In their Own Words: Ukrainian Rally Speakers
Click below to listen to each of yesterday’s speakers address the crowds in support of Ukraine. Represenative Jim Himes
Westporter Stephan Taranko
UCC President Jaroslaw Palylyk
Westporter Mark Yurkiw, followed by an ending remark from Darcy Hicks
Senator Richard Blumenthal
Superintendent Reports No COVID-19 Cases Today for Westport Public Schools
Dear Westport Families and Staff,
Since our last update yesterday no new positive cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the school district. This is very positive news as we end our first week with making masks optional in our schools.
We ask that families continue to report positive cases associated with our schools over the weekend. Please follow this link for more information on reporting.
Enjoy the weekend.
Respectfully,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of School
Rep. Steinberg and Sen. Haskell Push Dignity in Death Legislation for Connecticut
Today, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg and State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) applauded the Public Health Committee's bipartisan support of legislation that would provide terminally ill patients with options about the time, manner and setting of their passing. Now in its tenth year, this legislation is gaining momentum in the General Assembly and passed the committee by a vote of 21-9. With bipartisan support, Connecticut may soon join a number of states across the country that offer this small measure of comfort to those who are struggling with a terminal diagnosis.
"We're gratified that the Aid in Dying legislation passed out of the committee once again by a wide, bipartisan margin," said Rep. Steinberg. "We had a good, if somewhat emotional, debate. The people of the state overwhelmingly support enabling this end of life option, and it's time for us to join other states in making it available."
"This bill is all about allowing patients to be the author of their own final chapter," said Sen. Haskell. "I'm so grateful to the constituents who participated in the public hearing and shared their personal stories about watching a loved one suffer, or suffering themselves, with a terminal diagnosis. Their stories clearly had an impact on our committee, and I'm hopeful that we will finally give patients this choice. With many safeguards in place, it's time for Connecticut to join the growing list of states that permit aid-in-dying. We've heard from too many terminally-ill patients that they will have to leave Connecticut in order to pursue this option. Let's allow these folks to spend their final days in their own home, surrounded by loved ones."
Senate Bill 88, "An Act Concerning Aid In Dying For Terminally Ill Patients," would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to voluntarily request aid in dying, where they would then receive medical assistance to end their lives. The voluntary option would be available only to adults of sound mind who would be required to make three total requests over a period of weeks and can rescind that request at any time.
At least nine stages currently have dignity in death laws; Oregon compiles an annual report of those who opt into that state's dignity in death program. In 2020, the most recent month where statistics were available, 370 people received prescriptions to end their lives; 245 chose to end their lives, meaning 40% of patients making requests in that year did not choose to proceed at that time. Roughly 85% of those patients suffered from cancer, heart disease or neurological disease; 81% were over the age of 65.
Ronald Robert Schlack, 77, Died; Westport Downshifters Member, US Air Force Veteran
Ronald Robert Schlack, 77 a resident of Norwalk, C.T. and formerly of Westport, CT died February 23, 2022.
Born on September 22, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harold and Lillian Schlack.
He lived in Westport for both his and his sons' childhoods before moving to Norwalk, C.T., where he and his beloved wife Joanna resided.
After attending Staples High School in Westport, C.T. he joined the U.S. Air Force. He then worked as an Electrician for nearly 40 years and served as a teacher for incoming apprentices for many years.
His hobbies included skiing and snowmobiling in his younger years, woodworking, glass working and antique automobile restoration during retirement. He was a member of the Norwalk Woodcraft Club and Downshifters of Westport.
He and his wife Joanna enjoyed ballroom dancing, playing golf, traveling in Europe as well as spending time in the Florida Keys
He was predeceased by his son Kevin Schlack as well as his brother Allen Schlack. He is survived by his wife Joanna of Norwalk, C.T., his son David, his wife Beth and his grandson Jake of Wilton, C.T. His stepson Damian Elias, his wife Megan and his granddaughter Mairead of Norwalk, C.T.
Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice