James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Showers likely, mainly before noon. Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. Light south wind becoming southwest 11 to 16 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Patchy fog after 1am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. West wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Tomorrow

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Tomorrow Night

Showers, mainly before 1am. Low around 37. Southwest wind around 11 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Read More
James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

“Today: We Are All Ukrainian”; Hundreds Attend Westport Rally

Hundreds attended a rally to support Ukrainian families and to condemn the war on their safety and freedom. Supporters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in a classic scene of Westport strength and unity as adults and children, residents and visitors, constituents and leaders raised their homemade posters, donned golden and blue colors, and shouted Slava Ukraini - Glory to Ukraine - together.

After a collective march up Jesup Road to Jesup Green, the crowds listened to speakers like Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representative Jim Himes, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of American Jaroslaw Palylyk, and Ukrainian Westporters Stephan Taranko and Mark Yurkiw. A common theme amongst the men was the absolute condemnation of Russia and its actions against Ukraine, including discussions of boycotting all Russian products and businesses serving Russia - such as crude oil, exported goods, and even Coca Cola products.

Despite the hatred that was the catalyst for such a demonstration, the crowd of strangers shared a sense of love through tears and with cheers as one person after another described feelings that are collectively felt by all human beings around the world.

Westporter Stephan Taranko spoke about his own childhood and family history - connecting with every adult and child in the crowd through his words about today and our history. “History is especially cruel when it repeats itself” he said into the microphone before he continued to describe today’s images of war. “I see the young mother with tears streaming down her cheeks trying to get her most precious possession, her baby, onto the train to safety. She does not care for her life, her only concern is for the safety of her child. That image does not fail to bring tears to my eyes and the question ‘chomu?’ - Ukrainian for ‘why?’”

He continued to speak about his mother, and all mothers: “You are amazing.” he exclaimed, “not only did you get each and every one of us into this world, but you nourished and protected us.”

All images by WestportLocal.com. Click on images to expand gallery. 
Read More
James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

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

Read More
James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

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

Read More