Tag Archives: Burying Hill Beach

Roundup: Voting, Smartphones, Music …

Hard to believe, but voting for town officials begins in just 11 days.

Here’s the early voting schedule, at the Town Hall auditorium:

DATE                                    VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21               10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22        10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23            10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24                 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25             10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26               10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30            8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ELECTION DAY: Click here for your polling place.

DATE:                                     VOTING HOURS
November 4                            6:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are new to Westport, or have not registered before.

To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check or Social Security card).

You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or, mail your registration card by October 17.

If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the auditorium during the early voting period (above). Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at that time.

Registration also available on Election Day (November 4) at the Town Hall auditorium from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.

PS: Don’t know your voting district? Click here.

The American ritual begins again soon.

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OK To Delay” — the group urging parents to protect middle schoolers from smartphones and social media — kicks off fall with a coffee-and-conversation event tomorrow (October 10, 10 a.m., Make Modern, 180 Post Road East). Lyfe Café will provide the light bites.

 

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Wheels2U is known for its rides between home and the train station.

But there’s more to Saugatuck than just the railroad. There are restaurants, shops, fitness studios, kayaks and more.

Now, the Westport Transit District and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce invite residents to take Wheels2U to “savor Saugatuck.”

The service is available weekdays between 4 and 9:30 p.m. Rides are $2 each way, for pickup at your door.

Wheels2U is also available from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m., and 4 to 9:30 p.m., to go between anywhere in Westport and the station.

Click here for more information on Wheels2U. Your first five rides are free the first time you download the Wheels2U app.

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Speaking of Saugatuck: Most places, you’d pay big buck$ to hear a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer play.

In Westport, it’s just $15.

And you’ll be sitting about 5 feet away.

Mark Naftalin — a keyboardist with the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band —  brings his magic to the VFW on November 1 (6:30 doors, 7:30 music).

He’ll be joined by Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame member Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, plus Nick Longo and Paul Opalach.

Pay in cash at the door. It doesn’t get more down home than that.

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Intensity has opened new platform tennis (paddle) courts.

They’ll celebrate with a free opening night party on October 17. There’s a 6 p.m. round robin (sign up here to play), then an exhibition match with local pros at 7:30.

The event includes food, drinks, a raffle and photos.

Intensity is just over the Norwalk line, at 490 Westport Avenue. Questions? Call 203-853-7727.

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“Live from Lincoln Center” executive producer — and longtime Westport resident — Andrew Wilk addressed a large Senior Center crowd on Tuesday.

He detailed the creation of his award-winning PBS special “Simple Gifts.” The program was organized by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, whose officer John Brandt led the conversation.

(Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport resident Louis D’Onofrio has just published “The Ultimate Short Story Collection.”

Some were inspired by Westport, and New England. They offer “reflections on current world events, and the comforting chaos of home…. (They) celebrate the power of perspective, the magic in the mundane, and the connections that quietly bind us all.” Click here to order, and for more information.

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The weather has finally turned autumnal.

But earlier this week — and for much of the fall — it’s felt positively summerish.

Nico Eisenberger was at Burying Hill Beach on Tuesday. He reports: “There was a good showing from the High Tide Club today.

“The only requirement to join is that you show up to swim at high tide, sometimes. No initiation. No fee.  Everyone is free to do as they please. We’re open to new members!”

PS: The forecast today is sunny, with a high of 60.

Burying Hill High Tide Club. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

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Speaking of the beach (and summer): The Parks & Recreation Department has announced a winner for its mural painting contest.

Luke Bernier’s work was selected. He is a junior at Staples High.

It will be painted on the side of the Hook’d/Bluestone concession building, facing west.

Right now, it’s a big, empty space. Here’s what it will look like next year:

Very cool, Luke. Congratulatons!

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The Suzuki School is more than just violins.

Their next concert (October 24, 7 p.m.) features jazz pianist/cellist Julian Shively and vocalist Emma McDonald. The evening blends jazz, R&B and neo-soul. click here for tickets, and more information.

Julian Shively and Emma McDonald.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 1 and 7.

A 19-year-old Stamford woman was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a crash on Beachside Avenue. The vehicle had been stolen from the Greens Farms railroad station, with the key fob left inside. A juvenile was also charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, and released in the custody of a parent.

A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a complaint that 2 checks had been intercepted from the mail, and altered. He was held on a $25,000 bond.

A 45-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a complaint of a verbal argument that escalated into physical contact.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Speeding in a school zone: 2 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Unsafe backing: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

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Lee Wrubel died at his Westport home on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 61.

The Staten Island native earned a BA from Lafayette College, an MD/MPH from Tufts University, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.

His professional life was dedicated to transforming healthcare, most notably with Foundation Medical Partners, a venture firm he co-founded with the Cleveland Clinic, and most recently as global co-leader of Egon Zehnder’s Global Healthcare Research and Development practice.

His family says, “Lee valued intellectual curiosity, creating and collecting photography, and a good espresso. His happiest times were spent with his family, whether walking to Compo Beach, traveling the globe, or engaging in conversation over a great meal, by the fireplace, or on the back patio. He was their rock and will continue to be their north star.”

Dr. Wrubel is survived by his wife of 33 years Michele; children Alec (Molly Kandarian) of Los Angeles and Brooke of New York, mother Evelyn, and his brothers Eric and Austin. He was predeceased by his father George.

Funeral services will be held at The Community Synagogue in Westport tomorrow (Friday, October 10, 2 p.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Community Synagogue.

Lee Wrubel

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Another day, another “Westport … Naturally” spider photo.

Fernando Silva writes: “There are 3 orb-weavers below our climbing hydrangea with huge, incredible webs. This cross orb-weaver posed so nicely at the corner of its web, camouflaged in a brittle bloom, I had to send it in.

“Spiders won’t win traditional beauty contests anytime soon. But considering Halloween is around the corner, it felt appropriate.”

(Photo/Fernando Silva)

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And finally … Chris Dreja died recently in London. He was 78.

A rhythm and bass guitarist, and founding member of the Yardbirds, he was not as well known as other members of the group, like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.

But he was here in Westport in October of 1966, when the Yardbirds gave a memorable concert at Staples High School. Here’s a story about that show. Click below for some of the songs he played on.

(Early voting begins soon — as “06880” notes above. We’ll continue to cover all the Westport races closely. That’s the way we roll. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)

Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …

Just when you think you’ve heard everything: read on.

Braces — for decades, one of the most embarrassing parts of many adolescents’ lives — are now cool.

In fact, a New York Times headline announced last Sunday: “Metal Has Never Been Cooler.”

The head-spinning turn of events has a Westport connection. The story began:

Like many middle schoolers across the country, Madison Aballi carefully crafted her look for the first day of 7th grade.

To see old friends and meet new teachers, she walked into her school in Westport, Conn., with a new light pink North Face backpack, complete with a Labubu keychain. She carried a new-to-her iPhone 15 Pro (formerly her mother’s).

And she revealed the biggest fashion flex of 12-year-olds across the country: a brand-new set of metal braces.

Nearly half the class, she estimated, also debuted new metal. “It’s sort of like how lots of people wear Adidas Sambas or Brandy Melville,” she said. “It’s kind of another accessory at this point.”

Teens and tweens have come to embrace braces — and not just any braces: They’re coveting the old-school metal variety of yesteryear.

The piece includes another local name:

Dr. Emily Driesman, Madison’s orthodontist in Westport, has outfitted her office with LED “on” and “off” signs for posting opportunities. Braces have become “a bit of a status symbol,” she said.

Dr. Driesman has also grown accustomed to patients documenting the entire experience. “I’ve had kids Snapchatting from the chair getting their braces on and sending it off to a whole ton of kids,” she said.

Click here for the full article. 

12-year-old Madison Aballi, and orthodontist Dr. Emily Driesman’s LED sign. (Photo/Pamela Zaremba for the New York Times)

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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites everyone to a tag sale this Saturday (September 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

In addition to clothing, home décor, garden items, shoes, books, glassware, bakeware and more, the day includes a grilled lunch and bake sale.

Early bird shopping (9 to 10 a.m.) is available for $10. All proceeds support the church’s mission and community ministries.

All are welcome to the United Methodist Church — and the tag sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport Sunrise Rotary welcomes a special guest on Friday, October 3.

Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell will talk about his work, and the state’s finances. The public is invited to attend, at Greens Farms Congregational Church.

Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m. The meeting starts at 7:30, with Russell speaking at about 8 a.m. RSVP: info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Raised in New Haven, Russell is the first in his family to graduate college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut.

As treasurer Russell administers Connecticut’s pension funds (over $62 billion in assets), oversees the state’s debt and cash management, collects and returns unclaimed property, and manages the Connecticut Higher Education Trust.

State Treasurer Erick Russell.

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Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate Donny Macaluso’s day job is running his business: Don’s TEL (Trees, Excavation, Landscaping).

But on October 12, he’ll run the Chicago Marathon.

As he so often does, Donny will be helping others.

He’s fundraising for Salute Inc. They provide essentials like rent, utilities, food and car payments to current military members and injured veterans, during times of financial stress. Click here to support Donny — and Salute. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Donny Macaluso

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The weather has turned iffy.

But it was beautiful earlier this week. William Weiss snapped this photo at Burying Hill, which he calls “Last Day at the Beach.”

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between September 17 and 23.

A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to obey a stop sign, following an investigation into a July complaint of a victim of identity theft.

A 21-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following the report at 3:46 a.m. ofo a vehicle stopped at the Post Road East/Sherwood Island connector traffic light that did not move for multiple cycles, then rolled into a utility pole on the shoulder of the road.

A 32-year-old Stratford man was charged with breach of peace, after a verbal and physical disturbance between 2 people near the Saugatuck train station.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Improper turns: 1

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This is a legit “Westport .. Naturally” photo. No Photoshop or other funny business.

But speaking of funny — doesn’t this passionfruit of Wendy Levy’s deck look just like a jester?!

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … as noted above, metal braces are suddenly cool. So today we salute the metal — heavy metal, that is.

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Roundup: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Youth Commission, Jennings Trail …

It was quite a weekend in Westport.

Saturday afternoon featured the Slice of Saugatuck. That evening, Wakeman Town Farm hosted its annual HarvestFest.

The fun continued last night. The Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their 12-piece (including 2 drummers) rock/soul/blues/jazz/country powerhouse to town, for one of the most memorable galas in the riverside amphitheater’s 5-decade history.

The sold-out crowd called TTB back for an exciting encore. The Levitt rocked loud and long.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

(Photo/Susan Garment)

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

The show was preceded by a party, hosted jointly by the new Massi Co restaurant and its next door neighbor, Walrus Alley.

It too was packed.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Internationally known photographer Larry Silver and his wife Gloria (not pictured) were among the guests. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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This weekend also marked the opening day of Challenger Baseball.

It was even more special than most. Beth Cody was honored for both her 70th birthday, and her 25 years of devotion and service to Westport Little League.

She’s served as league commissioner, executive secretary, and the force and founder of Westport Winners Challenger Baseball Division, for boys and girls age 5-18 with physical or intellectual challenges.

Longtime Westport Little League volunteers Jeff Mitchell and Jeff White presented Beth with awards.

Beth Cody’s award.

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Westport’s first selectman race is drawing plenty of attention among voters.

Our town’s teenagers are interested too.

Though most are not yet 18 — and thus ineligible to vote — they have a stake in what goes on here. They care about its present, and its future.

On October 14 (7 p.m., Toquet Hall), the Westport Youth Commission hosts a special student-focused conversation with the 3 hopefuls.

Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks and Kevin Christie will answer questions about leadership, experience and issues.

Moderators are Youth Commission co-president and Staples High School senior Jake Shufro, YC member and Greens Farms Academy junior Jack Thompson, and “06880” executive editor (and long-ago Youth Commission member) Dan Woog.

Teen audience members are invited to ask questions too.

Shufro and Thompson encourage students and parents to attend. “This is a non-partisan event, intended to educate the community and promote informed voting for all eligible voters,” they say.

Westport’s League of Women Voters is providing guidance to the organizers.

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Historical markers are filled with fascinating information.

They’re also easy to overlook.

In Westport, some residents – old-timers and newcomers — love the markers on Jennings Trail.

Others have no idea they even exist.

Jennings Trail is named in honor of Bessie Jennings. Her family settled in this area around 1650.

A beloved educator and noted authority on Westport’s past, she originated and led tours of local historic sites, for decades of elementary school students.

Conceived in 1974 as part of Westport’s plans to celebrate the Bicentennial, the Trail was initiated by the Westport Historical Society in collaboration with the Westport Young Woman’s League.

23 markers were installed at historic locations throughout Westport. They are made of bronze, mounted on stone plinths, and contain brief narrative descriptions that describe the significance of each site. Jennings Trail is now under the stewardship of the Westport Historic District Commission.

Bessie’s cousin, 11th-generation Westporter Peter Jennings, has maintained the Trail for a quarter century. (At his own cost.)

The other day, Seth Schachter spotted this sign at the top of Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

Want to know more about Burying Hill — including how it got its name?

Maybe check out Jennings Trail.

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Speaking of signs: What’s wrong with this one?

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

If you think it’s that “Your partner in perfect” makes no grammatical sense, you’re only part right.

Look closely. Of all the words to misspell, the one that’s wrong is “perfect.”

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It happens once every 3 centuries: Trinity Episcopal Church turns 300 years old.

The Southport congregation — which includes many Westport worshipers — celebrates its tricentennial on September 20 (9 p.m.), with a “Son et Lumière” sound and light show.

All are welcome to the free gathering; no church affiliation is required.

Trinity has survived all 3 Biblical elements: fire, wind, and water.

It was burned to the ground during the Revolutionary War, struck by a tornado in 1862, and flooded during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Each time, it rose again.

The “Son et Lumière” is a dramatic 40-minute account of Trinity’s 300-year history, using actors’ voices, sound and light effects. It will take place outside, in front of the church, as darkness falls.

Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport.

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Builders Beyond Borders is starting its 34th year, of “building a better world.”

The non-profit provides local volunteer opportunities for 7th and 8th graders, and ones in Latin America for high school students.

B3 also offers leadership programs.

An open house for prospective volunteers is set for this Thursday (September 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

To learn more about B3, click here for their website.  Click here for a video.

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Oliver Vynerib is still in high school.

But the Staples senior recently won the Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction.

Oliver founded HomeCycle CT. It connects residents and builders with nonprofits to deconstruct homes and donate usable materials — reducing landfill waste, supporting affordable material access, and creating community benefits like job training opportunities.

Oliver Vynerib and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front), with family and officials at Town Hall.

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Despite temperatures in the low 80s, there was too much going on in town for most people to visit Compo Beach.

This was the scene Saturday: one tent. No one under it.

And a lonely toy car that looks a lot bigger than it really is.

(Photo/Christine Nigro)

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Here’s another intriguing photo from the weekend.

 

(Photo/Tricia Summers)

Tricia Summers was on a friend’s deck tonight last night, overlooking the Saugatuck River while awaiting the Tedeschi Trucks concert at the Levitt Pavilion.

She spotted a paddleboarder with his dog, about to go under the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

We assume they both made it safely.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often highlights the beauty — trees, flowers, water, birds and other living creatures — that surrounds us, nearly everywhere.

Usually. But not always.

Today’s image shows normally picturesque Deadman Brook, near the Library and Levitt Pavilion.

Looking less than wonderful right now.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … Cannonball Adderley was born on this date in 1928. The jazz saxophonist died in 1975, 4 weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 46 years old.

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Pics Of The Day #3058

Compo Beach bike scene … (Photo/Susan Garment)

… and high tide at Burying Hill (Photo/Wendy Levy)

 

Pics Of The Day #3005

Foggy Westport: Burying Hill Beach one morning … (Photo/Lucy Zeko)

… and Compo Beach … (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

… and Ned Dimes Marina (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky) …

No Swimming? Blame It On …

Yesterday’s closure of Compo and Burying Hill Beaches — to swimmers, not everyone else — took Westporters by surprise.

It was the hottest day of the year. But there was no rain — the usual reason for Parks & Recreation Department action.

The culprit was impossible to see: bacteria.

Burying Hill Beach, yesterday. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

And the verdict came as a result of something else few bathers ever notice: weekly testing.

Every Monday, the Aspetuck Health District takes samples from Compo and Burying Hill. (But not Old Mill. It’s adjacent to Sherwood Island; as a state park, they do their own sampling.)

A courier drives the samples from Fairfield to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in Hartford.

It takes a day to analyze them. The results are available late afternoon on Tuesday.

If a sample shows enterococci levels of 104 per 100 milliliters, Aspetuck Health District notifies Parks & Rec.

Enterococci (not actual size). Blame these guys for beach closures.

Affected beaches are then closed to swimming, until they’re re-tested. The courier for the samples is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. So if the second test of the week comes back positive on Thursday, the closure remains in effect until the next test result — late the following Tuesday.

There are many reasons for the presence of harmful bacteria, including rain, marine life or sewage.

The reason does not matter, though. Too much enterococci means “no swimming.”

Westport closes its beaches for another reason, without testing. Any time there is 1.5 inches of rain or more, the potential exists for sewage backup or runoff. Beaches are closed, as a precaution, for 24 hours.

Though swimming may be prohibited, staff remains at beaches, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. There are plenty of other activities — especially at Compo.

So how often does a high bacteria count lead to closures?

Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango — who provided all this information — confesses, “I don’t know. One summer can be perfect, phenomenal. Another year, not.

“I don’t control the climate.”

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Pics Of The Day #2941

Gulls at Burying Hill Beach … (Photo/Seth Schachter)

… and Compo (Photo/Doug Brill)

Roundup: Porch, Protest, Dog Park …

The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.

They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.

Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:

(Photo/Diane Johnson)

It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.

And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.

Jolly good!

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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.

As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.

As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.

Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)

Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).

As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.

And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.

Yankee Doodle comes to town.

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Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.

Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.

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Westport has Winslow Park.

Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.

Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.

Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.

It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.

Happy days (and dogs) in Weston.

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Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.

Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.

Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.

This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).

The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.

Apparel questions? Email teamstore@macwear.com. Lacrosse Sticks for Soldiers questions? Email a.vengrow@ven2port.com.

Sticks for Soldiers gear.

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Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.

Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.

She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.

“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role.  I am a person whom people think they know.  This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.

“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”

Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.

A reception is set for May 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). To RSVP, email   RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org or call 203-349-5141.

Mary Himes, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Swimming season has begun.

At Burying Hill Beach, anyway.

These 2 intrepid bathers took to the water yesterday.

The air was warm. The water … judging from their reactions, less so.

(Photos/Rob Grodman)

A reminder: Stickers are now required to park at all Westport beaches.

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The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.

He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Longshore. It’s one more reminder of how lucky we are to live here — especially in May.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):

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Pics Of The Day #2871

Sherwood Island State Park … (Photo/Becky Keeler)

… and nearby Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Patricia Auber)

Pic Of The Day #2840

Burying Hill Beach sunset (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)