Police: Error in Connecticut Post Article, “I'm deeply apologetic for this mistake” says Response
Press Release
On January 31st, 2023 Connecticut Post newspaper published an article titled “Advocates call for policing reforms, as Lamont questions whether Tyre Nichols incident could happen in CT.” This article discussed the recent events in Memphis and how that incident translates to Connecticut. The author of the article, Alex Putterman, quoted Scot X. Esdaile, President of Connecticut’s NAACP chapter, “What we saw is what’s going on in America”. The article goes on to quote Mr. Esdaile “It’s not only happening in Memphis, we’ve seen it in New Haven, we’ve seen it in Westport (hyperlink attached), we’ve seen it in Hartford, we’ve seen it in Bridgeport. The same thing that we saw there we’re also seeing in Connecticut.” The link associated with “Westport” references a case from 2011 in Westport, MA. Understandably, members of the Westport Police Department were disappointed by this article because we feel we have worked hard to build relationships and have never had any incident that resembles what we saw in Memphis.
Initially, we reached out to Hearst Media and they admitted that the link was incorrect and should not be linked to Westport, CT. Hearst Media deleted all mention of Westport from the article. We reached out to Scot X. Esdaile and he provided the following statement:
“I Scot X. Esdaile the President of the CT NAACP State Conference, would like to apologize to Chief Foti Koskinas, the Westport Police Department and the Town of Westport. During my interview with Alex Putterman from the CT Post, I misquoted stating Westport, CT when I should have said West Haven, CT. I'm deeply apologetic for this mistake, I have had a conversation with the Chief along with Harold Bailey the Chairman of the Westport Civilian Review Panel, and we had a wonderful and energetic conversation. I apologized during the call several times and we are looking forward to working together in the future.”
Chief Koskinas would like to highlight that once this article was brought our attention, the conversations between Mr. Esdaile and Chief Koskinas, were productive and brought about a positive resolution.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A slight chance of rain and snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 39. Northwest wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. North wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 36. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 22. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Westport Country Playhouse Announces Revised 2023 Season
Press ReleaseWestport Country Playhouse has reduced its 2023 season to three productions from the previously announced five. The change reflects the impact that COVID has had, and continues to have, on the Playhouse and the performing arts community nationwide, according to the Playhouse board of trustees and staff leadership.
“Although we learned how to produce shows safely last season — we never had to cancel a performance due to COVID illness! — audiences are coming back slowly and we have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels of participation,” said Gretchen Wright, Playhouse director of development and interim managing director. “As a result, in 2022 we successfully produced one musical and four plays but finished with low ticket revenue and a significant deficit – a fate similar to many other theaters in Connecticut.”
“Even in the best of times, ticket sales only cover 40% of a show’s cost,” noted Anna Czekaj-Farber, chair, Playhouse board of trustees.
“The board of trustees have been very engaged in supporting the theater and all the changes, proactively leading the Playhouse to brighter future,” Czekaj-Farber stated. “We are an agile organization and we are trying to adjust to ensure the longevity and health of this important institution that has been a part of our community for more than 90 years. We are confident that we are making the prudent decision that would allow us to prosper as we have many exciting plans for the future of this wonderful theater.”
The revised 2023 season will include three previously announced productions, each running three weeks: “Ain’t Misbehavin, from April 11 through April 29; “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” from July 11 through July 29; and “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play,” October 24 through November 11.
The goal is also to focus on broadly appealing and revenue-positive programming, and on building deeper community partnerships.
Current 2023 season ticket have been contacted by the Playhouse box office on how to claim the value of the canceled tickets by gift certificate, refund, or donation. 2023 Flex Pass holders have also been contacted.
“Stay tuned in the coming weeks for announcements of additional programming and events,” said Czekaj-Farber. “Thank you as always, to our loyal subscribers and new audience members for their support.”
For complete 2023 season details and season ticket information, visit: https://www.westportplayhouse.org/2023seasontickets
Single tickets for 2023 season productions will go on sale in March.
All titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.
For more information, visit westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Instagram (@wcplayhouse), and YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).
Governor Launches Cold Weather Protocols for Thursday - Sunday ahead of Cold Snap
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience extremely cold air and strong winds later this week, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023, and remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023.
Although Connecticut will experience relatively mild conditions for the first few days of this week, temperatures are expected to plummet starting on Thursday night, dipping into the mid-teens. The severe cold conditions will remain on Friday and Saturday, especially during the evening hours when temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits and possibly below zero degrees. Combined with sustained winds of around 20 miles per hour and gusts at times of around 30 miles per hour, the conditions outdoors will be severe during this period.
“Don’t be fooled by this mild weather that we are experiencing right now, because it looks like a blast of arctic air and winds will impact Connecticut later this week and this weekend,” Governor Lamont said. “With the kind of severe cold weather that is headed our way, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. Spending long periods of time outdoors in these conditions is not only harmful, it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and transportation can be provided if needed.”
The purpose of the Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 49. West wind around 6 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.
Westport State of the Town Announced for Next Sunday at Library
Westport First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Board of Education Chair Lee Goldstein will present the “State of the Town” on Sunday, February 5, at 2pm at The Westport Library.
The event will be live-streamed at westportlibrary.org/state-of-the-town.
Jen and Lee will review Town and School accomplishments during the past year and preview some upcoming initiatives, followed by a question and answer session moderated by Westport Rotary Club Past President Tony McDowell.
The event is free and open to the public.
The State of the Town is being sponsored as a joint initiative of the Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club. Rotary is an international service organization with over 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million members worldwide. Founded in 1917, Rotary’s mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. For membership information, please contact the clubs through their websites: westportrotary.org and westportsunriserotary.org
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. West wind 8 to 14 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tomorrow
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. South wind 6 to 16 mph.
Tomorrow Night
A 20 percent chance of showers before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 34. West wind 7 to 13 mph.
Abraham Nad, 92, Died; Navy Veteran, Temple Israel Member
Abraham Nad, age 92 of New Rochelle, NY and formerly of Westport, CT, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023 at United Hebrew Geriatric Center in New Rochelle.
Abraham was born in Houston, TX, the son of the late Irving and Esther Nad. He earned a Bachelors Degree from Rice University achieving entry into Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a Master’s Degree from Columbia University. Abraham served proudly in the National Guard and the U.S. Navy from 1952-1954. He worked as an accountant and publisher, eventually opening Directors’ Publications. Abraham loved to travel and was an avid fan of classical music and the arts. He was a longtime member of Temple Israel of Westport, serving on its Board of Trustees, and a supporter of the Westport Arts Center.
Abraham is survived by his devoted daughters, Karen N. Bernstein (Peter) and Laurie S. Desjardins, his adored grandchildren, Rebecca Anne Bernstein (Justan Dakes) and Benjamin Jacob Bernstein (Jocelyn Ezratty), and his adored great-grandson, Lucas Joshua Dakes. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elsa Nad, in 2015.
Funeral services will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Temple Israel Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information and to share a condolence message visit www.greensfuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be made to the Nad/Schiff Special Children’s Fund at Temple Israel in Westport, CT.
The family wishes to extend their deep love and gratitude to all those at United Hebrew Geriatric Center for their abiding love, care and grace over the past four years. They cared for Abraham and for us as family.
Westport Man Arrested for Fourth Time; This time: for Stealing Neighbor’s Cat
On January 20th, 2023 Westport Police initiated an investigation after a complaint was made by a neighbor of James Doyle that he had allegedly stolen her cat. The neighbor stated that Mr. Doyle has allegedly been trying to “lure” her cat into his residence for some time now and she has repeatedly told him to leave her cat alone. Mr. Doyle was seen by neighbors trying to lure the cat into his residence and alerted the complainant. The complainant again expressed her wishes that Mr. Doyle leave the cat alone when he allegedly picked up the cat, displayed his middle finger, and took the cat inside his residence. Westport Police were called and found Mr. Doyle sitting on his front porch and admitted to taking the cat but had since released it. Mr. Doyle was arrested for the above referenced crime and released on a $1000 bond with a court date of January 31st at Stamford Superior Court.
“kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students” named Staples Students of the Month
(L-R): Claire Sandhaus, Luca Caniato, Frankie Lockenour, Shane Sandrew, Annabelle Katz, Moses Beary, Curtis Sullivan, Matthew Anto. Contributed photoStaples High School announces January Students of the Month
Principal Thomas has announced Staples High School's recipient’s for January Student of the Month:
Claire Sandhaus- Gr.12,
Luca Caniato - Gr.10,
Frankie Lockenour Gr.12,
Shane Sandrew - Gr.10,
Annabelle Katz – Gr.9,
Moses Beary – Gr.11,
Curtis Sullivan - Gr.11,
Matthew Anto – Gr. 9.
The Students of the Month award program recognizes students who help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the “glue” of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.
Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school. Students of the Month are not necessarily star athletes, high honor students, or lead performers, and even if they are, this award recognizes the positive attitude they bring to school every day in making Staples High School a genial place in which to learn and teach.