2022 Pan-Mass Challenge

on

On August 6 and 7, more than 6,000 riders, including four riders from Marion, four from Mattapoisett and six from Rochester, pedaled in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a bike-a-thon with one and two-day routes from 25 to 210 miles with the goal of topping last year’s record-breaking gift and raising $66 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber.)

            The PMC is the nation’s single most successful athletic fundraiser, donating 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber as its largest single contributor, accounting for 55 percent of its Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the PMC has raised more than $114 million for Dana-Farber, bringing its 42-year contribution to Dana-Farber to $831 million.

            “We’re coming off of a record-breaking fundraising year for Dana-Farber, and we’re thrilled to be ‘back in the saddle’ this summer, bringing our PMC community together for our first traditional PMC weekend since 2019 with our sights set on making an even bigger impact in the fight against cancer,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “We are so inspired by the dedication of our riders, volunteers, donors, sponsors and community members throughout the last two challenging years and can’t wait to see everyone on the road this August for the 43rd PMC.”

            To make a financial contribution to a rider from your town or to register as a rider, visit www.pmc.org or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PMC2022 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

            Thank you to the following riders.

From Marion; James Forker, Sarah Poulin, Jamey Shachoy, and Bill Tilden

From Mattapoisett: Robert Inches, Jill Inches, Elizabeth Richardson, and Lisa Winsor

From Rochester; Debora Bacchiocchi, Sarah Bernier, Sheila Kozlowski, Calib LaRue, Keith Riquinha, and Lazaro Rosa

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

on

On Sunday, August 14, The Rev. Marc Eames, Priest-in-Charge, St. John’s Church, Vernon, CT will conduct services at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 34 Water Street next to the Town Beach in Mattapoisett.

            The 138th summer season services with visiting clergy each Sunday are at 8:00 am and 10:00 am, using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. All are welcome!

Select Board Meeting Easy As Summer Breezes

on

Monday night’s meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board featured a light agenda that was breezily handled in approximately 25 minutes.

            Town Clerk Catherine Heuberger met with the board seeking approval that would grant the police chief authority to select which patrol officers would be deployed for poll duty during the State Primary to be held on Tuesday, September 6, at Old Hammondtown School.

            State law indicates that selection is made by the Select Board. By granting that authority to the chief of police, the selection would belong to Jason King. The board voted to give authority to the police chief. Also regarding the primary, the board members signed the Warrant for the 2022 State Primary.

            Heuberger then discussed early voting, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 27, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Monday through Friday, August 29 through September 2, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Voters who selected mail-in ballots will not be allowed to change their voting option at the polls, she said.

            Two cycling-related events were discussed. The board approved the use of the town’s bike path and the placement of an information table at the intersection of Brandt Island Road by the Pedal for the Path group on Sunday, September 11. The group seeks support of bike paths in the south-coast region and will be distributing bike safety and bikeway information. The group will also post volunteers at the intersections of Mattapoisett Neck and Brandt Island roads to ensure cyclists dismount before crossing those roadways.

            The board also approved the use of the Town Wharfs as a rest stop on Sunday, September 18, for the Cranberry Harvest Ride. The group has met with the town’s safety officer, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco said.

            A request from James Waterson for permission to use 10 parking spaces at the Town Beach for a 2:00 pm memorial service and reception on Sunday, August 14, was approved.

            Appointments to the Cultural Council made on this night were, Patricia Apperson, Janet Coquillette, Kimberly Ray and James Rottler.

            The board also appointed Giovanni Rodriquez as a civilian paramedic. It was noted that Rodriquez is a certified national paramedic and was previously on the Mattapoisett Police Department.

            Lorenco reported that the Division of Marine Fisheries’ latest data on PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning) results show no detection in oysters and quahogs.

            Lorenco also briefly touched on working with Eversource regarding scheduling of Village Streets gas-line upgrades. He said the overall Village Streets construction plan includes this utility completing their portion in advance of others and that replacement of gas lines would include all of Ned’s Point Road. “Time frame is critical,” he said. All agreed work should not take place during the boating season.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Monday, August 22, at a time to be announced.

Mattapoisett Board of Selectmen

By Marilou Newell

Lois E. (Costa) Augustine

on

Lois E. (Costa) Augustine, 86 of Acushnet, passed away, Thursday, August 4, 2022 in St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the Ex-wife of the late Robert F. Augustine.

            Born in Mattapoisett, she was the daughter of the late Antone F. and Thelma (Ellis) Costa. Lois has been a longtime resident of Acushnet. She was the owner of Augustine Tax Services for many years, prior to her retirement.

            She loved her family and her grandchildren. Prior to owning her own business she also worked at the Paul A Devers School and H&R Block as a tax preparer. Lois loved to sing, was a member of the Hope Evangelical Church, and devoted her life Jesus.

            Lois is survived by her children, Bruce A. Augustine and his wife Karen of Rollinsford, New Hampshire and Cheryl A. Machado and her husband Joe of Fairhaven; her siblings Bernice Clark of Providence and Muriel Shepherd of Taunton; a daughter in-law, Sandra Augustine of New Bedford; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Brian W. and Darryl L Augustine and sister of the late Bertha Folger, Charlene Waugaman and Antone Cost, Jr.

            In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lois’ honor may be made to the Hope Evangelical Church on 88 Hathaway Road in Dartmouth on her behalf.

            A memorial service will be held in the near future. Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com

Emergency Management Plan Being Updated

on

On July 28, the members of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board heard Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh’s updated Emergency Management Plan. Although still in draft form, the board found the plan substantial, touching all the major areas that fall under his purview.

            In a follow-up, McIntosh provided the following draft now ready for the Select Board’s review.

Targeting specific timeframes in a countdown manner, McIntosh wrote:

            “(One hundred, twenty) hours prior to storm, notify all owners of wharf, skiff and dinghy spaces of impeding hurricane, and all dinghies must prepare to be removed from the Dinghy Dock.

            “At 72 hours prior to the storm, drain up-weller tank and remove to upland facility, and relocate seed to Pine Island Pond. All dinghies must be removed from Dinghy Dock, remove dock and transport to Shipyard Park. Create one-way traffic system through the wharf area, restrict access to only emergency vehicles and vehicles hauling boat trailers, establish areas for commercial boat haulers such as Brownell and Triad.”

            “Forty-eight hours prior to the storm, all wharf and skiff slips must be vacated immediately, boats up to 20 feet (in length) may be hauled out at Mattapoisett Town Landing during appropriate tide, all park beaches and trash barrels shall be removed and secured from Shipyard Park, Ned’s Point, Aucoot Cove and Town Landing, and remove CVA pump-out system from the end of Long Wharf.”

            “At the 12-hour mark, remove all gangways from docks, notify permit holders, shut down water to wharf facility, lock all publicly accessible areas such as restrooms, shut down power to wharf facility, haul out all town marine assets, close wharf area, town beach, town landing, and Ned’s Point to through traffic. No vehicles allowed on wharves during the storm.”

            This departmental plan is one of many currently being reviewed and updated in an effort to increase personal safety and the safety of assets the town is responsible for protecting. It is a massive effort that requires involvement by numerous town offices.

            Police Chief Jason King is overseeing the effort.

            “I’ve been working on an overall comprehensive plan for some time,” said King, who also said that the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has been working closely with the town on plans from where to shelter to emergency evacuation and medical assistance. “The departments involved are the Police, Fire and Harbormaster’s office but also the Water and Sewer and Highway Departments, Public Health, Building Department, Animal Control, ORR’s Superintendent Mike Nelson and Facilities Director Gene Jones and the Finance Department. Each Department has their own policies and plans.” He said the overall plan is referred to as CEMP, Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

            In other business, Marine Advisory Board Chairman Carlos DeSousa and board member Bob Moore did not quite agree that the updated version of the Harbor Rules was ready to move to the next stage review by the Select Board. Moore believed that the language regarding late fees and possible revocation of permits could be subjected to legal challenge, while DeSousa believed the language was unambiguous. It was determined after some debate that Moore would provide alternative language for consideration.

            A request by a resident for the board members to consider the installation of a fish-cleaning station in the wharf area was soundly vetoed when put to a vote. It was considered by the board as unbeneficial to the community due to fish-waste issues and smell.

            Regarding the engineering plans for repairs to Long Wharf, DeSousa reported that Charles Engineering is doing an economic-efficiency review for various aspects of the project. Another meeting is planned for August.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board is planned for Thursday, September 29, at 7:00 pm.

Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board

By Marilou Newell

Rochester Council on Aging

on

The Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester, MA is pleased to announce two events for the month of August:

            On Wednesday, August 17 from 6 to 8 pm, please join us for “A Touch of Class,” an evening showcasing the paintings and artistic work of some of our members. There is no cost to attend, but there will be artwork for sale. Attendees will also be able to enjoy wine and cheese pairings.

            On Thursday, August 18 at 5:30 pm, please join us for a New England Baked Scallop Dinner featuring clam chowder, baked scallops, parmesan risotto, vegetables and a lemon fluff dessert. Tickets are only $12 and may be purchased at the front desk at our 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester location. This is a fundraiser for our future building expansion, and we expect tickets to sell out quickly. Please visit us or call 508-763-8723 ASAP to reserve tickets.

So You Found a Baby Animal – Now What?

on

            Did you know that rendering assistance to displaced or injured wildlife can end up doing more harm than good? Or that trying to give some types of wildlife food and water may have grave consequences?

            On July 27, the Marion Natural History Museum hosted Stephanie Ellis, executive director of the Cape Cod Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, who explained best practices when coming in contact with wildlife.

            First and foremost, “Don’t give them any food or water,” Ellis instructed. For the human, that may seem counterintuitive. But she stressed, “They won’t be able to digest it,” thus creating a bigger problem for the animal. Instead, simply keep the animal warm and in a safe place with subdued lighting, then call the center.

            Ellis touched on specific animals such as robins. This birds’ eggs are laid in a nest just big enough to hold a few eggs. Its development is rapid, and a fat baby robin is encouraged to leave the too-small nest before it can fly, making way for another clutch of eggs. The displaced robin chick will be seen bobbing along the ground learning how to source food with the mother close by observing and assisting. If the bird is removed from the ground, it is also removed from its mother’s care. “The best thing is to make sure domestic pets can’t get it,” Ellis advised.

            Birds represent the largest species aided by CCWRC, followed by rabbits, turtles, possums, squirrels and chipmunks, among other small mammals and rodents, Ellis said, adding that approximately 500(!) baby birds are assisted annually. “Baby birds need to be fed every 20 minutes between 6 am and 6 pm,” she said.

            A more hands-on approach is advised if a baby possum is discovered alone. “The possum is the only American marsupial. It is nurtured in its mother’s pouch until it is large enough to crawl onto her back with many siblings clinging on, Ellis described. “But if a baby gets knocked off, the mother will not go back and find it,” she said, noting that because the possum is a prey animal, the mother will keep moving. Following the principles used for nearly all abandoned baby wildlife encounters, “…keep it safe and warm and call us,” Ellis said.

            Squirrel mothers have a different strategy for protecting their families; they build more than one nest. Ellis suggested that if you find a baby squirrel, place it in a box where you found it and wait for the mother to return and take it to a new nest. In 2021, the center cared for 131 squirrels, of which 76 percent were returned to the wild. Again, do not provide food or water.

            Rabbit nests can suffer accidental encounters with domestic animals and humans because they are placed in shallow depressions under a blanket of turf often in groomed lawn areas and gardens.

            “Baby rabbits do not have any scent,” Ellis stated. The lack of a scent protects them from being discovered by predators, but it also puts them at risk of being “kidnapped” by well-intentioned humans. “If you move their nest, the mother cannot find them.” To determine if a mother rabbit is attending to her babies, Ellis said to place a tiny fence of sticks and string around the nest. If the mother is caring for her young, the fence will be disturbed. Ellis did caution that even with intervention in the case of an abandoned nest, rabbits are “very sensitive” to change. The center cares for some 400 rabbits per year.

            Visiting with Ellis on this day was a rescued turtle, which fascinated the children. Ellis told the group that if you find a turtle in harm’s way, such as a road where it can be hit by a vehicle, to move it safely to the other side in the direction it was headed. She also said that many turtles in this area are woodland creatures, not aquatic animals, so do not place them in water.

             Ellis’ presentation geared towards children focused on the importance of understanding when to give aid and then to withhold it should we encounter a wild animal we believe needs help. Ellis may have been speaking to the children, but the messages were clearly meant for the grownups too.

            The CCWRC, located in Eastham, provides assistance to injured, sick or displaced wild animals throughout the year. But spring and summer are the most active seasons for most wild animals, especially those that are breeding and raising their young.

            Ellis said that annually, the center cares for as many as 1,800 animals, a whopping 70 percent being injured through human contact (i.e. vehicle strikes.) Animals that cannot be assisted or need to receive more intensive care are transported to other facilities, but as a first point of contact during an emergency CCWRC is ready.

            To learn more about the Cape Cod Wild Care Center, visit Wildcarecapecod.org. To learn more about the Marion Natural History Museum programs, visit marionmuseum.org.

By Marilou Newell

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

New, Twice Monthly Adult Art Workshops with Jeanine Cappuccino. Two free art instructional classes per month. Attend one or both classes. Sign up at the library.

            Thursday August 11, 6-7:30 pm. Create a sketch journal and learn the elements of art to create realistic qualities in sketching.

            Saturday, August 27, 10-11:30 am. Learn one point and two point perspective, then apply techniques to landscape sketching of Various Marion Landmarks (this class involves a short walk around Marion.)

            True Crime Book Club Tuesday August 9, 6:30-7:30. Join Host Jay Pateakos to talk about Hell Town: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod by Casey Sherman.

            Author of ‘How to Bake a Universe,’ Alec Carvlin, Friday, August 12, 11 am. Join author Alec Carvlin for an interactive reading of his Picture Book, “How to Bake a Universe” and some cosmic crafts inspired by his story. Program, Saturday, August 20, 11-2. Cool off and celebrate the end of summer with ice cream, lawn games, sidewalk chalk and a splash pad!

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club 2023 Garden Tour

on

Have you ever stood at the window facing your backyard and said, “The garden is really turning out beautifully this summer. I sure do wish I could find a way to share it with people.” Well, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club may have a way for you to make that wish come true.

            Next summer, on June 24, 2023, the Club will be staging its biannual Garden Tour and your garden could be one of the showcase gardens. We are planning a Tour that features beautiful gardens of flowers, organic sustainable crops and all types of living vegetation that are not only possible but also doable for everyone with an interest in learning (more) about gardening.

            If you would like your garden to be part of the 2023 Tour, have questions about the Tour or can suggest even more homeowners to contact who might also be interested in being part of the Tour, please get in touch with Kathy McAuliffe @ kathymcauliffe7@gmail.com

We hope to hear from you.

Curbside Compost Collection Information Session

on

The Mattapoisett Library hosts an information session with Black Earth Compost on Tuesday, August 9 at 6:00 pm at the library and via Zoom. Representatives from the company will tune in virtually to present information about their initiative in the town. Interested residents can attend in person or virtually.

            Massachusetts food scrap hauler and compost facility manager Black Earth Compost will present the benefits of curbside compost collection, how Mattapoisett can get this started in their town and ways the company can partner with the town to save money. Food scraps make up 30% of the waste stream and can be easily diverted by the town to make a nutrient rich compost safe for use in backyard gardens and local farms. Compost improves ecological and soil health and managing it locally creates a more resilient community. Come learn about their program, ask questions, and get involved.

            For more information about this event, send an email to Jennifer Jones at jjones@sailsinc.org. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom link. Visit mattapoisettlibrary.org for more details. This information session does not constitute an endorsement of Black Earth Compost; the library is providing a forum for citizens to ask questions about the proposed facility and operations.