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The CT United Ride is a great event. The largest motorcycle ride in Connecticut travels through 9 towns — including Westport — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11.
But it also has a huge impact on traffic.
Tomorrow’s event starts at Sherwood Island State Park at 11:30 a.m. Riders take I-95 to Exit 17. They head up Saugatuck Avenue and Riverside Avenue, then follow straight on Wilton Road, into Wilton. T
The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
There will be long traffic delays along the route — 45 minutes or longer. Roads will be impassable, until the entire procession clears.
It’s an inconvenience, sure. But in comparison to what happened 20 years ago tomorrow, we all ought to be able to cope.
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As Election Day looms, lawns and traffic islands will be filled with political signs. And the Westport Police Department will field complaints about the removal of them.
The WPD says:
“Residents and visitors are advised against taking it upon themselves to remove signs that do not belong to them, from either public or private property.
“The enforcement of the town’s rules is the responsibility of the town of Westport, not that of private citizens. The removal of signs from public or private property by someone not authorized to do so by the town, or by the owner of the sign, may constitute theft. Entering onto private property to remove signs may also constitute trespassing. Both of these acts can ultimately result in an arrest.
Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, or on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway) as the state may remove them.
In addition, signs may not be placed on school property without permission of the superintendent’s office, nor may they be put inside Compo Beach or Longshore, Town Hall, or on trees or utility poles. Signs my not interfere with traffic visiblity.
Signs on private property cannot extend beyond the property line or into the town right-of-way. They should be removed within 2 days after the election.
The political sign scene in 2012.
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Sure, wearing masks indoors — again — seems like a step backward.
But Molly Alger noticed an even more ominous sign yesterday at Stop & Shop.
Once again, the toilet paper aisle was bare.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
Is it a supply chain issue? Are we expecting a huge weather event? Or just an (excuse the pun) run on the product?
And — most importantly — where else in Westport can we stock up on TP?
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Every month, Jillian Elder directs 10% of sales from her “Finding Westport” online shop to a deserving local non-profit.
From now through October 10, it’s the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Click here to see all the tees, totes, mugs, stickers and buttons that can help support the market, and all the farmers who supply it.
A Finding Westport farmers’ tee.
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The 3rd annual Weston Flea is Saturday, September 18 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weston High School). Over 60 vendors will sell tag sale items, furniture, crafts old and new, antiques and more.
Calise’s Market, Christophe’s Crepes and Skip’s Good Humor Ice Cream truck will be there too.
The event benefits the Weston Senior Activities Center. There’s a suggested donation of — can you handle it? — $1 per person.
Not the Weston Flea Market. But you get the idea.
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Hummingbirds are notoriously hard to photograph.
But JC Martin captured this one beautifully, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Note: By way of comparison: The feeder is only 11 inches high.
(Photo/JC Martin)
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And finally … today is the 76th birthday of one of America’s most cherished musicians — and Weston’s own — Jose Feliciano.
Feliz cumpleaños!
