The Dodge (and Perelli) House, Westport ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

It’s almost spring! And we’ve had the most amazing, sincere winter in a very long time : a true, ski-out-the-back door, skate -across -the lake, frozen pipes kind of winter. Now it’s time to dream about putting away the snow shovels, and watching those first seedlings sprout from the soft, warmed earth.

The Alliance is already easing into spring with the formation of our new Environmental Action Committee which had its very first meeting on Feb 24th, our new Community Chat series that began at the Westport Library on Feb 17th, with 20 enthusiastic attendees (keep your eye out for the next one!) and another mural contest for Wadhams! (details below).

Want to be involved? Join our board meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm at this link. Donate to the Alliance, and/or volunteer for an activity of your choice! We’d love to hear your ideas!

FEED YOUR NEIGHBORS.EVERY ITEM HELPS!

March is a month of fresh starts — and a chance to make a real difference right here at home. Every item you donate helps fill a neighbor’s table, whether it’s a can of soup for a quick meal or cereal to start a child’s day. Just one extra item per shopping trip can add up to dozens of meals over the month. Take the March Challenge: buy one, give one each time you shop. Small acts, multiplied across our community, keep the shelves full and the kindness flowing. Please consider donating monetarily to the food shelf here, and/or drop off non-perishable food items at K&D Deli, the Bessboro Shop, McGees Towing and Recovery, Snowfort Books., or JAMBS Coffee. Let’s keep our town healthy and strong!

YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE LOOKING FOR YOU! GET LISTED IN THE DIRECTORY

Want some free advertising? we are updating the Westport Services Directory on our website. Get discoverable and submit your business information!

WESTPORT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING A HUGE SUCCESS!YOU CAN STILL TAKE PART!

The Westport Comprehensive Plan public workshop was attended by 60-80 concerned, thoughtful and enthusiastic residents! If you were unable to attend the workshop, you can still share your input on the boards at Town Hall, Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, or online at this link.

THE FIRST COMMUNITY CHAT WAS A HIT! STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT ONE

Our first Community Chat was a wonderful success. Approximately 20 community members joined us at the Westport Library for an engaged and thoughtful conversation about what is happening in and around Westport-Wadhams. We heard valuable feedback, shared updates, and had the pleasure of meeting several new members of the community. The energy in the room was open, constructive, and encouraging, exactly what these gatherings are meant to foster. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to participate and help shape the dialogue. We are already looking forward to continuing the conversation at our next Community Chat in April. All are welcome!

WWCA ATTENDED THE FOOD JUSTICE SUMMIT!

Pictured from left to right: Kevin O’Keefe, AFSN Director Josh Stephani and Alyssa Carroll

Two WWCA board members recently attended the Adirondack Food System Network’s Food Justice Summit. Alyssa Carroll, Past-President, and Kevin O’Keefe, Chair of the Food Security Task Force, participated in a full day of panels and collaborative discussions focused on strengthening sustainable food systems across our region.

The summit provided an opportunity to learn from regional leaders, share local perspectives, and join afternoon breakout sessions centered on actionable strategies to improve food access. As fiscal sponsor for the Westport Food Shelf, WWCA values opportunities like this to deepen our knowledge and continue advancing food security efforts in our community. If you'd like to support the Westport Food Shelf, please donate here. Thank you!

CALLING ARTISTS FOR THE WADHAMS MASONS’ HALL MURAL CONTEST!

Create a 10' x 10' original mural for the historic Masons’ building in Wadhams!

We’re inviting regional graphic artists to design a mural that celebrates the spirit, history, and character of Wadhams. The selected design will be installed on the exterior wall of the historic Masons’ building and become a visual landmark that celebrates the character of our hamlet.

Submission Requirements

• High-resolution digital file made for large-scale print production

• Submit to: info@gowestportny.com

• Deadline: March 31

• Original artwork only — no stock imagery, copyrighted material, or AI-generated content

All submitted designs will be showcased publicly, and the community will have an opportunity to provide feedback before the final selection.

Student and non-professional artists are strongly encouraged to participate. Every submission will be celebrated. The winning designer will receive a $400 stipend.

The Creative Challenge

Wadhams is known for its iconic “!” — and here’s the twist: Can you incorporate the exclamation point into your design and create a family-friendly “I Spy” element, with exclamation marks cleverly hidden throughout the mural?

We’re looking for work that feels rooted, joyful, and distinctly local.

Inspiration & Local Themes to Consider

Artists are welcome to interpret these elements creatively:

• The historic mills and hydroelectric power

• The church belfry

• The library

• The old general store (now Dogwood Bakery!)

• The Rubber Duck Derby

• Lilacs in bloom

• Atlantic salmon at Boquet Falls

• A roadside farm stand with strawberries

• Wadhams’ beloved playground — if you can “swing” it

Subtle visual nods to recognizable local tradespeople and residents are welcome and encouraged. We’re excited to see how artists capture Wadhams’ character — and how many exclamation points we can find!

JOIN THE POPULAR TABLETOP TUESDAY BOARD GAMES NIGHT IN WADHAMS!

WARM UP WITH GAMES AND COMPANY AT THE WEDNESAY GAME CAFE!

GET READY FOR AMERICA’S 250TH!

Get your business ready for America’s 250th this year and make use of ROOST’s complete tool kit! Invite your friends and family for this major American milestone, and be sure to book any additional lodging you may need in advance. This is truly a moment to celebrate and reflect upon! It’s shaping up to be an action-packed weekend: if you have ideas and want to help make things happen, please contact our intrepid event coordinator Austin Martin at gowestportny@gmail.com (subject: AUSTIN) , or drop in for a chat with him at the front desk of Chazy/Westport Communications, 2 Champlain Ave, Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

This year, fireworks will be lighting up the sky ON the day of July 4th. Please donate to the fireworks HERE, (and scroll down to Community Events.)

HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL ON FACEBOOK (EVEN WHEN OTHERS DON’T)

Running a business page on Facebook can sometimes feel like hosting a party where a few guests forgot their manners. Bad reviews, harsh language, and even over-the-top threats can happen — but the good news is, you’re the host, and you control the room.

Use moderation tools to hide or delete abusive comments, block repeat offenders, and report threats. Respond calmly (or not at all) to criticism, and remember: one loud voice rarely represents your whole community.

A simple rule of thumb: If a comment wouldn’t be allowed on a sign in your shop window, it doesn’t belong on your page.

Stay professional, keep receipts (screenshots), and let kindness — and good boundaries — do the talking. After all, nothing diffuses online drama faster than a business that refuses to join the shouting match.

Wishing everyone a March of growth, fresh opportunities ~ and more sunlight!

~the WWCA team

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

-Newsletter Editor: Catherine Seidenberg