But the 3 candidates for 1st selectman — and the 2 vying for 2nd selectwoman — came together yesterday, at Homes with Hope’s Halloween party.
The event was at 122 Wilton Road — the 19-unit apartment building that opened a year ago.
“A great time was had by all,” says Homes with Home CEO and president Helen McAlinden. “This shows real community spirit!”
Clockwise from lower left: Andrea Moore, Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks, Katie Weldy, Amy Wistreich, Kevin Christie, Amanda Sayegh (pink). Weldy and Sayegh are with Homes with Hope; all the others are on the ballot.
One more reminder: There are still a few tickets left for our 3rd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
This Sunday’s event (November 2, 1 to 4 p.m.) includes 4 very cool (and different) homes: 221 Greens Farms Road; its Bedford-family neighbor at 249 Greens Farms Road; 155 Long Lots Road, and 209 Wilton Road. Click here for details of each historic house.
In his first months as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri has earned great reviews.
Among the many reasons: He’s quick to respond to residents.
A few days ago, Michael Diggin contacted Barbieri about the kayaks at Compo Beach. Specifically, Diggin asked: When will more storage racks be added? Since many kayaks are now 9 feet, could narrower racks be added? Could a security camera be installed? And could the grass be mowed more often, to discourage ticks?
Barbieri responded quickly. He said: More racks will be added next year. The Parks & Rec staff will work with Diggin to modify one to suit his needs. Barbieri will review the twice-weekly mowing, once-weekly weed whacking schedule. He is working with Westport’s new IT director to look at camera systems overall.
The director concluded, “Thanks for reaching out, and providing input and feedback on our operations. We can’t always do everything, but are always willing to take a deeper look at items like these.”
Families and caregivers of neurodiverse middle and high school students are invited to a special “Learn without Limits” presentation and open house, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The 6:30 p.m. event on Monday (November 3) includes practical strategies to support students in and out of the classroom. It also introduces Westporter Jake Sussman’s great Superpower Mentors program.
Tomorrow’s trash pickup takes place at Compo Beach. The day-after-Halloween date and site are intentional.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, volunteers will meet at the cannons. They’ll spread out to clean up the area — including Soundview Drive.
After tonight’s trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, there should be plenty to clean up. The event is organized by Rachel Precious.
Sometimes, even the nicest people leave trash at the beach. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Timing is everything.
Earlier this week — before yesterday’s rain and wind — Wakeman Town Farm hosted their annual Halloween Tot Parade.
Little superheroes, ghosts and cartoon characters paraded around the grounds, to spooky music, met the Farm’s animals, visited Trader Joe’s mini-pumpkin patch, and enjoyed cupcakes from BabyCakesNYC.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 22 and 28.
In addition to the arrest for motor vehicle theft and firearm possession reported earlier, a 26-year-old Westport woman was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a criminal protective order, following the investigation of a disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Distracted driving: 3
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to rive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turns: 1
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Former Westporter Adé Van Duyn died on October 17, passed away, surrounded by her children Keven, Caroly, Maren and Nielsen, and close friend Katherine Paulhus. She was 98.
Her family says “her optimism and humor at every bend in the road inspired all to expand their horizons, and act with compassion.”
The Essen, Germany native graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, Netherlands.
Influenced by the vibrant post-World War II art scene there, her early works conveyed the impact of war, and the resurrection of life. She sailed across the Atlantic to join Gerard, her creative soulmate, in Ontario, Canada.
They created screen titles, illustrations, storyboards and sets in the early days of television. Their family drove to Burbank, California where Gerard pursued film while Adé sketched their young children.
In 1962 the Van Duyns arrived in Westport, and established an industrial design firm on Hillspoint Road. Adé welcomed neighborhood children to artmaking. She also collaborated with progressive educator Rose Park, leading to a career as a recreation director at Mediplex of Westport. Dynamic programming (including audio-visual presentations) replaced traditional crafts. Families and patients joined for festive holiday events.
Adept at problem solving, and reveling in nature, she canoed, sailed, hiked and camped, in all weather. Wildflowers, trees and oceans inspired Adé as a plein air painter. She was a member of the Black Rock Art Guild. Her paintings captured scenes of disappearing Saugatuck. She sang in the Unitarian Church choir, and participated in its Shawl Ministry. Adé’s final works are magnificent stained glass windows.
Adé Van Duyn
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Another fall day, another chance to appreciate the beauty of the season.
(It’s no trick that “06880” has kept you informed — 24/7/365 — since 2009. It’s our job, and we love it. But it would be a nice treat if you clicked here, and showed us a little love. Thank you all!)
Around the globe, there are reasons for fear and grief.
Westport is not immune.
At the same time, we are blessed. No matter what our circumstances or concerns, we are surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Fall is a spectacular time here. Despite everything else going on — elections, work, a government shutdown, wars and much more — we should all take time to appreciate the wonders of our time.
This morning, “06880” photographer John Maloney helps us do just that.
“06880”‘s Instagram Live series with 1st selectman candidates continues at noon tomorrow (Wednesday,).
Democratic Kevin Christie will be the guest. Republican-endorsed Don O’Day and Independent David Rosenwaks were previously interviewed.
Kevin Christie
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Also tomorrow: the Parks & Recreation Commission meets (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to discuss the Parks Master Plan and Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
The Parks Master Plan presentation should synthesize some of the findings from the public engagement session 2 weeks ago at the Westport Library.
The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan will include the previously proposed maintenance shed — now a larger maintenance complex being discussed for numerous sites, including within Longshore itself.
It includes space for Longshore maintenance items and tools, plus staff work spaces and vehicle parking.
The current Longshore maintenance shed.
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Yesterday’s “Nor’easter” was nowhere near as bad as predicted.
There was a bit of rain, some stronger-than-usual winds, and — at its peak yesterday morning — only about 40 power outages.
But conditions were great for anyone who loves waves. Plus, photographers who love to shoot them.
Here are a few great images, both from Compo Beach:
Andy Flotto enjoys the waves … (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
… along with Tristen Rycenga. The 8th graders are best friends, and surf together all along the East Coast. Yesterday they did it at their “home” beach. (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
Bedford Acting Group — the famed Bedford Middle School program — is now called Bedford Theater Community.
The new name that honors the program’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity, collaboration and creativity. The new logo highlights the importance of collaboration among students, parents, BMS staff, and local community and supporters.
The rebrand coincides with the arrival of Rick Hribko, Bedford’s new theater director and acting teacher. He is building on its strong foundation of creativity, confidence-building, and community connection.
“Bedford Theater Community reflects not just who we are, but what we stand for: a place where every student has a voice, a role, and an opportunity to shine,” Hribko says.
“The BTC acts as a theatrical family who overcomes challenges and celebrates successes together. It’s about belonging, collaboration, and celebrating the power of storytelling together.”
His first production, this December, is “Annie, Jr.” It will be presented by the 6th grade class, with 7th and 8th grade student directors and stage crew mentors.
Claire Tiefenthaler works as a registered nurse at a local hospital, on a child and adolescent unit.
Andrew Colabella and friends are hosting a donations drive at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) at the I-95 commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector.
VFW Post 399 has become Westport’s comedy central.
The next night for affordable local laughs is Friday (October 17; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8).
Chris Monty headlines, with Ellen Karis, Joe Pontillo and Dave Sheehan.
Tickets are $20 online or at the door. The VFW has a full bar, and a light food menu.
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But wait! There’s more!
The VFW is also chili central.
The day after the comedy show, the club hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser (Saturday, October 18, 6 to 8 p.m.). American Legion Post 63 is the co-sponsor.
In addition to a wide variety of chili recipes, there’s a 50/50 raffle.
The fee is $25; all funds go to veterans and Westport’s first responders. For more information, email VFW399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.
But you’re in luck. The Westport Library’s superb crew captured it all on video. Click here or below to view the entire event.
Up next: StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.
Set for November 20 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), it’s the final round of a competition that began in May, with 77 applicants.
The 21 companies selected to participate gained valuable support through education, mentorship and coaching. Now just 5 remain:
Chroma Shield
Mirabelle Medical
Neuro Puffs
Nexa Tax
Wheel Price
Honorable Mention: Pro Patient Tech.
They’ll compete, “Shark Tank”-style, for a share of $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The panel of Westport-based VC judges promises an inspiring, high-energy event.
One of Fairfield County’s favorite musicians — Chris Coogan — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (October 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
The insanely talented jazz pianist — whose gigs range from accompanist to Gospel, plus choir director and bandleader — met Jazz at the Post maestro Greg Wall shortly after “the Jazz Rabbi” moved to Westport over 12 years ago. They realized they were cut from the same cloth. They share a deep spiritual attachment to American music, digging deep into its roots and extending outward from there.
On Monday, Phillip James Dodd treated the Y’s Women to a pictorial view of the houses of the popular HBO series, “The Gilded Age”: The Biltmore, The Elms and The Breakers.
The author, educator and architect noted that the tycoons garnered great wealth because they made their money before the introduction of the income tax.
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It’s been a quiet hurricane season so far. Fingers crossed …
Things were a lot different in 1954.
That year, Hurricane Carol struck on August 31. The Category 3 storm had winds of up to 110 miles an hour.
It was the most destructive storm to hit New England in nearly 20 years, and caused significant damage here. But its effects on eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island were much worse.
Just 11 days later, Hurricane Edna walloped Westport. It too was a Category 3, and dumped the heaviest amount of rain in 45 years on New York City.
The photoa below show the flooding on Main Street. The view is familiar. The stores are not.
And let’s hope that — thanks to mitigation efforts — the scene will not be repeated, no matter how powerful a hurricane may be.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Photo courtesy of James Gray)
Do you recognize the spot below?
It’s the corner of Hillspoint Road and Compo Hill Road, during Hurricane Carol.
The large building was Joe’s Store. It later became Cafe de la Plage, then Positano restaurant. Today it’s the site of the “blue house” — the still-unfinished home on Old Mill Beach.
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