the first race and a DNF in the second. Odyssey still leads in the series standings by 1 point over Black Ice but as you can see anything can happen with only one week left.

            The ORR Bulldog sailors were also out racing Tuesday night with 5 very competitive teams

            Wednesday PHRF Races. August 20 – With stormy weather throughout the night the sailors braved the wind and rain. Restless pulled off an 8 second victory over No Quarter Given in Class A. Surprise finished 3rd and Coconuts placed 4th.

            In Class B Lindisfarne continues their winning ways followed by Kinsail and Fir Na Tine.

In the Series standings, Restless holds a one point lead over NQG in Class A and Lindisfarne holds a more comfortable four point lead over Kinsail and Fir Na Tine in Class B.

            Next week is a pizza night celebration on Wednesday for all the racers under the MYC tent after the races.

Mattapoisett Community Readers Program

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Now that the summer reading program at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library has finished, the staff of the Children’s room would like to thank all those who contributed to a very successful program. Our Community Readers were outstanding. Thanks to Liz and Ken for not only reading on the lawn, but for giving out tasty treats. Isaac Perry, our harbormaster, read to us at the gazebo and had the harbor boat and the fire boat on the float so that we could go aboard and take a tour. Holyn and Lexi came to read to us during the early evening hours. That Lexi is always a big hit. And our firefighters brought down the new ladder truck to show off. Some pretty fancy firefighting skills were demonstrated and taught to our young readers. We didn’t know we were having a contest, but the fire department have declared themselves the winners.

            We have not forgotten our police department; three officers came and read to us during the school year, so were not included in the “contest.”

            Greta Anderson, our elementary art teacher, came up from Rhode Island to start off our Chalk the Walk week. I hope you got a chance to enjoy her scary sea serpent and sunken pirate ship along with all the beautiful drawings of the children. You might have even gotten a chance to try out one of the two hop scotches that our patrons drew.

            A special book pertaining to each reader has been purchased and will be dedicated to them and then added to our collection in their honor.

            We have begun a list of potential readers for next summer. If you know of someone that you think should be included, please let us know. There is no prize, cash or other, awarded.

Early Life History of The Humpback Whale

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On October 10 the Marion Natural History Museum will be hosting “Early life history of the humpback whale” at 6:30 pm at the museum. Humpback whale mothers give birth in the Caribbean and travel with their babies to New England waters to feed each summer. This talk will dive into the world of young calves and juveniles of Humpback whales. Associate Professor Kathryn Kavanaugh and doctoral student Eman Khwaja will share some recent research on humpback whale behavior. They study the reproductive and developmental biology of vertebrates including whales. They will share current studies of the humpback whale population – in particular related to maternal care and life history. The museum is located in the building we share with the library, 8 Spring Street, Marion, second floor. Please register in advance at www.marionmuseum.org.