Tinkhamtown Chapel Christmas Sing

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The annual Tinkhamtown Chapel Christmas Sing-along will take place on Saturday, December 20 at 5:00 pm at the Chapel on the corner of Acushnet Road and Tinkham Lane. Join your friends and neighbors as we sing the old favorites under the light of kerosene lamps and accompanied by an antique pump organ. Refreshments will be served in the Sewing Circle Building next door. If anyone would like to perform a solo instrumental or vocal selection, or if you have any questions, please contact Gail Roberts at 508-758-9559 or by emailing peggsmom@gmail.com.

            If you can’t attend on the 20th, please join us at the Mattapoisett Museum, 5 Church Street, on Sunday, December 21 at 4:00 pm for a Christmas carol sing-along, plus a visit from Santa.

Mattapoisett Seeks Volunteers for 4th of July Celebration

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The Town of Mattapoisett is gearing up for an Independence Day celebration, and we need your help to make it happen!

            We’re calling on community members of all ages to volunteer for this year’s July festivities. We have several ideas that are being considered to present a small-town celebration for the USA on the 250th birthday. The celebration will begin on the evening of July 3 and conclude possibly on Sunday, July 5. The programs are designed so as not to interfere with the annual road race or the parade in Marion. This will be family friendly and give us all chance to mark this big national celebration.

            There will be a meeting for anyone interested to help on December 10 at 6:00 pm at the legion hall on Depot street. We can share our ideas which are pretty simple but will take many volunteers to make it happen.

            Questions may be emailed to theseamstress058@gmail.com.

Mutinies On Land and Sea

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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, Washington declared November 23 be an official day of thanksgiving, primarily to warn the favor of God in their struggles. The general received reports that more troops were arriving in Boston, while at the same time hearing from Benedict Arnold’s brutal slog in the north. While Arnold’s men are getting closer to Quebec City, having crossed the Saint Lawrence River, it is at a great cost. Finally, Washington furthered winter preparations and stockpiling, instructing men to give indications as to whether they will re-enlist for next year, with contracts up on December 31.

            On November 26, 1775, Washington receives a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Loammi Baldwin in Chelsea, just north of Boston. Baldwin expresses “great concern” over shipments arriving in Boston from England containing “all sorts of ordinance stores.” Then, he describes those who are leaving Boston, or refugees of the siege. He says, “The people that came out of Boston now at the Point are in the most shocking condition yesterday in the afternoon there was one dead and another dieing upon the beach.” “Dieing” was spelt differently then.

            Baldwin has allowed people to come as they please, although references an act of the General Court that states the army is not beholden to provide for them. Baldwin states, however, “I am not obdurate enough to confine them on the Point where they must perish with hunger & cold.” He asks for Washington’s recommendation.

            That same day, Washington responds to his cousin and current estate manager, Lund Washington at Mount Vernon. Lund worried the British would roll in from the Potomac and capture Washington’s land. George has great faith in Lund and entrusts him to “do for me as you would do for yourself.”  He also adds, “Let the hospitality of the house, with respect to the poor, be kept up. Let no one go hungry away.” In giving to the poor, Washington also approves of the sale of rum and other goods for the estate’s upkeep.

            On November 27, Colonel Henry Knox writes from New York. He is still en route to Fort Ticonderoga to secure artillery for the siege at Boston. In his time in New York, he has met with local officials and committee members who, reluctantly, have promised to send “12 exceedingly good” cannons. According to Knox, these cannons, called “4-pounders” for the weight of the ball they fire, weigh about 600 pounds each. He promises to set out to Ticonderoga.

            November 29 brings troubles. Washington writes the Massachusetts General Court, currently in Watertown, and demands pay must not be halted for soldiers. If the court continues to withhold pay, “this will be a reduction of 1500 men from the strength of our lines,” he says. That same day, the general gets a letter from William Watson of Plymouth. Watson says the men aboard the Brigantine Washington have mutinied. He says, “they insisted they enlisted to serve in the army & not as marines.” He references the captain, Martindale, doing all in his power but adds, “His people really appear to me to be sett of the most unprincipled, abandoned fellows I ever saw.”

            On December 1, Major General Israel Putnam writes Washington, commending the acts of Colonel Henry Babcock in quelling a mutiny among Connecticut soldiers. He recommends a promotion for Babcock. However, the mutiny is not over. On December 2, Governor Jonathan Trumbull of Connecticut of the “extraordinary and reprehensible conduct of some of the Connecticut troops.” In speaking with men in their camps, Trumbull has concluded many of them want out, now, or fears of abandonment will become reality. Many did abandon post, which is what led to Putnam and Babcock rounding them up and bringing them back.

            Washington does receive some good news on December 2. John Hancock writes from Philadelphia. The Continental Congress has authorized $3 million for army payments. He also informs the general that Henry Knox is to be made Colonel of Artillery per his mission to bring cannons to Boston.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

D. Ralph Whiterell

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D. Ralph Whiterell, 98, of Mattapoisett passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Barbara A. (Cox) Whiterell.

            Born and raised in Worcester, MA, son of the late John and Cora (Gaulin) Whiterell, he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life.

            He was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

            Ralph served honorably in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

            He was a graduate of Clark University in Worcester.

            Ralph was formerly self-employed as an accountant for many years until his retirement.

            He was a long-time member of the Mattapoisett Lions Club and The Bay Club.

            Ralph enjoyed golfing, sailing, skiing, reading, gardening and watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.

            He is survived by three daughters, Susan Soares and her husband Paul of South Dartmouth, MA, Deborah Wheeler and her husband Jim of Beverly, MA, and Laura Lemos and her husband Jaime of Hollis, NH; eight grandchildren, David Soares and his wife Katie, Jeffrey Soares, Alex Wheeler, Emily Wheeler and her husband Ben Stanford, Sam Wheeler and his wife Sarah, Justin Lemos, Sydney Lemos, and Madison Lemos; three great-grandchildren, John, James, and Elsie Soares; and many nieces and nephews.

            He was predeceased by his six siblings, Roland Whiterell, Ludger Whiterell, Irving Whiterell, Edward Whiterell, Edith Grenier, and Florence Berry.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Anthony’s Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, with everyone invited to meet directly at the Church. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ralph’s memory may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Streamlining New MS4 Bylaw

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Fresh off a successful Town Meeting for their proposed and passed Article S1, the Marion Planning Board met on Monday to discuss the newly adopted MS4 bylaw.

            Before discussions, Chair Andrew Daniel moved to dissolve the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Subcommittee. As said group was formed to draft the bylaw, it is now no longer needed, and the board voted to dissolve it.

            The board moved into a public hearing on the town’s Stormwater Management Bylaw and Subdivision Control Law. The plan was to merge in other stormwater-management regulations relating to subdivisions to fit next to the new MS4 Bylaw. “By marrying the two, we basically completed the tasks that were assigned to us by the (Environmental Protection Agency),” Daniel said. Vice-Chair Alanna Nelson added that it would make everything easier if it could be one unified process. “They’re going to follow the same process,” she said, referring to different potential residential projects.

            This streamlining alleviates any confusion, while also making it easier for the EPA to confirm the town holds proper regulations. This hearing was continued to the board’s next meeting.

            The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board will be on Monday, December 15 at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department, 550 Mill Street.

Marion Planning Board

By Sam Bishop

Rochester Republican Town Committee

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The Rochester Republican Town Committee will hold its December meeting at the Ponderosa Sportsman’s Club, Acushnet, on Monday, December 8, at 6:30 pm. There will be a discussion about the voting results for the Old Colony project. All are invited to attend.

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

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The Friends of The Elizabeth Taber Library’s Holiday Book Sale starts Thursday, December 4 at 2:00 pm, and continues through Saturday, December 6, at the library. Find a wide selection of books, puzzles, and games, and check out our Holiday Raffle Baskets. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Taber Library.

            Join the Banned Book Club’s discussion of Like Water for Chocolate, Tuesday December 9 at 6:00 pm.

            The Cozy Cup Book Club will be discussing Joanne Flukes Plum Pudding Murder on December 10 at 11:00 am. As always, coffee and tea are provided.

            Visit the library on Friday, December 12 at 6:00 pm to welcome the holidays with the Cooking Club Holiday Spectacular. Join chef Jeni Wheeler as she shares her holiday tips and tricks for hosting this holiday season. Free small bites, mocktails and fun. Registration is Required- call the library at 508-748-1252 or register online.

            Join Miss Macy for two exciting Saturday programs on Saturday, December 6. At 11:00 am we have Saturday story time for ages 0-5. This engaging story time includes songs, rhymes, movement activities, and stories – of course. Then, kids ages 3+ and their grownups can drop by anytime between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to celebrate the December full moon, the cold moon, at our full moon party. We’ll sip hot chocolate and create cozy crafts.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or email the library at ETLibrary@sailsinc.org. 8 Spring Street Marion, MA 02738. 508-748-1252.

Henry A. Zajac

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Henry A. Zajac, 85, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully at home on December 2, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. Born on September 26, 1940, he was the son of the late Henry M. and Janet K. Zajac. He grew up in the South End of New Bedford and attended Holy Family High School before enrolling at New Bedford Institute of Technology. He joined the Army Reserves and was very proud of his service in the Military Police. He had a fulfilling 25-year career with the Reece Corporation, which brought him great joy, lasting friendships, and opportunities to see the world. After leaving Reece, he worked at Sippican Ocean Systems and later retired from American Power Conversion.

Known to many as Henry or Hank, and to those closest to him as Bunny, he cherished every stage of life, especially the years when he became lovingly known as “Grampa Bunny”. A devoted family man, he was celebrated for his kindness, charm, and quick humor, always ready with a song, a story, or a one-liner. He could repair almost anything, big or small. He loved reading, learning, and keeping up with current events, and was an avid Celtics and Yankees fan. Bunny’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 46 years Kathy; a son, John Zajac and his wife Nicole Saquet of Wrentham, MA; a daughter, Jane Zajac of Mattapoisett; two brothers, Mort Zajac and his wife Barbara of Mashpee and Peter Zajac and his wife Nancy of New Bedford; 2 sisters, Rosemary Bowman of Mattapoisett and Janet Shartle of Fairhaven; a brother-in-law, John Connor and his wife Joan of Lakeville; 3 grandchildren, Henry, Nicholas and William; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by Michael Zajac, Ann Zajac, Walter Bowman, Leonard Shartle, Judith Zajac, and Eileen Connor.

His family would like to thank all those who helped to care for Bunny in his time of need.

Henry’s visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 12th from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 13th at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Church. Anyone attending the Mass is invited to meet directly at Church. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his name may be made to the Salvation Army at 619 Purchase St. New Bedford, MA 02740.  For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Vote Could Make ORR Acushnet’s High School

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            The Old Rochester Regional School District will learn on December 9 whether the Town of Acushnet will begin sending its students to Old Rochester Regional High School.

            Superintendent Michael Nelson reported at the ORR School Committee meeting on November 20 that Acushnet has been looking into forming a new school district partnership or partnerships for the 2025-26 school year because the town’s current contracts with Fairhaven and New Bedford expire with the conclusion of this academic year.

            Nelson said he and other ORR officials visited the Acushnet School Committee on August 26 to give a presentation on why the ORR district should become the town’s new partner. In November, Acushnet school officials toured the school; some tours were conducted by the ORR students themselves. Since then, ORR officials have met again with the Acushnet School Committee to discuss the issue further. But decision day for the Acushnet will be December 9, he said. That’s when the town’s school committee will meet to vote on its choice.

            For that reason, the ORR School Committee authorized Nelson to negotiate a tuition-based contract should Acushnet choose ORR for its new high school partner. He noted Acushnet estimates having 120 high-school-age students this school year, though approximately half of them attend Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School.

            In other action, the committee re-elected Michelle Smith as its chair as it reorganized.

            The committee accepted the following donations and grants: $1,526.22 from Shutterfly for ORR Junior High School student pictures; a tuba from Friends of Old Rochester Music to the ORR Junior High School Music Program; all recent donations related to the Tri-Town Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner at ORR Junior High School such as monetary donations of $750, food/paper goods, apple cider, store-bought apple pies, gift cards and/or other items for door prizes and fall/festive decorations; all recent donations related to the Day of Service at ORR High School such as monetary donations, gifts cards to Walmart and Amazon, paint, craft and baking supplies; $870 from the Mattapoisett Land Trust to Elizabeth Kennedy for a trip to Silverbrook Farm; $5,000 for DESE for Fund Code 0453: Strengthening Career and Technical Education; $500 mini-grant from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office Community Reinvestment Funds for the ORRJHS Tri-Town Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner; $1,000 from the Feinstein Foundation to ORR Junior High School; and $30,000 for DESE Fund Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) Competitive Grant.

            The next Old Rochester Regional School Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm at ORR Junior High School Media Center, 133 Marion Road, Mattapoisett.

Old Rochester Regional School Committee

By Michael J. DeCicco

Could I be Having a Heart Attack?

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            Until the late 20th century, getting to the hospital quickly with a heart attack was not that critical. Very little was done for heart attack sufferers beyond letting them rest and treating some complications.

            Around 1990, use of clot-dissolving drugs to dissolve the clot in the coronary artery that caused the heart attack became the standard of care. The earlier they were given, the better they worked, and the mantra became “time is muscle.” The drugs worked best when given within 6 hours of symptom onset.

            In the early 2000’s, an even better treatment became standard: angioplasty – opening the blocked coronary artery by putting a catheter in the artery and opening the artery with a small inflatable balloon. Current best practice is to then put in a stent to keep the artery open.

            What has happened in the past 35 years with these advances is that the early (30 day) death rate from an acute heart attack has fallen from over 20% to under 5%. To achieve these results, the earlier the better. Hospitals strive to get a patient from arrival at the emergency room to the cath lab in under 90 minutes. Most hospitals that provide emergency angioplasty have systems in place to achieve this goal.

            The weakest link? The patient calling 911! To get the best contemporary care and to have the best odds of surviving a heart attack, it is key that someone experiencing a heart attack gets care ASAP.

            How do you suspect you may be suffering a heart attack? The textbook description is crushing pain felt under the sternum (breastbone). The pain is often felt in the jaw and/or left arm as well. You may get sweaty, and you may feel nausea. The pain is not always excruciating – heart attacks are not as painful as childbirth or kidney stones – but there is something about it that tells you “this is serious.”

            Unfortunately, your body has not always read the textbook.

            Some people experience sudden shortness of breath rather than pain. Some become profoundly weak. Some feel abdominal rather than chest pain. In most situations, this is a new symptom, one you have not had before.

            Women, particularly young women, much more than men, are likely to have non-textbook symptoms, and as such are more likely to delay seeking care and/or be treated less urgently than men who show up complaining of “something sitting on my chest.” Some 40% of younger (under 50) women with heart attacks do not complain of chest pain. (By the time women pass 65, they have similar symptoms as men.)

            If you experience symptoms that may be a heart attack, call 911 and get an emergency ambulance. Do not drive yourself to the emergency room. In some communities, the advanced Emergency Medical Technicians who arrive may be able to initiate treatment even before you get to the hospital.

            In virtually every situation, arriving by ambulance will get you seen and treated faster than presenting at the front desk.

            If it is not a heart attack? Great – you will be allowed to go home and follow up with your doctor for any more testing needed. Never be “embarrassed” by a false alarm. Every emergency physician will tell you it is better to come in when you are not having a heart attack than to stay home and suffer the consequences when it is one.

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

What Does The Doctor Say?

By Dr. Edward Hoffer