Whiteface Toll Road in November- Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, November invites us to pause, reflect, and give thanks: we’re grateful for the neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses who make our community vibrant year-round. This season reminds us how powerful connection can be — whether through lending a hand, sharing a meal, or supporting local initiatives that strengthen our shared home.

Since Westport has too much going on now to squeeze into one newsletter, we are now sending TWO : one at the beginning of the month that focuses on WWCA initiatives (town-wide projects and celebrations, new developments) and one on the 15th that highlights all other community activities (arts, culture, movies, business news, etc). If you have happenings you would like to be included in the mid-month community newsletter, please submit the information to gowestportny@gmail.com (subject line: newsletter) by the 10th of each month. Thank you!

THE ALLIANCE IS GROWING! MEET THE TEAM!

As the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance continues to advance our mission of building collaborations, supporting economic growth and cultural vitality, we’re so pleased to have a growing team! Get to know them.

Join a monthly meeting, or contact the Alliance at info@gowestportny.com to get involved in events or behind the scenes; there’s always a fresh opportunity to serve the community!

Marisa Miller-Administrative Coordinator ~ October 2025~

Accountant, Creative Organizer, and Relentless Helper of People. I find balance in the details, whether it's managing the flow of work as an accountant at Chazy & Westport Communications, keeping a busy household running, or supporting community projects that bring people together. I care deeply about others and like helping however I can, even when things aren't perfect. I'm at my best when I can blend structure with creativity, empathy, and a bit of humor into the mix. Rooted in Westport, I believe in small steps, honest effort, and doing my part to make our corner of the world a little brighter, kinder, and more connected.

Austin Martin, Events Coordinator ~ October 2025~

Lifelong Westportian, father, friend, neighbor, musician, writer, profound lover of the Adirondacks and the outdoors!

Catherine Seidenberg, Social Media and Communications Manager ~ March 2023 ~

Artist of all Trades, Garden Whisperer, Avid Outdoorswoman. My rural farm background and education in fine art and printmaking led to my careers in horticulture (nursery and greenhouse management for 20 years, private garden design and maintenance) and pottery (designing, producing, selling, and also teaching at the college level). I am passionate about exploring nature and the outdoors, traveling the world, and capturing the magic to share with others. I am over the moon to actually be LIVING in the Adirondack Park!

WWCA TO DISCONTINUE HERITAGE HOUSE LEASE

The Heritage House ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

We’re sharing some important news:

After much consideration, the Alliance decided not to renew the lease of the Heritage House after 2025. The property belongs to the Westport Federated Church, a group that has always shown great care for the community through their events and charitable work. We’re very thankful for their partnership over the last 20+ years, and we look forward to seeing how they utilize this beautiful building and central location in the future.

We would also like to express our deep gratitude to the many volunteers who lovingly cared for the Heritage House and supported countless events, to the community grant programs and generous individual donors whose ongoing contributions made building restoration and programming possible, to the Town of Westport for their collaboration and vision, and to the extraordinary Heritage House ambassadors who welcomed visitors, safeguarded local history, and showcased the remarkable talent of our local artists. Thank you. You all make this community so special. Your energy, creativity, and dedication have fueled everything we’ve accomplished together. We’ll need that same spirit as we take our next steps.

While saying goodbye to renting the white church, we’re excited about what’s ahead. With the lease ending in 2026, our focus will turn to researching what type of community space will best serve us all moving forward, and what grants and financial resources we will need to make a new space come to life. We will also be focusing our time and money on what we do best: bringing people together, supporting local creatives and small businesses, and keeping Westport and Wadhams beautiful, safe, welcoming, and connected.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LINDSAY WILLEMAIN AND THE ESSEX FOOD HUB!

Photo courtesy of the Essex Food Hub

The Essex Food Hub has been feeding families and school children in the North Country for years now, making local, fresh food available for all. We are fortunate to have this innovative and dynamic organization and their market located right here in Westport! Following is an interview with Lindsay Willemain, Executive Director of the EFH:

How long have you been serving as ED of the Essex Food Hub? What aspects of this role are you personally most passionate about?

 I've served as ED of Essex Food Hub since its founding in 2022. I was drawn to the Hub—and the Adirondacks more than a decade ago—by food and the farmers in this area. I am passionate about the tangible ways Essex Food Hub connects people with a sense of belonging and care through the food that our farmers thoughtfully grow and the delicious products that food entrepreneurs create from the harvest. I love the financial and logistical puzzles we solve daily to link growers and eaters. And there’s nothing like the smell of a cooler full of apples—it breeds contentment that grows as we send them off to new homes. Read more here.

SAFE ROADS TASK FORCE HITS THE ROAD RUNNING!

Everyone’s movin’! ~ Photo by Teah Dowling, SUN Community News

The Safe Roads- Walkable Westport Task Force is making fast inroads into making the town of Westport slower and safer to navigate!

~ 2 new murals are planned in town: one on the town hall, the other in Wadhams. Both these murals will be digitally printed and mounted on the buildings, to add beauty, interest, and encourage folks to slow down while driving through town. Revisit the details in the October Newsletter!

~ 2 new radar speed signs are being installed: one on South Main Street near Old Arsenal Road, and one in Wadhams near the playground: a gentle reminder to slow with the flow when in Westport (and Wadhams)!

~ In related news, read all about BVCS Lakeview Campus’ new initiative to get kids moving with more joy to school Here

THE ALLIANCE IS WORKING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE WESTPORT FOOD SHELF!

As we head into this ‘giving season’, many families may need some assistance with putting meals on the table. There are many new food drop off locations around town now, and we are so grateful for the great generosity and response from the community already! The Food Shelf is celebrating its 50th year in 2026! Read the story in the SUN Community News Here.

Here are the food drop off sites in Westport:

~ McGee’s Towing and Recovery. Location: 116 Lakeshore Road, Westport.

~ K&D Deli and Grocery, 6519 Main Street, Westport.

~ Snowfort Books and Friends, 6592 Main Street, Westport

~ Westport Town Hall, 22 Champlain Avenue, Westport

~ the Bessboro Shop, 6472 Main Street, Westport

~ To receive food, please call Food Shelf Organizer Tammy Johnson, at (518) 578-2707. There are multiple ways to give: non perishable food can be donated at the venues listed above. For fresh or frozen items, contact Tammy Johnson to schedule a drop off. All bulk food donations and all food pickups are at the Father McCarthy Hall, 6605 Main Street, also known as Route 9N.

~You can make a monetary donation HERE.

The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance is the fiscal sponsor of the Westport Food Shelf, with tremendous gratitude to Tammy Johnson and her family, Westport Food Shelf founder, Nona Haskins (now retired) for running this vital community service for decades. Also thanks to St. Philips Neri Catholic Church for hosting space all these years.

JOIN US TO RE-TIRE THE RUBBISH ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7TH, 11AM!

Photo by Chris Maron

Come join hands and show your love for Lake Champlain on Friday, November 7th from 11am until mid-afternoon!

With water levels at historic lows, about 60 tires and decades of debris are finally visible—some of it 50 or more years old. This is our chance to clear it out, clean up Westport’s lakeshore, and protect the lake we love.

Meet at the Westport Boat Launch for a quick orientation before teams spread out to three cleanup zones along the shoreline from the Lake View Motel to the Yacht Club.

Dress for the weather. You may wade into the water so wear waterproof boots or shoes you can get wet. Bring gloves, a shovel, or a wheelbarrow if you have them.

Trucks Needed!

We’ll need 3–4 pickup trucks to haul collected debris to the Transfer Station. Disposal fees will be covered by the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance’s Safe Roads–Walkable Westport Task Force, supported by AARP and Toyota North America.

Organized by Representatives from the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance, and the Town of Westport.

Special thanks to WWCA Board member Chris Maron and Town Councilman Michael Fergot for leading the charge.

“SHOP THE BLOCK” EVENT PLANNED FOR NOV.14 and DECEMBER 12, 4-8pm!

Image from Carolyn Vanderhoof, photo by Catherine Seidenberg

Yahoo! Time to get your shopping on! For two nights, Westport shops will be open late, from 4-8pm, for a festive evening shopping experience. What fun! Explore the treasures of Vagabond Blooms, the Bessboro Shop, Ledge Hill Studio Downtown, and Snowfort Books and Friends. Drop by K&D Deli and Grocery for their special sales event, and cozy up to the bar with friends at JAMBS Beer and Wine. Stay tuned on the What’s Happening in Westport Page for developing details and more participants!

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR DECEMBER 6TH!

Holiday Festival 2024 ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

It’s almost time! Only 30 days till Westport’s Annual Holiday Festival! This year will feature a Santa Soak (polar plunge), an Indoor Yard Sale at the Heritage House, A Holiday Movie at the Westport Library with Cocoa and cookies, the annual holiday parade with Santa, the tree lighting with Caroling by the Candy Cane Quartet, and much more is in the works.

Stay tuned to the Town Calendar for details as they develop, and watch your inbox for the schedule mailing as the time nears. Know anyone who would like the information but doesn’t subscribe? Please forward this newsletter and encourage them to join our mailing list!

GIVE YOUR INPUT TO THE WESTPORT TOWN PLAN!

The Town of Westport is inviting all residents to help chart the community's course for the years ahead through a new public survey, now available as part of a comprehensive planning initiative.

As part of an ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, community members can share their perspectives on Westport's future through an online survey covering topics such as quality of life, economic development, arts and recreation, land use, and natural resources.

Take the survey now through November 26, 2025:

• Online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BQGB3B5 or visit www.WestportCompPlan.com

• Paper copies: Available at Westport Town Hall, Westport Library and Wadhams Library

Holiday Bells at Bradamant ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg

As we move through November, we’re grateful for the countless ways you help our community thrive — through giving, volunteering, and showing up for one another. Wishing you a warm, joyful month filled with connection and gratitude.

— The Westport–Wadhams Community Alliance Team

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 subscribe and forward this email!

-Newsletter Editor: Catherine Seidenberg