The Great Decisions Program

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Again for 2020, the Mattapoisett Woman’s Club offers one of the world’s largest discussion groups of both civic and foreign policy-related topics, “The Great Decisions Program”. As a participant, you become part of a community effort to discuss and critically establish policy-making decisions for global issues.

            Topics Include: Climate Change and the Global Order, India and Pakistan, Red Sea Security, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle, China’s Road into Latin America, The Philippines, and the U.S. and Artificial Intelligence and Data.

            This series starts with its first session on Wednesday, January 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and runs for the next eight consecutive weeks on Wednesdays. We only cancel if Town Hall closes (it is not dependent on school closings)

Cost to participate is $37 for individual and $45 for two people sharing one text. The fee includes book, classroom DVD, teachers’ electronic edition, and expenses for materials and refreshments.

To register, please send check, with printed name, address, and telephone number plus email address to: Mattapoisett Woman’s Club P.O. 1444 Mattapoisett Ma 02739. Indicate on check memo “Great Decisions “. Maximum capacity is 25 people. Deadline for registration is December 31.

            The books will be available and distributed after the first week of January at the Library by Ellen P Flynn or Barb and Richard Van Inwegen. The event will be at the same location, Accessible Community Room Mattapoisett Free Public Library, 5 Barstow Street Mattapoisett, 02739

Open Table

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The next Open Table will be on Friday, December 13 in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Rick LeBlanc will be there to play holiday music that everyone can sing along with. Doors open at 4:30 pm and supper is served at 5:00 pm. There is no charge for the meal, although donations are gratefully accepted. This is a community event and everyone is welcome. 

Cougars Prepare for State Vocational Championship

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            Somehow, Old Colony football is heading into uncharted, yet strangely familiar territory.

            While the idea might seem a bit convoluted, it’s rather simple.

            For the first time in program history, the Cougars will play for the State Vocational Championship on Thursday. The farthest they’ve made it in the State Vocational tournament was in 2016, when they made it to the semi-finals.

            The familiar part about Thursday’s contest is Old Colony’s opponent. This will be game 13 for Old Colony this season, yet they’ll have only played nine teams in 2019. Furthermore, over their last seven games, including the State Vocational Championship, the Cougars will have only played three teams.

            “We’ve never played multiple teams twice in the same season,” Old Colony head coach Brandon Mendez said. “Never one team three times [either].”

            Old Colony has faced Upper Cape and Tri-County two times each, knocking off the Rams in the regular season and the opening round of the MIAA Division 6 South Sectional tournament, and the Tri-County Cougars in the semi-finals of the State Vocational tournament.

            Tri-County also beat Old Colony in overtime on Thanksgiving Eve.

            Old Colony’s prior two losses came at the hands of the same team, the same one they’re slated to face in the State Vocational Championship: South Shore.

            “The one nut we haven’t cracked yet is South Shore,” Mendez said. “[This is] obviously a nice chance to get at them.”

            In addition to a title and finally beating a South Shore team that’s beaten Old Colony twice, the Cougars would also get a chance to log the first double-digit win season in program history. Both the win total and State Vocational title are only made more impressive by the fact that the Mayflower Small Vocational Division had four of its five teams make the playoffs.

            “It’s good for our league,” Mendez said. “It’s been a tough league. For us, being competitive through that was great. It’s kind of what we’ve done. We still got out eyes on one more though.

            “Our kids’ attitude is that they’re proud of what they’ve done so far,” Mendez continued, “but they’re so hungry to get the Vocational title that I don’t think that it’s even set in yet that they are where they are.”

            The old sports cliché, “It’s hard to beat the same team three times,” plays into the Cougars’ advantage this time. But that’s not something Mendez or his players will read into. They’ve reassessed everything and understand what they need to do to finally get the better of the Vikings.

            “I think we got to execute better. The first two times we played them we had some costly mistakes that really – one game was [decided] by a point, second game was by a touchdown,” Mendez said. “In each game, we had the ball late in the game with the chance to go ahead and we didn’t succeed. To me, it’s prepare for another dogfight and we have to execute better.

            “We got a few ideas of ways we can be a little bit better,” he continued. “And I think a lot of it came down to being a little bit tougher upfront. [South Shore has] been the toughest team in the interior we’ve played all year. I think that’s been the difference. We’ve rested on our laurels a few times with our lineman being very, very good. Now that we’re up against a line that’s just as good, we got to execute a little bit better upfront to get over the hump.”

            The Cougars will be put to the test this week on Thursday at 6:00 pm at Norwell.

High School Sports Update

By Nick Friar

SRPEDD Route 6 Corridor Study

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The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) is wrapping up a study of Route 6 which spans from Route 240 in Fairhaven east to High Street in Wareham. The study area covers approximately 13 miles, six signalized intersections and includes a substantial number of residences, businesses, and institutional uses.

            SRPEDD is holding two public meetings to present and discuss the future traffic analysis and potential roadway improvement alternatives for the Route 6 Corridor and to gather feedback. Anyone with experience traveling this corridor, and particularly the residents and business owners in the area, are invited to either of these public meetings to share information and experiences, ask questions and to express their opinions on their vision of Route 6. Both meetings will have the same content. Simply attend the one that fits your schedule better!

The meeting dates and times are as follows:

            Thursday, December 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Center Elementary School. The school is located at 17 Barstow Street in Mattapoisett.

            Wednesday, December 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Sippican Elementary School. The school is located at 16 Spring Street in Marion.

            Please note that all meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. The Center School and Sippican School are served by the GATRA Wareham-New Bedford Connection.

Sippican Woman’s Club’s Holiday House Tour

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The Sippican Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour, themed “A Simple Holiday” in Marion will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. This is a yearly event, held for over 30 years, and the proceeds of which go to scholarships for Marion students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The Tour begins in Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front Street, which has been delightfully decorated and will be serving wassail. If you haven’t already purchased tickets, they can be bought at the Tavern. Tour maps and program are exchanged for the tickets. Every participant will get a wrist band that will be their admission to the houses and Tea. 

            To purchase tickets in advance ($20 in advance, $25 day of tour), they are available at the Marion General Store, Serendipity in Marion, or Isabelle’s at the Ropewalk in Mattapoisett. Tickets may also be bought on-line, by going to the website, www.sippicanwomansclub.org, select Holiday House Tour Tickets, add the number of tickets you are purchasing and proceed to the cart, then proceed to checkout. If your credit card/debit card is not in your name, please provide your name in the “order notes” on the right side of the billing detail page. Keep your receipt for payment verification when you pick up the tour program at the Tavern. You can also mail in a check payable to SWC and send to: SWC–HHT tickets, P.O. Box 121, Marion, MA 02738.

            It’s a very busy day in Marion during the Holiday House Tour. The main event, of course, is viewing the beautiful homes in Marion, decorated by professional florists and homeowners. At 2:00 pm, everyone will be ready to sit down at the traditional Holiday Tea, held at St. Gabriel’s Fellowship Hall, South Street, held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. There in the warm holiday ambiance, you will find elegantly served tea, coffee, finger sandwiches, and sweets.

            There is a special, surprise venue this year, the Beverly Yacht Club will be open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Here’s an opportunity to view the scenic waterfront from Marion’s world-renowned private sailing club. Decorated and welcoming, enjoy a beverage from the cash bar or a complimentary cup of tea or coffee. BYC members will share info about the 1806 clubhouse as well as its many racing programs.

            There are other events about town, not to be forgotten. The Marion Garden Group will have their Holiday Boutique at the Marion Music Hall on Front Street from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Arrive early as they sell out quickly. The Marion Art Center, 80 Pleasant Street, will be decorated for holidays and featuring “Small Works on the Wall”, originals by 20 artists for immediate purchase. Their holiday shop offers a curated boutique of beautiful handmade items. Be sure to admire the many renovations, too. The Elizabeth Taber Library, 8 Spring Street, has a stunning new courtyard and entrance to be admired. Bring the children to enjoy a seasonal craft project. The 2019 ornaments, available to purchase were crafted by McDermott Glass Studio. As in many previous years, the First Congregational Church will hold a luncheon from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Community Center. It will include their famous hot chicken salad, cranberry compote, etc. ($10). There is also the Cookie Walk, where homemade cookies boxed for the season ($10/dozen) are sold.

            It is a great, special day that last year provided $13,000 for scholarships.

Library Ornament Sale

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Are you reminiscing about beautiful summer days on the water? Or, are you looking for a locally-inspired, locally-sourced gift? Look no further than the Elizabeth Taber Library! They are offering beautiful sailboat ornaments which are hand-blown. Each ornament measures 3” x 3.5”, is numbered and comes in a gift box. Stop by the library soon to purchase one for only $30. Supplies are limited.

Sippican Historical Society

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In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded half by the Sippican Historical Society and half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were cataloged and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).

            Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will feature one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.

            This installment features 7 South Street. The homes on South Street have more ample lots and were built slightly later than those on Main Street. The clapboard house at 7 South Street was built in 1866 by Lemuel Kelley. Its style is a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate. The story is told that Lemuel Kelley hoped to marry Jane Luce, but she married a member of the Cobb family and lived across the street. Lemuel Kelley, therefore, never lived in this house. By 1879, W. Pomeroy owned this house. It was owned in the early 1900s by Miss C.A. Pomeroy.

Joan M. White

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Joan M. White 85, of Rochester passed away at her home Thursday, December 5, 2019.

            She was the beloved wife of Desmond C. White.

            Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Richard Pilling and the late Lena Mae (Davis) Pilling. Joan is survived by her children; Lynn Marie Carvalho and her husband John of Taunton and Arthur C. Larrivee II of Rochester. She is also survived by her 5 step children; Randall White, David White, Mathew White, Brenda Smith and Barbara White. Joan was predeceased by her brother; the late Steven Pilling. She also was the proud grandmother of her 3 grandchildren; Barbara Hannam, Dawn Langan and Jessica Larrivee. Her 2 great grandchildren; Collin Hannam and Brenna Hannam and her 8 step grandchildren.

            Joan was a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and antique dealer. She was the proud owner of White’s Country Store in East Freetown.

            She loved flowers, Antiques, her children and grandchildren, hummingbirds and Orchids.

            Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Monday Dec. 9, 2019 from 5 pm to 7 pm to be held at South Coast Chapel Mortuary; 158 Middleboro Road (Rt 18) East Freetown, Ma. and to her Funeral service to be held on Tuesday Dec. 10, 2019 at 11 am with burial to follow in Tabor Cemetery, Acushnet, Ma.

In lieu of flowers donations in Joan’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

Tri-County Symphonic Band

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‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land, Town folks were gathering to hear the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

            The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, celebrates the festive holiday season with its annual Children’s Christmas Concert, on Sunday, December 8, 1:30 pm at the Sippican School, 16 Spring St. Marion MA, in the Multi-Purpose Room. The concert is a wonderful family experience designed for all ages and is free of charge.

            The Tri-County Symphonic Band will perform seasonal favorites including “Holiday Emblem”, “Ding Dong! Merrily on High”, “Wassail”, “Frosty the Snowman”, “March of the Toys” and “Troika”.  

            A special part of this year’s concert will feature the Sippican School Concert Choir, under the direction of Patricia Richard performing an energetic arrangement called “Jingle All the Way”, a lovely setting of “Infant Holy” and a colorful rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The Concert Choir will also perform “The Christmas Song” with the Tri-County Symphonic Band.

            The youngsters in the audience will enter a drawing with the winners playing the sleigh bells with the Tri-County Symphonic Band in Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”.

            The concert will conclude with a “Christmas Sing-a-long” featuring the Sippican School Concert Choir and special guests, followed by a volunteer community band called the “Cottage Street Jam Band”, under the direction of Hannah Moore, leading a march from the Sippican School to Island Wharf to greet Santa as he arrives via “water sleigh”.

            As the band rounds the corner and jolly Santa’s is in sight, He wishes peace to all and to all a good night.

View the “King of Meteor Showers”

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Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition to look out for the Geminid meteor shower, sometimes called the “king” of meteor showers, at The Bogs (138 Acushnet Rd., Mattapoisett) on Friday, December 13 from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.

            Far away from the city lights, the 500-acre Mattapoisett River Reserve offers visitors a dark, expansive sky to view this exciting astronomical event.

            To RSVP for this free event, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/geminid-meteor-shower-viewing-dec-13-2019/ or contact the Buzzards Bay Coalition at (508) 999-6363 ext. 219.

            This event is dependent on weather and cloud cover. Please check the event page and Facebook the morning of the program for any cancellations.

            Dress warmly in multiple layers and bring a flashlight and a chair. Some warm beverages and snacks will be provided. Please remember that public properties are typically open from dawn until dusk – we’ve gotten special permission to host this event at night.

            This walk is part of Discover Buzzards Bay, a resource to find unique and exciting ways to explore the outdoors, get some exercise and connect with nature. Use Discover Buzzards Bay to get outside and discover woods, wetlands, and waterways from Fall River to Falmouth. To learn more, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/discover.