Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 5; State Positivity Rate 9.68%
The State Department of Public Health reported 5 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.68% while 384 people remain hospitalized.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,865 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.68% [up from 9.47%]
Michael Stashower, 96, Died; Former Planning and Zoning Commissioner, Community Band Clarinetist
Michael Stashower was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1926 to Joseph and Ty Stashower. He attended Hobart College as part of the US Navy's V-12 Officer Training program and received his BA degree and MBA from Cornell University.
After retiring from a long and successful career in corporate finance, he continued to use his financial expertise as an overseas volunteer with the International Executive Service Corps, and to help with the NYC2012 Olympic bid.
A resident of Westport for over 50 years, he was actively involved in his community, and was twice elected to the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. He was a past president of the UJA/Federation of Westport-Wilton-Norwalk, Treasurer of Temple Israel, and served on the board of directors of the Council of Jewish Federations and the Jewish Home for the Elderly. He loved sailing, tennis, and playing clarinet with the Westport Community Band.
He is survived by Gloria, his loving wife of nearly 72 years, his children Susan (Paul Milbauer), Debby Missal (Michael) and Jon (Allison) and his grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Temple Israel of Westport.
As Summer Comes To An End, So Does The Greenwich Polo Season
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The final matches of the 2022 Greenwich High Goal Polo season were held on Sunday, with the brief, light drizzle holding off until the nearly the end day. There were two matches, with Round Hill/Dracarys defeating Hammetts/Caledon by the score of 7-5. And the second match for the 2022 American Cup was won by Loudmouth Polo (you read that right) which defeated Steel Polo/GFTO scoring 9 goals to their opponents 7 goals.
Although the Greenwich Polo season has come to an end, equestrian fans will be looking forward to the world class International Show Jumping of CSI Greenwich which returns for the second year to Greenwich Polo Grounds, 1 Hurlingham Drive Greenwich. This is a world calass event with total prize money totaling nearly $300,000.
For info and tickets visit https://csigreenwich.com/
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 71. West wind 6 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 8 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. North wind around 7 mph.
Senior Center Director Heads for Retirement: “I will always call Westport my home away from home”
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has accepted the retirement letter of Susan L. Pfister, Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective January 1, 2023.
Sue joined the Department of Human Services in 1987. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BSW, received her MSW at Fordham University, and dedicated her career to supporting Westport senior citizens. The Senior Center had humble beginnings in Westport, first located at the YMCA and Greens Farms School, Longshore Club Park and then Staples High School. Under Sue’s direction, the current WCSA was constructed at 21 Imperial Avenue in 2004, ahead of schedule and under budget. Sue also oversaw the building’s expansion in 2016. The state-of-the-art facility outshines many such centers and serves hundreds of seniors daily, thanks in large part to Sue’s expertise and administration. Sue’s Café at WCSA is aptly named after her since she helped to establish the daily congregate meal program, complete with its own chef. It has received rave reviews from participants. Throughout her 35-year tenure, Sue's creativity, resourcefulness, and inclusive vision have won her well-earned respect and accolades from colleagues and residents alike.
Ms. Pfister stated, “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career with the Town of Westport. Westport truly values and recognizes the important role seniors play in the community. I send heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the various administrations, boards and commissions, town departments and staff, instructors and volunteers, and most importantly, my staff for supporting me throughout my career. I will always call Westport my home away from home.”
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Westport residents, and in particular our seniors and their families and caregivers, have been blessed with Sue’s presence. Through her due diligence and oversight, the WCSA has become a crown jewel of Westport, offering comprehensive programs that enhance the lives of seniors and create countless opportunities for seniors and volunteers to enjoy friendships and daily enrichment. Sue always has the best interests of those she cared for at the forefront. Her considerate nature and calm demeanor, coupled with a no-nonsense management style has been an enormous asset to this community.”
Tooker continued, “On a personal level, when my mom and dad moved to town, my dad became enamored of the WCSA and all its many activities. It was Sue and her staff who were sincerely welcoming and hands-on in helping with a difficult life transition for him. I know she is the same with all her beloved seniors. Sue took the lead without fanfare – she just did it – and with a smile on her face. Of course, Sue will be sorely missed as the Director of the WCSA. But I also know that she will continue to be in service to others as she enters a new chapter in her life. We wish her only health and happiness in her retirement.”
According to Human Services Director Elaine Daignault, “Sue has a penchant for quick-thinking, organization, and collaboration, playing a critical role in the Town’s emergency response efforts through countless storms and public health emergencies. She and her team at WCSA offered essential respite and support by feeding, housing, and comforting emergency workers and residents during significant Nor’ Easter storm events like Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isais, and the COVID19 pandemic.”
“Sue’s energy and dedication are inspirational. Her drive and compassion for others have been a tremendous source of reassurance to me, and those that she has helped along the way,” Daignault continued. “I am very grateful for her camaraderie and friendship, and I wish her a well-deserved retirement where she’ll continue to spread light and hope to others.”
COVID-19 Cases Up 11 since Friday; State Positivity Rate 9.47%
The State Department of Public Health reported 11 more COVID-19 cases in Westport since Friday. The State positivity rate was down to 9.47% while 391 people remain hospitalized.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,860 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.47% [up from 10.21%]
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. West wind 6 to 14 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. West wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. North wind 7 to 9 mph.
Clearing Skies over the Jesup-Godillot House
The 200+ year old home on Jesup Road had the rain water drying off its siding by the time nightfall came to Westport as the sun was able to hit the house atop the hill after some evening storms moved out of the region. WestportLocal.com photo
Tax Collector: Quarter Two Taxes Due October 1
Tax Collector Christine Alison reminded residents today that second quarter real estate taxes, personal property taxes, sanitary sewer use, and assessment charges are due October 1, 2022. Taxpayers have until November 1, 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, sanitary sewer 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
In-person payments may be made at the Tax Collector’s Office, Room 109 in Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue). Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily Monday thru Friday.
Westport Community Invited to a Suicide Prevention Lunch “to enhance the community's ability to support one another.”
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced that the Westport Prevention Coalition is offering a free Suicide Prevention Lunch and Learn for Town employees, elected officials, commissioners, volunteers, and residents on Friday, September 30 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at the Westport Library (20 Jesup Road). RSVP is required and space is limited. Please register at www.positivedirections.org/events.
Margaret Watt, Director of Prevention Services at Positive Directions, will facilitate the evidence-based certificate training, Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR), in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
“Tragically, suicide has been increasing in all age groups, with teens and young adults particularly feeling the impact of the COVID pandemic,” said Watt. “Each of us likely knows someone struggling with thoughts of suicide--which means any of us could be the one who intervenes to save a life. That’s why the QPR training is so valuable.”
Ms. Tooker encourages Town employees and residents to attend this FREE lunch & learn/suicide prevention training to enhance the community's ability to support one another.
According to Tooker, "Many are struggling with their mental health. This training offers critical information about what to look for and how to help someone in distress."
Tooker emphasized the importance of the Westport Prevention Coalition's work and invited residents to participate as coalition members. The Westport Prevention Coalition provides a comprehensive approach to education and prevention services for Westport residents of all ages through regular coalition meetings and programming.
To learn more, or to get involved in the Westport Prevention Coalition, go to www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition.