Yearly Archives: 2023

Debate On Government Transparency, RTM Obligations Heats Up

Posted on September 2, 2023 | 23 comments

John McCarthy knows his way around Town Hall.

A former Representative Town Meeting member (and Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate), the technology company CFO has grown frustrated at what he calls a lack of transparency and information from local boards and commissions.

It’s a non-partisan issue, he says. And it came to a head with 2 recent (and ongoing) controversies: plans for Long Lots Elementary School/Westport Community Gardens, and Parker Harding Plaza.

John McCarthy

Last month on “06880,” McCarthy unveiled a plan (and a website). OpenWestport.org advocates for including all background material and information on public meeting notices online; transcribing all meetings in real time, and making all non-private information on Town Hall computers and servers searchable by by everyone, everywhere.

On Thursday morning, McCarthy followed up with an email to all RTM members. He wrote:

“As you all know, the RTM Rules of Procedure state that ‘The Moderator… shall place on the agenda of the Representative Town Meeting such matters as the First Selectman, 2 Representative Town Meeting members or 20 electors of the Town may request by written notice delivered to the Moderator or the Town Clerk not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.'”

“The key part of this are the words ‘shall place on the agenda.’ It does not say ‘shall use his/her own  judgment about placing such matters on the agenda.’ It does not say ‘shall consult with the Town Attorney or First Selectwoman for their opinion on whether such matters should be placed on the agenda.’ It is a pretty simple promise from the RTM to all Westporters that they do have the right to directly petition their local government.

“On Tuesday night,  September 5,  you will be discussing several topic that have been put on the RTM Agenda through the established, rules-based process described above. One item you will not be discussing is a ‘Review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s (DPIC’s) goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding.’ This was the matter that 61 Westport electors petitioned to get onto the agenda for the September 5 meeting.

“Why isn’t Parker Harding on the agenda? Because the moderator did not want to take up your time with the matter and thought that the First Selectwoman’s appointed committee was handling dissent over its proposed plans in an acceptable manner. He was bolstered in his opinion by a letter from the Town Attorney which in effect interpreted ‘Shall’ to mean ‘May.’

“It has been suggested to me by several people that filing a Writ of Mandamus would be an appropriate response to the RTM Moderators inaction. If agreed to by a judge, this would force the RTM Moderator to place the petitioned Parker Harding matter on the agenda. As lead petitioner, I have chosen not to do that.

“Rather,  I write to you to ask some simple questions:

  1. Do you agree with the RTM Moderator that he has the authority to deny petitioners the right to get petitioned matters on the RTM agenda?
  2. Are you prepared to change the language in the RTM Rules of Procedure to make it clear to voters and petitioners that the RTM Moderator may use his discretion when deciding what matters to place on the Agenda? Are you prepared to change ‘shall place on the agenda’ to ‘may place on the agenda’ for the sake of clarity?
  3. If you answered ‘Yes’ to the first question and ‘No’ to the second question, please explain why.

“In lieu of discussing Parker Harding, I think it would be great if the RTM had a discussion on these specific questions at the September 5 meeting. The RTM Rules of Procedure (assuming they are still in effect) allow matters to be placed on the agenda and discussed upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of the RTM.

“Rights erode slowly, then quickly. When they are gone, they don’t come back.”

McCarthy says that of yesterday, he had received only a couple of emails of “basic support and commiseration.”

But his email inspired John Suggs — a former RTM member, now running for a seat from another district after moving — to contact each member as well. Suggs wrote:

John Suggs

“Because the RTM petition rule forms the very heart of our democracy — 20 electors can get anything they consider important placed on the RTM agenda for discussion — this whole sad, sordid incident has resonated deeply for me as a local example of authoritarian behavior. And I have struggled with what to say or do about it. But John McCarthy has now said it so beautifully. And he did so with grace and dignity. Thank you John!

“I have been influenced in my thoughts on this matter by a wonderful book by Yale Professor Timothy Snyder called ‘On Tyranny: 20  Lessons from the 20th Century.’ It is an important little book where Professor Snyder draws lessons from the experiences of the rise of fascism in the last century, and applies it to our own time. One of the things he says is:

Defend Institutions: it is institutions that help us to preserve decency. They need our help as well. Do not speak of “our institutions “unless you make them yours, by acting on their behalf. Institutions do not protect themselves. They fall one after the other, unless each is defended from the beginning. So choose an institution you care about – a court, newspaper, a law, a labor union – and take its side.”

“I choose ‘our RTM and its profound, fundamental democratic rule that the Moderator ‘shall’ place on the agenda such matters as 20 electors of the town may request by written notice.

“That this basic, core rule has been so unceremoniously trampled and discarded by an authoritarian moderator should shake all of you to your knees. It does me.  And because of it, because I choose the institution that is the RTM, I am running for the RTM District 9 this November. I choose the institution known as the RTM, and I seek to defend it.

“What will each of you do?”

RTM Moderator Jeff Wieser responded quickly. He wrote to Suggs:

“For 16 years I have chosen to defend the RTM and the processes which have made it the most effective, most democratic, most bipartisan institution I know.

Jeff Wieser

“Over the years, it has come under criticism for allowing too much discourse, and I have abided that criticism, understanding that the discourse that takes place in our meetings produces sound, fair results.

“I will also protect it from becoming sounding boards for anyone who wants to make a point over which we have no current legislative obligation. To call this ‘tyranny’ is, in my opinion only, laughable, but I will always defer to the will of the RTM members, which you may once again become. I wish you good luck.”

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Posted in Categories, Economy

Pic Of The Day #2327

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 3 comments

Sherwood Mill Pond clouds (Photo/Matt Murray)

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Spotted Lanternfly: All The Poop

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 11 comments

One spotted lanternfly looks harmless — even handsome.

(Photo courtesy of News12 Connecticut)

But when hundreds swarm on a tree — as they’ve done to one in the Winslow Park woods — it’s clear that they’re dangerous.

Tree of heaven with spotted lanternflies, in Winslow Park. (Photo/Michael Mossman)

Kelle Ruden of the Westport Garden Club passes along some important information on this area’s newest, most invasive pest. It was compiled by Nathalie Fonteyne Gavrilovic, University of Connecticut advanced master gardener, and civics chair for the Westport Garden Club.

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first seen in Pennsylvania in 2014. The first Connecticut sighting occurred in in 2018.

There have been many sightings around Westport, and a fair amount of concern. 

This insect is a real threat to our agriculture and forests. It is attracted to many trees and vines, though its preferred host is the invasive tree of heaven (Ailanthus alatus), which is abundant around town. It also is attracted to maples, willows, and 70 other species.

The lanternfly is not a great flyer, and does not pose a threat to humans. It is a sap-sucking insect.

The insect does not sting or bite. It inflicts damage by sucking the sap from plants, thus weakening the plant. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary substance (“honeydew”) which attracts other insects and promotes the growth of sooty mold. This black oozing substance is an indicator of the presence of Lanternfly.

There is one generation per year. But each female can lay one to two egg masses that can contain 30 to 60 eggs each. Click here to learn more about its life cycle.

Female spotted lanternfly with egg mass. (Photo courtesy of Cornell.edu)

Right now, the females are laying their eggs. The public can help reduce the insect population by spotting and destroying the egg masses.

These can be found on any hard surfaces. The females are not picky; they will lay on plastic or metal, as well as tree trunks or the underside of branches.

Egg masses look like a splotch of mud or putty, and are about 1 ½ inch by ¾ inch. Eighty to 90% of egg masses on trees are found 10 feet and above from the ground.

Inspect your property (wood siding, lampposts, tree trunks, undersides of branches, sheds, campers, basketball hoops, etc.). Document egg masses, report them, and destroy them.

Scrape the egg masses using a scraper (old plastic card, paint scraper, a spatula for example). Scrape the egg masses in a re-sealable bag (Ziploc works well); then spray or squirt some alcohol or hand sanitizer in the bag. Seal it (double bag it if possible).

You can also squish the eggs, but make sure all the eggs are not viable before the bag is thrown away.

We will not be able to eradicate all the egg masses, Nathalie notes. But together we can make a dent in the population.

For more information, click the links below:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/fs-slf-lookalikes.508.pdf

(“06880” is “Where Westport meets the world” — and a source of news you can use. Please click here to help us help you. Thank you!)

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Posted in Categories

Friday Flashback #363

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 14 comments

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of Coleytown Elementary School.

That seems like a long time ago. In the 7 decades since, we’ve seen a host of school changes. From a “new” (then “modernized,” and now “really new” — though already nearly 20 years old) Staples High School, to “new” schools like Burr Farms and Hillspoint that opened, closed and now are just vague memories, to schools like Bedford and Saugatuck that have changed physical locations), tens of thousands of students have passed through Coleytown’s halls.

And — though it’s been expanded a bit — members of that first 1953 class would recognize those halls easily today.

The original Coleytown Elementary School.

However, that opening day 70 years ago is not so far away. Several former students emailed memories of their first year to “06880.”

Happily, one of the first 1st grade teachers — Dorothy Hall — is still alive.

And still in Westport.

She and her husband — retired Staples High School educator Gordon Hall — live here in town.

Jane Nordli Jessep’s 1st grade classroom, with Dorothy Hall. Twelve members of that class went all the way through the Westport schools, graduating with Staples High School’s Class of 1965.

Pat Small’s taught 2nd grade, the next year.

Ann Sheffer was in Coleytown’s first kindergarten class (and was part of the first graduating class to go all the way through the school, 6 years later).

Ann’s first grade teacher was Pat Small. That year she married Paul Lane. Every student in the class was invited to the wedding.

Paul went on to coach Staples football and track teams. Like the Halls, he and Pat lived for many years in Westport. 

Ann Sheffer’s 1st grade class, with Pat Small. Ann is at the far right. 

Those early years are vivid, in the minds of the initial cohort of students. Jane Nordli Jessep remembers “Coleytown Capers.” the fundraising show drew on the formidable talents of school parents, many of whom were in show business.

Jane’s mother Betty had been a big band singer in the late 1930s and early ’40s. In “Capers” she sang a torch song called “The Girl in the Picture.” The final line was apt: “He works all day in the city, so we can live in the country, and spend all our time apart.”

Of course, plenty of parents found time to stage and perform in “Coleytown Capers.” Among the notable: Hal James. The future Broadway producer of “Man of La Mancha” was the Capers’ producer/director.

This edition of the “Coleytown Capers” ran for 3 nights. 

Harriet Wolfson Flehinger has memories too.

Her mother, Hortense Wolfson, taught for 25 years, almost from the start.

After retiring she stayed on as a substitute teacher, until she was 80.

Hortense Wolfson’s 3rd grade class, around 1960.

Harriet’s 1st grade Coleytown El teacher was “Miss Barbara.”

“We learned later that we were asked to call her Miss Barbara because her last name was Worms. It was determined that 6-year-olds could not be trusted to call their teacher Miss Worms,” Harriet recalls.

Miss Barbara, with Harriet Wolfson’s 1st grade class.

Her father, Harry Wolfson, was a stage manager in the Coleytown Capers. One year the cast and crew gave him a small award. He kept it for 30 years.

Harriet also remembers noted artist Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

“I thought it was the biggest horse in the world,” she says. “When I envision it in my mind, I still see it from the perspective of a small child.”

Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

In around 3rd grade, Harriet says, every Coleytown student lined up in the auditorium for polio vaccine shots.

That was also the era of air raid drills. Students lined up inside hallways, and crouched down hands on top of their heads. “In retrospect,” Harriet says, “that was laughable.”

Everyone was proud of the school’s innovation: an outside door for every classroom.

During fire drills, students were told, they cold empty the school in less than 2 minutes.

There was a fort out back, on the primary grade playground. Harriet always wanted to play in it, with the boys.

Finally, they let her make mud balls that they threw at each other. “I thought I was really one of the boys,” she says.

Rear view of Coleytown Elementary School, before expansion.

Harriet recalls her teachers’ names: Miss Barbara, Miss Small, Mrs. Capasse, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Friedman, Mr Amundsen. “Funny I can remember all of them, but not what I ate for lunch yesterday!” she laughs.

As she got older and returned to the school, Harriet was struck by Coleytown’s architecture.

“It seems to fit the lay of the land so well. I’m not so sure about all the extensions. But the original building was so graceful.”

Coleytown Elementary School today …

… and the view from the air.

(Wherever you went to elementary school, you’re invited to enjoy our flashbacks, every Friday. You’re also welcome to support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

Ann Sheffer’s 5th grade teacher, Mr. Donofrio.

Ann Sheffer heads off to Coleytown Elementary School.

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Posted in Children, Education, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: Elliott Landon, Board Of Ed, Ted Hoskins …

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 12 comments

Dr. Elliott Landon — Westport’s superintendent of schools from 1999 through 2016, who oversaw continued growth in the district and the opening of the new Staples High School building — died last night.

He came to Westport after 10 years in Long Beach, New York. Prior to that, he served 9 years as Ridgefield’s superintendent.

Landon began his teaching career at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, following his graduation from Columbia University’s Teachers College.

“06880” will post a full obituary, and service details, when they are available.

Dr. Elliott Landon, in his Town Hall office.

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There’s a local election looming. How much do you know about the boards you’ll be voting for?

Next Wednesday (September 6, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport League of Women Voters hosts a forum called “Know Your Town: The Board of Education.” It follows 2 similar successful sessions, on the Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance.

Three members of the Westport Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon — will discuss how the BOE operates. Topics include governance of our school system, operating and capital budgets, deliberations on major policy decisions, and how the public can most effectively participate in the process.

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This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service at Saugatuck Congregational Church will be special. Guest minister Rev. William Salmond will provide time for worshipers to share their personal memories of Rev. Ted Hoskins, the longtime minister who died last month in Maine.

Rev. Hoskins touched many Westporters, in the church and beyond. All are welcome to attend.

Rev. Ted Hoskins

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Westport Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan joined Westport Community Emergency Team members Wednesday night, for their annual picnic.

CERT is a little known — but very effective and truly important — volunteer effort. They provide support during crises allowing Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel to concentrate on their tasks.

Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and CERT volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Tomorrow is opening day for Elvira’s.

That is, Elvira’s Pizza. The new restaurant on Norwalk’s Belden Avenue is owned by Harry Yiovanakos, son of the founders of the former Westport deli of the same name.

Norwalk’s Elvira’s Pizza. (Photo and hat tip/Andrew Colabella)

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Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a dead man’s hand mushroom.

It’s from Bobcat Trail, in the Partrick Wetlands off Wilton Road.

The wetlands are one of those hidden-in-plain-sight relatively unknown Westport jewels.

Photographer Matthew Mandell notes that there are new interpretive signs there, thanks to Earthplace. And, he says, it’s great for birdwatching.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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And finally … it’s September 1. Fall does not arrive for another 22 days. But this date always makes me think of …

(Celebrate September with a donation to “06880”! Please click here — and thank you.)

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Posted in Education, Local politics, religion, Restaurants

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Long Lots School: No Decision Yet

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 39 comments

A decision on whether to renovate Long Lots Elementary School, or build a completely new one, was expected by the end of August.

Last night — August 31 — the Long Lots School Building Committee met again, without taking action. A decision now appears a few weeks away.

In a packed small conference room at Town Hall, an overflow crowd watched as the committee looked at half a dozen plans.

It appears that the “renovate in place” option is unlikely.

The status of the Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve also remains unclear.

One of the plans presented (below) would replace the gardens with a Babe Ruth-sized baseball diamonds (lower left on the drawing). The gardens would be relocated to a wetlands area nearby.

A second plan shows a new school, built on the current Gardens and Preserve site:

(Drawings courtesy of Toni Simonetti, Westport Front Porch)

(“06880” will continue to cover the Long Lots School project story. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

39 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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“06880” Mobile Users, Rejoice: New App Is Here!

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 20 comments

If you’re reading this story on a smartphone, you know our “06880” interface sucks.

The font size is too small. You have to tap on the headline to get to a readable version (a trick some users don’t know). Some of the features from the laptop/ desktop version are missing.

By the end of this story, all that will change dramatically.

Today, “06880” announces a new app. Designed specifically for smartphones, with many great features, it will make your mobile experience much easier, more enjoyable, and just plain cool.

The “06880” app — available in both iPhone and Android versions — was created by 2 young geniuses. Georgetown University sophomore Matthew Jordan and his Staples High School senior brother Joshua took a very vague concept, and soon developed a very usable, clever and handsome product.

They understood exactly what “06880” is, what our virtual community is about, and what our readers want. They made it all happen, with creativity, grace and good humor. A feature story on these very sharp and fun teenagers is coming soon.

Meanwhile, here’s what you’ll find when you download the app (just search, of course, for “06880”).

A splash screen (below) …

… makes way for the most recent stories (below). Tap one to read it.

Tap on any photo to enlarge it. At the end of a story you can easily comment, reply to a previous comment, or share the story, in a variety of ways.

There are 5 buttons on the bottom (see photo above). The one on the left is the least important; it brings up information about me.

The balloon-like map icon next to it means “Westport.” There’s a photo gallery from our “Pic of the Picks” book that changes every day, along with details about all the restaurants that support “06880.”

The restaurant list is randomized; it too changes daily. Clicking on any restaurant brings up more information, plus its menu and social media.

The middle icon is the “home” button. It brings you back to the “Stories” page.

The headphones are for podcasts. One click takes users to dozens of “06880” podcasts — a partnership with the Westport Library.

The dollar sign on the far right is a “donate” button. Contributing to “06880” has never been easier 🙂

At the top left of the app is a magnifying glass. Click on to search the entire “06880” archives. (Stories with the keyword in the title appear first; then come stories where the keyword is only in the text.)

A “bookmark” icon on the right allows you to save any story for future reference.

Clicking the “gear” icon at the far right gives the option to have notifications sent directly to your phone. You can choose “immediately” (whenever a new post is published), once every morning (10:30 a.m.) or once every night (9:10 p.m.). It’s possible to enable both morning and nightly recaps.

There you have it: our new app. Just search for “06880” in either the iPhone or Android stores.

Now, thanks to Matthew and Joshua Jordan, you will never squint again.

PS: Don’t want the app? Prefer to continue receiving email notifications about new posts? No problem! That’s not changing. The app is just one more way now to access “06880.”

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Posted in Media, technology

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Pic Of The Day #2326

Posted on August 31, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2326

Empty Compo Beach basketball court (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Sports

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Compo Beach Playground Rebuild Seeks Volunteers

Posted on August 31, 2023 | 15 comments

It’s hard to believe, but the Compo Beach playground was almost not built.

When the plan was proposed in 1988, some neighbors and others in town feared everything from a “ruined vista,” to a horde of out-of-towners, to our own teenagers hanging out there, drinking and doing drugs.

Honest.

They sued to stop its construction. As soon as a court injunction was lifted, volunteers of all ages went to work.

The result was one of Westport’s biggest attractions. (For kids — not out-of-towners or frisky teens.)

Parents lead children through the Compo Beach playground.

About 20 years later, another community-wide effort gave it an update and facelift.

Now, another rebuild is on the (still unspoiled) horizon.

The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League will lead the project. They partnered on the original construction, and the first rebuild too.

Longtime Rotary volunteer and local builder Rick Benson is spearheading the effort.

He helped build the original playground more than 3 decades ago. He still calls it one of the best experiences of his life.

He and his wife Totney were new to town. They met other families. His children also made friends during the construction. Some of those relationships remain today.

(Youngsters were involved in the playground from the start. They helped design it, with noted architect Robert Leathers, and worked at the site. The littlest ones organized boxes of screws.)

The Compo Beach playground is popular many months of the year.

Rotary has chosen Play By Design to help with the “new” playground. It will include modern structures and features, as well as upgrades like replacing damaged boards resolving unsafe and accessibility issues, and improving visibility.

Right now, Rotary is assembling a steering committee (non-Rotarians are welcome!). Areas include:

  • General coordinators (2)
  • Volunteers coordinators (2)
  • Fundraising
  • Public relations
  • Special needs
  • Donated materials
  • Purchased materials
  • Food coordinator
  • Childcare coordinator
  • Site coordinator
  • Crew leader
  • Art and special features
  • Children’s representative

Rotary is also looking for volunteers for 3- to 4-hour on the build day next spring. Children can help. There will also be childcare and other activities.

Click here to volunteer for the steering committee and/or build day. For more information, follow @compobeachplay on Instagram

An initial meeting is set for Saturday, September 9 (9 a.m., at the wooden pavilion by the Compo Beach playground).

(Like the Compo Beach playground, “06880” is all about community. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Time for a facelift. (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Posted in Beach, Children

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Avoid The Post Road (Even More Than Usual)

Posted on August 31, 2023 | 6 comments

The Westport Police Department says:

“A truck traveling westbound on Post Road East from the area of Long Lots Road had a hydraulic line break this morning, and began leaking hydraulic fluid.

“The operator of the vehicle did not know the fluid was leaking. and continued driving west on Post Road East to Myrtle Ave and Main Street.

“The fluid on the road caused 3 crashes before we were able to get lanes closed.

“The Connecticut Department of Transportation and town Highway Department are currently on scene and in the process of conducting a clean-up.

“The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been notified, but at this time they are not on scene.

“As a result of this incident, traffic on Post Road East has been significantly affected. Westport Police ask the public to avoid the area until the spill can be mitigated. There have been no road closures, but lanes on the affected roads have been closed.

Hydraulic fluid leaks are messy — and dangerous.

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Posted in Police, Transportation

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