Westport Library has announced new additions to its inaugural VersoFest, which runs April 8-10.
Dick Wingate, who has been at the forefront of music marketing, will host a panel with Stephen Webber, Datwon Thomas and Travis Bell, on the fundamentals of audio production. The panel will take place at 1 p.m. on April 9.
Stephen Webber is an Emmy-winning composer and leading innovator in music and the performing arts. He is the Dean of Strategic Initiatives at Berklee and has produced and engineered albums for a wide range of artists.
Dawon Thomas is editor-in-chief of VIBE Magazine and vice president of cultural media for MRC.
Travis Bell is the Director of Audio Studios and the in-house producer and engineer at Verso Studios.
VersoFest is the library’s new music and media conference. It includes panels, intimate workshops and performances.
The library is located at 20 Jesup Road.
Police will promote Autism Acceptance Month
The Westport Police Department celebrates Autism Acceptance Month in April by promoting education and a better understanding of autism.
The department is committed to supporting people with autism and their family members throughout the year.
Many Westport police officers have purchased Autism Acceptance Badges to honor the autistic community and will be wearing them throughout the month.
The department will also affix the rainbow-colored infinity symbol for autism to all police cars for the month. Fleet Auto Supply in West Haven donated the logos.
It is also an opportune time to remind the community of the city’s confidential Disability Registry, which was created by the Westport Disability Commission, the Department of Social Services and the Police Department. The registry is used to provide essential information that will help police and other emergency workers meet the needs of residents of all abilities.
Visit the city’s website for more information on how to register.
Parent meeting set for health class
Fifth Grade Health Class parent sessions will be held at the Coleytown Elementary School Library at 10 a.m. on April 12 and 7 p.m. on April 13.
District health educators will discuss the program, share information and answer questions from participants.
All three lessons are about human growth and development. Students will be separated by gender and learn the extent of the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty and how best to take care of themselves during this time. Students will watch a video and have a follow-up discussion.
There is also a blended lesson to help students recognize sexual harassment and know what to do if they see or experience it.
Parents who wish to exempt their child or children from instruction in either area may do so by submitting a written request to their building manager, in accordance with state mandates.
The Westport Public School District recommends that all of its students participate in the program.
The Westport Woman’s Club awards community service grants
The Westport Woman’s Club has awarded a total of $39,000 in community service grants to 29 Fairfield County nonprofit organizations for the spring season. Beneficiaries respond to a variety of social needs, including homelessness, family crises and food insecurity.
Contact Westport Women’s Club member Gloria Smithson at [email protected], or 203-227-4240, for more information.
Westport Country Playhouse looking to volunteeruh bailiffs
The Westport Country Playhouse is looking for volunteer Ushers to perform a variety of duties.
Ushers will receive an orientation on their first shift to familiarize themselves with the theater and the duties of the role. Playhouse manager Kelly Richards Mikolasy is in charge of the usher team.
Volunteer ushers must be over the age of 18, unless accompanied by a guardian who will accompany the minor.
Visit westportplayhouse.org/visit/covid19safety/ for updates on COVID-19 health and site safety protocols.
Contact Kelly Richards Mikolasy at [email protected], or 203-571-1296 for more information about the volunteer usher program.
The theater’s 2022 season opens April 5. It is located at 25 Powers Court, off Routet 1 in Westport.
No animals on city beaches from April 1
Westport Director of Parks and Recreation, Jennifer Fava, reminds residents that from April 1, no animals will be allowed on Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches, and in or out of vehicles.
The rules will be in effect until October 1.
Parking emblems will be required on all vehicles entering city beaches from May 1.
Fava is also asking the public to help keep the city’s fields in good playing condition, keeping animals away from ball diamonds year-round.
Visit westportrecreation.com for detailed information on park policies in the city.
Dogs are welcome at Winslow Park year-round.
Free tax preparation in progress
The Westport Department of Social Services currently offers free tax preparation with particular attention to seniors and low to moderate income households, via personal counseling on site by appointment at Westport Town Hall or the Center of activities for the elderly in Westport.
The preparation is also available virtually via a secure website.
On-site counseling at City Hall is available 1-6 p.m. Monday, Westport’s Center for Senior Activities 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, ending April 15.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling 860-590-8910.
The virtual option is accessible via simplifies.org.
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