Running By the Blossoming Trees on Compo Road South
A jogger makes their way by the blossoms of a tree on Compo Road South.
Color Comes to Longshore Club Park
Bright colors return to Longshore Club Park as the trees soak up the Sunday sun, continuing their blooms until the roadway is shaded by leaves.
Spring On Hills Point Road
A Hills Point Road home, opposite the Sherwood Mill Pond, shows signs of Spring as trees bloom bright pink blossoms.
Continuing to Support their Community
Saugatuck Congregational Church continues their support in the community after months of turbulence throughout the country. Photo by Jenaé Weinbrenner for The Westport Local Press.
Westport Hazardous Waste Day Set for April 24th
Press ReleaseThe Westport Public Works Department announced today that the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day will be Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9am – 2pm at the Greens Farm Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road (between I-95 and the Metro-North Railroad tracks) in Westport. NOTE: New date and location.
Designed to provide a safe option to keep household hazardous wastes out of the municipal solid waste stream and protect land and water from potential contamination, Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Wilton, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford & Greenwich.
A general outline of household areas and the typical chemicals that may be found in homes:
Garage: paints, gasoline, kerosene, mineral spirits, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, etc.
Garden shed: fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, etc.
General household: bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, flammable liquids, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies & paints, etc.
The following items are NOT acceptable: PROPANE TANKS, AMMUNITION, FLARES, EXPLOSIVES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.
Before bringing hazardous household items to the collection site:
Make sure items are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become not be recyclable.
Keep products in original labeled container.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with newspaper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.
Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.
Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.
Antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and electronics can also be recycled at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.
COVID protocols will be in place this year, including:
Residents must place ALL Household Hazardous Waste in the trunk or rear of their vehicles.
Residents are asked to remain in their vehicle at all times.
Only fuel containers will be returned to residents.
Residents are asked to have patience. Lines may be longer than usual.
Those with additional questions may contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793 or reference the webpage https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/public-works-department/household-hazardous-waste.
Summer’s Coming, Soon Enough
The wooden shutters remind passersby that summer’s around the corner, when the beach will again be a place for swimming and the windows will be open to the lifeguard shack. Photo by Seth Barkan for The Westport Local Press.
Dreary Monday from the Levitt
A gray Monday scene from the Levitt Pavilion along the Saugatuck River. Photo by Uzi Greenman for The Westport Local Press.
Downtown Life
Flowers in the downtown area gave life to the neighborhood as clouds and rain slowly make their way out of the community by tomorrow. Photo by Uzi Greenman for The Westport Local Press.
Anjali Rao McCormick Named YMCA’s New CEO
Press ReleaseAnjali Rao McCormick, the YMCA's new CEO. The Westport Weston Family YMCA has announced Anjali Rao McCormick as its new CEO. McCormick, a seasoned corporate professional with over a decade of experience as a YMCA executive, will begin her new job on May 1, 2021.
“After an exhaustive search, we are incredibly fortunate to have identified and hired a true transformational leader whose community focus, talent, and vision will ensure our viability for the next hundred years,” said Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Board President Jonathan Manela.
McCormick is passionate about the Y’s mission to bring meaningful growth and transformation to individuals and the communities it serves regardless of an individual’s needs, challenges, or goals. “I’m looking forward to working with the Board, staff team, and the extended Y community to strengthen the Y’s focus to be a vibrant, intergenerational community,” she said. McCormick’s first experience with the Y community was after her family moved to Summit, New Jersey, from New York City. Anjali joined the Summit Area YMCA as a Director of Marketing in 2011; in 2015, she became the COO of the 4-branch, 550-employee institution. Her key priorities were revenue growth (membership, camp, childcare, programs), new business growth through partnerships and collaborations, ongoing digital transformation, and developing staff. Together with her team, McCormick led the opening of a $17 million facility in February 2020.
McCormick has three children and has lived in Summit for 20 years. Prior to working for the Y, she worked at American Express and at Citibank. She is a graduate of Harvard and has an MBA in Marketing from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
“It is with great enthusiasm we welcome Ms. McCormick as we seek to reengage our community post-pandemic, with an organization my great, great grandfather, E. T. Bedford founded in 1923,” said John McKinney, Chairman of the Y Board of Trustees.
The Westport Weston Family Y is ready to begin an exciting new chapter in its nearly century- old history. After the successful completion of a $28 million expansion and renovation project, which yielded a state-of-the-art gymnastics facility, additional wellness center space, and a revitalized Camp Mahackeno, the organization has emerged with fresh energy and functionality and is ready to welcome its community. For more information on membership or to schedule a tour of the 32-acre campus, please contact Danielle LeBrando at 203-226-8984 or dlebrando@westporty.org.
Westport Library: No Entry Restrictions for Those 2 and Younger Begins May 3rd
Press ReleaseThe Westport Library announced today that effective Monday, May 3rd, we will no longer have entry restrictions for children under 2. We gladly welcome them to borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, and magazines.
The Library requires all patrons to abide by the following safety practices:
Do not visit the Library if showing any signs of illness.
If you are sick, or if you or a member of your family have been asked to quarantine, please stay home.
Adults and children over 2 are required to wear a mask that covers both the nose and mouth while in the Library.
Maintain six feet social distancing when interacting with other patrons and staff.
Parents are encouraged to keep their child close to maintain social distancing. Bringing a stroller, carrying your child, or holding their hand during your visit will help keep everyone safe.
More information can be found on our website https://westportlibrary.org/ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
We are grateful for the community’s support as we navigate through these challenging times.