David L. Keighley

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David L. Keighley of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 as a result of complications that developed following a double lung transplant in October 2019.

            Born in 1954 in New Bedford and raised on Spring Street in Fairhaven a short block away from St. Joseph Church and School, David was the fifth of six children born to the late Vincent J. Keighley and Lillian A. Keighley.

            Following his 1972 graduation from Holy Family High School, David worked at various outdoor occupations including working at A.D. Makepeace cranberries with his brother Kevin and working in a painting business with his brother Mark. Later he returned to school and earned his B.A. from UMass Dartmouth in 1990, graduating as the top student in his Political Science class. He enrolled in the Southern New England School of Law (now UMass School of Law) in 1992 and received his law degree in 1996.

            In his role as an attorney, David specialized in appellate work. Initially that was at the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office. Later, in his own practice he worked through the MA Committee for Public Counsel Services until his retirement in 2018 following his diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

            David was a well-read individual. Besides law he was chiefly interested in history and political biographies such as Shelby Foote’s massive three volume set on the American civil war and Doris Kearns Goodwin’s biography of President Lyndon Johnson. As for fiction, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain were his favorites.

            In his twenties he took up running and later he became an avid cyclist and participant in yoga and Pilates classes. David was a longtime friend of both Bill W. and Lois W.

            He is survived by his former wife Doris Guerette of Mattapoisett; his brothers, Kevin Keighley of Acushnet and Mark Keighley and his wife Nancy Gentile of Mattapoisett; his sisters, Kathleen Keighley of Wichita Falls, TX, Carole Andre of Raleigh, NC and Rosemary Keighley of Hull, MA., nephews Ryan Keighley and his wife Brigid of S. Burlington, Vt and William Andre and his wife Alexa of Clayton, NC; niece Martha Andre of Selma, NC; great nieces and nephews Coleen, Connor, Michael and Lola. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Douglas Andre.

            Thank you from his family to Community Nurse & Home Care and his friends who supported him through his illness and helped ease his transition to the afterlife.

            He will be cremated and his cremains interred with his parents at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven. Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery on Friday July 2, 2021 at 10 AM. Donations in David’s memory may be made to Community Nurse and Home Care, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Ripley Ready for Taber’s Busy Summer

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            Elizabeth Taber Library’s new children’s librarian, Heather Ripley, made it over from one neighboring town to another on June 14, just in time for a very busy summer.

            For four years the assistant children’s librarian at Mattapoisett Public Library, Ripley’s first activity at Taber Library was the Tales and Tails summer reading program sign-up. “So, we’re jumping right into it. We’re still doing sign-up [and] it’s been pretty steady,” she said, noting 10 children had registered as of June 17. Registrants receive a Reading Buddy Kit that includes a reading log and a surprise mini zoo animal reading buddy.

            Having attended graduate school at Simmons University in Boston, Ripley took specialty classes to become a children’s librarian. Now she’s neck-deep in various efforts to get more kids cracking books in between school years.

            Marion’s Summer Reading program is broken up into 15-minute segments in which readers are awarded stickers on personalized charts. “It really encourages more reading,” said Ripley.

            Through the Heifer Fund grant, reading helps a charitable organization send chickens, goats, or cows to a farm in Africa. “Marion has been doing it for a while,” said Ripley, alluding to pre-pandemic visits that the library made to schools to introduce students to the incentive program.

            “We’re still recently open from COVID-19, still wearing masks and have masks available,” said Ripley of the Taber Library practices. She said that people are complying. “Everyone’s masking fine and keeping distances. We’re slowly taking down precautions and easing things back to how things were.”

            Mornings and afternoons tend to be busier times of day at Taber Library.

            The library was closed on June 19 for Juneteenth, but will soon kickoff a full slate of summer entertainment with the Rockabye Beats Interactive Children’s Concert sponsored by the Marion Cultural Council on Monday, June 28, at 2:00 pm at the Marion Bandstand. Performers will mix singing and dancing geared toward children, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own rhythm instruments and participate.

            Daily Lawn games also began on June 14 with disc golf, bag toss, Kan Jam, oversized board games, giant Legos, and obstacle courses. On Friday mornings from 10:00 am to noon, the library is serving free coffee and juice in the reading circle.

            The New Bedford Art Museum’s artMobile will make two appearances with art projects inspired by the Ruth E. Carter exhibit Uncommon Threads, which explores fashion and costume design. The all-ages event is scheduled for two Saturdays, June 26 and July 17, from noon to 2:00 pm.

            July events include a visit from Pine Meadows Alpaca Farm animals on Thursday, July 8, at 1:00 pm, a Mandala workshop for teens and adults on Tuesday, July 13, at 6:30 pm, and Mike Piazza’s Flying High Frisbee dog show on Tuesday, July 20, at 1:00 pm.

            The Taber Library will announce more activities and events this summer and invites readers to help decide what the future holds by participating in a survey accessible at forms.gle/4QRKiG3Zf7LLkfiU9. For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call 508-748-1252.

By Mick Colageo

ARPA Funds Must Last through 2024

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            As the Mattapoisett Finance Committee met to approve end-of-year reserve fund transfers, capping off a year that found this town and the entire global community struggling to pay for and plan for pandemic-related expenses, the news was not all bad. Reserve fund monies can be counted on to cover these unbudgeted and or unanticipated expenses.

            Better yet, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said that a federal stimulus package would find Mattapoisett $600,000 on the positive cash flow side of the balance sheet by the end of July. He said the American Rescue Plan will bring in just over $500,000 in new funding that the federal government said must last through 2024.

            Lorenco explained that the program is awarding stimulus monies based on the population of cities and towns, that the funds must be requested by municipalities, and that the Select Board and he do not plan to use the funds until a full understanding of the guidelines on spending the money is understood. “There is a 158-page document explaining how the funds may be used.… Federal guidelines are strict, and even a mistake amounting to pennies can disqualify us from future funding,” he said.

            For now, as funding is received it will be set aside pending future decisions.

            Also held back was $145,000 from FY21 in unallocated funds, FinCom Chair Pat Donoghue explained. She confirmed that those monies are allowed to be held back until a fall Town Meeting can be held by October, giving the town time to study end-of-the year spending against receipts.

            The main topic of the June 16 meeting was reserve fund transfers requested by Town Administrator Mike Lorenco. These requests were fairly modest, given that on some balance sheets expenses could not be fully anticipated. Lorenco asked for a total of $130,000 to cover such expenses as the state mandated accrual study, $8,000 of which had not been budgeted, he said.

            Legal fees, Lorenco said, came in high and therefore needed an additional estimated sum of $30,000 to cover fees until the end of FY21. Another transfer coming from reserve cash will be to cover overtime hours for the conservation agent in the amount of $20,000.

            Coming before FinCom members to explain a $35,000 expense in on-call fire personnel was Fire Chief Andrew Murray, who explained that with so many people staying home during the pandemic lockdown period, many on-call firefighters responded to incidents. He wrote in a narrative presented to the committee, “The pandemic has created a unique dynamic for on-call fire departments across the country. On a normal year, the majority of on-call staff leave town during the day for their full-time jobs, they have parties, functions, activities.… The past year has been completely different.” He continued on saying that with so many on-call firefighters available to answer the call, the “three-hour call back minimum multiplied and compounded this issue.… Monthly payouts were much greater than historical records show.”

            Another transfer requested was $18,000 for the paving of Reservation Road, part of the bike path agreement previously executed with the private golf club. And in the unanticipated category was the need for $7,500 for plastic shield installations in municipal buildings. While the town did receive federal CARES Act reimbursement funding, Lorenco stated, “Those funds were used up by December.”

            All requested transfer sums were unanimously approved by the committee.

            No future meetings were scheduled at adjournment.

Mattapoisett Finance Committee

By Marilou Newell

Academic Achievements

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Charlotte Cole and Elle Gendreau of Mattapoisett been named to the Spring 2021 Dean’s List at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the Dean’s List that semester.

            College of Charleston congratulates more than 2,200 students who were named to Spring 2021 President’s List and Dean’s List including: Julia Jeffries of Marion, who was named to the President’s List. Jeffries is majoring in Business Administration. Jack Howard of Marion was named to the Dean’s List. Howard is majoring in Undecided.

            The following Tri-Town residents were among the students who received their degrees in May as part of the Class of 2021at Roger Williams University: Nicholas Ferreira of Rochester graduates Cum Laude with a B.S. in Computer Science/Custom Specialization; Celeste Hartley of Rochester graduates Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Engineering/Civil Engineering Specialization; Emily Kiehl of Marion graduates Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Marketing; Madeline Pope of Mattapoisett graduates with a B.S. in Marketing.

            Rochester resident Hannah Nadeau has been named to Husson University’s President’s List for the Spring 2021 semester. During the spring semester, Nadeau was enrolled in Husson’s Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies/Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program.

            Hannah Guard of Marion, a Commonwealth Honors College student at the University of Massachusetts, completed a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology, and in public health sciences, with a minor in psychology. Motivated by her grandmother’s dementia, Guard became involved in Students to End Alzheimer’s Disease. As an executive board member, she led successful fundraising and outreach efforts. Following her passion to be a scientist who works to prevent dementia and other diseases, Guard immersed herself in epidemiology to learn concepts that could connect her knowledge of biochemistry to helping people. She spent five semesters as a research assistant for the UMass Breast Health Study, exploring breast cancer risk factors. For her honors thesis, Guard explored the relationship between bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental chemical, and inflammatory makers in breast milk of nursing mothers. This research could further the understanding of breast cancer risk. To further her career dedicated to preventing neurodegenerative conditions, Guard will begin the master’s program in epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health next fall.

Reading Frederick Douglass Together

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On Saturday, July 3, at 10:00 am, the Marion Art Center will present Reading Frederick Douglass Together, a public reading of Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in Bicentennial Park, located at 1 Spring Street in Marion. Bicentennial Park is located directly across the street from the MAC, at the corner of Main and Spring Streets in Marion. Guests should bring their own chairs or picnic blanket to the event and should arrive about ten minutes early to find a seat in the park. The presentation of this public reading is a statewide initiative coordinated by Mass Humanities, a generous sponsor of this free community event.

            A diverse group of orators will present an abridged version of the speech, including additional remarks, and the reading will run about 45 minutes. There will be a Q&A to follow – all guests are invited to join this informal discussion. The entire program should last about an hour. A paper version of the speech, along with a list of community conversation starters, will be available to guests immediately following the reading. The Marion Art Center will also provide coffee and tea at the event.

            Program scholar Dr. Moise St Louis, Assistant Dean of Students/Director of the Frederick Douglass Unity House at and Interim Associate Vice Chancellor at UMass Dartmouth, will give remarks and help lead an informal group discussion at the event. The FDUH is “an intercultural center that empowers and transforms the student experience, through activities and initiatives designed to challenge, foster, and enrich the cultural life of the UMassD community. Unity House places a particular emphasis on providing a supportive environment for the academic, cultural, recreational, and social pursuits of UMassD’s ALANA students –African/Black, Latin@/Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Native American/Indigenous – and social justice allies.” Dr. St Louis holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics/International Relations as well as the following degrees: B.A. in Social Thought and Political Economy, B.A. in Afro-American Studies, a B.A. in Political Science, and M.A. in Comparative Politics.

            Reading Frederick Douglass together is presented by the MAC in partnership with Tri-Town Against Racism, a local grassroots organization whose mission is “to intentionally create an anti-racist environment for our citizens. In doing so, we seek to target systemic, institutional, and structural racism within the towns of Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester.”

            Reading Frederick Douglass Together is free and open to the public. Additional resources can be found at masshumanities.org/programs/douglass/douglass-resources. Please contact the MAC with questions by emailing info@marionartcenter.org or by calling 508-748-1266.

New Police Sergeant a Marion First

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            The Town of Marion promoted a woman to the office of police sergeant for the first time, the Select Board voting to approve Alisha Crosby to a one-year probationary period effective June 27 as the town’s first-ever Marion Police sergeant during the board’s June 22 meeting at the Music Hall.

            “I appreciate the opportunity,” said Crosby, who was supported by the attendance of over a dozen officers including her presenter, Chief of Police Richard Nighelli, along with retired Chief of Police John Garcia and several family members.

            Nighelli called Crosby “a great addition to our command staff” and the “first female supervisor in the history of the Marion Police Department. Thanks to Officer Crosby’s work, there is no glass ceiling here. She shattered it.”

            At the affirming vote of the three-member Select Board, Town Administrator Jay McGrail led a standing ovation for Crosby, a 2010 Randolph Police Academy graduate who has 11 years as a full-time officer with the Marion Police Department and has served as liaison to Sippican School.

            Crosby’s community efforts have included a toy drive that brought over 1,000 toys to children during the last holiday season, along with work with foster children.

            The Select Board also approved officer Peter Bourgault’s promotion to permanent status with the Police Department. Bourgault just completed his probationary period that began on June 20, 2020, and recently received recognition for his leadership in a May 16 rescue mission of six passengers of an overturned vessel in the marina channel including three suffering from hypothermia.

            Tuesday’s was a lengthy Select Board meeting with substantial community interest in two cases involving food-and-drink establishments.

            In a 6:15 pm public hearing, Mike Achilles appeared before the board to advocate for an entertainment license for the Mary Celeste Neighborhood Lounge at 149 Front Street.

            Achilles, a resident at 7 Cottage Street for the past eight years, opened the Mary Celeste six months ago and now has 12 employees. Achilles said he has served over 4,000 customers, has listened to the concerns of neighbors from when he applied for a liquor license, and has not had a single complaint. He summarized his activities in knocking on doors to check and alluded to successful fundraisers for charitable causes.

            Achilles said he plans light jazz music inside and out, including small live acoustic sets, dinner and a movie on the patio, and visiting authors to discuss their books. With a capacity of 50 patrons indoors and 32 outside, Achilles said he anticipates only one event per week maximum, but alluding to logistical challenges, would like his entertainment license not to be strictly limited by that standard.

            He said his business should be afforded the same consideration that the town has given other village businesses including Kate’s Simple Eats, but several abutters and non-abutting citizens criticized the application as being too large a leap.

            Abutters said parking was supposed to be on the property but is already crowding the street, and others said that when the restaurant opens at 3:00 pm children are active on their skateboards and in potential danger of cars looking to park in the area.

            Achilles said the neighborhood presently has more noise than what the Mary Celeste would add and said sensors on the premises will help govern that, but he did not have an answer ready to Selectman Randy Parker’s question as to the present decibels setting.

            Selectman John Waterman suggested a three-month probationary period that would presumably end in September and allow abutters to revisit the matter and have their say. McGrail added that, in the interim people could reach out to his office and get that information to the board.

            Reiterating his intentions to work with the neighbors, Achilles said he is not against a probationary period but reminded the board that Kate’s Simple Eats was not required to operate on a probationary period. “I’m asking for fairness here … I’m okay with this, but I think there should be a standard,” he said.

            The public hearing was continued to July 20 at 6:15 pm.

            On May 4, the Select Board promised to talk about parking restrictions on River Road with residents concerned about the ramifications of the new business replacing Gilda’s at the mouth of River Road facing Route 6 near the Wareham town line.

            According to River Road resident Chris Collings, a member of Marion’s Planning Board, eight River Road residents representing six households were in attendance seeking protection against potential road blockages. The group also authored a petition hoping to leverage a result.

            Taking their turns, several spoke. Dick Gregory, 10 River Road, said it is unsafe for drivers turning right off Route 6 westbound onto River Road and it would take a couple hundred yards of parking restriction to avoid the critical delay turning off of the highway. He also noted that, in the past, there would occasionally be intoxicated people on his porch who could not find their cars and people urinating behind his house.

            Waterman explained that the new owners have to establish a parking plan that shows they can handle the building capacity but that he has yet to see it.

            The residents acknowledged that a no-parking law is not a solution because residents, guests, and vendor services need to access their properties.

            McGrail noted that, should the owners’ proposed parking plan not support the capacity of the building, then the Select Board could in turn limit the capacity of the building. Building Commissioner Scott Shippey has the right to approve the project.

            Another abutter suggested that the large rocks bordering the business lot obscure the view of motorists and alluded to a recent collision resulting in a fatality.

            The discussion did not require action on the part of the Select Board, which awaits a parking plan from the applicant.

            In a 6:30 pm continued public hearing, the Select Board voted to approve a special permit for Papa’s Real Estate, LLC to operate a propane storage business in a water protection district at 0 Luce Avenue, pending Planning Board approval.

            In other business, the board voted to approve the reappointment to boards and committees all members in good standing as of June 22. The board approved a request from MMR (Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester) Hose Company for a decommissioned surplus fire engine to be used for training purposes. The board approved a $4,500 donation for the new walking path at the Cushing Community Center, the reappointment of DPW engineer Meghan Davis to the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee, and ratified the clerical union contract.

            Parker recused himself from the board’s action to approve the Sippican Lands Trust’s request for a one-day liquor license for its September 18 SLT Beer and Oyster Fest at Cushing Community Center with the stipulation of a police detail.

            The board also approved street closures for the July 5 Independence Day parade.

            In response to an email from Christian Pedulli regarding “no littering” signage, the board discussed the lack of a littering bylaw in Marion. There is a state law against tossing trash out of a car and also littering at the marina.

            Finally, the board discussed its July meeting schedule, which hinges on preparation to address the town’s agreements with the Old Rochester Regional School District and the ORCTV contract on July 13.

            The next regular meeting of the Select Board was not set at adjournment.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

Sixth Graders Share Thoughts

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            Elementary schools from all three Tri-Town districts held outdoor ceremonies under tents on their respective campuses to celebrate the promotion of and say goodbye to their sixth graders. Rochester Memorial School held its ceremony on June 18, and Old Hammondtown School in Mattapoisett and Sippican School in Marion held their ceremonies on Monday morning.

            Each ceremony had its own personality, as do the students of each school, and The Wanderer asked each school to select a student to speak on subjects serious and silly. Here are the results.

            Name, age, school: Jacob Pacheco, 12, Rochester Memorial.

            Where will you attend in 2021-22?: “I’m going to ORRJHS through the School Choice Program so I can continue learning in the Old Rochester district.”

            Favorite class: “My favorite class is Social Studies because it’s the subject I like to learn and it’s fun.”

            Favorite school lunch: “Popcorn chicken.”

            What lesson did you learn at RMS that you can take with you to the junior high?: “I learned how to solve problems and get through hard times with the help of my teachers and friends.”

            What do you want to be when you grow up?: “I want to be a computer scientist.”

            Name, age, school: Josh Oliveira, 12, Old Hammondtown, Mattapoisett.

            Where will you attend in 2021-22?: Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.

            Favorite class: “Probably Math. I like the challenges in it, and I like Mr. (Kyle) Letendre, the teacher.”

            Favorite school lunch: “Pizza day.”

            What lesson did you learn at Old Hammondtown that you can take with you to the junior high?: “Actually, my fifth-grade teacher, Miss (Laura) Mirabito, told me, ‘You’re going to go places.'” (Josh acknowledged that confidence makes a big difference.)

            What do you want to be when you grow up?: “I want to be an orthodontist like my dad (Dr. Neil Oliveira).”

            Name, age, school: Megan Kroll, 12, Sippican School, Marion.

            Where will you attend in 2021-22?: Old Rochester Regional Junior High School.

            Favorite class: “Probably science.”

            Favorite school lunch: “Pancakes.” (Editor’s Note: We never got pancakes in school.)

            What lesson did you learn at Sippican that you can take with you to the junior high?: “Treat others the way you want to be treated, the Golden Rule.” (Megan said this lesson has been taught since she was in the first grade.)

            What do you want to be when you grow up?: “When I’m older I want to be a marine biologist.”

By Mick Colageo

The Grange Fair is Back

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Hurrah! Things have finally turned around with Covid and life is getting back to some kind of normal. We have the OK to hold our Agricultural Fair. It will be August 21. We are working very hard to get our fair book together and printed with the hope it is available mid-July. If you are familiar with our fair, you know there are rules for entries and you also know that if you grew it, you can enter it. If it’s a craft you made, enter it. The book is meant to be a guide. We are looking forward to finally being able to see and say ‘hello’ to many old friends and to meet new ones as well.

            Entries will be accepted Friday afternoon, August 20, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and again at night from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Entries must be in place by 8:45 pm for judging to begin. We will again be serving a Ham & Bean Supper at 6:00 pm. Seating at this time may be limited to allow some spacing and there will also be meals for take-out. Because of this, if you know you are coming, reservations for sit-down or take-out are recommended. Produce left from the fair will be auctioned after the supper, beginning about 7:15 pm.

            We hope to see many of you there on the 21st of August. If you have any questions, please contact me at 508-295-8908 or at sash48@comcast.net. Have a great, safe Summer, Sue LaFleur, Rochester Grange Fair Secretary.

Summer Library Program at Plumb Library

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The 2021 statewide Summer Library Program (SLP) theme is “Tails and Tales”! The Plumb SLP will follow this theme by offering seven weeks of animal-focused free “things to do” for children (ages 3-12), teens (13+) and adults. The Plumb SLP began June 21 and concludes August 9. Registration for the SLP is required. Please register on our home page from now until July 19 at www.plumblibrary.com, and registration for individual SLP events opens on the event calendar.

            By registering for the Plumb SLP, you are promising to try your best to read, attend events, and complete activities, challenges, BINGO cards, and logs during the program dates! Prizes will be earned! Do what you can, when you can. It’s easy! Just remember to SLP: Sign up, Log, Participate!

            Children can sign up for such programs as Backyard Band Jams, July 28, 10:30 am – 11:15 am. Ms. Rhonda (Matson) is back for some outdoor FAMILY music-making fun events on July 28. This event is best suited for children up to age 9, but all are welcome! Registration is required and is limited to 15 Families.

            Sonshine Yoga with Yogi Lisa will be on July 8, July 22, and August 5, 10:30 am – 11:15 am. Yogi Lisa is back to do several animal-themed outdoor yoga classes. She can’t wait to meet you on your mat (or towel!). Registration is required for each class individually. Classes will be held, weather permitting. Maximum class size is 10 children aged 4-9.

            Fun with Plumb’s Jr. Friends will be on July 7 at 10:30 am. Learn how to make animal origami, bee and butterfly flower crowns, and do a STREAM activity with veteran members of Plumb’s youth group, the Jr. Friends. This class will be held outdoors, weather permitting, and is best suited for children aged 5 and up. Registration is required and is limited to 10 children.

            Tails and Tales Green Screen Photo is on June 26, at 10:30 am. Stop by to kick off the 2021 Tails and Tales Summer Library Program with a family photo! This is an outdoor event weather permitting. You will have the choice of several green screen generated backdrops. Thanks to Mrs. Voci, an SLP mom and teacher, these photos are free and will be emailed to you directly. No registration is needed for this event.

            Tuesdays with Teachers will be on June 29, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm. Three fantastic RMS Teachers will be here this summer to read children a story and then do a related activity! Mrs. Alves will be here June 29; Mrs. Johnson will be here July 13; and Mrs. Sollauer will be here July 27. This event is best suited for children aged 4 and up, but all are welcome. Registration is required and is limited to 12 children.

            Rochester Tails ‘n’ Trails 4-H Club Animal Show-and-Tell is on Wednesday, June 30, 10:30 am – 11:15 am, and July 1, 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm, The Rochester Tails n’ Trails 4-H Club would like you to come and meet some of their 4-H project animals, including cows, rabbits, chicks and chickens, a mini horse, and more! Come to learn some interesting facts and learn how we care for our animals. We welcome you to ask questions and even pat our furry friends! The club will be offering similar programs on Wednesday and Thursday. These will be outdoor programs, weather permitting. Registration is required and is limited to 12 children. All ages are welcome.

            Wally’s Making Books Come Alive (via Zoom) is on June 30, 2:00 pm. Join us on an interactive reading adventure with Wally, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox! Wally will act out scenes from different books while kids laugh along! Children are encouraged to interact with Wally and help him as he increases their interest and love for learning. This is a 35 to 40-minute show hosted by Big League Brian and Wally. The curriculum is geared toward elementary aged children, but everyone is welcome to attend! Registration is required. The private Zoom link to the show will be emailed to registrants 24 hours before the show.

            Giant Puppet Seek and Finds! Where is Hodge Podge? June 26, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Come find Mr. Vinny’s giant puppet, Hodge Podge, at the library on June 26. Please visit the library to find him, or drive by. Take an in-person picture with Hodge Podge or from your vehicle. By 2:00 pm, either email your photo to Ms. Lisa at info@plumblibrary.com or come into the library to show a librarian. Registration is not required for this program. This event is funded by a grant from the Massachusetts and Rochester Cultural Council.

Scenic Roadway Proposal Needs Tweaks

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            Ryan Correia, a developer who has come before the Mattapoisett Planning Board over the course of many months, once again met with the board to discuss matters related to driveways and scenic roadway bylaws. The June 21 meeting resulted in more questions on the part of the board members coupled with a to-do list for Correia.

            At issue has been a new driveway opening in an existing stone wall, a landscape feature that enjoys some protections if located on scenic roadways. Correia and the board had previously discussed new penetrations into the stone wall for driveway entrances of a planned four-lot subdivision. At issue on Monday night was whether or not the private driveways would actually be terminating on a short stretch of the original road layout, which for years has been little more than a look-out spot of police surveillance of motorists.

            For more than 45 minutes, the board discussed roadway ownership rights and responsibilities and whether a tree on public lands could or should be removed to make way for one of the proposed driveways. Interim Planning Board Administrator Mike Gagne asked Correia if it is possible to position driveways for the Lots 1 and 2 closer together, a redesign that might alleviate the need to remove the tree in question and other concerns, such as the intersection of Acushnet and Crystal Spring Roads.

            In the end, Correia was tasked with discussing design changes with his engineer and the potential buyer of Lot 1, confirm acceptable widths of driveways with the Fire Department, and determine if shrubs located on public property would need to be removed and, if so, determine if they are jurisdictional to a local board. The hearing was continued to July 19.

            All other matters taken up by the board were also continued until July 19, including the Randall Lane, LLC solar array site plan review, an ANR application for Dupont Drive and David Street for a lot swap agreement between Roland Bolida and Terrance Granahan, represented by John Romanelli of Zenith Land Surveying, and two requests for tree removal by Tree Warden Roland Cote for 16 North Street and 17 Prospect Road. Also continued was an ANR submitted by David Monteiro for lots located on Locust Street and Mattapoisett Neck Road.

            Attorney John Mathieu requested covenant releases for properties owned by Dennis Arsenault in Snowfield Estates, a request that was continued upon valuation of incomplete work for a new surety agreement.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, July 19, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell