Robert (Bob) McGowan

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Robert (Bob) McGowan of Venice, FL passed away on June 15, 2024 of Parkinson’s disease.

            He leaves behind his wife, Sandy, and his daughters Melissa Kang, Heather McGowan and Kelly Ochoa. He was  the father of the late Jonathan McGowan.

            Bob was born in New Bedford, MA on November 15, 1943 to Charles and Anna McGowan.

            He spent his summers in Mattapoisett at Pico Beach.

            There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob on August 30, 2024 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church at 1 pm and a reception following at the Reservation Golf Course.

            Burial will be private.

Christine L. Gaumont

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Christine L. Gaumont, 71, of Acushnet passed away peacefully Sunday, June 23, 2024, at home after a lengthy illness. She was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Roland and Claire (Saucier) Gaumont, and the life partner of the late Elaine Beausoleil.

            Christine was a Veterinarian DVM and proprietor of Acushnet Animal Hospital for many years. She raised German Shepherds and loved all of her many dogs. Christine is survived by her brother Raymond Gaumont of Florida and his wife Karen. Her Godson, and first cousin, Mark D. Saucier, and his wife Jennifer of Acushnet. Also, close friends Tammy and Lyle Isherwood of Acushnet. Also, several other cousins and friends.

            She graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School and from the University of Illinois with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), she was also a financial supporter of the college. she was the sole proprietor of the Acushnet Animal Hospital for over 38 years. Her true passion however was breeding, raising and training German Shepherds. Some of her brilliant dogs went on to become police dogs over the years. Chris was also a member of the Schutzhund Club of America for over 30 years, and has won many medals, trophies, and awards with her dogs over the years in animal sporting. In 1993, she won bronze at the regional trials, and in 2000 won gold. She also won Universal Sieger with her beloved shepherd Quick. Over the years of competing and training within the sport she made many good friends, and was highly respected for her passion, love, and dedication, of the sport.

            Chris was also loyal to the town of Acushnet and volunteered annually to hold an annual rabies clinic. She was a known staple in the community and was always willing to help any sick or injured animal. She will be missed greatly by her family, friends, and clients from the Acushnet Animal Hospital.

            Christine’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday August 13, 2024, at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Church Main North Street, Acushnet, with a private burial to follow. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven.

MAC Theater Presents: Baskerville

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Marion Art Center (the MAC) would like to announce the opening of the MAC Theater’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Opening, August 9.

            Synopsis: Get your deerstalker cap on – the play’s afoot. Comedic genius Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo, Crazy for You) transforms Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic The Hound of the Baskervilles into a murderously funny adventure. Sherlock Holmes is on the case. The male heirs of the Baskerville line are being dispatched one by one. To find their ingenious killer, Holmes and Watson must brave the desolate moors before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as our intrepid investigators try to escape a dizzying web of clues, silly accents, disguises and deceit as five actors deftly portray more than forty characters. Does a wild hellhound prowl the moors of Devonshire? Can our heroes discover the truth in time? Join the fun and see how far from elementary the truth can be.

            Director Kate Fishman says “Mystery? Melodrama? Comedy? Or just a doggone good tail, I mean tale. This play has it all.”

            Cast members include Scott Fishman, Matt Lynds, Elizabeth Rapoza, Kate Martin, Allie Goodman and stage ninja/manager Kiah Allaire with Bethany Lemoureux as costumier and Steve McManus – sound/light.

            The show dates are August 9,10,11,16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 with Friday and Saturday curtain at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm at the MAC’s Anne Braitmayer Webb Theater. Tickets are $20 for MAC Members and $23 for non-members.

Donald Byrum King

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Donald Byrum King, “Skip” of Rochester, St. Thomas and VA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 23rd, 2024, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Surrounded by his loving family.

            Skip was the 2nd child born to his parents Donald and Nathalie King of Norfolk, VA. He was born on Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya, North Africa. Skip was named before his birth by the many navy friends on the base who constantly asked, “when is the little Skipper to be born?” Upon his birth, his parents and his sister Joyce called him Skipper.

            Skip grew up in Maidenhead England and Norfolk Virginia. He attended The Windsor School in the UK, Coleman Place Elementary, Blair Middle School and was a graduate of Mathew Fontaine Maury High School in Norfolk, VA, class of 1968. He attended Old Dominion University and graduated with a BS in Sociology in 1972. During the Vietnam War Skip served in US Marine Corp Reserves, serving honorably from 1969 – 1972.

            He cherished life. He loved his family more than anything and his family loved him the same. Through his kind nature and enjoyable personality, he earned a deep and loyal friend network that any man would envy. He touched many lives very deeply.

            His most revered accomplishment was as a supportive and loving husband to Andrea. Their romance began in 1988, they were married at St. Thomas Reformed Church in 1991 and they shared an incredible partnership as teammates in business and in life for 37 years. Skip and Andrea never tired of facing the challenges of their career and personal life together, drawing inspiration and strength from one another every day, every step of the way. It was a love story they both knew to be a blessing from God, and they believed they would endure anything if they remained by each other’s side. This devotion to one-another never waned and sustained them both throughout Skip’s unexpected illness and untimely passing. Skip and Andrea were, unequivocally, each other’s biggest fans.

            Survived by Andrea King, his loving and devoted wife of 33 years, his daughter Grace Isabella King of St. Thomas, VI, his son Nathan King and daughter-in-law Lauren Cryan of Wilmington, NC, and other loving family members: sister Joyce Humphrey’s and brother in-law Larry Humphreys of Seaford VA, Nephew Ross Humphreys and family of Seaford VA, Nephew Kevin Humphreys and family of Seaford, VA, Sister and brother in law Elise and Ty Taylor of Rindge, NH, Nephews Jack and Christopher Taylor of Rindge, NH, Brother and sister-in-law Ted and Kelly Weygand of Attleboro, MA as well as many other nieces and nephews to include: Michael, Sarah and Jay Weygand, Christian, Meg, Olivia, Sam and Ben Kiley, and many cousins and extended family in Amarillo TX and Virginia. Skip is survived by his loving island rescue dogs Mani and Brock.

            A celebration of life will be held on Skip and Andrea’s 33rd wedding anniversary, at the St. Thomas Reformed Church, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on August 24th, 2024, at 10:00am. On Sunday August 25th Skip’s ashes will be spread over the Virgin Island waters that he sailed and loved so well. A Celebration of Skip’s life will be held in his home state of Virginia in the fall, with details to be determined.

            In Lieu of flowers, we encourage donations be made to www.pancan.org in Skip’s name to help others afflicted with pancreatic cancer. A scholarship fund Skip’s name will be established for a high school senior in the Eudora Kean High School ROTC program, Red Hook St. Thomas. Please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

William J. “Bill” Harris, Jr.

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William J. “Bill” Harris, Jr., 57, of Acushnet, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Bill married his wife, Kim M. (Buckles) Harris, on April 11th, 1987. They enjoyed 37 years of marriage and together they had three children, Lauren J. Harris, Sydney M. Harris, and Seth W. Harris.

            He was the son of the late William J. and Beverly B. (Lemos) Harris. He is also survived by his sister: Deborah Harris/Medeiros; an Uncle: Gary Lemos; niece: Brooke Souza; nephew: Craig Medeiros; along with other extended family, friends, and coworkers.

            Bill had been a longtime resident of Acushnet. Many will remember him for his gift in carpentry. He found peace in being outdoors, and enjoyed canoeing, fishing and bird watching. He was truly a selfless, kind man who always put others before himself. It was a privilege to spend time with Bill. He will be missed by many people who loved and cared for him dearly.

            Visitation for relatives and friends was held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Kirby Funeral Home.        Funeral service followed visitation hours.

            Interment will be private.

            In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New England Humane Society, Berkeley Oval, 44 Martin St., Cumberland, RI 02864 newenglandhumanesociety.com

Keith Curry

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Keith Curry died at his home in Mattapoisett early Saturday morning August 3, 2024 in the company of his loving wife, Sheila Tierney Curry and his adoring lab, Maddie. Keith was the proud son of Mary Isabella “Bella” (Lima) and James F. Curry, both of whom predeceased him.

            Keith grew up in the south end of New Bedford with his two older sisters, Cindy and Sharon, whom he adored. In his youth, he was a gifted and competitive athlete, including years as a standout baseball player for Bishop Stang High School. He graduated in 1971 and, during his years there, made life-long friends. Keith was always proud of being a “Spartan”.

            Later in life, golf became a passion of his and he spent many happy hours at Reservation Golf Club. Some of his matches were legendary for their competitiveness and Keith’s ingenious methods of psyching out his opponents – he was known to send sympathy cards and flowers to those he beat. Keith also served on the Board of Directors of the club including terms as treasurer during the club’s lean years and as an outstanding Entertainment Chairman who threw memorable parties and events, including “Men Who Cook” and “Set It and Forget It” dinner parties. This is where he met and began his almost 36 year relationship with his wife, Sheila.

            Keith was a jack of all trades and worked in a factory as a teenager and in construction, survey work, retail sales and finally as an able bodied seaman with the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket Steamship Authority as an adult. His motto was “work smarter, not harder!”

            His work career was shortened by significant heart issues that developed when Keith was in his mid-thirties. He endured decades of serious health issues without complaint or self-pity. He never allowed his physical limitations to interfere with his love and enjoyment of life.

            Keith was known for his generous heart. He was thoughtful, extremely quick-witted and funny. He was a world-class tease and lover of a good argument who also enjoyed joking, laughing and making others laugh. His superpower was being the best friend one could ever hope to have – those who were lucky enough to have him as a friend understand. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

            In addition to his wife and dog, Keith is survived by his maternal aunt, Elaine R. Boutin, his two sisters, Cynthia Curry (and her husband, David Grande) and Sharon Curry, his nephews, Ryan DeTerra (and his wife, Jacqueline) and Vincent Trapozzano, his great-nephews, Cole DeTerra and Vincenzo Trapozzano, and his great, great-nephew, Cole DeTerra, Jr., his sisters-in-law, Moira E. Tierney, and Kara Tierney (and her husband, Dr. Doug Smink), his brothers-in-law, John E. Tierney (and his husband, Robert Brichacek) and Dr. Matthew J. Tierney (and his wife, Tricia Swain-Tierney), and many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and nieces on his wife’s side, all of whom he loved very much.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday August 9th at 11 am at St. Lawrence Church, 565 County St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be on Thursday August 8th from 4-8 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford, MA 02740 or the Dennison Memorial Community Center, 755 South First St., New Bedford, MA 02744. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nature Support

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Marion Natural History Museum presents Nature Support on Wednesday, August 14 from 10 to 11 am. In the words of E. O. Wilson, insects are “the little things that run the world.” It’s true: protecting insect life protects all life. Insects fulfill vital roles for keeping our planet functioning, such as pollinating our flowers, serving as food sources for birds, decomposing wastes and cycling nutrients. By growing native plants, we can protect insects. Plants provide the foundation for insect life. This extends beyond pollinations services. Virtually all terrestrial and freshwater aquatic plants are fed on by insects. We will review science-based information to provide actionable tools you can rely on. Want to support nature? With the right knowledge and tools, we can build a healthier planet. Join our workshop with Blake Dinius, Plymouth County Entomologist. RSVP to www.marionmuseum.org.

Call for entries: MAC’s Summer Members’ Show

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The Marion Art Center (the MAC) is calling for entries for the Summer Members’ Show. The show runs August 15 to September 20, with an opening reception scheduled on Thursday, August 15 from 5:00-7:00 pm.

            All MAC members are invited to enter up to two pieces each. All works must be original, must have been executed by the artist within the last five years and must not have been previously shown at the Marion Art Center. The MAC will not exhibit works that are in poor condition (including frame) or are not properly prepared for installation.

            To exhibit, members should drop off artwork to the MAC at 80 Pleasant Street, Marion on Saturday, August 10 between 10 am-2 pm or Tuesday, August 13 between 10 am-4 pm. Artists can download the contract ahead of time at marionartcenter.org/on-exhibit.

            The Summer Members’ Show is traditionally well-attended and artists have the option of listing their work for sale.

            Interested in participating but not a MAC member? Joining is easy online at marionartcenter.org/join. With the current membership drive, renewals and new members receive a MAC bag free.

Fieldstone Granted Septic Waivers

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            Fieldstone Market’s ongoing expansion is considered inconsequential to its septic usage, and therefore the Marion Board of Health granted the store with two waivers during the board’s July 25 public hearing on the matter.

            Representing owner Arnie Johnson, Brian Grady of G.A.F. Engineering submitted a variance request from the Marion Sanitary Code, hoping for a judgment to allow Fieldstone to avoid spending for a septic system with denitrification technology and also a variance request from the state Title 5 environment code regarding multiple compartment tanks at the 806 Mill Street (Route 6) location.

            As proposed, the first compartment would have a 1,000-gallon capacity and the second a 500-gallon capacity, both falling below what is required.

            Grady summarized the expansion project at Fieldstone that was recently vetted by the Planning Board. He said there will be no new plumbing fixtures with the expansion, no additional employees, and no additional consumption of water. Grady said the expansion is merely to better service customers.

            Title 5 classifies Fieldstone as a supermarket and renders it subject to the same regulations as Shaw’s or Stop & Shop, for instance. The leaching field, Grady said, will be expanded.

            “It would be a significant change to remove the septic tank … that’s a heavier lift relative to changing the soil-absorption system,” he said.

            Board member Dr. Ed Hoffer asked if Fieldstone has public toilets. Arnie Johnson explained that the bathrooms in the store are used mainly by employees but accessible to patrons.

            Grady said the expansion will include 1,500 square feet of store space and the rest for storage. There is no sit-down food service in the store. Arnie Johnson said he would like to fill up the new space with specialty items and widen the aisles in the store.

            Fieldstone’s parking expansion will free up 11 or 12 spaces for customers. Arnie Johnson touched on other expenses such as car-charging stations but noted that he is avoiding following the trend seen elsewhere in the state toward using tents to accommodate busier seasons, a practice that he said would result in the town collecting less in property taxes.

            Asserting a lack of clear evidence supporting the town’s denitrification bylaw, board member Albin Johnson renewed his push to abolish it or at least put it aside until the state requires more of the town than it presently does under Title 5.

            Dr. Ed Hoffer asked if Fieldstone would consider testing for current nitrogen levels. Citing the recommendation of George Heufelder, the sanitation expert who serves as Marion’s consultant, Dr. John Howard asked essentially the same question, seeking a cost estimation. Heufelder’s correspondence to the board suggested that due diligence requires some measure of testing.

            “We’ve done that,” said Grady, estimating 90 to 100 milligrams. “It’s probably twice what a single-family home is.”

            Grady said Fieldstone is compliant with Title 5, except for the two tank sizes, the subject of the other variance request before the board.

            “We don’t anticipate flows to increase, so what’s there is adequate,” he said, noting that the septic tank has an effluent filter. “What it all comes down to is cost is one of the factors, and we’re not anticipating any additional demand. It’s dry sales space.”

            Arnie Johnson said he would love to tie into town sewer but cannot afford the cost of building his own line to the nearest connection point.

            Satisfied that Grady has done his due diligence in studying the wastewater situation at Fieldstone, Hoffer said he considered it reasonable to grant the waivers. Albin Johnson seconded Hoffer’s motion and Howard agreed, making it a unanimous vote.

            Updating the board on 76 Piney Point Road, Rick Charon of Charon Associates said the property will use the Singulair denitrification system. He said there is an increase in flow to 735 gallons with a 1,300 square foot leaching field. There are no variances requested. The board accepted his report.

            Asked by Albin Johnson, Charon estimated that a regular Title 5 system for that size house would cost approximately $30,000 and close to $10,000 more with the denitrification technology.

            In her update to the board, Health Director Lori Desmarais noted recent cases of animals found to have rabies and people who have suffered cat bites.

            In her Disease Update, Desmarais said there is evidence in town of tickborne illnesses, mostly Lyme disease. The Health Department has conducted some education at the Cushing Community Center on heat, especially as it affects older adults.

            The Health Department also talked to Recreation Director Scott Tavares at the Recreation Department and conducted education with children and sent them home with information.

            “I believe it’s going to be something we can continue to do,” said Desmarais, who said interest was also high at the Touch a Truck event held this summer at Silvershell.

            Desmarais confirmed that as of the July 25 meeting, the town had seen Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in mosquitoes but not yet in any animal or human.

            In an Arbovirus update, Desmarais reported that on July 2 and 3, the state announced the discovery of the first West Nile-infected mosquito and the first EEE-infected mosquito.

            Beach updates are available at marionma.org.

            Marion is one of 16 municipalities across Massachusetts with a Community EMS program.

            In other business, Gabrielle Almeida was reappointed as health specialist to the Public Health Excellence Grant Southcoast Collaborative.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health was not announced at adjournment.

Marion Board of Health

By Mick Colageo

Are You Taking A Daily Aspirin?

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Should you be taking a daily aspirin?

            First, a little bit of (easy) basic science: We cut ourselves all the time, and nature has given us protection against bleeding to death every time this happens.

            The first line of defense is our platelets, small blood particles that go to the site of disrupted blood vessels and plug any small holes, like the little Dutch boy at the dike.

            The second and more permanent way bleeding is stopped is that proteins in our blood form clots.

            These protective forces can cause harm. Platelets attracted not to a hole in an artery but to an irregular surface such as a cholesterol plaque can block off the artery, causing a heart attack or stroke.

            (Unneeded clots can also cause problems – we will discuss that another day.)

Aspirin works to prevent platelets from clumping together. This effect is rapid and effective: A single dose of 81 or 162 mg (“low dose”) aspirin paralyzes all the circulating platelets. Platelets turn over rapidly; you get an entirely new set every 7 days, so a single dose will be effective for a few days only.

            Many decades ago, it was shown that daily low-dose aspirin started within 24 hours of a heart attack dramatically reduced the risk of another heart attack and stroke. This effect is called “secondary prevention:” preventing a recurrence, and nothing has changed this benefit. If you have coronary disease, you should be on aspirin unless you are at very high bleeding risk.

            The problem comes when the prescription of aspirin moves from this valid use to broader use. It seems logical that if aspirin taken after a heart attack prevents another one, taking aspirin before a heart attack should prevent a first one, so-called “primary prevention.”

            Aspirin taken this way does decrease a first heart attack or stroke, but only by a very small amount. This benefit is typically outweighed by the increased risk of bleeding that comes with aspirin use.

            The higher your risk of heart attack or stroke and the lower your risk of bleeding, the more the evidence says to take aspirin. If you have multiple risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoke and have a positive family history, and particularly if you have a high coronary calcium score, the more likely you would benefit from daily low-dose aspirin.

            If your coronary risk is only moderate and if you have had a bleeding ulcer or other serious bleeding, you are better avoiding aspirin.

            In between? The old fallback: Talk to your doctor!

            No known major coronary risk? The risks almost certainly outweigh the benefits.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer