Westport's Wakeman Town Farm Steward Michael Aitkenhead Steps Down

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School teacher Michael Aitkenhead, who has been the steward of Westport's Wakeman Town Farm since 2010, has resigned as the facility's steward effective July 1, First Selectman Jim Marpe announced.

Aitkenhead will continue as an Environmental Science teacher at Staples, and the Wakeman Town Farm Committee, under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department, will post to fill the position in the near future.

"My family's time at the farm has been an amazing adventure and incredibly rewarding experience," said Aitkenhead in a statement. "Its greatest gift, though, has been the sense of community the farm has fostered in our lives. The people we've come to know and work with who have helped us build the farm have enriched our lives immensely, and we're forever grateful for all the support we've received from this incredibly supportive community."

The Farm’s summer camp programs, which are set for July 10 through mid-August, will run as scheduled. The programs are currently fully staffed with qualified educators and a team of experienced counselors.

"The Town of Westport has been fortunate to have Mike and Carrie Aitkenhead serve as stewards of this unique Town property," stated Marpe. "Together, they have made Wakeman Town Farm a successful and thriving educational farm and sustainability center. On behalf of the Town, I am grateful for their hard work, dedication and commitment. I wish them and their family well."

Further information regarding the Farm director position will be available on both the Wakeman Town Farm and Town websites, www.wakemantownfarm.org and www.westportct.gov, in the coming weeks.

Photo: Michael Aitkenhead at a GMO labeling legislation discussion in 2012. Photo credit: Contributed