Donations Needed for Westport Warm-up Fund

Press Release

The Westport Warm-Up fund, a community-supported initiative managed by the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services, helps income-qualified households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months. 

Human Services Director Elaine Daignault says, “The rising costs of food, housing, and fuel will make this season the most financially burdensome winter in history. Those with limited financial means will require more help to heat their homes this year. Unfortunately, we have already experienced increased financial assistance requests for home heating expenses this season. Electricity, oil, and gas costs have doubled, requiring supplemental assistance to meet household necessities.”

The Warm-Up Fund relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community service organizations for support. 100% of all donations help income-eligible residents warm their homes during winter. 

Human Services anticipates a greater reliance on the Warm-up fund to provide critical emergency heating assistance throughout the winter months.

Daignault continued, “The community's generosity will make a significant difference in keeping seniors and families warm in this unprecedented time of need.” 

Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Westport Warm-Up Fund and other Human Services Programs at www.westportct.gov/donate or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880   

The Department of Human Services works with residents of all ages to provide resources, programs, and services, including income-based financial assistance, short-term counseling, and personal enrichment opportunities. For more information or to request assistance, please go to https://www.westportct.gov or contact 203-341-1050 or via email at humansrv@westportct.gov.

Fog Sits on the Saugatuck

A foggy day along the Saugatuck’s west bank. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com

Overnight Tractor Trailer Accident Sends One to Hospital

Press Release

Just prior to midnight the Westport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a tractor trailer accident on Interstate 95 southbound between exits 18 and 17.  The department responded with 3 Engines, 1 Rescue, and the Shift Commander.  Arriving units found an accident involving two tractor trailers.  One of the tractor trailers had jack knifed and suffered a ruptured fuel tank.  The driver of one vehicle was injured and treated on scene by Westport Firefighters and Westport EMS.  Westport EMS transported the patient to an area hospital.  The extent of the injuries is unknown.  Firefighters mitigated and contained the fuel spill.  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) responded to the scene to oversee and coordinate the cleanup of the fuel spill.

Peter Grove Weinberg, 97, Died; Staples Class President, Army Corporal, Talented Musician

Peter Grove Weinberg passed away on November 28, 2022. An almost 66-year resident of North Stamford, Connecticut, he was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania on November 11, 1925, to Louis Weinberg and Gladys Grove Weinberg of Sunnyside Queens, Partrick Lane in Wilton, and Bridgton, Maine.

Peter was educated in Wilton and Westport public schools and was president of his senior class at Staples High School. He went on to Oberlin College where he met his future wife, Margaret (Peg) Kurth Weinberg, after he returned from military service. They graduated in 1949 and married on May 20, 1950. The Weinbergs had six children, Leslie Weinberg, Jill Adams, Sharon Menking, Donna Corman, Jason Weinberg and Beverly Garofalo. Peter also had seven beloved grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, ten nieces and extended family. Peter was predeceased by Margaret and his brother, Anthony Grove Weinberg of Dallas, Texas.

Peter enlisted in the Army immediately after his 18th birthday, had basic training at Fort Bragg, parachute training at Fort Benning, and got his wings in July 1944. He participated in the Philippines' amphibious invasion of Mindoro, the recapture of Corregidor and combat in Negros. He later served in the occupation of Japan in Hokkaido. Peter was honorably discharged as a Corporal with the Battery B 462nd Parachute Field Artillery in April 1946.

Peter had a lifelong passion for music, playing the saxophone for many years with a vast array of talented bandmates and close friends. He was a member of the Local No. 52, Norwalk, Connecticut American Federation of Musicians.

Peter's primary career was in advertising, working with ad agencies and companies including Friend-Reiss, Smith Greenland, AC Gilbert, Warren Muller Dolobowsky, Ted Barash and Contel. He regaled his family with stories about the ad business, including related interactions with such celebrities as Anne Francis, Helen O'Connell, Rocky Graciano, Mickey Mantle and Charleton Heston.

Peter's smile and storytelling lit up a room, and he maintained lifelong friendships with people from his youth, college, music, neighborhood and advertising work, including spouses and offspring. Peter was an avid fan of The Yankees and UConn Women's basketball, and deeply engaged with news and politics. His personal piano and vocals rendition of "Hungry Women" provides a joyful memory to his family.

There will be no services. Donations in Peter's honor can be made to National Veterans Foundation/Lifeline for Vets, Wounded Warrior Project, or Regional Hospice of Danbury, Connecticut.

Published by Wilton Bulletin on Dec. 6, 2022.