Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain, mainly after 5pm. High near 53. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain, mainly before 2am. Patchy fog after 2am. Low around 37. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
A slight chance of rain before 8am, then a slight chance of showers between 8am and 2pm. Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 50. Northwest wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind around 8 mph.
Westport Police: Frightened Mother Nearly Scammed out of Cash over Hostage Hoax
On March 23rd, 2023 Westport Police responded to M & T Bank on a report of a possible scam. Responding officers located a victim in the bank who reported that she received a call from a male advising that he and the victim’s daughter had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. The male claimed to have taken the victim’s daughter hostage and demanded that she withdraw as much money as she could in exchange for the safe return of her daughter. The victim was told not to text anybody or call anyone. In the background, the victim could hear a female voice screaming and crying. The victim went to the bank as instructed and attempted to withdraw all of the money in her account. An alert bank employee felt that something was wrong as the victim was obviously upset. The bank employee questioned the victim about the withdrawal and immediately recognized it to be a scam. The bank contacted the Westport Police Department, we responded and ultimately had the victim contact her daughter who advised that she was fine and at work.
We have seen this scam, and one’s similar, increase over the past few weeks. Alert bank employees, like the one at M & T, have aided and prevented at least three scams in the last week alone. The Westport Police Department would like to thank the alert bank employees at our local banking institutions for being alert to these potential scams and asking the appropriate questions to prevent their customers from being victims of fraud.
We remind individuals to be cognizant of these scams and provide the following tips:
Do not send any money or gift cards to an unknown person.
Make contact with family who claim to be in danger prior to sending money.
Call the police if unable to contact family members.
Report any potential scam.
Westport Seeks Next Poet Laureate
The Westport Arts Advisory Committee (WAAC), has announced a search for the town’s second Poet Laureate, whose 2-year term will begin on July 1.
WAAC initiated the Town Poet Laureate position in 2019. The inaugural Laureate, Diane Lowman, will have served a 3-year term on June 30, extended a year due to the pandemic. During her tenure, Diane recited and curated poetry at Town ceremonies and events, the schools, the Center for Senior Activities, the Library and arts events. Early in the pandemic, she launched a lawn sign campaign with haikus and images, to help raise spirits in town.
The Town of Westport Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador for both the town and the literary form, helping to celebrate and continue the town’s vibrant literary history. The First Selectwoman’s office appoints the Poet Laureate; WAAC administers the program.
The Poet Laureate’s objectives are, but are not limited, to:
· Promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment for local residents.
· Participate in the Connecticut Poet Laureate group to create and participate in programs throughout the state.
· Expand access to and create connection through poetry.
· Elevate awareness of and appreciation for all forms of poetry.
· Advocate for poetry, literature, and the arts.
· Contribute to the town’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
Candidates should be 21 years of age or older, live in Westport, and have a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience. They must be comfortable with public speaking, and willing to work collaboratively with the town school district, library, and other cultural organizations to develop and present poetry-related activities and events. The candidate must have adequate time and flexibility to complete these and other requirements of the position. The Town of Westport Poet Laureate is an honorary, non-compensated two-year position.
For more information and the application packet, please visit: https://www.westportarts.org. Direct inquiries to waac@westportct.gov with the subject line POET.
The deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials is Friday, April 15. A committee made up of representatives from the Westport Schools, the Westport Library, and WAAC will review the applications and interview finalists as part of the selection process. The new Poet Laureate, whose term begins July 1, will be announced on June 1.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee was established by the RTM in 1997; its members are appointed by the First Selectwoman. WAAC is committed to increasing public awareness of all of Westport’s artists, arts organizations and cultural resources.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow
Rain and sleet, becoming all rain after 9am. High near 44. East wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no sleet accumulation expected.
Tomorrow Night
Rain, mainly before 2am. Steady temperature around 44. Northeast wind 9 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.