Westport Girl's Night Out Raises Thousands To Help Keep People Warm This Winter
Julie Whamond is a long-time Westport resident who hosts an annual "Girl's Nite Out" for friends. This year, Julie contacted Elaine Allen Daignault, Town Director of Human Services to see if the Warm-Up Fund could use an extra boost post-COVID and whether the party could serve a dual purpose. As you may know, Human Services relies on community donations to provide emergency financial assistance to residents in need. This winter season will be challenging with the increasing fuel and electricity prices.
Julie and her friends raised $4,310 for Warm-Up by doing what they do best – celebrating their friendships and dancing the night away, which they did Wednesday night in style at Christ & Holy Trinity Church's Branson Hall. Said Daignault, "We are so grateful for the support and appreciate that CH&T allowed use of the space. The funds raised will change the lives of local families this winter. This event was a shining example of Westport's spirit of community. It's a magical time of year, and Westport Human Services is so grateful and appreciative of our Town and its people!" Julie was joined by First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore who joined right in celebrating the evening.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Town Of Westport Press Release: Westport Warm-Up Program Seeks Donations
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." 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. "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." Human Services anticipates a high demand for Warm-up funds this winter due to the critical need for emergency heating assistance. 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
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Collective Artists Host Annual 12 x 12 Art Show At The Playhouse
The weather, attendance, and sales, were all brisk last night at the Artists Collective of Westport’s fifth Annual 12 x 12 exhibit in the Sheffer Studio at the Westport Playhouse.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Local musician Warren Bloom entertained the crowd on guitar, while they enjoyed the art, wine and refreshments. The show will be open today, Thursday, from 2 to 3pm, and 2 to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 100 affordable works of art by 100 artists in various media, and all 12” x 12” perfect holiday gifts. Ten pieces sold quickly, but many more great ones remain.
Work by the artists may be viewed at www.artistscollectiveofwestport.org. Select ARTISTS from the menu bar.
For purchase information call or text Miggs Burroughs at 203-984-3179.
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 38. Wind chill values between 10 and 20. Northwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. North wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tomorrow
A 40 percent chance of rain after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. East wind 7 to 11 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Rain. Steady temperature around 39. Breezy, with an east wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
DPW Reminds Residents of Plow Route Priorities, Safety Warnings
The Department of Public Works (DPW) reminds Westport residents to slow down and use extra caution when driving in winter conditions and particularly when they are near snowplows.
PLOW ROUTES – The streets are plowed and sanded in order of priority. Main (collector) roads are addressed first with special attention to steep hills and difficult intersections. Side streets are done next, then dead-end streets. A single pass will be made on side streets to keep them open, but primary emphasis will be placed on main roads until the storm has stopped. This may not seem fair to the residents of side streets or dead-end streets, but main roads must remain open.
FOLLOWING PLOWS - Never follow a plow too closely or attempt to pass one. Passing snowplows or driving aggressively can be dangerous for a number of reasons: Plow trucks weigh several tons and have many blind spots; snowplows cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly and by necessity drive slowly when clearing and treating roads; reduced speed allows salt to stay in travel lanes, limiting the amount that scatters off the road. This saves taxpayer money and minimizes environmental impacts.
Plowing can also create a cloud of snow around the truck that causes limited visibility and whiteout conditions for passing motorists. It also creates a ridge of snow between lanes that makes passing inadvisable. Motorists are reminded to stay several car lengths behind plow trucks.
Residents who have questions may call Public Works at (203) 341-1120. Additional information and FAQ may be found at: Public Works FAQ Snowplowing