ORRHS Honor Roll

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The following students have achieved honors for the fourth term at Old Rochester Regional High School:

            Highest Honors: Bobby Calder, Phoebe Cowles, Sara Duane, Ava Figueiredo, Giada Gandolfi, Lucas Hadley, Laney Hayes, Grace Horta, Chase Karo, Alexandra LeColst, Caitlyn Lund, Faelyn McCarthy, Annalise Milhench, Jiya Patel, Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Tyler Porto, Elsa Pothier, Grace Rousseau, Hannah Thorell, Nathaniel Tse, Oliver Ward, Benjamin Welter, and Molly Wronski

            Honors: Caroline Achilles, Elizabeth Achilles, Lily Ambrosi, Kimberly Anderson, Sophia Anesti, Gianna Annunziato, Seraphina Arruda, Georgia Bailey, Chloe Bairos, Alexis Barber, Isaac Barrett, Benjamin Bartholomew, Claire Bates, Kensi Bearce, Henry Berry, Adam Berube, Nolan Blanchette, Reese Bolduc, John Bongiorno, Charles Bonney, Cadel Bosma, Sydney Bosma, Rose Bouley, Emily Bousquet, Sophie Bozzo, Nathanael Bushnell, Aiden Cabral, Lucas Cabral, Sarah Cabral, Ryan Calderone, Sophia Campione, Keira Canto, Cassidy Carroll, Sibley Casi, Russell Chace, Wyatt Churchill, Grace Clark, Ava Coelho, Gavin Coffey, Aiden Comorosky, Belle Comorosky, Abigail Conley, Gabriel Connors, Ashton Cook, Charlotte Cook, Owen Cooney, Kendall Correia, Bridget Coryer, Emma Costa, Madeline Costa, Matthew Costa, Nina Costa, Cadogan Crete, Makenzie Crowley, Olivia Crowley, Rylee Cusick, Sophia D’Italia, Alexander Dai, Charlotte Dargelis, Matthew DaRosa, Emma Debonise, Quin DeMello, Chase DeMelo, Nathaniel Denham, Averee Depina, Chloe Desrosiers, James Devoll, Rafael Duarte, Gisele Duchaine, Abbigail Dupont, Ava Dzerkacz, Noah Eagle, Sage Elia, Mason Fagan, Max Ferrari, John Ferreira, Alexandra Fiano, Robert Flynn, Katherine Foster, Molly Franco, Phoenix Froh, Brendan Fuller, John Galavotti, Caroline Gallagher, Jacob Gear, Lillian Gendreau, Madeleine Gendreau, Caden Gonsalves, Harrison Govoni, Isabel Govoni, Zadie Goyette, Katherine Guevara, Noah Habicht, Madison Hardy, Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Ian Hartwig, Madalyn Haverty, Andrew Hebert, Genevieve Hebert, Grace Hebert, Meredith Higgins, Brody Hiles, Logan Hiles, Caroline Hilton, Isabella Hollis, Hunter Horsey, Caroline Houdelette, Emma Iappini, Jacob Iappini, Taryn Jackson, Emma Johnson, William Johnson, Braylon Judge, Frances Kakley, Jazmin Kearns, Kierra Keegan, Genevieve Kelly, Bentley Killion, Elizabeth Kilpatrick, Leighton King, Olivia Kinney, Hadley Kuppens, Nash LaFountain, Violet LaFountain, Ava LaPointe, Austin Lassiter, Bree LeFavor, Lucy Lombard, Samuel Long, Thomas Lucy, William Lucy, Aiden MacLeod, Addison Mahar, Paige Mailloux, Joshua Marcolini, Isabel Marujo, Kenley Masse, Neva Matos, Tiera McCarthy, Ryleigh McGlinn, Carly Mello, Charlotte Mello, Levi Mello, Ethan Miguel, Elise Modracek, Xavier Monteiro, Miah Motta, Desmond Murphy, Connor Nelson, Piper Newell, Mia Normandin, Abigail Nunes, Max Ohrenberger, Grady Oliveira, Mollie Osetkowski, Zoe Papadakis, Subhav Parajuli, Morgan Patraiko, Reilly Patraiko, Avery Paulo, Fiona Payne, Marley Perry, Luke Pierre, Nina Pierre, Ava Pimentel, Eva Pinhancos, Juliana Pinhancos, Logen Pinto, Delilah Post, Caleb Powell, Jasmyn Pumphery, Dimitri Raposo, John Redler, Galen Revell, Zackaria Rezendes, Noah Robert-Howley, Orion Rocci, Sebastian Romig, Addison Roy, Emerson Roy, Julian Sanchez, Noah Santos, Rebecca Schaefer, Austin Scully, Ian Shultz, Benjamin Silva, Ella Silva, Luc Silveira, Chase Silvia, Madison Singer, Eve Skomal, Kaelie Smalley, Esther Smith, Mila Soares, Chelsey Soltau, Boden Soucy, Molly Souza, Claudia Surace, Catherine Sylvia-Everett, Blair Thomas, Katherine Thomsen, Noah Thorell, Piper Tobia, Nathan Tobin, Amanda Tomasso, Bella Tourinho, Kennedy Tripp, Morgan Tripp, Braylee Trout, Rachel Tse, Thomas Tseki, Claire Vergoni, Grace Victoria, Nicholas Victorino, Montana Virgadamo, Burkley Vlaco, Nathaniel Wadsworth, Phoebe Wainio, Avery White, Linden White, Trillian White, Liam Whittaker, Matthew Williams, Jocelyn Yurof, Westgate Zell, Kennedy Zussy.

Town Wharf Project Clears “Biggest Obstacle”

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The Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board met on Thursday, June 25 for their first meeting of the summer, and in it, spoke on updates to Long Wharf, parking sticker fees, and other business regarding the harbor.

            Following the approval of minutes from their last meeting, the board moved to discuss the ongoing Long Wharf project. Chair Carlos DeSousa stated the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management has recently completed as survey of the proposed work on the wharf and has deemed it acceptable with no additional review necessary. The Massachusetts CZM was established following the national Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and oversees coastal development and usage. The group can also assist with grants and funding attainment.

            It was stated at the meeting the CZM review is the “biggest obstacle” for the project in terms of permitting, and with it out of the way, the path ahead for the wharf’s revival is much clearer.

            Next, the group discussed an email they received from the Harbor Beach Improvement Association regarding a $220 invoice they received for swim floats, as well as their accompanying late fees. The association believed they hadn’t received adequate notice of the bill, with the original invoice being received by email in November with a subsequent physical envelope arriving in March. They also said, “Having consistently paid for our swim floats in the past nine years, I find a $100 fee on a $120 invoice to be excessive.” They noted they paid the invoice in full, but recommend the late fee be reimbursed and better methods of communication be sought.

            The board made a unanimous vote to refund the $100 late fee while also pledging to seek new methods of notice for billing.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board was not scheduled at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Marion Advisory Board

By Sam Bishop

Declaration of Independence Reading

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Please join together this July 18, at 10:00 am, when the Mattapoisett Museum, the Public Library and the Lions Club will host a reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of Harbor Days and the town’s 250th Celebration. It will take place at the Gazebo in Shipyard Park.

            On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the text of the official Declaration of Independence and sent it to John Dunlap, a Philadelphia printer, who worked through the night printing copies to distribute. Word spread outward to the colonies at the speed of horsepower.

            On July 18, 1776, Col. Thomas Crafts read the Declaration from the balcony of the State House in Boston for the first time in the Commonwealth. Many of the city’s citizens gathered in King Street to hear the proclamation. Abigail Adams, who was present in the crowd, described the scene in a letter to her husband: “Great attention was given to every word. As soon as Col. Crafts ended, the cry from the balcony was ‘God save our American States’ and then three cheers which rended the air.”

            Readers are Rep. Mark Silvia, State Representative for the 10th Bristol District, Frances Feliz-Kearns, Select Board of Mattapoisett, Jenny Martin, Director of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library and Connor Gaudet, Curator, Mattapoisett Museum.

            Together the citizens of the SouthCoast will “rend the air” with their own three cheers.

Pan-Mass Challenge to Support Cancer Research

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This August 1 and August 2, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) will bring together more than 6,000 cyclists and 4,000 volunteers on August 1 and August 2 to raise money for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Participants from local communities will be among those helping support the PMC’s mission to fund lifesaving cancer research and treatment.

            Local Participants Include: Dorothy Boudreaux of Rochester, Aurelio Pinhancos of Rochester, Bill Kenney of Rochester, Monica Kenney of Rochester, Tobias Revell of Rochester, Debora Bacchiocchi of Rochester, Keith Riquinha of Rochester, Lazaro Rosa of Rochester, Sheila Kozlowski of Rochester, Jake Pinhancos of Rochester, Susan Hunter Revell of Rochester, Kim Howley of Mattapoisett, Ingrid Monson of Mattapoisett, Karen Arpino of Mattapoisett, Benjamin Forker of Marion, Wael Bayazid of Marion, James Forker of Marion, Dina Nichols of Marion, Rebecca Gordon of Marion, and Jamey Shachoy of Marion.

            The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraiser in the world, is aiming to raise more than ever this year, with a fundraising goal of $79 million.

            This year’s PMC comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise. For the 20th consecutive year, 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar will go directly to Dana-Farber, one of the nation’s top three hospitals for cancer research and care.

            “The theme for this year’s PMC, which is ‘now, more than ever,’ underscores the paramount importance of every single dollar raised in fueling the search for a cure,” said Billy Starr, founder and chairman of the PMC. “We are endlessly grateful to every rider, volunteer, donor, and sponsor who makes the PMC possible. Because of their training miles, long hours of volunteering, generous support, and unwavering commitment, we are moving ever closer to a world without cancer.”

            Since its inception in 1980, the PMC has raised $1.125 billion for Dana-Farber, making it the organization’s largest single contributor and accounting for 67 percent of the annual revenue of The Jimmy Fund, Dana-Farber’s community-driven fundraising arm. This unrestricted annual funding has empowered and accelerated advancements in cancer research, deeply benefiting patients across the world.

            During each annual PMC weekend, thousands of cyclists and volunteers come together from across the world, hailing from 47 US states and 12 countries, with a shared purpose of raising as much money as possible for Dana-Farber. Cyclists ride routes ranging from 25 to 177 miles. Included among these participants is the PMC Living Proof community, riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as Living Proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

            There is still time to participate in this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge. Folks interested in getting involved can learn more and register at PMC.org.

Adult Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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The Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street, has an exciting summer line-up for the month of July.

            Robert Ainsworth, experienced CFO and author, will give a historic presentation about Fraud through the Ages, on July 3 at 11:00 am. Learn the story of history’s swindlers, from Ancient Greece to today. No registration required.

            Don’t miss the first meeting of the Mattapoisett Library Writing Group on July 7 at 5:00 pm. Get to know the group with a short writing exercise, share your writing goals or progress, and then participate in some quiet writing time. No registration required.

            Register for one of our upcoming Beginner Sewing Classes, either on Thursday, July 9 at 3:00 pm or Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 pm. You must bring your own sewing machine to participate. This class is open to adults, young adults, and children accompanied by an adult.

            Join Jeff Belanger at MFPL for a motivational talk on “Turning Passion into Your Profession,” on July 14 at 6:00 pm. For the last two decades, Jeff Belanger has earned his living doing what he loves: chasing stories, publishing books, producing television programs, podcasting, and public speaking. This motivational talk helps lay out a road map to self-employment or building a side hustle for almost any type of job. No registration required.

            Do you need some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

Marion General Store to Open August 1

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            The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday to hear from various different residents regarding businesses to reopening, businesses looking for a home, and to recognize a previous Chair for their long service.

            Chair John Hoagland began by introducing Amy Felder of Felder Farms, the new General Manager of the Marion General Store. Felder explained that her and her husband William were the new operators of the store. Amy said she will be on-site daily with Will coming in occasionally.

            She stated the layout and general operation of the store will remain the same, though added a coffee bar will be added that will provide made-to-order espresso beverages. She also highlighted a commitment to operate during the weekend. The store will be open Wednesdays through Sunday with Sunday having alternate hours. She stated the hiring process has recently begun.

            She is originally from Chicago, and mentioned she has experience working in food/service having worked in a pub. With no public comments, the Select Board unanimously voted to transfer the liquor license from the current holders of the store to Felder Farms LLC, d/b/a Marion General Store for their operation. It was also granted a license to sell food and operate as a store.

            The Wanderer spoke to the Felders in early-June, with Will saying, ““I can’t believe how supportive the community has been and they’re trying to help all they can in the town to get everything together as quick as they can.” The couple have been in close talks with the Cheneys and Jack in particular, who himself ran the store for around half-a-century. “The Chenys have been really, really supportive – He’s just an unbelievable guy. I’ve grown to respect him in a really deep way. He has a lot of great things to say and a lot of great advice.”

            The Marion General Store will open on Saturday, August 1.

            Next, Norman Hills rose and was recognized by the board for nine years of service to the Select Board. They mentioned this recognition does not include Hills’ numerous other public service positions or extensive dedication to the town. Hills was presented with a plaque by the board’s current members, Chair John Hoagland, Vice Chair Toby Burr, and Randy Parker. Parker noted he and Hills had tougher spent “thousands of hours” together working on the board.

            Margie Baldwin, Chair of the Parks and Tree Committee, then spoke on her committee’s recent work with the creation of a new and updated “Marion Homeowner Guide to Trees” book, made to educate groups that do business in town and residents on street trees. She noted the importance of the town’s floral cover and stated the book lists and detailed information regarding street trees suitable to the area.

            Next, local business operator Liz Tarrant rose to describe their new business, Runabout Coffee, a mobile coffee brewing stand. Tarrant sought a permanent to semi-permanent location for her stand. She requested a spot on Island Wharf, saying she grew up and currently still lives in town.

            Tarrant said the time of business would roughly be 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, though mentioned it would be flexible to see which hours of operations work best, likely being three-to-four days a week. Oh weekends, the stand will likely be taken to events in the local area.

            Parker stated he took issue with the potential of another business offering coffee, noting numerous other businesses in town offering the same, though he highlighted the other “brick and mortar” businesses have offered “substantial businesses in town. Hoagland agreed, and Tarrant thanked them for their time and left.

            Next, the board quickly approved the change of Directors of the Beverly Yacht Club.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 at 6:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

America 250 in the Tri-Town

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Marion

            July 3 – 9:15 pm: Independence Day weekend fireworks display at Silvershell Beach. A performance by the Marion Concert Band will begin before fireworks, with the town asking visitors to arrive before 7:00 pm.

            July 4 – 9:00 am: Independence Day Parade, which forms around 8:00 am in the field between the Town House and Sippican School. Its route: east on Main Street to Spring Street, north on Spring Street to Route 6, east on Route 6 to Front Street, south on Front Street to Main Street, and west on Main Street to the ball field for disbanding.

Mattapoisett

            July 3 – 4:30 am: Community picnic at Ned’s Point, with a concert and singalong at 7:00 pm.

            July 4 – 9:00 am: The Mattapoisett Road Race begins at Shipyard Park where around 1,000 racers loop the town.

            July 4 – 1:00 pm: Bus tours leaving Center School to navigate through town, passing landmarks and sites of interest with the Mattapoisett Historical Museum serving as a guide.

            July 4 – 2:00 pm: Dedication to Mattapoisett firefighters at the corner of Church St and Baptist st.

            July 4 – 6:30 pm: Family line dancing at Town Wharf.

Rochester

            July 4 – 11:00 am: The Town Picnic at the center of town, 1 Constitution Way. Free hot dogs, popcorn, and water for all attendees.

            July 4 – 11:30 am: The Rochester Historical Society rings the bell of the Congressional Church.

            July 4 – 1:00 pm: Patriotic Children’s Parade begins in town center with bikes, carriages, and other non-motorized vehicles.

Academic Achievements

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Dean College is pleased to announce Joseph Bacchiocchi of Rochester and Emily Kilpatrick of Marion who have earned a place on the Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester.

            Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring 2026 semester. The following students were recognized:

            Mattapoisett, resident Chaz Aguiar, class of 2027, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering

            Mattapoisett, resident Jack Langlais, class of 2029, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Engineering

            Mattapoisett, resident Rudy Arsenault, class of 2027, majoring in Robotics Engineering

            Palmer Clingman of Mattapoisett, Wilson Coucci of Rochester, Brody Garber of Rochester, Drew Mastovsky of Marion, and Holyn Turner of Mattapoisett received their degrees in May as part of the Class of 2026at Roger Williams University.

            Molly Sisson of Rochester was among 188 students who graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon on May 24.

            Joie Ciffolillo of Mattapoisett, Palmer Clingman of Mattapoisett, Will Hurlbut of Marion, Bree Killion of Rochester, Mackenzie Leblanc of Mattapoisett, Brady Lee of Mattapoisett, Drew Mastovsky of Marion, Owen Osterday of Marion, Jack Rapoza of Mattapoisett, Jackson Ruel of Mattapoisett, and Zachary Zutaut of Rochester have been named to the Spring 2026 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

            Grace Ribeiro, of Mattapoisett was named to the University of Mississippi’s Spring 2026 Honor Roll lists.

            Justin Magazu of Mattapoisett was among over 4,500 students from Miami University who received degrees during the spring commencement on May 16.

            Calvin Payne, from Rochester and a student at Old Colony RVTHS (Rochester), was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Electrical Construction Wiring at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

            The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Grace Greany of Mattapoisett and Tyler Williams of Mattapoisett have been named to its Spring 2026 President’s List.

            The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Luke Brogioli of Mattapoisett, Olivia Mydlack of Rochester, and Maddie O’Connor of Marion have been named to its Spring 2026 Dean’s List.

Moe Dixon at the Mattapoisett Museum

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On Thursday, July 16, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, the Mattapoisett Museum at 5 Church Street presents a special concert featuring singer and songwriter, Moe Dixon who will be joined by local favorites Seth Asser and Gary Brown for an intimate evening of song and storytelling. Moe is a familiar name on the festival and concert club circuit with inspiring original songs, fiery finger-style and ragtime guitar and inventive ukulele playing. Moe and Seth met over 50 years ago in Vermont and formed a successful folk-rock group “Willow” that played throughout New England for several years. This event is a celebration of their friendship and musical collaborations.

            Moe went on to gain national recognition through his contributions to the children’s group Rosen, Shontz, and Dixon. He’s written themes to Bob Hope specials and Warren Miller ski movies, and performed with the Wheeling Symphony and the West Suburban Symphony of Chicago. He’s shared the stage with such familiar names as Phil Ochs, Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, Nicolette Larson, Doc Watson, Maria Muldaur, Rory Block, Odetta, Jonathon Edwards, John Denver, Bill Danoff, Michael Johnson, Little River Band, The Hellacasters, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Three Dog Night, Eric Johnson, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Buddy Guy, Sonny Landreth, and Robben Ford.

            Thousands of listeners have become loyal fans. His magical performances are highlighted by masterful guitar playing and powerful vocals. Every audience absorbs and expands on Moe’s unique energy and each performance becomes a celebration.

            Tickets are on sale at www.mattapoisettmuseum.org/events. Cost is $18.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members.

Rochester Historical Society on July 4th

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On July 4 the Rochester Historical Society at our museum formerly the East Rochester Congregational Church at 355 County Rd. will be ringing our 154 yr. old bell as part of Freedom Bells. Anyone arriving at 11:30 am will have a chance at ringing the bell. We’re encouraging people to bring any bells they have to ring along. The bell will toll 13 times at noon, once for each of the original 13 colonies and then there will be ice cream cups and free copies of the Declaration of Independence. Thanks to Col. Arnold Briggs for bringing Freedom Bells to our attention. Happy 4th of July and Happy 250th Birthday, America.