Signs Of The Times
More than 200 demonstrators lined the The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in Westport on Sunday to protest new restrictive anti-abortion laws which took effect recently in Texas, and are being considered by a handful of other states. Pictured here are some examples of Westporter's (and other's) creativity and artwork depicting their thoughts as part of the Women’s March, a national movement of marches and protests for women’s rights. Hundreds of cars passed by honking horns and showing support while others disapproved of the rally, indicated by a thumbs-down or other digital commentary. US Senator Richard Blumenthal joined first selectman candidate Jonathan Steinberg and his running mate Board of Education Chair Candice Savin in greeting demonstrators.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Superintendent: No COVID-19 Cases to Report Today
Superintendent Thomas ScariceDear Westport Families and Staff,
I am pleased to share that we had no new cases of Covid-19 associated with our schools Today.
Please remember that families are asked to report positive Covid-19 cases of students using our reporting voicemail or email. Please follow this link for more information on reporting.
Additionally, we want to remind families that students with pending Covid-19 tests should not return to school until receiving negative results. This approach is critical in helping us minimize the potential for transmission in our schools.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Library Announces StoryFest 2021
Westport Library
The Westport Library is very pleased to announce the lineup for StoryFest 2021, being held this year from Thursday October 28th through Tuesday, November 2nd. Now in its fourth year, StoryFest in the largest literary festival in Connecticut.
On Thursday, October 28th at 7:00 pm the festival kicks off with a virtual conversation with best-selling author Michael Lewis. Lewis has published sixteen books on subjects ranging from politics to Wall Street.
Lewis’s newest non-fiction book, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story follows three central characters – a biochemist, a public health worker, and a federal government employee, who worked in the White House – as they confront the pandemic and find that the response from the United States government is woefully inadequate.
Lewis will be interviewed by award-winning journalist and author Lisa Belkin. Belkin spent thirty years at the New York Times, with work that varied from national correspondent to medical reporter.
To register go to https://westportlibrary.org/event/michael-lewis/
The Library is very grateful to Fermat Capital for their generous sponsorship of this program.
On Friday, October 29th at 7:00 pm, Mallory O’Meara will launch her new book Girly Drinks!
Girly Drinks! unveils the untold history of the female distillers, drinkers, and brewers who have played a vital role in the creation and consumption of alcohol, from ancient Sumerian beer makers to Russian bootlegging grandmothers. O’Meara dismantles the long-standing patriarchal traditions at the heart of these very drinking cultures, in the hope that readers everywhere can look to each celebrated woman in this book.
To register for this virtual presentation, complete with a recipe for a signature drink by SoNo 1420 go to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MSl2_Nx9Q5aU2bndhjQriQ,
On Saturday, October 30th at 10:00 am, young readers will Pink or Treat with Victoria Kann. What better way to start the spooky holiday than with a reading by Victoria and a Pinkalicious Halloween Parade! Kids should come in costume.
To register go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pink-or-treat-halloween-parade-with-victoria-kann-tickets-185132003807
Saturday programming continues at 1:00 pm with a virtual panel discussion of When Things Get Dark: A Shirley Jackson Anthology. From legendary horror editor Ellen Datlow, When Things Get Dark is a collection of new and exclusive short stories inspired by, and in tribute to, Shirley Jackson.
Shirley Jackson is a seminal writer of horror and mystery fiction, whose legacy resonates globally today. This anthology brings together today’s leading horror writers to offer their own personal tribute to the work of Shirley Jackson. Ellen will be in conversation with contributors to the anthology, Stephen Graham Jones, Seanan McGuire, John Langan, and Paul Tremblay.
Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_36q95AeCREOGuefFXbx5UQ
Finally, our last event on Saturday at 7:00 pm is an All Hallow’s Eve in-person celebration with two of horror fiction’s biggest stars, bestselling authors Stephen Graham Jones, My Heart is a Chainsaw; The Only Good Indians and Grady Hendrix, Final Girls Support Group.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stephen-graham-jones-and-grady-hendrix-live-tickets-185124992837
StoryFest 2021 closes on Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:30 pm with a very special in-person event featuring New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom launching his newest book. With The Stranger in the Lifeboat, this master storyteller offers a fresh take on themes that have defined his work, in such beloved books as The Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven, and The First Phone Call from Heaven.
Register at https://westportlibrary.org/event/storyfest-finale-mitch-albom-on-his-new-book-the-stranger-in-the-lifeboat/
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 7; State Positivity Rate 1.90%, Hospitalizations Down 7
The Westport-Weston Health District reported 7 new COVID-19 case for Westport since yesterday. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 1.90% while hospitalizations were down 7 patients.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 2,101 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 32 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 1.90% [down from 2.52%]
State Hospitalizations: 230 patients [-7]