J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Spooky & Adorable Creatures & Characters Swarm Main St. In Search Of Treats At Westport's Annual Halloween Parade

There was every imaginable character and creature, from Lions & Tigers & Bears (Oh, My!) to the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Dorothy, to vampires and Cookie Monster and even a 4 month old Oscar the Grouch in a garbage can carried by Dad. There were princesses of every kind, firemen and cops, dinosaurs and witches., There was a giant spider and a Rockford Peach (League oOf Their Own). Their were Minnions and even a giant inflatable bear handing out candy as they all went from store to store to be given their treats.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

Veteran's Green Welcomed Them All For A Dance Party and Candy Give-Away

The annual DJ led dance party had both young and all finding their groove and showing off their best moves, truly a great time for all.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Showers likely, mainly before 11am. Areas of fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Light and variable wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the evening.

Tomorrow

Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 42. North wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Gang of Turkeys off Wilton Road

A gang of wild turkeys looked for some midday grub within a cemetery along Wilton Road. Photo by Brad Berman for WestportLocal.com

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Emerging From The Pandemic, Critical Education Issues Discussed At Westport Library Forum

On Saturday a panel of education experts address issues of concern to parents, educators and students at a forum held at the Library and organized by Toni Boucher, candidate for state senate. Boucher, who is in a race with Democrat Ceci Maher to fill the vacancy in the 26th district which includes Westport created by Westport's Will Haskell who is retiring to attend law school at NYU. Ms. Boucher was the former co-Chairman of the CT State House and Senate Education, Higher Education and Children committees among others.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

A distinguished panel of experts in the field of education discussed what we have learned from the pandemic about teaching, learning, child development and mental health and how that knowledge may help moving forward in education. The panel included Joshua Aronson (Panel Facilitator), PhD, Associate Professor of Applied Psycology, Directs Mindful Education Lab, New York University; Morgaen Donaldson, PhD, Phillip E. Austin Endowed Professor of Education Policy and Leadership and Associate Dean for Research at the Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut; Peter Valentin, PhD, Senior Lecturer and Chairman of the Forensics Department, University of New Haven; Andrea Leonardi, Assistant Superintendent and Head of Special Services, Wilton Public Schools; Bianka Kortlan-Cox, VP-Legislation and Public Policy, Connecticut Association for the Gifted and Jesse Balis-Harris, Achievement First, Interim K-8 Chief of Schools.

The panel discussed issues and took questions from the audience of more than two dozen area parents and several ugh school students for nearly two hours.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Patchy drizzle with a chance of showers before 2pm, then a slight chance of showers after 2pm. Patchy fog before 11am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

Showers likely, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 58. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tomorrow

Showers likely, mainly before 8am. Cloudy, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tomorrow Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Calm wind.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Health District Gives Out Warning ahead of Halloween, “colorful pills could be mistaken for candy”

Aspetuck Health District

With Halloween right around the corner, the Aspetuck Health District is encouraging the community to practice the following tips for a safer and fun-filled holiday:

  • When trick or treating, allow kids to only take candy and treats from trusted neighbors, family, and friends. Don’t eat candy until it has been inspected at home. Check wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers.

  • Wear bright, reflective costumes or add strips of reflective tape so you’ll be more visible; carry a flashlight. • Make sure your child can see! Masks and large hats or wigs can block vision. All costumes should be fire-resistant.

  • For older children who may be trick or treating without parental supervision, set a curfew and remind kids to stick with a group and check in with parents periodically.

  • If you are out driving, remember that kids tend to dart across streets and may not be paying attention to their surroundings. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled.

For general public awareness, the Drug Enforcement Administration recently announced an emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, these colorful pills could be mistaken for candy by children and young people. It has recently been reported that some fentanyl laced pills that look like candy have also been packaged in bags that look like popular Halloween candy. Authorities in California recently found the dangerous opioid inside boxes of Sweetarts, Skittles, and Whoppers.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that is being pressed into fake pills or cut into heroin, cocaine, and other street drugs to drive addiction. Fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resemble sidewalk chalk. Parents and caregivers need to be educated on current drug trends and have conversations with their children, as appropriate. For more information and tips about how to talk with your child about drugs, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill. Stay alert and make sure there is more treats than tricks this Halloween!

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Westport Police Department James Bairaktaris Westport Police Department James Bairaktaris

Police Looking for 2 Women in Connection with Downtown Shoplifting

Westport Police Department: 

The Westport Police are attempting to identify the two pictured females.  We would like to speak with them about a shoplifting incident that occurred on Main Street on October 10, 2022, at around 1:40 p.m. 

 

If anyone recognizes either female, please call Det. Jon Lauria at 203-341-6017.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

International Flags Celebrate United Nations Day

The flags of UN affiliate countries flew this weekend ahead of today’s United Nations Day celebrations, which included a lecture about the environment at the Library - sponsored by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut. WestportLocal.com photo

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Staples Offense Explosive Against Stamford, Scoring 42-7 Victory

The Wreckers offensive power was clearly evident on Saturday, with the Wreckers heading into the locker room at half-time with a 28-0 lead over the Black Nights.

Stamford entered the third quarter determined to put points on the board, which they managed to do against a stifling Wrecker defense scoring their only touchdown early in the period, however it would be the only time they were able to beat the defense.

Staples answered back almost immediately with a 70 yard run off a screen pass by senior Tyler Clark whose offensive contributions included 12 receptions, and two TD's for a total of 208 yards. Caleb Smith was outstanding with 4 touchdown passes and scored another TD rushing.

With 12 receptions, Tyler Clark gained 208 yards and scored two touchdowns. Adding to the total were James Hillhouse, Michael Nealon and Alex Fiala, each with a touchdown..

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

The Staples Cheerleaders did their part as well.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 11am, then areas of drizzle after 11am. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Patchy fog after 11am. High near 64. Northeast wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tonight

Areas of drizzle with a chance of light rain. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tomorrow

A 40 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog before noon. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. East wind around 7 mph.

Tomorrow Night

A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. East wind around 6 mph.

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