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Wednesday,
November 20, 2024
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WESTPORT
PUBLIC NOTICE!
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the details!
Wednesday, November
20, 2024 –
Heads Up! President
Donald Trump, friends and family view the launch of SpaceX’s
Starship, the largest object ever to be elevated into space by simply being
the largest object to ever be lifted off the ground!
Article
by Ken Paiva and Lees Market
PHOTO
- Lees Market
Tuesday, November
19, 2024 - Here
is a crime you don’t see much of.
Lees
Market at 796 Main Road in Westport has been carrying Hampton Water
Rosé created by father and son duo, Jesse and Jon Bon Jovi. The wine
is so popular at Lees that last month Jon himself
created a video thanking Lees for being such a big supporter of the drink.
Apparently,
it isn’t just the drink that has become popular at Lees.
As
part of the advertisement for the rosé was a life-sized cutout of
Jesse and Jon. I say was because two customers wanted the display so much,
they walked out of the store with it and threw it into their convertible.
Lees
shared their humorous take on the theft.
“Jon
and Jesse Bon Jovi got to spend all summer with us in Westport, but
apparently, they took off with some admirers… though we wanted to
“never say goodbye”.
“That’s
right, they went down in a “blaze of glory,” right out the
door, but “who says you can’t go home,” so we would love
them for them to come back… “dead or alive.”
“Seriously
though, Jon and Jesse took off with these two unannounced and we just wish
they’d come back since we miss them.
“If
you didn’t see it when we posted a while ago, Jon himself was actually kind enough to make us a video for carrying he
and Jesse’s wine, Hampton Water (which is what this was for).
“***EDIT*** “Just to make things clear,
we’re not looking for anyone to be ‘caught.’ While we
take any theft seriously, we’re just making light of a highly
unusual situation and, perhaps, they will consider bringing it back.
That’s all!”
I
would love to be a fly on the wall when the woman tries to explain to
company how a cutout of Jon Bon Jovi ended up in her living room.
 Tuesday, November 19, 2024 – OBITUARY -EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of Arlene
A. Zajac of Westport, MA who passed away on November 19, 2024. She was
the loving wife of Joseph J. Zajac for 67 years.
Born
in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Anna (Labus) Melanson
and Arthur Melanson. She was the sister of the late Gerald (Jerry)
Melanson. She was employed as a medical technologist for 43 years at the
(ILGWU) Union Health Center Lab. A devout Catholic, she was an active
member of St. George Church since 1960 and a former member of the Women's
Guild where she held several offices. In 2013, she was awarded the Marian
Medal for outstanding service to the church. She was also the recipient of the
Our Lady of Good Counsel award in 2010 by the Fall River Diocesan Council
of Catholic Women. She was a member of the St. Stan's Seniors where she
held the offices of Chaplain and Sunshine Lady. Arlene was also a volunteer
worker at the St. Stan's kitchen who helped to make pierogi for the church
festival every year for decades.
Arlene
and Joe enjoyed retirement traveling the world to over 16 countries and
Hawaii. She was fond of puzzles including crosswords, jumbles and
cryptograms. She enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren on
family vacation every summer.
Besides
her loving husband she is survived by her three children, Joseph Zajac and
his wife Robyn Zajac of Harvard, MA, Eric Zajac of Pawtucket, RI, and
Carolyn (Zajac) Ajemian M.D. of Southbury CT, four grandchildren Sam Zajac,
Abby Zajac, Katie Ajemian and Max Ajemian, a sister-in-law, Irene Porada,
plus several nieces and nephews.
Visitation
will be held on November 26th from 10-11 am with a Catholic Service to
follow at 11am at the Potter Funeral Home located at 81 Reed Road in
Westport, MA.
Burial will be at Beech Grove cemetery in
Westport.
In
lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association
at https://www.alz.org.
Tuesday, November
19, 2024 –
OBITUARY -
 EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of Edward
J. O'Hara, Jr., 82, of Westport, who passed away peacefully at home on
Monday, November 18, 2024 with his wife and family
by his side. He was the husband of Evelyn (Silvia) O'Hara, to whom he was
married for 60 years.
Mr. O'Hara was born in Fall
River, son of the late Edward J. O'Hara, Sr. and the late Jennie (Pontes)
Forgette. He graduated from Durfee High School in 1960 and joined the Armed
Services, the U.S. Air Force the same year. In the service he was a court
reporter specialist having graduated from the Newport Naval Justice School.
Ed then went to work at the Post Office in Fall River as a letter carrier
and retired after 30 years of service. A proud NALC union member, he held
the office of Shop Steward for 16 years and Treasurer for 12 years.
As a member of Our Lady of
Grace Church, Ed and Evelyn were involved in the Marriage Encounter
Program, taught Catechism and held the office of President of the Couple's
Club.
As a member of the American
Legion, Post 145 for 30 years he held the office of Commander for one and a
half years and Treasurer for four years.
Ed and Evelyn enjoyed camping
and cruising.
The family is appreciative
and grateful for the services of Southcoast V.N.A., Fairhaven.
Survivors along with his wife include his son Kevin O'Hara and companion
Jennifer Garth, and 2 grandchildren Logan E. O'Hara and Ariana P. O'Hara.
Funeral service to which
relatives and friends are invited will be Monday, November 25, 2024 at the
Potter Funeral Home at 11:00 A.M.
Visitation will be Monday
from 10-11 A.M., prior to the service.
Interment in Beech Grove
Cemetery, Westport.
Donations are welcomed to the
American Legion, Post 145, 489 Sanford Rd., Westport, MA 02790.
 Tuesday, November
19, 2024 –
OBITUARY -
EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the Passing of Joanne
M. (Correira) Szala, 70, of Westport, passed away on Sunday, November
17, 2024 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was
the wife of her loving husband Scott E. Szala whom she also loved dearly.
Mrs. Szala was born in Fall
River, daughter of the late Joseph T. and Mary V. (Arruda) Correira and had
been a lifelong resident of Westport. Prior to retirement, she worked for
27 years as a lead substance abuse counselor at SSTAR, Fall River and
through her work there, was known to have saved many lives in getting
people on the journey to recovery. She was talented at crafting and could
truly create anything. She loved the ocean and traveling to anywhere there
was sunshine and beach. She was an active member of the Holy Ghost Club,
Westport and always loved to march in the parade and attend the
feast. She loved Christmas and all that came with it. Her biggest love was
her children and grandchildren. She supported and loved us all there is nothing she wouldn't do for any of us. She
will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
Survivors along with her
loving husband include her children: Jonathan Cadieux and his wife Cheri of
Dartmouth, Mindi Bennivedse and her husband Mark
of Westport, Matthew Cadieux and his wife Nicole of Westport; a brother:
Joseph A. Correira of Port Charlotte, FL; a sister: Lorianne Nunes of
Westport; 4 grandchildren: Destiny, Faith, Sophia and Riley Belle who is
the light of her eye, her ray of sunshine and her happy place; along with
many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service to which
relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, November 21, 2024 at
the Potter Funeral Home at 6:00 P.M.
Calling hours are
respectfully omitted.
Interment will be private.
Monday, November 18
– Public  Meeting Notice
Public
Meeting Notice: Fish Passage Restoration in the Westport River on Tuesday,
November 19, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Address:
Westport Grange #181, 931 Main Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Click
Here for all the information.
Saturday, November
16, 2024 – Click here
to review upcoming Recreation Department Programs:
Saturday, November
16, 2024 – OBITUARY
–  EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of Beatrice
M. (Mello) Dupre, 88, of Westport, who passed away on Friday, November
15, 2024 at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth. She was
the wife of Robert J. Dupre, they shared over 60 years of marriage.
Mrs.
Dupre was born in Swansea, daughter of the late Mariano and Mary (Faria)
Mello and had resided in Westport for most of her life. Prior to
retirement, she worked at Raytheon, Portsmouth in cost accounting,
submarine-signal division. She enjoyed gardening, quilting and her pet dog
Daisy and cat Callie. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church,
Westport. Mrs. Dupre's greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Survivors
along with her husband include her brother-in-law: Reginald V. Dupre and
his wife Pierette of Fall River; her sister-in law: Jean Mello of Westport;
and many nieces and nephews.
She
was the mother of the late Robert J. Dupre, Jr. and sister of the late
William Mello.
Mass
of Christian burial to which relatives and friends are invited will be
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at St. John the
Baptist Church, Westport at 11:00 A.M.
Visitation will be Wednesday at the Potter Funeral
Home, from 9:30-10:30 A.M. prior to the Mass.
Interment
will be private.
In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New England Hospice, 190
Old Derby St., Suite 304, Hingham, MA 02043.
Friday, November
15, 2024 –
OBITUARY –  EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of Wilfred
“Bob” Joncas, 88, of Fall River and Westport, MA, who
passed away on November 8, 2024 at The Oaks. He
was the beloved companion of Diane (Pettey) Finucci, with whom he shared 21
years of togetherness and love.
Bob was born in Fall River,
MA, and was the son of the late Joseph and Jeanette (Gaudreau) Joncas. He
attended St. Patrick’s School and Monsignor Coyle High School. He
earned a full scholarship to Notre Dame University and became an electrical
engineer. After college, Bob worked 21 years at Continental Can as a Quality
Control Supervisor and traveled all over this country, as well as Saudi
Arabia and Venezuela, in that capacity. He served in the U.S. Navy for 6
years, 2 active and 4 in the Reserves.
Bob lost his father in WWII when
he was 7 years old, and from the age of 10, worked as many as three jobs at
a time to help support his mother and younger sister. From this experience,
he learned the true “value of a dime”, and was known by the
name “Value Bob” for most of his life. Leisure time activities
included golf, handicapping horses, reading, astronomy, playing bridge and
tennis, and challenging Diane to Gin Rummy tournaments. He enjoyed going
out to dinner, shows and plays, and watching sports on TV. He loved the Red
Sox and the Patriots and was a diehard Notre Dame football fan. He loved
animals, and eagerly awaited his glass of red wine every night.
Besides his companion Diane,
he is survived by his cousin Pauline Carney, his nephew Ronald Fulton,
several other first and second cousins and nephews, great (and great great)
nephews and nieces, his sister-in-law, Carol Skarbo, and his sports buddy.
He was predeceased by his sister Delia Fulton, his son Paul Joncas, his
nephew Donald Fulton, his brother-in-law Peter Skarbo, and his friend Marie
Carbone.
Diane wishes to thank The
Oaks for their compassionate care in Bob’s final days.
Visitation will take place at
Potter Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM,
followed by a brief memorial tribute at 5:00 PM.
Bob and Diane wish to invite
family and friends to a celebration of life dinner at Bittersweet Farm, 438
Main Rd., Westport, MA 02790, immediately following the tribute.
There will be a private
burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, kindly
consider a donation to one of Bob’s favorite charities, St.
Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN
38105-9959; The Jimmy Fund, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168; or a
charity of your choice.
Thursday, November
14 - Offshore
Wind once again in the news!
A new
Westport committee will tackle offshore wind topics. Why is it important
right now?
PHOTO | Constance Gee
WESTPORT
— After watching turmoil unfold in Barnstable and Nantucket over
offshore wind, Westport resident Constance Gee says she "didn't want
to see that happen in Westport."
So,
when she began hearing about Vineyard Offshore's
plan to bring high-voltage cabling for wind farm Vineyard Northeast through
Westport via Horseneck Beach, Gee started urging selectmen to form a
committee that could bring discussions around offshore wind projects into
public view, she said.
As of Oct. 28, she got her wish when the selectmen voted to
establish the town's new Offshore Wind Advisory Committee, with her as a
member.
"I
thought this committee was important to have," Gee said, suggesting  a lack of transparency tends to be a
trend in communities' dealings with offshore wind companies prior to residents
being informed of what's been proposed. "I wanted to see those
discussions brought out into a public forum."
PHOTO
| Constance Gee
Now,
Gee says she hopes town officials, with the committee's help, will get to
have a say in the matter one way or the other according to "what the
majority of residents want;" but it remains unclear whether that will
be the case due to geography and ownership.
As
of Monday's Select Board meeting, the final
opening on the Westport Offshore Wind Advisory Committee was filled. The
membership is:
·
Shana
Teas (Select Board)
·
John
Bullard (Planning Board)
·
Jake
McGuigan (Conservation Commission)
·
Rick
Smith (Shellfish Advisory Board)
·
Maury
May (Economic Development Taskforce)
·
Joop Nagtegaal (Westport River Watershed Alliance)
·
Constance
Gee (at-large, POWW)
·
Bill
Sheahan (at-large)
·
Christopher
Thrasher (at-large)
Article
by Ferreira Matthew Ferreira - The Standard-Times
More >>
Monday, November
11, 2024 - Westport
Fire Department; Massachusetts shuts down outside fires of all types
🚩🔥RED FLAG WARNING CONTINUES FOR OUR AREA🔥🚩
WESTPORT
- Effective immediately, the Westport Fire Department, under Section
10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, is placing a ban
on all outdoor fires. This includes the use of fire pits, candles,
chiminea, cooking equipment and other types of ignition sources until at
least Friday, November 15.
The Code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under
certain hazardous conditions, including extreme drought.
Individuals
violating the ban or the open burning regulation may be subject to fines
and/or penalties.
Westport
Fire Department
5.0
(3) ·
Fire station
54
Hixbridge Rd · (508) 636-1110
Website
Directions
Westport
Fire Department - Station 2
5.0
(5) ·
Fire station
85
Briggs Rd · (508) 672-0721
Saturday, November
9, 2024 –
President Biden proclaims
November
9, 2024, as World Freedom Day.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH
R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim November 9, 2024, as World Freedom Day.”
Fall of the Berlin Wall!
 Thursday, November 7, 2024 - OBITUARY
EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of Virginia
"Gini" A. (Hardy) Ed.D
Gini, age 81, of Westport, who passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at
her residence.
Born
in Boston, she was the daughter of the late John B. and Virginia (Noonan)
Hardy. Gini graduated from Mt. St. Joseph Academy and continued her
education at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., UMass
Boston, Bridgewater University, as well as UMass Amherst. Gini worked as an
educator for 28 years, until her retirement in 2002.
She
ended her extensive career as the Director of Student Services for the
Westport School Department, as well as the Atlantis Charter School in Fall
River. She worked for the Bourne School Department for two years. Gini
enjoyed watercolor painting, knitting, reading, traveling, gardening, dog
walking and she especially loved time spent with her grandchildren. She was
on the Board of Director's for the Fall River Boys & Girls Club, an
Officer at Massachusetts State of Teachers, a member of Westport River Watershed
Alliance, Friends of Westport Council on Aging and the Westport Art Group.
She
is survived by two children, Rita E. MacDonald and her husband, Richard of
Liverpool, NY and Douglas E. King and his wife, ConiSue
of Providence, RI; four grandchildren, Colin MacDonald, Samantha, Jessica
and Rebecca King; two sisters, Eleanor Ferri of FL and Barbara Mahoney of
Plainville; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of
the late Peter A. Hardy.
Her
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6:00PM. Visitation will be held prior to her service, from 4:00
to 6:00PM. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations
in Gini's honor may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of America, 803
Bedford St., Fall River, MA 02723. Burial is private. For tributes and
directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com
Thursday, November
7, 2024 –
I-195 in Fall River to close overnight
FALL
RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation
said it will be performing maintenance on Interstate 195 eastbound Exit
11 on Nov. 7.
MassDOT
said that exit 11 will be closed to facilitate from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The
following detour will be in place:
I-195
eastbound traffic will detour to Exit 13.
Take
a left onto Plymouth Avenue towards I-195 westbound.
Take
Exit 11 to Route 79/138.
Drivers
traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed,
and use caution.
More
information on roadwork and traffic conditions can be found on Mass511.
Thursday, November
7, 2024 –
WESTPORT, Mass. (WLNE) — The Westport Police Department is asking the
public’s help in identifying
an individual involved in an alleged break-in.
According
to officials, the man was seen on surveillance walking away with a
register.
He
is described to have a cross tattoo on his right hand.
Please
contact Detective Turner Ryan at the Westport Police Department at (508)
636-1122 if you have information.
Wednesday, November
6 – WESTPORT - According
to local news, Westport will get an early Christmas present as the
town’s share of the $305 million Diman Regional Vocational
Technical High School project will decrease overall, following the select
board’s 4-0 approval last week of a new plan that sees the state
picking up a larger percentage of the project cost than was originally
expected.
Along
with state funds, Westport joins three other towns that, along with
Swansea, Somerset and Fall River.
Residents
here voted
at the 2022 Town Meeting to support what was then expected to be a
$7.6 million local share; in
April 2023, they voted again at the polls to fund that obligation
via excluded debt, which allows borrowing without impacting the
state-mandated 2.5 percent maximum levy increase per year and thus not
impacting the yearly operating budget.
Public Meeting Notice
Wednesday, November
6 –
Public Meeting Notice: Fish Passage Restoration in the Westport River
on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Address:
Westport Grange #181, 931 Main Rd, Westport, MA 02790
Overview
of Public Meeting: Fish Passage Restoration in the Westport River - River
herring.
Come
join them on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, for a presentation and public
meeting to discuss fish passage restoration in the Westport River.
Please
direct questions to Brad Chase, Diadromous Fish Project Leader,
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries at brad.chase@mass.gov.
Contact
for Public Meeting: Fish Passage Restoration in the Westport River.
Diadromous Fish Project Leader - Brad Chase
Each
year, DMF provides technical assistance, review, and construction oversight
to improve and maintain diadromous fish passage and habitat. Listed below
are some of our ongoing projects:
Aberjona River, Winchester
Long Pond, Harwich
Fore River Watershed, Boston Harbor
Three Mile River, Taunton
Westport River, Westport
Wednesday, November
6 – WESTPORT To
commemorate Veteran's Day.
All
town offices, the library, and the transfer station will be closed on
Monday, November 11, 2024.
Thanks
to everyone who served.
Wednesday, November
6, 2024 –
WOW! Westport must be Trump country!
The above chart summarizes the vote counts for all the candidates and
write-ins in Westport.
Congratulations
to President Donald Trump for his stunning victory.
Dow
Surges. Bitcoin Leaps. And Dollar Soars.
The
Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow are jumping higher as markets react to Trump
winning the U.S. election.
Kamala
Harris to give Concession Speech on Wednesday Evening.
Monday, November 4 - Election Voting Equipment Tested
WESTPORT
- Town Clerk Kristin Stinson tested the election
voting equipment on October 31st, 2024 starting at
9:00 am until the process was completed.
Testing
occurred on the ground level of the Town Hall and observers were welcome.
Get
Out And Vote On Tuesday, March 5th!
Monday, November 4 - Westport Town clerk prepares for upcoming Presidential Election on
Tuesday, November 5 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Come
on out and Vote!
Keep
an eye out for updated information at https://www.westport-ma.com/town-clerk/pages/elections-and-voter-information
Monday, November 4 - Letter to the Editor: Monday's power
outage had major impacts
WESTPORT
- On Monday, an announcement was sent describing a brief power
outage, which was corrected by generators at the Westport High School
during school hours.
 The message did not begin to capture
the gravity of the event, which began in the early morning hours.
Powerful electrical surges were sent into 3,854 homes and businesses
according to Eversource. The surges and subsequent power outages damaged
electrical circuit boards, computer software that needed to be
reloaded from the box, laptops plugged into chargers no longer open, and
modems were not recognized by the computer.
This
was a serious event caused by equipment failures. According to Eversource,
multiple transformers on poles had to be replaced. Work continued until 5
pm to correct the equipment failures affecting 3,854 customers.
With
more and more equipment running along antiquated lines strung from
telephone poles subject to wind, rain, snow, and ice, to car crashes, tree
falls, and equipment failures, residents should take heed or risk losing
work and computers.
As
a precaution, voltage regulators can be installed by licensed electricians
at the house or office's electrical boxes to minimize the damage of an
electrical failure and subsequent surge and power loss and generators
installed.
Joseph
Ingoldsby
Westport
Monday, November 4 – America is losing its way!
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is being slammed for not supporting Virginia’s
successful effort to remove non-citizens from the voter rolls.
The
Supreme Court decided last week to keep in place Virginia’s purge of
voter registrations which the state has said is aimed at stopping people
who are not U.S. citizens from voting.
Beforehand,
attorneys general from 26 states, all Republican, supported a brief urging
the Supreme Court to grant Virginia’s emergency appeal and
“restore the status quo.” Campbell did not sign on as an amici curiae.
Campbell’s
critics blasted the Massachusetts attorney general for signaling her
support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s lawsuit that argued
Virginia election officials were striking names from voter rolls in
violation of federal election law.
Saturday, November
2 - Candidates
for 8th Bristol District sound off at Westport forum
WESTPORT
- Five candidates for the 8th District State discussed the issues they
believe are affecting the district, in a forum held Tuesday evening in the
Westport Middle High School auditorium.
Candidates
for 8th Bristol District sound off at Westport forum; four Westporters and
an Acushnet resident seek seat vacated by outgoing Rep. Paul Schmid.
Candidates
for the 8th Bristol Representative district seat being vacated by outgoing
Rep. Paul Schmid include Westport resident Christopher Thrasher, a
Republican, Acushnet Independent Jesse St. Gelais, Westport Independent
Laura Hadley, Westport Independent Manuel Soares Jr., and Westport Democrat
Steve Ouellette.
Representatives
from the business and fishing communities were given the floor to speak
first before questions were opened up to
residents.
Read
More
Friday, November 1 - Dead humpback whale washes ashore in
Westport
 WPRI
12 News
Dead
humpback whale washes ashore in Westport
By Leah
Crowley,
1
days ago
WESTPORT,
Mass. (WPRI) — A female humpback whale washed ashore in Westport on
Thursday.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said
the marine mammal was previously seen in poor condition before being
spotted dead in the water on Monday.
Scientists
with IFAW performed a necropsy before burying the whale on site.
IFAW
estimates the whale was about four years old.
Friday, November 1,
2024 -  EverythingWestport
wishes to acknowledge the
passing of Marguerite M. Trefonides.
With
heavy hearts, we announce the death of Marguerite M. Trefonides
of Westport, Massachusetts, born in Boston, Massachusetts, who passed away
on October 23, 2024 at the age of 95. Leave a
sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Marguerite M. Trefonides to pay them a last tribute.
In
the quiet moments of reflection, let us honor Marguerite M.'s memory by
embracing the beauty of each fleeting moment, knowing that her spirit
resides in the eternal tapestry of existence, forever woven into the fabric
of our hearts.
A
celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Joyce Funeral Home, 245
Main St, Waltham, MA 02453.
Memorials
in her name may be made to the Judge Baker
Children's Center, 53 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02120.
 Wednesday, October
30 - EverythingWestport
wishes to acknowledge the passing of Reynald C. Bouchard, 82, of
Westport, who passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024
at Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late
Jacqueline R. (Frechette) Bouchard, they shared 42 years of marriage.
Mr.
Bouchard was born in Fall River, son of the late George and Edna (Ledoux)
Bouchard and had resided in Westport since 1971. Prior to retirement, he
worked as a grocery manager for many area
Stop-N-Shop grocery stores. He worked for Stop and Shop for over 50 years.
He was an avid video gamer and loved to play role player games.
Survivors
include his son Marc Bouchard and his wife Sarah of Newton, and his
daughter Michele B. Atherton and her husband Robert Rezendes of Westport.
He also had 2 granddaughters Melanie Atherton and her husband Mathew
Barboza of Swansea and Alexandra Bouchard of Newton. He also had two
brothers George Bouchard of Smithfield, RI, Gilbert Bouchard and his wife
Anne of Somerset, Gerald Bouchard and his wife Paulette of Westport; along with many nieces and nephews.
He
was the brother of the late Joy Bouchard Carter.
Memorial
Mass to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Wednesday,
November 6, 2024 at St. George Church, Westport at
10:00 A.M.
Interment
will be private.
In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westport Council on
Aging -Westport Senior Center, 75 Reed Rd., Westport, MA 02790.
 Tuesday, October 29
- EverythingWestport wishes to acknowledge the passing of John
Macedo. With solemn reverence, we commemorate John Macedo of Westport,
Massachusetts, whose life came to an end on October 24, 2024
at the age of 59, leaving behind cherished memories. Leave a sympathy
message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of John Macedo
to show support.
In
the quiet moments of reflection, let us honor John's memory by embracing
the beauty of each fleeting moment, knowing that his spirit resides in the
eternal tapestry of existence, forever woven into the fabric of our hearts.
Visitation
was held on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM
to 8:00 PM at the Auclair Funeral Home (690 S Main St, Fall River, MA
02721). A funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 29th 2024 at 8:45 AM at the same location. A funeral Mass
was held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM
at the St. George's Church (12 Highland Ave, Westport, MA 02790). A burial
was held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the St.
Patrick's Cemetery (2233 Robeson St, Fall River, MA 02720).
SCAM
ALERT Protocol!!!
Tuesday, October 29
- Avoiding and Reporting
Scams
WESTPORT
- If you receive a suspicious phone call, text message, or email that could
be a Westport scam, you should ignore and delete it. You can also report
the scam to the Westport Police Department:
Report suspicious activity
If
you notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood or suspect  fraud, report it to the Westport Police
Department.
Verify the identity of a police officer
If
you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Westport Police Officer,
you can verify their identity by calling the non-emergency number at (508)
636-1122
You
can also report scams to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO)
Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The AGO's Elder Hotline is available at
(888) 243-5337 for citizens over the age of 60.
Reporting
scams helps law enforcement track down scammers and disrupt ongoing scams
You
can also report scams to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office (AGO)
Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The AGO's Elder Hotline is
available at (888) 243-5337 for citizens over the age of 60.
Reporting
scams helps law enforcement track down scammers and disrupt ongoing scams.
You can also report scams at: https://complaint.ic3.gov
 WESTPORT - Five candidates for the
State Representative, 8th Bristol District seat spelled out their platforms
and answered residents’ questions when they met at a public forum Tuesday,
Oct. 29th, in the Westport Middle High School auditorium. The forum ran
from 7 to 9 p.m.
The
candidates, four of whom are Westport residents, hope to succeed outgoing
Rep. Paul Schmid III, who did not seek re-election this year after serving
seven terms.
Westport
candidates include select board members Manuel Soares Jr. and Steve
Ouellette, school committee member Christopher Thrasher, and
attorney and environmental startup CEO Laura A. Hadley, a newcomer
to public service. They’re joined by Acushnet resident Jesse W.
St. Gelais.
The
8th district covers all of Westport and parts of Freetown, New Bedford and
Acushnet.
The
forum is co-sponsored by the Westport Business to Business group and the
American Legion.
PHOTO / Lakeville Fire Department
LAKEVILLE
— A 45-year-old Westport man was transported to St. Luke’s
Hospital in New Bedford with “potentially life-threatening”
injuries after his car crashed along Route 140 in Lakeville Saturday
night and flipped over on the side of the road.
First
responders arrived on scene at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, according to
the Lakeville Fire Department.
The
car drove off the road, struck a tree and a sign and flipped, trapping the
driver inside, public safety officials reported.
Firefighters,
local and state police reported to the site of the crash, near the County
Street exit along Route 140 north in Lakeville.
Lakeville
Fire Chief Michael O’Brien reported the man was transported to the
hospital with “significant” and “potentially
life-threatening” injuries. The driver had to be removed from the
vehicle using Jaws of Life, a tool that rips apart car frames to rescue
individuals stuck inside a vehicle.
Firefighters,
local and state police were on the scene. The driver was transported to the
hospital within 15 minutes of public safety personnel arriving at the site
of the crash, according to the Lakeville Fire Department. Article by: Nemasket Week
Thursday, October
24 - Neck-and-neck race between
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Good
morning. It’s
Wednesday. Here’s what’s shaping the day:
13
Days - With less than two weeks left until Election Day, polls show a
neck-and-neck race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former
President Donald Trump in seven battleground states. Harris maintains a
slight national lead over Trump, but recent polls show that the initial
enthusiasm for her campaign is fading.
Tuesday, October 23
- OBITUARY
 EverythingWestport wishes to note
the passing of Joao Maria Oliveira Senra of Westport.
It
is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joao Maria Oliveira Senra
of Westport, Massachusetts, who passed away on October 5, 2024, leaving to
mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the
guestbook on this memorial page of Joao Maria Oliveira Senra to show
support.
In
the echoes of fond remembrance, may a sense of peace be found, knowing that
the memories held dear will continue to shape and inspire his loved ones,
keeping Joao Maria Oliveira's spirit alive in the hearts and actions of
family and friends alike. While his presence may be gone, his impact lives
on in the kindness shown to others and the joy found in the ordinary
moments of life.
He
was predeceased by his parents, Urbano Senra and Maria Senra (Oliveira). He
is survived by his wife Fatima Senra (Pavao); his daughters, Alexandra
Senra (Jason) of Westport and Caroline Senra of Westport; and his siblings,
Cidalia Pavao (Jose), Marta Costa (Jose) of Dartmouth and Jaime Senra
(Gloria) of Dartmouth. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation
will be held on Friday, October 25th from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the
Silva-Faria Funeral Home (730 Bedford St, Fall River, MA 02720). A funeral
service will be held on Friday, October 25th at 9:30 AM at the same
location. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 25th at 10:30 AM
at the Espirito Santo Church (311 Alden St, Fall River, MA 02723).
In
lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Joao's memory to: St. Anne's
Shrine Food Pantry, 818 Middle St., Fall River, MA 20721; or the American
Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20848.
Tuesday, October
22, 2024 - Scenic
Westport has an embarrassment of natural riches.
Its
shoreline stretches 61 miles along Buzzard’s Bay and the Westport River.
Horseneck Beach offers two miles of surf, a
campground, and an ADA-accessible two-mile walking path. Cherry & Webb
Beach, just down the shore, offers a parking area, picnic tables, and a
launch area for a kayak or paddleboard on Westport Harbor. Allen’s
Pond Wildlife Sanctuary spans hundreds of acres of protected beach, fields,
woodlands, and extensive trail systems. East Beach is a stretch of rocky
shoreline that offers stunning views of the Elizabeth Islands across
Buzzards Bay.
Tuesday, October 22
- OBITUARY
EverythingWestport wishes to note
the passing of  Elaine I. (Budd) Berke.
It
is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family
and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Elaine I. (Budd) Berke of
Westport, Massachusetts, who passed away, on October 15, 2024. Leave a
sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of
Elaine I. (Budd) Berke to show support.
In
the quiet moments of reflection, let us honor Elaine I.'s memory by
embracing the beauty of each fleeting moment, knowing that her spirit
resides in the eternal tapestry of existence, forever woven into the fabric
of our hearts.
She
was loved and cherished by many people including her parents, Louis Budd
and Muriel Budd (Goff); her sisters, Dr. Harriet Budd and Joyce Traister;
and her friend Mary Jane Golden.
A
graveside service was held on Sunday, October 20th at 1:00 pm at the Lord
Rothschild Cemetery (776 Baker St, West Roxbury, MA 02132).
In
lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dr. Dickerson's Dementia
Research Program in the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal
Disorders Unit. Your generous gift supports the clinical care and research
efforts for individuals living with Frontotemporal Dementia, Alzheimer's
Disease and related disorders.
Saturday, October
19, 2024, 9:40 pm
BREAKING
NEWS ALERT
Massachusetts
on Thursday reported 970 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 10 deaths in the week from October
6-12.
The
state also reported that 1.2 percent of all total hospitalizations during
that timeframe in Massachusetts were related to COVID-19, meaning 178
patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, and that the seven-day percent
positivity was 5.46 percent.
See
more COVID-19 data on www.Globe.com.
Saturday, October
19, 2024 -
Westport Lobster Tales at 931
Main Road, Westport.
Event
by Westport Historical Society.
Westport
Lobster Tales at 931 Main Road, Westport.
The
public is invited to a short business meeting to be followed by a
conversation with some of Westport’s longtime lobster fishermen
- including David Borden,
Richie Earle, Grant Moore, and Russell Walters looking back on the
evolution of lobstering over a 70-year span and its impact on Westport, the
changing technology and the Cold War confrontation between the
Westport-based Prelude Corporation, an offshore lobstering company, and
Russia.
Suggested
donation $5.
Monday, October 14,
2024 - A Westport business has
closed after being open for 2+ years.
Reported
by Fall River Reporter
WESTPORT
- Countryside Market, a family-owned Deli and Butcher Shop offering soup,
salad, sandwiches, power bowls, prepared meals, coffee, and desserts has
closed.
The
business at 549 American Legion Highway announced that this past Saturday
would be their last day in business.
“We
have some sad news to share with you. Although we have put our hearts and
souls into our business, we had to make the hard decision to close. THIS
WILL BE OUR LAST WEEK.
“We
want to thank all our amazing customers, staff, family and friends for all
your love and support for the last 2+ years. We truly appreciate every one
of you.
The
spot apparently won’t be vacant for long, according to Countryside.
“Keep
your eyes open over the next few weeks when passing bye for the grand
opening of another great cafe.”
Ownership
had expressed financial troubles in May through a GoFundMe fundraiser.
 Monday, October 14, 2024 – Busy day for the Westport Fire
Department!
Crews
are currently dealing with four separate incidents in town, 2 medicals, an
odor of gas in a home, and a 6-year-old child stuck in a tree.
Tiverton
Fire assisted Westport Car 1 with the odor of gas in the home, while Car 2
assisted Engine 3 with the child in the tree.
Off
duty personnel have been called back to assist the duty crew, which is
staffed at four today.
Thank
the good Lord for the men and women of Westport’s Fire Department!
PHOTO – Westport Fire Department
Monday, October 14,
2024 – Automobile crash on
Gifford Road
Above: Engine 4 at the scene of a 2-car crash
on Gifford Road, Westport.
One
vehicle rolled over during the crash.
Westport
Rescue vehicles 1 and 2 transported 2 occupants to a local hospital with
non-life-threatening injuries.
Thursday, October
10, 2024 -
Westport Select Board Monday evening approved a host community
agreement
WESTPORT
- A marijuana dispensary host community agreement was granted last Monday
evening by Selectmen that will permit a marijuana dispensary at 260 State
Road,
Petitioner
Brian Carney, who owns a dispensary in Uxbridge and several in New York,
plans to open Port Supply, Inc. on the site, and said his business model
will make him competitive with other dispensaries in the area.
A
building at 260 State Road will be the site of Port Supply, a new marijuana
dispensary.
The
site is just to the east of Coastal Healing, previously the town’s
only approved dispensary.
As
part of all local host community agreements, Westport will receive three
percent of gross revenue in taxes, as well as a possible three percent
impact fee required by the state, that is meant to offset any negative
impacts from the business on the Westport community.
Flooding at Head of Westport –
PHOTO: EverythingWestport
Monday, October 30,
2024
Army
Corps set to begin second Westport dredging
Project.
Click here to read more
Town
officials expect work to begin by the second week of October.
The
river’s entrance was last dredged in 2007 at a cost of $921,000.
WESTPORT
— The planned dredging of the Westport River's main channel could be
completed by the end of the year, the Army Corps of Engineers said.
The
project calls for removing sand accumulated along a 4,800-foot stretch at
the bottom of the river to improve navigation. The Corps of Engineers
announced the low bidder for the contract Friday.
Southwind
Construction Co. of Evansville, Ind.,
which was awarded a contract for $767,843, hopes to have its equipment in
place around the first of November 1, according to project manager Michael
Tuttle.
A
dredging crew from Land Remediation of Waterford, NY, is now on site,
working just off Westport's Spindle Rock Club Thursday.
"If
we have favorable weather conditions, we should finish before
Christmas," he said. The project will cost approximately $921,000. The
federal government will absorb 90 percent of the cost, and the state will
pay for the rest, Tuttle said.
A drawing showing the areas of the federal
channel into Westport Harbor to be dredged. - USACOE
By
Ted Hayes, Westport Shorelines
Mariners will soon get relief from the severely
shoaled federal channel into Westport Harbor, as a United States Army Corps
of Engineers dredging project expected to deepen the channel is set to
begin within weeks.
Read more >>
Wednesday, October
2, 2024 -
Westport looks to fill crucial role, as Assistant Town Planner Amy Messier’s
last day was Friday, September 20th.
 Posted Wednesday, September
25, 2024 3:00 pm
By
Ted Hayes
Westport is looking for a new assistant planner,
following the departure last Friday of former assistant planner Amy
Messier.
Town planner Michael Burris told select board
members Monday that he hopes to have a replacement on board as soon as
possible, as the roles formerly filled by Messier need attention and with
the department down to two — himself and Nadine Castro — the
workload will be difficult.
“We’re looking to get this position
posted as soon as possible,” he said.
More >>
Friday, September
27, 2024 - Public
Meeting
Date:
October 17, 2024
Time:
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place:
Westport Free Public Library, 408 Old County Road
The Town of Westport is holding a public meeting
to discuss the new Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) with community
members. Representatives from Pare Corporation will give a
presentation at the meeting to provide an overview of the HMP process and
collect data from community members on their experiences with natural
hazards. During the public meeting, community members will be asked
specific questions to help aid the data collection process while reviewing
data collected to date.
If you are unable to attend, you can provide input by
taking the linked survey. See here for the project portal.
Please direct questions to the Town Planner,
Michael Burris, at burrism@westport-ma.gov.
Read more:
PHOTO –
Southcoast Today
Friday, September 27, 2024
WESTPORT - Standard Times - Matthew Ferreira reporting.
Thursday was considered a good day for town
personnel who work at the harbormaster's office in Westport, as work crews
pulled a collapsed boathouse out of the water that had landed right in
front of their office and dock at 2061 Main Road about a month ago.
"When it came down, it landed on one of our
boats," said Westport Deputy Director of Marine Services Gary Tripp.
"It didn't do much damage, but we haven't been able to use that side
of the dock. ... So, it's been inconvenient for us, to say the least."
As of around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Tripp said
the main structure had been lifted out of the water by crane.
Adam Vidito of Baxter Crane & Rigging
prepares to hoist the boathouse which collapsed into the water next to the
Harbormasters building in Westport.
"Now they're just cleaning some of the
debris," he said. "It'll be great to have that space back."
"The building inspector has been working
with the property owner on the removal of the structure," Westport Town
Administrator James Hartnett wrote in an email. "The building is being
removed by the owner, not the town."
In his response, Hartnett did not address an
inquiry of whether the town is pursuing payment for any damages to town
property.
According to Tripp, the owner of the boathouse
had not been living there.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 –
Oh Oh! Somebody is in trouble over the bankrupt
Steward Health system.
The U.S. Senate approved a resolution Wednesday
intended to hold Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in criminal
contempt for failing to testify before a
Senate panel.
The senate approved the measure by unanimous
consent.
Members of a Senate committee looking into the
bankruptcy of Steward Health Care adopted the resolution last week after de
la Torre refused to attend a committee hearing last week despite
being issued a subpoena. The resolution was sent to the full Senate for
consideration.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 –
Emergency Preparedness Tips provided by our local Fire Department.
Even though getting prepared may seem
overwhelming, it’s easy to do by breaking it down into smaller, more
manageable steps.
Click here
for all the info on the department’s Facebook page.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
WESTPORT – Article in Shorelines - A group of Dartmouth developers
have filed suit against the Westport Planning Board in Massachusetts Land
Court, contending that they were wrongly denied approval to develop a
nine-lot subdivision on a 16-acre parcel of land on Drift Road earlier this
summer.
Gregory Nicholas, Kevin DaPonte and Shane Sousa
filed suit against the board on Thursday, Aug. 29, claiming that the
board’s decision to reject their application exceeds its authority
and that members “acted with gross negligence and bad faith” in
reviewing their plan, and determining whether two waivers from the town's
planning board subdivision regulations were required.
Owned by Barbara Marcotte, the land is located
on Drift Road, between Sisson Farm Lane to the north and Charlotte White
extension to the south, and runs west and north, up to Route 88.
The plaintiffs first approached the town last
year, seeking approval for nine lots and requesting eight waivers from the
board’s subdivision regulations. – Ted Hayes reporting
More >>
Saturday, September 21, 2024 –
A good move for fair elections (Massachusetts, are you listening!)
Allies of former President Donald Trump who
control the Georgia State Election Board approved a controversial new rule
Friday requiring counties to hand-count the number of ballots cast at
polling places on Election Day, despite bipartisan objections from election
officials and poll workers.
The vote was 3-2, with the three Trump allies
supporting the move, and a Democratic and independent GOP-appointed member
of the board strongly opposing it, calling it an added step that could
delay the results of the presidential election in the battleground state.
The new hand-counting rule requires counties to
count by hand the number of ballots cast at a polling place, to make sure
it matches the number of ballots tallied by voting machines. The
hand-counters won’t be tallying how many votes each candidate
received — that’s what the machines will do.
Friday, September 20, 2024 - Earth
will soon have a second moon, but it will be nothing like the one we're
accustomed to seeing in the night sky.
The new "mini-moon"
will be asteroid 2024 PT5, a space rock discovered earlier this year. It
will be temporarily captured by Earth's gravity before continuing its
journey through the solar system.
Measuring just 33 feet across, the asteroid will
follow a horseshoe-like path around the Earth and will be a mini-moon from Sept. 29 until Nov. 25, according to a study
published by the American Astronomical Society.
Above:
A visualization of a small asteroid above the Earth. (Getty Images)
After its brief gravitational dance with the
planet, it will not return to Earth's neighborhood until 2055.
Tuesday, September
10 - Small Group Exhibits
at WAG
Possible
small group Thursday-Sunday shows this Spring will be in the South Gallery only.
Small groups should be all WAG members, between 2-6 artists.
The
proposal should include:
●
The names of the artists to be included, minimum 2 artists
●
The kinds of artwork to be included, mediums and subject matter
●
Approximate number of pieces of artwork to be exhibited
●
possible opening and closing dates; for example, Thursday - Sunday, one or
2 weekends)
●
Artist bios + artist statements (can be short)
●
images of artwork, at least 2 per artist
●
Show theme (optional) - These exhibitors will have to publicize, create
labels and sales spreadsheets, hang the show, provide gallery sitting,
supply any reception refreshments and do any show related building cleanup.
WAG
will provide email publicity to our large mailing list. WAG square terminal
will be available for sales. A $100 registration fee will be charged by
WAG. WAG will collect 25% of the sales of any artwork in the exhibit with
registration fee applied toward first $400. of sales.
Proposals
should be sent to the Events and Exhibit Committee at info@westportartgroup.com
Tuesday, September
10 – Westport
Library’s Annual Book Sale Fundraiser started
Saturday, Sept. 7th! Over 10,000 books, CDs, and DVDs to choose from, with
prices starting at just $0.25! Come to the Community Room from 9am-5pm.
Friday, August 30 - Saint
Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton
will have a new owner in RI healthcare provider Lifespan. What we know so
far:
Read
more >>
Friday, August 30 –
Westport Council on Aging announces Medicare Open Enrollment through
Friday, December 7.
Thursday, August 22, 2024 –
Westport Shorelines, Ted Hayes - With fishing pressure on
the Westport River’s east branch on the rise, the select board this
week approved a new commercial oyster license and is reducing the daily
allowable harvest by 33 percent.
The shellfish advisory board’s Ronald
Savaria requested the new oyster-specific license and a corresponding
change to remove oysters from the town’s existing shellfish license,
and it was approved unanimously by the select board.
More >>
August 19, 2024 – Home Burial Plots in
Westport?
The Westport Board of Health meeting on August
5th, 2024, covered a range of public health topics, with particular attention
given to establishing guidelines for home burial plots, preventive health
measures against ticks and mosquitoes, and various community health
initiatives.
Home Burial Plot discussion to continue
tonight at the Town Hall Final Draft Review.
The most discussion of the meeting revolved
around the establishment of guidelines for home burial plots in Westport.
The Board emphasized the need to protect drinking water sources and comply
with state and local regulations. Approval from the Select Board is
required for any home burial plot, and a site plan must be filed as an
addendum to the deed and recorded at the registry of deeds.
 The Board
proposed several site criteria, including a recommended distance of 200
feet from private drinking water wells, aligning with guidelines from the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Orleans policy.
Concerns about the potential impact on nearby properties and public health
were paramount, with specific restrictions on burial sites within
riverfront zones, velocity zones, or 1,500-year flood zones due to flooding
risks.
More >>
Friday, July 26, 2024 - Westport Police reported in a
press release that there is an asphalt company going around town claiming
to be providing asphalt paving services at a "Great Price." The work is quoted at one price and
individuals are receiving bills at significantly higher rates. In some cases, the bill is tens of
thousands higher than the quote.
The
Westport Police Department wants to remind residents to be cautious of
"Too Good To Be True" offers as these tend to be illegitimate.
Tips...
1. Don't
fall for pressure tactics.
2. Never
react quickly or impulsively to offers or requests.
3. Speak
with family and friends to confirm offers being made.
4.
Research companies and tell them you'll contact them if you decide to have
work done.
You can
always call the police department if you have concerns as well.
|
Westport, MA
Recent
programs and conversations: Westport’s Lobstering History
A conversation with some of
Westport’s longtime lobster fishermen, including David Borden, Richie
Earle, Grant Moore, and Russell Walters looking back on the evolution of
lobstering over a 70-year span and its impact on Westport, the changing
technology and the Cold War confrontation between the Westport-based
Prelude Corporation, an offshore lobstering company, and Russia. View at:
https://wpthistory.org/westport-historical-society-programs/
Hosting
Your First Thanksgiving? See Our Menu Ideas for Beginner to Expert Cooks
Story by Jennifer Anderson
Whether you’re a first-time
host or simply looking for help planning and prepping your Thanksgiving
menu, we’ve got you covered.
Hosting Your First Thanksgiving? See
Our Menu Ideas for Beginner to Expert Cooks
Thanksgiving is so much more than a
day to eat turkey. You can view it as a touchstone for tracing
important rites of passage throughout our lives. There's the year you
graduated from the kids' table; the year you started contributing to the
meal by making a side dish or decorating the table; then your first Thanksgiving away
from home … and finally the giant leap into adulthood marked by
hosting your first Thanksgiving!
The last
Supermoon of 2024!
As the crisp chill of November sets
in, the last Supermoon of
2024 will grace the skies in a spectacular celestial display. Known as
the Beaver Moon, this lunar event carries centuries of history,
nature's symbolism, and the enchanting brilliance of a full Supermoon,
offering a perfect moment of reflection as winter approaches.
When to Watch the Beaver Supermoon
On Friday, November 15, at precisely
4:28 p.m. Eastern time, the Beaver Moon will reach its peak illumination,
lighting up the evening sky with extraordinary brightness. According
to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this year’s final
Supermoon promises to be larger and more radiant than typical full moons,
appearing nearly 30% brighter. A Supermoon occurs when the moon is closest
to Earth in its elliptical orbit. While it might not appear significantly
larger to the casual stargazer, the increased luminosity is unmistakable.
Monday,
November 11, 2024 - Westport Fire Department; Massachusetts shuts down
outside fires of all types
🚩🔥RED FLAG WARNING CONTINUES FOR OUR
AREA🔥🚩
WESTPORT - Effective
immediately, the Westport Fire Department, under Section 10.10.2 of the
Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code, is placing a ban on all
outdoor fires. This includes the use of fire pits, candles, chiminea,
cooking equipment and other types of ignition sources until at least
Friday, November 15. The Code grants fire officials the authority to
prohibit any and all open flames and other
ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions, including extreme
drought.
Individuals violating the
ban or the open burning regulation may be subject to fines and/or
penalties.
Fire Department’s
phone number: (508) 636-1110
Events
by Westport Recreation
Town
Hall Annex Gym, 856 Main Rd., Westport
Public · Anyone on or off
Facebook
Westport
Recreation Department: Programs & Memberships
https://www.westportma.myrec.com
Westport Recreation Department:
Online Registration by MyRec.com Recreation Management Software
Register online for activities,
memberships, facility reservations, and more.
Here is
the video from the
Veterans Day ceremony at
Westport Middle School on Friday, November 8th:
youtube.com
President
Donald Trump will seek to end public water fluoridation
Fluoride Promise: Former independent presidential
candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that former President Donald Trump
will seek to end public water fluoridation if he’s elected president.
I think we can all agree with the
former President on this one issue!!
Westport
Winter Market starts Today!
WESTPORT - The Westport Summer
Farmers Market ended a great 2024 run on Saturday, October 12, after 19
consecutive and successful markets. The good news is that the Westport
Winter Market will open soon.
The Westport Economic Development
Task Force is again sponsoring a Winter Market. As in previous
years, it will be held in the gymnasium of the Town Annex, which is at the rear of the building at 856 Main
Road in Westport. The Winter Market will keep its regular hours of 9 am to
1 pm.
The dates for the 2024 Winter Market
are November 16 and 23, and December 7, 14 and 21. There’s plenty of
parking around the building.
While local farmers will be well
represented, craft vendors that want to sell their wares in the gift-giving
season are expected in considerable numbers.
There will also be live music every
week thanks to a grant from the Helen Ellis Trust, as administered by the
Westport Cultural Council.
For more information, please contact
our market managers Ben and Hannah Wolbach at (508) 617-0838.
Westport
Historical Society calls out for volunteers for transcribing historic
journal!
Click
here for all the information!
WESTPORT
CARES!
The Westport
CARES program provides an opportunity for a friendly well-being
check and access to a variety of services for at risk or elderly residents
in town. The focus of the visit centers on a needs
assessment, medication reconciliation, fall risk and burn prevention
program. Free Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors along with safety items
such as nightlights and flashlights. In partnership with the American
Red Cross, Westport Police Department, Westport Veteran's
Services, and Westport Council on Aging, a wide variety of
resources are available to you or your loved one to stay safe at home.
Purchase
of gravestones set in stone!
Westport officials warn that the purchase of gravestones is
not done through the Town or the cemetery department.
Applicants should choose a monument
company that will work with the Westport cemetery department. It is important for applicants to
inform the monument company if the applicant owns several plots or
gravesites within plots and to indicate exactly where the applicant wants
the monument placed. The
monument company will transmit that location to
the cemetery department.
cemetery_fees_effective_7.18.22.pdf
(westport-ma.com)
Exciting
News for 4th Graders!
This past week, the Westport
Elementary School introduced a new food alternative option for lunch! They
are committed to providing delicious and healthy choices that cater to all.
Students can now enjoy a variety of salads that are not only nutritious but
also tasty!
Monday, September 16 – Keep up-to-date on Westport’s Enviroment
Profile!
What information is inside
this community profile?
Data for several health
and environmental topics are presented in this profile as well as
population information. Terms that might be unfamiliar are in bold and
defined in a glossary at the end. This profile also describes how baseline
health, environmental, and social indicators available on the EPHT public
website can inform climate and health adaptation planning in your
community.
Read more . . . .
Small
Group Exhibits planed this spring at Westport Art Group
Click
Here for more information
Possible small group Thursday-Sunday
shows this upcoming Spring;
shows will be in the South Gallery only. Small groups should be all WAG
members, between 2-6 artists. The proposal should include:
The
names of the artists to be included, minimum 2 artists
The
kinds of artwork to be included, mediums and subject matter
Approximate
number of pieces of artwork to be exhibited
Possible
opening and closing dates (for example Thursday -Sunday, one or 2 weekends)
Artist
bios + artist statements (can be short)
Images
of artwork, at least 2 per artist
Show
theme (optional) These exhibitors will have to publicize, create labels and
sales spreadsheets, hang the show, provide gallery sitting, supply any
reception refreshments and do any show related building cleanup. WAG will
provide email publicity to our large mailing list. WAG square terminal will
be available for sales. A $100 registration fee will be charged by WAG. WAG
will collect 25% of the sales of any artwork in the exhibit with
registration fee applied toward first $400 of sales. Proposals should be
sent to the Events and Exhibit Committee at info@westportartgroup.com
Note: If you are a teacher and have an
idea for a class, please email info@westportartgroup.com with
details.
COVID-19
shots available
US regulators approved updated COVID-19
vaccines on Thursday. The shots are designed to more closely target recent
virus strains — and hopefully whatever variants cause trouble this
winter, too.
With the Food and Drug
Administration’s clearance, Pfizer and Moderna are set to begin
shipping millions of doses.
Read the full story.
On-Going
Now at the Library!
Michael's Book Store is now open. Fiction and non-fiction titles are added
weekly. Adult books are $2.00, children's titles are 25
cents.
Click here for more public library information
Knuble Beach, Westport MA
Beach
Permits
ONLINE
ORDERING GUIDE WESTPORT, MASSACHUSETTS
Westport offers several beach options for
Residents and Non-Resident Property
Owners.
Parking permits are required at all beach
locations which can be obtained through the Beach Committee using their
online system. Permits are not available to non
residents who do not own property in
town.
Please see https://www.westport-ma.com/town-clerk/pages/town-beaches
for rules and regulations.
Horseneck Beach and Gooseberry Neck are
State Beaches. For more information regarding Massachusetts Parks and
Facilities, please go to: https://www.mass.gov/locations/horseneck-beach-state-reservation
The Westport Free Library may have a
Horseneck Reserve Beach Pass available for check out as well.
How to Purchase Beach Passes Online: Westport will be using City Hall Systems
for all purchases. You are also able to use this system to pay town tax
bills in the same cart. Please log into the
website and follow the prompts. Log in here: https://epay.cityhallsystems.com
Beach
permit ordering guide 1.pdf (westport-ma.com)
Bookstore
in the Westport Library
The nearest used bookstore is right in
the Library with several hundred books to choose from. Find a good
read for $2.00. New choices added weekly. The children's/young adult
shelf has lots of gems for $0.25 each. Shelving is located next to the
circulation desk and in the front hallway. Pay at the circulation desk.
Proceeds benefit the Library.
2025
Westport Budget in Brief!!!
Westport, Massachusetts's 2025 town
budget is $52,859,194, which is $22,707 more than the original
budget.
This figure was reached after amendments
were made at the Town Meeting, including adding $5,000 to the library
budget and reducing the principal payments line item by $134,418.
The Massachusetts Legislature's 2025
budget includes investments in education, transportation, health care,
housing assistance, and workforce development. Some of the budget's
highlights include:
Transportation
$1.3 billion in investments for
transportation and education, including funding for the MBTA and Regional
Transit Authorities
Early intervention
$30.9 million for early intervention
services for infants and young toddlers with disabilities and developmental
delays
Housing
$231.5 million for the Massachusetts
Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), $115 million for local housing authorities,
and more
Libraries
$46.6 million for libraries, including
$15.6 million for regional library local aid
Cultural Council
$25 million for the Massachusetts
Cultural Council to support local arts, culture, and creative economic
initiatives
COUNTRY
TRAVELERS 2024 Schedule wrapping up!
Veronica F Beaulieu – 646 Main Rd, Westport, MA 02790
– 508.636.4889 vfb0859@aol.com
2024 Schedule
In addition to Encore Casino trips on
last Tuesday of each month
for which reservations are needed, the following trips are planned:
Dec 10 Aqua Turf Club dinner/show Holiday Classics with the Cartells featuring a sing-along with Santa and Mrs.
Claus $109
Schedule subject to changes and modifications.
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Westport
Community TV Videos
Click
here to watch Westport Community Videos!
Westport Community TV -
YouTube
www.youtube.com/@westportcommunitytv/videos
15 Best Things to Do in Westport
Above: Cherry & Web Beach
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
FOWL Fall
2024 Newsletter Now Available!
Click Here to view current Newsletter
Westport
Blood Pressure Clinic
Wednesdays 8:30 - 11:30 am at
the Town Nurse's Office, Town Hall Annex, first floor.
The 2023 Westport Housing
Production Plan is now closed to further input.
Click Here to review 2022 housing
Production Plan.
Monday,
October 16, 2023 – Keep
up-to-date on Westport’s Enviroment Profile!
What
information is inside this community profile?
Data for
several health and environmental topics are presented in this profile as
well as population information. Terms that might be unfamiliar are in bold
and defined in a glossary at the end. This profile also describes how
baseline health, environmental, and social indicators available on the EPHT
public website can inform climate and health adaptation planning in your
community.
Read more . . . .
Westport
Historical Society seeks donations!
Our heartfelt thanks to those of you who
have already donated! We wish that all our supporters could share with us
what we witness first-hand of the Westport Community’s active
participation in our many and varied programs, e.g., young children gleefully
wielding magical wands and miniature
broomsticks and carefully preparing their
own protection spells at our Halloween event, or the outpouring of
community interest in the tireless efforts of our gravestone cleaning team
as they literally uncover the history of those buried in Westport’s
cemeteries, or
the joyful interactions at our gathering
of Westport’s Polish families.
Thank you, to you our supporters, for
making a year of so many such moments possible!
Click here to read current WHS Newsletter - Winter 2023 newsletter
Talk to
trees at Handy House Heritage Trail
The trees of the forest can’t wait
to meet you. Make sure you stop along the trail so they can introduce
themselves!
Download your trail
brochure here!
Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Red Oak,
Sassafras, White Oak, Hickory, Eastern White Pine, and Tupelo or Black Gum!
Handy House, 202 Hix Bridge Road,
Westport
Read more with photos>>
Westport
Transfer Station Hours!
Posted on: Monday, April 18, 2024
* * * * * * * *
Please note the new hours the Transfer Station will be open to the
public:
Saturdays & Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8:30 a.m. a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and holidays: Closed
Bulky Items and Construction/
Demolition Debris are accepted.
VSO will
be at the Council of Aging third Thursday of each month
We are very happy to announce that
the Westport Veterans Service Officer, Carol Freitas, will be at the
Westport Senior
Center on the third Thursday of each month from 2:00 – 4:00
p.m. Carol will be available to
answer any questions and address any veteran concerns.
508.636.1028
Wag Poetry Group - Twice Monthly
WAG Poets meet in person
in the gallery the second Monday and final Thursday of the month from 1:30
pm to 3:30 pm. They continue to welcome new members. Free to all who are
interested! For more information, please contact info@westportartgroup.com or Sarah Bartlett
at sarbar66@gmail.com.
About Wag Poets
WAG Poets are
interested in furthering our craft as writers by meeting regularly to
receive/offer constructive feedback on our work. Twice monthly we meet in
the inspiring WAG gallery space with copies of a new poem, seeking specific
feedback on our work.
See the Painting
page for
details and to sign up!
The Westport Food Pantry now has a permanent home at the
Westport Grange on 931 Main Road.
Volunteers are on site Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – noon to receive food,
gift cards and monetary donations.
They also distribute food every Monday,
9:00 a.m. – noon. Recipients remain in their cars while their
volunteers place a grocery bag of basic items in the car trunk. All CDC
protocols are followed.
Checks can be made out to The Town of
Westport with Food Pantry written on the memo line. All monetary donations
go into a specific account for pantry use only.
The pantry was started by the town as an
emergency response to the chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic
and Westporters have been extremely generous. To date they have been
able to distribute 28,000 lbs. of basic food and household items, all made
possible by town resident donations, and over 20,000 lbs. of produce
provided by a Farms to Family program of the USDA by way of the United Way
of New Bedford. Thank you everyone!
Stop by, say hello, see what we do. And
donate.
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