On Wednesday, “06880” reported that the Cumberland Farms at Bulkley Avenue South near Stop & Shop — formerly Mercury — was charging customers Super Premium prices for Unleaded gas.
Yesterday at 2 p.m., an “06880” reader was getting gas (hopefully for the correct price). In mid-pump, a woman emerged from the mini-mart and told her — and 4 other customers — that the station was short-staffed, and had to close.
Then the pumps were immediately shut off. The customers could not even finish filling their tanks.
The lights were turned off inside. No gas, no Ring Dings, no processed pizza. Nothing.
“Very strange,” the reader notes.
Yesterday’s sign at Cumberland Farms.
=======================================================
Earlier this week, parts of Westport were affected by paving projects. Traffic backed up near Saugatuck and Jesup Road.
Here’s the next site. Main Street between Post Road East and Avery Place, plus Avery Place itself, will be milled beginning Monday (October 17.
Main Street will be closed to through traffic and parking starting at 5 a.m. Monday. Avery Place will be closed to through traffic beginning around 10 a.m.
Once milling is done, both roads will be re-opened to traffic until paving begins. It is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, and follow the same schedule as milling. However, a weather system may postpone paving until Wednesday, October 19.
You won’t see this early next week. Paving and milling will close Main Street.
=======================================================
One of the the Westport Library’s most popular technology events — the “Anyone Can Use…” series — returns next month.
The classes offer live tech instruction, for all users. They include:
- Using your Library card to download books, music, movies, and more (November 2)
- Using Microsoft Excel (November 16)
- Learning a language with Pronunciator (December 7)
- Using NoveList and Goodreads to review, rate, and share books (December 21).
The sessions run from 11 am to noon, near the checkout desk.
Use your library card to download stuff!
======================================================
FEMA grants help property owners make homes and businesses resilient against future floods, or relocate to safer locations.
The Western Connecticut Council of Governments’ Regional Flood Mitigation Assistance Program helps educate property owners about opportunities, determine if they qualify, and aid in applications.
An informational session is set for October 27 (6:30 p.m., Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard). The public is welcome. It will be recorded, and available at www.westcog.org afterward.
Questions? Call or email Todd Fontanella: 475-323-2070; tfontanella@westcog.org. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Flood-proofing, at Old Mill Beach. (Photo/John Videler, Videler Photography)
=====================================================
The winds picked up yesterday. Not enough for a flood (see story above) — but enough to draw at least one man to Compo Beach:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
=======================================================
The first public reading of “The Incubators” — a new comedy by Madison Fiedler — is set for the Westport Country Playhouse (November 7, 7 p.m.).
It’s an absurdist dark comedy, as the “Pro-Life Generation” is just getting started.
On the first day of California Right To Life Leadership Camp Age Division 15-17, everyone is nervous. But they’re excited to be surrounded by what they believe in, with new strategies of warfare.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
====================================================
A few days ago, our “06880” Roundup included a photo of pink ribbons on several trees in Grace Salmon Park.
We figured they honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Nope.
Nathalie Fonteyne writes: “They were placed there by Monica Buesser (conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club and chair of the Westport Tree Board) and myself (civics chair of the Westport Garden Club).
“They highlight the prevalence of the invasive Ailanthus altissima — also known as tree of heaven — at the park. We tagged 20 trees there.
“The Westport Garden Club is working with Mike West of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department to get the trees removed. Removing invasive species can be an arduous process because of their extensive root system, and their ability to re-sprout. The fact that the trees are in a wetland complicates the process.
“However, the Westport Garden Club and the town are committed to removing the invasive species at the park and planting new native species in their place, hopefully very soon.”
Pink ribbons on trees of heaven.
=======================================================
Just in time — well, a bit ahead of — the shopping season, the “Ugly Westport Holiday” collection has landed in Finding Westport’s e-store.
The design is available as a sweatshirt, bodysuit, fleece, hoodie or blanket. Click here for more information, and to order.
=====================================================
Speaking of Grace Salmon Park (see story above), Peggy O’Halloran says of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “It looks like this poor tree already has a headstone.”
(Photo/Peggy O’Halloran)
=======================================================
And finally … speaking of Cumberland Farms (story above):
