One of the most overlooked (so far) local environmental stories involves erosion and related issues at Westport’s beaches.
The “sandbar” (natural, not food) at Compo Beach, and the continuing disappearance of Burying Hill, are 2 noticeable impacts.
On October 1 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), RACE Coastal Engineering will present their second Comprehensive Beach Resilience Planning Studies forum.
It covers existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements, among others.
The topic has not been on many residents’ minds. It should be.
Very little actual beach remains at Burying Hill. (Photo/Ed Simek)
In related news, the Parks & Recreation Commission’s September 16 meeting (7:30 p.m., Zoom) includes a couple of interesting items:
Parks Master Plan update
New parks maintenance facility.
Commissioners will also accept a gift to install dugouts at the Greens Farms Elementary School softball field, dedicated to Nat Brogadir.
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Westport firefighters honored 9/11 yesterday, with their annual memorial service at headquarters. This year’s 25th anniversary carried special meaning.
(Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Then came a visit to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Three firefighters climbed aboard a Stairmaster, and completed 110 stories.
That’s the number of floors their New York City colleagues attempted to climb in rescue attempts that awful morning, 25 years ago yesterday.
343 FDNY members lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Westport firefighters, at the YMCA. The TV on the right shows the New York City 9/11 memorial service. (Photo/Christina Scherwin)
Back at headquarters, Westport firefighters were treated to a nice lunch, by Julie and James Whamond.
The meal was accompanied by a note, thanking the WFD for all they do for our town, and for stepping up for Julie’s family 25 years ago. Her husband, Jonathan Uman, was killed in the World Trade Center attack.
Firefighters, with lunch. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Also honoring 9/11: this man, spotted by Debra Carson on the Post Road yesterday.
She doesn’t know more about his mission .But we appreciate his journey, and admire his determination.
(Photo/Debra Carson)
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School is back in session.
Parties are in full swing.
And Compo Beach neighbors are not pleased.
For the past 2 weekends, they report, “hundreds” of students — primarily freshmen — have gathered at night on the beach along the Soundview Drive exit road.
Residents report noise and drinking. Police arrive.
One part of the large scene.
Eventually the party ends. “But the seawall and beach are trashed,” one homeowner says.
This morning, Parks & Recreation Department crews cleaned up the mess.
The Harmonetiks Project is a non-profit fostering recovery and resilient leadership for veterans and first responders.
It brings community wellness and veteran support together, as public classes and treatments help fund free care for veterans. The project teaches practical self-care skills through programs including Harmonetiks Easy Breath, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and more.
Owner Mike Williams is an Army veteran and former combat medic.
Harmonetiks opened a training center at 420 Post Road West last month. A grand opening is set for today (Saturday, 12 noon). The public is invited. Click here for more information.
Harmonetiks Project
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Westporters are enjoying the town’s newest outdoor art.
“Circle of Peace” — a bronze sculpture outside the upper entrance to the Westport Library — is a playful work that invites passersby to stop and smile.
It will be officially dedicated on Monday (September 14, 5 p.m.). The public is invited.
Youngsters enjoying “Circle of Peace.” (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
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Speaking of the Library: An extra-special author talk takes places October 2 (7 p.m.). Ocean Vuong discussed his new bestseller, “The Emperor of Gladness.” Oprah Winfrey picked it for her Book Club.
Born in Saigon and raised in a working-class Hartford household, he set his latest storyin the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut.
The theme is survival. The book tackles the daily weight of caregiving, poverty, addiction, family by choice, and the strange relief that comes when another human being truly notices you when you feel invisible.
Vuong has spoken about Buddhism, the reality of suffering, and how he might have ended up as a monk if writing had not found him first. He’ll be joined on stage by poet, memoirist, and Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke.
Speaking (as before) of art: MoCA\CT celebrated the opening of “Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” with a public reception Thursday night.
On view through November 15, the exhibition includes 8 monumental painted panels by the Connecticut artist. Individually and collectively, the offer a vivid portrait of our state’s history, industries, landscapes and communities.
Great actors are a Westport Country Playhouse tradition.
But what does it take to get stage — there, or anywhere else?
On Sunday, September 20, Andrew Keenan-Bolger — the original Crutchie in “Newsies” on Broadway — offers 2 master classes for students.
“Building Characters from the Inside Out” gives participants a chance to explore character development through monologue work, script analysis and imaginative storytelling.
The middle school class is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The high school session follows, from 2 to 4.
Summer is over. But the Levitt Pavilion keeps rockin’.
A new free show has been added to the calendar. King Stingray brings their unique “Yolŋu surf rock” sound — a blend of ancient Australian indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences — to Westport on September 23 (7:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Avid state park-goer Chris Swan offers this update on work at Sherwood Island:
“Late Thursday afternoon, the contractor finished rough grading a large area on the north side of the newly paved West Beach parking lot.
“I’m guessing they’ll hydro-seed. That will hold this soil from eroding while grass germinates, returning this to an overflow parking lot like what was there pre-project.
“The contractor also painted some lines, and a few remaining crosswalks. Likely some odds and ends remain, but it looks like the paving project is finally approaching the finish line.
“We’ll see how long it takes to tear down and then replace the pavilion roof. I’m not holding my breath on that one.”
Sherwood Island State Park (Photo/Chris Swan)
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Our new header — visible on laptop and desktop versions of “06880” — is a great shot of a Saugatuck Rowing Club crew. Thanks to photographer Bruce McFadden.
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This week’s online art gallery brings many reflections.
And not just because it marks the anniversary of 9/11.
Our artists reflect on the High Holidays, our Minute Man, the state of our nation, and nature’s branches.
It’s another inspiring, thought-provoking week in our gallery. But we couldn’t it without you.
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“Something Missing” (Susan Malloy). The late artist’s niece, Ann Sheffer, is donating it to the Westport Permanent Art Collections. “It’s very evocative, and it will be hung in Town Hall or one of the schools,” Ann says.
Untitled. Artist Eric Bosch says, “With our current government status being what it is, I wonder how many of us can relate to our local Minute Man statue.”
“Footbridge Off Ford Road” (Michael Tomashefsky)
“Labor Day at Compo” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (John Maloney)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Reflecting Branches” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — acrylic (Susan Celuch)
“Utopia Five” (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Woman with Luxurious Hair — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Storks do play baseball. ‘What do you think? Is the ball fowl?'”
“Potter” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Praying for Peace, Health and Happiness: Rosh Hashana 5787” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
It’s a swinging party in the Lucille Lortel Barn at the Westport Country Playhouse.
It includes piano music by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mark Naftalin, an impressive spread of snacks and wine, and an enthusiastic crowd of creative types, skewing older, who simply love being there.
Plus art, of course.
Each pop-up show features artists, vetted by their peers, who have 8 to 10 feet of space to show their work.
There’s no thematic or curatorial mandate. The mediums vary, so the art satisfies many proclivities.
As for mine, Lynne Arovas’s mod podge works made me stop and stare.
She paints on paper, cuts it into squares and stacks them with acrylic, then pieces them together into reckless, beautiful quilts.
Award-winning artist Arovas says, “Energy in order is one way I describe my work. Arranging expressive designs of nervous energy in a contained, structured way.”
She carried a Ziploc baggie of her tiles to show curious attendees about her medium, a neat idea.
“Crocus” (Lynne Arovas)
After speaking with Arovas, a friend suggested I peer over my shoulder. I found myself staring at the manspread of a full-frontal nude. Surprising, yes, but not unwelcome. I mean, he’s really fit and it’s a striking portrait… Thank you for “Wendel,” Virginia Zimmermann!
I love the juxtaposition between him and Arovas’ work. Go, Artists Collective!
“Wendel” (Virginia Zimmermann)
Next, I got a kick out of Dolores R. Santoliquido’s whimsical fishes, with angsty expressions and catchy titles like “Wait for Me!” and “You’re Goin’ the Wrong Way.” Fish — they’re just like people.
I was struck by the exuberance of Julie Leff’s “Thanksgiving” — a dazzling bouquet of flowers against a technicolor background, a single peony at center beginning to wilt. As well, her charming “Sisters in the Rain,” with 2 girls’ colorful rain slickers and “I’m just happy to be here” expressions. She paints for herself, she says, offering people a glimpse into her world.
“Thanksgiving” (Julie Leff)
Award-winning Kat Evans is a master of abstract and color. Look closer and you see the detail — the dots, the layers of paint — that give them depth and movement. Evans knows what the fashion world is finally realizing: the visual power of “clashing” colors.
“Color Awakenings” (Kat Evans)
“The Nest Project” by Jeanine Esposito reminded me of Japanese kintsugi, the art of repairing broken dishes with gold dust and glue to make the fractures visible, celebrating the beauty of imperfection and evolution.
Esposito embellishes abandoned bird nests to “highlight our innate capacity to adapt and redesign the very structures that hold us.”
She takes an object once crucial for birds to raise their babies that has become useless. Then, like kintsugi, Esposito re-creates it, signifying life’s relentless chapters of decline and renewal.
Which is appropriate for fall, and feels important in today’s political climate.
“Inspired” (Jeanine Esposito)
(The Artists Collective of Westport pop-up show is open this weekend — Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m., Lucille Lortel Barn at Westport Country Playhouse. An artists’ talk is set for Sunday at 4 p.m. Click here for more information.)
Today — on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 — we remember and honor 4 men with Westport ties.
All were in their 30s, working at the World Trade Center. All lost their lives in the terrorist attack.
All were bright, energetic, and well-loved. All had already accomplished a great deal, and looked forward to doing more. All had much to live for.
All left behind families and friends, who will miss and mourn them forever.
Keith Coleman and Scott Coleman were brothers — 34 and 31 years old, respectively.
They had gone through Westport schools, and worked together on the 104th floor in the World Trade Center’s north tower.
Keith, a noted Staples High School wrestler, graduated from Bucknell University. After working in London for 6 years he became a senior vice president and partner at Cantor Fitzgerald, responsible for its equities derivatives department. He brought his brother into the firm.
Scott attended Staples, the Lawrenceville School and Colgate University (where he played soccer, and was one of the leading scorers in its history), then earned an MBA from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. In 2003, Colgate dedicated a new gateway to their soccer field in memory of Scott and other 9/11 victims
Scott lived in Weston, and was an equities broker. He was engaged to be married, when the hijackers struck.
Every year, the Westport Soccer Association awards scholarships in Scott and Keith’s names, through the Coleman Brothers Foundation.
Scott (left) and Keith Coleman
Jonathan Uman, 33, was a managing director of corporate development for eSpeed Cantor Fitzgerald, working on the 105th floor of the north tower. He lived in Westport, with his wife Julie and 2 young children. A donation from a foundation created in his name after his death went to the Westport Fire Department.
Colleagues remember Jonathan’s intellect, curiosity, wit and fairness. His many interests included Shakespeare, music and art. (Click here for a remembrance of Jonathan.)
Jonathan Uman
Bradley Vadas, 37, was a senior vice president with Keefe Bruyette & Woods, considered a top trader. He was working on the 89th floor of the south tower.
Bradley grew up in Weston, and had homes in Westport, New York and Wyoming. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in economics. He was passionate about chess, softball at Compo Beach, boating and fishing. He was about to become engaged. (Click here for Bradley’s obituary.)
Three Ukrainian officials — including the deputy governor of Donetsk oblast, Connecticut sister state — visited Westport yesterday.
Guests of Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporters Marshall and Brian Mayer, which since 2022 has provided on-the-ground aid to stricken areas — they gave an update on conditions in their war-torn country, to a small group at La Plage.
The gathering included Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Both have made numerous trips to Ukraine.
The officials — and Marshall Mayer — painted a picture of both devastation and hope.
Ukraine Aid International initiated the sister city and sister state programs. Westport was the first, linked with Lyman. Last night included a first-hand report of the fighting — and resistance — in that town.
Ukrainian and Ukraine Aid Internaitonal officials, including co-founder Marshall Mayer (6th from left), flanked by Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, last night at La Plage. (Photo/Dan Woog)
On Wednesday, the Ukrainians and Marshall Mayer were in Hartford. They met with Governor Lamont, and other state officials.
The Ukrainian delegation then joined Governor Ned Lamont for his visit to Connecticut’s 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park, for the 25th anniversary ceremony honoring victims of that terrorist attack.
This morning, the Ukrainian guests spoke to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Ukrainian officials and translator (far right) this morning, at the Sunrise Rotary Club. (Photo/Marshall Mayer)
(To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
As noted above, Connecticut’s official 9/11 ceremony was held Wednesday. That’s to give families and friends the chance to attend the New York event too, held every year on September 11.
This was the scene yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. Officials and loved ones gathered the day before. Now the site — looking out toward New York — was once again beautiful and serene.
Congratulations to Cora Barrett, Joseph Carpenter, Tyler Little, Anwara Olasewere, Charlotte Roberts, Ayush Rudra, Sahil Vora and Gabriella White.
Nationwide, fewer than 1% of the over 1.2 million students who took the 2026 qualifying exam will compete for 7,320 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $29 million.
Principal Stafford Thomas (2nd from left) with National Merit semifinalists: (from left): Gabriella White, Charlotte Roberts, Cora Barrett, Tyler Little, Joseph Carpenter, Ayush Rudra and Sahil Vora. Not pictured: Anwara Olasewere.
Also at Staples: Azita Vazhayil, Natalie Hartano and Tucker Eklund will join students from 18 nations in November’s Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit, in Le Havre, France.
The selected delegates — high-performing students with a strong interest in world affairs — will work collaboratively to develop a plan addressing an issue affecting their community and the world.
From left: Azita Vazhayil, Natalie Hartano, Tucker Eklund.
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Every Thursday, there’s something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Yesterday, it was Richard Blumenthal.
Connecticut’s senior senator presented director Lori Cochran-Dougall with a proclamation, honoring the market’s 20th anniversary.
Then — accompanied by 1st Selectman Kevin Christie — he did what hundreds of others do each week: shopped for the freshest, most healthful and delicious food around.
Senator Richard Blumenthal at the Badass Bagels booth. (Photo/Lisa Lewin)
Yesterday, Westport firefighters and police responded to the Hillspoint Road, after a heavy-duty pickup truck rammed through a fence and front yard, and struck a house.
A stone wall helped reduce the force of the impact, and limited damage.
The accident …
Westport’s Building Department and fire marshal’s office checked the structure for safety.
A special wrecker from Bud’s Towing in Bridgeport was called to remove the vehicle, minimizing the potential for additions damage. No serious injuries were reported.
… and the aftermath. (Photos/Westport Fire Department)
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DNR — Westport’s favorite (almost) all-doctor band — rocked the Levitt Pavilion last night.
Every year, the group pays tribute to Westport Emergency Medical Services, and first responders. It’s an important, welcome event — and if anyone knows how important those men and women are, it’s doctors.
DNR. with Westport Volunteer Emergency Services president Jaime Baraiktaris (3rd from right) and Levitt Pavilion’s Carleigh Welsh (far right), before the show. (Photo/Sean Bernand)
Five shows — all free — highlight the coming week, at the outdoor theater.
Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.: The always popular Sweet Remains.
Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m. Brian López Electric Trio
Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.
And finally … in the mournful days following September 11, 2001, Americans found solace in music.
Certain songs will always bring those of us who were alive then right back to that time.
Two will always resonate with me. One is “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” A few days after the attack, when Staples High School held a memorial service, director Alice Lipson’s Orphenians sang a stirring version of Simon & Garfunkel’s soaring song.
Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me” was all over the radio. Its message was clear: We all needed someone to lean on.
No matter what else goes on today — September 11, 2026 — the shadow of September 11, 2001 hangs over us all.
That horrible day changed our lives forever. We know it now — and we sensed it then.
Here’s what I wrote 3 days later — September 14, 2001 — in my Westport News “Woog’s World” column.
It was a bit past noon on Tuesday, the Tuesday that will change all of our lives forever.
Fifty miles from Westport smoke billowed from what, just hours before, was the World Trade Center.
A number of Westporters once worked there. The twin towers were never particularly beautiful, but in their own way they were majestic. Whether driving past them on the New Jersey Turnpike, flying near them coming in to the airport, or taking out-of-town friends or relatives to the top, we took a certain amount of pride in them.
We’re Westporters, but in a way we’re also New Yorkers. The World Trade Center symbolized that, though we live in suburban Connecticut, we all feel in some way connected to the most exciting, glamorous, powerful city in the world.
And now that same city was under attack. From the largest McMansion to the most modest Westport home, men and women frantically tried to make contact with spouses, relatives and friends who work in downtown Manhattan.
The iconic 9/11 photo was taken by Westport’s Spencer Platt. He lived near the Twin Towers on that awful morning.
At Staples High School, teenagers who grew up thinking the worst thing that can happen is wearing the wrong shirt or shoes, were engaged in a similar quest.
Many of their fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers work in New York. Many others knew loved ones who were flying that morning, or in Washington, or somewhere else that might possibly become the next city under siege.
Meanwhile, on Whitney Street, a pretty young woman dressed in her best late-summer clothes rode a bicycle down the road.
It was, after all, a beautiful day. Along the East Coast there was not a cloud n the sky — not, that is, unless you count the clouds filled with flames, dust and debris erupting from the collapse of the World Trade Center.
It was a perfect day to ride a bicycle, unless of course you were terrified you had lost a loved one, were glued to a television set wherever you could find one, or were so overwhelmed by grief and rage and fright and confusion because you had no idea what was next for America that riding a bicycle was absolutely the furthest thing from your mind.
On the other hand, perhaps riding a bicycle was exactly the right reaction. Perhaps doing something so innocent, so routine, so life-affirming, was just was some of us should have been doing.
If tragedy teaches us anything, it is that human beings react to stress in a variety of ways. Who is to say that riding a bicycle is not the perfect way to tell Osama bin Laden, or whoever turns out to be responsible for these dastardly deeds, that America’s spirit will not be broken?
But I could not have ridden a bicycle down the road on Tuesday. I sat, transfixed, devouring the television coverage of events that, in their own way, may turn out to be as transforming for this world as Pearl Harbor was nearly 60 years earlier.
I could not bear to watch what I was seeing, but neither could I tear myself away. Each time I saw the gaping holes in those two towers, every time I saw those enormous symbols of strength and power and (even in these economically shaky times) American prosperity crumble in upon themselves like a silly disaster movie, the scene was more surreal than the previous time.
Life will be equally surreal for all of us for a long time to come.
I wondered, as I watched the video shots of the jet planes slam into the World Trade Center over and over and over again, what must have been going through each passenger’s mind.
Like many Westporters, I fly often. Like most I grumble about the delays and crowded planes, but like them too I feel a secret, unspoken thrill every time the sky is clear, the air is blue and the scenery terrific. Tuesday was that kind of day.
For the rest of my life, I suspect, flying will never be the same. And the increased security we will face at every airport, on each plane, is only part of what I fear.
So much remains to be sorted out. We will hear, in the days to come, of Westporters who have lost family members and friends in the World Trade Center. We will hear too of those who have lost their jobs when their companies collapsed, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the terrorism.
Sherwood Island State Park is the site of Connecticut’s official 9/11 Memorial. (Photo/David Squires)
We will drive along the New Jersey Turnpike, or stand on a particular street in Manhattan, perhaps even take out-of-town guests to gaze at the landmark we will come to call “the place the twin towers used to be.”
Our casual grocery store and soccer sideline conversations will be filled with stories: who was where when the terror first hit, and what happened in the hours after.
Our newspapers and airwaves will be clogged with experts trying to explain — though that will never be possible — what it all means for us, in the short term and long term, as individuals and a society.
Our world has already changed, in ways that will take years, if not decades, to understand. We are nowhere close to comprehending the meaning of all this.
The world will go on, of course. Our planet will continue to spin; men and women will continue to commute to New York, and pretty women in Westport will continue to ride bicycles down Whitney Street.
At the same time, sadly, none of that will ever be the same.
Among the nearly 3,000 victims of 9/11, 161 were from Connecticut.
Two lived in Westport: Jonathan Uman and Bradley Vadas. Brothers Keith and Scott Coleman grew up here. All worked at the World Trade Center.
They were sons, fathers and brothers. They had much of their lives still ahead of them.
Today, we remember all those killed that day. Twenty-five years later, we still grieve.
Every 9/11 ceremony at Sherwood Island State Park — the site of Connecticut’s official memorial — is special.
Yesterday’s was especially moving. It marked the 25th anniversary of that terrible day.
The site, just a few yards from Long Island Sound, is where the Twin Towers could be seen, on a clear day. It was also readied for use as a staging area on September 11, 2001. Sadly rescue operations were not needed.
The names of 161 men and women with Connecticut ties — all killed that morning — are engraved in the memorial.
State officials and victims’ families spoke yesterday. Afterward, Andrew Colabella captured the scene as roses were laid on top of the stone of Westport resident Jonathan Uman. and a visitor took in the beautiful sunset.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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During 12 years at the helm of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell has turned the business organization into a well-rounded civic force.
He has helped launch 14 Slice of Saugatuck festivals, 10 Westport Dog Festivals, dozens of Supper & Soul shows, COVID concerts, the Great Westport food competitions, Restaurant Week, monthly Business After Hours networking, the Halloween Window Painting contest, and this year’s “Your State, Your Business speaker seriess.
The Chamber raised and donated over $100,000 to local non-profit organizations like Homes with Hope, TAILS and many others.
During his tenure, membership in the Chamber nearly tripled.
Yesterday, Mandell announced he is retiring as executive director and president. His resignation is effective at the end of the year.
.Mandell will continue to serve on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM0, and Earthplace board of trustees. He will also advise the Chamber on upcoming events.
“It has been an exceptional experience, one that has been an honor for me to be a part of. When you love the subject matter, Westport, it’s easy to put your heart and soul into something like this. But it’s time to find a new path with different opportunities and go from there,” he says.
Paul Lebowitz, chair of the Chamber’s board of directors, says, “Matthew’s greatest contribution may be the events he created that brought our business community and the people of Westport together, ,,,Matthew was our chief cheerleader, tireless promoter, and advocate. His enthusiasm was contagious. His commitment to the organization, the businesses we represent, and the town has been remarkable, and we are grateful for everything he has given.”
NOTE: The Westport Library hosted TEDx talks a dozen or so years ago. This event is not affiliated with the Library. The planning committee is led by executive director Sholeh Janati.
Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid follows up on yesterday’s Roundup story about illegal shellfishing in Westport waters. He writes:
“I have tried to orchestrate a state ENCON (Department of Energy & Environmental Protection) environmental conservation police) response in past years, to little avail.
“One of my big concerns was that these people were harvesting juvenile diamondback terrapins. There were anecdotal reports of turtles in the harvesters’ buckets last summer.
“I have been in touch with the DEEP turtle biologist, and folks at the Western Connecticut State University terrapin conservation initiative. They are willing to help us.
“Perhaps we are too late this year. But I encourage citizens who see this kind of activity to contact Westport Animal Control, reporting time and scope of activity. We will see if we can get this stopped.”
Nighttime shellfishing at Old Mill Beach. (Photo courtesy of Connecticut Centinal)
The Democratic Town Committee has nominated Mike Durkin as its new registrar of voters. He would replace longtime registrar Deborah Greenberg, who is stepping down.
The DTC says Durkin is “a longtime Westporter with experience in strategic marketing, sales and business operations. Mike’s work spans fields including technology, e-commerce, sports marketing and entrepreneurial ventures.” smoothly.
The DTC will vote oon his nomination at their meeting on Tuesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom). Registered Democrats may make nominations from the floor.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 2 and 8.
A 24-year-old Bronx man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under suspension, after an officer on routine patrol was alerted by a license plate reader of a stolen Kia Forte traveling eastbound on Post Road West. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
A 55-year-old Norwalk man was charged with 2 counts of violation of a protective order, after twice coming to the victim’s residence despite a court order of protection. He was released on a $75,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
School zone violation: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Texting while driving: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Assault: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive to the right: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1
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