Philip T. Moy, Jr.

on

Philip T. Moy, Jr., 94, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2020 at Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Days earlier, Philip celebrated his birthday in the company of his nieces and beloved wife, May (Wong) Moy.

            Philip was born in Boston on July 1, 1926 to Lum Foon and Philip T. Moy. He was the youngest of four sons and survived his three brothers, Robert, Stewart, and Harry.

            He left high school to work with the Navy as a welder. In 1944, at 18 years old, Philip registered to serve in the U.S. Army and joined the 342nd Infantry. He was stationed in the Philippines and served for two years. It was in the Army he learned to cook. Once he completed his military service, he started to pursue a culinary career. Philip moved to New Bedford to work in two local Cantonese Chinese restaurants including Charlie Wong’s and Mei Ling’s. It was at Charlie Wong’s restaurant he met his future wife, May Wong.

            Philip and May married in 1956. In April 2020, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Once married, Philip began his ascent to Master Chef at the Cathay Temple in Mattapoisett, the Wong family’s third and last restaurant.

            Philip was known for his loud, animated, and contagious laugh. Philip had talent and passion for bowling, shooting pool and fishing. He was an avid fisherman. On his days off from the restaurant, he was often found on his boat, the May May, fishing throughout Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod.

            Philip is survived by his wife May and several nieces and nephews including: Jadine Loo-Dixon and Kathryn Hurlburt of Mattapoisett; Thomas Loo of Fairhaven; Karen Smith of Acushnet; Laura Lanagan of New Bedford; Lisa, Jade and Dennis Wong of Dartmouth; Jennifer Wong of Amherst; Carolyn Sedille of Lynn; and Shannon Wong of Pleasant Hill, CA. He is also survived by several grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews. 

            The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff and care givers of Alden Court and Beacon Hospice for their loving, kind, and professional care of Philip Moy during this challenging time. Private funeral services were held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals. Burial with military honors followed at Riverside Cemetery. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

New Harbormaster Boat Launched in Mattapoisett

on

            There may not have been fireworks or large crowds of people cheering on from Mattapoisett’s historic harborside, but for the few that witnessed the launching of the new harbormaster’s boat July 4 was still a day for celebrations.

            Previously requested by former Harbormaster Jill Simmons and supported by new harbormaster Jamie McIntosh as a necessity, the new boat represents the town’s commitment to safety in the deep harbor of Mattapoisett for residents and visitors alike. The new boat is a Stanley Bullnose with 250 horsepower, twin, outboard engines measuring 28 feet by 10 feet and features removal panels and drop-down side doors for ease in hauling accident victims or large items from the water.

            The older boat, a Sea Hawk, was described as being primarily designed for fishing activities versus water rescues or law-enforcement needs. That boat was sold to help offset the costs of the new boat.

            During a February 2019 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, the board voted to appropriate $75,000 as a down payment contingent upon a positive vote demonstrating support by the Marine Advisory Board. The MAB voted in the affirmative. The total estimated price of the new boat is $150,000, according to McIntosh.

            Earlier in the process of lobbying for a new boat, McIntosh met with the BOS on October 9, 2019. While the meeting covered a variety of waterfront-enterprise issues, a new boat was a primary topic. McIntosh explained that a new boat is needed to more efficiently handle the type of work and emergency activities encountered out on the water.

            McIntosh said that after meeting with the Marine Advisory Board it was clear that issues around enforcing rules and regulations would be better served with more eyes out on the water during peak seasons and an “all hands on deck” approach. He noted that the prior boat was inefficient for most of the work typically done by his department, including pulling people out of the water. McIntosh said that Marion has a boat comparable to what Mattapoisett now has and that made him familiar with the new craft’s serviceability. He said that, with the significant type of weather Buzzards Bay is known for, twin engines are a must for power and back-up in the event one engine becomes disabled.

            Then-Town Administrator Mike Gagne commented that, should a new boat be considered, the plan would also include selling the current harbormaster boat, a Sea Hawk, as well as a small Whaler.

            At that time, Selectman Jordan Collyer said, “The boat is justified. We could take a five-year note for the boat,” but also added that costs associated with a new boat could be “lumped together” with wharf repairs into a larger 10-year bond. Collyer also stated that it was reasonable to spread the cost of a new boat across financing sources, not just born fully by boaters because, “Everyone uses the harbor.”

            At Saturday’s unveiling, Collyer said, “It’s been a long time coming… it will serve the community for a long time.” Also on hand was Selectman Paul Silva who commented, “This is long overdue. I fully support it. Boating isn’t like 20 years ago; there’s a lot more activity out there.”

            McIntosh expressed his sincere appreciation for support from town meeting and the boating community with a special shout-out to Lt. Ross Macedo for his expertise in wiring the boat and with electronics installation. He said that in order to be able to launch the boat on July 4, his team and others who assisted worked late into the night as well as working double shifts for nearly two weeks. In concluding his comments, McIntosh said, “I’m honored to be a part of this department and this day.”

By Marilou Newell

Sippican Historical Society Museum Reopening

on

The Museum of the Sippican Historical Society at 141 Front Street, directly across from the Marion General Store, is reopening on Saturday, July 11 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Lemonade will be served in the Memorial Garden on Main Street, just behind the Sippican Historical Society Building. Visitors are required to wear masks, and there will be a limit of eight visitors at a time in the museum. 

            Our museum exhibits currently focus on two of the most significant periods of the town’s history: the seafaring era and the rise of tourism in Marion’s Golden Age. In the Maritime Room, you can learn about Marion’s long connection to the sea, and see some of the tools and documents used in over two centuries of marine commerce in southeast New England. The Mary Celeste Room tells the story of the famous ‘ghost ship’, whose captain hailed from Marion. Finally, the Converse Room displays painting, furniture, and artifacts related to the rise of tourism and the development of the village as a summer community.  

            Beginning July 14, the museum will also be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you there.

Need Prayer?

on

Feeling overwhelmed? Encountering difficult times? Big decisions looming? In need of prayer? Let the Prayer Team at First Congregational Church of Rochester know how we can pray for you today and throughout the week; we would count it an honor and a blessing to do so. You can now submit a prayer request online by visiting the church’s website at www.rochestercongregational.com/ and clicking our new Need Prayer button, or you can drop your written request off in the Community Prayer Box attached to the front of the church vestry at 11 Constitution Way, Rochester, MA. All prayer requests will remain confidential within the Prayer Team. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” (Philippians 4: 6-7)

Darren Drayton

on

Darren Drayton age 52 of East Freetown and Rochester, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020. He was the son of Charles Drayton and Diane (Pina) Johnson and her husband Rod.

            He was born in New Bedford and was a lifelong Southcoast resident. He was raised in Rochester, and attended Old Rochester Regional High School. He spent the majority of his life living in New Bedford.

            Darren had a way with words, some say he could “talk a dog off a meat wagon”. He was loving, kind and always the funniest man in the room. Many will remember him for his loud music, boisterous personality, constant joking and relentless obsession with being part alien. He had a nickname for everyone, especially his mother, who he randomly called Cloe. Darren loved all of his children deeply. He spent most of his days looking for the next “crazy Eddy” on the newest sneakers, or working as a floor installer. He had a soft spot for dogs, appreciation for humming birds and unwavering loyalty to the Washington Red Skins. Most of all, Darren had a great heart. His personality could light up a room. He tried to be there when you needed him and always wanted to make his family proud. He will be missed by so many.

            May he rest in the sweetest peace.

            In addition to his parents, he is survived by his children, Breanne Vigeant, Dayanna Drayton, Bryce Drayton and Brayelle Drayton; his siblings, Charles (Chip) Drayton, Jr., Dawn Tremblay and her husband Michael and Kelsey Johnson; and a niece, Ashley Messier and his longtime companion, Jennifer Gillon.

            A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 12:00 pm in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. In lieu of flowers, contribution’s in Darren’s honor may be made to: P.A.A.C.A., 306 Coggeshall Street, New Bedford, MA 02746. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com

Todd Joseph Shockro

on

Todd Joseph Shockro passed away in Delaware on April 1, 2020 at the age of 42.

            He was raised in Mattapoisett, the beloved son of John and Cathy Shockro, and had moved to Delaware over 20 years ago when he joined his brother as a lifeguard on the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. In later years he worked in the restaurant business and as a basketball coach at Wesley College in Dover, DE. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, basketball and camping with his family. Todd’s greatest joy was time spent with his daughters.

            While Todd resided in Delaware, he cherished his roots in Mattapoisett. He was an avid fan of Boston Sports.

            Survivors include his parents; his partner Jessica Moore and their children, Margaret and Elizabeth Shockro; siblings Derek Shockro and his wife Katie of Lewes, DE, Timothy Shockro and his wife Katey of Windham, NH, John Shockro and his wife Tiffany of Mattapoisett, and Kateri Rebello and her husband Nathan of Fairhaven.

            Todd was the grandson of the late Joseph and Margaret Goslin and Raymond and Agnes Shockro. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

            A Mass celebrating Todd’s life will be held at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 10 am with burial following in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Donations in Todd’s memory may be made to the Herren Project, P.O. Box 131, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. For an online condolence book, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

‘Virtual Race’ Carries on 50-Year Legacy

on

            While it was disappointing for many to come to find out there would be no 50th running of the Mattapoisett Road Race this year, it turns out there were actually two races.

            The official “virtual” one, in which runners were only competing against themselves on a self-chosen course with an assignment to turn in a time solely for verification purposes, is not alone as multiple waves of runners descended on Main Street around 8:45 am on July 4 for their own unofficial run.

            Race Director Bill Tilden intended the virtual event to ensure safe-distancing guidelines and, at the same time, use entry fees to support Old Rochester Regional High School’s Class of 2020.

            “We just wanted people to get out there and get their five miles in for our (ORR) seniors. It was more of a ‘Thank You back’ just so we could give out some scholarships to seniors,” said Tilden. “But we used up everything not knowing (about the coronavirus pandemic)… We didn’t have a whole lot of money in the kitty after we purchased the shirts this year.”

            Last year, approximately $20,000 was raised based on the race’s typical field around 1,000 competitors. This year over 300 registered for the virtual run. Unlike many road races, the Mattapoisett Road Race has been content at 1,000.

            “That’s where we always liked it to be,” said Tilden. “That’s why we’ve never been big on the advertising end. We want to be that fun group that just wants to have a barbecue and a beer.”

            That homey flavor has served the Mattapoisett Road Race quite well going back to its 1971 origin when the Bob Gardner spearheaded barely over a dozen participants. The late founder of the race was honored on July 4 with a plaque at the starting line.

            Gardner was an assistant principal at ORR Regional High School, then stepped in as the first principal at the then-new ORR Junior High. “He was very involved in the community, big into putting time into causes,” said Tilden, the ORR director of athletics who has been involved on the race committee the past 16 years including his 10th year as race director. “We will do a rededication next year in front of thousands.”

            The virtual race has been happening all over the United States, on hills, in suburbs, on beaches and on treadmills.

            Originally scheduled to be run between June 26 and July 2, event t-shirts will no longer be available for the virtual race, but Tilden never closed down its donation deadline so participants can still enter and run to help support scholarships for ORR 2020 graduates.

            The grand irony is July 4th tends to be scorching heat in Mattapoisett. This year “would probably be our coolest race day,” according to Tilden. “It was funny this year because the Fairhaven (Father’s Day) race has always been a hot one; it was 65 (degrees Fahrenheit) for race time for them, too. The last couple of years we’d be very nervous with 1,800 bottles of water for 1,000 runners.”

            A half-century ago, all road races in the U.S. were being measured in miles, and when 5 and 10-kilometer races began popping in the early 1980s, Mattapoisett chose to keep its identity intact as the area’s 5 miler.

            Tilden is happy to do his part to keep the Mattapoisett Road Race’s legacy intact, both in terms of its traditions and its ongoing mission. While the t-shirts won’t be going out all summer, the post-entry race deadline has remained open so that interested runner can still donate to the cause and help add another year of student assistance.

            In 2019, the Mattapoisett Road Race distributed $20,000 in college stipends, and over the past decade has topped $135,000 in awards to local high school seniors.

            For more information, visit mattapoisettroadrace.com.

By Mick Colageo

Marion Recreation Summer Programs

on

            Yoga at the Bandshell: Come one come all to an all levels class in the heart of seaside Marion. This class is open and encouraged for all levels. This is an intuitive group class that integrates mind, body, spirit, and breath. This class will focus on stress reduction, breathwork, stretching, strengthening, and balance with the beautiful backdrop of Sippican Harbor. Proceeds benefit Damien’s Place Food Pantry and Friends of Marion Recreation.

            Drop-In classes: $10 Sundays: July 5 through August 23 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am; Thursdays: July 9 through August 20 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Island Wharf, 1 Island Wharf, Marion.

            Yoga at Silvershell Beach: Get your yoga on this summer and bask in the summer sun. Your instructor will lead you through an hour-long flow that is suitable for all ages and abilities. Bring a towel and or yoga mat, sunscreen, water, and a light scarf or shirt if needed. 

Drop-in classes are $10, and scheduled for Tuesdays at 8:00 am, and Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

            Family Yoga: On Mondays from 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Silvershell Beach, 1 Front Street, Marion. No pre-registration required for yoga. Please bring your own mat, none will be provided. We will enforce proper social distancing as required by MA Department of Health guidance. 

            Over the Net Tennis Lessons: Private Tennis Lessons for up to three players in the same household. You purchase the time block for the week. All ages are welcome. In these private lessons, you tell us what you want to learn. From beginners to intermediate, we will tailor these lessons to fit what you are looking for. Beginners will learn about the game and use age-appropriate equipment to grow comfortable with including learning basic tennis fundamentals, parts of the court and learning shots taught through lots of tennis like games and game play. More Intermediate players can sharpen their skills and increase their knowledge of the game. Sessions run from July 13 – August 20.

Session 1:  July 13 – July 16

Session 2:  July 20 – July 23

Session 3:  July 27 – July 30

Session 4:  August 3 – August 6

Session 5:  August 10 – August 13

Session 6:  August 17 – August 20

            Cost is $175/week up to three players in a household, which includes four hours of instruction, Monday through Thursday (one hour a day at the same time). Make-up day Friday. To register, call Marion Recreation at 508-748-3537.

            Led by Instructor Emma Collings: Emma is a rising senior at Worcester State University, where she has competed on the varsity tennis team, as a singles and doubles player, for the past three years. She was named an SCC All-Star three times and was a Standard-Times Super Team member twice. Her senior year, as captain, she led her team to win the 2017 SCC championship. She has also been a member of the LEC All-Academic team each season and named an ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2018. Emma will also be inducted into the Tau Chapter, Chi Alpha Sigma, of the National College Athlete Honor Society next May. Emma has taught tennis for two different summer programs over the past few years and is excited to teach again this summer! 

            Sailing Lessons on Sippican Harbor: Private Sailing Lessons for up to three in the same household. Learn to sail on one of our sailboats, 12’ Bullseye named ZEB or 12’ Bullseye named Trillium, out of Sippican Harbor. The program will teach basic sailing skills including boat handling, how to identify parts of the boat, boating terms, and basic knots. Classes will be tailored to fit the needs of those enrolled. Younger students may enjoy the lighter air and calm seas of the morning sessions. Students are encouraged to bring water, a hat, and sunblock. Personal flotation devices will be provided. This program is for all ages.

Session 1: July 13 – July 16, 2020

Session 2: July 20 – July 23, 2020

Session 3: July 27 – July 30, 2020

Session 4: August 3 – August 6, 2020

Session 5: August 10 – August 13, 2020

Session 6: August 17—August 2020

            To register call Marion Recreation at 508-748-3537. Individual Private Sailing Instruction also available at an hourly rate; call for more details.

            Led by Instructor Quinn Proudler. Quinn is a second-year instructor for the Marion Recreation Department, with over a decade of experience in a variety of boats ranging from Sunfish to Yawls. He has a background in competitive sailing and coaching youth sports for the town of Easton. Quinn currently is a sophomore at Purdue University, completing a double major while competing on the Men’s Varsity Rowing team. He strives to make every lesson as knowledge, safe, and fun as possible! Join Quinn this Summer with Marion Recreation. 

Mattapoisett Police Department Access During Construction

on

Due to the construction of the new Fire Station, Hubbard’s Way at County Road (Route 6) will be closed to the public on or about July 17 until further notice. People having business at the police station are to use the Hubbard’s Way entrance from Church Street. The current visitors’ parking will no longer be accessible, and visitors will be directed, via signage, to the new temporary parking area. Refer to the included graphic for the new directions of access. The skateboard park will remain closed for the duration of the construction project.

Joan M. (Hickey) Noyer

on

Joan M. (Hickey) Noyer, 92, of Mattapoisett died July 4, 2020, peacefully with her granddaughter Jennifer by her side. 

            She was the wife of the late Robert F. Noyer, Sr. 

            Born in Brockton, daughter of the late Charles F. and Edith R. (Casey) Hickey, she grew up in Bridgewater before moving to Lakeville and then to Mattapoisett in 1966. 

            Joan was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. 

            She loved her work as a registered nurse which she did in multiple care settings including physician’s offices, in-home private duty nursing, and St. Luke’s Hospital until her retirement at the age of 71. 

            Survivors include 2 sons, Robert F. Noyer, Jr. and his wife Pam of Mattapoisett, Peter R. Noyer and his wife Bozena of Ponte Vedra, Florida, a daughter Mary Magee and her husband Paul of Huntersville, North Carolina and two daughters-in-law Michelle Noyer of Newbury, New Hampshire and Cindy Noyer Garcia of Newbury, New Hampshire, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.  

            She was the mother of the late Timothy J. Noyer, and Stephen C. Noyer and the sister of the late Charles Hickey, John Hickey and Diane Jones. 

            Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 29th at 9:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Church.  Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals,, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett.  For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.