New Westport Parks & Rec Director To Take Office On February 18th
Town Of Westport Press Release February 4, 2025:
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that the Town of Westport has hired Erik Barbieri as the new Director of Parks and Recreation, effective February 18, 2025. Mr. Barbieri brings over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation management to the town, having led major municipal recreation initiatives and facility development projects throughout Connecticut.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Erik to Westport. His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”
Barbieri joins Westport from the City of New Britain, where he has served as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services since 2015. In this role, he managed seven divisions, including parks, recreation, a golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs. Under his leadership, New Britain successfully completed multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, including the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and the $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park. His expertise extends to overseeing major city-wide events, developing innovative recreation programs.
Prior to his tenure as Director, Barbieri served as Superintendent of Recreation for New Britain, where he oversaw large-scale youth programs, after-school initiatives, and the transformation of local parks and sports facilities. His leadership resulted in enhanced community engagement, increased program accessibility, and the successful hosting of high-profile sporting events, including international soccer exhibitions, and managing the operational budget.
Barbieri is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management. His technical skills include expertise in municipal recreation software and budgeting systems, ensuring efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.
In his new role in Westport, Barbieri will oversee the town’s parks, beaches, recreational facilities, and community programs, working to enhance public spaces, expand recreational opportunities, and continue the tradition of excellence in parks and recreation services.
Avian Flu Strikes Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Photos above, courtesy of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's are their Bald Eagle, Barn Owls and their magnificent Amur Leopard. Their exhibit birds are safe and receiving special care. None have been affected.
One of our area's true gems, Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has detected a case of Avian Flu
Beardsley Zoo Press Release:
Bridgeport, CT – (January 30th, 2025) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CBZ) has received preliminary results of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI), commonly known as avian flu, following testing of a deceased Cotton Patch goose on grounds, Tuesday, January 28th. In response, the zoo has taken additional steps above and beyond already established protective measures to ensure the health and safety of its birds, animals, staff, and guests. The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection.
Health and safety precautions had already been enacted at CBZ in response to HPAI cases reported in Connecticut. Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of zoo animals, staff and guests, additional and increased measures have been implemented.
They have enacted protocols to protect their beautiful bird collection which include a temporary closing of the farmyard and outdoor aviary, limited staff contact to care providers and specialists, and they will use dedicated tools, disinfected after each use and increased PPE for staff.
CBZ is reporting, "Birds in nearby exhibits that did not have direct contact with the affected flock, including ravens, peafowl, and turkeys, will be quarantined and tested to ensure that staff with proper PPE can monitor the flock. (*Update: these particular birds (such as guinea fowl, peacocks, raven) were tested, and we received preliminary results last night – test was negative for HPAI). In accordance with state and federal guidelines, the zoo has humanely euthanized the remaining affected birds in the pond community (12 birds total) that may have been exposed to HPAI, to prevent the possible spread of the disease."
To help support this wonderful zoo, visit: Beardsley Zoo.org. To Donate, click: Donate To Beardsley Zoo
The New England Patriots: Love Them Or Hate Them, Get the Inside Scoop At The Westport Library On Monday, February 3rd
The Y's Men and the Westport Library Welcome Jeff Benedict, author of "The Dynasty" the definitive story of the New England Patriots
In anticipation of the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, which is always one of the biggest party of the year, come to the Trefz Forum at The Westport Library, on Monday, February 3 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and learn the real inside story about the Patriots and their drive to become one of the greatest pro football teams in NFL history.
Join the Y's Men as they welcome Jeff Benedict, best selling author of "The Dynasty". Join the Y's men to talk football and discuss his definitive book on the New England Patriots.
A best-selling author, producer, and commentator, Benedict is the ultimate cultural authority on the most dominant sports dynasty of the 21st century, the New England Patriots. With unprecedented access inside the organization for five years, Benedict provides the definitive inside story of the team.
Sports Illustrated’s Gary Smith said, “Benedict slips inside, lowers the drawbridge, and waves us in to see the ramparts, towers, turrets, and castle keep where the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trinity ruled.” Benedict’s re-telling of this iconic sports story inspires audiences to look to the Patriots as a case study on teamwork, overcoming adversity, consistency, and the momentum of success.
The eponymous 10-part docuseries, The Dynasty: New England Patriots, was produced with Imagine Documentaries in cooperation with the New England Patriots for Apple TV+. This intimate portrait capturing the human drama of enduring success is a byproduct of access, exhaustive research, engaging storytelling, and humanity. Benedict gives insight not only into the success of the New England Patriots, but the true meaning of greatness.
Join us for a conversation that will have something for every football fan, with Benedict discussing the inner workings of one of the most storied dynasties in football history as well as the two epic Patriots-Giants Super Bowls, including how the Patriots bounced back from losing their undefeated season to the Giants in 2008.
About Jeff Benedict
Benedict is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and an Emmy Award-winning producer whose storytelling power has captivated audiences across mediums. Benedict has written 17 nonfiction books and many feature stories about some of the most iconic figures in sports history. He has been tapped as executive producer and writer for documentary adaptations of his books, including a 10-part series based on his bestseller The Dynasty, the definitive inside story of the New England Patriots, with Imagine Entertainment for Apple TV+ in 2024.
Books are available for purchase at registration and also on the night of the event. Benedict will be signing copies after his talk.
Invite your friends and enjoy some delicious baked treats from Cobs Bread of Westport.
Click here to register for this special event: Register For The Dynasty Event
Frigid Temperatures Take Their Toll
UPDATE: Westport Library To Re-Open At 1:00 Sunday, January 26, at 1:00 PM
The Westport Library announced earlier today that they will be closed Friday, January 24, and Saturday, January 25, due to a burst water pipe.
All programs for these two days are either postponed or canceled.
The Winter Dance Party with Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez, originally planned for tonight, has been rescheduled to February 7.
We are tentatively planning to re-open as scheduled at 1 pm on Sunday, January 26.
Please check back to The Westport Library website (westportlibrary.org) for updates.