Aucoot Road Project Gets Green Light

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            A Notice of Intent hearing first opened in early April and receiving considerable neighborhood pushback was reopened during the April 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission. After neighbors again voiced their concerns, the commission voted unanimously to issue an Order of Conditions for the project.

            David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc., representing property owner Robert Malm, Aucoot Road, revisited the scope of the project and slight site plan modifications made after the last meeting. An on-site inspection of wetland flagging done by Brandon Fanuef of Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. had been completed by the conservation agent and commission member David Lawrence, he said.

            Chairman Mike King said that the commission had reviewed all comments made at the previous hearing by the abutters that had resulted in additional details being put on the plan of record. Then the floor was opened to the public.

            Both Jonathan and Julie Craig spoke for their allotted three-minute period, pointing out inconsistencies between the USGS mapping and Google Earth. The Craigs also questioned the time of the year when perc testing had been done and if it was acceptable to be done during drought conditions. King said that drought is not factored into test flow results, and that Mattapoisett’s Board of Health regulations are stricter than those outlined by the state. Craig asked for the septic to be relocated from its currently proposed location on the southern end of the property to the northern end of the property, a move Malm was unwilling to consider.

            Abutter Jeff Humphrey, speaking for himself and other family members with lots abutting the site, asked who determines the definition of uplands. Davignon responded that Fanuef had made those classifications and that only his client’s property had been examined. Humphrey then said that wetland lines seemed to be in dispute and asked about the process to come to a consensus. King responded that Conservation Agent Liz Leidhold reviewed wetland flagging on site and that several flags were moved as a result. He said the agent also studied the soils.

            Humphrey asked for an explanation of the “process for approving or disapproving this permit.” He wondered how all the abutters opposing the project was not relevant. King responded that it is the responsibility of the commission to follow the Wetlands Protection Act. King said, in many cases, abutters may be opposed to a project, but their opposition alone cannot impede a property owner.

            King also told the abutters in the virtual meeting room that those opposed to the project can appeal the commission’s decision to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. He said the DEP can assert a superseding order of conditions but cautioned that such action does not mean the abutters’ opposition would be upheld. King believes it is far better for a local commission to control a project than the state agency. “We always try to foster good communication between all parties.… [Failing that], if you or the other abutters are aggrieved, you can appeal.”

            Humphrey then asked if the hearing could be continued for another two weeks in light of what he called “new information,” an abutter’s right to appeal to the DEP. “I thought the permit would be denied if everyone wanted it stopped,” he stated. Davignon declined to accept another two-week continuance.

            Brad Hathaway, another abutter opposed to the project, asked if new information would be considered in the case of an appeal. “This is 120 acres of core wetlands,” said Hathaway, elaborating on the significance of historic runoff issues from the site’s neighborhood all the way to Route 6. King responded that the project would not increase the flow of stormwater.

            In response to the Craigs’ concern over conflicting information regarding the wetlands line, King asked Davignon to calculate the discrepancy between USGS mapping and Google Earth. Davignon reported the calculations as a difference of 76 feet in one instance and 80 feet in another.

            King then polled the commissioners, asking each if they wanted more time and information or if they were ready to decide on an Order of Conditions. They unanimously voted to accept the project as presented.

            In other business, an Order of Conditions was issued to Barry Sturgis, 34 Meadowbrook Lane. Also conditioned were Conrad and Janice Roy’s Notice of Intent filing for the construction of a new home after a fire last year consumed their existing residence, and an NOI at 99 County Road, owned by Barbara White, for the construction of a new residence.

            NOIs filed by Ralph Contellesso and Stephen Napolitano for properties located side by side on Brandt Island Road for two new residences were continued until May 12.

            Requests for Determination of Applicability receiving negative determinations were Derek Silvia, 17 Pine Road, for deck improvements; Mark Bobseine, 2 Port Way, for deck improvements; Goodspeed, LLC, 1 Brandt Island Shores, for the construction of a utility shed; and Howard Chadwick, 9 Fairfield Avenue, for septic repair.

            At the end of the meeting, King asked the commissioners to consider giving Lawrence authority to conduct on-site visits for such things as flagging boundaries, given that Leidhold is scheduled to retire in July. He also said that Marion and Mattapoisett officials are considering the hiring of a single agent to be shared by the two towns, an idea that was met with positive responses. For his part, Lawrence said, “I’m not a paperwork person,” but agreed to assist the commission.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for May 12 at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Turkey Vultures Overhead on Earth Day

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            On Earth Day and all this week, Spring was springing, birds were singing, and children were helping to clean up the roadsides, while turkey buzzards were circling overhead as scavengers to rid of dead bodies killed by speeding traffic.

            The arrival of turkey vultures soaring over highways is usually one of the first signs of spring, when they suddenly appear at dawn, rising up on warming thermals to circle overhead and visually announce the aerial winged demonstration of a new solar season.

            In flight, they are majestic but unsteady soarers with very few wing beats, easy to identify. Look for them gliding relatively low to the ground, sniffing for carrion that can be perceived for a mile or more. You may also see them gathered by the roadside around roadkill of dumpsters, much like volunteer workers assembled for spring cleanup.

            The timing of the vulture’s return each year bears some semblance to the historic clockwork of the return each year of the swallows of Capistrano. But the vultures may travel all the way from Central America without finding food on much of the way. Navigation may be assisted by a landscape map in their head, guided by signals of Earth’s magnetic field on the way down and back. They soon find a variety of different opportunities here besides dead carrion by the roads, but also decaying vegetable matter near farmlands, live insects, or dead fish from drying ponds or shallow tidal flats. However, vultures differ greatly from other raptor birds by using their own scenting powers rather than sight or hearing, as in hawks and owls.

            Like many other species of birds, they do not seem to mate for life if one of a couple is killed. Vultures pair up by gathering in a close circle next to each other to hop around in a dance, followed by an aerial demonstration of diving and flapping toward each other to solidify the ceremonial commitment.

            This year, Earth Day week is again a natural opportunity to learn about the living species of the natural world, each of which has its own story to tell. The Harvard Museum of Natural History has invited children and their advisors to celebrate the planet Earth through the creation of their own stories of wildlife that are involved in their studies. Turkey vultures circling on Earth Day is a natural combination of environmental awareness to write about and celebrate annually as a holiday for the planet we live on to be appreciated.

By George B. Emmons

Announcing Auditions at the Marion Art Center

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The Marion Art Center has announced open auditions for all roles in the upcoming production of “Cedar Beach,” written by local playwright Mark Howland and directed by John Heavey. Auditions will be held on Sunday, May 23, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, by scheduled appointment at the MAC at 80 Pleasant Street in Marion or by Zoom audition. If auditioning in person, social distancing will be observed. Please wear a mask.

            Cedar Beach is about family and a family-owned property. Spanning several generations over fifty years, the play attempts to chronicle the history of a vacation home and the vicissitudes of the people who inhabit it. The action follows the lines of entropy, from order to disorder, simplicity to complexity, and tradition to innovation. As such, the home represents both the luxury of privilege and the burden of responsibility. The play is comprised of eight scenes that span from the mid 1950’s to 2007.

            Director John Heavey will be casting six to seven females and six to seven males: The characters are clustered in family groups for clarity. Character doubling will used extensively. Also, actors may need to play certain characters* as children who then mature into adults. Characters include: William Nickerson, late 30s, patriarch of the family with the untimely death of his father; Sarah Denham, sister of William, mid-30s; Betty Brown, sister of William, mid-30s; Rebecca, mother of William, Sarah, and Betty, mid-50s in first scene, 80s in second scene; Cornelia Nickerson, wife of William, mid-late 30s; *Charles Nickerson, oldest child of William and Cornelia, 12-13, ages to mid-50s; *Henry Nickerson, brother of Charles, 8-9, ages to late 40s; *George Nickerson, brother of Charles, 9-10, ages to 50ish; *Lucy Nickerson, sister of Charles 2-3, ages to early 40s; Matt Denham, husband of Sarah, late 30s; Eddie Denham, oldest child of Sarah and Matt, 10-11; Sally Denham, sister of Eddie, 8-9; Tommy Denham, brother of Eddie, 5-6; David Brown, husband of Betty, mid-30s; Billy Brown, son of David and Betty, early teen 13-15; June Brown, daughter of David and Betty, 10, ages to late teen 18-19; Richard Davis, husband of Lucy, mid-late 40s; Sam Davis, son of Lucy and Richard, 10-12; Mary Nickerson, wife of Charles, mid-late 40s; Peter Nickerson, son of Charles and Mary, 12-15; Sharon, wife of George Nickerson, mid 20s.

            Please bring any memorized monologue. You will be asked to do a cold reading from the script as well. Performances are currently scheduled outdoors, August 20-22, 26-29. Performance times will be scheduled at a later date depending on state regulations and other considerations for operating outside.

            Email jheavey@taboracademy.org to schedule an audition appointment. Callbacks TBD. Rehearsal schedule to be determined once the show is cast. For more information, please contact the Marion Art Center at info@marionartcenter.org or 508-748-1266.

Academic Achievements

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Adam Sylvia of Rochester was one of more than 800 students at Central College who would have been honored at the college’s annual Scholarship Celebration on Thursday, April 22. The event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Scholarship Celebration in the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium gives student scholarship recipients the opportunity to personally thank and share a dinner with donors who help make their Central education possible. Sylvia received the Journey Scholarship.

Selectman Paul Silva Says Goodbye

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            It came at the end of the April 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen, a goodbye from outgoing member Paul Silva. In saying his adieu, Silva thanked the selectmen he has worked with over the years and the town employees, many of whom he has come to know well. He gave an extra special shout-out to Dan White for his yeoman work, almost never taking time away from videotaping meetings. “He’s been there every week getting meetings out for the public,” said Silva.

            Speaking to the two candidates vying for the seat he is vacating, Jodi Lynn Bauer and Nicki Demakis who were in attendance, Silva said it is easy to be critical when “you are on the outside, but when you get on the inside you’ll see how dedicated employees and residents are.” He extended his best wishes to all.

            Selectman Jordan Collyer, with whom Silva has worked for the 10 years Collyer has been a selectman, thanked Silva. “I’ve learned a lot, been frustrated a lot, but I’ve gained a lifelong friend. Thank you for everything you have done for the town, thank you for your service,” he said.

            Earlier in the evening, the board met with engineering consultant Jamie Pisano of VHB to get an update on exactly what was contained in the 25-percent submission sent along to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the village streets project.

            Using computer graphics, Pisano gave the board a virtual tour of current conditions from the intersection of Main Street and Route 6 all the way along the waterfront to the intersection of Old Marion Old and Beacon Street. He also included graphics for Old Marion Road. The graphics demonstrated what the roadways will look like if design concepts for sidewalks, parking, and selective tree removal were to be implemented.

            The board expressed concern over the possibility of losing parking area on the north side of Water Street and asked for an analysis of what is currently available for parking versus the proposed spaces. Silva suggested that the Police Department help to identify where parking is currently available in order to understand any reductions being suggested.

            Of the eight trees selected for removal, Pisano said four are diseased and four others would have to be removed to allow for the construction of sidewalks. The trees proposed for removal are oaks located at 43 and 10 Main Street, an oak at the intersection of Water Street and Main, an oak at 18 Water Street, an oak on Church Street, and two maples – one at 2 Old Marion Road and another close to Oxford Creamery.

            The removal of the maple near the intersection of Old Marion Road and Route 6 would allow for the reconfiguration of the intersection long considered dangerous. Collyer said the goal is to save as many trees as possible, but diseased trees need to be removed. All agreed the tree warden should be involved in the discussions.

            Pisano discussed other aspects of the project, such as conversations that took place with local boat haulers who asked that the project include contacting utility companies to have overhead wires elevated and out of the way. He also said he met with the town’s safety officer, whom he said likes the concept of additional sidewalks, and also asked that a four-way stop be added to the intersection of Old Marion Road, Church Street extension, and Pine Island Road.

            Pisano said there are 16 components to the development of the 25-percent design. The construction estimate stands at $7,600,000, he said. He then explained the DOT review process of the submitted documents and added that the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District had recommended the project for grant monies known as TIP (Transportation Improvement Program), part of the Federal Transit Administration, but not until the 2026 list. He said the public comment period is open and is an opportunity to push for an earlier placement.

            In other business, the board approved the Town Meeting warrant and FY22 budget. The selectmen applauded the work done by the town administrator and the Finance Committee in crafting a budget that, as Collyer framed it, “leaves more capacity out there for the third year in a row.” In a follow-up, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco confirmed that $145,000 was left in capacity. The budget now goes before the Finance Committee on April 29 for its final approval before heading to Town Meeting on May 10.

            And speaking of Town Meeting, Lorenco said plans are underway now to ensure all safety regulations are met. Town Meeting will be held inside the Old Rochester Regional High School gymnasium. He said that state guidelines will be upheld.

            Lorenco said the warrant is available to the public at Mattapoisett.net, and a full presentation of the budget will also be posted. He also said that, at the present time, the regional school district agreement will not be presented to the voters, as the three towns were still reviewing the details.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Monday, May 10, at 6:00 pm, just prior to Town Meeting.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Small Lot Will Replace House

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            In a 4-1 vote during its April 22 meeting, the Marion Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit to Lars and Patricia McKim, who filed as the Eight Kabeyun Road Nominee Trust in the public hearing for the demolition of a single-family home and construction of a replacement on almost the same footprint.

            The permit granted under bylaw Sections 230.6.1a and 230.6.1c would not have come before the board had the owners wished to rebuild in the middle of their 9,292 square-foot lot. Wishing to maintain their larger side yard to the west rendered the lot still, albeit though less, nonconforming.

            Citing what he and member Will Tifft considered an unnecessary positioning of the new house so that it will sit substantially closer to the abutting Dion residence than is desired, member Jim Ryba issued the dissenting vote.

            Member Ed Hoffer’s motion for approval came with the proviso that there be no change in the grade so that storm runoff would not flow into the neighboring property.

            Given the vast amount of deliberation and commentary from David Dion, whose mother lives on the abutting property, ZBA Chairperson Cynthia Callow considered recommending a continuance but thought it better to conclude the case because ZBA membership is down and a quorum is not guaranteed in future meetings.

            Represented by Dave Davignon of Schneider, Davignon, & Leone, Inc., the McKims own a unique lot that was created as two lots in 1926 with a house built on one of those lots in 1939. Regardless of where on the combined lot the new house is built, it will fall within two zoning districts as the lot is divided down the middle by Residence A and B zones. The present house is mostly in Residence A.

            The new house will measure 2,230 square feet, 1,186 of which is on the first floor and 1,042 on the second floor. Building Commissioner Scott Shippey noted that the addition of bedrooms requires that the McKims apply for an increase in sewer.

            According to Davignon, the project will not create any new nonconformities but will improve the nonconforming setback on the east sideline. The other three setbacks will meet the bylaw for Residence A.

            Dion’s objection was primarily related to the proposed height of the new house with its second floor. “So, we will essentially be looking into each other’s bedrooms and things like that,” he said.

            Davignon said his map showed substantial trees screening those views.

            Donna Hemphill, 6 Wianno Road, also a town employee, commented as an abutter who lives within 300 feet of the project. “I’m in support,” she said, calling the McKims “friends” and “wonderful neighbors.”

            Shippey said the plan meets the setback requirements for Residence A, 10 feet to the sides and rear, and the average frontage allowed by the bylaw.

            Tifft asked what is to stop another owner from adding to the house toward the west and creating more mass. Shippey said it still would have to stay within the 40-percent rule for lot coverage (the project will cover less than 33 percent).

            Along with the ZBA’s quest to bring Tifft to full membership, potential new members Danielle Engwert and Dana Nilson are being considered. Nilson appeared before the ZBA at the April 22 meeting.

            A Tabor Academy graduate who sailed to campus as a teen, the 60-year-old is a lifelong Marion resident and runs a small business dealing in modular homes. Hoffer asked Nilson if he anticipates situations in conflict as a builder. “I do have projects in Marion on occasion, none presently…. I would have to recuse myself,” Nilson said.

            Member Margie Baldwin described the ZBA’s limited role. “We don’t have much leeway as far as interpretation. Really, it’s about special permits and variances…. We don’t have discretionary powers,” she said, asking if Nilson hopes to influence the board. “This is a very careful, deliberative board that has to look at tricky situations – sometimes we ask for Town Counsel.”

            Nilson said he understands the ZBA’s role. “I’m not looking to stretch the bylaws and find loopholes. It’s a matter of following the regulations and making sure that we do that,” he said.

            On May 18, the Board of Selectmen are scheduled to take up the matter of ZBA membership. Callow said she will ask them to move it up to May 4.

            Baldwin noted that her brother’s project is on the ZBA’s May 13 agenda and will recuse herself from participation.

            The next meeting of the Marion ZBA is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, at 6:30 pm.

Marion Zoning Board of Appeals

By Mick Colageo

ORR Extends Rule in SCC

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            For the 10th consecutive season, the Old Rochester Regional girls track and field team has set the standard for the South Coast Conference. The Bulldogs finished with 110.33 points in the SCC championship meet, blowing out second-place finisher Dighton-Rehoboth (64.33).

            While Julia Sheridan and Emma Carroll stood out, each winning two events, Jen Williams led Old Rochester with three event wins. She took home first in the 55 dash (7.4 seconds), 55 hurdles (8.3 seconds), and the high jump (5-foot-2). Carroll won the mile in 5:32.6 and the 1,000 in 3:23. Sheridan won the 2-mile in 13:58 and the 600 in 1:44.2.

            ORR’s boys track and field squad won the SCC tournament by an even wider margin, scoring 118 points to second-place Dighton-Rehoboth’s 47.

            Leo Schiappa led ORR with two wins, taking first in the 300 (37.3 seconds) and the 55 dash (6.5 seconds).

Old Colony Football

            The Cougars finally got one in the win column in their April 23 match against Upper Cape, and they did so in dramatic fashion. With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter and the ball on the Rams’ 1-yard line, Old Colony asked Ryan McGuiggan to do what he does best: ground and pound. The senior running back stepped up and crossed the goal line for the third time on the day to deliver the Cougars a 20-18 win. All told, McGuiggan amassed 135 yards.

            Old Colony will play its final game of the Fall II season on Friday at home against Diman Voke. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Old Rochester Regional Football

            The Bulldogs’ final game of the regular season, initially scheduled for April 23 before being rescheduled to April 24 against Somerset Berkley, has been canceled with ORR football under quarantine.

The cancellation marks the end of ORR’s football regular season schedule. They are slated to play Dighton-Rehoboth on Saturday, May 1. Time and location have not yet been finalized.

Old Colony Golf

            Through Monday, the Tri-Town area was home to two undefeated high school fall sports teams. Coming off a 9-0 shutout of Norfolk Aggie, Old Colony golf earned win No. 8 against South Shore to kick off their three consecutive days of play. South Shore put up more of a fight than the Cougars’ previous opponents, but the Cougars still won comfortably, 7-2.

            Luke Butler shot a 38 to lead the way, with Brad Weglowski shooting a 40 to capture three points as a pair against South Shore. Michael Niemi won his match, and Will Harrop and Derek Fortunato secured three points together.

            Following a Tuesday, April 27, match vs. Tri-County, Old Colony faces South Shore again, this time on the road at 2:45 pm on April 28.

Sports Roundup

By Nick Friar

Boiled Mushrooms, Anyone?

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            Have you ever heard of boiling mushrooms? Most likely not. But many learned this trick on April 20 when the Sippican Lands Trust hosted chef and mushroom hunter Chad Hyatt. The virtual talk is part of a new series of talks and presentations that the SLT has planned.

            Hyatt spoke from the epicenter of his home in California, the kitchen, where he stirred pots of bubbling mushrooms, sauteed onions into caramelized goodness, prepared a cream of mushroom soup minus the cream, and made a black trumpet preserve. One could almost smell the fragrances.

            Hyatt is not only a chef; he is also a mushroom hunter. As he casually cooked away, Hyatt talked about his adventures in hunting mushrooms in their native habitats, woodlands across the globe. He’s foraged for mushrooms in New England and California, as well as Spain.

            But before we get too far along in this story, let us talk about boiling mushrooms. Hyatt said that chefs have always been told to avoid getting mushrooms wet, “But boiling them won’t make them turn to mush.”

            Taking a moment to give the virtual audience a bit of a science lesson, Hyatt explained that mushrooms lack the cellulose that makes up the majority of plants on the planet. “Boiling plants melts the cellulose, and they will turn to mush,” he said.

            Taking the lesson one step further, Hyatt said that mushrooms are composed of the same natural elements found in seashells, a compound known as chitin. Chitin makes up the cell walls of mushrooms and is also the primary material of creatures with exoskeletons such as lobsters and scorpions. Science is simply amazing. The more we think we know, the more we have to learn.

            Regarding plants’ root systems versus how a mushroom grows was another intriguing scientific point Hyatt imparted.

            When we harvest plants, we often pull them out of the ground along with their root systems, leaving none of the organism in the ground, Hyatt said. Mushrooms, however, are connected underground via a vein-like system. When the exposed part of the mushroom is harvested, the organism remains in place underground. Hyatt said the biggest threat to mushrooms is not the mushroom hunter. “You can take all the mushrooms, you see, and you still won’t harm the organism,” he said. The biggest problem for mushrooms is the same problem threatening thousands if not millions of other living things – loss of habitat.

            Back to cooking mushrooms.

            Hyatt said that the boiled mushrooms will be soft and rich with a delicate meaty texture suitable for a variety of dishes. He demonstrated how to make a simple soup of mushrooms, onions, thyme, and other savory herbs. Taking some of the water from the pot in which he had boiled some mushrooms, he added that to the onions/mushroom mixture, brought it up to a boil, added some dry white wine to deglaze the sauté pan, then pureed the mixture, creating a creamy soup minus the cream. “Vegans will love this,” he assured the viewers.

            Hyatt also demonstrated the steps for making black trumpet preserves. The chef took caramelized onions, added some brown sugar and sauteed black trumpets, pureed the concoction, and placed it in a sealed jar. He said he serves the preserves with cheeses and cured meats as an appetizer.

            As he chatted away, giving advice and demonstrating cook techniques, he was also encouraging his audience to try mushroom hunting, but to start slowly and to ask for assistance from experts in the field of mycology. “There are mushroom hunting clubs and associations across the country,” Hyatt asserted. He said that such organizations will have a membership willing to assist the novice.

            Hyatt also said to start by identifying just one or two mushrooms in the wild, to select trees that will most likely support the growth of fungi, and not to be afraid. But he did caution not to eat any mushrooms without first receiving assurances that they are edible, and that mushrooms should be eaten only after cooking. One seriously important tip Hyatt stressed: “Stay away from gilled mushrooms; many are poisonous.” While button and portobello varieties are gilled, the rule of thumb for wild mushroom picking is to avoid the gilled ones.

            There are four varieties of mushrooms: saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, parasitic, and endophytic. Those titles denote the type of nutrient-absorbing behavior the mushroom employs. Think rotting tree stumps and manure.

            The rarest form of mushroom is the elusive and obscenely expensive truffle, while the deadliest is the amanita phalloides or death cap. Of the 50,000 known varieties of mushrooms, a mere 2 percent are poisonous.

            Back in the Hyatt kitchen, the chef also made a mushroom ceviche. Taking the boiled button mushrooms, he gave them a chop, added hot chili pepper minced, salt, black pepper, and a goodly amount of lime juice. Before serving he said to top with cilantro. With his imaginary chef’s hat firmly in place, he said the lime juice cooks the ingredients the same way it would cook raw fish if he were making a fish ceviche. Who knew?

            As Hyatt’s presentation drew to a close, he suggested other ways to cook mushrooms such as breaded and deep fried. And on the hunting side of the topic, he said that spring is the best season to find morels, summer is the time for black trumpets and chanterelles, and in the fall the popular hen of the woods appears.

            If you want to learn more about mushrooms and mushroom hunting and to connect with a local mushroom group, visit capecodmushroom.org. Also visit Hyatt’s website themushroomhunterskitchen.com, where you will also find a link to his book “The Mushroom Hunter’s Kitchen.” For information on upcoming presentations ,such as Dr. Jen Francis discussing climate change, Dr. Greg Skoal updating his work on observing and tracking sharks along the east coast, and Hillary Sandler of the University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station, visit sippicanlandstrust.org.

Sippican Lands Trust

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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The church in North Rochester that we know today was the third building to house a congregation. On November 17,1748, the first North Rochester Meetinghouse was erected one mile west of the current building. Winter was fast approaching, so it was necessary to build the meetinghouse quickly. According to church records, the task was accomplished “with the exertion of many men aided by some West Indian rum as the custom of the time demanded.” Once built, the church became the first Parish Precinct serving the northwest part of Rochester, as well as sections of Middleboro and Freetown. Later it became the Poll Parish.

            In 1791, a Territorial Parish of North Rochester was incorporated. The legal papers were signed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives on March 21,1793 and approved the next day by Governor John Hancock. This same year, a second meetinghouse was built on the site of today’s church. Before this second building was erected, there was a disagreement among the parishioners as to the location for the new church. Some wanted the current site while others preferred a lot near Black Brook and close to the Stillwater Furnace property. The timber for the building was actually delivered to the Stillwater site, but during the night, the opposing faction quietly moved the timber to the current North Avenue location.

            Reverend Thomas West was the pastor for many years. The next was Rev. Isaac Briggs, who served from 1835-1857. During his tenure, the current church building was erected, as well as a parsonage on Snipatuit Road.

By Connie Eshbach

Frank H. Warrington

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank H. Warrington on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at the Royal of Fairhaven Nursing Home. He was the husband of Nancy C. Warrington, with whom he shared 65 loving years of marriage.

            Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Frank W. and Gertrude (Harwood) Warrington. He lived in New Bedford for most of his life.

            Frank was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School. After completing high school, he was employed as a machinist at the Continental Screw Company in New Bedford. He then moved to California with his family and was employed by Lockheed. Upon returning to New Bedford, he became an educator sharing his craft and trade in the machine shop with high school students. Frank was employed at Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester, and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School where he retired. Frank’s love of teaching did not end after his retirement as he continued to sub for many years.

            A passion of Frank’s was coaching. He was a baseball coach at Ted Williams Baseball Camp in Lakeville for many years. He also coached basketball at Dave Cowens Camp. Additionally, he was a football, basketball, and baseball coach at Apponequet Regional High School.

            A hobby of Frank’s was his enthusiasm for trains. This was something he was able to share and pass on to his grandson, Matthew. In his spare time, Frank was always there to support his grandchildren participating in their different sports, watching the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics and spending time by the pool. He also enjoyed golfing with his brother, Glenn, and grandson. Most of all, he loved every moment he spent with his family and friends.

            Frank was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Nancy; a daughter, Wendy Hasson of Taunton; two sons, Dana Warrington and his wife Susan of Florida and Marc Warrington of New Bedford; five grandchildren, Matthew Hasson, Lauren Hasson, Carly Warrington Medeiros and her husband Kevin, Jamey Warrington, and Katey Warrington; his brother, Glenn Warrington and his wife Norma of New Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.

            Family and friends are invited to attend his burial service at the Acushnet Cemetery, 91 Main St., Acushnet, MA on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 12:00. Arrangements have been made with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.