Celebrating EMS Week: Meet Volunteer EMT Stewart Reifler
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.
Stewart Reifler began serving Westport as an EMT in 2019. Within a year, a pandemic took over the world and the way EMS operated was changed forever. Despite this, Stewart continued to serve his community as an EMT - going through the training procedures of donning and doffing (putting on and taking off) PPE equipment such as gowns, gloves, masks, eye protection, and shields in the event of a COVID-19 probable patient. Although a very different first year than he probably imagined, Stewart rarely misses a shift and continues to serve his community.
When he isn’t on the ambulance, Stewart’s works as a lawyer. He also served on the Board of Governor’s for the Minuteman Yacht Club as Treasurer, as he enjoys spending time on the Long Island Sound.
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
One COVID-19 Case Added; No Deaths; State Positivity Rate 1.12%
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport has added 1 positive or probable COVID-19 cases, and has added 0 deaths.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,791 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 1.12%
Staples Players are Back: Tickets Still Available for This Week’s Debut Performances
A scene from Staples Players Violet Cooper, Jamie Mann, and Alex Watzman rehearse a scene for The Philadelphia, “A madcap satire of Brotherly Love and cosmic misunderstandings. Mark thought he woke up in New York City this morning, so why isn't there a cab, a copy of the Times, or a cold beer in sight? You can't always get what you want, and in this clash of the cities, you might only be able to get the complete opposite … plus a cheesesteak.”For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the Staples Players will be performing for a live audience this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and during one Saturday matinee. Tickets for the famous high school acting group's performances are still available on their website: staplesplayers.com. The quick moving performance, comprised of seven different mini shows, will hold the attention of the live-theater-deprived audience through the comedy and music that the Players have been famous for after nearly seven decades.
Press ReleasePhotos by Kerry LongStaples Players Chloe Manna and Ben Herrera rehearse "Sure Thing", – when two people meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux pas on the way to falling in love."At last, an in-person Players' show! After 14 months of a dark theater, the curtain is rising at Staples Auditorium and no one who has endured a pandemic should miss it.
The (socially distanced) audience will be treated to five irreverent comedic plays by master of wit David Ives, plus two mini musicals—think theater meets Saturday Night Live, minus the celebrity guest host but with 21 of your favorite Players stars.
David Roth (SHS ’84) and Kerry Long (SHS ’97) co-direct, with choreographer Rachel MacIsaac and music director Don Rickenback ensuring Broadway-worthy song and dance numbers. Masks required. There will also be a virtual livestream on June 6 at 6 pm.
“We wanted to give lots of students a chance to shine—especially the seniors, after losing so many shows,” says Co-Director Long.
A duet with Jamie Mann and Camille Foisie. “Each senior gets time in the spotlight and the shows move with a quick pace and sharp wit. While the plays are quirky, they aren't silly. There is definitely a ‘high brow’ bent. Three actors play monkeys with typewriters, but they are aiming to write Hamlet and discussing philosophers. A man deals with his midlife crisis by posing as French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas. I think our Westport audience will appreciate the humor, especially as an escape from our crazy world! Those missing our musicals will enjoy two short musicals and a smattering of choreographed musical numbers between the plays—there’s something for everyone!”
Seniors Sophie Rossman, Ben Zack, and Samantha Webster rehearse "Words, Words, Words", which “recalls the philosophical adage that three monkeys typing into infinity will sooner or later produce Hamlet and asks: What would monkeys talk about at their typewriters? Three actors portray the typing monkeys.”