Letter: “they should vote for Ceci Maher.” says Naughton
To The Editor,
I’ve been working for the past five years to pass a Medical Aid in Dying law in Connecticut. I’ve testified multiple times before the Public Health Committee of our State Legislature, given interviews on the subject to newspapers, TV, and talk radio programs, and now I’m writing in support of Ceci Maher’s candidacy for State Senator from the 26th district.
Maher is an ardent supporter of medical aid-in-dying, and her opponent, Toni Boucher, is not.
I spoke with Toni Boucher a few days ago and asked her where she stood on the issue. She repeated to me the words I’ve heard all too frequently from legislators who want to defeat this reasonable measure. She used the code words expressing concern for “people with disabilities and old people” who might be pressured into seeking “assisted suicide,” pejoratives far too often used by opponents.
Let’s get it straight: In the 25 years since Oregon first passed this law, and now with 10 more states and D.C. on board, there just hasn’t been such a problem reported. And, it would be a felony. In the past three years, the CT Medical Society (Physicians) have gone from “against, to neutral.” The CT Nurses Association moved from “opposed to favorable.”
And recent Connecticut polling is clear: 75% of CT residents want this legislation passed.
If your readers want it passed, they should write to their State Legislators, and if they are residents of the 26th District, they should vote for Ceci Maher.
James Naughton
Weston
Staples Swim Team Edged Out By Darien
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Staples girls swim lost a close meet to a talented and deep Darien team last night. Highlights for Staples include sophomore swimmer Annam Olasewere (All-American as a freshman) who dominated the 200 meter freestyle (2:08.63) and 100 meter backstroke (1:10.81). Also an All-American her freshman season, twin sister Ayaan Olasewere was third in the 100 fly with a personal best of 1:10.44 and second in the 50 meter freestyle (28.28)
Sophomore standout Danielle Schwartz finished second to Darien's Margaret Erikson in two events with personal best times in both the 200 meter IM (2:39.54) and 400 meter freestyle (4:51.47) while freshman Carly Waldman took third behind Schwartz in both events.
Junior Libby Turner finished second in the 100 meter breast (1:23.98) behind Miller Ward from Darien and third behind Ward again in the 200 freestyle (2:17.09 personal best)
Staples senior diver Mia Guster took first place in the diving event
Overall Staples girls have been swimming exceedingly well with 25 personal best times and seven swimmers already making state qualifying times.
The Wreckers will swim away at Fairfield Ludlowe next Monday at 4:00PM.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Staples Freshman Field Hockey Falls To Darien 3-0
The Wreckers girls played hard and played well throughout the entire game against a great Darien team but in the end the Blue Wave was just too much. The freshman team record falls to 1-5 with the next game at home versus Danbury on October 6.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 69. North wind 7 to 9 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
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%]