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

Board Considers Alternate Members

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday made progress on the Site Plan Review application to build a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities, and storm water management system on the west side of Cranberry Highway.

            The hearing was continued to the board’s next meeting, but not before it reviewed some positive developments. Applicant Sealord Enterprises representative Bob Rogers said he had not yet received the comment letter from the town’s peer review engineer that will help move the project forward. But Town Planner Michaela Shoemaker chimed in quickly with the news that she received this letter late this afternoon. “You have addressed all his comments,” she told Rogers.

            Planning Board Chair Arnold Johnson then led the board to approve the waivers being requested for the permit, all minor variances on requirements for drainage setbacks, landscaping plans and tree heights (because plan includes clear-cutting trees). He told Rogers his board was “all set” and could make an approval decision that night.

            Rogers said he preferred the continuance so the Conservation Commission can close out its hearing on the project next week, in case the plan needs to be adjusted for that board’s comments. The resulting vote approving the continuance was unanimous.

            Next, also after further review, the board continued to its next meeting the Definitive Subdivision hearing on a plan to create two house lots, one with a single-family home and another for a single-family home and agricultural building on a 14.4-acre parcel at 34 Dr. Braley Road.

            First, Johnson instructed the applicant’s engineering consultant, Todd Rodrigues, on some special requests. Johnson said the Highway Surveyor Jeff Eldridge wants a permit condition stating that if the use of agricultural buildings should change from a residence to being used for public events or parties, he wants the road in question paved. Secondly, Johnson asked that the front setback be increased from 50 feet to 100 feet. Rodriques asked if the plan could be approved that night with those conditions. Johnson noted the board will never approve a plan on the same night it closes a hearing.

            In other action, the board welcomed new member Matt Bache. He replaces Christopher Silveira, who did not seek re-election this year.

            The board reviewed the possibility of adding alternate or associate members. Board member John DiMaggio suggested the idea as a way to counter a regular board member’s long-term absence. Shoemaker noted alternate members are usually needed for a five-member board (the Rochester Planning Board has seven members). Johnson noted, for instance, Bache will not be able to vote on current projects being reviewed because he was not a member when their hearings began. Johnson ultimately instructed Shoemaker to check on what other towns have such members and what are the benefits.

            The board continued to its next meeting the Special Permit and Site Plan Review hearing for the proposal from Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables’ to install a solar panel array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road, located within a Residential-Agricultural District and partially within a Groundwater Protection District.

            The board maintained its same officers when it moved to re-organize. Johnson will remain Chair; John DiMaggio Vice-Chair; and Ben Bailey Clerk.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, June 24 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Plant Secrets and Other Truths

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With a crew of eager third graders, Don Cuddy along with other members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust education committee planted sunflowers at Dunseith Park located at the corner of North Street and Route 6 recently. This is a continuation of a major goal by the land trust: educating children about our natural environment.

            Soon, Cuddy was thinking that a sunflower seedling project might benefit not only the Mattapoisett Land Trust’s community engagement strategies but also help to educate local grade school kids by giving them first-hand, from the ground up, experience.

            Cuddy suggested to the MLT’s education committee that they might somehow use the sunflower to further science-based education programming. But it was the height of COVID-19, globally education efforts were stymied.

            At Old Hammontown School, where Center School children were temporarily relocated, an outdoor tent allowed some programing to move forward. Years later the program has expanded to include having the students plant the seeds themselves and when ready, planting the seedlings once nurtured in the classroom, outdoors at the highly visible site, Dunseith Park located at the corner of Route 6 and North Street. “They can see their own flower growing as they pass by in the family car,” Cuddy said, noting this would give them a deeper sense of ownership.

            One of the main points the program strives to impart is the codependency of plants and animals. A statement made by the MLT education committee notes, “Animals need food and light, water, minerals and favorable temperatures – and animals or other mechanisms to disperse the seeds.” Cuddy can attest to that last point. “The rabbits got the seedlings last year.” He said he grows extra plants for this scientific reality. The accompanying story walk around the park features pages from the book Plant Secrets by Emily Goodman.

            At first, Cuddy grew the seedlings for the children to plant. Now, working with the students and teachers, the plants are grown in their classroom. This year’s companion story meant to inspire the students to better understand where plants come from and how they area grown, is Plant Secrets by Emily Goodman. The book can be viewed in the story walk meandering around the park.

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join Elke Pierre for Yoga on Tuesday mornings starting at 8:30 am. This free event is open to all, please bring your own mat.

            You won’t want to miss our Summer Reading Kickoff. You’ll find larger-than-life games at the Library from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 14. Play lawn games and inflatable games, chow down on carnival snacks, and sign up for summer reading. This all-ages program includes live music from local funk band Get the Funk Out and creative activities from the Marion Natural History Museum.

            Weekly summer programs at the Elizabeth Taber Library start on Monday, June 16. Kids ages 0-5 and their grownups are invited to join us for outdoor story time on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am. Bring a towel, blanket, or lawn chair to sit on.

            Kids ages 5+ can join us for Lunchbunch on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm on the Library lawn starting on June 18. Bring your lunch and listen to Miss Macy read from a chapter book while you eat.

            Learn some healthy and delicious recipes at the inaugural meeting of the ETL Cooking club with Chef and Director of the Family Table Collaborative, Jeni Wheeler. Friday, June 20 from 6-8pm. Please call the library to register for this free program.

            Kids can create fun and wearable jewelry at Karenna Maraj’s Kids Beaded Jewelry Workshop, for ages 7-13; Saturday, June 28 at 10:30 am – Spaces are limited, call the library to register.

            Everyone is invited to the Elizabeth Taber Library’s Annual Meeting, Monday June 23 at 5:30 pm. Explore our new space and see highlights from the past year.

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

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee

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The Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee welcomes members, guests and the community to join us on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 pm. Socialize 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Find out what is going on in the community and get involved. The location is at the Niemad Building, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett.

            There will be light snacks, cash bar and good conversation. If you have any questions, contact Paul Criscuolo, Chairperson at PCMattyGOP@proton.me

Notification of Mosquito Adulticide Applications

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Please be advised that the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project will begin truck based adulticide applications on June 2, 2025, through October 2025. Spraying is conducted between 2am and sunrise, Monday through Friday.

            Plymouth County residents may request spraying of their area by phone (781-585-5450), fax (781-582-1276), drop off, or mail (272 South Meadow Rd Plymouth, Ma). A list of streets to be sprayed the following day will be updated by 3:00 pm on our website: www.plymouthmosquito.org/spray-routes-for-adult-mosquito-control.html. Additionally, if an email is provided at the time of request, notifications will be sent prior to the application.

            The purpose of our adulticiding program is to control nuisance and/or virus carrying adult mosquitoes.

            The control material used will be:

            Duet ULV (EPA Reg. #1021-1795-8329) at a rate of .62 fl oz. per acre.

            Zenivex E4 RTU (EPA Reg #2724-807) at a rate of .75-1fl oz. per acre.

            Suspend SC (EPA Reg #432-763) at a rate of .5 fl oz per 1,000 sq ft.

            Suspend Polyzone (EPA Reg #432-1514) at a rate of .5fl oz – 1 fl oz per 1000 sq ft.

            Process to Exclude Property from Public Area Wide Pesticide Applications – State Regulation 333 CMR: 13:03 provides a method for homeowners to exclude their property from public area-wide pesticide applications. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications.

            Our office will be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, if you have any questions or concerns.

John and Lucy Fearing

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John and Lucy Fearing, long-time residents of Mattapoisett, passed away on July 31, 2024 and August 1, 2024 respectively. Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Redmen Hall, 745 Main St., Wareham, MA, from 12:00-3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Southcoast Health at Home-Hospice, 141 Page St., New Bedford, MA 02740.