Early voting continues to draw steady crowds to Town Hall.
Balloting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. Tomorrow (October 31), 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.
(Photo/Frank Rosen)
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In response to the recent mailing from Aquarion to water customers about possible lead pipes, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker asked Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich to contact the utility. Aquarion told him: “The water has been and will continue to be safe.”
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds, “I encourage residents with questions and concerns to contact Aquarion directly, or research online at Aquarion Water Company.” 
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Congratulations to Ben Casparius!
The 2017 Staples High School graduate did not pitch in last night’s 7-6 Los Angeles Dodgers victory over the New York Yankees.
But he’s a World Series champion — the first-ever former Wrecker baseball player to earn that feat.
The champs will be honored with a parade in LA tomorrow, and an event at Dodger Stadium.
Then — at some point, when he returns here — Westport will no doubt throw a party for our newest hometown hero.
Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate, at Yankee Stadium.
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Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio that’s earning raves as Westport’s newest, most versatile party/meeting/ media location — hosted a great pre-Halloween masquerade ball last night.
A diverse, intriguing crowd celebrated with DJ Marcello, enjoyed excellent food and drinks — and raised money for A Better Chance of Westport.
There were no tricks at all. But plenty of treats.
From left: Dan Woog, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn, Crystal Norris. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced new programs for youngsters.
Better Babysitting: This class teaches teens and young adults how to be a successful babysitter. It includes infant and child CPR, how to handle emergency situations and child development. Participants will leave this course as certified babysitters ready to work. (November 7, December 5, January 2, February 13, March 6, April 3, May 1; 4 to 6 p.m.; ages 11+).
Crafty Kids Art Classes: A fun space for children to grow creatively and socially through process art, DIY crafts and sensory play. (Tuesdays, November 12-December 10; 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-5).
Food Explorers: Children make new food each week. Fridays, November 15-December 13; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; grades 2-5).
Exploring food encourages children to learn through sensory experiences, hands-on activities and working together to create delicious results. Children will have the freedom to explore food thanks to our unique “food neutral’ approach to teaching about food. During this class, children will learn to make a new food every week.
Water Polo: (Fridays , November 12-February 6; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; ages 8-13).
Click here to register.
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Speaking of kids: The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of this year’s Halloween Window Painting Contest, sponsored by Village Pediatrics.
Over 50 children painted 40 windows throughout town, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Winners received gift certificates for ice cream, thanks to Momu.
Winners in the 2 school levels and 3 painting categories are:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“Scariest Window”: Misha Mendelson, 4th grade Kings Highway, Momu window
“Most Halloween”: Margaux Chang, Cora Comprelli, Maddy Chang, 1st Grade Kings Highway, Naturino Shoes window
“Most Original”: Lila Boyd, 5th Grade Saugatuck, Naturino Shoes
MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Scariest Window”: Mia Suchotliff, 6th grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics
“Most Creative”: Penelope Whitbourne, 8th grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics
“Most Halloween”: Chloe Robbin, 6th Grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics
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Balloons are pretty.
They’re also atrocious for the environment — especially marine life.
This past summer, Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club’s Fishing Committee ran a competition. The goal: Who could “catch” the most Mylar and plastic balloons.
The results far surpassed chair Maggie Carey’s expectations. Nearly 2 dozen families collected 431 balloons — plus plastic bags full of cans, pool floats, a beach ball, soccer ball and more.
On Sunday, prizes were awarded to winning families.
Evan, Lorraine and Kendall Berger (age 9) of Weston finished first, with 191 balloons (plus other items).
Second place went to Hannah and Eric Peck of Fairfield with 102 balloons (and assorted trash).
Rowayton Seafood found out about the competition, and doubled the value of gift cards SHYC purchased as awards.
Kendall also received a pair of Grudens fishing bibs, to help catch more balloons next year.
The balloons were collected in bunches, and solo. They represented R2D2, dinosaurs, pineapples and Spidermans.
Saugatuck Harbor hopes to repeat the contest next year. They may challenge other local yacht clubs to see who can collect the most.
And, Maggie notes, members — and everyone else — can continue collecting balloons they find on the water and washed up on shore, all year long.
The Berger family in action, on the “Saugy Dog.”
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Tim Romano and Trump signs are back in the news.
This summer, the longtime Westporter and Longshore-area resident — provoked a debate by driving his golf cart, festooned with a large political banner, around the golf course and Compo Beach. Residents thought the private citizen was a town employee.
A heated confrontation with an irate anti-Trumper was caught on video.
Now, the Connecticut Centinal reports:
A female jogger running south on Compo Road South intentionally tipped over two Trump lawn signs before she turned right into the Longshore complex. The signs had been placed between the sidewalk and the roadway.
Romano contacted police and an officer met him to review video footage he had taken of the jogger. The footage did not show the jogger tipping over the signs.
But while speaking to Romano, the jogger coincidentally reappeared.
The police report indicates the jogger identified herself as a doctor, specifically a gynecologist. She told the officer she felt that the Trump signs were “offensive” to her “as a taxpayer in the Town of Westport” and she “doesn’t want to see” Trump signs on public property.
The officer reminded the doctor that regardless of one’s political views, everyone had a right to free speech, and that includes voicing their support for candidates in the election.
The officer asked the doctor to remain patient considering the election is only a week away, and gave her a warning. Meanwhile, Romano replanted the Trump signs.
Click here for the full Centinal story.
Screenshot from Connecticut Centinal video.
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Y’s Men of Westport and Weston member Mario Ottaviano died Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 91.
He was born in Stamford to parents who immigrated from Italy. Mario graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. For 27 years he owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company.
He received a BS in business from the University of Connecticut. He later earned a real estate broker’s license, a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree.
Mario founded Ottaviano Associates, which owned properties around Stamford. He also owned and maintained properties in Bristol. He was knowledgeable about engineering, architecture and electronics. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes.
An avid boater, Mario and his wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for 30 years. His interests included squash, handball, skiing, square dancing, theater, and biking with his children and grandchildren.
He played guitar and ukelele, and gardened and canned what he grew.
With the Y’s Men he spearheaded the Cooking Club, and was a member of the Hiking Club and Classical Music Society.
Mario was pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano; children Susan of New York, John (Cindy) Stamford, Christy (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, and David (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque; and grandchildren Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe and Antonia Ottaviano.
A celebration of life ceremony will take place November 30 (10:30 a.m., Harbor Lights, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk). Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on Cognetta Funeral Home’s website.
Mario Ottaviano
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Greg Manty says “Sherwood Island is the best this time of year!”
“06880” readers love Connecticut’s first state park in all 4 seasons. This is just one view, for our “Westport … Naturally” series.
(Photo/Greg Manty)
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And finally … if you’re tired of hearing “Monster Mash” played as the iconic Halloween song:
(It’s no trick. Just click here to treat “06880” to your support, through a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
If you throw a town party for Ben, I’m definitely coming up for that one! The Yankees 5th inning was disastrous! If I come up, I’ll tell Ben about “The Catch Heard Round The World” in the 1950s.
I know exactly how the lady jogger feels. How can a convicted felon and sexual rapist advertise himself. What Trump has done to America is beyond sickening. Get out and vote for jail awaits him
Get used to it Peter. When your a rich white liberal in an all white town you become insulated and in a Westport liberal white cult.
It’s wrong for any sign to be taken down. Your party has tried everthing to take Trump down. Well Tuesday night you and your rich white liberals will be crying. Besides Westport Rich people most of America can’t have another four years of Kamala.
This Dr will need therapy after Tuesday. When your entitled like this rich white liberal she feels she can do what she wants.
Signing off from as your party says:
Hitler lover
Natzi
Garbage
Deplorable
Jeff from the old Westport. When we didn’t have the hate like you have today in the new Westport.
Trump 2024.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Jeff. Who won the 2020 presidential election?
Jeff. Will you accept the 2024 election results that our system reports if your candidate doesn’t win and why won’t your candidate accept the those same results?
For extra credit, tell where you were on the afternoon of 1/6/21.
It was Joe Biden. The only man in history to have won an election (2020) only to have it taken from him by his own party without due process (2024). Fortunately, we had a replacement who was ready on day 1 to be President without the nuisance of winning a single vote in her party’s primary.
Jeff from “The Old Westport” is right- no wonder Trump-loving-extremists are disappearing daily from this town. Probably because anyone with any decency can see what a joke he is.
And wow! You were able to come up with 4 ‘insults’ the Democrats have allegedly made (you spelled Nazi wrong, by the way!). I’d try and compile a list of all the insulting words Trump has said but unfortunately think I’d exceed the 70,000 character limit.
And re “This Dr will need therapy after Tuesday.” that’s a good one too. Maybe if we had gotten you some therapy long ago you wouldn’t be such a bitter soul
Jeff: I grew up here and live here now. I do not find your depiction of Westport accurate at all. Perhaps some entitlement issues but not everybody is rich either and actually if you talk one on one with most, they are very friendly. I am a proud American who served this country in war and peace. We need unity in this country, not division and in my mind, that is the rhetoric of the GOP these days, not the Democrats.
Jeff, since you, apparently, are NOT white, I find it appalling that you would diss white folks as you do.
Way to go Tim! Way to stand up to bullying by the other side.
She knocked over a sign! And that’s “bullying” to you? Are you MAGA guys going soft? You need to toughen up, Proud Boys.
this whole incident with the MD jogging underlines how ‘not our norm but the new norm (hopefully not for much longer)’ making sure MDs, chefs we hire aren’t as agitated by politics as this gynecologist in Westport, Connecticut, i.e., if she cant jog by (2) Vote Trump signs on a road (not at all adjacent to her own home) what would she (hopefully hold herself back fr doing) she do to patients who aren’t voting for who she wants them to …
Unfortunately, she’s a gynecologist and a jogger . She could
have been an orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist. If she keeps running after Trump signs she may develop bone spurs which could impact her ability to serve our country. Choices have consequences.
Why are joggers being filmed at this location? Are all passers-by Longshore now being recorded?
06880 is so 1984.
I’m the manager at Rockwell Fine Custom Framing in Westport and my wife and I live in Milford and we were very pleased with the early voting process. We needed to show our driver’s license at the front door. Then we needed to show it to have our names crossed off the registered voter address list. Then we needed to show it to receive the actual ballot and then we needed to show it as the label was printed and we had to confirm that all of the information on the label was correct and when the person stuck it onto the ballot, which we needed to sign, we needed to confirm that the information on the ballot label matched the information on the envelope. Then, we took both to the voting booth and when done voting on the ballot, the ballot was placed inside the envelope and the strong adhesive label was used to seal the envelope. We then had to sign the envelope and place than in the slot where all of the ballots were placed. We were glad to see that every step was secure!
In the interests of respecting the first amendment, I would ask people who are knocking over yard signs to please stop. I have had four or five of my signs removed from the town. All sides have the right to freedom of expression and we can’t preach diversity equity and inclusion if this doesn’t include diversity of opinion.
hundreds of historians signed letter endorsing Harris. Trumps former military generals said Trunpnisxa fascist and danger to democracy and USA values. Trump has insulted veterans like John McCain. Trunp said if your rich and famous you can grab woman by the P. Trumpbrenoved woman’s right to control their reproductive rights. Trump insults Jews called Natzis in Virginia good and bad. Trump said Jews who vote for Harris need their head examined. Trumps own Secretary of State Rex Tillerson a f n moron. Trump calls Jan 6 a love festival. You have to keep the outrageous lies by Trump and his violent rhetoric and behavior in context. He is a toxic man who hates his own white skin. He hates his own white skin that every day has a staff of people that spray paint his white skin a dark orange. He has a group of hair make up people that work on his white hair until it’s the perfect blend to match his phony orange skin. That’s some masculine man.
Hey Dan, is that first photo the old Saugatuck Elementary School auditorium?
No. As noted, it’s Town Hall auditorium – the former Bedford Elementary School. Its auditorium does look quite a bit like the old Saugatuck El, for sure (now senior housing).
Sorry I missed that it was the town hall, it sure looks like the original Saugatuck El. auditorium to me but it’s been a few decades since I last saw it. Thanks for the clarification.
And THANK YOU for using that pic. The sideways view of the Bedford El auditorium from last week was nice as closer to the stage while presenting the light through those imposing windows — towards which I stared often in my elem years. But this has the STAGE in full view! Where once myself (dressed as in Indian) & classmates (3rd or 4th?) performed a Thanksgiving production to a Max Shulman script[???], I do believe, as son Peter was the ascerbic stage narrator. Nudge, nudge: One of your great photographic stringers whist doing a further Town Hall Report might have the time to get pics of the murals above the its’ doors, eh?
apparently Tim Romano put in permanent wood trump signs outside of longshore. how is that legal? you must have to get a permit to put a permanent sign on public property?
We’re so lucky to have this Keystone Kop in a Kart.
Sounds like Mr. Romano needs a hobby. Maybe someone can suggest volunteer opportunities in town appropriate for the elderly?
Isn’t he the guy that got in trouble with the Thought Police for performing pro bono (that’s volunteer, for Staples grads) work on the Longshore golf course with a Trump sign on his personal vehicle? That’s a 06880 no-no.
Eric, don’t you have a bingo game or Trump rally to attend in whichever retirement community you live at in Florida? Unfortunately seems like you’re never to busy to fire up the ‘ol comment machine and stir the pot on here..
Allen, so nice to hear from you!!!
At a youthful 72 and a fast bingo player I am never too busy to fire up the ‘ol comment machine. You can only play so much bingo. Besides, I wear Depends and that saves me many trips to the unisex bathroom. Unfortunately my nursing home only has one rest room so I pass the time in the hallway reaching out to my friends on 06880.
Glad I’m leaving for Ireland on Friday. A respite from the utter insanity of the US.
I know Timmy Romano well. He is one of the nicest folks in town. A while back when we were losing power, seemingly, every other week here for long periods of time, Tim dropped over a generator for our use. Picked up that equipment off the back of his truck and hoisted it down. While we do not always agree on politics, he is darn good Westporter and proud to call him a friend. ALL citizens in this town are entitled to display their political preference on their property with signs. As for driving around Longshore in a golf cart with such, well, Timmy is a former club champion . . . never a dull moment but Timmy is not a hater.
Well said Jo Ann!
Folks like this are one of the reasons we already voted for Trump. No abroad will respects Harris .. and we are just back to town. Would be great to have a better alternative but we do not .
Nonsensical reply. For one, Professor Woog requires you to use your entire name. Two, while Harris is new to the international scene, you paint her with too broad of a brush. Most countries detest Trump while he cuddles with dictators. I concur with your last statement: the Democrats refused to conduct polling in January 2024 on how the country felt about a 2nd term for Biden. Big mistake and Harris has done a good job in a fast track campaign. Not sure she is ready for prime time, however. That said, Trump of 2024 is not Trump of 2016. Then, he promised change, something new but now he is merely enunciating a vengeance plea to support him because the 2020 election was rigged (he lost by 7 million votes) which there is no evidence. Further, Trump is old and while Vance seems intelligent, he is green with only 2 years in the Senate, two years practicing law and his one attempt at venture capital deal a flop. And finally, who are “folks like this?” Those of us who respect the opinions of two four star generals who deem Trump as a fascist? Do tell?
All the political signs are a blight. Put them in your yard if you must, but if you really wanna show your support, do a phone bank or door knocking for your candidate.
For the safety of her patients and her patients unborn babies, I feel the jogger should be identified. She clearly lacks judgment and I would question her medical opinion when caring for the unborn. She may be quick to push an abortion of a healthy fetus. This happened to me at a practice in the city when I was nearing the 24 week mark and something questionable turned up on my daughter’s anatomy scan. My doctor told me I was running out of time to abort. She is a healthy 10 year old girl now.
She removed a sign. But it could have been your unborn child? Is that the point? Good story.