Morning Weather Report
Today
Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
A chance of drizzle or light rain after 2am. Areas of fog after 2am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a low around 45. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow
A chance of drizzle before 8am, then showers between 8am and 2pm, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Areas of fog before 11am. High near 57. South wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tomorrow Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Westport Seeks next Poet Laureate as Diane Lowman’s Term Comes to an End
Westport Arts Advisory Committee: The Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC), has announced a search for the town’s second Poet Laureate, whose 2-year term will begin on July 1.
WAAC initiated the Town Poet Laureate position in 2019. The inaugural Laureate, Diane Lowman, will have served a 3-year term on June 30, extended a year due to the pandemic. During her tenure, Diane recited and curated poetry at Town ceremonies and events, the schools, the Center for Senior Activities, the Library and arts events. Early in the pandemic, she launched a lawn sign campaign with original haikus and images, to help raise spirits in town.
The Town of Westport Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for both the town and the literary form, helping to celebrate and continue the town’s vibrant literary history. The First Selectwoman’s office appoints the Poet Laureate; WAAC administers the program.
The Poet Laureate’s objectives are, but are not limited, to:
· Promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment for local residents.
· Participate in the Connecticut Poet Laureate group to create and participate in programs throughout the state.
· Expand access to and create connection through poetry.
· Elevate awareness of and appreciation for all forms of poetry.
· Advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts.
· Contribute to the town’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
Candidates should be 21 years of age or older, live in Westport, and have a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience. They must be comfortable with public speaking, and willing to work collaboratively with the town school district, library, and other cultural organizations to develop and present poetry-related activities and events. The candidate must have adequate time and flexibility to complete these and other requirements of the position. The Town of Westport Poet Laureate is an honorary, non-compensated two-year position.
For more information and the application packet, please visit: https://www.westportarts.org. Direct inquiries to waac@westportct.gov with the subject line POET.
The deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials is Friday, April 15. A committee made up of representatives from the Westport Schools, the Westport Library, and WAAC will review the applications and interview finalists as part of the selection process. The new Poet Laureate, whose term begins July 1, will be announced on June 1.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee was established by the RTM in 1997; its members are appointed by the First Selectwoman. WAAC is committed to increasing public awareness of all of Westport’s artists, arts organizations and cultural resources.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 22; State Positivity Rate 2.40%
The State Department of Public Health reported 22 more cases in Westport over the past day. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 2.40% while hospitalizations were up by 02 patients, with 100 patients total currently hospitalized for COVID-19 throughout the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,955 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 36 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.40% [up from 2.31%]
State Hospitalizations: 100 patients [+02]
A Hometown Hero’s Welcome: Julia Marino Returns to Westport April 2nd for Westport Library Celebration
Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth of the Associated PressWestporter, snowboarder, and now silver medaling Olympian Julia Marino will be returning home this Spring to celebrate with the community her triumphs in Beijing. The free family event will be held at the Westport Library on Saturday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM and will include an interview by renowned journalist and fellow Westporter Dave Briggs, words from First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and time for complimentary Shake Shack ice cream or beer and wine (for kids and adults, respectively) while Marino signs autographs.
The event is organized by The Westport Library in concert with the Weston-Westport Chamber of Commerce, The Grapevine, and Westport Lifestyle Magazine.