Kenneth W. Sienkiewicz

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Kenneth W. Sienkiewicz, 79, of Mattapoisett died May 13, 2023 at home.

            He was the husband of the late Deborah A. (Nash) Sienkiewicz.

            Born and raised in New Bedford, son of the late Stanley Sienkiewicz and Doris I. (Moreau) Allen, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

            He was formerly employed with New England Telephone for over 35 years until his retirement.

            Mr. Sienkiewicz enjoyed family vacations, history and working on cars.

            He was a member of the Fin Fur and Feather Club.

            Survivors include his son, Marc Sienkiewicz of Fall River; 2 step-sons, Nathaniel Siegel and Jeremy Siegel, both of New York; a brother, Robert Allen of Leominister; a sister, Winifred Allen of New Hampshire; and a niece, Tammy Edwards of Sturbridge.

            His Funeral will be held on Thursday, May 18th at 10 am in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, May 17th from 4-7 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

MCC Scholarship

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The Mattapoisett Congregational Church is pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 scholarship awards.

            Theodore Carroll, a student at Old Rochester Regional High School (ORR), is the recipient of the $2,500 Coquillette Family Scholarship; Morgan Berry, a student at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, is the recipient of the $2,500 Memorial Scholarship.

            In addition, we have awarded $1,000 Coquillette Family Scholarships to: Reagan Rock (ORR) and Grace Picewick (Bourne High School), as well as $1,000 Memorial Scholarships to: Thomas Berry and Jillian LeBlanc, both students at ORR.

Mattapoisett Library Upcoming Programs

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May is a busy month at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. The library has two exciting upcoming programs for families.

            On Saturday, May 20 at 11 am, join us for an exciting game of Family Jeopardy. Gather the family together and test your knowledge of a variety of trivia categories. There are prizes for all who participate, and the winning team will receive the surprise grand prize.

            On Saturday, May 23 at 2 pm, join us for Make Your Own Pinch Pots. We will transform a chunk of air-dry clay into adorable multi-use pinch pots. This is a very open program, and patrons will be welcome to use a variety of techniques to create their pot (or plate.) We will be utilizing plants to leave imprints in the clay. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is required.

            All programs are free and open to the public. Visit our website for a complete list of all our programming for the month. If you have any questions or need special accommodations, please contact the library at 508-758-4171 or email mflp@sailsinc.org.

Mattapoisett Select Board

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            Three (3) candidates are on the Mattapoisett Town Election ballot for one (1) open seat on the Select Board.

Tyler Macallister, Incumbent

            What is my vision for Mattapoisett over the next three years? Next 10 years? I write this on the day of my 10th annual Town Meeting as a member of the Select Board. I remember the effort spent by the town administrator, department heads, committees, and many others preparing another balanced budget for the upcoming year. Since joining the Board in 2011, after almost six years on the Conservation Commission, a balanced budget has been presented annually to Town Meeting within the constraints of Proposition 2½. Simultaneously, the town has attained the highest possible rating, allowing for borrowing on capital projects at extremely low interest rates. Since 2013, 40% of our OPEB liability has been funded and seven new stabilization accounts established to soften the budgetary impacts on expenses that tend to fluctuate. The 10-year capital plan identifies timing of future projects coinciding with expiring debt, keeping borrowing levels stable. Within the next three years, I see the wharf restoration project completed. The waterfront and wharves at Shipyard Park are one of our greatest assets. I see a restored Ned’s Point Light shining brightly under the care of the town. I see informed decisions made on larger-scale projects that are coming, including consolidation of Center and Old Hammondtown schools. The study is complete and public input will be sought soon. The largest component of Mattapoisett’s population is over 55, yet the Council on Aging operates on one of the smallest budgets. I see the need for an expansion of the COA services, as more people tap this very valuable resource, and intend to get ahead of the curve. Ten years from now, I see a more modern Town Hall housing most departments so anyone can get their needs taken care in a single location. I see an expansion of affordable housing in cooperation with private developers who share similar vision. I hope others share some or all of my visions for the Mattapoisett. I may not have lived here all my life, but definitely call it home. I appreciate your support on May 16.

Brian Connelly, Challenger

            I have a fiscally conservative mindset and am moderate on non-financial issues. I was born and raised in Queens by my mother, who immigrated as a political refugee from Cuba. She instilled the values of hard work and education. My father, a proud Air Force veteran and engineer, engrained commitment to service and to take pride in figuring out how to solve complicated problems in creative ways. I moved here in 2003 after studying Business Administration and Communications at Stonehill. My wife and I chose Mattapoisett to raise our two children, Caroline and Charlie; both came up through ORR schools. We love this special town that we all now call home. I was accepted to the FDNY in 2001 but declined to pursue a life in MA and career in Financial Services. I have earned multiple FINRA certifications for investment trading, focusing on client relationships, charitable trusts, bespoke investments, and international trust private wealth management. We later prioritized our family, and I stayed home with our children to play active roles at home and within our community. With time to volunteer within the kids’ schools and the library, I also found time to pursue firefighting again. Joining Mattapoisett Fire in 2016, I hold the rank of lieutenant. I helped secure a FEMA grant for the department’s breathing apparatus, resulting in removal of a significant capital cost off a future fiscal year’s budget. I also serve as vice president of our department’s Firefighter Association and as a lead instructor for our Explorers program that teaches tri-town high schoolers fire-service operations and history. My interest in running is grounded in my commitment to serve this town objectively and without agendas and to support our community. I am interested in offering a fresh perspective to promote forward progress. This role is an extension of public service, facilitating the collective needs of our residents, while finding ways to fund these items in a prioritized, fiscally conservative manner. The continuance of stabilization funds, promoting sustained business growth and enhancing cost-saving measures will continue to help ease the rise of taxes for our residents.

Catherine Heuberger, Challenger

            For the last 18 years, I have been a dedicated public servant. I enjoy providing excellent service to all Mattapoisett residents. I believe that my local knowledge, experience and education make me the best candidate for Select Board. Mattapoisett is my hometown. My roots in the community run deep. Both my husband and I were fortunate to be raised in this beautiful town. We chose to raise our son in the town we love. Our aging fathers and extended families live here as well. Since becoming town clerk, I have received my certifications from the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. In 2022, I completed the Local Government Leadership and Management Certificate Program from Suffolk University and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. I am currently enrolled in classes to obtain my Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official designation. When contemplating running for the Select Board, I asked the State Ethics Commission for a legal opinion. I was advised by the commission that there was no conflict in me running for and holding both elected offices. Since the conflict-of-interest law only applies to immediate family members, I would be able to vote on most matters without an issue. I would have to recuse myself from certain discussions regarding my salary and budget once elected. Mattapoisett is facing many challenges. The future of our aging town facilities, possible school consolidation, services for our growing senior population and affordable housing for the elderly and families are just a few of the issues facing us as a community. When considering these needs, I will work diligently to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely. I have no personal agenda and no pet projects to advocate for. I am ready to serve and look out for the best interests of all residents and to be open-minded when making decisions concerning the future of Mattapoisett. I have the knowledge, experience and education to be a voice for all town residents. I look forward to serving on the Select Board. I humbly ask for your vote on May 16. Thank you!

Trivial Pursuit of Justice

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            Serious business goes on in Washington, or so they say. Much of it is in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court of the United States.

            I use the word hallowed, which is defined on CollinsDictionary.com as “something that is respected … old, important and has a good reputation.” The Court of course has generally worn this cloak proudly. It is, after all, the final arbiter of all things of substance under the law.

            So, when it was announced that the Court has taken up the important case of … wait for it … rubber dog toys … trivial and frivolous were the words on many pundits’ lips. Over the years, the Court has heard many cases of import.

            In the dog toy case, Jack Daniels, a hard-liquor distiller, considers it an important trademark infringement issue. They are suing because they are concerned that the toy “tarnishes their image,” and their discerning customers will be unable to distinguish their black-labeled, glass whiskey bottle from a rubber chew toy. It’s just my opinion, but if that’s true, maybe their customers ought to lay off the hooch a bit.

            The label in question has a drawing of a dog prominently displayed in place of the distiller’s name and declares that it is “100% smelly” and “100% poo by volume.” The toy maker claims their free-speech rights are being abused and that parody is American as apple pie. The Court expects to rule by the end of June.

            The robed justices are no strangers to silly litigation. The Court once had to rule on who owns the sky. In the case U.S. v Causby, a farmer claimed airplanes flying over his chicken coop were scaring his birds to death. He cited an old common law which said that a landowner owned “everything to hell and heaven,” which included the airspace over his farm. The Court ruled that planes needed to fly 1,000 feet above his coop and awarded the farmer a sum “commensurate with the cost of his dead chickens.”

            Most trivial cases never reach the high court, but lower courts are fertile ground for litigious loonies. A man once sued Budweiser beer for failing to help him attract beautiful women. Maybe he would have had better luck drinking Jack Daniel’s whiskey. A prisoner sued himself, claiming he had a split personality and was not responsible for his crime. Since he was incarcerated, he expected the state to pay him $5,000,000 for false arrest. He’s still behind bars … both of him.

            Not long ago, Major League Baseball, on behalf of our beloved Red Sox, tried to trademark the word “BOSTON.” Common sense prevailed as the Sox asked that the case be dropped, preferring to continue their quixotic quest for a pennant rather than to own a city.

            Speaking of sports … consider the poor soul who looked like Michael Jordan. He sued Jordan because people kept mistaking him for the basketball star. Maybe I should sue George Clooney because I am cursed with his good looks. Eh, maybe not.

            Another fellow sued to legally change his age to avoid getting old. He lost, but I sure wish he’d won.

            Editor’s note: Mattapoisett resident Dick Morgado is an artist and retired newspaper columnist whose musings are, after some years, back in The Wanderer under the subtitle “Thoughts on ….” Morgado’s opinions have also appeared for many years in daily newspapers around Boston.

Thoughts on…

By Dick Morgado

Academic Achievements

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Jesse Pratt of Marion, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Pratt was initiated at University of Massachusetts.

            Aidan Ridings of Mattapoisett, was recently inducted into Lambda Epsilon Sigma, Stonehill College’s honor society. The organization recognizes outstanding juniors and seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, provided evidence of a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond the classroom, contributed to the intellectual development of our community and exhibited an ability to communicate effectively.

BookRemarks: Plumb Library

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Greetings from Plumb Library. Welcome to BookRemarks, our new monthly feature focusing on all things library related.

            Let’s talk about book clubs. Your Library offers a number of opportunities for you to come out and be social in book-related ways. Book clubs are a great way to meet new people, learn about new authors and read books that you may not normally gravitate toward. It’s an opportunity to share and learn with other readers in a casual setting, and there are almost always snacks. We hope that you’ll consider joining us at one of our meetings.

            We have a long-standing adult book club, started in 2004, recently renamed “Books & Babble” that meets the last Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. In this group we read fiction, nonfiction and biographies under an umbrella theme for the year. The 2023 theme is “Food, Art, & Adventure,” and the book for May is “The Kitchen Front” by Jennifer Ryan. After a short hiatus, the Council on Aging Book Club is back. They meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1 pm at the COA and are currently reading “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub. New members are always welcome at both of these groups and books, along with discussion questions, can be picked up at the Library. For our slightly younger readers, there are 4 levels of BookBuds reading groups ranging from 6 years to high school. They meet the 1st Friday or Saturday of the month and registration is required. Check out our Events Calendar for more information and to sign up at www.plumblibrary.com.

            As always, your Library Staff, Kristen, Jen, Lisa and Bridget are here to help you find what you need. Feel free to call 508-763-8600 or email us info@plumblibrary.com with any questions. Better yet, come by and say hello.

Trustees of Mattapoisett Public Library

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            Editor’s note: Three (3) candidates are on the Mattapoisett Town Election ballot for two (2) open seats on the Trustees of the Public Library.

Ruth Oliver Jolliffe, Incumbent

            I am Ruth Oliver Jolliffe, and I am running for reelection for trustee of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Books and libraries have been my lifelong interest. Before I retired, I was the associate director of a large, independent library in Boston. From that experience, I gained insight and knowledge into how libraries serve their communities well. During my tenure as a member of the Board of Trustees of the MFPL, I have come to know the staff, the library, and much of the Mattapoisett community it serves. The well-being of the town and especially the role of the Mattapoisett library in this town and beyond is of great importance to me. The library serves a wide community of people of all ages and interests, with not only a large collection of books and printed materials from on site and available from other libraries, but children’s programs, cultural events, musical performances, fishing rods, games, art programs, etc. The library offers the opportunity for all to explore, to discover, and to learn. By continuing to increase our knowledge, we expand our horizons of enjoyment and understanding. I appreciate the vital role of trustees as overseers, working with management and staff to make the best decisions for the future. As a trustee of the Mattapoisett Library, I am honored to serve, to encourage, and to support the work of the library and its dedicated Director, Jennifer Jones. I look forward to continuing as a trustee. I hope I may count on your vote on election day, May 16, 2023.

Paul Criscuolo, Challenger

            I’m Paul Criscuolo and I am seeking the office of Trustee of the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. I am asking for your support and vote because I know that you believe, as I do, our library is a unique and treasured asset to our community. We all are familiar with the explosion of digital media and the decline of the “printed word.” Whether we use a Kindle, a smart phone or iPad, the relevance of the traditional book is declining. I believe that decline is not correlated to the relevance of our library to our community. Our library is more than a collection of shelves filled with books. It “serves” the community in numerous ways beyond our common assumptions. It provides meeting space for many community organizations, reading groups on diverse topics, digital movies, film clubs, learning classes, resources for research and even a “Library of Things” that includes a ukelele and fishing poles. That list grows as our library team seeks new ways to enrich our community. I want to be a part of that effort. I have devoted a substantial portion of my life to volunteer community service. I bring an extensive background in organization and project management as a senior executive of three Fortune 100 sized enterprises. I am an avid reader and book collector (I like the paper ones!) Rhonda and I have owned a home in Mattapoisett for 20 years. We have been full-time residents for the past five years. Rhonda’s Mattapoisett roots begin with her grandparents’ humble home on Mahoney’s Lane. Her dad’s name is proudly displayed on the Veterans of WWII sign in Town Hall. I envision this position as supporting and advising the director and her staff as they pursue the agenda they believe best serves our community. Our library is always in need of financial and community support. Books in every form must be bought and roofs repaired. If my service is of any value, it will be to convince my fellow citizens that, despite the digital phenomenon, our library is relevant, vibrant and a symbol of the best of Mattapoisett.

William Coquillette, Challenger

            I seek to serve as a Library Trustee because: (1) I love the library and have a proven record of support for it, and (2) I feel my experience as a board member, business lawyer and leader will benefit the library. I currently serve as President of the Mattapoisett Library Trust, the nonprofit organization that raises funds to support special projects at the library. I have served on the trust for four years and was a member of the search committee for the current Director of the Library. Those experiences have given me valuable insight into the needs, challenges and opportunities of the library. I have many years of other experience on boards to contribute to the library as well. Currently I am co-president/board member of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, treasurer/board member of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path and clerk/board member of the Bay Club at Mattapoisett. I have led and served many other nonprofits over the years based on a desire to know and support my community. Professionally, I have led and served many for-profit boards for large and small companies. All of this board work has honed my skills in financial management and strategic planning, which will be important in guiding the library into the future. As a business lawyer, my job was to solve problems and bring people together to find common solutions. I believe in being practical, not ideological. I do my homework, listen to what others have to say, and work to create a consensus around key decisions. That’s the approach I would bring as a library trustee. Finally, an important benefit of the library for me is the full and free access it gives me to the information and culture of the world. I believe the library should be inclusive and respectful of all. My overall goal as library trustee would be to work constructively with others to help make the library the best asset it can be for all of the citizens of Mattapoisett.

Hobby Barn Proposed

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            Rochester’s Planning Board Tuesday informally reviewed a plan to construct a 20,000-square-foot building on New Bedford Road to restore, detail and store collectible cars.

            Project engineer Bill Madden explained Briggs Hobby Barn is being built by Mark and Ashley Briggs for personal and not commercial use on a 10.9-acre parcel that was once the Gibbs Farm. A 20-foot-wide driveway will provide access from New Bedford Road, and the front gate will be 80 feet back from the road so large vehicles will not be halfway in the road when entering.

            Screening and fencing will surround the property, said Madden. The latter will be a 4-inch cedar post fence on one side and a black-coated wire fence on the other. All water drainage will remain on site. The garage-like building will have four “man doors,” eight garage doors and an upstairs mezzanine and observatory.

            Planning Board Chairman Arnold Johnson said the one thing missing from Madden’s paperwork so far is the spec sheet on the wall and lighting plan. Madden said that will come Thursday. He said that is when he will file the plan’s formal application. He noted that day is also when he will visit the Zoning Board of Appeals for that panel’s review of the project.

            Prior to that review, the Planning Board approved the draft decision permitting the large-scale solar array planned for 13.7 acres of the rear parking lot at Rochester Memorial School.

            Before the vote, Johnson questioned if the proper safeguards were in place for when the 2023-24 school year starts. The developer, Solect Energy Development, previously told the board it needs to do some of the construction after students will have begun classes. Solect representative Steven Gregory, attending the meeting via Zoom, noted the board has received a site plan showing how the construction work staging area will be fenced off during school hours.

            Johnson said the board will have to refer this plan to the town’s public safety personnel for their review. The Planning Board nonetheless approved the project permit and the Groundwater Protection District permit.

            In other action, the board responded to a Notice of Intent to sell Chapter 61A agricultural and horticultural land for residential use off of Mary’s Pond Road by recommending the Select Board not exercise its right to purchase the property held under 61A regulations.

            The Planning Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23, at 7:00 pm at Town Hall, 1 Constitution Way.

Rochester Planning Board

By Michael J. DeCicco

Mute Swan Gets Mixed Reviews

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            The elegant looking Mute Swan is the very same bird of dramatic Russian Ballets and European fairy tales of children’s literature.

            They were first brought to this country to decorate and give styling to public parks, ponds, lakes and city zoos. Today their distribution has gone wild by escaping from original purpose. But because of their pristine appearance of white shades and while muzzling each other with curved necks forming a heart shape, they have looked like avian symbols of romantic love by the admiring public.

            As in my illustration, the Mute Swan gathering with goslings carried on their backs around Ned’s Point Park, both males and females are aggressive toward people, young children and other waterfowl around the nesting area. They can also be destructive to aquatic submerged vegetation with their long necks by pulling up eight pounds of plants per day and wiping out feeding beds for other bottom feeders.

            At the turn of the 20th century, New England state governments suggested restrictions on allowing Mute Swans feeding too deeply.

            However, public opinion seriously took the side of the Swans and still wants them protected to this very day for environmental support. One of the reasons for public support is that they have the tradition of mating for life, even though random changing of mates is very common. If a male Swan mates with a younger female, they both join his habitat. But if he mates with an older female, they both will be true and change to her lifestyle. Thus, Mother Nature rules are clearly specified after remating for the future.

            Another admiral quality of Swans is the premise that they are believed to sing their own death song on their final flight before they die. This includes the outspoken Trumpeter Swan as well as the northern Tundra Swan, and bird lovers also include the Mute Swan, whose wing beats can be heard as far as a mile away. A pair of Mute Swans are recently often seen patrolling the coastline at the water’s edge on Little Bay in Fairhaven.

            I can observe them closely, dipping head and neck toward the bottom with tail up and feeding on seeds, stems and roots of eel grass, moving along thoroughly but destructively as described in my article and illustration impression.

            In a few weeks, I will be glad from a literary perspective when they nest and reproduce four or five goslings and help them fledge into the end of summer, remaining with their elegant parents through the first winter as exotic as their ancestor’s original attraction to be imported to this country.

By George B. Emmons