Mattapoisett Road Race

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With less than a month until the 4th of July, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and start training for the Mattapoisett Road Race, “4 on the 4th”. When this tradition was started in 1971 by Bob and Doris Gardner, 15 runners raced from Point Connett to Shipyard Park. Over the years, the route has changed a few times, and now, over 1000 runners start at Shipyard Park, run through the village, around Ned’s Point lighthouse, and finish at Shipyard Park. Townspeople line the course and cheer on the runners. Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School, as well as support Old Rochester athletics. Over the years, more than $200,000 has been given to deserving students from Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. Registration for the race is online only, up until the start of the race. Until July 2, the registration fee is $25, on July 3 and 4, it is $35. T-shirt and number pickup is from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on July 3, and 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on July 4. For more information and registration, please visit mattapoisettroadrace.com.

MAC Theater presents “The Glass Menagerie”

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 The MAC Theater Presents the Tennessee Williams classic, The Glass Menagerie, directed by Donn Tyler. Performances are held at the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater, located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion.

            The cast includes: Oliver Asker, Tim Moynihan, Cher Sauter, Eva Watts-Pine, Assistant Director/Costume Designer: Bethany Lamoureux, Stage Manager: Michele Letourneau, Technical Director: Steve McManus.

            The performances will be June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday shows at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for MAC members and $23 for nonmembers. More information and tickets: marionartcenter.org/events

            Amanda Wingfield had imagined a better life for herself, but she now lives in a drab apartment with son Tom and daughter Laura. The father has left home, Tom supports the family with a job he hates, and Laura lives in a world of her own. When Amanda convinces Tom to bring home a “gentleman caller” for Laura, all of the family’s dreams depend on the outcome of his visit.

Farmstand Snag Remains Unsolved

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Coming before the Mattapoisett Planning Board as a walk-in to the regular meeting on June 2 was Mike King, who has been attempting to receive the needed permissions to re-open a farmstand on North Street where locally grown vegetables, meat and poultry have been sold.

            As King noted, the night before his Special Permit hearing (May 15) with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), he received notification that a Variance was required, not a Special Permit. King said that the ZBA gave him a continuance, translating into time that might be adequate for receiving clear guidance from the Building Department.

            On Monday, King fully detailed for the Planning Board the confusion he has been experiencing in what he said several times is “a right to farm community.”

            He told the board members that in November 2024 he was selling Christmas trees at the farmstand and giving away hot cocoa. He said he was swiftly notified by Town Hall, “that I couldn’t do that,” without a Special Permit.

            King said he subsequently reached out to the town planner for assistance but didn’t hear back on his request for a site-plan review. In researching state requirements for farmstands, King now held that state statues allowed the farmstand to be open if it obtained a site-plan review from the Planning Board.

            King did meet with the Zoning Board of Appeals on May 15, at which time his request for a Special Permit and/or Variance was tabled in order to obtain final clarity from either the building inspector or Planning Board.

            During the discussion on June 2 when King met with the Planning Board, he gave some background saying the North Street location was a farm owned by the Ferguson family for decades. He said he has a 10-year lease on the property to grow produce there and sell it at the stand. The original homestead was built in 1810. King stated that delays in receiving a permit to operate the stand not only puts him in financial straits but threatens the Fergusons as well.

            King appealed to the board for a site-plan review. Possible hearing dates were discussed. Matters were directed to the town planner for follow-up.

            Board member Bill Wennerberg was flummoxed, saying he didn’t see what the problem was. He was ready to make a motion for the requested site-plan review.

            Chairman Tom Tucker said, “I think this is headed to Town Counsel.” As of Tuesday, the matter has been reviewed by the Town Counsel, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco stated. He concurred when asked that if this is a unique situation, as the town doesn’t have many farmstands.

            King still has a scheduled hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 19.

Earlier in the proceedings, the board members confirmed language changes for roadway-construction bylaws. The members also discussed cottage-style subdivisions in the Route 6 corridor and the size of Accessory Dwelling Units.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 16.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Burgers on The Grill

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            Most schools in the Tri-Town are out and graduations have wrapped up. The weather is getting warmer, and window rattlers have been installed. Spring rains are still here (seemingly nailing every weekend with calculated precision), but Memorial Day weekend heralds in the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Festivals and celebrations have already begun across New England, with tourism ramping up and roads already getting bogged down with seasonal traffic.

            Farmers markets are back, with the Washburn Park market now being open every Tuesday, and numerous others as well as farm stands are also beginning to pop up. Strawberry season is coming in fast! Food trucks are also becoming more prevalent.

            Camping under the stars is always fantastic in the region, especially with the cool nights offering respite from the heat. Increased solar activity has already seen this month deemed perfect for aurora borealis viewing, even being this far south.

            America 250, the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War or “United States Semiquincentennial,” also warrants an excuse to venture out and explore the past. There is no better region in the country to experience its colonial past than Massachusetts, especially given the prevalence of planned celebrations commemorating momentous historic events. This summer is predicted to be the hottest on record, with increased risk of wildfires and hurricanes. That being said, travel numbers will likely also break records. Airbnb predicts 40% of Americans will travel to domestic destinations, rather than international, to save money. Coupled with this, USA Today cited many Americans surveyed plan to drive instead of fly to cut costs.

            Summer offers us the ability to break free from routine and find joy in new adventures. Time for new hobbies or time for that long-delayed repair/renovation. Many use it as an opportunity to search for new work or begin their careers after graduation.

            Whatever your plans for this summer, regardless of the solstice being on June 20, the summer season is here, at least in spirit. “Summer was on the way; Jem and I awaited it with impatience. Summer was our best season: it was sleeping on the back screened porch in cots, or trying to sleep in the tree house; summer was everything good to eat; it was a thousand colors in a parched landscape; but most of all, summer was Dill.” – To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.

The Unofficial Start to Summer

By Sam Bishop

Peter “Taki” Konstantopoulos

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Peter “Taki” Konstantopoulos, 85 of New Bedford and Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Pepe Xifaras Konstantopoulos, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years of marriage.

            Born in Athens, Greece, Peter was the son of the late Athanasios Konstantopoulos and the late Despina (Kritikou) Konstantopoulos. He proudly served in the Greek military and later established his own successful plumbing business in Athens. In 1966, during a boat cruise to Paris, he met the love of his life, Pepe. Together, they embarked on a new journey, immigrating to the United States to build their life as a married couple. They wed in Lowell, Massachusetts, and soon settled in New Bedford.

            Peter initially worked in local mills before opening his own business, Peter’s Variety Store, in downtown New Bedford. A few years later, he returned to his trade as a plumber and was employed by Chamberlain as a pipe fitter.

            Peter split his time between New Bedford and Porto Rafti, Greece, enjoying the best of both homes. He found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren, whom he adored deeply. He also enjoyed playing poker and traveling back to Greece whenever he could.

            A devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Dartmouth, Peter remained connected to his faith and heritage throughout his life.

            He is survived by his devoted daughter, Debra Konstantopoulos-Psichopaidas and her husband, Nick G. Psichopaidas of Mattapoisett. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Maria Nicole Psichopaidas and George Nicholas Psichopaidas. He was the brother of the late Stelios Konstantopoulos and Theodora Bousdris and is survived by his sister Barbara Helioutou along with many nieces and nephews.

            Peter will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, deep love for his family, and his unwavering ties to his Greek roots. The family of Peter would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the health care providers and staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Southcoast Hospital for their compassionate care and support.

            His funeral will be held on Thursday morning, June 12, 2025 at 8:30 from Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home followed by a service at 10:00 in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Cross Rd., Dartmouth. Visiting hours Wednesday evening June 11, 2025 from 5:00-8:00. Burial in Pine Grove Cemetery.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Cross Road, Dartmouth, Mass. 02747.

            Funeral arrangements committed to the care of Aubertine-Lopes Funeral Home, 129 Allen St., New Bedford. Expanded lighted parking area with handicap accessible entrance to rear of funeral home.

            For online condolences and directions, please visit www.aubertine-lopes.com.

ORR Class of 1975 50th Reunion

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The 50th reunion will take place on Saturday, September 20 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Reservation Golf and Beach Club, 10 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett. Please share this information with anyone who may not have been contacted so that we can forward an invitation to them. Contact email: ORRHS1975@gmail.com.

ArtStart Summer Camp Finalizes Teachers

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ArtStart is the MAC’s summer art program for children ages 4 1/2 to 9 years, offered in June and July each year.

            ArtStart teachers are specialists in music, dance, theater, and art, most of whom teach throughout the year and are professionals in their fields. Activities include arts and crafts, theater, music, games, and storytelling. This year, working with program director Elyse Laurelle, is Beth McLacklan in art, Jess-Ellis Wilson teaching theater and Garrett Olson, teaching music. More information and registration at marionartcenter.org/artstart.

Community Tennis Association

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The MCTA, Community Tennis Association which serves the towns of Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Fairhaven is seeking adult men and women as new members to play in their Summer tennis drop-in league. We currently have about 24 active participants and about 50 members in total. The drop-in begins at 8 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the summer at a central location on Route 6. New players should play at a level of 3.5 or higher. We welcome anyone who would both enjoy playing tennis with no promise of playing in the U.S. Open and also enjoys having a good time with many sociable people as well. For further information please call Mike at 781-888-1110 or Ellen at 978-844-1117.

Academic Achievements

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Robert Burke of Mattapoisett and Dylan Pallatroni of Marion have been named to the Champlain College Dean’s List for achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the Spring 2025 semester.

            Springfield College has named Rylee Kouta from Mattapoisett to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2025 spring semester. Kouta has a primary major of Pre-Prof Athletic Training.

            Salve Regina President Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong conferred 508 bachelor’s degrees, 206 master’s degrees,18 doctoral degrees, and 11 doctor of nursing practice degrees upon the Class of 2025 including; Sophie Vigeant of Rochester was awarded a BS in Nursing degree; Samantha Winters of Rochester was awarded a BS in Biology degree; and Nicholas Gentili of Mattapoisett was awarded a MS in Nursing degree.

            Kelly Quinlan has been named to the Dean’s List at East Stroudsburg University for the Spring 2025 semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Quinlan is a Biology major from Mattapoisett.

ORRJH Students Showcase Civics Action Projects

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Silas Coellner are proud to share that more than 130 student projects exploring important issues facing society were on display at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School during the Civics Action Project Showcase held on Tuesday, May 27.

            Eighth grade students who completed civics action projects over the course of four weeks were able to present their findings on a wide range of topics, such as school discipline, environmental issues, mental health problems, dress codes in school, plastic pollution, underage substance use and bullying. The eighth graders were tasked with picking societal topics that would help improve their community if only the issue was better understood.

            As part of their projects, the students went through a multi-step process to learn about local government, public policy creation, and how laws and regulations can be changed to better address societal problems. Through their work, conducting surveys, contacting state representatives, speaking with school officials and communicating with community leaders, the eighth graders gained valuable insight into civic responsibility and the role they can play to improve the world around them.

            After gaining sufficient information, the students developed a final goal proposal related to their topic. The students then prepared posters to display during the Civics Action Project Showcase, helping them to explain their subject to family, friends, teachers and other guests from the community. Several school administrators also attended the event to witness students deliver their presentations.

            During the showcase, students, parents and local community members voted on what they considered the top project by two groups of students.

            The winners for the Green Team were Oliver Ward and John Rousseau for “Interactive Lessons In School.” The winner for the Orange Team was Sophie Zhou for “Wildlife and Road Safety.”

            The projects were facilitated by eighth grade civics teachers Sarah Makein and Rick Regan.

            “We were very happy with and impressed by all the tremendous work and effort that our students put into their civics action projects,” Makein said. “This event was a great success, and we look forward to repeating the effort.”

            “It was outstanding to see so many high-quality projects completed by our students,” Regan said. “They did a lot of hard work to collect information and to develop compelling findings on so many intriguing subjects. It was amazing to see what they came up with.”

            Superintendent Nelson and Principal Coellner both congratulated the eighth graders for all of their efforts to tackle so many important issues, providing nuanced explanations and offering solutions for so many social problems facing the world today.

            “I’m happy to see how so many of our students engaged intelligently on some of these very difficult issues impacting our communities,” said Principal Coellner. “There were so many thoughtful presentations that were based on data collected by our students who then offered some very interesting perspectives on these important topics. Thank you to Mr. Regan and Ms. Makein for all of their work to prepare our students for this endeavor.”

            “It was amazing to see all the hard work on display by our eighth graders during the Civics Action Project Showcase,” said Superintendent Nelson. “It’s incredible to see the depth of information and the level of understanding our students demonstrated in regard to such a wide variety of issues touching on civic responsibility. I’d also like to thank Mr. Regan and Ms. Makein for their efforts to guide our students through this project and to get them thinking about good citizenship and the responsibility they all have as future leaders.”