First Selectwoman Seeks Volunteers for Town Committees
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking Westport registered voters to serve on the following advisory bodies: Arts Advisory Committee, Maintenance Study Committee, International Hospitality Committee, TEAM Westport and Wakeman Town Farm Committee. The Town is making an effort to invite members of different political parties, interests and backgrounds to volunteer for these committees. Brief descriptions of these committees are below:
Arts Advisory Committee: advises on the preservation of Westport’s legacy as an arts community, provides oversight of the Town Art Collection (WestPAC) and initiates ways to increase the visibility of the arts in our community. This committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.
Maintenance Study Committee: The Committee has completed studies of all major town buildings, and also reviewed buildings either recently purchased by the Town, or under consideration for purchase and/or demolition. The studies have involved site inspections, review meetings, and reports to the First Selectwoman.
International Hospitality Committee: advises the appropriate town officials as to activities in Westport related to the United Nations and international visitors. This committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.
TEAM Westport: advises the appropriate Town officials as to specific actions that may be taken to achieve and celebrate a more welcoming, multicultural Westport community. This Committee's recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.
Wakeman Town Farm Committee: to see that the Farm serves the Westport community as an educational demonstration center for sustainable living.
Registered voters seeking an appointment are requested to submit a form and include a brief explanation, biography or resume indicating their areas of interest and relevant experience. Please submit to the Selectwoman’s Office (selectwoman@westportct.gov or 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880) on or before April 15, 2022: https://www.westportct.gov/home/showdocument?id=56855&t=637831267719526519
With few exceptions, non-elected members of Town boards, commissions and committees are appointed by the First Selectwoman. Ms. Tooker stated, “Westport’s electorate is dynamic and diverse - this community could not run successfully without the many citizens who willingly and enthusiastically give of their time to benefit us all.”
She continued, “Among the many appointed boards, commissions and committees, there are a number of vacancies that may filled by the members of our community who are seeking an opportunity to volunteer, gain knowledge of their municipal government, and provide service to the Town. Some boards have minimal commitments, others are more hands-on and skill-driven, but all play an important role in keeping our community strong and vibrant.”
A list of all Town Boards, Commissions and Committee is found here:
https://www.westportct.gov/government/appointed-boards-a-z
A comprehensive list of vacancies on other boards, commissions and committees seeking volunteer membership will be forthcoming.
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