Governor, Lt. Governor Speak on First Anniversary of Ukraine Invasion
From the Governor’s OfficeGovernor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz released the following statements regarding the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine:
Governor Lamont said, “This last year has been abhorrent for the people of Ukraine, and it is time for Russia to end this unjustified, unprovoked attack. The murder of innocent, unarmed civilians is disgusting and is a threat to peace across the world. The people of Connecticut continue to stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and pray for their safety as they endure this assault on their freedom. I applaud President Biden for leading the free world in sanctioning and punishing Russia for their aggression against a sovereign, democratic, and peaceful nation.
“Over this last year, the people of Connecticut have helped more than 700 Ukrainians resettle in our state, providing them with sanctuary and safe shelter while this brutal attack on their homeland continues. I welcome these evacuees with open arms, and I applaud the many organizations and people of Connecticut who have generously opened their homes and their hearts to those seeking refuge. Our state government will continue working with our federal, local, and nonprofit partners to ensure that all the necessary resources are available for those who have made the long trip from Ukraine to Connecticut. They are our allies.”
Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said, “This past year, the Ukrainian people have been faced with unthinkable and unrelinquishing tragedy. They have been displaced from their homes, lost loved ones, and seen their homeland crumble before their eyes. Despite their hardships, they have shown the world their strength, courage, and resolve. As a Polish American, I know well how Russian despots have tried to deprive the Polish people of their hard-fought freedom and democracy. I have been proud to be part of the Polish community in Connecticut that has supported humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. I join Governor Lamont and President Biden in staunchly and proudly standing with Ukraine.”
Staples Wreckers Basketball Enters The FCIAC Tourney With Big Win Over Darien
Wednesday night, Staples Boys Basketball concluded their regular season by beating Darien High School on the Wreckers' home court by a score of 55-39. In a very balanced team effort, the Wreckers were led by freshman guard Sam Clachko, who registered 12 points, 3 assists and 1 steal on the night. Clachko, who wears number 24, consistently made the right play offensively and was a pest on the defensive side of the ball. Senior co-captain Cody Sale also proved difficult for the Darien defenders, scoring 10 points and grabbing 2 rebounds.Staples also got big contributions from senior point guard Charlie Honig (9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) as well as senior captain Chris Zajac (8 points, 6 rebounds). Senior Forward Ethan Cukier also chipped in with 6 rebounds, 5 points, 1 steal and 1 assist.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Staples Wreckers took an early lead in this game and never looked back, going up 14-8 at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the second quarter, just before half-time senior captain and point guard Charlie Honig secured an offensive rebound and scored a layup as the buzzer sounded to give the Wreckers a 31-19 lead and the momentum going into the break in action. The Darien Blue Wave played the Wreckers close to even in the third quarter, capitalizing on offensive rebounds as well as free throws. The score was 42-31 at the end of the third quarter, but then the Wreckers pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning the game 55-39.
This FCIAC regular season finale was big for the Wreckers as it clinched the 4 seed in the FCIAC tournament. The Wreckers finish the regular season with a record of 15-5 and will play fifth-seeded Wilton this Saturday, February 25 at 5:00 PM at Fairfield Warde High School. This should be a great rematch, as Wilton beat Staples 69-68 in overtime back on January 31. Get your popcorn ready.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Light rain, mainly before 11am. High near 42. Northeast wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of rain before 1am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 38. East wind 5 to 9 mph becoming west after midnight.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Windy, with a west wind 17 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Northwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Westport Volunteer EMS Welcomes Donor Relations Director
From Westport Volunteer EMS President Michael BurnsKen Roffe joined us this month. His approach to us was his interest in working in a fundraising and development role at our EMS – a role that fits his experience in his corporate and consulting life. He will serve in the role of Donor Relations Director and report to me.
“I have always been interested in improving the communities I have lived in and the lives of their residents. In the case of our EMS, I have personal reasons to say Thank You for the services they bring to our community.”
“We are thrilled to have Ken’s fundraising experience for a variety of corporations, nonprofits and universities. We are obviously glad he is willing to share his experiences and time to support our ongoing effort to expand our commitment to our community”, says Michael Burns, the WVEMS’ President.
In Ken’s corporate life, he has worked in every role imaginable – from entry-level salesman in New York City to several CEO postings. In 1990, Ken was the founder and Managing Partner of a boutique consulting firm whose goal was to provide businesses with solutions for their growth through the development of new revenue streams.
Ken earned his B.A. from Colgate University (Economics) and was selected to participate in an honors program of study at the London School of Economics. He served a term on the University’s Alumni Board. His M.B.A is from Columbia University’s School of Business (Marketing).
We welcome Ken to our team and congratulate him on his newest endeavor.
Ken can be reached at kroffe@westportems.org