Tag: community

Westport Local Press launches with hopes of being a community platform

The Westport Local Press was created by Jamie Bairaktaris ’16 after the closure of WestportNow. The website aims to be a community platform for Westporters.

December 15, 2020

Between working as an EMT, working at Saugatuck Sweets and an elementary school, Jamie Bairaktaris ’16 never envisioned having time, or an interest, to start a news website. However, a passion for photography...

Seniors vote for first time in 2020 election

A portion of Staples seniors voted for the next US President and local politicians for the first time in this election.

November 20, 2020

The 2020 presidential race was nothing like America has seen before. Debates between supporters of former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump have erupted across the United States ever...

Yarnbalmer spreads positivity through designs

The Yarnbalmer has decorated over 50 trees in Westport so far and plans to continue her unique work.

November 10, 2020

Out of the Darkness program unifies communities, raises awareness about suicide prevention

The Out of the Darkness walks greatly help to raise awareness and educate many about suicide prevention.

November 4, 2020

The Out of the Darkness program is one that educates many on the topic of suicide and how to prevent it. By funding research, creating educational programs and advocating for public policy throughout America,...

“Westport Rocks” unifies local community spirit

“Westport Rocks” has an official Instagram, Facebook and website regularly updated with photos of the painted rocks found around town.

October 30, 2020

Amid the troublesome times of the coronavirus, a local organization shines a ray of positivity onto the town with its inspirational project. Founded by Jen Greely and Lindsay Weiner, “Westport Rocks”...

Buttons of teachers’ faces aim to foster stronger sense of school community

Librarian Jennifer Cirino shows off her custom button. This new idea was something she brought to Staples as a way to help heighten the sense of community at Staples.

October 16, 2020

In the midst of a pandemic when nearly everybody has a face covering, it can be easy for communities to feel detached. In order to help alleviate some of this disconnection, Staples librarians are making...

Food pantries depend on Westport community during pandemic

The food pantry at the Gillespie Center is well-stocked after a recent food drive, allowing them to provide for those affected by the pandemic.

October 13, 2020

COVID-19 has left many families with financial instability, food insecurity and no guarantee of what the future holds. Because of this, food pantries have seen an increase in visitors who are in dire need...

@blackatshs aims to create understanding within community

The Instagram page @blackatshs aims to build bridges within the Westport community amid nationwide racial discussions.

October 6, 2020

We live in a time where the ability to communicate with thousands lays at the tip of our fingers. As discussions regarding race grow across the nation, many within the Staples community want their voices...

Creating a community: The Porch At Christie’s

Nancy Wahler and her 21-year-old son Alex Wahler who has Autism and Epilepsy.

October 4, 2020

Giving back to the community was always something that Andrea and Bill Percoiello loved to do. After opening a bakery in Norwalk, where students with disabilities learned how to make pastries and work...

Westport and Weston rally around Peter’s Weston Market in light of Coronavirus

May 12, 2020

Peter’s Weston Market has been a place of importance for Westport and Weston communities for many years. Due to Coronavirus, hard times have set upon the business. Thus, a GoFundMe page...

Coronavirus prompts charitable student contributions

In the clothing drive, each participant labeled every bag with size and gender description and placed it near their mailbox. Levitt then planned a pickup within 24 hours.

April 30, 2020

Families gathered outside their houses just a couple weeks ago, in safe social distancing fashion, with pots, pans, spoons, plates and every other kind of household object. These objects were then slammed...

Coronavirus highlights importance of optimism

From school closures to unemployment to the coronavirus’ tremendous death toll on the U.S. population, this pandemic has affected every facet of society.

April 30, 2020

Making sense of these past few weeks has not been easy. From the lines of anxious shoppers donning masks outside grocery stores to headlines stating that the coronavirus’ death toll has now surpassed...