Category Archives: Downtown

Friday Flashback #523

Every Westporter has a different image — or memory — of Main Street.

This one — from the mid 1960s, posted on Facebook by Christopher Maroc (though he did not credit photographer Steve Baldwin) — shows downtown just before a couple of big changes.

(Photo/Steve Baldwin)

Art’s Luncheonette would soon give way to Westport Pizzeria.

The Kodak store was replaced shortly after by Swezey’s Jewelers.

Oscar’s Food Shop would relocate a few yards north, and become Oscar’s Deli.

And the Furniture Clearance Center changed its name, then burned to the ground a decade later. It was replaced by a short-lived vertical mall, and is now The Gap.

NOTE: The photo was taken from the Mobil Station. We know it now as Vineyard Vines.

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Fall Foliage: A Westport Gallery

Peak foliage is still a couple of weeks away. The air is not yet autumn crisp.

But we’ve been treated to a great fall so far.

John Maloney was one of many Westporters out this weekend, soaking in the scenery.

He brought his camera. Here are a few shots, to remind us of the beauty that surrounds us.

And for our ex-pats, living now in places where nature does not put on a show like this: Enjoy New England, vicariously.

Saugatuck River, west bank.

Outside Bartaco.

One view of the Library Riverwalk …

… and a close-up …

… and another.

 

Parker Harding Plaza.

Saugatuck River. (All photos/John Maloney)

Roundup: Water Testing, Public Dock, Volunteer Fair …

This morning, “06880” posted a story about Kevin Nealon’s appearance at this Friday’s “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” benefit at Fairfield University. The event is now sold out.

Great news for the non-profit that addresses homelessness and food insecurity. Bad news for the comedian’s many fans who missed out on tickets!

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Most Westporters seldom think about our water.

We turn on the tap. We drink it. We cook with it. We shower in it.

Ignacy Nieweglowski think about our water, though.

He’s not a hydrologist. He doesn’t work for Aquarion, or the town.

He’s a senior at Staples High School. He and classmate Sahil Vora co-founded the Health Tech Initiative. The entirely student-run public research organization tracks the state of lead contamination in Connecticut. Recently, they won a President’s Environmental Youth Award.

This Saturday (October 10, 9 a.m. to noon), the group will host a free Water Drive. It’s in the main lobby of Staples High.

Residents can bring water samples from their homes. Ignacy, Sahil and their club will screen it — free — for lead and heavy metals.

The results come back in just 3 minutes. They are then added to the Health Tech Initiative Lead Watch database.

For the most accurate results, do not run any water in the house for 8 hours (usually that’s overnight). Then collect a sample, after that stagnation period.

Along with the testing, the Health Tech Initiative will raffle off an automatic flushing system on behalf of their partner, Noah Systems. It automatically clears lead from home pipes.

Any money raised or donated will help fund the group’s project: testing every Westport public school and many public facilities for lead.

Sahil Vora and Ignacy Nieweglowski, with the Presidential awards.

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Speaking of water: Westport’s first public dock is almost ready to open.

The wooden structure extends from Arezzo restaurant’s patio into the Saugatuck River, just south of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

There’s still plenty of great fall weather left. And next spring, this will really be exciting.

(Photo/Ken Warren)

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Looking for an organization to get involved with? A group to volunteer for? More information on Westport’s non-profits?

Teens and adults are invited to the town’s annual Volunteer Fair. It’s this Saturday (October 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s a great chance to connect, learn, and find an opportunity that matches your interests, skills and schedule.

Something for everyone, at last year’s Volunteer Fair.

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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — is set for this Saturday.

And 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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Chili time is near.

A highlight is always the VFW’s Chili Cook-off.

This year’s event — the 4th annual fundraiser, supporting Westport’s first responders and veteran community — is Saturday, October 17 (6 to 8 p.m. VFW Post 399).

Greg Gunter of the Westport Police Department is the defending 3-time champion. Can he make it 4 straight?

Attendees vote for their favorite, among a wide variety of homemade recipes. There’s plenty of other great food, a 50/50 raffle, and a healthy heaping of community spirit.

Tickets are $25, at the VFW in advance or at the door. Proceeds benefit the VFW, Fire Department, Police Department and Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

Questions? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Here in District 4, it’s been a low-key race for US Congress.

On October 19 (7 p.m., Westport Library), the Lower Fairfield County Leagues of Women hosts a debate. The 3 candidates — Democratic incumbent Jim Himes, Republican Michael Ted Goldstein and Independent Benjamin Wesley — will participate.

Click here to register. To access the livestream, click here.  To submit questions, email  LWVCongress4Debate@gmail.com.

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Paula Morgan is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for October.

She works primarily in oils, exploring the quiet moments and enduring light of coastal New England.

Paula has been a visual arts educator for over 2 decades. She is a member of The Artists Collective of Westport, and her work is exhibited in galleries throughout New England.

A reception is set for this Thursday (October 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Paula’s work will be on display all month, and available for purchase.

Paula Morgan, with her work.

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Lots of stuff floated downstream, in 2 recent weather events.

Susie Kowalsky spotted this near Grace Salmon Park: a very handsome, largely undamaged chair.

(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)

She wonders if it belongs to Casa Me.

She left it under a tree at the park.

No report on whether it’s still there.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is not from the jungle.

Jamie Walsh and his wife Grayson Braun spotted this bobcat 10 feet from the Riverside Avenue sidewalk, in brush next to Birchwood Country Club.

They watched for a few minutes, before it retreated slowly into the woods.

Be careful out there!

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of both the new dock at Arezzo, and the chair that made its way downstream to Grace Salmon Park (stories above):

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Saugatuck Slice, Westoberfest: Just Another “06880” Saturday :)

Timing is everything.

The Westport Downtown Association picked the perfect fall Saturday for their 9th annual Westoberfest. A large crowd enjoyed beer, food, beer, music, beer, kids’ activities, beer, non-profit giveaways and much more, all around Elm Street downtown.

On the other hand, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce picked the wrong Saturday — last week — for their 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck.

It was rained out. But they pivoted to today. A similarly large crowd enjoyed food, music, food, bounce houses, food and merchant giveaways, in the “slice” of Saugatuck from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.

Here are a few scenes. First, the Slice of Saugatuck:

Little guy with a big smile, and an even bigger fire truck.

Serving up samples at Tutti’s.

Beer and wine on Railroad Place, served up by local notables.

Patty Kondub passes out sliders — with a smile — at the VFW.

Who doesn’t love a bounce house?

And now, Westoberfest:

What’s a Westoberfest without lederhosen?

Dozens of beers, from a variety of brewers.

Unleashing her creativity, in the kids’ zone.

The stage is set for an afternoon of music.

Sure, Westoberfest is all about beer. But don’t forget pumpkins!

If you move fast, there’s still time to enjoy these great community events. Both run until 5 p.m.

Ahead tonight: the Westport Country Playhouse gala. It starts at 5:30. See you there!

PS: The Slice and Westoberfest were not all that’s going on.

Compass realtors showed off their new offices. They’ve reimagined the old Patagonia store.

For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust. The huge vault and historic WPA murals are still there.

Meanwhile, this is the 2nd floor view from what was once the bank president’s office.

(All photos/Dan Woog)

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Roundup: Roundup: Mitten Project, Dogs On The Beach, Teardowns …

Last year, Earth Animal’s customers, neighbors and community partners raised $100,834.64 for their 19th annual Mitten Project.

The 6-figure funds addressed a major issue: food insecurity in the region.

This year’s goal is even more audacious: $115,000.

There are many ways to help.

Pumpkins for Good: From now through October 31, buy a pumpkin at Earth Animal. All proceeds benefit Connecticut Foodshare. Pumpkins come courtesy of Izzo’s Garden Center.

Pies for Good: From October 14 through November 19, order pies donated by Wakeman Town Farm ($25), plus Lindsay’s Handmade Ice Cream ($10/pint). Pickup is November 23, 4 to 7 p.m. at Earth Animal.

$5 Mitten Pin-up Fundraiser: Ongoing at Earth Animal.

Wreaths for Good & Santa: On December 5 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), stop in buy a holiday wreath, to support Connecticut Foodshare. Wreaths are courtesy of Izzo’s Garden Center. Santa will be on hand too!

Holiday Gifts that Give Back: Proceeds from shopping help too.

Shop & Give Community Events: From November 1 through December 24, local businesses choose a day to donate a portion of sales to The Mitten Project.

For more information, and to donate, click here.

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There’s a lot going on tomorrow in Westport: Westoberfest. Slice of Saugatuck. Earthplace’s Fall Festival. The Westport Country Playhouse Gala.

But you should make time on Saturday too, between noon and 4 p.m., to check out Compass’ new office. The hosts are KMS Team and Origin Point.

This is not just any space. They’ve moved into the iconic downtown building at the Post Road East/Church Lane merge most recently occupied by Patagonia. For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust.

They’ve done a spectacular redesign. And they’ve saved the historic WPA murals that originally hung throughout the interior.

Enjoy season refreshments. And if you can, bring a non-perishable item for the Homes with Hope food pantry.

KMS Team office, complete with historic murals.

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Yesterday was October 1. As every dog knows, that’s the start of a glorious 6 months, when they’re allowed on Compo Beach.

For these 2 guys, it was the best day since the invention of the fire hydrant.

Waylon (Photo/Karen Como)

JoJo (Photo/Michael Szeto)

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Coming up at MoCA\CT:

Family Fun Day (Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to noon): Free morning of music, movement, artmaking and gallery adventures for the whole family. Sing and dance with Jackie Jacobs, then get creative with artist and illustrator Erwin Ong. Click here to register, and for more information.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Recess Camp (Monday, October 12, 9 a.m. to noon; $75): On their day off from school, children ages 5–10 can make art, explore the galleries, and connect with creativity, nature, and storytelling. Click here to register, and for more information. 

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When the Historic District commission meets October 13 (7 p.m., Zoom), the agenda includes consideration of demolition permits for:

  • 23 Pequot Trail
  • 37 Burr Farms Road
  • 107 Roseville Road
  • 17 St. John’s Place

To see all meeting materials, click here.

37 Burr Farms Road

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Flash media stick and tabulator testing by the registrars of voters has been postponed from October 7. The new date is October 14 (10 a.m., Town Hall room 212D). The public is invited to observe 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 tabulator

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The Staples High School Class of 1986 40th reunion is coming up soon.

Once those young-at-heart-but-now-pushing-50-year-olds pick themselves up the floor hearing that news, here’s what’s ahead:

  • Friday, October 16: Dunville’s, 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 17: Sherwood Diner, 11 a.m.; Breathwork with Lyn at the Westport Library, 2 p.m.; Boathouse, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 18: Breakfast at Compo Beach pavilion.

Click here for Boathouse tickets. Click here for the Facebook page.

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Westport resident Hedda Goldman died Sunday at home. She was 92. 

She was a proud graduate of Bronx High School of Science and Clark University.  

Hedda is survived by her daughters Melissa Goldman of New York City, and Amy Goldman of Novato, California; her son and daughter-in-law David Goldman and Margo Freedman of Santa Monica, Californi); grandchildren Morgan Chapman, Andrew Goldman and Alexa Goldman, and her great-granddaughter Willow Riley.

A private burial took place at Temple Israel Cemetery. To share a condolence message, visit www.greensfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

The family is grateful to Karen Whittington, John Pounds, and others who cared for Hedda in recent years.

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There are 55 days until Thanksgiving.

This hen turkey may be getting ready — or trying to ensure she’s not part of the menu.

Bob Liftig spotted (and snapped) today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured creature on Easton Road.

(Photo/Bob Liftig)

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And finally … happy 75th birthday to Sting!

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Jesup Road Bridge: Roads Less Traveled

It’s not the Cribari Bridge, or the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

In fact, most Westporters never even realized there was a bridge on Jesup Road at all.

But when 7 inches of rain rendered the bridge — really just a tiny bit of road a few yards from Imperial Avenue — too dangerous to use last month, Westporters suddenly realized how important that little shortcut is. (Click here for yesterday’s story about the replacement process.)

It’s a quick way to avoid the Post Road, on the way to the Library and Levitt Pavilion.

More importantly, it’s the quickest way for police and Emergency Medical Services — whose headquarters are just up the hill — to head to just about any location in town east of the Saugatuck River.

The Jesup Road bridge is at the foot of the street, where it intersects with Imperial Avenue. 

Even a fast-track replacement could take 12 to 18 months, considering the permitting, planning, review, budgeting and construction process.

So what — besides praying we don’t have a dire medical emergency — can we do?

Not much, beyond holding town (and state) officials’ feet to the fire.

But we can try to create workarounds.

One idea is to create alternate routes.

Several Westporters independently came up with the same ideas.

One is to make Bay Street — the short 1-way road that runs from Post Road East past Design Within Reach and the Cake Box to Jesup Road — 2-way. Parking along the road would be eliminated.

That’s a great plan — and not just because it provides important access to the Post Road.

Right now, cars park on both sides of Bay Street. It’s narrow to begin with. When you consider the size of today’s vehicles — and the less-than-stellar parallel parkin job some drivers do — it would also alleviate some of that mess.

Currently, cars park on both sides of Bay Street. (Photo/Google Maps)

Similarly, Taylor Place — the even shorter road that connects the lower library parking lot at the foot of Jesup Green (and Jesup Road) with the Post Road, from Tonic & Green to Tiffany — could also be converted to 2-way traffic. Or perhaps there could be 2 lanes of traffic, one for turning left or going straight, the other turning right.

A few 15-minute parking spots would be eliminated there, along with a delivery zone. But they seem like trade-offs that would help overall.

Taylor Place 

Those are a couple of alternatives. “06880” readers probably have others thoughts. Click “Comments” below.

Meanwhile, there’s one other quick fix to make traffic flow a bit smoother: Take down the Imperial Avenue stop signs, in both directions, at Jesup Road.

For the next 12 to 18 months, there will be no need to stop there.

(“06880” keeps an eye on Westport — everywhere, in every way. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Jesup Road Bridge: Bids Sought; Officials Move Forward

Town officials are moving ahead on a replacement for the Jesup Road bridge. The small span — an important link between police headquarters, the Library and Levitt Pavilion, and Imperial Avenue — has been closed since the September 13 rain bomb.

Bids on a replacement design will be received through 11 a.m. October 28, at the Town Hall finance office (room 313). The Request for Proposal covers engineering and design services for the replacement bridge, including surveys, hydraulic analysis, environmental review, design, permitting and bid support.

Copies of the RFP documents may be obtained by downloading from the Town’s website.

Bids will be opened at 11:30 a.m. that same day, via Zoom. Interested parties may apply for access by emailing bwatson@westportct.gov.

This is the Jesup Road bridge that must be replaced. (Photo/Susan Teicher)

“We recognize the importance of restoring this connection as quickly as responsibly possible,” says 1st Selectman Kevin Christe.

“We are moving engineering, permitting and funding forward in parallel wherever possible, with a focus on delivering a replacement that is safe and more resilient.”

Public Works Director Larry Roberts adds, “The replacement needs to be designed for the larger storm events and hydraulic conditions we are experiencing today.

“By coordinating engineering, permitting and agency review from the beginning, we can work to shorten the overall project schedule while ensuring the new bridge is designed appropriately for the site.”

The underside of the damaged Jesup Road bridge.

Since the September 13 storm, the town has worked with federal, state and regional partners to identify opportunities to expedite the replacement and pursue available funding.

Town officials are also evaluating whether a temporary bridge or other interim access solution could safely and responsibly restore the connection while the permanent replacement moves forward, including whether such an investment would be financially prudent.

Officials say that Emergency Medical Services conducted test routes under emergency conditions, and found that the bridge closure does not significantly affect response times.

The town is monitoring traffic patterns, and evaluating potential adjustments to improve traffic flow and access while the bridge remains closed.

The Board of Finance will consider a $172,500 appropriation for design and permitting on October 7. Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Finance, Public Works and Transit committees voted unanimously Tuesday night to recommend the appropriation to the full RTM, subject to Board of Finance approval.

The full RTM could then consider it at a special meeting before its regularly scheduled November meeting.

Roundup: Weekend Preparedness, Flood Help, Jesup Road Bridge …

As we prepare for another weekend of wild weather — rain, wind, and who knows what else — here are some helpful links.

Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection: click here.

State Senator Tony Hwang — who provided this information — hosted a recent Extreme Weather & Coastal Resiliency Informational Forum. It highlighted
the importance of resiliency and preparation against growing risks of flooding, severe winds, coastal erosion and extreme weather. Click here to see.

From that forum, you can link to FEMA’s Severe Wind Protection Plan (click here; page 19) and Financial Preparedness and Homeowners’ Insurance Claims (page 15).

The Connecticut Insurance Department has also launched a resource to assist with preparedness. Click here to see.

Other helpful links include:

Will this weekend bring a repeat of 2 weekends ago? Be prepared!

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Meanwhile: Still cleaning up from the September 13 flood (while preparing for this weekend’s weather)?

Help may be near.

And it’s free.

The state Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security and CT Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters has engaged the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization to offer free help.

Assistance includes assessment, removal of damaged items and materials, cleanup and mold mitigation.

To request assistance, call 203-628-6978. Leave a message after the beep with your name, phone number, address, and a brief description of your needs.

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One cancellation already for tomorrow: The Fun Fest at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

A new date will be announced soon.

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Two important projects — one (hopefully relatively) short-term, the other longer — are on the agenda when the Board of Finance meets October 7 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream at www.westportct.gov).

The board will be asked to approve an appropriation of $172,5000, for the design cost and permitting of the Jesup Road bridge replacement.

The short, often unnoticed span was weakened during the September 13 flood. The road is closed, shutting off an important route from Imperial Avenue to the police station, Library and Levitt Pavilion.

The project has been estimated to take 12 to 18 months. Residents and town officials hope for an expedited process.

The second request is for $176,000, for the initial assessment and “new vs. renovation comparison study” for the future Coleytown Elementary School project.

This would be an initial step in a long-awaited process for the 1950s-era building.

The BOF will also consider a request for $1,119,000, for consultant services in support of the Safe Streets and Roads for All, Supplemental Planning and Demonstration Grant.

The now-closed Jesup Road bridge.

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The state Department of Transportation will mill and resurface Route 57 (Weston Road) from Easton Road (Route 136) to just south of the Weston town line, beginning Sunday.

The work is expected to be completed by October 9, weather permitting.

Although this section of Route 57 was resurfaced in June, the top layer of asphalt is to be replaced due to an issue with the paving material.

The tentative start date for the milling portion of the project is scheduled to begin Sunday night, and continue for approximately 3 nights.

The tentative start date for the paving portion is the night of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and continue for approximately 3 nights.

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The Westport Prize for Literature goes to … “Good People.” The debut novel by Patmeena Sabit was selected by an independent jury from a field of finalists that also included “Transcription” by Ben Lerner and “The Children” by Melissa Albert.

Now in its 4th year, the $10,000 annual prize honors original works of literary fiction published in the US that are both relevant and timeless. The prize is administered by Westport resident volunteers.

Sabit will receive the prize at the Library on November 12 (7 p.m.), followed by a conversation with Meghan O’Rourke, editor of The Yale Review. Copies of Good People will be available for purchase at the event, and Sabit will sign books afterward. For more information about the event, click here.

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How often do you get a chance to hear a Grammy-nominated singer in Westport … for free?

(Besides the Levitt Pavilion, of course.)

Next Friday (October 2, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), baritone Sidney Outlaw and pianist Piotr Kozlowsk presenting the Connecticut premiere of “26 Ways of Looking at a Black Man,” with music by B.E. Boykin and poetry by Raymond Patterson.

The UU says, “This is an opportunity not simply to hear a world-class performer, but to gather around a deeply meaningful work that centers Black artistry, identity and lived experience.”

Questions? Contact Micah Kracja: 203.227.7205, ext. 18; micah@uuwestport.org.

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The Ned Dimes Marina hasn’t gotten a lot of love lately.

Perhaps today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo will show it in a more serene light.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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And finally … on this date in 2001 — 20 years after his death — the voice of Bob Marley ushered satellite radio onto the air. It promised listeners greater variety  — for a price — with the launch of XM Satellite Radio. It was the first worldwide broadcast of a satellite radio station

(We’re getting ready for another weekend. As always, “06880” will be here with whatever news you need. And as always, we’re grateful for any readers who click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Shadow Candidate, Teen Parties, Public Dock …

For months, rumors have circulated that Douglas Ouellette’s name as the Republican candidate for Westport’s 136th District state House of Representatives seat was a placeholder.

His name was filed with Secretary of the State on May 28.

On July 31, “06880” reported, “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.”

Tuesday was the deadline for the Westport RTC to replace him with a different candidate, according to Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and Registrar of Voters Deb Greenberg.

So it appears Democrat Lee Goldstein is running against Douglas Ouellette.

But there has still been no press release or other announcement from the Republicans.

And no one has heard from Ouellette himself.

Screenshot of Ballotpedia courtesy of, and hat tip to, Tom Price.

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“06880” has reported on recent weekend parties, attended by large groups at the beach. The Westport Police Department says:

“Through both formal and informal complaints received from Westport Parks & Recreation staff as well as neighbors, the WPD has recently observed multiple instances of extremely large gatherings of predominantly high school aged youths at Compo Beach. In most cases these incidents have been reported on weekends. and after the 10 p.m. closing time of the beach.

“Complaints have included allegations of disturbances, underage drinking, marijuana usage, littering and damage to property, with numbers of youth observed by the responding officers estimated to be in the 200 to 300 person range or greater.”

Last Friday and Saturday “officers encountered, and subsequently needed to disperse, gatherings of this size at Compo Beach. These gatherings have been comprised of both area youth as well as groups from out of state.

“The Westport Police Department in partnership with the Westport Prevention Coalition and the Office of the 1st Selectman would like to again take this opportunity to remind both youth and their parents of the town’s zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking and cannabis use.

“Additionally, crimes against persons and property perpetrated by youth will not be tolerated. Area patrols have been increased to monitor this situation going forward, and officers will issue citations for observed violations.

“Despite that, these are not the outcomes we wish to see, so we ask parents to closely monitor their children’s activity and please help to do their part to discourage participation in these gatherings.”

Recent Compo Beach weekend scene.

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Those large freshman parties at Compo Beach also caught the attention of the Westport Prevention Coalition.

The organization asks Westport parents of middle and high school students: “Concerned about our kids’ drinking and substance abuse?”

Parents are invited to an event on October 7 (10 to 11:30 a.m., Toquet Hall, 59 Post Road East — entrance through the alley).

They’ll discuss underage drinking at the beach, safe youth gatherings and other parenting concerns.

Attendees can pick up prevention and parenting resources. Positive Directions and Westport Together are part of the Westport Prevention Coalition.

Questions? Call 203-227-7644.

Not Westport students. But they could be.

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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the Saugatuck River railroad bridge, open to allow a barge with a large crane to pass through.

Where was it headed?

Upriver.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

Its destination was Arezzo.

The restaurant recently received approval to construct Westport’s first public access dock.

We hope it’s completed soon.

And we’re really looking forward to next spring and summer.

One more little amenity that makes living here extra-special. (Hat tip: Robbie Guimond)

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Yesterday’s Roundup also noted that the Flood & Erosion Control Board meets October 7, to discuss a proposed 250-unit apartment complex at 55 Greens Farms Road.

The story said that meeting materials had not yet been posted on the town website.

Town engineer Ted Gill responded quickly. He said:

“All WPLO applications that come in front of the F&ECB also need to go to the Conservation Commission. So there is only 1 set of documents for the one application, which then goes to both bodies.

“The documents for all F&ECB WPLO applications are on the Town website, attached to the Conservation Commission meeting link for the corresponding application.”

All the materials — and we do mean all — are available here. After clicking on, scroll down.

Thank you, Ted!

This building would be torn down, and replaced by a larger one.

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A reader writes: “We’re expecting another storm this weekend. In the past, the town of Westport provided sand and sandbags for downtown businesses, particularly those of us who are vulnerable to flooding during high-tide storms.

“I just got off the phone with Public Works, and was told the town no longer provides either the bags or the sand. We can certainly order the bags ourselves, but obtaining and transporting sand individually may be more challenging for small businesses.

“From my experience, sandbags can make a real difference in helping minimize water damage. I wanted to see whether there may be any way for the town to assist downtown businesses with access to sand, even if we are responsible for purchasing our own bags.”

“06880” contacted Public Works director Larry Roberts. He responded promptly: “Until about 8 years ago, the town provided sand and bags to residents. Residents could drive up to the highway garage and fill bags themselves, and our staff helped those who were unable to. Downtown businesses could participate as well.

“The program was discontinued mainly because of the logistics involved: storing clean sand and staffing the site to fill bags on demand.

“At the same time, as buildings on Main Street were renovated, many owners installed flood gate systems in place of sandbags. These gates offer better protection and are easier to store when not in use. Since those renovations, commercial demand for sandbags has been negligible.”

Sandbags on Main Street during Hurricane Sandy, 2012.

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Families, friends, neighbors and individuals are invited to “Give Back Together” — and help Homes with Hope.

This 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 Police made 5 custodial arrests between September 16 and 22.

A 38-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to yield right of way, following a Sunday accident at Saugatuck Avenue and Ferry Lane, with injuries. She was released on a $500 bond.

A 25-year-old Manhattan man and 24-year-old Bronx man were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into the February theft of a car from Volvo of Westport. Both were held on $150,000 bonds.

A 55-yar-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, following the theft of a Jeep from the Saugatuck train station. The key had been hidden within the exterior mounted spare tire. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

A 59-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, charging greater than $500 on a revoked payment card, conspiracy to commit that crime, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, following an investigation into the theft of a woman’s wallet at HomeGoods. She was released on a $10,000 bond.

A 36-year-old woman was charged with failure to appear. She was released on a $5,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to renew registration: 10 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Texting while driving: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to carry registration: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Articles obstructing view: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1

All license plates must be readable!

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Sometimes you look at one of nature’s creatures and say, “Wow!”

Sometimes you see one, and you just laugh.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo elicits both responses.

(Photo/Nancy Diamond)

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And finally … Happy Punctuation Day!

(So: Do you enjoy “06880”? If so, great! And now: Please click here, to support our work; we’d really appreciate it. PS — Do you like the way this paragraph is supporting Punctuation Day?)

 

Pics Of The Day #3442

Captain Nemo admires his town … 

… and paddles off Schlaet’s Point ((Photoa/Gabriela Hayes)