Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming east 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Rain, mainly after 8pm. Low around 37. East wind 10 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
Rain. High near 50. East wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Rain. Low around 43. East wind around 6 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
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