Social Security 101

on

Social Security 101, for anyone who plans to retire at any point in your life – or already has – this workshop is for you.

            Speaker, Delia DeMello, a Social Security Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist on Monday, September 23 at 6:00 pm at COA, 17 Barstow Street, Mattapoisett.

            At this free workshop you will learn:

-When you are eligible to receive retirement benefits

-How early retirement affects your benefits

-How to get the most from your benefits; including if you are married and spouse passes

-How to qualify for disability, survivors and spouse benefits

-When should you file for Medicare

-Learn how to use my Social Security online account and other online service and much more.

            Register by calling 508-758-4110 or email to coadirector@mattapoisett.net

E-V Charging Ports Being Considered

on

Town properties in Marion could soon be home to several, revenue-generating charging stations for electric vehicles.

            In his Town Administrator’s Report to the Marion Select Board on September 4, Geoff Gorman said that the town has the opportunity to install “fast” Level 3 DC chargers at various locations, providing electrical-vehicle charging and a new revenue stream.

            Gorman said newer cars can use Level 3 DC chargers and go from 0% to 80% in 15 minutes. Gorman said the company working with the town on a revenue-sharing agreement estimates Marion could realize several hundred thousand dollars in eventual, annual revenues through the project.

            Potential town-property locations for these charging stations include six ports each at the Marion Maintenance Garage, Cushing Community Center, the Police Station and the Town House, along with four ports at Island Wharf. The list also includes a location along Wells Road.

            “I think the two (locations) that need the most conversation and have more detailed research would be the Police Station and potentially Wells Road,” said Gorman. “We need to verify that Wells Road has had enough layout to support this.”

            “I think we need to think about whether or not we want a lot of cars coming into Town Hall or the Council on Aging to charge up and go away,” said Select Board member Toby Burr.

            “We could also make this a lot smaller of a project than it is,” said Gorman. “Just to let you know right now, there are no fast-charging stations for anybody in this area.”

            Gorman explained that the revenue-sharing details could include offering a residents’ discount and making the service free of charge to municipal vehicles. The town’s existing, Level 2 charging stations would not be removed from their present locations.

            “We just identified areas that potentially had enough town property to do the project,” said Gorman, noting that Marion’s hybrid vehicles are not compatible with Level 3 charging stations.

            A Level 2 station at the Town House is broken beyond repair, said Gorman, who added a station at the Cushing Community Center was recently “Frankenstein-ed” to accommodate users frequenting either location.

            Two new, Level 2 charging stations at the Town House will indicate how much electricity is being used. The old models did not share that information. The new models will even recognize particular vehicles and be able to share data on those individual vehicles’ visits.

            Technological advancements will position town officials to determine how much it costs to operate the stations and if, for instance, it would be feasible to charge users a $5 fee.

            The next step for the town is to get Eversource to conduct a review allowing the town to move forward. The project manager will report to the Select Board at the latter’s next availability.

            In its most-significant action item, the Select Board voted to approve the Town of Marion’s $350,000 grant award from the Massachusetts Division of Water Supply Protection (DWSP) for the purpose of purchasing a conservation restriction for a 27.3-acre property on New Bedford Road in Rochester for drinking-water-supply protection and land-conservation purposes.

            In order for Marion to meet the requirements of the reimbursable grant, the town has to have full appropriation in the amount of $585,000.

            “The appropriation shortfall above the ($350,000) would be supported by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, so they’re gifting the money to us, and then we’ll return that money and the grant award to them so they can purchase (the property),” explained Gorman.

            The amount for related project and closing costs is not to exceed $26,610. The land shall be made available to the public for passive recreational use.

            In other action items, the Select Board upgraded Ray Cullum from associate to full-voting member on the Marine Resources Commission.

            The board approved two Special, One-Day Alcohol Beverage licenses for the Marion Social Club, one for its Chicken Bake scheduled to serve approximately 200 people on Sunday, September 22, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm and another for its 180-guest Pig Roast on Sunday, October 20, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

            The board approved the following Water/Sewer commitments: $1,428.04 (final readings August 23); $271.47 (final readings August 27) and $155 (sewer reconnection August 28).

            Other subjects tackled in Gorman’s report included news that the Harbormaster Building construction is on track except for carpeting. The ground-level restrooms at the old office’s area have been updated, and visitors can sit on bar stools with high-top tables and enjoy the view of Sippican Harbor.

            The new office is on schedule to achieve substantial completion this month and a ribbon cutting with tours soon to follow.

            The installation of pilings is expected this week at the new Department of Public Works construction at Benson Brook. “The site-excavation area looks great,” said Gorman, who expected to see the Morton Building people at the site this week.

            The town has identified funding for a sign with the new Pina family name at the Point Road Playground.

            Finally, Gorman told the Select Board he would like to get an updated list of its Fiscal Year 2025 Goals approved in October. Meantime, in-process goals will remain in progress, pending the board’s direction, he said.

            The Select Board will begin an hour early at its next meeting to accommodate a joint session with the Marion Marine Resources Commission.

            The next meeting of the Marion Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, at 5:00 pm at the Police Station.

Marion Select Board

By Mick Colageo

South Coast Children’s Chorus Welcomes New Singers

on

The South Coast Children’s Chorus is welcoming new singers for the upcoming season. SCCC is open to all students from grade 1-12. Last season there were over 75 singers from 10 different cities and towns throughout the South Coast and 30 different schools. Thanks to the support of local cultural councils, the South Coast Community Foundation and generous donors, tuition is only $125 for the year, and there is free or reduced tuition for any singer who requests it.

            The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday, September 17. New singers are accepted during the first three rehearsals. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday nights, 5:30 to 6:30 pm (Preparatory Chorus) and 5:30- 7:00 pm (Advanced Chorus) at Tabor Academy in the Fireman Center for the Performing Arts, 245 Front Street, Marion. To register, visit the SCCC website at www.singsouthcoast.org

            The mission of the South Coast Children’s Chorus is to provide a joyful, educational choral experience for young singers, helping them to develop responsibility, confidence, musicianship and a passion for excellence in all they do. The SCCC core values are Service, Culture, Confidence & Community. SCCC performs throughout the South Coast with interesting musicians such as Candida Rose and the Kabu Jazz Ensemble, the New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Singers and with the internationally renowned African Children’s Choir at venues including at AHA, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, The Children’s Advocacy Network Gala, Big Sing. Central, Salve Regina University in Newport and Fenway Park in Boston.

            SCCC website at www.singsouthcoast.org. For more information contact: SCCCsings@gmail.com also, visit us on Facebook southcoastchildrenschorus

Upcoming Events at the Elizabeth Taber Library

on

Meet Kimberly J. Walsh Tuesday, author of Crew of Three: How Bold Dreams and Detailed Plans Launched Our Family’s Sailing Adventures, September 24 at 6:30 pm. Kimberly is a traveler and a gardener, not a sailor. She never dreamed she would live on a boat for two years sailing from New England to Grenada and Back. Crew of Three is her first book. She lives on the coast of Massachusetts with her husband and her crazy coonhound. When not working on their oyster farm or gardening, she enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking and of course, traveling.

            Visit the library every Wednesday from 3-4 for crafts, food, games and more after-school fun for ages nine and up.

            Join the Tables of Content fund-raising event for the Elizabeth Taber Library – Sunday October 20 and Friday October 25. Support the library by enjoying a delicious dinner and lively book discussion at a Marion neighbor’s home. Go to the library’s website to register, select your book choices and date, get your book assignment & start reading, receive your dinner location and enjoy your evening. Tickets are $75 per person; all proceeds benefit the library. Learn more and view title options by visiting our website.

            Meet our new children’s librarian, Miss Macy. Macy is originally from a small town in Kansas and moved to Massachusetts for library school. She spent the last four years working at the Public Library of Brookline as a library assistant and then the children’s librarian. Her favorite library things are storytime, reading silly picture books and coming up with exciting new program ideas. Outside of the Library, Macy loves to spend time with her fiancé and their two cats, read on the beach and do lots and lots of craft projects.

            For more information on the Elizabeth Taber Library, visit us at www.ElizabethTaberLibrary.org or call us at 508-748-1252.

Preston C. Urquhart

on

Preston C. Urquhart, 64, of Mattapoisett entered into eternal rest on Saturday September 7, 2024, following a period of declining health. Preston was the son of the late Karen Ellis and brother of the late Jennifer Lynn Hurd.

            Preston is survived by his two beloved daughters, Alexandra Cardeiro of Fall River and Molly Urquhart of Mattapoisett. Preston was a proud grandfather to six grandsons, (affectionately known as his own personal hockey team) Mason Urquhart, Dallas Urquhart, Jace Urquhart, all from Mattapoisett, and Elijah Todd, Ronan Cardeiro and Gage Cardeiro of Fall River. He is also survived by his brother, David Urquhart of South Carolina, formerly from Wareham, his stepfather, William Ellis of Mattapoisett, many nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Mary Beth Urquhart, to whom he was married for 18 years.

            Following graduation from Wareham High School, Preston went on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts. After graduating from the Police Academy, he joined the Wareham Police Department. He worked in the Detective Division and served as Detective Sergeant for many years.

            Always affable, Preston enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and watching sports. He was a versatile athlete – excelling in golf, hockey, and baseball. He loved music, especially Motown, and was quite the dancer.

            Services will be private. Donations may be made in his name to the Mattapoisett Council on Aging or Southcoast Healthcare Systems. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Council for the support, kindness and compassion shown to Preston, as well as the exceptional nursing and medical care given to him at St. Luke’s and Charlton Memorial. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Seasoned Pro to Crunch Numbers

on

Judy Mooney doesn’t mind helping out some in her retirement, and that makes members of the Mattapoisett River Valley Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee and Water District Commission very happy.

            The recently retired Town of Marion finance director agreed on Tuesday to serve both arms of the MRV as treasurer, a part-time job that the MRV is happy to compensate at the standard $34 per hour it pays out to contractors.

            Mooney’s assistance will take a load off the minds of Henri Renauld and Jeff Furtado, who mainly in name remain respective commission and committee member treasurers in compliance with established protocols.

            The Town of Fairhaven is the hometown of the MRV for the purposes of financial management, and staff additions and the division of information streams had rendered fact-finding a more cumbersome duty of late. Having worked with the personnel involved, Mooney indicated confidence she can do the job.

            September 10 was also the occasion for the reorganization of both the commission and committee, and the membership voted to keep everyone in their current roles, both arms retaining Vinnie Furtado as chairman and Renauld as vice chairman. Marion Department of Public Works engineer Meghan Davis will continue to serve the committee as clerk.

            In seeking the commission’s approval of $67,064.09 in paid invoices for the month of August, Renauld’s report included $15,240 in invoices related to capital projects from engineering firm Tata & Howard, over $10,000 from Borden & Remington and a compressor costing approximately $8,000.

            Renauld told Mooney he would like to upgrade the monthly treasurer’s report to cross-reference with the Town of Fairhaven.

            “A spreadsheet wouldn’t be bad if we could have one,” said Renauld, who had just completed a transfer of a little over $300,000 from Unibank to Rockland Trust. The funds, set aside for emergency situations, will now be in one account, making them easier to follow and easier to reconcile.

            Mooney indicated that she will review all angles of the MRV’s financial mechanics.

            Member David Pierce asked if Mooney’s review could reveal, “What funds we still have that we’re not seeing in the monthly reports,” relative to the annual budget. Mooney said she can handle that as well.

            During the committee meeting that preceded the commission’s, Jeff Furtado reported a total ending balance of $192,210.09.

            Where it concerns the Water Treatment Plant filter-upgrade project, Tata & Howard engineer Jon Gregory sought guidance as to how the commission wishes to pull together the firm’s Engineering Construction Services Agreement now that the bidding season is upon the MRV.

            Gregory reported that the general bidding opens on October 3, after which Tata & Howard will be pushing to get contracts approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection and then start construction as soon as possible.

            Gregory said he needed a district-commission vote to authorize Vinnie Furtado to sign and execute the agreement. Citing the next regular meeting on October 8, Vinnie Furtado said if necessary, the MRV could call a meeting before that date so as to not hold up Tata & Howard’s timetable.

            Legal counsel Blair Bailey said, while the MRV does not want to miss a beat, it needs to have to have a definitive number or a not-to-exceed figure in the agreement. He also hinted at scenarios where the agreement could either phase in parts or acknowledge multiple contingencies. “I do think we need more information,” he said.

            Gregory anticipates knowing more before the October 8 meeting and would share that information with Bailey.

            Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Lorenco, a commission member, suggested the possibility of dividing the construction services for the filtering project from the construction services for the ultra-violet light system, but Vinnie Furtado wanted to be certain the UV services don’t get left behind, especially after he sold Fairhaven Town Meeting voters on that segment of the project before they voted to appropriate $4,300,000 toward the project.

            Gregory explained that the intention has never been to consider dropping the UV portion of the project, only segmenting the funding to guarantee certain successes in sequence. “It’s set up so it can be added in the future,” he said.

            Gregory didn’t think it beneficial to set up an October 1 meeting.

            “It’s a little too early to tell if we need to do that … maybe in a couple of weeks (we’ll know),” he said.

            A conference was scheduled at the plant on Wednesday morning to welcome potential bidders. The deadlines to file subcontractor bids such as electrical is September 19 at 2:00 pm. General contracting bids open on Thursday, October 3, at 2:00 pm.

            At last count, Gregory estimated 15 bid sets had been out to general contractors or electrical subbidders. “There’s been some good interest in the project,” he said.

            In his Treatment Plant Operations update, Renauld said they had to replace a compressor after a seal let go on a low-lift, circulation pump, resulting in a significant leak. Weston & Sampson, he said, is looking at it with an interest in making the fix. Renauld is also looking to get bids on cleaning the plant’s backwash tanks.

            Renauld told member Nick Nicholson that the $91,000 in tornado damage to the transfer switch at the plant was not covered by the insurance company, which determined that the malfunction is age and not storm-related. Nonetheless, Mattapoisett appropriated funds the town received for tornado relief to pay that bill. Lorenco said any tornado money remaining would help offset the $6,800 effort to clean up a section of the property by the sand-bed fencing along Tinkham Lane. Renauld was authorized to spend maintenance funds to get that work completed.

            Gregory anticipates having the 2023 hydrologic river-monitoring report ready for the committee’s consumption at its next meeting.

            Emergency Response Preparation training will be held on November 7 at the Marion Music Hall.

            The next public meetings of the MRV Water District Commission and Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee are scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, at 3:30 and 4:00 pm.

MRV Water District Commission/Water Supply Protection Advisory Committee

By Mick Colageo

Alive with Imagination

on

We are so fortunate to live in an area heavily populated with visual artists. We don’t have to fight Boston traffic or throngs of people to gain access to museums. Creative genius is close at hand. All we have to do is go to the library.

            Currently on view at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library are the imaginative works created by the seasoned artist JP Powel of South Dartmouth, where for decades he has found inspiration primarily in the natural environment.

            We caught up with Powel shortly after his exhibit opened (now through the end of September), and he shared how his long, artistic journey began and how it has sustained his creativity.

            “My approach to the theme of a painting is from my imagination.” Rather than painting what he sees, he paints an imagined retelling of the scene, “…imagined spaces.”

            One of the paintings currently on display shows a dirt road edged with vegetation, but in the foreground, as if reaching out to the viewer, is a large, gnarly tree, a tree that shows its age, shows its experiences, yet remains steadfastly holding its ground with strength. It dominates the painting while, at the same time, granting the viewer a verdant scene.

            All his works are oil on panel.

            “When I started out, it was easier to find discarded pieces of plywood,” he said with a chuckle, noting the status many young artists face, a lack of financial resources. Yet, as his circumstances changed, he stayed with wood panels to capture his imaginative works.

            We were smitten by Powel’s works, works that have a sculptural look and feel.

            “I didn’t study painting,” he confessed – he studied sculpture. No surprise. He said that he had mentors in the art world who showed him painting techniques. “They were my teachers.”

            Powel calls his style “imaginative realism,” with medieval overtones and heavy imagery. He explained that he uses the technique of first drawing the image on the panel, then painting it out. He wrote of his paintings, “… images have people seeing the world differently, more radiant.”

            Radiant indeed. One panel is vividly painted in yellows and blues, which captured our interest. We observed the central element, birds in flight heading into the beaming sunset – heading home. Is it a metaphor on a long life, we wondered.

            Art is subjective, and we know what we like. This exhibit checked all the boxes for us. See for yourself.

            Educated at Harvard, Powel painted for 10 years before joining his wife to pursue a business in creating pottery, then returned to painting. Today he can usually be found in his studio – imagining.

Mattapoisett Free Public Library

By Marilou Newell

Junior High a Pivot Point of Positivity

on

In reporting to the Old Rochester Regional School Committee on September 5, ORR Junior High School Principal Silas Coellner said the climate in the junior high is the most positive he has seen in a long time.

            “We live and breathe transition at the junior high school. … It all happens very fast, and there’s a tremendous amount of work,” said Coellner, who told the committee he’s already thinking about sixth graders who will be coming to the school. “We do a lot of great work, but we want to articulate it, codify it if you will.”

            All the while, said Coellner, ownership and sense of belonging will be kept at the forefront of student life in the junior high school.

            In order to relax “the jitters,” the junior high school opened its building to parents on opening day and gave out 228 ice creams, more than the number of seventh graders.

            Coellner’s remarks came from separate agenda topics on September 5, but his principal’s report easily could have been part of his rollout of the 2024-26 (two-year) School Improvement Plan that he and ORRHS Vice Principal Vanessa Harvey both discussed.

            Before the committee’s vote approves the 2024-26 School Improvement Plans for the junior high and high school, Coellner pointed out that the plan aligns with Vision 2028, the ORR District’s overarching, five-year plan. The two-year program will get the junior high three years into ORR’s five-year plan. New components will include “getting our feet wet in ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ work,” he said.

            ORR Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson pointed out that the school improvement plans now reflect the core values, mission and vision, and each element finds a common language with the overall district vision.

            Addressing the committee on behalf of ORR High School Principal Mike Devoll, Harvey said most of the work in teaching and learning will take place in the high school’s Instructional Council. She identified the council as “a very strong group” including administrators and coordinators.

            “We’ll be examining the curriculum as part of the curriculum cycle,” said Harvey, giving the floor to ORR Director of Guidance Lauren Millette to review several progress points. Millette said a committee will be formed to identify all points of support and will look to grow Project 351.

            The school committee recognized recent retiree Melanie Kellum, a longtime math teacher and coordinator, and Dr. Jaime Curley was welcomed to the committee as the new assistant superintendent of Student Services. Curley spent 18 years in the Dennis-Yarmouth school district as a special education teacher and school psychologist.

            The two were part of a wave of acknowledgements of new staff members, also including: Anita Faath (instructional assistant – paraprofessional); Susan Harrison (Computer Science teacher); Elizabeth Kennedy (PreK teacher – vocational); David McCarthy (World Language teacher); Pedro Silva (Music teacher); Ava Novakoski (Physical Education teacher); Danya Bischel (instructional assistant); Michael Bowen (Instructional assistant – paraprofessional); Rebecca Kearney (School Adjustment counselor/social worker); Angela Weiss (custodian); Luis Nolasco (custodian night supervisor) and Edward Pimentel (custodian).

            Kris Lincoln, the former director of Student Services, is now a Special Education teacher.

            Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Dr. Shari Fedorowicz recognized Kim Reed for her role in helping make August 22 a successful new teacher orientation day.

            Nelson publicly thanked the community for its support as schools opened, including the parents and police and fire departments. “It is a big deal,” said, crediting the community support systems for making ORR special. He said parking spots are hard to come by at Open House, which means the schools have strong partnerships with their families.

            Likewise, Harvey said ORRHS freshman have acclimated well to their new school surroundings. Student ambassadors helped the new students find their way.

            Committee member Margaret McSweeny asked if the 643-student enrollment at the high school includes the 95 School Choice students, and Millette confirmed that the 95 are among the 643 total.

            Meeting early, the committee took a tour of the school buildings under the guidance of Facilities Director Gene Jones, and Chairperson Michelle Smith opened the meeting by thanking Jones, called the buildings “fresh and clean and inviting.”

            In her Chairperson’s Report, Smith had executive secretary Melissa Wilcox share a YouTube video titled, “Kid President’s Pep Talk to Teachers and Students!”

            “Remember to look for the awesome, see the awesome,” said Smith.

            Smith was a unanimous choice to remain in her role as ORR School Committee chairperson, and April Nye was unanimously voted to become vice chairperson, a vacant role as the 2024-25 school year began.

            Christina Gagnon was reappointed as treasurer and Melissa Wilcox as secretary.

            As the committee went about establishing subcommittees for the 2024-25 school year, Nelson noted that member Jim Muse has indicated his willingness to serve where needed.

            Muse will return to the budget subcommittee alongside Nye, Smith and Matthew Monteiro. Frances-Feliz Kearns volunteered to serve as an alternate on the budget subcommittee.

            Among other actions taken, the School Committee unanimously voted to approve Ocean Cliff in Newport, Rhode Island, as the prom location on May 27, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

            The venue, as explained by senior class student leaders, will cost $18,620 and accommodate approximately 200 students. Tickets will be $40, but the class will provide tickets for students who cannot afford them. Likewise, while students will provide their own transportation to the venue, those who cannot do so will be able to ride to the event in a school bus.

            In his report to the committee, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howie Barber said he is working with the treasurer to wrap up FY24.

            Of the approximate $22,600,000 operating budget for FY25, Barber estimated that $9,300,000 is encumbered. He told the committee that it typically takes until well into October before all the budget’s encumbrances are identified.

            “That’s when you see a little bit more of a true value of what remains,” he said.

            With a capital stabilization fund approved at the town meetings, the committee will be asked at its next regular meeting to approve a transfer of funds.

            Smith reminded parents and guardians to fill out the online lunch form, noting that although lunch is free to students, it is funded with money that comes into the school. Monteiro added that the documentation will not only help the school recover money from the state but will help bring benefits to needy families.

            Barber credited Jones and the maintenance and custodial staffs for getting ORR’s athletic fields ready for the rush of activity that accompanies the new academic year.

            The committee entered executive session and returned only to adjourn.

            The next meeting of the ORR School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, and the next meeting of the Joint School Committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 26. Both meetings are to begin at 6:30 pm and be held at the ORR Junior High Media Room, also accessible via Zoom.

ORR School Committee

By Mick Colageo

The Road from Belhaven by Margot Livesey

on

Please join us at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library on Sunday, September 22 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for a Fall 2024 Purrington Author Talk Series. Hear author Margot Livesey give a talk about her newest novel The Road from Belhaven (2024) – the story of a girl’s coming of a late-19th century Scotland. Livesey grew up in a boys’ private school in the Scottish Highlands where her mother and father worked. She took a B.A. in English and philosophy at the University of York in England. Margot has published nine novels, including Eva Moves the Furniture, The Boy in the Field and NYT best seller The Flight of Gemma Hardy. Margot has taught at many universities and has been the recipient of many fellowships. Margot is currently teaching at the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives with her husband, a painter, in Cambridge, MA, and goes back to London and Scotland whenever she can. Author Alice Sebold says, “Every novel of Margot Livesey’s is, for her readers, a joyous discovery. Her work radiates with compassion and intelligence and always, deliciously, mystery.” Signed books will be available for purchase. The program is free and open to all.

Mattapoisett Woman’s Club Invites New Members

on

The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club invites women of Mattapoisett who are interested in learning more about club membership to its ‘welcome’ luncheon on Thursday, September 19 at 11:30 am in Reynard Hall at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Whether you are new to the area, a new mom, a stay-at-home mom, or newly retired, you are welcome to enjoy lunch and meet some fabulous women. Women from surrounding communities with ties to Mattapoisett are also welcome to join.

            The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization that executes fund-raising events such as “Taste of Mattapoisett”, the biennial garden tour and more. These events generate the funds to support scholarships for local high school students, as well as make financial gifts to charitable organizations throughout the south coast. In addition to sponsoring fundraising events, the Woman’s Club offers small group activities focusing on the interests of club members, for example the garden group, great books, mahjong and walking group. Membership is open to any woman who is interested in getting together with fun-loving women and supporting the mission of the organization.

            We look forward to meeting you on the 19th. Philanthropy, friendship and fun await. For more information or questions, please contact info@mattapoisettwomansclub.org.