The next meeting of the Nasketucket Bird Club will be on Wednesday, March 27 at 6:30 pm at the Mattapoisett Public Library, 7 Barstow Street. Free and open to the public. More bird info at the Nasketucket Bird Club website: www.nbcbirdclub.com or the Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/NasketucketBirdClub.
The meeting program will feature Shawn Carey who will be speaking about Iceland.
Doors open at 6:00 pm with tipoff at 6:30 pm. This year, OHS will be partnering with Gifts to Give as the charity for the Student vs. Staff Basketball game. Below is a list of items needed most by Gifts to Give. Please note the clothing can be new or gently used. Their shelves are bare after a very long holiday season. There will be a donation trailer located at OHS through the weekend of March 17. There will also be collection bins at the basketball game on March 15 at ORRHS.
Childrens Clothes (Sizes Infant to 18), Childrens Shoes and Sneakers
New in-package underwear and Boys and Girls socks; Girls sizes: 4, 6, 8, 14, 16, Women’s sizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, Boys sizes: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, Men’s sizes: XS, S, M and L
Socks sizes: S, M, L
As their memories fade into sepia tones like old photographs of childhoods spent working the farm and visiting relatives, the Nunes sisters of River Road, Dottie (Nunes) and Kathy (Hohne), and their cousin Adele Raphael discussed their growing-up years in Mattapoisett via cell phone.
A high point of those years on River Road was the season of summertime feasts and gatherings held at the Holy Ghost Grounds off Park Street. As of 2024, the historical consultant working on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s survey of Mattapoisett’s historical/cultural assets has designated the grounds a “priority one” location.
The Nunes descendants are proud to note that their family members were integral members of the now-defunct Holy Ghost Club. Dottie recently shared the original citation granting the organization status as a corporation for the “… purposes of promoting social, instructive and humanitarian progress …” as the Holy Ghost Club of Mattapoisett. What followed were many decades of clambakes and joyful gatherings for people whose overall impact of developing Mattapoisett can’t be denied.
From a quick tour through the book “The Early Portuguese Settlers in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts” (Lulu.com 2009) by Nathalie Sylvia Hemingway, we found confirmation that the Holy Ghost Grounds was used as a seasonal meeting place, a place to celebrate religious feast days, and a place where family and friends gathered to rekindle and maintain relationships that cemented primarily Portuguese decedents to their culture and a flourishing community.
But all things come to an end.
As the original signers of the corporation passed into history, younger descendants did not come forward to continue traditions that the grounds were famous for – food, fun and faith. The corporation sold the property to the YMCA, which later sold it to the Town of Mattapoisett in 2016. Those 5-plus acres are now being evaluated by the town’s reuse committee for newer uses as determined by public input.
On March 7, the committee met. There was discussion regarding what has been achieved thus far, a public survey and a public meeting, both of which gave the public the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on reuse options.
Shifting through the data collected thus far, the committee will be preparing a master plan that will be presented to the Select Board. They believe one major takeaway is that the community wants a thoughtful but measured approach to reuse options. Passive recreational pursuits such as a walking trail and playground seem to be favored for now.
In January, the committee reported, “A survey that generated some 550 responses (primarily from full or part-time residents) was held between August and September. The survey gauged respondents’ positive or negative views on different activities, resulting in a healthy response from a wide range of age groups.”
Ray Hanks, chairman of the newly formed Cemetery and Memorials Committee, said it was important to maintain Barlow Cemetery, which is located within the property. Rachel McGourthy, chairman of the Historical Commission, said that the commission was in the second phase of identifying historical assets in the town and that the Holy Ghost Grounds was on the “priority one” list.
Chairman Mike Rosa pointed out that the reuse committee was charged with producing a report that would give the board, “…ideas, costs and who the stakeholders are.”
The next meeting of the Holy Ghost Grounds Reuse Committee is scheduled for April 4 at 6:00 pm.
Holy Ghost Grounds Reuse Committee
By Marilou Newell
The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School boys’ basketball team won two games in the MIAA Division 5 state tournament, earning the right to travel to Orange on March 5 to play in the “Sweet 16” round against the Mahar High School Senators.
Despite playing with great intensity and battling adversity the entire game, the Cougars came up short with a 56-42 loss to end the season. The team, which finished 22-3 overall, played their hearts out and represented Old Colony with the utmost passion and class.
Leading the scoring for Old Colony were Wyatt Smily with 8 points and Max Finney and Luke Meelia with 7 points each. A junior, Finney finished the season with a career total of 999 points, just one shy of the 1,000-point club.
The Cougars, seeded 21st in the Division 5 power rankings despite an impressive 18-2 regular-season record, played only one home game during the tournament and in the Preliminary Round, ousting 44th-ranked Notre Dame Cristo Ray, 63-36, on February 27. They then traveled to Springfield on March 1 to win a dramatic Round of 32 contest, 57-56, over 12th-seeded John J. Duggan Academy. Also coming into the tournament 18-2, Duggan was among 18 Division 5 teams with byes into the Round of 32.
Old Colony Basketball
By Logan Hamlet
Two programs are back by popular demand at the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street.,
Crochet for Beginners and Advanced Beginner Students will occur every Monday at the Museum for six weeks from 6 pm-8 pm, starting March 18 and ending April 22. The dates are:
March 18; March 25; April 1; April 8; April 15 and April 22.
The class will be instructed by Jackie Sousa, who has been knitting and crocheting since she was a small child, a skill her grandmother taught her mom and passed down through the generations. This class is limited to 6-9 people, depending on experience level; tickets must be reserved in advance for the session. Refunds will not be given unless we have to cancel the session. Cost for Museum members is $120 and $130 for nonmembers. Please register at: www.mattapoisettmuseum.org/events
Jackie recommends that you bring a size G or H hook and a skein of cotton yarn, like Lily Sugar’n Cream Super Size Yarn, which can be found at Joann Fabrics.
Watercolor for Beginners – Ned’s Point Lighthouse is also back by popular demand. It will be held on March 21 at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Museum. Have you always wanted to learn the basics of watercolor but were intimidated to give it a go? Watercolor is magical and a bit tricky, but with step-by-step instructions from local artist Lana Quann of “The Wandering Brush” everyone creates a unique one-of-a-kind painting. For a little local flavor, the subject of the painting will be Ned’s Point Lighthouse.
All classes are geared toward beginners, and if you’ve dabbled a bit, you can learn a few techniques to make watercolor painting more enjoyable. Quann supplies all materials and a mat to frame up your finished piece. Please arrive 10 minutes early. BYOB or light beverages and snacks. The cost for Museum members is $35 and $40 for nonmembers. Please register at: www.mattapoisettmuseum.org/events.
The ORRJHS Drama Club will present “Romeo & Winifred” on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 pm at the ORRJHS Auditorium, 135 Marion Road, Mattapoisett. This hilarious spoof turns Shakespeare upside down and shakes things up with a stage full of zany modern-day characters. Directed by Kate Fishman and illustrated by Sophie Zhou. Tickets will be sold at the door: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 children 12 and under.
Janet R. Mathieu passed peacefully the early morning of March 11, 2024 surrounded by her family and her husband of 64 years Paul J. Mathieu.
Janet was born in 1936, the daughter of Arthur and Eveline Carriere Magnant. She grew up summering on Lake Noquochoke in Dartmouth and eventually settled on Long Pond in Lakeville MA at the family summer home at the “Cottage”. She also spent over 40 years at her winter residence in Fort Myers, Florida.
Janet loved warm weather, beaches and enjoyed traveling to warm locations. Her faith and her family meant everything to her. Janet’s strong faith was ever-present through her ministering to others. She earned her R.N. from St. Anne’s School of Nursing in Fall River and practiced as an OBGYN nurse. She was loved by the students of Bishop Stang, where she volunteered as the school nurse. Due to her kind and caring nature, many “sick” students enjoyed the trip to see Mrs. Mathieu in the nurse’s office as a welcome diversion from class. Janet made several mission trips to Haiti to help others in need. She was an active member of the St. John Neumann parish community as a Eucharistic Minister, an R.C.I.A. instructor and member of the Couples Club. Janet, or Mémère as she was so lovingly called by her grandchildren, would always welcome the opportunity to share a faithful message with any and all who would listen. She will be fondly remembered for the values and beliefs that she passed along to us all.
She is survived by her husband Paul J. Mathieu, their children and grandchildren: her son Thomas J. Mathieu and his wife Kerri of Raynham, and their children Justin and his fiancée, Thora, and Scott; her son David R. Mathieu and his wife Kimberly of Uxbridge and their daughter Grace; her son Peter J. Mathieu and his wife Kristen of Rochester, and their children, Taylor and Nicholas; her son John P. Mathieu and his wife Marybeth of Mattapoisett, and their children Mason, Davis, John Cuyler and Mitchell; and her daughter Paula Mathieu Chausse and her husband Donald of East Freetown and their daughters Emma and Julia. She was predeceased by her son Charles A. Mathieu and granddaughter Molly Elizabeth. She also leaves her brother George Magnant of Fort Myers, Florida and sister Claire Magnant of Acushnet. She was predeceased by her sister E. Lucille Maynard of Dartmouth and her dozens of nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd, East Freetown, MA 02717, with everyone invited to meet directly at Church. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online guestbook please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
With her newly published novel “Leaving” one of Oprah’s most anticipated books of 2024, Roxana Robinson is making the rounds and gathering praise once again. The award-winning author of six novels and three short story collections will speak at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Saturday, March 16 at 2 pm. The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is sponsoring the event and will welcome Ms. Robinson on her return visit with a reception and remarks by President Kathleen Sites. The public is invited to attend.
“Her last visit to the library filled the room, and she was a wonderful speaker,” offered Susan Pizzolato, Interim Library Director. “Everyone got to ask their questions about her books and writing process. Roxana is very entertaining as well as being an engaging reader of her work. I’ve read “Leaving” and I think it will be very appealing to our patrons.”
Author of “Horse,” Geraldine Brooks said of “Leaving” [it is} a searing interrogation of honor and passion. It dissects the hidden cost of the choices we make, and the consequences with which we must endeavor to live.”
Robinson’s fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Atlantic, Harper’s and other publications. She lives in New York City and Connecticut, spends as much time as she can in Maine and teaches in the MFA program at Hunter College. During the pandemic, she taught novels online to benefit her local library in Connecticut.
Copies of “Leaving” will be available for purchase at the reception, and Robinson will be there to sign copies. The audience is encouraged to register in advance, though walk-ins are welcome, space permitting. Call the library at 508-758-4171 circulation desk, or email spizzolato@sailsinc.org.
Rochester’s Zoning Board of Appeals on February 29 approved a request to withdraw without prejudice the variance application for the construction of a 1,600-square-foot garage at 405 Neck Road, which would be larger than the 1,000 square feet allowed by town zoning bylaw.
Acting Chairman Thomas Flynn said the applicant, Michael Walsh, needs to withdraw his current petition because he wishes to bring in a new application with two variance requests at a future date.
The original application sparked alarm at the board’s January 25 meeting after members learned the new structure would be placed at the front of the property, which in itself violates the zoning bylaw. Yet this aspect of the plan was not on the application.
On that date, Walsh explained he recently moved from a larger home in Lakeville and needs a four-bay garage for his vehicles, boat and other storage. Board member Richard Cutler explained to Walsh that he might have problems selling the property in the future if the panel approved his plan as submitted on February 29.
In other action, the board approved a FY25 budget request of $1,000, which is no change from this fiscal year’s ZBA budget. “We should stick to our last budget amount,” board member Davis Sullivan said.
Board administrator Andreia Lacerda reported she has received no petitions for the March 14 meeting. Therefore, the Zoning Board of Appeals will meet next on March 28 at 7:15 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way, Rochester.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Michael J. DeCicco
Andrew J. Santos of Marion, MA died March 5, 2024, after a brief illness. He was married for 64 years to Marianne (Eggersdorfer) Santos. He was born November 10, 1933, the son of John & Madeline Santos. Andy, as he was known to family and friends, lived most of his life in Marion.
He was among the first black students to attend Sippican School in Marion in 1939. He graduated from Tabor Academy in 1952 and Williams College in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959, and for many years thereafter, in the Army reserves. After working in banking and the Model Cities federal program in New Bedford during the 1960’s and early 70’s, he joined the ORR Regional District as its Business Manager in October 1972. He would retire as Associate Superintendent – Finance in 1998. Throughout the years he served in many capacities within the community. Sports were among his favorite things, and he was very active as a player and coach.
In sports, he had successful high school and college careers. At Tabor Academy, he played varsity football, basketball (Capt.), golf (Capt.) and was voted the best overall athlete in his senior class. At Williams, he played football, basketball and golf. The 1955 Williams basketball team for which he played, went to the NCAA Division I Championship Tournament. That team was voted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
He also had great success as a coach. He coached in Little League and Pony League from 1970-1980. After retiring from his role as Associate Superintendent, he returned in October of 2001 to serve as ORR’s Interim Athletic Director through September of 2002. In 2004, he jumped on board as an assistant coach for the ORR golf team and became the varsity Golf Coach in 2005.
His teams enjoyed a great deal of success during his tenure, going 119-17-3, capturing 4 SCC Championships and 5 SCC tournament championships during his coaching career from 2005 – 2012. During that time, his success was acknowledged as one year he was named the Division III golf coach of the year by the Boston Globe. He always considered sports as a building block for student athletes and that lessons learned from competition could be beneficial towards future success in life. His contributions to sports at ORR were acknowledged in 2017 when he was inducted into the ORR sports Hall of Fame. In his later years, he stated that his induction to the school’s Hall of Fame was amongst his proudest accomplishments.
He was a strong advocate for public education and during his lifetime, he served in many community programs and was an active member in his church, St. Rita’s of Marion.
He is survived by his wife Marianne, his son Andrew J. Santos, Jr. and his wife Melanie of Marion, MA; his son Michael C. Santos and his wife Kerstin of Rochester, MA; and his daughter Erika C. Miranda and her husband Michael of Marion, MA and his daughter Lindsay; his brother John P. Santos II of Lakeland, Florida; his grandchildren, Drew Santos (wife Katie), Chelsea Friberg (husband Jay), Steven Santos (fiancé Liz), Katrina Santos (partner Connor), Devin Miranda and Shaun Miranda; his great-grandchildren, Cecelia Friberg and Cameron Santos and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham on March 14, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:00 am, St. Rita’s Church, 121 Front St., Marion, MA with a reception to follow at Bay Pointe CC in Onset, MA.
In his memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
