Westport - Wadhams Community Alliance

*Sunset over Stevenson Road, by Catherine Seidenberg*

September is a time of mixed emotions: sadness at the waning of the exciting, frenetic schedules of summer, and a quiet relishing of the cooler, more restful months to come. We’re all a bit sunburnt, our hair a bit mussed, and we’re not ready to settle down yet. Which is a good thing, because the best season is just beginning: Autumn! Time to celebrate our abundance at the Adirondack Harvest Festival on September 21, plant bulbs with Flowers Plus! in October, attend a Church dinner, participate in a Library event, and look back on our incredible seasons of music at Meadowmount, and professional theater at the Depot Theatre. And, tis the big season to make sure you are registered and ready to VOTE!

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.

Adirondack Harvest Festival September 21!

It’s the event we have all been waiting for! This free event runs from 12-5pm on Saturday, September 21 at the Essex County Fairgrounds. The day features local food trucks, a farmer’s market, a local beer and wine tent, demonstrations and workshops, a farm animal petting zoo, educational kids activities, and more! The theme for the 2024 Festival is “Adirondacks in Bloom,” with a focus on showcasing the beauty and versatility of locally grown blooms. Hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and kids activities will offer insights into the myriad ways we can incorporate these blooms into our lives.

Volunteers Needed!

The Festival is looking for volunteers on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 to set up, clean up, and support the event. Each shift is 2.5 hours, and there are some shifts before and after the event. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, and Saturday volunteers will receive a $20 voucher to buy lunch at the event. Yum! Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift.

The Mill Continues to WOW Us!

*Camilla Meza, performing at the Mill on August 16. Photo by Ben Stechschulte, courtesy of the Mill.*

Switching into first person here, I have to say I enjoyed one of the most transporting events in recent memory, right here in Westport, at the Mill! It was an evening with Chilean Jazz guitarist Camilla Meza, and we scored the last three tickets to the event. We ordered three small dishes to share, and cocktails. My cocktail, ‘the Bees Knees’ was so perfectly balanced and divine, with an ice ‘cube’ in the shape and color of a group of blueberries. The small dishes were so expertly and creatively prepared that a few bites were all that was needed to completely satisfy the senses! I began the next day to try and recreate some of their culinary touches in the kitchen. And Camilla Meza? What can I say? Her silken, well-trained voice and outstanding musicianship kept me on the verge of tears the entire evening. Really. I’m speechless. And so is the New York Times: Read what will not be the last article written about his venue, HERE!

**Find Your Farmers in the Clothesline at the Wild Center**

*Photo and text courtesy of the* *Wild Center*

The Clothesline: Food, Fiber, Air, and Soil, an installation by artist Brenda Baker, highlights the hard work done in our community by people who work in agriculture. The installation is made up of hundreds of pieces of used work attire donated by agricultural workers, which act as stand-ins for the unseen people whose labor produces the food we eat. Be immersed in the farmer's lives as you walk through and read their authentic stories.

See which local farmers you recognize HERE and learn more about the project with this VIDEO.

Calling Everyone: Please VOTE!

*The Schoolhouse on Dudley Road, by Catherine Seidenberg*

One of the most important moments in our Country’s history is upon us, from now until November 5, 2024. Are you registered? Do you know where your polling place is? October 26th, 2024 is the deadline for registration. For comprehensive New York voting information, visit this LINK.

Westport Library Tells Stories!

Come to the Library on Tuesday September 10th from 12-5, and share YOUR work stories and photos with all of us, through the lens of NCPR in this ongoing project.

And..Learn about the Art of Journalism with Brian Mann, Sept.17th

Don’t miss Brian Mann’s presentation, ‘In conversation - Reporting as Storytelling: The Art of Journalism’ on Tuesday, September 17th at the Westport Library. Join NPR National journalist and Westport’s own Brian Mann in a thought-provoking conversation hosted by local resident David Howson as they explore the intersection of journalism and storytelling. Brian will discuss how he transforms raw facts into engaging narratives that resonate on an emotional level, making complex issues like the opioid crisis, or most recently, the Paris Olympic Games, more relatable. Together, they’ll delve into the challenges and rewards of reporting in a way that not only informs but also connects and inspires change. This talk will offer a unique glimpse into the art of storytelling within the world of journalism.

Thank you, Depot Theatre!

What an incredible season of fine professional theater! We were treated to ‘Analog and Vinyl’, ‘Every Brilliant Thing’, and ‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’, which all kept us on the edge of our seats. Thank you, and we can’t wait for next season!

Meadowmount Season Ends

*Photo courtesy of Meadowmount School of Music*

Still longing to hear some of those spectacular performances? You can listen to performance videos HERE and get excited for next year!

Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir Rocks the Church on September 8th

Flowers Plus! Plants Bulbs in October

Saturday’s weeding party was postponed due to rain, but stay tuned for the reschedule date! Thank you to everyone who has generously given time and energy to making Westport and Wadhams beautiful. Don your gloves and stay tuned for the October bulb-planting party, and see you there!

September 2024 Newsletter