Alliance Update: A Year of Growth
Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance Newsletter ~ January 2026
Happy New Year, Westport! May 2026 bring everyone much joy, health and new adventures! We here at the Alliance are ready to jump in, with new leadership, new board members, new staff and loads of new ideas. We hope you will join us at meetings, share your ideas, and volunteer at town-wide events!
Want to be involved? Please help create community by donating to the Alliance HERE, or join in and Volunteer for Flowers Plus projects, help run America’s 250 July 4th celebration, the Town-Wide Yard Sale, and so much more! Thank you!
CELEBRATING THE LEADERSHIP OF ALYSSA CARROLL AS SHE CONCLUDES HER TERM
Alyssa Carroll ~ Photo by Catherine Seidenberg
“To our wonderful neighbors, volunteers, partners, and board members, As I wrap up my time as Board President, I want you to know how deeply I have loved serving the Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance. This community means so much to me. Getting to lead alongside people who care deeply about this place has been a true gift, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.
I'm excited to pass the torch to our new Board President, Jen Williams. She brings thoughtfulness, steadiness, and a deep love for this community, and I cannot wait to see where she leads the Alliance next.
Thank you for trusting me, for showing up, and for caring about Westport and Wadhams the way you do. I look forward to supporting the Alliance in this next chapter and cheering Jen on every step of the way.”
With gratitude,
Alyssa Carroll
(Board vote pending)
JEN WILLIAMS TAKES THE HELM AS BOARD PRESIDENT!
Jen Williams ~ Photo by Jen Williams
“I am excited to dive into my new position as President of the WWCA! We have lots to accomplish in 2026, and I am fortunate to have a board and staff with diverse talents, priorities and personalities to work with. I am proud of what this young 501 (c) (3) has already accomplished, and look forward to further building collaborations within the Alliance, and with community and regional organizations.
As I step up to serve as president in 2026, I’m committed to enhancing the quality of life in this special corner of the Adirondack Park and Champlain Valley. It’s a privilege to live here. I’m dedicated to honoring tradition while innovating—and to expanding our efforts to sustain the natural environment we’re so fortunate to call home.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to outgoing president, Alyssa Carroll. This community organization continues to grow strong thanks to her calm, clear leadership. Although she’s changing roles, don’t worry: she’s not going far! She will still be an active part of the executive team.
Lastly, if you’re local, please get involved! Volunteer time and shared ideas are always welcome! Please reach out to me with ideas and ways for us to improve together.” - Jen
(Board vote pending)
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW YOUTH LIAISON, EVAN BEECH!
Evan Beech ~ Photo courtesy of the Adirondack Center for Writing
“I moved to Westport when I was 4 years old, and have lived here for 11 years (12 years come October 2026). I regularly think about how lucky I am to have grown up in Westport, and how lucky I am to live here now. I've always enjoyed walking around Westport, with its combination of beautiful forest trails around Hoisington Brook right in the middle of town, Lake Champlain beaches, mountain views, library, county fairgrounds, organic farms, and above all, the Westportians themselves.
The people who live in Westport each contribute something to the community, and when I meet people I'm always excited to learn about their views and what they value. As Youth Liaison with the Alliance, I hope to help add reasons for us to gather together and enjoy what we have, while working to maintain and create new spaces we can all come together and enjoy.” ~ Evan
(Board vote pending)
JOIN OUR NEXT (ZOOM) BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7TH, 7PM!
We can’t guarantee that we’ll be dressed this fine, but come join us, add to the conversation and share your ideas! Wear your business suit if you must. We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm, with occasional in-person meetings to be announced. Find the Zoom link HERE, passcode 234037.
STAY TUNED FOR AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN WESTPORT!
Join us on July 4th for America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! 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.)
GET YOUR STEPS IN AT THE BVCSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!
Seniors: come to the Elementary School in Westport and get in some social walking out of the weather! The gym is open for walking from 6:30am-7:45 am, Monday-Friday. Enter through the side handicap ramp access to check in and sign a liability waiver at the front desk. Let’s move in 2026!
START THE NEW YEAR WITH A DONATION TO THE WESTPORT FOOD SHELF!
Thank you to everyone who has given so generously to the Food Shelf this season! The support has been heart-warming (and belly-filling!). Even though the official ‘giving season’ has ended, families in our community have an ongoing need for nutrition assistance. Please consider helping your neighbors and donate here. Thank you!
A NEW MURAL NOW GRACES WESTPORT TOWN HALL!
As part of our stewardship of ongoing public art that honors the land and people of Westport, the Alliance recently received Town Board approval to place a new mural by local artist Gwen Vogel on the north-facing side of Town Hall. The piece builds on the place-based storytelling begun with the Hamilton Hall mural, expanding the narrative of community, season, and sense of place that defines Westport’s identity. The Town Hall location offers a prominent, welcoming canvas that complements existing public art and enhances the village’s walkable core.
The mural’s design concept depicts the transition from fall to winter, expressed through a vertical gradient of color and activity—from orange leaves and farmers bringing in the harvest at the base, to snow-covered hills, sledding, and skating scenes above. This imagery reflects Westport’s vibrant, year-round character—celebrating that, while our town is best known as a summer destination, it remains a living, thriving community through every season.
The mural itself is made of durable, weather-resistant materials suitable for long-term outdoor installation, with low-impact on the building itself. Removable brackets ensure it is firmly affixed but can be readily removed in future years. The project was funded thanks to our Liveable Communities Grant from AARP with funds from Toyota North America.
This collaboration between artist, Board, and Alliance continues our commitment to accessible, meaningful public art that celebrates our shared landscape, history, and quality of life.
The Wadhams Grange mural, the third and final installation of this AARP-Toyota North America - funded public arts project, is underway!
HAPPY 2026, WESTPORT!
~the WWCA 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
The Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance, Inc., PO Box 394, Westport, NY 12993, United States
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