Town officials ask residents affected by yesterday’s weather to report flood-related damage through the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Damage Self-Report.
NOTE: This is an information-gathering survey only. Submitting the survey is not a claim or request for assistance, and does not guarantee that disaster relief or other recovery assistance will be available.
Information collected will help state and local emergency management officials document the extent of the damage, and determine whether the State of Connecticut may be eligible for post-disaster programs through FEMA and/or the Small Business Administration.
Residents should also report property damage to their insurance company.
Major damage occurred at the 1177 Post Road East apartments. The first floor — including the community room — were inundated. Cars in the parking lot were ruined.
It was the second major flood there in 5 years.
One view of 1177 Post Road East …
… and another.
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How much rain fell yesterday?
Statistics are one thing. Visual evidence is another.
Jay Petrow sends this photo of a wheelbarrow.
On Saturday, it was empty.
By Sunday afternoon:
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
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Lynsey Addario has added one more prestigious honor, to her sparkling resumé.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate — already a Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur Fellow-winning photojournalist — recently received the Diane vonFurstenberg Award.
Founded by the fashion designer in 2010, it recognizes women who display exceptional courage, strength and leadership. The award icludes a grant to further the recipient’s humanitarian or non-profit work.
Addario was cited for her fearless career documenting conflict zones, around the world.
Among the 4 other recipients in Venice earlier this month: Jane Fonda. Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Neil Brickley)
Lynsey Addario
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Charlie Capalbo’s battle with lymphoma and leukemia inspired countless people, locally and across the nation.
The 2017 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School — and grandson of noted Westport writer Ina Chadwick — was a 3-time recipient of cells from his brother Will. The procedure helped Charlie live a few extra years, before he died in 2022.
A Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk (October 4, Jennings Beach, Fairfield), keeps Charlie’s memory and legacy alive, by supporting pediatric cancer research and families facing similar battles.
The 24K walk (15 miles) honors his birth and death days. The walk is 3 loops of 5 miles, weaving through the beach area. Paricipants can do 1, 2 or 3 loops — or anything in between. 250 walkers have already signed up.
There is a post-walk celebration at The Seagrape with Colony Pizza, Super Duper Weenie Trucks and the Stop & Shop trucks.
Roger Sherman Elementary School is organizing a family fun day, with kids’ activities and a DJ. Click here for more information, and registration.
#CapalboStrong
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A new session of the United Nations is beginning.
So is another year of the Staples Model UN. It’s one of the most successful of all the high school’s club.
The student-run organization teaches members the skills needed to participate in Model United Nations conferences. At conferences, students represent countries in UN committees, researching and debating complex international issues from their assigned country’s perspective.
In recent years Staples delegates have attended conferences hosted by Yale, Dartmouth, the Loomis Chaffee School, and the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City.
The club meets weekly after school to prepare through public speaking, debate, research, negotiation, and resolution-writing exercises.
While many other schools have significantly more institutional support for Model UN — including dedicated faculty-led programs and even Model UN classes — Staples students teach and prepare one another.
Despite those differences, Staples has been highly successful. In the past 2 years alone, they’ve collected 10 awards at 4 conferences.
Model UN conferences cost hundreds of dollars per student, for registration, transportation and lodging. They hope to fundraise, so that all interested members can participate.
Right now, they’re looking for local businesses and organizations to partner with Staples Model UN. $250 can help cover the conference costs of 1 student; $500 can help support 2. Contributions of any amount are appreciated.
Club members say their goal is not only to raise money, but to “build support within the Westport community for a student-run program that gives Staples students opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, research, diplomacy, negotiation and leadership.
Interested businesses, organizations and individuals can send checks to “Model UN Club,” c/o Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Email jori.altman@gmail.com.
Staples Model UN Club
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There are many stories of neighbors helping neighbors during and after yesterday’s ferocious rain.
And not just people.
Amanda Vitelli spotted these 2 people making sure a large — very large — snapping turtle made its way safely — and very slowly — across Weston Road.
(Photo/Amanda Vitelli)
We don’t know if the 2 knew each other. We don’t know how they spotted the turtle, or how long it took.
We do know that it takes a village to raise a child (and protect wildlife).
And whoever raised these 2 guys sure did a good job.
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After yesterday’s harrowing weather, folks who could make it the Levitt Pavilion were rewarded.
The Brian López Electric Trio offered a magical evening.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
The outdoor theater presents 3 shows this week:
- Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
- Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
- Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.
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Speaking of the Levitt: Good news! Work is almost complete on the handicap ramp at the Levitt Pavilion.
It’s part of the town’s ongoing efforts to be ADA-compliant everywhere.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Local walkers will join others nationwide this Sunday (September 19, 10 a.m., Sherwood Island State Park, for the Optimism Walk for Parkinson’s.
Funds raised go to local programs and services that help people with Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest, and to fund research for treatments and a cure. Click here for more information, and registration.
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Yesterday’s weather was, as they say, a nice day for ducks.
Robin Jaffee Frank spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene just a day before, near Temple Israel.
(Photo/Robin Jaffee Frank)
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And finally … the weather has cleared. But let’s not let yesterday pass without:
(We hope you’ve dried out. We also hope you appreciated yesterday’s coverage of that crazy storm. We worked all day — even longer than usual. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
