=======================================================
A grassroots group has quickly organized a protest against Texas’ new abortion law.
A rally is planned for 10:30 this morning (Sunday, September 5), on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen (Post Road) Bridge downtown. All are welcome.
=======================================================
“06880” reported yesterday on the uncharacteristic mess at Westport’s transfer station.
The cause was a perfect storm (pun intended): the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, closure of the facility on Wednesday for scheduled repairs, and the unexpected breakdown of the trash compactor (belonging to a sub-contractor).
The staff — as usual — sorted it all out (pun also intended).
Fortunately, says Pippa Bell Ader, the food scrap program ran smoothly. They continue to be brought to an industrial facility, and made into compost.
Food scrap recycling. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
=======================================================
The Post Road has been the scene of Olympic torch relays, motorcycle rides for veterans’ causes, and people running, walking and powering wheelchairs cross country.
But until yesterday, there was never a man pushing a beverage cart from Boston to New York.
Paulie Veneto is a former United Airlines flight attendant. His route — from Logan Airport, where one of the 9/11 flights took off, to Ground Zero — honors the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
It’s also a way to raise funds for victims’ families, and alcohol rehabilitation. Click here for Paulie’s Push page, to help.
Paulie Veneto pushes through Westport. (Photo/Johanna Rossi)
=======================================================
Mozy — the Westport-based manufacturer of weatherproof lower body wraps — perfect for autumn picnics, campfires, sports events, outdoor concerts and the like — has added 2 new products.
A lightweight soft fleece Mozy is great for autumn days and nights, with nips in the air. A heavier nylon version is best for colder temperatures.
A Mozy can be worn at the waist, sealed halfway down, or fastened snugly to shoes. For more information, click here.
=======================================================
As Westport youngsters are back in school — well, they will be again on Wednesday — the Police Department offers these safety tips:
Drivers
• Watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• Be alert! Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Children
• Get to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least 3 giant steps away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it is okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 5 giant steps ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least 3 giant steps away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
• Follow instructions given by school crossing guards. Do not cross until they have stopped traffic completely and have advised it is safe to cross.
(Hat tip: Meg Barbour)
=====================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a group of horseshoe crabs, huddling together.
(Photo/MaryLou Roels)
=======================================================
And finally … Buddy Miles was born today. The drummer/singer/composer/ producer played with Electric Flag, Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana. He had his own band — the Buddy Miles Express — in 1969, which included 16-year-old Staples High School dropout Charlie Karp.
There is another great live version with Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox, live at The Filmore East:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x695h4
Thank you, Dan for printing the rally notice and special thanks to the organizers!!
I will be writing various bodies and people, e.g. Michael Bloomberg, and entertainers to put together a national telethon to raise money for all those in Texas who seek to exercise their reproductive rights but who cannot afford the cost of travel and related costs to a nearby state that continues to adhere to Roe v. Wade. I would also like such a fundraiser to provide that the names of all people who make a contribution be listed, as a way of thumbing our noises at the draconian Texas law. I hope others will also publicize and promote such an effort by contacting organizations such as NOW, Center for Reproductive Rights, NARAL as well as the many mainstream bodies that are stunned by the failure of the U.S. Supreme Court to enjoin this Texas law. Finally, if you want to have a painful but enlightening experience, read the full text, 21 pages, of the Texas law.
Don Bergmann
Thanks to the organizers and those who attended Sunday’s rally.
Unfortunately the 10:30 time excluded a number of churchgoers. As Director of Social Justice at The Unitarian Church in Westport, it’s difficult for me to promote a rally that occurs during Sunday’s service even though there is overwhelming support for Roe in our congregation.
Thank you for showing up and please add me tp your list for any future actions.