Westport
in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Thursday,
August 6, 2015
photos/EverythingWestport.com except as noted
Quick
Article Index . . .
2011 Westport
Woman of the Year passes away at the age of 83.
The 2nd annual Providence Folk Festival.
TTOR Youth
Conservation Corps Offers Teens a Rare Opportunity for Work and Learning.
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2011 Westport Woman of the Year
passes away at the age of 83. EverythingWestport.com Thursday,
August 6, 2015 Norma K. Judson
of Westport Point, daughter of the late Evelyn Beatrice (Corey) and Sheldon Burke
Judson, age 83. A graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1949 and
Bates College, she did graduate work Local history and
restoration work were an important part of her life. She received several
rewards for her work on historic New Bedford Houses and worked on Westport
committees to preserve the Bell School, The Wolf Pit School and the Earle
School. She designed numerous homes and was happiest creating in this field. She served on the
Bicentennial and Senior Center Committees and for many years, was involved
with the Bell School Fair. Other positions included membership in the
Community Preservation Committee, the Westport Historical Society, the
Westport Historical Commission and she was elected for eight terms to the
Landing Commission. She was proud to be listed in Who’s Who of American
Women. An original
member of the Westport Bridge Club, she also enjoyed the Osprey Book Club and
members of each group. An avid reader, her interest was strong in the
Revolutionary Period in American History. She authored her “Best Memories”
cookbook and enjoyed creative cooking. Having grown up on the Westport River,
its condition was one of her major concerns. In 2004, she
created the Westport History Work Group that helped to preserve important
information for the Westport Library. A new room was dedicated for that
purpose, resulting in a vast increase of important material. Her work in this
area led her to recognition as the 2011 Westport Woman of the Year. Above all, she
wanted her life to exemplify the equality of women. She also believed
everyone should run for public office at some point during their life span.
Ms. Judson was a member of Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting. She leaves 2
daughters: Sarah Judson Moran and her husband John, and Julie Brown and her
husband Timothy A. Palmer; granddaughters: Corey Howland Gifford and her
husband Woodeman Joseph, Kiah
Brown Murphy and Hana Coale Murphy; best friend:
Paula Lareau Ryan; and her foster son: Russell F.
Wagner. Funeral to which
relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Allen’s
Neck Friends Meeting, S. Dartmouth at 10:00 a.m. Calling hours
will be Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home. Interment will be
in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport. Flowers are
acceptable or memorial donations may be made to the Westport Free Public
Library, History Room, P.O. Box N-157, Westport, MA
02790. State Representative Paul Schmid talks promoting the Fall River and New Bedford
region to Japanese manufacturers, and
August 15-16 sales tax holiday! Rep. Schmid in conjunction the
Vietnam Veterans of America also sponsored a day at the Massachusetts State
House on Thursday for Westport vets. EverythingWestport.com Friday, August 7,
2015 The Office of Representative Schmid will be submitting a weekly piece,
titled “Updates from the Hill” in order to summarize the highlights and
happenings on Beacon Hill. His goal is to bring the Legislature to
Bristol County and keep residents informed of events, key votes, and
legislation that may be of interest. Representative Paul A. Schmid (D-Westport), in conjunction the
Vietnam Veterans of America, sponsored a day at the Massachusetts State House
on Thursday for Westport vets. Rep. Schmid took his guests on a private
tour of the historic building and had the chance to discuss the legislative
process and topics of interest with the group. Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the sales tax holiday on
Thursday, set for Saturdasy and Sunday, August 15th
and 16th. The state’s 6.25% sales tax will be suspended for most purchases
that weekend, excluding sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products,
motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at
more than $2,500. The sales tax holiday bill cleared the House 136-20
and the Senate 27-11. Representative Paul A. Schmid (D-Westport) had the unique
opportunity to meet with Tsutomu Himeno, Japanese
Consul General this week in Boston. Promoting the Fall River and New
Bedford region to Japanese manufacturers was a main focus of conversation,
especially in areas such as medical devices and apparel. The Office of
Representative Schmid looks forward to future conversations with the Consul
General.
The 2nd annual Providence Folk Festival. EverythingWestport.com Friday, August 7, 2015
Hear In Rhode Island is a
501(c)(3) organization that presents music events in
RI. HIRI has been doing this for over 20 years now starting in 1994 with the Hear
In Rhode Island music festival that ran from 1994-2001. HIRI has
also worked with the Newport Folk Festival and produced a stage there for
nine years. Over the years HIRI has produced many, many music events, CDs and
educational workshops. Currently HIRI books the Downtown Sundown Series at
Roger Williams Memorial in downtown Providence. Roger Williams National
Memorial is the beautiful downtown location of the original Providence
settlement of 1636. www.NPS.GOV/rowi
Food trucks will be available on the street side of the park
Lynch
is the second employee to join the WRWA from a land conservation group; former
TTOR employee Steve Connors joined the watershed protection group several
months ago. EverythngWewstport.com Sunday, August 9,
2015
The Westport
River Watershed Alliance is pleased to announce that Jennifer Lynch has
joined the organization as Development and Finance Administrator. Jennifer is
well known in Westport for her fourteen years of devoted work with the
Westport Land Conservation Trust. The WRWA continues to rebuild
staff positions as the watershed protection and preservation group embraces
financial stability. After some time
working at Jonathan's Organics, Jennifer returns to Westport to help manage
WRWA's finances and administration during a transformative time. WRWA
Executive Director, Deborah Weaver remarks that "The Watershed Alliance
is so pleased to have Jennifer join our staff. She is well known and admired
for her skills and positive nature - she will help broaden our organizational
impact and community support. " Jennifer's
experience will be appreciated immediately as WRWA prepares for its annual
Gala in August, its annual fund campaign, and a capital campaign for the
River Center project. "She will
fit right in," says WRWA President Tom Schmitt. "Westport will be
happy to have her back!" Jennifer is a
long-time resident of Dartmouth, and spends some of her time volunteering as
treasurer for two small, local non-profits. She also enjoys spending time on
the water with her family, including one loveable dog. The
Westport Cultural Council is pleased to present the 4th Annual Westport
Film Series at Dedee
Shattuck Gallery. EverythingWestport.com Sunday, August 9,
2015 The Westport
Cultural Council is pleased to present the 4th Annual Westport
Film Series at Dedee Shattuck Gallery, 1 Partners
Lane, Westport on Wednesday evenings, beginning in mid-August. A
screening of three films will be held, each profile architectural visionaries. August 12th, 19th, and 26th at 7:00
pm. The three films
profile architectural visionaries, and are made possible through a grant from
the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust. A guest speaker will introduce each
film, with a question and answer period following showings. Join them for a
perfect summer evening activity and great opportunity to enjoy a free
film in the beautiful Dedee Shattuck Gallery, talk
to your neighbors, and learn from area experts about issues that
challenge our community.
The first film, “My Architect” is about the life of Louis
Kahn, an American architect based in Philadelphia and known as a philosopher
among architects. His son Nathaniel embarks on a personal journey to
understand his father, who was possibly one of the most important architects
of the second half of the twentieth century. His journey becomes a
celebration to his father’s brilliant architecture and an exploration into
Nathaniel’s own identity. Their guest speaker will be William
Underwood who has had his
own architectural practice in the Fall River area since l980, primarily in
residential design. Formerly of the offices of TJ Moore Jr. Arch., Thomas
Marvell Arch. in Fall River and a graduate of the Harvard and MIT
Architectural Programs, "Woody" will give a brief introduction to
Louis Kahn, his style of architecture, and influence among modern/postmodern
architects. After the film, there will be time for discussion, and some
insights into Louis Kahn's personal life, and the making of the film. Wednesday August 19, 2015 “GaudÍ ” is about the life and works of Antoni GaudÍ who lived from 1852-1926 and is known for his
incredible imaginative and architectural creations in Barcelona. Not only is he recognized as
one of the most prodigious experts in his discipline, but he was also one of
the top exponents of modernism. His creations were before their time. The
film is narrated in the words of GaudÍ himself and
in a style that is reminiscent of old recordings, giving the impression that
he is narrating. GaudÍ said of his teachers that
they thought him either a genius or crazy. He considered every component of
his creations and integrated this meticulous adherence to detail in his
ceramics, mosaics, stained glass, wrought ironwork, forging and carpentry. Seven of his
works in and around Barcelona are on the United Nation's Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO's) World Heritage list. Our
Guest Speaker is Mark L. Schmid, AIA. Mark is the cofounder of DSK Architects
and Planning in Concord and Dartmouth. A graduate of Columbia and Harvard,
Mark has won many awards of which include the design of the Harborwalk at Lewis Wharf in Boston and the renovation of
the 18th century President’s House at Harvard University. Mark also serves on
several local government committees in the Boston area. Wednesday August 26, 2015 "I Build the Tower" is the life
and work of Sam Rodia, an Italian immigrant who
built the world-famous 100-foot, mosaic-covered Watts Towers on a residential
lot in South Central Los Angeles. The towers have survived demolition to become a symbol of the
community in which they stand and are now recognized throughout the world as
a unique embodiment of the structural principles found in nature. Some might
say that there are Gaudiesque similarities in the
towers, cathedrals, fountains and ships that Rodia
constructed from pipes, broken bottles, and seashells and cracked ceramic.
Climbing 100 feet into the air, the towers never cease to amaze all who view
them. Rodia began constructing the Watts
Towers in 1921 but did not complete them until 1954. Designated as a National
Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior in 1990,
the Watts Towers are now a component site of the California State Parks,
managed by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. Our guest
speaker is Julia Bernert RA LEED AP who practices
architecture in Westport with Clearwater Architects. She also teaches and
coordinates the First Year Design Studios and Summer Academy in Architecture
at Roger Williams University School of Architecture Art and Historic
Preservation where she has been a faculty member since 1992. For more
information please contact: Trintje Jansen, Westport
Cultural Council at 508.636.8918 or email: tjansen@massart.edu. www.westportculturalcouncil.org
TTOR Youth
Conservation Corps Offers out-of-work teens a Rare Opportunity for Work and
Learning. EverythingWestport.com Sunday, August 9, 2015 Most teenagers
who are lucky enough to find a summer job might end up flipping burgers or
standing in front of a cash register all day, but for those in The Trustees
Youth Conservation Corps, summer is spent exploring the outdoors and working
to improve local green spaces for public use and enjoyment. Over the last
decade young people looking for jobs have found it increasing difficult to
find any type of employment, let alone something that offers meaningful work
with opportunities for vocational learning and leadership development. In
2000, 45 percent of teens ages 16-19 were employed but by 2011 that number
had dropped to just 26 percent. Today, young Americans are experiencing
unemployment rates that are at least twice the national average and one in
seven young adults ages 16-24 are not in school or
working. That’s a total 5.6 million youth who are disconnected from the
traditional pathways of education and employment that lead to a successful,
productive life. Today, young Americans are
experiencing unemployment rates that are at least twice the national average,
and one in seven young adults ages 16-24 are not in school or working. That’s
a total 5.6 million youth. To address this
crisis of “disconnected” youth The Trustees of Reservations hires 70 youth
each summer to complete outdoor projects in the cities of Boston, Fall River
and New Bedford that provide opportunities for learning and civic engagement.
While there’s been a lot of talk about “green jobs” over the years, the Youth
Conservation Corps actual delivers them to urban youth who lack other
employment opportunities. “These students are getting a taste of what
professional ecologists, foresters, land managers, and environmental
scientists do,” says Linton Harrington, Youth and Workforce Development
Manager for The Trustees. “The Youth Corps members are getting their hands
dirty and their feet wet while earning needed income and developing a sense
of pride in what they can contribute to their communities” adds Harrington. The Youth
Conservation Corps channels the energy of youth into green projects that
build leadership skills and a sense of community involvement. Projects
undertaken by the youth include planting trees, building boardwalks, clearing
hiking trails, and harvesting organic vegetables. Youth work in city parks,
urban wilds, greenways and community gardens. Many graduates of the
program have gone on to study environmental science, natural resource
management or to pursue other “green” careers. Although the work is often
physically demanding and requires spending hours outside in the hot summer
sun, the youth learn to appreciate the sense of accomplishments that comes
from a hard day’s work, and the value of a hard-earned paycheck. For young adults
who enjoy the outdoors and are interested in environmental work, the Youth
Conservation Corps is much more than a typical summer job, it is a powerful
learning experience that incorporates academic and work skills into practical
projects that provide real benefits to the local community and environment. For more
information about The Trustees Youth Conservation Corps contact Linton
Harrington at 508.636.4693 ext. 5004 or email: lharrington@ttor.org. About The Trustees of Reservations The Trustees of
Reservations is the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust and one of
Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations. We were founded by open
space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891 to “hold in trust” and care for
properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance
for current and future generations to enjoy. Supported by more than 100,000
members and donors and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage
113 spectacular reservations located on more than 26,000 acres throughout
Massachusetts. Our reservations range from working farms, historic homesteads
and gardens, to community parks, gardens, and barrier beaches, and include
five National Historic Landmarks and a National Natural Landmark. The
Trustees work to promote healthy, active, and green communities through
hundreds of annual outreach programs, workshops, and events for all ages.
Accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, The Trustees are an
established leader in the conservation and preservation movement and model
for other land trusts nationally and internationally. One of the largest
nonprofits in Massachusetts, The Trustees employ 150 full-time, 49 regular part-time,
and 400 seasonal staff with expertise in cultural resources, land protection,
education, ecology, conservation, land management, and planning. To find out
more or to become a member or volunteer, please contact www.thetrustees.org. © 2015 Community Events of Westport. All rights
reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
