Westport in Brief!
EverythingWestport.com
Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Quick Article Index . . .
Westport Flotilla presents award in celebration of command
change.
Rodrigues named Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on
Revenue.
Questions and Answers on Special Town Meeting Article.
Westport Historical Society seeks Education Program
Manager.
Christian DaSilva of Westport is recipient of the 2012 Southcoast
President’s Award for Excellence.
WFA to host 2013 Oyster Stew Supper and Annual
Meeting.
Schmid picked as Environmental/Agricultural joint committee
Vice Chair.
|
Westport Flotilla
presents award in celebration of command change. EverythingWestport.com Tuesday, February 05, 2013 At a special meeting hosted by The Cedars, Assisted
Living Community, Dartmouth, the outgoing Flotilla Commander and incoming
Flotilla Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 6-18, Westport
celebrated the Command Change by presenting an award of appreciation to
management members of The Cedars facility.
From left to right – Thomas Chamberlin,
Flotilla Commander; Jennifer Gelinas, Program
Coordinator; Helena Silva, Executive Director; Marshall A. Ronco, Vice Division Commander. Photo/Lisa Haupt, Marketing Director, The Cedars The Cedars has supported the mission of
Coast Guard Auxiliary - Westport Flotilla 6-18 for over 9 years providing the
organization with meeting facilities as well as support services. On this date Flotilla 6-18 Past Commander
and current Division 6 Vice Commander, Marshall A. Ronco,
and new Flotilla Commander Thomas Chamberlin were in attendance. Awarded to
The Cedars representatives was an engraved ships model of the US Coast Guard
Cutter Barque Eagle along with an Award Certificate
citing appreciation for The Cedars unwavering support of the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary and Flotilla 6-18. Accepting this award for The Cedars
organization were Helena Silva, Executive Director, Jennifer Gelinas, Program Director and liaison to Flotilla 6-18,
and Lisa Haupt, Marketing Director. Marshall A. Ronco
VCDR, IPFC expressed the sincere appreciation of all the Flotilla members and
noted that “The Cedars has not only opened their facilities to us for our
monthly meetings but has provided support for special events as well. I am truly grateful to The Cedars for their
community spirit and support of our Auxiliary mission during my tenure as
Flotilla Commander, The Cedars is our home base.” Westport Flotilla 6-18 meets on the 3rd
Wednesday of every month at 1900 hours (7:00 p.m.) Meetings are held at The Cedars, Assisted
Living Community, 628 Old Westport Road., For more information please visit our
website - www.USCGAuxWestport.org Rodrigues named
Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue. EverythingWestport.com Tuesday, February 05, 2013
Inset:
Senator Rodrigues presents a Senate Citation to retiring COA Director Mary
Ellen Gomes January 2013. Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) released her leadership assignments
last Thursday, in which Rodrigues was also appointed Senate Vice-Chair of the
Joint Committee on Public Service, and retained his appointments to the Joint
Committees on Community and Business Development, Elder Affairs, Financial
Services, Higher Education, and State Administration and Regulatory
Oversight. Rodrigues’ leadership in the state legislature is testament to the
Westport senator’s commitment and concern for the people of Massachusetts and
his local community. State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) was appointed
Thursday, January 31st yesterday by Senate President Therese Murray
(D-Plymouth) as the new Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue. With
Governor Patrick proposing new revenues under his tax reform proposal in the
FY2014 budget, Senator Rodrigues is excited to begin work with his colleagues
in the Senate and House of Representatives in tackling these pressing issues. “I’m truly honored that Senator President Murray has appointed me as
the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue,” said Senator Rodrigues.
“As we embark on a vigorous public debate about Governor Patrick’s FY14
budget proposal calling for new revenues and new tax reforms, I’m ready to
roll up my sleeves and begin our work on confronting the challenges before us
as we consider what is in the best interests of our Commonwealth.” The Joint Committee on Revenue is charged with the responsibility of
considering all matters concerning federal financial assistance, state fees,
the raising of revenue for the Commonwealth by means of taxation, certain
matters relating to the local property tax and other related tax matters as
they are referred throughout the legislative session. In addition to the Revenue Committee, Senator Rodrigues was also appointed
as the Senate Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Service, along with
appointments to the Joint Committees on Community and Business Development,
Elder Affairs, Financial Services, Higher Education, and State Administration
and Regulatory Oversight. Questions and Answers on Special
Town Meeting Article Town voters question the need
for a hastily called Special Town Meeting. EverythingWestport.com Tuesday, February 05, 2013
The only article on the town warrant is to determine whether voters
will approve a change in the Highway Surveyor’s position from elected to appointed. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Westport
High School auditorium. “If the article is approved (at Special Town Meeting) it will be a
ballot question in the upcoming spring election,” Chairman Richard Spirlet
said. Inset:
BOS Chairman Richard Spirlet responds to five frequently asked questions with
comprehensive, written answers. “We understand that town voters have some confusion as to why we are
requesting a town meeting at this time,” Spirlet said at last night’s
Selectmen’s meeting. “Hopefully our response to the five questions will help
clarify the reasons for town voters attending the Special Town Meeting. “Only two Massachusetts towns with populations greater than 10,000
residents have an elected Highway Surveyor.” - BOS Chairman Richard Spirlet Question
1: Why have the
Westport Board of Selectmen called for a Special Town Meeting to be held on
February 7, 2013 to consider a change from an Elected Highway Surveyor to an
Appointed Highway Surveyor? Answer: Several studies of Westport Town Government structure have recommended
this change. Many smaller and rural towns still use the elected Highway
Surveyor model but most towns in the Commonwealth have moved to an appointed
position under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen holding that
Board’s members accountable for all facets of Town government, operations and
budgeting. Question
2: Why can’t this
wait until the Annual Town Meeting in May? Answer: This is the last opportunity to make this change and avoid the
potentially confusing situation of the question being on the same ballot as
the Highway Surveyor election at the Annual Town Meeting in 2014. In order to
make this change, the Town Meeting must first approve the change at a Town
Meeting, and, then also approve the change by a Ballot Vote at the Annual
Town Election in April. If the Town Meeting date was delayed until the May Annual Town
Meeting, the Ballot Vote would not be held until April, 2014. So, if the Town
Meeting vote was taken at the May 2013 Meeting, and approved, the Ballot Vote
to make the change to an appointed Highway Surveyor would coincide with the
election of a Highway Surveyor. Question
3: Will the current
Highway Surveyor complete his current term if voters approve the change to an
appointed Highway Surveyor at the February 7th Town Meeting and at the ballot
box in April? Answer: Yes. He will remain in office until he either steps down, retires, or
until he completes his term in April, 2014, at which time the Selectmen will appoint
the next Highway Surveyor. Question
4: What minimum
qualifications would be required in order to be considered for appointment to
the position? What would the salary be? Answer: Recommended Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field; minimum of
five years of experience in the field of public works and engineering,
including three years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination
of education and experience. Special Requirements: Massachusetts Class A Vehicle Operator’s License, with CDL
endorsements in Tanker, Hazardous Materials, Air Brakes and Hoisting License.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge - Working
knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as
applicable to a municipal setting. Thorough knowledge of all applicable
federal, state and local statutes, bylaws, policies, and regulations
affecting highway activities. Ability - Demonstrated
ability to manage a variety of responsibilities under variable conditions.
Ability to deal with highly responsible technical and administrative duties
requiring independent judgment in planning, management, engineering,
construction and maintenance of infrastructure. Ability to communicate
effectively, orally and in writing. Skill - Skill in
developing procedures to accomplish goals and objectives. Good
organizational, planning and budgetary skills. #1. The current job description will apply #2. The current salary would apply (- / +) $70,000.00 / year;
depending on experience. #3. These required qualifications will insure the person chosen to
fill the position has the skills and experience to properly carry out all
responsibilities of the position. Question
5: What procedure
will the Selectmen use to review applications and evaluate the candidates? Answer: The Selectmen will appoint a Search and Screening Committee, similar
to that group used to recently review and interview applicants for Superintendent
of Schools and the Council on Aging’s Director. This committee will reduce
the applicants to 3 to 5 finalists who will be interviewed by the Selectmen
in public posted meetings prior to voting on their final choice. Westport Historical Society seeks Education Program
Manager. Society issues public appeal for assistance in finding the right
person for this exciting job opportunity. EverythingWestport.com Tuesday, February 05, 2013 Manager of Education Programs The Westport Historical Society seeks to fill a newly created
part-time position to develop and facilitate educational programs for
children, school groups and informal family learning opportunities. Qualifications and experience preferred are: Demonstrated record of
developing educational programs for historic site or equivalent; minimum 2
years’ experience working with school systems and teachers or equivalent
museum or teaching experience at an historic site or educational
organization; knowledge of K-12 curriculum standards; B.A. in history,
education, museum studies or demonstrated interest in history and
architecture; and strong computer skills. Part-time position, approx. 16 hours per week, one year contract,
potential for renewal. Flexible schedule. Must be available for occasional weekend events. Hourly wage
commensurate with experience. No benefits. To apply, please email cover
letter, resume and contact information for three references to Jenny O'Neill,
Executive Director, at westporthistory@westporthistory.net No phone calls, please. For more details visit www.wpthistory.org Christian DaSilva of Westport is recipient of President’s Award for
Excellence. EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, February 06, 2013 Christian DaSilva of Westport, a Computer Technician with Southcoast Health System, was the recipient with 11 others of the 2012 Southcoast President’s Award for Excellence. Nominated by
their co-workers, the President’s Award recognizes 12 individuals and one
team for outstanding performance, integrity and overall quality of services
provided. This year’s recipients were announced at the combined annual meetings
of Southcoast Health System and Southcoast
Hospitals Group by Keith A. Hovan, President &
CEO of Southcoast Health System and Southcoast Hospitals Group. The event was held December
11, 2012, at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Southcoast Hospitals
announces 2012 President’s Award winners “I am honored to continue Southcoast’s long
tradition of recognizing the dedicated individuals who exemplify the
outstanding cultural elements of Southcoast Health
System,” said Hovan. “Southcoast
is built upon the dedicated service and commitment of more than 7,000
employees. By receiving this award, these recipients are recognized for
standing out among the best.” All Southcoast employees, including members
of leadership and physicians who are employees of Southcoast,
were eligible. There is no limit on the number of times an employee can be
nominated. Winners are selected on how well they meet the selection criteria
that is based on excellent performance and demonstration of our cultural
elements and service priorities. 2012 Southcoast
President’s Award for Excellence winners (listed by home town and in alphabetical
order): Acushnet Grace Hebert, Senior Technologist, Southcoast Center for Women’s Health Dartmouth (2) Tiajuana Carey Director of Business
Operations & Information, Southcoast Visiting Nurse
Association; and Linda Ladino, Registered Nurse, Southcoast Radiology Services Fairhaven Nichole Barriteau, Staff Nurse, Southcoast Physicians Group, Fall River Ana Sousa Food Service Worker, Southcoast Food & Nutrition Middleboro Kevin Solomon, IS Coordinator, Southcoast Physicians Group New Bedford (2) Susan Jesus, Administrative Secretary, Southcoast Wound Care Center; and Alda Vieira, Rehab Aide, Southcoas tRehabilitation Services & Southcoast Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Rochester Lisa Holden, Resource Nurse, Charlton Memorial Hospital Somerset Susan Domingue, Clinical Social Worker, Southcoast Centers for
Cancer Care Westport Christian DaSilva, Computer Technician, Southcoast Health System Bristol, R.I. Stacey Medeiros, Lead Dietician, Southcoast Food & Nutrition The President’s Award winning Team Awards were presented to the
Master Patient Index Integrity Team. The Master Patient Index Integrity Team was created to ensure
that patients are properly identified in the electronic medical record. The
team’s goal is patient safety and the minimization of risk by identifying
duplicate patient records within the Meditech
Master Patient Index. The team worked to develop a unit identifier when the
patient presents for care. This allows the correct medical information for
the patient to be retrieved during the course of care and eliminates the
duplication of orders and tests. The team has been able to reduce the
duplicate patient Medical Records from 1.24 percent to 0.69 percent, which is
well below the industry standard of two percent and is a benchmark that is in
the top quartile of all multi-hospital systems. The team has corrected 83,151
duplicate records, which has produced significant financial savings. The Master Patient Index Integrity Team is comprised of: Bettyann Carroll of Lincoln, R.I., Deborah Carvalho of Rochester, Mary Crowley of New Bedford, Kathleen Estrella of Swansea, Millicent Fortes of Fall River, Michael Girard of West Warwick, R.I., Jennifer Heys of Dartmouth,
Paul Labonte of Bristol, R.I., Ronald LaFleur of Marion, Mary Ann Rogers of New Bedford, Cheryl Sowden
of Swansea, Beth Sylvia of New Bedford, and Joanna Wheeler of Marion. WFA
to host 2013 Oyster Stew Supper and Annual Meeting. EverythingWestport.com Monday, February 4, 2013 The Westport
Fishermen’s Association invites all to join them for their 2013 Oyster
Stew Supper and annual meeting on Monday evening, February 11th at St. John
the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road, Westport. After dinner and business, guests will learn about alewife from the
evening’s guest speaker, author and photographer Douglas Watts. The dinner is a yearly midwinter treat featuring a time-tested menu of
traditional oyster stew, homemade cornbread and fresh-baked apple pie topped with
Adamsville cheddar cheese. In order to assure that there is enough stew and
seats for everyone, the Fishermen ask that attendees make reservations in
advance — reservations must be received by Thursday, February 7th. Reservations for the dinner are $15 per person and can be made by
mailing in the number of people in your party and your check made payable to:
WFA, PO Box 83, Westport Point MA 02791. Or you can email the information to
dinner coordinator Jennifer Gelinas at wfa.coordinator@westportriver.org.Your
name will be on a reservation list at the door when you arrive. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for supper which will be served at 6:30 p.m.
The annual meeting portion which is free and open to the public begins at
7:30 p.m.
‘Alewife’ tells the tale of the once-abundant sea-run fish. After the oyster stew dinner, Mr. Watts, an advocate for native sea
run fish and the rivers of the northeastern US, will speak. He is a
consultant for numerous New England conservation groups doing ecological and
legal research on the history and health of New England’s coastal river
ecosystems. This research forms the bulk and inspiration of “Alewife,” his
latest book. “Alewife” is a personal, biological and historical account of the
alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus),
once one of the most abundant sea-run fish of the US North Atlantic seaboard.
Mr. Watts will have plenty of copies on hand for sale and signing. To learn
more about the author, his work and his latest book, visit tispaquin.blogspot.com. Schmid picked as Environmental/Agricultural
joint committee Vice Chair. EverythingWestport.com Monday, February 4, 2013
Schmid (D-Westport) was recently appointed by
Speaker of the House Robert A. Deleo (D-Winthrop)
as the new House Vice-Chair of the joint committee on Environment, Natural
Resources and Agriculture. With his extensive agriculture and farming background Representative Schmid is excited and thrilled to begin work this session
as the Vice-Chair of Environment. Inset:
State Representative Paul Schmid with committee chairwoman
Representative Anne Gobi. “I have enjoyed my service on the Environment, Natural Resources and
Agriculture Committee and will be delighted to continue on it. Its activities
have been a good fit for the fishing and farming that goes on in the 8th
Bristol district. In addition, the Freetown State Forest and the Horseneck Beach State Reservation are outstanding
examples of the state’s commitment to the environment. I look forward to my
new role on the Committee,” stated Representative Schmid. “I would also like to sincerely thank Speaker Deleo
and Speaker Pro Tempore Pat Haddad (D-Somerset) for giving me the opportunity
to serve as Vice-Chair. I would also like to thank Representative Sullivan
and former Representative Aguiar for their
friendship and helpful guidance through my first term in the House of
Representatives” stated Representative Schmid. The Joint Committee on the Environment is charged with considering all
matters concerning the Division of Conservation and Recreation as well as
being the legislative counterpart to the Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs. Duties include but are not limited to reviewing all
legislation relative to environmental issues, air, water and noise pollution
control, hunting, fishing, conservation, solid waste disposal, sewerage, and
agricultural and farm problems. The Committee will still be led by
Representative Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) on the House side. “Representative Gobi is an exceptional Chairwoman. We have worked
together on committee issues in the past and I look forward to continue
working with her and her staff over the next session” stated Representative Schmid. - - - - - End - - - - - ©
2013 Community Events of Westport
All rights reserved. EverythingWestport.com |
