Let’s Go Fly a Kite
A family flies a kite off of Compo Beach this afternoon ahead of a blustery Saturday.
Town Marinas Open Today to Boaters
A boat on B dock at Ned Dimes Marina sits in its berth this afternoon as the gates were unlocked to boaters this morning, beginning the boating season in Westport. Town marinas at both Compo Beach and Longshore Club Park sell out quickly each year, with some spots having a waitlist of over a decade.
Staples High School, Westport Public Schools Presents: “America’s Voices” to 3rd-5th Graders
Coleytown Elementary School students stand with their yard sign artwork among a field of signs from the other Westport elementary schoolsPress ReleaseThe Staples Amati Chamber Orchestra pre-records “American Landscape”The Staples High School Music Department and Westport Public Schools will present “America’s Voices” to Westport students Grades 3-5, April 5-9. “America’s Voices” celebrates and showcases the diverse population of musicians and artists within our country and our schools. After several months of immersive studies of varied music and art, elementary students will view a video series spanning from April 5-9 featuring:
Staples music ensembles pre-recorded pieces from diverse American composers
Westport public school student art grades 3-5 and 9-12
A traveling town-wide lawn sign exhibit, beginning at the elementary schools on April 3, visually expressing the Voices of our public school students, in partnership with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Poet Laureate, Diane Lowman
Family folk song submissions celebrating Westport’s diverse cultures, recorded at home by elementary students and families
This collaborative effort, previously called the Westport Youth Concert, has been renamed the Westport Youth Arts Collaborative to encompass the cross-curricular involvement in the making of this production. Not only does the program expose students Grades 3-5 to the exemplary musicians at Staples High School, but also builds their understanding of diversity and the uniqueness of global cultures. The multi-discipline initiative has developed partnerships in our community with organizations such as the Westport Library, Westport Arts Advisory Committee, WestPAC and PTA Cultural Arts.
For more information about this collaborative event and Staples Music go to staplesmusic.org.
Police Department Supports Autism Awareness Month with New Badges, Vehicle Seals
Press Release - Chief of Westport Police Foti KoskinasApril is Autism Awareness Month, and the Westport Police Department enthusiastically stands with the autistic community in celebrating this opportunity to promote both education and a greater understanding of autism.
In a 2016 study, the Center for Disease Control stated that one in every fifty-four U.S. children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the National Autism Center this means that “at least one million U.S. boys and girls have autism, not to mention the rapidly growing number of adults with autism.”
These statistics certainly suggest that autism touches most of our lives in some way and because of that the Westport Police is committed to supporting those with autism as well as their family members.
To honor the autistic community and to promote autism awareness, Westport officers have purchased Autism Awareness Commemorative Badges which they will be wearing on their uniforms during April. The badge is blue and prominently features the puzzle piece logo in the center which is the universal symbol of autism awareness. A portion of the badge’s purchase price will be donated directly to Autism Speaks to help fund this organization’s crucial work. An additional way we will be promoting this important cause is by affixing the puzzle piece logo onto the doors of all our police cars. The logos were generously donated by Fleet Auto Supply.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas noted that, “autism is very prevalent but unfortunately is often misunderstood. That is why we are taking this time to promote awareness as well as acceptance and the Westport Police Department is proud to be a part of that effort.”
Autism Awareness Month is also an opportune time to remind the community about Westport’s Disability Registry. Its creation was a combined effort of the Westport Disability Commission, Human Services, and the Police Department. The confidential registry is used to provide essential information that will assist the police and other emergency workers to address the needs of residents of all abilities. Please see the following link for more information about how to sign up for the registry: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=22465