Masking Returns to Town Buildings, Library: “The public should expect that many businesses and restaurants will return to requiring masks”
Town of Westport Press ReleaseDue to the increasing spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, new guidance on mask-wearing for both vaccinated and un-vaccinated individuals has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the CT Department of Public Health (CT DPH). The Delta variant is highly contagious, and cases are growing globally as well as locally.
As a result, Town Officials have implemented the following safety protocols at Town Hall, the Westport Library and other town facilities effective tomorrow, Thursday, August 5, 2021:
Staff, visitors and patrons of all town buildings including the Library will be required to wear a mask regardless of individual vaccination status.
Walk-ins will continue to be allowed in Town Hall. Town Hall Staff are required to check their temperature upon entering work for the day. Visitors must follow contact tracing, mask requirements, temperature checks and other safety protocols upon entering. As an alternative, it is recommended that the public consider the town’s online services or other options for in-person meetings. Town Hall meetings can also be held outside at the picnic table in the rear of the building or in the lobby.
Town and Library employees will return to weekly testing for COVID for their safety and for the safety of any visitors.
First Responders will return to COVID protocols by wearing masks when interacting with the public indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
The public should expect that many businesses and restaurants will return to requiring masks regardless of vaccination status. Although that decision is currently at the discretion of the establishments.
There remain a number of factors about the transmission of the Delta variant that are uncertain. Westporters are urged to remain vigilant and informed as the Delta variant continues to spread and impact even those who are fully vaccinated.
Those who are eligible and who have not done so already are encouraged to get vaccinated. Please discuss any concerns about the vaccine with your health care provider.
Dirt Road Returns to Wakeman Farm while Bedford Paving Continues
The dust of the dirt road returned to the former Wakeman farms property as paving continues throughout the Wakefield Field driveway and Bedford Middle School complex. The paving is part of a multi-complex paving project this summer, which includes Coleytown Elementary School, Greens Farms Elementary School, and a portion of Long Lots Elementary School.
Three Yeas for “Coach Paul Lane Field” at Staples; Board of Selectmen Approve and Move Item to RTM
During their Board of Selectmen meeting this morning, First Selectman Jim Marpe, Second Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Third Selectwoman Melissa Kane approved the name “Coach Paul Lane Field” for Staples High School’s football field. The decision now passes to the RTM, who will ultimately be responsible for the final “yea” or “nay”. Lane lead Staples High School to many hard-fought victories during a three decade span as coach and physical education educator, in addition to serving as a mentor to generations of Westporters. The naming comes as bittersweet to the community, as “Coach” passed away last week at the age of 93. Staples Wreckers Gridiron Club officer Jim Adrian spoke at today’s meeting in support of the naming of the field, saying that Lane had a positive affect on all of Westport - and that Lane knew the renaming was a possibility - as over one thousand supporters signed an online petition to push the agenda item. Selectwoman Melissa Kane added “his reputation and his style has stood the test of time for Westporters.”
Saturday Announced as jUNe Day as 100 Guests Explore Westport
Town of Westport Press ReleaseThe annual jUNe Day celebration will take place on Saturday, June 26 in Westport, when the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNA-SW-CT) and the Town of Westport will host approximately 100 guests from the United Nations. In honor of the day, the flags of many of the 193 member countries of the United Nations will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge this weekend.
The public is invited to attend the opening ceremony to be held outdoors on Jesup Green at 10:30 a.m. and welcome the international guests. First Selectman Jim Marpe and UNA President Bill Hass will welcome the guests, and jUNe Day Chairperson Michaela MacColl will outline the Day’s activities.
This year’s United Nations guest of honor is Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Operational Support, who will offer brief remarks and read a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The annual jUNe Day celebration was established in 1965 by the late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, the founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN charter on June 26, 1945. Her goal was to honor the work of the United Nations and promote world peace and international understanding through hospitality.
On jUNe Day, United Nations staff and representatives from Governments around the world and their families will participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. Due to the pandemic, there has been a reduction in the number of options previously available to our guests. However, they will have access to Compo Beach and the town pools at Longshore Park, tennis, golf at the Longshore Golf Course, and a nature walk and visit to Earthplace. Guests are also encouraged to visit the sidewalk sale on Main Street near Jesup Green and consider having lunch at any one of Westport’s restaurants.
To volunteer, please contact Ms. Andrea Dostal at 203-526-3275 or Andreasusa@yahoo.com. For more information, please contact Bill Hass at (203) 454-7685.