Recent “06880” Roundups have noted the proliferation of utility wires in Westport. They keep coming — and they never come down.
A related issue: “double poles” (and, occasionally, “triple poles”). These occur when a pole is hit by a car, damaged during a storm, or a larger pole is needed to replace the original one (often due to too many telecom wires already attached to the undersized existing pole.
This could also result from a road widening project like the current one on Post Road East. It can take years for all existing utility wires, and equipment like transformers, to be shifted to the new pole.
The other day, a retired utility executive was doing errands in Westport. In just one part of Westport, he counted approximately 30 double poles.
His route was less than 7 miles. There are more than 147 miles of town and state roads — and around the same number of private roads.
Extrapolating the number he saw, the utility executive estimates there could be 500 or so double (and triple) poles in Westport.
That’s a lot of unused, obsolete — and ugly — wood.
Double poles at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue … (Photo/Ken Warren)
and Compo Road South, near Post Road East … (Photo/Mark Mathias)
… and a “push brace” on Saugatuck Avenue.
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Yesterday started out as a great summer beach day.
By late afternoon — just as we should have been getting ready for Saturday evening South Beach cookouts, or picnic dinners on the sand — storm clouds rolled in.
Nearly everyone scattered.
Along Soundview Drive, only one group remained.
Their umbrella added a bit of color, to an otherwise gray scene.
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
The wind cracked this tree, on Kettle Creek Road in Weston:
(Photo/Wendy Schaefer)
Eversource reported nearly 1,000 power outages, at the peak. Over 200 customers were still without power this morning.
Today’s forecast is for cloudy skies this morning, with thunderstorms possible this afternoon. They may include gusty winds and small hail. The high temperature is expected to be 83.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts an “almost-annual” tag sale, to benefit both the church and its outreach programs (Beardsley Elementary School, Mercy Learning Center, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, and others.
The event is this Saturday (August 10, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; early birds, 8 a.m. with a $20 fee).
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“Pareidolia” occurs when people see images in inanimate objects — for example, faces in rock formations, or animals in grilled cheese.
I had never heard the term. I learned it from alert “06880” reader Chris Corgel, who sends this example:
(Photo/Chris Corgel)
What do I see? A great photo for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature!
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And finally … on this day in 1901, Louis Armstrong was born. For 69 years, he shared this wonderful world with us.
(What a wonderful world this is! And what a wonderful “06880” community — in real life, and online. Thanks for being part of it. PS: Extra thanks for clicking here, and supporting our blog!)
When disaster strikes — a hurricane, say, or a toxic chemical spill on I-95 — the question isn’t “Who you gonna call?”
It should be: “Who’s gonna call you?”
The answer is simple: Nixle.
The town-wide notification system can mean the difference between losing your car to a flood, or moving it to higher ground. Or driving into downed wires, or avoiding the area completely. Or dozens of other dangerous scenarios, which — thanks to modern technology — Westport’s emergency services personnel and first responders can now warn us about.
Nixle is nimble. Notifications can be sent in any form residents want to receive them: text, email or phone. They can be sent to every resident in town, or only an affected neighborhood or group.
They can even be scheduled by time. We can get an alert first thing in the morning — but it won’t unduly alarm us at 3 a.m.
When disaster strikes — as it did during Hurricane Isaias, here on Prospect Road near Hillandale — Nixle can warn of road closures.
Nixle is an opt-in system. (To sign up, text 06880 to 888777, or click here.)
It’s used by Westport’s emergency management team, and the Police Department.
The other day, emergency management director Nick Marsan and Police Captain Dave Wolf described the system.
It can be used for a variety of situations, including drinking water contamination, utility outages, evacuation notices, unexpected road closures, missing persons, fires, flash flood and tornado warnings, bomb threats, chemical spills and gas leaks.
It is used sparingly, Marsan and Wolf stress, in public safety and emergency situations. In other words: Nixle will notify users about a flash flood. It will not be used every time rain is coming.
(Big storms, yes. A Nixle message might say “65 mph winds are expected. Stay off roads, and prepare for long-term power outages.”)
A Nixle text alert …
Officials want to ensure that when residents get a Nixle alert, they understand it’s serious.
That’s why Nixle is not used for heavy traffic (an all-too-common occurrence). If, however, traffic lights are inoperable, or detours are in place, an alert could be sent.
(So how can you find out about “normal” traffic issues? Sign up for Police and Fire Department’s social media: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.)
Officials realize that residents get information in a variety of ways: texts, calls, emails.
Some older residents prefer old-fashioned phone calls. Nixle sends those too (and leaves a message, if the call is not answered).
Text messages are brief, and to the point: “Long Lots Road is closed between Turkey Hill and Hyde Lane, due to a car fire.” Emails and phone messages can be longer.
Only a few people in each department have authority to issue a Nixle alert. That prevents over-use of the system.
“Unless a meteor is coming, we have a few minutes to plan our message,” Marsan says.
Typically there is a quick discussion before an alert is issued, to ensure that the proper message goes out, to the right audience.
Not every resident needs to know, for example, to move to higher ground during a storm surge. But those living near the shore do. Any Nixle message can be sent to the entire town, or any segment of it.
(If you’re signed up, you’ll get an alert even if you’re not physically here. That’s helpful, if you need to tell a nanny or neighbor the news.)
… and the dashboard. It shows that 2 flood alerts were sent to over 6,000 text recipients, more than 3,000 email users, and over 100 phone lines.
Human Services Department Elaine Daignault also uses Nixle. She maintains a list of residents who may be particularly vulnerable during emergencies. She can offer information, and ask if they need food or other resources.
Many people on Daignault’s list — including those with vision issues — prefer the phone to emails or texts. Nixle allows her to communicate easily, by recorded voice.
Marsan and Wolf point to unexpected uses of the system. One morning, heavy — and unexpected — ice caused several accidents. A Nixle message went out: “Extreme ice conditions throughout Westport.” Residents were urged to take care when walking outside, getting in and out of cars, and driving.
It’s also been used — successfully — to find residents reported as missing.
“We’ve never regretted sending out a message,” Wolf says. Over time, though officials have refined exactly what they say, and how they say it.
Nixle has not yet been used in Westport for an active shooter, or a hazardous chemical release after a rail accident. Hopefully, it never will be.
But if either event — or any other unforeseen incident — happens, Nixle will let us know.
We just have to sign up for it.
(To enroll in Nixle, text 06880 to 888777, or click here. You’ll also have an option to enroll in a database for notification by state officials.)
When Saugatuck Shores floods, Nixle sends targeted messages to the neighborhood. (Photo/Michele Sorensen)
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Some Westporters were surprised that Compo Beach was closed to swimmers yesterday.
Others were not. Heavy rains — like the ones the night before (Wednesday) — often lead to closure.
“06880” reader and environmental activist Toni Simonetti wrote: “I learned something, thanks to Mark Cooper, director of health for the Aspetuck Health District.
“Swimming is closed at town beaches for 24 hours after a very heavy rainfall (as we all witnessed into the night yesterday). Because of the excessive runoff of surface water, and all it collects along the way, it ends up in Long Island Sound.
“In Westport it takes 3 tides, or 24 hours, to cleanse the water tidally.
“The 24-hour waiting period is state protocol. Norwalk and Fairfield, on either side of Westport, have longer water cleansing times. Mark thinks that’s because we benefit from the ebbs and flows of the clean Saugatuck River.
“Just another benefit to living in Westport!”
Serene. But not safe after a storm. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)
Speaking of that brief but intense storm: In addition to fouling our waters, it brought down power lines and trees.
But there were bright spots, amid the bad weather. Chris Vatis writes:
“Both Eversource line people and Gault electritians were on site within 1 1/2 hours after I reported the storm ripped both my meter and electricity pole attached to my house right off, leaving live wires all over my property.
“They worked diligently to restore it.
“I and we often complain about how much money we now pay for services. But both companies deserve praise for their excellent communication and lightning speed response to my plea for immediate help. I’m very impressed with both companies.”
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Also yesterday: No, you were not imagining things.
Traffic throughout town was worse than usual.
Way worse.
The culprit was a diesel fuel spill on I-95 southbound, between Exits 18 and 17.
As often happens, more spillage followed. Car and truck drivers got off the highway, and — in a futile attempt to move more quickly — clogged our main roads and side streets.
This Bridge Street scene was repeated at many other spots:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of drivers: We’re not sure how this accident occurred, but someone clipped the sign — in the middle of the traffic island at the Sherwood Island Connector, by the Post Road.
(Photo/Josh Berkowsky)
Coming from I-95, we’re now welcomed to “Estport.”
Bob Newhart — the supremely talented, always understated but very hilarious comedian who died yesterday at 94 — may not have had any connections to Westport. (Though I’m sure several commenters will note otherwise.)
But this much is certain: When he gave a speech at the Kennedy Center, upon accepting his Mark Twain Prize, he referenced a Westport icon: Paul Newman.
Click below, then fast forward to 4:13 when the story begins.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a “Business After Hours” event last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Members and town officials celebrated the outdoor theater’s 50th anniversary — and the Chamber’s 93rd year.
At the Chamber of Commerce event last night (from left): Paul Lebowitz, Planning & Zoning Commission chair; RTM member Jay Keenan; 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore; RTM member Sal Liccione; Chamber director Matthew Mandell; 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; RTM members Don O’Day and Melissa Levy. (Photo/Dan Woog
Her first novel, “The Neighbors’ Secret,” was named an American Fiction Award finalist, for pre-teen fiction.
Last year, the book was a Tassy Walden Award Finalist in 2023.
The novel takes middle school readers on “an adventure filled with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected twists,” press materials say.
“With her background as a litigation attorney and her passion for storytelling, Sussman weaves an intricate tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.”
Diana Sussman
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Spotted lanternflies are back.
We fight them with traps and white vinegar.
But we’re not the only ones. Praying mantises are natural predators.
So — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows: Pray for mantises.
And finally … Dave Loggins died last week, in Nashville. He was 76.
The songwriter had only one hit of his own: “Please Come to Boston.” But he wrote songs for many other artists, including Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna Judd and Toby Keith.
Non-country music fans knew him too. He wrote the Masters golf tournament theme, a staple of spring sports telecasts for over 40 years. Click here for a full obituary.
(Whether you’re from Westport — or Boston, Denver, LA or anywhere else — if you enjoy “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The 2002 Staples High School graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek — has just been nominated for an Emmy.
The category is “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.” The song is “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” The show is Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.”
An Emmy would be very cool.
It would also be very historic. Pasek and Paul have already won Grammy (“Dear Evan Hansen” cast album), Oscar (“City of Stars,” from “La La Land”) and 2 Tony awards (“Dear Evan Hansen” Best Musical; “A Strange Loop”). This would complete the coveted — and very rare — EGOT quadruple crown. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
Justin Paul (left), Benj Pasek and their Grammys.
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Westporters are cleaning up, after yesterday’s swift yet strong storm.
This was the scene next to 27 Imperial Avenue. Phil Levieff, who sent the photo, says, “The early assessment is it is lucky to have minimal damage. It’s built like a tank.”
They’re the target audience for “Pinkalicious: The Musical.” Based on the book by Westporter Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, it’s the newest show at the 93-year-old theater.
There are 2 shows on Saturday, August 17: 1 and 4 p.m. All tickets are $30.
Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Pinkalicious” character. Click here for tickets, and more information.
For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.
The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.
Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.
The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). There’s a full day of golf, with an after-golf event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sponsorships and tickets are available; so are opportunities to help with silent and live auction donations. Click here for details. Questions? Email jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.
Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.
Manny Margolis was a nationally known civil liberties lawyer. He died in 2011, at 85.
His wife Estelle was a noted artist and longtime political activist. When she died in 2019, at 86, “06880”‘s tribute was told through the words of her grandson, Jonah Newman. He inherited his grandparents’ eloquent way with words. (Click here to read.)
The son of Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Abby Margolis still has a way with words.
And with illustrations.
Simon & Schuster just published Newman’s “Out of Left Field.”
The graphic novel — about a nerdy gay teenager who jumps into “the bro-y world of high school baseball” is semi-autobiographical. Like his protagonist, Newman struggled to fit in in high school, playing sports while coming to terms with his sexuality.
When he’s not creating, writing or reading comics, he’s a cartoonist and editor. And when he’s not doing that, he listens to history podcasts, plays in an LGBTQ+ softball league, and follows his fantasy baseball team. He lives in Brooklyn with his husband and 2 cats.
Click here for more information on “Out of Left Field,” including how to buy it. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)
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Speaking of sports: It’s mid-July, but many Staples teams are already preparing for the fall.
Among them: the boys soccer squad.
They met for a 6:30 a.m. run yesterday at Compo Beach. Then — with the whole day still ahead — they cooled off with a quick swim in the Sound.
(Photo/Luca Caniato)
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A reminder: The 11th annual “06880” blog party is Thursday, July 25. From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach.
It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set, and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!
Three days later — on Sunday, July 28— we’re back at Compo, for the 1st-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
Co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, this event builds on the fun and community spirit we all feel at the fireworks, when the beach exit road is closed.
Thanks to the cooperation of Parks & Rec and the Westport Police, the street will be shut again. Enjoy live music; kids’ activities like face painting and balloon-making; a photo booth; food trucks — and plenty of room for walking, biking, rollerblading, and the best street scene east of Venice, California.
It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendars for the “06880” blog party, and the Soundview Summer Stroll. See you at both!
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 10 and 17.
A 27-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for larceny, forgery and identity theft, following an complaint that a fraudulent check had been written for $5,972.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
Operating unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Distracted driving: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Illegal shellfishing – closed area: 3
Illegal taking shellfish at night: 3
Violation of local shellfish commission regulations: 3
Simple trespass: 3
Speeding: 2
Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Operating motor vehicle without a license: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Improper turn: 1
Driving with a foreign license: 1
Violation of license class: 1
Failure to display plates: 1
3 people were issued citations for illegal shellfishing. (Photo/Barry Lytton)
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A heads-up: The Republican primary is August 13.
Early voting takes place August 5-11 (Town Hall).
On primary day, Republican electors should visit their regular polling locations (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
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You had to look carefully to see this action on a milkweed plant — or have a great camera, as Molly Alger did for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
Posted onJuly 17, 2024|Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2647
That was some storm today. For half an hour, the thunder, lightning, rain and wind were intense. But then the skies cleared. And Compo Beach was back to normal … (Photo/Meredith Holod)
… though it might take these Spicer Court homeowners a bit more time to clean up. (Photo/Carol Watterworth)
Governor Ned Lamont advises Connecticut residents — especially the most vulnerable — to take precautions ahead of extreme temperatures that will remain through Wednesday.
Temperatures during the day will rise into the 90s. The heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees.
Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s.
One way to cool down.
Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut. Call 211, or click here. 211ct.org.”
Here are the Westport cooling centers:
Senior Center: Weekdays only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emergency Management director Nick Marsan offers these tips:
Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening.
Find an air-conditioned shelter. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths.
Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat
Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Club 203’s social activities are on summer vacation.
But 2 partners offer activities, for members of Westport’s group for adults with disabilities.
MoCA CT plans 2 “Summer Art” sessions. Attendees can spend relaxing evenings, learning about art and self-expression. They’re tomorrow (July 8) and August 5 (6 p.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.
In addition, Deirdre Flores — the Teen SLP, who offered her services at an April event — will provide classes on employment, technology and social skills (July 9, 10 and 11). Click here for details.
Club 203’s 2024-25 calendar will be announced soon on Instagram. Follow them: @club203_ct.
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“06880” can’t resist a great rainbow photo.
And even though this was taken a few days ago at Wakeman Fields, it’s worth posting.
Photographer Frank Sisson says: “A double rainbow! And thanks to the topography of Wakeman, it was visible from the 2 starting points, to the 2 pots of gold. Moments like this make you stop and appreciate the grandeur of Mother Nature.”
Totney Benson offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and these thoughts:
“I was glad to see this pair on the beach near Schlaet’s Point.
“I have seen so few this year that I was worried. Last year there were dozens, and many nests. But I also saw their path down the sand in more detail than ever before, with tiny claw marks evident.”
(Photo/Totney Benson)
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And finally … yesterday, “06880” saluted the anniversary of the first meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Today, it’s Sir Ringo Starr’s 84th birthday.
(Act naturally — and now, Please click here to support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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