Good Morning!

The world is a difficult place.

War rages in the Middle East and Ukraine.

In Washington, Congress seems paralyzed.

Here at home we battle over a garden, a baseball field, and whether our schools are ranked #1, #2 or #56.

It’s easy to forget what Westport is blessed with.

We are fortunate to live in a wonderful town. We are surrounded by active, involved, intelligent, creative people. Old and young, they do remarkable things, in many ways, every day.

And let’s not forget the beauty that is nearly everywhere.

The other morning, Philip Keane captured a bit of that wonder. As we wake up to another morning that may end in conflict, anger or anxiety, take a few moments to reflect on a few of the things that make us smile.

(All photos/copyright Philip Keane)

Pic Of The Day #2372

Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

Roundup: LWV Voters’ Guide, Bike Survey, Hook’d …

The League of Women Voters’ Guide — a much-anticipated, always- indispensable tool for local elections — is now online.

Click here for the Vote411.org website; then enter your address. You’ll get a ton of information about Westport’s November 7 election, including all the races, plus candidates’ biographies and statements.

The website links automatically to your correct Representative Town Meeting district (there are 9 in Westport; each district elects 4 RTM members).

Through the site, you can also double-check your voter registration.

For information on voter registration, absentee ballots, polling places, voting districts and a sample ballot, click here.

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Bike Westport — the non-profit advocating for bicycle and pedestrian safety — wants in-depth answers to Westporters’ views on biking (and driving) around town.

A new survey takes only 3 minutes. It may be the easiest to navigate, clearest and most well designed online survey I’ve ever seen. Click here to begin.

For more information on Bike Westport, click here.

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Today is Hook’d’s last day.

Last day for the season, I assume, though the sign below is ambiguous:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

So hurry on down today, for $1 off all food. That means just $28 for a lobster roll!

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Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — will be celebrated at Saugatuck Congregational Church on Saturday, November 4 (6 to 10 p.m.).

The evening includes food, dancing, and children and adult performers.

Tickets are $50 for adults, and $35 for children ages 6-18. Those 5 and under are free. RSVP by October 20: Venmo kumuda-kumar; Zelle kumuda.kumar@gmail.com.

Questions? Call 646-852-4921.

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene at the Cross Highway/Hockanum Road corner. Enjoy!

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … happy 46th birthday to Fairfield’s own John Mayer.

Many Westporters enjoyed his performance earlier this month at Bridgeport’s Sound on Sound Festival.

He was introduced by Governor Lamont, and told a story about how his father — the longtime principal at Bridgeport’s Central High — would confiscate students’ prohibited-by-school-rules Walkmans.

At the end of the year, he brought those that were not claimed home to Mayer and his brother. That was the future superstar’s introduction to music from around the world.

(You can keep up with local election coverage on “06880.” And you can keep “06880” going with a contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)

Write-In Candidate Enters Board Of Ed Race

The Board of Education election just got even more interesting.

Jill Dillon — a well-known former PTA president, St. Luke religious school teacher and community volunteer — has launched a write-in campaign.

Her goal is to prevent the election of at least one — or possibly both — Republican candidates to the board.

The Town Charter prohibits any political party from having more than a bare majority on the Board of Education — in other words, no more than 4 of the 7 seats.

Three seats will be filled next month. The Democratic and Republican Town Committees picked 2 nominees each. Before Dillon’s entry, that meant that at least one of the Republicans — Jamie Fitzgerald or Camilo Riano — would be guaranteed a seat.

Riano attends most BOE meetings, where he often criticizes the board. Little is known about Fitzgerald, who has never run for office.

Dillon has been an unaffiliated voter since she and her husband John moved to Westport in 2012. Raised in Virginia by Republican parents, she says she has voted for candidates from both parties in local elections.

Party labels, she says, “can put people in a box. That does a disservice to everyone. As an adult, I look at issues critically, and on my own.”

Jill Dillon

Dillon had not liked Riano’s confrontational tactics during BOE public comment time. She says she withheld judgment about Fitzgerald, hoping to learn more about her stands.

But after watching two “fireside chats” produced by the RTC, she became concerned about the future of the Board of Ed if even one of the pair was elected.

As PTA president at both Kings Highway Elementary and Coleytown Middle Schools, she has watched the BOE operate.

“The current board is excellent,” Dillon says. “They are congenial and collaborative. They get things done. They work well together, and they have a good relationship with the administration.”

As she learned more about Riano and Fitzgerald, and talked with friends who were also concerned, she considered a write-in campaign.

Last week — just before the League of Women Voters debate with Riano, Fitzgerald and Democratic incumbent candidates Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips — Dillon got a call from a man she did not know.

He’s a Saugatuck Elementary School dad, he explained. He heard she might be running, and urged her to do so — to “keep the Board of Ed moving forward.”

That night, she attended the LWV debate. She wore a t-shirt with a logo a college friend had quickly designed. She attracted plenty of interest — and encouragement.

Jill Dillon’s logo

As she listened to the debate, her decision to run was solidified. She had served as a PTA president the same time as both Goldstein and current Republican BOE member Dorie Hordon. Dillon realized she could help them both keep the Board functioning in a forward-looking way.

“Debate Camilo and fireside Camilo are not the Camilo who shows up at Board meetings,” Dillon says. “He’s combative. He comes at issues in a way that makes people not want to engage.”

Fitzgerald, meanwhile, “did not show depth of understanding about our schools.”

Neither Republican candidate, Dillon says, “seemed to care about the mental health of our kids. Jamie talked about her 30-year-old daughter who was bullied in 6th grade, but didn’t seem to think we should focus on bullying and mental health.

“Camilo said his kids are happy. I’m glad. But I’ve seen a lot of kids who are struggling. Your kids may not be, but others are. And kids who seem happy may not always be.”

Dillon’s professional career was in public opinion research. Moderating focus groups, she led discussions and helped leaders make informed decisions.

She had her first daughter at 35. After CMS, she is now a freshman at an all-girls school.

“As parents, we all make the best decisions we can,” Dillon explains. “We thought that environment was the best fit.

“I love our schools. Not continuing to Staples was hard for her, and me. I’ve known the (current) freshmen since they were in kindergarten.

“She still sees her friends every day. And her school has been really good for her.”

Dillon’s other daughter is a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle. “She wants to go to Staples. Every kid is different. We’ll see what works for her,” Dillon says.

Running as an unendorsed candidate is a challenge. The bottom of the ballot has space for write-ins. Dillon will register with both the Secretary of the State and Town Clerk, so they will understand the intent of voters who write not the preferred “Jill Dillon,” but something like “Jill D,” or misspell her name. Voters must also fill in the circle next to that write-in name.

Dillon has not spoken with the Republican or Democratic Town Committees. She has heard that Democrats are pleased there may be an alternative to Fitzgerald and Riano, if both Goldstein and Phillips are re-elected.

She and her “scrappy team” will spend the next 3 weeks knocking on doors, making calls, and educating voters on how to write her name on the ballot. “Fill in Dillon” has a nice ring, she laughs.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.) she will meet voters in Westport Library Room 215.

On Friday (October 20, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.), she’ll host an informal gathering at the Compo Beach pavilion.

“Our town boards operate wonderfully,” Dillon says. “Party affiliation hasn’t meant much here. Local issues haven’t fit neatly into a political box. This is the first time where an election might impede progress.”

But local issues are important. On the Long Lots Elementary School renovation project — which has become tied to the fate of the Westport Community Gardens — Dillon says, “we need a new school, full stop. And the gardens are gorgeous. They’ve provided so much. They’re part of the fabric of Westport. We have to try hard to find a way to build both.”

Regarding the display of LGBTQ-themed books challenged at Staples (which Riano and Fitzgerald have criticized, and Goldstein and Phillips supported), Dillon says, “It’s a difficult needle to thread. I understand parents’ objections to the display, and to the pictures and content of some of the books.

“But it goes back to mental health. When kids feel different, they can’t learn well. If one child needs those books, I want them available. There can be a happy medium between banning books, and exposing kids to content their parents don’t want them to see.”

Candidates at Thursday’s League of Women Voters debate. From left: Lee Goldstein, Jamie Fitzgerald, Camilo Riano, Neil Phillips. (Photo/Mia Bomback)

Of her decision to run, Dillon says, “I have immense respect for all members currently serving on the Board of Education, regardless of their party affiliation, and I hope that Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips are re-elected.

“I think it is imperative that the third seat go to a candidate with a moderate voice who has publicly demonstrated collaboration, been an active leader in the community, and who cares deeply about the continued excellence of our schools. I am that candidate.”

She adds, “Westport’s schools are our crown jewel, and it’s the BoE’s responsibility to lead the way. Our schools offer unparalleled access to learning, athletics, and the arts, while fostering community.

“Our children’s education is the foundation from which they are launched to achieve success in a broader world.”

Pic Of The Day #2371

Saugatuck River, from the Westport Library café (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

Photo Challenge #459

Many Westporters “discovered” Old Mill Beach during COVID.

The stretch of sand between Sherwood Mill Pond and Schlaet’s Point was less crowded than Compo. There’s fishing in the inlet, a pedestrian path to Compo Cove, and a deli/market/ice cream stand a few yards away.

Plus, Sue Pfister is the always-smiling, ever-friendly parking lot attendant. If there are no spaces, she makes you feel good even while turning you away.

Westporters continue to enjoy Old Mill. But not many notice another of Sue’s contributions: her little display of flip flops, flowers and an American flag at the entrance.

Only Andrew Colabella, LaVonne Kramer, Matt Murray and Kevin McCaul correctly identified it as the site of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

Thanks for that welcoming touch, Sue.

Even if few people notice it.

Have you noticed where this week’s Photo Challenge is? If you think you know, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

(We challenge our “06880” readers every Sunday with a photo — and, we hope, every day of the week, with important and insightful stories. If you appreciate our work, please donate here. Thank you!)

 

 

Roundup: Westoberfest, Roy Wood Jr., Flooding …

Sure, it was a wet Saturday.

But a little rain can’t keep a good Westoberfest down.

The annual Westport Downtown Association event went on yesterday, with the usual beer, music, beer, kids activities, and beer.

We’ll drink to that!

(All photos/Susan Garment)

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Also last night: The annual “Stand up for Homes with Hope” benefit.

A full crowd packed Fairfield University’s Quick Center to laugh uproariously with Roy Wood Jr., and raise much-needed funds for Westport’s supportive shelter and food pantry non-profit.

Laughter and homelessness don’t often go together. But the star of the night — and Helen McAlinden and the many board and staff members who make Homes with Hope a local treasure — made sure attendees understood that connections between all of us are the most important thing in life.

Roy Wood Jr. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

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Flooding is a major issue in Westport. As climate change worsens, it too will became even more prevalent.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board meets November 1. On the agenda:

  • Prioritize and assist the Department of Public Works in the approval and implementation of flood related projects involving watersheds in Westport.
  • Work with the Representative Town Meeting to revise regulations, allowing the board to review large projects if required, and educate the RTM about public input related to flooding.
  • Dedicate a minimum of 2 public discussion meetings per year to discuss updates on flood projects.
  • Develop and implement a campaign to help educate the public about flood and erosion issues in Westport.
  • Develop and implement a plan to educate the community on ways to help mitigate the impact of flooding and erosion on private and public properties.
  • Advocate for supporting the town mitigation efforts by sharing the board’s perspective with the Board of Finance, state legislative leaders, and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection officials.

The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 892 4707 8896; the passcode is 900470.

Grove Point flooding, from a December storm. (Photo/John Kantor)

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Saranda and Al Strazza are very involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399. Al — a retired combat Marine who served in the first Gulf War — is now vice commander of the local VFW. Saranda helped obtain a $100,000 gift, to pay for river dredging in the area.

This Friday (October 20, 6 p.m.), the VFW hosts a Chili Cook-off. The participation fee is $15. Funds raised will benefit Westport’s Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services.

There are prizes, a 50/50 raffle — and of course chili.

While participating in the Citizen Police Academy, Saranda and Al were surprised to learn that the local K-9 unit is completely funded by donations.

They vowed to help raise funds for a new bite jacket, medical costs, food, equipment supplies and training toys.

A booth at the Chili Cook-off will sell plush toys for sale, and collect donations.

For more information, call 203-227-6796, or email vfw399ct@gmail.com.

Westport’s K-9 corps.

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October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fire Safety Month.

So — of course! — on Friday the Westport Fire Department brought fire trucks and pink fire boots to Kings Highway Elementary school, for an all-school event.

Fire Marshal Terry Dunn spoke to students about fire safety. Meanwhile, his fellow firefighters collected donations from students for the American Cancer Society. Students filled the pink boots with more than $475.

After listening to the fire safety speech, students, teachers and administrators explored a vintage fire truck. ‘

They also placed pink ribbons in the back of the school, as a symbol of support for those impacted by breast cancer.

Kings Highway Elementary School administrators, in a vintage fire truck. From front to back: principal Tracey Carbone, assistant principals Catherine Carmona and Jame’el Lawrence.

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Also on Friday, the Norwalk Housing Authority brought students to the Westport Community Gardens for after-school art enrichment.

Creativity “bloomed,” as NHS and WCG adults watched with pride.

Friday fun, in the Westport Community Gardens.

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The Westport Woman’s Club’s annual Clothing Tag Sale runs this Friday and Saturday (October 20-21) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday (October 22) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the WWC’s historic clubhouse (44 Imperial Avenue).

Gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories are featured, with a wide variety of suits, dresses, pants, blouses, gowns, coats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, handbags and hats.

Funds raised help support the town’s food closet, many charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.

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Rolling Stone magazine just listed their 250 best guitarists of all time.

There at #7 — behind Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, but ahead of artists like BB King and Duane Allman — is Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.

The story begins:

There’s “influential,” then there’s “massively influential,” then there’s Nile Rodgers. The story of pop music over the past 50 years is basically the story of Rodgers’ guitar.

The manic-staccato funk jangle he invented with Chic, in Seventies disco hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” — that’s been the heartbeat of global pop ever since.

His warp-speed guitar on the 1980 Diana Ross classic “I’m Coming Out” was still the toughest sound on the radio almost two decades later, when Biggie turned it into “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Now that’s staying power.

Click here for the full story.

PS: Weston’s own Keith Richards checks in at #15.

Should we start calling our 2 towns the Guitarists’ Capital of the World?

(Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Nile Rodgers, at the Queen’s Jubilee. (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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Jack Backiel is a frequent commenter on “06880.” He no longer lives here, but he has fond memories of the years his family owned Westport Lanes — the bowling alley located where BevMax is today.

Jack’s son John recently added a small display about the Lanes in his dining room. It includes newspaper clippings, stationery, and a photo of opening day (with professional bowlers, sent by Brunswick).

John lives in the Washington area, and is vice president of finance and accounting at the Heritage Foundation.

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High on the cell tower behind Walgreens, Johanna Keyser Rossi counted 20 turkey vultures. And a few crows.

It takes an eagle eye to sport them. But they’re all part of “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … let’s hear it for our neighbor Nile Rodgers, the 7th greatest guitarist in the world! (See story above …)

(From floods and the Fire Department to Nile Rodgers and Keith Richards, we’ve got 06880 [and 06883] covered. Please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)

Westporter’s “Girl Math” Goes Viral

One of the most popular courses at Staples High School is Financial Literacy.

A junior recently won a national award in the field.

Yet a June graduate has taken the internet by storm, with TikTok videos explaining to her father how concert tickets, Venmo accounts, free shipping and the like can be “free” money.

It’s all tongue in cheek, of course.

I hope.

The teenager is Marley Brown. The 2023 Staples grad is now a first year student at the University of Massachusetts.

Her father is Austin Brown.

Their 4-part TikTok series is called “Girl Math.”

In the first video Marley said, “If I buy concert tickets for two people, and those people pay me back, the money they pay me back for is free” — because the funds had already left her bank account.

“But then you just use the money twice,” Austin noted.

Marley disagreed. According to “girl math,” getting the money back meant it was free.

@marleyvbrown

he doesnt get it #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

That video racked up more than 1.6 million views.

That’s nothing compared to their third TikTok. Explaining — quite clearly, according to many followers — that paying Starbucks out of money already in the app makes it free (though her dad disagrees), they were watched over 11.5 million times.

@marleyvbrown

im crying #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

Marley also explains to her father why not buying something on sale is akin to losing money …

@marleyvbrown

we agree on one thing at least #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

… and the difference between “feeling” something is free, versus the reality of it.

@marleyvbrown

he just doesnt understand #swiftok #swiftie #taylorswift #girlmath

♬ original sound – marley brown

Marley’s “Girl Math” has exploded beyond the world of TikTok. She (and her dad) have been covered by Newsweek, the Daily Mail and Independent.

And, of course, the Wall Street Journal.

Somewhere, Marley’s Staples Financial Literacy teacher is laughing.

Or crying.

Pic Of The Day #2370

A different kind of sailing at Compo Beach. (Photo/Nicole Ryan)

Roundup: Israel Support, I-95 Detours, Aid In Dying Legislation …

Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.

She said then:

The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.

I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.

Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.

We are with you, Israel.

She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:

TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.

On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S.  against the rising  scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.

Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal  — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)

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Plan ahead!

The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.

In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17  entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.

The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.

For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.

The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.

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For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.

On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.

“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.

Click here for more information, and to register.

James Naughton

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“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.

Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.

This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.

Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.

Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.

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Speaking of Halloween:

This is the coven, at the corner of Hillandale and West Parish Roads:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.

On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.

Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.

RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.

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Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:

That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.

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Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.

They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.

Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.

This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.

Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?

To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?

Dot and Gordon Hall (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.

Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.

It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson

The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).

The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.

“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.

It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.

His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”

Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.

After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.

“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”

In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.

A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).

Ty Guarente

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Today is not much of a beach day.

But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.

The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.

Here are just 3 of their classics:

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