Morning Weather Report
Today
A slight chance of drizzle or light rain before 7am, then a chance of light rain between 7am and 10am, then rain after 10am. High near 51. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 1am. Temperature rising to around 52 by 1am. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tomorrow
A 30 percent chance of rain before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 51 by 9am, then falling to around 46 during the remainder of the day. South wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 8 to 11 mph.
Westport Property Transfers: December 12-16th; Highest Sale on Sprucewood Lane at $5.5 Million
Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $49,535.00.
Total Sales: $20,363,000.00.
Highest Transfer Price: 4 Sprucewood Lane: $5,530,000.
Lowest Transfer Price: 11 Guyer Road: $760,000.
Transfers:
4 Sprucewood Lane: $5,530,000
37 Bermuda Road: $4,100,000
6 Meadowbrook Lane: $3,100,000
14 Marion Road: $2,365,000
23 Ellery Lane: $1,699,000
80 Terra Nova Circle: $1,475,000
41 Crescent Road: $549,500
41 Crescent Road: $54,950
41 Crescent Road: $180,550
11 Guyer Road: $760,000
38 Strathmore Lane (Norwalk Taxes): $549,000
Vincent J Sarullo III Appointed New Staples High School Athletic Director
Press ReleaseThe Westport Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vincent J “VJ” Sarullo as the next Athletic Director at Staples High School. His selection for this role came after a rigorous search process involving multiple rounds of interviews. A critical part of the process was an interview with a committee composed of representatives from the coaching staff, teaching staff, school and central office administration, and board of education, all of whom supported his candidacy for this vital role at Staples High School.
Mr. Sarullo brings a wealth of experience as an athletic director to Westport, having served in the role for 17 years. He is currently the Athletic Director at Jonathan Law High School in Milford, Connecticut. Prior to leading this respected program, Mr. Sarullo successfully served as the Athletic Director for both Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and Notre Dame of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Connecticut. Throughout these experiences he has garnered respect across Connecticut as an educator who cares deeply about the well-being of student athletes, their positive experiences both in competition and the classroom, and their roles as leaders in the community.
Among the many accomplishments Mr. Sarullo has achieved through his career is his role as the current President of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors. Recognizing his talents as a leader, his peers across the state selected him to serve in this position. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly, and his dedication and commitment to this critical organization will serve as a tremendous asset to Staples High School and Westport as a whole. Additionally, his achievements in leading and managing facility upgrades, developing robust professional growth opportunities for coaches, and his unwavering commitment to student voice serve as models throughout the athletic community.
Mr. Sarullo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Additionally, he earned a Masters Degree in Holistic Thinking from the Graduate Institute in Bethany, Connecticut. Mr. Sarullo advanced his training as a leader by earning a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Administrators who have worked directly with Mr. Sarullo gave universal praise for his honesty, integrity, and empathy as a leader. One shared, “He communicates with all stakeholders to ensure that student-athletes are leaders and role models in our school community.” Another shared, “An extremely competent, diligent, and responsive administrator, V.J. is passionately supportive of his students, coaching staff and community.” These qualities are a perfect match for the Athletic Director position at Staples High School. Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Thomas Scarice, noted, “I am very enthusiastic about V.J joining our team. This was a very comprehensive and rigorous process. Yet, V.J. rose above the field of candidates due to his lengthy successful track record, and his exemplary leadership experiences that prioritizes communication, and student success, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom and community.”
Westport Book Shop Celebrates Second Anniversary
Press ReleaseThe Westport Book Shop’s Second Anniversary is coming up at the end of this month, and everyone is invited to celebrate with us! Plans include a celebration in honor of our volunteers, and a “Show Some Love” social media video contest, detailed below.
The Westport Book Shop is downtown Westport’s only non-profit used book store, offering previously read and greatly appreciated books, hard to find out-of-print and antiquarian books, vintage vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and audio books. It is operated by the independent non-profit Westport Book Sale Ventures, the mission of which is to raise funds for the Westport Library, while providing competitive employment and job training for adults with disabilities.
Since opening the Book Shop on January 28, 2021, the Book Sale and the Book Shop have provided over 3,500 hours of paid employment for a dozen employees with differing abilities, and have donated over $75,000 to the Westport Library.
None of this would be possible without an army of dedicated volunteers who generously give of their time and talents to the Book Sale and the Book Shop all year ‘round. On Saturday, January 28th we will be holding a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at the Westport Library from 10:30am to Noon. Come celebrate our Volunteers with us! Please RSVP to volunteers@westportbooksales.org (or call 203-952-0070) and let us know if you plan to join us so that we can estimate a headcount for planning purposes.
In addition, in honor of its anniversary, the Westport Book Shop is sponsoring a “Show Some Love” video contest. Entrants are asked to film a short family-friendly video at the Westport Book Shop that shows their love for the Book Shop, and then post the video to their own TikTok and /or Instagram accounts, and tag three friends plus tag the Book Shop’s accounts. Every entrant will get to choose one free vinyl record, CD or book from the Shop, valued at $6 or less, and one lucky entrant also will win a $50 Westport Book Shop gift certificate. The winner will be announced at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. A second $50 Book Shop gift certificate will be awarded to the entrant whose video receives the most “likes” on the Book Sale’s social media accounts. Copies of the full Show Your Love Contest Rules and entry forms are available at the Book Shop, and on the Book Sale’s website at www.westportbooksaleventures.org/our-events
The Westport Book Shop also will be sponsoring children’s story readings at the Book Shop all anniversary weekend, Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29. “We are so very grateful for all the volunteers who sort, evaluate and price the tens of thousands of book donations that we receive throughout the year, and work at our book sales, and help keep the Book Shop running. We are equally grateful to our community who support the Book Sale and the Book Shop. We embrace being a community space!” said Westport Book Sale Ventures President Jocelyn Barandiaran. The Westport Book Shop is located at 23 Jesup Road, right across Jesup Green from the Westport Library. It is open Sundays and Mondays from Noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (On Saturday, January 28th the Book Shop will delay opening until Noon, so that everyone at the Shop can enjoy the festivities at the Library that morning.)
Police: Man Arrested after Hitting Jogger and Fleeing to Gas Station to Talk About it
Westport Police Department:
On January 8th, 2023 at approximately 8:06 am Westport Police responded to the area of Greens Farms Rd and Hills Point Rd on a report of an accident with injuries. Upon arrival, the investigating officer determined that there were minor injuries (shoulder pain) and the suspect vehicle had left the scene.
The injured party claimed he was jogging on Greens Farms Rd, crossing Hills Point Rd when he was struck by a vehicle turning left from Greens Farms Rd on Hills Point Road. While speaking with the injured party, a witness arrived and advised that the suspect vehicle was at Cumberland Farms (Hills Point Road/Post Road East) and the suspected offender was inside the business making statements about “hitting a jogger”. Officers responded to the Cumberland Farms where they located the alleged suspect vehicle and operator. The alleged operator was identified as James Doyle.
As a result of the investigation, Mr. Doyle was arrested and charged with the above reference crimes. He was transported to Westport Police Department where he was processed and released on Promise to Appear with a court date of January 19th, 2023 at Stamford Superior Court.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Increasing clouds, with a high near 40. East wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Light east wind.
Tomorrow
A 50 percent chance of rain, mainly after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Rain. Steady temperature around 48. Southeast wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Charles “Bill” Pryor, 87, Died; Longtime Westporter, World Traveler
Charles William Pryor, 87, of Westport, CT and more recently Ewing, NJ, passed away on December 20th, 2022. He was predeceased by his father Charles William Pryor II, mother Berniece Weikert Pryor and sister Jane Lynn Pryor, and survived by his wife Barbara Caldwell Pryor of 65 years, son William Caldwell Pryor, daughter Jane Lynn Pryor, sister Judith Pryor Taussig and 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 4 nieces and 1 nephew.
Commonly referred to by most as Bill, he was born in Punxsutawney, PA on December 13th, 1935 and spent most of his childhood years moving from town to town as part of the life of a presbyterian minister’s family. By high school, Bill had proven himself as a talented athlete where he excelled in both baseball and basketball in Niagara Falls and Weehawken, for which he received the Most Outstanding Athlete award during his senior year.
Bill attended Rutgers University and Westminster College with basketball scholarships and ultimately earned his degree from New York University, going to night school while working full-time as an accountant for the Ford Motor Company.
Bill’s business career was highlighted by many significant achievements. Shortly after graduating from NYU, he took an accounting position at Avon Products in Rye, NY. From there he rose to the top ranks in the international division with a career at Avon that spanned over 40 years. In 1964, along with just two other employees, Bill transferred to Sydney to establish the Australian division for Avon. During his eight years in Australia, he was promoted to Managing Director, leading the organization in a period of massive growth for the company. In 1972, upon returning to the US, he continued to work in Avon’s international division with responsibilities for parts of the business in Europe and South America. In 1981, he moved to Tokyo as President of Avon-Japan, where he transformed the business into the best financially performing international division. In his final chapter at Avon, Bill served as President of Avon-China where he led the subsidiary to profitability, while achieving ethical recognition for Avon through the establishment of appropriate business practices, government negotiations and relationships. With this, Bill was able to gain approval from the Chinese government for Avon-China to become the first company, after all direct selling in the country was abruptly banned, to re-enter the market. This portion of Bill’s career is well documented as the subject of a Harvard Business School Case Study.
Bill loved to travel, enjoying his favorite restaurants in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Bangkok and Manila in the company of his business associates, friends and family. Sports remained a lifelong interest of Bill’s. He loved golf, and rooting for his favorite sports teams like the Yankees, Mets and Duke Basketball.
Per Bill’s wishes there will be no public funeral or memorial service. At some point in the future, there will be a private ceremony for family members. In lieu of flowers, we invite people to make a donation to a charity of their choosing.
Wheels2U Riders Get Free Cup of Joe for Holiday Weekend
Press ReleaseTo celebrate Martin Luther King Day, the Westport Transit District and Steam Coffee Tea are teaming up to offer riders free coffee. Just ride Wheels2U in the morning on Friday, January 13 or Tuesday, January 17, show your proof of completed ride at Steam between 6 AM and 10:30 AM that morning, and receive a free regular coffee. (There is no Wheels2U service on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 16).
Wheels2U Westport is the Westport Transit District’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service. Proof of completed Wheels2U rides can be found in your History on the Wheels2U app. Just tap the three bars in the upper left corner of the screen to reveal the information.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with Steam to help encourage the use of this essential service for our town,” said Peter Gold, Director of the Westport Transit District. It’s also a great promotion for Steam right there on Railroad Place. And, of course, a great cup of coffee for the commuters!”
Riders can use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup between 5:45 AM and 10:00 AM and between 4 PM and 9:30 PM and be taken to or from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms train platform and their front door. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before you would normally leave to drive to the station. The fare is $2.00 when paid with the Wheels2U app.
For more information about Wheels2U, including how to download the Wheels2U app and book a ride, go to www.wheels2uwestport.com. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities go to www.WestportTransit.org.
Steam is located at 16 Railroad Place, Westport, CT and is open between 6 AM and 10:30. For more information about Steam go to https://steamcoffeetea.com/.
Governor Announces Licensed Cannabis Dealers on Day 1 of Legalization
Stock image. Governor Ned Lamont’s Office:Governor Ned Lamont today announced that first legal retail sales in Connecticut of adult-use cannabis to all adults aged 21 and over began this morning at several retailers that have been licensed to sell the products. The licensed retailers were permitted to begin selling cannabis products effective at 10:00 a.m. today.
The opening of the adult-use cannabis market in Connecticut marks the start of an expanded cannabis industry that prioritizes the safe and equitable regulation of adult-use cannabis, as well as the preservation of the medical marijuana market, which continues to serve nearly 50,000 patients in the state. The law implementing these measures was signed by Governor Lamont in 2021 and contains comprehensive reforms addressing equity, criminal justice, public health, and public safety.
This new industry is expected to bring hundreds of new, good-paying jobs to Connecticut as businesses continue to open and expand, including work in production and jobs directly handling cannabis products, as well as industry support like technical jobs, administrative and information technology positions, and security.
The law takes a comprehensive approach to promoting social equity, focused on the neighborhoods most impacted by the war on drugs. It provides for expungement of past cannabis-related crimes and reserves half of all cannabis business licenses for people from impacted neighborhoods. In addition, more than half of the revenue from cannabis sales will be dedicated to a new fund that will be invested in those neighborhoods.
“Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales,” Governor Lamont said. “Together with our partners in the legislature and our team of professionals at the Department of Consumer Protection, we’ve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that this industry remains inclusive and safe as it develops.”
“An old conviction for a low-level cannabis possession shouldn’t hold someone back from pursuing their career, housing, professional, and educational aspirations,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Governor Lamont and I welcome this change to help people regain their freedom and the opportunity to pursue the careers and jobs they rightfully deserve.”
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has overseen the regulation of the adult-use cannabis market in the state, ensuring that it prioritizes public health and safety.
“This is an exciting day for Connecticut and our team at the Department of Consumer Protection, which has worked tirelessly to stand up this safe, well-regulated and equitable new market,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said. “We will continue to ensure the patients in our medical marijuana program receive the standard of care and service they have come to expect, and as always, we encourage all adults who choose to purchase and use cannabis to do so responsibly.”
The Social Equity Council was created by that same law that Governor Lamont signed in 2021 and has been tasked with ensuring the adult-use cannabis market is grown equitably and to bring funds from the program back to the communities hit hardest by the war on drugs.
“The opening of this new marketplace is an important milestone in the work of the Social Equity Council and a culmination of a lot of hard work over the past year,” Paul O. Robertson, deputy commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development and chair of the Social Equity Council, said. “In my role as chair, I will be focused on ensuring we fully capitalize on this opportunity to lend a helping hand to those negatively impacted by the war on drugs.”
There are three taxes on the retail sale of cannabis, including the state’s usual 6.35% sales tax, a 3% sales tax dedicated to the city or town where the sale occurs, and a tax based on THC content that will cost approximately 10% to 15% of the sale price.
As of today, the retailers in Connecticut that have been licensed to sell cannabis products to all adults aged 21 and older include:
Affinity Health and Wellness (New Haven)
The Botanist – Danbury (Danbury)
The Botanist – Montville (Montville)
Fine Fettle Dispensary – Newington (Newington)
Fine Fettle Dispensary – Stamford (Stamford)
Fine Fettle Dispensary – Willimantic (Willimantic)
RISE Branford (formerly Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut) (Branford)
Still River Wellness (Torrington)
Zen Leaf Meriden (formerly Willow Brook Wellness) (Meriden)
For more information about adult-use cannabis in Connecticut, visit ct.gov/cannabis.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. West wind 8 to 11 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Northeast wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Northeast wind around 6 mph.