In the political world, Labor Day marks the unofficial start of campaign season. Before then, the wisdom goes, no one pays attention.
On Saturday — 2 days before that “start date” — Westport’s 3 first selectman candidates were together at the same Labor Day weekend party.
They chatted amiably with guests — and each other.
In a first-of-its-kind photo opp, they posed with a previous occupant of the Town Hall office: former first selectman Jim Marpe.
From left: 1st selecctman candidates Kevin Christie, David Rosenwaks, Don O’Day, and former 1st selectman Jim Marpe. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also at the party: Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal. He’s not up for reelection until 2028.
From left: AWARE CT founder and “06880” board member Amy Saperstein, Senator Richard Blumenthal, TV journalist Dave Briggs. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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When we last checked in with Nolan Francis, the Staples High School senior was preparing to swim 5 miles at Lake Quassapaug.
Working this summer at a Yale University lab, researching a rare and potentially fatal skin condition called ichthyosis (EDD), he was inspired to raise awareness — and funds — for the disease, through the swim.
Yesterday, he did.
And he did it very well.
He finished first in his age group. Labmate Devin Seli, a medical student affected by EDD, who trains with a triathlon group at Compo Beach — placed first too, in his age group. Another teammate finished second, while a fourth was third in the half-mile swim.
Congratulations, Nolan! Note: They’ve raised nearly $2,000 so far. The fundraising link is still open. Click here to contribute.
Nolan Francis (left) and fellow swimmers/Yale labmates, at Lake Quassapaug.
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Speaking of fundraising: Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 5 (3 p.m., Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a pizza truck, beer and wine, dessert, and special Rach’s Hope swag.
Need more incentive? In celebration of his 84th birthday, Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg completed his pledge to walk 1,000 miles for Rach’s Hope.
He’ll be there. He invites everyone to “walk the extra mile” with him — or come cheer others on.
Click here for tickets, and to make added donations.
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Spotted on social media: “We put out a neighborhood bench for school pickup on the corner of Long Lots and Fresenius.
“It was there this am, and now is gone/has been taken. Sad about this. Anyone happen to see anything? Thanks.”
We’re really hoping someone thought it was a “discarded, anyone want this for free?” giveaway (of course, there was no sign to that effect).
We really, really don’t hope someone knew exactly what they were doing — and did it anyway.
In which case we really, really, really hope: karma.
Not the missing bench.
The 63rd season of the Westport summer series road races ended yesterday, with the annual 10-mile Labor Day weekend run.
Massage therapists were on hand, to provide relief to athletes who needed it.
At least one took advantage:
(Photo/Jeffrey Wieser)
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As the growing season winds down, Wendy Levy’s tomato tower continues to thrive.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more reminder of the bounty that surrounds us, in back yards and hidden spots all over town.
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … a very appropriate song for today:
(August is over. Damn! But today — and every day — is perfect for supporting “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here. And thank you!)
