Westport News: Petitions for RTM Candidates Available Beginning July 23

Westport, CT – Town Clerk Patty Strauss announced today that residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office beginning Tuesday, July 23.

Petitioners must gather 25 signatures from residents in their district in order to be on the ballot November 5.

The completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 10.

“My staff will review the instructions with the petitioner,” Ms. Strauss said.  “A district map and a list of district voters will be supplied to aid each petitioner in gathering the required signatures.”

Members of the 36-member RTM are elected on a nonpartisan basis, with four delegates from each of the town’s nine voting districts.  Members are elected for two-year terms.

RTM members vote on town appropriation requests of more than $20,000; approve town ordinances; vote on final approval of the town budget; serve on two or more committees that review and make recommendations regarding appropriations and ordinances; and review certain decisions of town boards and commissions.

For further information about this and other election matters, contact the Town Clerk, Patricia Strauss, at 203-341-1105 or pstrauss@westportct.gov.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Wesptport News: Undocumented Document

#Westport CT–On Saturday July 6, 2019 officers responded to Webster Bank located at 244 Post Road East on a complaint of a female at that location attempting to cash what staff recognized as a fraudulent check. Upon arrival bank employees pointed out the customer in question to the responding officers. Staff explained that they had been alerted to recent fraudulent activity associated with this account by another bank branch and recognized the check being presented by the customer as a fake. Bank staff pointed out to officers that one of the digits listed on the account number of the check did not match the number assigned to their actual customer’s account, thereby confirming that the check was not authentic. The amount which the customer was attempting to withdraw was $920.00. In the process of attempting to negotiate the check the customer had presented two forms of identification thereby positively identifying herself as Sadejia Cook.

 

Based on the investigation Cook was charged with 53a-138 Forgery 1 st Degree and 53a- 49(53a-125a), Criminal Attempt at Larceny in the 5 th Degree. She was released after posting a $2500.00 bond and is scheduled to appear at Norwalk Superior Court to answer for these charges on Wednesday July 17, 2019.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Westport News: Dog/Owner Rescued – Trapped In Mud

2019-07-16 @ 5:32pm–Tuesday– #Westport CT–The Westport Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a person stuck in the mud in the Saugatuck River. The initial dispatch was for Engine 2 and Rescue 3. Truck 1 and Car 3 were added to the assignment after clearing from a previous emergency call. Rescue 3 arrived on scene and reported one person and their pet dog were stuck in approximately 1’-2’ of mud. Using an inflatable Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) firefighters entered the mud to reach the victim. Additionally, Fire and Police Marine units were dispatched to the scene. The victim and their dog were freed from the mud and brought to safety by firefighters and police officers on shore. Westport EMS evaluated the victim and the dog was evaluated by Westport animal control. The last Fire department unit cleared at 6:34 PM.

(Westport Fire Department Press Release and Photo)

 

Fast Moving Storms

#Westport CT– A fast moving thunderstorm created multiple storm related calls for the Westport Fire Department. The storm was reported to produce heavy rain, winds, and hail. In a timespan of approximately 45 minutes, the fire department responded to 18 calls for service. These calls ranged from power lines burning, trees resting on power lines, carbon monoxide calls, and a large tree that had fallen on a house. There were no storm related injuries reported and at this time, there are areas with no power. Eversource was notified of the outages and downed power lines that the fire department was made aware.

 

All residents should take care and remain observant of down power lines. Even lines that appear to be de-energized may not be. It is best to remain in your homes as long as it is safe to do so.
(Westport Fire Press Release)

 

Westport to Host UN Guests on June 29

Westport, CT – The Town of Westport, the UN Hospitality Committee and the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut will host over 300 guests from the United Nations community in New York for the annual jUNe Day celebration on Saturday, June 29 in Westport.

The public is invited to attend the opening ceremonies and welcome our international guests at Saugatuck Elementary School on Riverside Avenue at 10:30 a.m.  Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and The United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut (UNASWCT) President Alex Anvari will welcome the guests, and jUNe Day Chairperson Michaela Maccoll will outline the Day’s activities.

This year’s United Nations guest of honor is Ms. Catherine Pollard, UN Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, who will read out a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.  Also participating will be Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Operational “Support, and Mr. Johnston Barkat, Mediator, International Monetary Fund.

The Day’s main purpose is to promote world peace and international understanding through friendly interaction between UN visitors and their hosts.   On Saturday, the flags of many of the 193 members of the United Nations will fly on the Westport Post Road bridge named for the founder of jUNe Day, Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen.

On jUNe Day, United Nations staff and representatives from Governments around the world and their families will participate in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. There will be a soccer match between the UN team and the Westport Knights, a tennis tournament and a day of golf at the Longshore Golf Course. Special tours of Earthplace, a nature center, and the historic town of Westport will be offered free of charge, and guests will be able to visit the Wakeman Town Farm.

In addition, guests will have free access to Compo Beach and the town pools on the seaside at Longshore Park.  A new activity available this year is access to paddleboards and kayaks at the Longshore Sailing School.

Breakfast and lunch will be served to UN guests at the Saugatuck School.

Area residents are welcome to volunteer in set-up, food-preparation and decorations, and photographers are needed at all venues.  Volunteers can assist in serving both breakfast and lunch; “tour guides” will ride along in buses to point out interesting sites; and hospitality volunteers will mingle with the guests during meals. For those who like to pitch in behind the scenes, a clean-up crew is always appreciated.

All food and refreshments for the day have been provided by local businesses and the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut.

The annual jUNe Day celebration was established in 1965 by the late Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, the founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut and International Visitors Committee of Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN Charter on June 26th, 1945.

To volunteer, please contact Ms. Andrea Dostal at 203-526-3275 or Andreasusa@yahoo.com.  For more information on jUNe Day, please contact Bill Hass, Vice-President, UNASWCT, at (203) 454-7685.

 

This press release is made possible by:

 

Westport Looks To Make Town More Accesible

Westport, CT – Elaine Daignault, Director of Human Services and Jen Fava, Director of Parks and Recreation announced today that they will partner with Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities to host a celebration of Westport’s efforts to improve ADA accessibility around town. “July marks the 29th anniversary of the signing of the American’s with Disabilities Act, a momentous event in US history which brought unparalleled progress to protect and secure equal rights for people of all abilities” said Daignault.

 

The Compo Beach celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 from 5:30-6:30 pm at the two central barbecue stations nearest the new restrooms (rain location is Ned Dimes Marina). The party is made possible by a grant from the American’s with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC), the only organization in the state singularly devoted to educating individuals with disabilities, businesses, and governmental entities about the ADA. Ms. Daignault continued, “The celebration at Compo is particularly meaningful as the new ADA compliant restrooms, walkways and mobi-mats provide long-awaited access for people with mobility challenges to one of Westport’s Crown Jewels. The party will take place at the two central barbecue stations nearest the new restrooms that now offer ADA compliant surfaces so everyone can enjoy Compo Beach South. The rain location is Ned Dimes Marina where Parks and Recreation recently installed a new ADA compliant ramp and restroom.” According to First Selectman Marpe, “This celebration recognizes and celebrates disability rights and affirms the principals of equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of those who have dedicated their time and efforts to improve accessibility for all.

 

There is still work to be done, but thanks to the knowledge and dedication of residents and staff, we are committed to improving ADA access in Town.” “The Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Parks and Recreation Commission are thrilled at the opportunity our new amenities provide to all members of our community. It’s heartwarming to see people enjoying themselves in ways they couldn’t before,” said Fava. Jim Ross, Commission on People with Disabilities Chair, adds, “We hope that townspeople come out to celebrate Westport! Partygoers are encouraged to bring beach chairs, and refreshments. Businesses that employ and serve people with disabilities will be in attendance, including Crumb Together Bakery. Free hot dogs will be provided by Jr’s Hot Dog truck. We look forward to seeing friends, neighbors and advocates next week.”

 

This press release is made possible by:

 

Westport busca hacer que la ciudad sea más accesible
Westport, CT – Elaine Daignault, Directora de Servicios Humanos y Jen Fava, Directora de Parques y Recreación anunciaron hoy que se asociarán con la Comisión de Personas con Discapacidades de Westport para organizar una celebración de los esfuerzos de Westport para mejorar la ADA accesibilidad en toda la ciudad. “Julio se celebra el 29o aniversario de la firma de la Ley estadounidense con discapacidades, un acontecimiento trascendental en la historia de Estados Unidos que trajo un progreso sin precedentes para proteger y asegurar la igualdad de derechos para las personas de todas las capacidades”, dijo Daignault.

La celebración de Compo Beach está programada para el miércoles 26 de junio de 5:30-6:30 pm en las dos estaciones de barbacoa centrales más cercanas a los nuevos baños (la ubicación de la lluvia es Ned Dimes Marina). El partido es posible gracias a una subvención de la American’s with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC), la única organización en el estado dedicada singularmente a educar a personas con discapacidades, empresas y entidades gubernamentales Ada. La Sra. Daignault continuó: “La celebración en Compo es particularmente significativa, ya que los nuevos baños, pasarelas y colchonetas de mobi sin cumplir con la ADA proporcionan un acceso largamente esperado para las personas con desafíos de movilidad a una de las joyas de la corona de Westport. La fiesta tendrá lugar en las dos estaciones de barbacoa centrales más cercanas a los nuevos baños que ahora ofrecen superficies compatibles con ADA para que todos puedan disfrutar de Compo Beach South. La ubicación de la lluvia es Ned Dimes Marina donde Parks and Recreation recientemente instaló una nueva rampa y baño compatible con ADA.” Según First Selectman Marpe, “Esta celebración reconoce y celebra los derechos de la discapacidad y afirma los principios de igualdad e inclusión para las personas con discapacidad. También es una oportunidad para reconocer el arduo trabajo de aquellos que han dedicado su tiempo y esfuerzos para mejorar la accesibilidad para todos.
Todavía queda trabajo por hacer, pero gracias al conocimiento y la dedicación de los residentes y el personal, estamos comprometidos a mejorar el acceso de ADA en la ciudad”. “El Departamento de Parques y Recreación, junto con la Comisión de Parques y Recreación están encantados con la oportunidad que nuestras nuevas comodidades brindan a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad. Es reconfortante ver a la gente disfrutando de maneras que antes no podían”, dijo Fava. Jim Ross, presidente de la Comisión de Personas con Discapacidades, añade: “¡Esperamos que la gente del pueblo salga a celebrar Westport! Se anima a los que beban a los bares a llevar sillas de playa y refrescos. Las empresas que emplean y atienden a personas con discapacidades estarán presentes, incluyendo Crumb Together Bakery. El camión Hot Dog de Jr proporciona perros calientes gratuitos. Esperamos ver amigos, vecinos y defensores la próxima semana”.

Westport Astronomical Society To Ham It Up

The Westport Astronomical Society’s Ham Radio Club, will be participating in the North American Amateur Radio “Field Day” exercise, June 22 – 23, 2019, at 182 Bayberry Lane in Westport, CT. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend from 2 PM until 9 PM on Saturday, June 22nd and from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. on Sunday June 23rd. Every year tens of thousands of Amateur Radio operators (also called “hams”) all over the U.S. and Canada participate in Field Day. Field Day is a combination national emergency drill, contest and public demonstration. Members will be available to answer questions, explain what is happening and perform demonstrations.

 

Field Day demonstrates ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent communications network. Hams can literally throw a wire in a tree for an antenna, connect it to a battery-powered transmitter and communicate halfway around the world by using a layer of Earth’s atmosphere as a pathway for radio waves. In today’s electronic do-it-yourself (DIY) environment, ham radio remains one of the best ways for people to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines, and is a huge asset to any community during disasters if the standard communication infrastructure fails. For more information, go to “www.was-ct.org/k1was” on the web and @WAS.CT on Facebook. Email: observatory@was-ct.org For more information about Amateur Radio, go to www.arrl.org

 

This press release is made possible by:

El Club de Radio Ham de la Sociedad Astronómica de Westport, participará en el ejercicio “Field Day” de la Radio Amateur de América del Norte, del 22 al 23 de junio de 2019, en 182 Bayberry Lane en Westport, CT. Este evento está abierto al público y se anima a todos a asistir desde las 2 PM hasta las 9 PM del sábado, 22 de junio y de 9 A.M. a 12 P.M. el domingo 23 de junio. Cada año, decenas de miles de operadores de radioaficionados (también llamados “hams”) en todo Estados Unidos y Canadá participan en el Día de Campo. Field Day es una combinación de simulacro nacional de emergencia, concurso y demostración pública. Los miembros estarán disponibles para responder preguntas, explicar lo que está sucediendo y realizar demostraciones.

Field Day demuestra la capacidad de la radio de jamón para trabajar de forma fiable bajo cualquier condición desde casi cualquier lugar y crear una red de comunicaciones independiente. Los jamones pueden literalmente lanzar un cable en un árbol para una antena, conectarlo a un transmisor alimentado por batería y comunicarse en medio mundo mediante el uso de una capa de la atmósfera de la Tierra como vía para las ondas de radio. En el entorno de hoy en día, la radio de jamón sigue siendo una de las mejores maneras para que la gente aprenda sobre electrónica, física, meteorología y muchas otras disciplinas científicas, y es un gran activo para cualquier comunidad durante los desastres si el la infraestructura de comunicación estándar falla. Para obtener más información, vaya a “www.was-ct.org/k1was” en la web y @WAS. CT en Facebook. Correo electrónico: observatory@was-ct.org Para obtener más información sobre la radio amateur, vaya a www.arrl.org

Westport News: Four Pulled From The Water

2019-06-18 @ 2:30PM–#Westport CT–The Westport Marine Unit responded to a call of four people in the water near Peck’s Ledge Lighthouse. An oyster boat reported the incident to the Norwalk Police Department who in turn, alerted Westport officers. The Westport Police Department Marine Unit responded and located a small aluminum boat taking on water. The boat was clearly over loaded and partially submerged with four occupants clinging to it. The men were shivering, were not properly dressed for conditions and two did not have personal floatation devices. Westport Detective Marc Heinmiller, Corporal Brendan Fearon and Officer Taylor Field rescued all four men from the water and warmed them with blankets onboard Westport Marine 1. The men were then transferred to a Norwalk Fire Department boat, which brought them to shore to a waiting ambulance. All four men were transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment. After rescuing the men, officers were able to pump out the boat in order to prevent it from sinking. Once refloated, it was towed from the scene to Norwalk shores by the Norwalk Police Department Marine Unit. The Westport Police Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Norwalk Police and Fire Departments for their assistance. The coordinated effort led to a successful resolution to what could have been a fatal situation.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Noticias de Westport: Cuatro rescatados
2019-06-18 a las 2:30PM–#Westport CT–La Unidad Marina de Westport respondió a un llamada de cuatro personas en el agua cerca del faro de Peck’s Ledge. Un barco de ostras reportó el incidente al Departamento de Policía de Norwalk, quien a su vez, alertó a los oficiales de Westport. La Unidad de Marina del Departamento de Policía de Westport respondió y localizó un pequeño barco de aluminio tomando agua. El barco estaba claramente sobre cargado y parcialmente sumergido con cuatro ocupantes aferrándose a ella. Los hombres temblaban, no estaban debidamente vestidos para las condiciones y dos no tenían dispositivos de flotación personales. El detective Marc Heinmiller de Westport, el cabo Brendan Fearon y el oficial Taylor Field rescataron a los cuatro hombres del agua y los calentaron con mantas a bordo del Westport Marine 1. Los hombres fueron trasladados a un barco del Departamento de Bomberos de Norwalk, que los llevó a la costa a una ambulancia en espera. Los cuatro hombres fueron transportados al Hospital Norwalk para recibir tratamiento. Después de rescatar a los hombres, los oficiales pudieron bombear el barco para evitar que se hundiera. Una vez reflotado, fue reacondicionado desde la escena hasta las costas de Norwalk por la Unidad de Marina del Departamento de Policía de Norwalk. El Departamento de Policía de Westport desea expresar su sincero agradecimiento a la Policía y los Departamentos de Bomberos de Norwalk por su asistencia. El esfuerzo coordinado condujo a una resolución exitosa de lo que podría haber sido una situación fatal.

Westport News: $2,875 Handbag Stolen

#Westport CT–On 05/21/2019, Westport officers were dispatched to a local retailer on a report of a stolen handbag valued at approximately $2,875.00. Store surveillance video captured the female suspect concealing the bag under her coat before exiting the store. Staff recognized the suspect as a regular customer, Deborah Bunch. An arrest warrant application was submitted by the investigating officer and later approved. On 06/09/2019, Bunch turned herself in at headquarters on the outstanding warrant. She was charged with 53a-124 Larceny 3 rd and released after posting $10,000 bond. Bunch is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on 06/19/2019.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Noticias de Westport: $2,875 Bolso fue robado
#Westport CT–El 05/21/2019, Los oficiales de Westport fueron enviados a un minorista local en un informe de un bolso robado valorado en aproximadamente $2,875.00. El video de vigilancia de la tienda capturó a la sospechosa que se robó la bolsa debajo de su abrigo antes de salir de la tienda. El personal reconoció al sospechoso como un cliente regular, Deborah Bunch. El oficial investigador presentó una solicitud de orden de detención y posteriormente fue aprobada. El 06/09/2019, Bunch se entregó en la sede con la orden pendiente. Fue acusada de 53a-124 Larceny 3 rd y liberada después de depositar $10,000 de fianza. Está previsto que Bunch comparezca en el Tribunal Superior de Norwalk el 06/19/2019.

Westport News: 1st Quarter Taxes Due Even If You Didn’t Receive A Bill

Westport, CT – Tax Collector Harry Whiteley reminded residents today that first quarter real estate taxes, personal property taxes, motor vehicle taxes and sanitary sewer use and assessment charges are due July 1, 2019.  Taxpayers have until August 1, 2019 to pay taxes without penalty.  Accounts will be subject to an 18 percent (1.5 percent/month) penalty charge if paid late.  Minimum interest charge is $2.00.

Failure to receive a bill does not abate the charges or interest.

Real estate taxes, personal property taxes, motor vehicle taxes and sanitary use and assessment bills may be paid by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at https://www.westportct.gov/ and choosing “Pay Taxes Online” from the homepage.

Checks should be made payable to “Town of Westport” and mailed to:

                                                Tax Collector – Westport

                                                P.O. Box 350

                                                Westport, CT 06881

In-person payments may be made at the Tax Collector’s Office, Room 109 in Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue). Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily Monday thru Friday.

 

This press release is made possible by:

Westport News: 1er trimestre de impuestos debido incluso si usted no recibió una factura

Westport, CT – Recaudador de impuestos Harry Whiteley recordó a los residentes de hoy que el primer trimestre de impuestos inmobiliarios, impuestos sobre la propiedad personal, impuestos de vehículos de motor y el uso de alcantarillado sanitario y cargos de evaluación se deben pagar el 1 de julio de 2019. Los contribuyentes tienen hasta el 1 de agosto de 2019 para pagar impuestos sin penalización. Las cuentas estarán sujetas a un cargo de penalización del 18 por ciento (1,5 por ciento/mes) si se pagan tarde. El cargo por interés mínimo es $2,00.

El no recibir una factura no abate los cargos o intereses.

Los impuestos inmobiliarios, los impuestos sobre la propiedad personal, los impuestos sobre vehículos de motor y el uso sanitario y las facturas de evaluación pueden pagarse con tarjeta de crédito, tarjeta de débito o retirada directa de una cuenta de cheques en línea en https://www.westportct.gov/y eligiendo “pagar impuestos en línea” de la página de inicio.

Los cheques deben hacerse a nombre de “ciudad de Westport” y enviarse por correo a:

Recaudador de impuestos – Westport

P.O. Box 350

Westport, CT 06881

Los pagos en persona se pueden hacer en la oficina del recaudador de impuestos, habitación 109 en el Ayuntamiento (110 Myrtle Avenue). El horario de oficina es de 8:30 AM a 4:30 PM todos los días de lunes a viernes.

Exit mobile version