Westport in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Saturday, December 31, 2016
photos/EverythingWestport.com except as
noted
New Animal
Action Committee jumps into action, albeit with caution.
Walking
or plunging... there’s plenty of both on New Year’s Day.
|
New Animal Action Committee jumps into action,
albeit with caution. A total of 59 suggestions came
from committee members and a crammed audience of animal advocates. EverythingWestport.com Friday, December 30, 2016 Photos | EverythingWestport.com
Special Correspondent to
EverythingWestport.com WESTPORT –
A new 11-member town committee has started meeting to discuss what steps the
town might take to prevent reoccurrences of the animal abuse cases discovered
at a tenant farm off American Legion Highway this summer. Selectman
Shana Shufelt, elected as the chair of the new
Animal Action Committee, said the group’s goal was “to identify whether
Westport needs to implement changes” in current health regulations, local
licenses and permits for keeping animals, and other bylaws dealing with
agricultural operations involving livestock of all kinds. “This
is not a policy-making group, but an advisory committee that would be meeting
regularly to develop recommendations for possible regulations and/or bylaws
that could be implemented by other town boards and departments.” - Shana Shufelt A new 12-member town committee has started meeting to discuss what
steps the town might take to prevent reoccurrences of the animal abuse cases
discovered at a tenant farm off American Legion Highway this summer. Selectman Shana Shufelt, elected as the chair
of the new Animal Action Committee, said the group’s goal was “to identify
whether Westport needs to implement changes” in current health regulations,
local licenses and permits for keeping animals, and other bylaws dealing with
agricultural operations involving livestock of all kinds.
Above: Committee
members from the left: Westport Detective Tony Cestodio;
Chairwoman Shana Shufelt, and Board of Health
Chairman William Harkins. The committee also includes Board of Health Chair William Harkins,
Animal Control Officer Donna Lambert and Police Sgt. Tony Cestodio,
Agricultural Commission members Jay Tripp and Shirley Robbins, Building
Commissioner Ralph Souza, and Town Administrator Tim King. Two residents were
also named to the panel as at-large members to represent the general public’s
interest in the continuing discussion of animal care standards in Westport. The potential need for new regulations and more oversight of animal
husbandry operation in town comes on the heels of the second case of
widespread animal abuse at a tenant farm of Route 177 in July. Hundreds of
animals were removed from 21 rented plots by the order of the state Division
of Animal Health because of unsanitary conditions at the site, which included
the discovery of dozens of dead and dying animals at some of the parcels. “We’re going to try really hard not to
develop specific solutions that only deal with the issues found at the tenant
farming site this year and in 2010.” - Shana Shufelt All of the livestock discovered there were relocated to a nearby farm
at the order of state officials, and eventually placed for adoption out of
state. Some owners were able to reclaim their seized animals after paying for
boarding costs and veterinary bills. Months later, a police investigation into the conditions allowed to
exist on the rented parcels continues, and possible criminal charges against
landowner Richard Medeiros and some animal owners are also being considered
by the state Attorney General’s Office. Similar charges of animal cruelty and neglect were filed against Medeiros
and a number of tenant farmers in 2010, when police were investigating
earlier abuse complaints. None of the owners of the animals or Medeiros were
prosecuted in that case. At the action committee’s December meeting, Shufelt
stressed that “this is not a policy-making group,” but an advisory committee
that would be meeting regularly to develop recommendations for possible “We’re going to try really hard not to develop specific solutions” that
only deal with the issues found at the tenant farming site this year and in
2010, she suggested. At the present time, the town’s Board of Health only requires local
permits for piggeries and horse stables, while the Town Clerk’s office
handles the licensing of dogs each year. Any violations of those local
regulations results in complaints being filed in District Court by town
employees or police, Sgt. Cestodio indicated. In cases involving animal neglect or issues of proper care, the
detective noted, “Every case is different” and educating animal owners about
best management practices or matters of law is generally preferred to
prosecution. The best tactic is usually “to give the people the opportunity
to learn... and correct that action,” he said, adding, “I think that
education is huge” to prevent such problems. Harkins pointed out that “animal (care) regulations are all
predominantly on the state level... that’s where they are monitored and
enforced. They’re enforced through the (state-appointed) animal inspectors
and the state.” Lambert agreed that education is usually the first step when Inset: Agricultural Commission members
Shirley D’Agostino Robbins and Jay Tripp. The county extension service, 4-H clubs, and Bristol County
Agricultural High School are other resources which can be tapped to educate
the public about animal care, Lambert indicated. Cestodio noted
that the state Dept. of Agricultural Resources website also has a “best
practices” section dealing with animal husbandry standards. New state laws
have made veterinarians “mandated reporters” of animal abuse situations, he
also indicated. Several members of the audience at the meeting suggested that such
educational materials and best practices information needs to be translated
into Portuguese and Spanish, as a number of livestock owners are not fluent
in English. Cestodio
stressed that only a handful of livestock owners are causing problems in
Westport. “Most of the farms in this community do a wonderful job” taking
care of their animals, he said. As it was suggested at the onset of
the meeting, the main goal has to be making sure that all the animals in
Westport are properly cared for, no matter where they are being kept. “It’s amazing how many farms we have that are
absolutely pristine; they’re run correctly,” he suggested. “We have many,
many farmers that do a great job.” The new town committee will focus its attention on problems raised by
those livestock owners that are not taking good care of their animals,
whether it’s on their own property or rented land. In coming weeks, each
member will be assigned “action items” to be investigated further, or somehow
incorporated into town regulations down the road. The end goal, one at-large member noted, is to help ensure that the
animal abuse cases discovered in Westport over the past six years doesn’t
happen again. As it was suggested at the onset of the meeting, the main goal has to
be making sure that all the animals in Westport are properly cared for, no
matter where they are being kept. Click here to
read more about Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on Mass.Gov website. Walking or plunging... there’s plenty of both on New
Year’s Day. Walking
or plunging... there’s plenty of both on New Year’s Day! But
you will have to make some tough choices because they are all in the morning
on New Year’s Day! Westport’s
Polar Bear Plunge at the Back Eddy
Restaurant and the Penguin Plunge
at Children’s Beach just down the road on Cherry & Webb Lane highlight e
area plunges. And
with balmy, sunny, 45 degree weather, expect a lot of whacky traffic to these
perennially-exciting events!
Above left: Back Eddy Polar Bear Plunge. Right: Yacht Club Penguin Plunge – both in Westport. Photos | EverythingWestport.com Back
Eddy Polar Bear Plunge is back in its 18th rendition on New Year’s Day! Make your reservations NOW,
almost sold out! For all you wannabe Polar Bears, take your best shot between
11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and earn your brunch the courageous way. All you
others – open your wallets and pay for that great Back Eddy brunch! Number one plunge in the area!
"They have to totally submerge their body," Back Eddy manager
Sal Liotta, said. "Every hair has to be wet to get a free brunch!" -
Sal Liotta Everyone entering the restaurant will have to pay $25 for the brunch,
and those who jump get theirs for free. So, take a plunge for brunch in
the Westport River at the Back Eddy Restaurant.
The
restaurant will close at 2:00 p.m. for the year; there is no New Year’s
dining at the Back Eddy past 2:00 p.m. Non-jumpers can buy the brunch for
$25; they will receive a bracelet for the brunch. No wet suits or dry suits are
permitted. The 2012 record of 318 (the 58 degree air
temperatures brought out polar bears and watchers from all over the area)
still stands, so come on down! Read about 2012 Polar Bear Plunge and view photos and
video! New Year’s Day Westport Penguin Plunge at Children's
Beach, Westport. New Year’s Day
Westport Penguin Plunge at Children's Beach, Westport starts at
12:00 noon, and all are welcome. If the Back Eddy
Polar Bear plunge is overcrowded then come over to the Children’s Beach for a
quick dip. They would love to Since 1975 the Westport Penguin Plunge has sponsored a New Year’s Day
swimming event in Westport Harbor. The noon-time “run and splash” will be
next to the town beach, at the Westport Yacht Club, on the river side of
Cherry and Webb Lane. The sound of a hunter’s horn will launch the wave of
hardy swimmers. The young and not so young are all invited to take a chilly dip in
Westport Harbor. Originally organized by Jonathon Paull, Fred Johnson, and Jack Dolan,
the New Year’s Day activity event has been an annual event ever since,
raising money for charitable events. Contact Jonathon Paull Jr. with any questions at 508.415.3228. Read about last year’s Westport Penguin Plunge and view
photos! Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge: Fort Phoenix Polar Plunge: Join hundreds
of hale and hardy souls testing their mettle with a plunge into the icy
waters at Fort Phoenix. The event is Sunday, January 1st at 10:00 a.m. A
donation of $25 gets you a long-sleeve T-shirt (buy them when you register
from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m.). Come start off the new year with a dash into the ocean! Challenge your
family and friends to come out and plunge in remembrance of the victims of
domestic violence. A donation of $25 buys a long sleeve T-shirt. Shirts will
be available on a first come, first served basis. You can choose whether or
not you jump in. Registration and t-shirts can be purchased at the Plunge
from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Checks can be made payable to: Fairhaven Dollars
for Scholars. Please note on check: Ft.
Phoenix Polar Plunge. For more information, call Kathy Lopes at 508.991.2194
or Sherry Lopes at 508.951.2147. Find all the details on the Fairhaven
Tourism page.
photo by
Ed Pepin Photography Mattapoisett's Plunge: The 2017
Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge Mattapoisett's Plunge: The 2017 Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge to benefit cancer care
is planned for Saturday, January 1st at noon, from the Mattapoisett Town
Beach. Find out more on the group's GoFundMe page
or on Facebook. Plunge alone or form a team. Creative dress
encouraged!!! Print our pledge form and raise money to offset the forgotten
costs of cancer care for local families. 100% of all proceeds will aid with
hidden costs associated with this illness, such as: co-pays, childcare,
parking fees, gasoline, etc. Plunge alone or form a team.
Creative dress encouraged!!! Print our pledge form and raise money to offset
the forgotten costs of cancer care for local families. 100% of all proceeds
will aid with hidden costs associated with this illness, such as: co-pays,
childcare, parking fees, gasoline, etc.
Annual Polar Plunge at Sandy
Beach, Fall River – a freezing Fall River tradition Mayor Jasiel Correia and organizer Pat Casey will be there to greet the
brave souls at the annual Polar Plunge at Sandy Beach on Atlantic Boulevard.
A fundraiser for the Forever Paws Animal Shelter, the Fall River Polar Plunge
takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 1st at Sandy Beach.
Click here
to view video from 2014! Organizer of the event, Pat Casey, revived the
important fundraiser, which will be held at Sandy Beach at Mount Hope Avenue
and Atlantic Boulevard, Fall River. Those brave enough to challenge the icy waters
of Mount Hope Bay will take the plunge at 10:00 a.m. A warming tent, hot cocoa and hot dogs will be
available to participants. The Plunge raises much needed cash to support
the no-kill animal shelter, Forever Paws. Participants are asked to gather sponsorship
pledges and will be required to sign a waiver. Donor forms and waivers are
available at the mayor's office, 508.324.2600 or by calling Pat Casey, 508.320.9569
or Gail Furtado, 508.678.0804. All, including spectators, are welcome to take
the plunge. Tiverton Yacht Club's sixth
annual Penguin Plunge. The Tiverton Yacht Club's sixth annual Penguin
Plunge help raises funds for the Tiverton Public Library. "Penguins" are urged to obtain a
pledge form in advance of the plunge at the Essex Library or online www.tivertonlibrary.org. The Penguin Plunge
will take place at noon on Saturday, January 1st at Grinnell's Beach, Main
Road, Tiverton. Weather forecast is a sunny, balmy 45 degrees! Hey all you resident penguins, you can dash into the cold waters of
Grinnell’s Beach at noon on New Year’s Day for the annual Penguin
Plunge, if you dare. While weather conditions in January aren’t exactly ideal for a
recreational plunge The Penguin Plunge will help raise money for the new Tiverton Public
Library. In 2015 the annual Polar Plunge raised almost $2,000 in funds to
help support the new town library. Hot coffee will be at the beach to warm up all participating penguins,
and a reception will be held after the plunge at Lil’ Bear Sports Pub, 983
Main Road, Tiverton. Those interested in taking the dive can download
this Penguin Plunge sponsor’s form to gather pledges and collect
donations. Sponsored by the Tiverton Yacht Club with all donations to benefit the
Tiverton Public Library. All are welcome; “Penguins” are encouraged to obtain pledge forms in
advance - forms available at the library’s information desk or online at www.tivertonlibrary.org. Or just come in your bathing suit… The Penguin Plunge is sponsored by the Tiverton Yacht Club. Contact
Greg Jones at jonesgb@cox.net for
more information. This New Year’s day plunge is for the dogs! The New Year's Day plunge in Portsmouth, RI is a festive tradition,
complete with beach bonfire. The Polar Dive for the Dogs, a fundraiser to support the
Portsmouth Dog Park, gets underway on the beach at Island Park with the lighting
of the bonfire at 10:30 a.m. The plunge takes place at 12:00 noon with
festivities continuing at the beach and the This year the Portsmouth Polar Bears
in Rhode Island are adding a new wrinkle to
their frigid body plunge. The name of their dive has been modified to
"Dive for the Dogs" to reflect the fact the plungers are freezing
their toots off for a good reason. They're collecting money for a new dog
park. Portsmouth Polar Dive: Dive for
the Dogs, Seawall, Park Avenue, Island Park, Portsmouth,
RI. A bonfire will be roaring away by 11:00 a.m.
and there'll be live music. Organizers claim this plunge is the only polar
dive with a bonfire. It's all to benefit the Portsmouth Dog Park.
The after party will be at The Beachcomber, 506 Park Avenue, and "there
will be a free spread of food put out for everybody." Raffle tickets will be sold to help the dog
park buy benches and other amenities. The Portsmouth Business Association,
The Portsmouth Dog Park & The Beachcomber are sponsors. "Please come down and help our town
out," the organizers say. "You'll have a great time even if you
don't jump in." 26th Annual New Year’s Day
Beach Walk on Gooseberry Island with the Lloyd Center. Discover Buzzards Bay sponsored By the Lloyd Center
on Sunday, January 1st from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Gooseberry Island, 10
Looking for fresh air, exercise, and a chance
to learn more about the natural world around you? Then this is the perfect
trip for you! Join Lloyd Center Research Director Mark Mello to
celebrate the New Year with a free, peaceful beach walk on Gooseberry Island. Focusing on coastal ecology and bird
identification, Mark will identify winter waterfowl and “washed up” marine
life. January is a wonderful time of year to walk the coast and observe the
effects of wave action on the slope and shape of the beach. This is a very informal outing, and those that
simply want to walk are more than welcome. Participants should dress warmly
and wear hiking boots; binoculars and cameras are also recommended. For more information please call 508.990.0505 x22, or email: markmello@lloydcenter.org or
visit their website at: http://lloydcenter.org/calendar/.
Sponsored by Allens
Pond Wildlife Sanctuary from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Allens
Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport on Sunday, January 1,
2017. Start the new year off with Mass Audubon‘s
Beach Ramble! Explore the Beach Loop Trail at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
and discover what the forces of nature have left on the beaches and in the
wrack lines with volunteer naturalist Doug Hlousek.
You’ll walk from the field station through a
winter meadow to the rocky coastline, hike over a glacial moraine, and then
explore the sandy beach ecosystem. The walk is completed along Allens Pond, a salt pond, and ends through the grasslands
as you return to the field station. Allens Pond Sanctuary Staff & Volunteers will lead the way. Suitable for
all (suitable for children 0 - 18 years.) This is a free Ramble for Members &
Nonmembers. Dress for a winter hike outdoors. Registration is required. Register online or
call 508.636.2437 to register by phone, or register by mail: program registration form. PDF For more information, email: allenspond@massaudubon.org. New Year’s Day Walk at the Let Conservation Area. Photos | EverythingWestport.com The Let Conservation Area is a special place. This 62-acre parcel,
stretching from the Westport River to Horseneck Road, offers stunning vistas
of the tidal estuaries and salt marshes iconic to our region!
Come ring in the New Year with Westport Land Conservation Trust on this
picturesque property on Sunday, January 1st. This walk is open to the public with free parking available at Sylvan
Nursery, 1028 Horseneck Road. A suggested donation is $5 per car. Plan
to hike 3+ miles over uneven terrain. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes. Dress
for the weather and bringing water is also recommended. Dogs are welcome but
must be on leash. The walk will be cancelled in the event of snow, rain, or
temperatures below 15 degrees. For more info, or to RSVP, visit www.WestportLandTrust.org
or email: Brendan@westportlandtrust.org. They hope to see you
there! Walk in Paskamansett Woods with
the DNRT. Join the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) for a winter hike on New Year’s Day at one of DNRT’s newest reserves with guest leader Brian Gollub from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. 25 Chase Road, Dartmouth.
Paskamansett Woods includes pine-dominated
woodland and a small man-made pond that provides excellent wildlife habitat. DNRT acquired the property in 2015. The parking area and trailhead is located on
the east side of Chase Road, just south of intersection with Old Westport
Road and across from Gene Street. Usually only the worst weather will cancel a DNRT walk. If the weather is questionable, call 508. 525.9266
or check www.dnrt.org on the morning of the walk. For more information please call 508.991.2289
or email: info@dnrt.org. Visit their website for all the details: http://dnrt.org/calendar/ © 2017 Community Events of
Westport. All rights reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
