Hello from Plumb Library

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School’s out and you know what that means. The annual Summer Reading Program has kicked off at the Library. This year’s theme is “Level Up at Your Library.” and we have a calendar full of things to keep kids, teens, and adults reading and entertained. The 2025 program runs from June 11 to August 2, wrapping up with a celebratory ice cream party at Capt. Bonney’s on August 9 (by invitation only). Online registration opened June 11 and any events, activities, or programs that require sign-ups because of space or age restrictions are now available for you to join. Stop by the Library anytime from June 11 forward to pick up a reading tracker log and activity sheets. Check the Events Calendar at plumblibrary.com for the full summer schedule. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

            June Summer Reading Program Events include Tuesdays with Teachers, Ms. Rhonda’s Indoor Band Jam, The History of Nintendo (interactive), Yoga for Adults with Ms. Marsha, and Make & Take Essential Oils Workshop for Adults. All of these events require registration and space is limited. Please sign up on the Events Calendar on our website, www.plumblibrary.com.

            Other upcoming events:

            Board of Trustees Meeting 6:30 pm Thursday June 12, meeting is open to the public. Agendas and meeting minutes are available via the Town of Rochester’s website.

            Knitting Group 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Mondays (June 16, 23, and 30). All levels of adult handcrafters are welcome at this social gathering. Bring your latest projects.

            The COA Book Group 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Tuesday June 17 to discuss “Sandwich” by Catherine Newman. The July book is “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith. Books are available for pick up at the Library.

            The Rochester COA Community Fair 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Thursday June 19. Join in the fun.

            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.

            Please note: the Library will be closed on Thursday June 19 for Juneteenth.

            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.

            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.

Adult Bible Study and GriefShare Group Meeting

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The Lamb of God Christian Church of Mattapoisett will be holding monthly alternate Bible Study/GriefShare group meetings each month at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, lower meeting room. Month of June: June 18, Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm (GriefShare) for those that have lost a loved one.

            For more information call 508-998-6990, or E-Mail: pastor@lambofgodma.org or Facebook: Mathew Vangel.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club Race Results

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Mattapoisett YC held its first week of racing on June 3 & 4. The Ensign Fleet was very competitive as usual with a three-way tie for first place. Brou ha ha won the first-place tie breaker with a win in the second race. Black Ice, which won the first race, came in third in the second race and placed second for the night. Odyssey got 2 seconds and was third in the tie breaking. Brass Monkey, which started the first race late, was fourth overall.

            In the Wednesday Night PHRF fleet No Quarter Given led the A Fleet while Fir Na Tine took B fleet honors.

            Final results in A fleet: 1- No Quarter Given, 2- Restless, 3- Coconuts, 4- Wired, 5- Surprise, DNC.

            Final Results in B fleet: 1- Fir Na Tine, 2- Kinsail, 3- Chickadee, 4- Linisfarme, DNC

            MYC held its Round the Bay race Saturday in very light air and overcast conditions which eventually led to rain. The race kicked off at 11:35 am from the Nyes Ledge buoy with a staggered start, meaning the slowest rated boat started first and the rest of the fleet, in order of their rating, followed suit. The first boat to finish the race was the winner.

            There were 6 entries in the spinnaker division and 2 entries in the non-spinnaker class.

Dragonfly, which was the last to start in the spinnaker class, successfully passed the rest of their competition to win the Spinnaker division.

            The spinnaker division results:

Position – Boat – Skipper

1 – Dragonfly – N. Thomas Williams

2 – Glory – Barry Steinberg

3 – Gut Feeling – Ted Herlihy

4 – Plan B – Max Hart

5 – Restless – Rob Ryan

6 – Hardtack – Matt Schmitt (DNF)

            Unfortunately, in the non-spinnaker division there was only one racer as the second boat did not compete. Mark Thornhill in No Quarter Given was the winner.

            This race along with New Bedford’s Whaler Race (scheduled for the same day) were the first races in the Buzzards Bay Cup Series. The next series race will be Beverly YC’s Parker Converse race on July 26.

Busy Night for Conservation

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            The June 9 agenda for the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission looked fairly tame. However, the commissioners were soon deep into a variety of wetland related issues from unpermitted clearing, to after-the-fact filings.

            In the category of after-the-fact filings was the Notice of Intent (NOI) filing by Robert Beauregard, 2 Jowick Street. In this continued application Bob Rogers of G.A.F. Engineering once again represented the applicant. It had been discovered by the commission that a number of landscape modifications had been performed within jurisdictional areas. Boat stands, a small bridge over a stream, and outdoor electrical wiring were some of the modifications the commission wanted to review with the property owner. Rogers added that since 1978 the subject property had been heavily modified.

            Now after Rogers consultations with his client a new plan of record was submitted that noted a number of many modifications and other matters much to the agreement of the commission. An order of conditions was drafted that includes a drawing of the bridge, no piling/filling of lawn waist or clippings on the property, and that the electrical had been inspected, signage that shows wetland limits, and approval by the wiring inspector for outdoor wiring.

            This NOI filing prompted further discussion regarding the recording of Orders of Conditions. Rogers said that he was unable to locate recorded Order of Conditions. The commission agreed with Rogers that such recording was necessary and part of the process for receiving a Certificate of Compliance that would be recorded against the deed. Further decision on this matter is planned.

            We found the following published on the state’s website: “In Massachusetts, an Order of Conditions issued by a Conservation Commission for projects involving wetlands or riverfront areas must be recorded at the appropriate Registry of Deeds. This is typically done after a 10-day appeal period if no appeals are filed.” The recording process is part of the Certificate of Compliance all of which is intended to protect wetlands and that property modifications adhere to jurisdictional standards.

            An Enforcement Order issued to Colin Lebrie, 7 Hollywoods Road for unpermitted land clearing resulted in Lebrie agreeing to all comments made by commissioners making a site visit which included the filing of a Notice of Intent.

            In other matters a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Mark and Jeanne Connon, received a negative 2 decision.

            65 Mattapoisett Neck Road for an in-ground swimming pool was continued to give the applicant time to consider storm water and tree planting options with the engineer. Tree clearing has been performed on the site prompting abutters to register concerns.

            An in-ground pool located at 65 Mattapoisett Neck Road, Mark and Jeanne Connon, received a negative decision.

            A Notice of Intent filed by Thomas Holt, 39 Mattapoisett Neck Road sought approval for a revised plan of record. A reduction in the scope of work is now planned. The filing was continued however when abutters questioned storm water drainage plans now that the site was essentially been cleared of trees. Engineer David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone said he wished to consult with Holt before agreeing with an Order of Conditions on his behalf. A two-week continuance was granted.

            There was a brief discussion regarding public access to public property located on the barrier beach along Cove Street. Chairman King said there are two parking spaces and was a prime location for shell-fishing. King said that residents of the area have responded negatively to the public access including putting up their own “NO PARKING” signs. He said he would work with the Highway department for appropriate signage.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is planned for June 23.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Happy Father’s Day!

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            If you are anything like my dad, you will say Father’s Day is a “Hallmark” holiday, designed to sell cards. Hallmark was founded as the Norfolk Post Card Company in 1907, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated in the United States in 1910, so unfortunately, I can’t rule him out totally just yet.

            According to popular belief, Father’s Day began as a way for Sonora Smart Dodd of Washington to honor her father. Given there was already a Mother’s Day and Sonora had been raised without one. Her father, William Jackson Smart, was a veteran and Sergeant of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Civil War. Her mother had passed in her teens, leaving Sonora’s single father to raise her to adulthood. Following his death, she told the Spokane Daily Chronicle “He was both father and mother to me and my brothers and sisters.” So, with that, we arrive at the day’s conception, complimenting Mother’s Day celebrated the month prior.

            To make a seemingly random tangent (it’ll become relevant), the English language is a member of the Indo-European language family, originating within the Scythian heartlands somewhere around modern-day Ukraine. Therefore, English is in some capacity related to most European, Iranian, Central Asian, and Indian languages. In English, it’s “father” while in Hindi, it’s “pita.” In Iranian Farsi it’s “pedar” and in Greek it’s “patéras.” Remarkably, for thousands of years, the name by which we call our “dad” has virtually remained unchanged. The word “dad” probably likewise comes from a “baby-talk” misconstruing of “papa” to “pa” to “da” to “dad.”

            Now, branching off of “father” but remaining on linguistics, the ancient Andeans that would eventually form the Incan Empire were the first to cultivate and domesticate the potato. They called it “papa” (no relation) according to Spanish conquistadors. However, due to miscommunications/mistranslations and likely a desire to not insult the Pope, who they called “el Papa,” they would then refer to it as “patata” which the English would transform into “potato.”

            In any regard, I thank my father for all he has done for me while also blaming him for instilling within me with a burning desire to learn random facts that only benefit me every other week in trivia. This Father’s Day, cherish the time spent with your father and likewise, your children should you have either. There is no harm in buying cards, though it may play into the stereotype stated above and reaffirm my own father’s opinions, which we just can’t have!

By Sam Bishop

250-Year-Old Mystery Solved at Last!

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Captain James Cook’s legendary ship, the HMS Endeavor, was confirmed to be located at the bottom of Newport Harbor in Rhode Island this past week. Underwater exploration of the harbor has been conducted since the early 90s, with the Australian National Maritime Museum having performed underwater archeological analysis for over 25 years. Though it was generally believed to be true by locals, the ship, or the little that’s left of it, was confirmed to sit at the bottom of the harbor in the institute’s final report.

            This corroborates the belief that the ship was purposefully scuttled by British forces in 1778~ to prevent the recapture of Newport and Aquidneck Island. The British captured Newport and the island as a whole in late-1776 and retained control over it through the Battle of Rhode Island, 1778 (where the boat was likely scuttled) until its defense was abandoned in 1779 to shift resources to other fronts. Remains of the HMS Cerberus, the HMS Lark, and other smaller transport vessels also lie in the harbor.

            Captain Cook and his HMS Endeavour are notable for their voyage to and discovery of Terra Australis by way of Cape Horn and the Drake Passage. Cook, crew, and the Endeavour mapped the New Zealand islands as well as sailing around Tasmania and up along the eastern Australian coast, passing near the Great Barrier Reef (where it struck the now named “Endeavour Reef,” narrowly avoided a shipwreck). The expedition lasted from August 1768 to July 1771. The ship is seen as the first stake in Britain’s claims to Australia and New Zealand, eventually leading to more expeditions and the eventually British colonization of Oceania.

            Currently, it is not known just how much of the ship remains intact, though it is likely not much. Metal ballast chunks are likely the easiest objects to uncover. Both Newport and Australia could lay claim to whatever is uncovered, but an amiable deal could likely be reached. Today, a replica of the HMS Endeavour is docked in Sydney Harbour. The final report by the Australian National Maritime Museum can be viewed online at www.sea.museum/en/maritime-archaeology/endeavour-report.

By Sam Bishop

June Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Join local author, Julie Hatch, on June 10 at 6:00 pm to learn about her debut novel, The Very Best of Care. Julie spent over 30 years in pediatric and neonatal intensive care in Providence, Rhode Island. Her first medical thriller, The Very Best of Care, is based on her experiences.

            Synopsis: After delivering her baby three and a half months early, a young mother battles for her son’s survival and uncovers a shocking conspiracy within the hospital. As she investigates corruption and corporate greed, she fights for both her son’s life and her own.

            The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, at 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.

            The Friends are also still accepting jewelry donations. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, The Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.

            Well-Read Wednesday meets on Wednesday, June 25, at 6:30 pm in the Marine room. The club will discuss The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Copies of the book are available for pickup at the library. New members welcome.

            Our six-week summer yoga series begins on the library’s lawn on Thursday, June 26, at 10:30 am and will continue every Thursday at 10:30 am until July 31. Andrea DeVeau-Cabral will guide the sessions. In the event of inclement weather, contact the library for updates. This is an adaptable experience for all levels of physical ability. No registration is required.

            Please note that a library card is required at checkout. If your card is missing, we can replace it. To avoid losing it again, download the SAILS mobile app. It’s an excellent alternative to carrying your physical library card. Please see a librarian if you need help or have questions. Your privacy is important to us. Let’s protect it together.

            As always, library events and activities are free and open to all. Visit our website for more information and updates. If you have any questions, please email mfpl@sailsinc.org or call us at 508-758-4171.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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In the early days of Rochester, toys and games were scarce. Any toys that very young children had were handmade. Once a child turned five or there abouts, there were chores that they were expected to perform. However, kids being kids, whenever a group got together (maybe during the break between Sunday services) they would play tag and other running games.

            It was thought that giving a girl a doll would help her to become a good mother. Early dolls were made of corn husks or cloth. Boys might practice with a bow and arrow or with a wooden facsimile of a musket, learning skills they could use as adults.

            One activity that both boys and girls participated in was rolling a hoop, one of which is pictured here. The ancestor of the hula hoop, it was about the same size but made of wood. Steering it with a stick, the one who could keep it upright and rolling the longest was the winner.

            Colonial games were most often played by adult males. Most were games still played today but in slightly different forms. Stool ball was a game where the “pitcher” threw a ball and tried to hit a stool, tree trunk or something similar. If he hit the stool, he would receive a point. However, there was a “batter” who had a flat piece of wood, and he would attempt to bat away the ball. If he succeeded, he would run to a designated spot and then back to the stool. If he made it back before the ball, he stayed at bat. This definitely sounds like the birth of cricket or baseball.

            “Nine Men’s Morris is what we call bowling, but it was played outdoors with the pins lined up on the grass and stones were thrown to knock them down. This was definitely a game for adults and continued to be played even after the game was banned by Massachusetts’ governor.

Both men and boys played “quoits” as it believed the game improved eye-hand co-ordination. Today we call it “ring toss”.

            At the Rochester COA Fair on June 19th, both the Rochester Historical Commission and Rochester Historical Society will have a grassy area where anyone who wants to play quoits or see if they can roll a hoop can do so. We will also have a variety of other colonial games at our tables. We want to give a peek into what children in the 1770s were doing about 250 years ago before our Country’s birthday. There will also be cupcakes and other prizes. In addition, there will be some Rochester Historical items for sale and trumpet music.

            Look for us in the grassy area toward the back. We’ll have a pinwheel out front. Hope to see you there.

By Connie Eshbach

Academic Achievements

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Emmanuel College awarded a BA in Theater Arts to Sarah Melloni of Rochester at the College’s 103rd Commencement on May 10.

            Olivia Lapierre of Rochester has been named to the Plymouth State University Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester.

            Summer Williams of Rochester has been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the Spring 2025 semester.

            In recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, Emmanuel College has named Madeline Wright of Mattapoisett, who is majoring in Biology and Paetyn Tripp of Marion, who is majoring in Nursing to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester.

            The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that several area students have been named to its Spring 2025 Dean’s List. Among them are Andrew Coucci of Mattapoisett, Mariana Ditata of Rochester, Grace Greany of Mattapoisett, Quintin Palmer of Marion, Ethan Scully of Mattapoisett, Mason Tucker of Marion, and Tyler Williams of Mattapoisett.

            Meghan Craig of Mattapoisett has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science.

            Haley Jaymes Lawrence (National Honor Society and Honor Roll) of Marion and Shaun Michael Miranda (National Honor Society) of Marion graduated from Upper Cape on June 8, 2025.

Bulldogs Look to Build on Success Story

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            As disappointing as it was for the previously unbeaten Old Rochester Regional High School girls tennis team to see its 2025 season end in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Danvers in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament’s Round of 16, Coach Jim McGonigle believes that disappointment will soon be eclipsed by the many memories associated with the Bulldogs’ massive accomplishments.

            “The kids really stepped up. They had a helluva year. Liz had a great year,” said McGonigle, referencing 2025 ORR graduate Liz Houdelette, one of three, senior tri-captains on the squad with Delaney Chase and Emily Wyman. “Liz was our unsung hero in many ways, starting with her transition from doubles to singles… she had big wins against Apponequet, Dartmouth and (King Philip).”

            At second singles, Houdelette went 19-1, losing only in the state tournament as her final record mirrored that of her team. She earned South Coast Conference All-Star status.

            Apponequet was the only regular-season opponent to take individual matches from the Bulldogs, who won both meetings, 4-1, cruised to an 18-0 regular-season finish and earned the fourth seed in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament bracket. All told, ORR won 88 of 90 individual matches. Anchored by SCC Most Valuable Player Neva Matos, ORR went through the SCC at 11-0 and won the league tournament.

            ORR opened the postseason on June 1 with a 4-1 victory over 16-4 Auburn, but depth made the difference for 13th seeded Danvers (14-7) in the June 4 elimination match in Mattapoisett. Matos won in straight sets at first singles, but Danvers won on the second and third singles courts. The Bulldogs experienced the same fate in doubles, where Chase and Caroline Houdelette won on the first court, but Danvers was victorious on the second court.

            Individually, Matos finished 20-0 for the year during team competition. The junior also made the final 32 in the USTA High School individuals’ tournament and won the SCC’s individual tournament. Wyman also returned to her 2024 role, going 17-2 at third singles. At first doubles, Chase combined with Liz Houdelette’s sister Caroline Houdelette for a 20-0 season that saw them drop only one set. After moving up from second doubles, the top tandem earned a spot on the SCC All-Star team.

            Playing by committee on the second court, the Bulldogs posted a 17-3 mark, as senior Sienna Roveda, junior Ella Bishop and sophomores Grace Hebert and Zadie Goyette all contributed at second doubles.

            “We have a real good group of sophomores,” said McGonigle, who was recruited as a late replacement for Kyle Noseworthy after a full-time tennis-related opportunity pulled the erstwhile coach to the south. The longtime basketball and tennis coach was happy to offer his experience and is eager to accompany the Bulldogs on the next chapter.

            “The seniors had a great run, their three years included back-to-back undefeated seasons, making the elite eight twice,” he noted. “There were no issues at all on or off the court. I couldn’t have walked into a better situation.”

            Three juniors could be at the core of next year’s team, as Matos presumably will be back to complete her stellar high school career at first singles. Caroline Houdelette will take on a greater role in her sister Liz’s absence, and junior Ella Bishop also has an opportunity to take on a tougher challenge.

ORR Girls Tennis

By Mick Colageo