🌱 Why a once-beloved Westport island hangout is now off-limits
Westport, Massachusetts Patch AM: a 4 min readGreetings Westport! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why a once-beloved Westport island hangout is now off-limits
- How Westport’s new pumpout boat will help keep the river clean
- Westport woman killed in Route 6 bicycle crash identified by authorities
Today's riddle: What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Very hot, with a high of 96 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 89, low: 65.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 85 and low of 61 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. In Westport, an island paradise lost (eastbayri.com) — A small privately owned island off Drift Road in Westport, long open for public recreation and once home to a beloved Labor Day chowder picnic, has now been posted with “No Trespassing” signs. Owner Steve Chardon says years of worsening litter, broken glass, and even human waste forced the family to close access despite their wish to share the spot. He hopes respectful behavior from locals could someday allow the restrictions to be lifted. 
2. Westport getting new pumpout boat (eastbayri.com) — Westport officials have approved funding for a new pumpout boat after the town’s aging vessel finally failed, ensuring boaters can still properly dispose of waste and protect local waters. Grants will cover nearly half the $125,932 cost, with the rest coming from the town’s grant-matching fund. Harbormaster Bill Chace says the service is crucial to keeping the river clean and shellfishing areas open.
3. 74-Year-Old Westport Woman Killed in Bicycle Collision with Dump Truck on Rt. 6 in Dartmouth Identified (newbedfordguide.com) — A 74-year-old Westport woman, Denise Olson, was killed Monday when her bicycle collided with a dump truck on Route 6 in Dartmouth. Police say the truck driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. State and Dartmouth police, along with the Bristol County District Attorney’s office, are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
4. These Peaceful Massachusetts Walking Trails Are Perfect For Seniors Who Like To Take Their Time (takingthekids.com) — If you are looking for a calm, joint-friendly walk close to home, Copicut Woods in Westport offers gentle forest trails, rich birdlife, and real solitude on thousands of conserved acres. This statewide roundup of senior-friendly walks also spotlights other easy Massachusetts trails, but Copicut’s soft footing, quiet atmosphere, and seasonal color make it a standout local option for unhurried exploring.
📸 Around Westport
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Westport
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Westport Rivers Vine to Table Dinner 2026 →
Westport Rivers Vineyard, 417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport
6:00 pm
Saturday July 25
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
📣 Westport Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
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Baby Café Breastfeeding Support Group - Fall River
Charlton Memorial Hospital People Incorporated, 4 South Main Street, Fall River, United States
6:30 am -
Whale Wednesdays
New Bedford Whaling Museum Harbor View Gallery
10:00 am -
3D Movies: Big Blue Pictures
New Bedford Whaling Museum Cook Memorial Theater
10:30 am -
General Loss Grief Support Group - Virtual
Charlton Memorial Hospital 363 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720
1:00 pm -
Infant Loss Support Group
Charlton Memorial Hospital St. Lukes Hospital – White Home Living Room, 101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
2:30 pm -
Dartmouth Fire District 1 Prudential Committee Meeting →
Dartmouth, MA Calendar, 10 Bridge Street District 1 Fire Station, Dartmouth
6:30 pm -
July 2026 Business After Hours Sunset Sip & Sail
SouthCoast Chamber Cuttyhunk Ferry 66 State Pier New Bedford, MA
5:00 pm -
Baby Café Breastfeeding Support Group - New Bedford
Charlton Memorial Hospital New Beginnings Moms Do Care, 543 North Suite D, New Bedford, MA, United States
6:30 am -
Anchor Rock Vineyards →
Anchor Rock Vineyards, 205 Bakerville Rd, Dartmouth
4:00 pm -
Food Trucks @ the Gates Fall River →
City Gates Plaza, Ponta Delgada Blvd, Fall River
5:00 pm -
Sharing the Harvest Community Farm - Farm to Go 2026 →
DARTMOUTH YMCA, 276 Gulf Rd, Dartmouth
5:00 pm
Wednesday July 15
Thursday July 16
Friday July 17
Saturday July 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Westport PatchAM possible:
- Happy Health Center — (508) 258-7500
Because staying home longer starts with staying engaged!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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🪧 Patch Classifieds
- Swim instructor needed for August
Seeking an experienced children's swim instructor for five children, ages 3 1/2 to 9 in August at a home pool. Two times per week, per child.... (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Tegra Medical posted a job opening for Machine Operator-I - 2nd and 3rd shift in Dartmouth. Apply here.
- CIPLA LTD posted a job opening for QA Compliance Manager in Fall River. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Westport here.
Ok Westport! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The letter “R.” (Thank you Manuela A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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