Outpost Pizza Reopens Following Accident, Community Support: “It was at that moment when I realized that Westport is a great town.”
Owner, Joey Dedovic Stands Outside Outpost PizzaOutpost Pizza has officially reopened following a car crash that forced the business to close in late June. Over the last month, the owners, staff, and community worked tirelessly to get the eatery up and running. The father-and-son owned restaurant was as crowded as ever Friday, thanks to the locals' cravings for Outpost’s delicious pies.
Owner, Joey Dedovic described some of the challenges he faced when trying to get the business open again. From paying money from his own pocket to restore the building and decor, to keeping his employees, rebuilding was not easy. Many of the employees took jobs with local competitors once word got out that Outpost Pizza closed. “I'm just trying to get back to where it was, from day one, if not better actually. People were lining out the door from the start.” He also mentioned his economic struggles, “If this was my only source of income, this place would still be closed.” Outpost Pizza has another location in Stamford which has been open for 14 years. Dedovic is also looking forward to the future, he plans on obtaining a liquor license for the restaurant. He also wants to add more tables for people to dine in.
Dedovic became emotional when describing a key moment in his opening day. He mentioned that an eight-year-old girl brought him an envelope with money that she made from her lemonade stand to help him reopen. “That meant more to me than anything.” He was stunned that a person, especially a child could be that selfless. “It was at that moment when I realized that Westport is a great town.”
With such a strong community backing Outpost Pizza, it seems that success is inevitable for the locally owned pizza shop. Why should one visit? Take it from Joey himself, “It’s good pizza.”
Photos & Words by Caelan Chevrier for The Westport Local Press. Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 2; No Deaths; State Positivity Rate 3.52%
The Westport-Weston Health District reports that Westport’s COVID-19 cases were up 2 today, with no deaths reported. The State’s daily test positivity rate was 2.72%, and State hospitalizations were down eight today.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 1,862 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 31 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 3.52% [up from 2.72% yesterday]
State Hospitalizations: 174 patients [+19]
Superintendent Announces Masking through September, “this will again not be a typical summer transition back to school.”
Dear Families of Westport Students,
Greetings and Happy Summer!!
I truly hope that each of you are taking the time to rest, recharge, and most importantly, make some great memories with family and friends. As a parent, the time with my wife and three children feels like water through my hands...you cannot hold it, but you can feel it in the moment and you can remember that feeling forever.
We have entered the beginning of August and this is typically the time of year that we provide some brief updates to our faculty and staff, and to our families. However, as the summer unfolded over the past few weeks, it became apparent that this will again not be a typical summer transition back to school. With that I'd like to share that we will provide updates throughout the month as soon decisions are made, and as guidance is provided to schools from the Department of Public Health and the State Department of Education.
At the present moment, the Governor has extended executive orders through September 30. This includes the masking mandate for all schools through September 30. However, I want to caution the entire school community that there will likely be many changes in guidance provided to schools over the next few weeks. This is frustrating for parents and students. I can assure you that this is equally frustrating for faculty and staff.
At this point in time, we expect to follow the mandates that are required of public schools, but to emphasize as much normalcy as permitted within areas of discretion. Our year ended with some positive moves towards normalcy (i.e. changes to our elementary recess), and we will continue to move in that direction, where permitted, while maintaining a balance between safety and the social/emotional wellness of our students. .
There will be much more to come and I want to assure our families that we will build off of our success at the end of the 20-21 school year to make the upcoming year a positive experience for our students.
Be well, and continue to make more positive memories over the next few weeks!!
Tom Scarice
Superintendent
House Fire on Compo Road South
The Westport Fire Department Emergency Communications Center received a report of a house fire on Compo Road South at 12:45 pm yesterday afternoon. The Westport Fire Department responded with 4 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 rescue, and the Shift Commander. Engine 4 arrived first and reported an electrical fire on the outside of the house from the electrical service drop. The house was evacuated by the residents prior to the fire department’s arrival. The interior of the house was checked, and no fire was found inside. Firefighters utilized dry chemical fire extinguishers to repeatedly knock down the exterior fire. Once Eversource arrived and shut down power to the house, the fire was completely extinguished. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s Office. No injuries were reported.
Westport Fire Department photos.
