More Solar Projects Advanced

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            Rochester’s Planning Board meeting on Tuesday started and ended with a focus on solar energy installation proposals.

            `The board opened with an informal discussion of a Site Plan Review proposal to build a one-megawatt, ground-mounted solar array on Walnut Plain Road. The installation will be just under 10 acres and located across from the small cemetery there, said project representative Sarah Stern. The board’s lone question came from Chair Arnold Johnson who asked if the site’s utilities would be underground. “Wherever it can be done,” Stern responded. She said the formal application is currently being worked on.

            Next, the board continued to April 28 its hearing into a modification of the Definitive Subdivision permit for the previously approved Snipatuit Pond Estates at Gerrish and Bishop Road after it made a special request of the developer. Developer Robert Pellegrini’s proposal is to swap two parcels of open space to create a 3.578-acre buildable lot on one of them. On Tuesday, the board requested that Pellegrini place all but the new house lot under a conservation restriction as a permit condition. The board instructed Pellegrini to return with what that plan would look like.

            The board then began a Site Plan Review and Special Permit hearing for High Street Solar 2 at 0 High St. This plan is part of two applications for a ground-mounted solar array to include a battery storage system on that street. The notice for “site one” was opened at the board’s March 24 meeting. Tuesday’s hearing began a review of Site Two, the northern lots near Mayflower Lane. Project representative Sarah Stern, who is also overseeing the Walnut Road solar plan, reported that High Street Solar planners are removing the emergency access road that was once planned on Mayflower Lane, which is also eliminating wetlands resource impacts its installation might cause. The total property is 120 acres; the installation will cover 20 acres, she said.

            A roomful of residents raised objections that included what will noise decibel levels be like. Abutter Peter Sherlock asked if the battery system pad planned for the site could be moved south, further away from residents. Stern indicated that change was possible.

            Johnson said in conclusion that more information on the plan’s final design will come out after the town engineer’s peer review, which has yet to start. Stern requested a continuance of this hearing to Apr. 28. Johnson said that is the date of the Site One continuance. The peer review engineer will need the extra time, he said. The board continued the Site Two hearing to May 12.

            In other action, the board continued to April 28 the Site Plan Review hearing on a proposal to clear and re-grade land behind town hall for an 8,220-square foot parking lot.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mattapoisett Rabies Clinic

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The Town of Mattapoisett Natural Resource Department is hosting a Rabies Clinic. The clinic will be held at the Mattapoisett Highway Department, 5 Mendell Road, Mattapoisett, on April 19 and will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 bpm. Vaccines will be administered by the Mattapoisett Animal Hospital and will cost $15 cash. The clinic will vaccinate dogs and cats. Rabies certificates will expire after one year unless proof of previous vaccination is presented in person. Dog owners are reminded that all dogs in Massachusetts must be licensed annually, and proof of a current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. For questions, contact the Natural Resources Department at 508-209 – 4931 or email aco@mattapoisettpolice.gov.

Mattapoisett Celebrates 250 Years Committee

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Please join us as we plan the Semi quincentennial celebration of our country. We need your help to make it happen. The committee is working on several ideas for the celebration. The events will be family friendly that recognize the historical past and the future of our great country. Volunteers are the heart of this celebration. Please consider donating your time to make these events fun and memorable.

            The next meeting is scheduled for April 16 at 6:00 pm at American Legion Hall Florence Eastman Post 280 on 3 Depot Street. Questions or comments can be emailed to Barbara Gaspar at theseamstress058@gmail.com.

ORRHS Student Participates in Massachusetts Student Government Day

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Old Rochester Regional High School is pleased to share that Olivia Thompson, a junior and member of the Class of 2027, recently participated in the statewide Student Government Day.

            On April 10, Olivia and ORRHS Spanish teacher Kelly Ochoa traveled to the State House to participate in the annual Student Government Day.

            Student Government Day, formerly known as Good Government Day, is an informative program about state government that includes students taking on the role of elected or appointed officials to observe the processes of government. The goal of the event is to provide an immersive experience in the state legislative process by allowing students to engage with representatives and empowering them to voice their own informed views on current legislation.

            During their visit, Olivia and Ochoa met with state Rep. Mark Sylvia and Old Rochester alumnus Eddie Gonet for a tour of the State House and visited state Sen. Mark Montigny’s office. Gonet formerly served as an intern in Sen. Montigny’s office.

            Olivia participated in a student-led legislative session and shared her support of House Bill H.614, which proposes the Commissioner of Education develop guidelines for Artificial Intelligence (AI) use in schools. The student bill was passed.

            The discussions Olivia heard during Student Government Day directly related to lessons Old Rochester students have encountered in their curriculum. Last year, students debated a bill that, if enacted, would ban cell phone usage during the school day. Two days before her visit, the Massachusetts state representatives passed a similar bill to ban cell phone usage in school. The Senate had previously passed the bill, and it is now returning to the Senate for a review of modifications.

            “Student Government Day is a unique opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of how their government works,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “The hands-on nature of the event allows students to speak with representatives, voice their opinions and actively participate in the legislative process. Programs such as this one encourage young people to become active participants in democratic society.”

            “We are thrilled that Olivia was elected to participate in Student Government Day,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “We wish to thank state Rep. Mark Sylvia for taking the time to meet with her. This event offers an exciting experience and provides students with new perspectives on how the government functions. We were proud to have Olivia represent Old Rochester at the State House.”

Happenings at the MAC

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Lou Schellenberg & Susan Darwin – Gallery Talks. The artists Lou Schellenburg & Susan Darwin will return to the MAC to close their show Common Waters: Once Removed, Always Returning with a free Gallery Talk with the Artists: Friday, April 17 at 4:00 pm. The MAC is located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion. The show will close thereafter. More information at marionartcenter.org/events.

            Collective Sightings – Visions of Grace, Harmony and Solitude opens on April 24. This exhibition features the work of re/vision, a peer-to-peer group of photographers including Angela C. Brown, Bill Clark, David DeMelim, Deb Ehrens and Keith Prue.

            Exhibition Statement from the Artists: This exhibition presents a collection of work developed individually, and yet collectively. While we each find the process of making art a contemplative and often solitary experience, we are driven by a desire or need to share and connect with the larger world. Our re/vision group acts as a bridge between these two poles of isolation and community, offering a place to share work-in-progress and ideas not yet fully formed without fear. Mutual respect for each member’s talents and the trust and familiarity developed over years of working together provide an added motivation to continue innovating. While our individual practices, styles, and approaches to photography diverge wildly, we are drawn together by our shared desire to keep innovating and reinventing our work and ourselves. The rhythm of that creative connection flows through our varied interpretations of Grace, Harmony, and Solitude.

            The exhibition opens on April 24 with a free reception at the MAC, 80 Pleasant St. Marion from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The show will run through May 22. For more information go to marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

            Abstract Acrylic Painting Workshop: Spring Florals – Whether you are just beginning or looking to broaden your experience with acrylics, join us for a one-day workshop on acrylics using spring florals for inspiration. In this class, attendees will create their own daffodil inspired painting (or other floral). Instructor Elyse Laurelle will provide guidance, demonstration, and a finished example while working through the painting process with participants. Elyse will share her techniques and offer advice and feedback to students during the informal session.

The goal of this class is for participants to feel more comfortable working with acrylics and to take home a completed painting of their very own. While the instructor’s style and work are the basis for the class, participants will be encouraged to explore their own artistic style with their floral artwork.

            The class will be held at the MAC Studio located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm The cost is $55 for MAC Members and $65 for Nonmembers. All materials will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring any acrylic painting supplies they have on hand. More information and registration at marionartcenter.org/events.

Island Wharf in Harbor Management Plan

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            The Marion Marine Resources Commission met on Wednesday, April 1 in the Maritime Center for a list of action items that, along with approving minutes of prior meetings, handled the vacant harbormaster position, town kayak racks, the Harbor Management Plan, and Island Wharf.

            The commission quickly discussed the open harbormaster position, mentioning the need for someone experienced. “We’re in a very different position than we’ve been in almost 20 years in terms of filling the position. We don’t have any kind of succession. we don’t have an assistant moving up or someone who has been groomed to move up, so we’re starting fresh,” Chair Vincent J. Malkoski, Jr. said.

            The MRC then moved to discuss kayak rack regulations, which it was initially noted should have both the direction and eventual oversight of the harbormaster and their department. It was stated the difference between kayaks and paddleboards should be explicated outlined, and both water “crafts” follow generally the same rules, aside from positioning of their respective rack posts. There will be a $15 fee for a rack slot and a $5 renewal fee for existing approved residents.

            Commission members also highlighted other powers to be taken up by the harbormaster, such as the officer having the authority to dispose of kayaks left behind or left by violators without a valid pass. Other potential kayak-related incidents were discussed, such as what to do when someone else has their kayak in your spot or whether non-residents should be offered some usability, with the commission agreeing more work and discussion is required to hash out and formulate the policy, with the chair stating the need for some facets of the policy to be simplified.

            The MRC then moved on to discuss the Harbor Management Plan, which will also contain provisions for kayak/board racks.

            Chair Malkoski mentioned he had received Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland’s recommendations regarding Island Wharf and parking on the property. Malkoski noted the importance of a plan being discussed and devised for parking at the wharf, and the lot as a whole. The MRC discussed recommendations that parking for commercial vehicles and trailers be allowed with permit only (from October 15 to June 15), through harbormaster coordination. Should that be the case, the MRC also discussed proposals to move the bandstand to Silvershell Beach to allow Island Wharf to be maintained as parking for town access.

            Commission members discussed commercial parking on the grass, with the chair saying, “the idea that you can never put stuff on the grass is just not a reality.”

            They noted the difficulty is getting all the major town parties to agree, though Malkoski said he “absolutely” wants Island Wharf parking regulations to be included in the Harbor Management Plan.

            The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm in the Maritime Center.

            The first Public Meeting to go over the Marion Harbor Management Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Music Hall.

Marion Marine Resources Commission

By Sam Bishop

The Noah Curtis Greany Foundation

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The Noah Curtis Greany foundation is launching their first scholarship awards for the graduating class of 2026. This scholarship honors the life and spirit of Noah Curtis Greany – a humble, kind, and inspiring young man whose joy for life and infectious optimism made everyone around him feel seen, valued and loved. Through support for youth sports programs, educational scholarships, and cancer research, driven by Noah’s childhood dream to cure cancer, the foundation wants to carry forward his legacy of kindness, joy, and the belief that every person matters. This scholarship seeks to recognize graduating high school seniors who embody these same qualities through their character, actions and impact on others. There will be five awards of $2,000 each. The application deadline is May 1.

            Applicants must align with one of the following criteria. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior from the Tri-Town of Marion, Mattapoisett or Rochester who attends any surrounding high school. Applicants may be graduating high school seniors from Tabor Academy. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior from Boston Collegiate Charter School, Community Academy of Science and Health or Dr. Albert D. Holland School of Technology. Applicants may be a graduating high school senior attending Northeastern University from the Tri-Town or any South Boston/Dorchester High School. All applicants must be pursuing post‑secondary education including college, university, trade school or other accredited programs.

            More details about the application and submission instructions can be found at thencgfoundation.org.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Community Tag Sale

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Bargain hunters and community members alike are invited to attend the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Tag Sale on Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The event will take place at Reynard Hall, located within the Congregational Church in Mattapoisett.

            Browse our many tables filled with fun and amazing items you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Proceeds from the tag sale benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund. Cash or check is preferred and no early birds, please.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a civic, social, educational and philanthropic organization. Membership is always open to local women who are interested in the objectives and mission of the organization. For more information or questions please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.

Donald George

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Donald George, 88, of Rochester, passed away on April 12, 2026, at Royal of Fairhaven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Fairhaven.  He was the husband of the late Margaret M. (Fournier) George.  They were married for 54 years.  He was the son of the late Howard P. and Marie Louise (Jordanais) George. 

He was born in New Bedford and lived in Rochester all his life. He attended the Waterman School.

Mr. George worked at the Rochester Landfill for many years before retiring.


He was a volunteer for the Rochester Fire Department, a member of the Rochester Men’s Brotherhood, the Grounds Observers Corps, Wareham Kiwanis, and the Rochester Council on Aging Board of Directors.

Survivors include his sister, Annette Gartner of Iowa; 4 grandchildren, Courtney Gurll of Arlington, Joshua Gurll of Manchester, NH, Patrick Gurll of Seabring, FL, and Jeremy Lindsay of Wareham; 3 nieces, Barbara Erickson of Middleboro, Heidi Fredette of Lexington, SC, Sue Hartman of Wisconsin; 3 nephews, Michael Akins of Bourne, John Temporly of GA and Thomas Hartman of Wisconsin. He was the father of the late Deborah George and uncle of the late Daniel Akins.

His graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Rochester Center Cemetery, Dexter Ln., Rochester.

Richard G. Bellefeuille

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Richard G. Bellefeuille, 79, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, April 11, 2026. He was the husband of Diane (Arruda) Bellefeuille for 58 years.

            Born in Acushnet, son of the late Gaston and Therese (Benoit) Bellefeuille, he lived in Fairhaven before moving to Mattapoisett in 1979.

            Rick enjoyed practicing his photography at Ned’s Point and while watching his grandchildren play sports. His hobbies included GMRS Radio, geocaching, and sailing. When not traveling with his wife, he could be found working on the yard and burning brush. He loved seeing his grandchildren compete in sports and perform for school events.

            Richie was a 1964 graduate of Fairhaven High School, and later received his Business degree from UMass Dartmouth. He worked for Revere Copper for 41 years before retiring as a Water Treatment Technician.

            Richard served proudly in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and earned his Marksman Badge on the M-14. For over 20 years he volunteered to place flags at veteran graves with his grandchildren.

            Survivors include his wife, Diane; his children, Michael Bellefeuille and his wife Lori of Florida, James Bellefeuille of Virginia, Steven Bellefeuille and his wife Rebecca of Rochester, and “Son #4” Thomas J. Simpson of Mattapoisett; his brother, Alan Bellefeuille and his wife Claudia; his sister Anne Delaney; his grandchildren, Holden, Kyra, Noah, Olivia, Zachary, Nicholas, and Emily Bellefeuille; and several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

            The family would like to thank Community Nurse and Care with Love, as well as the personal care aides who provided him with excellent care during his illness.

            In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Community Nurse, 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719

            Richie’s Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12 Noon in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Visiting hours will be held Thursday from 4-7 pm. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com