Westport Announces “Employment is for Everyone” with Local Businesses and Organizations
Town of Westport:
On Tuesday, March 29 at 10:30 am at Westport Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue), First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport's Commission on People with Disabilities invites residents, businesses, employment services agencies, and disability advocates to help kick off an inclusive employment initiative in Town.
Westport's “Employment Is For Everyone” is a new collaboration between the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services, the Commission on People with Disabilities (CPD) and the local business community whose mission is to encourage and support business in the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of people with disabilities in the workplace.
The Commission hopes to help cultivate a disability-friendly and inclusive culture by providing guidance and resources for employers and employees to get the support they need to succeed.
According to CPD Chair Jim Ross, “Westport already has several businesses successfully employing people with disabilities and embracing a disability-friendly and inclusive culture. These employment champions should be celebrated, and their best practices shared with the greater business community.”
Ross continued, “The truth is that countless qualified workers with disabilities are eager and ready to work. This workforce population offers tremendous benefits to their colleagues and the businesses that they serve.”
With support from Town and business leaders, the Commission has partnered with regional disability employment organizations to create an online platform known as the “Employment Gateway,” which provides a job board, resource guide, and hands-on support for any individual or business seeking assistance in enhancing inclusivity among their workforces.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, who was instrumental in creating “Westport Means Business” and “Choose Westport” platforms, recognizes the value of this initiative and is eager to promote the project in Town. Tooker said, “Studies show that employers who are disability-inclusive realize increased profits and greater consumer loyalty.”
Tuesday's event will highlight the power of collaboration between the Town, business leaders, and other organizations to offer a competitive and inclusive employment model for Westport.
The website will be launched after the event and can be found at www.westportct.gov/e4e. For more information, contact the Westport Human Services or Commission on People with Disabilities at 203 341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov or email Westport Commission on People with Disabilities at copwd@westportct.gov
James Murray Bates, 97, Died; Former Westporter, WWII Navy Veteran
John Murray Bates, age 97, entered into eternal rest on March 18, 2022.
John was born in Caledonia, Minnesota, on July 22, 1924, to the late John W. Bates & Florence Bates. He was educated in the Caledonia school system, graduating as Salutatorian of his high school class.
After graduation he immediately, joined the United States Navy to proudly serve his country during the height of World War II. He was assigned duty on the USS Caldwell, a Navy destroyer deployed in the Pacific Ocean. On December 12, 1944, his ship was hit by a Japanese kamikaze suicide bomber, killing 33 and wounding 40 men on board. If John had been at his usual post on the ship, he would have been one of the 33 men killed.
After the war, John briefly attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, but he soon left the university when ambition and adventure lead him to pursue a long and distinguished career in corporate sales and marketing. In 1947, John met and married Delores Trehus of Spring Grove, Minnesota. John and Delores were married for 68 years until Delores' passing on March 28, 2016.
John was a believer in taking an active role in his community. Upon moving to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, in 1997, he joined the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville Beaches where he was an active member, serving also as the Club's President for multiple terms. During his 19 years as a volunteer, he initiated many programs, mentored young people, and volunteered his time to a wide variety of community endeavors.
John is survived by his two daughters, Lynette Bates, of Charleston, SC, and Joleen Bates Green, of Bridgeport, CT; his grandson, Edward Green (Sheron) of Bridgeport, CT; three grandchildren, Mahogany Green, of Bridgeport, CT, Jamaal Fields-Green of New York, NY, and Aleysia Green of Hartford, CT.
The family wishes to thank the many CNAs and med-techs at Indigo Hall Assisted Living on James Island for their love and care of John over the past 9 months. The family also sends a special thank you to the nurses, social workers and doctors at Amedisys Home Hospice of Charleston for their exceptional support and care. A private family memorial service will be held in Westport, CT, where John and Delores lived for over 25 years prior to their move to Ponte Vedra Beach. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston
Local Teens Start Initiative to #FeedFairfieldCounty
Contributed PhotoUp | Next Teens Release:This February at Up | Next Teen’s 2nd annual Winter Lights Festival, the organization announced its ambitious plan to further its commitment to relieving food insecurity in Connecticut with the launch of its newest initiative, #FeedFairfieldCounty.
Through a variety of youth-led projects, events, and fundraisers the initiative aims to raise $25,000 and supply meals for nearly 10,000 county residents before the end of 2022. Within a week of its launch #FeedFairfieldCounty had already managed to draw over 45 teen volunteers and raise enough funds to feed 100 people through local food banks and soup kitchens.
As part of the organization’s mission to effect social impact while simultaneously teaching teens the fundamentals of entrepreneurialism the program is an opportunity to create true change. As Up | Next Teens President and Founder Addison Moore explains, “#FeedFairfieldCounty will allow us to not only feed thousands of hungry people in our Country but gives teens the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson—you’re never too young to change the world”.
“This is likely the most sizeable all-teen social impact initiative the state of Connecticut has ever seen. We’re excited that it’s already off to such a great start!” added Up | Next Vice President, Dania Hemdan.
Over the coming months, the organization will produce a variety of projects and events within Fairfield County to raise funds for the venture. Donations are greatly needed, and Interested parties can find more information and donate to #FeedFairfieldCounty at upnextteens.org/FeedFairfieldCounty.
ABOUT US:
Up | Next Teens is Connecticut's only student-founded and run organization, with a focus on teaching students the principles of entrepreneurialism while affecting social impact. The organization has recruited a team of nearly 50 teen members, created 10 major projects, and raised nearly $10,000 towards its community-based initiatives over the course of just a year.
Tax Collector: Q4 Taxes due April 1st
Westport Tax Collection OfficeTax Collector Christine Alison reminded residents today that fourth quarter real estate taxes, personal property taxes, and sanitary sewer use and assessment charges are due April 1, 2022. Taxpayers have until May 2, 2022, to pay taxes without penalty. Accounts will be subject to an 18 percent (1.5 percent/month) penalty charge if paid late. Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
Failure to receive a bill does not abate the charges or interest.
Real estate taxes, personal property taxes, supplemental motor vehicle and sanitary use and assessment bills may be paid by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at www.westportct.gov.
Checks should be made payable to “Town of Westport” and mailed to:
Town of Westport-Tax Collector
P.O. Box 350
Westport, CT 06881