Over the last few weeks, multiple local communities along the South Coast have issued alerts that their beaches would be closed, followed by a notice they were reopened a few days later. The Tri-Town was no different.

            On July 6, water samples were taken off Silvershell Beach in Marion. Tests yielded high bacteria levels, with the state Department of Public Health’s Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention issuing a “Bacterial Exceedance” posting to the town. Due to this, across the harbor, portions of Silvershell Beach were closed the following days and were reopened by town issuance on July 9. Similarly, beaches off Converse Road received the same warning and closure.

            Similarly, tests on June 30 led to the closure of Town Beach in Mattapoisett until July 1. Tests like this are conducted weekly through the summer, ending post-season on September 12.

            There is no epicenter of bacteria nor concentration of beach closures around the state at any given time. Currently, the Bacterial Exceedance posting is sporadic though highly monitored by the state’s DPH. They state that the high levels of bacteria generally arise from stormwater runoff carrying bacteria from septic systems following this month’s heavy storms.

            In the last week, over 50 Massachusetts beaches have temporarily closed due to this same posting. The DPH warns that exposure can lead to skin irritation or digestive/respiratory discomfort.

            State beach statuses are put in a central database by the state and can be viewed at www.mass.gov/info-details/interactive-beach-water-quality-dashboard. Currently, all the town beaches are open, and summer festivities go on, weather permitting.

By Sam Bishop

            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in the Thirteen Colonies. Last week, the British lost the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina, protecting Charlston, General William Howe made landfall on Staten Island with 10,000 Redcoats, and the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, creating the United States of America.

            On July 5, 1776, General George Washington does not yet know if the ratification of the call for independence. He writes President of the Continental Congress John Hancock from New York, fearing British retaliation is eminent. He writes, “It now seems beyond question and clear to demonstration, that the enemy mean to direct their operations and bend their most vigorous efforts against this colony.” He recommends troops stationed in Massachusetts Bay be recalled immediately to defend New York. He worries, however, that militiamen from New England won’t arrive in time.

            Awaiting an attack at any moment, in his General Orders for the day on July 6, Washington says, “The General hopes the officers and soldiers will improve this opportunity, to get their arms in the best order for service – as they cannot tell how soon, or how suddenly, they may be called forth.” He also asks that stores of water be frequently swapped out, to keep their containers clean and to ward against disease to the already short manpower.

            That day, Hancock writes to Washington to inform him of the Declaration. He writes, “the Congress have judged it necessary to dissolve the connection between Great Britain and the American Colonies, and to declare them free & independent states; as you will perceive by the enclosed Declaration, which I am directed to transmit to you, and to request you will have it proclaimed at the Head of the Army in the way, you shall think most proper.” He also notes weapons and ammunition from Rhode Island are on the way, along with mentioning the militia of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland will soon be headed to New Jersey to help with the defense of New York.

            Along with Hancock spreading the news to Washington, printers in Philadelphia have begun copying the document which is being sent to state governments. On July 6, the Pennsylvania Evening Post prints a copy of the Declaration in its current edition. On July 8, the Declaration is read to the public for the first time. Colonel John Nixon reads it to a crowd outside the State House in Philadelphia at an area now called “Independence Square.” Bells are rung across the city, likely including the Liberty Bell, which was in the steeple of the State House, not known as Independence Hall. That same day, the Declaration is read aloud in Easton, Pennsylvania and Trenton, New Jersey.

            George Washington reads the Declaration aloud to the army defending New York on July 9. The large, 4000-pound statue of King George III in Bowling Green Park is pulled down by the ensuing mob and members of the Sons of Liberty. The statue would be melted down in Connecticut and turned into over 42,000 musket balls.

            On July 10, John Adams writes to his wife Abigail, checking in after a busy few weeks. He writes, “You will see by the newspapers, which I from time to time enclose, with what rapidity, the colonies proceed in their political maneuvers. How many calamities might have been avoided if these measures had been taken twelve months ago-?” Regularly writing his wife, the next day, the future-President pens, “The fatigues of war, are much less destructive to health, than the painful laborious attention, to debates, and to writing, which drinks up the spirits and consumes the strength.”

            July 11 marks a week since the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress by this point has begun the long process of debates on what will become the Articles of Confederation.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to announce that Amanda Chamberlin has been appointed as the next Principal of Old Hammondtown School.

            Chamberlin will begin her role on July 8, succeeding Stephanie Wells, who has served as principal since 2024.

            “We are thrilled to welcome Amanda into the Old Hammondtown family,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Her extensive experience in early childhood education, skills in social-emotional learning and advocacy for staff and faculty will bring strength and support to the school. Amanda’s community-centered approach to education will be invaluable to both our students and staff.”

            Chamberlin joins the school system from Seekonk Public Schools, where she has served as Assistant Principal of George R. Martin Elementary School since 2022.

            She previously served as assistant principal of Fall River Public Schools’ William S. Greene Elementary School from 2020 to 2022.

            Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Chamberlin held roles as a literacy academic coach, kindergarten inclusion teacher and second-grade teacher at Fall River Public Schools, Framingham Public Schools and Somerville Public Schools.

            Chamberlin earned a Master of Education in Education Leadership from Bridgewater State University and bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

            She is a certified Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) School Leader and was a Selected Member of the District Collective Leadership Project in Bristol County, where she was chosen by her superintendent to participate in a five-month workshop centered around strategic planning, time management and fiscal budgets.

            Chamberlin was also the head coach of Girls on the Run at George R. Martin Elementary School. For two academic years, she led a 10-week 5K training program and community service project for girls in grades 3 through 5.

            “I am excited and honored to begin my role as Principal of Old Hammondtown School,” said Assistant Principal Chamberlin. “I believe that a community-centered approach to education fosters a supportive school environment for both students and staff, and I look forward to building meaningful connections with the Old Hammondtown community as we prepare to enter the next academic year.”