Westport in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Quick Article Index . . .
Middleboro's John
"Jack" F. Healey gets the nod from Westport selectmen.
|
Senator
Rodrigues and Representative Koczera File
Legislation to Designate Veteran Status on Drivers Licenses. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, August 17, 2011 Boston - Legislation to create special identification
on Veteran’s driver’s license and identification cards has been filed by
State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) and State
Representative Robert Koczera (D-New Bedford). Senator Rodrigues, the primary sponsor of the bill, says the law is another way for veterans to show proof of their service to collect certain benefits. “This designation allows distinguished veterans whom have served our nation with honor and reside here in the Commonwealth a way to be recognized,” Said Rodrigues. “Veterans will be able to effortlessly prove service to collect their entitled benefits.”
The legislation, upon the veteran’s request, authorizes the RMV to affix a capital “V” to the license or identification card once the veteran presents the RMV with a DD Form 214, which is issued by the US Department of Defense to veterans who have received an honorable discharge from active duty.
The House sponsor of the bill, State Representative Robert Koczera elaborated on the importance of passing this legislation for Massachusetts Veterans. “This veteran’s designation will make it easier for veterans to receive the benefits that they are entitled to,” he said. “This is just one other way we recognize the sacrifices that veterans have made on our behalf.”
The Massachusetts bill which has already garnered bi-partisan support is not a new concept to neighboring states. Across the United States similar legislation has passed such as in Connecticut, Maine, Florida, Maine, Arkansas Georgia, Utah, and Indiana. Middleboro's John "Jack"
F. Healey gets the nod from Westport selectmen. EverythingWestport.com Friday, August 26, 2011
The deal is subject to the successful negotiation of a salary and
benefit package. Westport could hardly pick a better candidate. Selectmen were to interview two finalists Monday night, but instead
selected John "Jack" F. Healey as interim town administrator when
the second finalist withdrew from the race. Healey's 22-year career tenure as Town Manager with Middleboro may
just provide the staying power and statesmanship that Westport needs as the
town continues forward through a year highlighted by confusing tax overrides,
PCBs, noise pollution, and an embattled highway department. "It'll be fun; it's what I like to do," the seasoned Town
Manager told EverythingWestport. A grandfather of five, Healey is as comfortable with hip waders and
surf rods as he is in "jaw-boning" with town department heads. "As a youngster I fished off Gooseberry Island many times,"
he said. "In those days I would wade in up to my chest. Today I don't go
over my hips." Healey, who holds a master's degree in community organization and has
studied law is no stranger to town government. He has worked as a town administrator in Wareham before the Middleboro
appointment, and as an interim town administrator Southbridge and Kingston
after his retirement. He is currently winding down a two and one-half year stint as
Freetown's interim town administrator.
Freetown is just beginning to initiate their search for a full time
administrator. "I will work a few days a week in September in the Westport
position to get up to speed," Healey said. The Freetown interim town
administrator suggested he would work without pay for that month until he is
formally put on Westport's payroll. Healey's pension from Middleboro only allows him to be paid for up to
two days of work a week, but he is willing to work three or four days a week
until a permanent town administrator is hired. "He is an excellent choice," select board Chairman Richard Spirlet said. "His references were impeccable; he will be a great asset for the
town."
EverythingWestport.com Saturday, August 27, 2011 8:00 a.m.
Westport town officials and safety departments heads will meet
Saturday noontime at the new Hixbridge fire station
to prepare for emergency conditions. Left: Carl Tripp of F.L. Tripp
is tying a double dock line to the Nansu, high on
the piling. Sustained tropical storm-force winds are now
occurring across eastern North Carolina with an occasional gust above
hurricane force along the immediate coast. Winds are climbing to
tropical storm-force over southeast Virginia, according to the Weather
Channel. The prediction of the hurricane's track over land through New England
has been repositioned further west of Westport, sparing this coatal community the slow-moving storm's full fury wrath
of wind and waves. NOAA is forecasting
tropical storm conditions with hurricane conditions possible Sunday morning
in Westport. Southeast winds of 40 to 50 knots with gusts up to 70 knots,
becoming south 50 to 60 knots with gusts up to 80 knots in the afternoon.
Seas in Buzzards bay will be around 6 feet, and will build to 8 feet Sunday
afternoon. Conditions in Rhode Island Sound on Sunday are a little more severe with hurricane conditions expected. South winds 45 to 65 knots with gusts up to 75 knots, increasing to 85 knots in the afternoon. Seas around 20 feet, building to 26 feet in the afternoon.
According to the Weather Channel, this hurricane has the potential to produce flooding rains, high winds, downed trees (on houses, cars, power lines) and widespread power outages. Significant impacts along the immediate coast include high waves, surge and beach erosion. String 'em high.
"Add an extra spring rope to keep the boat off the dock," he said. "We have received information that Irene will arrive in Westport about five hours ahead of predictions," Tripp said Friday afternoon. "This puts us in a low tide situation and slightly ahead of the August new moon (August 29 at 03:04 a.m.) which should lessen the impact of a high tidal surge." "We have only pulled about thirty boats from the water, mostly smaller craft," Tripp said. Tripp advises removing boat canvas and sailboat dodgers if winds get over 75 knots, and securely tie all sails. Boats on moorings should use a rope bridal arrangement to secure their vessel to the mooring. Left: Dinghies
being secured at F.L. Tripp boatyard.
Above, left: The crane at F.L. Tripp boatyard is
idle. Right: Most boats and dinghies will remain in their slips
throughout Irene's arrival, securely fastened with double dock ropes.
Sailboats
can use a bridal rope arrangement to secure the craft to their moorings. All
sails should be firmly tied as shown above, and all dodgers and canvas should
be removed. - - - - - End - - - - - ©
2011 Community Events of Westport
All rights reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
|
|
F.L. 
