Machacam Club

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The Machacam Club will hold its monthly meeting on December 2 at the Legion Hall, 3 Depot Street. Social time is 5:30 pm; dinner is at 6:00 pm.

This meeting will be a ham & bean dinner with pie for dessert. We hope it will prove worthwhile as we try to overcome the ban on “Stove Top” cooking with this being the third option.

Our speaker for the evening will be our own Captain Brad Smith who has an interesting topic range on Sub Rescue Operations with Atmospheric Dive Suits, Remote Sub Rescue Vehicle and its predecessor, the Sub Rescue Chamber. He will try to finish off with some slides of Sailing Traditions (i.e., the Crossing the Line Ceremony).

Callers and members are asked to bear in mind the importance of call list accuracy. Caller lists should be done and reported no later than 9:00 pm on Monday, November 30 by email to GPFNR@AOL.COM or by phone to Mike at 508-758-9311. Members with requests or changes can contact either no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday, December 1.

Man Fishing Rescued from Mattapoisett Waters

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A call came into the Mattapoisett Police Department at 9:39 am on November 15 for a man overboard who was pulled from the cold waters of Mattapoisett Harbor after he fell out of his kayak. The kayak was modified to accept a motor and was fitted with homemade outriggers made out of crutches.

Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jill Simmons said Aiming Xu of Sharon, Massachusetts was fishing when he fell into the water. The waders he was wearing quickly filled with seawater; however, Xu was wearing a personal flotation vest that kept him afloat.

Passing fisherman Chris Parker spotted Xu in distress and rescued the man. Simmons said Xu’s body temperature was about 95 degrees when he was pulled from the water and he was mildly hypothermic.

According to Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons, EMS met Parker and Xu at the wharf where EMS workers checked Xu’s vital signs and treated him in the ambulance before he was released. Xu refused transport to the hospital.

“While he was cold, he was not injured,” said Lyons in a follow-up email.

Simmons issued a warning to all boaters in the area, and she hopes this small incident will prevent worse accidents from occurring as the weeks grow colder and winter approaches.

“If you’re not prepared to be in the water, then you shouldn’t be on the water,” said Simmons. “A sudden immersion in cold water is a life-threatening event. Cold water drains heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.”

Simmons reminded boaters to dress appropriately in dry suits and full flotation gear when heading out on the water for any reason during this time of year.

“Especially in smaller boats,” Simmons added. “When it happens, it happens in a heartbeat.”

By Jean Perry

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Breakfast With Santa

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A pancake breakfast will be held Sunday, December 6 from 8:00 to 11:30 am at The Knights, 57 Fairhaven Road, lower level in Mattapoisett. Santa will visit here from 8:00 to 10:00 am, so bring your cameras to take pictures. Breakfast is $6 a person and $20 for a family of four or more. Breakfast includes plain, blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Donations of toys will be accepted to give to children in the area.

Tabor Athletes Heading to NCAA Div I Schools

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Eighteen Tabor Academy athletes from the Class of 2016 will be off to compete in NCAA Division I sports once they graduate from the School by the Sea. This is a record-breaking year, up from seven students last year. Celebrating their success, many of the student athletes took part in a ceremony to officially sign their letters of intent with proud friends and families on hand to cheer them on.

“This is the most kids we’ve ever had” said Assistant Director of Athletics Kelly Walker. “It really speaks highly of our coaches and the depth of our programs, and to the athletes at Tabor who have put in an incredible effort to put themselves in a good position.”

Highlights include an impressive five seniors from the girls’ varsity basketball team, coached by Will Becker. Captain Molly Bent ’16 will play for UCONN, the NCAA National Champions for the past three years. There were also three seniors signed from Tabor’s girls’ crew team, coached by Mike Bentz. Two of the three will continue being teammates next year as they head off to row for Syracuse University.

“We’re so fortunate to have such wonderful kids, and it’s a bonus that they’re great athletes,” said a very proud Athletic Director Dick Muther.

The complete list of students and their college destination is listed below:

Jeremiah Adams – University of Oklahoma – Baseball (Mattapoisett, MA)

Maggie Ahearn – Providence College – Basketball (Marshfield, MA)

Molly Bent – UCONN – Basketball (Centerville, MA)

Lily Blouin – Syracuse University – Crew (Hudson, QC, Canada)

Aarion Bradshaw – University of South Carolina – Basketball (Hyde Park, MA)

Hannah Dawicki – St. John’s University – Soccer (Fairhaven, MA)

Liz Dognazzi – High Point University – Soccer (Hyde Park, MA)

Abby Ellis – Union College – Ice Hockey (Warwick, RI)

Lauren Feeney – Northeastern University – Field Hockey (Canton, MA)

Katie Goncalo – College of St. Rose – Basketball (Fall River, MA)

Woodard Hooper – College of William and Mary – Field Hockey (Marion, MA)

Molly Little – University of Vermont – Lacrosse (Tiverton, RI)

Rachel Moore – Boston College – Ice Hockey (Waquoit, MA)

KK Price – George Washington University – Crew (Weston, MA)

Mike Ryan – Union College – Ice Hockey (Marion, MA)

Shannon Ryan – Boston College – Basketball (Plattsburg, NY)

Elizabeth Tarrant – Syracuse University – Crew (Marion, MA)

Ben Taylor – Brown University – Ice Hockey (North Falmouth, MA)

Author To Speak About Being Prepared

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No one is promised tomorrow, so what if something happened to you? Are you ready? All ages are encouraged to join What If … Workbook™ author Gwen Morgan as she discusses her comprehensive, easy-to-use guide to get all your affairs in order. Discussion includes, but is not limited to: Keep Track of Financial Data, Burial vs. Cremation, What Kind of Service (if any), Caring for Pets, Considering Special Gifts or Gratitudes to Loved Ones, How Do You Want to Be Remembered, and so much more. This discussion will take place on Wednesday, December 2 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, 17 Barstow Street (enter by separate entrance at Center School). This is a free session. The What If Workbook™ will be on sale; no purchase necessary. Please RSVP to 508-758-4110.

Library Hosts a Storybook Wedding

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The library will always be more than just a building designed to house books. It is a place where epic love stories dwell, where romantic poetry lies peacefully, protected; it is the home to the tales of a hundred loves that live on, petrified and bound in paper like jewels kept secret inside unlocked boxes. Love is a triumph, love is a tragedy, love is what eternally burns within and sets the prose of passion aflame. All this, existing evermore, stands still on shelves inside a brick building that is the home of every literary lover you’ve ever fixed your inner eyes upon, breathed in, and held close to your chest.

Yes, those who can fully grasp the scope of the multi-sensory satisfaction of taking refuge in the library are indeed few. But, once upon a time, a girl met a boy who ‘got it.’ The couple that found the book nerd in each other connected, guided by the inner archetype of academia they both possessed, fell in love and began figuratively writing their own story of love, crafting a life together that would lead to a happy ending. They would begin their Chapter One with a storybook wedding within the sanctity of the Mattapoisett Free Library.

Shannon Devlin and Matthew Spelman knew they wanted to tie the knot in the library. It just seemed apropos, given their mutual love of books. The idea seemed romantic to the pair, the ideal setting to exchange eternal vows among the eternal works of the greatest loves of history.

When the couple approached the Millicent Library in Fairhaven, the town in which Devlin was raised, the library board was anything but enthusiastic about a wedding party, despite the couple’s offer to purchase multi-million dollar insurance, invite only adults, the promise of no food or beverages, and that guests would remain standing at all times. It was a resounding ‘no,’ with the consolation of allowing the wedding to be held outside on the library steps, out in the November cold.

“I was really sad and disappointed,” said Devlin, although she did not give up on her notion of a being a library bride. She sought out other venues, which led her to the Mattapoisett Free Public Library in the town where she was born. Devlin described the library as being cozy with beautiful rooms with arched windows, a gorgeous wrought iron spiral staircase, and interior brick walls – the perfect concoction of romance for a couple of bibliophiles in love.

Library Director Susan Pizzolato said she was touched a year ago when Devlin and Spelman first made their request. Devlin’s desire to be married in a library was sincere, and after some careful thought and permission by the appropriate authorities, Pizzolato allowed for a modest, controlled wedding ceremony inside the library to take place on November 7.

Devlin found Pizzolato’s response to be welcoming and warm like a fairy godmother of sorts granting a girl’s one wish of a library wedding.

“I think the warm welcome set the tone for the whole wedding experience,” said Devlin. “We are so very grateful and I think that our location was meant to be. Our ceremony was beautiful and filled with love and literature.”

On Saturday, November 7, the wedding party arrived at the steps of the library via school bus. No decorations were brought into the library that was standing room only; however, everything planned for the wedding reception – from the invitations resembling old leather-bound books, to the centerpieces of glowing luminaries with book pages, to the card catalog-style escort cards – encompassed the literary theme.

Devlin and Spelman chose a vintage color palette of sage and gold, “Which I think made the décor feel cohesive,” Devlin added.

The ceremony even incorporated the surrounding love stories that live at the library, with readings of excerpts chosen from Plato’s Symposium and Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.

            “We also had some whimsical and modern readings from William Goldman’s The Princess Bride, Robert Fulghum’s poem, ‘All I Really Need to Know I Learned from Kindergarten,’” said Devlin. “Some of these readings we actually incorporated into the vows.”

“Matt and I knew early on that we wanted to get married in a library,” Devlin said. “Libraries are places of learning and we’re both the nerdy, academic type. The stacks are also lined with books containing the most beautiful love stories and poetry ever written…. The Mattapoisett Public Library, and especially the director Susan, made it all possible.”

But readers beware: we must not get carried away, for this was the one and only wedding to be held at the library. Library trustees and staff have no plans to host another, only allowing for this one time. There is too much involved in hosting an event such as a wedding, and Pizzolato said she has no interest in opening up the library as an event hall.

“We agreed to host the wedding, but it’s not something that we want to do on a regular basis,” said Pizzolato. “We don’t want to interfere at all with the public’s use of the building.”

So it truly was a once-upon-a-time event – a storybook wedding for a couple to begin their happily ever after, but a definite “The End” for the Mattapoisett Library’s chapter as a wedding venue.

By Jean Perry

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Early Childhood Winter Playgroups

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The Early Childhood Office will be hosting winter playgroups! Come and join the fun!

Our young toddler playgroup is open to children between the ages of 11 months through 3 years old. Children will take part in many fun activities related to the season that will keep your little one busy. You will learn fun songs, finger plays, and will take home many great ideas to do with your toddler. This is an eight-week event running on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:00 am, January 5 through March 1.

Our preschool playgroup is open to 3- and 4-year olds. Explore socialization topics such as sharing, taking turns, cooperative play, etc. Each class session includes music and movement, free play, games, educational activities, story time, and snack. Children must be completely toilet trained in order to attend. This is an eight-week event running on Friday mornings, 9:00 – 10:15 am, January 8 through March 11.

Both playgroups meet at the Old Hammondtown School and cost $35 per family for the eight-week session. Registration is required. Please contact the Early Childhood Office at 508-748-1863to register.

Tri-County Music Association Scholarship Showcase

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The Tri-County Music Association will present its Scholarship Showcase 2015 on Friday, November 27 at 7:00 pm in the Lyndon South Auditorium on the campus of Tabor Academy, 85 Spring Street, Marion. Former and current Tri-County Music Association Scholarship and Summer Study Grant recipients take the stage to benefit the TCMA Scholarship Fund. This collection of solos and small ensembles features the favorite selections of each student. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at The Bookstall in Marion, the Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth, or at the door.

Gateway Youth Hockey

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Squirts: Gateway Gladiator Squirts faced Walpole Express on Saturday for a battle on the ice. Both teams brought their best pressure and defense, keeping the puck moving. In the first period, Gateway was strong, but with the team fighting for the puck, a missed pass, and a bad bounce off the post, the puck went in their own net to give Walpole a 1-0 lead. Gateway soon regrouped and in the second, Ty David Ribeiro scored, assisted by Lucas DeMoranville. Then Matthew Paling, with an assist from Braden Hathon, found the net giving Gateway a 2-1 lead. In the third period, Thomas Leger made key saves but Walpole was able to get a goal, tying the game 2-2 which ended up as the final score.

Pee Wees: Gateway Pee Wee Gladiators faced the Cyclones in the Veteran’s Day Tournament Championship Game on November 11 and took the championship with a hard fought 2-0 score.

Over the weekend, Pee Wees dropped their first game of the season to the Walpole Express. The team did not go down without a fight in this competitive match that went back and forth during the first two periods of hockey. Walpole got on the board quickly with a goal within the first minute of the game, but Gateway tied it up later in the first with a goal by Ben Demoranville. Walpole then scored two more until Gateway’s RJ Vickery brought Gateway to within one, but Walpole sealed the deal with one more to win the game 4-2.

Bantams: The Gateway Gladiators continued their domination of the Yankee Conference Bantam division adding two more wins over the weekend. On Saturday, the Gladiators defeated Hanover, 6-0. Chris Cogan and Jack Martins each scored twice. Peter Pimental and Quirino doCanto also added goals. Zack Lovendale had two assists, as did Pimental. Beth Davis, Nick Snow, doCanto, and Martins also had helpers.

On Sunday, the Gladiators overcame an aggressive Walpole opponent to earn their second shutout of the weekend. Walpole totaled nearly 25 penalty minutes, including two game misconducts. The Gladiators kept their cool and capitalized on the undisciplined play, scoring four unanswered goals for the 4-0 win. James L’Heureux, Zack Lovendale, Robert Ramsay, and Jack Martins were the goal-scorers. Peter Pimental, Brian Gallagher, Chris Cogan, and Martins each had assists. Quirino doCanto had two. Zachary Pateakos and Jake Demoranville shared the shutout in net.

Ellen A. (Blythe) Basse Dietz

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Ellen A. (Blythe) Basse Dietz, 78, of Marion died November 18, 2015 at her home after a brief illness.

She was the wife of the late Albert Basse, Jr. and the late Col. Arthur H. Dietz.

Born in Leighton, AL, the daughter of the late Eugene V. and Shirley (Preuit) Blythe, she lived in Easton and Marion for many years.

After the death of her late husband Albert in 1976, she successfully managed and ran the family business, Albert Basse Associates in Stoughton, MA, later joined by her sons.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, the beach and reading.

Survivors include her 5 children, Deborah Basse Ewing and her husband Michael Meachen of Marion, Lynda Basse D’Amico and her husband Pat of North Attleboro, Albert “Chip” Basse, III and his wife Deborah, Edwin E. Basse and his wife Angela, and Christopher J. Basse and his wife Pamela, all of North Easton; 4 step-children, Nonie Garvey and her husband Mark and Arthur T. Dietz and his partner Rhonda, all of Idaho, Peggy Pietig and her husband John of Laguna Beach, CA and Eric Dietz and his wife Renée of Washington; 4 siblings, Emily Lidikay of Birmingham, Gregg P. Blythe of Decatur, AL, Robert Blythe of Birmingham, AL and Richard Blythe of Hartselle, AL; a brother-in-law, David Merchant of Dallas, TX; 24 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Eugene “Sonny” Blythe and the sister-in-law of the late Nancy Merchant and Barbara Coffee.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 11 AM at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Chapel. Burial will follow in Old Landing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 2-6 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.