Mattapoisett Yacht Club News

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The Tuesday Night Ensigns kicked off the winter rust in the first night of racing, joined on the starting line by the ORR high school team in their 420s. The ORR team, which has been sailing since March, looked sharp. The Ensign fleet only had 3 entries as racers are struggling to get their boats ready and in the water.

            Odyssey won the first race of the night but in the second race committed a foul and placed third. This led to a Black Ice first place finish for the night scoring a 2nd in the first race and a 1st in the second race. Hambuglar placed 3rd and 2nd.

            In the Wednesday PHRF series, Class A, Kindred Spirit led the fleet of five around the course winning by 6 minutes corrected time. In a very close race for second, Coconuts beat out Restless. Rounding out the fleet, Surprise finished fourth and newcomer Morpheus placed fifth all finishing within a minute of each other.

            In Class B there was a course change before the start, confusion, and a breakdown and in the end Kinsail finished first with Fir Na Tine second. Lindisfarne unfortunately didn’t see the course changed and received a DNF.

            After races on both nights the Clubhouse was full of stories, food and more stories.

ORR Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund Supports Collaborative Music Composition

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There’s music in the air at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School thanks to a collaborative project with a renowned international composer made possible by a $3,000 grant awarded by the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation.

            During the 2024-25 school year, the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation awarded a $3,000 grant to support the music project known as “Sounds of the Tri-Town,” involving instrumentalists from grades 5-8 under the guidance of internationally renowned composer Kevin Krumenauer.

            The project resulted in a completed work called “Celestial Sway” that was performed by the school concert band in spring 2025, with the song now becoming part of the district’s permanent music library, available for performance in future years.

                        “Sounds of the Tri-Town” was the result of a $3,000 grant awarded by the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation to Old Rochester Regional Junior High School music teacher Richard Laprise. In addition to the musicians from Old Rochester Junior High School, elementary school students were also involved in the project, with the help of Old Hammondtown School teacher Alan Sweet, Rochester Memorial School teacher Kaitlyn Laprise and Sippican School teacher Hannah Moore.

            “A lasting and anticipated result of this project was the strong sense of ownership students felt over ‘Celestial Sway,'” said music teacher Richard Laprise. “Because it was written specifically for them, many students reported it was their favorite piece of the year.”

            Through virtual sessions, Krumenauer engaged with more than 200 student musicians. This collaborative project with the guest composer built upon the district’s ongoing commitment to excellence in music education, which has contributed to Old Rochester Regional’s repeated recognition by the NAMM Foundation as a Best Community for Music Education.

            The Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 are pleased to share this story and the outcome of a total of more than $9,400 in private grants provided by the nonprofit Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation for the 2024-25 school year.

            The Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund is a growing endowment under the umbrella of the SouthCoast Community Foundation. Supported by community donors, the fund helps educators pursue innovative, high-quality learning experiences for students throughout Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester.

            This is the fifth in a series of articles describing the impact of grants awarded by the Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund to support innovative teaching and student enrichment across the Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55.

            Early Childhood Coordinator Doreen Lopes said the project strengthens student creativity, collaboration, and pride.

            “This collaboration gives our young musicians the extraordinary opportunity to help shape a piece of music that they and future students will perform for years to come,” Lopes said. “Experiences like this inspire students, honor their creativity, and reinforce the vibrant role of music in our schools. Thank you to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund for making this all possible.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson said the grant highlights the strong cultural and educational identity of the Tri-Town communities.

            “Our music programs are a point of great pride across the Tri-Town,” Superintendent Nelson said. “This project not only enriches student learning but also contributes to a long legacy of musical excellence that our schools are known for. We are grateful to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund for supporting this impactful and lasting work.”

            To support future grant-funded programs like this one, community members are encouraged to donate to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund. Please go to the Old Rochester Regional Tri-Town Education Foundation Fund donation page: cfsema.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1304.

Residents Sought to Fill Rochester Vacancies

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The Town of Rochester put out a notice last Thursday asking residents to apply to serve on various committees, boards, and commissions.

            Vacancies can be filled by any Rochester resident who is an active voter. Current vacancies are: Conservation Commission, one (1) Full Member and one (1) Associate Member; Historic District Commission, two (2) Full Members and two (2) Alternate Members; Park Commission, one (1) Member; Soil Board, one (1) Full Member and one (1) Associate Member; and Zoning Board of Appeals, one (1) Associate Member.

            “Volunteering is a great way to become involved in your community and help shape the future of our town. – We encourage all interested residents to apply and get involved in local government!” the notice said.

            Interested residents of the town can contact Executive Assistant Andreia Lacerda alacerda@townofrochesterma.gov to apply by Wednesday, June 17 or call 508-763-3871 x110 for more information.

            The Rochester Select Board will review and consider applicants at their Monday, June 22 meeting in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

By Sam Bishop

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee Meeting

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The Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee is pleased to invite all voters to attend our open discussion meeting on Thursday, June 18. The topic is Old Colony Regional Technical School Building Project vote on June 20. The meeting will be held at the Niemad Facility, 57 Fairhaven Road, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Speakers on both sides of the issue will begin at 6:30 pm. Each speaker will lay out the basic proposal and conduct a Q & A.

            Please join us to have your questions answered and concerns addressed before the vote on June 20. Light snacks will be provided. A cash bar will be available.

            For more information, please contact: Paul Criscuolo, Co-Chairperson, Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee, Email: PCMattyGOP@proton.me

Marion E‑Alerts

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The Town of Marion would like to remind residents that they can sign up for email alerts on the town website: marionma.gov.

            From the homepage, click on “Subscribe to E‑Alerts,” create a login and password, and then select “News or Announcement” to receive the main email updates. Important information such as road work, closures, Waste Management collection changes, events, and other town updates are shared through these alerts.

            On the same webpage, residents may also subscribe to receive agendas and minutes. For questions, please contact Donna Hemphill at 508-748-3520 or dhemphill@maironma.gov.

Dexter Elm Rededication

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Join the Mattapoisett Land Trust as we begin the town’s 250th Birthday celebrations with a special rededication of the historic Dexter Elm on Sunday, June 14, Flag Day, at 1:00 pm at Dexter/Tub Mill Park. The event will feature brief remarks from speakers and the unveiling of a new interpretive sign honoring the original Dexter “Witness Tree” that once stood on this site. Light refreshments will be provided.

            Parking & Access: Please park at the Highway Department on Mendell Road. From there, cross Mendell Road into the MLT parking lot, enter the park, and walk east toward the spillway. Neighbors are also encouraged to walk to the event.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

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To the Editor;

            As that old saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.” I now find it necessary to step away from the keyboard.

            Over the 12 years I’ve written about you and your communities, I’ve found the experience amazing.

            Your generosity in sharing your stories, helping me to understand municipal matters, or simply taking that charming picture of children marching around the bandshell; it’s all been amazing from where I sit and I thank you all.

            Reporting local news and its importance can’t be overstated. It forms the backbone of our democratic society, it informs us, and it brings people together. Simply put, keep the presses rolling, both figuratively speaking and otherwise.

            As for myself, I look forward to remaining in touch with all things local, especially at Town Hall. I’ll be there but now wondering out loud versus as an observer; and should the muse return with a fresh take on my childhood memories, I’ll happily share those adventures.

            So, for now stay informed, stay invested, and keep on trucking!

            Marilou Newell

Farmers Markets Make Their Return

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Farmers markets are again popping up across New England, bringing local goods to all who stop by.

            The Tri-Town is no different, and when The Wanderer visited Washburn Park on Tuesday afternoon, we truly felt like summer was here (regardless of the fact the first day of summer is about a week-and-a-half away). The Charles R Washburn Memorial Trust hosts a farmers market in the park, as it has in years past, every Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

            There on Tuesday were local vendors offering oils, soaps, candles, flowers, herbs, ornamental plants, vegetables, fruits, kombucha, honey, bread, sweets, honey, sown bags, towels, dresses, carpets, and other goods all meticulously crafted right under our noses. The bazaar was far from bizarre, it’s about what you’d expect going to a farmers market; but what’s wrong with that? They’re fantastic.

            Though I had been just last year, I was delightfully surprised and reminded that there was life music! That does something to help the vegetables, right?

            In the words of a young visitor there running toward the stall, “Oh my golly gosh!” What more could you ask for?

By Sam Bishop

Five Member Select Board Convenes

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The Tuesday meeting of the newly-expanded Mattapoisett Select Board was an historic event for the town. On this night, the board was now comprised of Jodi Bauer, Jordan Collyer, Judy Mooney, Nicole Doyon, and Frances Kearns.

            The overall mood of the evening was one of convivial exchanges amongst the members and a spoken desire to learn from one another. After spending time in a protracted Executive Session, the members got down to business. 

            They made numerous appointments to a wide variety of boards and committees. Everything from Viewer of Fences (a person who reviews issues related to fences) to fire and police appointments and, not be forgotten, the Measurer of Wood and Bark.

            There was also great financial news shared on this night. By way of Highway Surveyor Garret Bauer, a letter was received from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation announcing a grant in the amount of $1,900,000 for the repair of the Water Street Culvert located at the Town Beach.

            The board also met with members of the Disabilities Commission who requested and received authorization to file for a grant in the amount of $4,500. The grant will allow for the purchase of handicap-accessible picnic tables and mats that will give those using mobility equipment access to the beach.

            In the matter of municipal health insurance, the board signed a Memo of Understanding with Gateway Insurance that will allow the town to pay a mutually agreed upon sum. The first payment of $171,940 was agreed upon at the Spring Town Meeting as well as the subsequent payment up to $734,000 was confirmed.

            Further discussion regarding the need to change insurance carriers, included Collyer  stating a new carrier, Mayflower, will become the health care insurer as of July 1. He reminded the attendees that the Spring Town Meeting had voted to pay outstanding sums and although there may have been red flags, the matter is now under investigation.   

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not announced at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett Yacht Club

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Spring Round The Bay Results from June 6. This was a staggered start race meaning all the handicap times are calculated at the start of the race. The winner is the first boat to cross the finish line. This years’ race, in the Spinnaker Class, 11 seconds was the margin of victory as Matt Schmit’s Hardtack crossed the line ahead of Barry Steinberg in Glory. John Ewing in Migrant finished third.

            In the Non Spinnaker Class Charles Churchill in Surprise took honors over Don Ross in Coconuts.

            In the new Double Handed Class it was Butch Joy in Kindred Spirits winning over Rob Ryan in Restless. Rounding out the DH Class were Peter Schwebach in Morpheus third and Liz Tapper in Lindisfarne in fourth.

            These results will count towards the overall Buzzards Bay Trophy Series.