Colin Rooney of Manchester, CT Wins Race

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Mattapoisett’s Independence Day Road Race was held in the morning on Friday, July 4. It was clear and sunny, though there was a cool breeze from the sea undoubtably helping the racers on their way. The night before had seen heavy storms, with major power outages across the South Coast and Southern New England. Due to these outages and trees being downed, there were some delays in racers arriving on time as well as delays in the setting up of the race itself. This was the 53rd running of the race, with the first being held in 1971. Some raised their hands claiming to have run 20 of the races. There were 1336 racers who crossed the finish line at the end.

            Rather than the 9:00 am start, the race started about five minutes later due to numerous issues stemming from the prior night’s storm. It was stated a tree had fallen on the truck used to bring equipment to the race as well as being the primary vehicle to drive in front of racers. Instead of this truck, a Gator buggy was used. Following the triumph of overcoming these issues, the race began from Shipyard Park. Runners went through the village, then down to Ned’s Point lighthouse, and back around to finish at Shipyard Park. The awards ceremony was held at the gazebo on the park.

            Proceeds from the race are used to fund awards for college-bound senior athletes from Old Rochester Regional High School, as well as support existing Old Rochester athletics programs.

            For winners, Colin Rooney (bib #838, male 29, Manchester, CT) finished first of the men with a time of 20:13.30 and Margot Appleton (bib #376, female 22, Mattapoisett) finished first of the women with a time of 21:11.60. The fastest time from the Tri-Town was Tyler Young (bib #805, male 19, Marion) with a time of 20:40.00.

            Present at the race was Geoff Smith, Olympian and two-time winner of the Boston Marathon, with his granddaughter. Also in the race were two over the age of 90, Larry Cole aged 91 from South Weymouth, MA and William Parr aged 90 from Rancho Cordova, CA.

Mattapoisett Independence Day Road Race 2025

By Sam Bishop

Young People’s Concert

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a Young People’s Concert on Friday, July 11. The concert will include an opportunity for children in the audience to play rhythm instruments with the band. The program is as follows:

            Looney Tunes Overture – B. Holcombe

            A Disney Spectacular – arr. J. Moss

            Journey to the Lion’s Castle – R. Galante

            Highlights from Frozen – arr. Sean O’Loughlin

            Pixar Movie Magic – arr. M. Brown

            Variations on “Bingo” – S. Reisteter

            The Candy Man (from Willie Wonka) – A. Newley

            Pure Imagination – A. Newley

            Walt Disney Overture – J. Christensen

            The Wizard of Oz Fantasy – H. Arlen

            Moana – arr. J. Bocook

            Shrek Dance Party – arr. P. Murtha

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias Monte, will begin at 7:00 pm at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion. All concerts are free and open to the public. “Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Bright Morning Greets July 4 Parade

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Though there were no fireworks scheduled, the Marion Independence Day Parade still went on! Following a night of spontaneous wind and rain, many gathered along Main, Spring and Front streets to celebrate the 4th. There were some branches down and large puddles along the parade route, though none were obstructive enough to affect the celebration. The parade began at 9:00 am approaching the corner of Main Street and Spring Street by the Marion Town House.

            Leading the parade were the Wareham Minutemen and Militia Company followed by the Marion Select Board. Chair Randy Parker, Vice Chair John Hoagland, and Clerk Norm Hills were present with matching outfits, hats, and star-spangled-banner ties.

            Veterans rode in a US Army Willys Jeep, followed by trucks from the Marion Highway Division and one towing a float with more veterans on board. The Marion Art Center (MAC) showed off their purple and white balloon adornments, and Marion Scout Troop 32 joined in, waving flags and passing out candy.

            Many community-based participants and floats followed, featuring the Friends of Jack and joined by area merchants and service providers. A train of Jeeps, Broncos, classic Chevy trucks, Ford station wagons, and antique cars also rolled through. Acting as the caboose was the Marion Fire Department’s Ladder #1 fire truck, sporting a US flag grill at its front. The truck blared its horn to the cheer of many, though some did cover their ears.

            Opposed to the hectic storm the night before, Friday’s great weather and smiles all around led to a massive success for the parade.

Marion Independence Day Parade 2025

By Sam Bishop

Buzzards Bay Musicfest Offers Variety

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Variety is the main ingredient for this week’s Buzzards Bay Musicfest. The five concerts span four centuries of music with ensembles ranging from full orchestra to a harp, flute and viola trio. Classical music will be the focus on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday while the Friday night program will feature a 9-piece jazz band. There will be a viola concerto on Wednesday, a clarinet quintet on Thursday and a cello feature on Sunday. World renowned conductor JoAnn Falletta will lead the orchestra while concertmaster, violinist Charles Stegeman will serve as Artistic Director. The musicians come from every corner of our country (musicians from Florida, California, Washington state and New England) and indeed around the world. The concerts are free and held in the air-conditioned Fireman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Tabor Academy, 245 Front St., Marion. Parking shuttle vans from the Sippican School are a free service provided for the Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday concerts. Please visit www.buzzardsbaymusicfest.com/ for more detailed information.

Funding Approved for Snow Shortfall, Dock Repairs

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The Marion Finance Committee at its June 25 meeting approved three Reserve Fund transfers to help three different departments pay for unexpected expenses in Fiscal Year 2025.

            With a winter that did not bring much snow, a request from the Department of Public Works for $3,495 for snow removal drew some questions from Finance Committee members.

            Finance Director Heather O’Brien said the snow removal and ice maintenance budget is based on different line items and is difficult to predict. She said that at the last special Town Meeting in spring, participants agreed to close the books on last season’s winter road maintenance with a $27,000 appropriation. However, officials later learned that an additional $3,495 would be needed to pay all bills for the 2024-25 winter.

            The Finance Committee approved the Reserve Fund transfer.

            Finance officials also approved the harbormaster’s request for $13,000 to replace floating concrete dock landings.             O’Brien, referencing a letter from Harbormaster Adam Murphy, said this work is an unexpected expense that cannot be covered through the Marine & Fisheries operating budget.

            The Finance Committee also approved a request from the Police Department for $6,058 to replace information technology and other equipment damaged after an air conditioning unit failed. O’Brien said she was told that some of this equipment is important for police communications. She also said the overall expenses surpassed $9,000 but that the department covered some of the replacement costs, bringing the total bill down to $6,058.

            All told, after the June 25 meeting, the Reserve Fund was cut by approximately $20,000 from its initial $65,000.

            The Finance Committee discussed a Citizen Petition that passed on the May Town Meeting floor to raise taxes through a Proposition 2 1/2 override to repair town roads, ways and sidewalks.

            That project, approved at $2,700,000, will rely on $500,000 in certified free cash from the general treasury and a temporary tax increase to fund the remaining balance.

            The town will form a subcommittee to determine which roads and ways are in greater need of repair, and Finance Committee member Sean Healy agreed to join the group.

            Finance Committee member Tom Crowley questioned if the town was paying too much in road repairs, especially with an accelerated pavement plan that allocates funding toward these repairs.

            O’Brien explained that this $2,700,000 project is based on a Citizen Petition, which passed at Town Meeting, so officials must honor the request for the funding.

Marion Finance Committee

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

Mattapoisett Womans Club’s Taste Of The Town

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On Tuesday, July 15 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s will host its annual Taste of the Town event under the Lions Club’s Big White Tent in Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park. Come, join the crowd that’s enjoying the delicious creations of local restaurants, roaming the quaint village area, and discovering the historic wharves that are part of the Park.

            This rain-or-shine event features Mattapoisett’s finest dining locations offering their delectable signature dishes; included are such delights as their shrimp, sliders, Cajun mac & cheese, pizza, crab Rangoon, chicken fingers, strawberry salad, chicken carbonara, kale soup + mini lobster roll/mini coleslaw and more. Seltzer Drinks added to drink selections. Come early for the best selection; before 6:45 pm is optimal. Credit, debit, and PayPal accepted.

            The crowd-pleasing Showstoppers will provide entertainment throughout the evening, so bring your blankets, beach towels, and lawn chairs to enjoy a great selection of songs. Come sit down with us, relax, see old friends, make new ones, and enjoy a beautiful evening.

            Avoid parking problems and hop the free shuttle bus service that will be running from 4:30 pm to 7:00 p.m. between the parking lots at St. Anthony’s Church and the Mattapoisett Town Beach to/from Shipyard Park.

            All proceeds from the Taste of the Town benefit the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club’s Scholarship Fund, public programs, and community outreach. For questions or membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, go to www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org/info.

Friends of the Mattapoisett Library Book Sale

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The Friends of the Mattapoisett Library invite book lovers of all ages to their upcoming Harbor Days Book Sale on Friday, July 18 and Saturday July 19, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Library Community Room at 7 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett. This event is a great opportunity to find gently used books at affordable prices while supporting the library’s valuable programs and activities.

            In preparation for the sale, the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library will also be accepting book donations on Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Community members are encouraged to donate gently used books to help make the event a success.

            In addition, a “Pop-Up” Jewelry Sale will be held Friday, July 18 and Saturday July 19, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Jewelry donations can be dropped off at any time at the Front Desk.

            All proceeds from the sale directly benefit the library, funding programs, events, and resources that enrich the Mattapoisett community.

            “There’s nothing better than discovering your next great beach read while supporting a great cause,” said Frances-Feliz Kearns, Secretary of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library. “We hope to see neighbors and visitors alike browsing our tables and enjoying all the library has to offer.”

            For more information, please contact the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library at friendsofmattapoisettlibrary@gmail.com.

What’s Up There?

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We are officially past the halfway point of 2025. This month’s astronomical events will mostly be highlighted by meteor showers! Perfect for summer camping trips and marshmallows by the fire.

            Following a long hiatus from the night sky, Saturn is once again visible, breaching the horizon around 10:00 pm this month. Easy to spot with its yellow tint and subtle oblong shape (due to its rings). Another planet primed for viewing is Mercury. Normally hard to spot due to its proximity to the sun, Mercury is visible not long after sunset. On Independence Day, Mercury reaches its “greatest eastern elongation,” meaning it is furthest from the sun in our view of the sky. Venus can be seen in the early morning, around 4:00 am along with Jupiter rising just after, around 5:00 am.

            July’s full moon will be on July 10. Named the “Buck Moon” due to its alignment with the time of year bucks have fully grown their new antlers. The process of shedding normally happens in the winter with the regrowing process beginning in the spring. This moon is also referred to as the “Thunder Moon” due to summer storms or the “Berry Moon” due to us being in ripe berry season.

            Beginning July 17, the Perseid meteor shower kicks off. Its peak doesn’t arrive until August 12, so there is plenty of time to catch some shooting stars. Best times to spot these are shortly after midnight. The shower is caused by debris left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle, which passed the sun in 1992. It won’t return to its nearest point until 2125 with its 133~ year long orbit. These meteors can be seen near the constellation Perseus.

            Another! Beginning July 18, the Delta Aquarids meteor shower peaks July 30. This shower is more favorable to the southern hemisphere but will still offer some visible streaks. This shower is caused by debris of the comet cluster 96P/Machholz Complex. The comet 96P/Machholz was discovered in 1986 and orbits the sun every 5-6 years. These meteors can be seen near the constellation Aquarius. Given these two showers at vastly different spots in the sky, it will be an excellent month to catch shooting stars given nearly anywhere you look.

            July 24 sees the new moon. This is an excellent time for planet viewing or to lock your telescopes onto farther off objects, like nebulae and galaxies.

            There is always plenty to see and many apps, websites, and other resources to aid in identifying. NASA is always great for events (like the meteor shower) and ISS flyovers. Happy and lucky stargazing to you.

Astronomy Update for July

By Sam Bishop

Solar Development Worries Abutters

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Rochester’s Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by swiftly endorsing the Notice of Intent application to build a single-family home within the 100-foot buffer zone at 28 Marion Road with a Positive Order of Conditions. This first agenda item of the night was approved quickly because the commission had received what it lacked from petitioner Nelson Bernardo at the last meeting, a Department of Environmental Protection file number.

            Next, concerned abutters looked on as the commission approved an abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation for High Street Solar’s proposal to build an array at 0 High Street. The applicant’s representative, Andrew Gorman of Beals and Thomas, appearing on Zoom, asked for and received the board’s approval of the bordering vegetative wetlands and isolated wetlands lines that his firm has determined are on the property.

            Before this vote, abutter Tish Ciccotelli of Engel Nook Farms said she was concerned about the protected box turtles in the area. Abutter John Dvorski of Shakey Acres Cranberries said his bogs are in that area and water from there supplies his bogs. “I don’t want to see the topography change there,” Dvorski said. “This is the dry season, and there’s a tremendous difference between the dry and wet season there. I don’t want to see my water cut off.”

            “We’re not there yet,” commission Chair Christopher Gerrior answered, explaining the decision before the commission was solely about approval of where the wetland lines are located. No specific project plan has been submitted yet. The commission is aware of box turtles residing in the area, he acknowledged. But that will be the petitioner’s concern when a project is being proposed. He encouraged Dvorski to continue to attend Conservation Commission and Planning Board meetings as the petitioner’s plans develop.

            Gorman clarified why the wetland lines were being drawn in the dry season. He said his firm looks for “legacy indicators” that tell them the land is sometimes wet.

            In other action, the commission continued to its next meeting both the Notice of Intent hearing for work within wetlands for a ground-mounted solar array in the area of 600 Snipatuit Road and the Notice of Intent hearing for work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone for the construction of a floating and ground-mounted solar array at 53 Dexter Lane.

            Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly reported a resident has noted grass growing in Snipatuit Pond. She said it is no doubt Mill foil, an invasive species. Commission member Ben Bailey said the DEP needs to be contacted to help the town eradicate it.

            Bailey reported word from the DEP confirming his belief regarding the Dexter Lane project that regulations allow floating solar arrays only on man-made water. But a natural river runs through the Dexter Lane bog pond. The petitioners should change their design, he said. “They should come back with something else and not waste their time appealing to DEP,” he said.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Summer Members’ Show Call for Entries

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The Marion Art Center is issuing a call for entries for its Summer Members’ Show, which runs from August 21 to September 19 at the MAC, located at 80 Pleasant St, Marion. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 21 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. This year, the MAC asks members to submit only one piece to allow enough room for all to participate without overcrowding (Our artist membership has grown but our building has not). Drop-off dates for the show are from Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Tuesday, August 19 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

            This year, in an exciting collaboration with the Sippican Lands Trust, the MAC encourages members to utilize the new “en plein air” benches now located at Osprey Marsh, Peirson Woods, and White Eagle for their entries for the Summer Members’ show. Works created on SLT properties will be recognized as such in the members’ show, with a special label to identify the location. Additionally, any artists (nonmembers invited) creating works as part of the SLT’s Summer of Art event (sippicanlandstrust.org/events) are invited to exhibit their works during a pop-up event scheduled at the end of the MAC’s Summer Members’ show, Wednesday September 17 through Friday, September 19. The MAC will use floor and tabletop easels, and pedestals to display the additional SLT works for the final three days of the show. All pop-up entries must be delivered to the MAC on Tuesday, September 16 between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, or by arrangement with a MAC staff member. Contact info@marionartcenter.org for more information.