Westport Fire Department is raising the roof at the COA!

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

October 20, 2007

Visitors to the Senior Center certainly had their choice of activities during Celebrate the Generations Day, but none quite as fascinating as watching in awe as the Westport Fire Department dismantled a car in less than 30 minutes. The vehicle extrication demonstration introduced the Department’s recently acquired, next generation “jaws of life” tools that allow fire fighters to quickly remove a door, and in this case a roof, to free a crash victim – Photo to the left.

The Saturday celebration provided an opportunity for the community to learn more about “what they do” at the Council on Aging. There were active and static demos of the classes and activities at the Hazel Tripp Senior Center, as well as interactive crafts and games for all ages. Display and information tables were provided by scouting groups, Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), and Friends of the WCOA.

The Fire Department’s visit highlighted a fun-filled and educational day of featured events by the Westport Police Department, display and food tables by local scouting groups, the activity room had drawing and watercolor painting, and the Library Room had knitting, quilting and weaving. Outdoor activities included a Dutch oven cook-off! You’ll have to call the Senior Center to see who had the best apple crisp!

Also present were multiple entertainers for most of the day. Shows were given by talented musicians including Carl Bissonnette, and the duo of Patricia Mason and Ryan Robitaille. The highlight concert was performed at 2:00 p.m. by John Root, a multi-talented musician who both performs and teaches music.

The Westport Fire Department also demonstrated their new ladder truck and sponsored a well-attended blood pressure clinic conducted by their paramedics. Right: Westport fire fighter and paramedic in training Andrew Raymond explained blood pressure techniques to Evelyn Lynn Orr of Westport.

The Westport Police exhibited their Child Safety Trailer, and scouting groups provided food including the “Dutch oven cook-off” by Venture Crew 11 & 79.

Other activities included face painting by the Girl Scouts, bean bag toss by the WRWA, and knot tying by the Boy Scotts.

This program is supported by the Westport Cultural Council through a grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust administered by Bank of America.

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