Charles Terrence Smith

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Charles Terrence Smith of Mattapoisett, MA passed away on December 23, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 82 years old.

Born on May 25,1943 in Buffalo, NY, Charlie was the child of Charles and Anne Smith. He grew up as the second of five brothers and with a flock of neighbors in Newton, MA.  Charlie attended secondary school at St. Sebastian’s and received his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Notre Dame.  He returned to Boston to obtain his MBA from Harvard Business School.

After a post-grad year in Bermuda, Charlie worked in New York City as an investment banker and then CFO of Video Corporation of America.  Ultimately, Charlie left the corporate world and started his own company in 1995, DataLath LLC, which brought him independence and immense pride. 

Charlie (affectionately nicknamed “Terry” or “Doc”) met his wife, Eleanor Katherine Tanis, at the wedding of his brother, Tom, and Ellie’s roommate, Nancy.  During their 56 years of marriage, Charlie and Ellie took advantage of all that Manhattan had to offer while living as newlyweds, raised their daughters, Anne and Laura, in suburban Wyckoff, NJ and Darien, CT, and enjoyed their retirement in Mattapoisett, MA.  

Sailing was Charlie’s favorite pass-time, and he loved to share it with family and friends.  It was on the waters of Long Island Sound that he first discovered his passion for racing aboard his beloved Ensign Fred at Noroton Yacht Club.  In Mattapoisett, he spent Wednesday nights racing his Cape Dory the Chickadee with a loyal crew at the Mattapoisett Yacht Club.  He loved cruising with family and friends, exploring Buzzards Bay and the New England coastline on the weekends. Active in retirement, he and Ellie traveled to Arizona and Florida every winter, enjoyed bike riding, kayaking, and walking around Point Connett, and cheered on Notre Dame in football and women’s basketball. Charlie also rowed whale boats with the Gray Buzzards in New Bedford and volunteered for the Yacht Club, Damien’s Food Pantry, and the Mattapoisett Land Trust. In 2020, Charlie reestablished longtime friendships with his school friends via weekly Zoom chats which continue to this day.  Charlie was known for his quiet wisdom, wry sense of humor, kindness, and patience. He was a caring neighbor and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Charlie is survived by his wife Eleanor, his daughters and sons-in-law, Anne and Colin White and Laura and Ben Forssell, his grandchildren Reid, Maeve, and Kylie, Henry and wife Brittany, Iva, Kira, and Duncan, his great-grandchildren Weston and Thomas, and his brothers Tom, Steve, Richard and Jeff and their families. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 11AM at St. Gabriel’s Church in Marion, MA with a reception to follow at the Inn on Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett. Friends and family are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Charlie’s memory to Damien’s Food Pantry in Wareham. 

Christina Szwaja (née Curry)

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Christina Szwaja (née Curry), age 99, of Acushnet, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2025 at her daughter’s house in Mattapoisett, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she touched the lives of all who knew her with her generosity, warmth, and strength. Her unwavering love for family and friends was the cornerstone of her life.

Born in Ennistymon, County Clare, on the west coast of Ireland, Christina was the daughter of Patrick Curry and Sarah (Dillon) Curry. She attended the College of Domestic Economy in Dublin, where she developed skills that would serve her throughout her life. During World War II, seeking opportunity and adventure, she moved to London to work and lived with two of her sisters.

It was in London that Christina met the love of her life, Paul Szwaja, who was serving as a US Naval Courier. After World War II, they married in Dublin, Ireland, and embarked on a new chapter together. The couple moved to the United States, settling in Acushnet Massachusetts in the home lovingly built by Paul. There, they welcomed their four children and built a life filled with love and dedication. Christina later began working as a skilled seamstress at several clothing manufacturers in New Bedford Massachusetts, including Gro-Toges and Elco Dress Company. A talented artisan, she took great pride in her craft, designing and creating beautiful dresses for special occasions, including wedding dresses that brought joy to a few very special brides. Her meticulous attention to detail and artistic eye made her work truly exceptional, and her creations became cherished memories for those who wore them.

Christina was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul, her six brothers, her five sisters, and her son-in-law Wayne Leshyk. She is survived by her four children: Joanne Leshyk of San Juan Capistrano, California; Michael Szwaja and his wife Mary of Cromwell, Connecticut; Kathleen Kvilhaug and her husband Magnar of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts; and Paul Szwaja of New Bedford, Massachusetts; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish her memory and forever hold her in their hearts.

Blessed with good health throughout her life, Christina enjoyed her final years in peace and serenity in Mattapoisett, lovingly cared for by family and friends. She entered into hospice care with grace and dignity, surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

Her family will receive guests on Tuesday, January 6th from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 Main St. Acushnet at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Hospice at Southcoast Health at Home, 200 Mill Road, Suite 201, Fairhaven, MA 02719, (508) 973-3200.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Daune E. (Nichols) Smith

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Daune E. (Nichols) Smith of Fairhaven, died peacefully on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was the wife of the late William G. Smith.

Born and educated in New Bedford she spent the last 24 years living in Fairhaven surrounded by many good friends in her McGann Terrace neighborhood.

Survivors include her two sons, David A. Smith and his wife Dawn of Wallingford, CT, and Mark W. Smith and his wife Beth of Plymouth, MA; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, and her beloved niece Susan Dansereau along with many other nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her 7 siblings and her husband.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11AM-1PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Southcoast Health Cancer Center at 206 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Flammable Tanks Draw Concerned Abutters

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            In a room with abutters expressing serious concerns about the plan, the Rochester Select Board on Monday reviewed a request for a Flammable Fluid License from Bristol Asphalt, Inc. to store liquid asphalt at 99 Kings Highway.

            The plan is to place 300-ton liquid asphalt tanks into three vertical silos on the site, explained business owner Gerry Lorusso. Abutters and their attorney, environmental lawyer George F. Hailer, took issue with how much of a nuisance and fire hazard these tanks would impose on their residential neighborhood.

            The Select Board decided to continue the hearing to its January 20 meeting in order to seek the input of the state Fire Marshal and invite Town Counsel to that meeting, responding directly to what both sides had to say.

            Town Administrator Cameron Durant started the hearing by reporting the town recently received a letter from the abutters’ attorney detailing their complaints and concerns about the tanks. Project developer Steve Beltz, attending the meeting on Zoom, was quick to note the operation has gone through the long permitting process and the tanks were always part of the site plan.

            Lorusso explained the tanks will contain a mix of sand, stone and liquid asphalt. The mixture’s flash point, i.e. flammable temperature, is 250 degrees, he said. In comparison, household heating fuel tanks have a lower flash point. He added he has operated other liquid asphalt tank operations and has never had a fire problem.

            Neighbors remained concerned. Abutter Linda Westgate asked why two asphalt plants need to be side by side in that neighborhood. “If something, an explosion, happens there, we’re gone,” she said. “It’s too much. You’re taking over our neighborhood.”

            Fellow abutter Jan Bergeron said she has a four-year-old daughter and worries about the safety of her road with its traffic of speeding trucks. “I try to walk down by road but can’t,” she said. “Something should be done for that part of Rochester.”

            Hailer, the neighbors’ attorney, said for years they’ve gone to court to prevent this operation from being built. “It’s an ultra-hazardous situation,” he said. “These neighbors are ground-zero. There are no buffer zones here.”

            Beltz countered that the location of these tanks has been settled for years and litigated against without success. Durant said that according to town counsel the 1,000-foot buffer the neighbors request in their letter is not a legal requirement. Chair Adam Murphy emphasized that this is a hearing for the tanks only, not the permits for the operation. He pointed out that if the town denied the permits for the tanks the company would store the asphalt mix in trailers. It would be more safely stored in the tanks. He said the state fire marshal has dubbed them safe. He promised, however, to work on the problem of speeding trucks in the area with the Police Chief and that speed counter machines will be placed in that area soon.

            Durant ended the discussion by recommending the continuance to allow time for the state Fire Marshal’s input on the safety factor.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, January 5, at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Select Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

A Noble Train Across a Frozen Lake

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This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in and around the colonial Province of Massachusetts Bay. Last week, smallpox continued to spread among the Continental Army, beginning to be taken seriously by those in command. Reports out of Boston show a startling reality, as refugees flee the city. Thousands are sick on both sides, just as Martha Washington arrives to winter with her husband. Colonel Henry Knox sent George Washington a list of artillery pieces in Ticonderoga that will soon be on the way to the outskirts of Boston.

            On December 17, 1775, Knox writes to Washington from Fort George, New York. The colonel has made it down the long Lake George to the southern tip; using sleds! He says, “It is not easy to conceive the difficulties we have had in getting them over the lake owing to the advanced season of the year & contrary winds – three days ago it was very uncertain whether we could have gotten them over until next spring, but now please God they shall go.”

            He details the use of 42 sleds, pulled by oxen, leading thousands of pounds of artillery across the frozen lake. Also mentioning the difficulties ahead, he finishes, “I hope in 16 or 17 days to be able to present to your excellency a Noble Train of Artillery,” the grandiose title being that often used even today to describe Knox’s journey. He signs off the letter, saying, “There are some timid & some malevolent spirits who make this matter much worse – from the different accounts which I have been able to collect I have very little doubt that General Montgomery has Quebec now in his possession.” Far from the truth.

            At this time, around 1,200 Americans, led by Colonel Benedict Arnold and Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, are “dug in” outside Quebec City. Due to the frozen ground, they are not, however, able to dig trenches and to cover themselves or their artillery. They piled snow earthworks around themselves instead. The small size and insignificant number of cannons possessed by the Americans made a breach of the city’s walls practically impossible. On December 17, the British destroyed two American cannons from the city, leading to a pullback of forces. Times were dire, and time is of the essence. When the Saint Lawrence thawed, British reinforcements would arrive. Washington received no updates from the northern front at this time, as Arnold and Montgomery planned their next move.

            Also on December 17, Washington receives reports from spy Captain Richard Dodge that British supplies in Boston are extremely low. He says, “Sir I am credibly informed that the soldiers have nothing but the 4 pounds of pork & bread delt out to them.” That’s 4 pounds of pork per week. Not great. The next day, to add to that, the Continental Navy Captain John Manley of the schooner Lee captured the British supply ship Betsey before it arrived in Boston.

            On December 19, Governor Nicholas Cooke of Rhode Island wrote to Washington, expressing fear of the island’s capture. At the time, Rhode Island mainly referred to the island now called Aquidneck Island, with the colony’s main population center and capital being the trading hub of Newport. The city was the fifth most populous city in the 13 Colonies and the second most populous in New England after Boston. Cooke wrote from the much better defensible Providence, saying, “Should the force sailed from Boston be destined for Rhode Island I tremble for the Consequences, as the colony in its present exhausted state cannot without assistance defend the island.” Washington responded the next day, “I could not justify the sending of a regiment from these lines to you unless there was an apparent design of landing a body of ministerial troops on Rhode Island; at present, I do not think this is to be apprehended.” The general knows the state of the men in Boston and knows they will not be mounting an amphibious invasion from the city any time soon.

            On December 22, John Hancock of the Continental Congress writes to Washington. The siege of Boston has now lasted over six months, beginning the same day as the Battles of Lexington and Concord, April 19. That same day, Congress had passed a resolution giving Washington approval to assault the city. The resolution stated, “if General Washington and his council of war should be of opinion, that a successful attack may be made on the troops in Boston, he do it in any manner he may think expedient, notwithstanding the town and the property in it may thereby be destroyed.” Hancock adds to the general personally, “You will notice the last resolution relative to an attack upon Boston, this passed after a most serious debate in a committee of the whole house, and the execution referred to you, and may God crown your attempt with success, I most heartily wish it, though individually I may be the greatest sufferer.” He says that referring to the potential destruction of his property in the city.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

Moby-Dick Marathon

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The 30th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon will be taking place January 3 to 4 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. This beloved tradition is one of the museum’s most anticipated events of the year with distinguished guests reading aloud from the iconic narrative. Mattapoisett resident East End Eddie Doherty will be reading on January 4 at 6:40 am in the Cook Memorial Theatre. The author and retired clerk-magistrate will help bring Melville’s masterpiece to life as three decades of this literary marathon are celebrated. These voices will help keep this tradition vibrant and meaningful – a fitting tribute to Herman Melville and the spirit of New Bedford. Admission is free until Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Bernard R. Loranger

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Bernard R. Loranger, aged 82, of Fairhaven, MA, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at his son’s home in Marion,surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Christine Lodge, and the son of the late T. Theodore and M. Constance (Letendre) Loranger of New Bedford.

In addition to his wife, Bernard is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Catherine (Loranger) and David Cooper of Lakeville; his beloved son and daughter-in-law, Christian and Aileen Loranger of St. John, USVI; his stepson, Andrew Lodge and his wife, Sarah, of Aspen, CO; his step-daughter, Meredith Smith and her husband, Justin, of Fairhaven; his adoring grandchildren Naomi Cooper, Nolan Cooper, Blythe Loranger and Lirin Loranger; his step-grandchildren, Ruthie Smith, Stella Lodge and Cameron Smith; and his brothers, Robert Loranger and Theodore Loranger; as well as several dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bernard attended St. Anthony’s Grammar School and Holy Family High School in New Bedford, MA, before enlisting in the US Army National Guard. He served in the First Battalion, 211th Field Artillery from 1964-1969 as an MOS Forward Observer, Fire Direction Officer and Battery Commander, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Bernard was a member of the Sheet Metal Trade Local 501 in New Bedford, initially working for Universal Roofing and Capeway Sheet Metal, and eventually entering into a partnership to establish and operate Grelor Mechanical Associates in East Freetown as proprietor. In his later years, he worked for Cranlor Company.

Bernard was known by many names over the years such as Ben, Beno, and Bernie, but his favorite, by far, was Pépère. He was at his happiest when with his family. He never missed an athletic event, recital, play or concert and loved to keep up with the lives of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed socializing with members of every generation, whether meeting new friends at his favorite restaurants with his sweetheart, Christine, or partying with his son and daughter and their friends. He greatly enjoyed boating on Buzzards Bay and Long Pond, snow skiing and après ski activities in the mountains near North Conway and reading books or watching movies about WWII and U.S. Presidents. He created wonderful memories for so many at the cottage on Long Pond and was a past member of the Beach Club Water Skiers’ Association. Bernard made a lasting impact on others by sharing his loving personality, his sense of humor and his smile.

Calling hours for Bernard will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road in Mattapoisett, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9:00 A.M., please meet directly at church, followed by a Committal Ceremony at the Riverside Cemetery, 274 Main Street in Fairhaven, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Oh, my Aching Knees

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About 20% of Americans 45 and older have osteoarthritis of the knees, a condition which does not kill you, but which decreases your quality of life.

            Osteoarthritis, by far the most common form of arthritis, is more than simple “wear and tear.” It does involve wearing away of the cartilage, the smooth “cushions” that cover the ends of the bones. It also involves the bone itself and the synovium, the lining of the joint.

            Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knees and hips, but recreational running is not – it may even be protective. Both sedentary lifestyle and very high volume competitive running do increase the risk.

            If you have it, what can you do to decrease your pain and be more active?

            Rule number 1 is to stay active. Exercise such as walking lubricates the knees and lessens stiffness. If you enjoy running, keep at it. You may find that running on grass is easier than pavement, and be sure to experiment with different shoes.

            In addition to aerobic exercise, strengthen your quads. Exercises such as straight leg raises with ankle weights and squats will build up the muscles that support the knee.

            Tai chi has also been found to decrease pain and increase quality of life.

            Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can be very helpful, but have side effects on the stomach, kidneys and heart. If you use them, use the lowest dose that works for as short a time as possible.

            If you find yourself needing NSAIDs daily, ask your doctor for a prescription for a topical (gel or cream) NSAID, which is much safer. The only one available in the U.S. is diclofenac.

            If these measures are not adequate, injection of cortisone-type drugs into the knee will usually give quite a bit of relief. The problem with “cortisone shots” is that the relief is temporary, rarely lasting more than 2-3 months, and repeated injections contribute to worsening of the underlying arthritis.

            Hyaluronic acid injections are controversial. There are many trials comparing it to placebo injections and while the majority show benefit, many show no advantage of hyaluronic acid. Insurance companies may cite lack of proven benefit and refuse to pay for these injections. It does appear to be safe should you opt to try this.

            If nothing works and you are willing to have surgery, knee replacement is the ultimate choice. This has good results for most people, but not all. Before opting for surgery, it is critical that you are willing to commit to a vigorous physical therapy program. The surgery is the start, but not the end.

            To get the optimal benefit from a “total knee” (or a partial one), expect to spend 4 to 6 months of demanding PT; if you are half-hearted with your exercise program, you will be left with a so-so result. You will still probably have less pain than pre-surgery, but you will not have full knee motion.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer

Peter Hodges Memorial Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Lions Club, a member of Lions International, the world’s largest service club organization consisting of 46,000 clubs and more than 1,400,000 members worldwide, is pleased to announce the availability of TWO (2) – $2,000 scholarships to be awarded this year to a graduating high school senior or home-schooled student residing in Mattapoisett, Marion, or Rochester or a school-choice student attending Old Rochester Regional High School. In addition, we are pleased to announce the availability of one (1) $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who will be entering the trades and attending an accredited trade school OR tool reimbursement of up to $1,000 with proof of purchase to a graduating senior who will directly be entering the trades with an apprenticeship agreement.

            The funds for the Peter Hodges Memorial Scholarship are raised through fundraisers held by the Mattapoisett Lions Club throughout the year, including Harbor Days, an annual Arts and Craft Festival held in Shipyard Park, Mattapoisett every third weekend of July.

            The Lions Club motto is “We Serve,” one of the largest charitable causes of Lions International includes raising funds for eye research in an effort to end preventable blindness throughout the world, eradicating measles worldwide in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and here at home providing services for those in need in our communities.

            To obtain an application, learn more about this award or to learn how to become a member of the Lions Club, visit our website, www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org. Award applications are also available through the guidance department at your high school.

            Applications must be received by March 28.

Drainage Key to Pool Approval

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The Marion Conservation Commission met on December 17 in the Marion Police Station conference room and deliberated over a handful of routine matters connected to some additions and exterior home remodeling projects within wetlands buffer zone areas.

            Derek Maksy, of Oakdale Avenue, received no opposition for construction of a deck and exterior stairs.

            Applicants Leslie and Colin Veitch proposed construction of an addition and patio pool, as well as some tree removals on Autumn Lane. The applicant, per the project’s engineer, said the removal of the trees would not occur within the wetlands or buffer areas.

            Town Planner Doug Guey-Lee asked if yearly drainage of the pool could impact wetlands, but project representatives said a professional company would handle that so no drainage of pool water would seep into adjacent areas. Commission members approved the project but added the condition that no pool water shall be drained onto adjacent land.

            Cederholm Nominee Trust proposed rebuilding an existing deck and using the same concrete footings on East Avenue.

            Project representatives said the applicant has opted for better composite decking materials in line with the home’s remodeling, which has included vinyl siding. Guey-Lee asked if the footings will be inspected to ensure safety of the new deck. Applicants said the footings are in good shape.

            Thomas and Denise George-Beaudoin applied for an accessory garage on Allens Point Road. Applicant representatives said it will be a three-car garage with a second floor for storage and an exercise room. There will be a bathroom on the second floor as well. The project falls within a flood zone but will have footings to raise the elevation. Applicants said the grading change will be minimal.

            The area is within an endangered species zone, but no issues were raised, according to Natural Heritage’s program. There is an exemption within the state for existing paved areas, as long as there is no extension of paved areas, so no review will be necessary from Natural Heritage, according to commissioners and applicants.

            The next meeting of the Marion Conservation Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00 pm.

Marion Conservation Commission

By Jeffrey D. Wagner