Jami ( Nunes ) Midence

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Jami ( Nunes ) Midence 48, of Johnston RI, formerly of Mattapoisett, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 13, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Sharon Nunes. She was the wife of Herman Midence for 25 years.

            Jami was kind and caring. She loved taking care of anyone in need. Jami loved all animals, especially her 2 cats and her dog Lucy.

            In addition to her husband she was survived by her three children, Brandan Midence and his  fiance’ Alyssa Cardoso, Justin Midence, and Tylesha Irizarry and her husband, four grandchildren, Reece Midence, Amyalese, Amani and Aviah Irizarry. A brother Paul Nunes, Three sisters Sharon Nunes, Annette Mackay and Robin Gonsalves.

            A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday May 2, at Cushing cemetery Mattapoisett. A celebration of life will be held at Whalers Inn, Hathaway Rd, New Bedford immediately following the service.

Friends of Mattapoisett Library Annual Meeting

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The Friends of Mattapoisett Library invite the community to attend their Annual Meeting on Friday, May 3, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. This special event will feature the election of new Board Officers, the presentation of the annual financial report, and a year-in-review summary. The highlight of the meeting will be a keynote address by award-winning author Michelle Cusolito.

Michelle Cusolito is renowned for her captivating books that explore the wonders of ocean science. She is the author of Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN and Diving Deep: Using Machines to Explore the Ocean. Her latest work, A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone: Twenty-Four Days of Science at Sea, is inspired by her participation in a three-week research expedition with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In 2025, she will release Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas and In the World of Whales. Michelle’s passion for science, communication, and exploration makes her a fascinating speaker, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about her experiences at sea.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit www.michellecusolito.com or contact the Mattapoisett Free Public Library.

Speaking Dog

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One of the best presentations offered took place on April 3 at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust. The title of the presentation was “Kids And Dogs Do Mix.” The trust’s presenter was Tadhg Irving of OutHounds Adventure and Training Academy, a for-profit organization that teaches dog training and nearly every other aspect caring for the much-loved domesticated animal.

This presentation focused on best practices when coming in contact with a dog whether you know the dog or not. Basic first contact techniques were explained in simple easy to understand terms geared primarily towards children but relevant for all ages.

Irving delved into the dos and don’ts, such as never approaching a dog before getting permission, never hugging a dog (they don’t like it), and becoming familiar with a dog’s physical cues for stress. Examples for signaling intent and stress include shifting weight, blinking, licking, yawning, sniffing, and squirming.

Irving said that by reading a dog’s facial expression, including the eyes, the dog’s social emotional condition may be surmised. And let’s not forget, the tail.

A dog’s tail gives clues as to how the dog is feeling. A wagging tail is not an indicator of a happy emotionally balanced animal. A dog’s facial muscles give further clues. Look to see if the face is relaxed or tense. There are a variety of ways to make interactions with dogs safe and fun, and it starts with education.

Irving demonstrated what to do if a dog runs up to you, do you run, do you scream – NO, you gird your loins. First, stand perfectly straight placing hands over the groin. If you get knocked down, cover the head and neck area with hands and stay as still as possible.

In recapping the salient points shared, Irving said dogs communicate through body language. If approached by a dog “make like a tree,” don’t move around, always ask permission to pat a dog, dogs don’t like hugs, never be alone with an unfamiliar dog, and when in doubt, play it safe.

Want to practice your dog skills? On April 25 at 10:00 am at the Grace Pond MLT property, the public is invited to join in a walk through the Old Aucoot District.


By Marilou Newell

Withdrawal of Petition

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The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals met briefly on April 10 to announce the withdrawal of a problematic petition for a variance to extend the housing dwelling at 142 Sarah Sherman Road 10 feet into the side yard setback to add new office space.

At its previous meeting, the board had to halt the hearing into this petition quickly after realizing the published notice read it was a variance request for bylaw section 20.40 E2, the section regulating accessory dwellings. Zoning panel members said it should read as a variance for the section on side lot setbacks, 20.40 D1. The board gave applicants Jason and Erin Denham and Janice Mello the choice of withdrawing the application ‘without prejudice’ so the hearing could be advertised with the correct wording or continuing the hearing to a future meeting. Board Chair David Arancio said that with a continuance they would not have to pay to redo the abutters’ list notifications or re-advertise. But this will be a good option only if town counsel returns his call to say the section being sited does not need to be changed, he said. Denham opted for the continuance.

On April 10, the hearing concluded in an unexpected way. Arancio, chairing the meeting on Zoom, said the applicants had sent a letter requesting the board allow them to withdraw the petition entirely. Without further discussion, the board unanimously approved withdrawing the application ‘without prejudice’.

Board member Richard Cutler explained after the vote that town council had advised the applicant could continue without re-posting. The applicants had decided on their town to no longer pursue the plan.

No further important business came before the board. The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 7:15 pm at 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Balanced Scoring Keys Cougars

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The Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School girls lacrosse team has started off the season strong with a 3-0 start.

On March 31, Old Colony defeated Upper Cape, 6-4, with a balanced attack, as offense was produced by Lilly Sawiski (2 goals and an assist), Addison Tyler (a goal and an assist), and single tallies from Logan Crook, Lilah White and Maddie Caulkins. Ana Coelho (6 ground balls) and Lyza Silva (5 ground balls) led a strong defense, and Ella Morgado was victorious in her debut in net with 6 saves.

On April 2, Old Colony outscored Southeastern, 13-9. The Cougars came back from being down in the first quarter to secure the win with 4 goals by Logan Crook, 3 by Addison Tyler, and 2 each from Lauren LeBeau, Lilah White and Maddie Caulkins. Jayden Antao made 11 saves in net to earn her first varsity win.

On April 4, Old Colony romped past Bristol Aggie, 17-3. Nine different players scored goals on home field in North Rochester, as Addison Tyler had 3 goals with 3 assists, Maddie Caulkins scored 4 goals, Lauren LeBeau 3, Lilly Sawiski 2 with an assist, and single goals from Lilah White, Logan Crook, Ella Morgado, Ella Harkins and Annabella Putignano. Harkins’ and Putignano’s tallies were their career varsity goals.

Baseball

Old Colony collected its first win over Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech on the strength of Marc Donati’s 14 strikeouts and 2-for-4 offense, including a double and 2 runs batted in.

Old Colony Sports Roundup

By Nicholas Giokas

Old Colony Sports Roundup

By Nicholas Giokas

MWC Offers Continuing Education Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is pleased to offer a continuing education scholarship of $1500 to a Mattapoisett resident or a member of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club who is reentering the academic world after high school graduation and is in pursuit of a postsecondary degree, certificate, or career advancing coursework. The application is available online at www.mattapoisettwomansclub.org. All applications must be postmarked by May 31, 2025. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. For questions or concerns, please contact the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club at info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org

The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that plans and executes fund-raising events including the Taste of the Town and the biennial garden tour to help generate the revenue for these scholarships and other charitable donations. These scholarships are intended to support the club’s belief in the importance of education and to demonstrate its grateful dedication to the community. Membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is open to any woman who is interested in the objectives of the organization.

Learn About Our Amphibian Neighbors with MLT

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Have you ever been curious about the quacking and peeping going on in the woods behind your house? There’s a good chance there is a vernal pool nearby. Join the Mattapoisett Land Trust during School Vacation on Monday April 21 at 10:00 am to learn more about vernal pools. Vernal pools are a vital breeding habitat for resident amphibians and invertebrates such as wood frogs (the ones that quack.), spotted and blue-spotted salamanders, and fairy shrimp. Local wetlands expert Elizabeth Leidhold will lead this walk at one of the Old Aucoot District’s vernal pools. We will start out at the Holmes Foundation on Angelica Ave and take a short hike to the pool. Once there, we will examine frog and salamander eggs and learn more about the amphibians and invertebrates that call these pools home.

The exploration is free and open to all, including residents of other towns. The Holmes Barn is located a short distance east of the corner of Prospect Road and Angelica Avenue. Please leave your dog friends at home – this walk is focused on wildlife observation and dogs may impact our opportunity to see some species. Please wear appropriate clothing including rubber boots. The exploration will take place rain or shine. For more information call 774-377-9191 or email manager@mattlandtrust.org.

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Sippican Choral Society will present “An Anniversary Celebration: ’60s Songs for 60 Years”at Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, Marion on Sunday, May 4 at 4:00 pm.

For our 60th anniversary, we are taking ourselves and our audience back to the music that was popular during the decade of our first concert in 1965. We will begin the show with two pieces from that first concert, then perform well-known tunes from a variety of traditions: folk, rock, Broadway, jazz, and the American songbook. The Swingle Singers, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell will all be a part of the mix, as well as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Burt Bacharach, Frank Sinatra, and of course, the Beatles. Come listen, come sing along, come back to the ’60s with us.

Tickets are $20.00 general admission, $10.00 for Students, Free for Children 14 and under, and free to anyone born in 1965. Tickets can be purchased from Choral Society members, at the door with cash or check, or online at sippicanchoralsociety.org. Sippican Choral Society is a welcoming, non-audition community chorus dedicated to the performance of all genres of choral music from Renaissance to 21st century. See our website for Membership details.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Granted “OK” for Conservation

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The Rochester Conservation Commission began its meeting Tuesday by permitting a project to restore a bog on Wolf Island Road to natural wetlands.

The Commission granted a Negative Determination certifying that wetlands bylaw restrictions do not apply to the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s proposal to install up to four temporary wells and two shallow water level monitoring wells to gauge river and groundwater levels at 52 Wolf Island Road. Coalition Restoration Coordinator Evelyn Mortimer explained these actions are part of a plan to restore the Morris family bog there into wetlands while the family retains use of two acres. The work, she said, will include removing a dam and restoring a natural water channel for fish and other wildlife and a red maple swamp.

Before the unanimous vote, Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly asked where the new well would be placed. Mortimore said, north of the site. Commission Member Ben Bailey asked how soon work such as removing the dam would commence. Mortimore admitted the project has been years in the making and the dam won’t go anywhere for around two years. Bailey asked if the grass along the bog will be maintained so people can continue to view the annual boat race from that spot. Mortimore said the Coalition would work with the town and the Land Trust on these details.

Next, the Commission quickly approved a Notice of Intent for a plan to install a new private well, a rear deck and clear brush and deadwood within a wetlands buffer zone at 57 Gifford Lane. The vote came after the applicant’s representative, Darren Michaelis, noted a very deep well is being proposed for the site.

In other action, the commission approved an amended Order of Conditions for a plan to construct a new home and driveway at 7 Forbes Road. Project engineer Brian Wallace, attending on Zoom, explained the amendment is needed because of changes to the site plan. The changes are to shrink the footprint of the house, lose some area in the wetlands buffer zone and move the driveway location to the left side of the house. The Commission voted to approve the Order of Conditions with the amended site plan.

In response to a Notice of Intent application to construct a single-family home on a new lot on Gifford Lane, the Commission set a site visit for April 19 at 7:30 am and continued the hearing to its next meeting. The applicant’s representative, Christian Farland, explained the 8.5-acre site is currently wooded. It is basically a peninsula facing the pond. The concerns of Commission members focused on keeping the project at least 25 feet from the wetlands, as regulations require, and moving where the driveway is placed. “Kicking the driveway over,” Commission Member Mike Gifford said, “would make our lives a lot easier.”

The next Conservation Commission meeting will be Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00 pm, at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mr. & Mrs. Wingate Celebrate 100

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From covert intelligence in the thick of World War II to a game of Backgammon. From life-and-death decisions to sublime pastimes of retirement, Ann and Roy “Will” Wingate have made the best of their 100 trips around the sun.

In just a few words of appreciation that the married couple shared with the full house that gathered on April 10 at the Cushing Community Center to celebrate their centenarian birthdays, they provided a glimpse into a life worth 1,000 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Wingate, whose birthdays arrive in May and October, have been married 70 years, and they have five children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

“They still take care of each other every day in their own home,” said Dianne Cosman of the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging. “We had a little conference at the Friends, and we decided the 100th day of the year would be the appropriate day to celebrate both together, so that’s why we’re here today.”

Among attendees were Senator Kelly Dooner (3rd Bristol and Plymouth District) and Representative Mark Sylvia (10th Bristol District), who both read proclamations recognizing the Wingates for their achievement.

“It’s really inspirational to all of us to see you both reaching this milestone together. It’s a special occasion, story of love, compassion, commitment, and it needs to be recognized,” said Cosman. At which point Mrs. Wingate interjected, “and a game of Backgammon,” setting off a roar of laughter from the crowd.

Mr. Wingate rose to speak into the microphone, briefly referencing his interception of foreign-language messages between enemy parties during WWII.

“First of all, Ann and I greatly appreciate all of you coming in here today, and we wish you good fortune all the rest of your lives,” said Mr. Wingate, who had been serving in the Air Force in Bremerhaven, Germany, before meeting Mrs. Wingate there.

The couple’s travels have taken them to residences in Marion, Mattapoisett, Cape Cod, western Massachusetts and Florida. They reached their 80s and decided to settle in Marion. Mr. Wingate worked in construction management in New Bedford, Virginia and Florida. While in Florida, Mrs. Wingate managed a travel agency.

Mrs. Wingate was obviously suited for the role, as the couple has visited approximately 28 countries and lists Scotland as their favorite.

In a written statement, the couple expressed appreciation to the Marion COA.

Offered a choice of birthday cakes, the Mr. and Mrs. Wingate chose differently so the Friends provided both chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and vanilla cake with lemon filling and butternut-cream frosting.

Along with state dignitaries, the event was attended by several town officials, some of which enjoyed cake and some who apparently decided their best chance at 100 trips around the sun demands discipline.


By Mick Colageo