Headline News
Thursday, April
25, 2024
Click here to
refresh this page for the latest information!
Today’s Quotes:
"Positive anything
is better than negative nothing." —
Elbert Hubbard
“It’s sad;
you can read the Bible in prison, but not in public school. Perhaps, if we read
in school, they would not be in prison. Amen!”
–
Unknown
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - Recap of Westport Route 6 Sewer and Water Project
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.
https://www.westport-ma.com/home/pages/westport-route-6-sewer-and-water-project
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - The Westport board that developed the Route 6 water and sewer
proposal is regrouping following its failure
at the polls earlier this month, and could endorse breaking the
$35 million project into three separately funded projects.
Voters on Tuesday, April 9 rejected a debt
exclusion question that, had it passed, would have given voters the
opportunity to decide at next month’s Town Meeting whether they
wanted to appropriate up to $35 million to bring modern and sewer service
to the Route 6 corridor.
Read more from Shorelines article >>
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - A Facebook page criticized by members of a town board
for allegedly spreading misinformation and using Westport’s official
crest as its profile photo without permission, has changed that photo to
Pinocchio, the wooden boy whose nose grew whenever he lied, after being
publicly called out by members of the Infrastructure Oversight Committee
earlier this week.
Read more >>
Wednesday,
April 24 -
Wind farm power won’t run through Westport — for now; Vineyard Offshore proposes
landfall in Connecticut, not Westport.
Company
officials are nearly finished with the Vineyard I project, off the coast of
Martha's Vineyard.
Officials with an offshore wind concern who hope
to develop a large wind farm off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard do
not plan to run their supply lines through Westport, at least for now.
Read more from Shorelines article >>
Wednesday, April 24 - Westport Health Notes:
Tackling PSFAs here
By
Tanja Ryden, Westport Board of Health
Welcome to Westport Health Notes, a monthly
column from the Westport Board of Health (BOH). This month we
are talking about PFAS, known as “forever”’ chemicals,
their health risks and how to minimize your exposure.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a
family of chemicals used in making thousands of common consumer goods. PFAS
have been used on a variety of materials to make them water, oil, and stain
repellant, and can be found in commercial household products,
common food storage containers, and numerous other sources. PFAS stay
in the environment for a long time and do not break down easily. Many PFAS
are found in the blood of people and animals and are present at low levels
in a variety of foods and in the environment.
PFAS in drinking water is an important emerging
issue across the country due to the health risks associated with these
chemicals. Because PFAS are water soluble, over time they seep into soils
from manufacturing sites, landfills, spills, firefighting foam and other
releases, accumulating in groundwater and contaminating drinking water.
Negative health effects in humans exposed to high levels of PFAS may
include kidney, cardiovascular, hormone, immune, reproductive, and
developmental problems.
Recent testing by the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) detected unsafe levels of PFAS in businesses
along Route 6 and in multiple homes in north Westport. In addition, several
public water supplies at businesses on Main Road have shown high levels of
PFAS and must provide employees with bottled water. To help address part of
the problem in the north end, the town recently received a $4 million grant
to put in a new water line down further on Route 6 and in a loop to the
Macomber School. There will be no betterment cost for homes on the water
line, although homeowners will need to pay for connecting from the stub to
their home.
More >>
Wednesday, April 24 –
OBITUARY
With heavy hearts, we
announce the death of Maria M. Colón of
Westport, Massachusetts, who passed away on April 12, 2024 at the age of
68. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Maria M.
Colón to pay them a last tribute.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ignacio
Colón and Providencia Santiago; her grandson Jonathan Lopez; her
child Mayda Lopez; and her siblings, Gloria Colón, Matilde Ortiz,
Isidro Colón, Mario Colón and Alberto Colón.
She is survived by her children, Pedro Alvarado
(Lillivette Rivera) of New Bedford, Carmelo Lopez (Vanessa Ortiz) of New
Bedford and Beatriz Lopez of New Bedford; her sister Adairis Colón
of New Britain, Connecticut; and her grandchildren, Rigoberto Trinidad,
Lucas Lopez, Gabriel Alvarado, Jason Veenstra, Nathaniel Martinez, Roger
Monteiro, Maia Monteiro, Syncere Lopez, Justus Lopez, Carmelo Lopez, Tyrese
Lopez, Tyler Lopez, Layla Alvarado and Josiah Alvarado. She is also
survived by 1 great granddaughter, 2 great-grandsons and 1
great-granddaughter on the way and several nieces and nephews.
Thursday, April 18 -
OBITUARY
EverythingWestport
wishes to note the passing of Charlotte “Boots”
Flechsig , who went to fly with angels on April 14,
2024, just 10 days before her 99th birthday.
Charlotte was born April 24, 1925 and acquired
the lifelong nickname “Boots” due to the boots she wore all the
time as a child strolling through the wet fields and high grass in her home
town of Plymouth, MA. She was the oldest sibling of 3 brothers, and when
her mother remarried she found herself the oldest of 6 and still the only
girl.
Boots led an amazing life, knocking down
barriers, setting up new standards in health care, paving the way for woman
in the nursing industry and is a true modern day heroine. As a single
mother, she completed training as a registered nurse at the Truesdale Hospital
in 1946 where she became head nurse. In 1963 she joined Dr Kirkaldy’s
office, and he sponsored her and she eventually went on to complete her
education at Mass General Hospital, in a Harvard Nursing School Program and
became a Registered Nurse Practitioner in 1976.
Boots went on to create a home in Westport and
co-founded a new spacious Westport Family Medical Center in 1977 after she
completed her schooling. Boots was an inspiration for many as she was a
pioneer and became the first female Nurse Practitioner in the New
Bedford/Fall River area influencing generations all over New England, both
personally and professionally. Boots has been honored multiple times over
the years to include the Boston State House “Unsung Hero Award”
and for “62 Years of Distinguished Service in Nursing” from the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts District Attorney's Office.
Boots, who widowed twice, leaves behind her
husband Vaughn whom she married in 1990. She had 3 children, Gail Chapin,
Lori Shalhoub and Sharon Seed as well as 3 stepchildren Marty Flechsig,
Diane Raulino, and Gail Ledoux. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 25
great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
Boots was such an inspiration to many and she
leaves behind a legacy that most can only dream to achieve.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends
are invited will be Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Potter Funeral Home at
12:00 P.M.
Visitation will be Friday from 10:30 A.M. -
12:00 P.M., prior to the service.
Interment in Beech Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her
honor to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at stjude.org or the American Nurses Foundation
at nursingworld.org
Sunday, April 7 – OBITUARY
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Maria Fernandes of Westport, Massachusetts, who
passed away on April 7, 2024, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a
sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of
Maria Fernandes to show support.
She was predeceased by her parents, Anibal Gomes
and Luisa Gomes (Almeida); and her brother Anibal Jose Gomes. She is
survived by : her husband Manuel Mateus Fernandes; her children, Nancy
Emond (Paul) of Somerset, Michelle F. Vacanti of Fall River, Lisa F. Mello
(Dennis) of Tiverton, Sonia F. Nickelson (Keith) of Westport and Brian J.
Fernandes of Westport; her siblings, Luis Gomes of Fall River, Luisa
Pacheco of Jerome, Conceicao Gomes of Jerome, Antonio Gomes and Anibal Joao
Gomes of Mosteiros; and her grandchildren, Marissa, James, Luke, Emily,
Evan and Sophia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 10th
2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Oliveria Family Funeral Homes &
Cremation Service - Columbia (215 Columbia St, Fall River, MA 02721). A
funeral service was held on Thursday, April 11th 2024 at 10:00 AM at the
same location. A Mass was held on Thursday, April 11th 2024 at 11:00 AM at
the same location.
Flowers are welcome, or donations to the
National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR.org).
Friday,
April 12
– Today is National Big Wind Day!
Observed each year in the United States on April
12th, National Big Wind Day commemorates the recording of the highest
natural wind gust measured on the Earth’s surface. On the afternoon of April 12, 1934,
the Mount Washington Observatory recorded winds at 231 miles per hour!
Mount Washington is the
highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft,
and it is the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River.
Thursday, April 11 - Results of 2024 Westport Town Elections
Brewer, Dutra, and
Stanton-Cross step up to the plate as Westport’s newest
Selectpersons.
Congratulations to all. Blanks were second
highest vote count; go figure!
In a dramatic turn of events Westport voters say
NO to debt exclusion ballot question override.
The ballot question asked voters if they would
approve a tax debt exclusion exempting Westport from the state's
Proposition 2½ legislation — dictating communities cannot
raise property taxes over 2.5% over the previous year — in order to
fund $35,000,000 for the "Westport Route 6 Sewer and Water
Project." The project would bring town sewer infrastructure to Route
6, where its absence has been said to be "a barrier to economic
development," as highlighted in the 2016 Westport Master Plan,
according to the town website.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Monday. April 8 - The total solar eclipse is today:
Get the latest forecast and everything you need to know HERE
WESTPORT - The total eclipse will begin in
Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday before crossing into Texas at 1:27
p.m. CDT. It will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. The partial eclipse will
last for awhile longer. Even if you're not in the path of totality and
won't see the full eclipse, you may still see a percentage of it.
April 6, 2024 - Aftershocks rattle Northeast after rare 4.8 magnitude
earthquake hits region
There have been at least 18 aftershocks since
the quake, including a 4.0 magnitude, the USGS said Friday night. There is
a 74% chance of magnitude 3 and above aftershocks happening within the next
week.
Don’t worry — this is normal.
Aftershocks are a series of smaller quakes that
follow the larger “mainshock” of an earthquake, and the ones
that happened overnight all fell below a magnitude of 2.
While the main earthquake was felt as far away
as Massachusetts, the overnight seismic activity was centered closer to the
Ramapo fault.
Above: State
Senator Michael Rodrigues recommends
that Westport voters approve the water and sewer project for the Route 6
area on Tuesday, April 9th.
Friday, April 5 - Westport Finance Committee
won't support $35M Route 6 project
WESTPORT SHORELINES – Westport - Six days before voters head to the polls to
decide the fate of the $35 million Route 6 sewer and water debt exclusion,
members of the Westport Finance Committee said Wednesday night that they
will not support the project at next month’s Town Meeting.
Tuesday’s debt
exclusion question, if passed, is the first of two steps necessary to
authorize the town to borrow up to $35 million for the project, which would
install a water and sewer “trunk” line from Fall River and run
it along the corridor east to the Dartmouth town line. For it to proceed,
residents also need to approve a warrant article at Town Meeting which, if
passed, would allow the town to appropriate the funds.
But on Wednesday night, a
majority of fincom members said they have too many questions to support the
project right now, and the committee ultimately rejected a motion to
support the project by a 3-6 vote.
“I don’t
need convincing of the importance of water and sewer “My challenge is
with what’s happened here is that we’re not looking at this
fiscally.” - Chairwoman Karen Raus
While most members said
they support the concept of providing modern sewer and water infrastructure
along the Route 6 corridor, fincom members said Wednesday that there are
just too many unknowns for them to get behind it now, including why the
project quickly and late in the game grew from a three-phase, independently
funded series of projects, to an all-or-nothing $35 million behemoth.
Read More . . .
Saturday,
March 30 – Westport officials meet
with Ed Markey's staff to discuss federal support for water/sewer project
WESTPORT SHORELINES - Washington, DC - Less than two weeks to go before a crucial
vote on the town's $35 million greater Route 6 water and sewer project,
Westport officials visited the nation's capital last week to discuss with
lawmakers the town's request for an appropriation to help fund the project.
Manny Soares and
Christopher Thrasher of the Infrastructure Oversight Committee, and Evan
Gendreau of the Westport School Committee, met with Senator Ed Markey's
staff to discuss federal support for the project, which would see the
construction of water and sewer lines along Route 6 from Fall River to
Dartmouth.
Those behind the
long-planned project say it will economically revitalize the north end,
help the town financially and result in a much cleaner Westport River.
Voters will decide on Tuesday, April 9, whether the town should seek a debt
exclusion that would allow the project to be bonded locally.
Soares, Thrasher and
Gendreau met with Markey's legislative staff, describing the project and
its importance to Westport.
Apart from funds that
would result if the debt exclusion passes, Westport is seeking federal
funding to support the project. If passed, federal funds would reduce the
cost burden on Westport taxpayers.
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - Feds
award Westport nearly $1 million for Route 6 project
WESTPORT SHORELINES -
The long-awaited Project faces the first of two crucial tests this coming
Tuesday, April 9.
Westport’s long-awaited
greater Route 6 sewer and water extension got two big boosts this week
— news of nearly $1 million in approved federal funding, and access
to $7.5 million in low interest state loans — as the project heads
toward a crucial local vote.
More
Saturday, April 20, 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.
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
Saturday, April 20, 2024
- 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.
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 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, April 20, 2024 -
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 . . . .
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
Let the
Rivers Run
The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus
presents: Let the Rivers Run on Friday May 10, Westport High School,
400 Old County Road, Westport; and on May 12, 2:00 pm at Tiverton High
School,100 N. Brayton Road, Tiverton.
The concert will be directed by Cristian Black,
and collaborative Accompanist Chika Atkinson.
Also accompanying will be Holly Dion
& Richard Cenedella, trumpets, Resse Asheley, Bass, Rees Rulevich,
Violin, Christopher Rossi, Percussion and Jan Navarro, Piano.
Tickets are $20 and can be bought at the
door, on our website, at coastal Roasters, Tiverton, Partner’s Village
Store, Westport and at Brown
Paper Tickets
Proposed
Budget Fiscal Year 2025
Prepared by: Jim Hartnett, Town Administrator
February 12, 2024
Amended Free Cash Allocation 2/13/24
Amended Chapter 70 Allocation 2/19/24
Amended Chapter 70 & School
Percentage, Free Cash 2/20/24
As detailed in
the Five-Year Plan, the Town of Westport faces significant challenges as
the gap between revenue and expense growth continues to widen.
Whereas many
communities remedy budget problems by passing Proposition 2 1/2 overrides,
Westport voters have been reluctant to do so, thus putting added financial
pressure on the town budget.
Without an
override
Westport must rely on its limited revenue sources, which include a 2 1/2
percent yearly increase in the Tax Levy, new growth, state aid and local
receipts. These revenue sources do not meet the yearly needs of the Town.
Budget gap
widens - Becomes a fiscal cliff with Recurring Expense and Recurring
Revenue
New WAG Sponsored month-long Exhibits and
Presentations at the Westport Public Library:
"April is for the Birds"
With the
return of Spring, we will welcome flocks of migratory and summer-resident
birds to the South Coast. It is a time to celebrate our birds, and that is
just what is here proposed. Throughout April there will be an exhibit at
the Westport Free Public Library of paintings by two artists who love to
paint birds. Barry Van Dusen, an illustrator of many bird books, will
display ten paintings from his recent book – Finding
Sanctuary – which combines art and text to tell stories
about all the Mass Audubon’s Sanctuaries. Pamela Lowell will have a
collection of illustrations from her brand-new book – My
Summer with Osprey – which shares from-the-heart
experiences of observing Osprey – our local iconic bird species
– in the Westport River in recent years.
In addition to
these two month-long exhibits, there will be presentations on four Thursday
evenings in April – from 6:30PM to 7:30PM at the Westport Public
Library.
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.
Westport
Lions Club Society Announces 2024 Scholarship Deadline
WESTPORT – Students who reside in Westport
and who are 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 Rd, 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:
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-a-long 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!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Westport
Recreation Department
Register Facilities General Info Contact
Register
Now Programs Log In
New Account
Contact Us
Skip to Navigate
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
* * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
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.
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
* * * * * * * *
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>>
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
|