Mattapoisett Democrats Candidates’ Night

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On Wednesday April 29 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, the Mattapoisett Democratic Town Committee will host a Candidates’ Night in the downstairs public meeting room of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

            All candidates for any elected position in our upcoming Municipal Election on May 19, 2026, will be extended an invitation and provided an opportunity to give a brief opening statement to the public and answer questions of attendees.

            The uncontested race candidates (Mattapoisett School Committee, ORR School Committee, etc.) will proceed first and then the contested races for the Select Board, Library Board of Trustees, and Board of Health will be the last of our presentation.

            Please come with a neighbor, family member or friend and bring any questions you might have for the candidates or just listen in. For more information, please reach out to William Morse, Chair, mattapoisettdtc@gmail.com.

ORRJH Inaugural ‘Wellness Morning’

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Principal Silas Coellner and Assistant Principal

Kelly Chouinard are pleased to share that Old Rochester Regional Junior High School held its first Wellness Morning on Tuesday, March 24, in a school-wide event that focused on fostering resiliency and healthy decision-making, featuring stress management activities including stretching, breathing exercises, and social-emotional “recharge stations.” The school plans to make this an annual event.

            “Our goal for Wellness Morning was to ensure that every student feels seen, supported and connected,” said Director of Guidance and Student Services Christina Costello Cioffi. “Wellness Morning reinforced that our well-being is not just something we talk about – it’s a skill set we can actively develop, practice and strengthen over time. We are really encouraged by the impact of this year’s event and hope to continue growing Wellness Morning into an annual tradition. I’d like to recognize our Counseling Team for their leadership in helping bring Wellness Morning from an idea to a successful event. I’d also like to thank our teachers and counselors for facilitating stations, as our students wouldn’t have had such a positive experience without their support and enthusiasm.”

            During the morning, seventh-grade students took part in an annual SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) screening, facilitated by the nurse’s office and guidance office, focusing on healthy decision-making and awareness. Eighth graders participated in SOS, which stands for Signs of Suicide, an activity that emphasized help-seeking skills and mental health awareness.

            At the same time, students rotated through a series of wellness stations led by school staff, including the following activities:

            Connection and Kindness Lab – This station offered a social-emotional “recharge” by allowing students to build community through low-stakes, positive interactions. Students participated in a short gratitude-based project, creating thank you notes and letters for people who support them, such as a parent, guardian, teacher, coach or other trusted adult. The goal was to strengthen connection and build empathy, helping students reflect on the positive relationships in their lives during a high-pressure developmental stage.

            Creative Expression Station – This station provided a low-key calming space for students to reset through art. Students were able to choose from options such as mandala coloring, free drawing, word art, mini vision boards, affirmation posters and more. The focus was not so much on building artistic skills but on using creativity as a healthy way to unwind, relax, express feelings and take a mental break.

            Yoga/Movement stretches – This station offered students a chance for a physical reset for the school day, helping students release tension from sitting at desks so much and spending time on digital devices. Through guided, athletic stretching, this station encouraged self-regulation and mindfulness, giving students a quick, healthy way to manage stress and return to learning with improved focus.

            Healthy Competition – Designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage in healthy competition in a fun, low-pressure environment. Students were able to play non-technology games that encouraged communication and connection with one another. The focus was on building positive relationships while practicing teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Wellness Morning builds on the work of the District Wellness Committee, in keeping with the District Wellness Program Policy implemented by the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55. This committee, which meets at least four times per year, works to assess the implementation of the District Wellness Policy and to promote it, along with overall student and staff wellness.

            “We’re very proud to be able to hold our inaugural Wellness Morning, showing our students how important it is to cultivate wellness and maintain a healthy mind,” said Assistant Principal Kelly Chouinard. “This event was spearheaded by our Director of Guidance Christina Costello Cioffi. Without her leadership this event would not have been as successful as it was. We hope this becomes an annual tradition here, providing our students with tools that they can put to use in their daily lives, empowering them to take charge of their mental health and prioritize wellness in what can be such a busy, stressful world.”

            “Wellness Morning showed our students that we care about them and their well-being,” said Principal Coellner. “It was such a great event. We look forward to our next Wellness Morning and to otherwise continue stressing the important help-seeking and self-regulation tools that we learned on this day. We want our students to know when to seek help when they feel overwhelmed and that support is available for them.”

            “This event underscores how seriously we take health and wellness in our school system,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Thank you to all of our staff and teachers who helped implement and facilitate this event. It was a great success, and we look forward to repeating it.”

Marion’s Jigsaw Master Update

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            Last week, we covered Marion’s Emma Williamson and her rise in the world of competitive jigsaw speedpuzzling. Having recently had a breakout at last year’s 2025 World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, we caught Emma last week just before she went off to Atlanta for the 2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals.

            As the competition was livestreamed online, we back home could root for Williamson from here! So, here’s a recap:

            Emma finished in third place for her first round of individual with a time of 39:32. In the final round of the individual, she came in 21st with a time of 48:19. In each individual round, competitors completed one 500-piece puzzle.

            She competed with Annabelle Platt of Waltham in the pairs competition, where they finished the first round in 10th place with a time of 25:55. For the final round of pairs, the two from Massachusetts came in 19th with a time of 33:30. In the pair rounds, the two also completed one 500-piece puzzle.

            For teams, they crushed it, especially with their team’s name. Emma was on a team with Emily Chandran, Emma Pan, and Min-Yee Deng. Their team, “M&Em&Em&Em,” finished 5th in the first round with a time of 1:01:53. In the final round, they came in 6th with a time of 1:15:13. In the first team round, teams completed one 500-piece puzzle and then a 1,000-piece. In the final, they assemble two 1,000-piece puzzles back-to-back.

            Keep an eye out for Emma and any jigsaw developments that may be in the works! The World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship begins in Spain on September 16.

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Do you like knitting, needlepoint, embroidery, or crocheting? Join our newest club. Meet new people, share fiber art project ideas, work with others, and share some laughs. Fiber Arts Club meets every Friday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

            Starting to plan ahead for April Vacation? Keep the Library in mind. We’re hosting Little Sparks Theater on Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00 am for Big Kid Creative Drama – an engaging and highly interactive drama program for kids ages 6-8/grades 1-3. On Friday, April 24, we’re running our very own escape room. Sign up for a timeslot to Escape the Library. Both programs require registration and more information can be found at elizabethtaberlibrary.org/events.

            Tickets are available for the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library’s Afternoon Tea Fundraiser. Performer Sheryl Faye returns in “Liberty and Legacy” as Abigail Adams on April 12 at the Marion Music Hall. Doors will open at 2:30 pm, Tea service starts at 3:00 pm. Finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts will be served. Tickets can be purchased for $45 at the library, or online at elizabethtaberlibrary.org/friends-of-the-elizabeth-taber-library.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

Sippican Lands Trust Scholarship

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The Sippican Lands Trust seeks applicants for its Richard I. and Helen A. Arthur Scholarship. The applicant for this $2,000 award must be a Marion resident in their last year of high school or enrolled as a freshman or sophomore in college elsewhere. This award may be given to the same recipient at a maximum of two (2) times. The following schools will be notified: Bishop Stang High School, Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, Bristol County Agricultural High School, and Tabor Academy. A preference will be given to applicants who are majoring in or plan to major in environmental studies or a related field.

            The scholarship is made available through the Sippican Lands Trust Scholarship Fund. This award was created and named after Richard I. “Dick” (1933-2018) and Helen Adams Arthur (1940-2008), who were beloved residents of Marion and long-time volunteers for the organization. Dick and Helen held a deep interest in the preservation of the beautiful open spaces in Marion.

            SLT’s Scholarship Committee will review all completed applications and will award the scholarship to the student(s) whose pursuits most closely reflect Dick and Helen’s wishes, as mirrored by the mission of Sippican Lands Trust: to acquire, preserve, and provide access to open space throughout Marion for the benefit of the public today and for future generations.

Requirements for the application include:

            -A completed Richard I. and Helen A. Arthur Scholarship information sheet

            -A personal statement highlighting the applicant’s educational goals and interests. Please include information about environmental course(s) taken, community service completed, volunteer involvement, or jobs held, as applicable.

            -Two letters of reference with contact information (examples: teacher, guidance counselor, coach, employer, Scout leader, community leader, etc.).

            All forms will be available in guidance offices and on the SLT website at www.sippicanlandstrust.org/scholarship. Completed applications should be postmarked by May 1 to be considered. Please mail to: Sippican Lands Trust, Attn: Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 848, Marion, MA 02738

            All applicants will be notified of their status by email by June 1.

            For more information, contact the Sippican Lands Trust at 508-748-3080 or info@sippicanlandstrust.org. Please note that volunteer opportunities are available at the Sippican Lands Trust.

Annual Afternoon Tea Fundraiser

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The Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library invite you to our annual Afternoon Tea Fundraiser hosted at the historic Marion Music Hall on Sunday, April 12. Performer Sheryl Faye returns as Abigail Adams in “Liberty and Legacy.”

            Guests are encouraged to wear festive hats and/or time period appropriate attire to add to the fun! Doors will open at 2:30 pm. Tea service starts promptly at 3:00 pm. Finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts will be served. The performance will begin after teatime.

            Tickets are $45/per person.* You may purchase tickets in the library or online. Book Clubs are encouraged to purchase a table to sit together! Ticket sales end on Friday, April 10. *If you purchase tickets online, there is an additional convenience fee ($3.00).

            To purchase online tickets, please navigate to the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library page on the library website: elizabethtaberlibrary.org/friends-of-the-elizabeth-taber-library/.

Richard P. Schaefer

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Richard P. Schaefer, age 85, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on April 3, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA, following complications related to a fall. He was born on March 12, 1941 to Harold and Anne Schaefer of Hartsdale, NY. Richard was a 1959 graduate of Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY, and a 1963 graduate of Tufts University. Richard served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1964-65 on the USS Henley out of Norfolk, VA. He went on to earn his JD from Fordham Law School in 1968 and his LLM in taxation from Boston University in 1978.

            Richard practiced law and thrived in his work, establishing the firm Schaefer & Kunz in the early ’90’s, and later merging to form Titus, Ryan, Schaefer & Kunz. He loved calling Marion, MA home for more than 50 years, embracing everything the town had to offer – its beauty, its community, and the deep friendships he formed there. He was an active participant in local affairs, contributing his time to many organizations. For decades he helped to organize the town’s annual Salvation Army holiday fundraising campaign, enlisting as bell ringers friends and family, including his grandsons. He also served on the boards of the Marion Art Center; the Sippican Lands Trust; and Community Boating Center of New Bedford, among other organizations. He was an engaged member of the Beverly Yacht Club and the Kittansett Club, and was happiest when on his Grand Banks trawler, the Alibi, exploring Buzzards Bay and beyond with his first mate, and wife of 59 years, Loretta (Lori).

            Richard was predeceased by Lori and his daughter Elizabeth. He is survived by daughters Catherine Schaefer Nellis (Barrington, RI), and Christine Gleason (Madison, CT), along with sons-in-law Doug Shattuck (Catherine) and Joshua Gleason (Christine), and grandsons Eli, Theo, James and Andrew, who brought him great joy. A celebration of Richard’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to Community Nurse, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, or at www.communitynurse.com, or the Community Boating Center of New Bedford, MA at www.communityboating.org.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Rosamond J. (Cameron) Pierce

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Rosamond J. (Cameron) Pierce, 92, of Mattapoisett, MA died March 19, 2026 at Tobey Hospital following a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Victor M. Pierce, to whom she was married for 64 years. Born and raised in Arlington, MA, the daughter of the late Forrest A. and Edith M. (Davis) Cameron, she spent her summers at her beloved Pease’s Point in Mattapoisett, where she met her future husband, Victor.

            Roz was a graduate of Arlington High School (Class of 1950) and attended the University of New Hampshire (Class of 1955) where she pursued a degree in education and was a member of the field hockey team. She spent much of her adult life raising her family alongside her husband in Felton, DE. As a stay-at-home mother, she devoted herself to the wellbeing of her three children and menagerie of pets. She was the best chauffer and loudest cheerleader for each of her children as they pursued their interests in academics, sports, and music.

            She later returned to education as a para-professional at Lake Forest High School, where she worked in the classroom for many years. She was an active member of the UCC-affiliated People’s Church in Dover, DE and of the Dover Century Club as well as several book clubs – she was an avid reader. She also loved to travel and visited many locations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia with Victor. While Roz loved to explore the world, she was never happier than when spending her summers at Pease’s Point. Surrounded by family and neighbours who became family, she was a founding member of the Eight O’Clock Swim Club and an enthusiastic member of the Five O’Clock Beach Club; there was nothing better than closing out the day with good friends, good conversation, and toes in the sand.

            Roz leaves behind her children Andrea Pierce of Camden, DE, Pamela Pierce and her husband Thomas Jackivicz of Mattapoisett, MA, and Scott Pierce and his wife Nicole of Rehoboth Beach, DE. She was the much-loved grandmother of Kara, Aidan, Charlie, Cameron, and Katie Jackivicz of Mattapoisett, and Sloan and Emmett Pierce of Rehoboth Beach. She was predeceased by her sisters Harriet West of Milford, NH and Miriam Janet Pease of Port Charlotte, FL.

            A celebration of Roz’s life is planned for July 2026 in Mattapoisett, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Mattapoisett Land Trust or to your local animal rescue.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Tobacco License Bid Rejected

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            The Marion Board of Health met on Thursday March 26 in the police station’s conference room to discuss several issues ranging from variances, food applications, mosquito prevention, and other matters, as well as a Mill Street business looking for a tobacco license after it was revoked at the location.

            New owners of a store at 664 Mill Street, on the corner of Route 6 and Converse Road, are looking to have the tobacco license reinstated at a liquor store. The previous owners were fined, paid some of it, but did not pay the entire fine for a tobacco sale. In 2024, the previous owner lost the license when tobacco was sold to a minor. The business went bankrupt.  

            The tobacco license was revoked before the Patel family, which owns the property, took over the business. The Patels said they are committed to more stringent tobacco sales protocols. Some health board members said there are many tobacco licenses in town and there may not be a need for another.

            Kishan Patel said he and his mother Sonal Patel are looking to start anew and should not be penalized for the previous owners’ mishaps. “We should not be penalized for something that someone else did,” Kishan Patel said. His mother evicted the previous owner and has a beer and wine license and would like the tobacco license renewed.

            Some officials were torn. Some said the intent was to reduce the number of tobacco licenses in town – a more stringent anti-smoking stance than state standards.

            Right now, five businesses have this license, which is at the limit, based on town regulations. However, officials appeared to agree that the Patels should lose potential business over a previous owner’s mistake. A neighbor said the previous store was an eyesore and the Patels have revamped the appearance of the place.

            However, some said that issuing the license runs contrary to the Board of Health view of reducing the sale of tobacco. Some officials also said that the Patels did not apply for the tobacco license by the deadline.

            In the end, the bid was rejected and the Patels cited a potential hardship as they are only allowed to sell beer and wine as some of the more expensive items.

            In other news, Health Agent Lori Desmarias mentioned that the state Department of Public Health until the end of April will remove old, discarded tires on properties due to how they can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The service is offered to all Plymouth County residents.

            Desmarias also said the board is working on a streamlined application system for temporary food vendors who run seasonal farmers markets. She said the new application would cover matters such as determining a point of contact, restroom facilities available to the public and other pertinent details.

            In her report, Desmarais also said that there is a new link available to residents who visit Marion restaurants and exhibit signs of food poisoning thereafter. Residents can fill out the form detailing what made them sick so an investigation can be conducted.

            A variance request for a new septic system on Point Road also received approval. The new design will be further from the home and safeguard against potential sanitation issues, as well as giving the homeowner more yard space.

            The board also approved a line item of $18,000 for flu vaccines this year.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, April 9 at 4:30 pm in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Board of Health

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Journey to the West

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            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in New England and the northern Thirteen Colonies as the story begins to shift westward. Last week, General George Washington finally moved into Boston-proper to take stock of damage to the city and what equipment and supplies may have been left behind. Royal Navy vessels and British engineers in the harbor detonated explosives in Castle William, obliterating the fortress on Castle Island and awakening any asleep around the city. Washington is nervous and not wholly sure of what the next British move will be, though he recognizes there are only so many options.

            On March 29, 1776, General Washington’s General Orders from the day begin by instructing six different regiments to march at sunrise, without mentioning where exactly they were heading. They were to be led by Brigadier General Nathaniel Greene of Rhode Island. The column is to be accompanied by a wagon train of supplies and will assist in the fortification of New York after their 200-mile journey.

            That same day, Washington writes to Major General Israel Putnam in New York, telling him the six regiments will arrive in eight-to-ten days. He adds “The rest of the army will immediately follow,” and gives Putnam the authority to take charge of the defensive preparations in the meantime, “You will assume the command and immediately proceed in continuing to execute the plan.” He explains the reasoning for this as, “there are the best reasons to believe that the enemy’s fleet and army which left Nantasket Road last Wednesday evening are bound to NY to endeavor to possess that important post and if possible secure the communication by Hudsons River to Canada.” He concludes the letter, saying, “Devoutly praying that the power which has hitherto sustained the American arms may continue to bless them with his divine protection.”

            On March 30, British General William Howe finally arrives in Halifax, Nova Scotia after their evacuation from Boston 13 days prior. He will spend his time taking command of the town and beginning the acquisition of supplies for the army, still trickling in on ships. From here, he awaits further reinforcements and other assistance from the Crown, notably his brother, Vice Admiral Lord Richard Howe, who has thus far kept up a semi-successful naval blockade of the colonies.

            We can say “semi-successful” here due to the fact that the American colonies are still participating in some trade, privateering, and diplomacy. As of late-March, Captain Esek Hopkins of Scituate, Rhode Island and Samuel Nicholas of Philadelphia are on their way back to New England for a successful raid undertaken by the Continental Navy. The Raid of Nassau had taken place on March 4, where seven American ships slipped through the blockade landed men in the Bahamas. The fleet consisted of purchased, recently built, and captured vessels the USS Alfred, USS Hornet, USS Wasp, USS Fly, Andrew Doria, USS Providence, and the USS Columbus.

            Following the capture of a British fort, the men would then move into the city and hold it for nearly two weeks. They would meet with Governor Montfort Browne of the islands, who agreed to hand over nearly all the gunpowder stored in Nassau.

            By April 4, Hopkins’ fleet with Bahamian powder had just reached the coast of Long Island where it would engage with and capture the HMS Hawk. It would dock and unload its haul in New London, Connecticut on April 8.

            Also on April 4, Washington is busy with his final preparations for his trek west. He has periodically sent more and more regiments towards New York in a stagnated pattern for the past week. In writing to John Hancock, he assures the President of the Continental Congress that Boston is secure, though he states he wishes he would’ve received funds from the congress sooner as some men in the militia “are gone home much dissatisfied, nor have I been without severe complaints from the other troops on the same account.” He outlines some general plans following his arrival in New York and what preparations have been made so far. Following his signature on the letter, it reads, “P.S. I shall set off today.”

            The next time George Washington would step foot in Boston would be thirteen years later, in 1789, as President.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop