First Selectwoman Jen Tooker reacted yesterday to charges of racial incidents in Westport schools, leveled at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.
She said: “Every time I speak publicly, even as recently as last week at the State of the Town address, I state that one of my top priorities is to ensure Westport is a place where everyone feels like they belong – where people feel safe and seen and heard. I regularly acknowledge that we have more work to do as a community.
“It is with shock and disappointment that I listen to the devastating comments made by parents at the Board of Education meeting this week. I want the residents and business owners to know there is no place for any form of hate in Westport. There is no place for racism in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms.
“We must all stand together and speak clearly and unequivocally on this issue. We should demand accountability. Westport has my unwavering commitment to continue to work with local leaders, including TEAM Westport and the school administration, to create a supportive environment where we, as Superintendent Tom Scarice said, treat each other with dignity and respect. We all want to feel like we belong. Every one of us deserves to feel valued. When one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”
Click below for a video of her speech:
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Connecticut’s presidential primary begins this month.
Early voting is set for Tuesday through Thursday, March 26-28 (Town Hall Room 201) and Saturday, March 30 (Town Hall auditorium); polls are open fro 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 2 (6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Republican candidates are Donald Trump, Ryan Binkley, Nikki Haley and “Uncommitted.” Ron DeSantis is listed, but may not be on the final ballot.
Democratic candidates are Joseph Biden, Dean Phillips and “Uncommitted.” Cenk Uyuger and Marianne Williamson are listed, but may not be on the final ballot.
Workers are needed at the polls (for pay). Contact registrars Maria Signore (Republican) or Deborah Greenberg (Democrat) at 203-341-1117 for more information.
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A fed-up reader wants help or advice from “06880” readers. She writes:
“Can anyone tell me how to stop Westport News home delivery, which we never asked for and never pay for?
“When we are away, it is impossible to stop delivery. There is no phone number to call, no email to send to, and lots of newspapers cluttering up our driveway indicating we are away. Since we live on a major thoroughfare, this is particularly concerning.
“Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this problem – who to call or write to so we can stop delivery forever?
“My husband is apoplectic. I am mad. Your suggestions and any info are most welcome.”
Please like “Comments” below for suggestions.
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If you get voicemail from someone claiming to be Captain David Wolf from the Westport Police Department, requesting a call back — and then hear there’s a bench warrant for your arrest, or a $5,000 fine — don’t worry.
It’s a scam.
The WPD will never request that a fine be paid over the phone — or solicit payment of any kind.
And of course, do not ever give personal banking information like an account number to someone who calls, unless you are absolutely sure who you are speaking with.
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“Gloria” has had a tough time since Alan Sterling died.
His oyster boat survived in Gray’s Creek for several years. A recent storm pushed it ashore, where it is slowly falling apart.
It looks like the end is near. This was the view yesterday.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Weston author Lisa Grunwald’s 7th novel, “The Evolution of Annabel Craig,” will be published this spring.
It is set in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee during the infamous Scopes “monkey trial.” In the midst of a town and marriage divided by issues of faith and science, Annabel Craig must learn to question her own beliefs.
Mingling fictional characters with famous figures and events, the novel is both a portrait of a marriage and a harbinger of many of today’s deepest controversies.
Much of it was written in her Weston house (and discussed with her husband, a journalism professor and former head of Reuters) during walks on Compo Beach.
Click here for more information, and to pre-order.
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the East Coast Contemporary Ballet celebrates its 5th anniversary with a gala at MoCA Westport (March 2, 7 p.m.).
The evening includes a dance performance, open bar, auction and live music.
Many of the dancers teach in the area. Every summer, they offer a dozen free outdoor performances at the Fairfield County Dance Festival.
For more information on East Coast Contemporary Ballet, click here. For tickets to the gala, click here.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image highlights Winslow Park, in serene winter stillness:
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
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And finally … in honor of the imminent end of Gloria, Westport’s favorite oyster boat (story above):
(Please help “06880” survive. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
