Tag Archives: Connecticut primary

Roundup: Primary Day, E-bikes, Dhilan Lowman …

Posted on August 11, 2026 | 11 comments

Today (Tuesday) is Primary Day in Connecticut.

Registered Democrats are choosing between Governor Ned Lamont and his challenger, Josh Elliott.

Registered Republicans vote for a 4th Congressional candidate, to challenge Jim Himes. The candidates are Michael Ted Goldstein and Daniel Miressi.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. They close at 8 p.m. Regular Representative Town Meeting (RTM) polling places are in use:

Districts 1 and 2: Saugatuck Elementary School
Districts 3 and 8: Coleytown Middle School
Districts 4 and 5: Greens Farms Elementary School,
Districts 6 and 7: Long Lots Elementary School
District 9: Westport Library

Not sure of your district? Click here. Questions? Click here.

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A concerned “06880” reader writes:

“Dear Westport parents, I’m very worried about the safety of 2 boys in town, as well as the safety of all kids using electric transportation.

“I’ve repeatedly seen the same boys on Valley Road — one on an electric bike and the other on what looks like an electric skateboard. Valley is a winding road with limited visibility. I’ve seen them riding in the middle of the road, talking to each other, looking around, and not paying attention to traffic.

“I happened upon the same 2 boys again on Imperial Avenue at the 3-way stop sign near the police station. They came around another car at the stop sign, slowed down (did not stop or wait their turn), then continued through the stop sign.

“Recently, I was behind one of the boys on the e-bike as he turned from Valley onto Greens Farms Road. He rode down the middle of Greens Farms as though he were a car, before eventually moving over to the side.

“In a separate incident, I was approaching the stop sign at Hale Street when a different boy on an electric scooter suddenly came around the corner from Valley onto Hale on the wrong side of the road. Thankfully I saw him in time.

“I’ve seen another boy in the neighborhood on an electric bike trying to pop wheelies while riding. It reinforces my concern that some kids may not realize how quickly things can go wrong when they’re on roads with traffic.

“I don’t know if the boys on Valley are the same ones I’ve also seen riding in the middle of Compo South, but I’m worried that someone is going to get seriously hurt.

“This isn’t about getting anyone in trouble. It’s simply a plea for parents to remind their kids to stay alert, ride predictably, and understand that drivers may not be able to see them in time, especially on winding roads.”

Not the Valley Road boys. These 2 were not in the middle of the road — but they were not wearing helmets. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

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For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.

On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.

Save the date — and click here for information on how to purchase tickets or sponsorships, and donate raffle items.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.

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Congratulations to Dhilan Lowman!

For the 2nd year in a row, the Westport basketball player is the Best Shooter in Connecticut.

That’s not some vague term. Dhilan retained his title against 15 other elite athletes, from around the states.

The event — a fundraiser for Shot for Life is an intense 2-hour contest, involving free throws, mid-range and 3-pointers. Competitors must raise at least $1,000 for cancer research.

Dhilan — a member of last season’s Staples High School state finalist hoops team, who is transferring to Hotchkiss School — took over 1,500 shots. He hit a very impressive 85.46%.

And he did while taking over 100 shots more than the runner-up (who hit “only” 81%)!

Dhilan Lowman, in the state finals at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Summer comedy nights keep rolling — and keep audiences rolling (with laughter too) — at VFW Post 399.

This Friday’s headliner is Matt Vita (August 14). He’s joined by Joe Pontillo, Tony Liberti, Autumn Harvist and John Kenneth.

Tickets are $20 online, plus a 1-drink minimum at the show. The VFW has a full bar, and a light food menu. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Also at the VFW: The Jazz Society of Fairfield County’s “Festival of August Guitars” continues this Thursday.

Bob DeVos offers originals and masterpieces, backed by a soulful band: organist Roberta Piket, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 6:45. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is our first-ever queen of the night cactus, from the Greens Farms neighborhood.

Koralina Wisniewska explains, “the flower blooms only in summertime; it is huge and smells amazing. They open when it gets dark and close before the sun is out, which is how it gets its name.”

(Photo/Karolina Wisiewska)

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And finally … in honor of Dhilan Lowman, Connecticut’s best shooter (story above):

(Dhilan Lowman hit 85% of his shots. If just 1% of our readers click here today to support this hyper-local blog, we’ll be thrilled. Hit it!)

11 Comments

Posted in Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

Tagged Catch a Lift Foundation, Connecticut primary, Dhilan Lowman, electric bikes, Jazz at the Post, VFW Post 399

Roundup: Connecticut Primary, Flash Flood, Fire Department …

Posted on August 4, 2026 | 4 comments

Early voting for Connecticut’s primary began yesterday.

Connecticut’s primary will be held a week from today: Tuesday, August 11.

Registered Democrats are choosing between Governor Ned Lamont and his challenger, Josh Elliott.

Registered Republicans are voting for a 4th Congressional candidate, to challenge Jim Himes. The candidates are Michael Ted Goldstein and Daniel Miressi.

There are 3 ways to cast ballots.

Early voting at Town Hall takes place:

August 5, 7, 8 and 9: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 4 (today) and 6: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Primary Day, at your regular polling place:

August 11, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To file an absentee ballot, you must click here for an application. You will receive a ballot in the mail. Completed ballots can be dropped off at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall, in the drop box located behind Town Hall, or mailed back. Click here to learn more. For more information, click on the Secretary of the State’s website here.

If you have any questions, please visit the Secretary of the State’s website.

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The good news: In the 6 months since its debut, our new “06880” AI widget has gotten plenty of use.

The less-than-good news: Many readers still treat it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.

Queries like “Kevin Christie,” “downtown plan” and “Westport library” are not the best way to interact with our AI widget.

To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:

“What is Kevin Christie’s plan for downtown?”
“Who is speaking this week at the Westport Library”
“Why was the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan rejected?”

Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”

Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.

We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.

But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.

Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.

The more you use it, the better you’ll get. And the smarter our AI widget will become too.

The arrow points to our AI widget.

PS: If you’re just searching for stories on a specific topic — “High Point Road,” say, or “Library director Bill Harmer” — then use the traditional “Search the 06880 archives” button.

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Yesterday morning’s downpour created a familiar sight: a swollen Deadman Brook, and flooding on Myrtle Avenue.

Deadman Brook, between Violet Lane and the Frontier building.

It doesn’t take much to make them happen.

Fortunately — at least for now – the high waters recede quickly.

Myrtle Avenue, near Post Road East. (Photos/Sal Liccione)

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The Westport Fire Department has hired 2 new recruits.

Welcome to Westport, Isaiah Walker and Gianni Perrotti!

Isaiah Walker and Gianni Perrotti.

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The Westport Book Shop kicks off the dog days of August with a mouse.

This Sunday (August 9, noon to 3 p.m.), former resident Amy Lamb brings Cooper — her curious and adventurous little mouse, the namesake of her new children’s book “Uh-oh, Cooper” — to the Jesup Road store. She’ll sign copies, near a special craft station.

The next session of the Book Shop’s Short Story Club is August 26 (6 p.m.). The 3 stories are “Eyes of a Blue Dog” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), “Woman Hollering Creek” (Sandra Cisneros) and “The Sun, the Moon, the Stars” (Junot Diaz).

Registration is required: call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Meanwhile, all month long the Drew Friedman Art Place features contemporary impressionist paintings of local artist Gregg Ziebell. The longtime member of The Artists Collective of Westport blends light, color and emotion to create original oil landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes. A reception is set for August 13 (6 to 7 p.m.).

Gregg Ziebell, with his Westport Book Shop exhibit.

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The August Guitar Festival gets underway Thursday at VFW Post 399.

Headliner John Basile — known for his soulful melodic playing, sophisticated harmonic sense, and conversational approach to improvisation — has worked with Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett, among many others.

He’s joined by bassist Dan Falzone, drummer Eric Halvorson and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 6:45. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Sure, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo looks like a shot of boats at the Ned Dimes Marina.

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

But look closely. Those are cormorants, resting atop the twin structures.

Nature is all around. We just have to know where to find it.

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And finally … happy 65th birthday, Barack Obama!

(You never know what you’ll find on “06880,” right? But whatever it is, we need reader support to keep it coming. Please click here to support our work — and thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Politics, Weather

Tagged Connecticut primary, Deadman Brook, Jazz at the Post, Myrtle Avenue, Westport Book Shop, Westport Fire Department

Roundup: Beach Tables, Primary Day, Baron’s South …

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 8 comments

I took a beach walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was a gorgeous start to the weekend. The sky was cloudless; the temperature and breeze, perfect.

But something was missing: maybe half the South Beach picnic tables.

How could that be? They’re very, very heavy. Where would they go, and why?

I tried to think of any event that would take precedence.

Nope. So I gave up, and figured it was just my imagination.

South Beach yesterday, 6 p.m. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Before I finished my walk though, 3 groups of people stopped me. All wondered: What happened to the South Beach tables?

I have no idea. The Parks & Rec office is closed for the weekend, so they can’t help.

We’ll just have to crowdsource this. If you know what happened to all those picnic tables, click “Comments” below.

And if you took them: Bring them back. No questions asked.

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Election Day is near!

Republican Primary and Democratic Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.

Polls are open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Absentee ballot applications are available through the Town Clerk’s office. The drop box at the rear of Town Hall is ready to receive applications and absentee ballots. Click here for information on absentee ballots.

Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in the Democratic primary, and only enrolled Republicans may vote in the Republican primary. The deadline for changing parties has already passed.

However, an unaffiliated voter may select a party up to noon the day before the primary, changing to one of the major parties. Click here to verify your party status.

If you are not yet a registered voter, applications must be postmarked by August 4. In-person registration is available until noon on August 8.

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Looking for a cool movie next week?

The Remarkable Theater schedule includes these shows, at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:

“Dirty Dancing” (Monday, July 18; gate opens 7:15 p.m., movie at 8:15 p.m.): Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. Rated PG-13.

“Scream” (Wednesday, July 20; gate opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie at 8:30 p.m.): A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game. Rated R.

Click here for tickets and more information.

A night at the drive-in. (Photo courtesy of 4th Row Films)

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Not far from the Remarkable Theater, just steps from downtown, Baron’s South is a 22-acre jewel.

But, Molly Alger says, the park needs some maintenance. Walking paths are overgrown with weeds. She took this photo on her way from the Senior Center to Compo Road South:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Next Saturday, there’s a double treat for fans of Staples Players alumni.

2013 graduate Michelle Pauker returns to Westport for a star turn in “Broadway Through the Ages.” The MoCA show (July 23, 7 p.m., 19 Newtown Turnpike) is an evening of memorable tunes, from Golden Age to contemporary.

Music direction is by acclaimed Juilliard & Oxford Academy composer Jake Landau — a 2013 classmate of Michelle’s.

Entry to the museum’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit is included in the admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Michelle Pauker

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Speaking of former Staples Players: Congratulations to Britt Hennemuth!

The 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate is now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair.

He’s just published his first cover story: “Dakota Johnson on Family, Sexual Agency—And the ‘Psychotic’ Making of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Click here to read — including one of the best opening lines in any magazine story, anywhere. (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)

Britt Hennemuth

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CORRECTION: An incorrect date was given yesterday for the Westport Astronomical Society’s “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party.” The correct date is this coming Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.), at the observatory on Bayberry Lane.

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Staples High School Class of 2006 graduate Joanne Smith died last Sunday.

The Chicago native moved to Brazil for 8 months after graduation, before beginning work in the hospitality industry. She had a passion for fitness, nutrition and exercise, and enjoyed being outdoors.

She was an animal lover, an avid reader (particularly Harry Potter), and a movie buff. She particularly enjoyed the beach and dog, Romie.

She is survived by her mother, Katherine Gordon Smith of Stratford; father Gregory and stepmother Donna of Fairfield; brother Matthew of Norwalk; sister Jennifer (Rodolfo Antorocha) of Washington, DC, and maternal grandmother Sally Grabot.

Her family says, “Joey was a fun, kind, loving, intelligent light in the family and to all who knew her. She took on the annual role of Christmas Elf to hand out presents.Joey was well loved by family, friends and co-workers.”

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday (July 18, 11 a.m. to noon, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial (12:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA. To leave online condolences, click here.