Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Skies

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            As wildfires rage in the Canadian wilderness, the billowing smoke has begun to descend on the Northeast. Throughout this next week, the effects of the fires in Canada will thicken the air.

            Smoke from the wildfires, mainly occurring in Ontario and Quebec, began to drift south into Massachusetts earlier this week, darkening and yellowing the sky. Air quality throughout the week is projected to reach a “moderate” level, being mostly unnoticeable though possibly irritating some with breathing difficulties.

            According to Natural Resources Canada, the government origination that agitates data on the fires, roughly 1,900,000 hectares have already been burnt in wildfires this year, recently mainly in Ontario. That’s about 7,300 square miles, or just about the total land area of Massachusetts.

            The blanket of smoke will, in theory, block sunlight and reduce temperatures, though it will hardly be noticeable with forecasts still in the 80s. Less heat is likely to lessen the power of developing storms, however.

            The smoke will alter sunsets, so keep a keen eye out for vibrant skies this week.

By Sam Bishop

Long Agneda Cut By Multiple Continuances

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            The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission met on Monday for a hybrid meeting in Town Hall and on Zoom for a packed agenda, though Chair Michael King noted six items had been continued to their next meeting.

            The first item was a Request for Determination of Applicability by Edith Mikina of 6 Old Mattapoisett Neck Road for the construction of a 14’-by-13’ shed. It was noted by the representative from Field Engineering Co, Inc. the proposed location of the shed was within the “developed area” of the property, though it is in a flood zone and within the riverfront of Swift Brook. It was noted construction would be elevated, eliminating risks from a flood zone, though it was then noted the site itself did not actually fall within the zone. Without serious questioning, the hearing was closed. The commission voted on and approved a Negative Determination.

            Next was the Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Brittany Armstrong of 6 Riverside Drive for the removal of the existing septic tank and its upgrade and replacement. The engineer from Foresight Engineering, Inc. stated due to the location of the tank, work would need to commence within the property’s buffer zone, though no vegetation would need to be removed. With no questions or comments, the hearing was closed.

            The hearing for the Request for Determination of Applicability filed by Randall Enos of 8 River Bend Land for, again, the replacement of an existing septic system. This time, however, it would be replaced with a denitrification system for the single-family home. Work would progress through the buffer zone of neighboring wetland. The commission voted on and approved a Negative Determination.

            Finally, there was the Request for Determination of Applicability filed by BCM Country Club LLC for the construction of a divided driveway with an island at Bay Club Drive. The entrance and exit of the gated community would have a keypad and automatic gate, thus not requiring a manned hut. The island would be 3’ wide and 23’ long in the approve to the gates. There were no comments from the commission, and the hearing was closed. The commission voted on and approved a Negative Determination.

            The Notice of Intent filed by Dennis Mahoney & Sons, Inc. was continued to the commission’s next meeting.

            The hearing for Notice of Intent filed by EMM Realty Trust at 84 Angelica Ave was then opened. Represented by Project Engineer Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc. explained amendments to the project he had originally proposed three weeks earlier. He noted new plantings added to the project, though it was noted Davignon was awaiting a filing from the Department of Environmental Protection and requested the hearing be continued.

            There was a request for a Certificate of Compliance of Intent filed by Juanita Howland of 70 Mattapoisett Neck Road for the rebuilding of a retaining wall within the existing footprint of the former wall. It was granted with a unanimous vote.

            Next, there was another Certificate of Compliance of Intent filed by Daniel and Jennifer Schlitzer of 53 Water Street for work on an enclosed porch. It was granted quickly without much discussion.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, July 27 at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

New Bedford Ballet Performs An Evening of Dance

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            New Bedford Ballet will culminate its summer season with four performances of An Evening of Dance, an innovative blend of classical and contemporary choreography. This creative exploration of dance styles will be performed on Friday, July 31, at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm and Saturday, August 1, at 1:00 and 3:00pm, at the NBB Community Theatre, 2459 Purchase St., New Bedford.

            The Nightingale is a children’s ballet created by New Bedford Ballet’s artistic director Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, with choreography by Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault, Charis Hall, and Jenna Torgeson. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale, this children’s ballet will bring smiles to young and old as the audience is reminded that the ability to share one’s gifts is a freedom that should never be taken away.

            Original contemporary choreography by New Bedford Ballet advanced students and classical and contemporary dance pieces choreographed by NBB instructors Sara Brownell and Charis Hall will also be included in this artistic collage of dance styles.

            Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for seniors, students, and children 12 years and under. All proceeds from this performance will support the New Bedford Ballet, a non-profit organization. Tickets are limited and sell quickly. Tickets may be purchased online at www.newbedfordballet.org. For more information, please visit the New Bedford Ballet website at www.newbedfordballet.org or contact the New Bedford Ballet Office at 508-993-1387.

            An Evening of Dance is being sponsored by Econ Electrical Contractors, Southcoast Health, The William & Deborah Synnott Family, Riccardi’s Italian Restaurants and Buffet Catering, Lang, Xifaras, and Bullard Trial Attorneys, Hawthorn Medical Associates, and Inner Bay Café and Grill.

            For over thirty-five years New Bedford Ballet has continued its mission of providing classical ballet training for children and adults, granting scholarships, and educating the community in the value of the performing arts. On-site registration for the 2026-2027 season will take place July 28 and July 29, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and August 18 & 19, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration can also be done online.

ORRHS Class of 1971

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ORRHS Class of 1971 will be having a 55th reunion in Mattapoisett on Sunday September 13 at 4:00 pm. Classmates wishing to attend may contact Christian Saether via email at csaether@msn.com or Cornelia Dougall at Corneliadougall@yahoo.com for further details and RSVP.

            Pull out your go-go boots, penny loafers, cardigans, jeans, Three Dog Night and Rolling Stones records, groovy memories and motor on over to Mattapoisett for a fun event.

Walsh as Chair

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            The Marion Conservation Commission met for a quick meeting on Wednesday, July 8 where they committed to maintaining membership in the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, approved of the construction of a screened-in porch, and reorganized the commission’s membership.

            Following the approval of minutes from their June 10 and June 24 meetings, Chair Matt Schultz made motion to approve the payment of annual dues to the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. The motion was approved, allowing ConCom to maintain membership in the MACC, which offers education, counseling, and other resources to commissions across the state.

            The chair then made a motion to begin the Public Hearing for the Request for Determination of Applicability for Michael and Roberta Tracy of 32 Joanne Drive for the demolition of an existing deck and construction of a screened-in porch. Sizes would be similar and the porch would occupy the same land as the original. Commissioner Millie Seeberg noted the project was “pretty straightforward” and without question from the commission, the hearing was closed with a unanimous vote. At the end of the meeting, the commission voted unanimously on a Negative Determination, though there was some concern with the flood zone.

            Next, the commission quickly voted to approve a Certificate of Compliance for the new septic system installed at 38 Rocky Knook Lane.

            The commission also received a request for comment for the Site Plan Review of the proposed permanent Uncle Jon’s Coffee location at 413 Wareham Road. There were no comments offered by the body, and thus they moved to reorganization. Unanimously, the commission voted in Shaun Walsh as Chair, Alex Hansell as Vice Chair, and Millie Seeberg as Clerk.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department’s conference room.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Adult Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Summer is in full swing at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street.

            Don’t miss the upcoming Adult Craft Workshop, where you’ll make an adorable cat-themed Diamond Art Coaster with Ms. Miyuki, on July 21 at 6:00 pm. All materials are provided and registration is required.

            Let your dog unleash their inner Pawblo Picasso. Bring your furry friend(s) to the library between 11am and 1pm on July 24, where they can create their own masterpieces through lick painting. Registration is optional, but leashes are required. Visit our website for more details.

            Join us for a Sunset Cinema Movie Showing on the MFPL Lawn, for all ages. We will be showing “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” on Tuesday, July 28 at 6pm, with a runtime of 1 hour & 59 minutes. Bring a blanket or chairs to lounge on, and some snacks, to fully enjoy the movie experience. No registration required.

            The library is hosting a Senior Technology Workshop on July 30 at 10:30 am, on Misinformation in Media. This presentation is sponsored by MFPL, ORRHS, and the North Attleboro Senior Tech Program. Free technology help services will be available following the presentation. No registration required.

            Learn how to fold an Origami Lobster. Follow along as Ms. Betsy teaches the basic folding steps and guides you through the process. This program is on July 30 at 3:00 pm, designed for ages 16 & up, and requires registration. Beginners welcome.

            The Picnic Book Club is meeting again on July 31 at 10:00 am for literary conversation, pastries, and light beverages on the library front lawn. Bring any book that you are currently reading and come ready to discuss it. Please register on our website to reserve your spot.

            Looking to spruce up your plant collection? Need to pass on some of your propagated plants? Join us at the library for a Plant Swap on August 22 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring any healthy, pest-free plants to trade. Plants should be easy to carry and properly planted. If possible, please clearly label your plant type. No registration required – stop by anytime from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

An Evening of Jazz

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The Buzzards Bay Musicfest continues its five-concert series with performances throughout the week of July 15 to July 19. On Friday, July 17, the Buzzards Bay Musicfest Swing Band will delve into Music from the Movies with a sampling of compositions from the pens of some of the elite Hollywood composers. The nine piece “little big band” will offer selections that demonstrate the varied approaches to songs from the feature films “A Rainy Day in New York”, “On Green Dolphin Street”, “Midnight in Paris”, “The Wizard of Oz” and many more. The arrangements will present the music with a tasteful combination of well-voiced ensemble passages and improvised solos. The Buzzards Bay Musicfest Swing Band is comprised of some of the finest jazz musicians in New England. Since its inception in 2017, the BBMF Swing Band has performed at each festival to enthusiastic audiences with programs that have been well-received. The concert begins at 7:30 pm in the Fireman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion, MA 02738. All of the concerts for the Buzzards Bay Musicfest are free admission. Please visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/ for more detailed information.

Licensing Bill Moves To State House Vote

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            The Marion Select Board met for a Special Meeting on July 8 in the Town House Annex.

            First, State Representative Mark D. Silvia (D-10) spoke on special legislation for the Home Rule Petition H5451. The bill grants Marion additional liquor licenses. The state General Court held three hearings on the legislation which passed Town Meeting, and was “received favorably” by the state assembly. He noted the Consumer Affairs Committee made four amendments to the legislative piece, which would require Select Board approval to be moved to the floor of the House for a vote.

            Town Counsel stated they had reviewed the amendments and approved of them. Select Board Member Randy Parker made a motion to approve of the amendments to H5451 which focuses on specifics of the liquor licensing process. Chair John Hoagland and Vice-Chair Toby Burr added their approvals, thus sending a vote to the House floor. The bill has not yet been voted on, though its status can be checked at malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5451.

            The board then voted to allow 25 special parking permits for Salty Dog Regatta should the need arise.

            Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator Donna Hemphill stated work was nearing its end on the Town House, and added, “if all goes well, our August meeting will be at the Town House.”

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Select Board is Scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Select Board Special Meeting

By Sam Bishop

22nd Annual Taste of Mattapoisett

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            On Tuesday, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club hosted their annual Taste of Mattapoisett in Shipyard Park under and around the big white event tent. Local food vendors occupied the outsides of the tent and more in trailers outside as patrons entered, spending $10 for 10 tickets.

            Tickets, in turn, were traded in, or spent, for food items ranging from cheeseburger sliders from one vendor to cookies and cupcakes from another. There were French fries and mozzarella sticks for some, pizza for others, and seafood for more.

            The Showstoppers also performed numerous pop hits, as visitors either set up lawn chairs to watch and listen or sat and ate with their food, listening to their music and looking out at the harbor.

            As with years past, profits garnered by the Woman’s Club from the culinary “Taste” event are used to provide scholarships to Mattapoisett students as well as other local community donations.

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Event at Rochester Historical Museum

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We are continuing to celebrate our country’s 250th and will be opening our new exhibit,” Rochester and the Revolution” on Saturday, July 25. With this exhibit we are trying to show what happened in Boston and throughout the colonies during the Revolution and how Rochester reacted to it. Also, we will have our ongoing Revolutionary War Veterans’ wall.

            In addition, you will be able to visit a Revolutionary War militia man’s campsite, engage in some colonial activities, play kids’ games to win prizes, solve a scavenger hunt, listen to music and buy pies or cookies.

            We’ll be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at 355 County Road, Rochester.