Tick Talk

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            There is definitely an uptick in tick-borne illnesses this season.

            Tick-borne diseases, namely Lyme, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis, can affect people of any age.  Please know to expect ticks here in Mattapoisett and in neighboring towns.

            Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and on animals. When you and your pet spend time in wooded areas, whether it be camping, gardening, or simply playing in the backyard, you will likely be in close contact with ticks.

            How can we prevent being bitten by an infected tick?

            Know where to expect ticks. Ticks are known to live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brush and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They also live in lawns and gardens, especially at the edges of woods and around stonewalls. Ticks do not jump or fly and are not known to drop onto passing people or animals. Rather, ticks transfer to humans and animals by direct contact.

-Stay on clear, well-traveled trails.

-Avoid contact with tall grasses and vegetation.

-Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.

-Wear repellent with DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil.

-Check your pets and yourself daily following outdoor activities.

            If a tick gets on the skin, it generally climbs until it reaches a warm, protected area. Measures of prevention include:

-Check clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks while outdoors and check again once indoors.

-Common areas to check for ticks when scanning your whole body is: under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist and on the hairline and scalp.

-Shower soon after returning indoors.

            If you find a tick on your skin, do not panic. Kids, tell your parents if you find a tick so that it can be properly removed.

-When removing the tick, do not squeeze, twist, or squash the tick.

-Use fine-point tweezers or a tick-removal tool.

-Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.

-Pull the tick straight out with steady, even pressure.

-Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands.

            If symptoms develop, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible. Early detection is key to a speedy recovery. For further information, go to www.mass.gov/tick-bornediseases. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Mattapoisett Public Health Nursing Office at 508-758-4118.

By Emily Field, MSN, RN

Tree-Clearing Plan Key to Solar Proposal

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Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday informally reviewed a plan to place a 2.39-megawatt, ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array on 12.55 acres of a 30.2-acre parcel on Cushman Road.

            Andrew Hamill, representing petitioner Blue Wave Solar dba/BWC Snows Pond LLC, said a site-plan-review application and Special Permit-review application will follow what he introduced as an informal discussion prior to submission of a formal proposal.

            Hamill said his engineering firm, Weston & Sampson, has already met with the local tech-review committee and made suggested changes to the plan, specifically breaks in a nearby stonewall for access to the back of the property. He noted that the array will be built 380 feet away from the nearest abutter on Jason’s Way and will be surrounded by a 7-foot-tall, vinyl, chain-link fence. He said the petitioner will soon file a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission and a Landscaping Plan.

            Planning Board members asked to see more details on the final plans, including tree clearing currently proposed. Board Chairman Arnold Johnson said he wanted to see fencing more clearly defined on the plan. Board member Ben Bailey said he wanted to know more about the project’s tree-clearing plan.

            Hamill agreed to comply in future, updated plans. “I’ll be happy to put some shaded trees where you want them,” he said.

            Elsewhere on Tuesday’s agenda, the board’s three public hearings ended quickly. The hearing on the special permit and site-plan-review application to develop a commercial building at 621 County Road to include Megan’s Organic Market, a recreational-marijuana retail facility, was continued until August 15 because the petitioners had failed to notify abutters by certified mail.

            “They will be notified they will have to go back and present all their information from the beginning,” said Town Planner Nancy Durfee. “It’s in the rules and regulations what they have to do.”

            “One hundred percent, they should have known better,” board member Chris Silveira said.

            The petitioners for a plan to locate a native tree and perennial nursery on 2.5 acres at 157 Vaughn Hill Road asked for and were granted an extension of their public hearing to September, as they have decided to hire an engineer to formally draft their plan.

            In other meetings with town boards, Tree Talk owners Jennifer and Charles Anderson have expressed wanting to simplify their business plan as much as possible and not spend too much money. As a result, the board had urged them to submit a more professionally detailed proposal.

            The board then approved a request from Mark and Ashley Briggs that their site-plan-review application to construct a building to be used to restore, detail and store collectible cars at 0 New Bedford Road be withdrawn “without prejudice.”

            The board also approved skipping its next (July 25) scheduled meeting. The board will meet on Tuesday, August 15, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

July at Rochester Historical Society

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July 19 at 7:00, we will have music with Tom and Sheila Perry followed by our annual ice cream social. This will all take place at the Rochester Historical Museum located at 355 County Road.

            The first 2 drop-off dates for our August 5 & 6 yard sale are Friday, July 21 11:00-1:30 and Monday, July 24 10:30-1:00.

            Remember, we are requesting clean and unbroken items. No clothes, shoes, baby or large furniture and no electronics – TVs, computers etc. When dropping off items, please drive around the museum to the side door facing the cemetery. Any questions, call Connie 617 750 2818 or email eshbach2@aol.com or Sue 508 295 8908 or email sash48@comcast.net.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is honored to announce that the 2022-23 Continuing Education Scholarship has been awarded to Rosemary Williams, a lifelong Mattapoisett resident.

            Rosemary holds a Bachelor degree in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music and is an early intervention Board Certified Music Therapist. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work degree online at Simmons College. Her aim is to combine music therapy with social work to more effectively reach those in need. Rosemary is also the mother of three young children, ages 6, 5, and 4 months.

            Rosemary is grateful to her husband Whynton and her mother for helping her balance the many responsibilities in her life.

Marion Board of Health

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To the Editor;

            In response to comments made at the Board of Health meeting of June 15, 2023 I offer the following:

            Prior to 2000 the present retention pond area at Silvershell Beach was mostly unused public land which was developed into a stormwater retention system to capture and treat polluted runoff from Converse Road and its side streets. It was never proclaimed off limits to townspeople nor was it designated to be part of the public beach.

            Some years after the retention ponds were built, during the years 2016-1017, concern that the lack of frequent maintenance of encroaching vegetation would impact the system led to a community supported effort to rehabilitate the stormwater control feature.

            An informal plan was drawn by Davis Land Design, Inc. showing a frequently mowed & maintained area. The plan included a wide mowed walking path to keep the area from being overtaken by invasives. The plan also responded to calls by local dog owners who expressed a wish to have an alternative place to walk from May to October.  It showed 2 benches for those wishing to walk and rest as well as a trash barrel placed in the parking lot, reachable over the fence by dog owners to deposit waste bags (where the DPW could easily access it). This placement would make it simple for dog owners to pick up and dispose of waste without entering the beach parking lot.

            This plan was presented to a group of town members including Paul Dawson (the Town Manager), Sherm Briggs, Jody Dickerson, myself, and others where it was approved on condition of approval by the Conservation Commission and the Selectman. It was subsequently approved by all.

            The town cleared invasives, top dressed with compost, and reseeded. Benches were donated by local dog owners – Friends of the Pond Path. Jody placed a trash can within easy reach. Delivery and placement of the 2 new benches were facilitated with the help of Sherman & Alice Briggs.

            Local dog owners are aware that their dogs are not allowed at any time on the beach between May 1 & October 1 and are respectful of that bylaw.  While many towns allow access before 8 am and after 8pm we recognize that a robust recreational program at Silvershell informed the decision to prohibit all use in Marion during beach season.

            We applaud Dr. Howard’s suggestion of a waste bag dispenser. In fact, several years ago we provided and continue to stock one. We would welcome informational signage referencing the delicate nature of the area. Education around stormwater and our delicate ecosystems is critically important and should be presented whenever appropriate, as we do on other local public lands.

            There are at present 2 openings to the area, one at each end of the fence surrounding the currently well-maintained areas. These openings were created by DPW to facilitate their entry with large mowers. I can see how there might be some confusion about the best entry point for those who drive in to walk their dogs. I live close by so have always walked in at the North end of the path which means that I don’t have to enter the parking lot. Perhaps a sign clarifying how to enter or a designated spot for dog owners to park would solve that issue.

            I believe we can all agree that healthy ecosystems and abundant wildlife are part of what we love about this space. I feel confident that any and all dog owners would be heartily supportive of the bylaw – referenced penalties levied on any individual who might allow their dog to harass resident species.

            While we agree that presently the Board of Health has no jurisdiction in this matter, it goes without saying that clear detection of high percentages of dog-related waste in Sprague’s Cove would warrant further discussion.

            Respectfully submitted,

 Susannah Davis, Marion

The views expressed in the “Letters to the Editor” column are not necessarily those of The Wanderer, its staff or advertisers. The Wanderer will gladly accept any and all correspondence relating to timely and pertinent issues in the great Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester area, provided they include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification. We cannot publish anonymous, unsigned or unconfirmed submissions. The Wanderer reserves the right to edit, condense and otherwise alter submissions for purposes of clarity and/or spacing considerations. The Wanderer may choose to not run letters that thank businesses, and The Wanderer has the right to edit letters to omit business names. The Wanderer also reserves the right to deny publication of any submitted correspondence. All letters must be typed and submitted directly to: news@wanderer.com.

Alia’s Art Focuses on Growth

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One image displays brightly colored flowers at the bottom and a classic New England forest and American flag at the top.

            This painting is called “Cultivate” and is one of many meaningful paintings conducted by Old Rochester Regional High School rising senior Alia Cusolito.

            The image captures what it is like for a liberal-minded member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Questioning community to grow up in Rochester, a conservative farm town. The title “Cultivate” represents the growth needed for a farm community to thrive, as well as the growth needed for a LGBTQ student to thrive in such a community.

            For the first time in recent memory, according to Mattapoisett Historical Society Museum members, the museum hosted an art exhibit from one local student.

            Cusolito says it started off as a contest in which museum directors called for paintings and other art during Pride Month. Cusolito did just that but also impressed members with art representing life as a small-town teen, as well as art capturing the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community.

            Cusolito hosted an exhibit last Saturday and was busy chatting about art with members of the public.

            Some were paintings and some were collages. Almost all drew “oohs” and “ahs” from members of the public who were in and out on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

            A lover of all arts, including music, Cusolito’s work reflected some diverse interests, including one spontaneous jam session with a guitarist friend. Cusolito has been singing in chorus since elementary school and also plays the piano and banjo. The colorful painting of friend Jay captured the sheer joy of spontaneous music for teens.

            “It’s my friend group and my sense of community and joy with them,” Cusolito said. “I wanted to convey that.”

            Another painting captured what it is like for LGBTQ students to grow up in America today. Others tackled racism, climate change and standing up against violence. Some featured paintings, collage cut-outs from magazines and other media all in one.

            “I like having mixed media. It’s more of an interesting combination,” Cusolito said.

            In addition to art, Cusolito is also the copresident of the nonprofit Queer Youth Ensemble and has been an activist since early childhood.

            “Alia strongly believes that everyone can make a change in the world, and that we should all try to do so,” read a description under a photo of Cusolito at the exhibit.

            People walking by were inspired by the messages.

            Carole Clifford, a member of the museum’s Board of Directors, said earlier that weekend a walk was conducted and people were moved by Cusolito’s talent and depth.

            “It’s very timely,” Clifford said of those messages.

            “It’s very powerful,” Exhibits Committee member Missy Rogina said of Cusolito’s work. “Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but each piece has a powerful message.”

By Jeffrey D. Wagner

New Marine Resource Officer Introduced

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            Isaac Perry, Mattapoisett’s newly appointed Marine Resource Officer, was officially introduced to the town at the July 11 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board.

            Doing the introductory honors was Police Chief Justin King, who said Perry came highly qualified, had been a police officer in the towns of Marion and Rochester, a shellfish officer in Dartmouth and a graduate of Mass Maritime Academy.

            Perry said that he was impressed by the work ethic of all town employees he has met thus far and how helpful everyone has been. He said he is learning the “pace of the harbor” and is excited to be in Mattapoisett. Perry is a resident of Rochester.

            The board took up the issue of dogs in Shipyard Park. Although there has been a local bylaw on the books for many years banning dogs from the historic park, it was agreed that new signage might help to drive home the point. However, the board also concluded that signs alone will not stop violators.

            Board members Jodi Bauer and Jordan Collyer harkened back to the days when a “matron” patrolled the town beach and Shipyard Park, ensuring that rules were being obeyed. “She was scary,” chuckled Bauer.

            But the issue is a serious one. The board agreed that enforcement of the bylaw is needed as well as new signage. Town Administrator Mike Lorenco will work with Perry and Animal Control to develop a plan for patrolling of the park.

            Presently, the fine for having one’s dog in a restricted area or not picking up after a dog is $10 but can reach as much as $500 for repeat offenders.

            Lorenco reported that a contract for the development of a new website would cost approximately $30,000, and an annual maintenance fee would be added. After some discussion, it was determined that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be posted for website development, possibly adding features currently unavailable.

            They said that the online permitting feature that the town was supposed to have from the current provider of 17 years has never operated properly. After further discussion, the board decided to ask the public what features they would like to have available when using the town’s website. More to follow on this topic at next Select Board meeting.

            Mattapoisett’s public beaches were closed earlier in the day when water testing proved bacteria levels were high. Member Tyler Macallister said that heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in other parts of the state are impacting local waters, “…up and down the coast.” Beaches have been closed, he said.

            Lorenco added that the town does not usually need to close its beaches, but heavy rains are the issue. Lorenco advised the public to check the town’s website and Facebook page for updated information. He said testing would continue Wednesday, July 12.

            Lorenco also reported that in about six weeks, VHB, the town’s engineering consultant for the Village Streets Improvement project, would be holding a public meeting to roll out the latest plan. He also said the town would be meeting with MassDOT to discuss the Route 6 corridor and possible changes to that heavily traveled state roadway.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board was not scheduled upon adjournment.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Young People’s Concert

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The Marion Concert Band continues its Friday evening concert series with a Young People’s Concert on Friday, July 14.  The concert will include an opportunity for children in the audience to play rhythm instruments with the band.  The program is as follows:

Children’s March – E. F. Goldman

Looney Tunes Overture – B. Holcombe 

A Disney Spectacular – arr. J. Moss

Morceau Symphonique – A. Guilmant, Tobias F. Monte, euphonium

Journey to the Lion’s Castle – R. Galante

Highlights from Frozen – arr. Sean O’Loughlin

Pixar Movie Magic – arr. M. Brown

Variations on “Bingo” – S. Reisteter

The Candy Man (from Willie Wonka) – A. Newley

Walt Disney Overture – J. Christensen

The Wizard of Oz Fantasy – H. Arlen

Moana – arr. J. Bocook

Shrek Dance Party – arr. P. Murtha

            Tobias F. Monte, euphonium soloist, has performed with the Massachusetts All-State Band, the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra, the UMass Dartmouth Wind Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra, St. Cecilia Philharmonic Band and the Tri-County Symphonic Band.  He has been a member of the Marion Concert Band since 2011.

            The concert, under the direction of Tobias S. Monte, will begin at 7:00 at the Robert Broomhead Bandstand, Island Wharf off Front Street in Marion.  All concerts are free and open to the public. Like” us on Facebook at “Marion Town Band” for up-to-date announcements and rain cancellation notices.

Harbor Days Schedule

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Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett 

FREE round trip shuttle transportation to and from the town wharf/Shipyard Park provided by the 

Mattapoisett Council on Aging. Pick up and drop off in the parking area next to Ying Dynasty.

Saturday, July 15, 2023 shuttle – 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • Sunday, July 16, 2023 shuttle – 8:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00) 

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mattapoisett Town Band Concert 

Thursday, July 13, 2023

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Adult Paint Night (Under the Big Tent – Must Pre-Register)

Friday, July 14, 2023

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday Night Fish Fry by Oxford Creamery ($16.00)

5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00) 

Entertainment

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Xtreme Acoustic

Saturday, July 15, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Craft Fair 100+ Vendors 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. U Pick ‘Em 

9:00 a.m. – ? Mattapoisett Fire Department apparatus 

11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club Grill & Oxcart

~4:00 p.m. – Silent Auction high bidders announced.

11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00)

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Lobsterfest ($30.00) 

Entertainment

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Gary Brown

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 Science Marvels of Motion

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Butch McCarthy

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Rebecca Correia

Sunday, July 16, 2023

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast ($8.00 adults & children) 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Craft Fair 100+ Vendors 

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 50/50 Raffle

Winner announced ~4:00 p.m. 

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. U Pick ‘Em

Winners announced ~3:00 p.m.  Need not be present to win.

11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club Grill 

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Oxcart Food Truck 

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or Until Sold Out Strawberry Shortcakes ($7.00)

Entertainment

8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – CAL (Carolyn Wingate Ukulele)

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Showstoppers

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Johnny Bickford Band

Sunday, July 30, 2023

8:00 a.m. Mattapoisett Lions Club’s Triathlon at Town Beach  

Community Picnic a ‘Fun-Raiser’

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            What do you get when you combine, imagination, wine, food and an historic harborside location? Give up? You get the Great Community Picnic. This fundraiser has become an annual staple of summertime fun hosted by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Museum. This year the event is scheduled for Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 pm at the Munro Preserve at Mattapoisett Harbor.

            As museum board member Jennifer McIntire recalls, in 2015, “It began when Mike (Huguenin, president of the MLT) suggested we find new avenues for collaboration between the historical society (aka the Mattapoisett Museum) and the land trust.” One idea the museum board explored was a clambake, but “there were too many mollusk allergies and aversions.” However, the concept of bringing the two groups together was embraced.

            Then a board member of the museum, Chris Demakis, shared a recent event he had attended in Fairhaven, a “dinner en blanc.” Subcommittees from both organizations met to begin preliminary planning. While the en blanc concept was dropped, the food aspect evolved into a community picnic.

            Tickets were sold for tables of 10 or smaller seating, and participants received a table they could view as a blank canvas. Decorating was highly encouraged. With imaginations set free, all manner of decorations from pirate themes to elegant floral arrangements arrived at Munro Preserve. As the years have gone by, the decorative fun returns each year. There has even been a group that makes its own fascinator hats fit for queens.

            Music is also part of the ticket price. This year, entertainment will be organized by Seth Assar. And there will be oysters. Three local growers, Dale Leavitt, Mike Ward and Bob Field, will provide this finger food. A small fee for each shelled beauty is expected.

            McIntire shared that from a historical perspective, picnics and clambakes have long been part of the Mattapoisett summer scene. She said there are numerous old photos in the museum memorializing such events. Think, ladies in white linen dresses and men in straw hats.

            McIntire went on to say that although the event is a fundraiser for the two organizations, it is not earmarked for specific purposes. “The event is more of a “fun-raiser,” she said, adding that these are two exceptional nonprofit organizations and that the picnic helps to raise awareness. “It’s a fun, friendly, inclusive event.”

            The price of admission includes tables, chairs, linens, a great location and live music. The fee structure is groups of four $160, groups of six $240, groups of eight $320 and groups of 10 $400. New this year: Single tickets for $40 will be available. Singles will be seated together. For more information, visit Mattapoisetmuseum.org or mattlandtrust.org.

By Marilou Newell