Ryan Faber writes:
“I’m one of the parents who continues to walk their kids to school (Coleytown Elementary) every day on the sidewalk along the Easton Road ‘speedway,’ instead of adding to idling cars waiting for drop-off. Over the years, more and more families have decided not to walk. due to these issues.
“Our hope is to continue to do this. But it has become increasingly more dangerous.
“Easton Road is a poorly marked 25 mph zone, with cars during morning rush hour usually doubling that. To make matters worse, distracted drivers (often texting) have created a number of recent close calls for families (including us), and crossing guards who brave this dangerous stretch of sidewalk.
“Local parents and CES/CMS want more protection. But it’s a state road, and requests have gone unanswered for years.
“Things are getting worse. See this photo from the intersection of Easton Road and North Avenue, taken Friday morning:
(Photo/Ryan Faber)
That’s not all. Ryan sent along another photo, from August. It shows the aftermath of a car hitting a tree. Fortunately, he says, there were no pedestrians nearby.
(Photo/Ryan Faber)
Be careful out there!
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The Connecticut chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club comes down from the trail, and welcomes William Burnett, for dinner and a travel presentation with photos, video clips and sound.
The longtime friend of AMC offers “Nine Short Stories” on November 8 (6:15 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church Hoskins Hall).
The evening includes appetizers, beverages and dinner. It’s $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.
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In 1998, the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard — a gay University of Wyoming student — stunned the nation.
Two years later “The Laramie Project” — a play exploring both the crime and the town’s soul-searching reaction to it — shone a light on issues like morality, religion and humanity itself.
Next month, the UU Players — part of the Unitarian Church in Westport — present the groundbreaking show.
Dates are Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, November 20 (2 p.m.). Tickets are $25, available at the door. For more information, call 203-227-7205.
Cast of “The Laramie Project” (from left): David Smith, Bob Perry, Dayle Brownstein, Julyen Norman, Arnela Ten Meer, Tom Croarkin, Linda Hudson, Candace Clinger, Meg Jones, Sarah Bell.
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Hook’d had some customer service issues this year.
Now they’ve reached out to a new customer base.
“Fur Friends Welcomed,” the sign says. “Pup cups” are $1.50 each.
Let’s hope they don’t bitch too.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Meanwhile, it’s been nearly 2 months since lifeguards left their Compo Beach posts.
But that didn’t stop 3 intrepid Long Island Sound swimmers yesterday.
Hey — the sun was shining. So why not?
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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No, this is not Martha Stewart’s house. But she’d be envious.
It’s on Birch Hill Road in Weston. It’s almost too nice to trick or treat there.
Almost.
(Photo/Richard Ellis)
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Just in time for Halloween, Andrew Colabella spotted this timely license plate:
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
It’s not just the tag. Check out the decoration on the rear window.
And — in case you can’t read it — the orange logo is for the Zombie Outbreak Response Team.
This driver clearly has Halloween covered.
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The fall’s foliage has been spectacular. Among the beauties joining our “Westport … Naturally” gallery: This one at Staples High School. It’s courtesy of 10th grader Max Saperstein.
(Photo/Max Saperstein)
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And finally … in honor of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s upcoming event (story above):
(“06880″‘s Roundup keeps you up on all — well, most — upcoming events. Please click here to contribute.)
Beautiful photo Max!
I agree with Ryan – I jog along Easton road’s poorly maintained sidewalks regularly. Cars approach me reaching speeds upwards of 60 mph. While driving, I have been passed on the left twice (crossing the double yellow line) – presumably I am not going fast enough. I agree with the need for better signage, but I think the Westport Police Department needs to start cracking down on reckless/distracted driving and speeding (especially along roads near the schools)
If I recall correctly, the Westport Women’s Club was initially founded to fund sidewalks downtown. Wish it was still part of their focus: Can you imagine how different Westport would feel if every major road had a well maintained sidewalk?
Ryan, thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the Easton Road speedway. I also run on this road frequently and hold my breath each time I cross the tiny patch with no shoulder by the Newmans Preserve. I occasionally walk my daughter to school and have gotten several honks with one driver rolling down his window to ask if we needed a ride because of how dangerous the road was. This is a 25 mph road! We should be comfortable walking our children to school on a 25 mph road. I have called the police to request more patrolling during school hours along Easton road. I have only seen them out there a handful of times in the 4.5 years we’ve lived here. It is unfortunate this is a state owned road, but it feels like there should be more we can do to fix this issue. I reached out to my RTM rep and suggested a stop sign at the corner of Easton where Bayberry meets but she shared that similar efforts were brought to the State previously without much traction. I am fully on board with any future attempts at bringing suggestions to the State but unsure where to start.