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Gardeners, dog walkers and parents of schoolchildren — some of whom fit in more than one of those categories — await tonight’s Representative Town Meeting agenda item #7 (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Last month, the Board of Selectwomen approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Department to close all school grounds to anyone not a “student, staff member or invited guest” between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., whenever school is in session.

Tonight, the RTM will vote on a petition “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”

The prohibition is currently in effect, though apparently it has not been enforced due to the pending petition.

Wakeman Field — adjacent to Bedford Middle School — is part of the ban. It was not included for an exemption in the petition before the RTM.

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When a section of Winslow Park off Compo Road North was handed to contractors, as a staging area for sewer work nearby, many folks feared the worst.

Industrial fencing went up. Gravel covered the grass. Paradise wasn’t exactly paved over, but — despite promises to the contrary — it sure seemed like it would never be back the way it was.

A year later, that area is as good as new.

If not better.

The fencing is gone. Gravel was trucked away. Grass grew back quickly. You’d never know the difference.

Thanks to Westport’s Public Works Department, and all others who made sure the contractors lived up to their promise.

Let’s hope the new sewers are in equally good shape.

New grass at Winslow Park’s former staging area. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of which: One reason to avoid Whitney Street is … sewer work.

Next on the agenda: new sidewalks.

In the meantime: Avoid this very tempting shortcut between Roseville Road and downtown.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And speaking again of Winslow Park: A memorial service for Johnny Barnett — called by some its “mayor” — will be held there Sunday (June 9, 10 a.m.). See the map below for the exact location.

This Sunday is also Barnett’s birthday.

Guests should bring folding chairs. There will be acoustic music from the Barnett children, and an informal reception after the memorial.

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Staples Tuition Grants does 2 things very well.

It raises money. Then it gives it away.

STG celebrated its 81st year last night at the high school auditorium. The organization awarded $380,000 in scholarships to 104 graduating seniors and students already in college.

The money goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Over 400 people donated to the general fund this year, or to named or endowed awards that honor Staples’ history — and support its future.

To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, click here.

Some of the STG recipients, in the Staples courtyard. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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After 23 years as director of the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School — and 34 total years — Pat Rackliffe is retiring.

The Co-op was founded in 1955 by parents to provide a strong, supportive environment for their children’s early education. Pat exemplified that mission, through a strong sense of community with the students, staff, and parents.

Meanwhile, new director of education Libby Gustafson began June 1. She knows The Co-op well, having served as a junior counselor at age 14.

She later returned as a teacher, parent, contributor to the parent education series, and accreditation consultant.

But that’s not all. Pat Racklifee is Libby Gustafson’s mother!

Pat will be honored for her contributions this Friday (June 7). Email info@westportwestoncoop.org), or call 203-227-9318 for details.

Pat Rackliffe (right) and Libby Gustafson

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Westport educators Lauren Francese and Anthony Battaglia have been honored for their commitment to excellence in social studies.

The awards were given by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.

Francese — the Westport Public Schools’ social studies coordinator — welcomed attendees at the annual meeting. She and several colleagues received an award for helping develop Connecticut’s new social studies standards.

Battaglia won the Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education award, for exceptional student teachers. A pre-service teacher from the University of Bridgeport, he recently completed his student teaching in 8th grade at Coleytown Middle School.

Anthony Battaglia and Lauren Francese

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At Staples, from which she graduated in 2010, Caroline Goldstein was very active in the school paper Inklings.

Her sophomore and senior year English teacher Gus Young inspired her love for writing through an independent study, and encouraged her to apply to a summer program at Simon’s Rock.

That led to her study of creative writing as an undergrad at New York University, where she also earned a master’s of fine arts.

It all paid off. The writer — who now goes by Caroline Wolff — just published her first book.

Amazon says of “The Wayside”:

When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.

Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, “The Wayside” is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.

Click here for more information, and to order. (Hat tip: Jessica Isaacs)

Caroline Wolff

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The Westport Fire Department responded to an outdoor structure fire next to a Burnham Hill residence just before midnight..

There were no injuries. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The WFD was assisted by Westport Police and Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.

Burnham Hill fire (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Azerbaijan may not be the jazz capital of the world.

But Amina Figarova rose from her youth behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.

This Thursday (June 6, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), she makes her debut Jazz at the Post appearance.

She’s joined by flutist Bart Platteau, bassist Will Goble, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Tickets are $20 for the music; $15 for veterans and students. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Mary Lou Denke Rotella died last Wednesday, with her family by her side. She was 73.

The Saugatuck native and Staples High School graduate lived in Westport for most of her life.

She met her husband of 53 years, Angelo Rotella, through close friends.

She raised 3 children, while taking care of her parents and mother-in-law.

Mary Lee worked as a certified nursing assistant at a convalescent home, and in the Coleytown Elementary School cafeteria. In her spare time, she loved to bake, dance, fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and did her own lawn care until shortly before she died.

Her family says,, “Mary Lee’s favorite thing was to bring people together, and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength, and love for others.”

Mary Lee is survived by her children Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha); and Lisa (Christian); grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and siblings Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. She was predeceased by her husband, and brothers John, Merritt (Bobby) and Donald Denke.

Calling hours are at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (June 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). Mass will be held Friday (June 7, 11 a.m., Assumption Church).

Mary Lee Rotella

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It’s peony season!

And Pat Saunders sends this perfect specimen to “06880,” for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

(Photo/Pat Saunders)

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And finally … On this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The measure — guaranteeing suffrage to women — went next  to the 48 U.S. states for ratification.

(From the Community Gardens, Wakeman Field and Winslow Park to Broadway and Azerbaijan, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)