OCRVTHS Summer Discovery Experience

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Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School recently opened registration for its 9th annual Summer Discovery Experience program and tickets are expected to sell out fast.

            This unique summer programming runs from July 13-24. Registration is open now on Eventbrite starting at $161.90 per session. Half-day and full-day options are available, with most morning and afternoon sessions offered for students entering grades 5-9.

            Discovery sessions cover a wide range of topics, including outdoor sports, automotive mechanics, culinary arts, cosmetology, forensics, welding, graphics, computer science and more.

            Sessions are taught by Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School educators.

            “Our talented staff are a point of pride for us here at Old Colony,” said Superintendent Aaron Polansky. “We hope that the variety of Summer Discovery programming lets campers develop their current interests and also explore new paths.”

            Most programs run Monday through Friday. Since its introduction in 2017, the Summer Discovery Experience has expanded its schedule from five days to 10, spanning two weeks. Most activities now have time to run twice and accommodate more participants.

            Participants are encouraged to mix and match morning and afternoon sessions. Families are responsible for their own transportation. All sessions are very popular, and spots are expected to fill quickly.

            Full-day participants have the option to remain on campus for a supervised lunch period between 11:30 am and noon in the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School cafeteria. Students attending both sessions are responsible for bringing their own lunch.

            “It’s fantastic to see so many young people excited to roll up their sleeves and learn,” said Superintendent Polansky.

            All payments made by check must be received in the form of a bank check or money order by the Friday before the start of the selected program to secure a spot. To start camp, each participant will require an updated physical and signed pick up permission forms.

            For more details and to secure a spot for your student email SummerDiscovery@OldColony.us with questions or concerns.

May Children’s Department Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Our Spring Storytime Session has wrapped up as of Friday, May 15. We look forward to starting up the Summer Storytime Sessions, starting with Family Storytime on Thursday, June 18, and Baby Storytime on Friday, June 19, both at 10:30 am.

            Our Play Group and Play Club are also on break for the summer. Both groups have been enthusiastically attended, and we look forward to all the fun that the fall will bring.

            Circus comes to town. Get ready for a spectacular morning with Circus Celia of Small But Mighty. Join us May 23 at 11:00 am for a jaw-dropping show and interactive workshop. Witness death-defying stunts, mesmerizing acrobatics, and maybe even learn a trick or two. For kids of all ages (and kids at heart.) No registration needed, just show up and get amazed.

            Last but not least, we are finalizing our plans for our 2026 Summer Reading Program. We have a lot of exciting events planned, and we can’t wait to share it all with you once everything is ready to go. Keep your eyes peeled.

            More information about all of our programs is available on our website, mattapoisettlibrary.org, or by calling 508-758-4171. We hope to see you in the library soon. Until then, keep reading.

Preston “Tony” Archibald Carrington

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Preston “Tony” Archibald Carrington, 66, of New Bedford and Mattapoisett, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 17th, 2026, after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Patricia (Moniz) Carrington for 44 years.

            Born in Trinidad and raised in Florida, Tony lived in New Bedford for many years before recently moving to Mattapoisett.

            Tony was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, serving aboard the USCGC Bibb and was extremely proud of his service in the Presidential Honor Guard. He was a corrections officer at MCI Bridgewater for 35 years. Tony absolutely loved to travel, especially enjoying trips to South Africa and a return to Trinidad for wrestling matches.

            Tony was a legendary local professional wrestler. Trained by Walter “Killer” Kowalski beginning in the early 1980’s, his wrestling career spanned more than three decades. Originally fighting as Tony Ulysses and Mr. Trinidad, he eventually transitioned into a role as heel manager “Mr. Fabulous”, a loudmouth villain that audiences loved to hate. He was universally loved and respected in the wrestling community and was a mentor to many – happy to share his knowledge, some great stories and the sage advice to “not give up your day job!”. He was inducted into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.

            Tony’s wrestling persona was a complete contrast with the man that he really was. He was a true gentleman, unfailingly kind and humble. He was veteran, a devoted father, a man of great integrity and a consummate entertainer, but his warmth and his gentle nature are his real legacy and the greatest gift he could have ever given his children.

            Tony is survived by his wife, Patricia; three children; sons Traeh and Asher Carrington and daughter, Avery Carrington, all of Mattapoisett, and a brother Darron A. Robinson of Florida.

            He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen Archibald Carrington and Lenore Gomez; two brothers, Stephen Lester Carrington and Ricardo Ian Carrington and a sister Lyn Ward.

            His visitation will be held Monday, June 1, 2026 from 10:30-11:30 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:30 am in the Funeral Home and burial in the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

Revote On Old Colony Next Month

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            Superintendent-Director Aaron Polanski held an Old Colony Building Project Update Informational Session on May 14, where he and other school representatives offered insights and updates into the continuing proposal for an update to the school building.

            There was a multi-town vote last November, where the proposed plan for a new Old Colony building was rejected by voters. On possible alternatives to the original proposal, Polanski said, “When we went out to the public with our initial vote, we do not believe we did a very good job at Old Colony of making clear that there was no zero-cost option.” He added the school building needs “major investments,” where “every option will significantly impact our taxpayers.” He stressed that the “no” vote does not eliminate costs from taxpayers, but instead, shifts the responsibility away from state assistance and 100% to the taxpayer.

            The Superintendent-Director said, “The real question is not whether we spend money, it’s whether we spend it with MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) support or entirely on our own.” He stressed the cost must be paid and can either be done with MSBA help or entirely resting on taxpayer funding, with the longer the wait time, the greater the “construction cost escalation.” He stated there is a Tax Calculator Overview on the school’s project website, oldcolonybuildingproject.com.

            In the breakdown town-by-town and based off enrollment numbers, Acushnet is estimated to contribute $52 million, Carver is estimated to contribute $27 million, Lakeville is estimated to contribute $37 million, Mattapoisett is estimated to contribute $11 million, and Rochester is estimated to contribute $22 million. The total cost of the project sits at $288 million with state grant funding of $129 million with an additional $11 million in incentives.

            Polanski moved on to discuss the risks of “walking away.” Firstly, he stated the MSBA could withdraw support and not “re-enter.” Already expended feasibility study costs would not be recouped and would need to be re-spent in future studies. He added construction costs continue to rise as well.

            The administrator said, “A revote is not ignoring the previous outcome, it is providing taxpayers with information relative to the financial impacts of a no vote that were not clearly articulated in our first round of conversations.” He again pressured that a faster approval would reduce costs and ensure state assistance, though again added, “we did not do a good enough job explaining the fact that there was no zero-cost option.”

            Another no-vote option would necessitate a long-term repair cost, with estimated costs being $157 million to taxpayers. He said it would also potentially negatively impact school enrollment, would not include HVAS, plumbing, or other additions, and would yield higher annual utility costs.

            Polanski said there would be an open house at Old Colony on Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 am. There will be another Building Project Vote on June 20 in the five towns represented by the school.

Old Colony Building Project Update

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Join the Elizabeth Taber Library on Wednesday, May 27 at 1:00 pm for a lively and immersive program with Linda Booth Sweeney, author of The Noisy Puddle, winner of the Massachusetts Book Awards picture book/early reader category. Designed for young children and their caregivers, this special event blends storytime with hands-on discovery, celebrating the wonder of vernal pools and the living systems they support. The program will begin in the library with a read-aloud of The Noisy Puddle, followed by a conversation with the author. Families will then be invited upstairs to the Marion Natural History Museum for guided, hands-on exploration.

            Summer Reading is coming to the Elizabeth Taber Library. To help our staff prepare, our regular programs are taking a break between May 25 and June 19. This includes all early childhood and after school programs. Programming will return the week of June 22. You can find information about our upcoming summer programs at elizabethtaberlibrary.org/events

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

Mattapoisett Lions Club Scholarship Recipients

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Kim Ray, President of The Mattapoisett Lions Club, one of 50,000 Lion’s Clubs around the world, is pleased to announce that Leah Hollenbeck a senior at Old Colony Regional Technical High School and Caitlyn Lund, a senior at Old Rochester Regional High School, are the recipients of the 2026 Mattapoisett Lion’s Club Peter Hodges Memorial Award in the amount of $2,000 each.

            Ms. Hollenbeck will be attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute where she will be majoring in Physics.

            Ms. Lund will be attending Tufts University, and she will be majoring in Cognitive Neuron Science.

            They are recognized as the result of their numerous achievements in community service, academic achievements and career goals.

            Funds for this award are raised through the efforts of Mattapoisett Lions at their annual Harbor Days Arts and Craft Festival and other events. For information on how to join the Mattapoisett Lions Club whose Motto is “We Serve” please go to www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org.

Washington Heads to Philadelphia

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            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in New England and the northern Thirteen Colonies. Last week, the American rebels face increased anxieties over rumors there are over ten-thousand Hessian mercenaries inbound to assist the British. While Washington calls on New York’s residents to help fortify the city, Rhode Island’s recent declaration of independence has sent shockwaves across the colonies, with Virginia convening to discuss independence as well as a town in Canada seeking to join the revolution. Delegates in Philadelphia are more and more taking an independent union of colonies seriously.

            On May 17, 1776, George Washington writes John Hancock, President of the Continental congress in Philadelphia. Still, hopes for pulling Canada onto the revolutionaries’ side linger, though prospects remain grim on the field. The general says, “I this moment received by express from General Schuyler an account of the melancholy prospect and reverse of our affairs in Canada.” He notes he has recently sent a small number of supplies north, such as pork and lead. Though, due to conditions, Washington seeks those materials now be sent back to New York. Sending supplies, as well as more men, to Canada, Washington feels, is a waste and an overextension.

            The next day, the Congress by way of Washington expresses an army doctrine that starkly contrasts the British model: merit. In his General Orders, Washington says that in “command from Congress, to signify to the Army, that no promotion upon vacancies, shall take place merely by succession, without their authority, inasmuch as they have reserved, and will exercise the power; of giving commissions to persons of merit, regardless of any claim by succession.” The hope, therefore, is that soldiers who show the best performance or ability will receive promotions, not based off title, wealth, or status. He continues, “it opens a large field for the rewarding of merit, which ought, and is hoped will be, a powerful excitement to the brave & active, to signalize themselves in the noble cause they are engaged in.”

            That same day, far to the north, Benedict Arnold and the invading Continental Army still occupy Montreal. South of the city, along the Saint Lawrence River, a detachment of around 50 British troops and 200 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) allies engaged with 400-or-so Continental allies, culminating in the Battle of the Cedars. Before Arnold’s reinforcements could arrive, the Cedars had surrendered. The sides negotiated over the coming days, with the POWs eventually being released on May 20.

            On May 19, following false rumors of Royal Navy ships sighted off the coast, Washington establishes a set of alarms in his General Orders. A system of flags and cannon fire during the day and cannon fire and lanterns at night are set up in order to allow for the rapid readying of the city’s defenses. He also lays out ammunition requirements for each solider, and adds, “whatsoever soldier shall be found wasting, or embezzling, his ammunition, shall not only be made to pay for it, but be punished for so base and shameful a neglect, and disobedience of orders.”

            On May 20, a protest of 4,000 people in Philadelphia drives out representatives of the Colonial Assembly. In its place, pro-independence representatives begin the establishment of a new government in Carpenters’ Hall.

            On May 21, Washington puts Major General Israel Putnam in command of the defenses of New York as he sets out for Philadelphia. He informs Putnam, “The Congress having been pleased to signify a desire that I should repair to Philadelphia in order to advise & consult with them on the present posture of affairs, and as I am on the point of setting out accordingly.” He is to consult with the Continental Congress on general strategies of the war, but also, the feelings among the people have shifted since he last spoke in person to many government delegates. Independence from Britian, once radical and inciting rhetoric, had now become an open talking point across much of the colonies.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Nine Public Hearings in One Hour

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            The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, May 13 for a long list of Public Hearings as well as a vote on the Washburn Park parcel swap approved at the Special Town Meeting in March.

            Before getting into the meeting, Chair Matt Shultz announced this would be Administrative Assistant Emma Sylvia’s last meeting. The chair then opened the first Public Hearing, this one for a Request for Determination of Applicability made by Carl Hebert of 59 East Ave for the repair of stone steps leading down to a beach. Commissioners stated they had visited the site the prior weekend. With no questions or discussion, the commission seemed in agreement and unanimously voted to close the hearing. The project was approved with a unanimous Negative Determination vote at the end of the meeting.

            Next, the chair opened the Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent made by Brett Bussiere of 34 Dexter Road for the construction of a 24×24-foot addition to the rear of the dwelling. The commission noted they had also made a site visit to this property, with some questions on drainage and flood-zone effects. However, there was no pushback, and this hearing was closed unanimously. The project was approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            A Public Hearing was then opened for a RDA filed by Virginia Beams of 35 Holly Road for various landscape improvements. Beams joined the meeting remotely. The landscaping improvements, Shultz noted, were the planting of deer-resistant shrubs, woodchips additions, and the planting of eight trees and mulching of their bases. There was no major questioning to this project, and the hearing was closed unanimously. The work was approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            Following the approval of minutes from their April 22 meeting, the commission moved to the next Public Hearing. This one was for a RDA made by David and Tonya Creighton of 21 Cottage Street for the construction of a bluestone patio off the home’s deck with the inclusion of steps down into the grass. No questions were levied here, and the hearing was closed unanimously. This was approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            Shultz began the Public Hearing for a RDA made by Sippican Lands Trust for the filing in of an abandoned cesspit and stone foundation at the Lipsett Preserve on Creek Road. Stewardship Chair at SLT Gretchen Crowly spoke, detailing the project’s importance to protecting visitors and the liability of an open cesspit. Crowly stated a Bobcat utility vehicle could bring in gravel that could then be shoveled into the openings by volunteers. Crowly explained they believed the open foundation was from a black-stone shop and boathouse from the mid-1800s. The hearing was closed with a unanimous vote. At the end of the meeting, the commission determined that the project does not require a Notice of Intent and voted a Negative Determination, granting approval.

            A fifth Public Hearing was then opened for a RDA made by Great Hill – Marion, LLC of North Great Hill Drive for the continued treatment and removal of invasive species. It was noted the next treatment would take place in the fall, around August or September. There were no questions and the hearing was closed. This was approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            The Public Hearing for a Notice of Intent by the Kittansett Club of 11 Point Road for maintenance dredging of the Haven tidal pond inlet then began. The club presented a dredging maintenance project. It was previously dredged in 1997 and 2011. The project would see the removal of around 1,000 square yards of sediment. This work is also scheduled for the fall, depending on weather. It was noted the removed material would take up about 40 truckloads being taken out. The hearing was closed with a unanimous vote, and the project approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            Next, there was a Public Hearing for a RDA by Derek Tiago and Sarah Gibbs for the construction of an in-ground swimming pool, patio, retaining wall, and other landscaping improvements at 5 Sarah Sherman Lane. There wasn’t much questioning in this hearing, aside from the representative clarifying material would be FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) compliant. The commission unanimously voted for a Negative Determination.

            The ninth and final Public Hearing then began, being a Notice of Intent filed by Jeffrey J. Doubrava Revocable Trust and Elizabeth M. Doubrava Revocable Trust for improvements to the existing roof recharge system and surrounding site at 47 East Ave. As a serving commissioner, applicant Jeff Doubrava recused himself from judging the case as he stood to present the project. On the property, all but one roof storm drain funnels into a dry well. He stated the well is around 2 inches tall, adding if there is more than 2 inches of rain, flooding is likely. The project would see a trench dug and filled with gravel to allow the water a place to escape. The meeting was closed with a unanimous vote. The Doubrava’s project was approved with a unanimous vote at the end of the meeting.

            After the public hearings, the commission moved to approve the transfer of 2,977 square feet at Washburn Park for the town’s Shared Use Path. Without discussion, it was approved unanimously, though still required a vote from the Massachusetts General Court.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Sam Bishop

Nancy K. Griswold

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Nancy K. Griswold, 87, of Mattapoisett passed peacefully on May 22, 2026. Born on September 12, 1938, to Katherine and Ralph Hill, she grew up in Walpole and graduated from Walpole High School.

Nancy earned her bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and master’s degree from Lesley University. A gifted educator, she enjoyed a long career as a beloved elementary school teacher. She began teaching in US military schools in Japan and the Philippines, then spent many years in Norfolk and Burlington schools. She retired in 2003 and moved to Mattapoisett where’d she’d spent every summer since childhood at her happy place on the shores of Point Connett.

Always active and involved in her community, Nancy didn’t slow down in retirement. She was a longtime member of Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion and volunteered with South Coast organizations including Gifts to Give, Habitat for Humanity, The Rotch-Jones-Duff House, and Sippican Historical Society. She was quick to offer help and support wherever and whenever needed. Nancy was a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and students and gave generously of her time and resources.

Her many interests included antiquing, gardening, reading, and travel. Beginning in her teens when she lived in Spain as an exchange student, travel was especially important. She loved experiencing the worlds’ wonders and spent time on every continent except Australia. One of her favorite international adventures took place when she was in her mid-70s and visited Antarctica to see whales and study penguins.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John E. Hill and sister-in-law Barbara J. Hill of Walpole, and her husband, Rev. John A. Griswold. A beloved mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Nancy is survived by her three daughters and nine grandchildren, Krista (Robby) Russell and grandsons Anders and Graham of Atlanta, GA, Greta (Tim) Fox and grandsons Gavin, Bennett, Davis and Sawyer of Mattapoisett and Bluffton, SC, and Elisa (Joseph) Dupre and grandson Jed and granddaughters Molly and Edie of Mattapoisett.

A memorial service will be held at Point Connett later this summer.

Ken Souza Annual Memorial Scholarship Award

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The fifth Annual Ken Souza Memorial Scholarship is being awarded to two ORRHS graduating seniors, Ian Hartwig and Christopher Huffman. The award, given each year to the outstanding senior video production student in the ORCTV/ORRHS School to Career Path video production program, is named to honor ORCTV’s first board president Ken Souza. The two students being honored in 2026 shared equally in creating the segments for each episode of Bulldog Weekly writing and editing each week’s program this past school year. The ORCTV staff and Board of Directors congratulates both Ian and Topher, wishing each of them the best of luck in their future endeavors as they continue their studies this coming fall at Ithaca College and Bridgewater State University respectively.