Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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Ready to put a chill into the coldest winter’s day? Jeff Belanger will be at the library on February 19 at 6:00 pm to explore the haunts, legends, and monsters associated with winter. From frozen people to abominable snow beasts, from icy haunts to strange creatures who adapt to freezing temperatures, the Dead of Winter will give you something to shiver about. You’ve seen Jeff Belanger on television series such as William Shatner’s UnXplained on the History Channel, Shock Docs on Discovery, Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel, and New England Legends on PBS and Amazon Prime… now see him LIVE in person. For more than 25 years, Jeff has been exploring the weird and unexplained. He’s one of the world’s foremost storytellers and researchers of lore and legends. This will be an event you won’t forget. Open to ages 12+ please RSVP by calling the library or by following the tickets link above.

            On Saturday, February 14, join clinical psychology doctoral student Morgan Browning for a special valentine’s themed Fun with Feelings storytime at 11:00 am. This program is designed for kids ages 4-8 and features a craft after storytime.

            If you’re planning ahead for February Vacation week – we’ve got a week full of activities. We’ll be hosting Tri-Town Against Racism and the Excellent family for Black History Month storytime on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:30 am for kids of all ages. Kids of all ages can drop in anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM on Thursday, February 19 for crafting.

            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.

ORRJH Students of the Quarter

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Silas D. Coellner, Principal of Old Rochester Regional Jr. High School, announces the following Students of the 2nd Quarter.

Geen Team: Kai O. Johnson and Sophia J. Wilson.

Orange Team: Madilyn L. Valadao and Gabriel G. Gates.

Blue Team: Sydney J. Bates and Andrew G. Cody.

Red Team: Cayley M. Fernandes and Benjamin R. Perez-Dormitzer.

Exploratory Team: Gabriel K. Kirby and Samantha E. Deskin.

Denitrification Hearing Set for March 19

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            The Marion Board of Health met on Thursday, February 5 to go over new training standards for board members, Marion Sanitary Code changes, and various updates on town health initiatives.

            The board began with discussions on new standards and training provisions regarding the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community Act (SAPHE 2.0 Law). These new training courses are recommended by the Massachusetts Associates of Health Boards (MAHB), of which the Marion Board of Health is a member.

            Public Health Director Lori A. Desmarais explained the new standards as well as various surveys required that must be completed by board members. She explained the SAPHE 2.0 programs would “be probably annually” and that she was informed, should the surveys not be completed, the town would be removed from the South Coast Collaborative Grant. She noted that the training program will be required for other grants as well.

            Next, Chair Albin R. Johnson III brought forward discussions on possible changes to the Marion Sanitary Code, mainly § 4.180: Septic System Denitrification Regulation and § 8: Food Service. In order to amend the Marion Sanitary Code, the board would need to hold public hearings and open discussions on desired changes. The Public Hearing for changes to the code was tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 19.

            The public health director then gave updates on various ongoing town health initiatives including the “Be Safe – Be Seen” high-visibility vest program, with police officers now possessing bags of the slogan-bearing vests in their cruisers for distribution. Desmarais stated that, due to the success and popularity of the program, she has received word that Mattapoisett may launch a similar initiative.

            The town still has flu and Covid vaccines available, with the director noting influenza-like illness in the state is high and that the southeast region is very high. She did add, “I haven’t seen as many cases coming through – most of the cases that have come through haven’t had a flu vaccine this year, or the last couple years.”

            Desmarais announced that on Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 in the Marion Council on Aging, there will be a presentation by a USDA representative to go over the aerial oral-baiting program to fight against rabies in local wildlife.

            The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, February 19.

Marion Board of Health

By Sam Bishop

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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We know from reading local history that Rochester’s militia were called up in response to alarms in a variety of places. We also know from Abraham Holmes’ memoirs that he was part of a militia that engaged with the British as close to Rochester as Fairhaven. However, we rarely think about British soldiers actually being here in Rochester.

            Reading through the “PAL” books (created during an architectural survey of some of our oldest houses), I came across an interesting property, a residence known as “Bonney Doone.” This house was once located at 86 Dexter Lane. It was named after George Bonney, Jr., an ancestor of the George Bonney who lived at 7 Marion Rd.

            History doesn’t tell us the name of the first person who lived in the house (possibly Joseph Doty), but it does tell us that there were British troops in town. It was said that the house and outbuildings were used as a “refuge” for British soldiers during the war. According to local legend, a small group of said soldiers asked for one night of shelter in one of the outbuildings. They were gone when the sun came up but left “a brooch as a gift to the lady of the house for her hospitality.”

            It would seem that Rochester was fortunate to be a town the troops passed through rather than one in which they created an encampment. However, I want to know more. Why did they have a “brooch” and what happened to it. Did the lady of the house have Tory leanings and was that why the soldiers were so polite. Chances are those questions won’t get answered, but it’s interesting to think about.

            Bonney Doone didn’t make it to a map until 1865, but the maps do show that it belonged to the Bonney family through 1879. By 1916, it was owned by E. LeBaron Bowen, a plumber, until 1941. It remained in the Bowen family until 1969.

            As Susan La Fleur wrote as part of the house’s narrative in the survey, the house “stood empty for some time and was in a state of disrepair”. It was finally sold and the new owner dismantled it and took it to Mattapoisett, leaving an empty lot behind.

By Connie Eshbach

Helping Ocean Innovation Move from Idea to Reality

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Turning a clean energy idea into a working ocean technology is harder than it sounds. Before new tidal turbines, wave energy devices, or marine sensors can be used to power homes or protect coastal waters, they must be tested in real ocean conditions with strong currents, waves, saltwater, and changing weather.

            The Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative of New England (MRECo) is helping make that possible by developing and improving two ocean testing sites in Massachusetts: the Bourne Tidal Test Site (BTTS) in the Cape Cod Canal and the Cuttyhunk Test Range (CTR) off Cuttyhunk Island.

            Together, these sites give innovators a safe, affordable, and permitted way to put new ocean technologies into the water bridging the gap between lab experiments and real-world use.

            The Bourne Tidal Test Site, located in the Cape Cod Canal, is a sturdy platform built specifically for testing tidal energy devices and marine sensors in fast-moving water. The site allows engineers and researchers to see how their technology performs in strong tidal currents, while still being close to shore and easy to access. Because the site is already fully permitted, companies can focus on improving their technology instead of spending years navigating regulatory hurdles.

            Planned upgrades to the Bourne site will allow for faster testing, real-time data sharing, and improved safety, which makes it even easier for new ideas to move forward.

            Off the coast of Cuttyhunk Island, MRECo is also developing the Cuttyhunk Test Range, a location designed for testing floating devices and wave energy systems. This area experiences ocean waves similar to those found near offshore wind farms along Massachusetts’ South Coast. The site will include permanent moorings, power access, and monitoring equipment to help developers understand how their technologies perform in open-water conditions.

            These efforts are part of a larger push to grow Massachusetts’ ocean technology economy through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Ocean Innovation Network, a statewide initiative that connects startups, researchers, and businesses with the facilities, mentorship, and resources they need to bring new clean energy solutions to market. By investing in shared testing infrastructure like BTTS and CTR, MassCEC and its partners are helping ensure that promising ideas don’t stall in the lab, and that Massachusetts remains a national leader in ocean-based climate and energy innovation.

            “These test sites are about helping good ideas succeed,” said John Miller, Executive Director of MRECo. “Many promising ocean technologies never make it past the drawing board because testing in the ocean is expensive and complicated. We’re removing those barriers so innovators can safely test, learn, and improve.”

            MRECo is the only organization in Massachusetts focused on developing open-water test sites for tidal and wave energy and marine sensors. With decades of combined experience in ocean engineering and testing, MRECo works with startups, universities, and established companies to help new technologies reach the water faster and more affordably.

            By supporting hands-on testing and innovation, the Bourne and Cuttyhunk sites are expected to attract companies from across the U.S. and beyond, create local economic opportunities, and strengthen Massachusetts’ leadership in clean energy and ocean technology.

            To learn more about the Bourne Tidal Test Site, the Cuttyhunk Test Range, or how MRECo helps bring ocean technology to life, visit www.mreconewengland.org.

Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee

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The Mattapoisett Republican Town Committee will hold a caucus to elect delegates to the 2026 MassGOP Nominating Convention on Thursday, February 19, at Neimad Hall (formerly Knights of Columbus Hall), 57 Fairhaven Road (Route 6), Mattapoisett.

            All registered Republicans in Mattapoisett are invited to attend and vote in electing our local delegates. These delegates will help nominate candidates for statewide offices – including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and U.S. Senator – at the state convention.

            Any Mattapoisett registered Republican may run for delegate or nominate another eligible resident. Presence is not required to be nominated, but your sponsor must attend the caucus. If you cannot attend but want to run or nominate someone, contact Town Co-Chair Paul Criscuolo ahead of time at pcmattygop@proton.me for eligibility vetting.

            The MassGOP Nominating Convention is set for Saturday, April 25, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. Delegate fee: $150. Carpooling is being arranged among attendees.

            Be part of our fast-growing local party – registrations are at record highs – as we push for common-sense government and audits of the state legislature.

            For questions or to express interest, email Paul Criscuolo at pcmattygop@proton.me.

Academic Achievements

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has announced that Mattapoisett resident Jack Langlais, a member of the class of 2029 majoring in Robotics Engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2025 semester.

            Western New England University (WNE) is proud to announce that Steven Morrison of Rochester has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. Morrison is one of nearly 800 students to achieve this mark of academic excellence. Students are named to the Dean’s List for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.30 or higher.

            Madison Azzara of Rochester, Hayden Duke of Mattapoisett, Lauren Rapoza of Marion, and Alexa St. Louis of Mattapoisett were named to the Dean’s List during the fall 2025 academic semester at Salve Regina University. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 for full-time students completing at least 12 graded credits, or a semester grade point average of 3.8 for part-time students completing at least six credits.

            Kelsi Chick of Rochester, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Mgmt and Summer Williams of Rochester, majoring in Psychology have been named to the Plymouth State University President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. To be named to the President’s List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.70 or better for the Fall 2025 semester and must have completed at least 12 credit hours during the semester, at least nine of which must confer grade points, at the time the lists are finalized.

            The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Sammy Willard of Marion, Connor Galligan of Mattapoisett, Cameron Gonzalez of Mattapoisett, Grace Greany of Mattapoisett, Tyler Williams of Mattapoisett, and Olivia Mydlack of Rochester have been named to its Fall 2025 Dean’s List.

Rezoning Proposal Debated

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            In a meeting room packed to capacity with concerned residents, Rochester’s Planning Board on Tuesday held a Public Hearing on zoning map amendments for lots on Mary’s Pond Road and County Road. The proposal to rezone these lots from Residential to Limited Commercial will be considered at the May 18 Annual Town Meeting.
            The original plan was to do so with four lots at 0 Mary’s Pond Road, 711 Mary’s Pond Road, 35 County Road, 73 County Road, and 0 High Street. The board began the hearing Tuesday by taking a large portion of the County Road proposal, a cranberry bog behind Adrian’s Package Store, and 0 High Street, off of the rezoning amendment. But it then added a 256-acre former Decas Cranberry Company property on Mary’s Pond Road to that amendment.

            Town Planner Michaela Shoemaker, Town Administrator Cameron Durant, and Planning Board members explained the goal is to better protect homeowners and taxpayers. The owner of the largest Mary’s Pond Road property has expressed interest in building 12 single-family homes there. The rezoning to Limited Commercial could help him make other choices and give town boards more control as to what goes in there. The change would also bring in better tax revenue and residential property tax relief because commercial properties bring the town a higher tax value.

            Audience members crowding the meeting room emphasized their fear of what the neighborhood would become under the zoning change and doubts that the rezone will actually lead to any benefits. Resident and Zoning Board of Appeals member Jeffrey Costa said he couldn’t disagree more with the town officials’ point of view. He said the change would only make it easier for the Decas land developer to do what he wants to do, and the change won’t fix the town’s budget crises. “I encourage you to cut this proposal now and not put it on the (Annual Town Meeting) warrant,” he said.

            Referring to a letter she has sent the board, an attorney for the abutters said that placing Limited Commercial there is a mismatch with the character of the town and the goals of its latest master plan, which is heavy on the need to preserve its natural resources. The board, she said, should decline to propose this amendment.

            Chair Arnold Johnson led the response, noting that the panel was trying to be proactive, not reactive. In a purely residential zone, he said, the proposed house lots would not have local town controls; Approval Not Required lots need only adhere to state regulations. He noted the board does not vote to adopt the rezoning amendment. That approval will be by voters at Town Meeting.

            In other action, the board continued to its March 10 meeting its hearing on the request to approve a modification of the Definitive Subdivision Plan permit for the previously approved Snipatuit Pond Estates at Gerrish and Bishop roads that would swap two parcels of open space to create a 3.578-acre, buildable lot on one of the parcels.

            The board continued to its February 24 meeting its Site Plan Review hearing on a proposal to clear land behind Town Hall and re-grade for an 8,220-square-foot parking lot.

            The board continued to its February 24 meeting the Site Plan Review hearing to create a second home lot from an existing 5.25-acre parcel at 314 Neck Road.

            The Rochester Planning Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Got Hygge?

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            Hold on to your hygge. It makes sense that the Danish concept, loosely translated as “comfort” and “well-being,” was invented in a place where winter is dark and weather is often inclement. As a tried-and-true New Englander, no stranger to prolonged winter, the topic piqued my curiosity. I must possess the American version of this lovely notion, I thought. Perhaps I could beam myself up without the need of a trip south, just by invoking a little hygge.

            Come to find out, I’ve been practicing hygge for eons – whenever I light the fire, pull on a cozy sweater and Afghan, and snuggle up with the cat and a good book, I’ve got hygge. Or when I have my besties over for a meal and good conversation, I get hygge. At family gatherings and even with work mates in the office, I have been having my share of hygge.

            To make the most of it, I did some research. … First of all, it’s pronounced with a guttural “HYOO-guh” as many websites demonstrate. I found numerous articles on the topic as this cultural phenomenon continues to intrigue the United States on the heels of the mindfulness craze and with nearly as much fascination. I first became interested in the idea while watching a Danish program on Netflix – and my next step was to invest in a book on the subject – there are many to choose from. Now in the depths of winter, it seems a day doesn’t go by that I haven’t thought of hygge – especially now with the Winter Olympics on and the desire to nestle by the television, watching athletes give their best.

            It was born out of the dark days – sort of like a medieval epic – think “Beowulf” or “Lord of the Rings.” People at some point learned the value of comfort and camaraderie. Denmark has up to 17 hours of darkness per day in the winter, and people spend more time indoors as a result, meaning there’s greater focus on home entertaining, according to a BBC report.

            Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, writes in his book “The Little Book of Hygge” how we can embrace the long, cold, dark days of winter in a way that is characteristically Danish. “Danes are the happiest people in Europe according to the European Social Survey, but they are also the ones who meet most often with their friends and family and feel the calmest and most peaceful. Therefore, it is with good reason that we see a growing interest in hygge,” writes Wiking. “Journalists are touring Denmark searching for hygge; in the UK, a college is now teaching Danish hygge; and around the world, hygge bakeries, shops, and cafes are popping up.” His book covers the entire hygge umbrella, touching on the all-important way it leads to happiness.

            On a more superficial level – and this is something American marketing is latching onto – hygge is about creating a retreat, which is typically about bringing on the candles, applying throw blankets, wool sweaters and other warm coverage, plus delicious baked goods, hot cocoa, tea or coffee. It seems the perfect vehicle to sell stuff.

            A more recent poll has found that Finland currently holds the top spot as the world’s happiest country with Denmark second. I may not live in a Nordic country but believe that hygge is achievable.

            Reading further, I realized I can do it during office hours, on weekends, and in any season. Might it be accessible in a garden? In fact, it’s even better without Wi-Fi so camping, hiking and gardening are perfect scenarios – if you have a firepit or an outdoor gathering spot, you’re well on your way. A bonfire to celebrate summer solstice is as hygge-worthy as a fireplace in a cabin retreat in winter.

            I asked a friend’s Danish husband to explain the concept to me. He told me it’s not something you can buy but rather a state of mind. Brian, a merchant marine engineer who grew up in Denmark, clarified: “It’s something you create whether listening to music and having a cup of tea or driving along the beach and chatting with my daughter – it’s about being present in that moment. We can say it was hyggelic that you came by and had a cup of tea the other day to talk and catch up. That part – the connection – is what constitutes hygge. Things take the time things take,” he explained, giving the impression that the Danish culture is not a rushed one like ours.

            “Hygge” writes Wiking, “is the antidote to the cold winter, the rainy days, and the duvet of darkness. So, while you can have hygge all year round, it is during winter that it becomes not only a necessity but a survival strategy. That is why Danes have a reputation of being hygge fundamentalists and talk about it… a lot.

            “What might be unique for Denmark when it comes to hygge is how much we talk about it, focus on it, and consider it as a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA,” writes Wiking. In other words, what freedom is to Americans, thoroughness to Germans, and the stiff upper lip to the British, hygge is to Danes.”

            So, you see, I, and maybe you too, have been hyggelic – like forever. I just didn’t put a name to it. I look forward to a summer hygge as well with the smell of fresh, mown grass, saltwater and suntan lotion, not to mention the feel of the sun on my skin. But let’s just focus on living happily in the moment that is now.

            “It is those crisp, blue mornings when the light through your window is just right. It is about gratitude and savoring the simple pleasures in life. In short, it is the pursuit of everyday happiness.” – Meik Wiking, author and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Noah Greany’s Legacy Blood Drive

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March is Red Cross Month, a time to recognize more than 130 years of lifesaving work by American Red Cross volunteers. In that spirit, the community is invited to roll up a sleeve and help save lives at a Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 57 Fairhaven Road, Mattapoisett. The blood drive is sponsored by the Noah Curtis Greany Foundation and honors Noah.

            Greany’s Legacy, inspired by Noah’s childhood dream to “find the cure for cancer” and improve survival rates for patients. Through blood donation, that dream continues to make a real difference.

            The drive also honors Noah’s uncle, Joe Corazzini, who is battling a rare and terminal autoimmune disease known as VEXUS. Joe has required numerous blood transfusions over the past six months and depends on donations from the community blood bank. Without these transfusions, his family says he would not be alive today.

            According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Blood donations are critical for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and individuals receiving treatment for cancer, leukemia, and sickle cell disease. All blood types are needed.

            Community members can help save lives and honor Noah’s legacy by scheduling an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code MATTAPOISETTLEGACY, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

            Giving blood is a simple act that can mean everything to someone in need.