The Jennifer Rusinoski Memorial Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of our third annual $2,000 scholarship. The recipient of this year’s award is Zachary Mendes of Rochester. Zachary plans to attend Bunker Hill Community College. A massive thank you to everyone who came together and contributed. For more information or if you would like to contribute to next year’s scholarship, please contact the foundation at 508-922-0541.
It became obvious to me as I read through our oldest town reports that herring were important to Rochester all the way through to at least the early 1900’s. A clue to this was the placement of the “Report of the Herring Inspector” within the reports. Indeed, in colonial times, one of the perks of settling in town was the yearly allotment of 1 barrel (400 fish) and 10 shad to residents.
There were also people who made a living smoking, drying and selling herring and the town received money from the sale of herring. Today, there is a moratorium on the harvesting of the fish because of the declining numbers recorded.
The Alewives Anonymous volunteers track our yearly herring runs. These two pictures show a portion of the process at Leonard’s Pond (one of the sites they monitor). Inside the box in the picture is the “brain” of the counter which sits between the 2 runs or ladders. There is a tube in the water with a wire that connects to the “brain”. Inside the tube are 3 rings of increasing size. When an alewife (herring) goes through the smallest ring first, it is counted as entering. If it goes through that ring last, it’s leaving.
The rest of the count process is low-tech with a volunteer checking off pertinent information on a clipboard. At the end of each yearly run, this information is tabulated and recorded and reported.
If you stand at the side of the herring ladders, the water appears very turbulent, but beneath the surface where the fish swim it is calm. There are a lot of thoughts as to what has led to the decrease of fish being counted. Previous over harvesting, hungry birds, fishing trawlers too close to shore or something as simple as low river levels making that first jump up the ladder harder. One thing we do know that makes monitoring the annual run important is that the alewives are our “canary in the coal mine” when it comes to the health of our local rivers.
By Connie Eshbach
Jump into June with the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, located at 7 Barstow Street.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the MFPL invites local students to participate in our America’s 250th Short Story Contest. This contest is open to students grades 6-12 and can be submitted via the Mattapoisett Free Public Library’s Short Edition portal, located on the library website. For more information, visit the library website. Please submit your work by no later than Monday, June 22nd.
Enjoy your Fridays at the Mattapoisett Library with T(w)een Friyays. Make crafts, play board games, read, or just chill in the teen area after school from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Friday June 5 & Friday June 12 Teens & tweens ages 10-17 are welcome.
On Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 pm, join us for a panel discussion honoring the life and work of the late Jill Viles, author of Manufacturing My Miracle. Jill completed her memoir before her passing, leaving behind a powerful story of resilience, curiosity, and determination. Her husband, Jeremy Viles, will be joined by Jill’s family for a panel-style conversation reflecting on her life, her writing, and the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Books will be available for purchase at the event. This event is presented in memory of David Anderson, through the generosity of his family and friends. Free and open to all – no registration required.
The next meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 6:00 pm in the Marine Room. All are welcome to attend. A Zoom link to the meeting is available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact the library at mfpl@sailsinc.org. We can pass along your message to the Friends.
The Friends will continue accepting jewelry donations for their December 2026 sale. If you have gently used or unworn jewelry or accessories you’d like to donate, the Friends would love to take them off your hands. Please drop these items off at the circulation desk. Thank you. Your contributions are appreciated and will help support future library events.
The Mattapoisett Free Public Library is thrilled to welcome internationally bestselling author Ruta Sepetys for a special evening as part of our Purrington Author Series. Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. This event is free and open to all, and registration is optional.
Calling all crafters & readers. Create a transparent, dried flower bookmark at our Adult Craft Session, on June 13 at 12:30 pm. These beautiful floral bookmarks add elegance and charm, making them ideal for personal use or as gifts for book lovers. Please register on our website to reserve your spot.
Join the MFPL for an Adult Board Game Night. We will be playing Just One, a party game where players work together to guess as many Mystery Words as possible. One session will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 2:00 pm, and another will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at 6:00 pm. Both sessions will be held in the library’s Marine Room. Registration required. Email faguiar@sailsinc.org with any questions.
As always, our programs and events are free and open to everyone. For more information, please visit us at 7 Barstow Street, online at www.mattapoisettlibrary.org, or call the library at 508-758-4171.
With profound sadness, the family of Christine LaPointe announces her peaceful passing at home in Rochester, Massachusetts, on May 8, 2026, at the age of 57. Surrounded by the love of family and close friends, Christine passed with the same strength, compassion, and selflessness that defined her entire life.
Life and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Christine grew up in Rochester, Massachusetts, where she developed a lifelong love for flowers, plants, animals, and helping others. She graduated from Bristol County Agricultural High School with the Class of 1987 before continuing her education at Stockbridge School of Agriculture, graduating in 1989.
She later attended University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied Plant and Soil Sciences with a focus in horticulture, plant health, and greenhouse management, graduating in 1991. Christine possessed an extraordinary knowledge of plants and flowers and was often described as a “human encyclopedia” when it came to gardening and plant care. She also had a remarkable gift for creating beautiful floral arrangements that brought joy to so many. Years later, Christine followed another calling in life by attending the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School LPN Program, proudly graduating in 2015.
Career and Achievements
Christine began working at just 14 years old, picking corn at Cervelli Farm throughout her high school years. She also spent time helping at her family’s business, Corsini Auto Parts in Middleborough, Massachusetts.
After college, Christine worked at Allen C. Haskell Nursery in New Bedford and later at Akinbac Farm in Freetown, Massachusetts, where she further developed her passion and expertise in horticulture.
In the early 2000s, Christine started her own floral business, Christine’s Flowers. She specialized in a wide variety of flowers and arrangements, but she became especially known for her stunning succulent creations and chrysanthemums. Her creativity and natural talent made her work unforgettable to those who received it.
In 2003, Christine embraced the role she treasured most — becoming a mother to twin boys. Her children were the center of her world, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to giving them love, support, and every opportunity possible.
Christine later became certified as a CNA and worked in various state group homes, where her nurturing and compassionate personality made a lasting impact on those in her care. After earning her LPN license in 2015, she continued caring for others through nursing, providing comfort, kindness, and dignity to countless individuals throughout her career.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Christine dedicated much of her life to helping others. She consistently placed the needs of family, friends, and those around her before her own, often caring for elderly loved ones and offering support wherever it was needed.
She had a deep love for plants, gardening, and floral design. Whether she was creating arrangements, helping someone improve their garden, or sharing advice about plant care, Christine found joy in making things grow and flourish.
She also loved being a mother and worked tirelessly to ensure her children always had what they needed. No matter how difficult life became, Christine’s love and dedication to her sons never wavered.
Christine adored animals and had dogs throughout her life. As a child, she also loved horses and treasured the time she spent around them.
She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always eager to help prepare for gatherings, celebrations, and holidays. Christine also loved crocheting and spent countless hours making handmade gifts and keepsakes for the people she loved.
Family and Relationships
Christine was the beloved daughter of Brian N. LaPointe and the late Jean (Lawrence)
LaPointe.
She is survived by her loving father, Brian LaPointe; her cherished sons, James and Andrew Caswell; her sister, Pauline Bonneau; her brother-in-law, Russell Bonneau; her niece, Madeline Bonneau; and her longtime partner, Randy Caswell.
Christine also leaves behind many extended family members, lifelong friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever treasure the memories they shared with her.
Closing Tribute
Christine will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her kindness, generosity, and nurturing spirit touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.
She spent her life caring for others, often putting their needs ahead of her own until the very end.
And for those lucky enough to receive one of her handmade crocheted gifts or beautiful flower arrangements, those thoughtful creations will remain lasting reminders of the love and care she shared so freely.
Service Information:
A celebration of Christine’s life will be held on:
Sunday, June 14, 2026
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Arch at the Meadow
334 Mendell Road, Rochester MA 02770
Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Christine’s life.
Neva Matos wasn’t always a cool customer on the tennis court.
Clutch in Tuesday’s victory over talented Watertown freshman Sara Yasin, the freshly minted, 2026 Old Rochester Regional graduate drew on all her learning of the last three years to turn around a bleak situation and earn the deciding point in ORR’s 3-2 MIAA Division 3 Round of 16 win that sends the Bulldogs into Friday’s quarterfinals at second-seeded Dover Sherborn (19-1).
“A lot of times in the juniors, I was the problem in my own head. I would miss a shot, and then my whole game would spiral from there,” said Matos, whose match at first singles was looking like her last as a high schooler, having lost the opening set, 6-1. “I just realized that it’s just one point in the big scheme of things. There’s so many more you’re going to play. It’s more important to focus on the next point than the last point.”
Showing the maturity of a graduate, Matos performed a reverse spiral, adjusting in the second set and finding efficiency with her first serve, mixing pace on her return games and taking away the rhythm that had been teeing up her opponent, a real slugger with a formidable, crosscourt forehand. Fed a steady dose of high, looping groundstrokes in the first set, Yasin had swung freely, pounding forehands hard to the corners of the court, sometimes for clean winners.
“I think once the second set kind of came around, my focus shifted,” said Matos. “Instead of like (focusing on) winning the point to just put the ball in and kind of take it from there – because I don’t have a chance if I make the mistake.”
Having utterly dominated her regular-season opponents, Matos was facing major, on-court adversity for the first time all season.
“I think it could be part of it, but she is also a really good player so I think, either way, in my prime it still would have been a battle. That could have been a small factor, but I think really she’s a good player out there. It would have been a battle anyway,” said Matos.
Number 10 Watertown (12-9) started strong, getting wins at second singles, where Eva Khalrian defeated Caroline Houdelette, 6-1, 6-1, and at first doubles where Julie Pipitone and Calista Tansalsank defeated Ella Bishop and Zadie Goyette, 6-2, 6-2. But the seventh-seeded, 19-0 Bulldogs got pivotal points at third singles from Grace Hebert, who prevailed against Gigi Nitchke, 7-5, 6-4, and at second doubles where Molly Franco and Paige Marotta closed out Lily Griffith and Addy Powazink, 6-1, 7-5.
Those wins evened the count at two matches apiece, pinning all the attention on first singles, where Matos and Yasin slugged it out. As the two combatants dug into the deciding set with all eyes on their match, they were cognizant of the fact the entire outcome would be determined on their court.
Matos’ experience emerged as the deciding factor, especially in the third set where she made more first serves, allowing her to dictate more rallies. Yasin struggled at the service line in the third set, and Matos alternated between teeing off on her returns with run-around forehands and slicing low, short returns that caught her opponent too far in the backcourt.
After the final point, Matos and Yasin met at the net, and as Matos carried the scorecards through the door, her teammates gathered quietly to observe as she entered the score onto the grease board next to the gate.
“It’s not over ’til it’s over, not ’til you play that last point,” said Matos, who turned to her teammates and disappeared behind a group hug as coach Jim McGonigle captured the memory on camera.
ORR started out its postseason run with a 5-0 win against Number 26 seed Seekonk on May 31. A single sweep keyed the victory, as Matos won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles, Houdelette won 6-0, 6-1 at second singles, and Hebert won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles.
According to the MIAA tournament website, match time Friday at Dover-Sherborn High School is 4:00 pm.
Boys Tennis
The previously unbeaten (16-0) ORR boys tennis team, seeded 13th in Division 3, fell 3-2 to 20th seed Groton-Dunstable in the Round of 32, on May 27.
Aiden Comorosky contributed to this report.
ORR Girls Tennis
By Mick Colageo
The Marion Conservation Commission met on Wednesday, May 27. Though this was their first meeting following the Town Election, none of the commission’s seats were up for vote.
Chair Matt Shultz began the meeting by continuing to its June 10 meeting the Public Hearing of Elizabeth H. O’Leary of 81 Cove Circle for a Notice of Intent for the removal and replacing of a timber float.
Following that, the commission quickly approved the minutes from their May 13 meeting without question.
Next, they quickly approved two certificates of compliance for the Town of Marion, one for work at the intersection of Creek Road and Point Road and another for the relocation of a generator on Pumping Street Road. Both were approved unanimously without discussion.
Thus began the next Public Hearing, being for Susan Fine of 83 Mooring Road for a Request for Determination of Applicability for the removal and replacing of a wooden shed. Fine was present, explaining that the new shed will keep the same foundation slab and will be the same size and footprint. She clarified the shed is back around 100 feet from the water, and the motion to close the Public Hearing was made with a unanimous vote.
For the vote, the commissioners stated the work does not require a Notice of Intent, and a unanimous Negative Determination vote approved the project.
The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Station’s conference room.
Marion Conservation Commission
By Sam Bishop
Old Rochester Regional School District and Massachusetts Superintendency Union #55 is proud to share that two students from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School (ORRJHS) and Sippican Elementary School were recently selected as winners of Feinstein Foundation Golden Tickets.
The tickets earned each school a $2,000 grant and an additional $500 for the students to donate to a charity of their choice.
“We are grateful for the Feinstein Foundation’s generosity,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Their dedication to inspiring kindness and community service among young students is helping to shape a more compassionate generation, and we are proud to see its impact in our schools. We greatly appreciate the Foundation and all it has done for the Old Rochester community.”
Seventh grader Lauren Dowd was selected as a winner for ORRJHS. She chose to donate her winnings to Showstoppers Performing Arts, Inc. The nonprofit organization, of which Lauren is a member, instills confidence in performers ages 7 to 18 as they sing at various events for community organizations, including hospitals, nursing homes and more.
First grader Lily Bowser was selected as a Golden Ticket winner for Sippican Elementary School. Lily will donate her $500 winnings to people experiencing homelessness in New York City. Originally from New York, Lily witnessed the impact of homelessness firsthand and was inspired to help unhoused families and individuals after she moved to Marion.
“The Feinstein Foundation’s charitability helps foster a school environment where acts of kindness and generosity are the norm,” said Sippican Elementary School Principal Lynn Dessert. “We are always proud of how our Sippican students choose to support their community through this program. When they have the chance to pay it forward, our students always do so with excitement and sincerity. Congratulations to Lily for winning a Golden Ticket.”
Each Feinstein Junior Scholar receives an individually numbered Golden Ticket. Beginning in October, random drawings are held on WPRI Channel 12, and five student tickets from elementary and middle schools across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are randomly selected each week.
“We are always inspired by what our students do when provided the opportunity to give back to their community,” said ORRJHS Principal Silas Coellner. “We are proud to see our students choose charities that directly benefit local causes important to them. Lauren’s support of the arts will be appreciated by both the students involved in the program, as well as the community members who enjoy their performances.”
Ned’s Point Lighthouse is soon opening for the summer season, with tours from June through October. First tour of the season will be on Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. July tours will be held on the first from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and July 11 and July 18 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm noon. August 1 from 8:00 pm to 12:00 pm noon, and August 5, August 12, and August 26 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tours will run from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on September 2 and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on September 19. The final day will be October 1 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
All tour dates are subject to change according to the weather or at the discretion of the light keeper. No flip flops or loose clothing are allowed, and children under 13 must be at least 48 inches tall and accompanied by an adult. No food or drinks allowed in the lighthouse.
Tours conducted by USCG-6-3, Sal Giglia Lightkeeper FSO-LK.
On Sunday, June 14, the Tri-County Symphonic Band, directed by Philip Sanborn, will be under the Grand Tent at Tabor Academy for its Annual Pops Concert to benefit the John R. Pandolfi Music Scholarship Fund. This year’s concert will be a festive celebration of Flag Day and 250 years of independence. The music will be a patriotic parade of classic American tributes to the flag and our country. The concert begins with John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare” and is followed by “A Jefferson Portrait,” “American Civil War Fantasy,” “Variations on America,” “America the Beautiful” and a host of iconic, flag-waving arrangements. Cupcakes and lemonade will be part of the festivities along with a multi-prized raffle with the proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund.
Doors will open at 12:00 noon. The music starts at 2:00 pm with a social hour at 1:00 pm. The grand tent, with ample space and excellent ventilation on all sides, is virtually an open-air concert venue, on the Sippican Harbor waterfront.
Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth, Mimi’s of Marion or online at www.tricountysymphonicband.org/ Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $50 each.
As in May we have two June events. The first will be our annual ice cream social with music by Tom and Sheila Perry. This has become a bit of a moveable feast. Because of July’s heat, we moved it to May 2025, but 45- degree temps made for a smaller than normal turnout. Therefore, this year it will be our June meeting on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 pm at the Historical Museum at 355 County Rd.
The second event will be on Saturday, June 20 at 12:00 pm noon at the Plumb Library. This will be Women Of 76: True Stories of Revolutionary Women. Check the Library website as registration will probably be required. Thanks to the Library with letting us partner with them for this presentation.
Also, thanks for all who helped us with a successful Red, White and Blue Bake Sale. We wouldn’t be able to fund the Historical Society without your help.