Early voting began yesterday, for the first time in a Connecticut presidential election.
A number of Westporters headed to Town Hall, to take part in history (and make their voices heard).
(Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map. (Hat tip: Ifesheyi Gayle)
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I was not at Compo Beach last weekend.
But several residents emailed “06880,” noting that on 2 beautiful days, which should have brought out the best in everyone, there were “conflicts” involving dogs.
Or, more specifically, dog owners.
Apparently some off-leash dogs did not stay in the proper area (near the cannons). Apparently too, this was not the first time.
Linda Mezzullo has a solution. She writes: “Would it make more sense to designate the off-leash area as the stretch of beach beyond the playground and pavilion?
“It could start at the walkway from the Soundview parking lot across the street, and run along Soundview Drive to the jetty. That section tends to be less crowded. Dogs could still be walked along the entire beach, but the off-leash area would be limited to that stretch.”
Knowing Westporters, and their love for both the beach and their dogs, this suggestion might get readers yipping and/or growling. Click “Comments” below to share your thoughts. But please: Keep it civil!
Should the beach behind the seawall on Soundview Drive be the new “off-leash” area? (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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Most leaves are still (beautifully) on trees.
But they won’t be for long.
Curbside leaf collection begins November 4. The Department of Public Works says that all leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 2.
Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up, as plastic contaminates the composting process.
There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call 203-341-1120.
This is the way to bag your leaves. (Photo/Scott Smith)
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As planning continues for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the Building Committee has scheduled 2 special meetings.
Tonight (Tuesday, October 22, 7 p.m., Long Lots auditorium), they’ll meet with neighbors to “answer questions and listen to comments, suggestions and concerns that the neighborhood may have regarding the new Long Lots School Project.’
This Thursday (October 24, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A), they’ll meet with members of the Westport Community Gardens to hear input regarding “the relocated, rebuilt community garden.”
Immediately following the session, at 4:15 p.m., 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker has invited Community Gardens members to a walk-through of the Baron’s South property on Compo Road South, a proposed site for the new gardens.
Baron’s South is a possibility for a new Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
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Would you like “7 ways to support your student’s studying and executive functions without losing your mind?”
That’s the provocative title of a free Westport Together webinar, set for this Thursday (October 24, 7 p.m.).
Topics include:
- What are the study skills all students need to be successful in school?
- How can your child eliminate distractions when they study?
- How your child can avoid feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?
Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-307-5455.
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A celebration of the life of Lis Comm — the longtime Staples High School English teacher and town-wide director of language arts, who died in August — will be held November 14 (3 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Her husband and fellow Staples educator, Frank Corbo, invites Lis’ many former colleagues, students and parents to the ceremony.
Lis Comm
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Last month, “06880” chronicled the story of Rob Eichler. The 1971 Staples High School graduate is battling ALS (and using a communication devise that traces its origins to his father, an engineer).
After the story ran, over 40 readers donated more than $4,000 to ALS research, in Rob’s name.
Earlier this month, there was an ALS walk in New Hampshire, where Rob now lives. Click here for a video. It offers a look into the cause “06880” readers supported.
And into the grace, humor and courage with which Rob Eichler continues to live his very fulfilling life.
Rob Eichler, ready for the ALS walk.
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Westport’s latest teardown: the longtime Evergreen Parkway home of Judith Marks-White.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
The noted newspaper columnist and writing teacher died in June.
Oh, the stories that house — and she — could tell.
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Jewish and African American musicians merge their roots and melodies in “The Afro-Semitic Experience.”
On November 10 (2 p.m., Westport Library), they offer a concert that “puts the ‘unity’ in ‘community.'” The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Jazz Society of Fairfield Count.
The Afro-Semitic Experience is “a whoopin’, hollerin’, testifyin’ celebration of multicultural soul music. Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band, playing gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of congas and bongos.”
Their “powerful and poetic musical experience … celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and inspires hope and joy. Their music embodies the radical notion that people of different faiths, races, and beliefs can come together through music to celebrate and build community.”
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Speaking of music: Drums take center stage this Thursday, at the weekly Jazz at the Post series.
Sylvia Cuenca is a hard-swinging post-bop/hard bop drummer, best known for her long associations with trumpeter Clark Terry and saxophonist Joe Henderson.
She has played at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 before.
This time, she’s joined by Rico Jones (sas), Manuel Valera (piano) and Essiet Okun Essiet (bass).
Show times are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. Tickets are $20 for the music, $15 for veterans and students. Click here to reserve.
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Tony Ventrella died Saturday, after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Described by the Seattle Times as “a fixture of the Seattle sports media landscape, known for his endearing optimism and friendliness, and a quirky sense of humor that brought the combo of information and entertainment to his broadcasts” — as a sports anchor on 4 TV stations, he got his start at WDJF, an FM station in Westport.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Jim Simpkins)
Tony Ventrella
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Lou Weinberg is one of our town’s best nature photographers.
His “Westport … Naturally” image today is even more spectacular than most.
Lou explains: “This beauty is hard to photograph. It does not stay in one place for long.
“Black swallowtails love nectar-rich flowers such as zinnias (pictured above), milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly bush, phlox and ironweed. All grow in the Westport Community Gardens, where this photo was taken.
“Host plants for the larvae include carrot tops, parsley, dill, fennel, turnips and Queen Anne’s lace.
“They overwinter in a chrysalis and emerge around April. Green open space is critical to their survival.”
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And finally … following up on the Compo Beach leash/off-leash story above:
(Election Day is November 5. Early voting has already begun, as noted in this Roundup. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)
Thankfully the two garden meetings are NOW fully public meetings instead of for a select invited few.
The legally binding restoration of the gardens at Hyde Lane should NOT be rescinded.
As a gardener, I welcome and endorse a SECOND garden on any land that is deemed clean for gardening food by an independent third party, and fully remediated of any toxins (which Barons South is known to have).
Finally, I continue to believe the destruction of the existing garden is completely UNNECESSARY to build a new school. The desires of the greedy sportsballers want yet another ball field, turf at that.
Interestingly, staff leaders in two key departments involved in this matter recently have been displaced by the first selectperson. Coincidence?
The Dog video was brilliant ‼️
Agree!!
I was at the beach Monday. I noticed
many off leash dogs out of the designated area. I think the signs need to be more clear. I do believe that dogs are not permitted on boardwalks or the pavilion but I see this all the time. The rules need to be clear and enforced.
Great idea for moving off leash dog area away from the playground area. Some little ones just new to walking or shorter than some dogs are frightened with the proximity of friendly, big dogs. Plus the Soundview wall can serve as a bit of a safe enclosed area.
I walk at the beach several times a week. I noticed that the parking area, roads and side walks are sometimes scattered with dog poop. I would like to remind people with dogs to not only pick up dog poop in the sand but elsewhere as well!
In response to Toni Simonetti’s comment, above: There was a good deal of questionable soil sampling and earth moving that went on 20+ years ago when the current community gardens were plopped on the site of a former nursery. Westport resident and Yale toxicologist David Brown did everything he could to get the powers that be to remediate responsibly at the time, but I’m not sure the town gave a hoot. I hope history does not repeat itself, and I sure as heck hope Westport doesn’t foist Baron’s South off on folks who deserve better.
What do you think the town should do with Baron’s South?
I have many ideas! A public demo garden around the house: restore the house for public use … Pascale rec classes; events; etc. , develop the other houses as affordable.
They sound like “no-brainers” to me.
All great ideas, Ms. Simonetti!
I would like people to respect the on-leash area and it is the rule so I’m not sure why people think they have the right to just ignore it.
First – while you may love and know your dog – I do not always want strange dogs running up to me when I am trying to relax on the beach or read. I often see little kids get scared when dogs run up to them too. It’s not ok.
Second – I have a dog that I would like to bring and walk but she needs to be on a leash because she gets scared when other dogs run up to her. I am not able to use Compo – even though I should be able to use the on-leash area – because people simply refuse to follow the rules. They always say “my dog is friendly.” That is not the point.
People are entitled to use the beach the way it is promised. Off-leash has a large area and as an owner it is your responsibility to keep your dog in that area. I recognize once in a while a dog might not listen or could run away and I’m not talking about those instances. I am referring to the constant ignoring of the separate areas by a large percentage of dog owners who frequent the beach.
Please know that by not following the rules you spoil the fun for others.
I believe the general rule is, if your dog does not listen or respond to recall signals, they should not be off leash except, perhaps, in your own fenced in yard or fenced in dog park. I don’t know why dog owners don’t understand that. Even if they don’t care about anyone else, it is for their own dog’s safety.