Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Elizabeth Taber Library is launching our brand-new Makerspace. Marion Makes will launch Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Join us for giveaways, demos, and crafts. Meet our new in-library and circulating crafting equipment including sewing and embroidery machines, paper and laser cutters, and so much more. Become a maker with Marion Makes.

            Celebrate the end of summer reading with Mini Golf from One Up Games on Friday, August 15 between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Rain or shine you can come play 9 holes of glowing golf at the Library.

            Learn all about Disc Golf at a family disc golf clinic presented by the Elizabeth Taber library and the ORR Disc Golf Club, Saturday August 16, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Old Rochester Regional High School. Learn the rules of the game and where you can play, throw some discs and play a round at ORR High School’s new disc golf course. This is an all-ages event.

            Make your own spice blends and explore fruit dehydration at Elizabeth Taber Library’s Cooking Club, Friday, August 22 at 6:00 pm. Call the library to register for this free event.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Town Band

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The Mattapoisett Town Band would like to thank everyone who attended our recent concert, featuring movie music. Our final concert of the season will take place on August 20. This concert will feature a selection of requests received throughout the summer, as well as a few from last year. At this time, we are no longer accepting requests for this concert. However, if you have a request, please message us on our Facebook page, and we will save it for consideration for the following year. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making our 125th season such a success.

Naval Sea Cadet Corps

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Gosnold Division and Training Ship Patriot State of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps are welcoming new applicants to the training program at Mass. Maritime Academy. Young men and women between the ages of 11 and 17 who may be interested in nautical or military opportunities are encouraged to join.

            Scheduled events include an annual Swim Meet, community service, parades, ceremonies, marksmanship training, skills competition weekend at Joint Base Cape Cod and many other activities, as well as annual summer training, nationwide.

            Training is conducted on alternating Saturdays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm at Mass. Maritime Academy. Interested applicants should contact Lt. Cdr. James McLoughlin at 508-759-8606. View us on “Facebook” at Gosnold Division.

Rodeos, Lassos, and Snakeskin Boots

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            Recently, the President of the United States, who’s name you may have forgotten, was seen walking around the roof of the White House. When asked by reporters, shouting from the ground, what he was up to, he said he was finding a way “to spend my money for the American people.”

            Official word is that he was checking out the area where his new grand ballroom is about to be built. The structure is so big, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York suggested the President can house his new, free Saudi gifted plane there. But I digress.

            One pundit, citing the President’s arching hand gestures, surmised he was looking to build a golden dome on the Peoples’ House. After all, he is the self-proclaimed CCO (Chief Construction Officer) of the United States. Who knows? We’ll have to wait and see.

Let’s get onto something more important, shall we pardner?

            The rodeo has come to our neck of the woods. Best you brush up on your cowboy lingo ‘cuzz over yonder in Rochester, the New England Rodeo has hunkered down at the old Rochester Fair Grounds with performances every couple of weekends. Well, butter me and call me a biscuit. If you are lookin’ to have’ a rootin-tootin’ good time, put on your ten-gallon hat and mosey on over real soon, you all. I’m told thar’s buckin’ bronchos, bull ridin’ and rodeo clowns. Yippee-ki-yay!

            I’m not surprised that the rodeo is more popular than ever in our area. Why else would a new western boot store be opening up at the Dartmouth Mall? Before heading to Rochester, you can stop by and pick up a new pair of snakeskin boots or a nice, fringed cowboy shirt, and one for your favorite cowgirl too.

            Up in Boston, the Professional Bull Riders League will be stampeding into the Boston Garden in January. In preparation, 50 trucks will unload 750 tons of genuine dirt on the floor. A half ton of bull… that doesn’t sound right… one hundred bulls weighing a half ton each will challenge professional riders to stay on them for 8 seconds.

            During the 1950’s, Mattapoisett had their own rodeos… sort of. Back then, the town was still a rural community. Beyond the village there were many farms with cows, chickens, bulls, goats, and horses. With so many horses, riding clubs were created followed by horse shows. Old-fashioned wood-slat snow fences would be set up around the perimeter of the Center School playground. Wearing their western finery, the local cowboys would strut around showing off their steeds, riding and jumping to the delight of the gathered audience. Occasionally they might even lasso a calf of two.

            I would be remiss if I didn’t find a way to get Washington into this essay about rodeos. After all, it is the epicenter of clowns and bull. I’ve been thinking that the grand ballroom coming soon to the People’s House would be a great place for a rodeo. Don’t you agree?

            It is 90,000 square feet, about the size of a football field. When they are finished in Boston the Professional Bull Riders League could send those 750 tons of dirt down to the White House and fill the new place up to it gold leafed windowsills.

            The late President Lyndon Johnson, a real cowboy from Texas, would have been thrilled to attend a real rodeo there instead of the one down the street. I’m sure George W. Bush, also from Texas, would approve. The bulls and horses could graze on the South Lawn. And the current occupant could sell gold spurs at the concession stand.

            Yes, siree buckaroos. It would be a rootin’ tootin’ good time.

            And that’s no bull.

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

MLT Now Owns the Pine Islands and Strawberry Point

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Lauri Carlson, John Jenney and Faith Ball recently donated Strawberry Point and the Pine Islands south and west of Pine Island Pond to the Mattapoisett Land Trust (MLT.) All three are the children of David (deceased) and Janet Jenney, well-known and remembered Mattapoisett residents. These lands have been loved by the family since the early 1930’s beginning with Janet Jenney’s parents Eddie and Cappie Ferry.

            Faith Ball reported “Our family has cherished these lands for three generations for camping, hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape and wildlife. We want them protected in their natural, wild state for many, many generations to come.”

            “MLT is delighted to receive this generous gift of 26 acres of iconic coastal landscape including cobble and sand beaches, coastal dunes, salt marsh and the Pine Islands themselves” said Mike Huguenin, MLT’s President. He continued “Public access will be available by small boat or walking via Pine Island Pond, and we plan to create hiking paths over the next few years. We are deeply honored that the family chose MLT to care for these beautiful lands in perpetuity.”

            The Pine Islands have been a well-known feature of Mattapoisett since colonial times. Their first mention as “Second Island, Middle Island, Great Island, and Goat Island” is found in Book 3 of the Proprietors” Records of the Town of Rochester and reportedly shown on a plan drawn by Benjamin Hammond on May 30, 1749. Early settlers used the surrounding salt marsh for grazing livestock and may have kept animals on the islands themselves.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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August 5 & 6 – ORR Bulldog Sail team joined the Tuesday night Ensign racers on a beautiful night along with a couple new spectator boats. It was a great night of racing and a great night to be on the water watching the races. The ORR 420s sailed 3 races with three different winners. The Ensign battle between Odyssey and Black Ice continues with Black Ice winning the first race and Odyssey winning the second race and the tie breaker for the night. Third and fourth places were also decided in a tie breaker between Brass Monkey and Uncle Fester with Brass Monkey taking third place. Recess, coming back from a breakdown last week, placed fifth.

            Wednesday Night PHRF Series – No Quarter Given gets back to its winning ways as they finish first in the A fleet followed by Restless, Surprise, and Coconuts. Lindisfarne starts off the first race in August with a win in B fleet followed by Kinsail, Chickadee, and Fir Na Tine.

            2025 Ensign National Championship Regatta, Cleveland, Ohio – Mattapoisett Yacht Club was well represented in this year’s Ensign National Championship. Brou Ha Ha, sailed by Steve and Tina Clark with Dennis McLaughlin and Matt Ferlotti placed 8th in a 30 boat fleet sailing 11 races over 4 days. Brou Ha Ha was the only Massachusetts boat to participate in the championship. Congratulations.

Sunset on The Harbor

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            On Thursday, August 7, the Mattapoisett Museum and the Mattapoisett Land Trust hosted their annual Great Community Picnic at Mattapoisett’s Munro Preserve on the waterfront. Every seat was filled, and tickets were sold out to the event of which proceeds went to the two organizations.

            While oysters and beer could be picked up at the venue tents, every table was in charge of bringing their own spread to their own “smorgasbords.” Along with food, each table had a theme, a centerpiece, and costumes to match.

            Table 5, or the Disney-themed table, won the night and a victor’s ribbon. Other themes included shark attacks (with a barbie mimicking the poster from Jaws), tie-dye hippies, beach party, and many more. Those not participating in the theming event simply came for a good time.

            Volunteers Gary Brown and Bill Santos were in charge of jamming, playing hits from Bob Dylan, Harry Nilson, Tom Petty, and many more classics. Not all of Munro Preserve was covered with tables though, with many wandering about watching the bees and butterflies. The event went throughout “golden hour” and ended just after sunset.

            The winning team, Table 5, Disney Princesses: Caitlyn Potter – Jasmin, Jennifer Risio – Merida, Kerin McKinnon – Cinderella, Aimee Bayles Wilson – Ariel, Nicole Doyon Lynch – Moana, Sue O’Connell – Snow White, Jo Norton – Maleficent, Stacy Marino – Belle, Shawn Sweet (not in attendance) – Pocahontas.

The 2025 Great Community Picnic

By Sam Bishop

Johnson Takes Aim at Denitrification Bylaw

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            The Marion Board of Health on August 7 met at the Marion Police Station and had a long discussion on whether new or updated homes should be mandated to use the more expensive denitrification septic systems.

            Board Chairman Albin Johnson III was adamant that residential septic systems do not contribute much, if anything, to polluting waterways. He estimated that 90% of pollution to town waterways or marine habitat is caused by stormwater runoff. He contended that the Board of Health adopted this new regulation during the Covid-19 shutdown and with insufficient public input on the matter.

            The board asked health officials to compile data of how many municipalities statewide have adopted this regulation. Johnson said that the Marion’s regulation requiring the septic upgrade to denitrification technology for any new construction or footprint expansion puts an unnecessary burden on new homeowners without a sewer connection, especially without enough data to prove that the older Title V (state-compliant) septic systems are responsible for polluting waterways.

            “It’s way overkill. It’s like a sledgehammer for a fly,” Johnson said of this regulation, which is in Section 4 of the Board of Health Regulations.

            Health Board Vice Chairman Dr. Ed Hoffer said the board should consider seeking and applying for a grant for comprehensive data. To that, Johnson said the state should have compiled that data before urging Marion to adopt a regulation of this sort. He contended that per local regulations, septic systems only have to be 100 feet from drinking-water wells. Hoffer asserted that the regulation is in place to protect marine life. He said most forms of nitrogen are not toxic to people but are a problem for marine life.

            To that, Johnson said that the waterways are filled with excrement from birds and marine animals. He said that there is not enough data that private septic systems are a problem. These new systems, according to Johnson, are more than septic systems, describing denitrification systems as a treatment plant on private property. These systems are inspected annually by health officials and costly to homeowners.

            Johnson also used the word “swamp” to describe Marion’s landscape, adding that there is a large number of brooks and other streams that flow into the harbor, making it difficult to blame septic system run-offs for pollution. Johnson used Westport as an example, saying that there are many more septic systems in that community and few public sewer lines, but some officials there have claimed that water pollutants are mostly from dairy farms and fertilizers.

            Westport has this regulation in place, but Johnson several times said it might be “overkill” for Marion, which has more public water and sewer-disposal systems.

            Board of Health member Dr. John Howard agreed that more data should be compiled, leading to the board asking health officials to compile a database of how many communities statewide have this regulation.

            In other Board of Health news, Health Director Lori Desmarais reported that the number of tick-borne illnesses is about the same as last year. She advised that the public should have a tick panel conducted by a physician if they have any symptoms such as lethargy or a fever.

            Desmarais said there have been seven cases of mosquitoes with EEE found in the state this year, including four in Plymouth County (one in Bridgewater and three in Halifax). She advised that the public take precautions, especially during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

            Desmarais said the Board of Health will be offering flu clinics in the fall and that anyone over the age of 65 is encouraged to get a Covid-19 vaccination.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 at 4:30 pm in the Marion Town House Annex, 14 Barnabas Road, due to construction at the Town House proper.

Marion Board of Health

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Hello from Plumb Library

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Calling all crafters. This is your heads up to save the dates for the upcoming Friends of Plumb Library Crafting Sale. The Friends of the Library will be holding their first ever sale of craft supplies on Friday August 22 from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday August 23 from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The sale will take place in the Library’s Downstairs Program Room, which is handicapped accessible. Items for sale include fabric, yarn, notions, patterns, crafting magazines, needles and hooks and hoops, scrapbooking materials, and so much more. Payment accepted by cash or check and all proceeds support the Friends of the Library in their mission to bring programs, events, and activities for all ages to the Library.

            Donations of items for the sale can be dropped off at the Library during open hours through Saturday August 16 at 2:00 pm. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email the Library.

            Please consider becoming a member of the Friends. Membership forms are available at the Library.

            Library hours: Monday and Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday and 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 on Sundays and Holidays. Contact us: call 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Check our Events Calendar, Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

            Library cards are required for checkout. If you’ve lost your card, it can be replaced for $2.00. Download the SAILS Mobile app, it’s a quick and easy way to always have your card with you. We’re happy to show you how it works.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

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St. Philip’s Church located next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett will host visiting clergy, The Rev. Michael Pearson, Assisting Priest, St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, RI on August 17. The services are at 8:00 am and 10:00 am and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome to attend.