The Spice Club

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Add some spice into your life with The Spice Club at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Starting June 1, the Mattapoisett Free Public Library will make spice kits available at the circulation desk. The Spice Club will run through November with a different spice at the beginning of every month. June’s spice is turmeric and the kit contains just enough of the spice to make a few recipes. Also included in the kit are simple recipes, a booklet with information about the spice and a comment card to tell the staff what you made and enjoyed.

            If you are looking to learn about new spices and jazz up your cuisine, this program is for you! Bags will be available at the circulation desk as long as supplies last.

            No registration is necessary and you can send an email to jjones@sailsinc.org to get more details. Check the library’s events calendar for more upcoming programs and book discussions.

Traffic Safety Funding For Rochester

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Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett) House co-chair of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation, announced today that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Baker-Polito administration have awarded a $50,000 grant to the town of Rochester to fund traffic safety improvements at three critical locations in town, including the intersection of Mary’s Pond and Walnut Plain Roads, the site of many tragic collisions over the years.

            The grant, applied for earlier by the town of Rochester, is being made under the DOT’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program funded by the Legislature. Town officials had sought Rep. Straus’ help in getting approval for the grant application. The state monies will allow Rochester to install LED stop signs at three intersections that have seen a high number of traffic incidents in recent years. LED lighting of the stop signs would be radar activated by the approach of motor vehicles.

            “I am hopeful that these installations will heighten driver awareness and force drivers to check their speed and comply with traffic markings,” said Rep. Straus. “State funding for public safety improvements is an important way in which the state can support municipalities, and I want to thank the administration and in particular Lieutenant Governor Polito for her direct involvement in bringing this grant to Rochester.”

            Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT Highway Administrator commented on the Rochester approval. “The Town of Rochester is to be commended for their initiative in pursuing the competitive grant, and Rep. Straus made sure this particular application was brought to our attention with his advocacy,” said Administrator Gulliver.

            Specific items to be purchased with the grant funds include:

· Eight Solar-Powered Radar Speed Monitor Signs

· Five LED Stop Signs

· Thirteen Signposts

· One OS-350MX Radar Speed Trailer with Matrix Messaging, Data Logger, License Plate Recognition (LPR) capabilities

            Because of the incidence of tragic accidents involved with the particular locations to be addressed, MassDOT will also be providing technical assistance to the Town to determine whether further ‘four-way’ stop signs are called for in addition to today’s announced improvements.

ORRHS Class of 1971 Reunion

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The class of 1971 had a small reunion last September at the Mattapoisett Light House. However, the turnout was rather small in the environmental context of the pandemic. Those in attendance had a great time reminiscing about their high school years and also catching up in their individual journeys over the past 50 years. The ad hoc committee gathered after the reunion and realized that the classes of 1970 and 1972 are facing the same challenges. The committee decided to open invitations to both the 1970 and 1972 graduating classes. We have also included those individuals who were with our class for less than the full 4 years. Our challenge is making all former classmates aware of the reunion and getting a head count by June 20. The event includes snacks, dinner and music. The reunion will be held on Sunday, June 26 at the Reservation Golf Club at 5 pm.

            If you wish to attend of know someone who would like to attend, please contact Chris Saether via text 206-518-7972 or Lisa (Croft) Anderson via Facebook Messenger. We only require RSVP note or phone call to secure a reservation for you and your party. Cost for the event, $30 per person.

Vacation Bible School

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The First Congregational Church of Marion is inviting parents of students entering grades kindergarten through 6 to register students for Vacation Bible School being held August 15 through 19, 9 am to Noon at the Community Center, 144 Front Street, Marion center. The registration fee is $25. Registration forms are available at the church office and online at MarionFirstChurch.org.

            The theme this year is “Make Waves” and will mix crafts, games and storytelling with lessons to enable youth to influence others with them to change the world around them. This kindles a ripple effect that turns simple acts of kindness into waves of positive change for the world. Students will discover that when they put their faith in Jesus, God will give them His Spirit.

            For more information, please contact the church office at 508-748-1053.

Marconi Once Towered in Marion

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Deep in the woods along the old railroad easement that runs behind the Town of Marion’s transfer station at Benson Brook, lies the ruins of a Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless radio station.

            Walking through the parcel now owned by the Sippican Lands Trust known as the Radio Tower parcel, one must tread carefully, as the grounds are littered with what was once used to transmit the wireless electronic signals hundreds if not thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean. Giant concrete foundations, enormous rusting cables and massive shards of porcelain insulators bear lasting witness that once upon a time something believed to be impossible became possible.

            On May 19, the Sippican Historical Society hosted a presentation by Frank McNamee, local antiques expert and longtime member of the society. Using materials sourced from the Cape Cod Radio Club and others, McNamee discussed the significance of the Radio Tower acreage not only to the local economy but also for what ultimately became transcontinental communications.

            The man of the hour, Marconi, was a rather dapper-titled Italian nobleman whose Irish mother launched him into the world where he would find investors willing to gamble on his inventions, primarily including wireless radio.

            But first let’s go back and note how Marconi became known as the inventor of radio.

            He was born on April 25, 1874 in the Marescalchi Palace in Bologna, later becoming the First Marquis of Marconi FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.) While his father held a place of considerable prestige within the titled families of Italy, his mother was heir to the Jameson whisky fortune and was in her own right nobility from the Daphne Castle in Ireland. It was her money that would help jumpstart Marconi’s projects.

            It is said that as a lad and through his school years Marconi showed a keen interest in the phenomenon electricity, studying everything that could be found on the subject. He would conduct experiments at his father’s country estate, successfully sending wireless signals over a distance just exceeding one mile.

            Marconi would move his equipment to England and was introduced to the engineer-in-chief of the post office, Sir William Preece. He would demonstrate his systems capabilities transmitting across the Salisbury Plain and Bristol Channel, resulting in the formation of the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company (1897), later to be renamed Marconi’s Wireless Telegraph Company LTD.

            In 1899, Marconi sent signals over a distance of 12 miles, later establishing wireless communication between France and England across the English Channel. Endlessly endeavoring to improve on earlier success, he transmitted the first wireless signals across the Atlantic between Poldhu, Cornwall, and St. John’s, Newfoundland, some 2,100 miles. Sometime in December 1902, Marconi sent signals from Wellfleet. McNamee said that Marconi most likely selected Cape Cod and Marion due to their location along the Atlantic Ocean, but that it was unlikely the man himself spent any time in Marion.

            Marconi received numerous awards for his service and inventions such as the Italian Military Medal in 1919 for his war service, along with honorary doctorates and international honors. He received the Albert Medal of the Royal Society of Arts, was decorated with the Order of St. Anne by the Tsar of Russia, and the Commander of the Order of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus from Italy. However, it was the Nobel Prize for Physics received in 1909 shared with Professor Karl Braun, which was his jewel in the crown.

            Wireless transmissions are known to have aided survivors of the Titanic disaster. During WWII, his yacht the Elettra was retrofitted as a warship by the Germans and later sunk by the RAF. “He had Fascist leanings,” McNamee shared.

            The Supreme Court weighed in on Marconi’s patents in 1943, returning some of the prior patents to Oliver Lodge, John Stone and Nikola Tesla. The court also rendered the decision that it had no impact on Marconi’s claim as the first inventor to successfully transmit wire radio waves.

            The Marion site bears witness to a time when enterprising people were developing thousands of products and services intended to make human life better. No one even Marconi could have imagined what his early inventions would one day become. However, there resting for all time like dinosaur bones are the remains of Marconi’s 14, 400-foot-high transmission towers, the largest in the world for its time.

Sippican Historical Society

By Marilou Newell

Erik M. Richardson

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Erik M. Richardson, 42, of Mattapoisett died unexpectedly, Tuesday May 24, 2022. He was the husband of Rachel A. Richardson.

            A Mattapoisett resident for the past several years, Erik was born in Brockton, son of Ronald W. Richardson of Plymouth and the late Shirley (Korsun) Richardson, and was raised in East Bridgewater, Class of 1998.

            He was the proprietor of Erik Richardson Heating & Cooling, and enjoyed golf, travel, family time, and BBQ competitions.

            Survivors include his wife; his father; his stepchildren, Faryn and Griffin Leverone, both of Mattapoisett; a sister, Christine Farrell and her husband Steve of Raynham; two nephews, Shawn and Anthony Farrell; and his beloved cousins, Nina Crapser and her husband Brian, Matt Korsun, and John Korsun. He was also the brother of the late Traci Chapin.

            Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 5th from 1-4 PM followed by a Family Service at 4 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett.

            In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Old Rochester Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 236 Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Malvin Kvilhaug

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Malvin Kvilhaug, 83, of Fairhaven passed away peacefully on May 26, 2022 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family. Malvin was the loving husband of Berit A. (Mjolhus) Kvilhaug and together they celebrated 60 years of marriage last year.

            Malvin was born in Aakrehamn, Karmoy, Norway, and was the son of the late Martin and Hulda (Grodem) Kvilhaug. He was the brother of Simon Kvilhaug and the late Johannes Kvilhaug and Signe Helgesen.

            Malvin began his life in Fairhaven in 1961 and made a large impact on the tight-knit Norwegian community. Captain Kvilhaug was a successful scallop captain and fishing was a major part of his life. Malvin made his way in the fishing industry through hard work, determination, and a ‘never give up’ mentality. Malvin was a captain for many years and enjoyed time on his boats – FV Michigan, FV Contender, FV Concordia and the FV Sandra Jane all out of Fairhaven. In addition, he was one of the five co-founders of the Fishery Survival Fund.

            Outside of the fishing world, Malvin enjoyed golf, travel and spending time with his family. Not many people can say that they were able to travel to 6 continents, but Malvin could. Malvin lived a full life and enjoyed every moment. A man of few words, who made an everlasting impact on everyone he met.

            Survivors include his wife Berit; 2 sons, Magnar Kvilhaug and his wife Kathleen; Brian Kvilhaug and his wife Susan, all of Mattapoisett; his daughter, Jane Quinn and her husband John of Dartmouth; his brother, Simon Kvilhaug; 8 grandchildren, Nicholas Kvilhaug, Simon Kvilhaug and his wife Caitlin, Jonathan Kvilhaug, Victoria Kvilhaug, Brendan Quinn and his wife Julie-Ann, Emily Quinn, Allison Kvilhaug and Nathan Kvilhaug; a great-granddaughter, Brienna Kvilhaug; and several nieces and nephews.

            His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 10 AM in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 1st from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church c/o Bereavement Committee, 16 Temple Place, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

League of Women Voters SouthCoast

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The newly reorganized League of Women Voters SouthCoast launched its inaugural meeting with a buffet luncheon at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford on Thursday, May 19.

            LWVSC, an expansion of the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Tri-Town League that now encompasses Wareham, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Fairhaven, Acushnet, Freetown, New Bedford, Dartmouth and Westport, restructured its governance using three co-chair positions with each leader serving either a three, two and a one-year term.

            The League believes this 3-tiered model will foster collaboration and partnership for effective action.

            Key objectives of LWVSC include addressing the climate emergency, educating members and the public about its policies related to voting, equitable access to the ballot, “housing and zoning laws, open and transparent government at the state level and looking at policies from a point of view of addressing systemic racism,” said Eileen Marum.

            Co-chair Kris Eastman said, “The LWVSC is making every effort to develop a strong, diverse membership featuring community, diversity, equity and inclusion and be recognized as the champion of democracy and voting rights.”

            Guest speaker Korinn N. Petersen Esq., senior attorney and vice president of Clean Water Advocacy at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, leads the Coalition’s advocacy efforts in town halls, in state and federal agencies and in state and federal courts.

            Ms. Petersen is renowned for her work managing the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s local and regional projects to reduce nitrogen pollution in bay waters and reported on the state of coastal waters and their watershed during a riveting slide show presentation.

            Ms. Petersen explained the impact of excess nitrogen on Buzzards Bay waters, for example, the effect of oxygen depletion on marine animals—massive fish kills—and the erosion of coastal marshes that protect bay communities from flooding.

            She put forward the Coalition’s position that would direct the discharge of treated wastewater into the Cape Cod Canal via a pipeline extending from an expanded Wareham treatment facility. Because of the flushing effect offered by the Cape Cod Canal, the pipeline presented the best solution for the region’s wastewater problems in Bourne, South Plymouth, Wareham, Marion and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

            Five years of scientific research and a hydrodynamic study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution support the Coalition’s position that a discharge pipe into the canal would not harm water quality and the pipe could potentially reduce nitrogen pollution “by more than 90 percent,” according to Ms. Petersen.

            Ms. Petersen is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, cum laude and has a Master of Studies in Environmental Law, cum laude, from Vermont Law School, as well as her Juris Doctor.

            Those wishing to join the League’s work, or who would like to learn more, can contact lwvsouthcoast@gmail.com

Library Director Gail Robert’s Retirement Open House

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Please join the Staff, Trustees and Friends of Plumb Library in celebrating our director, Gail Roberts, on the occasion of her retirement. An Open House will be held from 2 pm-7 pm on Thursday June 23 at the Library (17 Constitution Way, Rochester, parking lot on New Bedford Rd.) Light refreshments will be served. A memory book will be provided if you would like to share your well wishes.

Drop-In Watercolor Demonstration

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Stop by the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Thursday, June 2 between 3 pm and 4 pm to see a demonstration by local resident and artist Kylie Faison, who will be working on her watercolor pet portraits. She is currently exhibiting her work at the library with two other generations of her family (Three Generations of Artists.) Faison’s love for animals and passion for art evolved into painting pet portraits that capture the animals’ personalities as one-of-a-kind keepsakes for their owners. The Library is located at 7 Barstow Street and is handicapped accessible.