Rabies Prevention Event

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The Marion Board of Health would like to inform the community of the following event, Rabies Prevention, Control Efforts and Reducing Risk of Exposure. This event will now be held on June 3, at 5:30 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center.

            The Cape Cod and Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force is actively involved in rabies prevention and control efforts in the region. They coordinate with local health directors, animal control officers and natural resource officers to contain terrestrial raccoon rabies on Cape Cod. Twice-annual distribution of oral vaccination baits has been key to the program’s successes. Come learn more about their work and ways to reduce risk of exposure to rabies.

            Light refreshments will be served. To register, please call 508-748-3570. Space is limited.

Understanding the Eastern Coyote

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The Mattapoisett Land Trust invites you to an afternoon with Peter Trull to learn more about our fascinating neighbor, the eastern coyote. This free event will be held Saturday May 16 at 1pm at the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting House, 103 Marion Road (Rt 6) Mattapoisett.

            Eastern Coyotes are a wild canid whose genetic make-up has been shown to be a combination of two species of wolves, western coyotes and domestic dogs. While most people refer to them as “Coyotes”, they are not the animal of the western deserts. It is truly a “canid soup”. Eastern coyotes or “Coywolves” are found throughout Massachusetts and eastern North America. Peter Trull has been studying the daily habits and life history of the eastern coyote Canis latrans var. since 1989. On Cape Cod and throughout New England, with diverse yet diminishing habitats, and a growing human population, eastern coyotes still thrive and are evident to us in our yards and neighborhoods year-round. They are not well understood by most people, and their presence may cause alarm and disdain among a large part of the population. His aim as researcher and educator is to offer an objective view of this wild canid, clarify the many misconceptions, and inform his audiences, young and old, of this predator’s place in our world, and our place in the coyote’s world. This Program/Lecture will include colorful and informative photographs, as well as the most up to date information on genetics and taxonomy of the eastern coyote or coywolf.

            Peter Trull has been involved in Research and Education for 50 years. He coordinated seabird protection and research for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. As Education Director at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, he developed programs and began studying Eastern Coyotes in 1989. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education. He has written nine books about Cape Cod natural history.

            This event is free to the public, and we ask you to register ahead of time by emailing manager@mattlandtrust.org or call 774-377-9191. Check our Facebook page and website for any event updates.

SRPEDD to Assist Open Space Planning

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On May 4, the Mattapoisett Planning Board met with Taylor Perez of the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to discuss drafting an updated Rules and Regulations document for the town.

            Perez explained that her input would be primarily involved with clerical aspects of the project, formatting the document to conform with state requirements. The board also discussed the importance of one-stop, grant-application processes, including also scheduled for updating.

            A letter from the Planning Board confirmed that, “We find that Mattapoisett’s Open Space and Recreation Plan is consistent with the town’s zoning bylaws, comprehensive planning objectives and sustainable development goals. The Planning Board supports the proposed goals and strategies the plan provides.”

            The board said the plan provides necessary framework for balancing municipal growth with the preservation of open space and the protection of local water resources. Furthermore the document emphasizes actionable steps to strengthen climate resilience and ensure stewardship of the town’s natural and recreational assets. “The Mattapoisett Planning Board supports the certification of the Mattapoisett Open Space and Recreation.”

            Perez said she will return to the board in June to share steps she has taken in the development of reformatted and updated rules and regulations, which may include best practices from surrounding communities.

            In the meantime, Town Planner Victoria Alfaro will work on the grant application as a one-stop process for the village business district. Alfaro will also be engaged in prioritizing goals for future grant applications.

            Two planned hearings were continued pending addition adaptations to site plans. Those were 15 Industrial Drive to May 18 and 182 North Street to June 15.

            The board also moved to release 53G funds for the JBL Estates subdivision known as Cooper Way. The sum requested and approved was $53,000.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for May 18.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Weeds Threaten Snipatuit Pond

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            As Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday further reviewed the Town of Rochester’s Notice of Intent application for proposed work with a harvester to cut and remove invasive aquatic weeds in Snipatuit Pond, the commission mulled over a variety of alternative ideas for eradicating the water-choking plants.

            Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly began the discussion by reporting on her own recent research. She said she contacted one underwater maintenance firm that goes as deep as cutting the weed roots. The company told her the charge would be $5,000 a day for 10 days the first year, eight days the second year, and lesser days per year until it is just a simple maintenance problem. She added that the company did not tell her how many acres per day the work would cover.

            Snipatuit is the town’s largest pond, and in 2025 the invasive weeds milfoil and fanwort were so thick in the pond that boat propellers could not operate and fish and shellfish below them were in danger of dying from lack of oxygen. The town commissioned a vegetation study that led to a suggestion that a harvester be purchased or rented to physically remove the weeds that would then be hauled off to be composted at a local landfill.

            The commission Tuesday clearly was not satisfied with settling on one eradication method. Members discussed using a diver-assisted removal, weed-eating carp (sterile so they don’t reproduce), boat washers at the boat ramp to eliminate spreading the weeds, aquatic herbicides, an eco-harvester with barriers that will control weed debris that could grow back, dredging, and lowering the pond to make it easier to access the killer weeds.

            Member Matthew Bache instructed Kelly to research these ideas, but the commission seemed most interested in member Jennelle Jesse’s suggestion that a consultant be hired to advise the ConCom on the best plan, and not someone with a vested interest in selling a particular method. Michelle Kirby of nearby Snows Pond suggested the commission use the consultant her Snows Pond Association has used.

            Chair Christopher Gerrior said the town needs a short-term and long-term plan. The plan has to happen in the right season, and money must be budgeted for whatever plan or plans are chosen.

            The commission continued the hearing for future discussion. Gerrior said that might be the next meeting or a future meeting after that date.

            In other action, the commission continued to June 2 its two Notices of Intent hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High Street, which proposes work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone for a ground-mounted solar array.

            The commission continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent to construct a four-bedroom, single-family home with septic system on Robinson Road across from Lloyd’s Market. This would be a residence on land that is positioned between a 200-foot riverfront area and a 100-foot wetlands buffer zone, with the driveway and some grading extending into the latter.

Project representative Chris Gilbert said in his presentation on Zoom that a large square footage of the wetlands will be replicated elsewhere on the property. “The restoration will improve the site,” he said. But the commissioners disagreed, asserting the site is still wet and the restoration would not be an improvement. They motioned to initiate a peer-engineering review of the plan.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on May 19 at 7:00 pm, in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Thoughts on… Passports, Flags and National Parks

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            I’ve just received my new passport in the mail, thankfully in the nick of time. Not that I plan to travel anywhere in the near future but if the clown show (Sorry, I vowed not to mention clowns again after my last column.) passes the “SAVE Act” (Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act. There’s a mouth full!) requiring citizens to show an identification to vote. I will be prepared.

            More importantly, it has been announced that in commemoration of the United States 250th anniversary, new passports will have the image of the leader of the free world emblazoned on them. Well, not on the cover, but inside along with an image of the Founding Fathers. Thankfully, it will not replace the eagle image, the symbol of our proud country which is engraved in gold on the cover. To get his fill of gold, the Donald’s distinctive signature will be stamped beneath his portrait in solid gold script.

            I guess our chief diplomat, top dog, Grand Poohbah, and everybody’s favorite president feels that is the closest he can get to having his head carved alongside Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln on Mount Rushmore.  He has settled on being next to an image of the founding fathers. Otherwise, his face would have been relegated to the back pages with the famous mountain carving, the Statue of Liberty, and a photo of a spacecraft hovering over the planet.

            His friendly face also appears in full color on the National Park Season Pass and gold (of course) visa cards that allow rich foreigners to enter the country for a small contribution to the federal treasury which I for one think is a good idea since we have a very large national debt. He will also be sternly staring back at those lucky enough to acquire commemorative gold coins being minted by the U.S. Mint. All this in addition to his name on the former Kennedy Center for the Arts, the 100-dollar bill, The National Institute for Peace, and a class of battleships (Really!)

            I am positive that these changes, and more to come, will help our government run more efficiently. For example, just this week I received an e-mail telling me that my passport, that I received a month ago, is “being printed and should arrive in about a month”.

            Not that too much tweaking is necessary. Just this week fifteen flags were raised for the arrival of the King of England and Queen Camilla. Unfortunately, they were the Australian flags. In fairness to the poor official flag raiser whose job it is to raise flags, they are similar but with a smaller Union Jack. Of course, King Charles III is the King of Australia, which is a part of the British Commonwealth, along with Canada our 51st state. (I couldn’t resist.)

            So, the faux pas was quickly caught, the wrong ensigns were replaced by the correct ones. Whew! Luckily, no one of importance noticed. I don’t think we could deal with the embarrassment. A government spokesperson said the flags had been stored away for some time and must have been in the wrong boxes.

            The very next day the king and queen arrived at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony was to honor fallen service members. The British flag was flying upside down during the ceremony. Naturally the British press caught the error. Headlines blared “Bizarre”, “Distress Signal”.

            Do you think Britain will let me in with my new passport?

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

By Dick Morgado

Upcoming Adult and Teen Events at the Mattapoisett Library

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Do you need some free, basic tech help? Stop by Felicia’s Tech Corner on Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm for personalized, one-on-one assistance. Example topics include basic email assistance or help accessing Libby and Hoopla, the library’s eBook and audiobook platforms. Not sure? Email Felicia at faguiar@sailsinc.org or call the library to see if we can help.

            We are excited to start holding FRIYAY T(w)een Time. We invite patrons ages 10-17 to celebrate the end of the week at the Mattapoisett Library. Make crafts, play board games, read, or just chill in the teen space Fridays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

            Join Ms. Miyuki for Ready, Set, Stamp: a DIY fabric printing adventure tailor-made for beginners. It’s a blast, blending creativity with a splash of fun using an array of stamps, including veggies and fruits. This program will be held outdoors, weather permitting, on Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 pm. For adults 18 and up. Registration required.

            Stop by Silent Book Club on Sunday, May 10, at 2:00 pm in the upstairs Reading Rooms. Participants will enjoy delicious treats, tea, and quiet time to read. Relax with friends, acquaintances, and strangers while learning about your next favorite book. The event is for patrons ages 16 and up – no registration required.

            Join our next Board Game Club on Tuesday, May 19, at 6:00 pm in the library reading rooms. Come with friends and family or drop by solo to have some table-top fun. Bring your own games or play some of ours. No registration required.

            Our Fiction Book Club meets on Wednesday, May 20 at 6:00 pm. They are reading Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Copies are available at the library. Contact Librarian Robbin Smith with questions at rsmith@sailsinc.org.

            The Well-Read Wednesdays Nonfiction Book Group meets on May 27 at 6:00 pm. This month’s book is The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Eric Larson. Copies will be available at the library. New members welcome. No registration required.

            Lastly, a reminder that the Children’s Department and Meeting Room is closed due to a complete flooring replacement of the bottom floor. The upstairs areas will remain open as usual, where you can place and pick up holds. We look forward to welcoming you all back starting on June 2.

            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.

Marion Fireworks and Independence Day Parade

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Come together with the Town of Marion as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Kick off the weekend with fireworks at Silvershell Beach at dusk on Friday, July 3.

            Our Independence Day Parade rolls out on Saturday, July 4, at 9:00 am, and we want to see your most creative, patriotic parade entries. Applications are now available. Paper copies are also available at the Marion Town House Annex, 14 Barnabas Road.

            The nationwide organization, Freedom Bells, invites all residents to toll bells together on July 4 at noon. Please join neighboring towns and community organizations as they toll the bells. You can find more information on their website: freedombells.org.

            We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Learn to Play Mah Jongg at the SWC

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If you want to learn Mah Jongg, now’s your chance. Starting Tuesday, May 19, the Sippican Woman’s Club (SWC) will offer free Mah Jongg lessons from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm noon at Handy’s Tavern, 150 Front Street, for three consecutive weeks. Pre-registration is required for the first eight women who sign-up on our website, SippicanWomansClub.org. You do not have to be a member of SWC to participate but should plan to attend all three classes: May 19, May 26, and June 2.

            The three-week session will teach American Mah Jongg using the National Mah Jongg League official standard hands and rules based on the 2026 card. Find out more on the SWC website.

Studies in Green – the Return to Life

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            Rowing in a whaleboat recently I noticed how the reappearance of the foliage punctuates the shores of Fairhaven with bursts of green accentuating the lovely architecture. My companion noted that if Eskimos can have hundreds (an exaggeration) of words for snow, then green merits the same here in New England. Nodding in agreement, we pulled our oars together past the soothing landscape, now coming to life as spring settles in.

            Other similar “primavera” moments have followed – taking in the bursts of buds on the trees as I drove back from Boston. This drive can be rather boring – especially when your focus is on the cars ahead of you. But seeing the progression of leaf canopy made a potentially mundane drive something festive. Something in the way the light hit the leaves and the contrast of dark and bright moved me. I was driving not along Route 495, but rather, a Corot landscape.

            And then again today riding the bike path and smelling the grass being mowed, I was again reminded of the significance of green. These are notable spring moments for me as the return of green always carries with it hope and renewal. One could argue that the color green has actual synesthesia-like qualities – the senses get sort of crossed – you can see it, taste it, smell it and feel it.  The regeneration of greenery has a powerful impact – a pull that takes us forward as well as to the past when we spent our childhood outdoors on green lawns. The return of green always brings comfort, even a euphoric feeling.

            There are innumerable shades of green ushered in by spring. Perky jungle green ferns; avocado green fig, subdued army blanket moss; teal-tinged pine; deep dramatic leaves of acanthus; chartreuse lady’s mantle and of course everyone’s favorite the green of summer grass. I don’t have to stray from my garden to find these welcomers of the growing season.

            “To be a gardener in a temperate climate is to be immersed in a world of greens — the rich dark green of yew, the yellowish green of young euphorbias, the soft green of young beech leaves, the glistening blackish green of laurel, the brownish green of unfurling ferns, and the intense bright green of springy new turf,” writes Susan Chivers in Planting for Color, in the Horticulture Gardener’s Guide. “Green soothes and calms and acts as a foil for every other color in the garden. It also provides a vital, seamless link between garden and landscape.”

            The author notes that gardens with predominantly green themes can be very striking, as proven in the works of landscapers Piet Oudolf, Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweden, who “make much use of grasses, arranging them in subtle gradations of green.” My gardens have a similar distinction, although it’s not by ascribing to a preference or design. It’s just the way things turn out. Variations in texture and range of color — both green and non-green – keeps the garden interesting.

            Green in common culture is a euphemism for eco-conscious. And many of green’s word associations have positive connotations. Ireland’s “four green fields” or provinces; Gatsby’s green light; the jolly green giant; Fenway’s Green Monster; Anne of Green Gables; Green berets; Sir Gawain’s Green Knight; Shamrock shakes; Kermit the frog’s greenness; green eggs; salsa verde; and let’s not forget green thumb.

            Green is the go sign. Take your shoes off and feel it.

            Federico Garcia Lorca: “Verde que te quiero verde.” (Green, how I love you green.)

The Seaside Gardener

By Laura McLean

Bulldogs Break First in Tennis Showdown

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Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

            The Old Rochester Regional High School boys tennis team won the battle of the unbeatens on May 1, handing Somerset Berkley (10-1) its first defeat of the season by a narrow, 3-2 margin. The Bulldogs took an astounding 10-0 record into the South Coast Conference rivals’ rematch on Tuesday at ORR. The Bulldogs then visit Apponequet (0-10) on Thursday, May 7, in Lakeville.

Girls Tennis

            ORR’s girls tennis team played at Wareham (4-7) on May 1 and won 5-0. Junior Zadie Goyette won her first varsity singles match, 6-0, and was named the player of the match. The Bulldogs took an 8-0 season record (6-0 SCC) into their match at division rival Somerset Berkley (7-3) on Tuesday, and will host Apponequet (2-7) on Thursday, May 7.