Roundup: Board Of Finance, Dog Days Of Autumn, Peace Vigil …

Posted on October 29, 2023 | 16 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the 4th agenda item for Wednesday’s Board of Finance meeting is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only”).

Chair Lee Caney notes: “On all of our agendas for our regular monthly meetings, we will have an update on LLS.  The updates have been on prior agendas.  We did the same thing with the Coleytown Middle School updates.

“This month there will probably be no discussion, as we just had a meeting. This is not our second meeting on LLS, which will take place at a date to be determined.

“I would never try to sneak in an important meeting, as I welcome and encourage community participation.”

The Board of Finance is just one stop on the road to approval of the Long Lots Elementary School project.

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Today will be much cooler than yesterday — like, 30 degrees lower.

So let’s take one look back at the “last day of summer” (aka October 28):

Longshore: The view from a Boston Whaler (Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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The view is always spectacular from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation sanctuary.

It’s particularly inspiring on a gorgeous fall day list yesterday.

The foliage framed the UU’s quiet and contemplative peace vigil yesterday. Rev. Alan Taylor and others led attendees through a meditative experience. Cellist Gunnar Sahlin provided musical accompaniment.

“All of us are spiritual people, no matter our personal faith traditions or religious affiliations,” the UU says. “We can find solace in community … in peace, in meditation, and in reflection.”

Cellist Gunnar Sahlin. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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The Westport Library celebrated Halloween last night with a Westport and Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored party.

“Bella’s Bartok” played. The stage was decorated. Costumes were worn.

It was, one of the 200 attendees said, “outrageous.”

In, of course, the best way possible.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

There’s a new sheriff in town. Matthew Mandell (left) — director of the Chamber of Commerce — and his wife Cara enjoy last night’s party. 

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More traditional entertainment was provided last night at the Westport Country Playhouse.

There was a deserved standing ovation at the opening performance of “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches sings Ella Fitzgerald.”

The show continues Tuesday through Sunday, including evenings and matinees. Special events include Pride Night (November 2) and Open Captions (November 5). Click here for schedules, tickets, and more information.

Cherise Coaches, at last night’s curtain call. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Billions” — the high-powered Showtime series about a high-stakes hedge fund managed that morphed into a fascinating exploration of people, power, prestige, and (always) the role money plays in it all — ended its 7-year run this month.

Bobby Axelrod’s “Axe Capital” — based, more than loosely, on both Westport’s Bridgewater Associates and Steve Cohen’s SAC Capital — was originally headquartered in Westport, where the character lived. Midway through the series, it (and he, following a divorce) moved to New York.

It was a thrilling series, with plenty of superb writing and acting (including the great Damian Lewis). Click here to see.

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The Westport Book Sale hosted their first-ever fundraiser this past week.

The event supports the next phase of their employment and job training program for adults with differing abilities.  Scores of Westporters enjoyed a video about the Book Shop, including plans for expanding their employment program.

Click here to watch.

Some of the scenes at the Westport Book Sale fundraiser.

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Sure, it was 80 degrees (or more yesterday).

But it’s still autumn — and peak foliage time.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped this why-we-love-New England “Westport … Naturally” shot yesterday at Vista Terrace. That’s the private road that forms a horseshoe, starting and ending across from the 1st hole at the Longshore golf course.


(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … today is the 94th anniversary of Black Tuesday.

On this date in 1929, the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Investors traded a then-whopping 16 million shares in one. $14 billion of stock value was lost, wiping out thousands of investors.

Some stocks had no buyers at any price. The Dow lost 11.73% of its total value: a staggering 30.57 points.

The Great Bull Market was over. The Great Depression had begun.

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, religion, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Weston Confronts Antisemitic Signs

Posted on October 29, 2023 | 18 comments

In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, disturbing lawn signs appeared in Weston.

Last week, Rabbi Michael Friedman of Westport’s Temple Israel and Rev. Bernard Wilson of Weston’s Norfield Congregational Church sent this open letter to residents of the town:

On Sunday morning, a new set of political lawn signs appeared around town. They referenced candidates running for selectman with the phrase, “Ham & Baloney: more of the same ol’ leftovers for Weston.”

It happens that the targeted candidates are both Jewish, and that these signs were often placed next to lawn signs depicting the Israeli flag.

The reference to pork products, regarding two Jewish candidates, placed next to the flag of Israel, just days after Israel was attacked adds up to an impact that is antisemitic.

Rabbi Michael Friedman

More broadly, we are concerned for the tenor of political discourse in our town and our nation. As a community we want to be in dialogue with each other. We want discourse that affirms, encourages, emboldens and inspires. While we support the right of all Westonites to voice their support for issues or candidates, negative or oppositional messaging coarsens the discourse of our community.

In this community we work hard to raise awareness of how hateful words make others feel. In this case members of the Jewish community feel targeted. We would say the same regarding language that isolates and stokes fear against people of color and our Muslim community. Derogatory language towards any faith, religion or race has no place here.

We believe that human beings generally have good intentions. But sometimes even the best of intentions may have an unanticipated harmful impact. Our hope in writing this letter is to strengthen the fabric of our community and further build the culture of inclusion that so many of us value here in Weston.
In peace,

First Selectwoman Sam Nestor added these thoughts:    

This weekend, various signs were strategically placed throughout our town, and unfortunately they have sparked fears and concerns amongst our families. Further, the subsequent discussion has shown a divide among our community.

1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor

In my capacity as a town leader, it is crucial that I address the matter of these signs and emphasize their inappropriate nature. Regardless of whether they were deliberately designed to be so, the Jewish families in our community, including myself, perceive them as being antisemitic. It is of utmost importance that we approach this issue with the seriousness it deserves and truly listen to the concerns raised.

To gain a better understanding of the situation at hand, I have taken the time to consult with esteemed faith leaders and advisors. I strongly urge everyone to not dismiss this matter when it arises, but rather, to speak up and take a stand against it.

These signs have had a profound impact on our Jewish community members, leaving them feeling a range of emotions: unsafe, unwelcome, unheard.

Our neighbors are in pain, and as a community, we have the responsibility to support each other. I sincerely hope that you will stand with me in assuring our community that we will not tolerate the infiltration of antisemitism within our town. Together, we can make a difference.

(Hat tip: Sarah Kerstin Gross)

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Posted in Local politics, religion, Weston

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Pics Of The Day #2384

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 1 comment

 

A full moon rises, as a beautiful day ends at Compo Beach … (Photo/Seth Goltzer)

… complements last night’s moon over Burying Hill Beach … (Photo/Wendy Levy)

… and this shot, from the Compo Beach pavilion … (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

… and tonight, at the cannons … (Photo/Nancy Lally)

… and tonight’s moon, outside the Westport Library before the Halloween party (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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Scarice Addresses Social Media Concerns, “Toxic Achievement” Culture

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 10 comments

In the wake of several disturbing incidents involving social media (mis)use by Westport students, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sends this message to parents:

One of the important, but unfortunate, roles of our school administrators is to address misconduct by students ranging from minor to extremely serious. We also address the impact of any misconduct on other students and the school community.

Since the start of this school year, we have addressed acts of bullying, threatening, harassment on the basis of protected classes, and in some cases, threats of violence and actual violence.

Our new reality is that most of the incidents stem from interactions among students over social media. Students are creating and circulating videos, exchanging text messages, or recording and sharing misconduct (i.e. bullying, threatening, violence, etc.) as it occurs in real time. This is highly disturbing, and disruptive to the school environment.

Students today have access to multiple social media platforms.

If your child has access to TikTok or other social media platforms, as most secondary, and some elementary students do, they have likely viewed such videos that have originated and been widely disseminated from students in Westport, and also from others across the country.

What’s problematic is that most of these incidents originate outside of school (i.e. at home, in the community, on weekends, etc.), yet these incidents have proven to have a significant negative impact on our students’ well-being and sense of safety, as well as the entire school environment.

As such, when these incidents occur, even if off campus, it is within the purview of the school district to administer consequences and seek restoration between students when appropriate.

You will likely hear about these unfortunate incidents. However, I want to caution that information you might hear in the community is not necessarily what we have found to have actually occurred following careful investigations.

Rumor and misinformation contribute to a climate of fear. There are very clear and rigid student privacy laws that the district must follow. We cannot share all information that occurs within the disciplinary matters the schools must address.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

However, I can assure you that there are comprehensive processes in place to investigate and swiftly address these matters. Each of the incidents that has occurred this year, including those in the past month, has been handled in accordance with the district code of conduct, bullying and harassment laws, and other applicable laws.

Additionally, I can assure you that beyond consequences, the district aims to restore and provide supportive measures where appropriate. Whenever our students are affected by these incidents, we support them in a variety of ways.  We strictly prohibit all forms of bullying, harassment, and hate-based conduct, and we are constantly working toward cultivating a school culture and environment that is safe and inclusive for all students.

These are top priorities for us at all times. However, at the present moment, these incidents have taken on a heightened significance as we confront international violence and atrocities that have affected many members of our community, both directly and indirectly.

We are addressing an increasing number of off-campus social media incidents.  We cannot do this alone and need parental support. We ask that you are fully attuned to your child’s social media consumption and dissemination.

Any member of our school community who becomes aware of an act of bullying, harassment, violence, or threats should promptly report these concerns to their building principal, assistant principal, or other staff member. If you have media recordings we ask that you share them with the building administration to assist in our investigations. We take these matters extremely seriously, and we ask that our families serve as partners in helping us identify and prevent this conduct in school, out of school, and online.

Scarice also wants parents to know about an important upcoming event.

I am halfway through the book “Never Enough” by Jennifer Breheny Wallace.  As a fellow parent, I give this book my highest recommendation to our parent community.

On Wednesday, November 15, at 7 p.m. in the Westport Library, Westport Together and the Library will host the author of “Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It.” I strongly encourage you to make time to attend.

Drawing on interviews with families, educators, and an original survey of nearly 6,000 parents, Wallace investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture and finds out what we must do to support our kids. She maintains that the pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but is baked into our larger society and the daily experience of families. As a result, she contends that children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large.

Today’s students truly face unprecedented pressure to succeed, however that is defined by families and society. Through deep research and interviews with today’s leading child psychologists, Wallace illustrates that what kids need from adults is not more pressure, but to feel like they matter, that they have intrinsic self-worth not exclusively contingent upon external achievements.

Wallace makes the case that parents and educators who adopt the language and values of “mattering” help children see themselves as a valuable contributor to a larger community. In an ironic twist, Wallace shares that kids who receive consistent feedback that they matter, no matter what, are more likely to have the resilience, self-confidence, and psychological security to thrive.

If you are concerned about these dynamics for your own child, or for the community, I strongly encourage you to join us on November 15 at 7 p.m. at the Westport Library.

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Posted in Children, Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Sustainable Westport Candidate Survey, Bridge Slide, Sharks! …

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 15 comments

Sustainable Westport — the town’s non-profit advisory environmental committee — recently surveyed all candidates running for the Representative Town Meeting, Board of Education, Board of Finance and Planning & Zoning Commission.

36% of candidates responded. Click here to view their answers.

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Last weekend’s first “bridge slide” — replacement of the I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge, with resultant closures and diversions of the highway — went smoothly.

Until Sunday afternoon.

The second (and final) slide is set for next weekend. It begins at 8 p.m. Friday, November 3, and is scheduled to end at 6 a.m. Monday, November 6.

Last weekend’s work ended sooner than expected. Fingers crossed …

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On Wednesday (November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance holds a public meeting.

Most items are routine: financial reports, status updates, appropriation requests.

Tucked into the agenda — #4, of 8 items — is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only).”

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov. Meeting materials will be available there too.

The Board of Finance will discuss the Long Lots Elementary School project on Wednesday. It faces further review from other town bodies too.

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Wednesday’s Roundup included a plea from a reader to golfers to stop chipping balls into water. She recently fished over 100 out of Long Island Sound, at Burying Hill Beach.

Yesterday brought a different kind of fish to the same beach.

Three baby sharks washed ashore. Nicholas Eisenberger — who sent along this photo from his Greens Farms neighbor, Margaret Schwabe — wonders if this is very normal, somewhat normal, or quite unusual.

Marine biologists: Click “Comments” below!

Sharks, at Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)

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Speaking of beaches: The raising and moving of the 1917 house on Compo Cove continues to fascinate everyone who lives at or walks by Old Mill Beach.

Here’s a photo from yesterday:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is all about healthy eating.

As part of their mission, next Thursday’s market (November 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot) includes a Health & Wellness event.

Dharma Massage will discuss the value of massage, and provide 10-minute chair sessions. Zion Physical Therapy will teach shoppers proper stretching plans.  Pause + Purpose has teamed up with GWell to offer Gu Shaw treatments, and will speak to the benefits of meditation.

In addition, Mae Farrell — head of WFM’s”Get Growing” program — will show attendees — including children — how to make healing bath salts.

And nutrition and recipe expert Terry Walters will share recipes and answer questions on how to best nurture bodies with healthy food.

All that is in addition to the usual vendors — and healthy food.

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Three new exhibits have been unveiled at the Westport Library.

Suzanne Benton’s “All About Color” is featured in the Sheffer Gallery. Norm Siegel’s “Visual Curiosities” is in the South Gallery, while “Showtime!” — a series of selections from the Westport Public Art Collections — can be seen in the Jesup Gallery.

They run through January 8, 2024. Each includes a special artist reception: November 1 for Benton, November 8 for Showtime!, and November 20 for Siegel. The Benton and Siegel events include artists’ talks.

From left: “Yanone C” by Hiromitsu Takahashi, courtesy WestPAC; “Tilted Finish” by Norm Siegel; “Continuum” by Suzanne Benton.

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With rain predicted tomorrow, La Plage has postponed its Patio Closing party.

The Inn at Longshore restaurant begins winter hours this week. They’ll be open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, through April.

Beginning Wednesday (November 1), they’ll offer a 5-course tasting menu for $85. A wine pairing menu will also be available. 

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, Chocolatieree reminds “06880” readers of their fundraiser.

They created a “Save the Tatas” collection. 50% of all sales will be donated to Pink Aid Westport.

The collection includes a $20 ruby (pink) chocolate tata pop, and 6 pink heart palettes in dark chocolate.

The collection can be ordered (and shipped) through their website, and can be shipped or picked up at their Church Lane shop.

There is also an option for the chocolates to be sent to a location like a cancer center or food insecurity site. Click here to see.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature wanders over the border, to Weston.

It’s definitely worth the trip, for this shot:

(Photo/Pat Weist)

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And finally … well, you knew this was coming:

(Where else but “06880” can you learn where candidates stand on the environment, AND be warned about sharks? Please click here to help us continue covering all this stuff. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics

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Online Art Gallery #185

Posted on October 28, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #185

Good morning! Our gallery is open.

Come on in … and please submit your work, too.

We welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited (no, urged) to contribute.

“🙏🏼peace” — Artist Dorothy Robertshaw says, “A tear and 🙏🏼 💙praying for hope and peace in this world 🌎💙”

“The 18 x 22 Bug Painting” — colored ink and black enamel. Artist Peter Barlow says, “The painting is displayed on our porch every Halloween, where this street gets over 400 kids. The rest of the year it is at the top of the cellar stairs.”

“Psychedelic Bison” — acrylic painting. Artist Michael Cohen says this was inspired by a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park.

“Hope Springs” — acrylic, oil pasted and acrylic markers on canvas board (Valerie Fishcel)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

Untitled — acrylic painting (Lis Hisgen)

“Early Morning” — digital abstract. Artist Ken Runkel explains, “This is a contemporary interpretation of several early 20th century Cubist artists. The sunrise is about to crest the horizon against the early morning sky, and is reflected in the foreground of a suggested body of water. As with all abstracts. the viewer is encouraged to see and create their own narrative. My primary goal is to strike an emotional chord…to create a feeling with my work.”

“Lobster Landing” — Clinton, Connecticut, watercolor and pen (Kevin McCaul)

“Sunny Sides” (Mike Hibbard)

“Flat Out” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Let’s Dress Up as Dogs!” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)

 

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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What’s Next For The Arts? TEA Talkers Tell.

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 2 comments

A week from tomorrow, Westporters have a chance to look back in history.

Or forward, to a very uncertain future.

Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) is the day for our “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. It features 4 great properties, all from the 1700s: 6 Old Hill Road, 39 Cross Highway, 190 Cross Highway, and 29 North Avenue. Click here for details.

But this story isn’t about that.

November 5 is also the day for Westport’s  annual TEA Talk (2 p.m., Westport Library).

The acronym stands for Thinkers, Educators and Artists. Sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, and based on the one-letter-off TED Talks, it’s a chance for artists to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year, a panel of experts will use live and interactive demonstrations to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts education, music and art. The title is: “What’s Next for the Arts?” 

The TEA Talk features a diverse, “A” list of panelists.

Brian Keane in his home studio.

Brian Keane is a 1971 Staples High School graduate, and Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer/musician. He has composed music for hundreds of films and television shows, working with directors like Ken Burns, and produced over 100 albums.

He is leasing thousands of his compositions in a computerized music library to major entertainment companies, utilizing AI for metadata searches.

Steve Zimmerman is the Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator. He faces daily challenges creating curriculum that respects art making, with the abundant available AI resources

Liz Leggett is an artist and arts consultant. She currently advises a tech company experimenting with AI-generated art, design and architecture.

“Robot Painting at an Easel” (Prompt by Eric Griffith; Generated on Midjourney)

“As AI becomes more prevalent in everything we do, there are questions we must answer,” says Shobana Mani, moderator of the panel and WAAC co-chair. “Does AI pose an existential risk to arts makers? And how does AI affect the ‘process’ of making art?”

Panelists will discuss those questions, and many more.

An audience Q-and-Q (and refreshments) will follow the TEA Talk. Admission is free. Click here to register.

(All “06880” stories are certified created by human beings, not AI. To support our people-produced blog, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Library, technology

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Pic Of The Day #2383

Posted on October 27, 2023 | 2 comments

Weekend, at the Westport train station (Photo/Nicole Ryan)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Transportation

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Friday Flashback #371

Posted on October 27, 2023 | 1 comment

A reader writes:

As Halloween approaches, there will be stories about miscreants stealing cemetery headstones and other acts of vandalism. One story you may wish to post is about the man who tried to steal a cemetery.

In the early 1980s, the owner of the small commercial property nearby attempted to claim Platt Cemetery as his own.

Until that time, Westport did not take responsibility for the maintenance of several non-active and seemingly abandoned cemeteries in town. The Platt Cemetery in particular was incredibly overgrown. In summer, only the tallest headstone spire could be seen above the vegetation.

The surrounding stone wall had long been pilfered of its best material. What remained was little more than a low pile of rubble tumbling into the Post Road.

No one had been buried there for generations, no one bothered to maintain it, and no one seemed to care.

However, it did occupy a nice location on Post Road West, and would have been of considerable value if not for the long-ignored graves. It was therefore a tempting target for someone to claim.

One view of Platt Burial Ground today …

Driving by one day, a member of a Westport board noticed the rear of the cemetery was being cleared by heavy equipment. The police were called, and the clearing stopped.

The owner of the adjoining commercial site claimed that he owned the cemetery, and was only doing maintenance on his property. However, since this
“maintenance” included pushing headstones and grave markers into a pile along with the brush and debris, essentially eliminating any trace of the burials, he was immediately issued a cease and desist order.

That night, a local television station broadcast an interview with the attorney for the commercial property owner, who claimed his client had a deed to the cemetery.

In response to outrage from numerous residents, the town attorney researched the title and found that the supposed deed did not exist. In effect, there was no longer a clear owner and it was essentially another abandoned cemetery.

The town could have prosecuted the property owner and contractor for a number of crimes, including trespass, malicious mischief, vandalism, excavation without a permit and desecration of a grave, but the administration felt it was bad publicity for the town and agreed to not prosecute if the damage was restored.

The uprooted brush and debris was removed, and the cleared area graded and seeded. Unfortunately, some of the uprooted headstones and markers were also removed, explaining why there is an open area in the southeast corner of the cemetery.

… and another, with the “empty” graves in back.

Although this was an unfortunate episode, a greater good did come from it, bringing to the attention of the town the plight of abandoned cemeteries in Westport. The town eventually accepted responsibility for the Platt Cemetery, and along with assistance from civic organizations rebuilt the stone wall, removed the encroaching vegetation and restored the site to a respectable condition.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Westport Garden Club now oversee continued maintenance for both this and several other abandoned cemeteries.

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50 years ago this week:

Republican First Selectman John Kemish and Democratic challenger Jacqueline Heneage engaged in a debate at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in front of “more than 100 senior citizens.”

Heneage criticized Kemish for “failing to pursue apartments long ago.” She proposed that Westport explore allowing “housing for the elderly by special permit.”

Kemish had served 2 2-year terms, beginning in 1969. Heneage won that 1973 election however, and was re-elected twice more. In 1977 the 1st Selectman’s term was lengthened to 4 years; she served from 1973 through 1981.

Jacqueline Heneage and John Kemish

(“Friday Flashback” is a weekly “06880” feature. If you enjoy it, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Traffic Task Force, Compo Beach Playground, Halloween Weekend …

Posted on October 27, 2023 | 4 comments

Two dozen residents heard an update last night from the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, at Town Hall.

Representatives from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, and town operations director Tom Kiely, offered updates on the coordinated effort to identify and address trouble spots.

They provided statistics — 491 special enforcement details over the past 6 months, and 2,526 traffic stops — along with tangible actions, like a new 4-way stop sign at Hillandale and West Parish Roads, and sidewalks on Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway.

Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left): Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Police Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, town operations director Tom Kiely, town engineer Keith Wilberg, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker also attended. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Then many residents offered trouble spots of their own.

Several mentioned Kings Highway North (east of the speed humps). Others  spoke about Bayberry Lane, Imperial Avenue, Thomas Avenue, and Harbor Road on Saugatuck Shores.

A resident wants a traffic agent at Treadwell Avenue starting at 3 p.m., to handle Saugatuck Rowing Club traffic.

One person asked police to teach children about pedestrian safety. Another wondered how Westporters can help push the state Department of Transportation to move beyond its glacial pace. (One example: The town has been requesting left-turn arrows at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street light for 3 years.)

One resident suggested painting “Don’t block the box” rectangles at intersections like Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road, then installing cameras and fining miscreants.

Another wondered why she never sees police ticketing drivers who run red lights on the Post Road near Trader Joe’s and Compo Road.

One Westporter urged Public Works to request more staff.

Last night’s meeting followed 9 other Task Force sessions — one for each Representative Town Meeting district — last year, and a town-wide summary meeting.

“We’ll be back again in 6 months,” promised Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson.

The map on the left shows the location of “enforcement details” between April and October of this year. The one on the right shows the location of traffic stops. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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As planning progresses for the Compo Beach Playground makeover, organizers want Westporters’ input.

From all ages.

The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League are partnering on the rebuild. They’re the same great groups that developed the original playground in 1986, and renovated it a couple of decades later.

The Compo Beach Playground Rebuild Committee designed a survey to capture ideas. It doesn’t take long. But residents’ input will help create a fun, safe and much-loved playground.

But act soon! The survey closes Monday (October 30). Click here for the link.

Compo Beach playground: ready for a rebuild. (Drone photo/David Szymanski)

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VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 kicks off Halloween weekend tonight (Friday, October 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $5 cover ) with a Happy Hour special.

Beer and wine is $6, with chances at free drinks every hour. The food is (as always) great, and there are prizes for best costumes.

Matt Zako — founder of The City’s Backyard podcast — is host.

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Halloween weekend continues tomorrow (Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), with a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.

Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.

It is, says the sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, an event “to die for.”

Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Bella’s Bartok

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Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s kids’ parade downtown — sponsored by Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL and the Westport Downtown Association — included these trick-or-treaters, at Town Hall.

Quite a scary bunch, no?

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Andrew Wilk’s “Library Medical Series” continues Monday (October 30, 7 p.m., Westport Library), with the second of a 3-part series on the brain.

“Headaches and Migraine: Better Understanding the Diagnosis and New Therapies Available” features Dr. Dario Zagar and Dr. Robert Altbaum. A Q-and-A follows their presentation.

The series is free. Click here to register.

From left: Dr. Robert Altbau, Dr. Dario Zagar, Andrew Wilk.

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Program had its best-ever overall showing at the Head of The Charles regatta  in Boston this month.

Current and former rowers, now competing for their colleges, contributed to the success.

In a very close finish, the men’s 8+ boat, including Westporters George Bentley, Ben Whelan, Campbell Cohen and Jack Kiely, plus Gavin Marshall of Weston, placed second, behind a late entry from the U.K. That makes them the current fastest men’s youth 8 boat in the US.

The men’s youth 8+ boat.

The women’s U17 4+ boat, with Rylie Cordell and Kate Weitz of Westport, and Anne  Studnicky of Weston, captured gold. That continues SRC’s’ national streak in the category.

The women’s U-17 4+ boat (from left): Grace Baker Kate Weitz, Madeline Casano, Anne Studnicky, Rylie Cordella, coach Cody Silvester.

In other Saugatuck Rowing Club women’s junior news, the public is invited to a special event on November 7 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lululemon).

Rowers from novice and varsity teams will talk about their experiences, and demonstrate their rowing machine workouts. Coaches be available to talk about the benefits of the program. The event includes giveaways from Lululemon and Saugatuck Rowing Club, and treats from GG & Joe’s.

All are invited (schools are not in session, for Election Day).

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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a porta-potty, nestled in one of the Old Mill garages near Sherwood Mill Pond, and the pedestrian path to Compo Cove.

There’s a back story. (There always is.)

A homeowner on the Cove is having work done. Either the bathrooms don’t work, or they don’t want workers using them. So they set up the portable toilet.

Of course, those potties need to be serviced. Vehicles are not allowed on the Cove.

That’s why it’s there, in the garage.

And here is what that cleaning looked like yesterday:


(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Yesterday’s near-80 degree temperature surprised (and delighted) many Westporters.

It also confused at least one lilac. Yulee Aronson captured the scene, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Yulee Aronson)

Plus, a bonus “Westport … Naturally”: This one is from last night’s flaming sunset.

(Photo/Seth Goltzer)

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And finally … on this day in 1682, the city of Philadelphia was founded by William Penn, a Quaker who advocated for religious freedom.

(If today’s Roundup helped you plan a fun weekend, throw a bone to “06880.” You can click here to make a contribution. We thank you!)

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