Shooting and Chase in Mattapoisett

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Just after 3:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, the Mattapoisett Police Department was called to Harbor Road by Harbor Beach for a report of a man lying in a driveway. There were also reports of a red car that fled the scene. Responding police witnessed a red 2021 Toyota Corolla travelling at a high rate of speed away from the area which led to a high-speed chase into Marion along Route 6.

            The Police were able to stop the vehicle on Front Street in Marion and took a male and female into custody.

            The victim, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to Southcoast Hospital but did not survive.

            When asked about the incident, the Mattapoisett Police Department was unable to comment due to the ongoing investigation but was able to relay that the situation was under control and there is no remaining threat to public safety.

            This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Ecological Restoration Discussed

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            The June meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission was packed with technical matters which the commission handled with the assistance of environmental agent Samantha Carew.

            First up, it was announced that four agenda hearings would be continued to later dates. Those cases are an Abbreviated Resource Delineation for Steven Cabral for property located at 182 North Street, a pathway clearing at Bryne and Shell Beach Road for Stephen Vaitses, A Notice of Intent filed by Raymond Hanks located at 18 Crystal Springs Road, and a beach nourishment filing for The Pratt family Trust located at 11 Sea Marsh Way.

            A filing by the Buzzards Bay Coalition for a bog restoration for bogs located on Wolf Island Road took some time to wade through as commission members expressed concerns that flooding in the area might contaminate the surrounding area with legacy chemicals from agricultural activity.

            Commission members Daivd Nicolosi and David Lawrence both expressed concerns that poorly managed site-specific storm water overflow might get into the freshwater areas causing damage to potable water sources.

            The commission with the assistance of Carew began to draft special conditions for. about an hour that would guide the project, but ultimately the project was continued to the next meeting.

            Also discussed was a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by the town of Mattapoisett for removal and replacement of pavement, curbs, and catch basins at 94 County Road. A Negative 3 determination was rendered.

            Also receiving a negative decision was an RDA filed by MASS DOT for the replacement and or repair of guard rails on both the east and west bound corridors of Route 6.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is planned for Tuesday, July 7.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

July 3 Fireworks Celebration at Silvershell Beach

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            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli and Fire Chief Brian Jackvony urge residents to celebrate safely this upcoming Fourth of July weekend and ask motorists to follow traffic and parking guidelines for the July 3 Fireworks Celebration at Silvershell Beach.

            The Marion Fireworks Committee has announced the return of the Town’s Independence Day weekend fireworks display to Silvershell Beach on Friday, July 3, at 9:15 pm, as part of Marion’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

            Organizers encourage attendees to bring a blanket, a picnic and their patriotic spirit as the Marion Concert Band kicks off the evening with a selection of patriotic favorites before the fireworks light up the harbor.

            “We’re all excited to welcome a Town tradition back to our community,” Town Administrator Gorman said. “So many members of this amazing community have combined talents and hard work to organize what promises to be an unforgettable show.”

            Arrival and Parking Details – Those planning to attend the fireworks event at Silvershell Beach are encouraged to arrive early, and residents of the Marion Village area should ask expected guests to arrive no later than 7:00 pm that evening.

            The Marion Police Department also asks visitors to obey the following parking guidelines:

            -For those located west of Front Street, guests parking on side streets are asked to park facing Converse Road or Pleasant Street.

            -For those located east of Front Street, guests parking on side streets are asked to park facing Water Street.

            -The exception is for vehicles on Vine Street, which are asked to face west toward Front Street.

            -No parking will be allowed on the south side of Lewis Street between Front Street and Converse Road.

            The above parking guidance will help to reduce traffic problems should guests wish to leave before, during or immediately after the fireworks show.

            Handicap parking will be available at the beach. Attendees are reminded that alcohol is prohibited and dogs are not allowed. Drone use will also be restricted in the area.

            Attendees may see an increased police presence in the area in support of the event.

            Community members are reminded if they “See Something, Say Something.” Any misuse of fireworks witnessed in Town can be reported to the Marion Police Department at 508-748-1212.

            Always call 911 in case of a firework-related emergency, a possible impaired driver on the road or other emergency. Click here for more safe celebration tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

            Celebrate Safely – It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts without a license and permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. The penalty for violating the law may include confiscation, and a fine or imprisonment, or both. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

            Residents are reminded of the following:

            -Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.

            -Never allow young children to go near fireworks.

            -Alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.

            Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost.

            Marion officials also urge residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:

            -Be mindful of pedestrians.

            -Always wear your seatbelt.

            -Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

            -Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving.

            -Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.

            -Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive.

            -Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.

            If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

            “This year’s fireworks celebration marks a special milestone as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Chief Nighelli. “We encourage everyone to arrive early, plan ahead, and celebrate responsibly. By working together, we can make this a safe and enjoyable event for our community.”

            The Celebration Begins – While families and friends gather on the beach and surrounding green to enjoy a classic summer evening, Fieldstone Farm’s snack shack will be open and serving favorites including hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and other refreshments.

            On the morning of the show, the launch barge will arrive, and the fireworks will be carefully loaded, inspected and secured. From that point forward, the display must proceed as planned, as safety regulations and operational requirements leave little flexibility for last-minute changes.

            While the Marion Fireworks Committee carefully monitors weather conditions and works closely with public safety officials, they unfortunately cannot control Mother Nature. As anyone who lives on Buzzards Bay knows, coastal weather can change quickly. Fog, wind, and other conditions occasionally affect visibility, even when forecasts appear favorable. The committee asks for residents’ understanding that the fireworks must proceed once the barge is loaded and in position.

            “Each of our Town’s Departments including Police, Fire, DPW and Recreation along with many volunteers work year-round to make this tradition possible, and we are grateful for their support,” said Tara Calabrese, Chair of the Marion Fireworks Committee. “Perhaps most importantly, this celebration belongs to the community.”

            The Marion Fireworks display is funded entirely through private donations, and its return this year is only possible because of the extraordinary generosity of residents, families, local businesses, and supporters who believed in preserving this cherished tradition.

            “Every contribution, large or small, helps light up the harbor and create lasting memories for generations to come,” said Calabrese. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to ensure that Marion’s skies will sparkle once again this Independence Day.”

Rochester Historical Society

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July will be busy at the Museum. We have given new life to the bell in the belfry of the East Rochester Church, now our museum. We will be ringing it at noon on July 4. We are encouraging anyone who would like to try their hand at ringing it to be at the museum at 11:30 am. The bell will toll 13 times at 12:00 pm noon. Bring your own bells to ring along. There will be ice cream cups and handouts of the Declaration of Independence.

Tiknhamtown Chapel Open House

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Have you ever driven by the Tinkhamtown Chapel on Acushnet Road in Mattapoisett, and wondered what it looks like inside? Here’s your chance. On Sunday, July 5 from 12:00 pm noon to 3:00 pm, the Tinkhamtown Chapel will be holding an Open House. Drop by to learn the history of the Chapel, see the recent repainting and stenciling of the interior, and talk to members of the Chapel Board. The Helping Hand Society building next door will also be open for viewing, The Chapel is located at 190 Acushnet Road, at the corner of Acushnet Road and Tinkham Lane. Parking is available on the property or on Tinkham Lane. Please contact Gail Roberts at 508-758-9559 if you have any questions.

The Pendulum Begins To Rock Back

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            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 independent State of Delaware was established just a few days before the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was established nearby. The Continental Congress passed the Tory Resolution, which sought to protect British-sympathizers from retribution, likely in an attempt to garner their favor. Work on a unified declaration of independence is ongoing in Philadelphia, as it is written by Thomas Jefferson and edited by the other members of the Committee of Five. All the while, the British armada under General William Howe approach their next target. 

            On June 21, 1776, the Secret Committee, a not-publicly-known group of members of the New York Provisional Congress, write to General George Washington with urgent news. They accuse David Matthews, Mayor of New York and staunch loyalist, of “dangerous designs and treasonable conspiracies against the rights and liberties of the united colonies of America.” They recommend the mayor be immediately “apprehended and secured.” Washington forwards this warrant for arrest to his confidant Brigadier General Nathaniel Greene, instructing Greene to initiate the planned arrest “exactly by one o’clock the ensuing morning.” At the same time, the Secret Committee also incriminates the Mayor’s brother James, though in the panic, calls on the arrest of an innocent Fletcher Matthews, which they later retract.

            To the south in Philadelphia, on June 22, President of the Continental Congress John Hancock issues a long-awaited review of the military campaign in Canada. To Washington, he writes, “The Congress having the greatest reason to believe there has been very gross misconduct in the management of our affairs in Canada.” He seeks punishment and the discipline of some officers involved and tasked the general with carrying out these measures. A few days later, Congress would begin its own investigation into the war in the north which would be ongoing until autumn.

            That same day, the Secret Committee helmed by John Jay is in a frenzy over a suspected plot involving Washington’s own personal guards known as “Life Guards.” The committee call for the arrest of various suspected collaborators in an effort to unearth the Loyalist conspiracy.

            Washington responds to the Canada reports the next day, saying, “In Canada the situation of our affairs is truly alarming.” American Brigadier General William Thompson has been captured following a defeat at Trois-Rivières. He goes on to say, “It is greatly to be feared that the next advices from Canada will be, that our shattered, divided and broken army, as you will see by the return, have been obliged to abandon the country and retreat.”

            On June 25, a Massachusetts congressional representative uses what is possibly the first instance of a representative using an important national name. In writing to General Horatio Gates, Congressman Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead referred to the colonies as the “United States of America.”

            On June 26, one of Washington’s Life Guards, Thomas Hickey was found guilty of the plot unearthed by the Secret Committee to capture and assassinate Washington. In the days that followed, Hickey was publicly hanged in New York City in front of thousands of onlookers.

            On June 27, General William Howe, the British armada, and 10,000 troops are only a couple days away from New York.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

High Street Solar Project Nears Approval

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            The Rochester Planning Board Tuesday came close to approving the Site Plan Review and Special Permit for Site A of the High Street Solar project at 0 High St.

            Site A of the 20-acre project is the southerly portion of the property close to High Street itself. The board closed the hearing on this part of the massive project, approved the permit waivers being requested by the applicant, High Street Solar LLC, and declared the board will create a draft decision in time for its next meeting.

            The board granted the project waivers on required landscaping plans because a lot of natural resources are remaining onsite, and it approved the bond amounts the applicant must post, with one exception.

            The panel hesitated over the applicant’s proposal to post a $30,165 decommissioning bond based on present-day value rates plus an escalating 2 1/2 percent increase every year. Board chair Arnold Johnson said that’s not the way the town has calculated this bond in the past and he would have to seek the opinion of town council and the town accountant. But the board did approve a $5,000 storm water maintenance bond before continuing the hearing to July 14.

            The board also continued to July 14 the site plan review and special permit hearing for High Street Solar 2 at 0 High St. Site two covers the northern lots near Mayflower Lane. Johnson explained this portion of the project has not yet been reviewed by the town’s peer engineer.

            Next, the board hesitated to make an immediate decision as it reviewed a request to modify the Site Plan Review application for a senior living apartment building proposed for Rochester Crossing, 22 Cranberry Highway by Steen Development Corp. Steen’s engineering consultant Philip Cordeiro explained the modification is a slight change in the underground drainage design. The physical connection to the master system is the same but the pipe is being shifted 80 feet to the north to be centered under the site’s overhead utility wires.

            Johnson said the board needs to decide if this is a minor change or a major change that would require a new hearing. He said the town’s peer engineer, Ken Motta, will need to review the change before a decision is made. Cordeiro asked if the board would approve the change pending the peer engineer’s review. A motion to grant this conditional approval failed to pass after Johnson said the board could create a mess for itself if it is not a minor change in Motta’s final opinion. This hearing too was continued to July 14.

            In other action, the board continued to August 11 its hearing regarding a modification of the previously approved Definitive Subdivision Plan for Snipatuit Pond Estates at Gerrish Road and Bishop Road upon the applicant’s request.

            The board continued to July 14 its site plan review hearing filed by the Town of Rochester on a plan to clear and re-grade land behind town hall for an 8,220-square foot parking lot.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Arts in the Park Returns

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Arts in the Park returns on Saturday, July 11 from 10-4 pm at Bicentennial Park, located at the corners of Spring and Main streets in Marion. The event sees a select group of artists and artisans who apply for review by the MAC’s exhibitions committee. Around 50 artists and artisans produce goods that include baskets, ceramics, clothing, collage, fiber, glass, jewelry, woodworking, painted and hand-crafted furniture, original illustrations, paintings, photography, and more.

            The MAC sponsors this family-friendly event which also features live music – Richard Lewis and Ric Allendorf, the Oxcart food truck, raffle, and free games and activities for kids and families.

            The galleries will remain open during the event so that patrons can enjoy our summer exhibition, Declaration and Dialogue.

            The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 12. More information can be found at marionartcenter.org/events.

Mattapoisett Town Band

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The Mattapoisett Town Band will begin our 2026 season on July 1 with a Fourth of July patriotic spectacular concert, celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

            This will be the first concert in an eight-week series the Mattapoisett Town band will hold every Wednesday night, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett.

            Other concert themes for the 2026 season will include a musicals night, a 70s night, a Latin American night, a TV and Movie music night, and a request night.

Mattapoisett Community Tennis Association Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Community Tennis Association (MCTA) is pleased to announce the winners of a $500 scholarship for a senior member of the Old Rochester Regional High School tennis team.

            The recipients this year are Neva Matos of Rochester and Caroline Houdelette of Marion. Neva plans to attend Stonehill College to pursue a program of study in Biology/Pre-Med, while Caroline plans to attend Wheaton College to pursue a degree in Nursing.

            Both ladies were outstanding players for the ORR tennis team this past season with Neva named the SCC MVP and Caroline named an SCC All Star. The MCTA wishes them continued success in their future endeavors and hope that will include a lifetime of playing tennis.

            For more information about MCTA and our summer drop-in tennis, please visit our website at www.mattapoisetttennis.com or text Ellen at 978-844-1117 or Mike at 781-888-1110.