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Over the past week, 15 COVID cases have been identified at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “Although there appears to be very limited transmission within the school as new cases span multiple grades and classrooms, by definition, a sudden rise in the number of cases at this rate constitutes an outbreak.”
Officials asked the state Department of Public Health to review the cases, and the school district’s mitigating measures. Scarice said, “This discussion affirmed that community transmission (i.e. after school activities, large community social events, etc.) has likely contributed to the recent rise in cases at SES. As a result, it appears that in-school mitigating measures have been effective. “
The DPH recommended a round of surveillance testing for all students and staff at SES. Testing is set for tomorrow (Friday, October 1).
Saugatuck Elementary School
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Once again, the Westport Police Department will do its part to help.
The color of the town seal will change from black and gold to pink.
In addition, many officers will wear pink patches, and pink ribbon pins. It’s all part of a campaign to raise awareness of the deadly disease.
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Sustainable Westport has taken a giant step forward, with the appointment of 2 new co-directors.
Gately Ross has dedicated her career to the health and conservation of wild and domestic animals, and the health of the environment. She combines a deep understanding of ecology and human impact on populations and ecosystems with clinical practice, team leadership and training experience in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.
She has an undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Charleston, a masters of science from San Francisco State University, and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tufts University. A Westport resident since 2007, Gately lives in Greens Farms with her husband, 3 boys and rescue dog.
Johanna Martell has over 15 years experience as a legal and business advisor, with a focus on commercial real estate, corporate, tax and estate planning. She holds an undergraduate degree in political economy from Princeton University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. A Westport resident since 2013, she also lives in Greens Farms with her husband and 3 sons.
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The Remarkable Theater continues its remarkable fall run. A few tickets remain for some intriguing upcoming screenings at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:
- “Soul” (tonight, Thursday, September 30)
- “Footloose” (tomorrow, Friday, October 1)
- “Coco” (Saturday, October 2)
- “The Stepford Wives” (filmed partly in Westport! — Tuesday, October 5)
- “Clueless” (Thursday, October 7)
- “Togo” (Saturday, October 9).
Click here for tickets, show times and more information.
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There’s a new program on the youth basketball scene.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is introducing a basketball program for grades K-4. The program will introduce fundamentals in a fun way. Light competition begins for the 3rd graders.
The program is run by Mike Evans. The Weston High School all-state selection played at Hamilton College, then in Belfast and as a volunteer assistant coach at Harvard. He’s been a shooting instructor for NBA professionals too
High school students will help out.
Kindergartners through 2nd graders will have clinics on Saturdays, in November and December.
Third and fourth graders will have Saturday clinics, plus one weekday practice. They’ll play intrasquad games, and perhaps face an outside opponent too.
Click here for more information, and to register.
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Lewis Grossman is a Staples High School graduate, and professor of law and history at American University. He specializes in food, drug and health law. His new book — Choose Your Medicine: Freedom of Therapeutic Choice in America — examines that topic from the Revolutionary War to the Trump presidency.
He’ll be at the Westport Library on October 12 (7 p.m.) to discuss his findings. The event is both in-person and livestreamed. To register for a seat or watch from home — and purchase a signed copy of the book — click here.
Lewis Grossman
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MaryLou Roels describes her photo — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — as “the little things in life.”
(Photo/MaryLou Roels)
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And finally … in honor of tomorrow’s film at the Remarkable Theater:
As an SES parent, I am very very worried and frustrated. The superintendent email didn’t make me feel better. If it is community spread, then why are other schools are not seeing the same spike of cases? 15 cases in SES and 7 in all other 7 schools combined in the last 4 days. SES kids who have been in quarantine are now starting to test positive. Something is going on in the school. Mass testing could help but not everyone is going to opt in. I know some families may not agree with me, but I think closing the school for a few days/week is a responsible thing to do for the sake of our kids/staff’s health and community. After all, this is an outbreak.