George Powers was enjoying a springtime bike ride with a few hundred other cycling enthusiasts when he experienced a near-death heart attack. It’s a date he and his family aren’t likely to forget – May 19, 2024, on the Tour de Crème.
Several cyclists sprang into action performing CPR, while others called for the emergency medical services. The story has a happy ending thanks to the collective and swift efforts of all who assisted Powers in his moment of need. On September 10 during the regular meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board, the Powers family said thank you as did the town.
Receiving “hero” citations from the American Heart Association were Sergeant Adalberto Cardoso Jr., Detective Dennis Tavares, Officer Sean Parker, Officer Isaac Perry (harbormaster), Assistant Harbormaster Luke Mello, Officer Paul Andrews, and Paramedic Mike Florio.
Rising to speak, Powers thanked all for their care and professionalism and for being there to help him as life hung in the balance. The combined efforts resulted in Powers’ body re-establishing a viable pulse before heading to the hospital.
To show their appreciation, Powers’ brother George created a handcrafted coat rack inscribed with words of appreciation.
In other business, the board voted to allocate $64,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for the purpose of purchasing staff laptops, upgrades to systems in the Town Hall conference room for improved remote-meeting transmissions, and installation of a new fiber switch.
Town Administrator Mike Lorenco reminded the public that the state is still collecting comments via a survey posted on the town’s website (Mattapoisett.net) on the topic of Hazard Mitigation.
He also announced a special presentation on Radon to be held on Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 pm in the library conference room hosted by the Board of Health. “Radon is an odorless, tasteless gas that can exist in any home,” an announcement read. It further stated that Radon can be found often in structures built on ledge or sand, both prevalent in the area. Representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be in attendance.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell