After one rain bomb and one nor’easter this month, beach resiliency is an important topic.
This Thursday (October 1, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Parks & Recreation Department hosts their 2nd forum on RACE Coastal Engineering’s Comprehensive Beach Resiliency Planning Studies.
The studies — involving Compo, Old Mill, Burying Hill and Canal Beaches — cover existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements.
This forum follows one on July 13. Residents can learn more, and ask questions about beach resiliency.
How resilient are our beaches? We’re about to find out. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Congratulations to Tom Scarice!
Westport’s superintendent of schools is a finalist for not one, but two awards from the National Association of School Superintendents: Superintendent of the Year, and the Technology and AI Award.
The Superintendent of the Year honor recognizes extraordinary leadership and contributions to public education. Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein says his nomination “reflects his leadership of Westport Public Schools, and his focus on creating robust opportunities and stellar outcomes for our students.”
The Technology and AI Award honors his “thoughtful work to help our schools use artificial intelligence intentionally and responsibly, while keeping students and educators at the center of teaching and learning.
Recipients will be announced October 7.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins Thursday.
Pink Aid is wasting no time kicking it off.
At 11:45 a.m., they’ll host of a free outdoor Pilates class with Sarah Sadie Newett. All levels are welcome. Mats and props are provided.
At noon, the Pink Aid flag will be raised (with snacks from The Granola Bar).
The heart of Westport is an appropriate spot. Pink Aid started right here in town, 16 years ago.
It’s grown into a national organization providing compassionate support and rapid emergency financial assistance to patients in treatment, supporting them and their families during a critical time.
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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — comes up soon. Everyone is invited.
On October 10 (5 to 7 p.m), “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.
You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.
Ginger Richardson
If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)
Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.
Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.
Kiin Sauna
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Security continues to be a major concern for the local Jewish community.
On October 6 (7:30 p.m., TCS Westport). the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield hosts “The State of Security in the Jewish Community.”
Featured speaker Michael Masters is national director and CEO of Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America.
An expert on homeland and national security, terrorism, law enforcement, antisemitism and targeted violence, he has testified before Congress and appeared regularly in national media.
Masters will discuss lessons learned since October 7, the current threat landscape, and the work being done locally to help keep the Jewish community safe.
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Westport elections are always fair — and transparent.
For example: When the registrars of voters begin flash media stick and tabulator testing on October 7 (10 a.m., Town Hall room 212D), the public is invited to observe. Residents can watch until testing is complete.
Questions about anything voting related? Contact the registrars: Deborah Greenberg (Democrat), dgreenberg@westportct.gov (203-341-1116); Maria Louise Signore (Republican) msignore@westportct.gov (203-341-1117).
Voting tabuloator
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There are new show times for Jazz at the Post.
The popular Thursday series now kicks off 30 minutes earlier: 7 and 8:15 p.m.. The venue is still VFW Post 399. Dinner service begins half an hour sooner too: 6:30 p.m.
Westport’s own Melissa Newman headlines this week. She’s joined by 3 regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Melissa Newman
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Girls are on the run!
Girls on the Run is an after-school program. It’s part of a national positive youth development project for grades 3 to 7.
Twice a week, girls learn about and practice skills and positive mindsets, including positive self-talk, friendship, and the importance of individuality.
Each session includes running. Girls build endurance, culminating in that celebratory 5K.
This fall, the program “runs” at Kings Highway Elementary School. It runs for 8 weeks, beginning October 7. Wednesdays, it’s 3:45 to 5 p.m.; on Fridays it’s 7:45 to 9 a.m. The team is led for the 3rd yearby Todd Suchotliff,
One of the Girls on the Run highlights is a 5K at the end of the season. Girls recognize their growth, celebrate their accomplishments and experience the power of working toward a goal together.
Click here to register, and for more information.
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Westport resident Kathleen Weiss died peacefully on Thursday, with her family at her side. She was 84.
The New Jersey native graduated from nursing school at Saint Francis Medical Center. She moved to Westport in 1975 and worked as a nurse at Norwalk Hospital, the Westport public school system, and for several home healthcare companies.
She returned to school to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Sacred Heart University. She later taught home healthcare at Western Connecticut State University, retiring recently.
Kathleen was a devout parishioner at Saint Luke Church for 51 years. She taught catechism, was a lector, assisted with charitable efforts, and attended Mass without fail until she was physically unable.
Kathleen married Timothy Weiss in 1965. They enjoyed dancing at the Fairfield County Cotillion Club, Gaelic American Club, and wherever else the spirit moved. They traveled widely, and especially enjoyed their time in Ireland and Italy.
Kathleen is survived by her husband; sons Timothy Jr. (Laura Barron-Weiss), David (Tracy Karlbergs) and Matthew Weiss; grandchildren Adele, Watson and Kathryn; step-grandchildren Thomas Barron and Gabrielle Barron; sister Ann and brother-in-law Thomas Weiss; brother Joseph and sister-in-law Virginia Smith, and brother Leo and sister-in-law Kathleen Smith. She was predeceased by her sisters Mary Woodrum and Susan Ingersoll, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass is set for Friday (October 2, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Burial will be private.
Donations may be made to the Regional Hospice of Danbury. Kathleen’s family is grateful to the staff and volunteers for their wonderful care during her final days.
Kathleen Weiss
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What do bobcats do when they think no one is watching?
Play around — just like any other cats.
This pair — our featured photo for today’s “Westport … Naturally” series — frolicked off Long Lots Road.
(Photo/Rebecca Acselrod)
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And finally … Happy National Coffee Day!
(Pour yourself a hot coffee. Enjoy the morning. Read “06880.” Learn all about Westport. Then remember that we rely on readers’ support — so please click here, then go about your day. Thank you!)
