Dr. Elliott Landon — Westport’s superintendent of schools from 1999 through 2016, who oversaw continued growth in the district and the opening of the new Staples High School building — died last night.
He came to Westport after 10 years in Long Beach, New York. Prior to that, he served 9 years as Ridgefield’s superintendent.
Landon began his teaching career at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, following his graduation from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
“06880” will post a full obituary, and service details, when they are available.
Dr. Elliott Landon, in his Town Hall office.
==================================================
There’s a local election looming. How much do you know about the boards you’ll be voting for?
Next Wednesday (September 6, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport League of Women Voters hosts a forum called “Know Your Town: The Board of Education.” It follows 2 similar successful sessions, on the Representative Town Meeting and Board of Finance.
Three members of the Westport Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon — will discuss how the BOE operates. Topics include governance of our school system, operating and capital budgets, deliberations on major policy decisions, and how the public can most effectively participate in the process.
==================================================
This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service at Saugatuck Congregational Church will be special. Guest minister Rev. William Salmond will provide time for worshipers to share their personal memories of Rev. Ted Hoskins, the longtime minister who died last month in Maine.
Rev. Hoskins touched many Westporters, in the church and beyond. All are welcome to attend.
Rev. Ted Hoskins
=================================================
Westport Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Nick Marsan joined Westport Community Emergency Team members Wednesday night, for their annual picnic.
CERT is a little known — but very effective and truly important — volunteer effort. They provide support during crises allowing Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel to concentrate on their tasks.
Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and CERT volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
==================================================
Tomorrow is opening day for Elvira’s.
That is, Elvira’s Pizza. The new restaurant on Norwalk’s Belden Avenue is owned by Harry Yiovanakos, son of the founders of the former Westport deli of the same name.
Norwalk’s Elvira’s Pizza. (Photo and hat tip/Andrew Colabella)
==================================================
Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a dead man’s hand mushroom.
It’s from Bobcat Trail, in the Partrick Wetlands off Wilton Road.
The wetlands are one of those hidden-in-plain-sight relatively unknown Westport jewels.
Photographer Matthew Mandell notes that there are new interpretive signs there, thanks to Earthplace. And, he says, it’s great for birdwatching.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
==================================================
And finally … it’s September 1. Fall does not arrive for another 22 days. But this date always makes me think of …
(Celebrate September with a donation to “06880”! Please click here — and thank you.)
