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Looking Back: 2020 in Photos | November

Al’s Angels Volunteers look up at their work as they replace the Cribari Memorial Bridge Christmas Lights overnight on November 21st.

Photos by Jaime Bairaktaris

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Looking Back 2020, Good News Only, Community James Bairaktaris Looking Back 2020, Good News Only, Community James Bairaktaris

Looking Back: 2020 in Photos | August

Members of the community, many without power, wifi, or cell service, flocked to Jesup Green surrounding the Westport Library to use its emergency wifi signals.

On August 4th an EF1 tornado touched down in Westport, causing massive destruction to the community - including its cell service and internet infrastructure. With a community working primarily from home now without internet, the green filled with dozens of people every day - remaining apart, while working together. Each night families would meet each other and sit for hours chatting once their work was done, with people bringing their instruments for jam sessions for the public to enjoy and children playing soccer in the fields. It was the first time many Westporters saw their neighbors since the pandemic began, and in a moment of true darkness came the light of the community coming together.

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Looking Back 2020, Community, Good News Only James Bairaktaris Looking Back 2020, Community, Good News Only James Bairaktaris

Looking Back: 2020 in Photos | July

Compo Beach Lifeguards were mandated to wear mask for their shifts on the chair this summer. Photo taken July 15th by 12 year old Uzi Greenman.

Photos by Jaime Bairaktaris unless otherwise noted.

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Looking Back: 2020 in Photos | June

Staples Senior Niah Michel protests on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge, Post Road, on June 5th as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. Michel penned a letter regarding the issue of racism at Staples High School.

After a letter about racism at Staples High School and the national Black Lives Movement gained traction, Westport hosted two separate movements - with the second event drawing thousands in support of the cause, including many local celebrities, politicians, and families. Members lay down on the Post Road Bridge, chanting “I can’t breathe” for nine minutes to symbolize the nine minutes that George Floyd did the same before his death. There were no acts of violence or problems at either movement. Photos by Jaime Bairaktaris, June 5th.

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