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WESTPORT - The latest exhibit at the Westport Historical Society museum on Drift Road tells the intriguing story of Westport's own Renaissance woman, Mercy Etta Baker, a talented amateur artist who was well known during her long lifetime for her poetry.

Opening March 1, the new exhibit, "The Painting and Poetry of Mercy Etta Baker" features an interesting variety of artwork, ranging from simple pen and ink character studies that reveal the young artist's growing drawing skills, to evocative postcard-sized watercolors that delicately illustrate "old" Westport's wind-swept beaches and salt-sprayed wharves and cottages.

While she was known locally as a watercolorist specializing in delicate miniatures of common Westport scenes, said museum Director Jenny O'Neill, Baker was famous internationally for her poetry.

"They're everyday scenes, things she would have encountered going about her daily life" just after the turn of the century, Ms. O'Neill noted of Baker's art. The same can be said about her poetry, usually dramatic rhymed verse, but often reflecting a bit of Yankee humor.

"I don't know of any artist of that era who represented Westport so well," Ms. O'Neill suggested as she gave a brief tour of the new exhibit, enhanced by enlarged reproductions of the many watercolors held in the New Bedford Whaling Museum's art collection.

The current exhibit was prompted by the Westport Historical Society's recent acquisition of four framed watercolors from a private collector, she said. "As an artist, she is fairly obscure; I don't think her work has ever been displayed before," she added, noting Mercy was best known for her poetry.

The Westport Historical Society has almost 20 of her small watercolors in its collection, and the Whaling Museum has another 15 of the exquisite portraits of Westport's past. The scenes include once heavily-wooded beaches, weather-beaten summer cottages, small work skiffs laden with heaps of just-harvested salt marsh hay, and the inevitable sailing ship docked at Westport Point, where Baker spent her childhood.

Baker was born in 1876, the daughter of West Beach cranberry grower Jehiel Baker. His father, John Hopkins Baker, owned a vast tract of waterfront property that now makes up the Horseneck Beach State Reservation, and it is clear from her paintings that the young artist was inspired by the natural beauty and changing seasons that surrounded her.

The family's stately house at 1998 Main Road was sold in 1906, and after that time, she resided primarily on Cottage Street in New Bedford, although research indicates she also stayed in Boston for extended periods of time. Among the family photographs included in the exhibit is a photo of Mercy and her mother in front of their Westport Point home.

Interspersed throughout the paintings and sketchbooks and photographs are enlarged copies of some of Mercy's popular poems, which appeared in a number of periodicals including Atlantic Monthly, Harper's, and Yankee magazine before being collected into a pair of volumes that sold world-wide.

Not surprisingly, nature themes and Westport scenes appear in many of her poems in those two books— The White Elephant Sale, and Bird Logic and Other Verses, reflecting a love of the outdoors that stayed dear to her heart until her death at age 80 in 1957.

While Baker never married, her love for young people was well documented. She adopted an Italian war orphan through the Foster Parents Plan for War Children, and financed the education of Shakauntala Joshi, who she had supported for years through the Christian Children's Fund.

In her will, she bequeathed substantial sums to several Meetings of Friends, the American Friends Service Committee, New Bedford Child & Family Services, and for an endowment for the Neediest Families Fund and other charities.

You can learn more about the interesting life and times of Westport-born Mercy Etta Baker at the Westport Historical Society Museum in the Bell School, 25 Drift Road, through the end of March.

The museum is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information on Baker, or the society's historical collection, visit their website, www.westporthistory.com , e-mail westhist@gis.net , or call (508) 636-6011.

Volunteers gather to build bluebird boxes, learn about nest monitoring

By Daniel H. King

Staff Writer

Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle Return to Top

March 05, 2008

WESTPORT — On a rainy Saturday morning, two dozen volunteers gathered at the Town Farm on Drift Road to help The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) build bluebird houses and to learn about monitoring the birds throughout their nesting season.

The crowd huddled in the old Town Farm house on the March 1 morning, sitting on rickety wooden chairs and even plastic five-gallon buckets to hear Linton Harrington and Robert Caron speak about the importance of the bird houses and the key factors involved in monitoring the colorful migrants.

Speaking about the Town Farm, Linton Harrington, TTOR Bioreserve Outreach and Education Coordinator, explained, "it's a beautiful property and it's got great bluebird habitat."

The property's numerous open fields make it the perfect habitat for nesting bluebirds, Harrington said. He also noted that it was important for the Trustees to hold the building workshop on that Saturday as the bluebirds begin looking for nesting sites at the beginning of March.

Before the group began constructing the boxes, they learned about the much-important monitoring process. Mr. Harrington explained that monitoring the nesting boxes is much more important than simply building them and putting them in a field.

The boxes need to be checked once or twice a week to ensure that bluebirds are in fact nesting in them, rather than the very aggressive European house sparrow, or the native starling. He explained checking the boxes is necessary because the sparrows will scare the adult bluebirds away from their nests and even break the unhatched eggs or kill the fledglings.

"The reality of it is the sparrows have to go away, or the bluebird trail will not succeed," said Robert Caron, a professor at Bristol Community College.

Harrington explained that one of the reasons they have these group information sessions is so everyone can learn from each other. "Part of the reason we do these trainings is to gather on that collective experience," he said.

"Nobody's really an expert, because no matter how much you really know there's always more to figure out," he added.

After learning about monitoring the birds, the crowd was instructed how to construct the boxes.

The bird boxes are made from rough-cut lumber with four sides, a bottom and a top which is removable. The boxes are roughly five inches by five inches square.

The front face employs a one and a half inch hole for the birds to enter the nest, but no exterior perch, as perches can help predators enter the bird house. The exterior of the front is also planed smooth so mice will have a more difficult time climbing it.

Once the boxes are nailed together, they are attached to a metal pipe and planted in the ground so the entrance hole rests between four and five feet from the ground.

As far as locating the nests, Professor Caron explained it's important to put the nests in fields facing south or east, and not near the woods, because wrens are more likely to nest in them.

"This is the first year that we're actually putting up boxes here in Westport," said Mr. Harrington, noting that although this is the fourth year the TTOR has planted bird boxes, this is first spring they've managed the Town Farm property and had the opportunity to have boxes put up in town.

If you're interested in helping to monitor any bluebird nests, call Linton Harrington at (508) 679-2115 or e-mail him at lharrington@ttor.org.

All the lumber for the project was donated by Delano's Sawmill in Dartmouth and Gurney's Sawmill in Freetown, and the metal pipes were donated by Mid-City Steel in Westport.

Fishermen's group to renovate 19th century rescue station

By Brian Boyd

Standard-Times staff writer Return to Top

March 04, 2008

WESTPORT - The Westport Fishermen's Association wants to bring back a piece of lost nautical history.

The association plans to refurbish the Horseneck Point Lifesaving Station, a former boathouse that was used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by volunteer rescuers.

The project also includes restoring an adjacent building and converting it into a visitors center.

Association members want the two buildings, located at the intersection of East Beach and West Beach roads, to become a source of information on nautical history and the environment.

"Westport has a lot of history, but it doesn't have many places you can visit to get a feel for that history," said Jim Perry, the project coordinator for the fishermen's association. "A visitor center like this would be a major bonus to the area."

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns the property, last week awarded $60,000 in matching funds to the fishermen's association. The contribution was a part of $1.25 million allocated for projects across the state, through the agency's Partnerships Matching Funds program.

The association last year signed a five-year lease. The cost of the refurbishment is expected to be about $120,000, and the association is also seeking donations.

The boathouse was built in 1888 by the Massachusetts Humane Society, which organized sea rescues before the creation of the Coast Guard. It was originally placed on Westport Point, but was relocated to its current spot six years later.

"It was where they would keep their rescue boats, and if there was a ship in trouble, no matter what the weather was, a bunch of volunteers would show up, yank the thing out and go out for survivors," Mr. Perry said.

The boathouse, which was the society's station No. 69, was decommissioned in 1913 after 25 years of service.

The adjacent building was built later and served over time various roles, such as an ice cream parlor, a clam shack and bar.

"Many people in Westport can remember having a beer there," Mr. Perry said.

The first step in the project is removing additions that have been tacked onto the buildings over the years and restoring the original dimensions. Exterior and interior renovations will follow.

Anyone interested in learning more or donating to the efforts can visit the Westport Fishermen's Association Web site, www.westportriver.org.

Adamsville Pond area is becoming an historic haven

Courtesy Westport Shorelines

February 27, 2008

Photos by everythingwestport.com Return to Top

ADAMSVILLE - Westporter Ralph Guild has bought a third house in this quiet intersection that seems like a crossroads of history -- a small Greek Revival at 7 Main Street on the Rhode Island side. The house has two rental units whose back side overlooks the pond.

Mr. Guild, who has said he wants to preserve this stretch so people can enjoy it as he did as a child, has now restored Gray's Grist Mill and, after 15 years of effort obtaining permits, has finished dredging the pond.

He has owned the pond, grist mill and the offices next to it since 1980 and has been funding the mill's operation since.

Dredging of the pond involved removing 5,000 cubic yards of muck. Anne "Pete" Baker, Mr. Guild's restoration adviser, said the big mounds of muck still sitting on land will be trucked away soon.

Mr. Guild bought the old Longfield house on the Westport side of the pond in 2006. He is in the process of renovating the house and its outbuildings, which once housed lantern and blacksmith's shops.

Under the dredging agreements with the two states, the pond's remaining thickets are being kept to accommodate alewives and wildlife.

Left and center: Longfield buildings before restoration – Spring 2007. Right: Longfield house in the final stages of restoration – winter 2008

More to come

It started with Gray's Grist Mill, then Longfield house and now a Greek Revival. Ralph Guild is restoring this idyllic and historic crossroads one building at a time.

Thus, despite the loss of Abraham Manchester's to a fire several years ago, this idyllic intersection is showing new signs of life.

Gray's Grist Mill is in Westport. So is Longfield house, with its blacksmith shop, which Mr. Guild is having restored.

Mr. Guild also bought Adamsville Pond and paid to have it dredged. Once choked with overgrowth, the pond is now so full with all this rain, it sometimes looks like it might overflow.

"Thank God for Ralph," said restoration historian Anne "Pete" Baker who has been working with him on all these projects.

Ms. Baker said a copy was made of the old turbine and gears that were used to provide energy to the grist mill's operations. It is ready to be installed as soon as the casing is designed and built. Once it is back in operation, it may actually save money in electricity.

The little island in the pond is a bird preserve. Now that the pond has been dredged, people can skate or row around it for the first time in many years.

The pond has a new fish ladder but Mr. Guild has also fixed the old stone fish ladder, so now, "There are two accesses for alewives to come back up," Ms. Baker said.

In the future, "We would like to introduce salmon," Ms. Baker said. "We will bring in salmon babies."

It takes time for the salmon to take hold and come back naturally to a spot. Ms. Baker said, "It's a long term thing but it would be really wonderful."

Longfield house was built sometime around 1790 to 1800 but it wasn't called Longfield house until the Longfields bought it in 1923. Mr. Longfield was a popular blacksmith; his forge was in the barn. The family also had a little shop by the road where they sold lanterns. All of these buildings are now being restored.

Left: Stone fish ladder in early 2007 before restoration. Center: Fish ladder during restoration - fall 2007. Right Restored stone fish ladder at Adamsville Pond - winter 2008.

Eric Lonergan wins the return of the Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race; Mimi Fallon takes Women’s Title. - January 10, 2008 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Everything Westport

Eric Lonergan of North Kingston, a 22 year-old graduate of RIC where he ran, won the Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race in a time of 25:09. Glen Guillemette, 48, of Narragansett took second with a time of 25:36. Michael Tammaro, 34, of Kingston was third with 28:04.

The weather was mild for this time of year, around 40 degrees and sunny, to the delight of many runners who shed mittens and tops as they ran. The field was 269 strong, with 243 finishing the 4.8 mile run. See the course.

Dan Murphy, 49, finished first among the 25 Little Compton runners with an 11^th place finish at 30:14.

22 runners from Westport competed with Noah McGarr, 18, the top finisher at 21^st overall with a time of 31:48.

Mimi Fallon, 42, of Walpole, MA overcame two younger women’s groups to take a strong first at 28:28, and was fifth overall in the race. Ms. Fallon is pictured below (left) receiving her cash prize and other good stuff!

There was a smoking gun! The historic Brownell House, home to the Little Compton Village Improvement Society, was the backdrop for the over 250 competitors aged 14 to 85 as they checked their watches and leapt out of the starting gate at the crack of the starter’s pistol. The smoke from the pistol can be seen in the photo below.

Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race at 4.8 miles was officially sanctioned by ASATF - no strollers, baby joggers or dogs could compete. The start and finish was at the Wilbur and McMahon School, The Commons, Little Compton. Proceeds benefited Little Compton Education Foundation and students of the Wilbur and McMahon School. www.lceducationfoundation.org.

All runners received t-shirts, and cash prizes were awarded to the top three men and women. The top three in each category got some neat stuff too!

Some of the best warm soups and chowders from some of the best restaurants in the area were available to all runners at the finish of the race. There were also drinks, apples, bananas and bagels to replace all those calories burnt in pursuit of the prize!

Jane Gavin (far left) of Little Compton took a moment between bites of her soup to smile her approval and contemplate her finish at this year’s race.

“The Little Compton Scenic Winter Road Race returned after taking a few years hiatus,” Matt Alder (yellow shirt), one of the organizers explained. Matt worked closely with Meredith Nelson (at the laptop) of Organization Plus, the official timekeeper of this event. “We are excited to be teaming up with Meredith & Ray Nelson from Organization Plus Road Race Management Services to offer this classic winter road race once again,” Matt said.

The folks at Organization Plus did a fabulous job in officially recording and reporting times and finishes of all the runners who completed the course. Pat Angilly was the number caller and Gerri Nelson was the time recorder. They worked with three others to keep the runners in line as they entered the finish chute. Three youngsters ran the completed time sheets one by one into the Wilbur McMahon School where Meredith Nelson entered them into a laptop. Times and runners’ numbers were carefully coordinated to insure accurate placement results. The 4.8 mile course was measured by Ray Nelson.

There were many faces to the race at the finish line: Determination, elation, pride, and just plain tired! But no face held the look of Joe Pascale (far left) of North Providence as he crossed the finish line one month shy of 85, the oldest runner to compete and finish! Jocelyn Kearns (far right) from Portsmouth was youngest at 14. She finished 86^th with a time of 37:58.

But all the runners competing were winners as proceeds benefited the students of Wilbur & McMahon School.

View race results now!

View the photo album now - 101 photos | Dial-up speed | Broadband/DSL speed |

Contact: organizationplus@cox.net for what you need to get ready for your next race!

Click on images to enlarge

Bottom row: The look of joy at finishing the race in good time!

The Top Three Finishers – Men and Women

Congratulations Eric Lonergan (25:09 - 5:15 pace)
and Mimi Fallon (28:28 - 5:56 pace)

Men and women's 1st place overall winners!

Second Place Overall finishers

Glen Guillemette (25:36 - 5:20 Pace)
and Paula Klepadlo (28:54 - 6:02 Pace)

Third Place Overall finishers

Michael Tammaro (28:04 - 5:51 Pace)
and Claire Gadrow (30:41 - 6:24 Pace)

Point house neighbors express frustration - January 10, 2008 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

Photo Courtesy of Shorelines

Westport Point residents packed a meeting room on Jan. 7 and questioned the new homeowner whose renovations left an historic house looking like a bombed out shell. The roof of the house, which was formerly owned by Dorothy Curtis, collapsed by accident, Joe Furtado said.

Others disputed that claim. Gay Gillespie sent a letter to the Historical Commission saying she saw workers demolishing the structure with sledge hammers when she took an early morning walk on Dec. 26.

Geraldine Millham of the Historical Commission said there seemed to be no effort to shore up the roof by the workers and that they were just "tearing it down."

Mr. Furtado said he was not at the site at the time but knew his workers were not trying to demolish the structure. He said they would not have knowingly caused the roof to collapse and that one worker ended up at the hospital from his injuries.

"This was not done deliberately," Mr. Furtado said. He said the roof collapsed because a chimney collapsed.

Mr. Furtado said he did not know how bad the condition of the house was until he started tearing out walls inside and seeing the framing. "The rotted wood came apart in my hands."

Architect Woody Underwood pulled a piece of wood out of a bag and threw it on the table to show how rotted it was. When he did, powdery puffs of wood flew into the air. The engineer said powder post beetles and water damage made it more economical to just tear the house down and rebuild.

Nevertheless, Westport Point residents questioned the owner's motives. Chuck Goldberg said two engineers have now told Mr. Furtado it would be cheaper to tear the old house down and rebuild. He said that might be the motive for tearing out walls and letting the roof collapse.

Others have said that from the very beginning, Mr. Furtado sought permits to tear the old house down and build a new house. His requests were denied by the Historical Commission.

The house was built in 1806. It is one of 16 lots added to the Historic District at a special Town Meeting in November 2006.

Because it is now protected, no renovations may be made that alter the exterior without the approval of the Historical Commission.

Ed Jackson, who spearheaded the effort to get the historic district expanded, said it was done to prevent something like this from happening.

Mr. Jackson said the commission should take firm action to send a message to people who think they can buy an historic district house and make changes without a permit.

"It's got to cease," he said. "The law's the law."

Commissioners and neighbors asked Mr. Furtado several times if he had planned all along to tear the building down so he could rebuild. Mr. Furtado repeatedly said, "My intention was to salvage what I could."

Mr. Furtado said he called several members of the commission when he encountered problems with the structure.

Jane Loos said she told him not to proceed with any more renovation work and to meet again first with the commission.

Asked why he hadn't done that and had instead proceeded to knock out walls, Mr. Furtado said, "I don't know."

He was also asked why he hired what appeared to be unskilled, young laborers instead of construction workers with experience in restoring historic houses. Mr. Furtado insisted that they were experienced workers.

Anne Baker said the overriding concern now is to stabilize the house to keep rain or snow from causing any more damage. Ms. Baker, who was allowed to enter the house with the building inspector, said, "I feel very strongly that we need to figure out how to save the building. It is salvageable."

The Historical Commission is seeking the advice of town counsel and said it might even seek a court order. Commissioners said they want to impose fines and to send a strong signal that people who buy houses in the historic district must follow state regulations governing such houses.

The commission also asked Mr. Furtado to provide proof of ownership. Betty Slade, who is not a member but helps with research, said the owner of record is Angie

Furtado. When asked about that, Mr. Furtado did not give a response.

Comments from architects

Several architects were among those who spoke out at the Historical Commission meeting on Jan. 7.

Chip Gillespie said he has worked on old fragile houses and has experience with them. "There must be 50 in this district as old as this house that have gone through successful renovations," he said.

"It puzzles me that he wouldn't brace and support (the structure) and that he would have workers with sledge hammers hitting support posts."

When owner Joe Furtado said, "My guys did not have sledge hammers hitting beams," someone in the room pointed out, "But you weren't there."

Timothy Bryant, an architect and alternate member of the Commission, said he has learned from his experience working on an historic house on Cornell Road.

Mr. Bryant said it is not the architect's responsibility to oversee the work but he is "part of a team and should have awareness based on observation." If the roof needed to be shored up, the engineer or architect should have made the workers and owner aware of that, he said.

Mr. Bryant said he too had powder post beetles in his house but he had not removed the beams. He said the wood still has holes but the insects are gone.

Mr. Bryant said it is easy to say an old house is "garbage" and not salvageable. "They're like old cars or old boats. They need care and expertise." Mr. Bryant acknowledged that preservation costs more but he said that is the burden someone assumes when buying a house in the historic district.

The owner's architect, Woody Underwood, said he wanted to preserve the house but changed his mind after they had stripped the plaster out and he saw the beams. He said the renovations had to conform with current building codes.

Sharon Connors, chairwoman of the Historical Commission, said the work did not have to comply with current building codes. Mr. Underwood, a former chairman of the Historical Commission, said it does and that he would not, professionally, do otherwise anyway.

Southwind clears the Harbor Channel - January 10, 2008 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Everything Westport

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The call came at 12:10 p.m., December 20. “We’re going home,” Devon “Hollywood” Carlock (left) said. The handsome, Southwind Construction Field Superintendent just received word that the Army Corps of Engineers had signed off on the Westport Harbor dredging project. He and the remaining two crew members could now cut up the pipe, load the flat beds with equipment and materials, and head home. The barges and heavier work boats would be hauled out of the water and transported back after the holidays.

The Corps had been out the previous day in a survey boat, taking soundings. The new channel passed inspection.

The work wasn’t always easy. “The moon tides were just kicking our butt,” lamented Mike “Twink” Will (below left), the burley Southwind Construction senior Field Superintendent. “We put the pipe straight out there at slack tide and started pumping, but the outgoing tide bowed the pipeline, broke the 1000 lb anchors free, and snapped the line like a twig. Twink, as his friends call him, had to fight high, rapidly moving, full moon tides for most of the first two weeks.

Twink tames the troubled waters!

In the end, Twink rerouted the 12” diameter, 1” thick pipe northward around boater’s beach, across the salt marsh flats and Bailey’s Flat, that then looped southwest to begin dredging down and out of the channel rather than up and in. This new course decreased the threat from the treacherous current of the outbound full moon tides. As Twink explained it; “being the stubborn Dutchman that I am, after a bunch of line breaks I came to realize I had to do something different!”

It’s easy to see why the British refused to enter the channel during the Revolutionary War. The tidal currents that can push boats dangerously close to the rocky Nubble and the old stone groin further exacerbate the narrowness and sharp turns of the channel’s entrance. “This project will widen the navigable channel to 200’ feet wide and 10’ deep at mean tide,” Richie Earle said. “During the 60’s and 70’s channel shoaling forced most of the large lobster and fishing boats to leave and find port in Fall River or New Bedford.”

Above, left to right: It took a bulldozer and other heavy equipment to keep the pipeline from being washed out to sea. (2) This scene was repeated over and over as the broken line had to be repaired by the working barge. (3) The culprit; a full moon created rapidly flowing tide flows. (4) The fusing, or “welding” machine as it is called, joins evenly-cut pipe ends together under 2000 psi pressure and high temperatures from a “heat strap”, forming a stronger bond than the pipe itself. (5) The line was finally rerouted to the north, turning south west down and out of the channel to minimize current interference.

Westport Harbor’s first recorded dredging occurred in 1893 and was conducted by the Corps. Little is known about the project, but it’s suspected the sand ended up as a Horseneck Point dune. A sequence of River and Harbor Acts starting in June 18, 1878 resulted in the construction of a single timber-crib “sand catch” jetty that was eventually replaced by a 150-foot long rubble mound in 1891; both were designed to reduce shoaling (sand build-up) in the inlet. Total cost of the projects - $2000! The Department of War extended the jetty by 200’ in the early 1920’s. “At high tide the jetty was awash,” said Richie Earle, Westport’s affable Harbormaster. “Sadly, the ’38 hurricane knocked it over, rendering it useless.” Remnants of the jetty can still be seen today (left).

In the 1950’s the channel was dredged by the state; the sand was used to create an astonishingly out-of-place beach at the Spindle Rock Yacht Club.

The Corps is paying 80% of the dredging’s projected cost of over $760,000, with the state picking up 15% and the town 5%. “Westport instituted a $1 per foot boat surcharge over 3 years,” Mr. Earle said. “We raised $81,000 that was used for initial research and feasibility studies, and our ultimate contribution to the project. The total cost of this entire effort will be close to a million dollars.”

Above, left to right: (1) The pumping dredge with the work boat, the Betty Lou, along side. The “spuds”, or the two metal columns at back end of the dredge are alternately hydraulically-raised and lowered to allow the dredge to “walk” along the desired sand-removal path. (2) The dredge employs a cutter, or “basket claw” to churn up the bottom sand. (3) The Anaconda-like pipeline snakes away on Horseneck Point. (4) Every 250’ to 500’, or so, the pipe was flanged to facilitate movement or repair. The “welded”, beaded seams are clearly seen in this photo.

Southwind Construction in Evansville, IN won the bid as dredging contractor.

The heart of Southwind’s hydraulic pumping dredge is a 400 hp Caterpillar diesel capable of pumping 5-6000 gallons of water per minute (a sand/water mix is less) through 7000’ of 12” pipe. “This is not your garden-variety, house sump pump,” Twink said. The line is comprised of polypropylene sections “fused or welded” together, on-site, under heat and pressure to form a continuous line that eventually went to 4700’. “The pipe we used came from the same job where we got the equipment for this project. Sections of that pipe were internally worn thin from the abrasion of sand and rock, and those areas failed under the severe tide changes,” Twink explained.

Left to right: Johnny from Florida, Stan from Tennessee, Phil from Indiana, and Hollywood with two crew members in the staging area..

The crew of 12 worked in two six-man, 12-hour shifts for most of the project - sun by day, hi-powered lights by night. “Equipment failures are expected,” Twink said, “but unexpected severe weather can cause personnel breakdowns. Our crew wonders why they have to work under these conditions.” They were tested by Westport’s first winter storm. “Our line broke once, and we had to suspend operations on Sunday (December 16) due to high winds and a two foot storm surge,” Hollywood said. “But the dredge handled it OK.”

Pumping is near continuous, whether it’s a sand/water mix or just water. “It’s easier and structurally safer to move the pipeline with water in it, just like winding a full water house on a house reel is easier and prevents kinks,” said Twink.

Left to right: the two-section working barge; the working boat Miss Leanne, the multi-purpose Betty Lou; and the Southwind dredge and cutter boom.

Southwind trucked up from Louisiana a major portion of their equipment: A 50,000 lb working barge in two sections; the dredge and cutter boom; the working boat Betty Lou; the working winch and fuel boat Miss Leanne; and an aluminum transport/push boat. Also, they brought a bulldozer, an industrial-sized fork lift, and a back hoe - all Caterpillar-made. There were generators, fusing equipment, night lighting, 1000 lb anchors and buoys, 7000’ of 12” polypropylene pipe in 50’ sections, and assorted tools and transportation vehicles. The working boats behaved more like small tugs in moving and stabilizing the heavy dredge and barge in the swift currents of Westport Harbor. The staging area looked like a miniature ship building yard. A huge crane was brought in to launch the barge and dredge. Read the story about Southwind’s arrival.

“The equipment we brought up out of Louisiana is for smaller dredging projects,” Twink said. “Maritime law says dredging operations must give way to commercial and pleasure craft. In a channel as small as Westport Harbor, our larger stuff would have blocked the channel. It would have done the job a whole lot faster, but we couldn’t keep moving our larger dredge.” Twink frowned. “The smaller pipe that came with this equipment was well worn, and contributed to the breakage caused by the moon tides.”

Federal regulations require dredging projects to occur from October 15 to January 15 to protect spawning fish, not exactly the greatest time to be working in New England waters. The picture to the left demonstrates, however, the importance of this regulation as the Southwind dredge and working boats are within feet of the fragile, protected Acoaxet Herring Run.

The working dredge has a large cutter, or “basket-claw” which spins in the sand, churning it up. The resulting sandy soup is vacuumed into a pipe positioned behind the cutter, pumped through the line, and eventually deposited on the beach in a mountainous spray of sand and water. Any fish in the area, especially smaller ones, would be swept up and hurled on the beach, making for happy gulls, and very unhappy US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel. Read how they are protecting our spawning species.

A deflector shield at the pipeline’s end keeps beach erosion to a minimum, allowing the water to separate from the sand, and run back into the sea. The remaining sand is bulldozed aside, and eventually smoothed into a low, long mound; its width started at the dune line and worked 30’ to 40’ toward the high-tide mark. Approximately 23,000 cubic yards of sand was removed from the channel.

The lengthy permit process had to overcome many financial, political and environmental issues.

The nasty weather and water conditions Southwind faced paled in comparison to the odyssey Westport had in seeking approval for Federal navigation improvements to the Westport Harbor. “Between the town, state and federal authorities we had to pull between 50 and 75 permits,” Mr. Earle explained. “There were Chapter 61, water quality certificates, Order of Conditions, removed material evaluation; the list went on and on,” Mr. Earle said. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had concerns that the Town of Westport wasn’t doing enough to protect endangered coastal nesting birds.” The State’s Division of Waterways and Wetlands also emerged as a secondary player in seeking approval for the dredging. “Major responsibilities of the Office of Waterways include the design and construction of waterway improvements, flood control facilities, and shore protection projects as well as the dredging of waterways,” said Kevin Mooney, the design and construction engineer for the state Office of Waterways. “The state has control over tidal rivers,” said Mr. Earle. ”It may be a federal project but the state gets their oar into the water. Kevin Mooney was a great resource for the Town of Westport.”

A major issue was avoided as the material to be removed from the channel exactly matched the composition and grain size of the sand on Horseneck Point. “Otherwise,” Mr. Earle said, “we would have had to transport the material to a federally-approved, off-shore site which would have added considerable expense to the project.”

“The beach nourishing material to be deposited on Horseneck Point could attract the endangered least tern,” said Gina Purtell, Director, Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (left). “Raising the beach height by four feet may reduce the birds’ fear of a “wash-over” of their nesting sites. Moreover, the dangers posed by man and predator could cause their breeding efforts to fail.” She continued; “It might be better not to change the beach at all, allowing the least terns to remain where they are. In addition, each year we also struggle with the piping plover,” Ms. Purtell said. The threatened New England Puritan Tiger Beetle was also reported to have been sighted in the Horseneck Point area.

In the end, the Town of Westport awarded a bid contract to the Allens Pond Sanctuary for a period of three years to monitor the effects the beach nourishment program may have on the three threatened species.

Meanwhile, the quest for Federal Navigational improvements, which initially started in 1990, was encountering obstacles. “We had to work hard,” Mr. Earle said, “to keep the project alive. Channel bottom soundings occurred in 1998 and 1999, and we funded feasibility studies to move the process along.” Increasing numbers of boat groundings in the channel were also a motivating factor. “The constant groundings in the channel were driving the Coast Guard and me crazy,” Mr. Earle said. “Our fishermen have suffered the most, not only from damage to their vessels, but waiting for the tides to get in and out of the harbor,” he said. Delays mean time, and time means money. ”It’s also quite expensive to be constantly relocating mooring fields whenever the channel shifts,” Mr. Earle said.

Hydrographic surveys were conducted by the Corps in June 2001. A hydrographic survey is the process of gathering information, including soundings, about navigable waters for the purposes of safe navigation of vessels. The darker gray areas in the sounding survey (left) signify sand to be removed in the channel.

Then, in 2004, the town received approval for the project subject to funding. “The Town’s dredging application finally met the Corps cost/benefit ration of 2.3 to 1,” said Dredging Committee Chairman Richie Earle. “In principle we got the project approved,” “but we didn’t get the money.”

Then hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. Much of the Army Corps of Engineers resources were deployed to Louisiana, and the harbor dredging program was put on a back burner. But in 2006 the political make-up of Congress changed and, with much pushing and the great assistance of Barney Frank’s office, federal funding was finally obtained. “We’re got the go-ahead,” Richie Earle said, crediting U.S Representative Barney Frank for his efforts “bird-dogging” the town through the federal labyrinth of funding. “Kerry’s and Kennedy’s offices were also very supportive,” Mr. Earle said.

There were only a few glitches in the completion of the dredging.

“We had to re-dredge the southeastern edge of the channel because of the steep slope cut in that area,” Hollywood said. “By the time we completed the project, that severe incline allowed somewhere between 2-3000 cubic yards of sand to roll back into the channel. We cut back another 50’ to lessen the sand drift”. The Corps requires a 1 to 3 slope. Also, the dredging crew at one point ran into shale and hardpan at 9’, and a decision was made by the Corps to relocate a portion of the channel as a workaround.

The Town of Westport and Southwind Construction received a site visit on November 28 from the top officials overseeing the harbor channel project. US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) New England District officials COL Curtis L. Thalken - Commander and District Engineer, John R. Kennelly, III - Chief, Planning Branch, and Maurice Beaudoin - Resident Engineer in the New Bedford Office, along with others joined with Garth Patterson of Barney Frank’s office to inspect the progress of the dredging. They were captained by Richie Earle in the Westport Harbormaster’s boat, and by Hollywood in the firm’s transport boat out onto the cold, windy harbor for an up-close, personal look at the dredging progress.

Also present were the Westport Town Manager, Mike Coughlin, and several other New England District Corps personnel including Mike Tuttle, Project Manager in the Concord Office, and Tim Rezendes, Resident Engineer in the New Bedford office.

Above, left to right: (1) (from left to right) Corps New England District official COL Curtis L. Thalken - Commander and District Engineer; Westport Harbormaster, Richie Earle; Westport Town Manager, Mike Coughlin; Tim Rezendes, Corps Resident Engineer in the New Bedford office; John R. Kennelly, III, Corps Chief, Planning Branch; Maurice Beaudoin, Corps Resident Engineer in the New Bedford Office; Mike “Twink” Will, Southwind Construction senior Field Superintendent; Mike Tuttle, Corps Project Manager in the Concord Office; Devon “Hollywood” Carlock, Southwind Construction senior Field Superintendent; and Garth Patterson of U.S. Representative Barney Frank’s office. (2) Hollywood takes the Colonel and Garth Patterson, among others, for a tour of the Dredge. (3) The site inspection also included a sightsee of the Horseneck Point nourishment with the sand removed from the channel. (4) Richie Earle takes Corps Resident Engineer in Charge “Mo” Beaudoin for a channel excursion in the Harbormaster’s boat.

“Westport Harbor is now a federally-designated channel,” Mr. Earle said. “It is incumbent on the Federal Government to keep this waterway navigable, which is of huge benefit to the Town of Westport.” Mr. Earle estimates that the dredging will be good for another 15 to 20 years, barring any hurricane doings. “We can dredge the channel of encroaching sand,” Mr. Earle said, “but strong storms will put it where they want to.”

Part of the dredging project also facilitated the relocation of the channel, as it exits Westport Harbor, to the left of Half Mile Rock, eliminating the very dangerous turning conditions that have resulted in capsized boats and some fatalities during very choppy conditions. The Coast Guard will install navigation aids to mark the new route.

“The sand used for nourishing Horseneck Point was deposited only on Town-owned land,” Mr. Earle said, “and extends from the dune line to just below the high tide line.”

Those walking towards the end of Horseneck Point will see a new long, low mound of beach sand extending for about 2000’. Deeply dug scars from the heavy equipment will eventually be smoothed by wind and water, and the beach’s natural contours will return with the help of winter storms and moon tides. Mother Nature, however, has the last say in the sand’s ultimate disposition.

True to Mr. Earle’s predictions, the dredging crews also found and retrieved some old moorings (below, left), long since abandoned. Tripps Boatyard was happy to get them. It’s plausible those old moorings could have done a better job than the 1000 lb iron anchors (below right) in securing the pipeline!

The work boat “Betty Lou” (above, center) got to go home before Christmas. “She sprang a leak,” said Hollywood. “We need to send her back for repairs. The rest of the crew already went home in time for the holidays.” The three remaining team members leave on Friday. “And I’m ready,” Hollywood said!

Dredging of the channel leading into the harbor was completed in late December, but most recreational boaters will have to wait until late spring 2008 to experience the difference. We may not get our large commercial fishermen back, but we will make it more comfortable for boats like the Broadbill (left) and the Alice T.

Want to read more about Westport Harbor restoration projects? View photos of Town Pier restoration http://www.cwhitemarine.com/westport.htm

Four in race so far for Board of Selectmen - January 10, 2008 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

Four candidates have entered the race so far for Board of Selectmen. Chairwoman Veronica Beaulieu took our nomination papers last Friday and incumbent Steve

Ouellette is also seeking re-election. There are two open seats.

Also vying for selectmen will be Lino Rego, who lost to Gary E. Mauk in last year's election, and Brian Valcourt, who has not run for this office before.

Mr. Rego lost last year in a race with low voter turnout of 17.5 percent. Mr. Mauk won by 82 votes over Sean Leach, who came in second. Mr. Rego received 559 votes.

The town election is Tuesday, April 8. Candidates have until Feb. 14 to take out nomination papers, which must be filed with ample signatures by Feb. 19.

In other races, Rich Botelho is seeking a two-year term on the School Committee and David Emilita is seeking a five-year term on the Planning Board.

Several paid town employee positions, which are elected positions, are also open this year. Harold "Jack" Sisson is seeking re-election as highway surveyor, Marlene Samson is seeking re-election as town clerk, George Foster as treasurer and Carol Borden as tax collector.

All are three-year positions. Mr. Sisson is also seeking re-election to the Landing Commission.

Also taking out nomination papers as of last Friday were Pauline Dooley, who is seeking re-election as a library trustee; Joseph Migliori, for constable; and John McDermott, assessor.

Few candidates take out nomination papers without eventually entering a race.

Christmas in Central Village - December 8, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Everything Westport

Central Village events always seen to swirl around Partners Village Store and Lees Supermarket, and this year’s celebration was no different. Many local retailers participated in and supported this year’s Christmas in the Village; with a few surprises thrown in! View their flyer now!

Partners’ new location is drawing 75% more traffic, and Saturday’s Holiday Open House was a dramatic example of the success of their new format. Outside the store, artisans Barri Throop and Lynn Keith worked diligently preparing a great assortment of Christmas garlands, swags, tabletop trees, baskets and advent wreaths; while inside Partners’ kitchen was working overtime as were two book signings featuring Dedee Shattuck signing her new book “Farmers – Portraits in a Changing Landscape”, Sidney Tynan signing her new book, “Country Letters 2001-2007, Life Between a River and the Ocean in Southern New England,” a collection of personal missives.

Not be outdone, Lees Supermarket had food and wine tastings, and hosted a Holiday Show in the Cooks Kitchen which featured folk art, handmade crafts, unusual gifts, photography, Christmas ornaments, homemade beach plum jelly, Becca’s chocolate chip cookies, New England Clam Jams Chowder, free massages by Linda Richter, and the artwork and gift boxes of Carol Way Wood. Keith Lynn and Gretchen Knowlton were the hosts.

Outside the store some very unusual characters were seen hanging around, but Officer Arruda had things well under control!

Down the road, American Canine at Many Paws Pet Villa was holding their annual Open House. Pictures with pets and Santa! Refreshments, great holiday gifts for the dogs and a few for the cats too! It was a great opportunity to meet their staff and pick up a 2008 Calendar with money saving coupons!

Many local businesses in Central Village supported Christmas in the Village. View their flyer now! Raffles, discounts, refreshments, and an occasional sighting of Santa Claus plus a retailing experience that can’t be found in the impersonal malls and colossal box stores met the many families who came out to support their local businesses.

Surprising many Westport residents, SticksStonesStarS had their grand opening this weekend at their new location in Westport Village Plaza. Owners Wayne Fuerst and Charles McConnell have assembled a top end Artisans Gallery second to none, and certainly a must visit those appreciative souls of the Westport artisans community!

Warrant deadline set for Jan. 18 - December 6, 2007 Return to Top

Courtesy Westport Shorelines

Selectmen set a deadline of Friday, Jan. 18, for receiving all warrant articles for the 2008 annual Town Meeting. The deadline is for both town department and petition articles. Last year, the petition articles were not due until the end of January.

Selectman Gary Mauk, a former Finance Committee chairman, pushed for the single deadline date.

Town Administrator Michael Coughlin said department budgets must be presented to the Finance Committee by Jan. 20 by town bylaw.

The deadline for warrant articles to be submitted to the Finance Committee is Feb. 10, which this year falls on a Sunday. Selectmen said it is likely they will be due on Monday, Feb. 11, instead.

'Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol!' keeps on growing - December 6, 2007 Return to Top

by Kim Centazzo

Correspondent – East Bay Newspapers

TIVERTON —The Little Compton Community Theater will perform "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol!" for a third year in a row, Thursday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 9. This time, the cast will perform the Christmas classic at Tiverton High School, three times the size of their former venue inside the Little Compton Community Center.

Gloria Crist, who is the artistic director of the play, said the show has grown tremendously in popularity and size.

"We decided to move to a larger venue because tickets went so quickly and there was just not enough space to accommodate the demand [last year]," she said. "This year, we have 300 seats to fill for five shows, and we are anticipating an even bigger audience than before."

The cast size has grown as well.

"This is the first time Tiverton has ever had a production this size involving so many people, children and adults, from so many communities," Ms. Crist said. "In this production alone I have cast and crew members, 65 total, from Tiverton, Little Compton, Westport, Fall River, Portsmouth, Middletown, Jamestown and Providence. Quite a feat for a town that does not even have a community center."

There will be five performances, three at 7 in the evening on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Dec. 6-8, and two matinees that start at 2 on the afternoons of Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9. Running time for the performances is approximately two hours.

In preparation for its biggest show of the year, the Little Compton Community Theater took to the high school auditorium stage Sunday night to practice lines and hit their marks for the fourth week in a row.

Tiverton resident Bobby Sylvia, who was in the Little Compton Community Theater's first production of "Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol!" and plays the role of Ghost of Christmas Present, said the play, written by Frank Trimble, is one for all ages. The best part of the play, he said, is the variety of music. The play features 16 songs, including gospel, country, rock and jazz songs and traditional Christmas carols.

"It's pretty funny too," he said.

Middletown resident David Jones said he comes back year after year to play the role of the ghost of Jacob Marley because of the friends he has made in the group.

"Each year it gets bigger and bigger," he said. "And you really do become a family. It's especially neat to watch the children grow up on stage and take on new roles as they mature."

The Thorton family has been involved with the Little Compton Community Theater for three years.

Carrie Thorton, production manager of the play, is the wife of Al Thorton who plays Mr. Fezziwig and the mother of five daughters who are all in the show.

"We really are a theater family," Ms. Thorton said. "Where else can a family do something like this together?"

Ms. Thorton said she has noticed a difference in her family since they joined the community theater group several years ago, especially her daughters.

"It's really given them a boost of confidence," she said.

While her husband and daughters prefer to be on stage, Ms. Thorton said she likes to work behind the scenes.

"That's the best part about all of this," she said. "There's something for everyone."

Ms. Thorton said the theater group is always looking for parents to work behind the scenes and for artists to decorate sets.

For more information about the Little Compton Community Theater, call 401-749-1203.

UMass Dartmouth's Greek students serve holiday dinner to area seniors - December 05, 2007

By Daniel H. King Return to Top

Courtesy – Dartmouth Chronicle

This past weekend UMass Dartmouth students served local senior citizens a wonderful holiday-style meal, continuing the University's long-standing tradition of inter-generational community service.

The Senior Citizens Holiday Party, celebrating its 37th year of tradition, was originally organized by UMass Dartmouth's Student Senate, but for the last six years has been run by the school's Greek fraternities and sororities.

Junior Rebecca DeSilva, an Alpha Sigma Tau sister and third-year participant of the holiday event, described the event as a lot of work, but very worthwhile. "Each year it's a lot of fun," said Ms. DeSilva.

"It's really rewarding," she said, explaining that whether she's listening to the seniors' stories or learning new leadership and delegation skills by supervising her peers, the holiday party offers something for everyone.

Fellow Alpha Sigma Tau sister and Greek Coordinator Kerry Gorman shared her sorority sister's sentiments. "I've learned how good it feels to help out in the community," she said.

Ms. Gorman explained she likes to help out for the smiles and the hugs. "Giving back to your community is a wonderful thing," she suggested.

While the party offers a lot of fun and free food, it also requires a lot of hard work and preparation. Ms. Gorman explained the party has become smoother each year of the three years she's been involved. People are getting more professional, she explained.

Forty-five to 50 fraternity brothers and sorority sisters serve the 800 local senior citizens over four working shifts, she explained.

Prior to the last two years, the party fed all 800 seniors at the same time, but recently the Greek staff and the Assistant Director of Student Activities Chris Laib found that splitting up the crowd made the event much more manageable. Now the dinner is served to two separate groups of 400 senior citizens.

It's a lot of work, Ms. Gorman said, but acknowledged, "I have a ton of people."

After all the food is served and the hard work is done, the dancing begins. "The seniors actually teach the students how to dance," explained Ms. Gorman.

Mr. Laib said he enjoys watching the seniors dance with the students. "It's actually very funny to watch," he said, noting the seniors are clearly better dancers than the students because they know real steps and real dances.

The seniors’ enthusiasm is clear from the outset. "They're all festive," said Mr. Laib, noting, "I enjoy seeing the seniors come out in their holiday finest."

The fine dress and festivity are clearly visible. The students are happy to serve their elders, and the seniors are happy to see each other; they're happy to be with family and friends.

"I came here to socialize. I meet a lot of people here," said John Bettencourt of Westport, eager to sit and eat with family and friends.

While many of the seniors enjoy the dancing and socializing, they all come for the meal.

The UMass Senior Citizens Holiday Party gives the seniors from surrounding towns a free turkey dinner with all the sides, dessert, and a band for dancing. And, as per tradition, every senior leaves with a free poinsettia plant, noted Mr. Laib.

"For me, it's about being able to give back to the community," Mr. Laib explained. As their admission ticket, the local seniors are asked to bring a children's book which will be donated to area schools, enabling them to also give something back to the communities they love.

Ceremonies honor our nations finest - November 11, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

World War II Navy veteran Calvin Hopkinson (left) took a lonely walk through the Beech Grove Cemetery after Sunday morning’s Veterans Day ceremony. Over 1500 veterans across the nation are lost to us each year, according to the Westport Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa.

Veterans Day commemorations were held throughout our community this past week to honor our nations finest and bravest. Beech Grove Cemetery in Westport was the site of a special service conducted to honor Westport veterans. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 207 invited American Legion Post 145 to attend, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A short service was held at 8:30 a.m. near the flag in the veterans’ section of Beech Grove. Three volleys by three veterans were fired followed by Taps. Westport Selectmen Steven J. Ouellette was in attendance as was Westport’s Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa, who conducted the service. The veterans then observed a moment of silence. Following the service those in attendance paid a special tribute to Navy Chief Baker, who died within the last year and was buried in another section of the cemetery.

Americans still give thanks for peace on Veterans Day. In Westport, there were ceremonies, speeches, and memorial breakfasts, a remembrance for those who fought to preserve our American way of life and liberty. We should consider it a privilege to be able to site the Pledge of Allegiance as hundreds of students did on Thursday morning in Little Compton at a special gathering to thank their war heroes. Three generations of soldiers (left) got a heart-felt salute and thank you from students of all ages at the Wilbur McMahon School on Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the school gymnasium. This “special thank you” assembly included songs and poems from the elementary school grades as well as selections from both the Wilbur McMahon School and the Portsmouth High School marching bands. Quite a stirring moment in the confines of the school’s gymnasium: Marching bands, singing students, American flags, hand-crafted banners, and plenty of patriotism! The invited public and parents filled the sports hall to capacity.

One day later on Friday, the Westport Council on Aging held a Veteran’s SOS breakfast at the Senior Center. Westport’s State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues was in attendance as was Westport’s Veteran’s Officer Ron Costa, who presided at the breakfast. The Veterans Day breakfast highlighted a week-long Holiday Fair sponsored by the Friends of the Westport COA where knitted goods, quilted items, specialty table, and holiday baskets were on sale. A special Bake Sale was on Wednesday. (Far left) Thelma Sullivan, Treasurer of the Friends of COA, stands beside a table chock full of holiday gift items.

(Above right) State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues talking with Marie Rita Medeiros and Leo Cadoret, a World War II Navy veteran who served in the Pacific from 1942-45, and participated in the invasion of Japan.

No matter what your views on war, or your political leanings, it is an honor for all of us to take a moment and remember the soldiers who served and fought to protect our country, our freedom, and way of life. Observing Veterans Day is a privilege all Americans enjoy because of their duty and sacrifice. Many didn’t return home. Celebrate those who did and remember and honor those who didn’t. Observe Veterans Day.

Mary and Ernest Gagnon (left) of Little Compton participate in a very “special thank you” assembly at the Wilbur McMahon School on Thursday, November 8. Mary has been President of the Ladies Auxiliary for “most of my life,” she said. “I’ve been a life-long resident of Little Compton, and graduated from the Wilbur McMahon School,” she said. Ernest served in the Coast Guard during World War II, and was stationed in the Pacific for 18 months.

Westport 2008 tax rate is projected at $5.50 - November 7, 2007 Return to Top

By Christopher Boardman

Correspondent – Courtesy of Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — Assessor Steven Medeiros met with the Board of Selectmen Monday night to discuss property classification. Following a report from Mr. Medeiros, the board voted unanimously to maintain a single property tax rate for Fiscal Year 2008.

Mr. Medeiros said that the FY 2008 tax rate has not been finalized yet, but preliminary numbers indicate the rate will be going up from $5.25 per thousand in valuation to $5.50 per thousand this year. The average value of a home in Westport dropped to $438,000 from last year's $444,000, according to Mr. Medeiros. This makes for a 1.7% drop in values. New growth figures are also in decline, down to $246,000 from last year's $453,000.

Mr. Medeiros also thanked town residents for their condolences after the death of his grandson, Kenny Griffin, this past August 16. Kenny and three others died in an auto accident on Narrow Ave in Tiverton. Mr. Medeiros has set up a charity in his grandson's memory, called Kenny's Connection, which will raise money for autism research. Kyle Brez, whose older brother Cory was the lone survivor of the accident, was diagnosed with autism. Kenny seemed to be able to reach Kyle, which inspired Mr. Medeiros to establish Kenny's Connection.

Several fundraisers are in the works for Kenny's Connection, including a spaghetti dinner on December 1, and the Red and Black Gala, slated for February. The event will consist of dinner, a bachelor/bachelorette auction and dancing.

Kenny's grandfather is organizing a spring bike run for the foundation. This event will take place sometime around Kenny's birthday in July 2008. The bike run will take ticket holders to Pleasure Island in Ocean Grove for a clambake or cookout. For more information on Kenny's Connection, Steve Medeiros can be reached at (508) 294-2781, or for more information on the foundation and autism, visit www.kennysconnection.com .

"In Kenny's memory we can help a lot of kids," said Mr. Medeiros.

The board also met with Jennifer Holske regarding a conservation restriction on the Scott Property at 176 Fisherville Lane. The property will be signed over to the town and the Trustees of Reservations. It is a 10 acre parcel on the East Branch of the Westport River with 1,000 feet of river frontage. The property also contains wetlands.

Selectman Gary Mauk raised concerns about the property's tennis courts, and possible liability for the town should someone be injured on the courts. "The town will not be liable for any accident that occurs," said Ms. Holske.

The board voted 4-0 in favor of granting the conservation restriction, with Gary Mauk abstaining. "I am abstaining because I don't know enough about it," said Mr. Mauk.

The board also voted unanimously to cancel the special town meeting tentatively planned for December, as the state-funded dredging project at the harbor has been held up and the town will not need to transfer its matching funds for the project.

The board also voted unanimously to appoint Acting Building Inspector Ralph Souza to the Housing Rehab Committee. The board also voted unanimously to grant permission for a banner to be erected over Main Road at the Westport Fire Station. The banner will promote "Christmas in Westport Village" an initiative to promote local Christmas shopping. The request for the banner was made by Cindy Vadeboncoeur of Kountry Kollectibles.

The board also voted unanimously to send a letter of recognition to Marc C. Gallant, who was recently named an Eagle Scout.

A restoration story: Stone-ender's chimney saved - November 8, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Asst Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

The crumbling remains of the Waite-Potter chimney might have seemed like a lost cause to most observers but not to restoration historian Anne "Pete" Baker. Using funds from the Community Preservation Act, Ms. Baker employed an enthusiastic contractor to restore the chimney. Now that effort has been completed, Ms. Baker showed a slide show of the project to the Westport Historical Commission on Nov. 5.

The Waite-Potter House was built in 1677 by Thomas Waite. The house, which is set back in the woods near Central Village, is on the town seal but the house itself doesn't exist anymore. It was destroyed by Hurricane Carol in 1954. After the house, whose exterior walls were already bowed and caved in, was destroyed, the chimney was all that was left.

Last year, when she was trying to raise money to save it, the chimney was completely covered with ivy. Ms. Baker called the ivy "bittersweet" because on the one hand, it was destroying the stone chimney by wending its way through holes between the stones.

"On the other hand it was holding it all together," Ms. Baker said.

After the area around the stone chimney, including an overhanging tree, was cleared, a basement came into view -- another new discovery. Quite a few artifacts were found in the basement and also in the chimney. Ms. Baker said she has no idea why these old artifacts were kept in the chimney.

As the ivy was removed in a small section, mortar was used to hold the loose stones together. The contractors used white mortar to repair the seams between the stones from the original construction. Where they added new stones, they used dark mortar to make it clear which parts are new and which are from the original.

Ms. Baker said the contractor tried to find the original stones on the property. "He'd look at the stones and try to put the right ones back in," she said.

The chimney, which had survived for centuries, only started to crumble when the wood lentel came apart. Unable to find a 13-foot piece of white oak from around here to replace it with, they had to order the wood from North Carolina.

Old plans for the Stone-ender were a huge help in the project but nothing provides as much insight as working on a restoration first hand.

"There's so much that you could pick up about the guys who did this," Ms. Baker said of the builders of that early period. "There's so much history there."

Among her discoveries so far is that the house had a gable facade. The realization that such a small house had a gable facade "was just like -- wow-- that's unbelievable," Ms. Baker said.

"You just start putting these things together in your head and you begin to get an image of what they did over the years. As it comes to you, it's amazing to discover a real story in that house, even though all that's left is a chimney."

Ms. Baker said the house is a prime example of a Rhode Island Stone-ender, one of few that "crept over the border." Thomas Waite came from Portsmouth, R.I., where he likely developed an interest in this unusual Rhode Island architecture.

Architect Norman M. Isham, a leading authority on colonial architecture, visited the house in 1903. He was so impressed, he produced full measured drawings and an in depth report. Mr. Isham called it a "curious and interesting old dwelling" in the "pleasant town of Westport."

The architect said the house resembled a Rhode Island homestead. "Another resemblance to Rhode Island work, and one even more striking appears in the great stone chimney," he said.

In 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt had the house documented as part of the Historic American Buildings Survey, which was established under the New Deal to record America's important early architecture. The Waite-Potter house was chosen because it was the oldest surviving 17th century stone-end chimney in Bristol County.

The Stone-ender is such a small house compared with today's houses, its size alone is a sign of how people lived back then, Ms. Baker said. Even in the winter, the early settlers' lives were lived mostly outside where they milked cows, took care of livestock and repaired fences and stone walls. They didn't have much furniture. When they came in, they would cook, weave, and -- without electricity -- when it was dark, they went to bed.

"I imagine they slept in the main room because it was warm," she said.

By comparison, today, our lives are lived mostly inside. "What's our life? Our life's inside," Ms. Baker said.

What is a "Rhode Island Stone-ender?"

The Rhode Island Stone-ender is a unique 17th century structure influenced by the Rhode Island settlers' forefathers from England -- a Tudor-Gothic type of yeoman's cottage, which has prevailed in part of England since the 15th century.

A Rhode Island Stone-ender has one room and is one and a half to two stories high with one gable end made entirely of stone. Its chimney top is capped by projecting stones and a large fireplace is incorporated into its inner side.

During the same period, the neighboring colonies, Connecticut and Massachusetts, were building two-room plan houses with the chimney in the center of the house.

Dredge barges launched into harbor after overland trip - November 2, 2007 Return to Top

By Bruce Burdett

Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines (photo courtesy of Shorelines)

It was a sight to warm a harbormaster's heart Friday — big trucks bearing barges heading down Route 88 to Westport Harbor. First came a gigantic crane, then a work boat and small barge, then a bigger 40-foot barge and then another just like it. Latter came great pumps and truckloads of flexible pipe sections.

"It's really going to happen," Harbormaster Richie Earle said as the 18-wheelers unloaded their cargo by the town landing. After a wait of perhaps 40 years, "We're going to get this thing dredged ... And wouldn't you know there's a hurricane (Noel) out there."

Southwest Construction Corp. , the Indiana company hired by the federal Army Corps of Engineers for $767,843 to dredge the main entrance channel probably won't start actual dredging until around Monday, Nov. 12.

First Southwest had to unload and assemble it equipment, much of it trucked up from its most recent job in southern Maryland. Then, on Friday, Nov. 9, a pre-dredge meeting will be held in town hall. At this session, all involved agencies will be updated on everything from channel buoy changes to environmental issues. And then, barring anything unforeseen, they'll start to dredge.

Just getting the wide, heavy barges here was quite an ordeal, the drivers of the 18-wheelers said. Each of the two 40-foot barges weighs over 40,000 pounds and is more than 12 feet wide. Because of that width, the trucks were required to take a circuitous route with escort vehicle and travel only during daylight.

The worst part: "These ---- drivers who merge in, yakking on their cell phones and you've got no place to go," one driver said.

Another pointed to his flatbed rig piled high with a dozen rusty 1,000-pound anchors, barrels, cables and timbers, all strapped in place.

"This looks like the Fred Sanford load," he said.

Crews set the crane up on the boat launching ramp and then hoisted a 'push boat' and small barge into the water. Next it lifted the two 40,000 pound barges into the water where they were bolted together to make a single 25-foot wide barge. It took no more than 15 minutes to lift each barge off the truck and into the water.

The biggest load, containing the pumps, had not yet arrived early Friday — "Got hung up somewhere in Connecticut," one driver said. "They'll be here at around 1."

Dredging the 20,000 cubic yards of sand from the channel should take about six weeks so will fit well within the permitted dredge window of October to January. Dredging is prohibited at other times of year to avoid harm to spawning fish and other creatures. The contractor expects to be done by late December.

Sand that has accumulated in the half century since dredging was last done here will be sucked from the bottom in a liquid mix with seawater and then pumped through a large floating pipe across to Westport's outer beach in an area from Horseneck Point to about half a mile east of there. Because it is clean and the grains are the right size, it has been deemed suitable for beach replenishment, Mr. Earle said. Adding sand to the outer beach should help the beach stand up to storms that might threaten to break through the barrier.

When they're done, they expect to open up the channel to a depth of 10 feet and width of about 200 feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers is paying 90 percent of the tab for the channel dredge work with state and local funds paying the balance.

Town poor farm - October 30, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Asst Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

The fields of the old town poor farm on Drift Road are looking less neglected -- in fact, downright pristine and spruced up -- now that The Trustees of Reservations is leasing the property.

The Trustees and its local entity, the Westport Land Conservation Trust, have spent $50,000 on the parking area, fields, stone walls and hiking trails at the riverfront farm, which encompasses 40 acres.

Now they are seeking a long-term lease with the Town of Westport before restoring the farm house and other buildings. The lease must be approved by Town Meeting, for which the town has set a tentative date of Tuesday, Dec. 4.

The work on the outdoors is just phase one of the town farm restoration project. Anthony Cucchi of the Trustees said the nonprofit will seek $1.2 million to $1.5 million from donors to make needed repairs to the main farm house and other farm buildings.

The funds will also be used to set up an endowment fund. Interest from the endowment will be used to pay for future maintenance and for public programs and activities.

"This is a great underutilized and under-cared for asset that the town owns," Mr. Cucchi said. "Our goal is to make this a better resource for the public. At the end of the day, we will have invested all of this private money on a town-owned asset."

The Land Trust wants to hold educational programs here and add office space. The office space would be used by Land Trust staff who rent office space in Westport.

The town installed new windows in the farmhouse but it needs many repairs. The structure has bowed walls and sagging ceilings. Other problems include lead paint. The septic system may need to be upgraded and electrical systems may need work.

The town rented the north and south apartments and still rents one. Mr. Cucchi said building codes are different for residential use than for offices and public space.

"The current structure is not up to code," Mr. Cucchi said.

A sign and plaque by one of the fireplaces remind visitors of the poor farm's historic roots and original purpose.

"We will keep the historic elements," Mr. Cucchi said of any renovations. "We actually see this as an opportunity in the renovation to try to bring it back to its historical roots."

Mr. Cucchi praised Geraldine Millham's oversight of the farm for many years. Ms. Millham, who voluntarily managed the property for the town, was able to keep it in fairly decent condition at minimal expense. Mr. Cucchi said she kept the buildings standing and addressed major deficiencies.

Maintaining the old poor farm with limited funds was always a tough task, however. Thus, Ms. Millham has been supportive of the Land Trust's interest in the property.

"This is an ideal solution for the town farm," Ms. Millham wrote in the town's annual report for 2006. She said the Trustees have "the "expertise, the energy, the vision and the resources to manage a property such as this."

Ms. Millham sits on a volunteer committee that is preparing restoration plans for the farm buildings. Other members include restoration historian Anne "Pete" Baker, former town administrator Charlene Wood and local farmers Paul Schmid and Lee Tripp.

In July, the Trustees and Land Trust held an open house at the farm. Since then, although the building is locked, the public has been able to use the hiking trail, which was established around the perimeter. An electronic fence keeps visitors from wandering into the agricultural fields, where a farmer's cows are grazing.

In the future, the Land Trust wants to create an "environmentally-sensitive agricultural" operation here.

Future plans also include constructing a boardwalk and dock "so kayakers and canoers can get out and tie up and have lunch," said Jennifer Holske of the Land Trust.

"Part of our goal in the second phase is to really get the town connected," she said. "This is an important part of the town and its history."

Last week, with the trees showing off their autumn colors, the view alone was worth a visit.

The Great Pumpkin Road Race and Dog Walk - October 28, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

October 28, 2007

The atmosphere was festive this year as East Greenwich, RI’s Dave Schaad was the overall winner of the recent 4^th Annual Great Pumpkin Road Race and Dog Walk held on Sunday, three days before Halloween. Schadd covered the course of four miles, which began behind the Hampton Inn on Old Bedford Road and extended through the Fall River conservation area, with a time of 23:46, 1.16 off the pace of last year’s winner. Madalena Boudreau of Fall River was overall female winner with a time of 25:53.

The runners and walkers enjoyed perfect fall weather without a cloud in the sky. According to Pet Partners, race sponsor, there were 20 more participants than last year, and approximately $3000 was raised to assist their stated mission of reducing the number of unwanted and unnecessary animal euthanasia at local shelters.

Schaad and Boudreau received ornate Halloween-oriented trophy’s as did the top male and female runners in 7 age groups. Corrine Bowman, Pet Partner’s N.E. organizer (pictured below right) presented the awards. The best costume award went to scarecrow ???? and her dog ????.

The awards ceremony and celebration with music by the Midnight Kitchen (scary group!) was held in the Hampton Inn parking lot after the race. Free food, drink, and free Pet Partners Race/Walk T-Shirts were enjoyed by all runners. There was a giant raffle, and a fascinating t-shirt design contest was held.

Special awards were presented to the top 3 fund raisers, with Dr. Laura Leanza at $500 and Dr. Lisa Kunze at $400 being the top two.

The mother/daughter duo of Cathleen (ketchup) and Dorothy (mustard) Masse (pictured far left) weren’t about to eat their “hot” dog, Riley!

According to Pet Partners, the proceeds will be used to offer free to low-cost spay/neuter services.

Awards List

Overall Male:

Dave Schaad 45 E. Greenwich, RI 23:46

Overall Female:

Madalena Boudreau 45 Fall River, MA 25:53

Masters Age Group Results

Male Age Group 01 - 19

Rion O’Grady 12 Sherborne, MA 28:46

Male Age Group 20 - 29

Russell Dearing 29 Dartmouth, MA 25:53

Female Age Group 20 - 29

Bethany Fisher 29 Dartmouth, MA 32:12

Male Age Group 30 - 39

Eric Worsley 32 Fall River, MA 23:52

Female Age Group 30 - 39

Jennifer Delcolle 34 Bristol, RI 25:58

Male Age Group 40 - 49

Dave Schaad 45 E. Greenwich, RI 23:46

John Santillo 46 Portsmouth, RI 28:27

Feale Age Group 40 - 49

Madalena Boudreau 45 Fall River, MA 25:53

Karen Regan 46 Somerset, MA 29:08

Male Age Group 50 – 59

Paul Simone 52 Middletown, RI 24:58

Female Age Group 50 – 59

Penny Catalano 59 Warren, RI 30:15

Male Age Group 60 – 69

David Pember 64 Medfield, MA 27:40

Female Age Group 60 – 69

Ann Bell 61 Swansea, MA 47:55

Male Age Group 70 – 79

Victor Haddad 76 Somerset, MA 41:47

New Macomber School principal is settling in nicely - October 25, 2007 Return to Top

By Christina Styan

Staff Writer - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — New Macomber Primary School Principal Susan Wilkinson blends in gracefully while coloring with kindergarten students at her new job.

Collaborating with parents and staff is certainly not all fun and games for the veteran principal, coming off her previous post as the principal of Walker Elementary School in Taunton.

While there, she developed a leadership style she described as fair, yet firm. Challenging, yet supportive.

"I share these leadership qualities with staff members" at the start of the year, Ms. Wilkinson said. "There is a great need for high standards and accountability for my staff as well as students," she noted.

Different people have different needs, and different strengths and weakness, she added. A principal's job is to make the most of those individual talents through sound teamwork.

Living in Westport, Ms. Wilkinson was already very familiar with the school system, especially since her daughter Bailey attended kindergarten classes at Macomber School last year.

With a very supportive staff, Ms. Wilkinson felt she was able to make a nice transition from parent to principal. "I had been in the building, and saw the cohesiveness of the staff," she noted. With a parent's perspective, she had a pretty good understanding of the kindergarten program, and had attended many of the activities.

"I was there as a parent at the end of the year, and watched the 'moving up' ceremony," she said. "I had a fairly good idea at that point I might be principal," she admitted.

Improving reading and writing are an important part of the district-wide goals for all children, beginning with pre-school, so curriculum review is a constant concern.

"We are looking at ways to integrate writing into their learning centers," Ms. Wilkinson noted. For example, in the woodworking center, youngsters get the chance to bang a hammer, but they will also be provided with graph paper for writing about the experience.

In the imaginative play cooking centers, students can create their own menus, then prepare the recipes. "They need to understand their ideas can go down on paper.

Children can be (capable) authors," she suggested.

While at Walker Elementary School, Ms. Wilkinson also worked to increase parent involvement in school activities. At Macomber, she is planning a family game night, where parents will bring in a board game to play with their children, and a pajama reading night.

"There is wonderful parent involvement here," she noted, anxious to help parents become part of the school community.

The Westport Watershed Alliance already brings different environmental topics into kindergarten classes, and the new principal would like to expand the programs to include the pre-school students, she indicated.

During the current school year, Ms. Wilkinson will be working on the National Association of Education for Young Children accreditation review.

The school is already accredited, but the review process takes place again every five years, and former principal Paula Sullivan had already begun working on, assembling a school portfolio, she noted.

The accreditation process helps the staff reflect on what we are doing, and ways we can improve, Ms. Wilkinson said.

From 1995 to 1998, Ms. Wilkinson was a guidance counselor at Walker School, and also worked (from 2002 to 2004) as principal at Oxford Elementary School in Fairhaven. Her background includes recent seminars on grant writing, improving staff morale through professional development, and promoting an overall positive learning environment.

With her high energy level and hearty smile, Ms. Wilkinson feels right at home at the pre-school and kindergarten level, which she feels is very important to students because early learning grade levels set the stage for the rest of a student's educational path.

"Early literacy skills are primary. In kindergarten and first grade, kids learn to read; and after that, they read to learn," she noted.

If she seems too optimistic, too happy to be working so hard at what she loves, it's true. People sometimes think, she said, "that I smile too much."

Perhaps, but it's only because she loves going to work every day, she suggests.

Turtle Rock farm saved with help from oil spill fund - October 25, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Asst Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines

Turtle Rock Farm on Pine Hill Road will be preserved thanks partly to a fund established by Bouchard Transportation Co. after its barge caused a massive oil spill in Buzzards Bay in April 2003. The farm has about 1,000 feet of frontage on the East Branch of the Westport River. The Trustees for Reservations purchased about 45 acres of the farm outright for $2.3 million.

About half or $1.16 million was used to establish a conservation restriction on 36 acres so they cannot be subdivided into house lots.

Jennifer Holske, conservation coordinator for the Trustees, said it is negotiating with a "conservation minded" buyer to pay the difference between the purchase price and the conservation restriction.

In exchange, the buyer will be able to build two houses on the remaining farmland, although at this point it is only interested in building one, Ms. Holske said. One house lot would be allowed on the river.

The Erickson family, which inherited the farm, is keeping the main house and some acreage.

Ms. Holske said protecting farmland with so much river frontage contributes to the health of the river. She described the land as habitat for water fowl and migrating birds.

The name Turtle Rock comes, as might be expected, from a large rock shaped like a turtle. For many years, owner Jean Parsons, who taught at the elementary school, brought her classes to an annual outing here. The students were shown the turtle-shaped rock during their visit.

Mrs. Parsons's father, J.T. Smith, bought the farm from John Tripp in 1922. Mr. Smith specialized in hot house tomatoes and white celery, which he sold in Providence. An avid birder, he started the Paskamansett Bird Club.

The Trustees and Westport Land Conservation Trust were able to protect Turtle Rock Farm with a portion of the second of two $1 million grants awarded by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which is a program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These funds, which were available through the Bouchard oil spill

fine, were coordinated by the Coalition for Buzzards Bay.

The Trustees and Land Trust used the first NAWCA grant to protect the 90-acre Chapin White Farm with a conservation restriction. This property is located along the same stretch of the East Branch as Turtle Rock Farm in an area the Trustees and Land Trust call the Hix to Head Project Area. It encompasses 2,000 acres and includes the stretch of the East Branch that extends from the Head of Westport to Hix Bridge and from Drift Road west to Pine Hill Road.

Ms. Holske said this stretch along the river has some of the town's last remaining farms and has many unique ecological features.

"It contains important tidal marsh that the State of Massachusetts has identified as one of the rarest natural communities in the state," she said. "It also provides essential migratory bird habitat recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This area has so many important features that are vulnerable because historically, less land has been protected in this part of the river than in other parts."

Ms. Holske said the Land Trust's goal is to use the Bouchard oil spill fund to protect 100 acres, including this farm, by the end of next year.

Architect shares his love of Westport Point - October 18, 2007

By Paul Tamburello

Correspondent – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines Return to Top

Photos by Jon Alden

Click here to view photo album of Jim Collins’ presentation to the Westport Historical Society

Westport architect James Collins, Jr., is president of Boston-based Payette, an award-winning architectural firm specializing in high technology health and research buildings. You could probably fit the entire village of Westport Point into one of his company's current projects, which involves renovating a million square feet of national historic buildings on MIT's main campus.

Yet, Mr. Collins has an affinity for the small village atmosphere of Westport Point. He has summered for the past 15 years in his three-quarter Colonial there. His house was built in 1776.

Mr. Collins's family has owned property in Westport for three generations. They unhappily lost three beach houses to hurricanes in 1938, the mid forties and 1954.

Mr. Collins looks at Westport Point with the eyes of an architect. He describes the Point as one of the most unusual harbor villages in the country.

Westport Point is protected by a barrier beach and surrounded by an estuary with a river that splits around it. The Point is not that wide and a road runs smack down the middle of it.

"The result is that you're equally aware of the urban aspect of a central street and a rural quality that allows you to look past the buildings and over the grass behind them and see water on both sides of the street," Mr. Collins said.

The entire area faces south so both sunrise and sunset are visible from most of the houses.

"There will be people who say you need to travel thousands of miles to get these four different experiences but here they have them within feet of each other," Mr. Collins said.

How did the village get this way?

"Enlightened self-interest zoning," Mr. Collins said with a laugh.

From the beginning, it seemed that everyone built close to the street to take advantage of using the back yard for gardens, animals or water access. The roofs of the Cape and Colonial style houses closer to the Point are all pitched the same way, which creates a natural grade down to the water.

Mr. Collins uses words like "ventilation" and "rhythm" in describing the village character and architecture of Westport Point. That should register with anyone who has walked past the houses near the end of Main Road and wondered how the views down to the water on both sides were orchestrated.

Mr. Collins said most of the village houses were located so they "huddled up" to the north side of their lots. They weren't built in the middle of them.

The lots have random widths, depending on how much money the property owner could afford to spend.

"No one ordered them to build on the north side of their lots but that and the random lot widths creates a rhythm of openings between them," Mr. Collins said. "You look left and say 'nice house,' look right and say 'nice gap to the water.' You can say this all the way down the street."

When families grew bigger and more space was needed, they "telescoped" their houses by adding on to the back so the village got denser but those all-important gaps providing views to the water didn't get filled in," Mr. Collins said.

Heading north, away from the Paquachuck Inn, most of the houses are Capes or Colonials. The Capes are one floor, never two, have simple detailing and may sport dormers or an attic. Classic Colonials are usually two stories, have regular-sized windows, a central chimney and several types of roofs.

What a range of them there are: full Capes, three-quarter Capes, half Capes and, in one case, a Cape that morphed into a Colonial. Owners continually tinkered with their Cape and Colonial style houses, adding, subtracting or replacing windows, adding porches and extending living space.

Chimneys have been added to some houses and, in one case, a chimney was built partially over a window. Hardly any of them are carbon copies of another.

Farther up the road, the architecture gets more kaleidoscopic. Styles include Greek Revival, Arts and Crafts, Italianate, Gothic Revival, American Foursquare and Bungalow Craftsman.

"When architecturally knowledgeable people come to the village, they flip out," Mr. Collins said. "This is an important place because it houses as many great homes of architectural style as anyplace I've ever seen in my life," Mr. Collins said.

Mr. Collins inherited his love of Westport Point from his father. On a stroll through Westport Point with his Dad when he was five years old, Mr. Collins asked him why he loved the neighborhood so much.

"Oh, Jim, this is a special place, this is sacred ground," his Dad said.

Now that he's lived there 15 years, Jim Collins feels the same way.

Westport Point architecture

Westport Point contains examples of Cape, Colonial, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Victorian Shingle, Georgian Revival, American Foursquare, Arts and Crafts and Bungalow styles. Some houses are a mix of two or more styles.

Architectural styles and periods

1626 - 1725 First Period Architecture

1600s - 1960 Cape

1725 - 1775 Georgian Colonial

1780 - 1830 Federal

1830 - 1875 Gothic Revival

1825 - 1850 Greek Revival

1845 - 1860 Italianate

1860 - 1880 Second Empire

1870 - 1900 Richardsonian Romanesque

1875 - 1925 Victorian Eclectic

1880 - 1910 Queen Ann

1880 - 1900 Victorian Shingle

1895 - 1930 Georgian Revival

1895 - 1930 American Foursquare

1905 - 1930 Arts and Crafts (Craftsman)

1905 - 1930 Bungalow

At long last, they're set to dredge the channel - October 18, 2007

Open Article

Courtesy of Westport Shorelines Return to Top

An event many people had thought they might not live long enough to see is now scheduled to start in a few weeks. The federal Army Corps of Engineers has all funds and permits in hand, has chosen a contractor and is set to begin dredging the sand-choked Westport Harbor entrance channel. Work is scheduled to begin in early November.

Southwest Construction Corp. of Indiana, a firm that specializes in dredge work, was chosen with a bid of $767, 843, Harbormaster Richie Earle said. The company has worked with the Army Corps on a number of previous dredge projects.

The company will meet with the Army Corps of Engineers next week in Boston and the next day (Tuesday seems likely) will come to Westport and meet by the beach with local officials to discuss the work that comes next. The company will begin mustering equipment at the harbor in about two weeks with hopes of starting the actual dredging a week into November.

"I just can't wait to see this gets started and finally get it off my desk. It's mind boggling,' said Mr. Earle who, along with the rest of the Dredge Committee, has been working toward this day for many years.

When they're done, they expect to open up the channel to a depth of 10 feet and width of about 150 feet.

The Army Corps of Engineers is paying 90 percent of the tab for the channel dredge work with state and local funds paying the balance.

The start of another dredge project, the so-called "state job" around Westport Point and the town docks is less certain.

An "eelgrass issue' is the latest matter to complicate things on this smaller job, Mr. Earle said. Small eelgrass beds covering about 4 percent of the area to be dredged were discovered and a permit will not be granted until a plan is approved to spare the beds from harm.

"They say that should happen soon but it's getting kind of late in the season ... we still need permits and we still need to put the project to bid." Unless it all happens immediately, the work might have to be put off to next fall.

Mr. Earle said the delay also complicates a town meeting tentatively set for Dec. 4, the main purpose of which is to deal with the town share of funding for the project. He said it could be that they will be ready by then, or it is possible that the matter might have to be postponed, perhaps until the regular town meeting next spring.

"We're still kind of up in the air on that one," he added.

Lees Market “Lights It Up” at Horseneck Beach

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

The shadows were getting long as many hundreds gathered on Horseneck Beach with their friends and families, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets in keyed up anticipation of the bonfire and fireworks show to come. It was a beautifully clear evening, and the air had that dry chill of the coming fall. The bonfires, sponsored by The Friends of Horseneck Beach, would warm things up.

State Representative Michael J. Rodrigues of Westport spearheaded The Friends of Horseneck Beach to do whatever they could to make the beach a better place. Mike was recently instrumental in bringing home $5 million in state funds to improve the facilities there. The Friends are planning more family activities and are enlisting more volunteers (currently about 39) to assist the state in the ongoing cleanup of the beach, an effort much appreciated by the Beach’s short staffed personnel. Eventually, this group plans fundraisers to provide additional amenities beyond the scope of the recent state funding.

At 6:45 p.m. the show got on the road.

Reminiscent of the signal fires of ancient Troy, or the great funeral pyres that sent Vikings warriors on their journey to Valhalla (Odin's hall), three large bonfires were ignited in unison close to dusk on Horseneck beach as the opening act to the festive Lees Lights It Up fireworks display sponsored by Lees Market. The brisk southwest wind soon fanned the fires into raging infernos within minutes of their lighting.

Bonfires always provide an element of danger and excitement. To insure a safe event Westport Fire Chief Brian Legendre enlisted personnel and support vehicles from the towns of Westport, Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford, and Swansea. Also assisting the event were the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts Forests and Parks, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

The bonfires were a last minute addition, and many in and around town weren’t even aware of their presence. However, by 7:15 p.m. many thousands were coming onto Horseneck Beach looking for a spot to claim for watching the fireworks show so generously donated by Lees Market of Westport. The launching point was in the state parking lot of Gooseberry Island. Hundreds of cars were parked at East Beach and viewing space in the area was at a premium.

The bonfires were still burning when the first rocket was launched at 8 p.m. From that point on there was a shell in the air continuously for 35 minutes until the grand finale. And what a show! There was a smorgasbord of firework displays ranging from the old standards like peonies, crackling bees and bees, dahlias, Jupiter rings, strobing shells, willows, Chrysanthemums, palms, roman candles - to the more recent special effects like smiley faces (awesome, how do they do it!), cubes (amazing) and bowties. Buzzards Bay was lit up with every color of the rainbow. There were unobstructed views from Little Beach in Dartmouth to Cherry & Webb Beach in Westport to enjoy this spectacular show in the sky.

Lees Lights It Up is a fabulous season-ending event. We hope it continues for years to come. Thanks to the Lees family for entertaining our families, and stretching out our summer fun for just a bit longer.

Shellfish-Harbormaster Building Dedication - September 22, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

Over 75 friends and associates of “Ab” Palmer were present today as the shellfish/harbormaster’s office was named in his honor. Ab, as anyone who new Albert called him, was the Westport Shellfish Officer and Harbormaster from 1960 to 1981. Palmer, the longtime shellfish constable also filled many other positions in Westport. The naming event took place at the shellfish/harbormaster’s office on Westport Point at 10 a.m. Gary Sherman, the current Shellfish Warden, presided. Tours were given of the shellfish hatchery building.

Shirley, Ab’s wife, was present as were most of her family at the unveiling of the two new plaques on front of the Harbormaster’s office. Shirley gave a wonderful speech about Ab that brought a lot of tears from friends and family.

Shirley Palmer gave the following speech at the building dedication.

Albert (Ab) was born at the home of his grandfather Allen’s Farm overlooking the Westport River. He said from then on the river had run through his veins ever since.

As a youngster he used his grandfather Palmer’s skiff to go quahogging and fishing. At the age 8 or 9, he went lobstering, weekends, with his father on his boat. He joined the Navy in WWII and served in Attu and Guam where he ran a tug boat. On return, he continued to work the river. I remember his comings to sell quahogs and my mother would buy 14 or 15; probably charged no more than 25 cents. Over the years he told about a neighbor buying three. He thought it was a mighty small chowder.

At first, he was hired as a part time Shellfish Constable, working every weekend and Wednesday during the week. He worked as a carpenter the other four days. Later he was appointed as the first full-time Shellfish Constable. There were several good years shellfishing. The banner years scalloping he would say that many Westport families would have a real good Christmas. These were long days patrolling the river, leaving home before dawn and coming home after dark. No matter what the job was, he gave 100%.

He worked with the Department of Marine Fisheries and gained knowledge from them. He had great respect for Mike Hickey, Jack Fisk, and Arnie Carr, to name those in my memory. He worked not to just enforce the law, but to better the river and encourage people to appreciate all the river had to offer.

There were many days and nights searching for missing people; most always in dense fog. The town cruiser and our pick-up truck were vandalized in our yard while Albert was at town meeting. Another time, the town boat was burned. Both incidents were after he had made arrests. His own boat and motor was stolen after he retired.

He was proud and grateful to the town to have this position for so long. After he retired he was interviewed by the Providence Journal. They asked if he was going to change his phone number. He said that wouldn’t be fair “it’s the public that paid me when I was working and it’s the public that’s paying me now.” The calls kept coming.

We would like to thank the Town of Westport, the Board of Selectmen, and the Shellfish Department. Our family especially wants to thank Gary Sherman for his idea in naming the building in Ab’s honor. Thank you all for coming today. This tribute, I feel, was for everything Albert stood for; honesty, dedication and caring. Ab would be pleased.

Shirley Palmer

September 22, 2007

Editor’s note: Ab passed away in 2007.

Hot-air balloon takes out power lines, lands safely - September 21, 2007

By Jill Rodrigues

Courtesy of Westport Shorelines Return to Top

A rare, strong down-draft forced a chartered hot air balloon flight, with seven people on board, almost down to the ground and into electric lines on Sodom Road, just after 7 a.m. on Friday.

The pilot and owner of Balloon Adventures of New Bedford, Dave Gifford, formerly of Westport, said the balloon was at an altitude of 1,000 feet flying over the Medeiros farm corn field, across from 863 Sodom Rd., when, he said, a "back-door cold draft caused excessive downward wind" and they almost hit the ground. Mr. Gifford said he gave the balloon some gas, which stopped its descent. But right in its path were a utility pole and electric lines.

The mouth of the balloon hit the pole, snapping it in half, and the 70-foot diameter balloon wrapped around electric lines, which came down with the pole.

"This happened within a second or less," Mr. Gifford said. He cannot remember if the pole broke first or the electric lines.

Mr. Gifford said that the severed electric lines touched off some sparks that singed his hair. Otherwise, he was not injured. Of the seven people on the balloon — some from Westport, Dighton, Boston and Providence — only one person incurred a minor burn on an arm from the balloon's equipment that was treated on the scene. No one needed hospitalization.

After the balloon passed through the electric lines, it continued traveling southwesterly another 200 feet, between the houses at 863 and 871 Sodom Road, to land next to a barn.

"We landed just like we always do," Mr. Gifford said, speaking from 30 years of piloting hot air balloons. "We slid to a gentle landing" — basket upright. As soon as they had landed, Mr. Gifford deflated the balloon.

The flight took off at 6:30 a.m. from the head of Westport, near Westport Middle School, and was heading toward Little Compton, where he has permission from a number of farmers to use their fields for a landing, Mr. Gifford said.

Power was knocked out on Sodom Road at about 7:10 a.m., and restored by 9 a.m.

Westport Police Sergeant Jeff Majewski said it appeared to be a "freak accident," adding that Mr. Gifford operates a "very reputable company."

"When it struck the pole, the pilot made a pretty successful landing," Sgt. Majewski said. "The pilot instructed everyone to get down in the basket, and that was enough to keep everyone safe."

As part of standard procedure, the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct a flight investigation, Sgt. Majewski said.

Even the hot air balloon received little damage. Mr. Gifford said one of its 28 cables snapped and the balloon tore, but he said he could just patch that, and it will be usable again.

Before each flight, Mr. Gifford said he monitors weather reports and contacts meteorologists to plan his timing and path. The reports Friday morning said there would be calm winds until 11 a.m., he said.

"Luckily, the balloon has a lot of power so it prevented us from getting hurt," Mr. Gifford said. They could have crashed into the ground. He said that these cold drafts are rare and cause a lot of wind. "This one, here, unfortunately got us."

Above left: NStar technician James Alexander working to stabilize electric lines so the broken utility pole could be replaced.

Left: Dave Gifford, owner of the hot air balloon charter company, gathers the balloon that he landed safely between houses on Sodom Road after a strong downward wind pushed he and six passengers into a utility pole and electric lines.

Markers made for old cemeteries - September 20, 2007

News Release from the Westport Historical Commission Return to Top

With help from volunteers, about 100 old cemeteries in Westport will have official markers soon identifying them as historic. The stones are being engraved by Ricky Perzentz, the grandson of Bill and Joan Albanese of Albanese Monuments, as community service.

Each stone has the letters, WSP, for Westport, which identifies the cemetery as an historic cemetery registered with the state.. The numbers provide a way for people to get further information about the cemetery and the interred through town records.

With help from the highway department, the heavy stones are being placed at 101 Westport gravesites that have been registered.

The stone markers are part of the cemetery identification project. The effort to find and preserve old cemeteries was initiated by Betty Slade and Paul Pannoni after the controversial removal of unmarked headstones by a developer. The cemetery identification group used a GPS system to nail down the location of some graveyards that are deep in the woods on private property.

Ms. Slade said there are about 15 more graveyards that have either been destroyed or had the rocks removed so they cannot be registered officially.

Picture above: Ricky Perzentz lays out stones he is engraving for the many private, unmarked cemeteries in Westport. The grandson of Bill and Joan Albanese of Albanese Monuments, he is doing the work as a community service.

Bikers take the Challenge for Hudner Oncology Center - September 19, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

The second Annual Friends of St. Anne’s Hospital Bike Challenge took place on a beautiful, and I mean beautiful!, Sunday morning at the Horseneck Holy Ghost Grounds on Allens Neck Road in South Dartmouth. Registration was 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and the ride began at 9:45 p.m. The Holy Ghost grounds were a beehive of activity with riders and staff members scurrying all over the place for last minute setup, with bike repairs generously provided by Village Bicycle of Westport. Participants in the challenge chose between an 8 mile bike route that took a circuitous route through South Dartmouth, to a 25- or 50-mile route that wove through South Dartmouth and Westport all the way to Atlantic Ave in Westport Harbor. 101 riders paid a $25 entrance fee to participate.

Sue Medeiros, CFO and Controller of St. Anne’s Hospital, was the Bike Challenge Chair. Her mother, a cancer survivor, was present and received an ovation from the riders, staff members and others in attendance. Sue spoke about the importance of supporting the Hudner Center, and shared her personal experience with her mother’s cancer. James Lebelle of Village Bicycle, a major supporter of this event also shared his experiences.

Carol, president of The Friend's of St. Anne’s also thanked the many sponsors, supporters and riders of this very worthwhile Bike Challenge event.

Major sponsors of the event were: Citizens-Union Savings Bank, Village Bicycle in Westport, Buzzards Bay Brewery, Manadnok Water, and Lees Market (donated bananas & sandwiches. Citizens-Union provided a wonderful grab bag that contained: Power Bar, maps, safety information for the ride and water bottles. The Friends of St. Anne’s provided the wonderfully-bright tee shirts to all riders. Village Bicycle provided, free-of-charge, needed maintenance and last-minute bike repairs toanyone who needed them. Thanks Jim! www.villagebicycle.com

The Friends of St. Anne’s Hospital wish to thank Sam Ferreira and his crew for cooking and serving the returning riders. Also to be thanked are: Buzzards Bay Brewing, Westport Vineyard and Winery, and Monadnock Water who were there for the beverages. Thanks to Citizens-Union Employees for the ice (it wouldn’t have been too good without it). The Salter School Group was there set up with massages for the returning riders. Thanks ABC Rental for the Moonwalk and Allied Waste for the cleanup.

Approximately $30,000 was raised, and money is still coming in! All funds raised will help the Hudner Center continue in its technological advances and quality cancer care for patients throughout the Greater Fall River area.

The Friends of Saint Anne's and the Junior Friends were there in force from preparation, to set up, to registration, to checkout, to checkin. They manned the tables and did all the behind the scene things that have to get done to make an undertaking of this magnitude a success. Thanks to Dunkin Donuts and Moose Cafe for taking care of them. And many thanks Maggy Biszko and Janis Karam for handling the lottery tree and baskets in the raffle, and of course the Junior Friends for carrying it through.

This writer followed the 8-mile riders through some of the most stunning countryside on the South Coast – winding country roads through villages and farmland, historic vistas at every turn, and magnificent rural landscapes, each one a picture-perfect postcard.

Service vans, courtesy of Village Bicycle, were checking the route to assist in case of trouble. And thanks to Alert Ambulance and Response Ambulance for cruising the roads keeping track of the riders miles out in the woods. Also thanks to Sheila Wallace, Director of Security and Safety at St. Anne’s, who drove the St. Anne’s Hospital security vehicle assisting in this important oversight role.

Many hugs were passed around at the end of the ride, with Champagne flowing from Westport River Vineyards! There was volley Ball for everyone, and the kids enjoyed the bouncy house. Also at hand was a grand raffle table. The celebratory party was topped off by the music of Let's Find Lenny. www.letsfindlenny.com

To obtain more information, call (508) 235-5055, or visit www.friendsofsaintannes.org

Library taking steps toward expansion - September 13, 2007

By Peggy Aulisio

Asst Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines Return to Top

Westport Free Public Library will be able to expand by one third thanks to a contribution from a private fund, the Manton Foundation, which has local ties. Pauline Dooley, spokesperson for the library building committee, said town counsel is reviewing the request for proposals. Once that is approved, the library Board of Trustees will be ready to advertise for an architect.

Ms. Dooley said the library plans to expand the children's area, add a community room and provide space for a Westport Historical Society collection.

The gift from a private fund came unexpectedly many months ago and was most welcome. Since then, the library's building committee has worked quietly to develop a proposal for expansion.

The library board has long hoped to expand the small library, which is located next to Westport Middle School on Old County Road, but funding was never available.

Thunder on Sodom Road – a weekend of rock, rhythm and blues - September 13, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

The roar was thunderous when about 170 motorcycles arrived at noontime on Saturday, Sept. 8, for the 14th annual Rock, Rhythm & Blues Festival in Westport. Motorcycle enthusiasts have supported the festival since its inception.

The 14th Annual Rhythm & Blues Festival at the Holy Ghost Club fairgrounds at 171 Sodom Road featured a motorcycle run, chicken barbeque, and eight bands over two days of music and fun-filled family activities. Proceeds from the popular music fest benefited A-Wish-Come-True Inc., a Tiverton-based nonprofit that has been granting wishes since 1982 to children with life-threatening medical conditions. www.awishcometrue.org

The festival opened on Friday evening with a 6 to 10 p.m. chicken barbeque that featured dancing and music by the Bud Smith & Friends Bluegrass Band.

The festival continued at noon Saturday with a $10 gate donation for adults and no charge for children 12 and under. The event kicked off with the noon-time arrival of about 170 motorcyclists which had assembled at 9 a.m. at Dave’s Beach in Fall River for their 11 a.m. departure. Each rider paid a $20 bike registration fee that included the motorcycle rally as well as a two-day admission to the festival. A raffle and other events at Dave’s Beach plus their entry fee lifted the total donations this group made to A Wish Come True to over $4000. Great job guys!

The RR&B festival is the brainchild of Westport's Frank Ray and friends. When Mr. Ray, a member of the band Soul Power, originated the idea for the festival, he wanted the proceeds to go to charity. He picked A-Wish-Come-True, a nonprofit that has been granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses since 1982. To refer a child, contact A Wish Come True Inc. at (401) 781-9199 or HUawishcometrue@cox.net.

Among the bands playing over the three-day weekend was Mr. Ray's band, Soul Power, Blues Train, Louie Leeman and the Cheap Sneakers, Bob Demers Group featuring Monica Ambroziac, Shot in the Dark, horn band of Mr. Chubbs, Wild Nites and C and B Horns, and Hawg Wild.

Festival goers purchased alcoholic beverages and hot food at concessions. Family picnic baskets (non-alcoholic beverages) and lawn/beach chairs were welcome. Free activities for kids included: bubble-bounce, face-painting, arts and crafts, hot dogs and sodas, courtesy of the Rutowski family of Fall River; as well as pony rides by Lil’ Critters. The Raffle and live auction on Sunday afternoon was terrific.

For more information on the festival, contact Frank Ray at (508) 636-8346, (508) 493-0915 (cell) or holidaytravel1@wmconnect.com

Scattering Garden Dedication Day - September 10, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

The Scattering Garden is a safe, peaceful, beautiful, place for parents to go who have lost a child, to reflect, to plant, to remember. A Dedication Day for the Scattering Garden was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Beech Grove Cemetery, 947 Main Road. The garden was created and will be maintained for and by parents who have experienced the death of a child at any age. The garden will be a place to reflect, to remember and to honor their child. For those Westport parents who have a miscarriage, it is a place to scatter ashes. The dedication included a brief history of the creation of the garden, a view from parents who were able to assist in the creation, inspirational songs song by a father who has experienced the loss of a child, and a brief closing memorial service. All families who have experienced the loss of a child were welcome to attend, and many did. Contact Joseph or Melissa Pacheco at (508) 971-0773 or krp12102@yahoo.com for more information about the Scattering Garden. For directions of information in regards to utilizing the garden for scattering, please contact Wes Norman at (508) 636-1025.

Remembering All of Our Children

(A poem read at the dedication)

I’d like the memory of me to be a

happy one. I’d like to leave

an afterglow of smiles

when the day is done.

I’d like to leave an echo whispering

Softly down the ways,

Of happy times

and laughing times and bright

and sunny days.

I’d like the tears of those who

grieve, to dry before the sun, Of

happy memories that I leave be-

hind when the day is done.

by, Anonymous

Mom brings home the diapers in local Supermarket Sweep - September 12, 2007

September 12, 2007 6:00 AM

By ROBERT BARBOZA

Editor – Courtesy of Dartmouth Chronicle Return to Top

WESTPORT — There were no bright lights and no television cameras in Lees Market's hometown version of the popular TV game show, Supermarket Sweep, but all of the fun and excitement of the Hollywood version of the show came to Westport Saturday, if only for two minutes.

That's how long Nicole Finglas of Westport had to cash in on her "grand prize" in the latest of the regular customer reward contests held at Lees Market— 120 seconds to hit five different departments in the store and load up her shopping cart with anything her little heart desired.

There were no restrictions on the shopping spree, said Lees senior manager Chris Rossi just before Nicole's mad dash through the store bega. "It's anything she can fit in the carriage in two minutes; anything at all."

One of seven lucky winners of a $100 gift certificate in weekly drawings held at the store, Nicole was understandably thrilled to be chosen as the grand prize winner of a two-minute shopping spree at Lees.

"I've been training," she laughingly suggested at the starting line, just before the countdown began to start her sweep through the market. Two hands on the carriage, her sneakers laced up tight, she looked like a sprinter ready for the starting gun.

Seriously, though, the young mother said that on every trip to the store in recent weeks, she and her husband Mike had been working on the list of grocery items she would focus on grabbing when the starting bell rang.

After general manager Jody Cote had posted staff members throughout the store to warn other shoppers of the speeding carriage that would soon be heading their way, she made an announcement to that effect over the public address system, and the race was on.

Being a practical-minded person with two small children at home, it should be no surprise that many of Nicole's precious 120 seconds were spent in the health aisle, grabbing high-priced packages of diapers, wipes and baby shampoo to load up her carriage with.

After a quick stop in the frozen food section, it was on to the meat department, where Nicole gathered up a few handfuls of choice steaks and tossed them into the carriage as the other shoppers cheered her on. Before she knew it, time was running out, and she sprinted to the checkout station as fast as you can sprint with a heavily-laden shopping cart.

While Nicole caught her breath, the items were rung up, and the lucky Finglas family had $243 of free groceries to bring home, thanks to their hustling, rosy-cheeked mom. "It was fun, but the two minutes went a lot faster than I thought it would," Nicole said.

She and Mike posed for an impromptu family portrait for the media with little Luke and sister Kyleigh, thanking the folks at Lees Market time and again for their generosity, and then Nicole's 15 minutes of fame were over.

"It was about what we expected, between $200 and $300," said Ms. Cote after the lucky shopper had left. "We've done this twice before, but this is the first time we've tried it with shoppers in the store," she suggested.

"It was fun, and everybody had a good time," she added, noting the other customers in the store didn't seem to mind the two-minute interruption to their Saturday morning shopping at all.

Mr. Rossi agreed, the thought of the enthusiastic shoppers cheering Nicole on as she swept along the aisles bringing a smile to his face.

"We're always running raffles and contests for our customers; always trying to give back to the community for their loyalty," he said. "It's all about customer appreciation."

Vineyard helps boost Westport's scallop hopes - September 6, 2007

By Bruce Burdett

Editor – Courtesy of Westport Shorelines Return to Top

From within the protection of wire cages, three bunches of Martha's Vineyard bay scallops have spent the past six weeks getting used to Westport's waters. It is the perennial hope of Shellfish Constable Gary Sherman that these latest imports will not only thrive here but multiply, helping foster a return to the good old days of Westport scalloping.

He has learned not to expect miracles. Despite years of trying, Mr. Sherman and others say scallops remain scarce in the river compared to decades past.

"I'm not discouraged," he said. "I'm going to continue in the hope that one day conditions will be right and it will happen ... The whole idea is to get a population that is dense enough" to allow for reproduction. "We've got to keep trying."

Even with protection, Mr. Sherman said the odds are stacked against these few scallops.

"I equate it to the story I heard about lobsters. Out of 50,000 eggs only about seven will reach the stage where they will be able to reproduce. Not many make it."

Predators abound — the river is home to eight species of crabs, most of which love a meal of tiny scallops. Fish and birds have similar tastes.

But most of all he suspects it is people and the changes they bring that are behind the scallops virtual disappearance. There are many more homes upriver and beyond than there were in the scallops' heyday, and that population increase brings ever more nitrogen and other contaminants downstream.

The decline has been startling. In 1985, scallopers took 80,000 bushels from the river. By the mid-1990s, the harvest was down to about 3,500 bushels.

Westport is not alone, Mr. Sherman said. Experts say something caused bay scallop populations up and down the coast to crash sometime back around 1988. Today they thrive in only a few places.

One of those places is Martha's Vineyard, and fortunately the island is willing to share its bounty.

When Edgartown Shellfish constable Paul Bagnall had business on the mainland six weeks ago, he brought with him a scallop gift for Westport. The healthy Vineyard scallops arrived in a cooler dubbed the "Clambulance."

Ranging in size from smallfry to grownups, the scallops were placed into the three cages and sent to three locations — Hix Cove, Speaking Rock and Horseneck Channel. They join other batches placed out in the river in earlier years.

Mr. Sherman said he appreciates the island's generosity.

"They have been a great help to us and they know that someday maybe we can return the favor. One year when we have a lot, we'll reciprocate," he said.

Quahogs show promise

This scallop effort is entirely separate from promising shellfish work going on at the town dock.

There, under the watchful eye of technician Johnna Fay and others, the town's relatively new shellfish hatchery is busy raising hundreds of thousands of tiny quahogs that are thriving in their safe tanks. The youngsters are offspring of a starter group of breeding quahogs brought there when the hatchery began.

"They are growing right before our eyes," Mr. Sherman said. Many of them are now up to little fingernail size.

To celebrate the progress and provide an update, a thank-you gathering will be held there within the next few weeks.

The Great Rubber Duck Race of Allens Pond – August 25, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

The day was hot, humid, and increasingly foggy but that didn’t deter the running of the ducks as 3752 quackers hit the water just after 4 p.m.

A large “pace” duck was previously launched by “duckmaster” Norman Buck to determine wind/current speed and direction, and after final alterations were made to the finish v-line booms, race time was finally at hand.

The crowd of over 100 spectators, most walking over two miles to get here, was restless, and expectations were running high. Would it be Seaquacker, Flying Ryan, Bandit, Pigeon, Hawkeye, Cherry Bomb, Rocky or just plain Charlie that would take an early lead, that in the past proved to be unbeatable; or would the “stealth duck” make a break and take the day.

The course was daunting, even to the best of conditioned entrants. There was over 200 yards of wind-blown, choppy water, fraught with danger from storm and tide. Even a lead duck wasn’t guaranteed a win if it missed the finish line booms. After all, a duck didn’t want to end up in a bathtub somewhere, never again able to experience the excitement and peril of the Great Rubber Duck Race of Allens Pond.

It was time. “Duckmaster” Buck was at the two-way radio alerting the home base to the imminent launch. Watches were coordinated, the “duckmaster’s hand was raised, and the duck handlers, restraining the eager ducks from making a false start, were ready. At 4:10 in the afternoon the signal was given.

The ducks were launched in a profusion of flinging net and spray. Slowly they spread out in a big yellow plume, moving up the channel, searching for the current and wind that would surely carry one of them to victory. Bending to the forces of the southwest wind, the 3752 ducks thinned out into a long meandering stream, waggling and jostling for position in the most important race of their lives.

But, regrettably, only one could win, and he took an early lead. The trailing pack of ducks was hampered by the “clump effect”, that force of wind and water that moves a larger object in the water more slowly than a smaller one. If you’re a boater, then you know what that means.

The duck stream thinned further as time and water put more distance between the front runners and the pack. The leaders entered the boom area. The race marshal, in his motor boat, was moving into position to pluck the winning duck from the water.

But wait; the leader hiccupped and moved up against the left boom rail, slowing it down only six feet from the finish line. The second and third place ducks started to slowly catch the leader. It would be close. The gap was closing and an expectant crowd took a renewed interest in the race. It may not be a start to finish win after all; this race was not over! What must have been going through the lead duck’s mind? One can only guess the anguish of life in a rubber body, not even able to make the smallest of efforts to insure a win.

The lead duck slowed proportionally to the pace of the ducks catching up; would he make it? Now I for one don’t like to see a competitor leading wire to wire only to falter at the finish line. Many others reminiscent of this lead duck have done so before, and they have become relegated to the dustbins of sporting history, mere shadows of the champions they could have become.

But, not so today. With a final surge forward, the yellow duck named Delta, exhausted by the demanding journey on the channel, triumphantly reached the marshal’s out-reached hand and was declared winner!

With respect due a great champion he was reverently placed into the number 1 spot of the winner’s crate. From here Delta would see the other 44 winners placed alongside him, but never above, for he was master of all, champion of champions. This was his day and the crowd roared its approval.

The booms were opened up after the first 45 winners crossed the finish line, and the other 3707 challengers made a break for open water. But they were rounded up in short order by the young, volunteer kayakers, all who hoped that one day they too could be a “duckmaster”, a leader of the greatest duck race of all time.

Race footnote: The “stealth duck”, a black rather than yellow duck, didn’t distinguish itself as it finished middle of the pack. But it still won $45 for its owner, Stuart Ruggles of Duxbury, MA.

Last year's grand prize winner had dinner in Zimbabwe, Africa. Previous grand prize winners have dined in India and Aruba.

Proceeds from the duck derby, along with the 23 silent auctions, netted the Allens Pond Sanctuary $28,000. The winning duck owner, Pam Joyce of South Dartmouth, has indicated that New Zealand may be her dinner destination for two.

Epilogue

Delta has announced that he will compete in next year’s great race. After a brief hiatus he will enter training camp. Strong legs Delta, strong legs!

What’s happening at Adamsville’s Mill Pond – August 25, 2007

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport Return to Top

As far as mill locations go, the spot on which Gray’s Grist Mill currently resides is surely one of the oldest sites still operating in North America. The first mill was constructed in the early 17th century.

Ralph Guild is Chairman of the Board for Interep, the largest independent national sales and marketing organization specializing in radio, the Internet and new media. He has homes in New York and in Acoaxet.

Ralph first heard in the late 70’s that the Gray’s Grist Mill and Adamsville Pond property was up for sale. Fearful of a change in its use, he purchased the property in 1980, insuring then current owner, John Hart, with a handshake that he would preserve and continue to operate the grist mill. Ralph was true to his word.

Much work was done to restore the mill with the help of restoration expert Pete Baker among others. Now attention was turned to the ailing Adamsville Pond. Years of silt and sediment accretion of up to 18 to 24” accompanied by increased aquatic plant growth had reduced the overall water surface by 60% as compared to photos taken in 1929! The pond’s capacity to effectively operate the mill was greatly reduced. Ralph and members of the local community wanted the pond back to the way they remembered it as youths. Dredging and habitat restoration was the only answer.

However, many complications would be encountered with the governing bodies that controlled altering sensitive ecological areas and wetlands; 15 years worth to be exact. The Westport Conservation Commission, The Mass Department of Environmental Protection, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management; this multi-state bureaucracy needed to approve the project. One would defer to another. It was an odyssey. Studies were done to assess the impact on the wetlands system, and to determine its functions and values. Finally, in 2001, Ralph turned to expert Scott Rabideau, an environmental consultant, to help guide the project through the murky waters of the permiting process. The last permit was obtained from Massachusetts in August of 2006. Ironically, it was the smallest of fishes that help save the day.

The alewife is a small herring having a greenish to bluish back and silvery sides with faint dark stripes. Russ Hart of Westport, then the Fish Commissioner, had obtained by 1999 two grants for the installation of a new fish ladder to assist the anadromous alewife in its migration upstream to spawn. The protected alewife and Westport’s efforts to preserve it softened resistance and the project was finally allowed to move forward.

As the last permit was obtained from Massachusetts, Don Lemonde was chosen as the excavator. Dredging and excavation started immediately to gradually lower the grade of the pond’s outer perimeter, while deepening the middle finger to support the habitat of hundreds of unique aquatic species. Along the way Don’s keen eye spotted many artifacts (some on display today), including a possible fish weir near the dam that may have been used to catch the herring. Up to 5000 cubic yards of mud and silt were removed to the Tiverton Landfill.

Ralph was required to retain an island to support a bird sanctuary, and many springs had to be avoided during excavation to protect their integrity. For now, part of the ramp used to transport machines and mud will remain in place. In the future look for a possible boat ramp for canoes and kayaks, and the introduction of salmon into the pond. Don will also start work immediately, with the financial support of the Town of Westport, on a new stone foundation and retaining wall to support the crumbling road-side dry rock wall.

It is impossible for this encapsulation of events to fully describe the many years of time and money spent in research and negotiation to produce the ultimate success of this restoration project. That’s a story for another day!

Some funding was obtained from NRCS of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Source: Some information obtained from Jason Ringler, Wetlands Biologist, Natural Resource Services, Inc.

Benchmark dedication to Laura Donaldson Sample in Central Village - July 27, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

Benchmark # 4, at the Town Annex Playground was dedicated on Friday July 27 in memory of Laura Donaldson Sample, 1896 - 1984. Her daughter, Westport resident Norma Sears holds the plaque presented to her by Elaine Ostroff, Westport Cultural Council Chairperson. The bench was sponsored by the Sears family. Seated on the bench from left to right are: Irena Sears, wife of Stuart Sears, one of the five grandchildren of Laura Donaldson Sample; great grandson Eli Sears, son of grandson David Sears and Eric Rauch, a family friend. Mitch Ryerson of Cambridge is the designer of the sturdy but whimsical concrete bench that resembles three fishes. Steve Pettey of Brayton Garage used Brayton's tow truck to haul the three-pieces of the 1800 pound bench to the playground from Spencer, MA.

The bench is the third to be installed as part of the Benchmark Design Competition and Designing the Village, a program of the Westport Cultural Council. The Benchmark project is the first stage of a longer-range effort to promote a sense of community and safe pedestrian access in Central Village. The competition and the installations have been supported by many Westport individuals, businesses and organizations as well as the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, administered by the Bank of America. View more photos now!

Benchmark dedicated to Dr. Stewart Kirkaldy in Central Village - July 25, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Assistant Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

One of the highlights of the Quaker book fair on Saturday, July 14, was the dedication of a benchmark to Dr. Stewart Kirkaldy, the founder of the Westport Family Medicine Center and a former selectman.

Dr. Kirkaldy sold his house in Central Village to Al Lees a few years ago and moved north to Vermont to be near his grandchildren. He came back with members of his family for the benchmark dedication and, as promised, to attend the annual book fair at the Friends Meeting he belonged to for many years.

The benchmark was designed by the artist and sculptor Joshua Enck of Providence. It is one of five to be placed throughout Central Village. All were selected by judges following a competition sponsored by the Westport Cultural Council using funds from the Helen Ellis Charitable Trust.

Al Lees sponsored the benchmark for Dr. Kirkaldy. He recalled the "the eternal and lasting friendship between our family and yours."

Mr. Lees recalled how the Lees and Kirkaldys connected and reconnected over time through activities like Little League baseball. He said, "Each family has produced a dislocated joint belonging to the other family."

Mr. Enck said the 10-foot bench was inspired by the "stone walls and low-slung landscape" of Westport with its "soft, delicate lines." He said the flowing curves and steel material will weather over time to a dark reddish brown. Mr. Enck said the weathering, or "graying over time," fits with the character of Westport with its historic houses, which he said "gray with time" like people.

In an earlier ceremony, a benchmark was dedicated to Earl Ostroff, the late husband of Elaine Ostroff. Ms. Ostroff, who is on the Westport Cultural Council and Sidewalk Committee, said the focus of the sidewalk committee is to develop a traffic and safety plan for Central Village.

The benchmarks provide a place for people to gather and rest and bring a touch of the artist to the central shopping area of Westport.

Westport officials aim to root out beach pass scofflaws - July 25, 2007 Return to Top

By Bruce Burdett

Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

Sunday, July 7, was a fine day for a trip to the town beach — sunny, warm, visibility out to the Elizabeth Islands. For the first 400 or so families to arrive, it was the perfect beach day. But for those whose plan was to load up the children and boogie boards and head down after lunch, the fun evaporated about when they made the turn onto Cherry & Webb Lane.

The modest parking lots had filled by late morning, causing cars to clog the narrow lane. Adding to the latecomers' frustration was the fact that, as usual, some of the cars taking up precious spots had no business being there.

"By 1 o'clock it was total chaos, wall-to-wall cars, unhappy people," said Tom Hancock, a Westporter who volunteers his time at the beach by helping enforce parking rules.

$25 tickets were written up for beach pass scofflaws but this time police called tow trucks in as well. By early afternoon, a number of cars that lacked town passes had been hauled away.

Photo by Jon Alden

It is an age old problem that gets worse with time and population growth, one that is scarcely unique to Westport.

"The fact is that there can be a lot more people who want to go to our beautiful town beach on a hot summer day than there are places to park their cars," said Mr. Hancock,

As it is there are far more beach passes out there than parking spots at Cherry & Webb Beach.

"But what makes matters a lot worse is that there are always cars that don't have passes but park here anyway. That's what really steams people."

Mr. Hancock is empowered to ticket cars without beach passes, something he and the town police do regularly.

"On the typical day there are seven or eight at a time," he said. "But I've seen as many as 30 or 40. One day it looked like flag day with all the tickets on cars."

He often wonders how much impact it all has.

"I've actually had people come back to their cars and thank me, say it was worth the $25 for the day at this beach," Mr. Hancock said. As for the deterrent value, he said cars come back for more; he has issued tickets to some cars time after time.

Deputy Police Chief John Gifford agrees.

"It's been the same ever since I started 30 years ago." People have always parked at the town beach without passes and he is convinced they always will, regardless of tickets.

Towing is the ultimate weapon.

"We don't like to go down there and tow cars but we do it to make a point now and then," the deputy chief said. It may get the word out, he said, but the impact is short-lived. A number of those towed are renters who leave and are replaced by other renters.

Mr. Hancock said he has mixed feelings about towing.

It is probably the only threat that will give the illegal parkers pause, he said, "but it's not something I feel good about." He said that even though "they only have themselves to blame ... you have to feel sorry for the mother who comes back to the parking lot with two or three small children and finds that her car has been towed." Since there is no public phone there, "if they don't have a cell phone, I don't know what they do." (Since one of several tow truck operators may have taken the car, it's best to call police to find out where it landed.)

Mr. Hancock thinks he knows why people are willing to risk ticket or tow when the reasonably priced Horseneck Beach is just down the road and open to all.

"This beach is beautiful and it is also a real family beach. A lot of the big beaches seem like half a nudist colony ... parents can be a little more comfortable about having their pre-teens at a place like our town beach."

Precious beach passes

To get a beach pass, the rule is simple — one way or another, you must be a Westporter who can prove it with a car registration or property tax bill. Passes cost $20 — $10 for seniors — and must be renewed each year.

As of last Thursday, the town clerk's office reported that 2,508 beach passes had been issued this year, a number that rises daily.

"We've had people come in as late as September for a pass," a clerk said. Last year a total of 2,526 passes were issued.

Mr. Hancock and others suspect that it might help to hike the penalty for those who park illegally.

"The current fee of $25 (I believe) is not much of a penalty for a car filled with a family who can spend the day at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world," writes Ellen Heath Plapinger in a letter to Shorelines. "The ticket cost should be enough to really hurt (and hopefully the offender will also be towed)."

Deputy Chief Gifford said the town hiked the penalty once before that he can remember (to $25) and the beach committee is presently considering the options. State law now enables towns to issue such tickets for up to $50, the deputy chief said.

It's worth a try, he said. He doubts higher penalties will deter many people but at least they will boost revenue.

"If I was to be asked for a recommendation, I'd suggest that first we use up all the ($25) tickets we have and then change to $50," he said.

And no matter the fine, some will continue to be creative.

Mr. Hancock said he often sees beach passes hung from rear view mirrors that, on closer inspection, don't match the car that carries them. These cars get ticketed.

"There is some sharing, some borrowing going on," he said.

And Mr. Gifford recalls the time he stopped a car for a violation years ago.

"The driver opened his glove compartment to get the registration and 50 beach passes came pouring out ... He'd been printing them on a copy machine."

Congress allocates $120,000 for Westport dredging - July 25, 2007 Return to Top

Westport is in line to receive $120,000 to complete the town's harbor and river dredging project. The money was included by the House Appropriations Committee, at Congressman Barney Frank's request. It is in the list of projects slated to receive financial assistance in the 2008 Army Corps of Engineers funding bill.

As a result of Mr. Frank's advocacy, the town received $70,000 in the 2006 funding bill for planning of the harbor dredging work. This year -- although the 2007 appropriations bill did not include individual allocations for dredging projects -- the Corps agreed to provide $660,000 for the main dredging project at the urging of the municipal government and Congressman Frank. That dredging work is planned for the fall.

The additional $120,000, recommended by the Corps, would be used for "operations and maintenance" dredging on the Westport River, an important complement to the Harbor project. When the operations and maintenance funds become final, that work and the harbor dredging would be able to be done, in effect, as one project.

The 2008 funding bill must be approved by the full House of Representatives and was on the agenda for last week. It must also pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by the president, both of which are expected in the fall.

"I am very pleased that the Appropriations Committee has recognized the importance of conducting the operations and maintenance work and the harbor dredging at the same time," Mr. Frank said.

"The harbor and river are great local resources, but residents of Westport have not been able to fully enjoy them because the bottom has silted up. Completing the dredging project will open the area up for more recreational and commercial activities, and I look forward to the completion of all the necessary work before the end of the year."

Community Preservation Committee helping with conservation project - July 18, 2007 Return to Top

By ROBERT BARBOZA

Editor - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — Minutes after the Community Preservation Commission (CPC) officially wrapped up one land purchase intended to bolster the town's affordable housing inventory, members began debating the pros and cons of helping the Westport Land Trust acquire another parcel of land for public recreation purposes.

The CPC signed off on the second and final $200,000 payment of Community Preservation Act funds to the Perry family for the town's purchase of the Route 177 farmland to be used for the proposed Noquochoke Village housing development Thursday night.

The Housing Partnership Committee's (HPC) formal Request for Proposals from "friendly" developers interested in constructing 54 affordable rental units and starter homes on the former Perry Farm and adjoining town-owned land known as the Quinn property should be issued sometime this month or early August. Final plans for the project will be presented at a July 25 HPC meeting.

Thursday night, the CPC also met with Westport Land Trust representatives Anthony Cucchi and Jennifer Holske to continue discussions on the possibility of the town's partnering with the land trust on the purchase of 20 acres of environmentally-sensitive land off Main Road which abuts a larger parcel of permanently-protected open space in the area known as King Hill.

Mr. Cucchi told commission members that the land trust is seeking to acquire the parcel, which abuts 60 acres of already-protected conservation land between Main Road and Route 88, both to prevent residential development and increase the town's inventory of land for passive recreation. The site is being referred to as the Dunham's Brook Conservation Project because of the stream that runs through the property and feeds a large area of wetlands.

Ms. Holske, Westport Community Coordinator for the land trust, said she is working with Town Administrator Michael Coughlin on a town application for a state Self-Help grant that could contribute significant funding to the estimated $500,000 purchase price.

She indicated the town would seek $125,000 in grant money to repay half of the $250,000 the land trust will ask the CPC to contribute to the project; the land trust would finance the other half of the acquisition.

In exchange for the $250,000 in CPA funding, the town would receive a conservation restriction on the property. The $125,000 in state grant money would be re-deposited in the Community Preservation Act account rather than the town treasury, according to the grant application.

In response to questioning from CPC members, Mr. Cucchi said he was optimistic the town could get the grant funding because preserving the stream and wetlands meets groundwater protection criteria; the site abuts other conservation land; and the town has adopted many of the Smart Growth planning practices that score high points on such applications.

Conservation Committee delegate to the CPC Richard Lambert noted that the landowner had come before the ConComm to gauge the parcel's potential for development, and the site was deemed unsuitable for home-building because of extensive wetlands and the lack of a good place for an access road without major wetlands replication being done.

Mr. Cucchi said the ConComm review indicated a narrow farm road through the wetlands already exists, and would be suitable for pedestrian traffic without disturbing the environment. There is enough dry upland near Main Road to create a gravel parking area for four to six cars, he noted.

The effort to preserve the land as open space is being encouraged by the ConComm to protect the stream and wetlands and prevent future development, he indicated. Ms. Holske said she volunteered to help the town prepare a grant application to try to preserve the property.

After some discussion, the CPC voted unanimously to spend $3,000 from its administrative fund to finance the full appraisal of the property required by the state grant application.

If the state grant funding comes through, the land trust will return to the CPC with an application for CPA funding at a later date, the committee was told.

During the discussions, the subject of possible CPA funding for the land trust's possible purchase of Turtle Rock Farm on Pine Hill Road also came up. Mr. Cucchi reported that the land trust already has that 50-acre farm under agreement, with up to $1 million in federal grant money for the protection of estuaries and coastal wetlands secured to help with the $2.5 million acquisition.

Forty-five acres of farmland will be placed under a conservation restriction, and two home sites created on the other five acres which will be sold to help finance the purchase, he noted. No town funding will be needed to complete the project, he indicated.

Farmer's Market opens the season with a flourish - July 12, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

The first day of the Farmer's Market got off to a dandy start as a long line of customers queued up for the opening bell! For the next four hours shoppers browsed and purchased fresh, locally grown produce and flowers, and locally made crafts and arts. Beth Easterly rang the gong at precisely 12 noon to close the opening day! The Westport Grange, located on Main Road, sponsored the event in Westport.

View more photos of the Farmer’s Market

The Grange also hosted a very special art show at their Saturday, July 7th opening. Children's drawings of shorebirds for the Birds and Beaches art contest sponsored by Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary were displayed in the Grange Hall from 8 a.m. to noon. The winners in each age category will receive their awards at a 10 a.m. ceremony on the following Saturday, July 14 at Allens Pond Sanctuary Field Station at 1280 Horseneck Rd., Dartmouth. They and their parents and friends also can take a peek at the new piping plover chicks and other shorebirds afterwards. For further information, call Rebecca Cushing or Leif Baierl, shore bird monitors, at (508) 636-2437 or email allenspond@massaudubon.org.

Beth Easterly, Market Coordinator, and Ed Horkry, Grangemaster, were delighted with the opening day's results, and are very appreciative of the community's support. Vendors in attendance were very pleased with the morning's activity.

The Shy Brothers Farm surprised shoppers with the introduction of their new Hannahbells cheese, and Paradise Hill Farm of Cadman’s Neck of Westport had plenty of luscious, fresh produce at the Grange’s first Farmer’s Market. Hundreds turned out to participate in this season-opening event that featured only locally grown vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and container gardens, as well as an array of colorful items provided by local artisans and crafters.

PRODUCE: Lettuce, Potatoes, Shallots, Blueberries, Melons, Radishes, Sweet Corn, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Apples, Onions, Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash, Carrots, Beans, Peas, Garlic, etc. Plus: Cut Flowers, Hanging Baskets, Container Gardens, Herbs, Pickles, Herbal Body Potions, Sheep Skins, Eggs, and Vinegars.

ARTISANS & CRAFTERS: Watercolors, Baskets, Photographs, Woven Goods, Jewelry, Marbleized Gifts, Botanical Designs, Shell Designs, Pottery, etc.

All produce grown locally; all arts and crafts made locally.

LOCATION: Westport Grange - 937 Main Road, Westport Central Village. For more information call: (508) 636-4427 or email: eaae@verizon.net

HOURS: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon, July 7^th through September 29^th.

Sun brightens the day for July 4 parade - July 11, 2007 Return to Top

Story courtesy of Westport Shorelines

The sun cooperated for the Independence Day parade in Westport as spirited participants riding on floats, antique vehicles and fire engines — or marching by foot — inspired applause and appreciation from the many spectators. "The weather was beautiful," said firefighter Danny Ledoux, chairman of the parade committee.

Entering for prizes were 25 floats and 17 antique vehicles. The first prize for a winning float went to Shawn Pariseau and Mark Lees for "Go Bananas," replete with a gorilla. Second prize went to Perry's Bakery for a float with an American Indian theme. Winning third place for a float was Country Collectibles.

One of the highlights was a 12- by 16-foot American flag carried by six local firefighters. Deputy Chief Allen "Sam" Manley drove the new 100-foot fire ladder truck. An antique fire engine and antique waterpump were also among the fire department apparatus displayed in the parade. Dartmouth fire districts also participated even though they had dealt with a large structure fire the previous night.

Spectators lined along the road enjoyed about 45 minutes of viewing before the parade passed them by.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank was among the elected officials who participated. State Rep. Michael Rodrigues and the Westport Board of Selectmen also turned out on parade day.

The parade route ended at the Holy Ghost Club, where refreshments were served.

The July 4 parade is organized each year by the Westport Permanent Firefighters Association with help from the town's call firefighters.

The judges this year were Jim and Jean Cauley and Bruce, Kathryn and Zoe Mitchell.

Westport artists find inspiration in the garden - July 7, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Assistant Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

Blue hydrangeas and red rose bushes were among the many flowers in the nine gardens featured in the Artist in the Garden tour at Westport Point on June 21. The sun and flowers cooperated for the open garden event for which about 220 tickets were sold.

Meredith Cornell of Little Compton said the occasion provided artists from the Westport Art Group, "the opportunity to paint somewhere that you wouldn't ordinarily get to without invitations. To see views like that ..." she said, pointing to the gardens and arch of Fontaine Bridge as seen from the Bachelder's lawn.

Asked who her favorite artists are, Ms. Cornell mentioned Albert Ryder, a New Bedford painter, and Westport's own Clifford Ashley. Of Mr. Ashley, she said, "I admire him a lot."

Meanwhile, Dennis Broadbent of Westport was creating a work in pastels at Charles and Pamela's Tripp's yard on Valentine Lane. "It's a challenge with the pergola," he said.

Mr. Broadbent said he was taking his time and making the painting more impressionistic than his usual crisp, tight style because it was going to be auctioned that afternoon.

"It's a fun group to paint with," said Tuck Buffum of Little Compton. Mr. Buffum said he has participated in the Westport Art Group for eight years. "There are good sights and it makes you paint better when you are with other people because you don't give up. It's easy to give up," he said.

"I think all artists struggle. It's supportive to have other people. They're struggling and you're struggling and everyone's struggling, "Mr. Buffum said.

Why such a struggle?

"You're never satisfied with what you do," Mr. Buffum said. "It's never quite what you really wanted. You learn something every time."

Painting in oil on a small square canvas at the Brock's house on Drift Road, Mary Sexton of Tiverton was described as a younger member of the art group. Nancy Burkholder, who helped organize the event and was filming it, called Ms. Sexton part of "the new world of under 60."

Being under 60 might not sound so young but as Ms. Burkholder pointed out, many of WAG's artists are what might be called long-time members.

Ms. Sexton said she worked in advertising and later as a webmaster for close to 30 years in New York City. She is just getting time now to do what she long wanted to do, be an artist. Of the Westport Art Group's long illustrious history, she said, "It was founded the year I was born."

Of her new life in retirement, all two years strong, she said, "After I got over the shock of not working anymore and not earning a paycheck, I thought, I have time to paint now."

Having fellow artists to share the ups and downs with makes it easier.

"It's a chance to paint with a nice group of people," Ms. Sexton said. "It's very friendly, very encouraging, very positive at all levels of ability." As if that wasn't enough, she added, "very non-threatening. I remember art school and professors were just brutal for the sake of being brutal."

The event included a box lunch at the Westport Art Group on Main Road. There was a champagne reception after the garden tour ended at 3 p.m. The funds raised will go to a variety of purposes including much-needed repairs to the art group building. The building provides studio space where artists can work and a large room for displaying and selling artwork.

Among the offerings at the art group are a life drawing classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The art group's galley recently featured what Ms. Cornell called a "first year show," including works by Carolyn Winter.

Artist Meredith Cornell finishes up a painting in Sally

Bachelder's garden at 2010 Main Road on June 21.

Susan Wilkinson hired as new principal for Macomber School - July 5, 2007 Return to Top

Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

Starting in August, pre-school and kindergarten students at the Macomber School will have a new principal. Susan E. Wilkinson. Ms. Wilkinson, who is a Westport resident, will replace Paula Sullivan who is retiring.

Ms. Wilkinson will be leaving her post as principal of Walker Elementary School in Taunton where she says she was known to be "fair yet firm."

She has also served as principal at Oxford Elementary School, which serves grades kindergarten through five in Fairhaven.

Before that, she was a guidance counselor at the Walker Elementary School. She has also served as a special educator at the Martin School and Parker Middle School in Taunton.

Ms. Wilkinson holds a B.S. in education and master of education in counseling from Bridgewater State College.

"I am a dedicated educator with a strong background in special education and counseling," she wrote in her letter of application. "One of the reasons my husband and I chose to live in Westport was because of the excellent school system."

Westport Economic Development Task Force hears a presentation on Partnership Act - July 4, 2007

By DANIEL H. KING Return to Top

Staff Writer - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — Deputy Legislative Director John Robertson of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) delivered a speech to the Westport Economic Development Task Force to outline the Municipal Partnership Act (MPA). The 7:00 p.m. Thursday night meeting gave the economic task force an in-depth look at the MPA and an important opportunity to ask questions about the proposal.

John Robertson of the MMA is traveling to various cities and towns to familiarize representatives from those cities and towns with the details of the Municipal Partnership Act. Mr. Robertson said, "This is one of the most important things we do. We go to cities and towns, and go out to group meetings." Throughout the evening Mr. Robertson often spoke in terms of we, and us, maintaining his concern as his government's concern.

One instance of this was when he was referring to the MPA and said, "It has and continues to be a big priority to us." He told the group that the MPA was proposed by Governor Deval Patrick to "address the fiscal squeeze cities and towns are feeling," and that the MPA is, "a really good next step forward."

The first item of the MPA is a proposition to allow cities and towns to transfer their employee health insurance to the group health insurance at the state level. The group insurance option would allow the town employees (as a group) to opt into the products the group package at the state level offers. However, the town would still be able to negotiate the payment split locally. The benefit the MPA offers is the town can buy into the state plan, including the state's providers, structure, co pays, etc.

Another main draw of the MPA is the pension system. The MPA allows cities and towns to place their money in the state pension system because local retirement boards often have a smaller rate of return on their investment than does the state plan. However, if enacted the MPA would also force county retirement plans which are less than 80% funded and trail state returns by 2.25% for five years to transfer to the state plan. Mr. Robertson did make note that, "There's a fair amount of resistance to this proposition by local labor boards."

The health insurance group transfer and pension system are aimed to reduce costs local cities and towns are incurring without adequate revenue to match those costs. The MPA also provides new opportunities to raise revenue, but they are not as clear as what they seem.

Mr. Robertson expressed that cities and town, "have become too reliant on property tax here in Massachusetts." The MPA provides cities and towns an opportunity to impose a meals tax of up to two percent on local meals. Initially Mr. Robertson said all the money from the meals tax would be available to the town as revenue, "The meals tax would be a local tax. It would be your tax, they couldn't take it."

However, Selectman and audience member Gary Mauk pointed out the Act states 25 percent, "would go into specific state funds," to pay for clause exemptions. Mr. Robertson told Mr. Mauk that the quarter portion was necessary to get the Act into legislation, but the idea that it apparently could be, raised some questions among the task force members.

One of the more exciting propositions the MPA offered was to close the telecommunications loophole. That is to make telecommunications property, like Verizon telephone poles and switches, taxable rather than tax exempt as it currently is. Some members argued that property owners will suffer from taxing telecom companies because the telecom companies will simply move the new cost onto the customer. Gary Mauk suggested, taxable poles "are passed onto the rate payers," but Mr. Robertson suggested competition between Verizon and Comcast would keep the rates down. However, Mr. Robertson did admit, "We can't prevent them from increasing rates." Mr. Mauk finished their dialogue with, "I don't want to be paying for it on the other end."

Mr. Robertson proceeded to explain why he's traveling the state trying to convince cities and towns to adopt the partnership act. He said, "We think we're going to see a fiscal squeeze at a local level," and added, "the prospects for robust job growth simply aren't there." He explained that basic revenues are not meeting basic costs, and with the recent decline in the lottery this year it's, "not good news for cities and towns."

Mr. Mauk continued to take his chance speaking his mind at Mr. Robertson. Regarding the financial squeeze and continued pressure from unfunded mandates like the Department of Education's Chapter 70, Mr. Mauk said, "The state can't be cutting back at the local level, they need to cut back at the state level." Mr. Robertson let silence be his reply.

The task force thanked Mr. Robertson for his presentation and his visit. After Mr. Robertson left, the task force began to speak amongst themselves about the benefits and obvious downsides of the MPA.

Task force member Maury May spoke out to say, "I strongly favor the pension piece," as the local pension plan is not performing well, and Mr. May would like to see the tax telecommunication loopholes closed. Audience member Bill Wiley said, "There would be benefits of course, but I don't like to have any local control go to the state."

Selectman Mauk was opposed to the meals tax, disagreeing with the fact that 25% of the tax goes to the state. Task force member Tony Vieira suggested, "It's difficult not to take the position of being concerned." Mr. Vieira later concreted his position, "I would be opposed to it, personally."

Mr. Vieira also suggested that the meals tax was not a good way to raise money because, "It's not like we have businesses in town who have not contributed to the town."

He didn't think it was a good idea to tax them especially since they are involved in the community. Mr. Mauk agreed, "There's got to be some thought to fairness."

Arson likely in blazes that damage kayak shop, Alhambra's night club - June 29, 2007 Return to Top

By Bruce Burdett

Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

Early Friday morning fires burned a kayak shop and many of its boats and damaged part of the empty Alhambra's night club. Investigators are trying to determine what caused the fires that were reported within 15 minutes of one another shortly before dawn and whether they are connected. Both are considered "incendiary," said the fire department's Lt. Michael P. Silva.

At Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures, 489 Old Country Road, fire was reported at 3:56 a.m. and apparently started in a porta-john at the rear of the building. It charred the entire back half of the building, burned an entire rack full of rental kayaks and canoes, and melted many more kayaks on nearby racks. Altogether some 50 boats were destroyed.

Carl Ladd, who owns the shop with his wife Sam, said some new kayaks inside were spared but that many life jackets, wetsuits and other gear inside sustained smoke and water damage. Shop employees were busy tossing those outside Thursday morning.

Osprey Kayak owner Carl Ladd, left, and building owner

Elizabeth Mercer look at the burned building. Behind them is

a rack of melted kayaks. Shorelines photo.

He was asleep at home at around 4 a.m. when he learned of the fire, Mr. Ladd said.

"I got there as fast as I could and the firefighters already had it out. They did a good job to save the building."

The verdict on a cause was not in early Thursday but arson seemed a strong probability.

"The last I knew, porta-johns don't spontaneously combust," Mr. Ladd said.

Also arriving early was Elizabeth Mercer who owns the building with her husband Paul Izyk.

Photos by Jon Alden

"We had just re-shingled not long ago," she said, a fact that may have prevented the building's total loss since new shingles burn more slowly than old dry ones. "It's all a real shame."

It will take awhile to determine the extent of their loss, but Mr. Ladd said he imagines they will rebuild their business.

"We are already getting good support. A buddy has lent me a fleet (of rental kayaks) from another shop." He said that as soon as they are able, they hope to get their rental and lessons business going again.

"At least the river is still there," Ms. Ladd said.

Ms. Mercer said that quick work by the firefighters spared much of the building and she hopes to be able to rebuild.

Mr. Ladd guessed that the building dates back a good couple hundred years. It burned once before and was rebuilt, he said. The 1938 hurricane "pushed it across the street and they put it back on its foundation."

Over the years, a series of businesses have operated from this building by the head of the river. Ms. Mercer recalled Paper Moon, Country Cottage, "and I believe there have been variety stores and an ice cream shop."

Firefighters from Westport and Dartmouth contained that fire in 30 minutes.

A short while earlier Thursday, at 3:41 a.m., firefighters were called to the former Alhambra's night club at 803 American Legion Highway. The first firefighters to arrive reported heavy flames coming from a vacant apartment there.

Three engines and one ladder for Westport as well as a tanker from the Tiverton Fire Department mounted an aggressive attack and managed to stop the fire before it extended to the remaining sections of the structure.

Members of the Westport Fire Dept. Investigation Unit, Westport Police, State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating both blazes. Later in the morning, they were digging through the charred section of Alhambra's in search of clues.

Investigators Kenny Braley (State Police), and Bill Baraby and

Dan Baldwin of the Westport Fire Department sift through the

rubble at one end of Alhambra's. Shorelines photo.

Lightships: Lifeline of shipping - June 27, 2007 Return to Top

By BILL HALL

Associate Editor - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — The history of lightships and their role for shipping in this area was one of the topics of a presentation sponsored by the Westport Historical Society last Thursday evening at Greenwood Terrace.

Over 50 people packed the meeting room to hear Carlton "Cukie" Macomber discuss lightships and Christopher "Chip" Gillespie talk about the lifesaving station in Westport.

Director of the Westport Historical Society, Jenny O'Neill , introduced Mr. Macomber, an encyclopedia of local history for 80 years.

Mr. Macomber explained that the lightships were first put to use in 1819, with the last one being decommissioned in 1968.

The ships were alternatives to lighthouses in that they could be moved as shifting sands created shoals in various locations. He noted that the bottom of Buzzards Bay is very sandy and subject to shifting. Partly because of that and the boat traffic, of the 119 lightships throughout the United States, 10 were stationed between Westport and Chatham, a distance of approximately 50 miles.

The closest lightship to Westport was at Hens and Chickens approximately five miles out of the mouth of Westport harbor. It was later replaced by a Texas Tower, that was also replaced by an unmanned light, after a tragedy at another Texas Tower.

The most famous of the area lightships was the Nantucket which was placed approximately 51 miles southeast of the island.

During the early days of the lightship, there was little in the way of navigation for other vessels crossing the Atlantic or going along the coastline.

Life was not easy on the early lightships as a crew of seven or more would be placed in a location for weeks at a time. The ships, made of wood, had decks that were subject to expansion and allowed water to leak through during rain storms.

There were also a number of tragedies on the local ships, including the Nantucket, that saw the loss of seven crew members when the Olympic, sister ship of the Titanic, broke it in half in 1934.

Mr. Macomber explained that ships in that time had a Radar Directional Finder that could locate another ship in thick fog, however the RDF could not determine how close the ship was.

Two years after the accident, England presented the U.S. with a doubled hulled ship.

Mr. Macomber explained that during World War I, German U-Boats would come alongside the lightship and wait for shipping to come by and sink it. During that same period a German U-boat sank one of the lightships with gunfire.

The ships were also susceptible in storms and in 1944 the lightship off Vineyard Sound, some five miles from Hens and Chickens, went down in a hurricane. Mr. Macomber saw the flares that night, but nothing was found of the ship until a diver located it. At the time World War II was still raging and the government would be curious about ships being sunk. No explanation was given as to how the lightship sunk, however some years later a diver who found that the ship noted it had likely gone down because the anchor on its side swung in the storm and broke a hole in its side.

Another problem for lightships was ice. In 1918 the Succonnessett was taken by an ice floe and not seen again. Another lightship was taken in another ice floe and found some three months later.

The ships of the early days were primarily schooners and used lamps hoisted to the top of the mast to serve as a beacon. They were only somewhat effective and with the introduction of the steam engine, the boats now had use of whistles and horns.

Mr. Macomber recalled one fishing trip where he and the others were moving from location to location following the fish, and suddenly a thick fog settled in. He counted on hearing the lightship but for a while did not. He noted that all of sudden he heard the loudest blast from a horn. After talking with other boaters he discovered that it was likely that the ship's horn was working all along but the fog deflected the sound to the point that it could not be heard on the surface.

It was hard to keep some of the ships in one position, particularly in the sandy Buzzards Bay where storms would drag the anchor along the bottom. He noted that one of the ships, the Pollack Rip, was nicknamed the 'Happy Wanderer' because it would move around.

Mr. Macomber explained that he could go on for some time talking about the various lightships of the area, but time prevented him from going further.

Following Mr. Macomber, Christopher (Chip) Gillespie, an architect by trade, explained the efforts to restore the Westport Lifesaving Station near the entrance to Gooseberry Island.

He explained that the life stations were a network of buildings under the auspices of the Humane Society of Massachusetts founded in 1785 because of the number of shipwrecks that were taking place. The stations housed a boat and equipment. There was a keeper and a trained crew of six volunteers who would be called upon to bring the boat out of the life station in an emergency.

The crew was trained not only in seamanship, but also with the use of various equipment including a large gun that could shoot a line into a disabled boat and allow for rescue as victims had a lifeline to the rescuers.

From 1871 to 1941 the lifesaving service was involved in 203,000 rescues nationwide.

There is no record of a rescue by the Westport station, but Mr. Gillespie explained there are very few records of the Westport station at all.

Among the facts that have been discovered was that the station was the 69th and last built in 1888 after the United States Lifesaving Service came into being in the 1870's.

The exact first location of the life saving station is not known, however it was located somewhere closer to the harbor mouth. Writings from the day indicate that the surf and currents were difficult there, particularly during times when a rescue was necessary.

The building was then moved to the East Beach area between 1908 and 1910.

The building was decommissioned as a life saving station in 1913 and through the years has survived the hurricanes of `38, `44, `54 and others. It has had several other uses, including a restaurant, over the years and has been added onto accordingly.

Mr. Gillespie explained that the plan is to restore the building to its original look which will begin with demolition of the additions.

The town allocated $50,000 through Community Preservation money to being the project, but Mr. Gillespie anticipates the cost to be twice as high before it is completed.

The fund-raising is being held through the Westport Fishermen's Association.

Along with the demolition, there will be restoration with the main frame still in place. A boat similar to the one used by the Westport station has been secured from Mystic Connecticut.

Petition to reduce size of Board of Selectmen is quietly circulating - June 27, 2007 Return to Top

By ROBERT BARBOZA

Editor - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — A petition began circulating around town last week by residents seeking to reduce the size of the Board of Selectmen from five to three members.

If organizers supporting the petition can obtain 200 signatures of registered voters, the current Board of Selectmen would be forced to call a Special Town Meeting to act on the question.

The petition drive apparently stems from resident dissatisfaction with the selectmen's recent handling of complaints against the Conservation Commission, resulting in a vote to disband the current commission. That vote was later reversed by selectmen after town counsel advised them the action was taken illegally.

After rescinding the vote, selectmen voted 4-1, with Selectman Steven Ouellette dissenting, to ask town counsel to prepare charges against commissioners alleging they held an illegal meeting and have exceeded their authority in certain official situations. Four commissioners countered the action by having Atty. Philip

Beauregard file suit in federal court alleging selectmen violated their First Amendment rights and have interfered with the commission's ability to perform their official duties.

Two weeks later, selectmen again voted 4-1 to appoint two new commissioners to replace members who declined to be re-appointed, without the pre-appointment interviews that traditionally take place before residents are appointed to town boards and commissions. The vote came without public discussion, raising questions about whether the decision to appoint the pair was made prior to the public meeting.

Mr. Ouellette was once again on the minority side of the vote, and chided his fellow members for committing "a huge injustice" with the appointments.

Residents attending that selectmen's meeting also chided the board for not interviewing candidates for appointment as has been done in the past, and later suggested members might be circumventing the state Open Meeting Law by making decisions outside of posted public meetings.

Petition supporter Atty. Michael Habib was quoted in The Standard-Times of New Bedford as saying the selectmen's hasty appointments without interviews raised questions of "due diligence" by the board, and whether selectmen are illegally "speaking among themselves" to reach decisions on future votes.

Mr. Habib indicated he is part of the "grass-roots effort" of residents in town that has been disturbed by some of the recent actions of the current board and wants to do something. A vote to disband the entire Conservation Commission without public discussion has raised questions about whether the board is complying with the Open Meeting Law, he suggested.

"They never have any conversations about anything; Gary Mauk makes a motion, and they vote on it," he said. "There's no questions, no discussion—that's not democracy. It gives the impression that something's going on."

He also indicated many residents are upset that selectmen are making important decisions regarding the commission without any public discussion or input.

While he said he was not one of the organizers of the petition, Mr. Habib said he read a draft of it before it began circulating, and will sign it when he gets a chance.

Reportedly, the petition was drafted by Attorney Deborah Roher, another Westport resident who is the wife of former Selectman David Dionne. Reached at her legal office in Fall River Friday, she declined to comment on the petition or the motives behind it at this time.

However, Chair of the Board of Selectmen Veronica Beaulieu was available for comment on Monday. Mrs. Beaulieu said that she is personally opposed to the petition's goal, feeling that "a larger board gives you more diverse opinions" and in fact, makes it more difficult for elected officials to reach decisions outside of public meetings. "With three members, only two people would have to get together to be a majority," she noted.

"I wouldn't be in favor of it, but I represent the people, and if that's what they want, I'll go along with it," she added, saying that some residents have been discussing a possible return to a three-member board for some time.

The chair also said that she has not been involved in any decision-making outside of public meetings. "I have not been involved in it, and I won't," she insisted. She also denied any knowledge of other members coming to a consensus on any issues prior to public sessions.

"Sometimes, we talk one on one about things, but we're not making any decisions," she said. "That is something that all boards do," she added.

As for the recent appointment of two new Conservation Commission members without interviews or discussion by selectmen, she indicated she was comfortable with the action because she had personally spoken with both the appointed candidates earlier in the week.

"I had spoken to both people who were appointed that night" after receiving their letters of application, Ms. Beaulieu said. "I picked up the phone and called them myself, as an individual. I don't see anything wrong with that."

Voters overwhelmingly approve $200,000 for design of fire station - June 27, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

WESTPORT — Westport residents said "yes" to taking the next step toward building a south end fire station on June 26 by an overwhelming margin of 799 to 493. Voters approved spending $200,000 for a preliminary design and engineering phase. The funds will come from a one-year debt exclusion at a cost of $6 per $100,000 housing valuation. The average house value is now $444,000 in Westport, up from $368,000 last year.

The ballot question passed in all precincts but by much wider margins in the south end. The town has a north end fire station on Briggs Road.

South end residents vote at Town Hall Annex, where the measure won by 89 votes and the high school, where it won handily by a margin of 111 votes. The closest count was at the American Legion on Sanford Road, where the vote was 109 for and 101 against.

There were no other questions on the ballot and proponents were worried about turnout for a one-item summer election. On a very hot day, voter turnout was about 12 percent, or 1,293 out of 10,729 registered voters.

Yet the turnout was larger than Elizabeth Collins, chairwoman of the public safety building committee, said she anticipated. "I'm thrilled and I'm surprised," she said of the results. Ms. Collins said people told her "right up to the bitter end they weren't going to vote for it."

For the town election in April, 17 percent of voters turned out. Town Clerk Marlene Samson said voters tend to come out in higher numbers for national elections than local.

Last summer, voters defeated a ballot question asking support for a $14 million combined police and fire station. That election drew about 23 percent of registered voters. People who left the polling stations then said they would have supported a stand-alone fire station.

After hearing the final vote count at the Town Clerk's office on Tuesday night, Veronica Beaulieu, vice chairwoman of the committee, said, "I'm very happy. I'm thankful for those who did go out and vote."

She added, "We can now concentrate on the fire station. That's what our charge is."

Committee member Warren Messier said the victory shows voters want the town to proceed and come up with an accurate cost assessment.

The consultant the town hired previously said a stand-alone fire station would cost between $9 million and $10 million. But Fire Chief Brian Legendre said the typical fire station built for a town Westport's size today costs between $4 million and $5 million. One problem is that every year the town waits, the cost rises.

A new south end station would replace one that dates back to 1928 with a garage addition built in 1978. The main problem is the height and length of the garages, which are too small for today's larger fire engines and ambulances.

Laurie Ammann, who voted late Tuesday morning at Town Hall Annex, said she voted yes because, "That building's ridiculous. They need a better building."

But David Schlothauer, who lives on Cadmans Neck, said he voted against it because he wasn't clear about specifics like the proposed size. Accounts varied with opponents saying it would be 35,000 square feet, nine times the size of the current station. That was the projected size for a combined police and fire complex, however, not a stand-alone station.

Mr. Schlothauer said, "My concern is you don't build a building now for 20 years, you build it for the foreseeable, immediate future but in a manner that allows you to expand."

Mr. Legendre said earlier size estimates were too large. But he said a new station should meet the town's needs for at least 20 years, or the life of the bond.

Ms. Collins said the next step is to talk to Town Administrator Michael Coughlin about preparing RFPs for the design and engineering phase. Mr. Coughlin served

previously in a town that built a fire station.

As Mr. Legendre pointed out, this is just the beginning. Once the preliminary work is complete, voters will be asked to approve the much larger cost of building a new fire station.

In Tuesday's election in Mattapoisett, voters rejected a bid to build a fire station for $4.3 million. That vote was 687 for to 453 against with voter turnout about 25 percent.

Vote breakdown by precinct

A - American Legion

yes - 109

no- 101

B- Town Hall Annex

yes- 210

no-131

C-Macomber School

yes- 131

no-65

D-Briggs Road Fire Station

yes - 120

no-88

E-Westport High School

yes-229

no-108

blank - 1

Total

yes-799

no-493

blank - 1

total votes - 1,293

registered voters - 10,729

WHALE presents award for restoration of Little School - June 7, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

The Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE presented an award to three Westport residents on May 31 for their involvement in the preservation of the Wolf Pitt School, also known as the Little School.

The award was given to Calvin and Dorothy Hopkinson, who own the property the school is on, and former Selectwoman Elizabeth Collins, who was instrumental in making the restoration happen.

Lisa Seghrue of WHALE said the Hopkinsons were honored for "the sensitive restoration of this historic Greek Revival one room school."

Ms. Seghrue said Ms. Collins was awarded, "For your vision and enthusiasm to negotiate the sensitive restoration of this historic Greek Revival one room school."

The award was made at WHALE's 45th annual membership meeting.

The Wolf Pit School, built around 1831, is the town's only remaining one-room schoolhouse. The Westport Historical Commission, with a grant from the Community Preservation Committee, oversaw the restoration, which included the complete interior and exterior of the building and surrounding land.

The interior of the school was basically unchanged since 1831, including the wooden blackboards, even though several tenants have occupied the building since the school closed in 1905. This fact, along with many late 19th-century photographs, assisted restoration experts Doug Keffer and Wayne Phillips in their meticulous work of carpentry repair, plastering, brickwork, cleaning and painting.

Used as a school until 1905, the building has had a long and diverse past. It has been used as a library, a village improvement society, a place where medicine was made, a residence, a WPA office and a distribution center for ration stamps and food. It has been vacant for more than 60 years.

Westport River is the Beneficiary of a Spring Cleanup - June 6, 2007 Return to Top

By Jon Alden

Community Events of Westport

Last Saturday’s noon gathering at the Head of Westport landing was a mix of the young and not so young, and the experienced kayaker to the first time boater. With latex gloves, plastic trash bags, and a few helpful tips from Samantha Ladd, the enthusiasts were off to scour the river banks for human rubbish.

“We put out a call to the community to participate in a kayak clean up of the Westport River to kick off National River Cleanup Week,” Samantha Ladd said. “It’s all for a good cause, and the clean up promotes a healthy environment for the Westport River and its aquatic inhabitants.”

Sam, as she prefers to be called, is no stranger to kayaking or clean ups. A professional educator, a BCU Coach, and an ACA Open Water Coastal Instructor, Sam currently designs and teaches OSKA's youth and adult environmental-education and kayaking programs. She is also a board member of the Westport River Watershed Alliance.

Sam and her husband Carleton founded Osprey Sea Kayak Adventures (OSKA) at 489 Old County Road as a sea-kayaking and environmental-education school. Carl has been teaching kayaking skills, rescue, and safety to school groups, private organizations, individuals, and other instructors since 1995. The WRWA and Osprey Sea Kayak co-sponsored the Saturday kayak river clean up.

Millions of tons of trash wind up in our nation's rivers and streams every year, and Sam and volunteers like her are harnessing the environmental passion and community pride of area residents to do something about it.

“It wasn’t too bad,” Sam reported later, “but we really had to work at it as most of the trash collected was next to the hide tide mark. We managed 15 bags of trash and two bags of recyclables from the head of Westport to Pelegs Point in a little over two hours.” “Most of the trash was probably due to storm surges,” she added.

The group also spent some time enjoying the natural history of the River as they paddled along. They were very surprised by the extent of the bird activity. “It was fantastic, there was so much going on, it was hard to believe,” Sam exclaimed. “The Ospreys were fishing everywhere!” Shelli Perry, Education Coordinator for the WRWA, was along, and delighted everyone with her knowledge of the bird calls they heard and the habitats of the residents that made them. “Her presence at the cleanup turned a good cause into a great time,” enthused Sam.

“Most folks on the river take on the responsibility of picking up trash when they encounter it” Sam added. “We just decided to go out and have a wonderful time doing it.”

View more photos of Clean Up Day 2007

ConCom members will file lawsuit - June 6, 2007 Return to Top

By Christopher Boardman

Correspondent - Courtesy of the Dartmouth Chronicle

WESTPORT — The Westport Board of Selectmen met Monday night with members of the Conservation Commission. Also on hand was Westport Town Counsel and Attorney Philip Beauregard, representing the Board of Selectmen and ConCom respectively.

The lawyers for both sides argued in the matter of four ConCom members' performance in the enforcement of state wetlands law.

Town Counsel presented "four specific questions" relating to ConCom conduct in the past. The first asked if it was appropriate for ConCom to hold a meeting in the event of a natural disaster. The second asked if it is appropriate to edit meeting minutes without a vote.

The third question asked if resident complaints about the state wetlands law were properly treated by ConCom. The fourth pertained to the law itself, asking if a 25-foot no-touch rule was appropriate for the commission to request for development within 25 feet of any surrounding wetlands.

ConCom Acting Chair Susan Burke Pedreira asked selectmen to consider what its own "appropriate functions" were, as well as the functions of ConCom. Ms. Pedreira also offered a response to each of the four questions presented by the town's attorney.

"The Conservation Commission has never edited final minutes" without a meeting vote, said Ms. Pedreira.

Tanja Ryden of ConCom also spoke to the board, explaining that written complaints received by ConCom are all filed for inspection. One particular anonymous complaint about ConCom enforcement of the wetlands law deemed "inflammatory and malicious" was turned over to former Town Administrator Charlene Wood.

At this point, several motions were proposed by the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Steven Ouellette motioned that no further action be taken on the matter, but received no second. Selectman J. Duncan Albert motioned that the matter be further investigated, and his motion was also not seconded.

Selectman Robert Rebello motioned that formal charges be filed against ConCom members Tanja Ryden, Susan Burke Pedreira, Edward Rooney and Jack Reynolds, names later revealed by Attorney Beauregard. This motion was seconded by Selectman Gary Mauk. The motion passed by a 3-2 vote with Mr. Ouellette and Selectmen Chair Veronica Beaulieu in dissent.

Selectman Mauk made a motion that town counsel prepare the necessary paperwork to begin the process of filing charges. This motion passed by a 4-1 vote with Mr. Ouellette in dissent.

Mr. Beauregard later held a press conference to discuss ConCom's plans to bring litigation against the Westport Board of Selectmen. This lawsuit will be filed in federal court as what Mr. Beauregard described as a First Amendment violation against ConCom members. They will seek a declaratory judgement and ask for reimbursement of legal expenses. The main purpose of the suit is to end the interference of the Board of Selectmen in ConCom affairs, he indicated.

Mr. Beauregard said that upon receiving the "hearsay" complaints of the wetlands law, Selectman Robert Rebello drew up a "bill of particulars" to be brought to legal counsel.

"We don't have a thing called Board of Selectmen counsel, it is Town Counsel," Mr. Beauregard said in regard to the BOS soliciting legal advice in the matter. Mr. Beauregard said that the "no further action" motion should have been approved by the board.

The BOS voted at its May 21 meeting to dissolve ConCom. Since then, the BOS changed passwords on ConCom computers and locked up their office, according to Mr. Beauregard. Mr. Beauregard also said that the First Amendment violations against his clients date back to as early as January 2007.

"What happened tonight is an overt challenge," said Mr. Beauregard of the pair of motions passed by the BOS. "This seems to be a dedication by this board to get rid of my clients, and that's what we're trying to fight."

Charges will be filed individually and as a group against the BOS, and the Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions will assist in the process, according to Mr. Beauregard. ConCom will remain intact and keep functioning during the litigation process.

"We are administering a state law," said Ms. Ryden. "They (wetlands law objectors) have plenty of legal remedies; going to the selectmen is not the right one.

"It's political, it's not a legal or substantial process," Ms. Ryden said of the BOS involvement. "They have an agenda that has nothing to do with due process or merits."

Ms. Ryden also said that the town needs official procedures to deal with meeting minutes, personnel etc.

Ms. Pedreira said that BOS gave ConCom members no official 48 hour notice of their appearance at Monday's meeting. No agenda was made available to ConCom members. They were asked to come and discuss "feedback about performance," according to Ms. Pedreira.

Local architect is honored for restoration of the Cory-Cornell house - June 7, 2007 Return to Top

By Peggy Aulisio

Editor - Courtesy of the Westport Shorelines

The Massachusetts Historical Commission presented a 2007 Massachusetts Preservation Award to architect Timothy Bryant on May 31 for his restoration of the Cory-Cornell House at 212 Cornell Road.

In a letter recommending Mr. Bryant for the award, William Wyatt, president of the Westport Historical Society, said, "Mr. Bryant has saved a magnificent house ... from destruction and has made of it a real show place of historical accuracy."

Mr. Wyatt said the house "was in truly dreadful shape and was saved only by the interest and enthusiasm of Anne Baker and Timothy Bryant. I visited the house with them when it was still in the purchase phase; it was awful. The place stank of cats, the footings were gone, the chimney had been removed many years earlier and little of the decorative features of the house remained."

Mr. Wyatt said "The house was slated for demolition and the land for sale to developers." Instead, he said, " The house now sits majestically and commandingly on a rise at a curve in Cornell Road, a joy for all to witness as they pass by."

Working with Mr. Bryant to restore the Cory House were Ms. Baker and the Architectural Preservation Group.

The land that the Cory Homestead stands on was originally purchased by William Cory in 1669 and left to his son Caleb. The main house was constructed in 1777 and the ell was added around 1840.

The Cory family was one of the many first families of Westport Point. One of the most well known was Captain Isaac Cory who ran a prominent coastal trading and fishing enterprise off of Main Road before and after the Revolutionary War. The shop remained active until 1915.