Mattapoisett Bible Study Group

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The Lamb of God Christian Church of Mattapoisett will be holding a no-cost Bible Study group at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library (Lower Meeting Room), Mattapoisett on January 7, February 4, and March 4, Tuesdays at 10:00 am.

            This study is open to all who have an interest in the Bible. Any Bible translation can be brought. This group study is moderated by Pastor Mathew (6-year seminary student) using the NASB 1995 Bible translation.

            For more information call (508) 998-6990, or E-Mail: pastor@lambofgodma.org or Facebook: Mathew Vangel.

Fluoride – Friend or Foe?

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Among the controversies around public health, fluoridation of the public water supply ranks second behind vaccination. The nominee for Secretary for Health and Human Services wants to remove it. Is that a good idea?

            The major benefit of fluoride is that it dramatically reduces dental cavities in children and to a lesser extent in adults. In 1945, Grand Rapids, MI became the first city in the world to add fluoride to its water. Dental cavities in children living there have dropped by more than 60% since that was done. Calgary and Alberta stopped fluoridation and the rate of cavities in children doubled.

            Canadian, Australian, and U.S. dental societies support fluoridation, though most European countries have stopped mandating fluoridation. Most dentists also recommend topical fluoride, including fluoride in toothpaste, which fights plaque but does not reduce cavities.

            What are the hazards? Very high levels of fluoride can lead to bone disease and staining of teeth.

            (I must note that very high levels of almost anything can be harmful. Marathon runners and others have died from drinking too much water).

            The biggest concern is that studies have suggested that when mothers drink fluoridated water, their children have lower IQs. These studies were done in regions of Asia and Mexico where naturally occurring levels of fluoride in water are very high. None were done in U.S. communities that had fluoridation programs.

            Good studies show that there is no harm to animals or humans from levels up to 10 times the usual consumption of fluoride.

            The FDA has recommended a very conservative level of 0.7 mg/liter in the public water supply, a level that maximizes benefit while minimizing risk. In the U.S., about 85% of communities fell in that range.

            How can you know? In most of the U.S. and Canada, fluoridation is a local decision. Call your town’s Department of Public Works. If your town adds fluoride they should know, and indeed should publish that data annually. Not every state requires fluoride to be added, and if it is not added testing will probably not be done.

            If you use well water, you can arrange for private testing.

            What about fluoride in toothpaste? If it is not swallowed, very little gets into the body. If you have children too young to follow the advice not to swallow, put a very small amount (less than 1/8 inch) on the toothbrush yourself.

            If you are pregnant and worried, you can buy deionized water to drink during your pregnancy.

            So, proven benefit for children’s teeth or very unlikely effect on their IQ? You decide.

            Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

It’s Time to Reset Your Health in the New Year

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January marks a fresh start—the perfect time to embrace small, sustainable changes that can transform your health and boost your immune function. The Marion Institute invites you to kick off 2025 by joining their 3rd Annual Free 21-Day Reset and discover the power of simple, natural practices to bring balance and vitality to your life.

            What is the 21-Day Reset? The 21-Day Reset is a guided, stress-free program designed to introduce impactful wellness habits that align with “Natural Laws to Live By.” Over the course of 21 days, you’ll receive one email per day filled with small lifestyle shifts that can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

            How It Works: The program is built to fit seamlessly into your daily life, with no pressure or overwhelm. Here’s what you can expect:

            Daily Emails: Each day, participants will receive an email highlighting a different natural health practice, such as: Hydrotherapy, Healthy Sleep Habits, Grounding, Movement, Essential Fatty Acids, and Practical Guidance. Each email includes actionable tips, resources, and inspiration to help you incorporate these simple, powerful habits into your routine.

            A Flexible, Go-At-Your-Own-Pace Program – The 21-Day Reset is designed to work for you. Participants are encouraged to choose one or two practices that resonate most and work toward making them a daily habit. There’s no need to tackle everything at once—the key is gradual integration for long-term success. By saving each email, you can revisit and build upon these practices throughout the year.

            Celebrate with an In-Person Wellness Event. As we bring the 21-Day Reset to its close, we invite you to a serene and rejuvenating 90-minute event designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Event Highlights:

            Gentle Yoga: Stretch and open your body with accessible movements.

            Mindfulness Meditation: Center your awareness and promote relaxation.

            Chakra Healing: Connect with your body’s energy centers for release and revitalization.

            Sound Healing: Experience the soothing vibrations of sound bowls, bells, and gongs, harmonizing your energy and enhancing your sense of calm.

            Guided Intention-Setting: Conclude with a reflective meditation to set personal intentions.

            Enjoy the magic of the setting sun over the serene Onset Bay waters as golden-hour light filters through the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows, creating the perfect backdrop for this holistic healing experience.

Event Details:

            Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

            Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm

            Location: Onset Bay Center – Onset, MA

            Cost: $35 per person

            Registration: Reserve your spot today and immerse yourself in this transformative experience.

            This event is open to all, with no prior yoga or meditation experience needed—just bring an open mind and a willingness to unwind. Sign Up Today.

            Join the Marion Institute for the 3rd Annual 21-Day Reset and take the first step toward better health and well-being. To register and learn more, visit: marioninstitute.org/2025-21-day-reset-sign-up.

            Register and join us for our in-person wellness event on Saturday, February 1 at the Onset Bay Center here: marioninstitute.org/sound-healing-and-yoga-event-feb-2025.

Marion Community Preservation Funding

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Applications for Community Preservation Act funding will be available in the Town Clerk’s office at the Marion Town House located at 2 Spring Street, Marion, MA 02738 on January 13. The Community Preservation Act is a Massachusetts Law that allows participating cities and towns to adopt a real estate tax surcharge supplemented by State matching funds in order to fund community preservation. Eligible projects must be directed towards: open space/recreation, historic preservation, or community housing. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm on February 17 to be considered for presentation at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

            Past Community Preservation funds have been used to: construct a pavilion at Osprey Marsh and install fencing, ADA-compliant benches, and litter receptacles at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Park, catalog the collections and restore exhibits at the Marion Natural History Museum, construct Pickleball Courts at the Point Road playground, and install smoke and fire alarms at the Marion Art Center

Quick and Unsatisfactory Parks Meeting

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In a hearing room crowded with residents, Rochester’s Park Commission opened and closed quickly a rare Monday morning meeting on December 23.

            The lone agenda item of note read “Review Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Charles Morgan on 11/12/24”. Commission chair David Hughes announced the purpose of this meeting was a request to the Attorney General to answer a complaint.

            Then, without further deliberations or comment, Hughes motioned to adjourn, and the meeting members dispersed, leaving attendees dissatisfied. Hughes further declined to elaborate to the Wanderer as he left the meeting room.

            At issue is an Open Meeting Law complaint Morgan filed regarding the Commission’s deliberations over the construction of a new children’s playground at Gifford Field using funds donated by the local, private non-profit group “Tri-Town For Protecting Children.” The basic claim is that the commission conducted these discussions without proper notifications to the public in meeting postings and minutes. “Agenda June 26, 2024, No mention of Playground,” Morgan’s complaint reads. “Yet minutes show discussion took place. Agenda July 2, 2024 ‘To Discuss Playground. Is this ‘New Business’ or ‘Old Business’. There are multiple playgrounds in town, which one will be discussed? Poor details, yet it is on the agenda.”

            The underlying concern here, as expressed by residents in previous Park Commission meetings, is that the playground plan quickly became a done deal without the chance for more than one private group to contribute toward the proposal or for the town to create a larger master plan for the park.

            Hughes had argued in past meetings that this plan to rehabilitate the playground is long overdue and the board can add more equipment with future donations. “We’ve wanted to do this for a long time,” he said. “We’ve been held back by funding. We are doing the best we can with what we have.”

On December 23, as unhappy attendees exited the meeting, Morgan said, “There should have been a resolution to this issue. Instead, there was no response to the matter at hand.” Morgan added he was unsure what he would do next.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant clarified that the town is addressing the complaint. “Town Council will address it,” he said. “I don’t know why he (Hughes) did not discuss it further, literally. That’s not to disparage him. I haven’t spoken to him.”

Durant elaborated, “This issue needs to be addressed fairly and quickly. And I will assist with addressing this matter as best I can.”

            The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,724.68. While half of that cost is being borne by the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children”, the other half is being paid for with the town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.

Rochester Park Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Bulldogs Victory Before the Holidays

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The Old Rochester Regional High School boys’ basketball team hosted Seekonk on December 20 in their second game of the season and won 63-56. The Bulldogs have now won two close matchups, as they beat Apponequet in their season opener 60-57. Old Rochester was down 34-17 at the half, and down 20 early in the third quarter, but never gave up in front of the home crowd. The Bulldogs ended up fighting back and won in a nail-biter.

            “I was very proud of the team with all the injuries we have as the kids that stepped up were gritty and played well together,” said ORR Head Coach Steve Carvalho.

            Gavin Martin led the way for the Bulldogs, scoring 18 points and adding 6 assists. Noah Thorell stepped up for the shorthanded squad, scoring 12 points and draining 8/9 free throws to help strengthen the comeback. Sophomore Grady Oliveira also had a good showing, with 9 points and 12 rebounds. Old Rochester is now off to a 2-0 start to the season, despite having some key players out with injury.

Swimming

            Swimming lost to Seekonk 245-193 in their first meet on December 17. In the 50 freestyle event, junior Elizabeth Chubb had an impressive time of 28.81 seconds. For the boys, freshman Charlie Bonney had a good showing, with a time of 28.98 seconds in the 50 freestyle. The boys 200 Freestyle Relay team set the bar high early in the season, by qualifying for states with an impressive time of 1:38.75. The boys’ team is 1-0, and the girls are 0-1, and their next meet will be at Durfee on January 14.

Sports Roundup

By Aiden Comorosky

NBSO Presents Super Mario vs. Zelda

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On Saturday, January 18, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents “Super Mario vs. Zelda” in the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School. Music Director Yaniv Dinur will be the conductor and emcee for the evening.

            Did you know that video games take their music very seriously? Major contemporary composers, themes from great classical works of the past, and the high energy and many moods that spring from the boundless imagination of virtual worlds will all come together and fill the concert hall. The program will include music from Super Marion Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Minecraft, Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077 and more.

            “Super Mario vs. Zelda” will take place on Saturday, January 18, 7:30 pm in the Bronspiegel Auditorium, New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford. Arrive in costume for a chance to win gaming gift cards.

            Tickets are $20, $40, and $65, with $10 student tickets (available at the box office only with student ID). Purchase tickets through the Z box office, 508-994-2900, or online at nbsymphony.org. Convenient and free parking is available in the lots near the entrance to the auditorium.

            The NBSO is a professional orchestra that annually presents a concert series of classical and pops music with internationally acclaimed guest artists, as well as an outstanding chamber music series. In addition, the NBSO’s innovative and nationally recognized educational programs reach more than 8,000 students each year. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast. Visit www.nbsymphony.org today and find your serenity at the symphony.

Quilt of Valor Award

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For those who have never heard of “Quilts of Valor”, it is a National organization begun in 2003 by one woman’s idea “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.” It now includes all service members and veterans no matter where or when they served. Since it began, other organizations, such as the Grange, have joined the project. All quilts are handmade by volunteers all over the country. A very busy group of quilters from Holden, Mass helps keep The Massachusetts State Grange supplied with beautiful quilts. Each is unique, with no two alike. Since 2003 over 400,000 quilts have been given to deserving service men, women and veterans across the country and overseas. Each quilt also has a special patch on the back with the recipient’s name, date made and the names of the two ladies who lovingly stitched by hand and machine the beautiful quilt being presented.

             On Sunday, December 15, members of Rochester Grange visited Alden Court in Fairhaven to meet and award A “Quilt of Valor” to Henry Stopka, a Rochester resident. Henry is a veteran of both the Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. He served in the U.S Air Force from 1950 to 1954 as an Airman 1st Class and was a firefighting, crash and rescue Specialist. Henry attended fire- fighting school at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. As an Airman, he was attached to the 1100th Installations Squadron at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC. In the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, he served from 1965 to 1990 retiring as a Senior Chief Small Arms Instructor. Henry had been stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.

            The Grange is both happy and proud to have been able to honor Henry Stopka for his service to the United States and along with members of his family to present him with a lovely quilt to use and enjoy.

            Congratulations and Merry Christmas Henry and all the Stopka family.

Two Decks Approved

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The Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals met Thursday, December 19 to go over their three cases.

            The first, Case 1552, was the request for a Special Permit for the construction of a 14×20 deck on 32 Barstow Street. Both residents have hip problems and would like a deck that is level so they can go outside more easily. They are third-generation owners of the house and would like to maintain ownership while not adding excess difficulties to their lives as there is a slope on the property. The case was accepted unanimously and the permit granted.

            Case 1553 was for a 9’ 17”x16 post-supported deck on 7 Nashawena Road on Plot 15A, Lot 140. A Special Permit is requested for the deck and to make the front steps compliant as currently they are too steep. Much work has been done to renovate the property over the last four years though abutters have denied requests for a deck thus far. The request for a permit was accepted unanimously.

            Case 1554 was to convert an existing garage to living space. The hearing for this case was postponed to January as no one was present to give a presentation on the request.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Appeals will be held January 16 at 6:00 pm at the Mattapoisett Town Hall.

Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals

By Sam Bishop

MSBA Invites Upper Cape Tech into Eligibility Period

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State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”), and MSBA Executive Director Mary Pichetti announced that the MSBA Board of Directors voted to invite the Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational-Technical School District, located in the town of Bourne, into the MSBA’s Eligibility Period. During the 270-day Eligibility Period, the MSBA will work with the district to determine the district’s financial and community readiness to enter the MSBA Capital Pipeline for a new roof on the main building and construction of a new gymnasium and cafeteria.

            “The Board has voted Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational-Technical School District into the Eligibility Period,” said Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “The MSBA will work collaboratively with local officials to ensure the best outcome for the district’s students.”

            The next step is for the district to complete preliminary requirements pertaining to local approval and formation of a local school building committee. Upon timely and successful completion of the Eligibility Period requirements, the district becomes eligible for an invitation into the Feasibility Study phase of the MSBA Capital Pipeline, subject to a vote of the Board of Directors.

            “The Eligibility Period is a critical step in the MSBA’s process of evaluating potential work on Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational-Technical School District,” stated Executive Director Pichetti. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the district as it enters the Eligibility Period.”

            The MSBA partners with Massachusetts communities to support the design and construction of educationally-appropriate, flexible, sustainable and cost-effective public-school facilities. Since its 2004 inception, the Authority has approved 1,1138 projects and has made over $17.5 billion in reimbursements for school construction projects across the Commonwealth.