Tracking Great White Sharks

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With summer fast approaching, the migration of the Atlantic Great White Shark increases daily. How do we know this? Just ask marine biologist, author, professor and reality TV shark expert, the now-famous Dr. Greg Skomal.

            On May 20, Skomal gave his annual update on not only the migration of the seas’ great hunter but also the technology employed to better understand Great White Shark behavior.

            Skomal has been tracking and tagging the massive ocean migrants for decades, and one thing he knows for sure, in the absence of modern technological devices, his job would be nearly impossible to do. The Great Whites can be elusive, their habits of daily living not fully known.

            The doctor’s goals have shifted from the early days of the 1980s when simple trackers were used to note shark movements to the 21st century acoustic telemetry units. From simply gathering data on shark populations to studying their behavior, a much more complex process, the ongoing research keeps Skomal very busy.

            “We started with the distribution of sharks along the northeastern U.S. as far north as Newfoundland,” said Skomal, who in those early days studied dead sharks, their stomach contents and reproductive systems, but with technology studying their behavior is now the focus.

            “We live in a changing world,” Skomal stated, a world that in the 1970s passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act which included seals, the Great White’s favorite food. “The seals responded and rebounded; the restaurant was opened,” he shared with a chuckle.

            Skomal said that Great White Sharks have learned how to hunt close to shore where the seals tend to feel safe. This has caused a collision between an animal on the hunt and a human enjoying the ocean. He provided the incident data: 1936 one fatal shark incident in Mattapoisett; 76 years later (2012) another incident off Truro; then in 2017 and twice in 2018, sharks either challenged recreators or severely injured them including at least one fatality. Clearly, the confluence of sharks and humans needs further study to avoid what could be dangerous for both life forms.

            Since 2009, Skomal and his team, which includes a pilot in a spotter plane, have tagged 300 sharks. Twenty-five more sharks are now wearing acoustic devices that are collecting behavioral data such as when and where they hunt. Unfortunately for tourists visiting the outer Cape, they are in not only the migration area of these formidable fish but also in the seals’ favorite place to congregate. People can easily find themselves in the middle of a fight to survive as the Great Whites attack their prey.

            Demonstrating the data collection and the plotting of shark migration and hunting patterns, Skomal displayed video and other graphics that clearly showed where the sharks are and how they use sandbars and seafloor valleys to hunt and capture prey – all along the outer Cape Cod area.

            Skomal said that, at Newcombe Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, the site of a fatal shark bite in 2018, a live receiver notifies lifeguards when a tagged shark is in the area, giving safety measures a chance to work. And it is this point, safety, for which Skomal is now placing most of his energy. Collecting data and using that data to better inform the public. He is as much concerned for human safety as he is for the safety of the Great White Sharks.

            And there is still so much to learn.

            Further study is needed to more fully inform Skomal and his team where the sharks are and when they are feeding because “We don’t see many kills except occasionally in shallow areas,” he said. New technology is allowing direct and indirect data to be gathered, but “We don’t know where they breed or give birth.” Skomal said by studying patterns there can then be extrapolated predictability as to Great Whites’ migration, which occurs between May and October with August, September and October the height of their presence on the outer Cape.

            Skomal plans to continue his efforts to help the public for safety’s sake and for the future of one of nature’s most fascinating creatures – the Great White Shark.

            The presentation was hosted by the Marion Natural History Museum, now celebrating its 150th anniversary. To learn more about programming, visit marionmuseum.org.

Marion Natural History Museum

By Marilou Newell

Mental Health Walk Marion

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We are hosting an event in downtown Marion on June 11 from 11-3. It is a Walk for Mental Health, which will start at the Music Hall and end at the Band Stand. The walk itself will be less than half an hour, so the majority of the time will be spent at the Band Stand field. We are having folks sign up to perform music, poetry or dance, and the field will have local organizations tabling with resources and educational material. There will also be arts and crafts, face painting, as well as an art raffle of students’ art. In addition, we will be accepting donations to AFSP, the Trevor Project and BEAM.

From the Files of the Rochester Historical Society

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As mentioned in prior articles, street names in Rochester have changed over time and the same is true of some sections in town. Today, the area referred to as Douglas Corner in East Rochester is a T-shaped section of land along High Street and Pierce Road. Several homes built in the 1800’s can still be found there. Before the area became known as Douglas Corner (named for W.H. Douglas, whose home first appeared on the 1879 map) it was called Pierceville, named in honor of a prominent local family. In the mid-1800’s, Pierceville boasted a cemetery, a school to the east on High Street and at least one store.

            Prior to 1903, Pierce Street was known as Brattle Road. The name change, no doubt, was due to the many members of the Pierce family who built homes there in the mid-1800’s. At least, two of the houses built by Pierces are still on the street. 150 Pierce Street was built sometime before 1856 by D. Pierce. By 1879, Moses D. Pierce, a poulterer lived there. The R. Pierce house at 185 was also built in the same time period. While maps, including those for 1936 and 1941 contain houses owned by Pierces, they don’t bear names of specific people. However, records show that Joshua D., a nailer; Lemuel H., a photographer; and Samuel W., a carpenter, were some of the Pierces in residence on the street.

            The Hillside Cemetery was originally called the Pierceville First Cemetery and many of the stones date from 1840’s-1880’s. There are at least 45 members (by birth or marriage) of the Pierce family buried here. The oldest stone is that of Jeremiah Pierce (1823-1824.) It’s interesting to note that even though there was a community cemetery (today’s Woodside Cemetery) adjacent to what was then the East Rochester Methodist Church, the Pierces and others living in Pierceville chose to be buried at the Hillside Cemetery.

            One noteworthy grave is that of Reverend George Pierce who lived from 1804-1875. He was a carpenter and a part-time preacher. He was one of the founding fathers of the East Rochester congregation. He financed the building of the church after purchasing the land from Benjamin Morton and Mary Smith for $12.00. In 1856, he became “First Reader” and was often referred to as “King George.” There are Pierces who live in Rochester today, although most have moved away from the Pierceville/Douglas Corner area.

            Anyone with questions for the Rochester Historical Society can contact Connie at eshbach2@aol.com or Sue at sash48@comcast.net.

By Connie Eshbach

Friends of the Mattapoisett COA Plant Sale

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Many of us are going out to our yards and working on our plants. If you are like me, you have some spaces in your gardens that could use an additional plant or two. The Friends of the Mattapoisett COA is having a Plant Sale on Saturday, June 4 from 9 am to 1 pm. We anticipate having around 300 plants at the sale. The Plant Sale is being held at the site of the old Mattapoisett fire station. So plan to stop by to get some new additions to your yard. You also might find a plant or two that would work inside your home. Hope to see you there.

Lawrence William Gray, Jr.

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Lawrence William Gray, Jr., 63, formerly of Westport, passed away on January 1, 2022. He was the son of Merva (Hopkinson) Gray of Westport and the late Lawrence W. Gray, Sr.

            Larry was an Eagle Scout with Troop 71 of Westport. After graduating from Old Rochester Regional High School, he joined the United States Army serving stateside and in Germany. Following his military service he attended B.C. and later went on to be a CDL truck driver for UPS and other trucking companies.

            Including his mother, he is survived by 2 daughters: Rebekah Pouliot of Westport and Hannah Gray of Westport; 6 grandchildren; a sister: Cynthia Gonet of New Bedford; a brother: Steven Gray of Rocky Point, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

            Services will be private.

Text Message Clinches Playground Approval

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            It took a telephone call from the parking lot of Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School to get the Rochester Planning Board to endorse the relocation of the Countryside Child Care Center playground at Plumb Corner.

            Board Chairman Arnold Johnson told consulting engineer Brian Walsh that the one obstacle holding up his approval vote on the project was receiving a formal notice that every plaza tenant was okay with the relocation, which will place the playground closer to the rear of the plaza businesses.

            Specifically, Johnson wanted a letter or some formal notice from Matt’s Blackboard restaurant owner Matt Gurney saying that he would allow relocating the three dumpsters that now sit directly behind that business.

            “We’ve been very transparent with the plaza owner,” Walsh said.

            Johnson pointed out that doesn’t necessarily mean permission from the tenants, especially from Gurney. “I need a little more ‘comfort’ from him,” Johnson said. “He’s the one most impacted.”

            The board took the unusual step of continuing the project’s public hearing so Countryside Child Care Center owners Schoen and Bonnie Morrissey could contact Gurney by telephone for an immediate answer. After circling the parking lot in their motor vehicle to get good cell-phone reception, the couple returned with Gurney’s texted answer: “Put the dumpsters anywhere. It doesn’t matter to me.”

            With that done, the Planning Board unanimously endorsed the site plan to relocate and install the 5,050 square-foot playground of the Countryside Child Care Center at 565 Roundsville Road.

            Johnson explained later the Village at Plumb Corner housing project necessitated a change in drainage that required moving the center’s play area.

            Town Planner Nancy Durfee said she will now draft the site-plan review decision, which she will then submit to the Planning Board for its final approval.
            In other action, the panel recommended the Select Board not exercise the town’s option to purchase the property at 529 Snipatuit Road, which is being taken out of 61A agricultural land protection. Towns are routinely allowed to acquire such parcels if they choose to do so.

            The Planning Board’s next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:00 pm at Old Colony RVTHS.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Shipyard Park at Center of Conflict

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            Midway through their May 24 meeting, the Mattapoisett Select Board heard from members of the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club regarding issues they have experienced in working with the Mattapoisett Lions Club during Harbor Days. Representing the MWC were Sandy Hering and Lois Ennis. Although the Lions were invited to attend and discuss matters, no one was present.

            Traditionally, the MWC uses the big tent at Shipyard Park, erected for Harbor Days and paid for by the Lions, for their scholarship fundraiser Taste of the Town. But this year they were told that Tuesday, July 12, is not available and reported that Valeri Kane of the Lions offered them any other day that week. The switch, Hering said, would make it very difficult for restaurants to participate.

            Although this situation was a problem for the MWC, it was an even bigger problem for the Select Board. Chairman Jordan Collyer pointed out that an advertisement on the Lions’ Facebook page offered the tent for rental, a violation of the town’s policy.

            “The board controls use of Shipyard Park,” said Collyer, adding that even the individual events held during the weeklong Harbor Days are required to be preapproved by the Select Board. Under no circumstances can the park be rented out to anyone without prior approval.

            Collyer said he had watched earlier Select Board meetings concerning Chase Canopy’s request to erect the tent earlier than needed for Harbor Day events due to scheduling and manpower issues. That request was granted. The concept of the Lions Club renting it out during those days was never considered by the Select Board.

            “We were frustrated by this,” Collyer said. “Shipyard Park is not there for any singular organization.” Member Tyler Macallister said, “They (Lions) don’t have authority.”

            Without a representative from the Lions in attendance, the board was left with unanswered questions. But the members were unanimous in recertifying that the MWC’s Taste of the Town could be held on July 12.

            In a follow-up, Hering said, “Originally, the Lions wanted a set cash amount to use the tent on July 12. We refused that offer and tried to negotiate with them.” She said that for years the MWC gave a donation to the Lions for use of the tent, “from one civic organization to another.” No agreement could be reached.

            “We were saddened to decline, it’s such a family event in our beautiful park and it’s a big fundraiser for us,” said Hering. After meeting with the Select Board, she hoped everything could be worked out amicably.

            Earlier in the meeting, the board met with local business owner Nils Johnson regarding granite boulders that had been placed in front of his establishment, the Inn at Shipyard Park, located on Water Street. Johnson said he had had discussions with Town Administrator Mike Lorenco after expressing his desire to continue with outside food and beverage service as outlined by state regulations. The boulders, he thought, would be more agreeable than the jersey barriers he had placed on the edge of the street for the safety of his patrons eating outside in previous seasons.

            Lorenco explained that since the board had already granted approval at the beginning of the pandemic for several restaurants to offer outdoor dining, he had made the “assumption” that as long as nothing had changed, restaurants could move forward for another season of outdoor dining.

            But Select Board member Jodi Bauer was not in favor of what she called Johnson’s use of town-owned property. She also said, “People don’t like those jersey barriers … people want to know why you got permission.” She questioned how many years was this going to go on, she wanted to see it stopped. She said his use of town property was different from the other restaurants.

            “This is very different because he is using town property, blocking off the sidewalk and losing parking in a very busy area,” Bauer said.

            Lorenco said, “It was vetted in the past for safety.”

            Collyer said that due to heavy restrictions associated with the pandemic, the state had given cities and towns authority to grant outdoor dining beyond any existing permits. “Prior permissions moved forward.” He said that all safety measures had been reviewed and considered when original permissions for outdoor dining were granted, hence the barriers.

            Johnson said he had not been made aware until recently that people were complaining as Bauer had commented. “I would have expected to hear it before now. I’m not trying to aggravate people,” said Johnson.

            Both Macallister and Collyer said they had not received any complaints.

            Bauer said that such decisions should come before the board and that, “It’s been three years – time for it to go away.”

            But Collyer said it had come before the board, and such regulations were intended to help business financially to rebound from lost income during the pandemic and that was the purpose for extending outdoor dining until April 2023. “I’m not happy with your business being on town property,” Bauer plainly stated to Johnson.

            The board approved Johnson’s use of the sidewalk in front of his establishment and requested plantings to make the barriers more aesthetically appealing.

            The engineering firm VHB met with the board to review contractual updates and associated charges. VHB has been developing documents for a MassDOT grant and other applications for the village street roadway improvement project.

            Approved by the board were: eight additional hours for meetings and coordination with various agencies; 24 additional hours for horizontal and vertical geometry for additional work in designs near Route 6 and 24 more hours for final vertical design; the culvert on Water Street; how bikes use Main Street to Acushnet Road; 10 hours for plot cross sections; 76 more hours for drainage and water supply details associated with Mechanic Street and private-property discharges and investigations in how to improve the same.

            During the meeting, the board approved a request from Colby Tranfaglia to use Ned’s Point for a wedding ceremony with 100 guests to take place on October 14. The board discussed their standard approval, which is for no more than 50 people but agreed to grant this request but limit the number of cars to just 25 to minimize impact at the popular venue.

            The board also appointed Craig LeBlanc as constable and Carole Clifford to the Historical Commission, replacing Marilou Newell, who had tendered her resignation.

            The board also approved the transfer of an All Alcohol Liquor license to new owner Jessica Moore for the restaurant Rustico. Also granted was a common victualer permit and a permit for entertainment.

            Before adjourning the public meeting and entering executive session, Lorenco was asked to set up a working meeting for the board to review all major projects.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 2, at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell

Lighthouse Vandal Left Tag

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Ned’s Point Lighthouse wasn’t only vandalized for $3,000 worth of property on the weekend, it was the target of a serious crime, according to Staff Officer Sal Giglia of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 63.

            “It’s not just a federal building and a federal offense (destruction of property), it is a crime, and I believe several historic statutes have been violated,” said Giglia, noting that Ned’s Point Lighthouse is an active Aid to Navigation (ATON.) “It’s sort of been considered the last line of defense since 911 because of electricity … it can affect (sailors) and their navigation.”

            Giglia suggested that the vandalism constitutes “irregular warfare” and the destruction of “cultural property” important to emergency management. The crime, he says, falls into the category of cultural looting, ransacking and looting of shipwrecks and is punishable from fines of $3,000 to $5,000 and up to 20 years in jail time.

            “Luckily, there was no damage to the lamp or the lamp room itself,” he said. “They’ve tried to break in before, but they’ve never gotten this far.”

            On a prior attempted break-in, a welder was called in to fix the lock.

            In this case, the storage area at the bottom of the lighthouse was trashed, where the Coast Guard Auxiliary keeps all of its boating and kayaking materials and emergency management (FEMA) information.

            The vandal(s) left a tag, drawing out four letters in orange paint on the black railing outside the light room at the top of the tower. Giglia hopes exposure of photos of that tag helps identify a suspect.

            In reply to the Wanderer, Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King wrote in an email that the Mattapoisett Police Department is investigating the incident but, as of Tuesday, had no further details to release.

            Town Administrator Mike Lorenco told the Wanderer that he learned of the matter on Monday and that the police was working with the Coast Guard Auxiliary to investigate the matter.

            “It is upsetting especially given we’ve had several acts of vandalism in that area of late,” said Lorenco, alluding to the recent restoration of the Tri-Town Against Racism Little Free Library that had been vandalized late last year.

            Lorenco also said security camera coverage at Ned’s Point is still planned for installation in approximately a month. “Maybe we can find out who is doing this,” he said, anticipating there will most likely be stepped up police presence in the area.

            “It sort of breaks my heart when those things happen,” said Giglia, citing the rarity of the Ned’s Point Lighthouse’s accessibility. “Some of them are privately owned by historical societies.”

            Unlike Wing’s Neck in Pocasset and the Chatham lighthouses that are closed to the public, Ned’s Point Lighthouse welcomes the public and holds special events and tours.

            Giglia told the story of a couple who recently drove five hours from Maine to meet friends who also drove five hours from New Jersey. They met at Ned’s Point, took pictures and went their separate ways.

            “They turned around and went home,” said Giglia, amazed that they did not even stay in town for dinner. They only wanted to post their photos on the Lighthouse Society page.

            “That lighthouse is the Sistine Chapel of the (Tri-Towns),” he said. “This just so happens to be the Coast Guard, we are the only ones that can open it and service it.”

            There will be a necessary upgrade to the locking system, and Giglia hopes that the town will follow through with the installation of the security cameras anticipated by Lorenco.

            The Coast Guard is not allowed to receive donations, but an ongoing restoration effort exists on the part of fundraisers of the Friends of Ned’s Point Light.

            “Friends is in the process of raising funds to restore the entire structure, so yes, there is going to be a cost,” said Giglia.

            The immediate schedule, meanwhile, has not been impacted, and Giglia indicated that the lighthouse will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 4.

By Mick Colageo and Marilou Newell

Christopher Brown Memorial Piano Recital

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On Thursday, June 2 at 4pm, Janice Weber will perform a solo piano recital dedicated to the memory of Christopher Brown. The program will include pieces inspired by Chris’ repertoire, including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and Mussorgsky.

            Chris Brown was an artist: a talented musician, piano restorer and technician and gentle soul. He impacted the lives of many pianists and piano owners here in southeastern Massachusetts with his concertizing and the extraordinary attention he gave any piano. He was very active and loved in our community.

            Last fall at the Marion Music Hall a stellar pink dogwood was planted and dedicated in Chris’s memory. Financial contributions from so many friends exceeded the expenses to do this; therefore, this recital is free to all and we invite you to come and enjoy a beautiful, classical piano solo program – inspired by Chris Brown, played by Janice Weber.

            For those concerned about Covid, the doors and windows of the Music Hall will be wide open, and you are invited to mask up to feel safe. The Marion Music Hall is located at 164 Front Street in Marion.

Boat Race Ham & Bean Supper

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The Rochester Memorial Day Boat Race (RMDBR) Ham and Bean Supper will be held Saturday May 28 at the Rochester Senior Center, 65 Dexter Lane. The supper will be served from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and tickets can be purchased at the door. There is the option to eat in, eat on the patio if weather permits, or take-out. Adults, $10.00 and children under twelve are only $5.00. Beans baked by the best bean bakers in town, coleslaw, potato salad, rolls and brown bread. And to top it all off, apple crisp for dessert prepared by The Artisan Bake Shop.

Proceeds from the supper help offset the expenses of the race.

            This is the 88th anniversary of the race and it remains one of the few racing events with no entry fees as it was in 1934 when it was started. Enjoy a great meal at one of the important social events of the year in our area. The more the merrier. For additional information please contact Arthur Benner, Chairman, RMDBR, 508-763-2024 or email, artbenner@comcast.net.