Event
Archive – Page 3
Community Events of Westport™
A note-worthy collection of significant events in and around
Westport that help illustrate and celebrate our rural character and heritage.
The recording of these activities helps to preserve our legacy and commemorates
our history for those that follow. Please enjoy a virtual perspective of the unique moments and celebrations that define our
times and the fabric of our lives in the coastal
villages of Westport, Little Compton and Tiverton.
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Community Event Index for this
page. Eric
Lonergan wins the return of the Little Compton Scenic Winter
Road Race; Mimi Fallon takes Women’s Title. - January 5, 2008
Return to Index View the
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Top row: We have a
“smoking gun” as runners check their watches and leap out of the starting
gate at the crack of the starter’s pistol! Middle Row from left: Eric Lonergan,
Mimi Fallon, Joe Pascale (oldest - one month shy of
85) and Jocelyn Kearns (youngest at 14). Bottom
row: The look of joy at finishing the race in good time! Eric Lonergan of
North Kingston, a 22 year-old graduate of RIC where he ran, won the Little
Compton Scenic Winter Road Race in a time of 25:09. Glen Guillemette,
48, of Narragansett took second with a time of 25:36. Michael Tammaro, 34, of Kingston was third with 28:04. The weather was mild for this time of year,
around 40 degrees and sunny, to the delight of many runners who shed mittens
and tops as they ran. The field was 268 strong, with most finishing the 4.8
mile run. Dan Murphy, 49, finished first among the 25 Little Compton
runners. Noah McGarr, 18, was
Westport’s top finisher, 21st overall with a time of 31:48. Mimi Fallon, 42, of Walpole, MA overcame two
younger women’s groups to take a strong first at 28:28, and was fifth overall
in the race. . . . read full story Read Sakonnet Times story about the return of the race.
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It was a cloudy, gray and wind-swept day. A light sprinkle
fell on the multitude of spectators who were trying to imagine themselves
jumping for brunch. But mild temperatures in the low 40’s prompted 134 polar
bears and wannabes to take up the challenge of total submersion in 38 degree
water to get a free Back Eddy meal. It was all about the food, but not any
food. It was a Back Eddy brunch! The Back Eddy Polar Bears, aged eight to 80, once again
braved the cold, icy waters of Westport Harbor to take their traditional new
year’s plunge from the restaurant’s boating dock. The 9th annual Polar Brunch broke last year’s
previous record of 74. “In order to qualify for a free brunch, the
participants must wear regular swim wear; no wet suits,” Sal Liotta, Back Eddy owner said. Each polar bear signs a
release. “After all, it’s not your normal exercise. You must go in over your
head,” Sal said. “Otherwise no bunch!” The event was “safety first” as two attendants supervised
from the dock, and both an EMT and nurse were on premises in case they were
needed. But they weren’t as the Polar Bear Plunge went off without a hitch! “It was great,” bubbled Christine Ferrell of Houlton,
Maine. “But it took my breath away!” Christine had come to town at the
insistence of her sister Katie and mom Judy Sarna
of Westport to throw themselves into the river. When Betsey White of Westport was asked how she felt after
her dive, she just said, “cool!” Vanda Ruziene,
originally of Lithuania, has lived in Westport for the last four years. “I’m
now a U.S. citizen,” Vanda said, “and I want to
experience everything this country has to offer.” Well Vanda,
you can scratch winter swimming off your list! People came from all over the area to participate in this
popular annual event. The Coney Island Polar Bears of New York are reputed to
be the oldest cold-weather swimming club in
America, dating to before the turn of the 20th century. The L
Street Brownies (Boston) were officially organized in 1902 and took their
first recorded swim in 1904. The Westport Yacht Club organized their Penguin
Plunge and had their first swim in 1975, according to Jonathon Paull, event organizer (see story below). John Bergman an L-Street Brownie and Polar Bear for
decades, took the plunge in Westport Harbor because, “it is just too long of
a drive to Boston.” Looking himself like a polar bear wearing a Santa hat,
John told two young girls behind him on the platform, “not to worry!” With an open-arm gesture to the Norse Gods,
the 54-year old leaped and disappeared in the murky depths. The girls didn’t
look convinced, but took the jump anyway. “It was our best Polar Bear Brunch ever,” Sal said. He
looked around his packed restaurant. It’s a great way to end the season. And
we look forward to the next 10 to continue breaking records.” . . . and the
Penguin Plunge does the same at the Westport Yacht Club! Return to Index
Click
on images to enlarge Since 1975 the Westport Penguin Plunge has sponsored New
Year’s Day swimming in Westport Harbor. The
noon-time, chilly, “run and splash” was next to the town beach, at the
Westport Yacht Club, on the river side of Cherry and Webb Lane. There
was a light sprinkle of rain, brisk wind and gray sky as starter Jonathon Paull launched the wave of 50 or so swimmers with a
mighty blast of his hunter’s horn. The young and not so young had previously
shed their clothes and sensibilities
to prepare for a dip in Westport Harbor, some standing around for up to eight
minutes waiting for the signal! Originally organized by Jonathon Paull, Fred Johnson, and Jack Dolan in 1975, the New
Year’s Day activity event has been an annual event ever since. Renee Jones (above,
left) of Tiverton was one of the first to reach the water, and afterwards
quickly warmed herself with a frosty toast to the New Year! Southwind packs up their
dredging equipment and heads home! - Thursday, December
27 Return to Index View the
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The call came at 12:10 p.m., December 20. “We’re going
home,” Devon “Hollywood” Carlock said. The handsome
Southwind Construction Field Superintendent just
received the message that the Army Corps of Engineers had signed off on the
Westport Harbor dredging project. He and the remaining two crew members could
now cut up the pipe, load the flat beds with equipment and materials, and
head home. The barges and heavier work boats would be hauled out of the water
and transported back after the holidays. Polar Express’s final stop – Westport Free Public
Library! - Thursday, December
27 Return to Index
Click on images to enlarge The Westport Free Public Library presented an evening of
holiday stories and HO model train magic to adults and children of all ages.
Ron Ricci set up his Polar Express Train built with "choo-choo
change" that provided the visual and sound effects while Linda Cunha, children’s librarian, read Chris Van Allsburg’s famous story, “The Polar Express”. Over 50 guests
also heard readings from Paula Sullivan, Pastor Nathan Hall from the Union
Pacific Church, and Eagle Scout Andrew Weaver who read “Santa Cows” to the
delight of the children. A great night of family fun, and refreshments too! Partners Village Store hosted book signing with
Frederick Gifun. –
Saturday December 22 Return
to Index
\ Frederick Gifun, Ph.D. (right),
signed his book “UMass Dartmouth 1960
– 2006 Trials and Triumph” for Jim Mullins and his children, Allison and Zachery, at Partners Village Store. The book signing was
from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Betty Prescott of Westport looks on. Jim
contributed a 40-year time-line for the UMass
Athletic Department for Dr. Gifun’s book. Westport Council of Aging brings Christmas concerts to
the center! - December 11 and 18,
2007
Click on images to enlarge On Dec 11th Tuesday “KEYNOTES”, the sensational
singing group from Dartmouth, performed at the Senior Center at 12 noon.
Lunch was served. The COA does a terrific job with these “song and a
sandwich” activities and events.
Click on images to enlarge Then on Dec 18th Tuesday the “MONTESSORI
SCHOOL OF ANGELS” in Westport performed a Christmas Program at 12:00 noon.
Refreshments were served. These little angels brought a lot of Christmas
cheer to our area’s seniors! Thanks to Lorraine for the photos! Seniors learn about health insurance options at the
COA. - Thursday, December 13
Return to Index
Click on images to enlarge Top photo: Lisa, right, explains to Nancy
and Art Tavares of Westport the application process which is a most important
part of participating in these vital insurance programs. Health
Insurance Options for Medicare Beneficiaries - Lisa Sarkis,
Regional Director, S.H.I.N.E. (Serving the Health Information Needs of
Elders), spoke about health insurance options currently available to
Massachusetts Medicare recipients, including Medicare Part D for
prescriptions and Prescription Advantage, at the Westport Senior Center.
Despite the on-going snow storm, which dumped between 6 to 8” of snow, 18
seniors showed up for this informative seminar. Lunch preceded the talk. Stormwater Management Training presentation to Conservation
Commissioners. - Tuesday, December 11
Return to Index
Click on images to enlarge Margo Clerkin,
a Department of Environmental Protection “circuit rider’ was the guest
Tuesday night at a specially scheduled Conservation Commission meeting at the
Town Hall Annex. “I travel around the state,” Margo said, “to discuss and
educate local Conservation Commissioners on the state’s Wetlands and
Waterways Program. Stormwater management and
protection policies are a key element in the Wetlands Protection strategy.” Veterans remember the
special needs children on Christmas. - Sunday, December
9 Return to Index
Christmas in View the
photo album now 23 Photos
Upper
left clockwise: Joan E. Hopkins with Santa at American Canine; Jan Hall (left)
of Partners with local author Dedee Shattuck; Clam
Jams chowder and wine tasting at Lees Market; unusual characters under the
watchful eye of Westport’s finest at Lees Market; Wayne Fuerst
(left) and Charles McConnell at their grand opening of SticksStonesStarS
in Central Village Plaza. View their flyer now! “Ebenezer” opens. Wow! - Thursday, December 6 Return to Index View the photo album now 95 Photos
Click on images to enlarge This musical
adaptation of
Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, was produced by
Frank P. Trimble and directed by Tiverton’s Gloria Crist. “I have known Frank since 1985,’ Ms. Crist said, “when we
were both cast in a production of A Chorus Line. He currently has
two other productions of Ebenezer running, and at least one
version runs every December since the show premiered in 1996. He is a
brilliant writer/lyrist and has three other plays/musicals that are just as
witty.” Shifting gears at the COA! - Thursday, December 6 Return to Index
Click on images to enlarge Top row: Senior attendees at the
COA presentation – Shifting Gears
showed great interest in the safe driving seminar. Paul Leary (above left and center) emphasized
many vital safe driving tips. Above
left: From left to right - Gloria Santos – COA assistant, John Medeiros,
and Roberta Chaves. Paul Leary of the RMV Worcester office gave an
hour-long presentation on Thursday highlighting issues facing elder drivers
and their families. Specific topics included: Recognizing the warning signs
of unsafe driving, tips on how to be the best driver possible, and how to
obtain a disability placard. “Driving is a full time job.” Roberta Chaves
said. “You need to avoid distractions and pay attention.” Roberta is a
part-time transportation clerk for the Westport Council of Aging. Ways to
preserve one’s independence without a driver’s license were also discussed.
“Avoid nighttime driving; seek the assistance from a friend or relative,” Paul
said. “Also, after-work traffic with people rushing about and kids driving at
unnecessarily highs speeds can cause confusion with seniors,” Paul said.
“It’s a good time to be off the road.” Super Weekend for Holiday
Fairs, Bazaars, Open Houses and Concerts! Saturday and Sunday,
December 1st and 2nd
Return to Index View the photo album now
64 photos If professional football has it Super Sunday,
then the coastal villages of From holiday rock opera
to Vivaldi’s
Gloria . . .
. . . to a superfluity of holiday bazaars, fairs, and open Houses!
Above
left:
Taking a break for lunch at the United
Congregational Church’s annual Christmas Bazaar. Center:
The Children’s Choir of the Little
Compton Congregational Church at the Tiverton
4 Corners Open House. Right: A
lovely hostess taking chances on the Amicable Church’s Holiday Bazaar in Tiverton.
Above
left:
The watercolor group of volunteers at the
Above
left: Rick
at the Peckhams open house in Little Compton. Center: All things Christmas at the Brownell House, home of the Little
Compton Village Improvement Society. Right:
A holiday shopper pondering over a hand-made nautical necklace at the 14th annual Ben Wilkie Memorial Tree
Above
left: Baked
goods for sale at Amicable Church’s
Holiday Bazaar. Left center:
Puppies for sale at the Westport Point
United Methodist Church. Right
center: Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the Toy Mill at the Tiverton 4 Corners Open House Weekend.
Right: This curious shopper examines Christmas greens for sale at the 14th annual Ben Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree at the The “Super Weekend” of Holiday
fairs and bazaars! A breathtaking sunset caps
a cheerful holiday at Westport Rivers Vineyard! Saturday, November 24 View the photo album now
47 photos Return to Index
Chilly temperatures didn’t stop hundreds of
visitor from enjoying a Westport
Rivers Holiday Open House on Saturday. Brilliant sunshine and kettle
fires warmed the spirits and . . . read more |
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