The Westport Fire Department has released photos of yesterday’s dramatic rescue of 27 teenage rowers, and 1 coach, from Long Island Sound.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes and adult were in 3 sculls and 1 chase boat when the weather suddenly turned nasty. The sculls filled with water; 2 overturned, as did the chase boat when the young rowers clung to it.
Click here for the full story of the event, including the superb efforts of Westport’s Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service, aided by mutual aid from surrounding towns.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brings rowers to shore.
First responders assist victims.
Emergency personnel remained for an hour after the last rower was rescued at 6 p.m., an hour after the incident began, to ensure that everyone was accounted for.
Emergency vehicles from many units raced to Compo Beach.
Twenty-eight people — 27 teenager rowers and 1 coach — were thrown into the water off Compo Beach late yesterday afternoon, when glass water suddenly turned rough.
But a mass casualty was averted, thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of first responders from several towns.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan described the dramatic rescues last night, at a police headquarters press conference that drew media from as far as New York.
What Koskinas called “a very serious incident with a very good outcome” began around 5 p.m. A Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete called 911, reporting that boats had capsized and there were people in the water.
Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service responders raced to Compo. They found a “chaotic” scene, Koskinas said, with a number of young rowers clinging to boats, between the beach and Cockenoe Island. Others were swimming to shore.
The 3 60-foot rowing sculls — with 9 boys, ages 14 to 18, in each — had been swamped when calm weather suddenly turned very windy. Two of them capsized.
Just an hour before the near-tragedy, Alli DiVincenzo took a photo of the Saugatuck Rowing Club boat on calm water.
Some swam to a much smaller launch boat, manned by a coach. Another launch boat soon arrived.
As the young rowers clung to the first launch boat, it too overturned.
The water temperature was 44 degrees. The air temperature was 40.
The Westport Fire Department sent trained dive personnel. Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford marine units soon arrived to assist. So did the US Coast Guard. There were 8 ambulances on the scene too.
Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Cohen immediately established a command post.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brought 6 victims to shore. The Westport Police Marine boat brought 6 more to Ned Dimes Marina. First responders assisted other victims as they reached the beach on their own.
The chaotic scene yesterday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
Emergency personnel initially believed 25 people were involved. The number was raised to 29. Several of the young rowers had reached shore, and gone in to nearby homes to warm up and shower.
Eventually, all were found, and matched with lists of those who had been on the water.
Responders remained at the scene for an extra hour after the last rower was removed from the water at 6 p.m.. They made sure no one was still unaccounted for.
Norwalk Hospital was advised to prepare for a mass casualty event. Ultimately, only 2 young rowers required medical attention there, for hypothermia.
“The weather changed so quickly,” said Weston High School junior Davis Evans, a 4-year Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete.
“The water was glassy. Then it suddenly got windy. Two- to 3-foot swells crashed into the boat. That was really scary.”
Davis Evans describes the dramatic events. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Three hours after the rescue, he said, “it still hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
But, he noted, his fellow rowers remained calm. “I was really impressed by how mature everyone was.” He cited Alex Vogt, the coach on the launch boat that overturned, as “the reason everything worked out okay.”
Westport Public Schools quickly sent a bus to Compo. The rowers warmed up there, then were transported to the Saugatuck Rowing Club to be reunited with families.
“It was an incredible team effort,” Koskinas said. “The most important thing is that all 29 people are safe tonight with their families.”
“As the mother of 3 athletes, I can’t imagine the range of emotions today,” 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker said.
Noting that 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore had a daughter who rowed with the Saugatuck Club, Tooker added, “We hope that all the kids and families feel safe, and well taken care of, tonight.”
She thanked “this amazing leadership team. We are so blessed to have such a professional group of Fire, Police and EMS first responders.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas describes the events, at last night’s press conference. Behind him are (from left) Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Lieutenant Eric Woods, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Cohen, EMS Deputy Director Marc Hartog and EMS’ Rick Baumblatt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“You can’t really prepare for something like this,” said Evans, the Weston High rower.
“We practice 6 days a week, from 3 to 6 p.m. We were out that far because the water was really nice. There was no sense of bad weather, until it was there.
“You don’t think something like this can happen to you — until it does.”
But, he said, he will be back on the water soon.
“This is my sport.”
Koskinas said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
(Assistance was provided by the Fairfield Police Marine Division, Stamford Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Boat, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Marine Division and US Coast Guard. Eight ambulances and 20 personnel were provided by Norwalk Hospital, American Medical Response and Darien EMS.)
The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.
Then come a bang-bang series of action items:
A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
That’s a robust agenda.
And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.
This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.
We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.
Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.
The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.
Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.
In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.
The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.
Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.
Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.
Dredging the Saugatuck River.
And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.
Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.
On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.
These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.
All are important to some people. Some are important to all.
But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.
Buckle up.
(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)
(“06880” will continue to cover these projects — and everything else, big and small, in Westport. But we need your help to do so. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
“In June, the town and Police Department contracted with a company called RequestFOIA to give a web-based Freedom of Information Act request portal, through which people could submit FOIA requests.
“It is now live and reachable by clicking on “Public Record Request” on the Police Department website. After clicking, you are sent here.
“It doesn’t look like anyone has used it yet. I have not seen any official notice of it going live.
“This could be a great tool for the town, especially if it was expanded to all other departments and commissions.”
To make a public record request through the Westport Police Department website, click on the box at the right of the home page.
Like any good startup, Startup Westport has made a big mark in a short time.
Since its formation last winter, the citizen-led organization — a public/private partnership to promote Westport as the most attractive place in Connecticut for start-up tech companies — has brought together a diverse group of residents.
They’ve heard speakers, networked, and energetically leveraged the astonishing amount of creativity lurking here in offices, homes and coffee shops.
On Tuesday night, over 100 members partied.
Startup Westport’s first annual holiday gathering, at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn, was a fun, festive — and intellectually fertile — event.
Founders Jay Norris, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin spoke. So did Dan O’Keefe, Connecticut’s first chief innovation officer (who spoke at a previous meeting), and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
But mostly, the evening was a chance to meet and chat with like-minded folks.
And eat, drink, and be tech-merry.
(To learn more about Startup Westport, click here.)
Scenes from Startup Westport’s first holiday party.
When Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin was elected to the Board of Finance earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee was charged with recommending a replacement.
14 “outstanding” candidates stepped up, the DTC says. Tonight, members will vote to accept the Nominations Committee’s recommendation of Amy Wistreich. The full P&Z will then vote on that recommendation, at their next meeting.
Wistreich was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, then elected to a full term in 2021. She currently serves as secretary. She has a degree in environmental design, and spent her career working in all areas of construction, including architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance, in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Amy Wistreich
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 15 and 29.
A man was arrested, following an investigation into a December 2020 larceny at HomeGoods. He then returned stolen merchandise, got store credit, used it to purchase other items, returned those, and got full credit baci.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Speeding: 2
Driving while texting: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Learner’s permit violation: 1
The sign probably does not work. But be warned: You can be fined up t9 $500 the first time you pass a standing school bus.
At first glance, this looks like a major catastrophe. A cop car, ambulance and fire truck — all with flashing lights — right on the holiday-lit William F. Cribari Bridge.
No worries.
It’s a posed shot, showing Westport’s 3 vital first responders, at a site we all love.
Westport Police, the Westport Fire Department and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service wish everyone in town — residents, business, employees, visitors — a happy, healthy holiday.
In other words: One in which their lights are not needed. And instead, we all enjoy the lights on the bridge.
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Yesterday’s story on Lucia Palmieri — the very generous Westporter who is inviting kids and parents to meet the Westport Fire Department’s Santa on December 8 — left out one very important detail: the time.
It’s “after 5 p.m.,” Lucia says.
For details on how to participate — including donations made to the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, and how to drop off the wrapped gift for your child ahead of time (that’s how “Santa” knows what to give) — click here.
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David Bowie will have a big role at VersoFest 2024.
Sure, the English singer/songwriter/musician/actor died in 2016. But Tony Visconti — who was his producer and arranger, along with T. Rex and Thin Lizzy — will offer the keynote address at the Westport Library’s 3rd annual event.
The Saturday, April 6 discussion of Visconti’s art and career is set for Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m.). The event is free, but requires registration. Click here for tickets.
The 4-day music festival and conference runs from Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 7. It includes panels, workshops and performances. Further details will be announced soon.
If you’ve been wondering about “The Miyawaki Method: Microforests in the Age of Climate Change”: You’re in luck!
That’s the topic of Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar.
Set for Friday, December 8 (noon to 1:30 p.m.), it features micro-forest creator and environmental advocate Maya Dutta. She’ll discuss this unique method for reforestation, and how micro-forests can build communal and climate resilience.
And finally … in honor of VersoFest 2024 — and the keynote address by David Bowie’s former producer and arranger (story above):
(VersoFest — set for next April — will be here before you know it. So will December 31. Give yourself a tax-deductible break before the New Year. Please click here, to support “06880.” Thank you!)
NOTE TO READERS WHO RECEIVE “06880” BY EMAIL: WordPress appears to now be sending emails with just the heading of stories — not the full story. Hopefully this is a glitch, not a permanent change.
In any event, please pass the word to anyone who asks — though you already know, because you are reading this: Just click on the headline in the email. That will bring up the entire story!
A forecast of severe weather has forced organizers to cancel Sunday’s CT United Ride.
It’s the first cancelation ever for the event, which draws up to 1,000 motorcyclists honoring 9/11 victims and first responders.
Bikers assemble at Sherwood Island State Park, then ride down I-95 to Exit 17, where they follow Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road into Wilton, and 8 towns beyond.
Police shut down all roads, to let the motorcyclists pass. So although the tribute to 9/11 victims is off, Westporters will not be impacted by traffic detours. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)
Staples High School junior Annam Olasewere has missed the start of the Wreckers’ swim and dive season.
There’s a good reason: She’s representing the US at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Netanya, Israel. Over 600 young swimmers from more than 100 nationals are participating. Annam is the only one from Connecticut.
She’s in the finals today, the finale of the 6-day event.
Annam’s 50-meter fredstyle final heat will be shown on the big screen in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum today (Saturday), at 12:06 p.m. She is 3rd currently, with a time of 24.95.
Annam has already swum in 2 Olympic trial cuts, in the 50- and 100-meter free. This June, she’ll attend the US Olympic Trials.
Speaking of sports at the Library: With insight, humor and plenty of stories, Geno Auriemma kicked off the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s 2023-2024 speaker program on Thursday.
The hugely successful University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach did not disappoint the capacity crowd of 200 Y’s Men and their spouses.
Interviewer Jeremy Schaap — a Westporter, and Emmy Award-winning ESPN journalist — drew revealing answers from the coach.
Auriemma called the keys to his success “knowing what you’re good at, and getting the right people.” He noted, “trying to build a team from nothing and seeing it develop was a lot of fun. Every day was an opportunity to do better.”
The discussion also covered the new challenges contemporary college athletes face today.
The Y’s Men thank Pete Wolgast for helping arrange Geno’s appearance.
Geno Auriemma (with mic) answers questions from Jeremy Schaap.
Looking for help, information and support around behavioral, mental health and parenting issues?
Several interesting events are on tap this month, sponsored by Westport Together:
September 12 (3 p.m.): Join the Westport Prevention Coalition’s monthly meetings. The community-based group of parents, students and local stakeholders offer prevention education and programs to combat substance misuse and related behavioral health problems. For more information, email Kgodburn@westportct.gov.
September 26 (6:30 p.m.): “The Most Vital School Supply for Parents: Learn the Signs of Adolescent Mental Health Issues and How to get Help.” An expert panel discusses mental health resources available to area students and families. Register at wtestani@turnbridge.com
September 27 (noon): “Body Positivity in the Digital Age.” Social media has profoundly impacted teenagers, particularly concerning their body image and susceptibility to eating disorders. This virtual program covers warning signs and strategies to promote healthy habits. Click here to register.
September 30 (8 a.m.): “Fathers’ Forum.” An informal opportunity for fathers to talk about parenting challenges and strategies. Click here for more information, and to register.
No resuscitation was needed for fans of DNR Friday night at the Levitt Pavilion.
The rock band of (mostly) retired doctors performs annually there. Last night’s event was — appropriately — a fundraiser for Westport Emergency Medical Services.
The Westport Country Playhouse presents “I’ll Drink to That! A Broadway Cocktail Hour” — with a chaser.
Tickets to the September 22 (6 p.m.; Playhouse courtyard and Lucille Lortel White Barn Center, adjacent to the theater) event — featuring Laurence Maslon, author of “I’ll Drink to That!,” recounting magic moments on stage, and a guide to making cocktails inspired by legendary stars and classic shows, and actors incorporating his stories with songs and scenes from Broadway productions — include 2 specialty cocktails.
Attendees will enjoy the first as Maslon details the history of cocktails on Broadway. The 70-minute program concludes with a second drink, and book signing.
Tony Pavia answers that question on September 30 (3 p.m.). It’s part of the Weston History & Culture Center’s World War II lecture series.
“An American Town Goes to War” focuses on a group of men from one town — Stamford — but their stories are universal.
Pavia — a former US history teacher, and principal of New Canaan, Stamford and Trinity Catholic High Schools — will discuss their experiences, and tell stories of them and their loved ones.
Guided tours of the Coley House, which shows life on the home front during World War II, will begiven after the lecture.
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Congratulations to Lila Manimala Doromal earned honorable mention in NPR’s recent Student Podcast Challenge.
The Pierrepont School 8th grader and Paul Taylor Ensemble dancer wrote and narrated “I Am American.” She spoke about her Indian, Filipino and Caucasian backgrounds — and what they mean to hear.
Mary Gardner Stephenson of Westport, and Estero, Florida, died on August 16. She was 96.
Born in London, she was among the first graduates of the Royal Cancer Hospital’s program for X-ray technology.
Five years after marrying her late husband, John Mitchell Stephenson in 1948, they emigrated with their eldest daughter to Providence. They settled in Westport in 1963.
She was a nuclear medicine technologist at Bridgeport’s Park City Hospital.
Mary was as a member of the Daughters of the British Empire, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club and Audubon Society. She was also involved in the Westport-Weston Community Theatre and Wilton Playshop.
In retirement Mary dedicated herself to her lush garden, birding, listening to opera and traveling internationally. She was a devoted grandmother, sharing her love of the arts, animals and history.
She is survived by her daughters Wendy Winkler of Beaver Creek, Ohio; Jennifer Stephenson of Bonita Springs, Forida and Julia Thompson of Naples, Florida, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Beth Keane lives off South Compo Road, not far from the fire and police stations, and EMS headquarters.
Lately, she’s heard an increased number of sirens all day long.
I live near her. I’ve noticed it too.
She notes, “This absolutely is not the fault of our wonderful emergency services.”
Beth wonders if there are more emergencies overall. More likely, she thinks, sirens are used more frequently “due to the increasingly horrible traffic congestion. That may be the only way to clear a path.
“It is not so routine these days to maneuver a police vehicle, fire truck or ambulance given the current congested traffic situation in good weather — let alone through snow and ice.
“At high speed it is dicey at best, probably hair-raising, and a testament to the skill of our protectors.”
I thought about this on Monday, when a fire truck raced west on the Post Road.
The 2 lanes (plus turning lanes) were stopped for a red light at Imperial and Myrtle Avenues. With no traffic coming toward it, the vehicle maneuvered into the eastbound lane, slowed at the light, then continued toward the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, as cars slowly moved right in front of Bank of America.
It’s a scene repeated several times a day. Those sirens are definitely needed.
Drive carefully, so you won’t need emergency vehicles.
But if you see one coming — ahead of you, or behind — pull over. Give it room. To help us, they need our help.
Sure! The farm, and the restaurant just a few yards east on Cross Highway, teamed up to create the “WTF G.O.A.T. Bowl.”* It includes strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, bananas, Arethusa Farm yogurt and quinoa — topped with Wakeman Town Farm honey.
It’s $12, and is available through September 30.
Also new at The Porch: animal sugar cookies of sheep, alpacas and goats. Made by their nonprofit Sweet P Bakery, they’re $3 each. 10 % of the proceeds are donated to WTF.
The animal cookies are also available at the Town Farm’s Saturday farm stand.
The Westport Library board of trustees has a new president.
Barrie Rosen takes over for Jeremy Price. He remains on the board, as immediate past president.
Rosen — a longtime Library advocate — has served on the board since 2020. She leads marketing communications at Consumer Reports after earlier stints at YP (formerly Yellowpages.com), Fox News, News 12 Connecticut, and several public relations agencies. She also serves on the board of Staples Tuition Grants.
Joining the board as new members are Bob Boroujerdi, a former partner at Goldman Sachs who most recently served as a managing director at Third Point LLC; Mark Silverstein, an internet technology and media executive who has worked at Spotify, Luminary, and HuffPost; and Martina Sze, chief development officer at HealthVest.
Of the 20 Library board members, 10 are selected by the board itself. The other 10 are chosen by the Representative Town Meeting.
Top row (from left): Immediate past president Jeremy Price, president Barrie Rosen, secretary Melissa Banks. Bottom: new board members Mark Silverstein, Bob Boroujerdi and Martina Sze.
Lou Weinberg was the Westport Rotary Club’s guest speaker yesterday.
The Westport Community Gardens director described the tight community of avid, organic gardeners that has evolved over their 20 years at the current site, just south of Long Lots Elementary School.
He also talked about the Long Lots Preserve, the project that has reclaimed overgrown town land surrounding the garden. It’s filled now with native plants, birds and insects (particularly bees).
Lou Weinberg, at the Westport Rotary Club. His slide show highlighted the Westport Community Gardens — and the gardeners who make up the community.
Paul von Schmidt died on July 23, at 67. He was born in Westport to Peter and Annie von Schmidt, and lived in Collinsville, Connecticut.
Music was one of Paul’s greatest passions. After graduating from Staples High School, he studied in Vermont to be a luthier. He opened a successful business in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, making and fixing stringed instruments.
He worked with Ovation Guitars. He also repaired guitars for music stores throughout the state, supporting and advocating for local musicians. He was a talented guitar player in his own right, too,
Paul was a talented chef (known for his homegrown, homemade hot sauces), artist and avid learner.
He is survived by his daughters Tara von Schmidt and Alissa Savage-Paul (Chris); grandchildren Alexandria Savage, Ariana Savage and Finn Paul; brother Christian, extended family, and countless friends.
His family says, “Paul’s life was defined by music, storytelling and good friendships. In his honor we encourage you to raise a glass, strum a guitar string, or plan your next adventure, just as he would have wanted.”
A celebration of his life will be held in Westport on August 22. Click here for more information. To plant a tree in Paul’s memory, click here. (Hat tip: JD Dworkow)
Paul von Schmidt
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There are tons of beautiful waterfront gardens.
At the top of any list: Martin Greenberg and Becky Keeler’s, on the Saugatuck River.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature includes one small section of their gorgeous — and very green — property.
At the start of each month’s Representative Town Meeting, a resident offers an invocation.
Last week, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (WVEMS) president Mike Burns used his time to describe his organization — and to remind RTM members (who vote each year on the town budget) what a bargain they are for the town.
He said:
Westport EMS is a hybrid organization that runs the Emergency Medical Service for the town. We are 2 organizations (Westport EMS and WVEMS), and we proudly serve as one seamless team. W
Westport EMS operates under the Westport Police Department, and is made up of roughly 7 full-time staff who work hand in hand with over 50 volunteers, who come from WVEMS. The full-time staff are mainly paramedics, and the volunteers are mainly EMT’s
Together we provide amazingly good care to all who live, work and pass through Westport. On any given call, you are almost guaranteed to have a paramedic respond to the scene. This is not typical elsewhere. A paramedic is a licensed professional who provides the same emergency medical care as someone would get from a doctor in an emergency room. This makes all the difference for someone who suffers a serious medical emergency. Westport is very lucky to have this.
The volunteer organization (WVEMS) is made up of a diverse group of people who freely volunteer their time to staff the ambulances, and raise money to fund the program.
Here is where the bargain comes in. EMS is the smallest of the 3 emergency services in town, but we actually cost the town very little to operate.
EMS takes in revenue from patients’ insurance. The volunteer organization’s fundraising efforts make up a lot of the rest of the cost. In addition to staffing the ambulances and our educational classes, as a charitable organization we purchase the equipment, vehicles and supplies to run the service.
One ambulance costs about $360,000. We have 3, and are in the process of replacing them all.
Mike Burns, WVEMS president, with an EMS ambulance.
In the past, WVEMS has paid for the expansion of the Police Department building to accommodate both WEMS and the WPD.
The town budget is pretty much untouched by EMS. The town doesn’t have any bond issuances or extra budgetary requests due to EMS.
We also have 3 fly cars, which serve as paramedic vehicles. The one big request that WVEMS has made is to share in the ARPA funds to replace one of our aging fly cars with a green electric vehicle. We think this is an appropriate request, considering the driving force of the funds.
We are an amazing asset for Westport. Too few people are aware of it until they need it.
Finances aside, the members of EMS are dedicated to serving the town despite our not being sworn officers. If there is ever a mass incident in town, EMS will be there, along with the other emergency service providers, in harm’s way — myself included.
Some of the 2021 Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service crew.
In closing I want to thank you for your time and consideration. I hope this brief overview helped to further enlighten the community as to who we are and how we operate. Please help to spread our message.
It never hurts for “06880” readers to learn more about our often-overlooked Emergency Medical Services (and their confusing structures and budget needs). Click here for more information on Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services. Click here for more information on Westport Emergency Medical Services.
At approximately 4:20 p.m. today, Westport’s Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to the area of 294 Saugatuck Avenue near the Norwalk town line, on a report of a 2-car accident.
One driver was conscious, and able to speak with emergency responders. That person was extricated by firefighters and transported to the hospital for treatment. The driver of the other car was unresponsive and did not have a pulse. That individual was pronounced deceased by medical personnel.
The name of the victim will not be released until next of kin are notified.
The Westport Police Department’s accident investigation team, with assistance from the Fairfield Police Department’s accident investigation team, will handle this investigation.
Saugatuck Avenue between Ferry Lane and Duck Pond Road is closed, and is not expected to reopen for the next several hours. However, residents who live within that area will be allowed to access their homes.
“The scene in Buffalo this past weekend was horrifying, and I send my deepest condolences to all those affected.
“Along with help from TEAM Westport, our law enforcement colleagues, our houses of worship and our extensive non-profit organizations, we continue to strive to ensure that this community is a place where residents, business owners and visitors feel safe, supported, and have a sense of belonging.
“This important work is ongoing, and there is still progress to be made. As first selectwoman, I want to personally re-state my commitment to these efforts in Westport. Thank you for your support on this journey.”
Nine of the 10 victims of the mass execution in Buffalo.
Westport EMS deputy director Marc Hartog knows this has been an exceptionally tough couple of years.
“The EMTs and paramedics of Westport EMS continue to rise to the challenge every day, and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our community.” he says.
“Relieving pain and suffering, caring for sick and injured patients, saving lives is just part of the experience of responding to the public’s calls for help. EMS providers, whether paid or volunteer, take on many crucial roles every day: healthcare professional; emergency manager; social worker; crisis counselor; consoler; caregiver.”.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds “EMS Week is a chance for our town to recognize the service and sacrifice exhibited by our EMS personnel over the past year, and to express our gratitude for all they continue to do, day in and day out, for our community.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker with an EMS Week proclamation. (From left): Police Chief Foti Koskinas, EMS crew chiefs Larry Kleinman and Rick Baumblatt, EMS deputy director Marc Hartog, EMS crew chief Eric Hebert, Deputy Police Chief/EMS director Sam Arciola.
Nearly everyone who owns a convertible loves to show it off.
Here’s your chance to impress the entire town.
Organizers of the Memorial Day parade need a few open-tops for the May 30 event. They’re used to transport dignitaries, like veterans (including the grand marshal).
If you’ve got a convertible to lend, contact Deborah Detmer at the Parks & Recreation office: 203-341-5091; ddetmer@westportct.gov.
It doesn’t get more classic than this. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
After 2 online-only years, 2022’s “Booked for the Evening” with TV producer/ screenwriter/ author/CEO Shona Rhimes will be the most financially successful in the event’s 20 year history.
And anyone, anywhere can add to the fundraising.
Tickets for the virtual livestream (June 1, 8 p.m.). are still available. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Shonda Rhimes
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By day, it’s the Farmers’ Market. At night, it’s the Remarkable Theater.
On May 27, the Imperial Avenue parking lot — home to both — hosts a special film showing.
“Biggest Little Farm” — the award-winning 2018 documentary about the 8-year quest of a couple to trade city living for 200 acres of barren farmland (and a dream) — is set for May 27. Sustainable Westport co-sponsors the event.
Tickets to this family-friendly event are $25 per vehicle. Tailgating (with food from the Market the day before?) starts at 6 p.m. The screening is at 8. Bees Knees — a popular WFM vendor — will selling their signature frozen pops.
The next Artists Collective of Westport pop-up show is May 26-29 (2 to 6 p.m. each day; the Westport Country Playhouse barn). There’s an opening reception May 25 (6 to 8 p.m.), and artists’ talks on Sunday, May 29 (4 p.m.).
Participating artists include some very familiar names: Peg Benison, Louise Cadoux, Jeanine Esposito, Jane Fleischner, Rebecca Fuchs, Holly Hawthorne, Katya Lebrija, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Steve Parton, Nancy Reinker, Debbie Smith, Cindy Wagner and Lee Walther.
To learn more about this great Collective, click below.
The other day, Connecticut Public Radio aired an interesting story headlined “How Medical Aid in Dying May Change the Way We Live.”
one of the guests is Lynda Bluestein. A longtime member and former board chair of Westport’s Unitarian Church, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now she’s working hard to get “medical Aid in dying” legislation passed in the state.
Westport’s State Senator Will Haskell and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg were very public supporters of a recent bill attempting — for the 16th time — to get Connecticut legislation passed. Once again, the bill did not make it out of the Judiciary Committee.
Saturday’s fundraiser for AWARE — the great, generous non-profit (Assisting Women with Actions, Resources and Education) — was postponed a day by rain.
Attendees had a wonderful time. And if you’re not “aware” of how much they do for women and children in the area, click here.
Andy Gundell has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award, in Original Composition and Arrangement. It is for music from a Black Lives Matter program that streamed online in February 2021 from the Unitarian Church in Westport. Gundell is a 13-time Emmy winner already.
The program —“Revealing History–How We Got Here, Why It Matters” — was produced by the church’s Women’s Group. It is a powerful multi-media tribute to the BLM movement, and the history of racial injustice in America. Click here for a link.
If you’ve never needed Westport Volunteer EMS — whether at home, out and about, or in an ambulance — consider yourself lucky.
Your time will come.
And whether you have or have not, if you’ve never considered where the funding for this volunteer service — including its 3 ambulances, and every bit of equipment — comes from: The time has come.
Read on. Then pony up.
Established over 40 years ago, Westport EMS is a neighbor-to-neighbor organization. Over 100 members give almost 20,000 hours of their time each year, staffing ambulances. They come from all walks of life. (Because they love Westport so much, some are from out of town too).
Some — but not all — of the 2021 Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service crew.
Nearly every call includes a paramedic — very rare, especially for a community this size. Response time beats the national average (and have you seen the traffic in town lately?).
So how much money comes from the town budget?
Almost $0.
EMS is not funded by taxes. The yearly budget — around $1.3 million — is almost entire self-funded. That pays for 7 full-time staff members, 1 full-time Norwalk Hospital paramedic, and other costs like buildings and insurance.
Westport Volunteer EMS — the volunteer arm of the official town agency, run by the Police Department — raises all money needed to buy equipment supplies. That’s everything from Band-Aids (true!) to ambulances (which are substantially more expensive than bandages).
WEstport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service pays for all equipment in an ambulance …
A fully outfitted ambulance costs over $300,000. WVEMS has 3. They should be bought new every 8 to 10 years. For a variety of reasons, all must be replaced soon.
… and the ambulances themselves. Pictured: Mike Burns, WVEMS president.
The stretcher and loading system for each ambulance is over $50,00o. They are replaced when the ambulances are.
A fly car (paramedic response vehicle) costs $50,000. Westport has 3; they are replaced every 10 years as well.
Also in the budget: fly cars.
A Lifepak 15 heart monitoring device costs $50,000. We have 4. A Lucas CPR device costs $15,000. Westport has 3.
Oh, yeah: WVEMS supplies all their own PPE. You might not have thought about that before March 2020. Now you know that vital equipment adds up quickly too.
Raising money — even as a 501(c)(3), even in a town like Westport — is challenging. Most people assume their taxes cover EMS. They don’t.
More than half of all donations are $50 or less; 83% are no more than $100. WVEMS has, admittedly, not done a good job telling their story to Westporters — including the wealthiest families, who already support so many other good causes.
WVEMS hopes to establish a professionally managed endowment, providing self-funding for vehicle and supply needs. Neighboring towns have already done that.
“Every dollar counts,” says Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Michael Burns. (Click here to donate; click here for more information, including how to volunteer.)
Burns also encourages Westporters to spread the WVEMS word, to others who might help.
It’s one of our town’s most important services. As noted earlier: If you haven’t needed them yet — one day you will.
Your contribution today will ensure a speedy response — and a new ambulance, if needed — tomorrow.
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The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Together we provide amazingly good care to all who live, work and pass through Westport. On any given call, you are almost guaranteed to have a paramedic respond to the scene. This is not typical elsewhere. A paramedic is a licensed professional who provides the same emergency medical care as someone would get from a doctor in an emergency room. This makes all the difference for someone who suffers a serious medical emergency. Westport is very lucky to have this.
WVEMS hopes to establish a professionally managed endowment, providing self-funding for vehicle and supply needs. Neighboring towns have already done that.