Many organizations are sending please-help, end-of-the-year fundraising appeals.
All are worthy of consideration.
One is especially important for Westporters.
Most residents have no idea that Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service relies almost entirely on donations.
That’s right: The men, women (and teenagers!) who respond to over 2,300 calls a year, providing outstanding care to people who live here, work here, visit here and pass through here (that’s you, accident victims on I-95 and the Merritt), must also spend time raising nearly every penny they need.
What do your dollars pay for?
● Replacing their 10-year-old ambulances with state-of-the-art vehicles — and stocking it with crucial medical equipment. It’s true: EMS pays not only for ambulances, but for everything from the heart monitors and gurneys to the Band-Aids in them.
● Continuing to educate thousands of citizens in CPR – and certifying them as Emergency Medical Responders/Emergency Medical Technicians.
● Ensuring that EMS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (366, in 2024).
Westporters are very generous to EMS. Many (though certainly not all) donate after appreciating the calm, compassionate — and extremely professional — care they receive after a 911 call. Others contribute, knowing that if they ever do need EMS, their dollars will help.
But despite that support, EMS is still short of its goal.
That’s why they’re appealing for tax-deductible funds before the end of the year. They welcome one-time contributions, or monthly sustaining gifts. Click here to help.
It’s a cliché to say “have a happy, safe and healthy new year.” EMS wishes that for all Westport residents, visitors and passing through persons.
But if you don’t have one, they’ll be there for you.
Providing, that is, that you help provide for them.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service pays for all the equipment in their ambulances — and the vehicles themselves.
==================================================
It’s not quite flood conditions.
But Deadman Brook downtown was higher than usual this morning, following a steady rain.
(Photos/Sal Liccione)
The rain will end soon. Showers may return late today.
=================================================
Today’s intriguing “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken by Michael Chait, at Burying Hill Beach. The view is toward Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Michael Chait)
==================================================
And finally … Tom Smothers, the older, seemingly ditzier but actually more politically minded half of the Smothers Brothers comedy duo, died Tuesday at his home in Santa Rosa, California. He was 86, and had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
Click below for a typical routine:
Click below for Pete Seeger’s 1968 performance of “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” on the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” — in the midst of the Vietnam War — that got them canceled by CBS:
I listened to the Smothers Brothers throughout the 60s. I credit them, The Chad Mitchell Trio, The Kingston Trio, The Weavers and of course Pete Seeger for forming me politically.
Pete, Take those four, multiply by a 1,000, and you might come close to Taylor Swift’s influence. Republicans are extremely concerned about her influence.
Oh, Jack, how I wish the Republicans were at all concerned about Taylor. Just think how much good she could do by speaking out against Trump or, say, writing an anti Trump song….she could literally save America. If only.
I was walking through Longshore and saw at least 8 park/rec fairly new trucks which I assume are paid for by the town (not denying the need) but the town cannot afford to supply an ambulance that is used on average of 7 times a day, every day…talk about an essential service.
As far as I know, Kevin, there is not even an “EMS line item” in the town budget, which is really shocking. further, even if there is mention of EMS in the budget, the allotment is surly not nearly enough…especially in a town where so much lip service is given to “safety.”
Kevin, you’re right, the parks and rec trucks that just sit there in the parking lot are paid by by town funds. EMS has has to raise most of their money from donations. There is only an approximately 200k cost to tax payers after billing with the rest of the operating and capital expenditures covered by donations. The fire and police departments are 100% funded by tax payers minus some state and federal grants.
HiPete- you nailed them – I would add Tom Lehrer and Peter Paul and Mary for good measure!!
I also followed Peter, Paul & Mary, the Mama’s and the Papa’s, Jefferson Airplane (Go Ask Alice), the New Christy Minstrels, the Serendipity Singers, but the ones I listed in my original comment were the most political. I still sing Barry’s Boys (Chad Mitchell Trio) and Charlie on the MTA (Kingston Trio) and inflict them on my grandchildren. From time to time I quote Tommy Smothers and for no good reason will say Go Camel Go, or Poignant means a little bit pregnant.
Republican’s worried about Taylor Swift? Why, is she bombing someone?
I hope as a result of all the hoopla on this thread Taylor Swift moves to Westport (for the haute couteur) buys the Baron’s South and turns it into senior living for retired politicians (including First Selectwoman) who are term limited. Leave the Community Gardens where they are.
Does anyone know if tile grout cleaning is covered under Medicare?
Hi Eric Merry Christmas and happy new year the first selectwomen office or man is. They are not term limited . we are a wonderful town I hope to new year go well for our town we do have a lot issues ? I rely love our town and I no you do