Booked! Westport Island nods history panel’s moving days, 2021 wedding fete

Hears resident’s fireworks concern
Tue, 07/21/2020 - 8:15am

    Westport Island selectmen Monday night OK’d a weekend of historic proportions for town hall, Wright House and volunteers, and agreed to give a military man a break on his milestone a year from now. The bride to be’s family wants her and her active duty Army fiance’s wedding reception at the old town hall for July 17, 2021 when he is on leave, selectmen said in their UberConference call.

    First Selectman George Richardson read the request in a letter from the Fife family, which has had property on Metzgar Drive since the 1940s. Richardson proposed granting the request unless developments with COVID-19 later prevent it. The board agreed to Selectman Ross Norton’s subsequent suggestion the town honor the groom’s service to his country, by waiving the usual $100 rental fee.

    “We’re definitely going to have to get some kudos for (the groom),” Selectman Gerald Bodmer said. The letter estimated 30-40 guests.

    The board gave the town’s history committee permission to be at the town hall July 31 and Aug. 1 and 2, to take items from there to Wright House. “You’ve been working toward that (move), so good for you,” Bodmer told the committee’s Mary Coventry. “Can’t wait til it’s up and running, Mary,” he added.

    “I thank the history committee for all they do ... It’s really a great asset to our town,” Richardson said. And Coventry thanked the board for its support “to make this move and the launch of our history center possible.”

    According to a letter Bodmer read aloud, resident Richard Shorey proposed banning the use of fireworks in town. Shorey’s letter said fireworks can bother pets and wildlife, and someone could set the island on fire. “It can happen.” Bodmer, still reading, said Richardson suggested Shorey consider a petition for a vote at next year’s town meeting.

    This year’s town meeting drew 53 registered voters to town hall and the Community Church July 18, Deputy Municipal Agent GayeWagner said in an email. Using equipment from Headlight Audio Visual, “our own Jack Swanton, Jason Kates and Dick Barker did a great job of making both spaces seem like one ... And, we are tickled that town meeting 2020 is now in our rearview mirror.”

    Maine Municipal Association’s latest insurance dividend check to Westport Island is $890, “for good ... loss prevention ...,” Richardson said.