Futsal Champs

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Beckham Harvey of Marion has an exciting journey this month. He, along with his futsal team FC Flair of Marlboro, are headed to the World Futsal Cup in Spain later this month. Futsal is an indoor soccer variant played on a smaller pitch; this makes it more fast-paced.

            On Christmas Eve, Beckham, family, and team will travel to Barcelona. They will stay there until the tournament on New Year’s Eve. FC Flair are currently the national futsal champs for their 2015 age group.

            Excited for the odyssey, Beckham said, “I can’t wait to go to Barcelona because we will get to play top academy teams from around the world. Hopefully we will win the championship! I am excited to learn about the culture in Spain and we will get to see Barcelona on Christmas morning, which is pretty cool.” Best of luck to Beckham and company. Enjoy the holiday travels!

By Sam Bishop

Davin’s 3rd Annual Holiday Raffle Food Drive

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            Since 2022, Davin Alves of Marion has run a raffle to feed the hungry this holiday season. Davin collects donations and raffles off prizes, either purchased or gifts given to be raffled. 100% of proceeds from the food drive goes to food pantries and homeless shelters; those being Damien’s Food Pantry and United Way of Greater New Bedford.

            The same as the last couple years, Davin assembled letters and papers to send to local businesses to drum up support and get the word out. Davin’s message this year is:

            Hello, my name Is Davin Alves. I am 12 years old and I live in the town of Marion. I’m in the 6th grade at Sippican Elementary School. Two years ago I wanted to start a raffle during the holidays     to raise money to buy food and then donate that food to local food pantries. We raised almost $1,000 the first year and $3,470 this past year. My wish is to raise even more money this year with   your help. If you sponsor or donate to this raffle, I’d appreciate it. I can’t do this without your help. Sincerely, Davin Alves. Happy Holidays!

            Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 tickets for $10, 7 tickets for $20, or 20 tickets for $50.  Tickets can be purchased through Davin’s mom’s Venmo @kathylee-8-12 or if by cash/check, sending an email to brinx1@verizon.net.

            The raffle will take place December 20 at 7:00 pm live on Kathylee Alves Facebook page.

By Sam Bishop

Great Decisions Program

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Sponsored by the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club for over fifty years, we are again offering the 2025 Great Decisions Program for eight consecutive weeks meeting on Wednesdays. The program uses the Foreign Policy Association Text and DVD that consists of eight chapters of Topics ranging from U. S. Foreign Policy to the future of NATO, to International Cooperation on Climate Change and AI, and the American National Security, with more very challenging topics.

            The Classes will meet at the Mattapoisett Library on 7 Barstow Street in the Community room downstairs. The side door of the building is accessible and inside has an elevator to the lower level.

            Here’s how to register: Please send a check for $40.00 to cover text and expenses to the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club, Box 1444 Mattapoisett MA 02739, Attn: Treasurer (memo on check Great Decisions) on a separate paper please print your: Name, Address, Email address, Phone Number (both landline and cell # if available) for the records.

            The registration is on a first come first served basis for the first 30 members. The program is open to all members of the community of all area towns.

            The Classes begin Wednesday January 15 from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm, for eight consecutive weeks. We offer light refreshments with coffee, tea and a beverage.

            Each year the program proves to be a great way for members to explore the working of International Relations, Current events and how to make a difference in solutions for U.S. and Foreign Policy, through investigative readings and discussions.

            Thank you for your interest in our organization.

Request for Determination of Applicability Denied

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A Request for Determination of Applicability filing was turned down on December 9 when the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission reviewed the filing brought by Colin Labrie, 7 Hollywood Road.

            The filing was for the removal of trees within the 100-foot wetlands boundary an area subject to coastal storm flowage. Representing the applicant was Chris Vandenberg of Civil Environmental Consultants who quickly found the commission members in opposition to his plans. The commission indicated that the applicant’s site activities to date already constituted a violation and that a Notice of Intent filing was in order.

            The commission acted on the RDA by giving it a positive determination and that requires an NOI filing.

            An NOI filed by Eric Smith for the construction of a single-family home, located at 0 Grand Avenue, was continued while an NOI filed by Thomas Holt, 39 Mattapoisett Neck Road, also for a single-family home, was conditioned.

            Two of four requests for Certificates of Compliance were granted, being Nicholas Leblanc, Lot 83 Shagbark Circle, and Long Built Homes for Lot 90 Shagbark Circle. Exception was taken for two other COC requests because the engineer of record did not certify compliance to conditions. Requests from Craig Medeiros Esq. for COCs for 21 Fieldstone Drive (two certificates) were denied and engineering certification requested.

            A continued NOI for James DePierre, 20 Cove Street for the razing of an existing structure and the construction of a new residence was conditioned.

            Coming before the commission was David Davignon with a requested and received a withdrawal without prejudice for Approved Amended Orders of Conditions (SE44-1503, SE44-1524, SE44-1520, and SE44-1526) for landscaping in and near a barrier beach that would have included technical features due to possible storm surge erosion in the future for property located on Good Speed Island.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for December 23.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

Mattapoisett American Legion Hall Eagle Scout Project

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Last month, Eagle Scout Ryland Perron of Troop 55 in Fairhaven completed his Eagle Scout project; that being grounds work at the American Legion Hall in Mattapoisett.

            For the project, Ryland leveled the earth, removed weeds, stoned were laid, and mulch was spread. This was done near the entrance to the hall. On this worked land was placed a bench, built in honor of the late Richard R. Langhoff, a former member of the American Legion. A plague with Langhoff’s name was made for the bench. It was donated by Village Sign Inc. Ryland was thankful to all the local business that helped make the project possible.

By Sam Bishop

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library’s annual Holiday Book sale will be operating until Sunday, December 22. Check out our holiday raffle baskets and find gifts for the whole family. All proceeds benefit the library.

            Join Miss Macy for a special pajama story time on Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 pm. We’ll sing songs, read stories, and get cozy together. Participants of this all ages are invited to wear PJs and bring their favorite stuffed animal.

            Celebrate the shortest day of the year on Saturday, December 21 at 11:00 am with Solstice Storytime. We’ll learn why cultures around the world celebrate the winter solstice and make a craft to bring light to the long night. This program is intended for kids ages 3 and up.

            Kids who can’t stay up until Midnight, are invited to join us at the Elizabeth Taber Library to ring in the New Year – at noon. Drop in anytime between 11 am and our countdown at Noon for merriment, crafts, a bubble-wrap dance floor, and light refreshments.

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

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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The Rochester Historical Society, begun in 1967, has been around long enough to be considered historical in its own right. Like any organization with longevity, it has undergone changes over the years.

            The Society founders bonded over discovering the histories of their old homes and also creating maps of Rochester through its over 200 years. With each map moving from century to century, they added roads, businesses and homes of residents with the names of the people living there at the time.

            Because the Society had no building to call its own, meetings were held at the homes of members, often accompanied by a meal. Any items donated to the group had to be stored at these same member’s homes. Most meetings were for members only. Many projects were proposed and there was a constant search for a place to make it into a museum.

            They held antique shows, helped plan the celebrations for the Bicentennial and more whole-heartedly, the 300th anniversary of Rochester. They conducted historic tours of town, spoke about the town’s history to groups, and held Thankful suppers,

            Finally, in 2003, the East Rochester Congregational Church became the Rochester Historical Society Museum. In the following 21 years, the mission of the Society has expanded with most if not all meetings and events open to the public. Monthly meetings with speakers sharing historical knowledge or expertise, yearly exhibits, along with bake sales, an annual yard sale, concerts and special outdoor events have helped us to share Rochester’s history.

            In the past, the Society had Christmas parties for the members. The picture shows Betty Beaulieu sharing her Christmas wish with Santa Claus. When my husband and I first joined the Historical Society and attended a Christmas party, Anna White was happy to see me, assuming, that as Marion Hartley’s (church organist and expert pianist) granddaughter, I would be able to take over the piano playing duties. I had to disappoint her as my few years of lessons left me with only the ability to find middle C on any piano.

            The museum’s piano hasn’t been played in years, but that isn’t standing in our way. Inspired by the many dolls, games and toys in our current exhibit, we are having a Christmas party. As always, we’re inviting everyone (not just members) to join us at the museum at 355 County Rd. on December 18 at 6:30 pm. Come and see our decorated church and play with some of the exhibit items.

            Then at 7:00 pm, the musical part of the party begins (if you can only attend this part, that’s fine). First, sixth grader, Andrew Cody, will entertain us with some trumpet solos. You may have heard him perform in October at the SAR ceremony at Rochester Center cemetery. After that, we’ll join Sheila and Tom Perry in singing holiday songs. We’ll have cookies and cocoa to finish the evening.

            We are asking attendees to bring an unwrapped gift for a teen or child.

            On the Sunday before the Christmas party, we will be having what has become our annual holiday organ concert. Organist, Bruce Gardzina, is back and will be playing our rare Vocalion organ at 2:00 on Dec. 15th. The concert will be followed by refreshments and conversations.

            Again, an unwrapped gift can be brought to the organ concert.

By Connie Eshbach

ORR Celebrates Inaugural Community Service-Learning Day

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Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Old Rochester Regional High School Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to announce the resounding success of the district’s inaugural Community Service-Learning Day, which took place on Wednesday, November 27, during a half-day of school leading into the Thanksgiving break.

            The event provided all Old Rochester Regional High School students with opportunities to engage in meaningful service projects, promoting empathy, responsibility, and connection to the community. Over 20 volunteer activities were offered, ranging from writing letters to soldiers and assembling care packages for local senior citizens, to campus beautification. The event also included off-site opportunities to distribute food to people in need at Damien’s Pantry and help in the warehouse at Friends of Jack.

            “We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their enthusiastic participation in this first-of-its-kind event,” Superintendent Nelson said. “We hope that it’s the first of many. This first annual schoolwide Community Service-Learning Day reflects our commitment to developing not just learners, but leaders who give back to the communities that support them.”

            Superintendent Nelson would also like to thank Interim Assistant Principal Lauren Millette for leading this initiative.

            “Without her leadership, this event would not have been possible,” Superintendent Nelson said.

            The day began with shortened classes, followed by a brief assembly where students were encouraged to reflect on the value of service. Then, the students participated in their selected projects, many of which directly benefited local organizations and individuals.

            “Watching the students and faculty participate in the various service-learning activities with smiles on their faces was such a highlight,” Interim Assistant Principal Lauren Millette said. “So many of the students reflected on how special it felt to give back. It was definitely a great day to be a Bulldog.”

            Other activities included creating handmade cards for hospitalized children, baking treats for local families for Thanksgiving, and helping to make blankets from fleece for PACE Headstart in New Bedford, to be given to the preschool students there. Some students kept busy knitting crocheted hats, scarves and mittens, to be donated to local homeless shelters.

            “This day was a beautiful example of learning and connection,” said Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sharlene Fedorowicz, who learned how to crochet with the students. “Joining our students to crochet scarves for those in need reminded me of the power of shared experiences and the lasting impact of giving back together.”

            The district extends its gratitude to MassHire for generously funding the transportation that allowed over 100 students to participate in off-campus volunteer activities, making this day of service possible.

            One group of students left campus to help fill and put together winter care bags at the Dartmouth Housing Authority. Another group split up and went to all of the elementary schools in the district, assisting schoolteachers and reading to younger Bulldogs. Some students traveled to volunteer at a local charity called Gifts to Give in Acushnet.

            Several groups of students focused on campus beautification efforts, such as painting inspirational quotes on bathroom walls, helping to build the Transition Program’s garden, and updating hallway bulletin boards.

            Some students focused on emergency preparedness, learning CPR and earning a certificate of completion through the Family & Friends CPR Course offered through the American Heart Association. One group helped plan mental health initiatives and events for the nonprofit KyleCares, dedicated to promoting open and honest communication about the mental health challenges experienced by teens and young adults in today’s society.

            Principal Devoll highlighted the importance of the event for the school’s culture.

            “This event was a huge success both inside the school and in the community,” Principal Devoll said. “As part of a year-long study, we identified service learning as a major opportunity to foster growth in our student body and strengthen our commitment to the community.”

            Feedback from community partners was overwhelmingly positive, with several noting the enthusiasm and diligence of the student volunteers, thanking them for helping out. Students themselves shared that the experience was rewarding, with many of them looking forward to similar opportunities in the future.

            The district is already planning to expand Community Service-Learning Day next year, building on the success of this inaugural event.

Richard “Dick” M. Cotter

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Richard “Dick” M. Cotter passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family after a long illness.  He was a loving and devoted husband to Joan M. (Leclair) Cotter for 61 years and a caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother.

            He was born in New Bedford, MA to Joseph W. Cotter and Cecelia E. (Cowen) Cotter and was a graduate of New Bedford High School.  He then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Bryant College.  After college, he went on to proudly serve with distinction in the U.S. Army and after being honorably discharged, he started his career in banking at the First National Bank of New Bedford.  He held various positions there and at other banks over four decades. Although he liked banking, he found true satisfaction teaching Macro and Micro Economics as an adjunct professor at Bristol Community College, for over twenty years.  Dick had a quiet zest for life, a dry sense of humor, and a passion for dessert.  He was a lifelong golfer and he thoroughly enjoyed sailing, watching his grandchildren grow, traveling with his wife, and reading books. 

            Whenever you asked him for help, he was always the first to show up and the last to leave.  He never asked for anything in return, nor did he ever ask to be acknowledged for anything he ever did, he would just quietly go about the task at hand.  This might be something he’d ask us all to reflect on in our busy lives, and how we should undertake helping others in our community.

            His life was not without difficulties, nor was it absent health problems.  However, he’ll be most notably remembered for always staring down adversity and never giving up on anything or anyone.  He was loved and will be deeply missed by many, especially to all those over the years he had “given the day off!”

            We’d like to thank all the various health care providers he has had over the years, that were instrumental in giving us valuable time with him that we may not have ever had without their involvement.  We’d also like to thank the local Council’s on Aging and the various Alzheimer’s and Dementia programs that helped us through his decline.  And lastly, if you know anyone who is a caretaker, please reach out to them, even if it’s just to say “hello” we know they will greatly appreciate it.

            His private Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, December 10th in Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church that honored his life, his faith and his service.  Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Barbara A. (Souza) Littlewood

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Barbara A. (Souza) Littlewood, 93, of New Bedford died December 8, 2024 at Royal of Fairhaven.

            She was the wife of the late Donald C. Littlewood.

            Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Manuel and Elsie A. (Davis) Souza, she lived in New Bedford most of her life.

                        Barbara was a graduate of Boston School for the Deaf.

            She had a close relationship with Jesus and was a member of the New Life Pentecostal Church in Acushnet.

            The family is grateful to granddaughter Abby for caring for Barbara in her home.

            Survivors include her 3 sons, Ronald Littlewood of Marion, Paul Littlewood and his wife Rebecca of Fairhaven and Shawn Littlewood and his wife Carolyn of Westminister, SC; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

            Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 17th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

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