Early June in the Mattapoisett Library’s Children’s Room

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Children’s Department is excited to launch June with two amazing events.

            On Thursday, June 13 at 3:30 pm, dive into the fascinating world of insects with entomologist Blake Dinius as he presents Backyard Bugs. Join us to explore the incredible diversity of bugs that live right in our backyards. Learn about their unique challenges and how to identify different species. This event is perfect for bug enthusiasts of all ages. No registration is required.

            On Friday, June 14 at 3:30 pm, the Graphic Novel Book Club will meet to discuss Long Distance by Whitney Gardner. Copies of the book are available for checkout in the Children’s Department at the circulation desk. Registration is required for this event, so be sure to sign up and be part of the discussion.

            All programs are free and open to the public. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Skaar at mskaar@sailsinc.org. You can also find more information on our website at MattapoisettLibrary.org.

Plumb Library Summer Program

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Starting June 12 through August 3, join us for a summer of free, family-friendly fun. The Plumb program is for ages 3 and up, tweens/teens, and adults. Each individual person needs to sign up online starting June 12.

            Join us on Wednesday, June 12 from 3:30-4:30 pm for running, jumping, and bubble-popping fun. Mr. Vinny is bringing his handmade, giant bubble wand to create floating blobs of soapy goodness. No registration required. This is a drop-in event for all ages and will be held outside, weather-permitting.

ORCTV Kenneth J. Souza Memorial Award

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Each year, Old Rochester Community Television honors one graduating senior from our Old Rochester Regional High School video production program with the ‘Outstanding Video Production Student Award’. The $1000 award is meant to assist the student as they move on to study video production or film upon entering college. This program is named in the memory of ORCTV’s first President Kenneth J. Souza.

            The recipient of this year’s award is Amalia Dupre who showed a great commitment to the ORCTV video production educational program during the past two school years as she balanced school work, studio work, extracurricular activities and after-school employment.

            The staff and board of Old Rochester Community TV wish to congratulate Amalia Dupre on this well-earned honor.

            If you would like to contribute to the Ken Souza Scholarship fund, please send a check to ORCTV at 135 Marion Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739 and write Ken Souza Scholarship Award in the memo space. ORCTV is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, making all contributions tax deductible.

Old Rochester Regional High School Class of 2024

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Congratulations to the graduates of ORR!

*Emily Grace Abbott, Helena Antoinette Anesti, John Taylor Armanetti, Ryan Andrew Arruda, Noah Evan Michael Arsenault, Lila Aline Bangs, *Chloe Marie Bean, *Chase Thomas Besancon, Arianna Elizabeth Bessey, *Hunter Thomas Bishop, Jaeleigh Marie Black, Noah Henry Bongiorno, Emily Kate Borges, Blaine William Boulanger, *Sofia Alice Bouley, Cameron Hunter Bourque, John Kubik Bowman, Tyler Michael Brodeur, John Edward Butler, *Ella Marie Caesar, *Murray Teagan Callahan, Abigail Jordyn Campbell, Lance Joseph Carreiro, Jorge Ricardo Carrillo III, Traeh Spencer Lester Carrington,*Eloise Alize Casi, *Mars Castro-Colaj, Mackenzye Carol-Lynn Caton, *Theodore Moses Cecil, Cassandra Marie Charron, Tyler Douglas Chick, Henry Edward Cooney, *Sara Emily Costa, *Rylie Olivia Coughlin, Andrew Paul Cournoyer-Geary, William Henry Cournoyer-Geary, *Julia Lynn Crain, Eliza Jane Curtis, *Alia Maria Cusolito, Dandara Miranda De Oliveira, Ghost Rose DesRoches, Lillian Rae Dumoulin, *Amalia Ann Dupre, *Dylan William Durgin, Abigail Mae Durr, Ryan Christopher Elicier, *Amber Elizabeth Engel, Emerson Mae Femino, Kathryne Grace Fitzpatrick, Constance Rose Friedman, Ethan Thomas Furtado, Gabriel Martin Galipeau, Reilly John Garber, Chloe Rose Gleason, *Cole Ian Goldie, *Tara Grace Goldman, Alexia Ololia Gonsalves, *Jaymison Ryan Gunschel, *Jacob William Hadley, *Elizabeth Claire Harrington, James Marshall Harrington, Keira Caitlin Hart-Bonville, *Eva Grace Hartley, Aurora Riley Hayden, *Aubrey Claire Heise, *Corinne Elizabeth Hibbert, John Patrick Higgins, *Macy Grace Ingham, *Theo John Jacobsen, Christina Daniel James, *Lily Anabel Johnson, Matthew Thomas Kennefick, James Francis Kippenberger, Rylee Jolie Kouta, *Sara Elizabeth Kroll, Logan Albert Leblanc, *Zach Steven LeBlanc, Ian Fabrizio Soares Leon, *Keelin Elaine Lienkamp, Alexis Sumner Lord, Madison Elizabeth Lucas, Ty Evan MacKenzie, John Daniel Marmelo, Anthony John Marraffa Jr, Rhianna Roselynn Martinez, *Marina Neves Martins, Mitchell Peter Mathieu, *Aleeya Catherine McCarthy, Grace Josephine McCarthy, Adam Scott McConnell, *Megan Nancy McFadyen, *Ava Marie McLeod, Noah Ryan Mendes, Maxwell John Michaelis, *Nicholas Andries Miedema, Colin Henry Mills, Ethan Justin Mistica, *Owen James Modracek, Laura Lynn Monaghan, Nashajia Lynn Marie Monteiro, Sydney Kathryn Musgrove, Danikka Aileen Myers, Jacob Stephen Newton, Jonathan Ta Nguyen, *Cattarinha Alexandryia Nunes, Mariah Ann-Marie Nunes, Phoenyx Izadora Xoco Nunes, *Brenna Katherine O’Donnell,  Anna Silva Pereira, *Emilia May Perriera, *Logan Robert Perry, Mateo Nathan Pina, Noah Matthew Lopes Pittsley, *Andrew Cummings Porter, Alice Ivy Prefontaine, Darin Procopio, George Nicholas Psichopaidas, *Kelly Anne Quinlan, Preston Anthony Quinn, Jack Carey Rapoza, Gavin Matthew Robbins, Shay-ann Natalia Robertson, *Marcus Patrick Robichaud, *Kamryn Reily Rodrigues, *Gabriella Palma Romig, *Allison Diane Root, Katherine Grace Scherer, Ace Valentino Sellinger, Aiden Paul Sellinger, *Aidan Monteiro Silk, Mackenzie Haze Silvia, Reese Catherine Souza, Robert Michael Spenard, *Mariana Isabel Sudofsky, James Drew Thomas, Jason Matthew Tobin Jr, *Angela Muriel Tomasso, *Paetyn Renee Tripp, Payton Theresa Tripp, *Arielle Linda Troupe, *Jackson Ruiter Veugen, Alyssa Vieira, Hanna Whalley, Emma Elizabeth Whittaker, Tyler Jason Williams, Remy James Wilson, *Allison Christine Winters, Harry Joseph Raznikov Wisner, Jenna Nicole Woodward, Benjamin Tomas Wyman, Brooke Elizabeth Yoo, Tyler Harrison Young, *Liam Eriksen Yurof

*National Honor Society

Book (re)Marks: What’s up this Month at Plumb?

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Welcome to Book (re)Marks, all the info you need about what’s happening at the Library this month. Our June book display is full of amazing Staff Recommendations to jumpstart your summer reading. Still feeling stuck on what to read next? Grab a copy of BookPage for great reviews on upcoming releases or try NoveList on our website for lists of read-alikes. Or just ask at the desk, we are always happy to help you find something to take home.

            Speaking of summer reading…Save the Date. Summer Reading Program for Kids, Teens and Adults kicks off Wednesday, June 12. This year’s program is called “Read, Renew, Repeat” and will run through August 3. Stop by the Library to register, pick up a reading log, a BINGO sheet and sign up for activities and programs. Online registration is also available on the Event Calendar on the Library’s website, but you will still need to come in for a log.

            The COA Bookclub will meet at 1 pm on Tuesday, June 18 to discuss “I Was Told it Would Get Easier” by Abbi Waxman. Books & Babble Bookclub will be discussing “Vesper Flights” by Helen Macdonald at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 27. Books for both clubs are available for pickup at the Library or on the Libby app.

            Do you like to knit, crochet, or cross stitch? If so, join us from 6-8 pm on Mondays for a social gathering of handcrafters. Bring your latest project or something from the stash. Maybe your creative outlet involves pen and paper? Join our Writer’s Group the third Thursday of every month to keep those ideas flowing. Open to anyone 18+. Next meeting is 6:30 pm on June 20,

            The Friends of the Library are meeting at 6:30 pm, Thursday, June 6. This meeting is open to the public. Come see what the Friends are all about. Plans for upcoming fund-raising will be discussed.

            The Board of Library Trustees is meeting at 6:30 pm Thursday June, 13. This meeting is open to the public and the agenda is posted here: www.townofrochestermass.com/node/425/agenda

            Looking for fun, money-saving activities to fill the days once school ends? Check out our selection of Museum and Zoo Passes. Available passes are: Buttonwood Park Zoo, Heritage Museum & Gardens, Maplewood Enrichment Center, the Museum of Fine Arts–Boston, Massachusetts State Parks, the Newport Art Museum, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

            Please remember that the Library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth.

            Questions? Please call 508-763-8600 or email info@plumblibrary.com. As always, we hope to see you soon at the Library. –Kristen, Jen, & Lisa.

League of Women Voters SouthCoast Annual Meeting

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Dr. Daniela Melo, a lecturer at Boston University Department of Social Sciences and Co-founder and Chair of the Board of The New Bedford Light, is the keynote speaker at the League of Women Voters SouthCoast Annual Meeting at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford on Thursday, June 20 at 5:30 pm

            Come and hear how three years ago, at the launching of The New Bedford Light, Dr. Melo and its founders had little evidence that this new model for local news could work. But what the founders did know was that the progressive disinvestment in The Standard-Times had left the city without investigative reporting. As a microcosm of nationwide trends, New Bedford was experiencing polarization, low voter turnout and increased misinformation. Dr. Melo will use The New Bedford Light model to focus on potential solutions to overcome negative trends and whether new local media models can prevail.

            Dr. Melo received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut in Comparative Politics and International Relations. Dr. Melo’s research includes Contentious Politics, the politics of the European Union and Foreign Policy. She received a Fulbright research scholarship to Portugal in 2010-2011.

            The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, invites discussion on civic and political topics, voter registration and education.

            For further information please get in touch with Kris Eastman at 508-758-6051 or Susan Spooner at 508-990-2145 or www.lwvsouthcoast.org

ORR Hosts College Fair

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Mike Devoll are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional High School hosted its first College Fair in partnership with the New England Association for College Admissions Counseling recently.

            Students met with representatives from more than 75 colleges and military institutions from across the country in the school gymnasium to discuss admissions processes and the next steps for applying to college.

            Representatives talked about programming, majors, campus life, financial aid and other important factors to consider when choosing a school. At each table, materials and giveaways were provided for students, and they were invited to connect with representatives and ask questions. The fair was open to all students at Old Rochester Regional High School, families and students from surrounding schools in the community. Student Ambassadors volunteered to welcome students and families and helped host the college and military representatives.

            “The ORRHS guidance office believes in the power of student voice, and after hearing how our students wished for a local college fair, we decided to host our own in partnership with the New England Association for College Admissions Counseling,” said Lauren Millette, Director of Guidance. “We had an incredible turnout from the community, and we look forward to hosting additional fairs at ORRHS to meet the needs of all of our students and families!”

            The New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) is a New England-based resource organization that provides services and programs for students as they transition from secondary to post-secondary education.

            “Our district recognizes the need for a strong support system when students are starting the college application process,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We look forward to opportunities to aid our students as they consider their next steps after graduation!”

Employee Who Saved Town House Retires

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Longtime Town of Marion employee Kathy Kearns is being recognized by Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman as she retires after working for the town for nearly 32 years.

            According to the press release issued by the town on Tuesday, Kearns worked as an accounts-payable clerk in the town’s Finance Department but could be found working in many Town House departments over the years, helping to fill in as needed.

            “Kathy has been a dedicated town employee, always putting the needs of the residents of the town first, jumping in wherever she was needed,” Gorman said. “On behalf of the Town of Marion, the Select Board, and the town’s residents, I want to wish Kathy a happy retirement.”

            Kearns started working for the Town of Marion in 1992 and had worked her entire career in the Finance Department. She has seen many changes at Town Hall over her career, particularly the computerization of services. “We didn’t have email when I started,” Kearns recalled.

            “Kathy has been a constant presence in Town Hall, despite changes in leadership, policies and technology,” said Gorman. “She has an institutional memory that will be hard to replace.”

            Kearns is credited with saving the Marion Town House from possibly burning down in 2000. According to Kearns, she smelled something burning one Friday afternoon shortly before the building was set to close for the weekend. Unable to determine the source and nervous about leaving the building empty, Kearns called the fire department, which found arcing wires hidden behind a wall in a back office.

            “The fire department said if we had gone home, the Town House likely would have burned down,” she said.

            Kearns, a mother of three and grandmother to five, also coached town baseball and softball teams for many years and served as a field-hockey referee and softball umpire. She said she plans on spending her retirement in her new camper and working in her yard, among other activities.

            “I’ll miss everybody here,” said Kearns.

Town Sewer Gaining Users

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The May 16 public meeting of the Marion Board of Health provided the members with an opportunity to hear from familiar design engineers on septic projects around town.

            Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc., was on hand to represent the owners of septic systems at 1 West Drive and 2A West Drive.

            In his update to the board, Davignon reviewed 1 West Drive as having proposed a new septic system as part of a teardown of an existing house and a new-dwelling plan for the purposes of obtaining a building permit. The intention, he explained, was never to tie into that septic system because, as anticipated, there is a new, approved septic plan to tie into town sewer that comes down Point Road to North Drive and ending at the west end of West Drive.

            A town-ordained review via Weston & Sampson resulted in a delay of several months, but Davignon told the Board of Health that the Select Board approved the sewer extension. Manhole and sewer-line installation is imminent, to be followed by testing with a plan to be up and running during the second half of July.

            Meantime, a grinder pump and force main are operational. The resident’s request is to temporarily pump to 2A West Drive for a maximum of two months, after which both homes would be connected to town sewer by the end of July.

            The board considered the plan reasonable.

            Marion Public Health Director Lori Desmarais corroborated the Select Board’s approval of the sewer extension and noted that Department of Public Works Director Becky Tilden vouched for the details and logistics of the plan.

            Davignon also represented the owner of property at 2 West Drive, a separate entity.

            The proposal at 2 West Drive involves an addition, renovation and a “lifting” of the house into compliance with FEMA regulations relative to the flood zone in which it resides.

            The homeowner wishes to use a sewer manhole as a temporary holding tank for the grinder pump. They also plan to live in the cabana building while work is being done on the house. Davignon said up to nine different contractors are involved altogether.

            Desmarais said a written pumping contract is necessary, and on that premise, the board voted to approve.

            In an informal discussion, Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering was present to represent the owner of a septic system at 18 Sippican Lane and told the board what is being proposed is a multiyear, phased project.

            The addition to the existing home will consist of living space, including a couple of bedrooms. Grady said that the system installed in 2002 can accommodate the addition of the bedrooms, but the plan is to replace the septic tank and pump chamber with “IA technology” (denitrification) system.

            Grady said the proposal is to give the two-bedroom addition above the garage its own septic system.

            As a second home, a 2022 test that yielded data of 50 gallons per day was considered consistent with second-home usage. The house will continue to function as a second home.

            Since the addition above the garage is to be used only three weeks per year, Grady proposed a conventional septic system dedicated to that addition.

            Pumping across to the main system, Grady explained, is complicated by the fact the tennis court and parking area on the property are situated approximately 12 inches above the water table.

            Grady plans to apply to declassify a drainage ditch on the site currently classified as a river because it is dry.

            Dr. Edward Hoffer, chairman of the board, agreed that a conventional system is appropriate given the limited use planned by the owner. “The problem is what happens when they sell it, and somebody moves in who’s got four kids …,” said Hoffer.

            Grady suggested drafting a deed restriction to be recorded with the sale of the property, which passed a Title 5 inspection in 2022 because, as Grady noted, the property’s seasonal usage.

            “I’m comfortable with something like that,” said Hoffer. “The big thing that I want to protect against is when it’s sold and now it becomes a four or five-bedroom (situation) with a limited (septic) system.”

            Board member Albin Johnson said this quandary is “one of the reasons I want to rescind the (town’s) nitrogen regulation. … We have septic systems in town that passed Title 5 and (if) you do anything now in the town, you’ve got to upgrade.”

            Dr. John Howard nodded his agreement that as long as it is seasonal use, then a conventional system dedicated to the two-bedroom addition proposed above the garage is appropriate.

            Rick Charon of Charon Associates did not appear, having been granted a continuance in the case of a septic system upgrade at East Avenue.

            In her update, Desmarais told the board that Frank Murphy has taken over beach testing this year from John Powers. Semiprivate beaches were scheduled in May, and Desmarais said public and semipublic beaches are set to begin testing on June 10. Marion Health Agent Shallyn Rodriguez will serve as Murphy’s backup in testing. Routine testing between June 10 and September 2 is funded by the state.

            On Tuesday, Plymouth County Mosquito Control began receiving requests for spraying at homes.

            Desmarais reported that approximately 30 residents attended Marion’s Stroke Awareness event on May 1 and approximately 20 residents for a “lunch and learn” event on May 16. Animal Control Officer Sue Connor presented on domestic animal bites and wildlife.

            Wednesday walking events have been met with rain, but persistent participants are continuing with the program.

            The plotter (large printer) being replaced in the Town House will stay at the Board of Health, where it is frequently needed.

            The Public Health Excellence Grant will cover Marion’s epi-pens, which last approximately one year and can be stored at room temperature.

            The board agreed to meet monthly through the summer, but the next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not announced upon adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Art in Bloom at the MAC

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Art in Bloom features inventive floral arrangements on display in the MAC galleries over three days, scheduled this year June 13-15. MAC Members, along with anyone from the region, are invited to create arrangements inspired by artworks in the current MAC exhibition, featuring paintings by Robert Abele and Mary Moquin. Participants may work individually or in pairs to create floral interpretations of a specific piece of their choosing. Anyone can submit an arrangement! Local designers, amateurs and members of the Marion Garden Group or other local clubs also participate in the event. Those interested in participating may view the works on display at the Marion Art Center (80 Pleasant Street, Marion) and choose their piece of artwork no later than Wednesday, June 12. All arrangements should be delivered to the MAC on Thursday, June 13 between 10:00 am-3:00 pm. A reception will be held on Thursday evening, June 13, from 5-7 pm. All gallery receptions are free and open to the public.

            The MAC will also offer three workshops during Art in Bloom. Artist Peggy Call-Conley will teach Florals in Watercolor, a painting workshop for adults (teens also welcome) on Friday, June 14 from 1:00-4:00 pm in the MAC Studio. The cost is $50 for MAC members and $60 for nonmembers. During this all-levels class, participants will paint from a floral arrangement still life.

            Instructor Meagan Souza will present her popular Artful Flower Pressing Workshop on Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 am-12:30 pm in the MAC Studio. Students will learn the basics of flower pressing, working with prepressed floral and foraged materials. Participants will learn how to press their own fresh flowers and findings from the home garden, turning petals and leaves into a beautiful piece of art. The cost is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

            Don’t miss the MAC’s newest Art in Bloom workshop, Flower Cookie Decorating on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00-3:30 pm in the MAC Studio. Samantha Asker of Disco Butter Cookies will lead this flower-inspired cookie class. Prebaked sugar cookies, prepared freshly for the class, will be decorated with royal icing. Participants will learn 3-4 designs and have a chance to practice new techniques with instructor support. Each student will take home 6-8 cookies and a recipe kit with visual references for making cookies at home. The cost is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers.

            View all events and register online at marionartcenter.org/events. Please send any questions to info@marionartcenter.org.