Westport News

Welcome!

This is the March Edition of the Westport Public Access Newsletter. We currently have 28 different programs running weekly for your enjoyment. Included are brief descriptions of some of our locally produced programs.

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. 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.

Our bulletin board features notices from area non-profit organizations, and other messages of interest to the community. 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.

Phone/Fax (508) 636-1038

E-Mail: Cable@Westport-MA.gov

Address: Town Hall Annex

856 Main Road

Westport, MA, 02790

Hours: 9:30 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday

Other times by appointment.

Valerie Bain - Coordinator

Derek Frates - Coordinator

History Study Group

This program series is a discussion group that presents topics of Westport’s history. This month features Charlene Wood and Sandy Gifford.

It’s a Matter of Fact

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.

Oral History

This program series produced at different locations around Westport, presents interviews with local residents discussing Westport’s history. The current program is the History of Westport Point United Methodist Church with Pastor Katherine Mitchell, Glenda Taber Broadbent and Shirley Taber Palmer.

Westport Art Group

The current program is about Dorothy Robbins Gifford Curtis, founding Spirit of the Westport Art Group. The Westport Art Group lost a beloved member. Dorothy Robbins Gifford Curtis passed away New Years Day at the Clifton Rehabilitative Nursing Home in Somerset, MA at the age of 97 years. Dorothy was a founder, a past president twice and a guiding spirit of WAG. In celebration of her many contributions and for the 50th anniversary of the founding of WAG. The group held a surprise one-woman exhibit of Dorothy's art work, and a Valentine Tea in her honor. Dorothy was in fine form that day as she had a clever answer for all.

Westport Historical Society

This show presents programs sponsored by the Westport Historical Society that are given the second Thursday evening of the month at the Bell School House or the Senior Center. The programs are on a variety of subjects of interest to the general population of Westport and surrounding towns. In addition, we interview individuals and groups about town on subjects such the art scene, authors, biographies, music, fairs and senior activities. We are always looking for subjects. This month’s show features the Waite Potter House Slide Presentation.

Westport Matters

“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. The current show interview with Dedee Shattuck about her book "FARMERS".

Specials

Shrinking Your Footprint 

sponsored by the Westport River Watershed Alliance, The Lloyd Center for the Environment, the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, the Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and the Buttonwood Park Zoo which took place at the Zoo on Saturday, Feb. 16

Paskamansett Bird Club

Speaker Trevor Lloyd-Evans from the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences gives a presentation on Bird Migration Patterns.

“Are the Birds Coming or Going?”

Sports Abound on WACC-17 !

Bringing the community coverage of local and regional sporting events has been a successful venture for Channel 17. The University of Massachusetts/ Dartmouth Athletic events have been aired including; Football, Ice Hockey, and Men’s and Women’s Basketball. Dartmouth High School Hockey Games will also continue to 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:

Phone/Fax:

(508) 636-1038

E-Mail:

Cable@Westport-MA.gov

Channel 15

Channel 15 is the Town’s Government Access Channel. We currently air the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Finance Committee and the Westport Historical Commission meetings on a regular basis.

Currently playing are some special programs such as David Gray from the US EPA’s Office of Ecosystem Protection presenting a discussion of the Phase II Stormwater Permit program. All communities with impaired waters are required to have permits in place by May 2008. Mr. Gray was invited by the Stormwater Committee to address the process and answer questions from the audience.

Estuaries Committee Meeting from February 13, 2008. Speaker Brian Dudley from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Check the town website, local listings in The Chronicle newspaper and the Community Bulletin Board for airtimes.