The town of Westport wants to improve accessibility and ADA compliance in public spaces. Public input can help.
Whether you live with a disability, support someone who does, or care about making Westport inclusive for all, residents’ feedback is essential.
There are 2 sessions, both at the Senior Center:
- Wednesday, August 20 (6-7:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, August 21 (9-10:30 a.m.).
Click here to register for one of the sessions.
The Senior Center is accessible to all. But if you can’t attend, click here to take a short survey.
The Mobi-Mat helps make Compo Beach accessible to many people. (Photo/Patti Brill)
==================================================
The new, wide Hillspoint Road sidewalk between Soundview Drive and Old Mill Beach was finished in time for the summer.
Except for one stretch, near Schlaet’s Point (the Compo jetty). Weeks later, it remains incomplete: an unlevel patch of dirt and gravel.
Several residents reached out to town officials.
The Department of Public Works is waiting for Eversource to set a push pole at the intersection of Hillspoint and Soundview, then adjust the guy wires so they are not a hazard to pedestrians.
They utility company must reset and reconfigure some wires in several places around the corner on Hillspoint.
Once that is done, the paving contractor will return.
In the meantime, a DPW crew was scheduled to add cold patch ramps today, to ease the transition on the sidewalk.
==================================================
Harvest Fest is one of the best parties of the year.
Tickets are now on sale. But they go fast!
The September 13 food-and-wine event (6 p.m.) is Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser.
There’s great seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, wine and cocktails, live music, an auction (including private chef dinners in WTF’s Tim’s Kitchen, VIP trips, a stay at Watch Hill’s Ocean House resort and a wine wall, and a paddle raise for the new Farm on the Go program.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Harvest Fest scenes.
==================================================
Speaking of farms: This Friday is the deadline for submission to the Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Young Shoots” photo contest.
So there’s one more day for photographers ages 5-18 to shoot images: this Thursday (August 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
The contest — with cash prizes, in 3 age groups — is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center. Click here for details.
What’s the competition? Here are a few of the submissions so far:
Marcus Slomich (age 5-9 category)
Lila Boyd (age 10-14)
Sydney Handler (age 15-18)
Parker Toohey (age 15-18)
=================================================
Last week, an “06880” Roundup photo showed a large American flag, stuck in a tree branch near McDonald’s.
Yesterday, a tree removal crew freed it.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Coincidence? “06880” juice?
Who cares?
Long may she wave!
===============================================
International stars are frequent headliners at Jazz at the Post — the VFW’s weekly series.
But one of the favorite performers is Westport’s own Melissa Newman.
The popular talent returns this Thursday (August 7; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).
She’s joined by other regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Melissa Newman
==================================================
Zoe Monschein — the 2024 Greens Farms Academy valedictorian — is a physics and applied math double major at the University of California – Berkeley.
But those are not her only talents.
The other day, at the 17th annual Women’s Major Softball Championship hosted by the fabled Stratford Brakettes, Zoe — a rightfielder for the Junior Brakettes — won the batting title, with a remarkable .636 average. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Though Zoe does not play softball for the Cal Bears, the tournament featured a number of NCAA Division I players.
Congratulations, Zoe! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Zoe Monschein
==============================================
Last weekend might have been the nicest of the summer in Westport.
Just about everyone headed to beaches, pools, or out on the Sound.
So did many non-humans — including today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured gull, enjoying a dip at Bluff Point.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1962, Marilyn Monroe is found dead at her Los Angeles home, from a drug overdose. She was 36.
(From handicap access and sidewalks to Harvest Fest and the Farmers’ Market, “06880” is here for you: 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)