A reader writes: “The Ned Dimes Marina, and the pumps there, are still operating only on generator power.
“Eversource has yet to restore power to the marina (since the marina construction project). Why Eversource hasn’t restored power there in all of this time is crazy.”
“06880” contacted Public Works director Larry Roberts. He replied quickly:
As part of the Compo marina project, new switch gear was to be installed — this is the exterior cabinet containing the circuit breaker panel and other equipment that receives power from the Eversource transformer, and distributes it to the marina’s sub-panels.
“Load calculations performed during the design phase showed the new switch gear would not exceed what it was replacing; in fact, the calculated amperage called for a smaller panel than the existing one.
“During construction, we learned that Eversource would require a new transformer regardless of the smaller switch gear. That triggered a requirement to ‘harden’ the electrical service to meet updated code — for example, elevating the transformer above the FEMA flood plain.
“When we brought an appropriation request to the Board of Finance, but it was withdrawn due to inaccuracies in the accompanying materials.
“In any event, the work was not anticipated to begin until after the summer boating season.
“We’re now soliciting a competitive bid for the work, which I expect will produce savings — hopefully substantial — compared to the original request. The tradeoff is a longer timeline, partly due to design review by Eversource to confirm the new system meets their regulatory requirements.
“Our goal is to have bids returned and the work completed by late winter. Unfortunately, that means the marina will run on generator power for the rest of the boating season.
“The upside: once complete, the marina, South Beach bathrooms, and event power in the parking lot (Lobsterfest and others) will run on an electrical system that’s resilient to flooding and erosion for years to come.”
Ned Dimes Marina has used generators throughout the renovation project. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Time to get rid of your gun?
The Westport Police Department will buy it back.
On October 3 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Police headquarters, Jesup Road), Westport will participate in a statewide gun buyback and gun safe giveaway program.
It’s 100% anonymous. No identification is required.
Gift cards will be exchanged for operable firearms, while supplies last.
In addition, a limited number of free PIN-code gun safes will be available to pistol permit holders while supplies last.
Firearms must be transported in the trunk of the vehicle
Non-working firearms, black-powder weapons, flare guns, ghost guns, pellet/BB guns, ammunition, and magazine clips are not eligible for gift cards, but may still be turned in.
The program is sponsored by the Newtown Alliance Foundation. For additional information, contact Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson: sdobson@westportct.gov; 203-341-6010.
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Residents who subscribe to the town’s government email list were surprised to learn yesterday that the Board of Finance is canceling 4 upcoming meetings: October 21, November 18, December 16 and January 20.
But that doesn’t mean they’re pulling a House of Representatives move, and not meeting at all.
Chair Danielle Dobin explains: “The Board of Finance traditionally meets monthly. Collectively, we decided to add a second monthly meeting to ensure that all follow-up appropriation requests could be heard in a timely fashion.
“However, we found that we were consistently canceling these additional meetings, so we are reverting to our traditional monthly schedule. Our regular monthly meetings, which were noticed this past January, remain on the calendar.
“Should a matter arise that requires more immediate consideration, the Board can always schedule an additional meeting as a special session.”
Don’t worry! The Board of Finance will continue to meet monthly, keeping an eye on all town expenditures.
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Families, friends, neighbors and individuals are invited to “Give Back Together” — and help Homes with Hope.
Next Saturday (September 26, 8 to 11 a.m., 10 Church Lane), volunteers will pack essential item bags — filled with household items, snacks and personal hygiene products — for people served by Westport’s supportive housing non-profit.
A $25 contribution covers the cost of 2 bags. All items will be provided. Click here to register. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, FLB Law, David Adam Realty and Willo.
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Westport Counseling and Therapy has just launched a new Young Adult Counseling Group. It’s aimed at people navigating the challenges of that stage of life: family and relationships, confidence and identity, stress management, communication, life transitions and change, and work-life balance.
The new group fills a gap in mental health support for young adults, who may not always have access to services designed specifically around the challenges of this period. Group counseling offers a supportive, confidential space to gain perspective, deepen self-understanding, develop effective coping strategies, and build meaningful connections with others who are navigating similar questions, experiences, and transitions during a pivotal life stage.
Lapde wanted to create a client-centered practice that accepts insurance, making quality mental health care more accessible to the communit. She and her 5 clinicians offer in-person counseling, as well telehealth,
Lapde’s team takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from psychodynamic, CBT, EMDR, solution-focused therapy, person-centered, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and more. .
For more information, call 203-493-1151 or email info@westportcounselingtherapy.com.
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Westport Country Playhouse is famous for producing 2- and 3-week shows.
But they’ve gotten into 1-off programming too.
Up soon: “Rent Control” (September 28, 7 p.m.).
The Off-Broadway comedy, written and performed by playwright/actor Evan Zes, is based on his own story.
The play follows a struggling New York actor who devises a seemingly clever moneymaking scheme — only to watch it spiral wildly, and hilariously, out of control.
Zes finds himself caught up with a cast of internet scammers and low-level gangsters. In this wild-but-true tale of greed, survival and redemption, Zes brings 25 characters to life.
“Rent Control” enjoyed back-to-back sold-out runs, at its 2016 New York International Fringe Festival debut and the Fringe Encore Series at SoHo Playhouse. Zes has since taken the production internationally.
Tickets are $25, $35 and $45. click here to purchase, and for more information.
Evan Zes
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The Weston History & Culture Center kicks off their new speaker series, “Backstories & Breakfast,” with a bewitching topic.
Three days before Halloween (October 28, 10 a.m.), the topic is “Witches of Connecticut.”
Rebecca Gavin, director of education at the Connecticut Museum of Culture & History, will share stories of some of the women (and men!) accused, tried and executed as witches — and describe how Connecticut ultimately controlled the spread of accusations.
The trials and executions here predated the more famous Salem witch panic by over 40 years.
Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. A light breakfast is included. Click here to register, and for more information.
A tile depicting Mary Staples was part of the Westport Library’s River of Names.
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Fresh on the heels of their a cappella camp for kids, Westport musicians Danielle Merlis and Robert Kwan have organized a group of adulsts.
Aimed at people who love to sing, learn music and connect with others, A Cappella Central is for you.
All are welcome: former college singers, seasoned musicians, those who have not sung in years, and anyone brand new but eager to try.
There is no audition. All voice parts are invited. The group will be fun, supportive and friendly.
An open house (with pizza!) is set for September 30 (7 to 8:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport. The group will continue meeting there on WEdesdays, at the same time.
To RSVP, email info@acappellacentral.com or click here.
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Just in time for Halloween, Westport native Charlie Greenwald has published “Jeff O’Lantern.”
Aimed at kindergartners through 2nd graders it’s a “funny, heartwarming picture book about a shy little pumpkin.” (Jeff O’Lantern — Jack’s younger brother — is not quite as spooky.)
Readers can discover that being shy or gentle is not a weakness. and that kindness can be its own kind of bravery.
Kids will love the pumpkin hero — and learn about confidence and finding their own strengths. Click here for more information.
PS: Charlie will entertain young readers October 25 (1 p.m.) at Barnes & Noble, with a special Storytime session.
Don’t miss it. He’s as entertaining as the book!
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At least once a week, someone sends a photo of an eagle perched atop the communication tower by the Westport Police station.
Look! they say. How cool is this?!
It would be more cool if it were an actual eagle.
Unfortunately, it’s a decoy. It’s there — and has been for months, if not years — to keep other birds from flocking to the equipment.
Judith Katz was the latest reader to excitedly send in that photo.
Sorry ! replied. It’s a decoy.
But she followed up with the entire, uncropped image. It showed a second — and real — bird, nearby.
Maybe — after all this time — the birds have gotten wise to the WPD ruse.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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A 2-car accident at 5:40 p.m. yesterday closed Imperial Avenue for a short time.
Westport firefighters, police officers and EMTs were on the scene, through 6:50.
Imperial Avenue (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
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Dave Briggs lends his substantial MC talents to many causes.
One of the best is Hero to Hero, the non-profit dedicated to transitioning servicemembers.
They, and the team behind the upcoming film “Blue Bunny,” host their 2nd joint fundraiser, “An Evening of Honor and Service,” on October 2 (6:30 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company).
Guests will enjoy a sneak peek of footage from “Blue Bunny,” personal appearances from stars of the film, and powerful firsthand accounts from veterans whose lives intersect with the mission of Hero to Hero.
The evening also features food, wine, beer, and a specialty Hero cocktail. creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in support of a meaningful cause.
Click here for tickets. For more information. click here.
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Summer is fading.
But families still flock to Compo Beach, on weekend nights.
This was the scene last evening. If that’s a limbo stick, they have to lower it considerably.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Today, nearby, South Beach will be packed with 1,500 guests, and 200 volunteers.
It’s the Westport Rotary Club’s annual LobsterFest.
If you don’t have tickets … you’re out of luck. It’s been sold out since August.
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Bees are our friends!
As Jeff Manchester’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, they are one of the best ways to eradicate spotted lanternflies.
Isn’t nature amazing?
(Photo/Jeff Manchester)
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And finally … in honor of the Weston History & Culture Center’s upcoming discussion of Connecticut witches:
(It’s not magic. Just click here to support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. We won’t put a spell on you if you don’t. At least, we probably won’t. Thank you!)
Not positive but I believe the second “bird” is also a decoy – seem to recall a plastic owl up on top of that tower a while back.
Interesting that “ghost guns” aren’t part of the buy back program. They are certainly as dangerous as the guns eligible to be bought back. Perhaps moreso. Or is the concern that enterprising kids will simply 3D print a bunch of guns just to get the gift cards?
Thanks for the commentary and town response to the marina power challenges. It’s hard to understand why the town thought it could install new electric transformers and not bring the marina up to code. Some of us on B dock, with the larger boats that genuinely need power, have not had power all summer, and I’m told that the wiring under the docks is so degraded that it will need to be replaced. No power at all this season and who knows about 2027 if the wiring needs to be replaced. None of this has been planned appropriately, and I’m not sure we have anyone accountable.
Separately, the town green facing the north side of the marina has been off limits all season. We have occasional part time work from our public works department–1-2 workers who seem to be on their lunch break and stay for a couple of hours. But, no grass, no benches, no access. And, this is at our crown jewel at Compo Beach.
The Town has reached a bad state of affairs in our infrastructure. Our drainage problems from the storm last week could also be cited. I would expect this from DC or Hartford, but not from Westport. I remember that after Sandy, the Town restored the sidewalk on Hillspoint and provided public access in a matter of weeks.
What does our new public works leader, Larry Roberts, have to say? It’s not his fault, but I’m not sure the marina will be remedied anytime soon, let alone before next season.
What size/length/beam is considered a ‘larger boat’?
Looks like you all got nickel-ed & ‘Dimes’ 🙂
The boats on B dock are 30 to 40 feet. I have a sailboat which doesn’t use much power, but the power boats do. And, we pay an annual fee that includes power.
Thanks for the write-up, Dan! See you at Barnes and Noble on October 25 at 1pm. I’ll be the guy in the goofy pumpkin suit.
I think it is worthwhile for at least one reader to comment unfavorably about the work of our Public Works Dept. respecting the power needs for the marina. I believe accountability resides with our former Public Works Director, Pete Ratkiewich and the Parks & Recreation Commission, still under the Chairmanship of David Floyd. When I was expressing dismay about the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates project, many people took the occasion to tell me that they were not, in many respects, supporters of Peter. One of those critical of Peter also added that things should improve under our new Director, Larry Roberts.