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Headline News Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Click here to refresh this page for latest information! Click here for today’s events in and around Westport, MA! Look Here! Click here for current theater and arts listings! Updated: Thursday, March 10, 2020 Photo | EverythingWestport.com ©2020 Fall Reflections at the Head of Westport! Friday, November 13 - A moon tide floods the bucolic Head of Westport, further chronicling the history of this former working man’s village. Latest Coronavirus COVID-19 by the Numbers Fact: more than 95 percent of the COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts are individuals over the age of 60. Beginning August 12th, Massachusetts began excluding probable COVID-19 cases and deaths by age from its official COVID-19 case and death counts. Above: Dashboard of Public Health Indicators as of November 24, 2020 7:30 p.m. Click on image to enlarge. Above: Massachusetts Infected Cases as of November 24, 2020 7:30 p.m. Click on image to enlarge. Above: Massachusetts Fatalities as of November 24, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Click on image to enlarge. Coronavirus COVID-19 by the Numbers Updated Monday, November 25, 12:45 p.m. Average age of Massachusetts deaths in total COVID-19 cases for Last Several Months is 80 years of age. Massachusetts – 206,850 Infected, 10,299 Deaths (4.98%) 954 Hospitalized, 7,920,042 Tested, 145,682 Recovered Probable or Confirmed COVID-19 Deaths Reported in Long-Term Care Facilities 6697 Bristol County – 18,411 Infected, 834 Deaths Westport – 381 Total Infected, 6 Total Deaths (2 residents out-of-state), Contact Tracing is overwhelming in Westport - state is now assisting with contact tracing, 268 Recovered, 105 pending Westport is in the Red Zone for infections Click here to stay up-to-date with Westport cases. Click here to stay up-to-date with all Mass cities and towns (reported once a week on Thursday evening). New Bedford – 3941 infected, N/A deaths Red Zone Fall River – 4075 infected, 149 deaths Red Zone Click here for approximate Fall River infections cases per day. Dartmouth – 889 infected, N/A deaths Red Zone Rhode Island reported daily below: Tiverton – 306 Infected, <5 Deaths Little Compton – 33 Infected, <5 Deaths Rhode Island – 52,317 Infected, 1,335 Deaths (2.55%) 357 Hospitalized, Tested 1,492,195 Rhode Island has no fatalities below the age of 30. Click here for a snapshot of RI infected The USA – 12,662,851 Infected, 260,869 Deaths (2.06%) Tested 182,933,043, Recovered 4,526,635 The World – 60,101,887 Infected, 1,416,112 Deaths (2.36%) Recovered 38,452,823 Approximate numbers provided by CDC, reports through WHO and John Hopkins University 2019/2020 U.S. Flu Season Conclusion. During the 2019-2020 influenza season, CDC estimates that influenza was associated with 39 -56,000,000 million illnesses, 18–26,000,000 million medical visits, 410-740,000 hospitalizations, and 24-62,000 deaths * (.1%) (174.5 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed) *CDC estimates from October 1, 2019 through April 4, 2020 Click here to visit CDC FLU estimates page. Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports 95.1 percent of Massachusetts coronavirus deaths are people 60 and older. The CDC also says as more testing is completed the percentage of deaths vs. infected will dramatically drop (about 10% of all U.S. citizens have been tested for COVID-19). Click here to determine the difference between the flu, allergies, common cold, strep, and coronavirus COVID-19. Click here for updates on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases by county. Recent Notable Quotes: “All Rhode Island residents displaying COVID-19 symptoms must be tested within 24 hours.” – RI Governor Gina Raimondo announced today that rapid testing and home kit availability are now available that will provide testing results in 15 minutes “Pfizer and BioNTech Conclude Phase 3 Study of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate, Meeting All Primary Efficacy Endpoints.” – Pfizer “The chips will fall where they may, and we will defend the foundations of this great Republic. Release the Kraken!” – Sidney Powell “These findings show that we have an effective vaccine (AstraZeneka) that will save many lives. Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens may be around 90% effective and if this dosing regime is used, more people could be vaccinated with planned vaccine supply.” – Professor Andrew Pollard, Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial at Oxford Wednesday, November 25 – Strict septic regulations draw mixed reviews By Robert Barboza Special to EverythingWestport.com WESTPORT - After reviewing the findings of the town’s new targeted water resource management plan, the Board of Health put forward a requirement for the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic systems for all new construction and most upgrades in Westport. Their decision did not sit well with some Westport residents. Click here to review approved regulation by the Health Board. Click here to review updated regulation based on public hearing input. The Board of Health’s recent virtual public hearing on new proposed septic system regulations showed general support for municipal efforts to reduce the impact of wastewater discharges into the environment, but also raised some concerns that the new regulations might go a little bit too far. More than a dozen members of the public tuned in to participate in the video conference public hearing. Many were past and present town officials who have been working on water resource protection issues for years; others were sanitary engineers and septic system installers very familiar with the details of the state Title V sanitary codes governing the installation of such systems. The main focus of most of the comments were the two key provisions of the proposed regulations – the mandated replacement of older cesspools with systems meeting Title V codes within two years of a property exchange, and the installation of innovative denitrification septic systems for all new construction and additions of new bedrooms to existing dwellings. Supporters generally felt that the new regulations were long overdue to help protect drinking water supplies and waterways; critics suggested that the innovative denitrification systems meant to eliminate most or all of the nitrogen discharged from septic systems were too expensive to install and maintain, and were not needed in all parts of town. Read more >> Tuesday, November 24 – Board of Health reports more infections, no additional deaths due to COVID-19 WESTPORT – Board of Health Director Matt Armando announced at last night’s board meeting an increase of COVID-19-infected residents to 381, however, fatalities remain level at 6, 268 residents have recovered, and 105 cases are pending (individuals who are quarantined, or otherwise being monitored for the coronavirus.) Monday, November 23 – 2.0 quake rattles Westport. Shake, rattle and roll! WESTPORT - A minor earthquake, which can only be described as an aftershock, was felt early Sunday morning in southeastern Massachusetts about 5 miles south of Dartmouth’s Bliss Corner. The minor aftershock followed A 3.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the same area on Sunday, November 8th. No damage was reported by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. In Central Massachusetts, the most pronounced fault is the Clinton-Newbury fault, created 250 million to 450 million years ago. It runs 97 miles from Worcester to Newbury through Lake Quinsigamond and the Acre section of Clinton. The fault zone includes a number of faults clustered along an arc from its northeast end near Newbury near the Atlantic coast, curving about 80 miles southwest to Reading and Wilmington, and then into Connecticut. Monday, November 23 – AstraZenekar AZD1222 vaccine met primary efficacy endpoint in preventing COVID-19 Positive high-level results from an interim analysis of clinical trials of AZD1222 in the UK and Brazil showed the vaccine was highly effective in preventing COVID-19, the primary endpoint, and no hospitalizations or severe cases of the disease were reported in participants receiving the vaccine. There was a total of 131 COVID-19 cases in the interim analysis. The company claims 90% efficient. Read more >> Monday, November 23 – New Moderna vaccine touts effectivity rate of 95 percent One drawback to Moderna’s new vaccine is high refrigeration cooling levels which will complicate and slow distribution, a limitation that is not experienced by AstraZenekar and Pfizer. Moderna’s vaccine against Covid-19 is strongly effective, the company said Monday, building excitement about the potential of controlling the global pandemic. The news comes exactly a week after results from Pfizer and BioNTech, which announced broadly similar results. The Moderna vaccine reduced the risk of Covid-19 infection by 94.5%. There were 95 cases of infection among patients in the company’s 30,000-patient study. Only five of them occurred in patients who developed Covid-19 after receiving Moderna’s vaccine, mRNA-1273. Read more >> Saturday, November 21 – WESTPORT – The state has reported this week that Westport increased to 363 residents infected with COVID-19, no increases in fatalities (remains at 6), and no recovered or contact tracing information due to overwhelming conditions where the state had to step in lend a hand with contact tracing. Westport has stepped back into Stage 3 Step 1 due to state orders. Friday, November 20 - Filled with history, the town of Westport is a perfect tank away (from Boston!) WESTPORT - The Chronicle's Erika Tarantal of Channel 5 Boston heads farther south to Westport, Massachusetts, where she enjoys a fall day on the beach and dines farm-to-table at Keith Farm where dinner is served in the dairy barn. "Horseneck Beach State Reservation is 600 acres of salt marsh, beach and a campground. At the tip is Gooseberry Island with its relic WWII lookout towers surrounded by Buzzards Bay. At Horseneck Point stands a living reminder of days gone by, one of only four remaining lifesaving stations. Today, it serves as a visitor center run by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. Pleasing is the view of The Keith Farm, where cattle graze, vegetables thrive and farm to table is true to its word. Lyn Keith is a caterer and loves to feed people. For a taste of Westport, head to The Back Eddy with its river views. Owner Sal Liotta says the mantra here is local local local." - Erika Tarantal Click here to view the video: Thursday, November 19 – CDC reports: “It is possible have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time.” Health experts are still studying how common this can be. CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) with no preference expressed for any one vaccine over another. Click here to learn more. Photo | EverythingWestport.com © Wednesday, November 18 – Old County Road residents up in arms over prospect of new school lit sign in their neighborhood WESTPORT – The School Building Design Committee will meet tonight at 5:00 p.m. followed by a full SBC meeting at 6:00 p.m. Among the weighty issues on the agenda will be discussion of a large lit sign proposed for the new Jr/Sr High School. “A digital sign as pictured in a recent SBC meeting is not appropriate for the neighborhood. I live across the street and I do not want unnecessary light pollution coming from the school.” - Old County Road abutter Another nearby neighbor was also concerned about the commercial digital sign that has been proposed for the new Westport Public Schools complex on Old County Road. “These lit signs broadcast messages 24/7. Old County Road has many historic homes and is a residential area with a commercial/institutional village center. Why damage the neighborhood with a neon/digital sign?” SBC Chairwoman Diane Baron has promised to address the issue at tonight’s 6:00 p.m. School Building Committee and shed a little light on the controversy. SBC member and Assistant Town Planner Jim Hartnett responded to neighbors’ requests for more information: “The construction plans for the school have been submitted to the building inspector, according to the architect these plans included signage as well. The electronic sign was not part of the original package and it has not been finalized. The image of the electronic sign that was circulated has not been approved by the committee. The SBC is aware of the neighborhood concerns and will be discussing options at a future SBC meeting.” The SBC Design Committee will meet tonight at 5:00 p.m. and discuss the sign. The full SBC will meet tonight at 6:00 p.m., and will also take up the issue, both meetings virtual. (see Town Meetings Today.) Tuesday, November 17 - Veteran of the Year - Westport's Justin Latini Photo | EverythingWestport.com (c) 2020 WESTPORT - Veterans Transition House annually selects and pays tribute to a Southeastern Massachusetts veteran who has made an outstanding contribution to veterans, veterans’ issues, and the community as a whole. On, or near, Veteran’s Day, Veterans Transition House hosts its Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award Banquet. Sponsored by Bank Five and Lockheed Martin, this special event welcomes over 100 veterans and their families, members of veterans’ associations, elected officials, VTH donors and friends from the community. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 pandemic, the celebratory luncheon will be postponed, but there will be a private award ceremony. The 25th Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year Award will be presented to Justin Latini. Justin served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1974 onboard nuclear ballistic missile and fast attack submarines. Justin currently holds the position of President of Vietnam Veterans Chapter #207 and is Secretary on the State Board for Vietnam Veterans. He is also a board member and fundraising chair for the permanent Vietnam Memorial Wall presently being built in Fall River, Massachusetts. Justin resides in Westport, Massachusetts. Mr. Latini thanks the New Bedford Veterans Transition Board and it's members for selecting him for this prestigious award. Justin was a featured speaker at this year's 2020 Veterans' Day ceremony at Beech Grove Cemetery. Tuesday, November 17 - Thanksgiving StoryWalk® at the Handy House! WESTPORT - Open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week - enter at Handy House parking lot off Hix Bridge Road from Saturday, November 14 – Monday, Dec ember 7. Take a walk, read a book, and have an adventure on the Handy House Heritage Trail. This is a free event! Nickommoh! A Thanksgiving Celebration by Jackie French Koller. “Now frost lies thick on the fields at dawn, and the winged ones pass overhead in great numbers, calling out their good-byes. It is time, now. Time for the People to come together, together to give thanks. Nickommoh!” Nickommoh is a Native American word meaning celebrational gathering. The traditional Native American harvest Nickommoh was held outdoors, lasting several days and included gaming, feasting, and contests of skill. During these feasts, a giveaway dance was held. People would give away any extra food, furs, clothing that they might have accumulated. These gifts were distributed by the sachem to widows, orphans or any who were in need. The more a man gave away, the more highly he was respected. StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. The Handy House Heritage Trail provides a safe outdoor space with plenty of room for social distancing. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Monday, November 16 - Moderna’s vaccine against Covid-19 is strongly effective, the company said Monday, building excitement about the potential of controlling the global pandemic. The news comes exactly a week after results from Pfizer and BioNTech, which announced broadly similar results. The Moderna vaccine reduced the risk of Covid-19 infection by 94.5%. There were 95 cases of infection among patients who received placebo in the company’s 30,000-patient study. There were only five infections in patients who developed Covid-19 after receiving Moderna’s vaccine, mRNA-1273. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, admitted the preliminary data for the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines — the only two so far to have early estimates of vaccine efficacy — are better than he had anticipated. “I’d like to say I would have predicted it, but I would not have,” said Fauci, who has often said he would have been satisfied with Covid vaccines that were 70% or 75% efficacy. Above: Veteran and former Chair, Board of Selectmen Richard Spirlet speaks at the Veterans’ Day Ceremony at Beech Grove Cemetery on November 5th. Photo | EverythingWestport.com Saturday, November 14 – Veterans’ Day Ceremony at Beech Grove and Veterans’ Day Rolling Parade. Click here for video of Veterans’ Day Ceremony conducted on November 5th and Rolling Parade on November 11th. Friday, November 13 - Our House of the Week is this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-Bath Colonial in 'The Farmhouse' style boasts direct waterfront, substantial deepwater dock on the East Branch! Two acres along the preferred side of river offering southwesterly breezes, glorious sunsets in private, tranquil setting known as Foggy Bottom hosts this superlative house featuring fabulous views of river & islands. Bespeaking casual elegance w/contemporary flair from Kitchen/Dining/Living w/vaulted ceilings, oak floors, handsome wood burning fireplace, ample windows throughout welcoming views. Click here for a video of this property! Highly sought-after 1st floor master suite! Central A/C, new roof in 2019, 2-car Garage. Finished lower level is walk-out from Family Room w/built-ins, separate home office. Come partake of all Westport has to offer from country roads, nature trails, harbor, Central Village, gorgeous ocean beaches! $1,595,000 For more information contact Suzanne Alden of Alden Hill Group at William Raveis Real Estate at 508.642.4985, or email suzanne@aldenhill.com. Friday, November 13 - Westport COVID-!9 Alert! WESTPORT - Effective Monday November 16, 2020 Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Richard Brewer, has ordered the closure of all Town Buildings to the public except by appointment only. The Governor has brought the state back to Phase 3, Step 1, and has ordered all state residents to wear masks outdoors. Westport remains in "red" and a higher risk community as of October 23, 2020. The town’s public health nurse today reported a jump to 320 infected, deaths remain at 6, and contract tracing has been “overwhelming.” Click here for all the state and town alerts and current restrictions in place as of November 13th. Upon consultation with the Board of Health, the Board of Selectman Chair and Vice Chair, the Town Administrator discussed this course of action on September 12th due to the growing rates of infection in Westport. The Town has been in “Red Zone” status for three weeks and the numbers of infection continue to worsen. The town did not want to wait until the next Selectman's meeting to make this decision. Access to Town buildings will be available, but only by appointment. A telephone directory of Town Departments is here, or find the same link at the bottom of the front page of the website. For more up-to-date information see the COVID19 page here. Read more Friday, November 13 - Westport Cultural Council’s Grant Application Assistance FY21 LCC Grant through the Westport Cultural Council has been extended to December 14, 2020 at 11:59pm WESTPORT - The Westport Cultural Council’s LCC grant period beginning October 1, 2020 through November 16, 2020 will offer a community Q and A for anyone who has questions concerning this grant. “Due to the extraordinary nature of the pandemic and its effect on our community, the deadline for the FY21 LCC Grant Cycle offered by Mass Cultural Council has been extended to December 14, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.” Any Westport resident with an idea can apply. That includes individuals, groups, nonprofits or small businesses. Here is the link to the application: https://mcc.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp The Westport Cultural Council works to foster quality cultural programs and activities that bring the community together to create, share, and inspire. With funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the WCC works to support community programs in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. A grant from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, enables WCC to recall and reinforce the dedication and contributions of Ms. Ellis to the arts, education and for her community with grants each spring. They will give priority to grant requests that: 1. Directly involve the arts, interpretive sciences or humanities. 2. Take place on the South Coast, or promote local creative talent or cultural resources. 3. Have a measurable impact on the Westport community, by reaching a significant number of Westport residents, whether immediately, or over time. 4. Engage, and help bring together, Westport's varied communities, or introduce Westport residents to new or different cultural perspectives. 5. Do not duplicate existing programs or funding. 6. Projects which can be completed during COVID restrictions will be prioritized! In light of the restrictions on public gatherings, the Westport Cultural Council will be offering a virtual meeting. This will give individuals and groups the opportunity to call in to council members to answer any questions they may have about the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s LCC grant before submitting their grant application. Thursday, November 12 - Veterans' Day Rolling Parade WESTPORT – The Veterans' Day Rolling Parade, consisting of scores of vehicles, started at 9:00 a.m. at the Council on Aging, went south on Reed Road, west on Old County Road, across Route 88, and headed south down Main Road to Beech Grove Cemetery. Hats off to Veterans Service Officer, Carol Freitas for organizing the event when participation in the Veterans’ Day ceremony at Beech Grove Cemetery was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. God bless our Veterans and God Bless America! Click here to view the video! Photos | EverythingWestport.com Wednesday, November 11 – Have money, will fix roads! WESTPORT - The Westport Highway Department, flush with this year’s $600K+ Chapter 90 funds, is on a mission to improve Westport roadways. “We just skimmed and resurfaced sections of Narrow Avenue,” said Highway Surveyor Chris Gonsalves. “Were now onto the other scheduled projects.” Those projects include: Monday 11/9/20 - Saturday 11/14/20: Roadway paving on Narrows Avenue, Sodom Road., and Adamsville Road. Monday 11/9/20 - Friday 11/20/20: Drainage installations on Drift Road., and Cape Bial Lane. Monday 11/10/20 - Friday 11/13/20: Pavement marking removal and striping of newly paved streets Monday 11/17 - Friday 11/20/20: Guardrail installation and pipe cleaning As always, the schedule is subject to change due to weather. And “please prepare for possible delays, detours and road closures,” Gonsalves said. Photos | EverythingWestport.com Friday, November 6 - Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at StacyCakes Tea Shoppe & Cakery. WESTPORT – Things were festive today at the Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at StacyCakes Tea Shoppe & Cakery, 762 Main Road, Westport. The event was hosted by One SouthCoast. One SouthCoast Chamber, local elected officials, the local business community, friends and guests celebrated the Grand Opening and gave their well wishes for a successful future at their new location. StacyCakes has been a locally owned business operating out of a commissary kitchen for the past several years, but has now opened a Tea Shoppe & Cakery in a brick and mortar location on Main Road Loose leaf tea sold by the oz., and hot coffee and tea are now available. A selection of cakes, cupcakes and confections are also offered as well as Custom Designed Cakes. Private Tea Parties can be scheduled with indoor/outdoor seating are available. StacyCakes' new location was the former home of Abrite Quality Cleaners and more recently, Terra Vita Design Studio and Gardenshop. Thursday, November 5 – Veterans honored today at COVID-19-abbreviated Beech Grove ceremony. WESTPORT – Richard Spirlet, former Westport Chairman, Board of Selectmen spoke at a video-recorded ceremony celebrating Veteran’s Day 2020. The historic cemetery ceremony became virtual when the Massachusetts Governor declared no outside meetings where 50 or more are gathered together. Veterans’ Service Officer Carol Freitas conducted the ceremony which will be aired on Westport cable TV on Veterans Day, November 11th, as well as posted on EveryWestport.com and our Facebook page EverythingWestport. God bless our veterans, and God bless America! Wednesday, November 4 - Veterans' Grab N' Go Breakfast at the Senior Center, 75 Reed Road, Westport Registration is required by this Friday, November 6th. Above: Poll workers at the annex checking the voter registration of town residents before handing out ballots. Photo |EverythingWestport.com Tuesday, November 4 – Westport goes magenta! WESTPORT – The national race for president is going down the wire, and we’re all on tenterhooks waiting for a victor to emerge. It may be days as the counting in key states continues. However, in Westport just 208 votes separated the winner, Joe Biden from Donald Trump, the narrowest margin in many decades in a presidential contest. Westport’s registered voters increased to 13,143 from the 12,472 recorded just last February. After a long night of tabulating (a voting machine broke down causing the delay) Town Clerk Bernadette Oliver was able to release town results at 11:00 p.m. Precinct A: Trump & Pence 989, Biden & Harris 938 Precinct B: Trump & Pence 1017, Biden & Harris 1261 Precinct C: Trump & Pence 1014, Biden & Harris 832 Precinct D: Trump & Pence 846, Biden & Harris 879 Precinct E: Trump & Pence 1081, Biden & Harris 1245 Total: Trump & Pence 4947, Biden & Harris 5155 In another contest, Westport voters leaned toward returning Paul A, Schmid III to the Massachusetts house, beating republican challenger Evan Gendreau by 1,389 votes – 5646 to 4257. Poll works at all five precincts were busy checking and entering over 6000 absentee and early voting ballots throughout the day. More Westport results later this morning. Saturday, October 31 – Take comfort Westporters, figures don’t lie. Contrary to some U.S. political pundits, the United States is doing much better than its European counterparts in controlling COVID-19 outbreaks since September, 2020. Figures provided by the European CDC. Saturday, October 31 - Far-right militias heed Trump’s call for poll watchers, and law enforcement is worried. BOSTON - Far-right militia promoter Josh Ellis can reach more than 20,000 members across the country in a matter of keystrokes. Many followers believe, like him, that the presidential election could be hijacked by leftists, a Trump defeat would plunge the nation into tyrannical rule, and the United States is lurching toward a violent civil war. Photo | Boston Globe Ellis, who operates MyMilitia.com and goes by “AR2,” for “American Revolution 2.0,” has advised like-minded citizens to stand guard at voting stations Tuesday as part of President Trump’s “army” of poll watchers — and, if necessary, to use force. “They are to be out there as patriots, not militias,” Ellis, of suburban Chicago, said in a phone interview before he addressed an “American Patriot Rally” last Saturday in Florida. Read more >> Friday, October 30 – Presidential candidate supporters take their message to the treetops! WESTPORT - There’s safety in them thar trees as supporters go high to advocate their support, and protect their signs from being stolen. Let’s hope the candidates go high in delivering on their promises! Friday, October 30 – Large leap in COVID-19 cases reported in Westport. The state reported this week a jump to a total of 192 cases of Westporters infected with the coronavirus. That’s almost 50 new cases in the last two weeks. Fortunately, no new deaths have been reported in over two months – the total fatalities remain at 6. Above: Example of a denitrification system Thursday, October 29 - Westport Board of Health Public hearing tonight at 7:00 p.m. Join the meeting by remote access: https://meet.google.com/xgp-dvfp-vvz or join by phone 1.409.444.2534 PIN: 827 877 564#. The purpose of this hearing is to review and hear comments on the proposed Septic System Water Resources Protection Regulation. The proposed regulation is available online. Click here to read proposal. You may also obtain a copy at their office at the Town Hall Annex. Interested parties are invited to participate in the hearing or submit written comments no later than 4:000 p.m. October 30th by email tohealth@westport-ma.gov or by mail to Westport Board of Health, 856 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790 Summary of Regulation - The Westport River is degraded due to nitrogen pollution and it has failed to meet water quality standards for over 15 years. In addition, drinking water wells in many areas of Town are unsafe because of high nitrogen levels. The proposed regulation implements two recommendations from the 2020 Targeted Integrated Water Resource Management Plan to reduce nitrogen load into the groundwater and the Westport River and protect public health and the environment. Cesspool upgrades: Cesspools do not treat wastewater and therefore are a significant source of nitrogen pollution and a threat to nearby wells. The regulation will phase out old cesspools by requiring them to be upgraded within one year of a transfer of title (property sale or other ownership transfer). Denitrification systems for new construction: Since the existing nitrogen load from current buildings must already be reduced to meet legal thresholds, the addition of excess nitrogen from new construction would add to the problem. The regulation will require that all new construction install a denitrifying septic system that provides a higher level of treatment to reduce nitrogen output. Thursday, October 29 - It’s that time of year again! Scouts from around the area are collecting nonperishable, unexpired food items for local food banks. The Scouts of St. George Parish are collecting food items from now through Nov 7th. All collections will stay in the Westport area! Donation Drop Off at the former St. George School, 1180 American Legion Highway, Westport on Wednesday November 4th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or Saturday November 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Or message them here at: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/troop33westport#_=_ and they can pick up! Do a Good Turn Daily, especially during these difficult times! Thursday, October 29 - Friends of the Library Membership Drive - Time to Renew/Join. The Friends of the Westport Library (FOWL) is mailing out renewal letters to current FOWL members. Please look for your letter to renew. If you are not already a member, please consider joining them in support of your Westport Free Public Library. You can email them at fowlemail@gmail.com and they will mail you a membership envelope to complete and return with your donation; or just send your donation with your email address to FOWL, P.O. Box 3342, Westport, MA 02790. Why support FOWL? Members of FOWL make it possible for our Library to purchase materials, technology, programs and museum passes that make a difference to members of our community. With the cancellation of their 2020 book sale, membership donations are now more important than ever. Thank you, FOWLers, for your generous support and if you haven’t yet become a “FOWLer”, please join them. Tuesday, October 27 - Westport High/Middle School Reuse Committee remote public meeting on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:00 p.m. WESTPORT – The Long-Term Building Committee is a town committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen to develop plans and recommendations for the municipal buildings in Westport. With the construction of the new Grades 5-12 school on Old County Road and the expected opening in September 2021, the LTBC has been tasked with coming up with a plan for what to do with the current Westport High/Middle School after it is vacated. the Long-Term Building Committee (LTBC) has been investigating since October 2018 the possible re-use of the Westport High/Middle School on Main Road. The committee retained the services of "Utile Architecture and Planning" from Boston to document and evaluate a number of alternatives. Utile has completed their report. Click here to review report. It is available on the Town of Westport Website at www.Westport-ma.gov. The LTBC has reviewed and discussed the report; now the members of the LTBC wants to hear from you. The LTBC will be holding a Public Meeting to discuss the future use of the Westport High/Middle School. The Committee is interested in hearing comments, ideas, and questions from town officials, neighbors and the general public about the long-term use for the building. The LTBC has received and reviewed the report which includes selling the property for another use. The meeting will be held remotely at 6 PM, Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Participants can sign onto the meeting by computer through this link https://meet.google.com/uuh-jhxx-ofz or by telephoning 1.442666.1769 PIN: 284 664 087#. Sunday, October 25 - Resident expresses concern that marijuana cultivation threatens water aquifer; complains selectmen are not supporting townspeople. Letter To the editor: A significant concern for the town of Westport when the marijuana cultivation issue is on the table, is the water table levels.  Westport has had an issue this season with the drought with more than a few homes and farms wells going dry.  An aquifer study (groundwater) is needed. What impact will the proposed marijuana production facilities have on an already strained water system? At the town meeting Oct 3, the residents once again, stated they do not want recreational marijuana sales in our town, let alone production and sales of the product. If marijuana is federally illegal and federal law supersedes state law why can’t the residents of Westport have the town selectmen seek a “stay order” in federal court? If successful this will give the town of Westport time to decide what it wants in our town. This decision should be made by the residents, not Coastal Healing and their attorney. In light of the October 3 results, as well as the previous results, all against the opening of the town to marijuana, why aren’t all the town selectmen voting to support the townspeople?  Valerie Huggins Westport Friday, October 23 - Healthy Autumn Adventures Abound in Tiverton, RI Tiverton Farmers Market will continue to connect land and sea with consumers through the cool seasons TIVERTON - Tuesday’s at the Tiverton Farmers Market continue this fall, and next spring, in the airy and light-filled community hall at Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton, RI. Just minutes from seven walking trails plus salt marshes and beaches the Tiverton Farmers Market offers a starting point for numerous walking, biking, hiking as well as culinary adventures. Coming off a successful first season, the Tiverton Farmers Market will continue to bring safe, easy access to fresh and local produce, meats, seafood, art, and music every Tuesday — rain or shine — from November 3^rd, 2020 to April 27th, 2021. While strengthening regional businesses, customers will find fresh vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, baked goods, micro-greens, vegan options, prepared foods, Kombucha, cutting boards and functional pottery. Read more >> Above: Image of a denitrification system Friday, October 23 - Health Board proposes new septic system regulations By Robert Barboza Special to EverythingWestport.com WESTPORT - After reviewing the findings of the town’s new targeted water resource management plan, the Board of Health is proposing a requirement for the installation of nitrogen-reducing septic systems for all new construction in Westport. The board is also backing a recommendation for a pilot sewer line down the western end of Route 6 to serve some dense neighborhoods plagued by increasing numbers of old and failing septic systems. Board of Health Chair Tanja Ryden termed the proposed regulations requiring “innovative/alternative” (I/A) nitrogen-reducing technology for all new septic systems a key first step in the town’s effort to reduce the amount of nitrogen pollution reaching Westport’s groundwater supplies and river system. The I/A systems use different kinds of technology to transform much of the harmful nitrates coming out of septic systems into harmless nitrogen gas that can be released into the atmosphere. Some treatment units can be added to existing traditional septic systems to reduce the amounts of nitrates heading into the existing leaching fields, it was noted. Read more >> Thursday, October 22 – The state reported that as of today a total of 164 town residents have been infected with COVID-19. WESTPORT – The state’s weekly report issued this Thursday, October 22nd showed that a total of 164 town residents have now been infected with COVID-19, up from 159 at the beginning of the week. This bumps up Westport to the red zone for the number of cases per its population as compared to all other towns in the Commonwealth. There is no information that any deaths have been added to the current 6 as reported recently by the Westport Board of Health. Westport BOH Director Matt Armendo reported Monday that 126 town residents have recovered, and no new deaths have been reported. Above photo: This is 552 Old County Road, at the Head of Westport built in 1843, the house was used as a hospital for seriously ill patients. Wednesday, October 21 - Now and Then, images of Westport 100 years apart WESTPORT – The Westport Historical Society presents an evolving series of images on their website using postcards from their collection. View more Now and Then images currently on their site, and as they are added to their website in the future. WHS thanks Ray Shaw for many of the “now” photographs. Read more >> Sunday, October 18 – STM voters restore earlier ban on non-medical cannabis businesses; free cash account dissolves to fund town budget Photos | EverythingWestport.com By Robert Barboza Special to EverythingWestport.com The see-saw status of cannabis regulations in Westport took another big swing on Saturday, Oct. 3, with special town meeting voters meeting outdoors re-establishing a ban on recreational marijuana businesses of all kinds within the town’s borders. The first of two related petition articles dealing with cannabis operations in the general bylaws and zoning bylaws – both changed with majority votes after considerable debate – negated a February 2020 special town meeting action that allowed licensed medical marijuana businesses to expand into recreational marijuana cultivation, processing, and retail sales operations. A backer of Article 3 started the debate with a review of Westport’s legislative decisions on cannabis control following statewide legalization in 2016. After coming off a moratorium on local marijuana businesses, residents voted at the ballot box in early 2018 to ban non-medical cannabis businesses in town; the decision was endorsed at the 2018 annual town meeting. Petitioners succeeded in getting a bylaw amendment allowing medical cannabis businesses to operate non-medical facilities in February; changes to the zoning bylaws were made as well. The proponent told the assembly that it seemed improper to allow a bylaw to stand that “only one company will benefit from.” Click here for full article. Previous headline news continues below.

Westport, MA Tiverton Farmers Market this Saturday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Hosted by the Tiverton Farmers Market A special Holiday Pop-up Market this Saturday featuring all of their vendors seasons specials. They are connecting the community to FRESH & LOCAL foods, products, makers & artists. Vendor Listing as of 11-20-2020: Food - Buns Bakery, Coastal Greens, Fieldstone Kombucha, Gnarly Vines, Movement Ground Farm, Sakonnet Lobster, Scallops, A New England Coastal Cookbook, Sprout and Lentil, Sugar Plum Sweets, NB The Holistic Trick, Young Family Farm, Town Farm Tonics, Z Pita Chipz, ART/DESIGN/GIFTS: Avant Gardens, Chryssa Udvardy Ceramics, Creative Designs by Liz, Dapper Flapper, Firefly Mandalas, Gina's Vintage, Insidesigns, JFD woodworking, JodiBees LLC, A Hive of learning, Mermaids Baubles, NeuMoon Malas, Nicole Lebreux, Designs, Please Sit Down Caning, Revive Home & Garden, Salubrious Endeavors, Seaside Botanicals, Oceanside Treasures, Jocelyn Sherman - PTO, Wolfe and Hound Music by MEL Photo | EverythingWestport.com Santos farm at Sunset with the cows coming home. The Westport Land Conservation folks have worked hard to save this scenic view for future generations. Saturday! Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary presents Guided Hike-a-thon Hike at Allens Pond Saturday, November 28 - 10:00 a.m. – noon. Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary field station trail head, 1280 Horseneck Road. Join Teacher Naturalist Julia Signorella for a guided hike the Saturday after Thanksgiving to stretch our legs and relax in nature after all of the big meals and festivities. We welcome all ages, and will follow the Beach Loop and then head into the woods. This hike is part of Mass Audubon's first Hike-a-thon, which aims to get people of all ages and abilities outdoors the weekend after Thanksgiving to see for themselves just how powerful time outdoors can be for our physical and mental health. All types of hikes are encouraged. Learn more here.  Programs are run in small groups and comply with current Municipal, State, and Mass Audubon Covid-19 protocols. Please wear sturdy shoes for uneven terrain. Preregistration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted and can be completed here. $10/Mass Audubon member, $13/nonmember; add a membership to your registration to use the member price.  Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary presents Sunset Family Owl Prowl Thursday, December 10 - 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Wareham, MA: Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Stockton Shortcut   Gina Purtell, Mass Audubon’s South East Community Science/Coastal Resilience Program Manager will lead this exploration to identify nocturnal wildlife as it awakens. WHOO or what will we find? Starting at dusk, the group will quietly traverse approximately 1.5 miles of trails without the use of flashlights in the hope of hearing owls that nest on the sanctuary. Dress for an outdoor, sunset wintertime walk. Programs are run in small groups and comply with current Municipal, State, and Mass Audubon Covid-19 protocols. Preregistration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted and can be completed at www.massaudubon.org/allenspondprograms. $12/Mass Audubon member adult, $10/member child; $16/nonmember adult, $12/nonmember child; add a membership to your registration to use the member price.  ALERT! Town offices are now closed to the public as Select Board backs off from Phase 3 Step 2 to Step 1 closures. Westport COVID-!9 Alert! WESTPORT - Effective Monday November 16, 2020 Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Richard Brewer, has ordered the closure of all Town Buildings to the public except by appointment only. The Governor has brought the state back to Phase 3, Step 1, and has ordered all state residents to wear masks outdoors. Westport remains in "red" and a higher risk community as of October 23, 2020. The town’s public health nurse today reported a jump to 320 infected, deaths remain at 6, and contract tracing has been “overwhelming.” Click here for all the state and town alerts and current restrictions in place as of November 13th. Tea Time at Partners Village Store, 865 Main Road, Westport 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 distributed 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. Happening Now! Westport Art Group is offering a new five-week online class, "Basics of Watercolor; Painting Fine Arts Style," beginning Nov. 11, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, and continuing on Nov. 18 and 25, and Dec. 2 and 9. Instructor Wendy Soneson will teach basic techniques and how to apply them to subjects such as flowers, master paintings, glass and landscapes. The class, via Zoom, will consist of pre-class videos and a group conversation followed by a demonstration. Soneson will follow up with students individually. The fee is $125, not including materials. Sign up today at www.westportartgroup.com. Dramatic moonscape over Westport corn field Photo | EverythingWestport.com © 2020 Click on image to enlarge. The Handy House Heritage Trail is open! The new trail offers 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>> Online Exhibition: Honoring Dorothy Wall A Retrospective and Online Gallery The Westport Art Group is pleased to offer the Dorothy Wall Retrospective On-Line Exhibit. Click here to view exhibit. 17th Annual Polar Plunge A Wish Come True is excited to announce their 17th Annual Polar Plunge will be a virtual Ice Bucket Challenge! Instead of plunging into the ocean, we are asking plungers to dump a bucket of ice water on themselves and share a video of it on social media with the hashtag #AWCTPolarPlunge. Donations can be made on A Wish Come True’s Just Giving page, or on Venmo @AWishComeTrue. For more information, click here. Westport Country Travelers announce their 2020 Schedule! In addition to monthly bus trips to Foxwood’s on the last Wednesday of the month, for which reservations are needed, the following trip is planned: Coming Up! Click here for all Country Travelers trip information. Be prepared for cancellations. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Photo | Greg Stone

Monday, October 19 – Go Take a Hike!

WESTPORT– The Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) cordially invites you to go take a hike!

Autumn is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Westport’s natural landscapes. The temperatures are cool, the leaves are turning beautiful colors and wildlife is busy preparing for winter. Westport has many unique landscapes, and the Westport Land Conservation Trust (WLCT) invites you to get outside and explore!

Go enjoy a nice walk in the woods at Headwaters Conservation Area. Learn to fish at Forge Pond Conservation Area, or fly a kite at Westport Woods Park. Go bird watching at Herb Hadfield Conservation Area or step back in time at Old Harbor Wildlife Refuge. All of these wonderful, relaxing outdoor activities are made possible in Westport--and all for free! So, take your family and friends, get outside, and take a hike!

To find more information about these properties, or any of WLCT’s six other locations, please visit www.WestportLandTrust.org.

Saturday, October 17 – US gasoline prices are at their lowest levels in a decade.

It was especially heartening to hear the president recently touch on how the road to America’s energy independence has contributed to the great American comeback we are experiencing today.

In 1973 OPEC oil ministers used oil as an economic weapon in the Arab-Israeli War, mandating a cut in exports and recommending an embargo against unfriendly states, the US being one of them.

Most younger people today are unaware of the hardships in that era of gassing up their vehicles, waiting in line for hours, and when reaching the gas pumps being told they were now out of gasoline. Some gas stations would only provide up to five gallons per vehicle.

It was a terrible time for commuters and the gas and oil business.

But our government didn’t stand by idly and watch American dollars go overseas into the hands of our most ardent enemies.

By expanding oil and gas exploration, including new techniques like fracking, expanding pipelines, and opening the both coasts to off-shore drilling, our great country is now energy independent.

To be sure, America’s energy independence has made our country more secure, put more money back in our pockets, and in rural areas—like those across central and northeast Pennsylvania—led to an economic explosion not seen in generations.

The United States is now the world leader in oil and natural gas production and a net exporter of natural gas.

It’s good to be an American.

Wednesday, October 7 – Westport Cultural Council currently accepting LCC Grant Applications

The Westport Cultural Council will be accepting grant applications for community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs that will support cultural activities in our community. Money for LCC Grants is allocated for each town by the Mass. Legislature annually. The deadline for submitting Grant applications is midnight, November 16. Application forms are available online at www.mass-culture.org. All LCC Grant proposals must be submitted online.

Read more >>

Wednesday, October 7 – Planning Board cancels pot zoning review meeting.

WESTPORT – The Planning Board HAS cancelled their in-house Marijuana Zoning Review meeting scheduled for this Thursday, October 8th at 10:30 a.m. due to COVID-19 concerns of the board not being able to accommodate everyone who may wish to attend. They will schedule a remote meeting.

Tuesday, October 6 - BOH Director reported 137 town residents infected with COVID-19.

WESTPORT - Board of Health Director, Matt Armendo reported at last night’s Board of Health meeting that 137 town residents have now been infected with COVID-19, one up from last week’s total of 136.

Armendo also reported 126 town residents have recovered, and no new deaths have been reported.

The SARS-like virus, which infected President Trump, is still considerably less wide-spread than the up-to-56,000,000 flu-infected United States residents that were reported last flu season.

There are 7,477,936 Americans infected with COVID-19 as of today.

Inset: Town nurse Linda Pierce

As the 2020/2021 flu season approaches, medical resources will be hard pressed to deal with two virus outbreaks at the same time.

Town Nurse Linda Pierce reports she has received 200 doses of flu vaccine, and encourages you, especially seniors, to call, make an appointment and get your annual flu shot.

Both viruses are respiratory in nature, and although the flu shot may have some very minor, if any effect on COVID-19, it will certainly reduce the number of people tested for COVID-19 who really have flu symptoms.

Call Linda today at 508.636.1030 and get your flu shot.

Monday, October 5 - Fire Safety Month.

WESTPORT - The Westport Fire Department reminds everyone that October is Fire Safety Month and they encourage all residents to test and change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Throughout October, the Westport Fire Department will be focusing on their Community Assistance Referral Educational Service program, otherwise known as “Westport Cares.”

The program offers a variety of services to the at-risk elderly population and disabled members of the community, with the overall goal of keeping these community members safe and independent within their homes. As the number of elderly increase in America, service programs committed to helping older adults live at home with as much dignity and independence as possible are continuously being developed.

Westport CARES is an outreach program

Fire Prevention Month 2020. October is Fire Prevention Month! ... In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Read more >>

Saturday, October 3 - A sea of pink cards punted pot stores out of Westport!

400+ town residents showed up at today’s Special Town Meeting and put the kibosh on permitting recreational marijuana outlets in this bucolic seaside community.

Impassioned speeches by Police Chief Pelletier and former Select Board Chair R. Michael Sullivan reverberated throughout the town’s legislative body, which overwhelmingly voted in favor of prohibiting pot stores in Westport by passing Articles 3 and 4; Article 5 was passed over.

Residents also voted in favor of funding a new Elementary School roof, and accepted the distribution of state-supplied funds to the school system and several town departments to the tune of over a million dollars.

The meeting got tense at several points causing Town Moderator Steven Fors to angrily admonish several speakers.

Feature article to come later....

Photo | EverythingWestport.com

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For the 9th year in a row! EverythingWestport.com has been awarded Constant Contact’s All Star status for 2019.

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Upcoming holidays and observances:

November 2020 Monthly Observances

Adopt A Senior Pet Month

Adopt A Turkey Month

American Diabetes Month

American Indian Heritage Month

Aviation History

Month

Banana Pudding Lovers Month

Children's Grief Awareness Month

Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month

Diabetic Eye Disease Month

Epilepsy Awareness Month

Eye Donation Month

Bullying Prevention Month

More.

Daily Holidays and Observances Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Blackout Wednesday

Blase Day

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

International Hat Day

National Jukebox Day

National Parfait Day

Shopping Reminder Day

Spitegiving

Tie One on Day

What Do You Love About America Day

View more holidays and observances

Today’s Significant Events in History

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

1177 Battle of Montgisard: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeats Saladin and a larger Ayyubid force

1783 Britain evacuates New York city, its last military position in the United States

1839 Cyclone slams south eastern India with high winds and a 40 foot storm surge, destroying city of Coringa. Storm waves sweep inland, destroying 20,000 ships and killing an estimated 300,000 people

1905 Telimco makes the 1st ever advertisement for a radio set, by advertising a $7.50 set in the "Scientific American" which claimed to receive signals for up to one mile

1986 Iran-Contra affair erupts, President Reagan reveals secret arms deal

View more Historical Events on this Day in History

Click here to view all Theater and Arts events this week in and around Westport.

Westport Historical Society

For more information contact The Westport Historical Society at 508.636.6011 and ask for Jenny. Email: westporthistory@westporthistory.net. Visit their website.

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WHS exhibit: Infinite Details

Reshaping Everyday Life 1700 – 1850

An exhibition featuring WHS archaeological collections opened Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Handy House.

"The life of every community is made up of infinite details." - Frances Underwood, historical ethnographer, 1893

What can a collection of thousands of fragments excavated in Westport tell us about everyday life in centuries past? This exhibition features archaeological treasures discovered at sites right here in Westport. From a magnificent stoneware tankard to pottery shards, this is as close to experiencing life in the 18th century as you can get!

Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Road, Westport

Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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On-Going exhibit at the Bell School: Early school days in Westport.

Click here to take a virtual tour of their on-going exhibit at the Bell School, 41 Drift Road.

Visit the Westport Historical Society website.

Like them on Facebook.

Click here to read their Winter, 2020 Newsletter.

Happening Today in and around Westport!

Today’s events listed below you don’t want to miss! Scroll down to view them all.

Click here to see all events this week

Click here to see future events after this week.

Town Meetings Today!

Notice! Some listed meetings are remote virtual requiring a computer or phone connection to join the meeting.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

No scheduled meetings today.

Click here to view all future scheduled town meetings.

Click HERE for a directory listing of all Westport Town Office phone numbers. PDF

Notice! Because of the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak please check to see if an event listed below is restricted or has been cancelled.

Wednesday, November 25

Wednesday, November 25 - The Country Travelers offers monthly trip to Foxwoods Casino on the last Wednesday of the Month.

The Foxwoods pickups are St. John the Baptist Church parking lot, 945 Main Road, and also behind the Hampton Inn parking lot on State Road. $23 per person includes driver gratuity and a bonus package from Foxwoods upon arrival. Call for availability… reservations a must.

For reservations or questions call Veronica Beaulieu at 508.636.4889.

Wednesday, November 25 - Aerobics at the Westport Senior Center from 8:30 to 9:15 p.m. Join aerobics instructor Wendy Sperduti-Ray for a fun fitness workout. All are welcome. Call ahead to be sure the class isn’t full.

Aerobics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information please call 508.636.1026.

Call 508.636.1026 for all the details.

Wednesday, November 25 - 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 distributed 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.

Wednesday, November 25 - Awaken the Artist Within! Join the Council On Aging for Art Classes on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Hosted by Robert Abele. Robert is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts. His paintings have appeared in numerous publications including the Washington Post and the New York times.

This class is designed as a workshop where all mediums are welcome. Watercolor, oil and colored pencil are just a few of the mediums used by students. Each student is given personal instruction and guidance based on the subject they are working on. Classes are $40.00 per month or $15.00 for a single class. Come in and release the Artist within You.

Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Road, Westport. Call 508.636.2026 for more information.

Yoga classes offered by Experienced Tiverton Instructor on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Gentle Yoga Wednesday 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. in Summer at RIVERS OF LIGHT Tiverton Studio, 166 Rock O’ Dundee Road, South Dartmouth, MA.

Fall and Winter at The Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons, Little Compton, $18.00 per class with a discounted 8 class series.  Single class $20.

Experience well-being, increased vitality, range of motion and circulation. Release physical and mental stressors, increase self-esteem, manage weight, balance mood and emotions while increasing strength/flexibility, breath and focus. In this supportive practice for body, mind and spirit, personal attention is given. Sequences both seated and standing match needs and abilities. Laugh and relax. Breathe deeply.  Begin anytime. Everybody is welcome. Sessions ongoing.

Caryl Sickul can be reached at www.csickul.com, csickul@comcast.com, or 774.510.5675

Vinyasa Flow Yoga 9:30-11:00 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays 9:30-11:00 a.m.  Also 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Fall and Winter.  Yin Yoga available in winter.  All classes at RIVERS OF LIGHT Studio, $18 per class with a 10-week discounted series. Single class $20.  
Unite body, mind and spirit in a supportive community at a lovely serene space conducive to movement, meditation and relaxation.  Flow, connecting breath to a wide range of asanas, movement.  Listen to your body.  Move at your own pace. Open your heart and life, increasing inner and outer ease, strength and flexibility.  Enjoy your practice and increasing vitality. All are welcome.

Please call 401.816.0024 before attending. Caryl Sickul, MA, DMT, Experienced Instructor, Movement Specialist, Wellness Consultant in Private Practice for Decades. Private Sessions, Gift Certificates and Celebrations by appointment.
For more information email: csickul@cox.net or visit her website.

Ageless Gentle Yoga every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at The Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons, Little Compton, $17.00 per person.

Experience wellbeing, increased vitality, range of motion and circulation. Release physical and mental stressors, increase self-esteem, manage weight, balance mood and emotions while increasing strength/flexibility, breath and focus. In this supportive practice for body, mind and spirit, personal attention is given. Sequences both seated and standing match needs and abilities. Begin anytime. Everybody is welcome. Sessions ongoing. Discount available for session.

Call 401.816.0024, Caryl Sickul, MA, DMT, Experienced Instructor, Movement Specialist, Wellness Consultant in Private Practice for Decades. Private Sessions, Gift Certificates and Celebrations by appointment.

Vinyasa yoga classes, available at Rivers Of Light Studio, Tiverton.

For more information email: csickul@cox.net or visit her website.

Wednesday, November 25 - “Go Figure.” Figure drawing with live models at Sandywoods Center for the Arts, 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. This Figure Workshop meets every Wednesday morning from 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. in the main building.

Draw, paint or sculpt working from live models.  Bring your own materials and a drawing board or an easel if you usually work with one.  Seating provided.  No instruction.  Cost $15/session; $10/session if paid by the month.  For more information please call Carolyn Winter at 401.316.8272.

Wednesday, November 25 - Osteoporosis exercise at the Westport Senior Center.

Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 9:45 - 11:00 a.m.

An exercise for people with or at risk for Osteopenia/ Osteoporosis. Participants will learn about osteoporosis and everyday activities that will improve their day to day lives. A physician form filled out by the doctor that states this would be beneficial is required. There are openings in the Monday, Wednesday & Friday sessions. For more information contact the Westport Council on Aging at 508.636.1026. The instructor is Florence Wypych.

Wednesday, November 25 - Senior Community Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at The Little Compton Community Center, 34 Commons, Little Compton.

Join them for lunch as they enjoy our local catering. Some of the finest cooks in Little Compton are volunteering their time to prepare delicious meals for our seniors every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Don’t miss this opportunity to share good food with good friends in a friendly community atmosphere.

$3 suggested donation for the disabled and seniors age 50 and over. $6 suggested donation under age 50.

Please call to reserve at least 48 hours in advance. 401-635-2400. For more information call or click 401.635.2400 or email:

sallyhuntington@lccenter.com.

Wednesday, November 25 - Westport Library Bridge Club meets every Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. The club welcomes new members; activities take place in the Manton Community Room, 408 Old County Road, Westport.

Call 508.636.1100 for any questions or more information.

Poetry Writing at the Westport COA. 1:30 p.m. Members bring a new poem they have written to the weekly Wednesday meeting and constructively critique one another's work. Class size is limited. Please call for information. Convener is Barbara Wickes.

Calling all players for Party Bridge. Intermediate bridge players are invited to play Party Bridge every Wednesday from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Road, Westport.

Many of the regular players have headed south for the winter, so new players are invited to join. For more information please call 508.636.2603.

Click here for more information.

Weight Watchers Meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. at Sakonnet Bay Manor, 1215 Main Road, Tiverton. $42.95 for a monthly pass. www.weightwatchers.com.

Wednesday, November 25 – Firefly Yoga w/Andrea at the Head Landing on Wednesdays.

6:00 -7:00 p.m. all summer long June 1st – August 31st.

Yoga by The River returns for another beautiful summer season! Join Andrea DeVeau RYT as she leads a fun & chill flow both beginners and practiced yogis will enjoy.

This class is funded by donations. ($5-$15 recommended) Thank you so much in advance! Please bring a yoga mat, towel, and a friend. Yummy Bliss Ice Cream can be purchased at The Head Town Landing Corner Store’s walk up window, and enjoyed in Adirondack chairs by the Westport River.

Weather permitting.

“Like” https://www.facebook.com/Fireflyoga-wAndrea-1578204372434814/ on Facebook for any cancellations.

Andrea received her 200 hours of training at Yoga Loft Tampa. She is also certified by The Fairhaven Healing Art Center as an Energy Medicine Practitioner and Sound Healer.

Photo | EverythingWestport.com

Wednesday, November 25 – Wednesday Nights at the Holy Ghost Club in Westport. Wednesday Nights are each week from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Holy Ghost Club, 171 Sodom Road, Westport. Join them for music, food, drink, pool table and a fun-loving crowd of people. Contact Lisa at 508.509.8901 or the Holy Ghost Club at 508.636.3661. There is an ongoing membership drive.

Wednesday, November 25 – Pilates classes are offered at Sandwoods Center for the Arts, 43 Muse Way, every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the yellow building. For more information call 508.725.1897.

$10 per class.
The classes are great for beginners and intermediate students. No previous experience is necessary.

Pilates consists of a system of exercises and controlled movements using special apparatus, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.

Wednesday, November 25 - Hey smarty pants, show White's of Westport what you've got! Do you dominate Trivial Pursuit? Are you the first person to shout out the answer on Jeopardy? Then you'll love their weekly Team Trivia Night.

Think you’re smart? Then join us for Team Trivia, it’s free to play & prizes too, featuring a special $6 trivia appetizer menu!

Join White's of Westport in the Galley Grille on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. to test your knowledge and enjoy some great food and drinks.
Bring your friends and make sure you think of a clever team name. But watch out, the competition is fierce.

66 State Road, (Route 6) Westport.

Also don't miss 20 cent wings, half priced appetizers (7:00 – 9:00 p.m.), great beers on tap, plus a chance to win a $20 gift card to use on your next visit to the Galley Grille or Bittersweet Farm.

Updated! Karaoke every Wednesday and Sunday night at Oriental Pearl Karaoke with “Cal Raye” is held every Wednesday at The Oriental Pearl, 576 State Road, Westport, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 508.675.1501.

Karaoke every Wednesday and Sunday night at Oriental Pearl, 576 State Road, Westport from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

For more information please call 508.675.1501 or 401.435.6565.

Click here to see all future events after this week.

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Tips for healthy and safe living.

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Click Here to download.

2020 Dog Licenses will be available in the Town Clerk's Office starting January 2, 2020.

Dog licenses are due each year by April 1st. As of July 1st there will be a $15.00 late fee imposed for dogs not yet licensed this year.

License Fees are: Male and Female - $15.00, Spayed and Neutered - $10.00 - valid Rabies Certificate required.

In order to process by mail you must send a check payable to "Town of Westport" and include Rabies Certificate, spay or neutered certificate, and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Certificate will be mailed back to you.

Other Fees: 4 Dog Kennel - $50.00, 10 Dog Kennel - $75.00, and More Than 10 Dog Kennel - $100.00.

Note: Westport’s dog officer can also impose an additional $50 fine if a dog is unlicensed.

Do you heat your home with fuel oil?

Then you’ll want to review new safety standards for protecting against costly oil leaks that could be very expensive to remediate.

Click here PDF to see how to protect your oil tank’s fuel line as required by law. The Massachusetts Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law requires you to upgrade your home heating system equipment to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. By making a relatively small expenditure now, you can prevent a much greater expense in the future.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) positive mosquito findings in communities surrounding Westport and a widening swath through Southeastern Massachusetts.

Click here for more information and learn how to protect yourself from EEE. PDF

Protect yourself and your family from smoke, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

A defective or non-functioning smoke alarm almost cost a young Westport woman her life in a recent July 4th Drift Road fire. The house burnt to the ground but the woman was saved by an alert Fire Chief.

Protect yourself, your family and pets with proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Is your property safe? Click here to get all the details and state requirements for all age homes. Do it now! PDF Large file, Please be patient.

16 Tips .....

... you need to defend yourself against deer ticks and Lyme Disease. Click here to get them now!

10 tips for living with coyotes in Westport. Click here to learn how. PDF

Westport Board of Health Fact Sheet

Want to make a comment, submit a correction, or report a news story or event of interest. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Send an email to:

EverythingWestport@hotmail.com

If you are from the southcoast area, please feel free to email us any upcoming event you would like to submit.

Westport Historical Society presents an exhibition – Room to Learn: Westport’s One-Room Schoolhouses. Exhibition started June 9th and is ongoing: Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, Westport.

Click here to take a virtual tour.

Westport Council on Aging

• Announcements •

COA Evergreen Newsletter – October, 2020

Read October 2020 newsletter now.

PDF

View the Evergreen’s schedule and get the hourly timetable of COA weekly events.

Westport Council of Aging has a video!

Click here to see it now.

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Aerial views courtesy of Geno Silvia

New England Wings - Custom Aerial Photography

www.newenglandwings.com

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Baker’s Beach and Westport Point.

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Westport’s Central Village featuring Partners Village Store and Kitchen, Alden Hill Real Estate, and Town Hall Annex.

Snow Owl at Gooseberry Causeway courtesy of Rick Barrette Photography.

www.Rickbarrette.com

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Receive email alerts to upcoming events and news!

Want to make a comment, submit a correction, or report a news story or event of interest. We would be delighted to hear from you.

Send an email to:

EverythingWestport@hotmail.com

If you are from the southcoast area, please feel free to email us any upcoming event you would like to submit.

Local area organizations’ newsletters now on-line!

Updated as of Sunday, November 22, 2020

The Westport Land Trust’s event schedule for 2020 is available. Click here to read their monthly newsletter Click here to review their 2018 highlights www.westportlandtrust.org	Monthly newsletter is now available on-line. Brushstrokes October 2020. Read Newsletter now. PDF Click here to get an update on their upcoming 2020 events! http://westportartgroup.com/	Click here to search their 2020 events schedule. The Trustees of Reservations 572 Essex Street Beverly, MA 01915 978.921.1944 www.thetrustees.org		The Friends of the Westport Library (FOWL) quarterly newsletter for Summer 2020 is now available. Read Summer 2020 Newsletter now. PDF Visit Library’s website. Visit FOWL’s website.
	The Westport Historical Society Harbinger and annual report Winter 2020 newsletter now available on-line. Read newsletter now. PDF Click here to read 2019 Historical Society Annual Report. Visit their FaceBook page to stay up-to-date on current events.	The Westport Council on Aging’s monthly newsletter EVERGREEN is now available. The October 2020 issue is now on-line. PDF Read newsletter now. Get the latest happenings at the Westport Senior Center.		Click here to read late May 2020 issue of Allens Pond Sanctuary’s “The Perch.” Click here to view Allens Pond Sanctuary's Program schedule. 1280 Horseneck Rd. Westport, MA 02790 508.636.2437 allenspond@massaudubon.org
			Westport Business to Business Visit their website.
Be sure to visit these informative and fascinating pages of EverythingWestport.com!
Photo Essays of Westport Hundreds of high-quality digital images illustrating the rural culture and beauty of Westport; its rivers, shores and picturesque landscapes. Go there now!	View Upcoming Event Calendar Get up-to-the minute announcements of the when, where and whys of local social business events. Go there now!	Local Theater and the Arts Click here for all local Theater and Arts events this week!		Conservation-Land Walking Tours in and around Westport Explore Westport one step at a time! Click here!

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