Morning Weather Report [05/18/21] Afternoon Storms Possible
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 56. West wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 82. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Light northwest wind.
206 Years of Holding Back Lee’s Pond
Photo & Research by Preston Siroka.Lee’s Pond sat sun-drenched this afternoon, ready for the next generation of Camp Mahackeno kids. Built in 1815 to assist in powering the Richmondville Mill, the Lee’s Pond dam was gushing this afternoon as springtime swelling of local waterways added to the pond’s volume. The dam powered the Richmondville mill’s cotton yarn machinery until 1842, when the dam failed and stopped work. In 1844 “John Lees and John Dryden rebuilt it and started Lees Manufacturing Co.” according to Preservation Connecticut. The dam was operational until 1950 when the mill closed down; the pond and the dam were purchased by two locals, who later sold the property to the Westport-Weston YMCA in 1975.
With the new millenium came scrutiny from the US Army Corps of Engineers, which lead to later renovations thanks to a $30,000 FEMA grant applied for by the Westport Fire Department and a $90,000 investment by the YMCA, according to the New York Times. The new dam featured terracing and a fishway to allow migratory fish the ability to swim upstream, as well as an updated sluice gate to release pressure during storms, and an eel pass for the migration of American eels.
New Principals for Long Lots, Kings Highway Elementary School
Kings Highway Elementary School
The Westport Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tracey Carbone as the next Principal of Kings Highway Elementary School, effective July 1, 2021.
Mrs. Carbone is a dedicated leader who brings a wealth of experiences in various roles to the Principal position at Kings Highway. Her teaching career began with the Bridgeport Public Schools as a third grade teacher in 1996. After three years she joined the Kings Highway staff as a third grade teacher. This marked the beginning of a 22 year career at Kings Highway in which she has also served as a Literacy Specialist, Literacy Coach , and as an Assistant Principal.
The deep roots and knowledge of Kings Highway Mrs. Carbone possesses are an asset to the community. She is seen as a true instructional leader who inspires everyone around her. This has been particularly evident during the pandemic in which her leadership has been described as providing “hope and optimism.”
Mrs. Carbone holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education/Moderate Special Education/English Honors Program from Boston College. In addition, she holds a Master of Science Degree in Reading and a Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.
A colleague of Mrs. Carbone wrote, “A hallmark of Tracey’s work is that she is ever mindful of the need to work with teachers and teams toward what is best for young children in an educational environment.” Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Tom Scarice noted, “Tracey Carbone brings a strong record of instructional leadership, as well as continuity to the King’s Highway Elementary School community. She has exemplary interpersonal skills and is able to work successfully with all stakeholders in serving the students of King’s Highway. As we emerge from the pandemic, Tracey is the perfect fit to lead the King’s Highway community forward.”
Long Lots Elementary School
The Westport Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kimberly Ambrosio as the next Principal of Long Lots Elementary School, effective July 1, 2021.
Mrs. Ambrosio is a skilled leader who brings exceptional talent and experience as an elementary educator to this critical role. Her career in education began with the New Haven Public Schools as a fifth grade teacher in 2003. From there she joined the teaching staff of Long Lots Elementary School in 2004 as a fifth grade teacher. Seeking to broaden her experience, Mrs. Ambrosio taught kindergarten at Long Lots from 2008 - 2011. In 2011 Mrs. Ambrosio was appointed as the District’s K-5 Math and Literacy Coordinator. All of these teaching roles were recognized by the District when she was promoted to key leadership positions including Principal of the Extended School Year program and co-leader of the District Elementary Mathematics program.
In 2014 Mrs. Ambrosio was appointed as an Assistant Principal at Coleytown Elementary School, a position she held until 2018 when the District restructured its elementary leadership model. During that summer she returned to Long Lots as an Assistant Principal. Since December she has also taken on the added responsibility of Interim Principal of Long Lots. Over the course of her seventeen years of exemplary work as a teacher, teacher leader, and administrator, Mrs. Ambrosio has excelled at building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders in the schools.
Mrs. Ambrosio holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport. In addition, she holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University.
A colleague of Mrs. Ambrosio shared, “Mrs. Ambrosio listens, has empathy, but also adds value to conversations because of her intelligence and ability to articulate ideas. Her calm and confident demeanor allows individuals to feel safe with receiving information and comfortable asking questions.” Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Tom Scarice noted, “Kim Ambrosio has a strong track record of leadership during her 17 years in the Westport Public Schools as a teacher, an instructional leader, and an assistant principal. She is poised to take the next step and lead the Long Lots Elementary School community forward as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Celebrating EMS Week: Meet Volunteer Crew Chief Bill Min
The United States celebrates Emergency Medical Service Week. In honor of the women and men who serve Westport as EMRs, EMTs, or Paramedics on Westport’s ambulances - each day we’ll meet a Westporter who saves lives in their community.
William Min began volunteering with Westport EMS in 1999 as an EMT-Basic as a way to help others in the community. William was eventually chosen to serve as a Crew Chief for the Service based on his sound judgement and level of skill, and still serves in the position today. In addition to emergency medical care, William’s position allows him to supervise the crew of EMTs, facilitating emergency scene operations, and helping teach new members - his favorite part of any shift. William has gone through thousands of hours of training in his 22 years service on the ambulance, with much of the education being moved to an online format during the pandemic lockdowns. He also serves as Westport EMS’ certified Motorcycle Unit medic - which is one of the only EMS motor units in the country. William is able to respond quickly in congested areas, such as the Compo Beach Fireworks or other large events where ambulances may take longer to navigate through.
While not volunteering on the ambulance, William serves as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for a large company, and splits his time between his home here in Westport and Alpharetta, Georgia. William continued to serve the community through the pandemic, often working the midnight shifts or evening shifts away from his family, and is an integral part of Westport Emergency Medical Service.
To learn more about becoming an EMT, or becoming trained in CPR or Stop the Bleed courses, or to make a donation, visit the non-profit organization’s website: westportems.org