Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Scholarship

on

The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club has announced its scholarship awards for recent high school graduates pursuing a four-year degree.

            Maeve Bradshaw is a graduating senior at Fairhaven High School who is planning to study nursing at Northeastern University with the goal of earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In addition to being a sports captain, Maeve has spent the past eight months volunteering at St. Luke’s Hospital, an experience she credits with shaping her college plans and future career goals. “Each shift has strengthened my interest in pursuing nursing.”

            Nina Pierre is a graduating senior at Old Rochester Regional High School. She is planning to attend Fairfield University in the fall to study biochemistry on a pre-physician’s assistant track. Nina says she hopes to build a strong foundation in science and contribute to research that improves the lives of others. She served as executive board president of her students’ council, where she led initiatives that strengthened the school and supported families in need. Nina is also a competitive Irish dancer who has competed nationally and internationally. “Irish dance has taught me resilience, discipline, and teamwork.”

            The scholarships are made possible by fundraising events in our community. Membership in the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is open to any woman interested in furthering and supporting the philanthropic, academic, civic, and social goals of the organization.

Marion Democratic Town Committee to Meet

on

Marion residents are welcome to attend the monthly meeting of the Marion Democratic Town Committee at 5:30 pm, Thursday, May 21. The meeting will be held in the Community Room of the Marion Police Station, 550 Mill Street.

            The agenda will include committee reports about our essay contest winners who submitted compositions on the meaning of democracy. This contest was offered to ORR high school juniors and seniors, and we are excited that the results are in. We will make plans for our Damien’s Food drive. The members tasked with fundraising ideas will discuss options. Coordinating with Democratic committees in the tri-town area is another topic. As the primary seasons are in full swing, we will finalize whom we should assist in neighboring states. Again, please attend.

Michael J. Paolella

on

Michael J. Paolella, 77, of Wareham, passed away on May 8, 2026, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the beloved husband of Louise A. (Boissoneau) Paolella, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

            Born in Queens, New York, Michael was the son of the late Dominick and Rose (Barberine) Paolella. He proudly served his country as a Vietnam War veteran in the United States Air Force.

            Michael spent his career at the United States Postal Service, retiring as Manager of Resource Management. Along the way, he led the team that built the agency’s first digital HR software program and rolled it out nationally.

            But the work that brought him the most joy came after he retired. Michael poured himself into his community on the South Coast of Massachusetts and gave it decades of his time.

            He founded the Middleboro Youth Soccer League (MYSL) and secured the land and funding for the town’s youth sports fields. He coached in MYSL and Mariner Youth Soccer, taking teams from each to the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions, and at the high school level at Middleboro from 1985 to 1987 and at Old Rochester from 2017 to 2026, carrying more than a few teams to the playoffs (and more than a few snacks to the bench). When he wasn’t coaching, he was refereeing soccer and lacrosse across the South Coast and training the officials who came up behind him.

            He was the Assistant Harbor Master in Marion, a first responder on the water and a boating safety instructor on land. He led volunteers at Damien’s Place Food Pantry and cooked breakfast for the Rochester Council on Aging. And he was a fixture in the stands at Old Rochester Regional games, the loudest Bulldogs fan in the building.

            To those who knew him best, Michael was steady and dependable. He showed up for the people he loved, every time, without needing the credit. His family knew they could count on him for guidance, a hand with something practical, or just his quiet presence in the room (especially all the times he fell asleep on the couch).

            He was tough when he needed to be, and never far from the people who needed him.

            Above all, Michael’s greatest pride was his family.

            He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He built his life around the people he loved, and his presence will be deeply felt in the stories, memories, and values he leaves behind.

            He is survived by his wife, Louise A. (Boissoneau) Paolella; his children, Tina Rood and her husband, Hal, of Falmouth, Karrie Perry and her husband, Matt, of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Amanda Young and her husband, Rich, of Daniel Island, South Carolina; his nine grandchildren, Troy (and his husband, Oti), Kyle, Megan, Brett, Julia, Ethan, Owen, Gavin, and Quin; and his siblings, D.J. Paolella and his wife, DeDe, Ricky Paolella and his wife, Karen, and Susan Schmitz. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Daisy.

            Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Highway, Wareham. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

            In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to a few causes he loved: Old Rochester High School Boys Soccer (ORR Booster Club, Attn: Boys Soccer, PO Box 192, Mattapoisett, MA 02739), Damien’s Place Food Pantry, or the Rochester Council on Aging.

            Michael’s family will carry forward his strength, his love, and the steady example he set every day.

            To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Rhode Island Declares Independence

on

            This week in Revolutionary War history, let’s check up on what was going on 250 years ago in New England and the northern Thirteen Colonies. Last week, desires to conquer Canada falter as emissaries to the north like Benjamin Franklin return with news that campaigns in the north are fruitless. George Washington still rallies supplies and troops to New York as fear and anxieties over British incursion runs high. The monarchs of France and Spain both secretly pledged to support the revolutionaries.

            On May 3, 1776, Major General Artemas Ward writes from Boston. He informs General George Washington that a ship has recently arrived in Newbury carrying important news: 12,000 Hessian mercenaries, recruited by Britian, are enroute to Boston under the command of Admiral Richard Howe. Admiral Howe is the brother of General William Howe, recently driven from Boston. Ward writes, “they were directed, if possible, to adjust matters with the colonies; if not, to penetrate at the risk of everything, into the country: if this could not be affected, then to burn and destroy all in their power.”

            He also states Hanoverians are heading to Quebec and others are going to the south. He adds, “France and Spain had objected against any Russians coming to America.” German mercenaries, most notably the Hessians, will play a pivotal role in the battles ahead. The Holy Roman Empire, a confederation comprising numerous German states in Central Europe, saw its members send mercenaries to fight in many British campaigns for profit and plunder. The Hessians aptly come from the highly-populated region of Hesse, containing the cities of Frankfurt, Mainz, and Kassel, the latter of which being a major focal point of soldiers sent by the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel Frederick II.

            On May 4, Major General Philip Schuyler carries on in the north, pushing for more troops and more equipment for a drive into Canada. Currently, he states he can only build around four troop transport ships per day from Fort Geroge, New York but is pushing for faster production. At this point, the Continental Congress has not yet issued any sort of pull-back or retreat from Canada.

            Also on May 4, the General Assembly of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations passed the Act of Renunciation. This act by the main governing body in the colony offers the first legal separation between the Crown and one of the Thirteen Colonies. It ends, “That the Courts of Law be no longer entitled nor considered as the Kings Courts: And that no Instrument in Writing of any Nature or Kind, whether public or private, shall in the Date thereof mention the Year of the said King’s Reign: Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this Act contained shall render void or vitiate any Commission, Writ, Process or Instrument, heretofore made or executed, on Account of the Name and Authority of the said King being therein inserted.” Thus, the act voids any agreement or previously binding article the colony had with the king.

            It also offers a new oath to elected officials and General Officers, where they pledge to serve “all Persons, poor and rich, within this Jurisdiction,” rather than the King.

            On May 6, the battered remaining Continental Troops holding a faltering blockade of Quebec City finally retreat toward New York. A still recovering Major General Benedict Arnold is still in Montreal, though hopes for the American capture of Canada continue to fade.

            Mirroring Rhode Island, also on May 6, the Fifth Virginia Convention begins in Williamsburg. During the two-month-long meeting of delegates and Patriots, the body would declare the colony’s independence, pass the Declaration of Rights, and create a governing constitution.

            On May 7, Washington moves men into position on Long Island. In his General Orders, he says the men, “are to lay upon their arms and be ready to turn out at a minute’s notice.”

            On May 8, a naval battle takes place on the Delaware River where 13 small row galleys and the Continental Navy schooner the Wasp attacked the HMS Liverpool and HMS Roebuck. the attack was a stalemate, though still embarrassing for the Royal Navy. The Roebuck was run aground and had to be hastily dredged out of a sandbar. The two ships were chased down the river to New Castle, Delaware.

This Week in Revolutionary War History

By Sam Bishop

ZBA Bids Farewell to Richard Cutler

on

            The Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals on April 30 finished work on two continued hearings and said goodbye to retiring long-time member Richard Cutler.

            The meeting began by accepting the withdrawal of a Variance Petition to allow a shortened front setback for a new home construction at 28 Marion Road. At the board’s previous meeting, property owner and engineer Nelson Bernardo had said he needed to be allowed a 34-foot setback rather than the required 40-foot setback because he inadvertently built his house foundation too close to setback lines. On April 30, the board accepted his request to withdraw this application. Board member and neighbor Keith Riquinha elaborated that Bernardo has tweaked his design of the steps to make his plan work without the need for a variance.
            Next, the board granted a Special Permit to allow a kennel license for up to 15 dogs at 19 County Road. Property owner Anita Milka’s plan is for a kennel behind the house she is building there to breed and sell small breed dogs, Bernedoodles and Aussiedoodles. The lack of an adequate plot plan and a question of whether it had been advertised correctly had continued this hearing from the last meeting. Both points were satisfied on April 30. Chair Donald Spirlet said the panel now has the proposal’s certified plot plan. Administrator Andreia Lacerda said she has learned the hearing, in fact, was advertised correctly. The Special Permit motion included the condition that the kennel be placed, centered on Lot 1 of the large parcels.

            The board ended by sharing their thoughts on Cutler’s retirement after 40 years as a ZBA member. “He’s like been around here forever, and he’s always given us good and correct guidance,” Spirlet said. “I liked that I can rely on someone like Richard Cutler to give us the best guidance possible.”

            “His counsel to us was always of high value,” fellow veteran board member Davis Sullivan said. “And he came up with a lot of good ways to settle the matters before us.”

            “He didn’t know this, but he was one of my greatest mentors,” Jeffrey Costa said. “I once wrote a list of the men I admire, and he’s on it.”

            “I greatly respect what he has done for this town,” Riquinha added.

            “He was like a walking encyclopedia for us,” Dennis McCarthy added. “His knowledge was very admirable and valuable.”

            Cutler’s retirement is effective April 30.

            The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals

By Michael J. DeCicco

Rabies Prevention Event

on

The Marion Board of Health would like to inform the community of the following event, Rabies Prevention, Control Efforts and Reducing Risk of Exposure. This event will now be held on June 3, at 5:30 pm at the Benjamin D. Cushing Community Center.

            The Cape Cod and Southeast Massachusetts Rabies Task Force is actively involved in rabies prevention and control efforts in the region. They coordinate with local health directors, animal control officers and natural resource officers to contain terrestrial raccoon rabies on Cape Cod. Twice-annual distribution of oral vaccination baits has been key to the program’s successes. Come learn more about their work and ways to reduce risk of exposure to rabies.

            Light refreshments will be served. To register, please call 508-748-3570. Space is limited.

Understanding the Eastern Coyote

on

The Mattapoisett Land Trust invites you to an afternoon with Peter Trull to learn more about our fascinating neighbor, the eastern coyote. This free event will be held Saturday May 16 at 1pm at the Mattapoisett Friends Meeting House, 103 Marion Road (Rt 6) Mattapoisett.

            Eastern Coyotes are a wild canid whose genetic make-up has been shown to be a combination of two species of wolves, western coyotes and domestic dogs. While most people refer to them as “Coyotes”, they are not the animal of the western deserts. It is truly a “canid soup”. Eastern coyotes or “Coywolves” are found throughout Massachusetts and eastern North America. Peter Trull has been studying the daily habits and life history of the eastern coyote Canis latrans var. since 1989. On Cape Cod and throughout New England, with diverse yet diminishing habitats, and a growing human population, eastern coyotes still thrive and are evident to us in our yards and neighborhoods year-round. They are not well understood by most people, and their presence may cause alarm and disdain among a large part of the population. His aim as researcher and educator is to offer an objective view of this wild canid, clarify the many misconceptions, and inform his audiences, young and old, of this predator’s place in our world, and our place in the coyote’s world. This Program/Lecture will include colorful and informative photographs, as well as the most up to date information on genetics and taxonomy of the eastern coyote or coywolf.

            Peter Trull has been involved in Research and Education for 50 years. He coordinated seabird protection and research for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. As Education Director at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, he developed programs and began studying Eastern Coyotes in 1989. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education. He has written nine books about Cape Cod natural history.

            This event is free to the public, and we ask you to register ahead of time by emailing manager@mattlandtrust.org or call 774-377-9191. Check our Facebook page and website for any event updates.

SRPEDD to Assist Open Space Planning

on

On May 4, the Mattapoisett Planning Board met with Taylor Perez of the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to discuss drafting an updated Rules and Regulations document for the town.

            Perez explained that her input would be primarily involved with clerical aspects of the project, formatting the document to conform with state requirements. The board also discussed the importance of one-stop, grant-application processes, including also scheduled for updating.

            A letter from the Planning Board confirmed that, “We find that Mattapoisett’s Open Space and Recreation Plan is consistent with the town’s zoning bylaws, comprehensive planning objectives and sustainable development goals. The Planning Board supports the proposed goals and strategies the plan provides.”

            The board said the plan provides necessary framework for balancing municipal growth with the preservation of open space and the protection of local water resources. Furthermore the document emphasizes actionable steps to strengthen climate resilience and ensure stewardship of the town’s natural and recreational assets. “The Mattapoisett Planning Board supports the certification of the Mattapoisett Open Space and Recreation.”

            Perez said she will return to the board in June to share steps she has taken in the development of reformatted and updated rules and regulations, which may include best practices from surrounding communities.

            In the meantime, Town Planner Victoria Alfaro will work on the grant application as a one-stop process for the village business district. Alfaro will also be engaged in prioritizing goals for future grant applications.

            Two planned hearings were continued pending addition adaptations to site plans. Those were 15 Industrial Drive to May 18 and 182 North Street to June 15.

            The board also moved to release 53G funds for the JBL Estates subdivision known as Cooper Way. The sum requested and approved was $53,000.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Planning Board is scheduled for May 18.

Mattapoisett Planning Board

By Marilou Newell

Weeds Threaten Snipatuit Pond

on

            As Rochester’s Conservation Commission Tuesday further reviewed the Town of Rochester’s Notice of Intent application for proposed work with a harvester to cut and remove invasive aquatic weeds in Snipatuit Pond, the commission mulled over a variety of alternative ideas for eradicating the water-choking plants.

            Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly began the discussion by reporting on her own recent research. She said she contacted one underwater maintenance firm that goes as deep as cutting the weed roots. The company told her the charge would be $5,000 a day for 10 days the first year, eight days the second year, and lesser days per year until it is just a simple maintenance problem. She added that the company did not tell her how many acres per day the work would cover.

            Snipatuit is the town’s largest pond, and in 2025 the invasive weeds milfoil and fanwort were so thick in the pond that boat propellers could not operate and fish and shellfish below them were in danger of dying from lack of oxygen. The town commissioned a vegetation study that led to a suggestion that a harvester be purchased or rented to physically remove the weeds that would then be hauled off to be composted at a local landfill.

            The commission Tuesday clearly was not satisfied with settling on one eradication method. Members discussed using a diver-assisted removal, weed-eating carp (sterile so they don’t reproduce), boat washers at the boat ramp to eliminate spreading the weeds, aquatic herbicides, an eco-harvester with barriers that will control weed debris that could grow back, dredging, and lowering the pond to make it easier to access the killer weeds.

            Member Matthew Bache instructed Kelly to research these ideas, but the commission seemed most interested in member Jennelle Jesse’s suggestion that a consultant be hired to advise the ConCom on the best plan, and not someone with a vested interest in selling a particular method. Michelle Kirby of nearby Snows Pond suggested the commission use the consultant her Snows Pond Association has used.

            Chair Christopher Gerrior said the town needs a short-term and long-term plan. The plan has to happen in the right season, and money must be budgeted for whatever plan or plans are chosen.

            The commission continued the hearing for future discussion. Gerrior said that might be the next meeting or a future meeting after that date.

            In other action, the commission continued to June 2 its two Notices of Intent hearings for High Street Solar 1 and 2 at 0 High Street, which proposes work within the 100-foot wetlands buffer zone for a ground-mounted solar array.

            The commission continued to its next meeting the Notice of Intent to construct a four-bedroom, single-family home with septic system on Robinson Road across from Lloyd’s Market. This would be a residence on land that is positioned between a 200-foot riverfront area and a 100-foot wetlands buffer zone, with the driveway and some grading extending into the latter.

Project representative Chris Gilbert said in his presentation on Zoom that a large square footage of the wetlands will be replicated elsewhere on the property. “The restoration will improve the site,” he said. But the commissioners disagreed, asserting the site is still wet and the restoration would not be an improvement. They motioned to initiate a peer-engineering review of the plan.

            The next Rochester Conservation Commission meeting will be held on May 19 at 7:00 pm, in Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Conservation Commission

By Michael J. DeCicco

Thoughts on… Passports, Flags and National Parks

on

            I’ve just received my new passport in the mail, thankfully in the nick of time. Not that I plan to travel anywhere in the near future but if the clown show (Sorry, I vowed not to mention clowns again after my last column.) passes the “SAVE Act” (Safeguard America Voter Eligibility Act. There’s a mouth full!) requiring citizens to show an identification to vote. I will be prepared.

            More importantly, it has been announced that in commemoration of the United States 250th anniversary, new passports will have the image of the leader of the free world emblazoned on them. Well, not on the cover, but inside along with an image of the Founding Fathers. Thankfully, it will not replace the eagle image, the symbol of our proud country which is engraved in gold on the cover. To get his fill of gold, the Donald’s distinctive signature will be stamped beneath his portrait in solid gold script.

            I guess our chief diplomat, top dog, Grand Poohbah, and everybody’s favorite president feels that is the closest he can get to having his head carved alongside Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln on Mount Rushmore.  He has settled on being next to an image of the founding fathers. Otherwise, his face would have been relegated to the back pages with the famous mountain carving, the Statue of Liberty, and a photo of a spacecraft hovering over the planet.

            His friendly face also appears in full color on the National Park Season Pass and gold (of course) visa cards that allow rich foreigners to enter the country for a small contribution to the federal treasury which I for one think is a good idea since we have a very large national debt. He will also be sternly staring back at those lucky enough to acquire commemorative gold coins being minted by the U.S. Mint. All this in addition to his name on the former Kennedy Center for the Arts, the 100-dollar bill, The National Institute for Peace, and a class of battleships (Really!)

            I am positive that these changes, and more to come, will help our government run more efficiently. For example, just this week I received an e-mail telling me that my passport, that I received a month ago, is “being printed and should arrive in about a month”.

            Not that too much tweaking is necessary. Just this week fifteen flags were raised for the arrival of the King of England and Queen Camilla. Unfortunately, they were the Australian flags. In fairness to the poor official flag raiser whose job it is to raise flags, they are similar but with a smaller Union Jack. Of course, King Charles III is the King of Australia, which is a part of the British Commonwealth, along with Canada our 51st state. (I couldn’t resist.)

            So, the faux pas was quickly caught, the wrong ensigns were replaced by the correct ones. Whew! Luckily, no one of importance noticed. I don’t think we could deal with the embarrassment. A government spokesperson said the flags had been stored away for some time and must have been in the wrong boxes.

            The very next day the king and queen arrived at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony was to honor fallen service members. The British flag was flying upside down during the ceremony. Naturally the British press caught the error. Headlines blared “Bizarre”, “Distress Signal”.

            Do you think Britain will let me in with my new passport?

            Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and happily retired writer. His newspaper columns appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

By Dick Morgado