June in Bloom

The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is hosting their biennial garden tour, “June in Bloom,” on Saturday, June 28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.  Be inspired by unique and beautiful gardens while spending an unforgettable day with friends and nature. For security purposes, the location of each exquisite garden remains secret until the day of the tour.

            Advance tickets are $35 (cash or check) and available at the following Mattapoisett locations: Pen & Pendulum, Isabelle’s, Ying Dynasty, and the Town Wharf General Store. In Fairhaven, they can be purchased at Periwinkles and Gotta Have It. Marion has three locations: Always In Bloom, Fieldstones, and Eden Florist. Tickets are also available online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

            On June 28, tickets will be available at the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club tent in the parking lot next to Ying’s Dynasty on Route 6 in Mattapoisett for $40/each.

            This fundraiser directly supports the scholarships, programs, and community outreach of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club. 

            The Club is open to new members from the Southcoast area. For more information and a membership application, please visit our website at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Andrew J. Revell

Andrew J. Revell, 51, of Rochester, Massachusetts passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Susan M. (Brenneke) Hunter Revell.

            Born in Independence, Missouri, to Roger and Kathy Revell, Andrew spent his early years in Missouri and Texas. His academic journey later took him across the country, culminating in a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University in 2004. Andrew moved to Massachusetts in 2007 to begin his academic career as a psychology professor at UMass Dartmouth, where he worked until his death.

            Andrew had many passions and was never limited by his disability. An accomplished musician in his youth, he played timpani in orchestras during his undergraduate years. After settling in Massachusetts, he embraced adaptive sports, including skiing, golfing, sailing, and tennis. He especially loved riding his recumbent trike around town with his sons and later relished the freedom of an all-terrain mobility vehicle that allowed him to join family outings to the beach and hiking trails.

            His love for the arts and community was also profound. Andrew sang bass with the Sippican Choral Society and was an avid photographer. He participated for several years in the Pan-Mass Challenge, raising funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and continued to serve the organization as a photographer and crew leader for volunteers at the Wellesley site. He was committed to local service, holding leadership roles such as President of the Board of Directors for Coastline Elderly Services in New Bedford, a board member of the Rochester Council on Aging, and Senior Warden at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion.

            Andrew’s adventurous spirit was matched by the unwavering support of his wife, Susan, and their sons, Galen and Toby. Together, they shared countless experiences that embodied his belief in living life fully. His resilience shaped his children, instilling a lifelong compassion and courage inspired by their father’s example.

            Andrew is survived by his beloved wife, Susan M. (Brenneke) Hunter Revell; his cherished sons, Galen and Toby Revell; his parents, Roger and Kathy Revell of Waukee, Iowa; his sister, Amy Elizabeth Revell Teas, and her husband Andy Teas of West Des Moines, Iowa; his nephew Max and niece Ellie; and a host of family and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, strength, and passion for learning.

            The family will receive visitors on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett. The funeral liturgy will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11 am in St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, 124 Front Street, Marion. A private inurnment will occur later.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge or Adaptive Sports Partners in honor of Andrew’s enduring commitment to community, resilience, and the power of inclusion. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Increasing Outreach via Facebook

            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust met on Tuesday, June 10, to go over the results of the Town Meeting’s votes on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short-term rentals (STRs). Select Board member and representative to the trust Norm Hills began the meeting by discussing his worry over the passed ADU bylaw. Sympathizing with this was Member Eileen J. Marum, saying “Airbnbs have full reign” when referring to problems with residentially zoned areas being used for business. To reverse this decision, and change what was voted upon, it was agreed by Hills and the trust members that it can only be changed/reversed at a future Town Meeting.

            The trust then discussed updating their website and increasing social media engagement. Associate Member Roberta “Robbie” Dunn Tracy stated “I’ve done my homework” before describing to the panel various community outreach capabilities they can engage with using both the town website as well as Facebook. Using Facebook, Tracy stated it would be beneficial to post quick updates or get instant feedback from the community, if required. Town of Marion Facebook page began posting in 2019 and currently post irregular updates, typically around twice per week, reminding residents of local events or posting pictures following an events completion. It was stated at the end of this discussion Robbie would be the person to speak to regarding website updates, as she would pass them on to the Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator Donna Hemphill, who is in charge of the town’s website and Facebook.

            The trust also discussed national and state-wide issues, with one member stating, “apparently HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development) is a disaster.” There are multiple states working on lawsuits with much uncertainty regarding changes in regulation and policy, as well as funding changes.

            The Marion Affordable Housing Trust moved on to discuss reorganization although without member Toby Ast present, it was stated they should possibly table discussions until the next meeting; especially considering he may desire to be Chair.

            The next meeting of the Marion Affordable Housing Trust is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Affordable Housing Trust

By Sam Bishop

The United States Has a Gun Problem

In 2022, there were 48,204 gun deaths in the United States, 132/day. Of these, 27,032 were suicides, 19,651 homicides, 463 unintentional and 643 fatal shootings by law enforcement.

            White males have by far the highest rate of suicide by gun while black males are much more likely to be victims of homicide. The U.S. has 33 times the rate of firearm homicide as Australia.

            Among 15- to 24-year-olds, homicide is the second leading cause of death (following unintentional injuries) and suicide is third. For 25- to 34-year-olds, suicide is second after unintentional injuries and homicide third.

            Worst is what we do to our children. Excluding infants, gun violence accounts for 15% of deaths among those under age 20. The firearm death rate for children 1-19 in the U.S. is 29 times that of comparable large wealthy countries.

            Barring a dramatic turn-around at the Supreme Court, we are not going to get rid of guns, but that does not mean we are helpless to change this story.

            Much of the laws and rules governing gun ownership and safety are still set at the state level, and this has given us “natural experiments,” as we can observe what happens in states with differing policies.

            State laws vary across a variety of issues. The leading areas where states can be more or less strict include universal background checks, minimum age limits for gun purchase, waiting periods, child access rules, concealed carry and “stand your ground” laws.

            Of these, three had dramatic effects on lowering gun homicides and suicides: requiring universal background checks, forbidding concealed carry and not having “stand your ground” as a legitimate excuse for firing a gun. States imposing these rules had 70-90% fewer firearm deaths than states which took the opposite position.

            Children benefit from stricter gun laws. In 2010 the Supreme Court allowed states to set their own firearm rules. Researchers ranked all the U.S. states into most permissive (31 states), permissive (11) and strict (8) and compared what happened to pediatric gun death rates ten years later. In the states with the most permissive laws, death rates of children by firearms went up by roughly 50% while in the states with the strictest laws, pediatric deaths fell by about 20%.

            “Red flag” laws—also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)—allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. These have been shown to clearly reduce the risk of death by suicide, though their effect on homicide is less proven.

            If you value your life, and the lives of your children and grandchildren, demand that your state legislatures enact sensible gun restrictions.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Democracy Forward: Highlights from the 2025 LWVMA Convention

We proudly share highlights from the 2025 League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) State Convention – Year 105: Democracy Forward – held in Mansfield, MA on June 14.

The keynote speaker, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, delivered an inspiring address on protecting democracy and expanding civic engagement across the Commonwealth.

            During the convention, five remarkable League members were honored for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and educational efforts over the past two years. One of the notable members was Kris Eastman from the LWV SouthCoast.

            Ms. Eastman, who lives in Mattapoisett, received the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for her impactful work in the South Coast region, including Gateway Cities like New Bedford. Her dedication to civic education and voter outreach has significantly strengthened the League’s presence and influence in the South Coast.

            We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kris Eastman and all esteemed award recipients for their unwavering commitment to advancing democracy. Their relentless efforts inspire us all while making a profound difference in our society.

            The Certificate of Outstanding Achievement was signed by Marie Gauthier, Courtney Rau Rogers, the Co-Presidents, and Celia Canavan, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA).

Fairwells to Arancio as Chair

            Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) appointed Donald Spirlet as its new Chair and re-appointed Davis Sullivan as Vice-Chair when it met June 12 on the occasion of veteran member David Arancio’s last time as Chair.

            Arancio has been ZBA Chair for 11 years. Spirlet has been a zoning panel member for 10 years, Sullivan a member for 22 years. But their nominations did not come quickly. First, veteran member Richard Cutler declined the nomination for Chair, saying he has one year to go on his current term “and then I’m out here.” Sullivan said the same when offered the Chair position, saying he also intends to exit the board after his own term is up. Spirlet said he would accept the nomination as Chair so long as no one else on the panel wanted it.

            The votes approving Spirlet and Sullivan for their new roles came after Cutler noted the problem is that many members have been on the board for a long time “and that can’t be sustainable.” Arancio agreed. “I’ve enjoyed my time on the board,” he said. “But it needs new blood and energy.”

            The board began the meeting by approving a variance to permit a 62×38-foot, 1,500-square-foot steel accessory structure on a six-acre residential lot at 364 Neck Road. Applicant and homeowner John Verentes said he needs the additional building because he fixes his own cars. He needs a car lift and storage for his equipment and tools and possibly a boat to avoid the expense of paying for storage and outside car repair. To that end, he is requesting a variance from the requirement that an accessory building be no larger than 1,000 square feet.

            The hearing’s only query came from neighbor Brian Porter of 369 Neck Road. He wanted to know the pitch of the new structure’s roof. “He’s a good, quiet neighbor,” Porter said. “I’m just curious.”

            The resulting approval vote included the following conditions: that no farm animals be housed, no commercial use, no second floor and no housing use without the board’s prior approval.

            In other action, board Administrative Assistant Andreia Lacerda reported no new petitions have been filed for the board’s review. As a result, pending any last-minute submissions, there will be no regular meetings on June 26 and July 20.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

The Gears of Government Grind On

Just when I thought it was safe to come out in the open now that the Town Meeting and local election have passed into history; just when this opinion columnist could stifle his views and concentrate on musing about important things like bathroom tissue perforations, where is Pine Island, Stumpy the late cherry tree, and of course pickle ball; just when this intrepid reporter could relax and enjoy the summer, the machinations of smalltown politics rear their ugly heads.

            It is not enough that the circus in our Nation’s Capital has grown beyond all expectations to include the acquisition of Greenland, the creation of a 51st state to our north, and…well, no need to elaborate. Suffice to say I have a chronic headache. Now our quaint village has recently spawned a collection of new issues this scribe cannot ignore.

            The move to increase the size of the Select Board (which seasoned observers of government assumed, was buried when the current board tabled the issue) has been resurrected and is on its way to reality, thanks to the persistence of its supporters. The issue goes on to the legislature where no doubt it will be approved, because in Boston, bigger is always better. The good news is that many more people will be getting involved in town government. Right?

            Speaking of the Select Board, one of our distinguished selectpersons has announced their candidacy for Congress to replace our current representative, Bill Keating. That strikes me like applying for the job of Captain of the Titanic, but that’s just one man’s opinion.

            You may not know that the newly minted candidate is a real-life captain and is a star of a TV show on the Discovery Channel. According to Google, the show is about tuna fishing and “focuses on the intense, high stakes world of harpooning bluefish tuna.” Our selectperson/captain is described as a “seasoned harpooner with a deep knowledge of fishery.” Washington could surely use someone with a sharp stick. But I digress.

            Apparently, the glitter of showbiz has instilled a desire to join the circus that is Washington. Maybe a seasoned captain who can right the ship would be welcomed where fishy business abounds.

            This would create another vacancy on the board, which no doubt will be filled by one of the many candidates wanting to take a dip in the waters of public service. Hey, whatever floats your boat. Right?

            A vacancy on the Select Board before the two new members arrive would leave his mates adrift on a sea of paperwork because approval of the two new seats might not arrive for 18 months.

            While we are talking about running… well walking or biking too… there is a controversy surrounding parking issues at the rail trail. It seems the new arrivals have created unreasonable noise, slamming of car doors, parking in private yards and littering. Along with the prohibition of parking at the nearby boat trailer lot (come on boat trailers have rights too) neighbors are not happy. Enough being enough, the police have erected no parking signs along Railroad Avenue along with a big electronic sign to boot.

            You have heard of the phrase “If you build it, they will come,” a tagline of the popular baseball movie Field of Dreams. Well, we built it (the rail trail not a ballfield) and they (walkers and cyclists not baseball fans) came. Did we expect otherwise, right? Right?

            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

Mattapoisett Land Trust Scholarship

The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that Mattapoisett resident Lowell Copps is this year’s recipient of its Blanche B. Perry scholarship award. Lowell, recently graduated from Bishop Stang High School, will receive $1,000 from the Land Trust’s education fund which will go towards his studies in civil and environmental engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

            A keen outdoorsman and competitive runner, Lowell selected Case because he liked the feel of the campus while visiting prospective colleges. “I think it will be a good fit for me,” he said. “I like their engineering program, and they also have a strong cross-country team.”

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust has been partnering with educators for the past 20 years. Much of its program funding is provided by the Shoolman Fund, created through a generous bequest from Brant Beach resident Edith Glick Shoolman (1904-2003). Mrs. Shoolman’s dream was to make a difference in the lives of children. This fund has enabled the MLT to develop numerous projects that encourage environmental education, art, and physical activity. The Blanche B. Perry scholarship goes exclusively to an area high school senior pursuing an education in scientific, environmental studies or a related field. The award is disbursed once the student submits a college transcript documenting the completion of their first semester in college.

            Applicants undergo a comprehensive selection process, according to Mary Cabral, co-chair of the MLT education committee. “We have a rubric,” she said. “We assign points based on certain criteria and the entries are evaluated by the MLT’s scholarship review committee.” Among the requirements, students who apply must submit an official school transcript, a letter outlining their career goals along with references from a teacher and a community member. Preference is naturally given to individuals who are, or whose parents or grandparents are, members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust. In Lowell’s letter of application, he stated that “I have a very personal connection to the MLT because for my entire life I have enjoyed many of their properties. I can see firsthand what we would lose if these protected areas did not exist.”

            For more information on the Land Trust’s mission and goals, visit mattlandtust.org.

Hello from Plumb Library

Summer Reading is not just for kids. Plumb Library has a simple, but fun, summer reading option for adults. And yes, if you complete the program requirement, you too will get an invitation to the ice cream party in August. It’s easy to get started. Just sign up on the Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com, come into the Library to pick up a reading tracker log, and start reading. The program runs from June 11 to August 2 and there are three ways that adults can choose from to track their reading: track by time read, track by books completed, or challenge yourself with a BINGO sheet. Feel free at ask us any questions you may have.

            Along with the reading program, we are also offering some fantastic summer events, just for grown- ups.

            Summer Yoga with Marsha 10:30 am Saturday June 21 (outdoors weather permitting, indoors if raining). This hour-long gentle stretch class is designed for adults at any practice level. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat, and water. Space is limited; registration is required.

            Essential Oils Workshop with Diana 10:00 am Saturday June 28 in the Downstairs Program Room. This is a make-and-take workshop for adults who are interested in learning about different types of oils and their health and wellness benefits. Space is limited, registration is required.

            Both of these events are free and are for adults aged 19+. You do not need to be signed up for summer reading to take part in them, but you do need to register for the individual event on our website.

Ongoing adult programs:

            Knitting Group 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Mondays (June 23 and 30). All levels of adult handcrafters are welcome at this social gathering. Bring your latest projects.

            Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday June 26 to discuss “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. The July book is “L A Weather” by Maria Escandon. Books are available for pick up at the Library.

            We are closed Thursday June 19 for Juneteenth. Library hours are: 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 on Sundays and Holidays. Contact us by phone at 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.

Solar Array Faces More Environmental Concerns

            Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by approving a positive Order of Conditions the Notice of Intent filed by Sealord Enterprises, LLC for construction of a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities, and storm water management system within the 100-foot of wetlands at a new address on Cranberry Highway.

            The project’s engineering consultant Bob Rogers said the Planning Board had approved the waivers he requested for that panel’s permit and simply wanted to leave the latter’s public hearing open in case the commission had further comments he needed to address. Commissioner Chris Gerrior said Rogers needed no waivers from his board, and the resulting approval vote was unanimous.

            The commission then issued another positive Order of Conditions, in the Notice of Intent hearing for Eversource Energy’s work on a utility sub-station within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone and the 25-foot No Disturb Zone at 214 Rounseville Road. Engineering consultant John Zimmer, attending the meeting on Zoom, clarified the project is to rebuild the existing substation, including relocating three existing stormwater basin “poles.” He said he needed variances for property’s access entrance. Gerrior asked if abutters have concerns. Zimmer said an abutter who spoke at the project’s Planning Board hearing merely needs to see the final landscape design.

            The commission then opened its biggest hearing of the night, on the Notice of Intent application for work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 53 Dexter Lane for the construction of a floating and ground-mounted solar array with associated battery energy storage system.

            Project representative Sarah Sterns said this is a plan for three floating solar panels on their bog manufactured lakes and three panels upland that are all part of an existing farm. Both commission members and audience members responded with concerns focusing on what this installation will do the waterways there and the wildlife. In the end, the commission motioned a continuance in order to hire a wildlife biologist to investigate their issues.

            The first question before this result came from Member Matt Bache, who asked “how will the floating panels be anchored?” Stern said they will either be anchored to the bottom of the pond or slightly under the surface of the water, depending on the vendor that is chosen. “It will be like a dock in the water, with a very small footprint,” she said.

            Bache also wanted to know what happens to materials from the panels landing in the water. New member Jenelle Jesse asked if a variety of metrics had been used to test water quality. Abutter Lena Finch said the installation could directly impact the Eastern Box Turtles and salamanders in the area. Gerrior noted past Conservation Commission approvals have included promises of erosion controls and regular turtle searches.

            Member Ben Bailey voiced the biggest objection. The Department of Environmental Protection allows floating solar arrays only on man-made water, he said. But a natural river runs through this pond. “I don’t think you can do that here,” he said. He then signaled opposition to this plan based on that fact.

            He also noted waterfowl fly into solar panels thinking they are water, thus injuring or killing themselves. “Are there any studies of bird mortality rates?” he asked.

            Member Merilee Kelly suggested the peer review option. “I’d like to see a peer reviewer get involved,” she said.

            The commission approved this move and to continue the hearing to July 14.

            In other action, upon the applicant’s request, the commission continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing for work within bordering vegetated wetlands related to a ground-mounted solar array system in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            After a brief discussion of the plan, the commission also continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing on a proposed single family home within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 28 Marion Road.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco