Town Meeting, Election Dates Set

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The Mattapoisett Select Board met on December 17 at Town Hall and approved aquaculture licenses but said there might be fewer licenses this year because weather the past year has made shell fishing more difficult.

            The board decided to waive the $200 fee this year because stormwater management has been an issue. Board members also said they have reached out to the state legislature and the federal Environmental Protection Agency to make shell fishing more accessible.

            The board set Mattapoisett’s Annual Town Meeting for Monday, May 11, and the Town Election for Tuesday, May 19. Board members have asked town departments to maintain a level budget and would like to meet sooner this year about planning for the Fiscal Year 2027.

            Last year, budget deliberations began in March. This year, they would like to meet with Police, Fire and Highway departments, as well as Water and Sewer budgets in February, considering those are the biggest budgets. Members noted that with the rise of health insurance costs, town officials are dealing with leaner budgets.

            Eric LaBrode of East Coast Inflatables LLC on Industrial Drive has been selling boats for a while; however, he now needs a license because he plans on selling boats and boat trailers 14 feet in length. LaBrode says he now needs approval from the Select Board, which unanimously approved his license and applauded his business venture.

            The board also made a handful of new appointments: Luke Mello to animal inspector, as well as Noah Motta, Zachary Ribas, Heather Lopes and Joshua Burgo as probationary firefighters.

            Officials also discussed changes to the water management plan, revising it in accordance with state guidelines. The revised plan designates recreation areas as well as official uses of docks and piers. The board asked for a public-comment period before accepting the new plan.

            Board members directed Marine Advisory Board Chairman Carlos DeSousa to highlight what is new with the plan, as opposed to the previous plan. The new document also details responsibilities of the harbormaster, police and other officials.

            The board also discussed that an engineering firm reviewed Town Hall but noted that significant improvements need to be made, especially raising the building’s elevation because it is in a velocity zone.

            The town’s Capital Planning Committee will hire a professional to determine costs for renovating the existing building versus building a new facility.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13.

OHS Fourth-Grader Wins Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Stephanie Wells are pleased to share that Old Hammondtown School fourth-grader Ayda Medeiros was recently selected as a Feinstein Foundation Golden Ticket winner.

            The ticket earned Old Hammondtown School a $2,000 grant and an additional $500 for Ayda to donate to a charity of her choice.

            Ayda, a student in Beth Valliere’s class, chose to donate her prize to Globe Santa, a nonprofit program run by The Boston Globe that provides toys and books to children in need during the holiday season.

            “I sincerely thank the Feinstein Foundation for their commitment to teaching the younger generation the importance of kindness and compassion,” said Principal Wells. “Their generous donations enable students to give back to the community through a charity that reflects their own values, and I’m proud that Ayda has decided to spread holiday cheer to children in need.”

            Superintendent Nelson congratulated Ayda on being selected and thanked the Feinstein Foundation for its continued partnership with schools.

            “This program gives students a real opportunity to connect kindness with action,” said Superintendent Nelson. “Ayda’s decision to support Globe Santa shows compassion and generosity, and we are grateful to the Feinstein Foundation for making experiences like this possible for our students.”

Wharf Project Receives Conditioning

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The long-awaited repairs to Long Wharf at Shipyard Park received conditioning on this night, December 22.

            Coming before the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission remotely was Brian Post of Childs Engineering. The issue of flowable fill had previously been questioned by the commissioners, who pressed the engineering firm to come up with another solution. The Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board has also been instrumental in working with Childs through many technical matters, and the type of fill to use has been a major issue. All agreed that pea-stone mix is a better material to use. Cost estimates can now be firmed up, as this piece of the construction puzzle has been locked in.

            A draft of conditions will be prepared by the conservation agent and forwarded to the Childs team.

            Continued were Notice of Intent applications filed by Nepo Reality LLC, Ned’s Point Road, Lot 103 and Lot 104 for the construction of single-family homes.

            Also continued until January 12 was a Notice of Intent filed by Deborah Chapman living trust, 0 Nashawena Road, for the reconstruction of a single-family home but not without considerable discussion. Abutters voiced concern over stormwater drainage. David Davignon of Schneider, Davignon & Leone, Inc. was asked to provide additional details on the possible installation of a swale to assist in water control.

            The commission also granted a continuation until January 12 for a Notice of Intent filed by the town for the repair and reconstruction of the culvert located on Water Street.

            Receiving a green light in terms of moving forward was a Notice of intent filed by Derek and Kylene Gregoire, 2 Goodspeed Island Road, for the construction of a single-family home.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, January 12.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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When future historians look back on today, they may well call this “the age of the screen.” Certainly, our screens have made life easier in many ways, but we’ve also lost a sense of an actual shared community. On one hand, it’s easier to watch even new movies on our home screens, but that means we may never experience that moment during a scary movie when the whole theater gasps as one or sighs together during a romantic interlude of a love story.

            One of the great things about belonging to the Rochester (or any) Historical Society is the chance to step back to the days of joining together to sing carols, tell stories brought to mind by the songs, eat Christmas cookies and enjoy a sense of community. Those who attended our holiday organ concert on December 14 were able to do just that on a day that even came with snow. Sheila Perry played our Vocalion organ, and Tom Perry led the group in singing along to well-loved carols.

            Mack Phinney, who attended the East Rochester Congregational Church (now our museum), remembered practicing “Away in a Manger” in the church basement and then performing with the other children during the Christmas service. At the end of the night, Santa Claus arrived with a small gift for each child. He said that it wasn’t until much later that he realized Santa had been his own father. Good job, Santa.

            I have to confess that I was in junior high before I got the joke inherent in the line, “If Daddy had only known that Mommy was kissing Santa Claus.” I was always a believer, and in later years when one of my third graders sidled up to say that he thought he was the only one in the class who believed in Santa Claus, I was able to reassure him that he was not alone. I too believed.

            Best Wishes for a happy holiday season, and may Santa Claus be good to you.

By Connie Eshbach

Forest Bathing

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Sippican Land Trust will host Forest Bathing with Forest Therapy Guide Diane Pienta on Saturday, January 3, at 10:00 am at the Osprey Marsh, Point Road in Marion.

            Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku to mitigate stress of modern-day life, this guided experience offers the opportunity to interact with Nature in a way that invites a deeper connection with the land and ourselves.

            “Forest Therapy broadly means taking in, in all of one’s senses, Nature’s atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sound, smells and space of the forest. Of being in a deep relationship with the Earth Herself.”

            Diane is a certified Forest Therapy guide and is passionate about connecting people and the land. She has guided numerous walks for private groups as well as larger institutions.

            The event is limited to 10 participants. To register or for more information, visit our website: Sippicanlandstrust.org.

Suzanne M. (Zajac) Whitehead

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            Suzanne M. (Zajac) Whitehead, 79 of Rochester passed away peacefully, December 21 at Saint Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Suzanne was predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Paul B. Whitehead.

            Born in New Bedford and raised in Acushnet, Suzanne was the daughter of the late Thaddeus J.H and Doris R. (Dupre) Zajac. In 1978, she moved to Rochester where she resided until her passing.

            Suzanne earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. She worked as a teacher in the Acushnet Public School System for 37 years, spending almost all of those years in the third grade, which she loved.

            Suzanne was a loving wife, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for her family. She cherished the time spent with her grandson, Lachlan, and always had a huge smile on her face when they were together. Sue and Lachlan enjoyed baking and decorating gingerbread cookies. Lachlan always knew that a visit to Grandma’s house meant that he would be waited on like a prince and showered with delicious treats.

            Suzanne shared an extraordinary and loving relationship with her sister and best friend, Paula, which was a constant source of happiness for her. Sue looked forward to their nightly phone calls. These conversations were filled with care, humor, and support that reflected the deep connection they shared.

            A devout Catholic whose faith was the foundation of her life, Suzanne was deeply involved in her parish over the years, serving in many capacities including eucharistic minister, lector, and parish council member. She also volunteered at the annual barbeque, first coordinating and making the children’s games, and later working at the auction table and helping wherever it was needed. Suzanne’s quiet dedication, strong sense of community, and willingness to serve reflected her deep love for her faith and her parish family, leaving a lasting impact on all who worshiped and served alongside her. In 2018 Suzanne was honored with the Cheverus Award, given by the Archdiocese of Boston to recognize individuals “for their quiet, humble, and significant service to the Church and its people.”

            Suzanne was blessed with many dear friendships, which she deeply cherished. She loved to reminisce about the happy times spent with each of them, sharing memories from her youth, such as times at the Cape house and ski chalet with friends who remained close to her throughout her life.

            Suzanne was also a wonderful baker, who enjoyed sharing her homemade treats with those that she cared for, each as beautiful as it was delicious. Her brownies, lemon squares, chocolate cake, frosted lemon cookies, and cranberry bread are just a few of the delicious creations that came out of her kitchen over the years. Each year her friends and relatives looked forward to her elaborate basket of Christmas baked goodies, which she would gift to those she cared for most.

            She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Cyr and her husband Tyler of Lakeville; a sister, Paula Lambalot and her husband Charlie of Carver; her sister-in-law Joan Pepin and her husband David of Rochester; her brother-in law, James Whitehead and his wife Joanne of New Bedford; a grandson, Lachlan Cyr, and 8 nieces and nephews.

            Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 2nd at 9 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 282 Vaughan Hill Rd., Rochester. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted.

            Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For full obituary and online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Illegal Christmas and Ancient Complaints

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We all know the classic Christmas stories, generally; or at least we get the gist of them. We know ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and The Grinch, but here’s a couple interesting Christmas tales you can quiz your family on this Christmas, should you fancy yourself an Alex Trebek.

            In the Plymouth colony following its founding, circa 1620~, Christmas was not celebrated. Not just for the fact that their very survival was at stake and celebrating a holiday was last on their minds, but for the simple fact that its celebration was made illegal by the Puritans. Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “the Puritans? You mean those blokes famous for their tolerance?” Yea, those guys! The Pilgrims had arrived in Plymouth on December 20, so that December was totally focused on sheer survival. Governor William Bradford, taking over just after John Carver, dissuaded public celebrations on the day.

            Pilgrim colonist William Bradford wrote at the time, “One day called Christmas-day, ye Governor called them out to work, but most of this new company excused themselves and said it went against their consciences to work on [this] day. So ye Governor told them that if they made it matter of conscience, he would spare them till they were better informed.” Later, he added, “He found them in ye street at play, openly; some pitching ye barr, & some at stoole-ball, and such like sports. So he went to them, and took away their implements, and told them that was against his conscience, that they should play & others work.”

            That was more of an informal ban, but later, in Boston, in 1659, the governing body of the Massachusetts Bay Colony enacted a law titled the “Penalty for Keeping Christmas.” It stated, “festivals as were superstitiously kept in other countries” and went on to say it was a “great dishonor of God and offence of others.” Those found celebrating were to be fined 5 shillings, or about as much as a parking ticket today. As time went on and more non-puritans arrived in the colonies, Christmas celebrations began to be accepted and by the mid-1700s, they were fairly commonplace. Christmas was made a Massachusetts state holiday in 1856 and a national holiday in 1870.

            On to the next tale! Many have some feeling of “Oh, Christmas was better back in the day, before it was commercialized and all about spending money. Also, the Christmas season starts too early!” That may seem like a newer sentiment. Maybe the last 50 years? The last 100? Surely a product of the Victorian Age? Let’s go back 1,600 years…

            The Roman Macrobius Ambrosius Theodosius was likely from modern-day Spain or Northern Africa around 400 AD. Christianity had only been legalized in Rome in 313, so not totally the de-facto religion of all in Rome. Many, if not most, still believed in and celebrated traditional Roman-pagan traditions. The end-of-year, solstice holiday was Saturnalia. Basically, replace “Christ” in Christmas with the god “Saturn” and you’ve got it.

            Macrobius wrote seven books on the history and practice of the holiday of Saturnalia. The books contain many contracting statements and historical oddities, but they at least offer a window into the mind of a 5th-century Roman, and someone possibly not so different from ourselves. He complains of the loss of the “old ways” and fusses over overconsumption and indulgence. Saturnalia used to last a day, then a week, now close to a month!

            Famous historian Pliny the Younger would even lock himself in his house for days to escape the lengthy partying. A real Grinch, if you will. Macrobius also complained that it used to be that gift-giving was more of an inexpensive ordeal, as an expensive gift was seen as “bragging.” Now, he was expected to shell out money for parties and gifts! Roman Senator Lucius Annaeus Seneca complained over rampant partying, merriment and drunkenness, saying famously in his Moral Letters, “Once, December was a month; now, it is a year.”

So, the complaints over Christmas and other end-of-year celebrations aren’t new at all. Actually, they’re ancient! Some things never change.

            Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

By Sam Bishop

Machacam Club

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The next meeting of the Machacam Club is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7. We meet at the American Legion Hall on Depot Street, Mattapoisett. Social time begins at 5:00 pm followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. Our speaker will be introduced at 6:40 pm. Chef Colby is planning another satisfying meal. Callers, please send your counts by 9:00 pm Monday, January 5, 2026. Please submit inquiries to cwmccullough@comcast.net.

Housing Developments Make Progress

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The Marion Select Board met on December 16 and, along with the public hearing for tree removal reported on last week, granted various Sewer Application Waivers.

            At the beginning of the meeting, there was a public hearing for the removal of seven trees for the Marion Shared Use Bike Path’s development. Tree #6 on the list, a black oak, was removed from the list and “spared” as developers found a way to maintain it. Its roots will remain unharmed, per local landscaper Steve Gonsalves. The plan also comes with guarantees by the state that, for every tree removed, two more will be provided, thereby guaranteeing the town 14 new trees. The state is also responsible for all costs in regards to removal.

            Following this, the board began a discussion on the ongoing Briggs housing development project off Spring Street. This night’s talk was mainly focused on sewers and tie-ins. There were three main financial parts of the project. Select Board Vice Chair John Hoagland read the sewer project plan before the vote. For the property’s 28 proposed units, there was a $10,000 per-unit cost, totaling $280,000. There’s an additional $300 per bedroom in said units, to add up to $16,800 for 56 bedrooms across all units. There was an additional $88,200 flow charge totaling $385,000.

            Along with this total, a capacity study will be conducted for $32,000 for a final total cost of $417,000. Per proposed dwelling unit, the cost would be about $14,892.86. The board agreed to grant a Sewer Application Waiver, as well as the additional study, with two votes, Chair Randy Parker and Vice Chair John Hoagland in favor and member Norm Hills abstaining, pushing the Briggs housing project further along in its long development.

            Next was another Sewer Application Waiver request, this time for 340 Converse Road, where the request for a second quote was made by the board.

            Following that, discussion moved to the conditional approval of the sewer project for the Toll Brothers Inc. development at 78 Wareham Road. It was initially discussed that Toll Brothers Inc. has not yet finalized their purchase of the property from previous developer Matthew Zuker. The company representative stated that, once they have received all necessary permits and desired guarantees from the town, they will finalize their purchase from Zuker.

            Following a presentation, the board voted on the conditional approval of three different permit applications from Toll Brothers Inc. The board voted unanimously, in one vote, for the conditional approval of these three applications. The first was for private sewer extension on site, another for public sewer extension from Route 6, and another for a pump station.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board will be held after the holiday season on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the Marion Police Department, 550 Mill Street.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop

Elizabeth Taber Library

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Kids of all ages and their caregivers can ring in the New Year at noon on Wednesday, December 31. Join us between 11:00 am and noon for crafts, snacks, and even a bubble-wrap dance floor. Then we’ll count down to noon.

            The Banned Book Club will be discussing John Berendt’s “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 6. Check out a copy at the circulation desk today.

            Kids looking to practice their storytelling skills are invited to join our creative writing club. This club, designed for students in grades 1-6, will meet on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 3:00 pm. Our first meeting is on Monday, January 12. Each meeting will include a prompt and discussion about an element of creative writing, free writing time, and time to share our writing with others. Registration is required for this program – please register online at elizabethtaberlibrary.org.

            The start of the new year is a great time to start a new habit. Adults ages 18 and over are invited to join us to make your own reading tracker on Tuesday, January 13 between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

            The Cozy Cup Book Club will be reading Vera Wong’s “Guide to Snooping (on a dead man)” in January. The club meets on January 14 and January 28. Check out a copy at the circulation desk and attend one or both meetings. As always, coffee and tea are provided.