|
Fairs & Bazaars Fund Raisers Church News & Socials Historical Events Senior and Youth Activities Business & Town Directories Competitions & Tours Clubs and Organizations Charitable Events ● Arts ● ● Entertainment ● ● Night Life ● ● Business & Social Events ● Cornfield on Adamsville Road © 2009 |
||||
|
• More Previous Event Articles and Photos •
| Return to Everything
Westport Home Page | Previous Page | Next Page |
|
||||
|
12/18/2011
- Massachusetts veterans
now have an easier way to identify themselves as eligible for services and
benefits thanks to a new feature on driver’s licenses. In an effort
spearheaded by Westport's State Senator Michael Rodrigues, effective next
month, veterans can bring their DD214 forms, which identify them as having
served in the military, to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to have a special
note on their licenses, state officials announced Friday at the Fall River
RMV. According to Lt. Gov.
Timothy Murray, there are 400,000 veterans in Massachusetts, including 37,000
who have served since 9/11. More.
Baker died
Monday, December 12, 2011. She was wife of the late Robert H. Baker and
former wife of Duncan H. Doolittle. Arrangements will
be private. Inset: Pete Baker (center)
working in the Handy House September 26, 2011. Baker most
recently participated in the ongoing effort to restore and preserve the
Cadman-White-Handy house, one of Westport's most significant architectural
and archeological treasures that spans more than two centuries of life in
Westport. Read
more.
COA Director
Mary Ellen Gomes and her hard working elves served up a delicious Ham Dinner,
all for just three bucks a head, to the over 60 guests who dropped in for a
good meal with good friends. Inset: from the left: Beverley and
Jack Baughan, Kathy Cardin, Louise Parsons, and
Nora Jerome, all from Westport. Click
here for more photos.
Hand-cut
Victorian Heirloom Silhouettes
by Andrea Peitsch, a visit from Golden Touch Farm's
adorable alpacas, and book signings by noted local authors Dawn Tripp and Red
Cummings highlighted a fun-filled day spent browsing through the eclectic mix
of gifts, confections and books that only Partners seems to offer. More
with photos.
Call Robin Potter at 508 12/10/2011
- Hands
off our camp sites! Horseneck
Beach State Reservation located in Westport, is a heavily used
recreation facility with one of the most popular beaches and So why does the state's protector of all
things recreational want to remove 32 prime, oceanside camping sites that are
the jewel in the crown of DCR's most popular campground. Why indeed asks Westport's State Senator
Michael Rodrigues. "I think there might be a surprise
there," Rodrigues told Westport's Business to Business networking group
when discussing DCR's new Resource Management Plan for Horseneck Beach
Reservation. "There is one issue in the plan I'm
very much opposed to. They (DCR) want to upgrade the campground, and Coastal
Zone Management, an environmental group, is saying they have to eliminate the
road that cuts along the beach, right through the heart of the 32 camp sites,
because it is in a dune system." The camp sites were built in the 1950s.
Click
here later to learn how you can provide input
to DCR's plan to remove these campsites. Their comment period ends January 4,
2012.
The Massachusetts
Council of Human Service Providers, Inc. is a statewide association of health
and human service agencies. Founded in 1975, the Providers' Council is the
state's largest human service trade association and is widely recognized as
the official voice of the private provider industry. Senator Rodrigues was
also recognized as the MAVA Legislator
of the Year last August. The presentation of that award allows the
vocational technical community to formally recognize all that Senator
Rodrigues has done in support of the Commonwealth's career and technical
education delivery system. 12/07/2011
- Vintage
ducks and decoys demonstrate their sculptor's skill at WFA shorebird exhibit.
It seems Westport's Howie Gifford is an expert on
all things that float on water. The prolific boat builder and carver of
decorative decoys was on hand over the weekend at the Westport Fishermen's
Decoy and Shore Bird exhibit. The stunning show at
the Horseneck Point Life Saving Station and Visitor Center on East Beach Road
featured a variety of collectables, rare decoys and shore birds that have all
been donated for exhibit for one day by local artisans, carvers,
collectors and enthusiasts. Gifford's center kiosk
of his choice carvings (pictured left) included his favorite, a brown ibis
carved from chestnut and finished to accent the natural grain. "I've been
collecting since 1971," Gifford said. "I also fashion about five or
six birds per year, all by hand." And noted expert Bill Lapointe from Decoys Unlimited was there to evaluate any
decoy or shore bird carvings visitors were curious about. Lapointe
brought his own impressive collection with some of his decoys dating back to
the early 1800's. "We had a terrific
turnout," WFA's Jennifer Gelinas said.
"We were overwhelmed with visitors." Click
here for a virtual tour of the exhibit.
And in the spirit of giving, Westport town
boards and departments watched, sugar plums dancing in their heads, as 437
town voters unanimously passed seven town warrant articles at Special Town
Meeting, and cheered the results. Inset: Westport officials watch the voting on Town
Warrant articles. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were transferred from Free Cash to
cover requests to pay unpaid bills, cover additional expenses over budgeted
amounts including $50,000 not even listed in the Town Warrant, approved the
purchase of three trucks and snow plows for Jack Sisson's Highway Department
and threw in a computerized sign making system to boot. "It feels like Groundhog Day (a movie
starring Bill Murray), I've been before this meeting so many times asking for
this equipment," quipped a happy Highway Surveyor, Jack Sisson. And with very little appeal from Dr. Carlos
Colley, the School Super got almost unanimous approval to borrow $3.2 million
dollars to pay for PCB remediation costs for the Westport Middle School. The
short term borrowing with have to be dealt with later in a future debt
exclusion or Preposition 2 1/2 override. But that's for another day, for tonight
Town Meeting was in a spending mood. Click here to get complete results of the Special Town
Meeting with photos and video. Yes, Virginia, generosity existed in Town
Meeting's heart as voters carried with unbridled applause an article that set
up a Town Beaches Enterprise Fund, notwithstanding the Finance Committee's
recommendation not to support it. And voters authorized with barely a blink
of an eye the transfer of $250,000 from free cash to the town's Stabilization
Fund as they headed out the door and bid everyone a good night. Article 5 was passed over by the Town
Moderator for procedural issues. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, but
a thousand years from now, nay, ten times ten thousand years you will never
see Town Meeting as generous as they were tonight. "I thought we were going to settle in
for a long two nights of Town Meeting," Interim Town Administrator Jack
Healey said. "I'm glad to be going home before nine." Click here to get an analysis and review the complete Town
Warrant.
The exterior of the home suffered moderate
damage, while the interior sustained only minor smoke and water damage. The
heat was so intense it shattered the sliding glass doors windows. If it were
not for the quick response the outcome would have been much worse. Responding
to the scene were three engines, a ladder, medical rescue and Car 1. The on
duty crew of four were aided by about 7 off duty firefighters. The exact
cause has not been officially released. Submitted
photo. 12/04/2011
- Where were you over
the weekend? The first weekend in December is by far
the Super Saturday of the holiday shopping season that involves local
artisans, crafters, and social groups. There is a cornucopia of fairs,
bazaars, craft shows, and art exhibitions and sales that are sure to overwhelm
even the most ardent and well-organized of Christmas bargain hunters. Click
here to get a sampling of the shows and fairs that happened on
Saturday, including photos.
Inset: Dedee
Shattuck takes a break from setting up her current exhibition. She's wearing
a scarf designed by the same artist of the painting in the background, in
case you didn't notice. The Saltonstall Architect-designed building offers variegated
hues of light and soft shadows that radiate comfort and warmth to visitors,
but never overpower the subtlety in exhibiting artists works. The contrasting
styles of the geometric and free-flowing abstract work of painters John Havens Thornton and Pat Coomey Thornton in the Gallery's final 2011 exhibition are equally as comfortable
in the house that Dedee built. Opening
reception tonight from 5 to 7
p.m.. Exhibition runs
from November 30th - December 31st, 2011. Click
here for a virtual tour.
11/30/2011
- Westport's
Energy Committee nixed the proposed Beech Grove Cemetery location for a
commercial wind turbine last evening on a vote of 5-0, with three members
absent. The motion included language that would "immediately apply the findings of the current study to the
Transfer Station and other locations in town for both wind and solar
projects," leaving the field wide open to other private and
town-owned sites. The decision was based on recommendations
by Atlantic Design, the town's green energy consultant, and statements made
by MassCEC that Beech Grove may not suitable for a
1.5 MW commercial wind turbine. The decision, welcomed by abutters, did not
sit well with some town residents. Complete story later.
Richard Lafrance
of Lafrance Hospitality, the current property
owner, confirmed that it will to be a restaurant, "but we haven't
determined what type yet." Click
here to read more about Fred and Ann's. 11/29/2011
- Allens Pond
Wildlife Sanctuary has two job
postings; one for a part-time Administrative Assistant and one for a
Live-In Caretaker at their Stone Barn Farm Property in South Dartmouth. Click
here for all the details. 11/29/2011
- The Bristol
County Commission on the Status of Women is now accepting applications to
seat new Commissioners. Westport women need apply. More. 11/29/2011
- The New Bedford Whaling Museum is calling
all “Moby Dick” fans. The museum is currently seeking readers for the 16th annual “Moby-Dick”
reading marathon early next year. Click here to read more about this event and others that need a helping hand
on our Community Bulletin Board.
The increasingly unpopular location for the
Central Village turbine produced an electric exchange between select board
members, some questioning the Energy Committee's commitment to wind power. Not so said Selectman Antone
Viera, who also chairs the Energy Committee.
"We are examining both wind and solar for the locations suggested by the
previous committee and this one." Selectmen heard a planning board
presentation from SRPEDD's Sandy Conaty on
Westport's recently released Housing Production Plan that revealed some
startling 2010 census figures. Click here to
view presentation. PDF Robert Rebello
and William Gifford are appointed to the Long Term Planning Building
Evaluation Committee; Simonne Conlon appointed to
Central Village Public Improvements Committee. And Selectmen unanimously approved the
Community Preservation Act Grant Agreement for Laurie Marinone
and Norman Anderson regarding the Oscar Palmer Farm. More on these bites and others later today.
Inset: U.S. Representative Barney
Frank speaks last year to the Westport ROMEOs. The 71-year-old
polemical Frank, a 16-term member of Congress, is among the most liberal
representatives, announced at a Bay State press conference Monday afternoon
that he will not seek re-election. The Boston Globe cited
a source close to Frank as saying a big reason for his decision is the
redrawing of his district, which will add more conservative voters and drop
the heavily Democratic city of New Bedford. Frank would have to
make his pitch to over 300,000 new constituents. Frank was a friend to
Westport, finding Federal money for many in-town projects such as dredging
Westport Harbor and helping the local fishing industry. Until recently, Frank
was assisting Westport in obtaining a Wild and Scenic River designation for
the Westport River watershed sought by local environmental and conservation
groups. What will life be like
after Frank? The grass may be greener. Almost immediately after Frank's
announcement, rumors about potential candidates, including those who had an
interest in the new ninth district, may seek instead to fill Frank's seat in
the U.S. Congress. Local officials mentioned as possible candidates were
Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan
and state Senator Marc Pacheco. Two, incumbent-free, southcoat congressional districts is a newsmonger's
bonanza for political pundits who follow such things. Stay tuned.
"For over a decade Westport
firefighters have delivered food baskets to town residents in need for the
Thanksgiving holiday," said firefighter Dan Baldwin, coordinator for
both Lees and the firefighters. "The bags provide all the fixings for a
Thanksgiving meal from a fresh turkey to dessert." Read
more with pictures.
"We're
looking for alternatives," committee member Elaine Ostroff said. "We
experienced serious mumbling (about the tree)," she said. "If we
didn't have sidewalks we wouldn't have this problem." "We need to
clarify our direction." __________________ Committee member
Elaine Ostroff. Linden Tree in the news! Click
here to see ABC6 news report. "We
need to clarify our direction," Ostroff added. "The committee has
always wanted to save the tree, but cost and safety were always a
factor." Committee
co-chair Ann Squire offered a workaround that just might work. Read
more about Squire's solution. Linden trees, sometimes called basswood or lime trees, are very
common in North America and are an excellent choice for the urban landscape,
providing ample shade. Selectmen
voted recently to accept the recommendation of the committee to bring down
the now well-known Linden Tree, and issued the kill order. The tree is
located on Main Road across from the Apothecary, to make way for a proposed
Central Village sidewalk. "This
area is the densest part of Westport with pedestrian traffic," Ostroff
said. But
it's possibly a Liberty Tree says local noted historian Norma Judson, who
believes the tree is over 200 years old. The Committee had considered workarounds but
has cited that dangerous conditions for elderly and handicapped walkers and
potential damage to the tree's root system prompted their decision. “There’s no excuse for this I can see,” Judson
told the Herald News. “You just don’t chop down a living thing. Westport is a
country town. If you want that, go to the city.” The
committee proposed bringing in an arborist for a full evaluation of the
tree's health. "We should just let nature take its
course," Committee member Ann Squire said. More. 11/22/2011
- An
ill wind is blowing for the Central Village turbine. Facing the Over
65 people attended the meeting and witnessed a string of residents, including
Father Hindsley, voice their opposition against the
controversial project. Former
Energy Committee chairman, David Dion (inset above), passionately advocated
for the green energy project, citing a reduced carbon footprint and a
lessening on the dependence on carbon-based fuels. Comparing
the impact of the turbine to that of a bright yellow school bus which slows
traffic and inconveniences drivers rushing to work, Dion said the visual nuisance
to abutters is outweighed by reducing dependency on foreign oil. The
state's Sr. Project Manager Renewable Energy for the Massachusetts Clean
Energy Center, Martha Broad, finally weighed in on the project last night.
The
Berkeley, California-based group was in town and needed one more gig to pay
the airfare back home. Amazing and compelling, their music was
sometimes haunting, sometimes mournful, more often uplifting, always
harmonizing and most certainly bluegrass, folk and Cajun. This new genre of entertainment is most
welcome in a town where the streets are rolled up by eight. Click
here to view the video and photos.
Be sure to visit EverythingWestport every day to
get the latest scoop on the upcoming holiday shows and bazaars - where they
are and what they're selling. Inset: Ruth Bourne of Tupelo Studio models her
handmade, wool and silk pull-over neck warmer (cowl).
Inset: COA volunteer Jeanne Borges serves up
traditional Thanksgiving fare to over 60 thankful guests. It's remarkable what COA Director Mary
Ellen Gomes can do with a handful of staff and committed volunteers, a few
dollars and lots of contributions. Much help is given by the Friends of the
Council of Aging who held their annual bake sale the same day. More with photos. 11/17/2011
- The Westport
Board of Registrars announces that a registration
session will be held for residents not yet registered to vote so that
they may qualify to vote in the Special Town Meeting to be held
Tuesday, December 6th. The registration session is Monday,
November 28th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 816 Main Road. Please use the
front entrance. Residents may also register daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
Town Hall during normal business hours, or by mail-in. Click here to review the Special Town Meeting
warrant. 11/15/2011
- Where
there's smoke, there may be fire. Quick response from Westport
firefighters nipped a possible catastrophe in the bud Monday night as alert
neighbors noticed smoke coming from a second floor window at 670 Main
Road.
“We could see flames outside when we got here,”
said Fire Chief Brian Legendre. “You can see where it burnt through the
wall.” The fire was quickly extinguished, but
firefighters were concerned about the blaze's origination point, possibly
between the second floor ceiling and the attic. The building's roof was recently replaced
according to one neighbor. But painters working on the building during the
day may be the cause. Deputy Chief Allen Manley, who took charge
at the scene, suspects a painter's heat gun used during the day may be
responsible for the fire's later breakout as painters earlier in the day
extinguished a small fire caused by the heat gun, similar to a hair dryer,
that was used to remove old paint.
"The
town nurse usually gives more than 400 doses to town residents, including the
elderly and those who have no insurance or are under insured," Dr. John Colletti told Selectmen at an October 18th meeting. "This
year the state sent only 180 doses, claiming financial difficulties." Fire chief Brian Legendre requested and was
unanimously granted slight fee increases for six basic ambulance services. Personnel Board member Eileen Sheehan notched up the effort
to get all town board and committee members to take online Open Meeting Law
training within 15 days and review conflict of interest literature. "All board and committee members
should be reviewing ans signing the appropriate
paperwork," Sheehan said. Will the Town Hall Annex lose its murals?
The old school building will if the town employees have their way. Several appointments were made to town
boards as selectmen promptly conducted the town's business. Read more with photos later. 11/13/2011
- Jan
Hall of Partners Village Store is
selected as co-chair of New England Children's Bookseller Association. Jan Hall, co-owner and book buyer at
Partners Village Store in Westport was recently chosen to co-chair the New
England Children's Bookseller Association (NECBA). She will share the duties
for 2 years with Ellen Richmond of the Children's Book Cellar
in Waterville, Maine. More.
"As
we lose more and more veterans with their passing each day, it's more
important to honor them and their fallen comrades while they are still with
us," observed Lino Rego,
past Commander of Post 145. And
they came to offer prayers and speeches on this sacred day, this Armistices
Day that memorializes the end of a war to end all wars, to the men and women
who sacrificed, along with their families, so much for so many. Click here to read more with photos and video clips.
Inset: Chester Sandborg, a WWII veteran who was at Normandy, enjoys a
Senior Center breakfast with his sunny-side-up smile. 11/10/2011 - Senator Michael Rodrigues
says Massachusetts is just not fair. "With Rhode Island recently becoming the
49th state to act and pass a law providing patients access to co-pay
assistance and prescription discount programs, Massachusetts is now the only
state in the union that doesn't provide this type of help," State
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues says in an op-ed piece published this morning. "It's just not fair." Lauded as a leader in the national health care
arena, Massachusetts is now the only state in the nation banning access to
similar co-pay assistance programs. Rodrigues is filing legislation to correct the
inequity. Click here to read about the legislation. 11/09/2011 - Catholic Financial Life Chapter N441-
Westport is hosting a New York holiday shopping trip Saturday, November
26th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $45 per person. The trip will depart from the rear of the Hampton Inn.
Catholic Financial Life will match a portion of the net proceeds to benefit
SJB Scholarship Foundation. For
reservations, call Lynette or Normand Ouellette at 508.674.7036 or Doris
Michaud at 508.674.3131. Reservations
must be made by Saturday, November 19th. Make checks payable to:
441-Westport, and mail them to Normand E. Ouellette, 23 East Briggs Road,
Westport, MA 02790.
At
an informational meeting in the Middle School's cafeteria yesterday attended
by over 50 concerned residents and parents, school superintendent Dr. Carlos
Colley pleaded with residents to support town warrant Article 7 at the
upcoming Special Town Meeting. The bare, shiny gray concrete ceiling in the
now open cafeteria is a stark reminder of the summer-long PCB remediation
effort that has forced the town to hold a December 6th Special Town Meeting
to come up with $3.2 million in short-term borrowing to pay for it. More to
come with video.
This
incumbent-free, new Ninth District may draw Republican and Democratic
candidates alike as Bristol district attorney Sam Sutter is considering a
run, and Bristol County sheriff Tom
Hodgson hasn't ruled out being a candidate. Incumbent
Democrat William Keating of the now defunct tenth congressional district is
moving to his Hyannis home and has announced he will run for the new district
rather than face Quincy incumbent Stephen Lynch. Don't
count out outgoing New Bedford mayor Scott Land who has said he hasn't ruled
out a potential run either. Newly-elected Fall River's mayor Flanagan has
expressed interest in the past, but has said he will not seek the seat. The
new redistricting plan unravels decades of political gerrymandering. 2010 U.S
census figures, reflecting slow population growth compared to other states,
now support only nine congressional district, so Massachusetts had to restructure,
dropping one from the existing 10. The redistricting map, which is expected
to be formally approved by state lawmakers on Tuesday, November 15. Will
Westport be better served with a new congressman?
And
the day's weather was Currier and Ives perfection. "It
was our best growing season to date," Steve Connors, Farm Manager said.
"By increasing our garden area and installing a new fence to keep out
unwelcome herbivores, we were able to raise over 3300 pounds of
vegetables." Most
of that bounty was donated to the Westport Senior Center's food pantry. On
Saturday, October 15th, hundreds dropped by to paint pumpkins, join a
scavenger hunt, shop an opulent fall farmers' market, interact with goats,
cows and alpacas from nearby farms, and get back to nature, if only for one
day. Read more with photos. 11/05/2011 - Westport to
receive $15,000 in funding for local planning, zoning, housing and open space
initiatives. State Representative Paul Schmid and State Senator Michael
Rodrigues jointly announced that the grant will assist the town in developing
zoning and permitting to support a mix of uses to accommodate current housing
as well as light manufacturing, packaging and warehousing, which were
identified in the plan as economic development opportunities in this area. "The
South Coast Rail Plan demonstrates the Patrick-Murray Administration’s
commitment to intentional and targeted state investment to enhance the
development and sustainable growth of communities," Schmid said.
"Unveiled in 2009 by Governor Deval Patrick,
the plan provides a framework for maximizing the economic and environmental
benefits while preparations begin for the new rail line." Read more.
But the Chairwoman of the Westport School
Committee is lucky, nevertheless, because she is in a position to help
determine her three children's educational future. "My kids are my fulltime job,"
the soft-spoken, yet determined young woman told the Westport ROMEOs at their
weekly luncheon. "And the best way to insure they receive a quality
education is to get involved." Story coming today about how Michelle
Duarte schooled the ROMEOs in the daunting tasks that lie ahead for the
School District and the Town of Westport, and paints a stark picture of the
financial hurdles that lie ahead. "This ($3.25 million PCB remediation
cost) is a town problem, not just a school problem," Selectman Antone Vieira told the seasoned citizens. Could other Westport schools be infected
with PCB material? Read more with photos and video clips as
Chairwoman Duarte gives a frank assessment of the PCB cleanup effort and what
lies ahead for the Westport School system.
Senator Michael J. Rodrigues of the First Bristol and Plymouth district was recognized by MSMR for
the depth of his contributions to biomedical research and education in the
state and the entire region. Read more. 11/03/2011
- The WRWA defines a new commitment to
the Westport River Watershed.
"The Westport River Watershed Alliance will be focusing more of its time
and resources on protecting and restoring the Westport River watershed,"
said Executive Director, Matt Patrick. “Not many people are aware of our
everyday activities on behalf of the river and its watershed, but it is quite
substantial.” With a unanimous budget vote from the board
of directors, the organization is concentrating on being the watchdog of the
Westport River watershed. Patrick went on to say that “We don’t even
get paid for most of this work and it would never happen without us.” 11/03/2011
- Dune
walk. Walking
through the dunes at Cherry and Webb Beach may not seem like a typical day at
school, but for the 5th graders at Westport Middle School this field trip
provided a hands-on way to learn about this important habitat that they often
pass on the way to the beach. Along with the Westport River Watershed
Alliance the students explored the dunes, discovered the adaptations plants
have to survive, compared the weather in different areas of the dunes and
restored the dunes by planting American beach grass stems. Read more. 11/02/2011
- Select Board
sound bites.
And then there were eight.
Selectmen were faced last night with dispatching town warrant articles in
time to meet town meeting bylaws for the upcoming December 6th Special Town
Meeting. It
wasn't a cakewalk. A
one-article warrant has quickly grown to eight, prompting Selectman Vice
Chair Craig Dutra (pictured below) to blurt out that "It's mind boggling
the amount of stuff being added to this warrant."
Selectmen
unanimously approved the first seven articles with minor modifications, and
then voted to remove the eighth. Click here to review the final warrant. Richard
Lambert, a 19-year veteran of the Conservation Commission, got the nod over
Westport Point's David Cole by a vote of 3-2 after two other applicants bowed
out of the running. And
the now-famous Linden Tree is coming down to make way for a Central Village
sidewalk. Selectman
Antone Vieira noted the passing of 30-year teacher
Jean Parsons, a former teacher-of-the-year. Parsons was 94. Story
will be updated later this morning. 11/02/2011
- Meditech legislation referred to the Committee on State
Administration and Regulatory Oversight. BOSTON – Legislation aimed to limit the power of the
Massachusetts Historical Commission to only those properties listed on the
State Register of Historic Places has advanced to the next stage of the
legislative process. Senate bill #2053 sponsored by Senator Rodrigues (D-Westport) and co-sponsored by the SouthCoast legislative delegation would allow Meditech to move forward with their proposed $70 million
dollar project to build a facility in Freetown, MA. The project would
generate over eight hundred jobs. The property in Freetown is currently not
listed on the State’s Register of Historic Places. The bill has been referred to the Committee
on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. SouthCoast
legislators are urging Committee Chairs for a timely public hearing.
10/31/2011
- The Handy House Cookbook is ready just in time for holiday giving.
Published by the Westport Historical Society, this book honors Eleanor Tripp,
Westport’s unofficial historian and the last resident of the Handy House. Click
here to read more about this article and other
recent Westport Historical Society news items. 10/31/2011
- WHS highlights Handy House acquisition at
annual meeting. Over
70 people gathered recently for the Westport Historical Society’s annual
meeting to honor the achievements of the past year and to look with great
optimism to the challenges of the coming year. The Westport Historical
Society’s recently assumed role as steward of the Handy House dominated both
the business meeting and the key note presentation. Jenny
O’Neill, Director, described the Handy House as a “catalyst for
organizational growth” and commented that “it has been wonderful to see the
effect that a 300-year old house can have on a 40-year old organization.” The
key The
following individuals were elected as officers: Tony Connors, President;
Betty Slade, Vice President; Charley Appleton, Clerk; Helga Nichols,
Treasurer. Board members at large include: Albert E. Lees, Andrew Isidoro, Elisabeth Mundel,
Carol Coutinho and Yvonne Barr. Geraldine
Millham (pictured above with WHS President Tony
Connors) received the annual history award and was cited for “her tireless
advocacy for the preservation of the Town Farm and for her courage to defend
and promote the historic character of our town.” Read more with photos later.
And the first Great Pumpkin Derby was a runaway
hit. More with photos. Far right: Chapin and Andrea, both of
Westport, anxiously watch their pumpkins careen down the track at Lees' first
Great Pumpkin Derby.
Washed out on Saturday night, the
Tiverton-based event nevertheless attracted hundreds on Friday night, most
marveling at the intricate carvings. Above left: Cheryl DeDucca, Nonni’s proprietor, is
taken aback by a pumpkin dragon spewing its fiery breath, that was created by
the Moose Cafe for The Great Pumpkin Extravaganza.
"Our mother also enjoyed
Halloween," Chris Earle said. "She would often attend functions
where our friend Jack Skammells played with his
band The Funky White Honkies. After our mother passed, we along with friends
decided to hold a fund raiser in her honor in order to raise money to be
contributed toward Alzheimer’s research." Right: Frankenstein and
his bride shake things up last night at Rachel's. And for the last nine years Chris and her
three sisters have been sponsoring Miss
Tillie’s Halloween Costume Party, raising thousands to fight the
debilitating disease. Read more with photos. 10/28/2011
- Is the Central Village wind turbine on
shaky ground? It could be. The Energy Committee met Tuesday night and,
after hearing a financial analysis and return on investment study by two
committee members for a 750KW wind turbine, quickly agreed it was marginal at
best and dispatched it to the town's landfill, both figuratively and
literally.
"We need to proceed with a 1.5MW
turbine if this project will produce the return Westport expects from its
investment," Simon Thomas, President of Atlantic Companies said. Left: Energy Committee
member Ed Goldberg makes a point during his cost analysis of a 750KW wind
turbine for Central Village. Because of abutters' increasing objections,
the committee is looking anew at the town's landfill, despite the challenge
of building on less than solid ground, and disturbing the landfill's cap. Shadow flicker, blade noise, and visual
pollution are all issues worrying abutters, prompting opponents of the wind
turbine to question its feasibility for Central Village. Proponents of the turbine downplay noise
and shadow flicker saying other nearby installations have proven successful
with neighbors. "The income to Westport would be substantial,"
according to Thomas. A recent proposal for contracting solar
power from an EMI-sponsored farm in Dartmouth is moving the Westport
committee to neutral ground when considering wind versus solar green energy. Wind power experiences several setbacks in recent
months. > > Solar power deal to generate $10 million for
Dartmouth town treasury. The south coast has seen considerable
movement away from wind to shovel-ready solar farms. > > Dartmouth pulls plug on turbine project. > > Dartmouth solar farm generates energy to power
2,000 homes. The Energy Committee is running out of time
to make a decision. Read more later this morning.
"My Australian cattle dog is named
Amber Rose, thus the name of the business," Peckham
said. More with photos. Left: Megan Robitaille of new Bedford is helping Ann Marie Peckham open The Amber Rose. "We have flowers and
gifts for all ages," she said.
The air-brush wizardry
of Fall River's "Big Al" Deorsey was
magical. And new age and aged car buffs alike oogled
these truly special machines. Read more with video
later today. 10/23/2011
- The Occupy
Wall Street movement is coming to Fall River's Kennedy Park (South Park)
on Sunday, October 30th at 11 a.m.. Whether you're mad as heck at the
politicians or the event's founders, you'll have a chance to see what this
nation-wide protest is all about. 10/22/2011 - Special Town
Meeting set to pay PCB remediation bills. "It's the only way we can
go," Selectman James Coyne said as the Board of Selectmen passed a
motion to authorize a short term borrowing plan to pay PCB removal costs that
could reach $3.1 million dollars before it's all said and done. The School Committee, School
Superintendent, Finance Committee and Selectmen met Friday to consider Dr.
Carlos Colley's request to submit an article for a Special Town Meeting (STM)
asking for up to $3.1 million to cover Middle School PCB cleanup efforts. The action was taken as a result of Town
Moderator Steven Fors adamantly stating he wouldn't
let a debt exclusion article on the floor of a STM if the Selectmen didn't
follow local bylaws giving the Finance Committee four weeks to consider the
warrant article. After first rescinding their Monday night
vote to set the STM for Tuesday, November 8th, Selectmen voted 4-0 with
Steven Ouellette abstaining to set December 6th for the STM that will deal
only with the emergency funding. Short term borrowing payments are made
directly from the Schools' budget, and will not require a Special Town
Election to authorize.
"We will have to work hard and
aggressively over the next few months on a long term solution,"
Selectmen Craig Dutra added. Short term borrowing became the chosen
payment vehicle when selectmen, finance and school committee members felt a
debt exclusion override might meet with stiff resistance from taxpayers, and
PCB bills were due now. "We'll take the additional time to get
all the information out to town voters to keep them informed," Spirlet
said. Read more with photos.
"The
town nurse usually gives more than 400 doses of flu vaccine to town
residents, including the elderly and those who have no insurance or are under
insured," Colletti said. "This
year the state sent only 180 doses, claiming financial difficulties." Colletti asked the
Selectmen to establish and fund a revolving account that would address the
situation. "We can't ask folks like Dr. Callen
to continue to bail us out.," Colletti said. Read more with photos.
A
motion made Monday that was unanimously approved by Selectmen to set a
Special Town Meeting for November 8th followed by a Special Town Election on
December 13th caused a visibly upset Fors to tangle
with the Selectmen, not only for the time frames but the fact he wasn't
invited to attend the Monday Selectmen's meeting. School
Superintendent Dr. Carlos Colley had set the stage for the altercation by
announcing the costs for the Middle School PCB remediation effort would
approach $3.1 million, prompting the Selectmen to take action on a debt
exclusion override. Read more with photos.
Westport
Selectmen and a representative from the E.D. Bullard Company honored Westport
firefighters and the Fire Department Monday night for a life-saving rescue
that occurred on the morning of July 4, 2010. Founded
in 1898, E.D. Bullard Company is a leading manufacturer of high quality
personal protective equipment and systems that are marketed worldwide. The
Cynthiana, Kentucky company manufactures the thermal imaging camera that was
used to locate 24-year-old Shannon Pearce from a smoke-filled, burning Drift
Road house. Read more with photos and
video clip of the presentation. 10/20/2011 - Only 2 months to the day after
Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery introduced their aperitif wine,
"Grace," the flagship Chardonnay has won a Gold medal at the World
Wine Championship. "Once
again, international judges recognize the amazing potential of Massachusetts
grown wine," Said Bill Russell, the vineyards winemaker. Seven
years aging in French oak has produced a heavenly wine described by judges as
"Lightly hazy golden color. Spicy caramelized apple and pineapple and
coconut flan aromas with a supple, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a
tangy apricot marmalade, apple cider and peppery spice finish. Delicious and
will be great with cheeses." "The
aperitif wine was created from Westport's estate grown Chardonnay juice and
estate grown Chardonnay eau de vie," Russell said. Westport
Rivers is celebrating their 25th anniversary.
www.westportrivers.com
"Be it be
known that the Westport Board of Selectmen has hereby expressed its
appreciation and extends congratulations to Robert W. Pierce in recognition
of his many years of faithful service with the Town of Westport," Chairman Richard Spirlet said reading from
the citation. Robert Pierce
started his shellfish work under shellfish warden A.B. Palmer on July 1st
1972, and was appointed the Deputy Shellfish Warden constable in 1980. He has
served the Town of Westport in that capacity until his recent retirement on
June 30th 2011. Read more with photos and
video clip of the presentation. 10/17/2011 - The Westport
town nurse will hold flu clinics for residents 3 and older by appointment
only. The vaccine for those between the ages of 3 and 18 is preservative
free.
Left: new septic
tanks being installed at Prima CARE's new Main Road location. The
building, under construction, will be located behind Westport Family Medicine
at 829 Main Road. It will be a 6,500-square-foot, single-story building.
Ouellette
received the prestigious French ribbon at a White's of Westport reception
Sunday in his honor attended by French officials, wife, relatives and members
of the various civic organizations throughout New England in which he is or
had been a member. The reception was sponsored by the New Bedford Richelieu
Club, the New Bedford League of Franco-Americans, and a "couple of
private sponsors," Ouellette. In
recognition of Ouellette's civic achievements, the French Consul General in
Boston, Christophe Guilhou, presented the title to
Ouellette.
The
Horseneck Point Life Saving Station
and Visitors Center, 139 East Beach Road is a sights and educational
museum that should not be missed by anyone. > > Click here
to view Saturday's video clip of the Westport Fishermen's Association's Classic Wooden Boat Exhibit. Left: Westport's
Peter Katzenbach exhibited his handmade skiff, the
St. Catharine, at the WFA Classic Wooden Boat Show.
With eight Local
author book signings, a farmers' market, and everything in between including
a presentation by Bill and Paula Desmarais, owners
of American Racing Pigeons & White Doves, there was something for
everyone. Read more with photos and a video clip. 10/13/2011 - 100-years-young Yvette Landry was awarded the Boston
Post Cane on October 3rd in a touching presentation made by Selectmen, the
second such presentation in less than a year. Evelyn Potuchek, presented the Boston Post Cane by
Selectmen on April 26th, passed away on July 31st. “This one we all
wish we could get,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Richard Spirlet said. Landry was born
in New Bedford on September 9, 1911, the youngest of six children, according
to daughter Lynette She was married
to Armand Landry in June of 1929, and started her married life facing the
Great Depression. Like so many others, she survived those terrible years,
traveling with her husband, a professional magician. Read
more with photos and video of presentation.
"The forum is being held to inform the
public of state partnerships with local community organizations such as the
Fall River Police Department, Community Development & Recreation, the
Workforce Investment Board, the Fall River Youth Collaborative, the Boys and
Girls Club and many others to increase public safety and awareness,"
Rodrigues said. "Westport is indirectly affected by many of
the safety issues addressed by officials here tonight," an aide to
Senator Rodrigues said. "The town will see bleed over from the funding
efforts meant to tackle these issues." Rodrigues recently announced that the city of
Fall River has secured a $569,475 Municipal Police Staffing Grant from the
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to be used in
supporting additional police staffing for the Fall River Police Department. Westport Selectmen Antone
Vieira and Chairman Richard Spirlet were in attendance. Before the forum, the delegation toured Fall
River's neighborhoods and organizations to get an upfront and personal look
at the effect funding assistance is having on the city's youth. "The forum will highlight collaborations
used to combat youth violence, engage community partners in providing risk
identification, street outreach, trauma counseling, and access to skills,
training and employment," Rodrigues said. Not
to worry. Crews
for the indie motion picture-in-progress, Frank the Bastard, were wrapping up
their filming at the local brewery, and were using the former 1755 Costa
farmhouse as a prop. A
pyrotechnics company out of Rhode Island provide the dramatic simulation of a
house completely engulfed in flames as actors ran in and out of the burning
structure. Bob
and Carol Russell of Westport Rivers Vineyard stood by nervously watching as
was Fire Chief Brian Legendre and his crew; but the professionals had control
and the historic structure was fine, except for a few broken windows and some
singed window trim. Read more with dramatic photos. 10/11/2011 - Westport cameos.
Image 1 Image 2
Image 3 Image 4 1. The real heros of tropical storm Irene
continue to be highway department workers for their efforts in downed-tree
removal and cleanup. 2. Pumpkins and gourds galore at
Orr's Farm, Adamsville Road. 3. Bunny Mogilnicki
of Bunny Bouquets in Rochester revealed the mysteries
of striking fall floral arrangements to Westport Gardeners Club members at
their recent monthly meeting. 4. Dramatic cloudscapes of Westport
are revealed in this October 4th photo. Click here for more astonishing cloudscape photos.
Image 5 Image 6 Image 7 Image 8 5. Area farmers' markets have come to a close with less than expected
consumer traffic. Shirley
Robbins of Paradise farms (pictured above) said "people just seemed to
go home after Irene." 6. Fireman Lt. Brian Beaulieu
installed a new car seat at a recent Safety Day hosted by Westport's safety
departments. "We found three defective child seats, and replaced 5
others," he reported. 7. The promise of no more flooding
graced Buzzard's Bay waters off East Beach on October 4th where north of
Boston received 6 inches of rain in four hours. 8.
A doe and her two fawns were on high alert off Horseneck Road as this
photographer shot them . . . with a camera.
Slade
was part of an exemplary group of 10 individuals from across the state
recently honored by the Community Preservation Coalition for going above the
call of duty in adopting, enhancing or supporting CPA. She
was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the CPC in her community. The
Handy House acquisition by the Westport Historical Society and its subsequent
conservation was due to Slade's efforts. "Beyond
the work on the Westport CPC committee itself, Betty is truly a Community
Preservation hero, being an absolute force in Westport," said Westport's
State Representative Paul Schmid. "She led great projects that all fall
within the umbrella of community preservation," Schmid said. Slade
was the recipient of three citations at last Monday's select board
meeting.
Paul Cuffe (1759-1817) was the free-born son of an African
father and a Native American mother. A skillful mariner, he was also a
successful merchant, philanthropist, community leader, civil rights advocate
and abolitionist. In 1780 he petitioned for the right to vote as a landowner
and taxpayer. He established the first integrated school in America and
became an advisor to President James Madison. And those are just some of his
accomplishments. In a
ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 24th in New Bedford, a national historic
park was named in his honor. Read more with video and
photos.
Click
here for more information and learn how
to protect yourself from EEE. Review Mosquito
Control, Triple E Prevention. Bristol and Plymouth County members of
the House of Representatives met Monday morning with senior administrators
from the state's Department of Public Health (DPH) to review that agency's
responsibilities concerning mosquito control efforts in Southeastern
Massachusetts. "I'm
pleased the department met with us,” said Sen. Michael Rodrigues. “As
legislators it's important to understand the steps that are being taken to
reduce risk factors and keep the public safe from mosquito borne illnesses.”
Rep. Paul Schmid agreed, stating “Education and awareness are essential to
lessen the risk to the community. The meeting proved to be informative; I
believe DPH is working hard to keep the Commonwealth safe.” Read more.
"Massachusetts
ranks among the top two or three most significant life science clusters in
the US. According to the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, biopharma jobs in Massachusetts have grown 52% over the
last decade and have been remarkably resilient during the ugly recession of
the last few years," the Westport Senator stated in a recent op-ed
piece. Read more about these job
opportunities. 10/04/2011 - Select Board sound bites. The Pearce family of 202 Drift Road,
Westport ran out of options as the town said "tear down that house"
and gave them 20 days to comply. The house has been condemned and presents a
safety hazard, according to the town's building inspector. "It is not rebuildable," he said. The Pearce home
was destroyed by a July 4, 2010 fire that almost took the life of 25-year-old
Shannon Pearce. Dramatic dawn rescue saves
woman.
Evelyn Potuchek, presented the Boston Post Cane by
Selectmen on April 26th, passed away on July 31st. “This one we all
wish we could get,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Richard Spirlet said. The marathon
4-hour meeting was also highlighted with a plea by the town moderator to
tighten up timelines for the town's departments, especially the Finance
Committee, to submit information to the selectmen and voters for the upcoming
annual town meeting, which is repeatedly pushed back by delays and a lack of
complete financials. "It would be nice to comply with the town's
bylaws," Moderator Steven Fors said.
And there were official citations all
way round as Westport
residents Ronnie Costa (left) and Dr. Betty Slade (upper right) received
citations from Selectmen, State Senator Michael Rodrigues and State
Representative Paul Schmid for their outstanding and unwavering tenure and
invaluable community service to the Town of Westport. 10/03/2011 - Superintendent Colley schools ROMEOs on the ABCs of PCB remediation.
Westport's seasoned citizens' social club got a primer from A to Z on the
Middle Schools PCB problem, and what it's taking in "dollars and sense"
to clean it up. It's a little
more than just dusting and cleaning, Colley said. The cost is approaching $3
million. But just what are we getting for that amount the ROMEOs wanted to
know. Story with
complete video to be posted today.
Stormwater picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, oil, animal waste
and other pollutants and channels them directly into the river or streams
that feed into the river. There are hundreds of stormwater
drains in the Westport River watershed that do little or nothing to remove
these pollutants. Many roadways, such as River Road turn into raging
“streams” in a heavy storm and dump the water, with its accumulated
pollutants, directly into the river. After heavy rainstorms many areas of the
Westport River are closed to swimming and shellfishing
because of the increased bacteria levels.
Read more.
And the people they did come out. Take a virtual tour of this
sensational exhibit.
Missing the
charming route along East Beach due to tropical storm Irene's destruction of
the road, the enthusiasts of two-wheeled travel started out at the
picturesque Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, and will pass on their way
to Woods Hole some of the most excellent oceanfront and bucolic scenery the
East Coast has to offer. The Watershed Ride is held each October to
build awareness and raise funds to save Buzzards Bay. Look for them to party with the Dancing Dogs at the finish
line. www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride. 10/01/2011 - Walking the walk. Tough economic times can sometimes render
reactive solutions for funding those And when the
going gets tough the tough get going. Drawing on the
nascent inspiration of now-deceased Rosemary Lenrow,
the combined effort of Westport's Council of Aging and the Westport Education
Foundation resulted in their first annual Walk for Westport. The fundraiser
was dedicated to Lenrow's memory. Lenrow had been President of the Friends of the Westport
Council of Aging. "It was
awesome," COA Director Mary Ellen Gomes said. "It was so much fun,
so exciting. We raised $10,000; $5000 for each group." The sparkling fall day brought out over 150 walkers from children in strollers to several octogenarians, and the Acoaxet venue couldn't have been better. Read more with photos and video clip. | Return to Everything
Westport Home Page Previous Page | Next Page |
Community Events of Westport
© 2004 - 2011 All rights reserved.
This site is a community service web site supported by Westport
businesses for all Westporters. |
|||
