Los Angeles is nearly 3,000 miles away.
But fires on the West Coast are a huge concern here too. Many Westporters know relatives and friends affected by the blazes.
And disasters like these can lead to increased insurance premiums nationwide.
Realtor Judy Michaelis says, “it’s essential to take steps now to understand and mitigate risks where possible.”
She assesses property risks through Risk Factor, a tool from the non-profit First Street Foundation.
While wildfire risk in Westport is very low, flooding is a more pressing concern. Judy says that 3,074 properties in Westport — 35% of all properties — risk flooding within the next 30 years.
Enter your address on the site to access a free, detailed flood risk report. This resource is invaluable for understanding and addressing your property’s vulnerability.
Even if your risk is low, Judy adds, you should check in with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage is adequate for replacement costs. They’ve increased significantly recently.
Floods are increasingly frequent in Westport. (Photo/Matt Murray)
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Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, in anticipation of upcoming plunging temperatures.
It’s in effect from tomorrow (January 19, 6 p.m.) through Friday, January 24, noon).
Westport has several warming centers. They include:
Westport Senior Center: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
MoCA Westport: Thursday, 12- 8 p.m.; Friday, 12-4 p.m.
For assistance, contact Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050 Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Y is one of Westport’s 5 warming centers.
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Another topic of interest for all residents is traffic.
The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) draft of the Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants, is now available for review and public comment. Click here to read it.
Comments can be sent to SS4A@westportct.gov online or by attending the public meeting scheduled for January 29 (not yet on the town calendar).
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Westporters love to read.
Now, readers can help select the winner of the third annual Westport Prize for Literature.
Voluneers are needed to help vet manuscripts for the 2025 honor. It will be awarded this fall at the Library’s StoryFest.
Readers must be Westport residents. They will read 2-3 manuscripts, then submit feedback online.
Results will help determine which finalists advance to an independent jury. Click here for more information, and to apply as a reader.
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Meanwhile, across the green from the Library, Pause + Purpose — the Jesup Road yoga and meditation center — is closing its studio.
However, gatherings will continue to be held elsewhere.
A note to clients says, “Pause + Purpose is not a building; it’s us. It’s the spirit we’ve created together. This evolution is not an ending but a continuation—an opportunity to serve not only this cherished community but many others in deeper, more impactful ways.
“Our mission, our heart, is not confined to walls. Wherever we gather, Pause + Purpose will remain a place for healing, connection, and belonging.”
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Orin Ganz’s daughter Eden Zechariah was murdered by Hamas, after the terror group invaded Israel.
Since then, she has dedicated herself to “defeating the darkness.”
Tomorrow (January 19), the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life CT (11:30 a.m., 228 Saugatuck Avenue) presents a “lunch and listen” event.
Ganz will speak via Zoom from Israel about “Flying with Broken Wings; Tools for Coping with Life’s Challenges, and Developing Mental Resilience.” Click here for more information.
Eden Zechariah
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Former Westport resident Madeleine Conway died recently. She was 87, and lived in Delray Beach, Florida.
A native of the Netherlands who moved to Long Island in 1940, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College, and Columbia University’s School of International Affairs.
Madeleine helped artists launch their New York careers in the 1970s. She wrote
prominent in the art world She co-wrote “The Museum of Modern Art Artists’ Cookbook” and “Gourmet to Go: The New York Guide to Dining Out at Home.”
She was a trustee emeritus of The Perez Art Museum in Miami. Her family, art, reading and travel were her biggest passions.
Madeleine was predeceased by her husbands Paul Conway and Stanley Rubenfeld, and her good friend Victor Rubino. She is survived by her son Andrew Conway (Jill), daughters Victoria Newman and Alexandra Conway Marks (Steven), 7 grandchildren, and sisters Dorothy Bennett (Richard)
and Jacqueline Walker (Arthur).
Donations may be made in Madeleine’s name to Colorectal Research Foundation
at Memorial Sloan Kettering (c/o Dr. Lagunes Reidy or eheald@pamm.org at the
Perez Art Museum.
Madeleine Conway
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As temperatures are set to drop, let’s not forget our feathered friends.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the importance of keeping everyone — and everything — fed and healthy.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … A. A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. The English author, poet, and playwright died in 1956.
(“06880” helps you prepare for all kinds of weather — and brings you all kinds of news. That’s the way we roll, 24/7/365. To support our hyper-local coverage, please click here. Thank you!)
Arlene Gottlieb.
The Westport Safety Action Plan reports two dangerous underpasses in table 2-4 which is presented on page 2-7. One of the underpasses listed is reported as being on Hills Point Road.
In the many years I have lived on that road, I have yet to encounter an underpass. There is an overpass, and I would suspect the traffic safety issues associated an overpass are quite different than those associated with an underpass.
Does the Town’s consulting firm subject its draft report to review for accuracy?
Shouldn’t the town have a warming center open overnight?
Does Westport have homeless people?