Morning Weather Report: Cold Day, Seasonal Night for Town Hall Tree Lighting
Today
Sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. West wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light after midnight. Town Hall Tree Lighting begins at 5 PM with festivities following.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a temperature falling to near 36 by 10pm, then rising to around 44 during the remainder of the night. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Air Cooled Car Show Brings Color to Veterans Green
Members of local car clubs and local car-lovers alike were able to enjoy a selection of several dozen air cooled car models at today’s show on Veterans Green. The annual show includes prizes for best cars in their respective classes in addition to the assortment of bright colored classics. WestportLocal.com photos.
Senior Center Director Heads for Retirement: “I will always call Westport my home away from home”
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has accepted the retirement letter of Susan L. Pfister, Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective January 1, 2023.
Sue joined the Department of Human Services in 1987. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BSW, received her MSW at Fordham University, and dedicated her career to supporting Westport senior citizens. The Senior Center had humble beginnings in Westport, first located at the YMCA and Greens Farms School, Longshore Club Park and then Staples High School. Under Sue’s direction, the current WCSA was constructed at 21 Imperial Avenue in 2004, ahead of schedule and under budget. Sue also oversaw the building’s expansion in 2016. The state-of-the-art facility outshines many such centers and serves hundreds of seniors daily, thanks in large part to Sue’s expertise and administration. Sue’s Café at WCSA is aptly named after her since she helped to establish the daily congregate meal program, complete with its own chef. It has received rave reviews from participants. Throughout her 35-year tenure, Sue's creativity, resourcefulness, and inclusive vision have won her well-earned respect and accolades from colleagues and residents alike.
Ms. Pfister stated, “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career with the Town of Westport. Westport truly values and recognizes the important role seniors play in the community. I send heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the various administrations, boards and commissions, town departments and staff, instructors and volunteers, and most importantly, my staff for supporting me throughout my career. I will always call Westport my home away from home.”
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Westport residents, and in particular our seniors and their families and caregivers, have been blessed with Sue’s presence. Through her due diligence and oversight, the WCSA has become a crown jewel of Westport, offering comprehensive programs that enhance the lives of seniors and create countless opportunities for seniors and volunteers to enjoy friendships and daily enrichment. Sue always has the best interests of those she cared for at the forefront. Her considerate nature and calm demeanor, coupled with a no-nonsense management style has been an enormous asset to this community.”
Tooker continued, “On a personal level, when my mom and dad moved to town, my dad became enamored of the WCSA and all its many activities. It was Sue and her staff who were sincerely welcoming and hands-on in helping with a difficult life transition for him. I know she is the same with all her beloved seniors. Sue took the lead without fanfare – she just did it – and with a smile on her face. Of course, Sue will be sorely missed as the Director of the WCSA. But I also know that she will continue to be in service to others as she enters a new chapter in her life. We wish her only health and happiness in her retirement.”
According to Human Services Director Elaine Daignault, “Sue has a penchant for quick-thinking, organization, and collaboration, playing a critical role in the Town’s emergency response efforts through countless storms and public health emergencies. She and her team at WCSA offered essential respite and support by feeding, housing, and comforting emergency workers and residents during significant Nor’ Easter storm events like Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isais, and the COVID19 pandemic.”
“Sue’s energy and dedication are inspirational. Her drive and compassion for others have been a tremendous source of reassurance to me, and those that she has helped along the way,” Daignault continued. “I am very grateful for her camaraderie and friendship, and I wish her a well-deserved retirement where she’ll continue to spread light and hope to others.”
Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Accepting Grants; $290k Awarded in 2021
Press ReleaseThe Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund (BFSRF) is currently accepting preliminary applications for their 2022-2023 grant cycle. All preliminary applications are due no later than September 10, 2022.
The BFSRF, overseen by the Westport Weston Family YMCA, was created in 2015 due to a generous endowment from YMCA trustee emeritus Ruth T. Bedford, and awards one-year grants to one or more local programs that are selected through an annual grant process. Ruth Bedford believed in education for all and supporting those less fortunate. We are proud to carry on her legacy. In 2021, the BFSRF awarded $290,000 in grants to 28 organizations in the Greater Fairfield County area whose programs focus on supporting equitable education programs for students in our community. “The individuals who lead and run these organizations and their impact on the children in need of educational support in Fairfield County is remarkable; their efforts truly change the lives of the children and young adults in in our communities that they support,” says Juliane Sunderland, who co-chairs the BFSRF Committee along with Libby McKinney Tritschler.
“Adam J. Lewis Academy (AJLA ) is very grateful for the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund's continued meaningful and impactful support and their most recent Grant, which helps us continue to expand and provide more students and families in the Bridgeport community with opportunities for high-quality education," says Neal Edelson, the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Advancement at Adam J. Lewis Academy, a 2022 recipient of the BFSRF Grant.
We invite all eligible non-profits to complete the preliminary application available on our website no later than September 10. All organizations who are invited to submit a final application will be notified by October 4. If you have any questions about the BFSRF, the application, or the requirements, please contact Julia Marshella at jmarshella@westporty.org.
ABOUT WWFY
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is a non-profit organizations that enriches the community by developing and nurturing youth, promoting healthy living for all and fostering social responsibility. Our core values drive everything we do. By holding ourselves accountable to build character around our core values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility, we build wholeness and wellness in spirit, mind and body for all.
Eagle 1 Crew Flies over Compo during Training Mission
The highly qualified Eagle 1 crew - consisting of volunteer pilots, police officers, and rescue workers - gave beachgoers an unexpected air show tonight as the 1968 Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, or "Huey", flew just a few dozen feet from the shoreline before it banked hard right to follow the Saugatuck River on its journey home. The “Eagle” teams operate 3 search & rescue helicopters in the State at no cost to the victims or towns they assist through the help of donation dollars and their trained volunteer pilots, rescuers, and mechanics. Many of the volunteers are former or current military, law enforcement, or other emergency service provider who remain on call for when Eagle 1, Eagle 2, or Eagle 3 are called into action. Tonight’s training was confirmed as such by the New Milford Police Department, who now oversees the aerial unit after a transition from the Stratford Police Department. The helicopter was purchased as military surplus and has remained in service in the region ever since, including rescue missions in Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. WestportLocal.com photo
Serene Sunrise over Compo Beach
This morning’s fiery sunrise gave heat and light to the kayakers who made their way through crisp, calm waters along Westport’s Compo Beach. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest Hits the Beach September 17th
Press Release
Photo by Dave Matlow for WestportLocal.comWestport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest washes onshore this year, on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Compo Beach from 3pm to 7pm, with an in-person event, as well as a drive-through option. Around 1,200 ticket holders will dine by the water at the hotly anticipated rain or shine event, Westport Rotary’s main fundraiser, which sells out every year. LobsterFest is a signature community gathering, an excellent way to support local philanthropic activities while celebrating the transition from Summer to Fall.
Westport Rotary Club members are thrilled to be preparing for the 11th annual LobsterFest. Tickets can be purchased at www.westportrotary.org or directly from Westport Rotary Club members. For guests who prefer to eat their lobsters and/or steak at home, drive-through tickets must be purchased online from the website only.
Funds earned from LobsterFest tickets and sponsorships enable Westport Rotary to award over 36 Charitable Giving grants to local nonprofits and support impactful humanitarian projects around the world. LobsterFest brings the Westport community together so we can connect and engage with others, belong to something bigger than ourselves, give back, serve to change lives, and most of all, have fun.
Local recipients include Mercy Learning Center, a non-profit which helps women become fluent in English, obtain their GEDs, go onto college and support their families, and Child Guidance of Fairfield County, another nonprofit that provides psychological and educational support to children traumatized by past experiences. Other causes that receive support include food pantries, environmental sustainability, educational and summer program scholarships, and improvement of behavioral health.
Children’s activities this year include a magician, glitter tattoos, face painting, and Maker Faire pin making. Live music will be provided by the Hot Rubber Monkey Band, a local favorite. In past years, LobsterFest volunteers served some 2,400 lobsters, 300 steaks, and 1,600 ears of corn, as well as raw oysters and clams.
Tickets are an exceptional value at $75 per person for two 1.25-pound lobsters or a 14 oz. New York strip steak plus corn, coleslaw, bread and butter, potato salad, Peppermint Patties, and a generous supply of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages. Children’s tickets are $10 for a choice of a hot dog or chicken tenders.
Tickets are available only in advance, online at www.westportrotary.org and directly from Westport Rotary Club members. The LobsterFest event is supported by numerous sponsors. For sponsorship information please contact Gillian Anderson at ganderson24@optonline.net.
Westport Rotary Club follows guidance from the local health authorities. In case LobsterFest needs to limit in-person dining, ticket holders will be contacted by email to arrange for a scheduled drive-through option.
Representing a cross-section of local business and professional leaders, the Westport Rotary Club is an organization of men and women united in service to their community, vocation and the world. One of 35,200 Rotary clubs worldwide, the Westport Rotary Club is known for philanthropy and for providing hands-on project leadership both locally and internationally. More information is available at www.westportrotary.org.
The public is always welcome to attend Rotary Club luncheon meetings, which take place on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at Greens Farms Congregational Church in Westport. The luncheon cost for guests is $20. The Club welcomes membership inquiries. Please contact Club President Karl Mergenthaler at kcmergen19@gmail.com.
Friday Night Commute
A leisurely commute for the Friday night ride home. Photo by JD Dworkow by WestportLocal.com
“Only in your State” Features Westport’s Viva Zapata; “Will Take You Straight To Taco Heaven”
One Of The Oldest Mexican Restaurants In Connecticut Will Take You Straight To Taco Heaven
August 12, 2022 by Lisa Sammons
We have plenty of delicious Mexican restaurants in Connecticut, and one of the oldest and most delightful is Viva Zapata in Westport. This delicious eatery is set up in a historic home that looks quite tame from the outside. Inside, however, you’ll find a peppy and colorful spot with unique decor and incredibly tasty food. It’s no wonder that it’s been around for over half a century.
New Neighbor: “Smith”, 114 foot Sailing Yacht, Calls Westport Waters Home for the Evening
The 114 foot long sailing yacht is hard to miss from Compo Beach as it remains anchored off of Westport’s coast for the evening. Built in 1996 by Trident and upfitted in 2019, It was most recently listed for sale in the same year under the name Tenacious for a cool $3.9 million out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The privately-used vessel can host eight guests and six crew members amongst a mix of staterooms and cabins. With Aspen as its home port and no option to charter, the owners and their guests and crew picked a picture perfect evening to enjoy the safety of the Long Island Sound.
Though 34 meters long, Smith is the smallest out of a series of superyachts to visit the community since last summer. The 196 foot motor yacht Dream, the 184 foot sailing yacht Rosehearty, and the 123 foot long motor yacht Temptation all allowed their seafaring guests to dine, shop, and enjoy some terra firma in the 06880. WestportLocal.com photo