Westport
in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Wednesday,
February 18, 2015
photos/EverythingWestport.com except as noted
Quick
Article Index . . .
Southcoast
Health’s Monthly Calendar Listings for March, 2015.
WLCT plans an
upland meadow within the Herb Hadfield Conservation Area.
Please join “Casino
Night” for A Wish!
|
The WRWA announces they
have received a
$450,000 Massachusetts Cultural
Facilities Fund Grant
for their new headquarters. “This is a great
day for the entire WRWA family,” said WRWA executive director Deborah
Weaver. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday,
February 18, 2015 The Westport
River Watershed Alliance announces they have received a
$450,000 Massachusetts Cultural
Facilities Fund Grant (CFF) for their new headquarters - The Science And Education Center at the former
Head Garage, Head of Westport. On Friday,
February 13th the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) was delighted to
learn they were the recipient of the $450,000 grant. Together with
other WRWA resources, the grant will be used for a major project to restore
and adapt the WRWA’s Head of Westport garage, a building dating from the
early 1700s that is located on the Town Landing at the intersection of Old
County and Drift Roads. The WRWA’s
project goal: to restore and adapt the Head of Westport structure as an
environmental showcase for science and education, as well as WRWA
offices. In a prepared
statement WRWA president Tom Schmitt said, “We’re delighted to receive the
$450,000 CFF grant. It represents a
significant part of the resources that will enable us to create an exciting
facility, one that will enable us not only to continue and expand activities
that preserve and restore the Westport River estuary, but also to establish a
resource center of which the neighborhood and the entire Town of Westport
will be proud.” The WRWA’s project goal: to
restore and adapt the Head of Westport structure as an environmental showcase
for science and education, as well as
WRWA offices. “This is a great
day for the entire WRWA family,” said WRWA executive director Deborah
Weaver. “This is a highly competitive
grant. Receiving the award not only recognizes the work of staff and board
members who wrote an exceptionally strong grant application; it also
validates nearly four decades of work by hundreds of members and volunteers
in support of the Westport River watershed.” The Massachusetts
Legislature created the Cultural Facilities Fund in July 2006, appropriating
an initial $13 million as part of an omnibus economic stimulus bill. CFF
grants support Massachusetts non-profit organizations with building projects
that increase tourism, create new jobs, leverage private funding and expand
activities in communities across the state. The latest round of CFF grants
was made possible by an appropriation by the Legislature as part of a FY2016
budget. Upon hearing about the award,
Westport state representative Paul Schmid
commented, “Three cheers for the Watershed Alliance. The WRWA facility will be one of the jewels
of Westport and the center of a developing neighborhood of great cultural and
civic importance.”
Above: Artist’s
rendition of the new WRWA Science And Education Center. The Westport
River Watershed Alliance is a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy
group formed in 1976 to protect and improve the natural resources of the
Westport River watershed. You can learn more visit the Westport River
Watershed Alliance website: www.westportwatershed.org. or
call the office: 508.636.3016. WRWA’s mission is
to restore, protect, celebrate, and sustain the natural resources of the Westport
River and its watershed which encompasses six towns: Dartmouth, Fall River,
Freetown, and Westport in Massachusetts, and Little Compton and Tiverton in
Rhode Island. Southcoast Health’s Monthly Calendar Listings
for March, 2015. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, February 18, 2015 The following are Southcoast Health’s Monthly
Calendar Listings for March: Support Groups, Childbirth & Family
Education, Weight Loss Seminars, Medical Fitness/Rehabilitation Programs, and
Rappp Support Groups Oncology Southcoast Centers
for Cancer Care announces March support groups Southcoast® Centers
for Cancer Care offer the following support groups free of charge to cancer
patients and their caregivers. The staff at Southcoast
wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone. The following support groups will take place during the month of March
and are offered at Southcoast Centers for Cancer
Care, 206 Mill Road in Fairhaven or Southcoast
Centers for Cancer, 506 Prospect Street in Fall River. Please call for dates
and times: FALL RIVER, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care Breast Cancer Support Group West For patients with a breast cancer diagnosis Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810
for details Colorectal Support Group For patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer Call Susan Domingue at 508-973-7810 for
details Lung Cancer Support Group A support group specifically for patients with a lung cancer diagnosis Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810
for details Support for Supporters A support group for caregivers of patients with cancer Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810
for details FAIRHAVEN, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care Breast Cancer Support Group East For patients with a breast cancer diagnosis Call Linda Casey, LICSW at 508-973-3000 for details Under 50 Cancer Support Group A support group for patients with any cancer diagnosis. Call Linda Casey at 508-973-3000 for details. Lung Cancer Support Group A support group specifically for patients with a lung cancer diagnosis Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810
for details Support for Supporters A support group for caregivers of patients with cancer Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810
for details Ostomy Support Group A support group for people with ostomies, their family members and
friends. Meetings usually include an educational topic and provide time for
questions, discussion, and sharing among group members in a confidential,
non-threatening environment. NEW BEDFORD Wednesday, March 18, from 3 to 4 p.m. St. Luke's Hospital 101 Page Street New Bedford, MA White Home Living Room Call Lisa Cyr at 508-973-5550 for details. FALL RIVER Friday, March 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. Charlton Memorial Hospital 506 Prospect Street Fall River, MA Mooney Room on the ground floor (enter through the Center for Cancer
Care entrance) Call Tina McDonald, at 508-679-3131 x 27509 for details. Parents Enduring Grief Offering hope and encouragement to families that have experienced a
miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS) or other loss of a child. Experienced maternal/child nurses and a
clinical social worker are available during the meeting. NEW BEDFORD Wednesday, March 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. St. Luke's Hospital 101 Page Street New Bedford, MA White Home Living Room Call Judy Graves, RN, at 508-679-3131, ext
27067 for details. Diabetes Support Group A support group helping others to live with diabetes. This support
group, led by the Southcoast Diabetes Management
program, is a great way to meet and offer support to people who share similar
experiences. Practical advice and tips will help guide each member to live
well with diabetes. WAREHAM Monday, March 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Rosebrook
Building 100 Rosebrook Way Wareham, MA 877-212-9135 Topic: Let Food Be Thy Medicine Child Birth and Family Education Classes Southcoast® Health
offers a wide range of child birth and family education classes on an ongoing
basis. Please call the appropriate contact listed below for more information
on each class. Childbirth Classes Birthing Bootcamp; Childbirth Classes for
Young Parents (ages 12 to 17 years); Refresher Childbirth Classes Pre-registration is
required for all classes. We recommend calling to register during the 16th
week (10 to 12 weeks for multiples) of pregnancy to assure placement in the
class you need. Not all classes are offered at all locations.
Many health insurance companies will reimburse the cost of classes. Be sure
to contact your insurance company to ask about coverage. For more information, please contact the following: Charlton Memorial
Hospital 363 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA Gina Kiser, RN, BSN, CCE 508-973-7308 St Luke’s Hospital 101 Page Street New Bedford, MA Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE 508-961-5445 Center for Women’s
Health 300B Faunce Corner Road Dartmouth, MA Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE 508-961-5445 FALL RIVER/NEW BEDFORD Breast-Feeding Basics Learn about the healthy option of breastfeeding, basic skills to
provide a good foundation and how to avoid potential stumbling blocks.
Expectant mothers and their partners are encouraged to attend. Please call to
register. Charlton Memorial
Hospital 363 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA Call Gina Kiser at 508-973-7308 for details. St. Luke's Hospital 101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for
details. DARTMOUTH Infant and Child CPR for Families and
Friends This pediatric CPR course covers techniques for newborns to 8 year olds.
The class is $40 per person or $60 for two people. Pre-registration is
required. Center for Women’s Health 300B Faunce Corner Road Dartmouth, MA Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for
details. Breastfeeding Support Group A place for breastfeeding mothers to come for physical, mental and
emotional support. The class is facilitated by a lactation
consultant/councilor. There is no charge and registration is not required.
Drop-ins and their female support people are welcome. Center for Women’s Health 300B Faunce Corner Road Dartmouth, MA Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for
details. Weight Loss Seminars Bariatric Informational Sessions Southcoast® Center
for Weight Loss will offer free informational sessions on the risks and
benefits of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, during the
month of March. The free informational sessions will be held at: HYANNIS Monday, March 2, at 7 p.m. The Cape Codder Resort 1225 Iyannough Road Hyannis, MA WAREHAM Tuesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. Tobey Hospital 43 High Street Wareham, MA Operating Room Waiting Area MIDDLETOWN, R.I. Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. Hampton Inn & Suites 317 West Main Road Middletown, R.I. FALL RIVER Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Charlton Memorial Hospital 363 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA NORTH DARTMOUTH Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. Southcoast Center
for Women's Health 300 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA PLYMOUTH Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. John Carver Inn 25 Summer Street Plymouth, MA WAREHAM Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 p.m. Tobey Hospital 43 High Street Wareham, MA Operating Room Waiting Area TAUNTON Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. Benjamin's Restaurant 698 Bay Street Taunton, MA FALL RIVER Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. Charlton Memorial Hospital 363 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA Millions of Americans fall into the category of clinically severe
obesity — more than 100 pounds overweight with a body mass index greater than
40. Body mass index is a calculation of weight in relation to height. Weight loss surgery has been endorsed by a consensus panel convened by
the National Institutes of Health as the only effective means of inducing significant
long-term weight loss for the vast majority of patients with morbid obesity. The Southcoast Center for Weight Loss’s
community-based program is designed to incorporate a thorough approach to
weight loss surgery utilizing a team comprised of dietitians, psychologists,
nurses and surgeons to provide a safe and comprehensive surgical weight loss
program. For more information or to register for a free seminar call
508-273-4900. For more information on the Southcoast
Center for Weight Loss visit www.southcoast.org/weightloss/. Weight Managament
Informational Sessions Southcoast® Center
for Weight Loss will offer a free weight management informational session
during the month of March. The informational session will review the different non-surgical weight
loss options offered at the Southcoast Center for
Weight Loss. The sessions will include information on Optifast,
a weight loss program which combines lifestyle education, meal replacements,
medical management and individual and group counseling. The sessions will
also include information on a non-meal replacement option program called 3C’s
for Success (Commit, Challenge, Change). FAIRHAVEN Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m. Southcoast
Business Center 200 Mill Road Fairhaven, MA Large Conference Center For more information or to register for an informational session, call
508-525-3114. Medical Fitness/Rehabilitation Programs Southcoast® Health offers medical fitness and rehabilitation
programs Southcoast® Health
will offer the following medical fitness and rehabilitation programs during
the month of March. FALL RIVER, NEW
BEDFORD & WAREHAM Medical Fitness
Program This individualized exercise program is designed for those with
cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, diabetes,
peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure,
overweight and chronic orthopedic conditions. The program is offered for $60
per month at three classes a week or for $40 per month with two classes a
week. A doctor’s prescription is required to participate. Cardiac Rehabilitation
An ongoing, structured exercise and education outpatient program for
individuals recovering from heart attack, heart surgery, heart disease or are
high risk for the same. A physician referral is required. The cost of this
program is covered by most insurances. Pulmonary
Rehabilitation This is a structured exercise and education program with oxygen
saturation monitoring during exercise. It is designed for individuals with
pulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. The cost
of the program is covered by most insurances. The
program meets year-round. A physician referral is required. These classes are being offered at Durfee
Union in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in
Wareham. Call 508-961-5435 for details. Southcoast’s RAPPP program announces after
school programming for March NEW BEDFORD Southcoast®
Health’s Responsible Attitudes toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention
(RAPPP) Program is hosting a series of after-school activities during the
month of March. Experienced teachers will also be available to help students
with math, science, English and history homework. After-school programs take place Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 5
p.m. and Friday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Southcoast
RAPPP’s drop-in center, 1208 Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford. Programs are
offered to tweens and teens age 11 to 19 and are free of charge. Snacks will
be provided to all participants. The program is also looking for interested youths – ages 12 to 19 – to
join RAPPP Stars, a media/community service group that meets bi-weekly on
Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Check out the group’s YouTube channel online to
learn more. Youth can register for RAPPP Stars and other upcoming events by
stopping by the RAPPP drop-in center. For more information regarding after school programming, please call
508-995-0306. About Southcoast RAPPP The Southcoast Health’s Responsible Attitudes
toward Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention (RAPPP) Program is an adolescent
pregnancy prevention program designed to be used within the curriculum of the
health or science department of high and junior high school systems. RAPPP
also engages adolescents and young adults in the community through a number
of outreach programs addressing youth risk behaviors. Southcoast RAPPP
has reached more than 100,000 teens and parents since its inception,
including more than 90,000 teens through its in-school programs at area
senior and junior high schools. Southcoast Health—
and specifically the Community Benefits Department at St. Luke's Hospital —,
sponsors and administers the RAPPP Program in conjunction with school faculty
and administration. All materials, models, staff support and training are
free of charge to participating schools. Learn more about RAPPP at www.southcoast.org/rappp/ or call the RAPPP program office at
508.995.0306. Southcoast Health's “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” monthly walking program scheduled for
February 21st in Wareham. Walk led by Francisco
Gutierrez, MD, internist, with Southcoast Health EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, February 18, 2015 WAREHAM, Mass. — The next edition of Southcoast® Health's
“Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” will take place
on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Gleason Family YMCA
located at 33 Charge Pond Road in Wareham. The walk will be led by Southcoast Physicians Group Internal Medicine physician,
Francisco Gutierrez, MD. The community is invited to join Dr. Gutierrez for this month's event,
during which time Located in Wareham, the Gleason Family YMCA is committed to
strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and
social responsibility. The walk will kick off on the indoor track, followed
by a stretching session led by the Y’s Senior Program Director, Lu Brito. Take a step toward better health and join Dr. Gutierrez for this
month’s “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc”.
Walking just 30 minutes a day can decrease your risk of many health problems,
including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. All ages and levels of ability
are welcome. Participants of the walk will receive a free pedometer and
"Better Health Kits" that include information on nutrition and
exercise. All participants are welcome, and no registration is necessary. The “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc”
program includes monthly walks with Southcoast
Physicians Group doctors throughout the South Coast region. Visit www.southcoast.org/walkwithadoc
for more information about where Southcoast
Health physicians will be walking next. WLCT
plans an upland meadow within the Herb Hadfield Conservation Area. Meadows
are managed for wildlife in mind rather than crop production said the Trust. EverythingWestport.com Friday, February
20, 2015 The Westport Land Conservation Trust
(WLCT) is excited to announce plans to create an upland
grassland within the Herb Hadfield Conservation Area. Upland grassland, also known as upland
meadow, is an increasingly rare habitat-type in the northeast. While they still
have many open fields worked for hay production in Westport, meadows are
managed for wildlife in mind rather than crop production. By not mowing, and reducing disturbance
from road noise, this meadow will be ideal for rare birds that require
grasslands for nesting. Paskamansett Bird
Club president Lauren
Miller-Donnelly shared the following thoughts when informed of the plan: “I am super
excited to hear about plans to open up 6 acres of land at Herb
Hatfield. This work will undoubtedly offer habitat that is becoming
rare in our region: grasslands,” Miller-Donnelly said. “It is pleasing to know that
Westport Land Conservation Trust considers wildlife conservation an important
aspect of their land protection work, and the Paskamansett Bird Club fully
supports this project.” - Lauren Miller-Donnelly “When the trees
and mature shrubs that shroud this previously open farmland habitat are
removed, grassland birds and native pollinators will surely benefit.
Birds that require open-grassy habitats are becoming increasingly rare in our
region, particularly Bobolink, Meadowlarks, American Kestrel, Bobwhite Quail,
and several species of warbler. Often modern mowing practices can be
detrimental to these birds, eliminating nesting and foraging habitat,” she
said.
“It is pleasing
to know that the Westport Land Conservation Trust considers wildlife
conservation an important aspect of their land protection work, and the Paskamansett
Bird Club fully supports this project. Not only that, we are looking
forward to the birding opportunities that this project will create,”
Miller-Donnelly said. A cutting plan
has been created by forester Rupert Grantham, and WLCT plans to move forward
with the plan before the end of February.
During construction, visitors are asked to use other areas of the property. Signage will help guide visitors to
appropriate alternate areas. “We hope to
reopen the area by the end of March upon completion by the contractors. WLCT
is very excited to help create this unique space and hopes people can enjoy
the grassland for generations to come,” the Trust said. Please join “Casino
Night” For A Wish! Come
and relive the old world charm of the Newport casino era and help a local
charity grant wishes! EverythingWestport.com Friday, February
20, 2015
Come and relive
the old world charm of this casino era and help a local charity grant wishes! Just how lucky
are you? The final preparations are being made by Maggie Wiggins, owner
Canfield House and Rosemary Bowers, Founder of A Wish Come True, Inc. for a
"Casino Night" to be held on Friday, March 6th, 2015 at the
Canfield House, 5 Memorial Blvd. Newport. Feeling lucky,
take a chance as you spin the roulette wheel, toss the dice on the craps
table or maybe try your hand at black jack. All proceeds will help A Wish
Come True grant the wish/wishes of children battling life-threatening
illness. Your evening will
start at 6 p.m. with complimentary champagne and hors d' oeuvres followed at
7 p.m. by a delicious three course gourmet dinner including wine. After
dinner some might enjoy a cigar and scotch (outside). Then the fun begins,
collect your $1,000.00 in gaming chips and see just how lucky you are! All this is
included in your ticket price of only $80. The winner for the evening will be
named as the "sponsor of the wish child" and be recognized as the
person who granted the child's wish. Other fun chances
during the evening consist of purchasing tickets to "Spin the Large
Antique Wheel" which has a lot great prizes from gift baskets to gift
certificates including overnights at different locations; one is valued at
$300. Pick from the "Wall of Wine" with approximately 50 different
bottles of wine to choose from! Deadline for
tickets is February 27, 2015. Seating is limited, and tickets must be
purchased in advance by contacting the Canfield House at 401.847.0416;
Rosemary Bowers at 401.624.7673; A Wish Come True at 401.781.9199; or visit
the AWCT secure website at. www.awish.org.
About A Wish Come True Foundation. A Wish Come True,
Inc. (AWCT) is Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts oldest wish
granting organization, granting wishes to medically qualified local children
age 3 through 18 who suffer from life threatening illnesses. Since 1982, A Wish Come True has relied
solely on the generosity of the local community through individual donations,
business support and events like this one at the Canfield House. AWCT is
currently working with 36 children. Starting with 12 wishes the first year to
now for the past several years, granting 3 to 5 wishes per month! To refer a child,
make a donation, or request additional information, contact A Wish Come True,
Inc., 1010 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02888; call or click 401.781.9199 or email
Rosemary@awishcometrue.org,
or log-on to www.awish.org. © 2015 Community Events of Westport. All rights
reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
