Tag Archives: Election 2020

Jeff Pegues Talks Politics And Sports

Posted on November 10, 2020 | Comments Off on Jeff Pegues Talks Politics And Sports

If you’ve never been to one of Jeff Pegues’ “Newsmakers” events at (or, virtually, via) the Westport Library, you’ve missed something special.

Last January the CBS News justice and homeland security correspondent, author — and 1988 Staples High School graduate — kicked off the series by interviewing (live) Mo Rocca, fellow CBS News correspondent, podcaster and TV personality.

In June (via cyberspace) Pegues chatted with billionaire businessman, hedge fund manager, major Democratic Party donor, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner (and Westport resident) Marc Lasry.

Up next: a pair of conversations about 2 American obsessions: politics and sports.

Both are virtually free. By that I mean: they are online (virtual), and there is absolutely no charge.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.), Pegues hosts a intriguing conversation with Major Garrett and Nancy Cordes. (Click here to register.)

Major Garrett and Nancy Cordes

They’re 2 of America’s most insightful political reporters. And they just got through covering one of the most compelling, challenging and consequential elections in history.

What was it like in the newsroom this past week? Pegues will help them tell you.

Cordes is CBS News’ chief congressional correspondent. Based in Washington, she contributes to all of the network’s broadcasts and platforms.

Garrett is White House correspondent for CBS News, and  a contributor to National Journal. He previously served as chief White House correspondent for Fox News.

Next month (Tuesday, December 1, 7 p.m.). Pegues will be joined by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, Los Angeles Sparks Forward Candace Parker, and former NBA star Charles Smith. (Click here to register.)

This is not just jock talk. Topics include how George Floyd’s death sparked a social justice movement in sports, and the ways in which athletes are using their power and influence to mobilize fans.

Jeff Pegues

Since joining CBS News, Pegues has led coverage of some of the biggest stories of the last decade. He reported on the conflict between the Black community and police, and wrote a book: “Black and Blue: Inside the Divide Between Police and the Black Community.”

Pegues has received 3 Emmy Awards, the Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, and in 2017 was part of the CBS News team that earned an Edward R. Murrow Award.

And he know sports as well as politics. At Staples, he was an All-State sprinter, and an All-FCIAC football running back.

Winfield is one of 7 players in MLB history with over 3,000 hits and 450 home runs. The 12-time All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 — his first year of eligibility.

Smith is a retired NBA power forward in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him as the 3rd overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft. He was named to the All-Rookie first team, and played nearly 10 years in the league.

Parker is one of the most decorated female basketball players ever. The first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, she is a league champion, 2-time MVP, and Rookie of the Year. She is now a broadcaster, and role model for young athletes.

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Roundup: COVID Testing, VOTE!, Dentists, Kart Racing, More

Posted on November 9, 2020 | 9 comments

As the number of COVID cases rises in Connecticut, so does testing demand.

This was the scene today before 7 a.m., at the St. Vincent’s Health Center site. The line of cars stretched far down Long Lots Road.

(Photo/Adam Stolpen)

Remember that “VOTE” sculpture that went up right before Election Day on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge?

It was created by Westporter Mark Yurkiw.

On Tuesday morning — as voters headed to the polls — this was all that remained:

Mark collected the pieces. He realized the damage did not come from the wind. If that was the culprit, they’d be scattered on the river. Instead, Mark says, all the letters were there on the ground.

He collected them, brought them home, and took this photo:

(Photos/Mark Yurkiw)

He calls this tryptic “Battered Not Broken.”

“Rock Paper Scissors” — the sculpture, not the game — was officially dedicated yesterday on Jesup Green. now that the official ribbon cutting has taken place.

Ann Sheffer — who with her husband Bill Scheffler dedicated the work — eloquently described how the influence of her Westport family encouraged her longtime support of the Westport Library, and how her desire to keep the arts thriving in Westport led to the establishment of the Arts Advisory Committee and the position of town curator (now filled by Kathie Motes Bennewitz.)

Dedicating “Rock Paper Scissors” yesterday (from left): Westport Library director Bill Harmer, town arts curator Kathie Motes Bennewitz, Westport Arts Advisory committee co-chair Nancy Diamond, donors Bill Scheffler and Ann Sheffer, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. (Photo/Randa Trivisonno)

And one more election-related photo…

Anne Lowrie sent this along. The flag is in her back yard. It struck her as “appropriate for the current times: beat up but still flying.”

(Photo/Anne Lowrie)

The other day my dentist emailed me, requesting confirmation of an upcoming appointment. It prominently noted I’d be charged $50 if I canceled less than 24 hours in advance.

Then — less than 24 hours before my appointment — he emailed again. He had to cancel; his hygienist would not be in the next day.

I assume I’ll get $50 off my next visit. Right?

In early March, “06880” profiled Vivek Kanthan. The 10-year-old Westporter had just launched his (very successful) kart racing career.

A few days later, COVID-19 struck. Suddenly, his spring and summer plans were on hold.

When competition resumed, Vivek was ready. All told this year he competed in 16 races, and reached the podium 12 times.

Next year the young racer moves up a class, and faces even fiercer competition. it begins with 2 national events in Miami. Good luck, Vivek!

Vivek Kanthan, and his trophies.

Sharing a post-Halloween meal on Manitou Road:

(Photo/Francoise Jaffe)

And finally … speaking of dentists:

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Posted in Children, Environment, Politics, Sports, Totally random

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Ridin’ With Biden In Westport

Posted on November 8, 2020 | 35 comments

The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge is Westport’s go-to site for political demonstrations, rallies and we-need-to-be-together times.

A few days ago several Trump supporters gathered there, with signs and banners.

Yesterday it was filled with about 70 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris fans. Drivers jammed traffic, celebrating the president- and vice president-elect with cheers, car horns, thumbs-up and smiles.

Even kayakers on the river got into the fun.

Occasional dissent was heard. But it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the celebrants one bit.

Photographer J.C. Martin captured the day with these photos.

(All photos/J.C. Martin)

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Posted in Downtown, Politics

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Unsung Heroes #164

Posted on November 4, 2020 | 6 comments

This week’s Unsung Heroes selection is a no-brainer.

No matter what you thought of the election — and the months-that-seemed-like millennia run-up to it — you know one thing: We could not have voted without help.

I don’t mean help in choosing a candidate. If I never get another text saying “Daniel, this is Caroline from the xxxx campaign!” it will be too soon.

I mean the behind-the-scenes help. To the town clerk ‘s office; the League of Women Voters and other volunteers who compiled and disseminated information, and (of course!) the poll workers who braved COVID, closed-in indoor spaces and vague threats of disruption to ensure that democracy prevails: thank you. Many of those spending long hours are polling places were high school and college students. How great to get them involved — along with all the regulars, who have done it for decades. (Nice too how many people thanked them profusely.)

Staples High School senior Reed Caney volunteered as a poll worker yesterday, at Long Lots Elementary School.

And how about the registrars of voters? In a herculean effort this past Saturday, they opened approximately 8,000 returned absentee ballots. They rejected only 5 (!), because of issues like improper envelopes or missing signatures.

On Monday, they personally notified those 5 voters — and advised them to vote in person yesterday.

We’ve been through a lot this year. You helped bring a bit of normalcy into very uncertain times.

I know, I know. You don’t do it for the glory. (And certainly not for the pay.)

But that makes your work even more important, inspiring and incredible.

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Posted in Politics, Unsung Heroes

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Unofficial Results: Westport Goes Blue

Posted on November 4, 2020 | 1 comment

Unofficial results — but including in-person voting, and absentee and early drop-off ballots — show Westporters favoring Democrats in every contest yesterday.

The Biden-Harris presidential ticket outpolled Trump=Pence, 12,775 to 4,184.

Congressman Jim Himes was re-elected to his 7th term in the 4th District, helped by 11,968 Westport votes to challenger Jonathan Riddle’s 4,881.

In Connecticut’s 26th Senatorial district, Will Haskell won a 2nd term, aided by 10,230 Westport votes to 4,721 for Republican Kim Healy.

Democrat Michelle McCabe outpolled Republican incumbent Tony Hwang 1,198 to 843 in Westport. But results in the rest of the State Senate District 28 came in slowly, and as of 5 a.m. today, McCabe’s lead in the entire district was less than 100 votes. That outcome is uncertain.

Six-term state Representative Jonathan Steinberg beat back a challenge from fellow Staples High School graduate Chip Stephens, with 10,446 Westport votes compared to 5,266 in the 136th District.

Democrat Stephanie Thomas led Patricia Zukaro , 753 to 480, in Westport. Final results from the entire District 143 are not yet in.

Overall, more than 85 percent of Westport’s registered voters participated in the 2020 election, either by mail, drop-off or in person.

 

 

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Posted in Local politics, Politics

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Pics Of The Day #1296

Posted on November 3, 2020 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #1296

As Westporters — and all Americans — bite their nails, hold their breath and say a prayer that their candidate will win tonight, here’s a reminder that we are all in this together.

LandTech principal Pete Romano put this sign outside his Saugatuck office this morning. Amen!

(Photo/Jeff Seaver)

In a similar vein, Amanda Doyle sends along her 8-year-old daughter Niamh’s homework for today.

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VOTE!

Posted on November 1, 2020 | 7 comments

Many Westporters have already returned their ballots.

Many others have not.

If you know your district, here’s where you vote on Tuesday:

  • Districts 143 and 136-1: Saugatuck Elementary School
  • District 136-2: Coleytown Elementary School
  • District 136-3: Longs Lots Elementary School
  • Districts 136-4 and 136-5: Greens Farms Elementary
  • District 136-6: Westport Library.

Don’t know your district? Click here.

Not yet registered? Election Day registration is set for the Town Hall auditorium (entrance at the rear for the building).

How will COVID affect voting?

  • If you do not have a mask and gloves, they will be issued to you.
  • Be prepared to wait in line, and addition time for checking in.
  • Leave personal belongs such as handbags and backpacks locked in your vehicle. Bring only your identification into the poll.
  • Leave food and beverages in your vehicle.

Then go home. Breathe deeply. And wait.

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Halloween, Election Day And More: Advice From The Town

Posted on October 29, 2020 | 4 comments

There’s a lot going on over the next few days. First Selectman Jim Marpe says:

Westporters should know that there has been an increasing number of calls to town departments from residents who do not wish to accept trick-or-treaters at their doors this year. Parents and youth who are considering trick-or-treating this year should consider alternate plans for the holiday, because many homes may not be participating.

The Centers for Disease Control considers traditional trick-or-treating to be a high-risk activity and should be avoided. It recommends alternatives with lower risk activities and small events that allow for reduced exposure and ease of contact tracing. Reminder: The state has capped the number of attendees at all private indoor gatherings at 25.

To discourage large crowds, Compo Beach and the Soundview parking lot will be closed to parking at 3 p.m. this Saturday.

In addition, today (Thursday) is the deadline to submit photos to the Westport Parks and Recreation Department’s House Decorating Contest (mrobbins@westportct.gov). To register and for more information, click here.

Boo!

This weekend in Westport, you can join the Westport Museum of History and Culture Cemetery Lantern Tour. The ticket fee is a donation to the museum. It’s safe, fun, family appropriate and includes a goodie bag. For more information, click here.

But wait! There’s more!

Election Day is Tuesday (November 3). If you already have a ballot,  use the official drop box behind

For same-day voting registration, polling places and additional information, click here.

In-person voters must wear masks. The Westport Police Department recognizes that everyone should be comfortable and feel safe when voting at polling sites, and has taken appropriate security measures.

The drop box behind Town Hall. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

PS: Don’t forget to turn your clocks back Saturday night. Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday!

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Posted in Politics, Westport life

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Roundup: High School Mock Election, Playhouse Video, More

Posted on October 20, 2020 | Comments Off on Roundup: High School Mock Election, Playhouse Video, More

Bipartisan politicians gathered in front of Staples High School yesterday. The mission: introducing a statewide initiative to educate Connecticut students about the voting process.

All week long, the state Department of Education is partnering with the lieutenant governor to hold a virtual mock election.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz headed the dignitaries. She noted that 20% of all 20-year-olds vote in elections — but 80% of 80-year-olds do.

First Selectman Jim Marpe noted that Westport has already received 9,500 requests for mail-in ballots for the presidential election. So far, 4,700 have been returned, via mail or the Town Hall drop box.

State Senator Tony Hwang said that his parents — who escaped from communist China — knew that the ability to vote was “foundational” to a democracy.

Will Haskell graduated from Staples in 2014. Four years later, he was elected to the State Senate. He said that young people are underrepresented in Hartford and Washington, but that “all voices are valued.”

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg — another Staples grad — added that “young people want to be engaged, in positive ways.”

From left: 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas, State Senator Tony Hwang, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, members of Staples’ Social Studies Honor Society, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. Also in attendance: State Senator Will Haskell, and Westport 6-12 social studies coordinator Lauren Francese. 

Saturday’s Remarkable Theater screening celebrating 90 years of the Westport Country Playhouse was a smash.

Response was so great — both at the Imperial Avenue drive-in and online — that it will remain available on demand through tonight (11:59 p.m.). Tickets are $25. (Ticket-holders from Saturday: Your unique link is also live through tonight.)

The Playhouse is just $20,000 of their goal for the event. Funds help make up for the loss of the gala this year. Click here for an on-demand ticket, and to make additional gifts.

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is hosting a series of online discussions called “CCM CARES – Getting Comfortable With The Uncomfortable.”

CARES stands for “Communities Advancing Racial Equity Series,” On the panel today (Tuesday, October 19, 6:30 p.m.): Westport 1st Selectman Jim Marpe.

To register, click here. You can watch without registering on Facebook Live. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)

First Selectman Jim Marpe

And finally … on this date in 1973, Richard Nixon fired Attorney General Elliot Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus, after they refused to fire Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox. After what became known as the Saturday Night Massacre, Cox was finally fired by Robert Bork, the #3 man at the Justice Department.

 

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Posted in Arts, Organizations, Politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Positano, Poll Workers, Church Aid, More

Posted on August 25, 2020 | 8 comments

A sign in Positano’s window says, “We are closed.”

The phone message elaborates: “We are now closed. We wish the new owners the best of luck. We thank our customers for their patronage over the last 20 years. Arrivederci!”

The popular Italian restaurant opened in July 2015 next to the Westport Country Playhouse. It relocated there from Old Mill Beach after a long run, replacing the Dressing Room restaurant founded by Paul Newman and Michel Nischan.

Despite what the sign says, Positano is now closed.

It’s the perfect storm: Election Day this November will be held during a pandemic. Officials traditionally rely on retirees to serve as poll workers. But finding willing workers may be hard this year, as older people opt not to spend hours indoors, assisting voters in close quarters.

Which makes this the perfect opportunity for another group affected by COVID-19: college students, forced off campus and back home for distance learning.

Poll workers earn around $200 a day. Some work half days (5:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 12:45 p.m. until the end of voting) for half pay. During the recent primary election, full-day workers also received a meal allowance of about $40 (subject to change).

Training is required. Before the coronavirus, the session was 2 hours. Video conferencing may lengthen the presentation.

Registrars also seek high schoolers in the past. They’ve been great in the past — especially with recent technological advances. There is no school on Election Day.

Interested students — or anyone else — can contact registeredvoters@westportct.gov for more information. (Hat tip: Lynn Goldberg)

Westport poll workers, in 2017.

This Sunday (August 30, 1-4 p.m.), Saugatuck Church runs a food drive to support Person to Person in Norwalk.

Non-perishable food can be dropped off in the church parking lot. Volunteers will collect donations directly from drivers’ trunks. Among the most needed items:

• Spaghetti sauce
• Pasta
• Canned vegetables
• Dry red or black beans
• Jam and jelly
• Mac and cheese
• Granola/snack bars.

Saugatuck Congregational Church (Photo/Storm Sorrentino)

In other religious/community caring news: Every Saturday, David Vita — director of social justice of Westport’s Unitarian Church — brings hundreds of brown bag lunches to take Bridgeport shelters.

The lunches — of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, a drink, snack and a treat — are made by church members.

Since April 18, over 4,000 lunches have been made and distributed. To help, email david@uuwwestport.org or call 203-227-7205, ext. 14.

Westport Unitarian Church.

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Balducci’s parent company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

An email from the store’s CEO Judy Spires to customers says: “Our stores will continue to be fully operational, offering the quality product and selections you have come to expect. And of course, they will continue to be staffed by all of your favorite people. Please be assured that the wages and benefits of all of our Associates will continue as usual, and our Associates will continue to provide you with the top-quality service you depend on.”

How to rehearse in a pandemic? Outdoors.

The other night, Any Given Thursday — that’s the band’s name — held its final session before their show at Black Rock’s BRYAC (Thursday, August 27, 5 p.m.). They tuned up outside the Gig Center on the Post Road, near Southport.

A small crowd stopped by. It will be bigger on any given Thursday — well, this coming one, at least. (Hat tip: Lou Weinberg)

“06880” loves the Little Free Libraries popping up all over town. It’s simple: bring a book, or borrow a book. That’s it!

Amy Schneider spotted this one at 11 Hillyfield Lane, off Marion Road:

And finally … Happy 76th birthday to Walter Williams of the O’Jays!

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, religion, Restaurants

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