Mattapoisett Museum

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Look for these upcoming holiday events at the Mattapoisett Museum. In addition to remaining open this fall, the Mattapoisett Museum has two spectacular events planned before the end of the year.

            Holiday Craft Fair: On Saturday, November 18, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Museum will be open for our annual Craft Fair. Avoid mall parking lots. Don’t get stuck in holiday traffic. Instead shop for unique, local, and one-of-a-kind items right here.

            There will be a large selection of handmade creations available: art prints, notecards, glass, crocheted stuffed toys, woolens, photography, jewelry, leather goods, shell and resin ornaments, herbal items, and more. Refreshments will be served.

            Holiday Sing-Along: On Sunday, December 17 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, join us for a Christmas Singalong led by Steve LaValley. His song list will include old time favorites such as Jingle Bells, Rudolf, Deck the Halls, White Christmas and many more. After the singalong, participants will enjoy some festive refreshments.

Helen G. Johnston (Bettencourt, DeConinck)

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Helen G. Johnston (Bettencourt, DeConinck) of Clayton NY passed away peacefully Friday, November 3rd at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home in Watertown, NY.

            She was born in Watertown on February 29th, 1932, to the late William and Helen (Dygert) Graf. She was a long-time resident of Mattapoisett, MA, where she raised her children and three of her grandchildren.

            Helen served as a home health care aide and she loved riding Morgan horses and breeding St. Bernard dogs as well as watching football, basketball, Gunsmoke, and the Kentucky Derby.

            Helen is survived by three of her children: Joseph Bettencourt Jr., Carol McCauslin and Katherine Bettencourt, two siblings: Phyllis Johnson and David Graf, six grandchildren: Joeseph Bettencourt III, Ronald Ewan, Carol Leigh Ewan Carvalho, Mike McCauslin, Jim McCauslin and Tony Dewitt, as well as eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

            Helen is predeceased by her parents, her brother William “Beano” Graf, two children Paul and Debra Bettencourt, one grandson Daniel Ewan, and her best-friend Bubba.

            A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett, MA on December 16th, 2023 at 10am. Helen will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford, MA.

Solar, Self-Storage Cases Continued

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday delayed deciding the fate of two big proposed projects until its next meeting on December 12.

            BWC Snows Pond LLC’s plan is to build a solar array on 12.55 acres of a 31-acre parcel at 0 Cushman Road to include a 2.39 MW, DC, single-access tracking photovoltaic array and associated battery energy storage.

            Engineering consultant Andrew Hamel updated the board with the information that the array will be screened from surrounding properties with a chain-link fence at one end, a stockyard fence at the other end and 97 arborvitaes planted in staggered fashion. The buffer will not result in any increased water runoff.

            As she did when the project was reviewed by the Conservation Commission on November 7, the site’s nearest Jason Lane neighbor, Melanie Sherman Morrison, expressed objection, stating that she is such a close neighbor that she will have to constantly look at this solar array once it is erected.

            Sherman Morrison asked why the project developer would be taking out trees on the parcel. Hamel said they were doing so only to fit bylaw requirements regarding in what direction the solar array should be pointing. Sherman Morrison wanted to know why a stone wall will be split open to fit an access road. Hamel assured her this action is being taken for access to the site only. Planning Board members assured her they will inspect what is done with the stone afterward.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson gave Hamel the homework to completely stake out the project’s borders correctly so the board can inspect the site and to install poles where the fencing will be placed.

            “It’s important to get the site-line adjustments,” Johnson said. “Notify us when those are complete. Then we will need 48 hours’ notice when we post the site visit.”

            The resulting vote to continue the hearing to December 12 was unanimous.

            Next, the board reopened the public hearing for JPF Development’s plan to build a 15-acre, self-storage facility at Kings Highway and Route 28 that will feature the construction of seven, self-storage buildings and an office with associated, paved access drives, parking areas, utilities and a stormwater-management system.

            Consulting engineer Bill Madden asked for and received a continuance to December 12 because of information he is missing. He said he is still waiting for full drawings of the buildings that will be erected there. He is also waiting for a response to his reply to the town’s consulting engineer’s peer review and correspondence with important input from his fire-prevention specialist.

            While he was there, Madden noted there are some changes to the plan the board originally saw but nothing major. Smaller units will be added to the ends of the storage-unit buildings. An underground basin will be installed for roof stormwater runoff, and a wooden guardrail will be built along the Kings Highway side to keep water runoff from ever reaching passing motorists. “But nothing that’s a major change,” he said.

            In other action, the board endorsed an Approval Not Required application for a lot-line adjustment plan at 2 Bishop Road but not without a “no” vote from Johnson.

            Consulting engineer John Romanelli had said at a previous Zoning Board of Appeals meeting that the 12×16-foot shed at 2 Bishop Road is less than 40 feet from 0 Bishop Road because he made a mathematical error when drawing the lot lines. Now the owner of 0 Bishop Road, Mark Wilson, wants to sell his vacant lot and needs his parcel to be a legally conforming size. But the pool shed owned by Romanelli’s client, Logan Smith, 2 Bishop Road, is massive, filled with electrical and plumbing infrastructure, and would be difficult to move to make the lots conform.

            On November 14, Romanelli presented the Planning Board with a solution. Smith and Wilson have agreed to trade lot lines. Romanelli said, however, that Wilson has not signed an affidavit proving he agrees to this trade. Romanelli said Wilson is away on vacation but will sign the affidavit at the end of the week.

            Johnson voted against approving the ANR, explaining that proof from Wilson should come first. But the majority of Planning Board members approved the ANR, and the motion passed.

            The entire board then passed on appointing two of its members to the new Zoning Bylaw Review Committee. Johnson reasoned Planning Board members have busy schedules already, and they don’t need to be on the new board because they can simply share their notes on the subject with the new panel and vice versa. The board’s final motion on the issue was to find out what days Zoning Bylaw Review Committee meetings will be scheduled.

            The Rochester Planning Board will meet next on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

More Than Thank You – Appreciation

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            It’s tradition every Veterans Day to commemorate our active duty, retired and deceased military men and women. It’s a time to reflect on what it means to live in a democratic society and the people that were or are willing to sacrifice everything to protect and defend the principles of freedom.

            Mattapoisett held such a ceremony at Old Hammondtown School shortly after the tolling of the bells at the Congregational Church, noting the end of World War I on the 11th day, of the 11th month, of the 11th hour.

            The day’s ceremony was hosted by the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280, and the Tri-Town Veteran’s Office led by agent Chris Gerrior. Providing a lyrically significant note were members of Showstoppers Performing Arts group, who sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and the emotive “Bless Our Troops.”

Serving as standard bearers for the posting of colors were Boy Scouts from Rochester Troop 31. Hadley Perron led the Pledge of Allegiance, Chaplain Langhoff led the group in prayer, and Geneva Gerrior read the governor’s proclamation. Veteran Raymond Hanks announced Mattapoisett’s inclusion as a Purple Heart community and emerging plans for recognition of Revolutionary War veterans buried in the town.

            Taking the podium as guest speaker was Dr. David Vacchi, whose military career includes 20 years of active duty including the Iraq war. His military awards include Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star and seven awards for meritorious service. Vacchi is a lifetime member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Vacchi began his comments by sharing that he had always wanted to be of service to others; it was paramount in his early development and continues to this day.

            His transition from military duties to helping veterans transitioning back into civilian life, included returning to school for higher education opportunities. His book “Straight Talk for Veterans” is a guide for veterans navigating what can be very choppy waters in a civilian world that oftentimes simply cannot understand what a veteran is going through physically and mentally.

            Vacchi said that supporting veterans even in the smallest way is critical, including simply saying thank you. He now responds to those thanking him for his service with the kind retort, “Thank you for the support.”

            Another way Vacchi said veterans can be supported is by simply talking to them. He acknowledged that the majority of veterans, especially those who have battlefield experience, don’t want to talk about those memories. Vacchi said it is important to start off slowly, asking about what they ate, where they slept, small, nontraumatic bits and pieces that may eventually lead to memories that can finally be released, being absorbed into yesterday, no longer damaging today.

“We need to hear those stories,” he said.

            Representative William Straus offered that more than being thankful for a veteran’s service we should say we “appreciate” their service. “Appreciation conveys more than just gratitude, it says we value their service, it has worth,” said Straus.

Town of Mattapoisett Veterans Day

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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            Old Rochester was never known for rich, fertile soil, but it was known for its water, ponds, rivers, streams and brooks. Because of all that water, Rochester soon became known as a town of mills. Wherever early settlers found moving water, they dammed it to create waterpower. In our current exhibit is a map created by Betty Beaulieu that shows both the location of many mills and also how the mills’ uses changed over the years.

            The Proprietors knew that the new town would need “millwrights”, men who knew how to build both dams and mills. They would also need “millers”, men who knew how to run the mills. Many of the mills were on sites that had once been forges.

            The mills that were most needed by early settlers, all of whom were farmers, were gristmills to turn corn and grain into flour. Prior to the building of the first gristmill, that work would take up most of a woman’s day as she did it by hand. In 1704, a gristmill was built on Leonard’s Pond. Over the years, there were at least 9 gristmills in town at various locations.

            At one time or another, Rochester was home to 57 mills. On the pictured map are 9 sawmills, 8 boxboard, 9 shingle and 1 bark mill as well as 9 gristmills and 3 fulling mills. However, one site could be utilized as more than one type of mill over time. For instance, the Hartley Sawmill site had many owners and uses. In 1725, it was a forge. On 1823, 1840 and 1879 maps, there is a gristmill at the site. In 1879, it became a boxboard and shingle mill. It was purchased in 1888 by James Hartley and continued in operation into the 60’s as a shingle, boxboard mill and then a sawmill.

            Fulling mills are probably the ones with which people are less familiar. Their job was to take cloth that had been woven at home out of wool and flax and to dress it. The fulling process which accomplished that brushed the surface of the cloth to create a soft, flannel-like surface. The brushing was done by a “teazle”. The “teazle” was a burr that took two years to grow and another year to harden. The burrs had little hooks that were rolled over the cloth’s surface. They picked up the threads of the cloth and brushed the surface. You can find three fulling mills; one in North Rochester, one at Leonard’s Pond and one near Bear Swamp and Parlow Town Rd. on our maps.

By Connie Eshbach

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Library will be closed at 12 on Wednesday, November 22 and closed Thursday, November 23 & Friday, November 24 in celebration of Thanksgiving

            Tea with Marie – Tuesday & Thursday 4-8 pm, Saturday 10-3 – Drop in for some tea and book recommendations with Marie, our resident expert on cozy reads. Enjoy tea, cookies and book chat.

            Banned Book Club – Tuesday November 28 at 6:30 pm. This month, the Banned Book club will be discussing the 1980 novel and epic work of prehistoric fiction Clan of the Cave Bear.  This event is open to all, pick up copies of the book at the circulation desk throughout the month of November.

            Indoor Holiday Book Sale December 2 – December 23. We are now accepting donations for our holiday book sale! Please only donate books in giftable condition, puzzles and games in original boxes with no missing pieces, DVDs in original cases with no missing discs and vinyl records in their original sleeves. The library does not accept textbooks, VHS tapes, music CDs, or damaged or stained materials or materials that have been written in or have highlighted passages.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Village Road Project Reaches Consensus

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            In 2015-16, the Mattapoisett Select Board began what would be known as the “village streets” project, a grand plan to improve all the village roadways and sidewalks to improve safety and convenience for pedestrians and cyclists. On Tuesday night, a plan was finally agreed upon with consulting engineers VHB.

            As noted in their previous meeting, the clock was ticking down for the town to submit a plan for Massachusetts Department of Transportation to review, the main funding source for the multi-million-dollar project.

            The VHB team returned on this night to share further modifications that had been requested by the Select Board, and the board was ready to move forward.

            After airing concerns that trees left in place during construction on Main Street, Water Street, Marion Road and Beacon Street might suffer, the Select Board agreed to the elimination of approximately 17 trees and a planting plan for approximately 40 new trees.

            Sidewalks were discussed with member Jodi Bauer stressing the importance of having sidewalks on the southerly side of the design (along the waterfront) for the safety of pedestrians.

            Carlos DeSousa, a retired engineer, offered a suggestion that since the roads would be opened during construction, it might be an opportunity to have all utilities upgraded, placing them underground. He said this would not require the removal of trees. He also noted that utility poles are not only unsightly, they are old. The board was unanimous in its response that such a plan would be cost prohibitive but agreed to have VHB evaluate that possibility with MassDOT.

            In the end, the board voted to have “Plan 4” submitted with minor changes to locations for sidewalks and that VHB would attend a planned December 15 meeting with the state agency to review final questions and the design. Interested residents should contact the Select Board’s office.

            Earlier in the meeting, the board voted to approve updated policies for the town’s Senior Work-off (real estate tax) Abatement program and the Veterans’ Work-off Abatement program. The programs are designed to give seniors (over age 60) and veterans up to $750 in tax rebates for work performed for the town.

            Also accepted by vote were updated snow-plowing regulations for private roads. Roads must be in good repair and must be clear of vehicles and other obstacles, while shoulders may not contain mailboxes, plantings, cobblestones and such. Most importantly, the roadway must have been constructed in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board.

            The Select Board met with new Herring Inspector John Wilbur, who reported an approximate rise in herring numbers over 2022 of 20% or 1,700 fish. The total estimated fish count for 2023 was 4,000.

            Holiday in the Park 2023 was announced and planned for Saturday, December 9, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The town is looking for a Christmas tree to decorate Shipyard Park during the event and the season. Anyone interested in donating a tree is asked to contact the Highway Department at 508-758-4181. The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Thank You and Welcome Home

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Editor’s note:  The following speech was delivered on Veterans Day, November 11, at Old Landing in Marion.Good morning.

            I am Pete O’Brien, I am a retired Marine Corps Infantry Master Gunnery Sergeant, having served on active duty for 27 years, 4 months, and 18 days. Throughout my career, I had the honor and privilege of serving alongside some of the finest Americans the country has to offer. I did this while part of five Infantry Battalions, one Infantry regiment, three years as a Drill Instructor, two years at the School of Infantry, and four years at Supporting establishments.

            While Memorial Day in May commemorates the service members that have made the ultimate sacrifice, Veterans Day honors our neighbors who have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States that are still with us. Today, I want to take this opportunity to reflect upon the profound importance of veterans and why they are an indelible part of our country’s history and our society.

            What is a veteran … in its true and real definition, is an individual who has served in the military, having completed their term of service, and fulfilled their duty to their country. They have undergone training, faced challenges, and made sacrifices to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.

            But a veteran is also a weird breed of superhero who has traded their cape for camouflage, their secret lair for a barracks, and their superpowers for unparalleled discipline. They possess an uncanny ability to solve problems with duct tape, a multitasking prowess that allows them to juggle grenades while fixing an engine, and a knack for turning any extremely serious or sad situation into a humorous one.

            They can sleep through a hurricane, wake up at the crack of dawn, and survive on a diet of coffee and hot sauce alone. With a collection of tales that could rival the greatest works of fiction, a veteran is the embodiment of resilience, wit, and a never-ending supply of “sea stories” to entertain anyone within earshot. As I stand here today, many memories flood my mind – memories of camaraderie, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.

            Veterans Day holds a profound significance for all of us. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in our armed forces. These brave individuals have selflessly dedicated their lives to protect our freedom, uphold our values, and defend our way of life.

            They have answered the call of duty, leaving behind their families, their homes, and often risking their own lives to ensure our safety and security. Being a veteran means carrying the weight of honor, duty, and service on your shoulders. It means stepping forward when others step back.

            Throughout our nation’s history, veterans have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of events. From the hallowed grounds of Lexington and Concord to the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy, the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan to the relentless tempters in the deserts of Iraq, veterans have answered the call, and confronted the nation’s enemies head-on.

            However, being a veteran goes beyond the battles fought on distant shores. It is the embodiment of sacrifice that transcends the uniform. Veterans bring back with them a unique perspective – a perspective forged through the crucible of service. Veterans have witnessed the horrors of war, experienced the pain of separation from loved ones, or stood beside teammates who made the ultimate sacrifice. This perspective instills in them a deep appreciation for the blessings we all enjoy as a nation, reminding us that freedom is not free, but earned through the blood, sweat, and tears of our veterans.

            The contributions of veterans extend far beyond the battlefield. They carry with them the values instilled during their service – values such as honor, courage, integrity, and resilience. These values become the bedrock of their character, shaping them into leaders and role models in our families, communities, and workplaces. The discipline, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to a mission become ingrained in their very being, inspiring those around them and setting an example for future generations.

            As we gather here today, it is our duty as a society and community to honor and support our veterans. We must recognize the sacrifices they have made; we must create a society that embraces veterans and their experiences to build a better future for our community and nation.

            To my fellow veterans, I stand among giants – men and women who have faced adversity with unwavering resolve, who have answered the call to protect our freedoms, and who have shown the true meaning of selfless service. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten, and your contributions will forever be etched in the fabric of our nation’s history. We owe you a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.

            Today, as we honor our veterans, let us remember that their legacy is not confined to a single day or a chapter in some dusty history book. It is a reminder that the price of freedom is high, but the rewards are immeasurable.

            In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all veterans for their unwavering service, their invincible spirit, and their steadfast commitment to duty. I will simply end this by saying to all Veterans in attendance … “Thank you for your Service” and to those Viet Nam Veterans that are here today, from me to all of you … “Welcome Home.”

Quilt of Valor Recipient

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How appropriate, with Veterans Day this past Saturday, that on November 8, Fairhaven resident Antone P. Lopes was presented a Quilt of Valor by Janet Segur, Veterans Committee Director of the Massachusetts State Grange at an open meeting of Rochester Grange. She was assisted by Allen Manley, another committee member as well as members of the Grange.

            For those who have never heard of Quilts of Valor, it is a national foundation begun in 2003 after one woman had a dream. It was of a young soldier suffering and in need of comfort. After her dream, she wondered what she could do and the idea of making a quilt came to mind as a symbol of comfort. Today volunteers, women & men, from across the country work to make each quilt. One person will piece the top by hand and another will do the quilting using the “long arm” method. To date, well over 350,000 quilts have been given to active duty soldiers and veterans. These beautiful quilts are meant as “a thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our Nation.” Janet has her own group of quilters making quilts for presentations by the State Grange in partnership with the Massachusetts branch of QoV.

            Tony had a long career in service to the country he loves beginning with his entrance into the Army in 1966 and his retirement in 2003 as a Master Sergeant. His specific jobs throughout his career were as a Veterinary Specialist and in Civil Affairs. His basic training was at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Tony served 2 years “in country” in Vietnam in the Army Veterinary Corps. Tony left the service in 1970 and became a Police Officer in Fairhaven – now retired. In 1997 he signed up with the 443d Civil Affairs unit out of RI. He was activated with the 414th Civil Affairs out of Utica, New York to help provide security for Iraqi prisoners. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Endeavor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a Reservist in 1998 he went to Germany. In all, he was stationed to 10 postings, including Italy, Turkey and Albania.

            Tony’s record is impressive. Among his many awards, he received the National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal & Campaign Medal w/60 Devise, Army Service Ribbon, (4) Driver Mechanic Badge w/overseas service ribbon, Bronze Service Medal & 2 Army Commendation Medals w/humanitarian service medal.

            The Grange is proud to have been a part of honoring Tony for his service and salute all Veterans who have so proudly served our Country.

Path toward Progress

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            The long-awaited Point Road walking and bike path has made strides recently and might save $30,000 in donated gravel.

            In the works for nearly four years, the Point Road Path project is coming along, according to Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission Chairman John Rockwell.

            At the commission’s November 2 public meeting, Rockwell updated the membership that Frank Linhares will be conducting retaining-wall work for $12,500, while Arne Excavating will be removing nine rocks in the area to help clear the path. That bid came out to $7,250.

            On another note, Rockwell said he and a member of the Marion Select Board are working on the possibility of getting approximately 2,000 yards of donated gravel, which would be a savings for the project.

            Rockwell and MOSAC had no specific timeline, but residents in that area have long called for a nice walking and biking area. That area has no safe place to run, walk or bike. A 2019 Town Meeting approved $268,000 for the project. Rockwell told residents at the meeting that the project has been long-awaited but is coming together.

            One resident asked how the path would connect to adjacent Jenna and Joanne Drives and how snowplows could impact the areas connected the path to those streets. Rockwell said he envisions enough gravel to make the path join easily with those drives, and he even hopes for a handicap-accessible strip to allow for safe access to the path from those roads.

            MOSAC disappointed residents last summer who wanted the path open this summer, but Rockwell at a July meeting explained that engineering and permitting account for 30 percent of costs.

            Rockwell also said at the July meeting that $117,000 of the $268,000 approved for the project in 2019 was allocated to “in-kind services” such as the Notice of Intent to plot the wetlands line and a match involving contract supervision and design work.

            Residents on the Zoom call at a November 2 meeting expressed gratitude with the project moving forward.

            The project ties in with the South Coast Bike Alliance, which seeks to create as many continuous bike paths all over the South Coast, connecting Marion and Mattapoisett with Greater New Bedford communities while also connecting to Greater Fall River communities.

            The next meeting of the Open Space Acquisition Commission was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner