Daniel P. Vigeant

Daniel P. Vigeant, 50, of Marion, passed away surrounded by his family after an unexpected cardiac event on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Born in New Bedford, he was raised in Mattapoisett before moving to Marion.

Dan was a movie fan and loved watching Jaws and Back to the Future. He was the life of every party and was a friend to everyone. Dan loved his daughters Sophie and Mackenzie and his fiancée Lisa very much. Dan enjoyed going on his boat and was a big part of the local boating community.

Dan worked as the Technology Director for the Brockton Public School system for over 20 years.

Survivors include his daughters, Sophie and Mackenzie Vigeant of Rochester; his fiancée Lisa Ando; his mother Susan and her husband William Murray; his father Warren Sylvia; his siblings, Timothy Murray and his wife Sarah of Mattapoisett, Andrew Murray of Mattapoisett, Erica Sylvia and her partner Michael Price of California, Lindsey Sylvia of Florida, and Maxwell Sylvia of Fairhaven; his mémère Estelle Vigeant; his nieces and nephews Jordan, Ava, Liam, and Ella; and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He will be missed by many.

He is predeceased by his stepson Anthony Ando.

His Funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony’s Church at 10 am and burial in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4-8 pm. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Camp Sunshine athttps://www.campsunshine.org/donate-today

Rene A. Goyette

Rene A. Goyette, 91, of Mattapoisett died Sunday, March 30, 2025. He was the husband of the late Mary Lou (Goulart) Goyette. They were married for 59 years before her passing in 2021.

Born in Fall River, son of the late Albert L. and MarieAnge (St. Laurent) Goyette, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

Mr. Goyette was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as an instrumentation technician. He retired with 18 years of service when the plant closed in 1991.

Survivors include his brother, Robert F. Goyette and his wife Lorraine L. Goyette of Port Charlotte, FL; a sister Georgette A. Lamothe of Fall River; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

According to Rene’s wishes a private graveside burial was held.

The Future for Housing Types

The Monday meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board once again found the members exploring possible new land-development options. What began as informal discussions regarding affordable-housing needs and possible impact of ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) in the community grew to include such construction types as ADU, Route 6 corridor bylaws, and more recently “cottage communities.”

            These discussions have had the effect of bringing up such matters as short-term rentals, building density, and neighborhood cultural changes due to possibly increased density-bylaw changes in cottage-style developments.

            Board member William Wennerberg, a developer who has extensive experience building cottage-style communities, believes this type of development could fit well in the Mattapoisett aesthetic. To illustrate his point, Wennerberg shared floor plans from a development he built, including landscaping schemes. He said that landscaping is a critical element in this type of land development, not only for appearances but also for noise dampening.

            Local businessman and property owner David McIntire said he supported Wennerberg’s concepts. He pointed to the nestled neighborhood that includes Cannon Street as an early example of high-density, cottage-style development. He said that today’s zoning bylaws would not support such limited setback requirements but that it could work today. Wennerberg noted, “You can accomplish a lot on a small lot.”

            Regarding ADU construction, the board discussed topics such as not having ADU’s stacked on a lot, septic oversight where sewer is not available and allowing one ADU structure as a “by right” construction, while any others on the same parcel would require zoning approvals.

            Member John Mathieu said that ADU’s should be regulated to preclude structures from being closer than the principal building’s frontage.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Elections

Barbara Lee

My name is Barbara Lee. I am a mother of two children in the Rochester school system, and we are proud to call Rochester our home for nearly four years. When given the opportunity to move, I chose Rochester for the country living, the close community, but most importantly for the stellar reputation of the school system. Over the past four years, I’ve grown to know many of the parents and residents of the town through volunteering my time between the local Cub Scouts, PTO events, and the RMS School Council. I also work full time with an investment company for the last 20 years. As an assistant client service manager, I’m responsible for leading a list of clients’ pension operations, reporting, as well as handling all escalations that arise. I have over 25 years of customer service experience with the majority being in financial operations. With my financial background, I intend to pay special attention to the budgets and expenses, keeping the residents in mind. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will serve the town of Rochester by being a representative who listens and shares the community’s voice on school issues and financial obligations. I feel that the RMS School Committee has collaborated well this past year by avoiding injecting political ideologies or personal agendas into their work. If elected, I would be fully committed to this as well. I respectfully ask for your support and would appreciate your vote on May 28th.

Rochester Park Commission

Two candidates, incumbent David Hughes and challenger Nate Reece, are on the ballot for one, three-year term.

David Hughes

I have been a full-time Rochester resident since 1972, and before that, I spent summers here at my family’s cottage on Snows Pond. My wife and I raised our four children in this town and appreciate all the town had to offer. I take great pride in this town and want to do my part to keep Rochester beautiful by keeping our parks a beautiful and safe place for all residents. I’ve been on the Park Commission for nine years, and we have always operated within our town-approved budget. The Dexter Lane fields are used by Tri-Town Soccer, lacrosse, women’s softball, Old Rochester Youth Baseball and Old Colony and Old Rochester baseball practices. Dexter Lane also provides space for basketball, pickleball, a skate park, picnic tables, playground and walking trails. During my existing term as chairman for the board, we upgraded the basketball court with new backboards and nets. Added two pickleball courts along with new fencing. A new shelter was installed to cover the existing picnic tables. New bleachers were installed at Gifford Park, thanks to Old Rochester Youth Baseball’s donation. Thanks to a donation from Tri-Town for Protecting Children and the Town of Rochester’s matching funds from ARPA, we have begun construction of a new playground at Gifford Park. I also have to thank the Rochester Highway Department for their hard work on this project and hopefully more to come. I monitor the supplies for the park, enlist part-time help during the summer months and ensure that all bills are paid in a timely manner. I am semi-retired and do not work during the summer, which gives me more time to maintain the parks.

Nate Reece

My name is Nate Reece and I’m running for the Rochester Parks Commission because I believe our parks are vital to the health, happiness, and unity of our community. I grew up just over the border in Middleboro and have lived in Rochester for the past six years with my wife and young children. As a father, Cub Scout leader, and youth sports coach, I use our parks regularly and hear from families about what’s working – and what could be better. Professionally, I’m a mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience managing complex projects in the energy and insurance industries. I also hold a Master’s in Technology Management from UMass Dartmouth. My background equips me with the skills to plan, prioritize, and execute improvements efficiently and transparently. If elected, I’ll focus on three key goals: increasing resident engagement with park decisions; developing a multi-year parks plan; and expanding recreational opportunities – especially by exploring the creation of a Recreation Department and collaborating with neighboring towns to offer complementary programming. I bring fresh energy, practical experience, and a deep commitment to making our parks places where the community can come together. It’s time for a fresh voice and a forward-thinking approach. I’d be honored to earn your vote. Thank you.

Cougars Build Momentum

Starting pitcher Sharon Delancey and the Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School softball team won a pair of games last week that raised her record to 7-5 and the team’s record to 9-7 overall (5-2 Mayflower Athletic Conference Small) heading into a May 14 Senior Day game against South Shore.

            In a 24-3 victory against Cape Cod Tech on May 13, Delancey got the win with two innings of work, allowing no runs, no hits and striking out five batters. Paige Borges pitched three innings, allowing a run on 2 hits while fanning five. Offensively, senior Patty Spillane went 3-for-3 with a double while scoring 3 runs, knocking in 4 runs and stealing two bases. Leah Robitaille went 2-for-2 with a double, scoring 2 runs and knocking home 4, while Madison Caton hit a 2-run triple in her only at-bat, scoring 3 runs, and Maeve Hunter (1-for-1) scored 3 times and had 2 RBI’s. Freshman Braylee Bettencourt got her first varsity hit.

            In a 21-14 win on May 12 at Norfolk Aggie, Delancey went 4-1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on 3-hit ball while striking out two batters. Kayleigh DeSousa had a monster performance to lead the Old Colony offense, going 5-for-6 at the plate, hitting a 2-run home run and a double, while scoring 5 runs, knocking in four and stealing a base. Delancey pitched in at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs and 2 RBI’s, while Emma Yelle went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, 2 runs scored and a run batted in, Laila Servis went 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI’s, and Caton went 2-for-4 with a double, 3 runs scored and a stolen base. In the game, Spillane got her 100th career hit and 100th career RBI.

Girls Lacrosse

            Old Colony defeated Bristol Aggie, 17-4, on May 13 with goals by Maddie Burnham, Ella Harkins, Addie Tyler, Lauren LeBeau, Logan Crook, Maddie Caulkins and Lilah White. Annabella Putignano had 2 assists.

Old Colony RVTHS Sports Roundup

By Nic Giokas

Change by the Numbers

As we all know, the individual currently residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington is big into change. He has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and he recently said he was going to change the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Gulf. This will, no doubt, keep the map makers of the world busy, which is a good thing because nobody uses maps anymore. I am all for full employment!

            Change is good. After all, we change our clothes every day. Some people change their hair color from time to time. Not me. I don’t have much, and grey is a nice neutral color.

            Some folks even change their names and others change jobs quite frequently. We keep change in our pockets. No, sorry, that’s something different. My bride and I changed the color of our old house three times.

            We even change our elected officials. That is the American way. Anyway, to change something is renewal and good for the soul.

            Speaking of elected officials, an article in the recent Town Meeting warrant to change the number of Select Board seats from three to five passed overwhelmingly. Adding two new positions to the Board is an intriguing solution to a problem that has plagued small town elections for years – uncontested races.

            Advocates won their case by convincing the voters in attendance that increasing membership would bring “a range of expertise…, encourage check and balances, and be more democratic.”

            Historically it has been nearly impossible to get people to run for office. On every ballot there are uncontested races allowing incumbents to continue in their position without opposition. After all who wants to run against an incumbent. Sure, occasionally someone tries to unseat an incumbent, but we all know, incumbents never leave. Someone who ran before and lost can run unopposed, win and viola, they will join the ruling class without lifting a figure. Democracy in action!

            I am an optimist. I’m sure hordes of townsfolks with expertise will be storming the Town Hall to take out nomination papers, eager to take on all the Town’s many problems that need to be addressed. Change is good.

            So, there you go. I trust the repair of the town wharves, the Main Street/Water Street “Big Dig”, the need for affordable housing and all the other projects facing the town will move things along like never before.

            Anyway, if the Select Board moves the proposal onto the state and if it is approved (and you can be sure it will be), we will now have the distinction of being one of the smallest towns with a five-member Select Board in the Commonwealth.

            Based on my vast experience in government, I know that some big changes will be needed to implement this new arrangement. First the town will have to buy a new conference table. The current one seats only five comfortably…the three members, the town administrator and the Board’s secretary. They all sit on one side to accommodate the TV camera and the small audience of civic minded auditors (often only two news reporters).

            I have carefully researched the cost of a brand-new table designed in the shape of a boat. (Appropriate don’t you think?) A beautiful 16ft. table, available in a choice of wood, can easily accommodate the two new board members. Of course, the town might have to remove a wall, but hey, it’s only money. According to OfficeFurniture2go.com this $3099 beauty is available now for $2179 with free shipping. So, hurry the approval process along, will ya. See, the addition of two news board members is saving the town money already.

            You can’t have a new conference table without new chairs, right. No one would replace their dining room table and keep grandma’s old chairs. I haven’t priced out new chairs, but I would recommend a nice leather ergonomic design. With two more board members asking questions and offering their opinions, the meetings might go on late into the night and sitting that long is bad for the back.

            Then there are the microphones. For hygienic reasons we wouldn’t want our town leaders exposed to any harmful viruses by sharing. Add eight new microphones to the list (one extra for anyone speaking to the Board. They can sit on the old chairs.)

            Well, here’s looking up to a bright future of new ideas, more efficiency, and did I say new ideas?

            When the new Board is done solving every issue, maybe we can change the name of Buzzards Bay to something more appealing.

            Change is good.

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

ORRSD Earns Best Communities for Music Education Distinction

Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is proud to share that the Old Rochester Regional School District earned the distinction of being one of the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for the third year in a row.

            The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, and The NAMM Foundation announced the 2025 BCME awards on Monday, May 12.

            “This recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a testament to the incredible support our music program receives from the entire Old Rochester community,” said Old Rochester Regional Junior High School general music and band teacher Richard Laprise. “From passionate students and dedicated educators to supportive families and school leadership, it truly takes a village to build a thriving music education program. We’re proud to be part of a district that values the arts and understands the lasting impact music has on our students’ lives.”

            “Being recognized as a BCME award winner is a powerful affirmation of the Old Rochester Regional School District’s commitment to the arts and to nurturing the talents of our young musicians,” said Pedro Silva, music teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School. “Earning this distinction for the third consecutive year reflects our dedication, vision, and the strong values at the heart of our program. It shows that the work we’re doing matters. We’re excited to keep growing our music education offerings and to continue supporting our students as they explore, create, and achieve their full potential through music.”

            The Old Rochester Regional School District was among 1,000 awardees from across the country that earned the BCME award or the Support Music Merit Award. Now in its 26th year, the BCME designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

            Awardees were selected through a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation, and community engagement. To ensure the integrity and reliability of the program, the data analysis for all applications was conducted by WolfBrown, an esteemed independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

            “Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, a former educator who is now president and CEO of NAMM. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”

            “We are thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access,” said Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments.”

            Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll and Old Rochester Regional Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner celebrated the distinction, congratulating the district’s music education teachers, students, parents, support staff and administrative team.

            “Earning a BCME award for the third year in a row is an immense source of pride for our schools,” said Principal Coellner. “Music education plays an important role in our students’ overall learning and development. The Tri-Town has produced some excellent musicians over the years, and we owe that to the amazing music education program we have in our communities. Congratulations to all of our teachers, our administrative team and the students for helping to make this all possible.”

            “This recognition reinforces what we already know—our district believes in the power of music education, and we’re proud to support students as they grow as musicians and as people,” said Principal Devoll. “Three years in a row tells me this isn’t a fluke; it’s who we are. We’ll keep investing in our music program and making sure our students have every opportunity to thrive.”

            In the Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55, we believe in providing a robust music education for learners of all ages and ability because we know that it builds confidence, creativity and community,” said Superintendent Nelson. “We’re proud that we’re able to provide a meaningful and relevant music education that inspires our students to not only continue their musical studies, but to spark their creativity in all areas of their lives. We are humbled and grateful that our work has been recognized by NAMM through this distinguished award for a third consecutive year.”

Rochester will be holding a rejuvenated Memorial Day Event on Sunday, May 25 at the Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexters Lane in Rochester at 12:00 pm. There will be speakers, music and a procession to the Town Hall, Daggett Square, and concluding at the COA. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Rochester Events Committee.

            Mattapoisett will be holding its annual Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 26 at Center School, 17 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett at 1:30 pm. There will be speakers, music and a procession to the library and concluding at the wharf. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Mattapoisett Women’s Club.

            The Marion Memorial Day Remembrances and Procession will take place on Monday, May 26 starting at 9:00 am in front of the Music Hall at 164 Front St, Marion. In the event of rain, the event will be relocated to the Multipurpose Room of Sippican Elementary School.

            The procession and remembrances will follow same route as in past years, stepping off from the Music Hall northbound on Front Street, marching 0.6 miles up Front Street to the Veterans’ Memorial at Old Landing. Upon arrival at the Veterans’ Memorial the town will pay tribute to our military’s “honored dead” who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

            The procession and remembrances will feature the Sippican School Marching Band led by director Hannah Moore as well as The Portuguese American Band. The ceremony will conclude with members of the Select Board laying a wreath at the Veterans’ Memorial. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Technical Sergeant Mandy Givens of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

            Residents are encouraged to attend the remembrances as well as stand along the parade route on Front Street between Cottage Street and Ryder Lane.

Hello from Plumb Library

The Library is happy (and sad) to announce the retirement of our Library Assistant for Youth Services Librarian, Lisa Fuller. After 17 years at Plumb Library Ms. Lisa is graduating from storytime and going on to her next adventure. We’d love it if you would join us in celebrating her time here with us. On Friday May 30 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm stop by the library to offer up congratulations and best wishes, sign the memory book, and enjoy some light refreshments. We will have the memory book available at the desk in the weeks leading up to the party, and possibly for a short time afterward if you’re unable to attend on May 30.

            Please share this invitation with your friends and neighbors. We would love to see as many friends and families as possible show up for this farewell event.

            Other Upcoming Events:

            Local author Richard Cutler will be hosting a talk from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm Saturday May 31. Come hear about the writing process from rough drafts to published books. Richard is an engaging speaker who is passionate about all types of writing, but especially science fiction. He’s happy to answer questions about writing projects and the genre in general. Please register for this talk, as space is limited. Registration is available on the Event Calendar on our website.

            Books and Babble Bookclub will meet at 6:30 pm Thursday May 29 to discuss “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Books are available to pick up at the Library.

            The Boards and Cards game group will meet at 11:00 am Saturday June 7. This is a new social group for adults (18+). Join them for games, snacks, and socializing. Games are provided or bring one to share.

            Keep an eye on the Events Calendar at plumblibrary.com for the annual Summer Reading Program schedule. This year’s program kicks off on the last day of school, June 11, with registration for events, activities, and programs opening online at 11:00 am

            The Library will be closed Monday May 26 for Memorial Day.

            Please remember that library cards are required for checkout. If you have lost your card, it can be replaced for a $2.00 fee. Always have your card with you by uploading it to the SAILS Mobile app. It’s quick and easy and we’re happy to show you how it works.

            Library hours are: Mondays/Thursdays 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Tuesdays/Wednesdays 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Fridays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. The Library can be contacted by phone at 508-763-8600 or email at info@plumblibrary.com. Check our Events Calendar, newsletter, Facebook and Instagram pages for information, upcoming events, and more.

Randy Parker Ascends to Chair

            The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday for their first meeting with a newly elected member, John Hoagland. Hoagland won his seat with 521 total votes, 262 votes higher than the next candidate. Chair Norm Hills greeted him and introduced him to applause from the room. The Select Board met to go over various action items but began with a public hearing over dog complaints directed towards Hultsch at 20 Vine Street. That hearing was continued to June 3 at 6:15 pm, where said meeting will take place in the Police Station.

            The first action item involved the reorganization of the Select Board. Chair Hills suggested he remain Chair, to allow the group of three to rotate assuming no alterations to the members takes place. Randy Parker disputed this and with Hoagland’s support, was elected to be Chair of the Select Board with Hoagland becoming Vice-Chair and Norm becoming Clerk.

            Chair Parker then helmed his first action item, which was the approval and appointment of Nathan Oliveria to Full Time Officer under Chief Richard Nighelli. The officer was approved without question, making his first day May 25. Next was the appointment of John Morgan to Historic Commission. Chair of the commission, Meg Steinberg, spoke on his behalf as he was “taking a long-distance phone call from Tokyo.” The appointment was approved by the board.

            Brendan Annett, Vice President of Watershed Protection at Buzzards Bay Coalition, quickly presented a conservation restriction request which was approved by the board without question. Following this, a Special One Day Alcohol Beverage License and Road Closure Request was granted to St. Gabriel’s Church on June 8.

            Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman presented two discussions, both were approved. One was on Opioid Settlement Funds used through 2038. The next was for a letter from the US EPA regarding regionalization and the emission of phosphorus from local plants. Currently, the level of phosphorus emitted is too high per requirements. The letter stipulates work must be done within 24 months of receival. The board declared it too early to decide on a remedy, though they will work to meet with engineers and contractors to define costs and the best path forward. Chair Parker stated a special Select Board meeting would be beneficial to inform the public and receive feedback from them. He also sought to reach out to neighboring towns for partnerships or to learn what they’ve done to comply. Gorman commended House Representative Mark Silvia for his focus on environmental issues and pushing for this change.

            Gorman spoke of his pleasure of Town Meeting and Town Elections. On day 1 of Town Meeting, 463 locals came with 191 coming the second day. There were 955 voters in the Friday election. Opening for suggestions, Hoagland said he would like to see Town Meeting move to Saturday Morning rather than Monday night, citing easing the population’s burden. Parker concurred on this point. Gorman then spoke on the Department of Public Works (DPW) building updates, stating it is coming along at-pace with concreting taking place on the ceilings. “The DPW is going great. We’re pretty excited about the way it’s looking” Gorman added. Utilities are installed, with the wait on Eversource for power hookup.

            Schedules confirmations were the Memorial Day Parade, beginning at Marion Music Hall on May 26 at 9:00 pm. Parker joked he would now be the one speaking at the event, as Chair. The Independence Day parade is Friday, July 4 beginning at Town Hall. The parade will be led by the Select Board. The Marion Annual Town Party is Saturday, July 26 at Silvershell Beach. The move to later in the season was done to get away from mosquito season and to allow for more volunteers.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be on Tuesday, June 3 in the Marion Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop