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Flags on Main Road – Memorial Day 2010 ©

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Honoring all children with cancer, especially Devin Laubi 8-23-1996 to 4/24/2003

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Westport in brief – Sunday, June 20, 2010

Westport’s oldest newspaper revealed in Historical Society find.

1895 weekly newspaper may be ancient ancestor to today’s weeklies, Westport Shorelines and Dartmouth/Westport Chronicle. Only known copy. Read more.

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Artists in the Gardens 2010

Some of the southcoast’s best known artists went on location and painted charming backyard scenes from several homes in that part of Westport known as Acoaxet. For the cost of a ticket, visitors were treated to Harbor hospitality and got to ogle hardscapes and seascapes at their best. Read more.

The second time around is always better.

The Vineyard’s second annual provender and wine festival brought the best of Westport to Westport with fun, food and festivity raising money to benefit local agriculture. Gary Duquette, One Bad Ant, played the blues, folk, classic and soft rock favorites. Read more.

Westport selectmen honor WWII veteran Leo St. Onge.

In a brief but emotional ceremony at the June 14 Board of Selectmen’s meeting, Westport’s most decorated veteran’s recent promotion to Sergeant was recognized and celebrated by a packed room of Westport officials and residents.

Turning 89 this Saturday, the choked-up war hero could barely manage to thank those who applauded him. The promotion spanned six wars and 66 years. Read more w/ photos.

In additional business, the Selectmen voted unanimously to restore the Senior Center’s transportation budget level to $70,000, fulfilling a promise made before town meeting. More.

Selectmen also unanimously approved the promotion of widely respected Chris Gonsalves to Foreman, Highway Department. More.

Expired safety seats are no bargain.

Expired safety seats are no bargain says Westport safety officials at the recent Westport Family Medicine Center’s Bike And Car Seat Safety Day. Read more.

“Plus, bicycle helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 88%,” according to Westport Reserve Officer Michael Roussel, who has spearheaded the Safety Day effort for the last three years. “That’s why our officers are giving out free helmets and providing instruction in the proper adjustment and use.”

Westport Historical Society opens “Head 2 Toe” summer exhibition.

“Head to Toe: A Century of Westport Fashion 1800-1900” explores the transformation of women’s fashion during the 1800’s. Opened Saturday, June 12 at the Bell Schoolhouse, 25 Drift Road.

Click here to view their flyer.

Read more with photos from last year.

Every quilt has a story.

Ask any quilter. The piecing, appliqué and hand-stitching move with you through your life, a work-in-progress and steady companion through joy, love, hardship, sickness, grandchildren and even the sadness of death. And these companions often travel in groups.

“I have several projects underway right now, some for my children and many for my grandchildren,” says Westport quilter Suzanne Alden who had two quilts on display.

“My quilt was originally made for a fundraiser that was cancelled,” adds Westport’s Beatrice Dupre. Her quilt entitled ‘To Bea or Not to Bea’ was also in the show.

The Shining Tides Quilt Guild show had a lot of colorful stories on exhibit June 4 - 6 at UMass Dartmouth’s Woodland Commons. Click here to read more and view photos.

Glorious!

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Vulcan appears to be working his fiery, heavenly forge over Westport Point. In Roman mythology, Vulcan was the god of destructive fire and craftsmanship. Nature is not bad at crafting sunsets either, especial over Westport waters. This photo was taken on June 7, 2010 from the Route 88 bridge. Click here to view more high resolution photos of Clouds of Westport.

Insurance industry expert Joan Greenwell speaks to Westport’s ROMEOs.

“I have never seen a 2000 page bill that so confuses employers and employees alike as does the Obama Health Care Program,” longtime insurance professional Greenwell told the ROMEOs at their weekly luncheon. “We have to take it one day at a time.”

WAG presents pastel-proficient Jean Hirons.

The Mattapoisett native, now residing in Rockville, Maryland, brought a buckboard full of tips and techniques June 7th to 50 Westport Art Group members who came to polish their skills and learn from one of the best pastel artists in the business. Hirons is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, the Maryland Pastel Society, and the Pastel Painters’ Society of Cape Cod. More.

Long-time local variety store shuttered by three-alarm fire.

The Westport building inspector condemned B & E Country Store on 526 Sanford Road early Monday, June 7 to all but Westport Fire Investigators after flames swept through the basement, causing heavy smoke damage throughout the first floor of the one-story building.

The neighborhood convenience store has been a fixture for many years. Darlene Arruda, owner of the property with her husband, Antonio, said the store is closed indefinitely.

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At 10:35 p.m. Sunday night, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure at the B & E Country Store. Arriving apparatus reported heavy smoke coming from the basement and first floor, of the one story building which was closed at the time of the fire.

Despite the fact that firefighters were able to contain the fire to the basement in approximately thirty minutes, the building suffered heavy smoke damage in the basement and on the first floor.

Assisting Westport firefighters who responded one engine, a ladder, a tanker and a medical rescue unit to the scene were Tiverton and Dartmouth District #3 Fire Departments.

There were no reported injuries and fire apparatus cleared the scene in approximately two hours. The Westport Fire Investigation Unit continues to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.

Westport Annual Meeting.

Meals tax in; rooms tax out!

Westport voters overwhelmingly approved a proposed meals tax increase, and then rejected a 2% rooms tax boost as Westport’s town meeting got underway Tuesday night.

In a levy perceived by many town residents as unfairly targeting one local family, voters widely rejected the “Hampton Inn” tax.

In a surprisingly quiet evening voters approved the $29.8 million budget for fiscal 2011. But many fiscal hurdles remain.

Stormy weather is on the horizon as the contentious issues of overrides and underrides lie ahead Wednesday when town meeting picks up again at 7:00 p.m.

865 voters were in attendance, a number eerily predicted by Town Clerk Marlene Samson. 100 voters were seated in the cafeteria but went mostly unheard throughout the evening.

Council of Aging Board Chairwoman Heather Reed was stymied by parliamentary procedures when she tried to make a motion to increase Article 15 by $40,000.

Night 2: Town meeting voters quickly passed over two controversial articles - a $2 million tax underride, and gutting the town’s participation in the Massachusetts Community Preservation program.

187 Westport voters in attendance quickly dispatched most of the remaining articles in Wednesday’s final session of Town Meeting. What could have been a lackluster evening of housekeeping tedium was not without its moments.

Voters, persuaded by shy support from Selectmen and Finance Committee members, and strong backing by conservative gadflies almost put retired town employees over 65 on Medicare.

View 37 photos of Town Meeting.

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Westport in brief – June 6, 2010

Fresh roadkill anyone?

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This Turkey Vulture, spotted off Drift Road at the entrance to the town firing range, is a member of New World vultures that are distributed throughout North, Central, and South America according to the Turkey Vulture Society. They include the Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, California Condor, Andean Condor, King Vulture; and the Greater and Lesser Yellow-Headed Vultures.

The Turkey Vulture is common in the United States. Its keen sense of smell is vital for finding carrion. Black Vultures, a more southern species, lack the graceful flight pattern of the Turkey Vulture and depend more on keen eyesight than sense of smell. Both can be spotted in Westport, although the Turkey Vulture is the most well-known. Their wingspan is around six feet!

Area seniors kicked up their heels as they kicked off a month of dancing at the Westport Grange.

Over 100 area residents got out and kicked up their heels Sunday at the Southcoast Seniors Dance Party at the Westport Grange Hall. Big band-era dancing made a brief comeback at this 120-year-old Westport agricultural institution which hosted town dances in the mid 20th century.

Some Westport women met their future husbands during World War II dances held at the Grange according to longtime Westport historian Cukie Macomber. “Military men who worked the submarine tracking station during the war at Gooseberry Island attended those dances,” Macomber recalled. More with photos.

Westport woman goes “buggy” over UMass-Dartmouth quilt show.

Westport resident and popular local realtor Suzanne Alden has had a love affair with quilting since her first child 38 years ago.

“I now have several works in progress,” Ms. Alden said as she was hanging her second baby quilt “Buggy Business” for the upcoming Shining Tides Quilt Guild show starting this Friday, June 4 and running through Sunday at UMass-Dartmouth.

“I started a quilt for my first baby, and one for each of my next five children. Now as a grand-mother of four with two more on the way, I have a baby quilt either finished or in progress for each of them. I guess you might say I’m a quilting nut.”

Meeting weekly with a small group of Westport quilting buddies, Ms. Alden and other local quilters will display their passion and love of quilting this weekend at UMass. More.

New Westport business brings gourmet cupcakes to Westport.

Mix a few creative ingredients with a pinch of imagination and a touch of class and voila, handmade designer cupcakes too stunning to eat. The truth is, however, you will not be able to resist these tempting concoctions with luscious names like; chocolate raspberry burst, sinful chocolate, dreamsicle orange, satiny red velvet, and, oh well you get the idea.

Kathy Ferreira of Village Pizza fame opened Village Cupcakery at Village Commons Thursday, June 3rd to a line of customers waiting to get a glimpse of her handmade, up market cup cakes.

Everyone loves a cupcake, and what’s there not to love. But Kathy’s cupcakes are a notch above the ones Betty Crocker® puts in a box.

Click here to read more with photos.

“Head to Toe” - the great cover-up at the Westport Historical Society!

19th century women left everything up to the imagination; a far cry from what we see today.

“Head to Toe: A Century of Westport Fashion 1800-1900” explores the transformation of fashion during the 1800’s. Worn by women in the Westport area, the outfits on display reflect the everyday fashion of the average countrywoman, rather than the finery of city dwellers. Working from the undergarments outwards, WHS’ newest summer exhibition shows the layers of garments needed to dress a woman in the 19th century.

Exhibition opens Saturday, June 12 until September 4th at the Society’s Bell School, 25 Drift Road. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More with photos.

Leo St. Onge gets a promotion!

After 66 years, six wars and countless Memorial and Veterans Day parades, Westport’s most decorated war veteran is promoted to Sergeant, United States Army, in a moving ceremony at Fall River’s Bank Street Armory. The 89-year-old Silver Star recipient had little to say, but spoke volumes through his tears as he accepted the promotion from Colonel Joe Lydon.

Sergeant St. Onge was the honorary Grand Marshall for this year’s Westport and Fall River Memorial Day parades. Read more with photos.

Memorial Day 2010.

Images from a day of reflection and solemn remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives to guarantee our freedom. The spirit of each of our veterans who have gone on before us is in every twist and furl of the American flag on Memorial Day.

View high resolution photos of this event now 123 photos

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Westport in brief – May 30, 2010

Mr. Contractor, tear down that fence!

And so the security fences came down as Exquisite Landscaping of Canton put the finishing touches on the new fire station’s grounds; planted saplings acting as sentinels over the newly paved entranceways. The Westport River Gardeners’ “Rockery” is ready for the green thumbs of the guardian gardeners of Westport. Read more with photos.

Sub contractors race to the finish line with painting, wiring and communications checks, and internal power backup system testing. Signature Signs got the nod for the bronze plaque.

Pinocchio comes to life at Partners.

On Stage Theatrical Productions transported the cast of their new version of the classic Disney cartoon, “Geppetto and Son,” to Partners Village Store and Kitchen last Saturday, May 15, delighting kids of all ages with their impromptu performances.

When the Blue Fairy turns his puppet into a living, breathing boy, Geppetto learns that being a parent is harder than he thought.

We could have told him that! Click here to read more and view photos.

Performances will be held at Bristol Community College on May 22, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. and May 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

ROMEOs at Noquochoke Orchards.

+enlarge Orchard owners Doris Mills and George Smith sponsored a clamboil for the regional Fruit Growers Association May 20th at picturesque Noquochoke Orchards. Family friends, the ROMEOs and 75 association members descended on Westport from three states to enjoy good southcoast seafood, even better company, and all had hoped to get a look at the state-of-the-art, three induction motor turbines recently installed by the 100+ year old farm. But guess who didn’t come to dinner?

NStar. The electric utility is being less than helpful in helping the green-conscious farm hook up to the grid. State and local officials have been leaned on to get the process moving, and Channel 10 news is doing an investigatory report this week on the farm’s problems going green. Come on NStar, get a life.

Read the accompanying article to learn what’s up with NStar.

No spin zone at Noquochoke Orchards.

05/21/2010 – Illuminated by an eerie spectral glow, this Noquochoke Orchard turbine is the subject of WJAR Channel 10 reporter R.J. Heim’s interview with Scott Fryer of Northeast Windpower about why the Westport farm’s new turbines are at a standstill. “They’re not turning,” orchard operator George Smith told Heim. “It’s been three months and it’s always the same answer from NSTAR; we’ll get a decision to you in two weeks!”

So far the area’s largest apple orchard hasn’t taken much of a bite out of their electricity bill. Read more with photos.

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Westport Fire department issues Gas Grill Safety Tips.

Checks for Leaks

Check to make sure all the connections are tight and secure before firing up the gas grill for the first time this season. Using a brush, apply a soapy solution made from one part detergent and one part water, to the tank connections.

LP Gas Tanks Are Not Permitted in Homes or on Balconies above the 1st floor

LP gas (liquid propane) cylinders are not permitted inside homes or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live. A leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below because LP gas is heavier than air and sinks. A car or someone smoking a cigarette below could ignite the fumes, or the vapors could enter the building through a door, window or dryer vent and find a pilot light, air conditioner, or a compressor as an ignition source.

Use 10 Feet Away From Buildings

Keep LP gas tanks upright, five feet away from building openings and ignition sources such as doors, windows, dryer vents, air intake vents, pilot lights and appliance compressors. It is even better to keep and use gas grills ten feet away from the house. All LP gas cylinders between 4 and 40 lbs. must be equipped with an overfill protection device.

Summer Camps at Westport Art Group.

The Westport Art Group, 1740 Main Road, Westport Point, is pleased to offer Summer Camp for Kids. There will be two sessions with the theme of “Reduce-Reuse-Remarkable”, A Summer Camp for Young Artists. The first session is Monday–Friday, August 9–13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the second separate session is Monday–Friday, August 16–20 at the same time. The camp is for students ages 7–12.
Jennifer Gelinas, artist and instructor, says, “Green kids care about the environment, and we do too. Students will explore the benefits of conservation as they create art objects using everyday items. Some other activities include the study of Alexander Calder and his mobiles. The students will create their own sculptures using the grounds of the art building.”

Tuition is $140 for non-members and $135 for children and grandchildren of members for 15 hours of instruction and fun. Four scholarships are being offered this year.
Contact Nancy Burkholder, (508) 636-3039, for applications or scholarships. This program is supported by the Westport Cultural Council through a grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by the Bank of America.

The Westport Art Group is a non-profit organization that supports education in the arts with classes, art exhibits and scholarships to high school seniors. The mission of the Westport Art Group is to stimulate and promote the appreciation and encouragement of the arts and crafts. Call 508-636-2114 or visit www.westportartgroup.com for more information.

Start Your Art Engines contest winners announced!

Winners of the South Coast Artists “Start Your Art Engines” Juried Art Competition were announced on May 13, 2010. The annual competition focuses on creating a unique annual tour theme for the South Coast Artists Open Studio Tours. Out of 16 accepted entries, 3 artists were recognized for their “engine themed” work. Art lovers attending the Tours need an engine of sorts to get to the studios. The creative challenge for the participants was to interpret this theme in any 2D or 3D media and submit a digital image of the original artwork. Submissions were interpreted in painting, sculpture, mixed media and assemblage.

The winners are… Grand Prize: Eleanor Swan Dick, Assemblage “IT”. First Place: Dora Atwater Millikin, Oil “Road King”. Honorable Mention: Mary Sexton, Pastel “Plein Air”.

Last week in Westport – May 16, 2010

Senior artisans exhibit at the Tiverton Town Hall.

This is not just your grandmother’s art show. It is a quality exhibition with serious students. “It’s not art therapy, but it is very therapeutic says instructor Madeleine Diogenes.

Diogenes has been giving watercolor instruction at the Tiverton Senior Center since 2004. “We meet once a week,” Diogenes said. “Every Tuesday. These aspiring artists with experience ranging from two months to 15 years are wonderful to work with and quite talented.”

A watercolor (below) entitled “Everglades National Park, Florida” was painted by Pierrette C. Dumenco, a Tiverton novice with just two months of know-how! Read more with photos.

Sakonnet Arts Volunteers Recognized in Little Compton.
05/18/2010 - Volunteers from Sakonnet Arts Network were recognized on April 26 at Little Compton's annual Volunteer Recognition Night. Debbie Ort, Activities Director at the Visiting Nurse Association presented the award to members of "Sophie's Corner," a program begun 18 months ago by Helen Nadler. Helen's standard poodle, Sophie, is a trained pet therapy dog. She has accompanied the volunteers as they engage clients in various art projects. The volunteers include Ms. Nadler, Dianna Parente, Jennifer Teichman, Carolyn Winter, Alesandra Woodhouse, and Helen Woodhouse. Claire Tremblay, Pamela Sobel, Janet Gendreau and Lois Marshall are past volunteers.

SAn Volunteer Recognition 2010.jpg Attendees of the Adult Day Health Program reside in Tiverton and Little Compton; most are disabled by dementia. All enjoy painting with watercolors, building sculptures or creating colorful collages in weekly workshops. Some of their comments about these experiences include, "You make me happy" and "I like making things with you" and "I like to do art." The workshops are equally gratifying for the volunteers as conversations and memories are shared with participants while they shape soft clay or transform a white paper into a painting.

A little time (about an hour twice a month), patience and compassion are all you need to join the Sophie's Corner group as a volunteer. Please email info@SakonnetArts.org if you'd like to share in this experience.

Westport’s “The Stone Man” contributes hardscaping skills to WRG’s “Rockery.”

Ron Demers of American Stoneworks knows how to build a stone wall. The burly stoner carver and “wall smith” donated part of his time to reconstruct a rock wall that will become the center-piece of the Westport River Gardeners’ new “Rockery” on Hixbridge Road. More.

Political season underway for Westport ROMEOs.

Westport’s “retired older men eating out” gather at White’s of Westport to talk politics and put candidates’ feet to the fire. They are never at a loss for an opinion. Candidate season is open!

Earl Sholley, running for Barney Frank’s senate seat, was a speaker last month at a ROMEOs’ lunch.

Westport selectman Paul Schmid, running for the eighth Bristol District seat being vacated by current state representative Mike Rodrigues, was the ROMEOs’ guest on May 13. Schmidt, who as a Westport producer of grass-fed Black Angus beef can handle the “bull” with the best of them, gave the ROMEOs a run for their money! More.

A race to the finish.

Barr General Contractors sprints to the finish line as Westport’s Hix Bridge fire station nears completion. Ahead of schedule and below budget Fire Chief Legendre says. Contractors’ trailers hauled out. Read more with photos.

The pouring of the apparatus bay’s concrete floor was the station’s “faux topping off ceremony” as this last major piece of work is finally completed. Finishing touches are underway.

Plants ’R Us!

Local residents wait patiently each year for the Westport River Gardeners’ annual Garden Fair, and they are never disappointed. This year’s fair was one for the books says WRG member Marianne Naedele (bottom photo) as record sales of plants and mulch give the Westport club a much needed boost to their community projects (such as the “Rockery” at the new fire station.) Read more.

Westport in brief – May 9, 2010

All day rockin’ at Lees Market!

05/08/2010 - These lady rockers were hitting the high notes as their glass jars filled with cash from generous shoppers supporting the rockers’ scholarship program.

The Westport Women’s Club 10th annual Rock-a-Thon ran all day at Lees Supermarket and was “very busy with lots of donations,” Lois Spirlet said.

Rocker Wilma Woodruff reported the Club granted eight $500 scholarships last year, and were hopeful for the same this time around. More.

“Scottish” Scott Anderson wins WFA’s Run for the Water 8K road. Westport woman takes top female honors; third overall.

05/08/2010 - Scott Anderson of New Bedford, plagued by a series of second place finishes in this perennial event, jumped out front and increased that lead to a whopping 2 minutes 42 seconds over second place finisher David Constantine (29:52) from Woonsocket.

Westport’s Mary Cass took top female honors and third overall (31:31) in a race that passed through the National Seashore along a shoreline accented by heavy mist and fog so typical of a cool spring morning in this picturesque coastal community.

Although not a record-setting pace (27:10), Anderson was happy with his win and said “It was difficult to mentally challenge yourself without another runner pushing you for the lead.”

Anderson’s wife, Christine, at 32:05 was the women’s second place finisher with a time of 32:05. Read more with photos.

Westport in brief – May 2, 2010

Mouse Mill Road gets a facelift after recent washout.

The Westport Highway Department did an impressive job of installing not only a new concrete culvert pipe but also rebuilding the walls and roadway of the historic site next to the now-empty Mouse Mill Pond. The dam, broken through by federal officials in the early 1950s, once powered a grain mill (corn) like so many others in Westport that fueled the potent economic growth experienced at the Head of Westport. Click on photos to enlarge.

Mouse Mill Dam

March 30, 2010 April 27, 2010

Mouse Mill Road

March 30, 2010 April 27, 2010

Chris Gonsalves, the Highway Department’s new foreman, said it took all of the past four weeks to do the job. Funding for the project was paid for by the town, but will be reimbursed by FEMA’s disaster recovery program.

Pouring the way at the new fire station.

04/28/2010 - The weather broke just long enough for Jerry, John and Adilson of Turner Brothers, LLC concrete contractors to pour, level, screed (see below) and broom finish the sidewalk to the east of the fire house’s main entrance.

Westport in brief – April 25, 2010

Artists pursue pet perfection in WAG’s Fur & Feathers show.

04/26/2010 - Pets were the heart of many artists’ submissions in last weekend’s open juried show put on by the Westport Art Group.

But man’s best friend took the spotlight and top honors as Sue Prideaux’s “Don’t Forget Me” won first prize. In a sentimental favorite, “Smell the Flowers” by Mary Lou Murphy was selected as Most Expressive Animal Painting.

Fine-feathered friends of all varieties were well represented with Margaret-Ann Rice’s “Tale of the Tail” awarded 2nd prize. Read more with photos.

Worsley wins Laubi 5k; Mathews takes second overall and is top female finisher.

04/25/2010 - Eric Worsley won the Devin Laubi 5K road race and walk, setting a blistering pace of 17:20, a full minute and two seconds ahead of the second place finisher, Joanne Mathews, who beat her last year’s winning time by 23 seconds, finishing at 18:22. These record-setting runs were logged in despite the morning’s persistent rain and 46 degree temperatures. Read more with photos tonight.

Learning about the birds and the bees, and pollination!

04/24/2010 - Ecologist Russ Hopping of The Trustees of Reservations explains the concept of a ‘bee nesting box’ to Hank Riley of New Bedford at the recent Native Pollinator Workshop at Westport Town Farm. What you don’t know about honey bees may surprise you! Read more and view photos.

A sign of the times.

04/22/2010 - Jay Tripp, Chairman of The Westport Agricultural Commission, would like to extend his sincere thanks to all those who helped purchase and install their right to farm signs.

These new signs are located on every town road leading into Westport to help visitors and residents alike remember Westport’s right to farm bylaw.

Tripp especially wants to thank Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, the Westport Board of Selectmen, and the police and highway departments.

“We appreciate their support for the future of agriculture in our town,” Tripp said.

Click here to read the Right to Farm By-Law.

Westport in brief – April 18, 2010

Westport Vignettes

Left: NStar electric workers have their heads in the clouds as they replace a utility pole on Main Road.

Below left: Kenny Boyer (left) and friend renovate a late 1800’s dairy barn at the Hopkinson Farm on Old County Road.

Below right: the Welcome to Westport sign on Hix Bridge Road is dressed to-the-nines in daffodils, and sports a new sign proclaiming Westport is a Right to Farm Community. The new signs are located on every town road leading into Westport to help visitors and residents alike remember Westport’s right to farm bylaw.

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Sound men at work.

Dana (left) and Derek of Com-Tronics Wireless Communications of Quincy install the public address system and radio communications at Westport’s newest fire station on Hix Bridge Road.

Born of heavy rain, and after surviving the worst rainfall on record this April, the new building’s interior moves quickly towards completion as floors are tiled, bathroom fixtures are installed, and the interior decorating with floor stands and fixtures is almost complete.

COA thanks Curves!

The Westport Council on Aging would like to thank Curves of North Dartmouth for the generous donation of food they gave to the

COA’s food pantry. More.

Just Beer sent a check for $3200 to Operation Warlords Homecoming!

When Harry Smith and Bill Russell (brewers of Westport's tiny Just Beer brand) brewed Semper Ri, they did it wanting to help 2nd Lt Josh Bruins and his men of the 2/2 USMC. More.

Coffee, Tea and Conversation with the Women's Fund.

On April 28th at 3 p.m. the Women's Fund at the Community Foundation invites you for coffee, tea and conversation at Partner's Village Store, 865 Main Road, Westport, MA. More.

Look at Lees Market now!

A new look is coming to the Lees’ produce department and country kitchen! Pardon their appearance while over the next few months, they will be making renovations throughout their store. More.

Recycling day is April 24.

WRWA is hosting the 4th Annual Computer and Electronics Recycling day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind Westport Town Hall, so start gathering up all of your batteries, lightbulbs, computers, and electronics. The event was a big success last year with 298 items recycled totaling 9,487 pounds of electronics containing lead, mercury, battery acids, plastics, and other pollutants. Complete Recycling Solutions from Fall River will return this year to help rid you of unwanted technology at special discounted rates.

Televisions under 27” are $20 each; televisions over 27” are $30 each; microwaves and smoke detectors are $10 each; lead-acid/gel cell batteries, Nickel batteries, lithium batteries, and lighting ballasts are $4 each; Alkaline batteries are $1 each; mercury devices, hard drive destruction, and computers/fax machines/ printers are $5 each; computer monitors are $10 each; air conditioners are $25 each; specialty UV fluorescent lamps are $2 each; Mercury Vapor lamps are $1 each; and U-tube, Circline fluorescents, and straight fluorescents are $0.50 each.

Please note: cash and checks only, no credit/debit cards will be accepted.

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They will load all of the items into their trucks and then dispose of them properly and responsibly.

Click here for a pdf with a list of what will be accepted and the cost for recycling items. For more info please visit: www.westportwatershed.org

Click here to read about last year’s recycling effort with photos.

Westport under Water – 1954

“The worst natural disaster in the state’s history,” according to recent statements made by Governor Deval Patrick’s office referring to Bristol County’s recent flooding. But lest we forget, Hurricane Carol of 1954 produced flooding on a scale not seen before or since; not to mention many deaths and property destruction only second to that of the ’38 Hurricane which changed Westport’s shoreline forever.

Lower summertime levels of the Watuppa Ponds in 1954 prevented them from causing the wreckage of homes and properties seen in last week’s flooding, a disaster of great proportions to those affected by the record spring rainfall.

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Left: Head of Westport under three feet of water. Right: Dramatic rescue at sea while Laura’s restaurant (at the Point) is seen in the background floating away! Photos of ’54 hurricane.

2 ½ override defeated in a landslide vote.

Spirlet rides the wave of a national referendum on fiscal conservatism to an overpowering victory in selectman’s race.

Richard Spirlet is sworn in by town clerk Marlene Samson Tuesday night as Westport’s newest selectman, replacing Gary Mauk who decided not to seek re-election.

Spirlet won by more than a 3 to 2 margin as Westport voters, following in the wake of Scott Brown’s stunning victory last January, created a tsunami of support for the former New Bedford police captain turned novice politician. Read more.

Westport in brief - Sunday, April 11, 2010

Spirlet at the ROMEOs

Thursday, April 8 - Candidate for selectman Richard Spirlet was the ROMEOs guest Thursday at Whites of Westport. The former New Bedford police captain faced some tough questions from an even tougher crowd.

Click here to read more with photos.

April 1st ends with a beautiful sunset, heralding the beginning of the 2010 boating season.

The slips and moorings are still empty at the Westport Yacht Club and F.L. Tripps, but not for long as Harbormaster Richie Earle officially opened the 2010 boating season on the Westport River.

Ocean-bound boaters will now have an easier time navigating the harbor entrance as the Coast Guard has changed the course of the sometimes treacherous channel to the east of Half Mile Rock.

The Harbormaster’s office has mailed out the 2010 private mooring fee schedule and registration forms, and encourages all boaters to submit their river tax forms with payment on time at either the Harbormaster’s office or at the Town Hall. Mail all payments to: Westport Harbormaster’s Office, 2036 Main Road, Westport Point, 02791. Call (508) 636-1105 for more information.

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Meet the candidates.

Upcoming Selectman's race is all about Prop 2 1/2 override.

Question 1 in the upcoming April 13 annual election to override Proposition 2 1/2 was the central issue of a contentious exchange between proponents and opponents of the ballot question at the recent Candidates' Night at the Westport High School.

Westport residents will get another chance to question the candidates April 7 at the Westport Senior Center.

In a race where there are 13 uncontested seats, only the race to fill the spot being vacated by current selectman Gary Mauk, who decided not to run, is providing a modicum of interest as evidenced by less than 50 voters who showed up in the high school auditorium.

Click here to meet the candidates.

Jobless aid available for Westport storm victims.

04/07/2010 - At Monday’s selectmen’s meeting, Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director Brian Legendre summarized recent flooding conditions and the town’s response to a roomful of storm victims, some still without power and utilities. Although the atmosphere was calm, residents still expressed concern and exacted answers.

The rain may have stopped but the storm of controversy is far from over; North and South Watuppa Ponds are still at flood levels.

“I can’t get an oil delivery to my house,” said one Adirondack Lane resident.

Governor Patrick Deval said Tuesday that people in Bristol County who were made permanently or temporarily thrown out of work by the storm can apply for disaster unemployment assistance.

The deadline to apply is May 3. Read more.

Westport home damaged by flooding? Get FEMA involved now. More.

In the spotlight, Proposition 2 ½ becomes the issue in April 13th election.

The Westport Council of Aging hosted a candidates’ forum for seniors Wednesday.

Area residents and seniors had another opportunity to learn more about the candidates. But they came to voice their concerns about the proposed proposition 2 ½ override.

In an annual election with 13 unopposed candidates, there were few voter incentives to get out to the ballot box. But the turnout of seniors at the Council of Aging proved that theory wrong. Read more.

Area churches conduct Easter sunrise services.

04/04/2010 - Parishioners of the United Congregational Church and Westport Point United Methodist Church, enshrouded in the early morning seaside mist, participated in an Easter sunrise service on Gooseberry Island. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the central doctrine of Christianity, suggesting Easter the holiest of Christian holidays. On the other side of East Beach worshippers from the Lighthouse Assembly of God and Pacific Union Congregational Church, warmed by a small bonfire, also joined together to celebrate the rebirth of Christ. +enlarge

Transmitter-equipped Osprey returns to Westport.

David Cole of Westport Point reports that as of 9:15 a.m. on March 26, Hudson the Osprey is sitting on his perch devouring a fish. Hudson’s transmitter and antenna are clearly visible on his back. Read more and view photos.

Westport ROMEOs buy three keys in support of Keyboards for Kids.

This august men’s group that meets each week for lunch and good conversation presented Lucille Chase of the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus with $300 to assist the singing group in equipping the Westport and Tiverton Middle Schools with grand pianos.

Click here to read more about the project.

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“Part of the fundraising/piano project is about 20 students from both Tiverton and Westport Middle Schools who will be singing with us for the two concerts,” Chase said. “We've already sold many keys, and we’re almost there. I want to give my thanks to the ROMEOs for their generosity.”

The donation was made at the ROMEOs weekly meeting April 1st.

Local Westport safety officials praised; National Guard slammed.

04/02/2010 - A hastily arranged FEMA meeting by State Rep. Rodrigues at UMass Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center had FEMA, state and local officials declaring their commitment to displaced homeowners.

“The quickest and most efficient way to let us know you have an issue is to call us now,” FEMA Deputy Director Fred Vanderschmidt told over two hundred area residents who gathered to voice their concerns and fears. “Let us start to help you. If you can’t call, go online. Our first concern is to get you warm, safe and dry,” Vanderschmidt said.

Area residents and local safety officials slammed the National Guard for a lack of preparedness and minimal assistance, despite 15 guardsmen and six vehicles on-site in Westport.

The Westport Fire Department was great said one resident whose house was condemned. “But the guardsmen had no boots, few sandbags, and watched us struggle to save our house.”

“The Guard was pulled out after three hours and redeployed to Freetown where they were apparently needed,” said Westport Fire Chief Legendre.

Click here to read more and view photos.

Westport under water!

04-01-2010 - Westport weathers the most rainfall since the keeping of records began, and the worst flooding in almost 60 years. Adamsville Pond swamped the area as dam was breached; Forge Pond dam threatened to collapse. Mouse Mill Road washed out by raging torrent.

On-alert town fire, police and highway departments scrambled to shore up dam and reroute traffic on flooded roadways. Route 6 was under water. South Watuppa Pond was five feet above normal levels. Senior Center was on alert for possible housing of flood evacuees.

“Whether we see something like this again in the next 50 years, we don’t know, but people are living through history,” said Walter Drag, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Taunton. Read more with amazing photos!

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Southend fire house dashes towards the finish line.

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Interior work now underway includes plumbing bathroom fixtures; finish painting, hanging ceiling grids and connecting electrical, communications and HVAC lines; completing ceiling work in the apparatus bay; and connecting the coaxial cable to the communications tower. Heavy rains continue to hamper outside landscaping.

Westport in brief - Saturday, March 27, 2010

April 13th ballot has two contested races and one ballot question.

The two Selectman candidates vying to fill a seat being vacated by selectman Gary Mauk are not riding the political fence.

Elizabeth A. Collins, a 67 year-old retired registered nurse, and same-aged Richard M. Spirlet, a retired New Bedford police captain, stand on opposite sides of two major issues facing Westport voters: a Proposition 2 ½ override of $1.5 million to fund public schools and other town departments, and a local option tax on restaurant meals and hotel rooms that was previously defeated at town meeting. Click here to read candidate letters and visit their websites.

The ballot question has far-reaching implications for Westport. In fiscally troubled times, the state is further reducing town aid, and real estate values have not stabilized.

The only other contested seat among 15 on the ballot is the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds with Ronald C. Costa squaring off against Charles W. Nichols III. Read more.

Liz Collins speaks of politics and public service.

Selectman candidate Elizabeth Collins dropped by Whites on Thursday as guest speaker for a group known to ask the tough questions – the ROMEOs (Retired Older Men Eating Out).

The ROMEOs lived up to their reputation, and Collins up to hers as a woman of resolution and fair-mindedness.

“I’m a public service advocate,” said the retired, long-term caregiver. “I’m not a politician.” Read more about her perspective for Westport.

Westport in Brief - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Local funeral home to offer drive in service?

No, not yet. But last Thursday an automobile with the driver and his dog paid a visit to Potter’s Funeral Home on Reed Road in an unannounced and most unexpected way.

Photo/Brian Legendre

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“We thought a bomb went off,” said a Potter’s employee. “We had no idea what happened.”

What did happen was a SUV idling next to the Westport Senior Center’s side entrance’s overhang suddenly went into reverse and accelerated backwards, swerving to the north and taking down two large arborvitaes and smashing through the funeral home’s south side wall. No injuries were reported. Fortunately there were no services being conducted at the time.

Daffodils usher in first day of spring.

These daffodils, the first spotted in town, are at the northwestern corner of Charlotte White Road and Route 88, and usher in the first day of spring. A welcome harbinger as Westporters shrug off the doldrums of last weekend’s wicked maelstrom of wind and rain.

Otherwise known as the "vernal equinox," spring officially comes to Westport as of 1:32 p.m. EST today.

Photo/everythingwestport.com

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The spring equinox should not be confused with a day experiencing virtually equal hours of daylight and darkness. That day has been given the unlikely title of equilux. This year, the spring equilux in Boston occurred on March 17.

Westport’s new fire station on the equilux . . .

. . . and the equinox.

Photos/everythingwestport.com

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Spring weather brings solid progress towards completion. Work started on the apparatus bay’s ceiling, dropped ceiling grids are installed in the main building, walls are painted and interior steel doors received their trim coat. Bathroom tiling is almost completed. Outside landscaping, including exterior lighting, is underway and will pick up steam as the weather improves.

Click here to view more pictures.

Westport in Brief – Sunday, March 14, 2010

Ribbon cutting at CVS on State Road.

Despite wicked, wet and windy weather, CVS’ Westport grand opening on Saturday went off without a hitch as local and state officials and CVS executives cut the ribbon on Westport’s first large retail chain outlet.

More with photos.

The store had face paintings, raffles of items like autographed Patriots shirts and lift tickets to Jiminy peak, and other fun-filled activities, including a visit by the Easter Bunny.

Thar she blows!

A major nor’easter drifted along the mid-Atlantic coast this weekend, but should edge east and out to sea, southeast of Nantucket late Monday, leaving mayhem and wreckage behind. More with photos.

The National Weather Service reported gale force winds of 25 to 30 knots with gusts up to 50. Seas of 8 to 11 feet in Rhode Island Sound produced high surf, which littered cobble stones across East Beach Road, while the wind scattered debris and branches over Westport roadways. Rain, heavy at times, encouraged minor flooding in steams and low-lying areas. Patchy fog completed the dismal weekend. Look for more of the same on Monday and Tuesday.

Fortunately, the northeast winds kept the surf in check, reducing the cobblestone mess to a manageable level that the Highway Department was able to clear easily on Sunday morning with a frontend loader.

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Tower Power!

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Brian of S & S Tower and Antenna Service from East Bridgewater works far above Westport’s new fire station attaching three 2 1/2” and three 1 7/8” coaxial cables to antennas mounted 100 feet up from the base of the standalone tower.

The town-wide radio communications system will allow, among other things, firefighters from outside a large burning structure to communicate with those inside through personal communicators attached to their lapels.

A break in the weather this week allowed workers to perform weather-sensitive jobs such as pouring outside concrete and working in the communications tower where cold and slippery rungs create dangerous conditions.

Show me the money!

Westport - A sea of energized voters stormed the Westport High School Tuesday night, and overwhelming approved transferring $141,103 from the town’s stabilization fund to cover the schools’ Fiscal Year 2010 deficit.

Representing less than a percent of the schools’ overall budget, this single issue galvanized community activists and students alike to get out Westport voters in numbers not seen at town meeting since 1992.

Town Clerk Marlene Sampson swore in three assistant moderators to handle the overflow of the 1462 registered voters in attendance; they were directed to the high school’s cafeteria, media room and gymnasium. The auditorium’s seating capacity of 840 was maxed by 7:00 p.m. Get the whole story later today with photos, only at EverythingWestport.com.

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George and Doris get some windmills.

March 10, 2010. Northeast Power of Westport erected three, 140-foot towers in about four hours at Noquochoke Orchards, making the oldest orchard in town the first to receive the newest, most-advanced wind technology.

Their “trifecta” bet that wind turbines will help solve their energy needs as they move forward will be tested shortly, and they look forward to and expect green energy to reduce their high cost of electricity. “$1700 per month for just our apple-processing shed,” bemoaned George Smith. More tonight.

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Westport in Brief – Sunday, March 7, 2010

Rodrigues is “all in.”

Surrounded by family and supporters, State Representative Michael Rodrigues announced his candidacy for the state senate seat held by long-term incumbent Joan Menard who will not be seeking re-election.

“I’m all in,” Rodrigues told the large gathering at Our Lady of Light Band, a popular conference and banquet facility in Fall River. “There’s no turning back. I’m putting my whole political life on the line for this campaign.” Read more with photos.

Will stringent state data security regulations affect your company?

Westport businesses will feel the impact of sweeping new data security regulations soon to be imposed by the Massachusetts state government.

The toughest set of laws in the nation will require companies that do business in the Commonwealth to secure all private and personal information in their possession for employees and customers.

Click here to read Attorney Mike Foley’s Legal News Alert on the new regulations. PDF

Beginning March 1, 2010 a business must bring all of its files and computers into compliance or face potential fines for each breach. State Representative Michael Rodrigues has been assisting the Fall River Chamber of Commerce in providing information to area businesses so they may prepare for the implementation of 201 CMR 17.00. www.fallriverchamber.com

Click here to read 201 CMR 17.00 PDF

Attorney Foley of Foley and Foley, PC, has lent his assistance to Chamber members by providing several practical resources and tools to help area businesses comply with the new regulations.

EverythingWestport is a star!

EverythingWestport.com is proud to be awarded Constant Contact’s All Star Award for 2009. The email marketer of newsletters and communications recently recognized EverythingWestport.com for “staying in touch with your customers or members with regular email communications” and that “your list was up to date - and that everyone on it gave you permission to send them emails.”

Constant Contact also praised the Westport website with, “You delivered engaging information that your audience was eager to receive, open, and read.”

Westport in Brief – Sunday, February 28, 2010

Keyboards for Kids

Greater Tiverton Community Chorus member Lucy Chase recently visited with Westport Middle School seventh graders Aubrey Destemps, Brendan Sasse, Samantha Silvia and Cady Arruda to promote the chorus’ Keyboards for Kids campaign. Click here to read more about the project.

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“Part of the fundraising/piano project is about 20 students from both Tiverton and Westport Middle Schools who will be singing with us for the two concerts,” Chase said. “We've already sold 88+ keys; that's 1 piano. We still need to raise dollars for another one.”

“Tiverton is ahead in this ‘race’, so we’re asking Westport residents for a little more help,” Chase said.

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night . . .

Work continues on the new southend fire house despite ubiquitous snowfall and Phil’s six-week winter forecast. See photo below.

Siding is nearing completion and painting of the interior walls is underway. Workers are now installing the framework for the apparatus bay’s ceiling. “We’re still on schedule and under budget,” affirms Project Manager Peter Koczera.

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Chief Legendre confirms project about 70% complete. More photos.

Haiti fundraiser played to a Full House!

Reminiscent of the decades-old battle of the bands genre, over 10 local musical groups organized by Michelle and Paul Nogueira of Full House fame entertained hundreds Sunday who flocked to the ballroom at White’s of Westport for an afternoon of rock, rhythm, blues, and good ol’ Samaritan outreach.

A ‘Song for Haiti’ joined many other local Haitian relief efforts in Westport; most recently a White’s-sponsored Chuckles Stand Up Comedy fundraising event that “produced $500 for Haiti as well as $1,500 for Junior Achievement,” according to Charlie Fellows of the Lafrance Hospitality Company. Read more.

The Westport Art Group Seeks Input on Children’s Programs.

Jennifer Gelinas (right) is welcomed to the Westport Art Group by Denise Zompa of WAG.

The Westport Art Group is conducting a feasibility study to determine whether the public would support and make use of a separate art studio for children. An anonymous WAG member has made a donation in gratitude to the WAG board and membership for its renewed emphasis in support of children and the arts. More.

The 17th Annual Rhode Island Flower & Garden Show now underway through Sunday, February 21!

The Rhode Island Flower Show attracts more than 30,000 attendees annually, showcasing more than 30 garden displays and 250 larger-than-life garden marketplace vendors. See demonstrations and lectures, with an emphasis on organic gardening and bring the kids for some family fun. Children under five receive free admission. For almost two decades the Flower Show has been the beacon for early Spring fun in Rhode Island.

View photo album of the 2009 show! 158 photos | Dial-up speed | Broadband/DSL speed |

“The hall’s lighting casts the surrealistic hues of a faraway, imaginary world of colors that exist only in our imagination. Alien vistas of azure blues and crimson sand landscapes. Uncommonly eerie and beautiful.” - EverythingWestport.com

Westport in Brief – Sunday, February 21, 2010

Beer drinkers raise over $1200 for Haiti relief.

02/08/2010 - The South Coast's local brewery, Just Beer, decided to donate 100% of sales of its Amber Ale beer to World Vision's efforts in post-earthquake Haiti.

Bill Russell, owner and brewer, explains that "with the SuperBowl on Sunday, we couldn't help but think this was a great way for people to serve delicious local brew and do some good at the same time." More.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Winter shadows were long in the tooth over this undisturbed field of snow on Thursday as the much-feared snow- storm failed to deliver the wallop predicted by forecasters. The over-hyped beast of a blizzard closed schools, town offices and many retailers, but merely delivered beauty in the eyes of school children and adults who got the day off.

Stew and stewardship at WFA annual meeting.

The Westport Fishermen’s Association held their annual meeting to a full house at the Westport Point United Methodist Church on February 9. They recapped a good year and promised more of the same for 2010. Fresh from their success in the life saving station renovation, the Westport group promised an ambitious schedule of education and fishery projects. More with photos.

Westport in Brief – Sunday, February 14, 2010

Six more weeks of winter it will be!

02/02/2010 - Thousands of people were gathered before dawn this morning waiting for Phil’s weather forecast when the prognosticator finally broke the sad news to the chilled crowd - six more weeks of winter it will be! Click on image below to see the video.

To the groans and cheers of the devoted multitude, the gregarious groundhog had seen his shadow!

Click here to get the complete history of Groundhog day.

Click here to visit Punxsutawney Phil’s official website.

Curbside Appeal!

02/01/2010 – MRJ employee Jeff Miranda sets a curbstone with the help of a Bobcat and co-worker Donald at the new southend fire station. Workers took advantage of sunny weather to tackle some of the outside preliminary landscaping chores.

Meanwhile, taping and mudding is finishing up interior drywall installation.

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ROMEOs host Superintendent.

Westport in Brief – Sunday, January 31, 2010

1/29/2010 – Full moon rising. Dusk heralded the first full moon of the new year, fabricating a thespian setting to a Westport seascape battered by a howling west wind and bone-chilling temperatures.

January's full moon is also called the wolf moon, according to Native American tradition associating this month's full moon with wolves howling in the cold midwinter. Click here for more w/ photos.

The howl of the Wolf Moon.

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The 2010 wolf moon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than any other full moon this year, because our celestial neighbor will actually be closer to Earth than normal.

Elderly housing gets back its mojo!

Greenwood Terrace was starting to feel her age. 35 years can do that to a building. But an $800,000 infusion of state cash and a couple of months of work brought the gleam back to the State Road senior housing complex. More.

The house of many gables gets shingled.

Anthony and Virgil of Barr Construction defend themselves against the cold as they shingle the new southend fire house.

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Troubled Waters.

Monday, January 25 - Gale force winds driven by unseasonably high January temperatures whipped up 7’ to 10’ choppy seas in Buzzards bay, pounding Westport shorelines. Southwest gusts to 50 knots drove a tidal surge up the river, flooding the Point and the Head of Westport. Heavy rain slashed through the area. Mild temperatures will continue to midweek.

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New Spirit of Christ Church now offers services at the Westport Senior Center.

Following the national movement of tens of thousands of members of the Episcopal Church, the Spirit of Christ Church will follow a more conservative path in the Anglican tradition. Click here to read more about the Anglican Church in North America.

“We held our first service on January 3rd,” said James ‘Jay’ Mumma, one of the leaders of the new church. “We have no alignments at this time; we are a free-standing entity.”

“The Reverend Pat Smith has come out of retirement to head our church. We are utilizing space provided to us by the Westport Council of Aging for our Sunday service.”

The fledgling church will also provide a Sunday morning nursery.

“Sunday worship and Sunday School are both at 10 a.m.,” Mumma said. “We generally finish our service at 11:30 a.m. and enjoy fellowship over coffee, food and beverages. Many of our members come from Dartmouth and Westport,” he added.

For more info call (401) 265-0896, or email: jamesm.mumma@comcast.com

Brown takes Westport; wins U.S. senate seat.

2/19/2010 9:30 p.m. - In a stunning upset, Massachusetts once again “fired the shot heard round the word” by electing Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the late Ted Kennedy.

AP reported at 9:20 p.m. that Martha Coakley conceded the election to Brown, who was sustaining a 6 point lead with 75% of all precincts reporting.

Left: Wearing a tri-corned hat, Mary Lou Daxland, Westport Republican Town Committee Chairwoman, was campaigning in the rain getting out the vote.

It wasn’t supposed to be that kind of election. Off-year, special elections don’t get out the vote. Dreary, wet and cold New England weather – no incentive there. The primary leading to this taken-for-granted senatorial race was just 12.8% of registered Westport voters. Typical, overlooked, ho-hum.

Big turnout in Westport.

But the political winds of change are blowing.

Unofficial Westport results mirrored those of the state with Brown winning 52.15% of the total 6142 cast in the five precincts. Only Precinct A voted for Coakley by one vote.

53.54% of Westport’s 11,471 registered voters turned out; excellent numbers for a special, off-year election.

Brown ran a well-orchestrated and vigorous campaign, preaching a national referendum on healthcare reform, an increasingly unpopular piece of legislation with Massachusetts voters.

Joseph L. Kennedy, a member of the Libertarian Party and no relation to the Kennedy family, received 77 Westport votes.

Massachusetts hasn’t elected a republican senator since Edward Brooke III who won his first bid for re-election, but lost in 1978 to Paul Tsongas. Senator Brooke was only the third African-American ever to sit in the U.S. Senate and the first to get there by winning a popular vote.

Click here to get a precinct by precinct breakdown.

Westport in Brief – Sunday, January 17, 2010

Art among Friends.

A visitor is studying Heide Hallemeier’s watercolor, Trumpet Solo, at the recent open house in the Tiverton Town Hall. This exhibition is anything but typical. Almost 40 area artisans displayed powerful works of art. The display runs through February 24. More.

Spent surfer swept out to sea.

1/18/2010 - A 39-year-old Brocton man, overcome by exhaustion and an out-going tide, was swept out to sea late Monday morning, and had to be rescued by a joint effort between the Westport Fire Department and the Harbormaster’s office.

“I guess he had the day off and wanted to take advantage of the heavy surf,” Westport Harbormaster Richie Earle said. “He was surfing alone, which is never a good idea.”

Click here to read more about the early afternoon Martin Luther King Jr. day rescue. More.

A snowy hike in Westport.

1/17/2010 - The Westport Land Conservation Trust kicked off their winter walk series with a ramble through the recently expanded Herb Hadfield conservation property. WLCT Director Peggy Stevens announced this past December the addition of 53 acres to the existing 50 acre Hadfield parcel, bringing total acreage to 103 acres. More.

Click here to view Land Trusts new Winter Spring 2010 event schedule.

Westport Free Public Library had their Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, January 16 with a large crowd of local residents, dignitaries and officials in attendance. The library celebrated their recent expansion and building renovations on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. The Trustees and building committee members were on hand for the official ribbon cutting. Click here to read more and view photos.

Right: Library Director Susan Branco.

Fire station makes the grade with a new septic system.

“Outside shingling is well underway” says Owner’s Project Manager Peter Koczera. Despite the bone-chilling cold the crews are hard at work installing sheetrock, electrical, plumbing and VAC systems. Barr General Contractors are very confident of meeting their June completion date. Exterior work is clipping right along. More.

Adaskin String Trio delivers premier performance.

The Adaskin String Trio was impressive at their recent CAP concert. Their intensity was complimented by the delightful Sally Pinkas’ skillful piano playing. Above: Warming up for their performance at the Westport Point United Methodist Church were from the left: Steve Larson, viola; Emlyn Ngai, violin; Sally Pinkas; and Mark Fraser, cello.

Concert pianist, Frederick Moyer, will appear on Sunday, March 7, 2010 as Concert at the Point winds down its 2009/2010 season. More.

Pass the salted sand please!

Gregory Nowell of Westport Point gives a “thumbs up” as he fills his bucket with the free sand and salt mixture offered at the Westport Transfer Station. Extreme weather this winter has given everybody a headache with icy driveways and walkways! Read how to get your free sand.

Click on image to enlarge photo.

2009 Westport Woman of the Year

For some 30 years, Geraldine Millham volunteered countless hours of her time to protect a 40-acre farm that was once home to Westport's poor.

Millham, a Historical Commission member, oversaw the farm's maintenance and advocated for its long-term preservation. She was motivated by a love of historic buildings.

"I'm fascinated by structures that previous generations have built," said Millham, 62. "You go into an old building, and there are always decisions that somebody made for reasons, and it is very interesting to contemplate those decisions.” More.

Child Identification Program sponsored by the Westport Police Explorer Program and Noquochoke Masonic Lodge.

The Westport Police Explorer Post will be sponsoring a Masonic CHIP Event (Child Identification Program) at Westport High School this Saturday, January 16. According to Deputy Chief John Gifford, “the event will run from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The parents or guardians of those processed will be presented a brief videotape, a set of fingerprints, a Toothprints^TM bite impression and a DNA swab, free of charge.” More.

Funky White turns 30 and throws a party.

It seems the Back Eddy is the place to be around New Years. The fashionable Funky White Honkies jammed the Back Eddy Saturday night and rocked the place down. This laid-back band has been a real sleeper for a long time. Read more tonight.

Lucky Leo gets a lifeline.

Quick-acting firefighters save Leo from certain death.

Westport - Fern Lavoie of 179 Roberts Street was getting his Saturday morning paper when he heard a dog barking out on Sawdy Pond. Using binoculars grabbed from his house he recognized the head of a dog that had fallen through the ice. Lavoie called 911 who quickly turned the call around to the Westport Fire Department. The WFD Emergency Rescue Vehicle was dispatched to Sawdy Pond a little after 8:35 a.m. Above: A tearful Katelyn Savoie, 18, reuniting with Leo at Acoaxet Veterinary Clinic. Read more with photos.

Photo/EverythingWestport.com

A frightfully fine day for a run!

Little Compton - The weather outside was frightful, but that didn’t stop Eric Lonegan (left) of North Kingston from setting a blistering pace of 26:51, five seconds shy of 3 minutes ahead of the field, to win the 2010 Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race. Lonegan was 1:46 off last year’s record-breaking run of 25:06 by Bronson Venable.

Anne Kugler (right) of Providence shook off South Kingston’s Claire Gadrow to capture the Women’s title at 30:49, twenty seconds better than last year’s winner Christine Anderson. This was Kugler’s first attempt at the annual Little Compton event. More.

Plunging into the New Year!

The 11th annual Back Eddy Polar Bear Plunge and the long-running Westport Penguin Plunge kick off the New Year in style if not in substance. While most New Years’ revelers were sleeping off their celebration, these polar bears and penguins were starting theirs. Read more and view photos.

2009 in review.

100 photos of our best moments and cultural highlights (and lowlights). Click here to view them.

Second-time around!

The second-time around may be the charm for Lees Supermarket as they prepare to launch a Blockbuster Express DVD rental kiosk sometime in January of 2010.

Following the success of the Redbox kiosks in other chain supermarket operations, most notably Big Y, the Blockbuster kiosk should fill the local void created by the departure of Village Video this last October.

The Blockbuster Express kiosk rents DVDs for the same $1 a night price as Redbox machines.

A few years back Lees tried a full in-store video operation when they picked up the tape and DVD inventory from Jake Rodrigues after he closed The Big Picture at the beginning of the new millennia. Lees shut it down after a year and gave the inventory to Village Pizza’s Tony Ferreira.

Click here to read more.

Trimming the trim at the new fire station.

Shawn cuts and assembles the Azek trim as work progresses on Westport’s new southend fire station.

“We buttoned up the facility just in time,” said Owner’s Manager Peter Koczera. “It allowed us to use gas heaters to continue working on internal construction and system implementation.”

“It’s cold but the guys are working.”

With any luck, weather-wise, outside shingling will start in January. Read more with photos.

Click here to view more photos.

If quitting smoking is your New Year’s Resolution, then you’re at the top of the list. But keeping that promise is not always easy.

Below is the list of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2010:

1. Stop smoking

2. Get fit

3. Lose weight

4. Enjoy life more

5. Quit drinking

6. Get organized

7. Learn something new

8. Get out of debt

9. Spend more time with the family

10. Help others

Only 18% of all U.S. residents who make resolutions (48%) actually keep them. Stay your resolve! Read Marist College Institute Poll

Saving a Lifesaving Station.

In a ceremonial display of pride and accomplishment, Westport Fishermen’s Association members formally dedicated and opened to the public the fully renovated Lifesaving Station No. 69 and next-door museum on December 12, 2009 in a 2:00 p.m. observance that drew a standing-room only crowd.

However, the lesser-known story of how the historic building was originally shielded from the wrecking ball is somewhat more fascinating than the process of its resurrection.

Former Westport resident Mary Schmidt unearthed a treasure.

Read more and view photos of the restoration.

Village Bicycle shutters it doors.

In a devastating loss to Central Village and our entire community, Village Bicycle has decided to cease operations as of Christmas Eve. This community-oriented business had served Westport for many years and gave much of itself in assisting local charities. Most notably was its sponsorship of the annual Bike Challenge in concert with Citizens-Union Savings Bank to raise money for Saint Anne’s Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center.

“Thank you for the many years of business,” said store owner Jim Lebelle. “Due to the tough economy we have had to go out of business. Our mechanic John will be opening his own repair shop soon so he will contact you if you had a free tune up and make sure you know where his store is for future service. We wish you happy and safe holidays! Thank you for many great years of business!”

The high-end bicycle shop was known for carrying advanced nutritional items and providing dietary education, services not usually found at an independent retailer. Store owner Jim Lebelle and his professional staff will be missed. Read more.

Westport ROMEOs get a history lesson.

Westport Historical Society Director Jenny O’Neill spoke November 19 on early Westport history at a luncheon hosted by the Westport ROMEOs. The accomplished director brought with her a recently acquired and very rare early 1700s survey map of Westport land grants.

“Benjamin Crane was asked in the early 1700s to survey the original ‘old comers’ land parcels because of complaints that favoritism and cronyism may have skewed the original boundaries of the 800 acre plots,” O’Neill said.

The map became known as the Crane Survey, and is the first known, accurate map of early Westport. Read more and view photos.

ROMEOs review rare Survey map with Ms O’Neill.

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