Westport Island selectmen Monday night approved Anne Cole-Fairfield’s request for missionaries to Senegal, West Africa to be at the town hall for two hours Nov. 15. The board waived a charge.

First Selectman George Richardson said the missionaries will be in town to discuss programs and progress. About 20 people are expected, so the space was sought for social distancing, he said.

Reached by phone later, Cole-Fairfield said Westport Baptist Church supports the efforts of Bo and Michelle Columbine of Massachusetts, who teach in Senegal; he, auto mechanics and she, English. “They’ve been home since the COVID hit (and) they’ll be heading back.” Cole-Fairfield, a member of the church since 1980, said the couple are from a missionary group the church has supported for many years.

The potluck at town hall will follow that morning’s church service where the couple will speak, Cole-Fairfield explained.

Also Monday, officials praised Westport Island History Center’s grand opening Oct. 25. They said the center stayed open about two hours later than planned as people continued to want to see the center and spend time with the pandemics exhibit.