May 2024

Greetings Westmore Association Members,
At the end of the Annual Town Meeting in March, while standing in the back of the room just as we were about to break for lunch, I raised my hand for permission to speak to all those present. With permission granted by Westmore Town Officers, I reasserted WA’s prior determination that the “best thing for Willoughby is no wake boats on Willoughby.”

To my happy surprise, that simple statement was met with encouraging agreement and seemingly unanimous support and, even better, accompanied by a good deal of obvious affirmative head nodding. Which was wonderful.

Prompted by this outcome, fellow WA Board member Bruce Tanner who shares longstanding family ties to Willoughby (since 1917) and is now a full-time resident, as well as WA Water Quality Committee chair and diligent FOVLAP (Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds) member, asked for a show of hands for a straw vote of those supportive of a “no wake boats on Willoughby being best for Willoughby” stand. Without any protest, all but two individuals present in the room raised their hands high in support including the entire Town of Westmore Selectboard: David Stevens, Miriam Simonds, and Peter Hyslop.

It was a standout moment, an important moment, both significant and a sweet surprise.

As a result, at the very next Selectboard meeting the following Monday, it was officially announced that the topic of wake boats on Willoughby would no longer be discussed, no longer needed to be, for evidence had revealed the majority of Westmore residents to be aligned against them. Next up, a petition to follow! Visit http://responsiblewakes.org/ for more information.

So, whatever you love most about spring into summer into fall here in Westmore, whether out on the lake or up in the mountains; whether swimming, paddling, or hiking; or simply sitting on a dock, feet dangling in the water below, alternating between enjoying coffee in the morning and cocktails at sunset, amidst the ever-present tremolo and yodel of loons in the distance, here’s wishing us all much joy amid the splendor.

Deb Smith, President

Check out our lineup of summer events, we hope to see you this summer!

We appreciate your support as we continue to support the mission of the Westmore Association.

 President:  Deb Smith