MCC Celebrates Holy Week

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The public is invited to join us as we observe Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, April 13 at 10:00 am. Palm Sunday is a Christian celebration that marks the beginning of the Holy Week leading to Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem when people laid down palms and branches before him as a sign of honor.

            Maundy Thursday will be observed on April 17 to recognize Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. An evening service of scripture and hymns will be held at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

            On Sunday, April 20, we will observe Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead with 2 services: a 7:00 am sunrise service at Shipyard Park along the waterfront and a family service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.

            We hope you will join us. All are welcome at Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street, Mattapoisett.

Final Recommendation of District

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            The presentation of the final recommendation by the Marion Historic District Study Committee for the proposed historic district took place Wednesday, March 26. Chair Will Tifft began the presentation by stating the proposed bylaw would likely make it to Town Meeting and that this meeting would be to answer any questions. Tifft stated, however, that the proposition is finalized and will have no further revision.

            “In all honesty, at this point, it’s completed from our point of view,” said Tifft, adding that this meeting is a state-required, pro forma (of the form) meeting to declare the completion of the Study Committee’s report.

            Tifft explained the creation of a historic district follows state law Massachusetts General Law, Part I, Title VII, Chapter 40C: Historic Districts. Section 2 of this law states: “The purpose of this chapter is to promote the educational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of the distinctive characteristics of buildings and places significant in the history of the commonwealth and its cities and towns or their architecture, and through the maintenance and improvement of settings for such buildings and places and the encouragement of design compatible therewith.” The chair said all state-based historic districts base their existence off this law.

            Tifft went on to explain that the proposed bylaw requires a two-thirds vote to pass. He continued, “It requires, very much, the town to do it. The state – and voters at the time – determined that everybody in the town deserves a voice in this, not only the people in the district.”

            The process of the committee’s current work and surveying began in 2023, with Tifft saying it was concluded Marion Village has the “most intact historic village on the South Coast.” He continued by outlining some aspects of the district, stressing it being limited compared to others in the region. He said, “the bylaw would limit reviews to additions, new construction, and demolition only. All other alterations, including siding, roofing, windows, door trim, mechanical equipment, maintenance, paint colors, all of those things that everybody gets worked up about most are exempt.”

            The proposed historic district and accompanying bylaw will be voted upon by Marion residents at this year’s Town Meeting, May 12, regardless of whether or not the resident would live in the proposed district. The vote requires a two-thirds majority for the bylaw to be added and for the historic district to be created. Additional information can be found on the Marion Historic District Study Committeepage of the town’s website, marionma.gov.

Marion Historic District Study Committee

By Sam Bishop

Boucher Earns Her Place on Mat

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High school girls who compete in boys’ sports are necessarily treated differently, and as a result they can miss out on the camaraderie so essential to the experience. At the end of her first winter of wrestling, Mila Boucher is grateful for the manner in which the Middleborough High School wrestling team made her feel included.

            “It just happened,” Mila said of the tight connection she has made with her teammates. “They kind of started to include me within the first week, and we all just got really close as the season went on because it’s such a tight-knit sport. You have to be close with everyone, just to have fun. I feel like we just got close from all the shared experiences, and competing and going to meets and practicing six days a week.”

            Mia’s mother Kristen Boucher called the team “an amazing group of kids.”

            In addition to its 26-2 dual-meet season and repeat as South Shore League champion, qualifying eight wrestlers for the MIAA Division 2 state tournament, Middleborough High School was recognized by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association for its sportsmanship.

            “Mila had no problem fitting in with the team. We had a great group of kids this season with excellent captains, evident in the Division 2 Team Sportsmanship awards the team received this season,” said Middleborough wrestling coach Derek Seibert.

            It also helped that Mila has proven herself a tough out when wrestling against girls and boys, earning respect from opponents and teammates alike. “One hundred percent,” she confirmed.

            Having started out at eight years old with training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at her parents’ New Bedford-based studio, Mila describes Jiu Jitsu as “a ground-based, grappling martial art … like wrestling but more like on the ground, on your back.”

            Mila built her skills in that discipline, only last fall taking the opportunity to see how it would all transfer into varsity wrestling.

            The 15-year-old freshman from Mattapoisett attends Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School in North Rochester, but Old Colony does not have wrestling as a varsity sport. Thanks to a cooperative arrangement, Old Colony students can try out for the Middleborough High School wrestling team.

            Mila is the only girl on the team, but her first wrestling opponent was another girl because the season kicked off with a tournament that allowed Middleborough coach Derek Seibert to match her up with some caution. Wrestling against boys is something that has required mental as well as physical toughness.

            “It was a little challenging because I have to remember that I can’t match strength, but I still do my best,” said Mila. “I also try not to get hurt at the same time, because I tend to be stubborn and not want to lose, and it can get me into trouble where I do get hurt. But it feels really good when I do win.”

            Most of Mila’s 26 victories (against nine losses) in her first season of wrestling came against boys. In the postseason, Mila became the first student in Old Colony’s history to place (finishing fourth) in the MIAA Division 2 state meet and first to place in the MIAA All-State meet (finishing fifth).

            “I am a firm believer that Jiu Jitsu benefits wrestling and vice versa,” said Seibert. “There are a few positions that emphasize different things, but overall having a grappling background coming into wrestling is a big advantage. We have five athletes from Old Colony on our team who come from a Jiu Jitsu background, and all had great seasons for us.”

            Mila’s successes as a freshman helped her become one of Middleboro’s eight South Shore League All-Stars. With only three months of wrestling under her belt, it would seem the sky is the limit for Mila, but she is committed to the process.

            “I have a lot to learn, for sure,” she said. “I did not know what I was doing this season. … I was just going with what felt right and hoping I wouldn’t get called for doing anything illegal. … It got better as it went on. … I got called twice for a Full Nelson.”

            Mila began learning how to wrestle under MIAA rules in October. The adaptation came with restrictions, as in, not every technique or move in Jiu Jitsu is allowed in high school wrestling.

            “It took me a couple of weeks to figure out the rules,” said Mila, noting that submission holds are not allowed. “There was a kid that tapped.”

            At the height of intense competition, Mila found it initially challenging to avoid her Jiu Jitsu instincts, but she learned the ropes of wrestling as she went.

            At 5-foot-3 and a natural 120 pounds, wrestling against competitive high school boys can present a difficult matchup in terms of strength, Mila started wrestling in the 120-pound class but did what most high school wrestlers do. She cut weight to 113 pounds to wrestle in the lighter class but can still compete at 120 as needed.

            “I don’t think 120 is too much of a jump when it’s in the girls’ division, but when I’m wrestling boys it’s definitely a jump,” said Mila.

            Jiu Jitsu has weight classes but does not come with the typical requirement that competitors cut weight. That’s the part of high school wrestling that Mila wishes she could do without.

            “I hate it so much, it’s awful,” she repeats for emphasis.

            “She’s been ‘hangry’ all season,” said Kristen.

            Hydration before weigh-in is tricky because of the obvious need measured against the pure weight of water.

            “It’s so difficult trying to find a balance where I have a little bit of energy to still wrestle but also staying on weight. Sometimes, unfortunately, weight comes before energy,” Mila said. “My teammates are cutting four pounds in an hour, and I just can’t do that.”

            After deciding last year that splitting time in high school between academics and a practicum was more appealing than full-time classwork, Mila matriculated to Old Colony with a concentration in automotive. Despite her skills in Jiu Jitsu, high school wrestling brought its own set of challenges.

            “I was humbled a lot of the time. A lot of things I thought I could win I didn’t, and it was humbling,” Mila said of her freshman season. “I learned a lot of perseverance and not giving up when it got hard, because there were many times where it got very difficult.”

            Seibert sees great things ahead for Mila.

            “I think she’ll get very good. She has a great support system and great work ethic. She’s very coachable,” he said. “Girl’s wrestling is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country over the past few years, and many college programs are being added every year so there are definitely some big, long-term goals.”

            Now that high school wrestling is over for 2024-25, Mila will continue with Jiu Jitsu.

            On the March 22-23 weekend, Mila placed third in her bracket in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation’s largest tournament in North America. She says that Jiu Jitsu attracts people of all ages including senior citizens. Mila’s sister Aja, 11, participates in Jiu Jitsu classes.

            Wrestling, however, remains a secondary sport along the South Coast.

            “I wish more schools (had wrestling), but so many people quit early on in the season, not many people stick around,” said Mila. “A lot of people sign up, not a lot of people actually do it.”

By Mick Colageo

Cushing Cemetery Meeting

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Cushing Cemetery is holding its bi-annual meeting Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 am in the Marine Room at the library. All cemetery members and trustees are urged to attend. The public is also invited.

April at the Rochester Historical Museum

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Winter is over and spring is here so the Historical Society will once again have meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Rochester Historical Museum at 355 County Rd., Rochester. Meetings will start at 7:00 Pm and be followed by refreshments and conversation.

            Our first meeting will be Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 pm. As a finale of sorts for our current exhibit, we are planning a games night with a chance to play some of the historic games in the display, from Chinese Checkers, the Marble Game, Dominoes, Parcheesi to building something with Lincoln Logs or calling up the spirits with the Ouija Board.

            If you have a favorite game from your past. feel free to bring it along. Anyone who is still planning to pay their dues for 2025 can do that on the 16th.

New Handout For Applicants

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            Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday approved a new neighbor for Lloyd’s Market, with a plan to build a shed and remove a tree at 10 Hartley Road next to the store.

            The commission rendered a Negative Determination of Applicability to wetlands protection bylaws for applicant Daniel Sullivan’s proposal to clear approximately 400 square feet of briers and brush at the address and place a small shed there. Conservation Agent Merillee Kelly started the conversation by noting the site 25-30 feet from wetlands. When Sullivan asked if he could also remove a green elm that is close to the road, commission member Michael Gifford explained the more important issue with a tree removal is with what equipment is used near the wetlands. The machinery should not contain fuels that would contaminate the soil. Sullivan agreed to follow this condition.

            The commission also approved the first draft of a handout that future permit applicants and abutters will receive, detailing what the Conservation Commission does and does not have jurisdiction over. Commission Member Ben Bailey said the board has wasted its meeting time in the past when residents bring up project issues and concerns that the board has no control over. A one-piece document detailing the board’s key duties will help solve this problem. “You don’t talk about perc tests or septic systems,” he said. “That’s not jurisdiction.”

            Commission Chair Christopher Gerrior added that the handout, which is being drafted by Kelly, should detail the ‘performance standards’ an applicant must follow to work within a wetlands zone. “I always try to help people understand how things work in this town,” he said.

            Bailey added that this list will offer those details. “In black and white,” he said. “And it will be a living document that can be changed.”

            In other action, the board continued until its next meeting a Notice of Intent hearing for a plan to install a new private well, construct a rear deck and clear brush and deadwood within a wetlands buffer zone at 57 Gifford Lane.

            The board voted to not pursue an offer to buy 0 Walnut Plain Road, which is being converted from Chapter 61B forest and horticultural land protection for residential use.

            The board approved a cost of $65 for Kelly to attend a MACC Fundamental Unit 22 workshop.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on April 15 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

What’s Up There?

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April sees the heavens light up with the continuing nova light explosion and a meteor shower. As said before, compared to areas near Boston or New Bedford, the South Coast has pretty good dark skies. We are very fortunate in that regard. For the astrophysicist in us all, please use this month’s guide to assist in your stargazing and cosmic sightseeing.

            The star T Coronae Borealis, nicknamed “Blaze Star,” is once again going nova, or exploding with light and radiation. The star system is about 3,000 light years away and is actually two stars: a white dwarf and a red giant. The stars appear to explode, or “flare” around every 80 years due to regular bursts of material from the smaller star. Rather than a supernova, this event is referred to as a “recurrent nova.” The current nova is visible to the naked eye from now until around August and appears similar to the North Star (Polaris).

            April’s full moon is referred to as the “Pink Moon,” named after flowers that bloom in spring. It will occur on April 13. Other self-evident names are Breaking Ice Moon and Budding Moon. Due to the moon nearing its farthest point from earth in its orbit, this full moon is actually a “Micro Pink Moon.”

            Mercury will be visible around this time and will be most visible on April 21 due to it being the farthest from the sun in its orbit. Mercury, Venus and Saturn will be near each other in the sky and visible in the morning, before sunrise.

            The second major meteor shower of the year, the Lyrid Meteor Shower, will peak April 22 and April 23. There will be between 15 and 20 meteors per hour during this time. It will be visible in most of the sky but is concentrated in the East, near the star Vega.

            Earth Day is April 22, and if the long tradition of turning down/off lights is continued, it will make it easier to view these astronomic sights! Happy and lucky stargazing to you.

Astronomy Update for April

By Sam Bishop

Celebrate Spring with MLT

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Be a Worm, a Bird or a Flower: Celebrate Spring with MLT and storyteller Jackson Gillman on Saturday, April 5 at 11:00 am Mattapoisett Land Trust invites you to bring the kids to “Spring into Action and Song” with Stand-Up Chameleon Jackson Gillman. This is the second show in this quarterly series Celebrate the Seasons in Song & Story and will be held at Dunseith Gardens 36 North Street, Mattapoisett. Come celebrate spring in all of its flowery, song-filled wonder. Everyone becomes worms, flowers, birds, sun, rain and more in this playful romp. This is a free rain or shine event.

            Two other seasonal concerts will follow: Summer at the Beach in July, and Awesome Autumn in October.

New Associate Member Considered

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The Marion Conservation Commission met Wednesday, March 26 and began with two continued hearings.

            Kevin Medeiros of 0 Cross Neck Road (number of address would be assigned after construction) was seeking a Notice of Intent for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The public hearing’s constant was not present, though after no questioning, the hearing was closed unanimously.

            The next item was another continued hearing, this for Albert Fox of 173 Front Street for a Notice of Intent for the repairs of stone foundations of an existing pier construction. Ben Foley appeared on behalf of the applicant, stating the hearing was originally continued while awaiting comments from inspectors. Due to their being “no adverse effects” cited, the hearing was closed unanimously.

            This meeting’s two actions items were both for certificates of compliance for Cary LeBlanc for 17 Reservation Way. The certificate regards shrubs, bushes, and rocks demarcating the border between the lawn and the nearby wetland. The work was deemed compliant, and the certificate was approved unanimously. The second certificate request was also approved, though it regarded a breezeway addition to the house.

            Tom Drechsler, retired engineer, was considered as an associate member to the commission and spoke in support of himself. Drechsler stated he has been a resident of Marion for about a year and would like to “engage and contribute some of [his] time to the community.” His stated interests are in soil work and gardening. While he admitted these skills may not be needed, he stated he offers a unique skill set to the commission as well as the time and drive to learn. The commission said they would refer him to the Select Board for approval.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department Conference Room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Marion’s New DPW Nearing Completion

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            The new headquarters of the Marion Department of Public Works is nearing completion and will be enclosed for the first time by week’s end, according to the town’s Facilities Director, Shaun Cormier.

            “All the garage doors are getting installed,” said Cormier. “The sheetrock is up. Some of the finish HVAC is going in next week, not this week.”

            Located on the spot originally recommended by former DPW Director Rob Zora, the new building measures 200 feet long, 72 feet wide, approximately 26 feet high, and is divided into three basic segments for operations including vehicle maintenance/wash bay, a mechanics shop, office space and a locker room with showers, along with a large, cold-storage space to protect town vehicles from the elements.

            Waiting now on Eversource, the building is still operating on the temporary electricity and lighting that has enabled the building through the winter months.

            Vetted by the Planning Board in November 2023, the DPW building began construction a year later with the arrival of Morton Buildings prefabricated materials and the digging of piers to anchor the foundation and connection to water and sewer infrastructure.

            “Tractor-trailer trucks, they showed up one after another, all pieces. It’s like a giant Erector set,” said DPW Director Jody Dickerson. “I still have mine,” he joked.

            Soon after, the frame went up quickly. Phase 1 was completed in November with the addition of temporary electricity and lighting to aid indoor work in the winter months.

            Interior trenching and piping for the basis of the wash bays’ radiant heating system under the concrete floor was completed early in winter, and by the end of winter work on office space was well under way.

            General contractor South Coast Improvement is scheduled to complete its mission by the end of April, which will be handed off to the town for finishing work inside and out.

            “A lot of that is town responsibility, just like a lot of the exterior grading is town responsibility,” Cormier explained. The Facilities Department is responsible for detailing the inside of the building, and the DPW will iron out the grading, landscaping and paving.

            The cost of construction approximates $6,000,000, and Town Meeting last voted to allocate funds for the project two years ago. By handling as much as it has rather than farm out work, the town has saved over $500,000, according to Cormier.

            Originally designed as a two-building concept not including the salt shed yet to go up near the water tower, the building was redesigned as one building so as to eliminate infrastructural and other redundancies.

            The building will be entirely powered and heated by electricity, and the south-facing half of the building’s roof is designed to accommodate solar panels.

            “That side gets sun, all day,” said Cormier.

            The salt shed planned for later in the summer is to be located between the building and the water tower at Benson Brook. Cormier said that funding for the salt shed is in the procurement stage.

            Cormier said the builders have not had to deviate from the design. “It’s so simple that there weren’t any major changes,” he said.

            “I’d be happy if I’m in by June,” said Dickerson. “Being realistic, spring is our busiest time.”

            The present DPW site on the opposite side of Route 6 will become the subject of warrant articles for a capital project subject to vote by the Annual Town Meeting. The proposal is to remove the old, wooden buildings and preserve and renovate three of the buildings at the site.

By Mick Colageo