Mattapoisett Land Trust Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that Mattapoisett resident Lowell Copps is this year’s recipient of its Blanche B. Perry scholarship award. Lowell, recently graduated from Bishop Stang High School, will receive $1,000 from the Land Trust’s education fund which will go towards his studies in civil and environmental engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

            A keen outdoorsman and competitive runner, Lowell selected Case because he liked the feel of the campus while visiting prospective colleges. “I think it will be a good fit for me,” he said. “I like their engineering program, and they also have a strong cross-country team.”

            The Mattapoisett Land Trust has been partnering with educators for the past 20 years. Much of its program funding is provided by the Shoolman Fund, created through a generous bequest from Brant Beach resident Edith Glick Shoolman (1904-2003). Mrs. Shoolman’s dream was to make a difference in the lives of children. This fund has enabled the MLT to develop numerous projects that encourage environmental education, art, and physical activity. The Blanche B. Perry scholarship goes exclusively to an area high school senior pursuing an education in scientific, environmental studies or a related field. The award is disbursed once the student submits a college transcript documenting the completion of their first semester in college.

            Applicants undergo a comprehensive selection process, according to Mary Cabral, co-chair of the MLT education committee. “We have a rubric,” she said. “We assign points based on certain criteria and the entries are evaluated by the MLT’s scholarship review committee.” Among the requirements, students who apply must submit an official school transcript, a letter outlining their career goals along with references from a teacher and a community member. Preference is naturally given to individuals who are, or whose parents or grandparents are, members of the Mattapoisett Land Trust. In Lowell’s letter of application, he stated that “I have a very personal connection to the MLT because for my entire life I have enjoyed many of their properties. I can see firsthand what we would lose if these protected areas did not exist.”

            For more information on the Land Trust’s mission and goals, visit mattlandtust.org.

Hello from Plumb Library

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Summer Reading is not just for kids. Plumb Library has a simple, but fun, summer reading option for adults. And yes, if you complete the program requirement, you too will get an invitation to the ice cream party in August. It’s easy to get started. Just sign up on the Events Calendar on our website www.plumblibrary.com, come into the Library to pick up a reading tracker log, and start reading. The program runs from June 11 to August 2 and there are three ways that adults can choose from to track their reading: track by time read, track by books completed, or challenge yourself with a BINGO sheet. Feel free at ask us any questions you may have.

            Along with the reading program, we are also offering some fantastic summer events, just for grown- ups.

            Summer Yoga with Marsha 10:30 am Saturday June 21 (outdoors weather permitting, indoors if raining). This hour-long gentle stretch class is designed for adults at any practice level. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a mat, and water. Space is limited; registration is required.

            Essential Oils Workshop with Diana 10:00 am Saturday June 28 in the Downstairs Program Room. This is a make-and-take workshop for adults who are interested in learning about different types of oils and their health and wellness benefits. Space is limited, registration is required.

            Both of these events are free and are for adults aged 19+. You do not need to be signed up for summer reading to take part in them, but you do need to register for the individual event on our website.

Ongoing adult programs:

            Knitting Group 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Mondays (June 23 and 30). All levels of adult handcrafters are welcome at this social gathering. Bring your latest projects.

            Books and Babble Bookclub 6:30 pm Thursday June 26 to discuss “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. The July book is “L A Weather” by Maria Escandon. Books are available for pick up at the Library.

            We are closed Thursday June 19 for Juneteenth. Library hours are: Monday/Thursday 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm; closed on Sundays and Holidays. Contact us by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com during regular hours. Check our Events Calendar, Newsletter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

            Library cards are required for checkout. If you’ve lost your card, it can be replaced for $2.00. Download the SAILS Mobile app, it’s a quick and easy way to always have your card with you. We’re happy to show you how it works.

Solar Array Faces More Environmental Concerns

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            Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by approving a positive Order of Conditions the Notice of Intent filed by Sealord Enterprises, LLC for construction of a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities, and storm water management system within the 100-foot of wetlands at a new address on Cranberry Highway.

            The project’s engineering consultant Bob Rogers said the Planning Board had approved the waivers he requested for that panel’s permit and simply wanted to leave the latter’s public hearing open in case the commission had further comments he needed to address. Commissioner Chris Gerrior said Rogers needed no waivers from his board, and the resulting approval vote was unanimous.

            The commission then issued another positive Order of Conditions, in the Notice of Intent hearing for Eversource Energy’s work on a utility sub-station within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone and the 25-foot No Disturb Zone at 214 Rounseville Road. Engineering consultant John Zimmer, attending the meeting on Zoom, clarified the project is to rebuild the existing substation, including relocating three existing stormwater basin “poles.” He said he needed variances for property’s access entrance. Gerrior asked if abutters have concerns. Zimmer said an abutter who spoke at the project’s Planning Board hearing merely needs to see the final landscape design.

            The commission then opened its biggest hearing of the night, on the Notice of Intent application for work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 53 Dexter Lane for the construction of a floating and ground-mounted solar array with associated battery energy storage system.

            Project representative Sarah Sterns said this is a plan for three floating solar panels on their bog manufactured lakes and three panels upland that are all part of an existing farm. Both commission members and audience members responded with concerns focusing on what this installation will do the waterways there and the wildlife. In the end, the commission motioned a continuance in order to hire a wildlife biologist to investigate their issues.

            The first question before this result came from Member Matt Bache, who asked “how will the floating panels be anchored?” Stern said they will either be anchored to the bottom of the pond or slightly under the surface of the water, depending on the vendor that is chosen. “It will be like a dock in the water, with a very small footprint,” she said.

            Bache also wanted to know what happens to materials from the panels landing in the water. New member Jenelle Jesse asked if a variety of metrics had been used to test water quality. Abutter Lena Finch said the installation could directly impact the Eastern Box Turtles and salamanders in the area. Gerrior noted past Conservation Commission approvals have included promises of erosion controls and regular turtle searches.

            Member Ben Bailey voiced the biggest objection. The Department of Environmental Protection allows floating solar arrays only on man-made water, he said. But a natural river runs through this pond. “I don’t think you can do that here,” he said. He then signaled opposition to this plan based on that fact.

            He also noted waterfowl fly into solar panels thinking they are water, thus injuring or killing themselves. “Are there any studies of bird mortality rates?” he asked.

            Member Merilee Kelly suggested the peer review option. “I’d like to see a peer reviewer get involved,” she said.

            The commission approved this move and to continue the hearing to July 14.

            In other action, upon the applicant’s request, the commission continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing for work within bordering vegetated wetlands related to a ground-mounted solar array system in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road.

            After a brief discussion of the plan, the commission also continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent hearing on a proposed single family home within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone at 28 Marion Road.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Local News Organizations: Informing Citizens & Creating Community

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On Wednesday, June 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Come hear a panel from The Wanderer, Sippican Week, and The New Bedford Light who will speak at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library about their local news services; their history, how they’ve changed, their focus, and their value to the community. Bring your questions and comments for an engaging civil conversation. Speaking will be Karen Bordeleau, Executive Editor of The New Bedford Light, Paul Lopes, Owner & Editor of The Wanderer, and Anne Eisenmenger, Publisher of Beaver Dam Partners including Sippican Week. Free and open to all.

ORRHS Fourth Term Honor Roll

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The following students have achieved honors for the fourth term at Old Rochester Regional High School:

            Highest Honors: Elizabeth Achilles, Olivia Crowley, Sara Duane, Sage Elia, Katherine Guevara, Ella Milhench, Elise Modracek, Caitlin O’Donnell, Xavier Pateakos, Jiya Patel, Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Eve Skomal, Scarlett Sylvia, Hannah Thorell, Rachel Tse

                  Honors: Henry Achilles, Logan Amaral, Lily Ambrosi, Sophia Anesti, Penelope Angeley, Gianna Annunziato, Seraphina Arruda, Georgia Bailey, Henry Bailey, Chloe Bairos, Abigail Balsis, Ella Bartholomew, Claire Bates, Malcolm Bean, Henry Becker, Henry Berry, Ella Bishop, John Bongiorno, Clara Bonney, Cadel Bosma, Sydney Bosma, Rose Bouley, Nathanael Bushnell, Nolan Bushnell, Drew Butler, Aiden Cabral, Brianna Cabral, Ethan Cabral, Lucas Cabral, Sarah Cabral, Bobby Calder, Keira Canto, Erin Cardinal, Cassidy Carroll, Delaney Chase, Kelsi Chick, Quinn Chisholm, Rosemary Clark, Gavin Coffey, Jacob Collier, Aiden Comorosky, Belle Comorosky, Madison Conner, Gabriel Connors, Ashton Cook, Charlotte Cook, Taylor Cook, Tucker Cook, Owen Cooney, Bryan Correia, Raegan Correia, Bridget Coryer, Emma Costa, Phoebe Cowles, Cadogan Crete, Tapper Crete, Makenzie Crowley, Grace Custadio, Alexander Dai, Dannylynn DaPonte, Matthew DaRosa, Emma Debonise, Gianna DeLeo, Jake Dellas, Reis DeMello, Averee Depina, Abigail Desorcy, Luke DeVoe, Mara Donnelly, Rafael Duarte, Gisele Duchaine, Jeannine Duchaine, Eden Dupre, Aidan Eagle, Calder Eaton, Neal Eddleston, Elizabeth Feeney, Max Ferrari, John Ferreira, Alexandra Fiano, Michaela Fiano, Ava Figueiredo, Mia Figueiredo, Katelyn Fisher, William Fortier, Brendan Foster, David Fredette, Brendan Fuller, Dillon Furtado, Caroline Gallagher, Jack Gallagher, Giada Gandolfi, Brandon Gates, Jacob Gear, Lillian Gendreau, Madeleine Gendreau, Allison Giampa, Daniel Giandomenico, Caden Gonsalves, Clara Gouveia-Silva, Isabel Govoni, Benjamin Graham, Chloe Guttenberger, Lucas Hadley, Sebastian Harrigan, Logan Hart-Bonville, Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Ian Hartwig, Madalyn Haverty, Grace Hebert, Patrick Henry, August Herbert, Meredith Higgins, Brody Hiles, Lily Hinds, Estella Holbrook, Isabella Hollis, Hunter Horsey, Lyla Hotte, Elizabeth Houdelette, Emma Iappini, Jacob Iappini, Amanda Ignacio, Taryn Jackson, Emma Johnson, Louise Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Chase Karo, Lanie Kazen, Jazmin Kearns, Kierra Keegan, Genevieve Kelly, Hazel Kelly, Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Hadley King, Leighton King, Hadley Kuppens, Austin Lassiter, Seamus Leary, Bree LeFavor, Aiden Levasseur, Lucy Lombard, Caitlyn Lund, Aiden MacLeod, Addison Mahar, Marley Mailloux, Abigail Mansfield, Hannah Mansfield, Joshua Marcolini, Paige Marotta, Gavin Martin, Isabel Marujo, Neva Matos, Faelyn McCarthy, Tiera McCarthy, Liam McGee, Katherine McIlmail, Benjamin Meighan, Carly Mello, Colin Mello, Levi Mello, Zachary Mendes, Ethan Miguel, Maiwenn Moisy, Xavier Monteiro, Blake Moreau, Miah Motta, Zoe Motta, Zack Mourao, Grady Muldoon, Caillaigh Mullen, Desmond Murphy, Connor Nelson, Piper Newell, James Noblet, Ella Normandin, Grady Oliveira, Liam Osterday, Owen Osterday, Angela Palmer, Zoe Papadakis, Krishi Patel, Mit Patel, Scarlet Patnaude, Morgan Patraiko, Reilly Patraiko, Marley Perry, Nathan Perry, Quinn Perry, Benino Petrone, Varunyu Phimolmas, Luke Pierre, Nina Pierre, Gabriela Pinhancos, Alexander Pither, Audrey Pither, Zoe Plante, Harrison Porter, Tyler Porto, Delilah Post, Jasmyn Pumphery, Dimitri Raposo, Brady Reardon, Tessa Ripley, Noah Robert-Howley, Ellen Robitaille, Matthew Rock, Sebastian Romig, Erin Root, Lazaro Rosa, Grace Rousseau, Addison Roy, Maxwell Roy, Lucille Runyon, Julian Sanchez, Kaya Savaria, Rebecca Schaefer, Austin Scully, Landon Sexton-Murphy, Christina Shultz, Ian Shultz, Benjamin Silva, Ella Silva, Kaelie Smalley, Chelsey Soltau, Molly Souza, Marie Spenard, Addyson Spencer, Alexa St Louis, Claudia Surace, Heather Surace, Blair Thomas, Ezra Thompson, Jack Thompson, Olivia Thompson, Noah Thorell, Alexandra Tobin, Nathan Tobin, Amanda Tomasso, Bella Tourinho, Braylee Trout, Nathaniel Tse, Thomas Tseki, Lucia Valadao, Olivia Valentim, Cameron Van Ness, Claire Vergoni, Grace Victoria, Nicholas Victorino, Nolin Vieira, Connor Villafranca, Sasha Volkema, Avery White, Linden White, Matthew Williams, Caitlin Wilson, Molly Wronski, Emily Wyman, Katherine Young, Kennedy Zussy

Margaret (Peg) Olney

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After a long life of service to her community, church and family, Margaret (Peg) Olney of Mattapoisett passed away on June 15, 2025, following a brief cancer-related illness. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday. For 57 years, Peg was the beloved spouse of David Olney, who died in 2015.

            Born in Bridgeport, CT, Peg was the oldest child of John M. Leask, Jr., and Margaret H. (Harris) Leask. She was raised in Fairfield, CT. After graduating from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1953, Peg attended Bates College in Lewiston, ME, receiving her B.S. degree in Biology in 1957. It was at Bates where she met Dave, when they were both working in the dining hall dish room. It was the match of a lifetime. Peg and Dave married in 1958, and first settled in New Rochelle, NY, where their three children were born. The family moved to Waltham, MA in 1973, in part to be closer to their Mattapoisett summer home that overlooks the scenic beauty of Buzzards Bay. Upon their retirement in 1995, Peg and Dave chose Mattapoisett as their year-round home.

            Peg was a stay-at-home mom for many years but returned to the work force when the children reached college age. She worked in the financial services department at the Sodexo North America headquarters in Waltham.

            In 2005, the New Bedford Standard-Times named Peg as Mattapoisett’s Women of the Year. The headline states that “Her civic contributions seem never-ending”. Indeed, that was always the case. When her children were young, Peg was a Cub Scout and Brownie troop leader, and was involved with the PTA. In retirement, Peg provided countless hours of her time in support of the Mattapoisett Women’s Club, Friends of the Mattapoisett Library, the Mattapoisett Museum, and the Council on Aging.

            Peg and Dave found their spiritual home at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Peg served as church treasurer and was involved in numerous church activities. Peg and Dave shared a love for music, and for years both sang in the church choir and the Sippican Choral Society.

            At home, Peg loved gardening and through the Women’s Club Garden Group, maintained plantings at sites all around Mattapoisett. She also was an accomplished cook. Every year her pies were best sellers at Harbor Days. Peg was an avid reader who participated in several book groups. She was a devoted watcher of Jeopardy!

            Survivors include her three children, Douglas of Brooklyn, NY, Jonathan of Tiverton, RI and Katherine and her husband David Kleinschmidt of Acton, MA. Peg’s four beloved grandchildren are Maggie Olney, Caroline Olney with fiancé Christopher Steinley, T.J. Olney, and Nathan Kleinschmidt. Peg is survived by her sister, Mary Lou Carlson of Redding, CT. Her brother David Leask preceded her in death. Her extended family includes several cousins and twenty-one nephews and nieces along with their spouses and children. She will be missed by them all.

            Gifts in Peg’s memory may be made to the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, or to the Mattapoisett Women’s Club Scholarship Fund.

            Visiting hours will take place from 4 to 7 pm on Monday, June 23 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals in Mattapoisett. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 26 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Burial at Cushing Cemetery in Mattapoisett will be private. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Leslye (Shurtleff) Ribeiro

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Leslye (Shurtleff) Ribeiro passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 56 years, Carl Ribeiro, along with their son Mark, his wife Catherine, and her loving and much-adored grandchildren, Crosby and Graham. Leslye was predeceased by her parents, Edward B. Shurtleff and Elinor (Terzian) Weaver, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

            Leslye was born on August 17, 1946, in Fairhaven, MA. A proud graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1964, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Bridgewater State College. Leslye’s passion for education led her to become a kindergarten teacher at Rogers School in Fairhaven, where she inspired young minds and developed lifelong friendships with her coworkers. After starting her family, she devoted herself full-time to being a loving mother. In later years, she returned to teaching at Fairhaven Preschool and The Loft School of Marion, where her kindness and dedication continued to touch the lives of many.

            Leslye continued her interest in education by serving on VASE (Volunteers at Sippican Elementary) and on the Parent’s Committee at Tabor Academy.

            Leslye was a lifelong athlete. In her high school years, she participated in basketball, volleyball and softball, notably scoring 53 points in a FHS women’s varsity basketball game. Her love of sports continued into adulthood. She cherished the game of tennis and the friendships it brought, playing twice a week year-round, staying active and engaged with a close-knit group of tennis friends.

            She always had a love of music, beginning in her high school band and orchestra and continuing throughout her life. She especially enjoyed playing the ukulele for her grandchildren. She had a song for every moment-say any word, and she’d effortlessly sing a tune with something fitting.

            Leslye loved traveling with Carl, both for business and for family adventures. She took great joy in her home and loved spending time outside in her yard. After retirement, she and Carl spent ten wonderful years visiting their home on Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, where she embraced her love of nature.

            Leslye is survived by her loving sister, Donna DeBalsi, and brother-in-law, Bob DeBalsi, as well as her beloved nieces, Kristin Laquale (husband Anthony and daughter Sophia) and Bethany Kirk (husband Shane), along with many cherished cousins and dear friends.

            Leslye and her family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care she received by so many at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, SouthCoast Health, SouthCoast Health Cancer Center, SouthCoast Health Hospice and two very special at-home caregivers.

            Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10 am in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 144 Front St., Marion. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be Friday, June 27th from 4-7 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leslye’s memory may be made to SouthCoast Health at Home, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or SouthCoast Community Foundation, 350 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Assing Not Seeking Reappointment

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            The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, June 11 for a short agenda with a single public hearing. Discussions began on a Certificate of Compliance request from 406 Point Road, with talks of an original request ceasing to hold weight. Originally, the addition of a breezeway from a garage was requested, though the previous house was demolished and a new one built, thus making the original request void. This compliance request was granted with a unanimous vote.

            The commission spoke of appointing Shaun Walsh as Representative to Stewards of Community Open Space and Jeff Doubrava as Representative to the Community Preservation Committee. However, the commission decided to shelve appointments for future meetings to further discuss and gauge interest throughout the summer.

            The Conservation Commission then moved on to their hearing regarding the Notice of Intent submitted by Geoffrey Gilson of 3 Arrowhead Lane for the demolition and reconstruction of a single-family dwelling with associated walks, decks, patios, and an inground swimming pool. Bob Rogers of GAF Engineering, speaking on behalf of the applicant, explained the work to be done as well as the addition of a retaining wall near the driveway. He also clarified brushland and saltmarsh on the land would not be cleared. For work in and around the salt marsh, it was explained a separate permit must be requested and another public hearing must be held by the Conservation Commission at a future date.

            It was stated that neighbors and abutters approve of the project with no raised objections. Members of the commission closed the hearing and unanimously approved the measure. Following this decision, Vice Chair and Acting Chair of this meeting Emil Assing stated he would not be seeking reappointment to the commission following the end of his three-year term at the end of this month.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is currently scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Former Lockheed Building Going Residential

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            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, June 12 for a continued public hearing regarding a Variance Request submitted by Sippican Holdings LLC at 14 Barnabas Road. The variance would allow for the conversion of an existing commercial building in a limited industrial district into a multi-family dwelling with no more than 50 dwelling units, as explained by Chair Cynthia Callow. The surrounding area is currently comprised of primarily commercial zoning and is part of the larger former Lockheed Martin site.

            Present at the meeting along with the Zoning Board was a legal counsel representative. Steve Gioiosa with CEC Engineering represented Sippican Holdings LLC and gave a presentation on the proposed work. Gioiosa showed details of the 3.7-acre property, and explained the applicant also owns nearly all abutting land. He added the building in question is the only one in the area that is “not suitable for industrial use,” though he explained his client/the applicant already holds “over a couple hundred thousand square-feet of office space throughout southeast Mass.” and believes it is not suitable for office usage, thus its desire for transformation to a residential site.

            Rather than the $450,000 to demolish, Gioiosa explained, Sippican Holdings LLC would rather invest that money into the building’s conversion into 50 proposed units with 89 (with room to add 11 more, up to a total of 100) parking spaces divided between them. The building would contain smaller one-bedroom units up to a maximum of larger three-bedroom units.

            ZBA member Dana Nilson explained he would like to see more industrial tax revenue for the town but believes taking advantage of the building is more important than leaving it vacant. Member Marge Baldwin agreed, saying “I see no reason we can’t repurpose that area – we need housing in the town. We need people,” adding “it’s a win-win for the town.”

            The board approved the variance request unanimously.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals is currently scheduled for Thursday, June 26 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Juggling Skills Serve Tennis Star Well

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            The last several years have been a juggling act for Emma Collings, whose educational experience at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School had led her to believe this skill, from a literal standpoint, is but a normal rite of passage.

            “We had this thing at ORRJH called ‘flex time,’ and the most popular one was Learning to Juggle with, I believe, Mr. (Gregory) Andree. A lot of people… from at least my couple of years of ORR (Junior High) know how to juggle, because we all took that (course) or at least knew how to juggle,” recalls Collings, now 26. “I love to use it when I’m coaching little kids on how to play tennis because that’s how they’ll really focus. You’ll say, ‘Hey, do your drill and I’ll juggle,’ and they get a big kick out of it.”

            Before the Marion native transferred to UMass Dartmouth and became a Little East Conference All-Star in tennis, she realized during Freshman Orientation at Worcester State that her juggling skills were not as common as she had assumed.

            “They had us all in the auditorium doing a bunch of different, crazy things to break the ice and get us all to be friends … and they asked, ‘and can anyone in here juggle?’” explained Collings. “If you ask at an ORR assembly, probably more than half of everyone would raise their hand, so I didn’t really think about it. And then I put my hand up and I look around, I’m the only person with my hand up, so I instantly shoot it down. And then they’re like, ‘Nope, saw that.’

            “I had to get up in front of my entire freshman class and juggle… When we had to stay the night for Freshman Orientation, it was really cool because, when I was walking around the campus, all the other Freshmen Orientation people were like, ‘Juggle Girl!’ I was able to make a bunch of friends.”

            Collings’ ability to cycle three tennis balls through the air only provides a window to her world of multitasking.

            Collings wasn’t a tennis kid per se, but she learned tennis fundamentals with now-retired teaching pro Chick Renfrew. Having played softball as a younger child before picking up volleyball and basketball at ORR, she eventually emerged as one of coach Bob Hohne’s go-to doubles players, first with the junior varsity, then the varsity.

            Although she had been recruited by UMass Dartmouth Coach Doug Chapman, she found the North Dartmouth campus to be “too close to home.”

            The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted Collings’ tennis career at Worcester State, but insult was added to the injury when the program was cut in the wake of the pandemic in 2021. Even before that development, Collings had detected a noticeable lack of support for the tennis program.

            With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration to complete, Collings wasn’t sure how receptive UMass Dartmouth would be when she messaged Chapman in April 2024 with a pitch to cash in on at least one of her remaining two years of tennis eligibility.

            “How am I going to sell myself? I’m probably going to have to miss some stuff,” she recalled. “I show up in that mode of selling myself, and he’s selling me on the team. I didn’t have to sell myself at all. He was so excited.”

            The difference in the quality of Collings’ student-athlete experience was night and day.

            Not only were the Corsairs were thrilled to have her, the school’s support of her goals helped her through the three-pronged grind of job, school and sport. Collings had to get her full-time accounting job with lifestyle brand Oofos to agree to tweaking her nine-to-five schedule to a 7:00 am start and 3:00 pm escape so she could commit to the UMD tennis program.

            “Waking up, working, shooting straight over to UMass every day… match… class… pretty rough,” as she described it.

            What kept her energized was a meaningful role on the team and an encouraging camaraderie.

            In the fall of 2024, Collings played third (out of six) singles and on the second (out of three) doubles team, putting up the Corsairs’ best singles record (9-3) and second best in doubles (8-4). As a capper to the 2024-25 academic year, Collings earned a spot on the 2024 All-Little East Conference Second Team – Doubles and spots on the LEC Fall Academic Team and Fall Academic Honor Roll.

            Her strength as a tennis player? A surprisingly quick service motion, a flat delivery that hits the corner of the box and skids low and away from unsuspecting opponents, regardless of their athletic ability.

            “I have a very, very, very low toss, I get quite a few aces,” she said, “between the power, the quickness and the change of pace.”

            That, and Collings has a knack for getting her racquet on attacking shots, deadening the pace and challenging the nerve of aggressive opponents looking for a put-away shot. At 5-foot-11, Collings is an especially good doubles player because she excels at upsetting the opponents’ chemistry.

            “I’m big on shooting alleys … waiting for that fumble when they move a little too early,” she said. “I love hitting that corner, I love breaking down their communication a little bit. … Mental warfare – get them a little frustrated, get them a little off memo. It’s always great when you’re playing against a team that’s more technically better.”

            Collings’ quirky approach toward tennis makes her an approachable mentor for many Division 3 players. She uses an old Wilson Steam model racquet popular when the Williams sisters were in their 20s and does not use a dampening device in her strings.

            “Typically, I’m basing how I hit the ball on the sound … I’m usually watching my opponent (for reaction),” she says. “I’ve never broken a set of strings. I get them changed very infrequently, maybe once a year. Typically, I’ll get all my racquets done at the same time.”

            Many Division 3 players can hit the ball well especially off pace, but not as many are able to make their skills pay off under the stress of competition. Collings’ skills, especially in the latter case, have made her a tough out for more conventional college players.

            “Being (age) 25 on the court and giving my elder advice to my teammates … the team calls me Grandma half the time,” Collings says with a smile, thinking about her parents Chris’ and Kathryn’s nearly perfect attendance at her matches and one opponent’s admiration. “The girl I was playing said, ‘is that your parents?’ And I say, ‘can you believe I’m 25 and they’re still here?’”

            It also caught Collings’ attention that UMass Dartmouth women’s tennis matches are routinely attended by Director of Athletics Lori Hendricks and Associate Director of Athletics (NCAA Compliance and Programming) Amanda Van Voorhis.

            “It was just a welcome surprise from Doug and from Peter (Holt, assistant coach) and Amanda and Lori,” said Collings. “I think I saw them at every single home match. It was amazing to see that level of commitment.”

            Collings noted the boost that UMD student-athletes get from the school’s annual Arnies awards celebrating their accomplishments.

            Thanks to Chapman’s attention to detail, the Corsairs feel the support of their institution even as they take the court for a match, pouring out a new can of tennis balls, each adorned with the official Corsair logo.

            It was ironically through a missed academic assignment and how administration supported Collings’ extraordinary effort to fulfill her obligations both on the court and in the classroom that cemented UMass Dartmouth as “truly the best place to finish my collegiate tennis career.”

            Collings’ evolving juggling act could theoretically include one more year of varsity tennis, but with her MBA finished she doesn’t think it’s in the cards. Collings needs one more course to qualify for her Certified Public Accountant license but would need to take three classes to become eligible for sports in the fall. She has changed jobs and, with two summers under her belt teaching tennis for the Marion Recreation Department, along with private and group lessons, is showing signs of an interest in a coaching career.

            “If I’m still living in the area next fall, I will be helping (at UMass). I hope to continue doing that on a bigger scale, but my accounting career does take first priority,” she said.

            Collings’ accomplishments were celebrated by Chapman on a Facebook post he wrote on May 17 for her 26th birthday.

            “Happy 26th birthday to UMass Dartmouth Corsairs Women’s Tennis co-captain Emma Collings, who truly embodies what being a NCAA Division 3 student-athlete is all about. Emma led the Corsairs in singles and doubles victories and was selected to the Little East Conference all-star team. She did this while being a full-time MBA student (4.0 average) and earning numerous all-academic honors. If that was not enough, she did that while also working full-time as an accountant for Oofos. She made multitasking seem like a snap and is proof you can manage your time and accomplish your goals if you put your mind to it.”

            “Definitely a lot of stars had to be aligned to make that work, and I appreciate everyone to make it work,” said Collings, who never took her juggling act to the service line, though an opponent might find that a little intimidating. She has a boyfriend, too, but she has never taught herself to juggle four tennis balls, stopping at three like the number of balls in circulation during her collegiate matches.

            “I haven’t really practiced to try to get to four. I think I could if I wanted to, but I just kind of do my basic little (routine),” she said. “Three, that’s my max.”

By Mick Colageo