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Thursday, March
28, 2024
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Thursday, March 28, 2024 – Westport Historical Society releases new Heritage Map
What’s on the
Westport Heritage Map and where can you get a copy?
The Westport Heritage
Map features 22 sites of historical significance to the town, ranging from
the Paul Cuffe Memorial to Lees Market.
Launched by the Westport
Historical Society, the map is free, and you can pick up a copy at the
Westport Free Public Library (408 Old County Rd.) or Partners Village Store
(865 Main Rd.).
The map includes
Westport’s historic shorelines, as well as walking trails and
conservation areas.
How
does the Westport Heritage Map work?
The map identifies the
distinct communities that make up the town, like Westport Point, the Head
of Westport, and Westport Factory, to name a few.
QR codes included in the
map link to in-depth information about each location on there, so you can
take a deep dive into the history behind each spot.
“Westport is a
special town with so much to offer but it’s not always easy to know
where to look or how to learn more,” Westport Historical Society
Executive Director Jenny O’Neill said in a press release. “I
hope the map will serve as a ‘bridge’ to discover more about
Westport.”
The brochure features a
map dating from 1831, and even almost 200 years later, the roads, layout,
and settlement patterns are still recognizable, the release said.
“That’s a
remarkable testament to preservation efforts within the community,”
O’Neill said.
Thursday,
March 28 - Westport
Route 6 Sewer and Water Project construction photo of pipes (Project
Overview)
Click here for a map of the Route 6 sewer
trunkline.
This project will
construct the trunkline of Westport's future sewer system, running along
Route 6 from Fall River to Dartmouth. Four pump stations will also be
installed to lift sewerage to Fall River for water treatment. The existing
water line from Fall River to the Westport Housing Authority.
The 2016 Westport Master
Plan highlights the absence of sewer infrastructure along Route 6 as a
barrier to economic development, underscoring the need for its expansion.
The 2020 Integrated Water Resource Management Plan prioritizes this sewer
expansion to enhance water quality and align with the town's sustainability
goals.
Stakeholder engagement
and public participation were integral, ensuring community perspectives
shaped these initiatives. Recognized in these reports, the project not only
supports economic development by attracting businesses and creating job
opportunities but also addresses public health concerns by bringing clean
drinking water to the greater Route 6 area. Pollution to the Westport River
from septic systems is also addressed by collecting sewer and sending it to
a treatment facility in Fall River for treatment and disposal.
The infrastructure
improvements on Route 6 serve as a comprehensive solution, fostering
economic growth, environmental sustainability, public health, and the
overall well-being of the Westport community.
Thursday, March 28 - Obituary
EverythingWestport
wishes to note the passing of Jeannette A. (Jeffrey)
Motta, 95, of Westport, who peacefully
passed away at home on Thursday, March 21, 2024, with her loving family by
her side. She was the wife of the late Frank C. Motta.
Mrs. Motta was born in Westport and
raised in the Fall River area until she was married in 1950. She was the
daughter of the late Wilfred J. and Mary Jane (Johnson) Jeffrey and had
resided in Westport for over 60 years.
Born during the Great Depression,
she was the oldest of seven and went to work at a young age. She met her
husband at Lincoln Park Ballroom in Westport, a popular spot for Swing and
Big Band dancing in the late 40's. He came from New Bedford and she from
Fall River. She would say they met in the middle. They married and she
began raising her own family. Of her many talents which included crafting,
cake decorating, hairdressing, Girl Scouts leader and baseball mom - she
loved sewing many outfits and costumes for her daughters. She was taught
how to sew by her grandmother who was a seamstress to clientele in the
Dartmouth area in the 1930's. She learned many things from her widowed
grandmother, most of all, self-confidence, to never give up or give into
life's obstacles, and how to be a strong woman. She certainly was an
exemplary role model for her children and grandchildren.
She was the quintessential
grandmother, sweet, caring, funny, quick with a joke and even quicker with
a hug or some food. She could be seen caring for and taking grandkids all
around town and enjoyed countless vacations, cruises
and family gatherings. All of it was done with a smile while being
impeccably dressed and coiffured.
In her later years, she was cared
for and comforted by her primary caregivers, her daughter Patricia and her
beloved grandson Christian, along with assistance from Erin, Karen,
Margaret, Casey and Chaplain Carl among others at AccentCare.
She was cherished by her children:
Paul Motta and his wife Linda of Westport, Patricia Kent and her husband Ed
of Dartmouth and Jane Leonard and her husband John of Winthrop; brother:
Robert Jeffrey of Fall River; sister: Constance Desmarais of Fall River; 7
grandchildren: Christian Riley, Matthew Riley, Adam Riley, Lynn Motta,
Jason Motta, John Motta, and Elizabeth Yamashita; 9 great grandchildren;
along with many loving nieces and nephews. She was the beloved grandmother
of the late Jennifer Kent and sister of the late Wilfred Jeffrey, George
Jeffrey, Henry Jeffrey and Carol Leduc.
Monday,
March 25 –
Westport Annual Town Election Sample Ballot
POSTED ON: MARCH 14,
2024 - 2:15PM
Please see the attached Click here to view sample ballot. for the April 9th,
2024 Annual Town Election.
For more information on
the Ballot Question and Route 6 Water and Sewer see: Infrastructure
Oversight Committee
For general election and
voter information see: Elections and Voter Information
Monday,
March 25 –
Free event by Friends of the Westport Library and Westport Free Public
Library
Open to the public
· anyone on or off Facebook.
Their friends at Mad Science of Southern
Mass and RI return to Westport to
share experiments illustrating Sir Isaac Newton’s three laws of
motion. Science experiments spark children’s curiosity providing them
with safe, fun and educational activities that can
be done at home. This dynamic program includes audience participation for
ages 5-12 and adults. This is a free event sponsored by the Friends of
Westport Library. No reservations necessary.
Saturday,
April 20th 11:00 a.m.
Click on the link for
more information.
Monday,
March 25 –
Letter: Vote ‘YES’ for sewer and water — here’s why we need them now!
On Tuesday, April 9,
voters will consider approving a project to extend a sewer and water trunkline along Route 6
from Fall River to Dartmouth. For decades voters have been unconvinced of
the need to bring water and sewer services to the north end of town, and we
have done little more than bring water service to 160 homes and businesses
along the western portion of Route 6. What has changed to cause us to
reconsider this project? In short, a growing number of well failures,
expensive septic repairs, and now, new regulations and federal lawsuits.
Westport has no sewers.
All our wastewater is handled by septic systems which, to a varying degree,
process the waste on site, just above the water table. These systems work
sufficiently when they are spread out over large lots with significant
distances between septic fields and nearby wells. This is not the case in
densely populated areas, and this is why we have a growing number of
unhealthy wells in north Westport. Many of our properties have very old
systems (cesspools) which do not meet even the soon to be outdated Title V
regulations. Replacing these systems will cost homeowners $25,000 to
$50,000, and that assumes they have enough room on their lots.
R.
Michael Sullivan, Westport
Sullivan is president of
the Westport River Watershed Alliance, and formerly a member and chairman
of the Select Board
Click here for full letter
Monday, March 25
- Letter to the Editor
stresses the need for water/sewer on Route 6 - A 'YES' on Route 6 vote will improve my
family's life.
I am a 30-year resident
of East Briggs Road in Westport, where I raised my two children, and where
my husband and I plan to retire. Our home is on a parcel of five lots
which, when added together, do not meet the current zoning bylaws. Many of
our surrounding neighbors have only one small lot, and most of us have
cesspools. We have not been able to drink the water
from our well due to nitrate contamination for over 10 years.
Raising two children
with two working parents was challenging with only one bathroom. We would
dearly love to be able to add a second bathroom. Replacing our cesspool
with a denitrifying system would be terribly expensive, and on the eve of
our retirement, an expense we cannot afford. If we can tie into a water and
sewer system, it will greatly improve both our home environment, provide
clean drinking water, and avoid the costs of replacing our cesspool with a
septic system. Lastly, it will alleviate the stress we experienced when we
heard about the DEP proposals for the South Coast.
I urge residents to vote
YES on the ballot question and remind them that improvements to the North
End residents will eventually also improve the Westport River, an asset
that we all use and treasure.
Gail
Rodrigues, Westport MA
Rodrigues is a member of
the Westport Bike/Walking Path Committee.
Monday, March 25 - Westport Grange to talk
about climate change
Members of
Westport’s agricultural community will meet next Wednesday, March
27th at 6 p.m. at the Westport Grange, 931 Main Road, to learn a bit more
about climate change and how it could continue to impact Westport in the
coming years.
On the agenda for the 6
p.m. meeting is the Westport Climate Resilience Committee’s interim
agriculture report. It’s one of six sub-topics being addressed by the
committee, which was formed two years ago to study climate resilience and
how it pertains to Westport’s agriculture, health, water,
infrastructure and safety, engagement and fund-raising, and historical
structures.
The Wednesday, March 27
grange meeting is free and open to all. It starts at 6 p.m.
Sunday,
March 24 - FDA
Settles Ivermectin Case, Agrees
to Remove Controversial ‘Stop It’ Post.
Doctors score win,
forcing FDA to remove controversial statements about ivermectin.
Click
here to read full report . . . . .
Sunday,
March 24 - Spring Electronics Recycle
Electronics Recycling collection day is rapidly coming
up at the Town Hall parking area!
Time & Location - April
27, 2024, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
816 Main Road, Westport,
MA
About the event
WRWA will host the very
popular Electronics
Recycling collection day at the Town Hall parking lot at 816 Main Road
in Westport. We are pleased to once again partner with Indie Cycle to
provide this service to the community. Indie Cycle accepts most electronic
materials at no charge, with the exceptions listed below.
Items
Accepted at No Charge: Computers,
laptops, PDA’s, cell phones, mice, keyboards, toner cartridges,
CD/DVD players, radios, network equipment, wires, stereos, speakers,
telephones, microwaves, small household appliances. Anything with a wire!
Saturday, March 23 - Massachusetts
spending $75 million a month on shelters, cash could run out in April without infusion.
House and Senate racing toward new shelter spending
plan as clock ticks. More . . . .
Saturday, March 23
- EverythingWestport is sad to announce the passing of Nancy E. (Tripp)
Bertoncini, 73, of Westport, who passed
away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at home. She was
the wife of the late Louis Bertoncini and longtime companion of Thomas
Pereira of Westport.
Mrs. Bertoncini was born
in Rice Lake, WI daughter of the late Norris E.
and Roberta A. (Wekkin) Tripp and had been a
longtime resident of Westport. She was a member of the American Legion
Women's Auxiliary, Post #228 in Somerset.
Survivors include her 2
sons: Jeffrey Bertoncini and his fiancée Kara Landry of Fall River
and Brian Bertoncini of Westport; longtime companion: Thomas Pereira of
Westport; and 3 great grandchildren: Elijah Hadsell, Timothy Hadsell and Jackson Francis.
She was the grandmother
of the late Kayla Bertoncini and sister of the late Ronald and Randy Tripp.
She enjoyed being with her friends and family.
She was a very generous
loving person who was always there to help her friends and family. She
loved to travel and enjoyed the beach.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are
invited will be Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the
Potter Funeral Home at 10 A.M.
Calling hours Wednesday from 4-6 P.M.
Interment in Beech Grove
Cemetery, Westport.
In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made to SStar at www.sstar.org
Friday,
March 5 - Rebecca Janes Obituary
It is always difficult
saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say
goodbye to their beloved Rebecca Janes of Westport, Massachusetts, born in
Arlington, Virginia, who passed away on March 5, 2024. Leave a sympathy
message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Rebecca
Janes to show support.
She was loved and
cherished by many people including: her parents, Henry Janes and Annabelle
Janes (Williams); her husband Michael Simcock; her children, Marion Moniz
(Nicholas) of Somerset and Morgan Hobart (Gin Diehl) of Santa Fe; her
grandsons, Wyatt Hobart-Diehl and Wesley
Hobart-Diehl; and her siblings, Sue Ellen Shay (Michael) of Pennsylvania
and Ray Janes of Maine. She was also cherished by many nieces and nephews.
A reception was held on
Sunday, March 17th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Somerset Chapel (84
County St, Somerset, MA 02726).
In lieu of flowers,
kindly consider a donation in Rebecca's memory to The Potter League, the
shelter where she found her kitties, Cleo & Bandito.
Wednesday,
March 20 - Joseph
A. Fontaine Obituary
With heavy hearts, EverythingWestport
announces the death of Joseph A. Fontaine of Westport, Massachusetts, born
in Fall River, Massachusetts, who passed away on March 9, 2024 at the age of 95. Leave a sympathy message to the
family on the memorial page of Joseph A. Fontaine to pay them a last
tribute.
He was predeceased by his
wife Cecile B. Fontaine (Bernier); his parents, Ernest Fontaine
and Lillian Fontaine (Levitre); his children, Donald A. Fontaine and Diane
Melanson (late Gregory); and his siblings, Rhea Proulx and Russel F.
Fontaine.
He is survived by his
daughters, Denise (Fontaine) and Goulart (Francis) of Raynham, MA; and his sister Joan Marques of Westport, MA. He is
also survived by nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on
Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
at the Auclair Funeral Home (690 S Main St, Fall River, MA 02721). A
funeral service was held on Friday, March 15, 2024
at 9:45 AM at the same location. A funeral Mass was held on Friday, March
15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Our Lady of Grace
Church (569 Sanford Rd, Westport, MA 02790).
PHOTO |
EverythingWestport.com ©
2024 All rights reserved
Monday,
March 11
– Flooded Head of Westport! Heavy
surf and high tides continue to surge up onto the
landings at the Head of Westport. This is becoming a monthly occurrence as
increasing high tides threaten all low-lying areas of Westport.
Should we be worried?
WESTPORT VOTES!
Wednesday, March 6 – Westport is Trump country!
Trump –
1473 Biden - 1332
Presidential
Primary results for Westport March
6, 2024
Click
Here to view ALL results . . . . . .
East Beach in the 1880’s.
Friday, February 23 – East Beach Road upcoming meeting to determine the
battered road’s future!
The town-sponsored meeting begins March 1st 10:00 a.m. at the Selectboard’s
town hall meeting.
If you are concerned, and you should be, attend
the meeting and make your feelings known about the endangered coastal road
that is an escape route to allow locals to leave the area in case the draw
bridge is knocked out of service.
Photo
| EverythingWestport © All rights reserved
East Beach Road destroyed
by Hurricane Irene! How Many hurricanes must destroy East Beach Road before
the state steps in?!?
Wednesday, February 21,
2024 - Interesting bit of Westport
history from 1971. Enjoy!
NASCAR at Daytona 2024!!!
Monday, February 19, 2024 – He who survives the almost expected “crash and
burn” on the final lap of the Daytona 500, a thrilling NASCAR event,
wins!
Daytona 500 race results: William
Byron wins ahead of teammate Alex Bowman in crash-filled finish; full leaderboard
at
Click here for full article
Tuesday, February 13 – Event Postponed!
Friday, January 26, 2024 - A revived and
expanded Water and Sewer line funding plan is headed once again to the
ballot box, town meeting
By Robert Barboza
Special to EverythingWestport.com
WESTPORT
- A revived and expanded Water and Sewer line funding plan is
headed to ballot box, town meeting.
More than 100 residents and property owners came out on a
rainy winter night (Jan. 24) to
hear a detailed presentation by the Infrastructure Oversight
Committee (IOC) on the proposed trunk water and sewer line project being
planned for the full-length Route 6 corridor between Fall River and
Dartmouth.
At the end of the meeting, the IOC voted unanimously to ask
the Select Board to place a debt exclusion question for up to $35 million
in loans to fund the three-phase project on the ballot of the annual town
election in April. If voters approve the loan authorization at the ballot
box, the debt exclusion question would then go on the warrant of the Annual
Town Meeting in May for further endorsement by the community.
“The
town can’t afford to pass up the opportunity to spur the economic
development that will greatly improve the community’s tax base and
provide concrete health and environmental benefits for hundreds of
residents in the north end.” – Former Select Board Chair Tony Vieira
IOC Chair Steven Ouellette, a Select Board delegate to the IOC
advisory group, said early on in the meeting that
the Select Board will make the final decision on whether to put the debt
exclusion referendum question on the ballot for the 2024 annual election,
and on the town meeting warrant. The meeting agenda also included a vote to
recommend that the Select Board establish a betterment policy to determine
how much of the project costs would be assessed to property owners along
the proposed trunk line route.
Click here for full article
Thursday,
January 25 -
January 2024 Storm Residential and Business Damage Form
WESTPORT - The Town of
Westport advises property owners to please fill out a form to document the
damage to your home and/or business.
Click Here to fill out your form!
Your information will be
used to determine if the county is eligible for federal programs like FEMA
and the Small Business Administration; it does not mean you have applied
for these programs.
This data will be shared
with your town administration so they can become aware of the damage in the
area. They will be
accepting submissions until 01/26/24.
Thursday,
January 25
– After years of study Westport has decide to move forward and
replace the dangerous Drift Road culvert
WESTPORT - Overview: A Public Information Meeting will be held by
the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to discuss the
Drift Road Culvert Replacement Project in Westport, Massachusetts. The
meeting will be held virtually.
Purpose:
MassDOT is advancing the Drift Road Culvert Replacement Project and
has scheduled a virtual Public Information Meeting for Thursday, February
15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The
meeting will begin with a presentation by the project team. Attendees will have the opportunity
to view the presentation and ask questions.
Proposal: The
purpose of the Drift Road Culvert Replacement Project is to replace the
existing structurally deficient structure, Bridge No. W-30-021 Drift Road
over Kirby Brook. The proposed
replacement bridge will be 32’-0” wide with a
32’-6” span length.
The bridge will consist of a precast concrete rigid frame supported
on precast concrete footings.
The project will also include roadway improvements at the bridge
approaches, including full-depth pavement reconstruction and new
guardrails.
To
view the plans, click here.
The bridge is owned and
maintained by the Town of Westport, and the project is being funded through
MassDOT’s Municipal Small Bridge Program.
Please
use the following link to participate in the
meeting:
https://parecorp.zoom.us/j/89062656847?pwd=n3iuz9tAglkHkHc1cPem1hfOyBY6PN.1
James K. Hartnett, Town
Administrator
Wednesday, January 10 - Alleged New Bedford Drug Dealer arrested
with enough Fentanyl to Kill 214,000 people.
By Douglas Charles
New Bedford - According to the City of New Bedford Police
Department, narcotics detectives there successfully concluded an
investigation into a fentanyl distribution operation.
More >>
Monday,
January 1, 2024 - Westport
Planning Board Public Hearing Notice Pursuant to the provisions of MGL Ch. 40A §
5 and Article 2.1 of the Westport Zoning By-laws, the Westport Planning
Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,
January 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town
Hall Annex, 856 Main Road Westport. The purpose of the hearing is to accept
public comments on the below proposed amendments
to the Town of Westport Zoning By-laws. The proposed amendments would
permit and regulate the operation of bed and breakfasts and short-term
rentals.
Item 1. Add To
SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS a definition for
short-term rental.
Item 2. Amend
Section 5.1, TABLE OF USE REGULATIONS to allow bed and breakfasts and short-term
rentals as allowed by-right in the residential/agricultural, business, and
unrestricted districts.
Item 3.
Amend Section 8.3, PARKING REGULATIONS to require that short-term rentals include a
minimum of one (1) parking space per guest room on the premises in a
location for normal residential use.
Item 4. Amend Section 9.8, BED & BREAKFAST: to read as “BED & BREAKFAST
AND SHORT-TERM RENTAL” and to create a
new Westport Zoning Bylaw regulating both short-term rental and bed and breakfast
operations and requiring permitting and registration with the Westport
Board of Health. A detailed copy of the proposed Zoning By-Laws is on file
in the Town Clerk’s office, Town Hall, 816 Main Road and Planning
Board office at the Town Hall Annex, 856 Main Road and may be inspected
during regular business hours or on their website at https://www.westport-ma.com/short-term-rental
committee.
Submitted by James T.
Whitin Chairman, Westport Planning Board January 4, 2024
Click here for more Headline News!
|
Westport, MA
Westport
Town buildings Closed on Good Friday
The town’s departments and Transfer
Station will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2024
in observance of Good Friday.
After
three years of denying Ivermectin's success in dealing with COVID-19, the
truth finally comes out!
FDA
Settles Ivermectin Case, Agrees to Remove Controversial ‘Stop
It’ Post.
Doctors score win, forcing FDA to remove
statements about ivermectin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has agreed to remove social media posts and webpages that urged people to
stop taking ivermectin to treat COVID-19, according to a settlement dated
March 21.
The FDA has already removed a page that said:
“Should I take ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19? No.”
Within 21 days, the FDA will remove another
page titled, “why you should not use ivermectin to treat or prevent
COVID-19,” according to the settlement announcement, which was filed
with federal court in southern Texas.
Learn more about the Ivermectin controversy to view complete
article.
Hurricane!
At the
Westport Free Public Library
February
3 - March 30, 2024
Climate extremes have been a daily topic this year.
We will look back at the impact of hurricanes on Westport by marking the
70th anniversary of Hurricane Carol with a special exhibition in
February/March at the Westport Library.
The
Westport Historical Society seeks photographs, personal stories, and other
material relating to Hurricane Carol. Please contact the Society for
further information.
This exhibition will feature images
from the collection of the Westport Historical Society, highlighting
dramatic rescues and experiences of those living along the shoreline at
East Beach, the Point and Westport Harbor and tracing the impact of
Hurricane Carol on the decision to create Horseneck Beach State
Reservation.
Westport Historical Society | 508 636
6011 |
Email: westporthistory@westporthistory.net
Visit: www.wpthistory.org
Westport
Lions Club Society Announces 2024 Scholarship Deadline
WESTPORT – Students who reside in Westport
and graduating from area schools may now apply for
the annual Westport Lions Club scholarships.
Applications must be printed out, mailed and received or postmarked no later than April
26, 2024.
Last year, the Club was able to assist 5
students by providing $20,000 in scholarships.
“The Westport Lions Club is
dedicated to being able to offer these scholarships to deserving students.
By assisting them in furthering their education we hope to help them reach
their goals and achieve their dreams,” reflected WLC President Claire
M. Sullivan.
Application forms are available from
guidance counselors. Applications can also be downloaded by visiting the
Westport Lions Club website at www.westportlions.com
and navigating to the Lions Club Scholarship Info page.
COUNTRY
TRAVELERS New 2024 Schedule
Veronica F Beaulieu – 646 Main Road,
Westport, MA 02790 – 508.636.4889 vfb0859@aol.com
2024 Schedule
In addition to Encore Casino trips on
last Tuesday of each month for which reservations are needed, the
following trips are planned:
Apr 17 Log Cabin, Holyoke MA dinner/show American Country Classics - $128
Apr 23-25 Lancaster PA “Daniel” at Site and Sound
Theater plus, plus, plus $100 Deposit due at sign up Balance by 3/15/24
$549/double
May 7 Aqua Turf Club dinner/show Debby Boone “you light
up my life” Deposit $75 at sign up balance due by 4/1 $138.00
June 19 Summit View Pavilion, Holyoke Strawberry Festival and BBQ Entertainment
$140
July 10 Log Cabin Holyoke Lunch/show “Jimmy Buffet Tribute
Band” $128*Selling fast
Aug 6 – 15 SECOND TRIP to
Azores-call for details
Aug 13 Aqua Turf Club dinner/show “The Legends Live-A Journey Through
the Decades $109
Sept 11 Theatre by the Sea/Captain Jacks “42nd St” $148
Oct 8 Aqua Turf Club dinner/show American
Bandstand Tribute $111
Oct 15-17 Atlantic City Tropicana $325
Dec 10 Aqua Turf Club dinner/show Holiday
Classics with the Cartells
featuring a sing-along and Santa and Mrs. Claus $109
Schedule subject to changes and modifications.
Westport
Spring Electronics Recycle Day Saturday, April 27th!
Spring
Electronics Recycle
Electronics Recycling collection day at
the Town Hall parking area
Time & Location
April 27, 2024, 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon
816 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790, USA
About the event
WRWA will host the very popular Electronics
Recycling collection day at the Town Hall parking lot at 816 Main Road in
Westport. We are pleased to once again partner with Indie Cycle to provide
this service to the community. Indie Cycle accepts most electronic
materials at no charge, with the exceptions listed below.
Items Accepted at No Charge: Computers, laptops, PDA’s, cell
phones, mice, keyboards, toner cartridges, CD/DVD players, radios, network
equipment, wires, stereos, speakers, telephones, microwaves, small household
appliances. Anything with a wire!
Requests for Proposals
for the 2024 Westport Cultural Council Community Grants
The Westport
Cultural Council (WCC) is accepting applications beginning Thursday,
February 1, 2024 for Westport Cultural Council
Community Grants. The grants are made possible by the Helen E. Ellis
Charitable Trust Grant, administered by the Bank of America, and the
Westport Cultural Gift Fund Grant. Applications, guidelines
and information are available online at the WCC website: www.wptculturalcouncil.org
If you are a
local artist, teacher, or non-profit organization requiring funds for a
community-oriented project or event that directly involves the arts,
interpretive sciences or humanities, we invite you
to apply. In 2023, the Westport Cultural Council was able to fund 24
grants totaling $58,000.
If you are
interested in applying but need guidance or have questions pertaining to
your grant, please feel free to attend the WCC’s February 7th meeting
at 6:00 p.m. at the Westport Town Annex located at 856 Main Road, Westport,
MA. Questions can also be submitted through the website.
Grants are
awarded to projects or activities that take place in the South Coast area,
promote local creative talent or cultural resources, and benefit residents
across Westport’s diverse communities.
The WCC Community Grants
program was established at the start of 2024 to unify and streamline the
process of applying for and administering funds from the combined awards of
the Helen E Ellis Fund and the Westport Cultural Gift Fund.
Artist Helen E.
Ellis (1889-1978), a Westport artist and philanthropist, bequeathed the
gift which established her namesake trust. For over 30 years the fund has
supported a wide range of cultural events and projects in the area.
The Westport
Cultural Gift Fund was established in the fall of 2023 through the
generosity of a Westport family. Their hope is that other individuals and
families will join them to grow the fund. With this help, the Council can
expand and enhance the many programs underwritten by the Helen E Ellis
Charitable Trust thus benefiting the community.
Event by
Westport Historical Society and Westport Land Conservation Trust
Westport Free Public Library
Free Public Event
Have you ever found some unusual
unidentified stone remnants or structures while walking on local trails?
This is your chance to ask the experts for their opinion! Westport’s
landscape is dotted with remnants of the past such as mill stones, lye extraction stones,
foundations, gravestones, stone walls, and unusual rock formations.
Archaeologists from the Public Archaeology Lab will endeavor to shed light
on some of these mysterious stone remnants that are often our only visible
connections to Westport’s industrial and agricultural heritage. The
audience is encouraged to bring along photos of stone structures for
discussion and identification. Or even better, please email images in
advance to: westporthistory@westporthistory.net
This program is co-sponsored by the Westport
Historical Society and Westport Land Conservation Trust.
FREE, but donations are appreciated!
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Westport
Recreation Department
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Local Access Channel Update
Posted On: January 25, 2024 – 8:00 pm
Channels 190 and 191 Update
The Westport Recreation Department is
in the process of migrating to a new server, and the current government and
educational programming will not be available to watch live on Channels 190
and 191.
You can view live and
broadcast meetings, boards and commission meetings, and public
forums by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@westportgovernmenttv in
the meantime. Choose "LIVE" from
the menu under the Town Seal.
For educational happenings, including
school committees, school events, and sports, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/@westportcommunitytv
Sorry for the inconvenience.
First time user?
Create
a House Account
*Only needs to be done once.
View our
programs! Offerings for kids, teens & adults!
Rent
our gym for your next birthday party, sports practice
or special event.
NEW
Annex Playground! Coming Spring 2024!
View All
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2024
Tiverton Winter Farmers Market
Tiverton
Farmers Market
Tiverton Middle School
Duration: 3 hr
30 min
Public · Anyone on
or off Facebook
The Tiverton Farmers Market is a
local Farmers Market situated right smack in the middle of this cozy town
of Tiverton, RI. Connecting the community to fresh & local produce,
meats & seafood, baked goods, honey and herbals, vegan & vegetarian
options, prepared foods and more. Join us at the market with a rotating
selection of vendors weekly.
Winter season location: October 15th,
2023, to April 28th, 2024
Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton, RI 02878.
Summer season Location:
Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area,
3588 Main Road, RI-77, Tiverton, RI 02878.
Hours: Sundays from 10am - 1:30pm
Special Events are 10am- 2pm
No markets on December 24th, December
31st & March 31st (Easter Day).
Please only service animals are
allowed inside the school.
More information at our website www.TivertonFarmersMarket.com
Their year-round farmers market
happens every Saturday morning.
Swing by to pick up your local produce, bread, meat, fish, kombucha, and
more each week as well as listen to live music in the summer, connect with
local nonprofits and community organizations, and visit with friends!
EBT and SNAP participants, you can
double your dollars at the market thanks to a grant from Farm Fresh RI.
Stop by the market table to learn more.
Free and open to the public, click
the link below to learn more!
If you would like to get on a waiting
list, please email them directly at: farmersmarket@mounthopefarm.org.
Anyone posting in the comments that
they have vendor spots available is not affiliated with Mount Hope Farm and
it is a scam.
Westport
Community TV Videos
Click here to watch Westport Community Videos!
Westport Community TV -
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@westportcommunitytv/videos
Thursday, December 21 - Proposed new “no wake zone”
on Westport River
EverythingWestport
found an article on www.EastBayRI.com that talks about a
proposed no wake zone in the East Branch of the Westport River.
The Harbor Advisory Board
is considering establishing a no wake zone from Kerby Brook north to the
Head of Westport to help keep the river safe, following complaints about
jet skiers along the East Branch.
Chris Leonard, the director
of marine services, proposed the zone after receiving several complaints
from nearby neighbors who said jet skis have been a nuisance this season.
Last month, select board
members sent the harbor group back to the table to work on its plan to
establish a no wake zone from Kerby Brook north to the Head of Westport.
The board members voted to
move the southern end of the zone north, on a line from 418 Drift Road on
the west bank to Widow’s Point on the east.
Hope this information helps
those interested in future wake zones!
15 Best
Things to Do in Westport (MA)
www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-westport-ma/
Above: Cherry & Web Beach
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Westport’s
Recycling Center news!
Old punch cards will no longer be
accepted as payment or credited
towards a purchase of a current punch card after 12/31/2023.
Composter Sale!
The Board of Health is selling
composters at 1/2 the cost-plus tax. The price of the New Age Composter
Bin-24 is $34.53, which includes the sales tax and is only available at the
Transfer Station.
To purchase a composter, please go to
the Transfer Station with a check or money order made out to the Town of
Westport. This item is not
available at the Board of Health Office and cannot be purchased with
cash!
Click
here for more important Recycling Center news!!
Click
here for Westport Recycling Fee Schedule
FOWL
Winter 2024 Newsletter Now Available!
Click
Here to read Newsletter
Westport
Blood Pressure Clinic
Wednesdays 8:30 - 11:30 am at
the Town Nurse's Office, Town Hall Annex, first floor.
Postponed! Look for new dates coming soon.
The 2023 Westport Housing
Production Plan is now closed to further input. Click Here
to review 2022 housing Production Plan.
Heads Up
Westporters!!
Monday, May 1 - On May 1, the Westport Board of Health
will begin issuing new Transfer Station stickers for the next fiscal year
(2024). Everyone using the
Transfer Station is required to purchase a new sticker each year. Current stickers will expire on June
30, 2023.
The sticker fee is $50. For seniors 65 and older, the sticker
fee is $40. Additional stickers
for the same household may be purchased on the same day for $10 per
vehicle. Vehicle registrations
are required.
Stickers and punch cards can always be
purchased at the Transfer Station during normal operating hours by check or
money order (no cash).
The Board of Health office is located at
the Town Hall Annex, 856 Main Road. Office hours are 8:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Closed on Wednesdays.
-
Westport Board of Health
Monday,
October 16 – Keep
up-to-date on Westport’s Enviroment Profile!
What
information is inside this community profile?
Data for
several health and environmental topics are presented in this profile as
well as population information. Terms that might be unfamiliar are in bold
and defined in a glossary at the end. This profile also describes how
baseline health, environmental, and social indicators available on the EPHT
public website can inform climate and health adaptation planning in your
community.
Read more . . . .
Westport
Historical Society seeks donations!
Our heartfelt thanks to those of you who
have already donated! We wish that all of our supporters could share with
us what we witness first-hand of the Westport Community’s active
participation in our many and varied programs, e.g., young children
gleefully wielding magical wands and miniature
broomsticks and carefully preparing their
own protection spells at our Halloween event, or the outpouring of
community interest in the tireless efforts of our gravestone cleaning team
as they literally uncover the history of those buried in Westport’s
cemeteries, or
the joyful interactions at our gathering
of Westport’s Polish families.
Thank you, to you our supporters, for
making a year of so many such moments possible!
Click here to read current WHS Newsletter - Winter 2023 newsletter
Westport
Country Travelers announces 2024 Schedule
Veronica F Beaulieu, 646 Main Road,
Westport, MA 02790 508.636.4889
vfb0859@aol.com
2024 Schedule
TBA
Call Veronica at 508.636.4889 for further
information or questions.
Schedule subject to changes and
modifications.
Talk to
trees at Handy House Heritage Trail
The trees of the forest can’t wait
to meet you. Make sure you stop along the trail so they can introduce
themselves!
Download your trail
brochure here!
Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Red Oak,
Sassafras, White Oak, Hickory, Eastern White Pine, and Tupelo or Black Gum!
Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Road,
Westport
Read more with photos>>
Transfer
Station is now accepting clothing!
WESTPORT - The Transfer Station facility
has two new Clothing/Textile Recycling Bins which benefit Big Brothers Big
Sisters.
Click HERE
for their website.
In addition to wearable items, you
can place items that are ripped or stained (must be clean) in these bins
along with items that are usable.
As of November 1, 2022, textiles are
banned from trash.
Clothing/Textile Recycling Bins are
not limited to clothing - bedding, curtains, towels, tablecloths, etc. are
welcome!
Transfer
Station Hours!
Posted on: Monday, April 18, 2023
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Please note that the new hours the Transfer Station will be open to the
public:
Saturdays & Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8:30 a.m. a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and holidays: Closed
Bulky Items and Construction/
Demolition Debris are accepted.
VSO will
be at the Council of Aging third Thursday of each month
We are very happy to announce that
the Westport Veterans Service Officer, Carol Freitas, will be at the
Westport Senior Center on the third
Thursday of each month from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Carol will be available to answer any
questions and address any veteran concerns.
508.636.1028
Wag Poetry Group - Twice Monthly
WAG Poets meet in
person in the gallery the second Monday and final Thursday of the month
from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. They continue to welcome new members. Free to all
who are interested! For more information, please contact info@westportartgroup.com or Sarah Bartlett
at sarbar66@gmail.com.
About Wag Poets
WAG Poets are interested
in furthering our craft as writers by meeting regularly to receive/offer
constructive feedback on our work. Twice monthly we meet in the inspiring
WAG gallery space with copies of a new poem, seeking specific feedback on
our work.
See the Painting
page for
details and to sign up!
The Westport Food Pantry now has a permanent home at the
Westport Grange on 931 Main Road.
Volunteers are on site Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – noon to receive food,
gift cards and monetary donations.
They also distribute food every Monday,
9:00 a.m. – noon. Recipients remain in their cars while their
volunteers place a grocery bag of basic items in the car trunk. All CDC
protocols are followed.
Checks can be made out to The Town of
Westport with Food Pantry written on the memo line. All monetary donations
go into a specific account for pantry use only.
The pantry was started by the town as an
emergency response to the chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic
and Westporters have been extremely generous. To date they have been
able to distribute 28,000 lbs. of basic food and household items, all made
possible by town resident donations, and over 20,000 lbs. of produce
provided by a Farms to Family program of the USDA by way of the United Way
of New Bedford. Thank you everyone!
Stop by, say hello, see what we do. And
donate.
The Handy House
Heritage Trail is open!
The new trail offers an opportunity for contemplation and
discovery.
The Handy House Heritage Trail is
open! Take a walk in the woods and let the Westport Historical Society know
what you think!
The trail provides a link to multiple
themes of local heritage from the presence of Wampanoags to the changing
nature of the forest, and the impact of settlement on the land. The trail
traverses land forming part of the historic Handy House property which was
preserved with Community Preservation Act funding and contributions by many
individuals and businesses.
The trail was constructed by Jay
Raposa II as part of an Eagle Scout project. Interpretive signage is
supported in part by The Westport Cultural Council through a grant from the
Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by Bank of America. Trail
signage was designed by Ray Shaw.
Read more with photos>>
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