Westport News

This is the newsletter of Westport Public Access. I hope it will be an outlet to let our viewers know about our programs and activities.

WACC 17 is the Town of Westport’s Public Access Channel on Channel 17. It is offered free of charge for residents to air community notices and programs that they have produced. Any town resident can take advantage of the services regardless of cable television subscription. Two different types of cameras are available for borrowing.

In addition to the facilities at the Town Hall Annex, we maintain a second studio at The American Legion Hall, 489 Sanford Rd., Westport, MA. Our purpose is to train town residents how to use the production facilities and assist them in getting their shows to the viewers. Topics range from sports, entertainment, local history and human interest. We have several residents who currently produce programs on a regular basis. We would like to thank them for work and interest in community programs and events.

Our bulletin board features notices from area non-profit organizations, and other messages of interest to the community. It has been used quite extensively during the past year. Messages to be posted can be sent to us by mail, fax or e-mail.

Programming runs usually from 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, 7 days a week. Each show runs several times to allow for our viewers to watch the shows at their convenience. Check the town website, local listings in The Chronicle newspaper and the Community Bulletin Board for airtimes. To find out more, contact us by any of the following ways.

856 Main Road

Westport, MA, 02790

Other times by appointment.

Valerie Bain - Coordinator

Derek Frates - Coordinator

New shows this month :

Half hour interview show where Senator Joan Menard interviews local newsmakers. This month’s show features the Fall River Chamber of Commerce.

Interview show with Senator Edward Kennedy. This month’s show will feature Governor Deval Patrick.

This is a program providing information about services available at the non-profit Family Service Association of Greater Fall River.

This program series is a discussion group that presents topics of Westport’s history.

This variety show program is hosted by George Cataldo. It is produced at the American Legion Hall on Sanford Road and covers musical, local events and entertainment topics.

This program series produced at different locations around Westport, presents interviews with local residents discussing Westport’s history.

This show presents programs sponsored by the Westport Historical Society.

This month’s show features The Music of "Ragtime" .

Jack Radcliffe presents a unique musical experience that recalls the days of country blues, ragtime and stride piano. Through stories, whimsical anecdotes and trivia woven into his performance, Jack Radcliffe brings the ragtime era to life and celebrates the legacy of once well known household names such as Scott Joplin, Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong.

The Westport Historical Society airs programs given the second Thursday evening of the month at the Bell School House or the Senior Center. The programs, March through October, are on a variety of subjects of interest to the general population of Westport and surrounding towns. The history of the Lees family and the Potter family will occur this March and April, 2007. In addition, we interview individuals and groups about town on subjects such the history of the fire station, the art scene, authors, biographies, music, fairs and senior activities. We are always looking for subjects.

“Westport Matters” has been aired on the public access channel 17 from early 1993. The shows were taped at various locations. There have been about 450 different shows dealing with topics of local interest.

Bringing the community coverage of local and regional sporting events has been a successful venture for Channel 17. Since last fall the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth Athletic events have been aired including; Football, Ice Hockey, and Mens and Womens Basketball. Starting in January Dartmouth High School Hockey Games will also be shown. The team represents a unique combined effort, with Students from both Westport High School and Dartmouth High School playing for the team. If anyone is willing to volunteer to videotape other Westport High School Sporting Events it would be our pleasure to broadcast them. Just contact us at:

Channel 15 is the Town’s Government Access Channel.

We currently air the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission and Finance Committee meetings on a regular basis.

Playing this month are some special programs. Department Head/Finance Committee Forum from January 29, Board of Selectmen / Conservation Commission meeting from January 31, G.I.S. Website Development from February 6, and The Westport Arts Council forum from February 9 about submitting applications for Helen Ellis grants. Check the town website, local listings and the Community Bulletin Board for airtimes.