Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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The first race in the Buzzards Bay Trophy Series will be held on June 7. The Spring Round-the-Bay Race is a “pursuit start” PHRF Handicap race for Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Classes. The course begins and finishes outside of Mattapoisett Harbor. This is the first race in series of long distance races sponsored by local yacht clubs to determine the overall winner of the 2025 Buzzards Bay Trophy. Scratch sheets will be available online. The entry fee is $65.00 for both members and non-members.

 Information and registration are available on our website www.mattapoisettyc.org.

Mary Patricia Bernard

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Mary Patricia Bernard – December 28, 1934 – May 10, 2025

            Mary Patricia, “Pat” or “Patsy” Bernard was born in Boston in 1934 to Mary (Cunningham) and Edward Dervan. She grew up in West Roxbury, was a parishioner at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, and graduated in 1952 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She worked as a professional secretary and married her sweetheart Philip A. Bernard in 1957. Their happy marriage lasted until his death in 2005.

            They lived for many wonderful years in Roslindale, Raynham, Mattapoisett, Fairhaven and Georgetown, SC, and treasured each community and the lifelong friends they made along the way.

            Besides her husband Phil, she was predeceased by her parents, and her sister Anne Doherty. She is survived by three dear siblings  Jane Dever, Rita Meunier and Eddie Dervan. She leaves her loving children PJ (Becky) Bernard, Janine (Fred) Peccini, Stephen (Angela) Bernard, and Regina (Jim) Sisk, and the six joys of her life who knew her as “Mamie”- her grandchildren Jonathan, Kevin, Annie, Lindsay, Colleen and Molly. She is also survived by throngs of adoring nieces and nephews, many of whom were her special Godchildren.

            While Pat didn’t receive a formal education after high school – she was self taught, well read and devoured books focusing on art, culture and history. She worked many years for the Old Rochester Regional School District and loved the kids who swung by her desk – particularly the “rascals”. She was an exceptional gardener, and knew exactly where to throw her egg shells, banana peels and coffee grinds.

            Pat loved cheering on the Celtics, the New England Patriots, and had an ultimate devotion to the Boston Red Sox, where she stayed up very late during the summer to watch extra innings when everyone else had long gone to bed. She will be remembered for her laugh, entertaining her friends and family, and playing the piano for gregarious sing-a-longs.

            A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Parish in Mattapoisett on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Charleston Preservation Society at https://donate.preservationsociety.org/ or simply make a small gesture of kindness, even just by sharing a warm smile.

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

Collyer Maintains Hold On 21 Year Seat of Select Board

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Mattapoisett’s town elections were held on Tuesday, May 20 with voting wrapping up at 8:00 pm.

            Running unopposed, Jordan Collyer secured his seat at the Select Board table for another term. He has been on the board for 21 years and now enters his 8th term.

            There were three contested races. Water and Sewer Commissioner saw Dana Lebaron Barrows running for re-election against newcomer Mason Mathieu. Barrows won, maintaining her seat and receiving 562 total votes.

            For a Board of Health seat, Michelle Bernier was up for reelection against N. Douglas Schneider. Bernier also maintained her seat, securing 742 total votes. Running, she expressed her focus on waste disposal, saying” we are starting a swap shop for reuse and have ordered a new scale for the transfer station.”

            A seat on the Old Rochester Regional School Committee was fought over by Betsy Stewart and Nina Datshkovsky-Ennis. Stewart won with 802 votes. Before the election, Stewart stated, “My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety, and increasing civil discourse.”

            Both ballot questions passed. Question 1 asked voters to agree to bond the Oakland Street sewer renovation. Question 2 asked voters to fund, via a bond, renovations needed at the “Town Barn,” also known as the Highway Department.

The final results are as follows:

SELECT BOARD (3 Years) (1)

            Jordan C. Collyer – 920

ASSESSOR (3 Years) (1)

            Cary a LeBlanc – 976

MATTAPOISETT SCHOOL COMMITTEE (3 Years) (2)

            Cristin Cowles – 824

            Mackenzie Jean Emmons – 662

OLD ROCHESTER REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE (3 Years) (1)

            Nina M. Datshkovsky-Ennis – 448

            Betsy Stewart – 802

TRUSTEE OF PUBLIC LIBRARY (3 Years) (2)

            Michael F. Rosa – 832

            Jeanne L. Hopkins – 669

MODERATOR (1 Year) (1)

            Lizanne Capper Cambell – 910

WATER/SEWER COMMISSIONER (3 Years) (1)

            Dana Lebaron Barrows – 727

            Mason Thomas Mathieu – 347

BOARD OF HEALTH (3 Years) (1)

            Michele C. Bernier – 742

            N. Douglas Schneider – 442

PLANNING BOARD (5 Years) (1)

            Nathan C. Ketchel – 897

CONSTABLE (3 Years) (2)

            Michael D. King – 832

HERRING INSPECTOR (3 Years) (1)

            Jonathan William Wilbur – 953

TREE WARDEN (3 Years) (1)

            Christian Paul Nadeau – 934

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE (2 Years) (2)

            Michelle Hughes – 948

            Charles William McCullough – 813

BALLOT QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1

            YES – 680

            NO – 469

QUESTION 2

            YES – 681

            NO – 472

By Marilou Newell

Robert James “Bob” St. Pierre

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Robert James “Bob” St. Pierre, 97, of Mattapoisett passed away on May 15, 2025, rejoining his beloved family in eternal rest.

            He was born on December 1, 1927, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Elise and Jean “John” St. Pierre. During his youth, Bob lived in several North Shore towns including Beverly, Peabody, and Nahant before settling with his family in Salem. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Salem and went on to attend Salem State College, where he graduated as class salutatorian.

            After his first year at Salem State, Bob served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 as a clerk, helping to discharge hundreds of service members returning to civilian life. He later married Elizabeth Fossa of Danvers, Massachusetts, the valedictorian of his graduating class. The couple moved to New Bedford as Bob searched for a full-time teaching position. He first worked as a department manager at Cornell-Dubilier before beginning his teaching career in Westport. Amid work and family responsibilities, he earned a Master’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State College.

            Bob dedicated his life to family and education. He mentored countless students and colleagues while teaching science and mathematics at Westport High School and later at Westport Middle School. Bob devoted many hours to Scouting, serving as a troop leader as well as a Commissioner and as a Program Director at Camp Cachalot in Plymouth for many summers. After retirement, he and Elizabeth rarely ate lunch at home, choosing instead to enjoy the freedom they had earned. Lifelong Red Sox fans, they regularly attended games and spent several springs in Winter Haven, Florida, to watch the team’s training. During these trips, Bob had the memorable opportunity to play golf with Ted Williams and Jim Rice.

            Bob and Elizabeth were passionate supporters of the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League. He served for years on the team’s board and managed concession operations, earning an outstanding service award. He was also the official timekeeper for both the girls’ and boys’ basketball home games in Westport, a role that he filled for an astonishing 58 years. In recognition of his dedication, he was inducted into the Westport Hall of Fame in 1997 and received an appreciation award from the Hall of Fame Committee in 2024. A lifelong golfer, Bob enjoyed many rounds at the Reservation Golf Club in Mattapoisett, where he was granted a lifetime membership.

            Bob is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Deschamps of Salem; two sons, Robert James of East Bridgewater and his wife Susan, and James Edward of Mattapoisett and his wife Kim; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, in 2020; his daughter, Sally Goldrick, in March 2025; and his siblings Richard St. Pierre and Constance Cercone.

            To many, Bob was the kindest man they ever knew. His legacy of quiet strength and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

            His Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 3-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting

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The Nasketucket Bird Club will host The Many, Many Owls Around Us: A Discussion of the Owls of Southeastern Massachusetts with Brian Cassie on Tuesday, May 27, at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Join us for fun stories, and to learn a thing, or two, or three about owls. The meeting is open to the public and handicapped accessible.

            Check our website at: massbird.org/Nasketucket/ or email our President Justin Barrett at jmbarrett426@gmail.com.

Enlarged Garage Approved for Pleasant Street

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The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met Thursday, May 8 for a Special Permit hearing for the Morgans living at 73 Pleasant Street. The permit would be for the expansion of a pre-existing non-conforming garage.

            In detailing its correspondence with other town bodies, the ZBA said the Board of Health had “no comments” on the special permit application. The Conservation Commission had stated the project is “not jurisdictional,” or it does not concern them. The Planning Board only recommended the design of the new work on the garage to be consistent with the architectural style of the existing house. Finally were comments from abutters and neighbors across the street at 72 Pleasant Street. The abutters were in full support of the work with no negative comments.

            Following the reading of correspondence, Chair Cindy Callow stated she is also an abutter, so must recuse herself from the hearing due to conflicts of interest. Member Margherita Baldwin also stated she was an abutter, living within 300 feet, but stated she was far enough away to look at the issue impartially.

            The Morgans then presented their request, saying their current garage was built in 1912 and is too small for two cars and does not offer much storage. The residents do not like street parking, “particularly in the winter and snow.” For the work being done, another room would be added on that would conjoin the house to the garage. An existing bedroom would be enlarged and converted into an office.

            The Special Permit hearing was closed and approved with a unanimous approval vote.

            The next meeting of the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals was not scheduled at dismissal but will take place after the Marion elections on May 16 though the Zoning Board has no open positions contested for the election. Chair Cindy Callow joked this could be her last meeting with the Zoning Board, as she is running for a spot on the Select Board.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Tidelines at the MAC

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Artist Peter C. Stone and his exhibition Tidelines and Other Stories opens at the MAC on May 24, at the Marion Art Center, located at 80 Pleasant St. Marion, with an artist’s reception scheduled from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Additionally, there will be a gallery talk with the artist on Saturday, June 7 at 11:00 am. Events are free and open to the public.

            Distilled in the powerful rhythms of tidal cycles, the artworks in Peter C. Stone’s series Tidelines are inspired by dreamy coastal lowlands from northern Florida and the Lowcountry Carolinas to the beaches and estuaries of southern New England. While these luminous oil paintings explore coastal climate impacts and sea level-rise, they are built on questions about what these ecosystems face as we struggle with our environmental challenges.

            The exhibition offers a look at the process of building illustrated stories written by the artist. Included in the show are works in pen & ink and watercolor, that also serve the graphic design of several books. Selected works are a salute to mythological lunar energies.

            Since 1983, artist, author and educator Peter C. Stone has presented more than sixty solo shows and over one hundred group exhibitions at galleries and museums in the United States, Canada, and England, including Art Expo New York, the Royal Academy of Arts, London, the Peabody Essex Museum, and the DeCordova Museum. A knowledgeable educator whose enthusiasm for observing the natural world is contagious, Peter serves on the Art and Nature Committee of the Peabody Essex Museum and as an Advisor to the Board of the Florida State University Coastal Marine Laboratory. His “dreamy…evocative” (School Library Journal) paintings and books explore the evolutionary wisdom and interconnectedness of endangered creatures, cultures, and ecosystems.

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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Attention all racers, potential racers, and those that might be interested in joining the Race Committee.

            The annual Skipper’s Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street at 5:00 pm. The session will commence with an overview of the responsibilities and expectations associated with being part of the Race Committee. This will be followed by a discussion on racing, during which key rules and procedures will be reviewed.

            Registration is now open for all the 2025 Mattapoisett Yacht Club races. Please be advised that the MYC will now utilize Regatta Network for race management. We believe this system will enhance the experience for our racers by providing timely information and faster posting of results.

            Ensign and Wednesday Night Racers. Each series (June, July, and August) is regarded as an individual event. Consequently, participants are required to register and pay for each series separately.

            New this year – Crew Finder. Use this option if you are looking for crew, or if you are interested in being a crew member on a boat. Available on the racing pages.

            Also, keep in mind that racing will be held the week of July 4 (July 1 & 2)

            If you have any problems registering or have any questions, feel free to contact Fran at vicecommodore@mattapoisettyc.org

            Please make every effort to attend this meeting. There are always great discussions and something to learn. BYOB and stay after the meeting to socialize.

Mattapoisett Election Candidates

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ORR School Committee

Each of the tri-towns elects members to the Old Rochester Regional (district) School Committee; these two candidates from the Town of Mattapoisett are running for one, three-year term.

Nina Datshkovsky Ennis

            I’m running for the Old Rochester Regional (ORR) School Committee because I believe parents must have a strong voice in shaping the future of our schools. I aim to be a voice for parents and their contribution to the vision for ORR schools. As a mother and active community advocate, I bring a passionate, common-sense approach rooted in family values and a deep belief that parents are essential partners in the success of our students. I am committed to a bold vision that prioritizes academic excellence, fosters meaningful family engagement, and empowers our entire community to be active partners in every student’s success. Through my work in educational, medical, and judicial settings as a Spanish interpreter and translator, I’ve supported diverse families and witnessed firsthand the gaps in communication and access. I know how critical it is to ensure all students feel supported and all parents feel heard. I’ve also led programs focused on youth development, reinforcing my belief that strong schools are built on trust, transparency, and collaboration between families and educators. With a multicultural and multilingual background, a deep respect for parental rights, and a passion for high-quality education, I will advocate for nutritious food programs, increased physical activity, open communication, and transparent decision-making that puts students first. I’ve served in leadership roles across civic and community organizations and understand how to communicate, build consensus, and deliver meaningful results. Together, we can build a school system that educates with excellence, engages families openly, and empowers our children to thrive.

Betsy Stewart

            My name is Betsy Stewart and I am running for ORR School Committee because I believe in the value of public education and know that a strong school system supports and sustains the health and vitality of its local community. Our public education system must prepare students for tomorrow’s opportunities and challenges. I believe that with my work and life experience, I can make a significant contribution to the school committee and to our community. My combination of professional expertise, leadership experience and community service uniquely position me to serve on this school committee. As a wellness professional and small business owner, I bring extensive knowledge to this role with a passion for education, community well-being and smart resource management. My priorities are accelerating learning improvement, lowering the town’s tax burden through budget reform, investing in civics education, ensuring student safety and increasing civil discourse. I ask that you put your confidence in me and vote for a candidate who will thoroughly research and evaluate current issues which will come before our committee, advocate for students, teachers and staff and work diligently to improve and build upon current academic standards and educational outcomes in the ORR schools, making it an even better educational institution than it already is. Our children deserve the best possible junior and high school experience. I believe my contributions will help foster a thriving educational environment for all students. Please remember to vote on May 20th and ensure that your voice is heard. Thank you.

Mattapoisett Water/Sewer Commission

Two candidates, incumbent Dana Lebaron Barrows and challenger Mason Mathieu, are running for one open seat, a three-year term.

Mason Mathieu

            My name is Mason Mathieu. I have been a resident of Mattapoisett for most of my life. I attended Center School, Old Hammondtown School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High and ORR High School. After high school, I attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting before obtaining a Juris Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Law. I passed the Massachusetts Bar Exam in 2023 and the Bar Exam for Florida in 2024, and I am currently licensed to practice in both states. I am employed in my family Law Firm of Mathieu & Mathieu in New Bedford and Marion. I am also a part time assistant city solicitor/tax title attorney with the City of New Bedford Treasurer’s Office. I am currently on the Board of the Human Rights Committee for the Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC). I am seeking to be a commissioner for Mattapoisett’s Water & Sewer Commission because I see it as an opportunity to give back to the community that I have been a part of for the majority of my life. I feel my experience and training would be beneficial in decision making as a board member on the commission. This town has provided me with a safe and fun environment to grow up in, and I would be honored to dedicate a portion of my time and efforts in order to help ensure that it continues to improve and prosper. Thank you for your consideration.

Mattapoisett Board of Health

Two candidates, incumbent Michelle Bernier and challenger N. Douglas Schneider, are running for one, three-year term.

Michelle Bernier

            For the past three years, I have been honored to serve on the Mattapoisett Board of Health. I became interested in serving on the Board in 2023 when I retired from my job as Solid Waste director for the Town of North Attleboro. For 20 years I was responsible for the town’s landfill, gas flare and monitoring system, their transfer station and curbside trash collection program for 8,000 households. Since my retirement, serving on Mattapoisett’s Board of Health has given me the opportunity to use the knowledge and experience I gained in that job. In addition to reviewing septic systems, the Mattapoisett Board of Health is responsible for your weekly trash collection, the operation of the transfer station and compost site and maintenance of the capped landfill. The town has recently signed a five-year contract with a new waste-hauling company; we are starting a swap shop for reuse and have ordered a new scale for the transfer station. I have lived in Mattapoisett since 1987. I served on the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen from 1996 to 1999. I did my undergraduate work at Providence College and my graduate work at the College of William and Mary. Prior to my employment in the recycling industry, I had a varied career including teaching for a couple of years at Riverview School in East Sandwich. I believe I am making a significant contribution to the town with my expertise and experience, particularly in the area of recycling and composting. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Abutters Angry over Solar Array

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday entertained a further review of two large projects on Cranberry Highway and Snipatuit Road and the neighbors’ strong concerns over them before ultimately continuing both hearings to its next meeting.

            First, the board reopened the Site Plan Review application hearing to build a 20,000 square-foot commercial building for contractor bays with associated access drives, parking areas, utilities and stormwater management system at the west side of Cranberry Highway.

            Applicant Sealord Enterprises representative Bob Rogers said the property will include 55 parking spaces and 10 bays measuring approximately 25×20 square feet. Board Chair Arnold Johnson asked if there will be security gates, dumpsters, and any retail use. Rogers said there will not be such a gate at the property entrance, but pads for dumpsters are in the plans, and he is not looking for variances that would allow retail use. Johnson requested a lighting plan for when Rogers returns after the town engineer’s peer review.

            Linda Westgate, a direct abutter who said she has lived there most of her life, complained the area is highly congested already. “I can’t imagine how it will be after this moves in,” she said. She complained she is one of the few residential buildings left there now. “The woods are going away. The animals are going away!”

            “I don’t think you will see us from your house,” Rogers answered. “I don’t think there will be big noise.”

            The board continued this hearing, pending a peer-review report from the town engineer.

            Next, the board reopened its Special Permit and Site Plan Review hearing for Logging Swamp Solar dba ReWild Renewables’ plan for a solar array on 49 acres in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road. Zak Markes of ReWild Renewables noted the project will be set within 2,000 acres of forested land. The array itself will have a 50-acre footprint, including 35 acres within a 15-acre fence perimeter. He said the developer’s two top concerns are being as far out of sight and mind of the abutters as possible and controlling stormwater.

            Alan Gragnani of 655 Snipatuit Road repeated the complaint he lodged at last week’s Conservation Commission hearing that the proposed access road to the site would be 40 feet from his property and 100 feet from his well. He wanted to know how stripped his porch view would become. He wanted to know how much land clearing will need to be done and how the project will affect the already wet conditions that his property and his basement sometimes face.

            Lisa Christensen of 663 Snipatuit Road added the project will come 20 feet from her property. She repeated the neighbors’ suggestion of last week that the access road could be moved farther away from their property.

            Markes assured the abutters the road, once completed, will not carry much traffic, as it is simply an access to the solar equipment. He added that the developer is, in fact, looking into moving the access road. Johnson assured them that by law a developer may not increase water flow in the area of its project. He said the design to meet that purpose must meet high standards and that the Planning Board will not just rubber-stamp a plan. Johnson said the board will follow up and inspect to make sure the project is being done right.

            In other action, the board also continued to its next meeting a hearing to modify the Special Permit and Groundwater Protection District Special Permit for Cushman Road Solar, Cushman Road, under a plan to construct additional sub-drainage improvements within an existing driveway off Robinson Road. Johnson said the peer review was ongoing.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be Tuesday, May 27, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco