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.

Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting

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The Nasketucket Bird Club Meeting will meet Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 27 Church Street with Guest Speaker Troy Blodgett speaking about Nature’s Secret Recipe for Tropical Bird Diversity. For his presentation, Troy will take us on a virtual tour of three avian hotspots in the tropical Americas to appreciate the colors, sounds, and wonder of these magical places. Troy will draw on his geographical knowledge to ponder why such bird diverse places even exist and explore the many connections to our birds in North America. First stop is the ecofriendly country of Costa Rica, where Troy led a small group of birders in March 2025 from the coastal rivers to the forested highlands. Next stop is the bird renown island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, which hosts an astounding density of bird species owing to its unique geographic location. Finally, climb up into the Colombian Andes to witness how the scarlet-colored Andean cock-of-the-rocks and fairy-like hummingbirds thrive among the clouds.

            Troy’s lifelong interest in birds and geography has taken him all over the world, but he especially adores the tropics. Between high school and college, he spent nearly a year banding birds and helping with neotropical bird research in Puerto Rico. Troy received a PhD from the department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University which required many field seasons in the Bolivian Andes. He guided tours for nearly 20 years at the annual birding festival in Sedona, Arizona, before returning to the East Coast. Troy has led several bird-oriented trips to Central and South America for friends and family and continues to be actively involved with monitoring local nest boxes and supporting PBC club related activities.

            All meetings are free and open to all.

The New England Rodeo Returns

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The New England Rodeo opened their second season at the Rochester Country Fairgrounds Saturday evening.

            Up to 20 professional bull riders competed in the professional rodeo, with some managing to stay on for eight seconds. Other events included barrel racing, and vaulting demonstrations with horses. The event started at 5:00 pm and carried into the night with even a mounted shooting demonstration closing off the show around 10:00 pm.

            Crowds gathered dressed in lots of cowboy hats and boots ready to take on the rodeo in style. Food vendors sat on fairgrounds and sold refreshments to people. There was even a mechanical bull ride.

            The event is expected to be hosted every other Saturday through September 19, with finals happening October 3.

            The show has its origin in Lancaster, MA where it has since grown in both scope and coverage area. Contestants/performers to the show flock in from New England and some even flying out from Brazil. Tickets for the show are $25/each for adults & free for kids 5 and under.

By Jared Melanson

Cottage-Style Back to Drawing Board

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            The Monday meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board found the elected members wondering what they could have done differently leading up to the Spring Town Meeting to secure the voters’ confidence for cottage-style developments. They tried to convince voters such housing was a viable option for Mattapoisett’s demand for more housing. The article failed.

            Chair Tom Tucker said that public hearings and meetings had been held and public input sought in the proceeding months; a total of 18 such meetings simply hadn’t done the job. But when the votes were cast, the two-thirds majority needed to make a zoning change did not materialize.

            William Wennerberg, a strong advocate for the cottage-style developments, said voters didn’t seem to understand the objective in bringing the zoning change to Town Meeting. He also noted the fact that no Select Board member supported the change.

            Member John Mathieu commented that developers couldn’t bring affordable housing forward due to the high cost of constructing residential units. “You can’t build any affordable housing now… it’s harder and harder for them to make money,” Mathieu said. Wennerberg reiterated a point he made many times, saying, “this was not an affordable housing bylaw, this was just giving people a different choice.”

            But the hope of bringing the town closer to what its residents want, housing that average-income earners can afford, is not being abandoned. The board plans to gather all the post-Town Meeting feedback it received and go back to the drawing board, literally.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, June 1 at 7:00 pm in Town Hall, 16 Main Street.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Bulldogs Shred Season Schedule

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Caroline Houdelette once again passed challenging tests at second singles with a pair of straight-sets victories (6-3, 7-5 against Bourne’s Ainsley Hopwood on May 15 and 6-1, 6-4 against Wareham’s Lon Tran on Monday), as the Old Rochester Regional High School girls tennis team won another pair of 5-0 sweeps. Neva Matos remained invincible at first singles with two 6-0, 6-0 victories, and Grace Hebert only gave up a single game in her two wins at third singles.

            The Bulldogs’ two doubles teams of Ella Bishop and Zadie Goyette on first court and Molly Franco and Paige Marotta on second court dominated Wareham, giving up only one doubles game.

            The two team victories were the 52nd and 53rd straight regular-season match wins for the Bulldogs, whose regular-season winning streak extends back to 2023, pending this week’s results. ORR took a 15-0 record into their final two scheduled matches against Bourne (10-6) on Tuesday and Dighton-Rehoboth (9-2) on Wednesday.

            Next up will be MIAA state tournament seeding and playoff-pairing information.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky