Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office, starting today.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body. Four representatives are elected from each of 9 voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.
RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests over $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
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Yesterday marked a jolly good opening for Gruel Britannia.
The new Cross Highway restaurant — an outpost of the very popular Southport spot, taking over the vacant Porch @ Christie’s — was packed from the moment the doors opened.
Neighbors, other Westporters from further away, Fairfield fans, construction workers, delivery people — all were impressed with the menu, the interior, and owner Karen Hubrich’s welcoming vibe.
Click here for last week’s preview story, and menus.
Gruel Britannia: ready to serve. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Today marks the beginning of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force drive.
They’re collecting household items for clients at their 2 safe houses. Supplies are part of “move-in baskets,” which help recipients transition into apartments.
Items needed include
- Laundry detergent
- Laundry baskets
- Plastic reusable plates
- Plastic reusable utensils
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Dish towels
- Hand towels and washcloths
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
- Tin foil
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Disinfecting wipes
- Brooms and mops
- Dustpans
- Paper napkins
- Hand soap
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby at the Westport Police station, through July 29.
For more information on the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, click here. For 24-hour assistance with domestic violence, call 888-884-2900, or click here.
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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.
It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.
See you there!
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An “06880” reader whose home abuts the Longshore golf course writes: “During the 4 years we have lived here, we have found empty beer cans, candy wrappers and the like on our rear property.
“On Sunday, one of my granddaughters discovered 2 empty Coors cans.
“Of course, there’s a teaching lesson for them: Respect other people’s property, don’t litter, etc.
“However, the real lesson is: Golfers and other Longshore attendees are disrespectful to their neighbors.
“My husband and I are shocked that we live in aqqa community that has no respect for our property. We thought when we moved here Westport was a kind,caring and respectful community. We sadly are finding that that is not the case.
“Everyone should treat their neighbors’ property in the same manner they would like others to treat their property.”
The back of a Longshore-area resident’s property.
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The Westport Police Department says: Connecticut is updating its e-bike laws.
Effective October 1, e-bikes without pedals, and with batteries over 750 watts, will now be classified as motor-driven cycles. A driver’s license will be required to operate them.
E-bikes over 3,500 watts are expected to need registration and insurance — similar to motorcycles.
Class 1–3 e-bikes are not affected. They still will noto require a license.
Police say tell parents: “As you shop for e-bikes, keep these changes in mind –especially for younger riders. If a bike performs like a motorcycle, it may not be the right fit for a child just yet.”
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Speaking of transportation: Spaces in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot closest to the Merritt Parkway are narrower than in other rows.
There are “Compact Cars Only” signs. But not a lot. They’re easy to miss.
What’s not easy to miss is when you have to squeeze into a spot. And come within millimeters of scraping the car next to you. Like this driver:
I’m pretty certain the green car was already there.
Getting in was the easy part. Getting out will be much harder.
It’s always amazed me that people will do anything they can, to park as close to the Y as possible.
So they can then go inside, and work out.
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Westport is home to all kinds of summer camps. Cello, art, computer, SAT prep — you name, there’s something for you.
Including water polo.
Northeast Elite offers an August 4-9 camp for middle and high school students. Experienced and new players are all welcome. It’s non-competitive and focused on fundamentals, with both land and water activities.
It’s the 6th year for this special opportunity — and it certainly is unique. The site is Schlaet’s Point, right off Compo Beach. Click here for more information.
Coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, at the Northeast Elite water polo camp.
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Speaking of water sports: Congratulations to Zadie Schatz!
The young Westport swimmer — a rising 8th grader at Pierrepont School — earned 1 gold and 3 silver medals, 4 junior national times (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, 400 IM), and a few national swimming news mentions at the recent Novato Sectionals in California.
Her 100 breaststroke time is 0.7 seconds away from last year’s Olympic trial cut — very unusual for a 13-year-old, particularly a dual sport athlete (she also plays water polo).
Sectional meets are open age, so she raced against adults and college athletes too.
Congratuations too to Zadie’s Stamford Sailfish teammate and fellow Westporters, Connor Cheung
The 15-year old, who will be a Staples High School sophomore this fall, placed 51st, 97th and 105th in, respectively, the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free.
Zadie Schatz
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Like all reunion classes, they can’t believe it’s been xx years.
But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 45th reunion next month.
They’ll meet Friday, August 15 at the VFW. They’ll spend Saturday afternoon and evening at Compo Beach, with dinner from the Szabo Seafood truck.
As always, they’ll raise money for their beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, and the Susan Fund that for over 50 years has provided more than $2 million in scholarships, to Fairfield County residents with cancer. Funds will come from a raffle of art, by Class of ’80 artists.
For more information on the reunion, and to register, click here. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.
Susan Lloyd
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When vocalist/actor/writer Abena Koomson-Davis sat in with her husband at Jazz at the Post, she brought the VFW house down.
This Thursday, the 3-time Tony winner — who has performed with Stevie Wonder and recorded with Natalie Merchant — headlines her own shows (July 24, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20; $15 veterans and students).
Koomson-Davis will be joined by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Matt Dworszyk, drummer Jonathan Barber and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for reservations.
PS: Even if you’re not a jazz fan, check out the performance below. Spectacular!
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Also this Thursday (July 24): The Fairfield County Dance Festival returns to Westport (6:30 p.m., MoCA CT). The free, outdoor performance features the Amy Marshall Dance Company and New England Ballet Theater.
All are welcome — from longtime dance enthusiasts to families looking for a fun summer evening outside.
Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. For more information, click here.
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There’s a word for “fear of spiders” (arachnophobia).
But even the most arachnophobic “06880” reader must marvel at spiders’ creation.
Pam Kesselman spotted (and snaped) today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo — on her deck.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
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And finally … “who” knew this was coming?
(From the RTM and Gruel Britannia to e-bikes and water polo, “06880”‘s Roundup has it all. That’s the way we roll. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
To add to the RTM description, here is a recently added perk
“RTM members get to deny fellow Westporters of their legal right to petition the town government.”
The easiest and cheapest club to join in town……and don’t worry, you don’t need to do anything aside from be a cheerleader for whatever you are told to cheer about.
Well said ‼️
Town Hall has a list of the 29 Bozos who voted against their fellow citizens. Don’t reelect them. 💣
Re: e-Bikes
Is there a way to identify what type of drivetrain is powering the bike? How challenging will it be to enforce the rules that become active in October?
Re: e-bikes
So, there appears to be a gap between 750 watt and 3,500 watt. Those in-between don’t need insurance or registration?
As a long-time motorcycle rider I appreciate these new bikes, but unfortunately see many riders who have little experience on 2-wheels and don’t know the rules of the road for motorcycles.
And I agree with Matt. How can you tell them apart easily?