Does Lee Goldstein have an opponent in the 136th District State Representative race?
The Bord of Education chair is the Democratic candidate to replace retiring Representative Jonathan Steinberg.
This week, Douglas Ouellette’s name appeared as the Republican candidate, on the Ballotpedia site. Papers were filed with the Secretary of the State on May 28. However, rumors have circulated in town that Ouellette is a placeholder, until another candidate can be found.
That’s bolstered by his invisibility on the campaign trail. There’s been no sign of activity, online or in real life.
Ouellette has not run for office before. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as CEO of Westport-based Home Choice Senior Care.
No official announcement has been made. Westport Republican Town Committee chair Patrizia Zucaro did not respond to an email request for comment.
Ballotpedia screenshot.
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A reminder: National Night Out is coming to Westport.
The event — part of a campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, in all 50 states — is next Tuesday, August 4. It’s sponsored by the Westport Police Department, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jesup Green.
There’s plenty of action, including:
- Impaired driving course
- K-9 demonstrations
- Police drone demonstrations
- Fire Department smoke trailer
- Crash simulator
- Touch-a-Truck experience
- Dunk-a-Cop booth
- “Beat the Chief” free throw contest
- Face painting
- 2 local bands
- Bicycle and swim safety information
- CPR and other EMS demonstrations
- Free child identification kits
Food is available too, from a pizza truck and ice cream vendors.
Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate. Contact Lt. Sereniti Dobson for more information: sdobson@westportct.gov.
If you haven’t yet seen the MoCA\CT show, “The Disappointed Tourist” — and why haven’t you? — you’ve got 3 more days.
The exhibit ends Sunday (August 2).
Featuring over 230 painted homages to places past, artist Ellen Harvey’s show transforms shared recollections into paintings that commemorate places no longer standing, but still vivid in collective memory. Among them: Allen’s Clam House, Bloodroot, Cedar Brook Café and The Remarkable Book Shop.
MoCA will be closed from August 3 through 13. They’ll be installing the next exhibit: Michael Borders’ “Connecticut Industry.”
The colossal 10-by-40-foot mural traces more than 350 years of the state’s industrial history. Built on 25 years of research, the exhibition invites reflection on the past—and on how automation and artificial intelligence will shape the future.
An opening reception is set for September 10 (6 to 8 p.m.). The show runs through November 15. Click here for more information.
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Speaking of closings: The final 3 performances of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” at Westport Country Playhouse are this weekend: tonight (Friday, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.).
But if you can’t see it here — and why not? — you can find it around the globe.
The show — adapted for stage from the classic novel, and directed by the Playhouse’s own artistic director Mark Shanahan — will be produced between now and next spring in Bristol, Indiana; Pittsburgh; Northfield, Minnesota; St. Joseph, Michigan; Phoenix; Norfolk, and York, Nebraska. Click here for details.
It’s also being staged right now in Hungary and Cape Town, South Africa.
Of course, the Playhouse is a lot closer.
Cape Town poster.
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The Historic District Commission meets August 11 (7 p.m.; Zoom).
The agenda includes discussion of demolition permits for:
- 31 Richmondville Avenue
- 11 Hales Street
- 15 Jennie Lane
- 422 Riverside Avenue
- 20 Pin Oak Court
- 4 Pin Oak Court
- 32 Morningside Drive North
- 190 North Avenue.
Click here for links to all materials.
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The KEYS party scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed a week, to August 9 (4 to 6 p.m.).
The event at 53 Compo Beach Road is for KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support). The Bridgeport non-profit offers free music lessons, summer camps and instruments to 600 youngsters in 21 schools.
The party will introduce guests to the organization, including volunteer, donation and support opportunities. For more information, email KanikaTaylor@hotmail.com.
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A sign at the intersection of Compo Road South and Bridge Street touts a sidewalk improvement project.
One other thing that could be improved: the spelling of Ned Lamont’s title.
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We often think of downtown in terms of asphalt.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a reminder of how much greenery and vegetation there is, all over Westport. Including Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza.
The sunrise is an added bonus.
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
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And finally … Harry Potter turns 46 years old today.
He sure doesn’t seem it!
(Not sure how to celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday? We’re sure he’d appreciate you clicking here, to help support Westport’s favorite hyper-local blog. It’s magic!)