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.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 11; No Deaths; State Positivity Rate 3.35 %
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport’s COVID-19 cases were up 11 today, with no deaths reported. The State’s daily test positivity rate was 3.35%.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,853 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 3.25% [up from 2.46% yesterday]
State Hospitalizations: 163 patients
Car Accident Closes Partrick Road
First responders were dispatched to the area of 38 Partrick Road just before noon today for the car accident with airbag deployment. The roadway was closed in the immediate area between Cypress Pond Road and Old Hill Road while responders worked on scene. No one formation has been released at this time.
Staples Grad Sam Seideman Features Culinary Skills, Easy Recipes for Social Media Followers
Staples High School Graduate, Sam Seideman: @samseideman_ (Instagram)
Words by Cami Vynerib.
Growing up, cooking was a huge part of Seideman’s household; he was always extremely interested in cooking and had a passion for culture and cuisine. At the age of 14, he began working in restaurants and started catering. Since 2018, he’s catered a variety of events, including the Yankee Doodle Fair and numerous weddings. Recently, he’s been making and selling quarts of soup and homemade desserts, such as pies, to Westport families while teaching fans recipes through Instagram.
Seideman continued cooking throughout his experience at Staples High School. Eventually, Seideman would like to open restaurants, resorts and do ‘entertainment cooking.’ Although he’s not going to a culinary school - heading to Penn State University - Sam will continue filming his cooking and sharing his content through Instagram. Although harder to gain access to a kitchen, he’s planning to utilize the school’s facilities and time at home during the weekends.
Like many people, cooking is a way that Sam is able to relieve stress. It’s obvious that he’s extremely grateful for his supporters; Seideman explained that the “people that are viewing [his] content and Instagram genuinely care... [about] what [he’s] doing.” Additionally, he explained his connection to an age-old saying “if you really love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life,” and it’s obvious that Sam loves what he’s doing. Follow him and his recipes on his instagram account, @samseideman_
Chicken Milanese, one of Seideman’s favorite recipes, is listed down below:
Click here to watch Sam teach how to prepare his Chicken Milanese recipe.
Click Here to see Sam’s favorite Chicken Milanese Recipe
Chicken:
2 pounds boneless chicken breast
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Paprika
2 cups Milk or 3 eggs whisked (I used milk because of an egg allergy)
2 Cups Panko Breadcrumbs
½ Cup Grated Parmesan
¼ Cup Canola oil
Salad:
Washed baby arugula
2 cartons cherry tomatoes
8 oz fresh mozzarella
Dressing:
½ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
¼ Cup Honey
2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
½ Cup Good Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
Glaze:
1 Cup balsamic vinegar
For the Chicken:
1.Cut chicken lengthwise so that the pieces are thin
2.In a bowl mix together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
3.In a separate bowl add milk or whisk your eggs
4.In another bowl mix together breadcrumbs and grated parmesan
5.Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then milk/egg, then the seasoned panko
6.Set to the side
7.In a pan add oil and set to medium-high heat
8.Add chicken to the pan laying it away from yourself (so you don’t splash hot oil onto yourself)
9.Cook for 3 minutes then flip
10.Add butter and cook for another three minutes
11.Remove from heat once golden brown and fully cooked.
For the Salad:
1. Half Cherry tomatoes
2.In a bowl add arugula and tomatoes
3.Tear small chunks of fresh mozzarella into the bowl. Mix.
4.In a separate bowl mix balsamic, honey, dijon, and olive oil.
5.Toss salad with dressing and set aside
For the Balsamic Glaze:
1.Add balsamic to a pot
2.Bring to a boil then turn down to simmer until the balsamic coats the back of the spoon
3.Allow to slightly cool
Assembly:
1.Take two pieces of chicken and lay them on a plate
2.Top with a generous portion of salad
3.Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze
4.Optional Garnish: Lemon/Shaved parm
5.Enjoy!