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Westport in Brief - Sunday, June 11, 2011

06/11/2011 - It took 67 years but Leo St. Onge finally got his bridge.

Leo never had a bridge, not even a plank or fallen tree, to help him and the 120 pounds of equipment on his back over a turbulent stream in Italy where in neck-deep water he pulled a struggling comrade to safety.

And this one didn't come easy either.

Over 150 local and state officials, dignitaries, local veterans, representatives from veterans' organizations, and honored guests gathered on Debbie Deschenes' front lawn at the Interstate 195 Davis Road overpass for the official naming of that bridge after World War II hero St. Onge. More with photos and video.

06/11/2011 - The Westport River Watershed Alliance is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s poster contest depicting the eighth annual River Run Race. Students in the watershed were asked to graphically capture the excitement of a paddling race for canoes and kayaks and /or the theme of “people-powered boats.”

Congratulations go to Mason Terra, a Westport third grade student, whose winning artwork has been put on a poster to advertise the event and on a tee shirt for all of the paddlers to wear on the day of the event. The art work was outstanding this year and there are three winners in each grade level, as well as the one finalist. More.

06/09/2011 - A severe thunderstorm watch remained valid until 10 p.m. EDT this evening for areas in Massachusetts and Rhode Island including 3 counties in southeastern Massachusetts.

It seems Thor, that hammer-wielding Norse god, took a leave of absence from area theaters to put on a lightning and thunder show of magnificent proportions for all Westporters to enjoy.

Booming thunder rattled dishes in local cupboards, and sent dogs scurrying for cover. But there was no reported damage, and power wasn't lost. +enlarge

Westport in Brief - Sunday, June 5, 2011

06/05/2011 - Grand public opening today. There are art galleries and then there are Art Galleries. Westport was introduced yesterday to the latter at a private screening that drew hundreds of guests and participating artists. The new DeDee Shattuck Gallery looms large in a town already celebrated for its widespread artisan population, open studio tours, and the many fine art galleries headed up by Sticks, Stones & Stars.

Westport's newest star, however, brings a piece of the Manhattan art scene to a community best known for its farms, bucolic scenery, and seaside vistas. No wonder so many artists call it home.

Above: Dedee Shattuck (left) with exhibiting Westport artist Rosanne Somerson.

The Dedee Shattuck Gallery opens at 12 noon today to the public with its Inaugural Exhibition that will feature 36 area artists, offering a variety of media including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and textiles.

The newly built gallery, designed by Saltonstall Architects of Marion, is located just behind Partners Village Store and Kitchen (off 865 Main Road) in Westport, directly across from Alden Hill Real Estate. One visitor described the building's architecture as a "contemporary interpretation of a shingled, seaside cottage."

View photo album now - 47 photos DSL/Broadband. Need Adobe Flash to view album? Click here to download now.

06/04/2011 - Can't get a printed copy of Westport's Town Annual Report period ending June 30, 2010? Get it here and get it now. PDF Large file, please be patient.

06/04/2011 - Wrong place at the right time. Some voters may face confusion when going to the polls for the upcoming proposition 2 1/2 override. Their names won't be on the list.

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Selectmen voted unanimously to accept precinct boundary changes this past Tuesday, and several streets and neighborhoods will be affected.

According to Town Clerk Marlene Samson, precinct lines can be redrawn by the state to reflect the latest census figures.

The U.S. census is taken every 10 years.

“Everyone will be notified by postcard once the Selectmen and then the state accept the changes,” Samson said.

Click here to see if your street will be affected.

06/08/2011 - Kathie Orr has been practicing yoga with her horses.

Now elephants have been known to perform Bakasana (Crane Pose), but horses?

"The yoga is for our human students," smiled the attractive, 33 year-old riding instructor from Someday Stables. "Our focus is on teaching children, helping people overcome fear of horses, and inspiring people to reconnect with horses in a new way. Yoga and meditation help the student relax before doing interactive ground exercises with the horses."

Someday Stables located at 122 Old County Road in Westport will be conducting Mindfulness in Motion workshops on June 18 and July 16 from 10 - 12 noon.
Want to learn more about the art of horse communication and how to notice our body language and its effect on the horse? Read more.

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06/03/2011 - Westport cameos: 1. Sunset at Cockeast Pond; 2. Cormorants in the rain at East Beach; 3. White Herons nesting at Adamsville Pond; 4. Storm clouds gathering at the Head of Westport; 5. Ronnie Small of Westport haying a field on lower Horseneck Road; 6. Bovine Heaven - beef up to their chins in succulent, sweet spring grass; and 7. Are you in good hands? Lois Fulton of Manna Farm was selling red wriggler worms at the recent WRG annual spring flower sale.

06/01/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. Just when you think it's safe to walk down Beach Avenue.... Selectmen once again temporarily close Beach Road for 30 days in last night's meeting on a vote of 4 to 1. Acoaxet resident Tim Agnew of the Westport Harbor Neighborhood Association made a compelling argument to restrict vehicular activity on the town road. Westport residents should have access said select board chair Richard Spirlet.

Tony Viveiros is unanimously selected by the School Committee and Selectmen to replace disenchanted School Committee member Tim Harrenstein who abruptly resigned in April.

And new precinct boundaries are unanimously voted in by Selectmen, but pose few changes to Westport residents. Read more on these and other select board happenings only on EverythingWestport.com.

05/30/2011 - Service, Honor, Loss and Remembrance at Memorial Day. For three hours Monday morning veterans groups and Westport residents took time from busy holiday schedules and hectic lives to remember those aging veterans, many no longer with us, who sacrificed life and limb in the service of their country.

"Memorial Day is not the first day of summer," State Senator Paul Schmid said at the mid-morning Beech Grove memorial day service. "It is the day we all honor those who gave everything they had so that we may enjoy our freedom and liberty."

Starting at 8 a.m., services were held at the VFW, 843 State Road; American Legion Hall on Sanford Road; Latessa Square for a brief ceremony; and then at the docks on Westport Point to honor those who perished at sea. Click here to watch video.

In a sea of red, white and blue, hundreds of Westport families lined Main Road to watch the 10 a.m. Memorial Day parade to Beech Groove Cemetery for prayers and the laying of a wreath and flowers in memory of departed servicemen and women. More with photos and videos.

Westport in Brief - Sunday, May 27, 2011

05/27/2011 - Westport woman wins Best Landscape at LCCC's Spring Photography Show. "It's the first time I've ever entered a photography show," Westport artisan Karen Raus said.

Raus' photograph of a snow fence at Horseneck Beach combined form, technique and an unusual take on natural lighting. The show and sale runs through Monday at the Little Compton Community Center. Read more about the show.

Click here to review the video of the show and its winners. Click here for a virtual tour (50 high-resolution photos.)

05/27/2011 - Opening day of the Dartmouth Farmers Market held at St. Peter's Church, located at 351 Elm Street in Padanaram Village will be Friday, June 3. Market hours will be between 1 and 6 p.m.

Local farmers from Dartmouth and Westport have been bringing their fresh produce to the Dartmouth Farmer's Market for six years. Regular vendors include Dartmouth farmers Andy Pollock of Silver Brook Farm on Chase Road, and William and Laurel Owen of Merry Legs Farm right up the road on Elm Street. Get all the details.

05/27/2011 - The Dianne B. Snyder Tennis Complex is planning to kickoff the 2011 summer season with adult league play to begin in mid-June. The 14 and over tennis league provides singles and doubles players a competitive outlet to play tennis on a weekly basis. The DBSTC will organize matches based on your level rating of play and your opponent's play, and provide weekly reporting of scores. Get all the details.

05/26/2011 - Westport voters preserve Community Preservation Act, back Low Impact Development zoning. In the second and final night of the town's Annual Meeting, voters quickly dispatched the remaining 20 articles in less than three hours, some requiring lengthy PowerPoint presentations and impassioned pleas by supporters to do so.

Left: Planning Board Chairman John Montano made several trips to the mike to explain articles and answer questions.

Environmentalists and conservationists were handed big victories by a handful of voters (241) when several articles they supported passed by clear 2/3 majorities. Storm water runoff zoning by-law changes, perceived by some property owners as being overly restrictive and expensive, easily passed as well.

And common driveway regulations that help preserve, protect and enhance environmentally sensitive land were accepted, after some debate, by town voters, and properly so.

Stormwater management articles, their concepts unclear and vague to a lot of town residents, were eventually approved by clear majorities. All in all a productive night for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Morning Dove Drive and Chestnut Hill Drive were accepted as public ways, but Brushwood Circle, passed over, will have to wait another year.

The second to last article of the night had Jack Sisson once again in the spotlight, as he received approval to dispose of surplus equipment no longer needed by the Highway Department.

05/25/2011 - 419 Westport town voters (that's right, just 419) took a little less than 2 minutes to approve a $30+ million dollar FY 2012 budget, and over 40 minutes to change one word in another article before approving it.

Welcome to Westport's annual Town Meeting.

Big winners in the opening volley: after eight years Highway Surveyor Harold "Jack" Sisson moved one step closer to realizing his dream of new rides for his guys as voters approved $900,000 for fresh equipment.

And School Superintendent Dr. Carlos Colley gets to keep the lights on with $500,000, both part of an approved debt exclusion of $1.4 million after impassioned pleas by both men. Next up - the ballot box.

Moderator Steven Fors efficiently moved the meeting along, dispatching 33 articles out of 52, despite confusing amendments to amendments to amendments, before ringing the first day's closing bell at 10 p.m..

More with photos and video snippets.

05/25/2011 - Oscar Palmer Farm has new owners. A local couple has purchased the historic Oscar Palmer Farm, 138 Adamsville Road, for the $250,000 asking price.

“We are excited to begin work restoring the buildings and expanding our agricultural operation,” said Laurie Marinone, one of the new owners. “The Palmer Farm is a significant part of Westport’s landscape and we are grateful for being entrusted with its stewardship and care.”
The Trustees of Reservations and Westport Land Conservation Trust said Tuesday the property had been sold to Laurie Marinone and Norman Anderson, who live off Briggs Road in Westport. The property is subject to permanent historic and conservation restrictions that will ensure the farm is agriculturally active and that historic buildings on the property are restored and maintained.
The Trustees raised private funds, and the town of Westport contributed $250,000 for the purchase of the farm through its Agricultural/Open Space Preservation Trust Fund. In 2008, Town Meeting voters signed off on using $200,000 from the Community Preservation Fund to preserve and rehabilitate the historic buildings on the property.

The base of their farm operation will be a herd of Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats, to provide milk for sale and to create an artisanal farmstead cheese operation. They also have plans for raising other livestock including laying hens for eggs, meat chickens, and beef cows. They plan to grow berries and other fruit for pies, jams, and jellies intended for limited sale on the farm. Read more.

05/24/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. Ok, it's not quite Clement Clarke Moore, but visions of a balanced budget were dancing in the heads of some selectmen last night when the Fiscal 2012 Town Budget was accepted by a vote of 3-2.

"Depending on Town Meeting approval the budget may be out of balance; there are still several issues outstanding," said Selectman Tony Vieira. "This (process) will not be without pain as we go forward."

Town Administrator Michael Coughlin and Selectmen Vieira had some intense discussions on several issues.

"We put our faith in the good people of the Finance Committee, and have commissioned them to provide a balanced budget," Vieira said. "I have reservations, but we have been elected to provide a balanced budget to Town Meeting."

There will be no sugarplums handed out this year as shrinking tax revenues and cuts in state aid continue to play the Grinch with town department budgets. More about the this and other business from last night's Selectmen's meeting.

Click here to see the video clip discussion and final vote.

05/20/2011 - Westport Highway Surveyor Jack Sisson dropped in on the ROMEOs Thursday to plead his case for an override to purchase much needed vehicles for his department (article 24.)

"My equipment has totally had it," Sisson said. "We've lost four to five trucks, and we have no money, and we can't continue this way for another year."

"A lot of my vehicles are older than the men who drive them," Sisson said.

Town Warrant Article 24 seeks to obtain through borrowing or otherwise $1.4 million, $900,00 of which would be used for road maintenance equipment, and the remaining $500,00 for school building repairs.

It may not have been such a good idea to combine these two overrides. There's very little doubt the highway department needs the equipment, but will town meeting have the appetite to spend $1.4 million to get it.

"We've finally come to the end," Sisson said. Watch the video clip now.

05/19/2011 - With transportation woes and less than adequate funding, the Westport Council on Aging makes do in a big way, as demonstrated by yesterday's three-dollar lunch and astonishing cabaret to boot. How do they do it?

"Solitary Man" - a tribute to Neil Diamond by Victor Sologaistoa, Jr. packed them in at the Senior Center, and he had them dancing in the aisles. Click here to view video clip.

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05/10/2011 - The Westport Historical Society is thrilled to announce that the Handy House Preservation Project has received a major boost through a significant contribution from the Manton Foundation, an institution established by Sir Edwin and Lady Manton to support a broad range of cultural, educational and health programs.

Read more.

05/23/2011 - Annual Volunteer Day at Westport Town Farm gets gardens off to a flying start. Over 20 volunteers showed up this past Saturday, encouraged by bright sunshine, a strong community spirit and a desire to get their hands into the earth.

"All the produce we raise here goes to the food pantries," farm manager Steve Connors said.

Left: Steve Connors with Luisa Tavares of Fall River harvesting the early spring vegetables.

The gardens, tended by Trustees staff, South Coast Youth Corps, and local volunteers, are beginning the third season providing organic vegetables to the Westport Council on Aging and other regional food assistance programs.

"We planted over 1000 carrots," Connors said. "And that is one of our smaller patches!" More with photos.

05/23/2011 - State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) is happy to announce that today the joint committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities issued a favorable report on a bill to reform the way the Juvenile Court and the agencies of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services respond to children in crisis because of behavioral difficulties.

Rodrigues, Senate Chair of the joint committee commented on the favorable report:

“This great piece of legislation has been in the works for a long time,” Rodrigues said. “I am happy to favorably report the bill out of committee”. Kay Khan (D-Newton), House Chair congratulated Senator Spilka and Representative Donato on their commitment to the children and families of the Commonwealth. Rep. Khan stated; “Without their willingness to tackle this enormous task positive change would not take place for the children who need these services and the families who struggle to access them.” More.

Westport in Brief - Sunday, May 22, 2011

05/18/2011 - Westport spring cameos: Above, from the left: fishing at scenic Adamsville Pond; daffodils at the Free Public Library; daffodils by the thousands at the Hix Bridge fire station courtesy of the Westport River Gardeners; tulips at Lees Market; and the wind-swept waters of the Westport River north of Hix Bridge.

05/18/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. The current 52-article Town Warrant got a little bit bigger Monday night when selectmen authorized an additional Article to see if the Town will vote to rescind the authorized unissued borrowing of $950,000.00 for the new fire station. Click here to review the revised Town Warrant.

In other business, The town’s Affordable Housing Trust will not go forward, at least for now, with plans to build affordable housing unit(s) in the School Street neighborhood. Water, septic and abutter issues.

And by a vote of 3 - 0, with two abstaining (the two abstaining declared they would not affirm a vote that was taken by a prior board) Selectmen agreed to end the discussion of the Cadman/White/Handy House purchase by the Westport Historical Society with CPA funds after being assured by town counsel representative David Jenkins of Kopelman and Paige that the use of the funds was "legal."

Selectman Antone Vieira, who raised the issue several weeks ago at a select board meeting said "As long as our town counsel is willing to stand behind this, I am comfortable.”

05/16/2011 - Westport's Sarah LaValley knows about organic lawn and garden care. Last Saturday she shared that knowledge, garnered over 20 years of working in the nursery greenhouse business, with a large group of landscape novices interested in hearing what she had to say. More with photos and video clip.

05/15/2011 - One of the area's most popular ice cream eateries is opening their third location at the Borden Lights Marina in Fall River, according to the Fall River Herald.

“People told me, ‘I’d come more often if (Gray’s) was closer,’” Gray’s owner Marilyn Bettencourt told the Herald.
So, she decided to help her customers save on gas and enjoy their sweet treats close to home.
“It’s really exciting,” Bettencourt said.

Gray's Ice Cream at Tiverton Four Corners has been serving Westporters since 1923.
Read more about this summertime destination started up by Annie Gray when milk farmers from Tiverton made the ice cream in Fall River and brought it back to Gray by horse and buggy.

05/15/2011 - Local residents wait patiently each year for the Westport River Gardeners’ annual Garden Fair, and they are never disappointed.

This year’s fair was a little bittersweet, however, for some WRG members when they discovered early Saturday morning that several flats of plants were stolen late Friday night.

Geri Fortier reported that a flat of geraniums and other plants were missing when members arrived Saturday morning to open the fair.

"We lost $200 of plants," Fortier said. "Who would steal plants from a garden fair on Main Road?"

But the midnight thievery was quickly forgotten as sunny weather and a great turnout kept WRG members busy selling everything from raffle tickets, plants and flowers, to vendors' products like Manna Farm red wrigglers to custom birdhouses from Paul Trenouth. And yes, there were more geraniums for sale.

More with photos and video clip.

05/08/2011 - Veteran remembers Westport's American Legion Post 145 founders at dedication of monument.

Westport's Dana Reed stole the show.

Speaking at the Saturday dedication of a monument honoring the 15 men who founded Westport’s American Legion James Morris Post 145, Reed, a World War II veteran, shared memories that brought those men back to life.
“There were 15 charter members,” said Reed, the son of charter member Harry Reed. “I knew eight of them.”

Read more.

05/07/2011 - The Westport Women’s Club “rockettes” rocked up a pile of cash for their scholarship fund, while three generations of moms and moms-to-be decorated Mother’s Day cakes at Lees Market.

"Wilma Woodruff's mom, Martha Kirby, started raising money for the Women's Club in 1951, and raised $50 through an antiques show for the first awarded scholarship," Women's Club "rockette' Sue Smith said.

The Westport Women’s Club's 11th annual Rock-A-Thon ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with several shifts "manning" the six rocking chairs.

“It’s hard work,” said one rocker, “but someone hadda do it! This is our annual fund raiser for monies to be used for scholarships for deserving students.” Click here to read more and view video clip and photos.

05/07/2011 - Anderson takes WFA 8K with 27:57. New Bedford's “Scottish” Scott Anderson (pictured right in photo with second and third place men's winners) and spouse Christine Anderson (34:00) teamed up to take top overall honors in the men's and women's divisions of the 7th annual WFA Run for the Water held at Horseneck Beach.

Under beautiful azure skies, temperatures in the 60s, and with the light green hint of spring in the beachside foliage, 150 runners turned out to take the challenge and support the Westport Fishermen's Association in the process.

"Everyone who registered showed up," said WFA race coordinator, Jennifer Gelinas. "It was a great day!"

Despite the perfect weather there were no race records set, but it was a good day for a run.

Click here to get the story with race video clip and photos.

05/04/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. Westport selectmen finalized the town warrant with the changes made in Monday night's meeting. Click here to review the Town Warrant.

In perhaps a Freudian slip, the Fall River Herald reported Tuesday that Selectmen did not remove from the warrant an "article creating more stringent rules for licensing drug dealers."

“We should at least have a meeting with them,” Vieira said.
The small typo got a big laugh at town hall. The warrant article actually refers to junk collectors, who oddly enough sometimes buy a lot of valuable scrap metals from drug addicts.

Click here to see what else happened at the selectmen's meeting.

05/02/2011 - Christopher Elgar of Attleboro (17:28) edged out Eric Worsley of Fall River (17:31) in a near photo finish to win 7th Annual Devin Laubi 5K Walk/Run.

Matthew Corr took third at 17.41 in the Westport charity's annual classic fundraiser.

Worsley was last year's winner with a time of 17:20. The Fall River athlete had three consecutive second place finishes before finally bringing home the gold in 2010.

Elgar last won the Westport charity's annual 5K in 2009.

Sparkling sunshine with cool, crisp air on race day Sunday brought out a record-setting 150 runners and walkers, but record setting times stayed home. This year's weather was a far contrast from last year's rain, but the race times didn't reflect the conditions. Read more with race video clip and photos.

Westport in Brief - Saturday, April 30, 2011

04/29/2011 - Westport watches while Will and Kate tie the knot. Over a hundred guests, dressed to the nines, enjoyed a royal English country wedding breakfast of scones with clotted cream, banger sausages, and eggs at White's of Westport while their eyes were glued to the wide-screen TVs watching His Royal Highness William of Wales, K.G. and Miss Catherine Middleton become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The event was capped by the kiss viewed 'round the world.

And Westport's newest business, Sisters of the Wool, threw an early morning knitting party while watching the Royal Wedding. Haberdashers and milliners from around the world were kept busy for this royal event. Read more with additional photos and video.

04/28/2011 - Select Board calls town counsel Kopelman and Paige on the carpet to review Cadman/White/Handy house purchase with CPC funds. Town Administrator defends CPC position. Read more.

04/27/2011 - Westport selectmen put "wild and scenic" on hold, stunning river protection advocates and conservation groups. More with video.

04/26/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. A new Select Board took up the reins last evening at their first formal meeting, and it was not business as usual. The four plus hour meeting took up several issues that proved contentious to many in attendance.

The recently elected selectmen were a little rough around the procedural edges, but were expertly guided in this area by seasoned selectman and former chairman Steve Ouellette.

The Dorothy Curtis house again took center stage as the Westport Historical Commission and Westport Point residents expressed their frustrations with the lack of progress. WHC chairwoman Sharon Connors said she will not seek reappointment to the commission.

More with photos and video.

04/26/2011 - Surrounded by four generations of her family, Evelyn Potuchek was presented the Boston Post Cane by Selectmen as their first order of business at last night's select board meeting. A standing ovation from the crowd jamming the meeting room left the 104-year-old Potuchek speechless.

The longstanding New England tradition presents a cane, that belongs to the town and not the person who receives it, to the oldest living resident who may use it for as long as they live. +enlarge More.

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04/23/2011 - Westport cameos. Above, left: What's up with the Route 88 bridge? N.E.L. Corporation workers out of Middleton, MA continue to work on the drawbridge span over the Westport River. According to Westport Harbormaster, Richie Earle, we can expect them to be there another two months. Read more with photos. Center, left: Joe and a fellow worker from Complete Recycling Solutions of Fall River filled another large box with TVs, CRTs and all things electronic at the recent Electronics Recycling day held behind Westport's historic town hall. "Slightly off from last year," said WRWA's hard-working Charlie Gerrior. Center, right: Dr. Walter Barnes of Westport gave a presentation to the Westport ROMEOs about community concerns in siting the proposed industrial-strength wind turbine behind the new southend fire station. "Safety issues dictate another location," Dr. Barnes told the seasoned citizens. Right: Sgt. Johnny Couto of the Westport Police Department instructed 11 kindergarteners at a recent gun awareness class held at the Free Public Library. Sgt. Couto used an animated video, interactive coloring workbooks, and "Eddie Eagle" from a program sponsored by the NRA (yes, National Rifle Association) to promote: STOP! Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.

"Common misperception of children today is that all guns are made from metal. We now see more plastic guns spray-painted with bright colors to deflect concern from bystanders," Sgt. Couto told the youngsters.

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04/23/2011 - This spring, students in the Environmental Science classes at Westport High School put on their waders and headed down to a few of Westport streams for the Westport River Watershed Alliance’s Adopt a Watershed Program. In the Adopt a Watershed program, students conducted an in-depth, stream ecology study over the course of several weeks on two tributaries of the Westport River: Kirby Brook and Angeline Brook. More.

04/21/2011 - "Remember darling. Don't smoke in bed" - Nina Simone. Daisy the dog failed to heed the popular song's warning, and had to be saved from a burning car Wednesday afternoon by an alert bystander.

Westport Fire Chief Brian Legendre credited Mr. Ron Santos of Westport for noticing a car filling up with smoke and rescuing the dog trapped inside.

The WFD received a call of smoke coming from a parked car at Lees Market at approximately 2:30 p.m..

When firefighters arrived, Mr. Santos had already removed the dog and the burning blanket from the car. “His quick action and willingness to get involved undoubtedly saved Daisy from a terrible fate,” stated Chief Legendre.

The fire was determined to have been a result of a discarded cigarette landing on the heavy blanket that Daisy was laying on. Thanks to Mr. Santos the fire damage was confined to the blanket.

The operator of the car was identified as Miya Burton of Main Road, Westport.

04/19/2011 - A-tisket a-tasket; a green and yellow basket. A two-hour class led by Westport's John McCormack, a local garden designer with a background in fine art and a passion for horticulture (not to mention award-winning sculpture) had the bulbs, pansies, potting soil and ivy prepared for assembly over the weekend at Lees Market.

And Westport's Camille Raposa (pictured right) had a ball creating a living basket filled with those early harbingers of spring. Click here to read more with photos.

Westport in brief - Saturday, April 17, 2011

04/17/2011 - Opening day of the Westport Art Group's 2011 Spring Show was anything but spring-like. But once inside, visitors were treated to a palette of temperate oils, pastels, watercolors and award winning photographs that warmed the spirit and nurtured chilly souls. Awards ceremony and reception today from 3 to 5 p.m.

Click here to take a virtual tour of "Those Were the Days."

04/16/2011 - Two for the road! Westport's two favorite son legislators are already hard at work, successfully securing an additional $145,480 for the maintenance of municipal roads and bridges in Westport for the upcoming fiscal year. And newly re-elected Highway Surveyor Jack Sisson can hardly wait to get the money.

State Representative Paul A. Schmid (D-Westport) yesterday alongside Senator Rodrigues (D-Westport), joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts legislature in passing legislation to apportion $630,152 for Westport.

The 30% increase in Chapter 90 Transportation funds couldn't have come at a better time.

Sisson's department had found 30 miles of missing Westport roads, paving the way for an increase in Massachusetts's aid. Find out more.

04/16/2011 - On Wednesday April 5th, freshman Senator Michael Rodrigues (center in picture) was honored with the Portuguese American of the Year award from the Prince Henry Society of Massachusetts Fall River chapter.

The Society was founded in 1980 with the intention of promoting the civic, cultural, economic, educational and social betterment of individuals of Portuguese descent. The members include Portuguese Americans in both business, and professional sectors, whom are active contributors to their community. The Prince Henry Society of Massachusetts has contributed in excess of $1,000,000 to charities and scholarships since its inception, and Sen. Rodrigues been a proud member for five years.

"It is a tremendous honor to say I was selected as this year’s recipient by the Fall River chapter," Sen. Rodrigues said.

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04/14/2011 - Westport cameos. Above, left: Highway Department sweepers played "ring around the rosy" at the historic Adamsville/Main Roads intersection while giving Westport byways a good spring cleaning. Left center: and speaking of cleaning, the Westport Fire Department gave their equipment a good airing-out under the watchful eyes of hundreds of daffodils that were recently planted by the Westport River Gardeners. Right center: Crooner and keyboard magician Art Medeiros entertains Tuesday at a Council on Aging sing-along. Right: the ROMEOs at their weekly luncheon recognized the Tuesday night victories of newly-elected selectmen Jim Coyne (left) and Tony Vieira (center) with a slice of congratulatory cake, while ROMEO Ted Rich waited his turn at the knife. +enlarge

04/14/2011 - The Westport ROMEOs, that seasoned group of retired older men eating out, donated at this week's luncheon $360 to Nancy Crowther of White's of Westport for her upcoming participation in Relay for Life.

Relay For Life is the signature fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.

Crowther is part of the Southcoast Hospital Group team which has signed up for the Relay of Life Greater Fall River event to be held at the Somerset High School athletic track on June 24th.

At Relay for Life events, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

For those wishing to donate to Crowther's team, please send a check for any amount to: Relay for Life, c/o Nancy Crowther, 358 Stone Church Road, Tiverton, RI 02878.

04/13/2011 - Gentlemen, take your positions. Newly sworn-in members Antone Vieira and James Coyne joined with re-elected Steve Ouellette and existing members Craig Dutra and Richard Spirlet in a reorganization of the Board of Selectman in a meeting that went from 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday night at the Town Hall.

Richard Spirlet (pictured left) was elected Chairman, Jim Coyne was appointed to Clerk, and Craig Dutra was chosen for Vice Chair.

"We centered our meeting on bringing the budget into focus," Chairman Spirlet said. "We will take a hard look at line items over the next few weeks. We want to get the Select Board on the same page."

In other business, Jim Coyne took Paul Schmid's position on committees which Schmid served, and Tony Vieira assumed Brian Valcourt's.

It was reported that Incumbent Chairman Steven Ouellette said he will not seek another term as chairman saying “I don’t want to be chairman. I’ve been doing it for two years. It’s time for somebody else.”

Ouellette said his number 1 choice would be fellow selectman Craig Dutra, now in his third year on the board.
The Fall River Herald reported that Dutra said he "would accept the nomination.”
“I’m the person who has been on the board the longest and has not served in that capacity,” Dutra said.
The chairman's job does not usually go to a new member of the board, so Richard Spirlet received the nod from fellow board members.

04/12/2011; 10:15 p.m. - In a stinging rebuke to progressive politics, Westport voters swept independent and conservative candidates into executive power, promising change to this pastoral community's governing landscape.

Farmer and educator Antone "Tony" Vieira, and businessman James Coyne won seats on the Board of Selectmen. Incumbent Brian Valcourt is out. Incumbent Steven Ouellette retained his seat, but will probably lose his chairmanship.

In other races, embattled Highway Surveyor Harold "Jack" Sisson had the last word in a landslide victory over rivals Mauk, Medeiros and Urban.

And the town's electorate again picked proven performance over attack politics by keeping incumbent Health Board member Donna Lambert on board for another three-year term.

Above: Campaign staff and candidates, working tirelessly at the Town Hall Annex, took some time out for a little fun.

Incumbent Michelle Duarte easily won her race over Antonio Viveiros for a two-year term on the School Committee, and incumbent George Yeomans easily notched another three-year term as Fish Commissioner.

Who's the top vote getter? What are the percentages? Get all the information, photos, and precinct analysis now, only on EverythingWestport.com.

04/05/2011 - E.T. phoning home? With all the appearances of a NASA Mars lander, a Secondwind wind profiler has landed behind Westport's new Hix Bridge Road fire station, and is emitting sharp one-second audible pings. Unlike E.T., however, this chunky device is using SODAR to detect wind variables, and not using wind to contact a mother ship for a ride home. Click here to learn more.

04/05/2011 - Select Board Sound Bites. Selectman and recently elected state representative Paul Schmid gets a bonnie goodbye from select board (pictured below, left). Public safety budgets get trimmed to meet level-funding. Westport River Gardeners get their banner; Selectmen banter over bike runs. Adam Silva top choice for firefighter. And out with the old, in with the new as a freshly elected board will meet next on April 25th. All this and more from last night's Board of Selectmen meeting.

04/05/2011 - Westport cameos. Above, left: Select Board Chair Steve Ouellette congratulates departing Selectman Paul Schmid. Left center: original four sisters of the wool - Pam Levesque of Dartmouth, Pat Brost, Mary Ann Sheehan of Acushnet, and Lois Robinson of Tiverton. Right center: leaden skies over the East Branch threaten rain but don't deliver. Right: Attendees kick up their heels at Spring Dance fundraiser at VFW post 8502. +enlarge

03/28/2011 - Screeching tires, heated driving. Another martial arts film? Kids doing donuts in the parking lot? Hardly. In Control Crash Prevention instructors were conducting three, four-hour workshops over the weekend at Horseneck Beach, indoctrinating the young and not-so-young on how to take back control of their out-of-control-vehicles.

"I'm so dead," said Helen of Dartmouth. Read more later with video and photos.

Left: Screeching tires, heated driving. Center, left: A stitch in time. Center, right: Passion at the Point. Right: Op-Ed lambastes Town Clerk.

03/28/2011 - A stitch just in time. Patricia (Pat) Brost has been knitting since her introduction at the age of six to the wooly art by her grandmother.

"I want to end my current working life surrounding myself with things that feel and look beautiful," said the energetic new business owner of Sisters of the Wool. "The process of using yarn to make an article is a pleasure and a joy." Read more with photos of Westport's newest business that is scheduling its grand opening for April 1st.

03/28/2011 - Editorial: Herald News Op-Ed lambastes Town Clerk Marlene Samson. Showing complete disregard for facts, state-wide election law and common sense, a Fall River Herald News Op-Ed decided instead to mock Massachusetts election law, and make a scapegoat out of Westport's long-time Town Clerk in the process.

Anyone who is acquainted with Marlene Samson knows she is fair, firm and forthright. The only one foolish here is an editor who chose to ignore the basic tenet of reporting: double check your facts.

Oh, how much trouble a pesky preposition can cause. Read more.

03/28/2011 - Passion at the Point. The Boston University Opera Institute closed out the Concerts of the Point's 2010/2011 season with a quartet of young aspiring artists training to become the opera stars of tomorrow. Their virtuoso performances of stage favorites like Carmen and Oklahoma showed their passion for singing, physical flexibility, and credibility as actors. Bravo. More with photos and videos.

Westport in brief - Sunday, March 27, 2011

03/22/2011 - Select Board sound bites. Selectmen voted unanimously to move the annual town meeting to May 24th. New town beach proposed off Bridge Road. The big, bad wind that blew a Westport Point house down. Preliminary town warrant now available. And the proposed town budget is in the hole for half a mil. Read more with photos from Monday night's Selectmen's meeting.

03/23/2011 - Westport resident Elaine J. Seguer received a State House congratulatory citation from the Massachusetts Speaker of the House, Robert DeLeo. Rep. Paul Schmid presented Seguer with the citation during his first Westport constituency visit to the COA's Senior Center on March 4th.

Seguer received the citation for "being named Ambassador of the Year for your outstanding work on behalf of women's issues at the South Coast Women's Journal."

Westport's newest representative plans further visits to the Senior Center the first Monday of the month at 11:00 a.m. Read more with photos.

03/25/2011 - State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), First Bristol and Plymouth district, announces location and hours for his new offices and contact information. In a written statement, Rodrigues elaborated on the importance of staying in touch with his constituents. More.

03/20/2011 - Westport - Drama at Gooseberry Island. All the actors came in on cue last night to produce a stunning perigee moon: clear skies, full moon, and the closest the Earth's largest satellite has been to our world since March of 1993.

Opening with a magnificent sunset, the spectacular rise of the yellow moon over Cuttyhunk Island, so big it seemed to dwarf the evening sky, played out to a large audience gathered at Gooseberry Island. They witnessed an event that won't reoccur for another 18 years. On the eve of the Vernal Equinox (1st day of Spring), the perigee 'super' moon seemed to celebrate the coming of an early spring. More with photos and video.

Westport in brief - Sunday, March 13, 2011

Beaten to a pulp, and the better for it.

03/15/2011 - Commercial paper mills and Wayne Fuerst both make paper using the same basic manufacturing process; they grind up and blend natural fibers, turning them into pulp. One makes more than the other.

But there the similarity ends.

The Westport Art Group recently sponsored a paper-making demonstration with Wayne Fuerst of Sticks, Stones & Stars to a full house at the WAG's center on 782 Main Road. Fuerst, trained in handmade paper techniques at Rugg Road Paper, tutored the show. Read more with photos and video.

Judge McGuire to Town Clerk: put Selectman Valcourt on ballot.

03/17/2011 - The waiting and uncertainty are over.

"I've been ordered to include Selectman Brian Valcourt's name on the ballot," said Town Clerk Marlene Samson. "Judge McGuire has rendered his decision. Now the town electorate can decide the outcome."

Pictured is Brian Valcourt (right) speaking with his attorney, Dan Perry, at Monday's final hearing.

The ruling, released early this afternoon, will have far reaching implications on election nomination papers procedures across Massachusetts, and a chilling effect on constitutionalists and town clerks who have been advised by the state’s Election Division that candidates must deliver the certified nomination papers to the Town Clerk before established deadlines.

Selectman Valcourt, who had fully expected his name to be on the ballot and has consistently stated that "carrying his nomination papers to the Town Clerk is only local tradition," felt vindicated and relieved."

Three candidates will now vie for the two, three-year seats open on the select board: incumbent Brian Valcourt, incumbent Steven Ouellette, and challenger Antone Vieira.

Valcourt failed to return his certified nomination papers to the Town Clerk by the March 8 deadline.

When contacted today, Samson said she "will not change the procedure and has spoken with the state’s Election Division."
Samson said she would enforce the existing procedures if the same situation arises again.
“I’m going to do the same thing,” she said. “Until the state tells me I’m doing this incorrectly, I’m doing it this way.”
Judge McQuire has left the door open stating in his decision: “Marlene M. Samson is a registrar and clerk of that board. She is also the town clerk. The plaintiff therefore filed his nomination papers with her, in both her capacities, by the March 8th deadline."

If the two positions were separate, would Judge McGuire's decision have been different?
Read complete story.

Westport in brief - Sunday, March 13, 2011

03/10/2011 - The flag-draped, 435 pound steel I-beam was silently clutched by members of the Westport fire department. Like pall bearers carrying the casket of a fallen comrade, firefighters took the steel remnant down from the bed of the green pickup truck, which had transported it all the way from an airport hangar in New York City, and brought into the fire station's front foyer to its final resting place.

All in attendance were motionless, feeling the reverence of the moment, nothing being said as the small, symbolic relic of the destroyed World Trade Center was slowly and respectfully lowered onto timbers protecting the station's new slate tile floor. The flags were removed, and the firefighters backed away, joining those in attendance.

After a very long moment, Chief Legendre spoke, bringing everyone back into the moment.

"We had an uneventful trip," he said.

At five a.m. that morning 12 off-duty members of the Westport Fire Department led by Chief Brian Legendre and Deputy Chief Allen Manley had piled into the Chief's car and the department's well-used green pickup, and headed out to LaGuardia Airport. 12 firefighters came back 12 hours later, visibly moved by the experience of retrieving a single six-foot piece of twisted, burnt and rusted steel that will create an eternal memorial to those that died in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Read more with photos.

02/23/2011 - Westport cameos. Above, left: Welcome the nieces. Members of the Westport Historical Society, Westport Historical Commission, Friends of the Handy House, and Community Preservation Committee recently gathered at Lees Market to meet the former owners of the Cadman/White/Handy House. The three nieces of the late Eleanor Tripp were in town to clean out the historical property recently acquired by the WHS with funding from the CPA. Center: the unconventional 'fork in the road' is decorated for Valentine's Day (photo by Lucille Chase). Right: a common seal takes a nap on Gooseberry Island and is captured on film by Westport resident Bill Burns. Click on photos to enlarge.

Westport in brief - Sunday, February 13, 2011

"No money, Jack?"

02/08/2011 - Highway Surveyor Jack Sisson appeared before the Selectmen Monday night and, in what's becoming a weekly ritual, once more asked for money to cover his deficit for town snow plowing.

"No money Jack," Selectman Steven Ouellette asked. "No money," Sisson replied. The humorous exchange belied the serious issue that empty town coffers present the board when asked to fund emergency situations. More.

Big Brother, where art thou? Big Brother, a fictional character in George Orwell's novel '1984,' while not right around the corner, may soon appear at your least favorite Westport crossroad's intersection.

And you may be glad he did.

In a discussion at Monday night's Selectmen's meeting, Westport selectman and recently-elected state representative Paul Schmid proposed a warrant article for the upcoming spring town meeting that would allow the town to investigate the placing of red light safety cameras at several of Westport's most dangerous intersections, all involving state roads.

Although well-intentioned, it's a move that is sure to create controversy. More.

A spot o' tea hits the spot.

02/11/2011 - A break in the weather packs Westport's quintessential “Tea Room” café with guests and friends out to take pleasure in a Valentine's Day tea at Partners Village Store and Kitchen. Enjoy traditional English Tea served every Thursday afternoon from 3 - 4 p.m. through March 31st. Special tea sandwiches, mini desserts, and great conversation.

Special St. Patrick's Day tea to be held on Thursday, March 17th! $12.95 per person. Space is limited, please call for reservations and payment at (508) 636-2572. Pictured below is Angela Ellis of Mattapoisett with friend.

Sen. Rodrigues announces jobs program.

02/09/2011 - State Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) is pleased to announce the filing of a legislative proposal aimed at stimulating the SouthCoast’s economy and creating a better business climate for Massachusetts. The bill, titled “An act encouraging a better business climate and job creation in the Commonwealth”, has garnered bipartisan support from legislators, constituents and business-oriented organizations.

“We all recognize small businesses as the backbone of our economy, yet we need to do more,” said Sen. Rodrigues. Read more.

"Westport" installed at library.

02/12/2011 - Lydia Poole Barker is an attractive, petite young Westport woman who is also a very talented local artist. She recently celebrated the permanent installation, at the town's only library, of "Westport", her three-dimensional, mixed media set of wall panels depicting aspects of Westport's multi-faceted rural character.

It's amazing what you can do with a little handmade paper, paint, and plaster, and a lot of perspiration and inspiration.

"The set of three panels highlights Westport's daily life," Poole, as she prefers to be called, said. Read more with photos.

There's a new chowder champion in town. 02/13/2011 - Alyssa Brousseau may only be eleven, but she knows how to cook up a winning pot of 'chowdah.' The 4th Annual East Bay Amateur Chowder & Chili Cook-Off was hosted Sunday by Crowthers Restaurant. This early colonial town was the big winner as hundreds of dollars were raised for the Little Compton Community Center, an organization that is positioning itself for the future by building on over a decade of programs and activities aimed at strengthening community ties and community spirit. Read more with photos.

Westport in brief - Sunday, February 6, 2011

Mike is on the move in the Massachusetts.

02/06/2010 - Wasting little time in implementing campaign pledges made during his run for a senate seat, newly elected State Senator Michael Rodrigues is immersing himself in the state senate, having been recently appointed Chairman of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, a prominent committee within the legislature.

“As we struggle through harsh economic times, the work that we do as legislators is critical for our children, our young adults and families who face hunger, homelessness, abuse and discrimination in our communities and workplaces. I will be a strong advocate for our citizens in need of resources and services,” Rodrigues said.

The Senator was appointed by Senate President Therese Murray. The Senate President believes his unique background and experience will make him a perfect fit for the Chairman position. More.

Three generations now work the stone at Albanese Monuments. 02/04/2010 - "We do much more than just memorial markers," Joan Albanese told the ROMEOs at their Thursday luncheon. The State Road family-run firm has also been a big supporter of community service projects, most recently donating their time in cleaning the Paul Cuffe memorial marker in front of the Quaker Meeting House. More.

Westport Fire Chief Brian Legendre at the statehouse.

02/01/2011 - On January 18th, the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts held its 4th annual statewide legislators luncheon in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. State Representative Paul Schmid, D-Westport, was in attendance along with Westport Fire Chief Brian Legendre, as well as many other chiefs from the commonwealth.
The purpose of the luncheon was to discuss the legislative agenda of the association for the upcoming session, as well as to discuss issues local fire departments may be facing. Pictured above with Chief Legendre is Representative Paul Schmid (left) and Senator Michael Rodrigues (right).

“I look forward to working with Chief Legendre on the challenges he faces and wanted to show my support for him by attending this very significant event,” Schmid said.
“I am confident that Representative Paul Schmid will help in any way possible to move the fire chiefs’ agenda along and assist communities to maintain the resources they need to protect their residents,” Legendre said.
Schmid is still working on setting up his district office. Contact him at his Boston office at (617) 722-2425.

No Shadow, Spring is Near! 02/02/2011 - The Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, once again appeared at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob in the Pennsylvania Wilds to make his annual prediction. Phil surveyed his surroundings and found no shadow, so an early spring it will be!

Well, Westporters have certainly had their fill of January's miserable weather. However, take heart - a massive blizzard just missed us, and now Phil says an early spring is imminent. Halleluiah! http://www.groundhog.org/

Click here to get the history of Groundhog Day.

Westport Highway Department at a crossroads.

02/04/2010 - Like a harbinger of things to come, the rusting Highway Department dump truck pictured left lost a wheel and blocked traffic on Horseneck Road last week while plowing. A more serious situation was averted as the driver was only turning around in a driveway. The stress of a miserable month of cold and ice is taking its toll on the aging fleet of the town's snow removal equipment.

As far back as 2009 the town was warned in a report from the accounting firm of Roselli, Clark & Associates about the "need for a major Capital Improvement upgrade" to town equipment and vehicles." Adding to Highway Surveyor Jack Sisson's woes is a tough reelection bid this April where he will face 4 challengers. Read more.

Westport in brief - Monday, January 31, 2011

01/23/2011 - Jason and Karen Powell visited the ROMEOs luncheon last Thursday to talk about the Westport Education Foundation. You may not be familiar with their learning initiative, but you ought to be.

"We want Westport students to feel proud and confidant that they were offered the same or better opportunities for success without taxpayers footing the bill," Karen Powell told the ROMEOs. "Our goal is to promote and enhance educational excellence through independent funding that would not typically be covered by the school budget for worthy educational projects."

This is one community activist effort you can believe in. Read more.

Click here to view the Foundation's brochure. PDF Pictured below is Karen Powell with ROMEO Jack Baughan.

01/24/2011 - The Boston Trio was in town Sunday afternoon at the Point and vaunted how chamber music was meant to be played. That's probably why their next appearance is at Carnegie Hall on January 26. This delightfully charming group of confident musicians played a wonderfully diverse program of Brahms, Ravel and Beethoven.

01/31/2011 - January 31st cameos. Left: "red at night, sailors delight" seemed to ring false as yet another snowstorm whacks Westport Tuesday morning. Center-left: twilight settles in around Westport's newest fire station. Center-right: Jackie Reis brightens shoppers' spirits with her imaginative, rainbow-arrayed Barefoot varietal wine arrangement at Lees Market. Right: Snow bound until spring, a Westport Vineyard's tractor bears witness to the harshness of this year's winter. Click on photos to enlarge.

Westport in brief - Sunday, January 16, 2011

Westport gains two favorite sons in the State House.

On January 5th Michael Rodrigues was sworn in as Westport's new State Senator. And as promised throughout his campaign, he has hit the ground running.

"So far in this new session, over forty bills have been filed, including the Jobs Bill (an act encouraging a better business climate and job creation in the Commonwealth) most of you heard about over the past few months. We have also moved into our new district office space both in Somerset, and in Fall River, as well as our temporary office in Boston, Senator Rodrigues said."

Senator Michael Rodrigues is pictured above, left during the swearing-in ceremony. Click here to read more with photos.

Freshman state legislator Paul Schmid also took the oath of office January 5th as Westport's newest Representative. Schmid has hired Senator Joan Menard's veteran legislative assistant, Anthony Veilleux, as his aide. "My agenda will focus on job creation which is surely the highest priority for Massachusetts," Schmid said.

Westport is well represented at the State House. For the first time in Westport's history, both the state Representative and Senator live in Westport. Pictured above is Paul Schmid (center, right) with House Speaker Robert DeLeo (center, left) and family members.

Leo St. Onge gets a landmark - maybe.

01/19/2011 - Westport’s American Legion James Morris Post No. 145 seeks to name landmark after veteran. State Senator Michael Rodrigues said he will continue to look for a way for the town to honor World War II veteran Leo St. Onge.

Lino Rego, commander of Westport’s American Legion James Morris Post No. 145, said last week his organization will continue looking for a local building or landmark to name after St. Onge, whom Rego believes to be Westport’s most decorated veteran, after a budding effort to name the Route 88 overpass over Route 6 after the celebrated veteran hit a snag earlier when state Senator Michael Rodrigues informed those investigating the possibility that, while it isn’t marked, the overpass is already dedicated.

More. Click here to learn about Leo St. Onge's WWII heroics.

Westport Selectmen recently honored Leo St. Onge. More.

Chris Magill wins Little Compton Road race.

01/08/2011 - The snow held off, and 35 degree weather under brightening skies helped propel Chris Magill of Cumberland, RI to set a blistering pace, finishing a full minute and 9 seconds ahead of a near record field of 267 runners in the 4th annual running of 2011 Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race. Magill finished the 4.8 mile loop at 25:39, just 33 seconds shy of the 2008 record-breaking run of 25:06 by Bronson Venable.

Mark Mayall of Maynard, MA was second overall at 26:48.

This year's race event, a perennial fundraiser for the Little Compton Education Foundation, was surprisingly absent of top women finishers with South Kingston women's winner Claire Gadrow finishing 15th overall at 31:35, well off the record set in 2007. Gadrow was second female overall at 31:52 in 2010.

Sean Leach was Westport's top finisher at 37:30. More.

This old house.

01/04/2011 - Built 15 years before the birth of George Washington, the Cadman/White/Handy House is perhaps Westport's most significant historical asset. On January 3rd its future was assured as a property closing at the New Bedford Registry of Deeds transferred ownership to the Westport Historical Society courtesy of Community Preservation Funding. More.

Polar bears plunge at the back Eddy Restaurant . . .

01/01/2011 - It's all about style! The Back Eddy Restaurant hosted its 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge Saturday, and a record number of perennial plungers took off sensibly warm winter clothing to challenge their nerve and verve in skimpy swimwear to take a noontime dip in the Westport River, despite the icy 38 degree water. Why do they do it!

"They have to totally submerge their body," Sal Liotta, restaurant manager said. "Every hair has to be wet to get their brunch discount coupon!"

Click here to read more and see photos of the jumpers' free stylin!

. . . while a parcel of penguins blitz the beach!

01/10/2011 - The frenzied 'waddle' of penguins headed for the water, launched by the mighty blast of a hunter’s horn in 36th annual plunging of the penguins at Westport Harbor. The 'raft' was just as quick to scramble out of the 38 degree river to bask in the 47 degree air of a surprisingly mild New Year's Day. Is this 'parcel' of penguins a few ice cubes short of a full tray? Are those of us who have never put a toe into anything less than a warm bath missing something?

More with photos.

01/13/2011 - The second major snow storm of the new year shut down Westport schools, town offices, and was the cause for cancellation of most town-sponsored events and meetings scheduled Wednesday. Senior Center's Soup and Sandwich lunch cancelled. Although not quite the blizzard experienced by neighbors further north, Westport's less than six inches of wet snow prompted town safety officials to advise residents to stay off the roads. Unlike Fall River, Westport experienced no major power outages, thanks to pole and line upgrades done by NSTAR in 2010.

Those adventuresome enough to travel around town were treated to a Westport winter wonderland. View 38 hi-res photos.

Saving lives - all in a day's work for Westport firefighters.

01/01/2011 - Once again, in less than a year, alert Westport firefighters rescued a woman who had fallen and faced possible death from a burning kitchen fire. Unable to get up from a fall, the elderly Westport woman used her medical alert alarm at 11:25 a.m. to summon the rescue to 217 F Tickle Road .

"We were unaware there was a kitchen fire from food burning on the stove, until after firefighters arrived" Captain Michael Silvia said. "The fire was starting to spread to the kitchen cabinets." More.

In a busy New Year's holiday weekend, Westport firefighters were also called upon at 9:51 p.m. Friday night to fight a fire well under way in a large, 50,000 square foot, wooden-frame storage shed at 221 American Legion Highway (Route 177) where one firefighter was momentarily trapped in the burning structure. More.

EverythingWestport's 12 most notable new stories of 2010.

12/31/2010 - Here's a look back at EverythingWestport's 12 most notable new stories of 2010 that start and end with the Blizzard of 2010. How is this possible you say? Read more about this phenomenon and the floods, fires, triumphs, and light moments that defined Westport's most memorable events in the year of the Golden Tiger. Read more.

Westport in brief - Sunday, January 2, 2011

12/28/2010 - Westport's recent winter wallop of wind and driving wet snow is now officially the Blizzard of 2010 II as sustained winds of over 35 mph and enough hours of low visibility qualified this nor'easter as a blizzard. Westport was spared the up to two feet of snow received by communities to the north, but slippery walks and icy roadways created treacherous conditions that slowed traffic in many areas. Motorists struggled with frozen car locks and windows, and the wind brought down a few heavy branches, not a lot, but some.

And it was just too darn cold and windy to go out fishing. However there was a flip side to this storm. More with photos.

Oscar Palmer Farm hits the market - with a proviso.

12/01/2010 - For a cool quarter mil you can buy a piece of Westport's farming heritage, but you'd better be handy with a hammer. Starting December 1st The Trustees of Reservations will solicit proposals from interested buyers for the Oscar Palmer Farm located at 138 Adamsville Road in Westport. The Trustees seek a buyer who will restore the farm to active agriculture and rehabilitate the historic buildings on the property. All proposals are due by January 18th, 2010. More.

Westport in brief - Sunday, December 26, 2010

12/20/2010 - The flag at the Westport Police Station is flying at half mast. Under bleak skies and swirling snow Westport firefighters cloaked the police station with black bunting. A lone police cruiser, also draped in black and flowers, sat as a silent memorial in the parking lot. The Westport safety community is in mourning for one of their own; 44-year-old Sergeant Daniel R. Sullivan succumbed Saturday morning after a courageous battle with cancer.

Calling hours are Tuesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road. More.

12/17/2010 - Westport Business to Business celebrated their Holiday Social Thursday, December 16th at the soon-to-be-opened location of Sisters of the Wool at 772 Main Road. The group, best known for its networking panache, anted up an impressive collection of toys for the Toys for Tots program. More with photos.

12/16/2010 - 82 seasoned citizens celebrated the season with Gary Duquette and the "Candy Canes" at the Westport Senior Center Wednesday, and they had a rockin' good time. Click here for photos.

Ellie's Restaurant closes, again! 12/10/2010 - This once popular, august restaurant has struggled to find its mojo after Victor and Deanna Vieira, who ran Ellie’s for seven years, didn't renew their lease. Frank Formisano of Taunton gave it his best shot for a year, but pulled the plug last month. The property has been listed for sale.

Click here for more on this and other local business news.

12/20/2010 - Special election to consider the 2.5 million override for green repairs to Westport Schools will be held March 1, 2011, Town Clerk Marlene Samson announced. "The Selectmen have set the date."

12/16/2010 - Meanwhile the Westport Council on Aging could receive needed mini-buses. They would arrive after Christmas - maybe even after next Christmas. But whenever they come, Council on Aging Director Mary Ellen Gomes would welcome the gift of two 14-passenger vehicles to help transport the elderly. More.

12/02/2010 - Country Travelers of Westport released their 2011 Itinerary schedule, and it's got something for everyone. Former Westport selectwoman Veronica Beaulieu has organized a series of east coast destinations that kicks off February 17, 2011 with the Lion King at PPAC in Providence - 7:30 p.m. $88.00 Includes Early Bird Dinner at White's of Westport, transportation and all gratuities. Click here to get the entire schedule now.

Westport in brief - Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fire destroys Adamsville Road barn.

11/30/2010 - Fire destroys Adamsville Road barn, killing several animals and ruining many tools. At 6:56 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 154 Adamsville Road. Arriving apparatus encountered a fully involved 1 ½ story wood frame barn. Firefighters mounted an aggressive attack and were able to keep the fire from spreading to a second structure and pickup truck that was approximately thirty feet away.

+enlarge Above: The morning after. Caretaker Jerry Tripp (left in photo) talks with an excavator regarding the burnt-out structure.

While the fire was brought under control in approximately thirty minutes, the building is a total loss. There were no reported injuries but several animals that were in the barn perished. “It was a pig and several chickens,” said Westport Fire Capt. Michael P. Silvia, the department’s public information officer.

In addition to the four engines, a tanker and ladder truck from Westport, Little Compton Fire Department responded with their tanker to the scene.

The farm is owned by Robin (Sharples) Hubbard who lives out-of-state. Unfortunately the barn was uninsured.

Clothe-a-Child Program receives ROMEOs support.

12/13/2010 - Jack Baughan, Westport ROMEO and Salvation Army board member, mentioned to the august group at their December 9th weekly luncheon that he had a few Teddy Bear request cards from the Salvation Army if any of his fellow ROMEOs would care to take one.

Families come into the Fall River office of the Salvation Army during October and fill our Teddy Bear request cards indicating child's first name, age, sex and size. "We give out hundreds of request cards to the police and fire departments as well as large corporations who then donate coats or new outfits to youths 12 and under," Michelle Cave, Salvation Army secretary said.

"So it was quite a surprise when the ROMEOs called and asked how many request cards we had left. We talked about a donation of sweatshirts for the teens 13 to 16," Ms. Cave said.

ROMEOs Robert Gormley and Gary Mauk immediately went out after the luncheon and locally purchased 15 Russell-made hooded sweatshirts, and drove over to the Salvation Army's office and gave them to Ms. Cave.

"It was great to get these "hoodies" as now all the teens will have something under the tree with their siblings," Ms. Cave said. "This long running, annual program benefits the less fortunate at Christmas time, and the generosity and outreach of the supporting groups like the ROMEOs is heartwarming."

For more information or what you can do to assist the Salvation Army please call (508) 679-7900.

Westport in brief - Sunday, December 12, 2010

Four hours, 20 articles. Score: 16 wins, no losses, 4 pass-overs.

12/08/2010 - Moderator Steve Fors had his hands full last night trying to keep a marathon special town meeting in line and on target.

For the articles' authors, however, the holiday season came early as no article was defeated.

After Article 1, a provision to transfer $272,000 from free cash and overlay surplus accounts to balance the town budget took over an hour to pass, it was obvious to meeting attendees they had a long night ahead. The $272,000 was reduced from the original Selectmen's projections of $364,00 needed to balance the budget, reflecting additional budget cuts.

339 registered voters turned out and let their voice be heard. 17 articles passed, most unanimously. All three articles authored by the Highway Surveyor, Jack Sisson, were passed over.

"It was very unusual for a special town meeting to run that long," said Town Clerk Marlene Samson. "I was very surprised how long it took on some of the articles, especially when those articles didn't face any opposition." More.

Dr. Carlos Colley, Superintendent of Westport Community Schools, gets a major win.

12/08/2010 - Westport's school system wins big with the passage of Article 15. More.

Westport Historical Society to receive CPC funding to acquire the Cadman/White/Handy House.

12/08/2010 - With no opposition to saving this undisputed historic asset, voters did have a few concerns over spending CPC funds to acquire a property for a private, non-profit organization. Local attorney Dorothy Tongue explained it was the Westport Historical Society's intent to protect the town's investment by inserting language into the agreement with CPC for a first right of refusal in case . . . more.

Seen by many as being the most valuable historic property in town, the Cadman/White/Handy house provides not only a portal into two centuries of architectural paradigms, but also a rich personal history of the trials and tribulations endured by Westport's earliest residents. The town meeting vote was a wonderful victory for historical preservationists.

The Westport Board of Selectmen (4 to 1) and the Community Preservation Committee had previously endorsed funding the project up to the amount of $415,000. The Finance Committee was 8 - 0 in favor. Voters, after hearing discussion of the merits of installing a new septic system, overwhelmingly voted for article 18.

Turbulence still surrounds proposed wind turbine installation in bucolic Central Village.

12/08/2010 - There is still unease from town residents and even from within the town's Alternative Energy Committee, supporters of the project, about the wisdom of installing a monolithic 462' high 1.5 megawatt tower at the site of the town's new fire station #1. More.

Westport in brief - Sunday, November 21, 2010

A lark that would be a landmark.

11/14/2010 - Our latest mystery photo, correctly guessed on November 5 at 19:54:49 by Tammie Shurtleff of Westport, has like so

so many other things in life, a story.

Sending directions to visiting friends and relatives, Tom and Kate Schmitt often include the phrase: “when you come to the fork in the road,” as a part of instructions about which way to turn when one comes to the intersection of Old Harbor and River Roads. Occasionally Tom and Kate would wonder aloud about that term’s literal interpretation, and from time to time imagined how drivers might react if, upon reaching the intersection, they were to encounter a large fork. Read more.

Serving those who served our country.

11/13/2010 - Nine off-duty Westport firemen gave up their holiday to volunteer at the VA Hospital in Brockton on Veterans Day.

World war II's greatest generation is passing away at a rate of one veteran every 90 seconds. These military men and women who risked life and limb to serve their country deserve a little attention while they are still with us. To those who volunteer at the sprawling VA Boston’s Brockton campus, every day is Veterans Day.

Fire Chief Brian Legendre, Deputy Chief Sam Manley, Captain Bruce Martin, Lieutenant Brian Beaulieu, along with firefighters Dan Baldwin, Terry Vaillancourt, Justin Raulino, Adam Silva, and Bob Porawski escorted disabled, long-term-care veterans from their ward to the community gymnasium for a day of remembrance, celebration, and social interaction that's so important to these wounded warriors. More.

A simple but solemn Veterans Day ceremony under gray, windy skies.

11/11/2010 - "Our ranks are thinning," Westport Veterans’ Officer Ron Costa told the small, chilled gathering at Beech Grove Cemetery. “Veterans Day is a day set aside to remember our military men and women living, dead, missing and those kept in some forsaken place as prisoners, unknown by their comrades or families,” added Costa. The long-running Veterans' officer, to the regrets of many, announced at the observance his intention to retire at the end of his current appointment.

Below: Vietnam vet Arthur Caesar playing Taps.

A dinner, a movie, a bake sale and a holiday show - all were at the Senior Center this week!

11/19/2010 - The Friends of the Westport Council of Aging wrapped up their annual Holiday Fair Monday that ran through Friday. There was a Bake Sale of home-baked cakes, cookies and goodies on Wednesday. With possible budget cuts looming, now was the time to consider shopping for your loved ones at 75 Reed Road, and many came out and felt good about doing it.

Above: artist Linda Olsen with her watercolor painting at the artisan-oriented Chinese Auction table.

“We had a very successful Fair,” said Mary Ellen Gomes, COA Director. “There were some marvelous gift items available, and they went fast. The Chinese Auction was fabulous."

Also on Wednesday the Senior Center had its annual Thanksgiving Lunch with a movie; over 90 guests attended. At the last minute, two generous donors paid for the entire meal and, with a movie to boot, 90 guests got an early holiday present.

Westport in brief - Sunday, November 14, 2010

Westport voters have their say in big numbers.

11/02/2010 - Westport’s Mike Rodrigues and Paul Schmid overwhelmed their lesser know opponents to become the first favorite-son legislators to concurrently represent Westport at the state house. State Senator-elect Rodrigues took Westport over Lakeville’s Derek Maksy by a vote of 4644 to 1745, a 72.68% margin in a record high town midterm turnout of 56.58%.

Newly elected State Representative Schmid fared just as well taking Westport over Fall River’s F. George Jacome with a 4650 to 1498 vote tally, a 75.59% margin. Click here for more analysis and other race results with photos.

Independent voters have a big say in Westport, and in Bristol County. There were more new unenrolled voter registrations this year than ever before said Westport’s Dottie Silvia, assistant registrar of voters. “Total registered voters are at an all-time high - 11,713,” Silvia said. “5610 of those are unenrolled.”

Except for Fall River, independents are now the majority of registered voters in every town in Bristol County, bringing unpredictability to local and district elections. Fall River’s more than 17,750 registered democrats, however, may have helped determine the election outcome of Westport’s Paul Schmid and Michael Rodrigues. More.

Deeply blue Massachusetts kept democrats firmly entrenched with Bristol County Sherriff Tom Hodgson, who fended off a strong bid by State Representative John Quinn, the lone republican winning re-election. Check out the Westport vote tallies by precinct.

Fall Water Photos.

11/02/2010 - The crisp air, clear skies, and the sun’s low autumn azimuth are a harbinger of winter to come. But nature provides a parting gift of thespian waterscape/landscape vistas to brighten our souls before the great chill settles in. Click here to view our new photo gallery of ‘Horizontals - Fall Water’.

Westport in brief - Sunday, November 7, 2010

11/06/2010 - A Wish Come True foundation announced today that this year’s 17th Annual Rock, Rhythm and Blues Festival and Motorcycle Run raised $27,693 to benefit the granting of wishes for children with terminal or disabling conditions. With the addition of other events including the UMass-Dartmouth marketing class, Friends of AWCT in New Bedford, dinner-dances at St. John’s in Fall River, Lil Audrey’s in Swansea and more, through everyone’s efforts, an amazing $38,000 was raised for A Wish Come True. Click here to read more and view photos of this year’s Rock, Rhythm and Blues Festival (with Patriots Cheerleaders!).

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Westport businessman selected as Benevolent Entrepreneur of the Year.

11/5/2010 - Richard Lafrance’s parents started White’s of Westport in 1952. 58 years later the hospitality company spans three local restaurants, a catering firm, and seven major hotels. “I believe in giving back to my family and the community,” the self-effacing Lafrance said. Lafrance was presented the award at the 4th Annual Entrepreneurship Awards ceremony Thursday night in the College Commonwealth Center at Bristol Community College, highlighting BCC’s Academic Center for Entrepreneurship. More later.

11/04/2010 - Westport Free Public Library announced the winners of its October pumpkin decorating contest. Six standouts in four age categories from three to 73 took home the gold in what judges said was a very creative competition. More with photos.

11/04/2010 - Lees Market – Born to be Wild! Click here to find out why.

10/27/2010 - Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter was campaigning hard, although he was unopposed in this year’s election. Sam Sutter is campaigning with other Massachusetts county district attorneys to reform how the state pays the private attorneys who are involved in Public Counsel Services.

“As a state we are spending much more on protecting accused indigent suspects than we are on prosecuting them,” Sutter told the Westport ROMEOs where he was a recent luncheon guest. “The funding for defending people is out of control while the district attorneys are starving for dollars.”

“20 years ago private defense attorneys were paid minimally ($50 per duty day) by the state, more towards pro bono work than anything else, to provide constitutionally protected legal counsel,” Sutter said. “It wasn’t set up to be a fulltime job, rather an opportunity to provide public service to those who needed it. Many of these public defenders were retired attorneys who wanted to stay active.” Read more of EverythingWestport’s exclusive report.

Massachusetts Nurses Association presents award to district attorney Sam Sutter. Click here to read more.

11/03/2010 - Sign of the Times.

The Westport Free Public Library gets a new sign, but more importantly the seniors in the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School’s 23-year-old Facilities Management program get valuable field experience in the care and maintenance of buildings, including the painting and installation of the library’s almost-free signage. In a sign of the times there are more young women now involved in this program than men in a previously male-dominated occupation.

Click here to check out our Photos of the Week.

11/04/2010 - Newly elected State Representative Paul Schmid will keep his seat, for now. It would cost the town between $7000 and $8000 in special election costs for Schmid to relinquish his Selectman’s job before his term expires, according to Town Clerk Marlene Samson. “And with only three months between when Paul is sworn in and the April election, there may not be enough time,” Samson said. Schmid, attending the Veterans Day Breakfast today at the Westport Senior Center said he will hang on till April. Below: Paul Schmid (left) with Post 145 Commander Lino Rego.

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Westport in brief - Sunday, October 17, 2010

No guts, no Glory!

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Bishop Connolly High School’s Athletic Director Frank Sherman with dance partner Tiffany Rose brought down the house with an incredibly gutsy rendition of early ‘60s rock and roll with just a tinge of swing.

Dancing to “What’s Your Name?” the duo really clicked with diminutive Tiffany swirling and flying around the rock solid, popular Fall River coach. The pair took home the gold in the first of what many hope will be an annual Dancing with the Stars at White’s of Westport.

View all the hi-res photos; read more with 70 pictures.

An Azorean Portuguese immigrant at an early age, F. George Jacome learned to work hard as a youngster to support the family, and still found time to learn three languages while growing up as a French Canadian. Naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1998, he worked at Fall River Knitting Mills, and understands the issues facing both immigrants and today’s working people in the district he is running to represent.

As a medical interpreter at Charlton Memorial, Jacome’s clients now represent 40% Hispanic and 60% Portuguese, a far different ratio than a few years ago when 90% were Portuguese.

The Fall River independent candidate is running for State Representative - 8th Bristol, a seat being vacated by Michael Rodrigues in his quest for the state senate. Jacome was the guest of the Westport ROMEOs Thursday, October 21 and the seasoned retirees’ grilling warmed him up for that night’s debate with Westport’s Paul Schmid. See below. Read more.

Westport in brief - Sunday, October 10, 2010

Of patriots and politics.

10/05/2010 - The Tea Party movement came to Fall River and there wasn’t a mad hatter or witch to be seen (President Bill Clinton’s reference to the Tea

Party movement) at the St. John’s Athletic Club Monday night when Christen Varley, coordinator of the Greater Boston Tea Party, kicked off the formation of the Spindle City Tea Party in Fall River, the latest in a group of about 40 across the state.

“This is your empowering moment,” Varley told the hundreds crowded into the popular function hall on Rodman Street. “Each local organization is different and each area decides for themselves their agenda.”

Westporters had a chance to meet the area’s conservative candidates for the Election 2010 Mid Terms, and many asked the tough questions as the U.S. economy continues to sputter. More with photos.

Concerts at the Point kicked off its 2010/ 2011 season with another polished performance by the Muir String Quartet. No stranger to CAP, the long-running quartet made their sixth sell-out appearance at the historic Westport Point venue. In its 14th season, CAP can still pack the Westport Point United Methodist Church. Some things do get better with time. More.

Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter has a few suggestions about how to correct the disparity that exists in state funding for Bristol County assistant prosecutors and the consortium of lawyers known as public defenders. “The state’s public defenders office handles just 10% of indigent defendants versus 90% by outside attorneys doing public defender work,” the articulate and forward thinking DA told the ROMEOs this past Thursday. “This has to change.” See what Sam has to say.

Inside the cooling towers at Brayton Point.

They not only lower cooling water temperatures but the mammoth twin towers rising above Somerset’s sky line also cool environmental activists’ tempers who have railed against the coal and gas fired energy plant for decades, advocating for its closure.

First operational in 1962, Brayton Point is the largest fossil-fuel power plant in New England, on 250 acres, and responsible for 6% of the region's power.

Environmentalists had long pointed fingers at the plant as a key reason why marine life in the bay has dwindled significantly at least since 1984.

However, Brayton Point officials had fought back saying say they worked hard to minimize the plant's impact, to the point where other factors, such as overfishing, now may play a larger role in fishing stock declines.

So what is going on at the Brayton Point Power Plant? EverythingWestport takes an inside look. Read more with photos.

Westport in brief - Sunday, September 26, 2010

Love your Dachshund! Partners Village Store and Kitchen threw their fourth annual Dachshund Day party last Saturday, September 25th, and 40 of the lovable Dachsie's and their adoring owners showed up to congregate, commiserate and celebrate their low-slung canines. This is the Dachshund social event of the year. If you don’t have a Dachsie, than you just don’t wanna know!

“We had 22 dogs the first year,” Nancy Crosby said. Crosby, a partner at Partners and owner of 3-year-old Andy was on-hand to MC the event. Click here to read about the activities and view photos.

Above: Wally Nichols of Westport gets a kiss from Meister.

And no tear was shed.

09/25/2010 - Mrs. Viola Webb of Westport shrugged off her flu shot with a smile as did many seniors who took advantage of the Senior Center’s Wealth and Health Expo to get their annual flu vaccination. CVS pharmacist Kim McGrath conducted a Flu Clinic which was heavily attended by area seniors.

The FWCOA with assistance from volunteer Paige Garrison of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network hosted the event at the Westport Council on Aging. The purpose of the 6-hour Expo was to provide an informational opportunity for the entire community to learn about the wide variety of ways to improve our health and maximize our discretionary funds.

Area seniors took advantage of the information provided by the 20 local doctors and national businesses that had booths at the Expo.

Terry Yousif of Westport (above) kept an eye open for James Merlin, M.S., O.D. of Southcoast Eye Care while he performed an eye exam; and Bob Caisse of Somerset with friend Kim McGrath (below) studied a brochure.

Turbines take a turn for the better. 09/17/2010 - After six months of frustrating delays due to red tape and the monolithic indifference of NSTAR, the wind turbines of Noquochoke Orchards are finally spinning. “I’m happy,” said George Smith of the Westport Farm known more for its Cortland’s and Macs than renewable energy. “They need to save me some money!”

‘It’s not easy being green,’ Kermit the Frog used to sing. George Smith and Doris Mills now sing out of the same songbook. Read more of EverythingWestport’s exclusive story.

Dartmouth’s Mr. Mum!

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09/21/2010 - Dartmouth’s Mr. Mum! Brian Medeiros of Dartmouth Orchards had reluctantly taken over a small inventory of mums several years ago from a friend who was shutting down his plant business and retiring to Florida.

Today, Medeiros is supplying a couple of thousand carefully tended chrysanthemums from his Old Westport Road stand to hundreds of area residents who can barely wait for the September arrival of the multi-hued cultivars to decorate their autumn gardens.

Rodrigues, Schmid make the cut! Will Schmid have a republican opponent?

The two Westport candidates move to the big show with landslide victories in Westport that carried their respective districts.

“We have seven weeks to prepare for the final push,” Schmid (left) told his supporters celebrating at LePage’s Restaurant.

Computer problems had Westport Town Clerk Marlene Samson pulling her hair out to get the final tallies to the press. She was finally able to report precinct numbers that showed both Rodrigues and Schmid overpowering their opponents and winning all five precincts.

“I’m overwhelmed and at a loss for words,” Rodrigues said at The Lady of Light Band in Fall River where he was celebrating his victory with hundreds of supporters. “You always have doubts when you put yourself out there for examination. We ran a positive campaign, no negative stuff. I’m proud of my staff and thank all those who helped in the primary win.”

Unofficially, Frank took out Brown with 81 percent of the vote, and Bielat won a convincing victory, beating Sholley with 61 percent of the vote. Click here to get all the results from Westport’s ballot box.

Westport in brief - Sunday, September 12, 2010

Beers, cheers, and chicks; bikers roll for a wish Come True.

09/13/2010 - Sparkling weather and Patriots’ cheerleaders brought out hundreds to the Holy Ghost grounds; and that’s just the number of motorcycles! Hundreds of people also came to celebrate the 17th annual Rock, Rhythm and Blues Festival. No rain date required as 143 bikes hit the high road Saturday morning under blue and cool skies to launch the 7th annual Motorcycle Run from Dave’s Beach to Westport’s Holy Ghost Grounds, all for A Wish Come True.

More with photos.

State Representative and Westport resident Michael J. Rodrigues was awarded the Medal of the Prince Henry the Navigator.

09/10/2010 - The medal was presented by the Portuguese Ambassador to the United States and the Consulate of Portugal for his significant services on behalf of the Portuguese Community. The ceremony took place at a reception in Rodrigues honor with over 100 dignitaries, state and local officials, and friends in attendance. The solemnity of the occasion was on the highest level.

Rodrigues is one of 18 persons and the sole American to be honored with Portugal’s equivalent to knighthood.

Rodrigues, currently a candidate for the 1st Bristol and Plymouth Senate seat being vacated by Joan Menard, was clearly humbled, and said he was honored to receive the award. “To receive this award is beyond all my expectations,” he said. “It is the highest award bestowed by the Portuguese government.” Read more.

Raw milk days in Westport.

Got Milk? Yes say 11 dairies around Massachusetts as part of Raw Milk Dairy Days, sanctioned by NOFA/MASS, and organized by the Massachusetts Raw Milk Network. Westport’s Lyons Brook Farm, 76 Drift Road is a small, raw goat milk provider that has developed a large following here and outside of Westport.

“We will be offering tours this Saturday and Sunday,” said Sandi Porter, the farm’s operator.

In what is perhaps one of the smaller dairy farms in town, the Lyons Brook Farm has been quietly selling fresh, raw goat’s milk to the general public for the past 12 years. But the farm impacts health in a big way. Read more with photos.

Click here to view and print the Raw Milk Dairy Days’ flyer.

Westport Free Public Library holds annual book sale.

Hundreds of visitors poured through thousands of titles as the Friends of the Westport Library opened their annual Used Books Sale Saturday, September 11 in the Community Room of the library.

“Starting Monday, September 13 they will be on the honor system,” FOWL member Kate Kastner said. “The community Room will be open during normal library hours.” Come on down and help a great cause. Sale ends Saturday.

Westport in brief – Sunday, September 5, 2010

Blossoms in motion at the Vineyard.

“My career as a choreographer informs my photographs’ composition with a strong sense of flow or motion,” Beth Easterly said.

“The photos in this show are flowers taken during 2009 and 2010. I was intrigued by the daily incremental changes - the shapes and the sense of motion.”

Easterly is at the Westport Rivers Vineyard Gallery through Monday, September 13th.