Happy New Year Westport! We’ve reached that time to pause and reflect on the accomplishments, challenges and sweetness of 2024, and to make plans to build upon that good foundation.

The past year saw numerous exciting changes in Westport: the Galley was reborn and updated as Portside Restaurant, thanks to the intrepid and talented Carroll sisters, the Mill opened and thrills us with world class art, music, cocktails and food, Snowfort Books is growing into a gorgeous cozy bookstore and space with themed kid’s camps, notable author presentations and lots of books, (WHO has a real bookstore these days? We are so lucky!), K&D Deli will be up and running this year (More groceries right in town!), JAMBS Coffee expanded outdoors with a lovely deck in back (talking amongst trees instead of cars) ,Flowers Plus! Planted 137 Lilacs with the help of many volunteers, the Heritage House enjoyed a banner year of art sales from the Spirit of Place exhibit, Ballard Park hosted a vibrant outdoor concert and movie series, the Westport Chair Trail was born, the Amtrak Platform gained an accessible upgrade, and so much more.

Our community traditions thrived: Memorial Day Observances, the ADK Harvest Festival, Westport-Wadhams Day, the Essex County Fair, Halloween fun, and the Holiday Festival. Phew! Westport is growing!

We also experienced some big challenges in the form of massive amounts of rain and flooding that led to many complete road washouts, most of which are fully repaired for the new year. The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance had a stellar year of progress, thanks to your support and involvement! Find out the details in our annual Impact Report. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to any of our initiatives to keep our traditions healthy and support innovations and new partnerships! Thank you! Each one of us makes a difference.

For starters, January is already full to the brim with activities, from CATS working hikes, a wildlife tracking snowshoe expedition with Elizabeth Lee, more music at the Mill, a new weekly movie series, yoga, and gardening workshop at the Library, a new art exhibit opening at Whitcomb’s, movies and more at the Whallonsburg Grange, to Champ Camps at Snowfort Books, and more! Read on…

Community Events Quick List

WESTPORT LIBRARY

The Library has a full schedule this month, with a movie every Monday night, a Yoga class with Jen Williams, Writer’s Group meetings, and a special afternoon activity with Mary Godnick on Saturday Jan 25 from 2-3pm where you can dream up your florific future garden and build a vision board to bring it to reality. A perfect winter Saturday project! Visit the website for specifics!

WESTPORT FEDERATED CHURCH

Saturdays, 7pm: Contemporary Church Service

Sundays, 10am: Traditional Church Service

Mondays, 7:30pm: AA meets in Fellowship Hall

Want all the up to date news from the Federated Church? Subscribe to the weekly newsletter HERE.

TOWN MEETINGS

TUES JAN 14: Town Board Meeting, 7pm

TUES JAN 28: Town Board Meeting, 3pm

WEDS JAN 22: Town Planning Board Meeting, 7pm. (If items to discuss)

All meetings subject to change. Have questions? Call 518-962-8360.

THE WHALLONSBURG GRANGE/WHITCOMB’S

WEDS JAN 8: 6:30-7:30pm: End-of-Life Doula Talk with Colleen Corrigan

SAT JAN 11, 7-9PM: MOVIE: ‘Conclave’

WEDS JAN 15, 5-7pm, Opening Party, ‘Colorama’ Exhibit at Whitcomb’s

SAT JAN 25, 7-9pm: MOVIE: ‘Saturday Night’

SNOWFORT BOOKS

MON JAN 20, 10am-2pm: MLK Day Champ Camp

WEDS JAN 29, 9am-3pm: Lunar New Year Champ Camp

THE MILL

Photo: Ben Stechschulte

The Mill continues to garner great press! Read the most recent article in Adirondack Life! They are also featured in the NCPR series ‘North Country at Work’ in a piece by Ana Williams- Bergen. When you are done reading and listening, walk, drive or fly right over and check out this gem of a venue for yourself! Their speakeasy the Knock is open Friday and Saturday from 5-8pm for splendid cocktails and dinner, and the music schedule is filling up.

FRI JAN 10, 6:30-8:30PM: William Lee Ellis. 2 sets, 6:30 and 7:15.

FRI JAN 17, 6:30-8PM: Taylor Haskins, Undercover Quartet. 2 sets, 6:30, 7:15.

SAT JAN 18, 4-5PM: Rule Breakers Knocktail Class. Tickets HERE.

FRI JAN 31, 6:30-8PM: Taylor Haskins, Undercover Quartet. 2 sets: 6:30, 7:15.

Adam and Amy Robinson, Kristin Kimball. Photo courtesy of Snowfort Books

Holiday recap from Amy Robinson: “We have been absolutely blown away by the warmth and support our community has shown us during this month of pop-ups featuring regional authors. We’ve long wanted to provide a cozy, welcoming, year-round community space centered around books, so it’s been a real honor to host authors who call the Adirondacks home year-round. First up was Kristin Kimball, whose stories of life and love on Essex Farm attracted us to the area in the first place. The following week, kids young and old filled the room with curiosity as children’s book authors Loree Griffin Burns and Maxwell Eaton, III, read from their wonderful books on caterpillars and maple sugaring, respectively. And last but not least, we hosted a Sunday Salon of readings and conversation with the illustrious Nell Irvin Painter and the independent scholar Amy Godine. Throughout, we reveled in the commingling of literature and ideas with festive holiday feeling in our beloved adopted hometown of Westport! Thanks to all who participated and attended, browsed, and supported a burgeoning local business!”

PRESIDENT BIDEN DESIGNATES FRANCIS PERKINS HOMESTEAD A NATIONAL MONUMENT

Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Tomlin Perkins Coggeshall and his husband Christopher Irvine Rice of Westport attended a ceremony on December 16 at the Department of Labor in Washington, DC, where President Biden signed an executive order designating the Francis Perkins Homestead a National Monument. Francis Perkins was the first woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet and a driving force behind Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs after the Great Depression. Tomlin is the Grandson of Francis Perkins, and has previously presented the film ‘Summoned: Francis Perkins and the General Welfare’ at the Westport Library. Read the complete details in the Maine Morning Star, and watch live on PBS News!

CHAMPLAIN AREA TRAILS WELCOMES ARIN BURDO AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!

Arin Burdo. Photo courtesy of Champlain Area Trails

From CATS: The Board of Directors of Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is excited to announce that Arin Burdo has been appointed the new Executive Director after a comprehensive national search. Arin brings over 25 years of leadership experience within nonprofit organizations, including 14 years as Executive Director of the Elizabethtown Social Center. This center connects individuals, local natural resources, and cultural opportunities, focusing on youth engagement, education, and community partnerships.

Click HERE to read the complete details about Arin and her transition to CATS!

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES WORKSHOP SAT JAN 11 IN ETOWN!

Photo: Alyssa Carroll, by Catherine Seidenberg

Alyssa Carroll is an experienced television editor and small business owner, with a decade of expertise in the entertainment industry. Drawing from her extensive background working on shows for major networks like ABC, NBC, AMC, and The CW, Alyssa understands the challenges of navigating a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. When Alyssa moved back to the Adirondacks in 2021, she immediately began investing in her local community and is now a co-owner of Portside Restaurant and the President-Elect of the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance.

As a small business owner and advocate, and an expert in strategic storytelling, Alyssa created the Small Business Social Media Workshop to help small businesses confidently define their brand, connect with their audiences, and build a powerful online presence. With practical insights and proven frameworks, she equips business owners with the tools they need to thrive in the digital landscape. Sign up HERE and take your business to the next level!

CRAIGARDAN SEEKS FARM MANAGER AND DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Photo courtesy of Craigardan

Farm Manager: We’re looking for an experienced farm manager to join our team in 2025! The position is year-round, salaried, and offers exceptional work-life balance. This position oversees our small, diversified community farm including vegetables, sheep, chickens, pigs, and bees using agroecological practices. $45,000-$55,000 based on experience plus benefits with room for growth. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2025. Read the full description and apply HERE!

Director of Development. Craigardan seeks its first director of development to join the team at an exciting and pivotal time for the organization. $60,000-$65,000 based on experience plus benefits with room for growth. Deadline to apply is February 1, 2025. Read the full position description and apply HERE!

DEPOT THEATRE ACADEMY AND WCS DRAMA CLUB TO PRESENT ‘FROZEN JR’JAN10-12

From Heather Walsh: Come check out our production of Frozen Jr. In collaboration with Depot Theatre and WCS. We have students from BVCS, WCS and Champlain Waldorf school who came together to make this fantastic child friendly show. (The show is only an hour and great for kids) Tickets are first come first serve online or available at the door before the shows. You won't want to miss this fantastic production! Get TICKETS HERE.

CELEBRATE ARTHUR DONALDSON SR. AT HIS 100TH SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!

ESSEX EMERGENCY SERVICES OFFERS NEW SMARTPHONE APP

The Essex County Office of Emergency Services is excited to announce the release of a new, custom smartphone application. This app will serve as an innovative way for the us to connect with residents providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone.

The app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features such as:

● Be Prepared ● News & Alerts ● Map ● Closings ● Traffic ● Damage Report Form ● Contacts ● About us ● More!

The app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play by searching “Essex Emergency Services, NY”. The title of the APP is NY OES.

ENJOY MAGICAL MOVIE MONDAYS AT THE LIBRARY!

Wishing everyone a fulfilling and exciting 2025! From Turkish Playwright Mehmet Murat Ildan: “In the New Year, never forget to thank your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future.” Here’s to a bright and thriving future!

We are YOUR Alliance! Follow our Website, Facebook Page and Instagram. Follow all the happenings on the Calendar, and What’s Happening in Westport Facebook Page. Have a friend or neighbor who would like to know what’s going on in town? Don’t forget to forward this email!

-Newsletter Editor: Catherine Seidenberg