This morning’s “06880” lead story — about Sunday’s flooding at Compo Beach — noted that 1st Selectman Kevin Christie had not responded to a request for comment.
Shortly after 6:30 a.m. today, he emailed: “I saw this email from Sunday evening, but did not get back to you while we were still in active emergency response mode.
“We recognize the significant impact the flooding has had on residents and businesses throughout town. We have been looking into this as part of our broader post-flood assessment, and we’ll follow up when we have more complete information.”
Compo Beach floodwaters.
More details on Sunday’s storm: Westport emergency responders handled 130 flood-related calls, rescued 13 people from vehicles, and evacuated 5 residents from a care facility.
Town officials continue working to document the extent of the damage to residences, businesses and public infrastructure.
“We recognize the disruption and damage this event has caused and sincerely thank Westport residents and businesses for their patience, cooperation and understanding,” says 1st Selectman Kevin Christie.
“We are incredibly grateful to our first responders, Public Works crews, emergency dispatchers, utility workers, volunteers and everyone who worked tirelessly to protect our community and begin the recovery process.”
Flood waters have receded. Damage assessments continue.
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We talk a great deal about what it takes to make a democracy work, and how one participates.
Next week, we have an opportunity to hear from leaders who wrestle with the question — and are doing something about it.
Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University; Rajiv Vinnakota, president of Citizens & Scholars, and Daniel Lugo, president of Trinity College, are part of a national effort, involving more than 140 college leaders. They focus on preparing the next generation for active participation in our democracy.
The event — “Civics and the Next Generation of Changemakers” — is September 23, Westport). A reception begins at 6 p.m.; the panel follows at 7.
The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport. It’s free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
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Speaking of the Library: Monday marked the dedication of its newest sculpture.
“Circle of Peace” has been drawing plenty of attention, outside the upper level entrance.
The work was donated to Westport’s Public Art Collections by an anonymous donor. It was installed at Save the Children headquarters, until the organization left Westport in 2014.
Triple Threat Academy students Sophie Goldman, Carlos Velasquez Escamilla and Camilo Velasquez Escamilla cut the ribbon. The brief ceremony ended with children singing “Song of Peace.”
1st Selectman Kevin Christie (left), Westport Arts Advisory co-chair Nancy Diamond (rear), former Save the Children CEO Carolyn Miles and Westport Library director Bill Harmer with children, at the sculpture dedication.
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Speaking still of the Library: You can’t always get what you want.
But if you want to learn about the Rolling Stones, that was the place to be last night.
Former Rolling Stone (the magazine) writer Alec Foege and author Bob Spits talked about Spitz’s boo “The Rolling Stones: The Biography.”
They discussed music, fame, and the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band.
The only bummer: Keith Richards did not wander down from Weston to offer his thoughts.
As we said, you can’t always …
Bob Spitz (left) and Alec Foege. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
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And … the “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot tomorrow (Thursday, September 17), for a session on “Tips for Resumés and Cover Letters.”
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
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Among the casualties of Sunday’s 7 inches of rain: the Green’s Farms post office.
A sign on the door yesterday said they were closed, due to a power outage. Patrons were advised to use the Westport, Southport or Fairfield post offices.
If you have a PO box there though, you were out of luck.
And there’s no information either on how long the much-loved branch will be shut.
Green’s Farms post office door. (Photo and hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
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KiiN Sauna — Westport’s favorite mobile sauna company — is settling down.
They’ve opened a local location, at 1555 Post Road East. That’s right next to Sherpa, Longevity, and Zion Physical Therapy + CT Sports Recovery.
This Saturday (September 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’re throwing an open house.
Guests can see the new home; have a sweat and/or plunge, and enjoy the wellness community that KiiN has joined.
The event includes a DJ, fitness and movement experiences, prizes, food, drinks and wellness vendors.
“We bring diagnostics, movement, recovery and wellness together, all in one place,” says owner Ginger Richardson.
Kiin Sauna.
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It’s been a looooong time.
How long? The expected completion date was Memorial Day.
But it looks like the renovation of the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates and seawall is finally nearing completion.
At least, the massive crane is moving out.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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LobsterFest is still 3 days away.
But preparing for the annual Westport Rotary Club fundraiser takes time.
This was the scene yesterday, at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Ed Simek)
If you’ve got tickets: See you there.
If you don’t: You’re out of luck.
The event sold out — as it always does — almost instantly.
In that case, we’ll see you in 2027.
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Seen — but not seeing well — at the Post Road/Sylvan Road intersection:
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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Last year, Zhu Wang and Ye-Eun Hyun took top honors at the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition, held right here at MoCA\CT.
They embarked on a worldwide tour.
Now, ln Friday (September 18, 7 p.m.) the 2 young pianists return to Westport, for a special laureate concert. Their program includes Beethoven, Brahms and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Zhu Wang and Ye-Eun Huan.
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Nature is wonderful.
Especially when we can see it in larger-than-life form.
Jerry Kuyper captured today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
And enlarged it, for all to enjoy.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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And finally … in honor of Kiin Sauna’s open house (item above):
(Hey, hot stuff! If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
“The world’s greatest rock n’ roll band”. If you have to proclaim it yourself, you’re not.