Compo Walk after the Storm
With a heavy coat and high snow boots, only a few walked along Compo this afternoon as snow moved out of the area.
Connecticut Attorney General Brought Cookies, Toured Gillespie Center Wednesday
L-R First Selectman Jim Marpe, Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg inside the Gillespie Center today discussing its functions during the COVID-19 crisis.
Connecticut’s Attorney General William Tong (D) brought a donation of food and toured the Homes with Hope Gillespie Center at 45 Jesup Road yesterday. The Attorney General was joined by First Selectman Jim Marpe, Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, Connecticut State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (D, 136th District), along with other Homes with Hope staff members. The group discussed the changes made to the emergency shelter due to COVID-19, and toured the center’s dormitories, kitchen, social room, and food pantry.
Ryan Soto, Gillespie Center Programs Director, described a decline in bed capacity from 21 beds to 12 beds due to COVID-19 spacing regulations and the addition of in-house COVID-19 testing done biweekly for guests. The local non-profit was excited to share their gratitude for the support of the community and Town through the pandemic, including meal donations from local restaurants and non-perishable food donations for the second floor food bank.
The Gillespie center offers meals, beds, laundry, and shower facilities for individuals in need. Homes with Hope also assists with social services such as occupational assistance and basic health needs, in addition to mentoring programs for those in crisis.
The Gillespie Center Food Pantry, located on the second floor of the 45 Jesup Road building.
Winter Storm Gail Continues Over Westport: Final Forecast, Snow Day Tips for Newcomers
Graphic by the NWS, NYC
Editor’s Take
Winter Storm Gail continues her path over Westport as the National Weather Service, NYC reports an updated official forecast showing a maximum 15 inches of snow, and minimum of 8 inches of snow, being possible. The majority of the snow is expected to taper-off this morning prior to 10:00 AM.
Today will continue to be a cold, blustery day for Westport families home from work and school - with wind chill temperatures nearing 10 degrees early this morning, and warming up to a relatively balmy 17 degrees this afternoon. Roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways will remain icey and dangerous if untreated or uncleared. Please continue to stay off of the roads to allow snow removal to take place, as well as sanding and salting. Click here to review which roads will be cleared first according to the Department of Public Works.
Please see our Closures section to view what’s open, and what’s not.
Sledding Hills & Scenic Views
For all of our new Westporters, a snow day in Westport is a beautiful sight to behold. Sledding, brisk walks, or scenic drives during the days following a snowfall will quickly give the town and surrounding community a new identity. Be sure roads are cleared and safe, and that you - and your family - are properly dressed for the cold.
Local Sledding Hills:
Winslow Dog Park: 44 Compo Road North (Tip: Park in the Country Playhouse lot to access the top of the hill)
Greens Farms Elementary School: 17 Morningside Drive South
Brisk Walks:
Sherwood Island State Park
Compo Beach to Old Mill Beach
Earthplace Hiking Trails
Downtown’s Main Street or River Walk
Scenic Drives:
Coastal Route: Compo Beach to Southport Village via Hillspoint - Beachside Avenue - Pequot Avenue
Northern Route: Long Lots Road, Sturges Highway, Cross Highway
Gallery: A View of the Storm from Overnight
Photos of the storm during the overnight hours. All photos by Jaime Bairaktaris.
