Snipatuit to See Chemicals Before Harvester

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            Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by approving a Certificate of Compliance for the completed construction of a single-family home at 15 Cross Road that required work within the buffer zone to a cranberry bog. This vote came quickly after Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly confirmed the project was complete.

            Following this approval, the hearing on the Town of Rochester’s Notice of Intent to utilize a harvester to cut and remove aquatic weeds from Snipatuit Pond that had been continued for months as the commission considered alternatives led Tuesday to a discussion with Josh Burnside, a Northeast Technical Specialist of Water Diagnosis and Restoration, who advised the commission on the right path to follow regarding irradiating the water-choking weeds.

            At the conclusion of his options list, Burnside advised starting with a chemical treatment, followed by mechanical and diving harvesting next. He said the harvester treatment should not be the first step because the machine will leave behind shreds of the weeds that will take root again and re-grow.

            He added, however, that the best start should be creating a comprehensive management plan. Board member Matthew Bache asked for a cost estimate of the chemical treatment option, year one, year two, etc. Burnside answered his company manufactures the chemicals. He could not provide ‘fair’ application costs, he said. What should be the town’s next step? Bache then asked. A comprehensive plan, Burnside concluded.

            “Is there a viable plan for a water body that supports cranberry bogs and wells?” a board member then asked. Burnside promised to provide the board with a list of similar water bodies to Snipatuit and the type of chemicals that have been applied successfully in those places.

            “Will the point of eradicating the weeds ever be reached?” another board member asked. Burnside said that point would arrive, but boat launches would then need to be monitored. Burnside, lastly, promised he would provide the board with management company recommendations for the town’s next steps.

            Next, the board issued an Order of Conditions for the Notice of Intent hearing to construct a four-bedroom single-family home with septic system on Robinson Road across from Lloyd’s Market within a 100-foot wetlands buffer zone.

            In other action, the commission continued two Notices of Intent hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High St. to July 7.

            The commission continued to July 7 a Request for Determination of Applicability to town wetlands regulations for renewal of the wetland’s delineation within the vegetative management plan of a Massachusetts Coastal Railroad right of way in Rochester.

            The commission continued to July 21 the Notice of Intent hearing on constructing a solar array on Walnut Plain Road.

            The commission continued to July 7 the Notice of Intent from John and Stephanie Sullivan of 485 Neck Road to install a metal retractable deck in Snipatuit Pond and an access ramp to the dock from the bank of the pond.

            The board continued to July 7 the Notice of Intent for the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s ecological restoration project of former cranberry bogs at 0 Wolf Island Road after chair Christopher Gerrior requested a site visit be scheduled.

            The commission approved a Notice of Intent to alter an area subject to wetlands protection regulations by cutting trees behind a garage near wetlands at 653 Walnut Plain Road.

            The next Conservation Commission meeting will be July 7 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Thoughts on… The Mystery of the Missing Swordfish

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            It was a dark and stormy night. The winds were whipping, and the lightning was flashing like a neon sign over a cheap hotel. The weathervane at the end of the dock was spinning like a rabid raccoon. By morning the storm had passed. The churning ocean had become calm as a mill pond. The iconic swordfish weathervane had vanished, disappeared, missing from its perch overlooking our picturesque harbor. Gone and nobody knew where.

            No. No. No! A good mystery starts that way but not this one. No storm surrendered our famous fish to Mother Nature. It had presided high above Long Wharf for over one hundred years, but where has it been the past two years? Two summers missing. A fixture of my youth now disappointing residents and visitors alike. Nobody seems to know when it will again rise majestically above anglers of all ages.

            To answer the many questions I have received recently (Why people think I know everything about our historic village is beyond me, but I digress.) I have decided this is a job for a real detective. Lacking one, this intrepid investigative reporter will have to suffice. I will don my dusty deerstalker hat and polish my ivory handled spyglass to get to the bottom of this mystery.

            First, was it stolen? Who would steal it and why? Was it a high school prank? Did nimble seniors shimmy up the pole and abscond with the eleven-foot-long sea creature? Maybe it was our former selectperson, the famous captain star of the TV series Harpoon Hunters on the Discovery Channel. Was he using it for target practice? Not likely, as he is busy running for higher office and the theft would have been two years ago. Not him.

            Or was it our harbor master himself? After all, he oversees the cameras that scan the wharf. He could have easily turned them off in the dark of night and whisked the fish away for reasons unknown. After carefully combing the scene of the alleged crime for evidence, none of these scenarios fit a heist.

            Okay, off to the official source for all things townish, the local social media page. Sure enough, one contributor said they knew someone who knew someone who talked to the harbor master who said a new swordfish facsimile was being created and wouldn’t be finished for two more years!

            Next stop town hall. Surely someone there would know where the big fish is. (Hey, this landmark needs a name like Salty the Seahorse. I can’t keep calling it “the fish”.) My confidential source did reveal that the Selectboard had appropriated a sum of cash to build a new weathervane… back in 2024!

            On a hunch I talked to the curator of our museum, the place for all things historical, who coincidently is about to stage a major summer exhibit about the history of our iconic swordfish weathervane opening on July 9th. Bingo! The original swordfish will be the centerpiece of the exhibit, and the new one currently resides in a shop at a local boatyard where a meticulous craftsman has been recreating the fish in modern materials, able to withstand any dark and stormy night. It is rumored that it may be returned to its rightful place above Long Wharf by mid-August.

            There you go. Mystery solved. Another notch in the belt of this super sleuth, gumshoe, investigative reporter and columnist. You’re welcome.

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

By Dick Morgado

Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Check out these summer highlights at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street.

            The first Picnic Book Club will be this Friday, June 26 at 10:00 am on the library lawn. Bring any book you have read or are currently reading to discuss. Enjoy light snacks, beverages, and literary conversations. Register on our website to attend.

            School is out and it’s time for the Teen Summer Reading Challenges to begin. Teens can read a book from their assigned summer reading list and fill out book reviews to earn prizes throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for other summer reading opportunities coming up soon.

            Professional calligrapher, Debby Reelitz, will be at the library on June 30 at 6:30 pm for a hands-on “Founding Fathers” calligraphy program. Register on our website to reserve your spot.

            Acclaimed author Eric Jay Dolin, will join us on July 1 at 5:30 pm to discuss his 2022 publication, “Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution,” followed by a Q&A with attendees. No registration required. This program is supported by a grant from the Mattapoisett Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

            Robert Ainsworth, experienced CFO and author of the Harry Bartlett fraud mystery series, is visiting the library on July 3 at 11:00 am. Learn about the history’s swindlers, from Ancient Greece to today. No registration required.

            Are you in search of a writing community? Come to the library’s new 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.

            Do you own a sewing machine, but aren’t sure how to use it? Bring your sewing machine to the library for a Beginner’s Sewing Class on Saturday, July 11 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This class is open to adults, young adults, and children accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

            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.

            As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.

New Guide Helps Marion Homeowners Care for Street Trees

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The Town of Marion Trees and Parks Committee is pleased to announce the release of an updated booklet, “A Homeowner Guide to Marion’s Street Trees,” which will be available at the Town of Marion Fourth of July parade, the Elizabeth Taber Library, the Town House, the Council on Aging, and later shared with local realtors for distribution to new and prospective homeowners. The guide offers practical information about how the Town cares for public trees and what property owners should know about living with and around them.

            In Massachusetts, a street tree – legally known as a public shade tree – is typically any tree growing within the public way, usually within about ten feet of the edge of the paved road, and these trees fall under the care and authority of the Town rather than the adjacent landowner. These trees frame Marion’s streets, parks, and public spaces, providing shade, beauty, cleaner air, wildlife habitat, and a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.

            The new booklet explains who is responsible for planting, caring for, and, when necessary, removing street trees, including the role of the Tree Warden, Department of Public Works, and Trees and Parks Committee. It also outlines what homeowners may and may not do around street trees – such as trimming, construction near roots, or planting on Town land – helping residents avoid unintentional damage or violations of state public shade tree laws.

            Homeowners will also find information about many of the tree species that have been planted throughout Marion’s streets, parks, cemeteries, and public buildings, reflecting a long local tradition of improving and beautifying the village through shade and ornamental trees. The Committee hopes the guide will encourage residents to recognize, protect, and, where appropriate, request new street trees, ensuring that Marion’s leafy character will continue to benefit future generations.

            Copies of “A Homeowner Guide to Marion’s Street Trees” will be available along the Fourth of July parade route and afterward through the Trees and Parks Committee and participating realtors. Thank you for helping to care for Marion’s trees.”

Academic Achievements

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Audrey Wallace of Marion and Bailey Tieu of Rochester, enrolled during Spring Semester 2026 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean’s list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above).

            Emmanuel College awarded a Bachelor of Science Biology Magna Cum Laude to Madeline Wright of Mattapoisett at the College’s 104th Commencement.

            Bailey Tieu of Rochester has received the following degree(s) from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science.

Mock To Depart After Five-Year Tenure

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            The Marion Finance Committee met on Thursday, June 18 in the Town House Annex and on Zoom to discuss FinCom personnel updates, a Harbor Fees Discussion, and looking back to FY26 and ahead through FY27.

            The meeting began with a discussion on the changing personnel of the committee, as Member Frederic C. Mock’s term ends at the end of the month after five years on the committee. Chair Sean Healy thanked him for his long and dedicated service and stated the need to bring in a new full member, whom he recommended current Alternate Member G.R. Pitman. the other members concurred, and a unanimous vote of approval was made. The decision is sent to the Select Board who make the final approval at their next meeting.

            Next, the committee moved to a discussion on the previous budget season, mainly revolving around highlights, comments, and aspects for potential improvement. The chair motioned to the importance of communication, especially regarding interdepartmental communication throughout the town. “Making sure we have what we need in terms of information, because that’s incredibly important. But it’s difficult,” he said.

            After, the committee discussed the ongoing townwide discussion on harbor fees. Healy said, “Harbor Fees, it’s been a hot topic the entire budget season.” They spoke on the roughly 800 moorings in Marion Harbor maintained by the town and the need to adjust the current model. Member Shay Assad recommended asking the Marine Resource Commission at their next meeting, Wednesday, June 24, to allow him to meet with them to get pertinent financial data on the waterways. Select Board Chair John Hoagland then stated education on the harbor and waterways was still crucial; especially noting the importance of town representatives being on the same page in terms of financial needs and impacts.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Finance Committee was not scheduled at adjournment.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

New Home and New Addition Approved

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            The Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals met on Thursday, June 18 in Town Hall and had two cases on the agenda. Of the petitions, one was for a Special Permit and the other for a variance. 

            Chair Susan Akin began the meeting with the first case, that being the petition for Special Permit filed by the Charlotte Oliveira 2007 Revocable Trust 261 Perron Ave, Somerset, MA for the property at 17 Shore View Ave. It was cited the property is about 0.35 acres, and the applicant is seeking the permit in order to build a new single-family home. The original application from March had been reworked, signaled real-estate attorney and representative Jeff Sanders who was present with the original applicant Marcus Baptiste. The new plan has reworked dimensions, though the board still grappled with the nonconformity of the property’s size.

            In the end, the board approved the proposal as presented four in favor, one against.

            Next, Akin opened the hearing on the petition by Deborah Romanowicz of 2 Collins Way for a variance for the build of a first-floor bedroom on to the house originally built in 1985. The couple that lives on the lot cited their advanced age and the benefit of a master bedroom on the first floor. The variance was granted with a unanimous vote of approval.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 pm in Town Hall, 16 Main Street.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

Pearls of Newport

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            F. Scott Fitzgerald didn’t elaborate much about the gardens that presumably surrounded Gatsby’s mansion. We can only guess they must have been fabulous. The Newport Flower Show could certainly give one grand ideas.

            Held last weekend at Rosecliff, the 30th Annual Newport Flower Show celebrated its milestone anniversary with the theme “Pearls of Newport.” The concept highlighted the rare beauty and hidden treasures of the City-by-the-Sea, drawing together floral design, horticulture, botanical arts, and Newport’s rich maritime heritage.

            Wandering among the outdoor garden installations and imaginative displays inside Rosecliff, with sweeping views of Sheep Point Cove beyond, was a delightful way to spend a summer day and a reminder to reserve a place on next year’s calendar.

            One of the most striking exhibits greeted visitors in Rosecliff’s grand ballroom: a magnificent floral sailboat created through a collaboration between Sparkman & Stephens and the Herreshoff Marine Museum. The dramatic centerpiece celebrated Newport’s enduring connection to the sea and served as a fitting focal point for the show’s anniversary theme. It feels right that the show’s opening coincided with the Newport to Bermuda race, a 636-mile sailing competition established in 1906.

            True to form, the show offered fresh interpretations of floral elements. One such was a jaw-dropping centerpiece running the length of a banquet size dining table and studded with sculptures of exotic birds and place settings of a China pattern inspired by the Mildred R. Mottahedeh Collection featuring vibrant botanical artwork and butterflies.

            In an anteroom adorned with full length portraits of former ladies of Rosecliff looking down at the proceedings, a display of delicate, bejeweled (actually dried plant material) dress costumes and botanical stomacher panels were displayed along with quahog pearl jewelry.

            Horticultural displays of cut flowers and creative containers along with a judged amateur photo competition – a mainstay to flower shows– led the way to the outdoor displays as well as the marketplace where vendors ranged from footwear to hats and a bountiful assortment of plants and other horticultural products. I had an interesting conversation with a shepherdess (yes, a female shepherd) who told me how she began with three sheep and now has over 300 at her Middleburg Virginia Gum Tree Farm, turning fleeces into garments and wool pieces for the home.

            As visitors wound their way along the many creative displays outdoors – among them a series of botanically accented door fronts, a blue and white themed garden by Roger Williams Park Botanical Center drew lots of attention. Guests balanced their champagne flutes as they examined the lovely features of this central display. Their award-winning exhibit, “Lunaria: A Garden After Dark,” earned the Garden Club of America’s Bulkley Medal. Featuring white blossoms and fragrant evening plants, the exhibit highlighted the importance of nighttime pollinators while demonstrating how gardens can enchant the senses after sunset.The result was a vision of the garden as both sanctuary and fantasy – a place where artistry and nature meet.

            It is important to note that the show also serves a larger purpose. All proceeds benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County and support the restoration and stewardship of 88 acres of historic gardens and landscapes, including the grounds of Rosecliff and other landmark properties representing more than 250 years of American architectural history.

            The Newport Flower Show is a wonderful reminder that gardens are never truly finished – they are always evolving, shaped by experimentation, shifting tastes, and fresh ideas. Two friends who joined me on the visit reflected that some of the greatest gardening triumphs often begin with the courage to try something new, even when there’s a chance it won’t work out.

            It’s also a lovely reminder that you don’t have to go far to “get out of dodge.” Newport may be only 45 minutes away, but it feels worlds apart. For a few hours, visitors can step into a landscape where history, horticulture, and imagination are beautifully strung together – like pearls on a necklace.

            “There was music from my neighbor’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” – The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Sippican Woman’s Club Scholarships

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The Sippican Woman’s Club is pleased to announce that they have awarded $11,100.00 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors who reside in Marion and in addition, they have awarded $4,500 in renewal/continuing education scholarships to residents of Marion enrolled in a post-secondary college/university. The funds used to award these scholarships came from the money raised during the club’s Holiday House Tour that was held in early December 2025.

            The following seven high school seniors were the recipients of the graduating senior scholarships: from Old Rochester Regional High School: Charlotte Cook (Stonehill College), Caroline Houdelette (Springfield College), Delilah Post (Fairfield University), and Katherine Young (Springfield College). From Bishop Stang High School: Mary Grace Russo (Clemson University. From The Tabor Academy: Nicholas Parks (Massachusetts Maritime Academy. And from Upper Cape Regional Technical High School: Joshua Van Inwegen (Maine Maritime Academy). Also, Charlotte Cook from Old Rochester Regional was the recipient of the Lu Chevrier Award. This award goes to a graduating senior who wants to teach or has taught in some manner (such as tutoring or helping another student.) This award honors Lu Chevrier who was the President of the club for 3 years from 1996-1999.

            The following nine Marion residents were the recipients of the renewal/continuing education scholarships: Ella Bartholomew (Boston University), Kate Feeney (Elon University), Sydney Feeney (University of Connecticut), Failenn Fitzpatrick (College of the Holy Cross), Elizabeth Houdelette (Springfield College), Laura Pardo (College of the Holy Cross), Catherine Parks (Providence College), Emily Wyman (Boston College), Sarah Wyman (Boston College.)

            The Alice Ryder Book Award has been presented to the highest-ranking 8th English student from Marion at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School. This year’s recipient is Shanley Pearl Lempert. Shanley received a $100 Amazon Gift Card to purchase some books of her choice. Alice Ryder was the President of the Sippican Woman’s Club three times from 1922-1925, 1940-1944 and 1946-1948. Alice also authored the book ‘Lands of Sippican’, which tells of the history of when Marion, Rochester and Mattapoisett were one community.

            The Sippican Woman’s Club is an active non-profit woman’s organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for women to make meaningful connections, embrace lifelong learning, and champion humanitarian causes that positively impact the community. The Club welcomes women of Marion or women with an interest in Marion to join our club. For more information on the woman’s club, please see our website: www.sippicanwomansclub.org.

St. Philip’s Begins 142nd Summer Season

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St. Philp’s Episcopal Church, located next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett, opens for their 142nd year with clergy visiting each week through Sunday September 6. Services, using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, are at 8:00 am and 10:00 am All are welcome.

            June 28: The Rev. Robert Malm, Interim Rector St. Peter’s On the Canal, Buzzards Bay.

            July 5: The Rev. Marc Eames, Rector St. John’s Church, Vernon, CT.

            July 12: The Rev. Marc Eames.

            July 19: The Rev. Andrew Kryzak, Rector St. John’s Church, Stamford, CT.

            July 26: The Rev. John Kennedy, Associate Rector St. Mark’s Church, New Cannon, CT.

            August 2: The Rev. Marc Eames.

            August 9: The Rev. William Lock, Assisting Priest St. Stephen’s Church, Providence, RI.

            August 16: The Rev. William Lock.

            August 23: The Rev. Robert Malm.

            August 30: The Rev. Michael Pearson, Assisting Priest St. Stephen’s Church, Providence,

RI.

            September 6: The Rev. Robert Malm.

            September 6: Hymn Sing Evening, 4:00 pm.