The photo (taken by yours truly) shows a photo (by Richard Frank) that hangs in the Westport Library stairwell nearest the cafe. It’s part of the Westport Public Art Collections. (Click here to see.)
But there’s another print of the same image. You’ll find it at Gold’s Delicatessen.
It might be in some private collections in town too. It captures the powerful, yet playful, Muhammad Ali perfectly.
Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Les Dinkin, Robert Mitchell, Clark Thiemann, Jilda Manikas and Larry Bartimer all checked in with the Library answer.
Adam Starr, Larry Weisman and Tom Feeley said Gold’s.
Just like Ali: You’re all champs.
In keeping with the winter weather that’s not going away, here is today’s Photo Challenge. I think it’s hard. Your mileage may vary.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The executive director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority will be at the Westport Library on October 16 (noon). He’ll discuss development, community concerns, traffic issues, and creating a more walkable Westport.
If you don’t know the CMDA: you should. The state agency has $60 million in bonding authority. They help communities navigate state bureaucracy. and advocate for and advise on infrastructure improvements.
I have heard Kooris speak. He has planning experience, and coalition-building skills He knows communities like Westport, and he knows his way around Hartford. The CMDA has resources and expertise that could help create a walkable Saugatuck, with thoughtful housing and vibrant commerce.
At the Library, Korris will discuss innovative funding opportunities that could accelerate Saugatuck’s development; success stories from communities that have transformed their transit hubs; practical next steps Westport can take to unlock economic growth and housing opportunities, and opportunities for residents to get involved in shaping the town’s future. He’ll take questions from the audience, too.
Fairfield opted in to the CMDA program last month. Representative Town Meeting approval would be needed for Westport to do the same. RTM members have been invited to the October 16 event.
David Kooris
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Yom Kippur began at sundown last night.
A few hours earlier — as they have for decades — Westporters headed to Gold’s.
The iconic delicatessen is the place to go for everything needed the night before the day-long fast begins.
David Roth and Kerry Long — co-directors of Staples Players — say: “Thank you to the Westport community members who contributed to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser! Players is so lucky to have such a supportive community.
“If you were at Staples last Friday night, you might have heard music blasting from the auditorium courtyard — songs mixed by our own sophomore Players member Jasmita Mani Lorenzato, with lighting and sound by our fabulous crew members Henry Baker, Jordan O’Brien, Alex Cahaly, Lucas Gomez and Noah Schmelkin-Wilson.
“Over 100 students pledged to dance the night away, to raise funds to sustain Players programming. They danced to current pop hits, old classics and (their favorite) show tunes from musicals they have performed together.
“We saw seniors dancing with freshmen just as easily as with their peers, Players of all ages embracing our young middle school cast members, technicians dancing with actors — the whole group coming together to raise money to do what they love most: create theatre.
“With rising costs of supplies across all technical aspects, and an old and technologically archaic auditorium, Players has asked the community for support so that we can continue to put on productions with elevated production values.
“We have deep appreciation for all the community members that have contributed to our cause. If you missed out and would like to make a donation, you can do so do so here. We appreciate any amount you can give!”
(All photos/Kerry Long)
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The Westport Library has launched its 2025-26 annual appeal. The goal of $335,000 would secure full funding for the Library’s operations, and allow them to continue to provide the vast majority of programming for free or low cost.
The town budget funds approximately 75% of the Library’s operating budget. The remaining 25% is raised through special events like “Booked for the Evening,” and private donations.
This year’s theme is “lifelong learning.” It’s evidenced through the Verso University education initiative; book- and author-focused programming and talks; Verso Studios; children and teen programming, and much more.
The Staples High School art teacher just received the Connecticut Art Education Association’s 2025 Outstanding Art Educator Award, their highest honor. The honor recognizes significant contributions to the field of art education. She will be recognized at the CAEA dinner October 24, in New Britain.
Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas says, “Ms. Eichler’s steadfast dedication to the arts has fostered a vibrant and supportive environment at Staples, where she inspires students to think both creatively and critically while cultivating a love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom.”
Former Westport teacher Claire Fray died peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 91.
After earning a full scholarship to Dunbarton College, her first job was teaching elementary school on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. A young lawyer working for the Pentagon heard she’d been in “Guys and Dolls,” and asked for help in an upcoming production of it.
By the time she accepted an elementary school teaching job in Scarsdale, New York, they cemented a partnership that lasted through nearly 60 years of marriage.
Claire then taught at Burr Farms Elementary School in Westport, and raised 3 children in Fairfield.
She earned a master’s in education at Fairfield University, volunteered with the Fairfield League of Voters, and spent 15 years as chair of the Fairfield Board of Education. During her tenure, the district consolidated two high schools into one.
Claire also spent 40 years as a real estate agent.
Other causes close to her heart included public access to mental health services and local public libraries, inspiring her to serve as president of both the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board and board of the Fairfield Public Library.
Claire pursued her love of watercolor, after winning second place in the Fairfield Sidewalk Art Show in the 1970’s, until glaucoma prevented the completion of her final painting at age 89. She had her first 1-woman show at 72.
Her second one will be a retrospective of her painting career, at her memorial service.
She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Barron and William, and sister Judy Santos. She is survived by her sons Scott of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Chris (Chip) of Fairfield, and Brendon (Amy) of Monroe; grandchildren Connor (Sydney), Devon and Erynn; great-grandsons Theo and James; step-grandchildren Libby (Sam) and Will, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Claire’s family thanks all of the caregivers for their loving attention, especially Angella and Edgar, and her dear friend Joyce Flynn.
A memorial service and art show will be held on Monday (October 6, 12 to 3 p.m., Burr Mansion, Fairfield). Visiting hours are Sunday (October 5, 3 to 6 p.m., Spear-Miller Funeral Home, Fairfield).
Yesterday — for the first time in 6 months — dogs were allowed on Compo Beach.
JoJo was one of many who celebrated:
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
Remember: A small fence separates and leash and off-leash sections.
(Photo/John Maloney)
And of course: Clean up after your pooch!
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Speaking of the beach: Congratulations to Staples High School sailor Madi Brundige (3rd from left), in the photo below.
She, Steve Girling, Antonio Maya-LeFort and Claire Rahner finished at the top of last weekend’s tightly contested Vanguard 15 fleet at the Cedar Point Yacht Club Fall One Design regatta last weekend.
Betsy Sorenson, sailing with Westporter Ted Gillman were close behind in third, with Even Olmstead (Staples’ assistant sailing coach) and Kim MacDonald in hot pursuit.
While the sailing activities at CPYC switch to Laser frostbiting over the winter, the V15 fleet will gather to socialize and strategize ahead of Team Racing and Fleet Racing in 2026. Everyone — especially high school and college sailors — is welcome.
For years Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food — from creating her own brand of salsa macha to selling homemade guacamole in the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Now she offers special journeys celebrating the history, culture and traditions of that country. What started as small culinary tours has blossomed into immersive tours each year.
Her journey to Oaxaca is sold out. But she is running a culinary trip of Mexico City, with meals at the Michelin star restaurants Pujol and Quintonil, guided visits to explore the architecture and art of the city, and a day visit to Puebla.
It runs from November 2 to 8. and a couple spots have become available
Lorenza also designs corporate retreats with personalized itineraries, community culinary experiences, and wellness-focused excursions, designed to help teams recharge and reconnect.
For more information, email lorenza@capitanaadventures.com.
On Monday (October 6, 10 a.m., Town Hall), Westport’s registrars of voters will begin “flash media stick and tabulator testing.” They say: “The public is welcome to observe.”
A 24-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a July shoplifting incident of $2,940 worth of merchandise at Lululemon. He was charged with the same 2 counts for a similar incident 6 days later at the same store; this time at least $4,410 in goods was stolen. He was held on a $50,000 bond.
A 27-year-old Stamford man was charged with criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and interfering with an officer, following a complaint of a domestic disturbance.
A 24-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with driving under the influence and failure to have headlamps. The man was stopped for having only one working light the officer smelled burnt marijuana, and noticed the drug and paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Westport Police also issued these citations, between September 24 and 30:
Speeding in a school zone: 3 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turn: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
All headlights must work properly.
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Susan Garment submits today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, and adds an apt description: “Getting all your ducks in a row.
And finally … in honor of Staples Players’ very successful Dance-a-thon (story above):
(Do you wanna dance? Sure! And do you wanna support this hyper-local blog? Of course! So just click on the videos above, then click here to complete the double play. Thank you!)
A near-record 29 of you quickly identified last week’s Photo Challenge — showing a shelf of books labeled “Local Authors!,” next to can of gefilte fish — as being one of the many reasons to love Gold’s Delicatessen. (Click here to see.)
In fact, many readers added exclamation points when they answered: “Gold’s!!!”
(One reader — the last — responded, “Westport Library Bookstore.” Perhaps he was kidding.)
Congratulations, and free gefilte fish for life* to Fred Cantor, Susan Iseman, Matt Murray, Elaine Marino, Jeannie Pearl, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Arthur Hayes, Rachel Halperin, Andrew Colabella, Roz Kopit, Sal Liccione, Joni Usdan, Sandy Rothenberg, Jerry Kuyper, Werner Liepolt, Jay Horn, Becky Keeler, W. Gibson, Nancy Bloom, Lisa Hayes, Diane Silfen, Seth Schachter, Nathan Greenbaum, J. Eason, Seth Braunstein, Mark Soboslai, Wendy Schaefer, Dana Kuyper and Cat Malkin.
This week’s Photo Challenge may be more difficult. If you know where in Westport you would see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Karen Como)
*Just kidding.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
I don’t know who she is, and I don’t remember ever meeting her before. But she did something wonderful for me.
I was meeting a few friends for a picnic on Labor Day, and stopped into Gold’s for a couple of items. The bill came to almost $18
I reached into my bag for my wallet, and realized I left it home when I changed purses. I was extremely embarrassed, and asked the man behind the counter if I could bring the money the next day.
Suddenly the woman behind me held out her credit card and said, “I’ll pay for her.”
I asked her for her name and address so I could reimburse her, but she refused. All she said was “Pay it forward.”
She told me her name was Maria, but nothing else. She was wearing a mask, so I doubt if I would recognize her if I saw her again.
I’d like to nominate Maria as a Unsung Hero, and express my undying gratitude.
Done, Bobbie! Thank you, Maria, for your generous act — and for inspiring all of us to “pay it forward.”
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)
Congratulations to Mark Heinmiller: Westport Police Department’s Officer of the Year.
The detective received the honor last night, in a family ceremony at the Remarkable Theater.
A WPD press release called him “an incredibly accomplished and effective investigator who successfully closed a number of complicated cases over the last year. Heinmiller’s knowledge and dedication to his investigations has undoubtedly improved the safety and quality of life for all of Westport’s residents and visitors.”
Other awards included unit citations, certificates of recognition, meritorious service awards, investigator ribbons and life-saving awards.
Bacharach Community — Homes with Hope‘s supportive housing program for formerly homeless families — needs new roofs for its 3 homes.
They hope Westport has it covered.
“We’ve Got You Covered” — the clever name for the project — is reaching out to local businesses. They can redirect their 2021 state tax dollars for a 100% one-to-one tax credit, through the Neighborhood Assistance Act program.
“We’ve Got You Covered” is less than $25,000 away from its goal. To help sponsor the Bacharach Community roof project (minimum contribution: $250), click here.
The program deadline is October 1. However, payment is not due until December 31. For more information, email Janet Zamparo: jzamparo@hwhct.org
When Nancy Wilson saw an “06880” post announcing the Great American Relay — a relay race fundraiser for first responders and military personnel, beginning September 11 in Boston and ending 38 days later in Santa Monica, California — she set out to find a team.
On Wednesday, her crew — Nancy, Jason Lucas, Kelly Konstanty, Lisa Goldstein, Karla Cohen, Lauren Leppla, Kenji Ogawa and Ken Gallagher — arrived in town. They handed their baton to Barbara Campbell, Elizabeth Hofmann and Jeffrey Wollman, who ran to Darien.
To learn more about the Great American Relay, click here.
Westport Fire Department personnel with runners (from left): Barb Campbell, Jeff Wollman, Ken Gallagher, Jason Lucas, Lauren Leppla, Nancy Wilson, Kelly Konstanty, Lisa Slow Goldstein, Karla Cohen Fisher.
Three years ago, Rachel Doran — a rising senior at Cornell University, National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died following a rare reaction to common medications.
Her family now has a mission: to support families with critically ill children. To help, they’ve organized an outdoor, family-friendly event for October 2 (4 p.m., Compo Beach).
Rachel’s grandfather “Pa” pledged to walk 1,000 miles in his 80th year to honor Rachel, and raise money for Rach’s Hope. He’s almost there. He plans to finish at the upcoming event — nicknamed “Walk the Extra Mile with Pa and Team Rach’s Hope.”
At the end of the mile walk, everyone will gather to celebrate Pa’s feat with a pizza truck, live music by Ellis Island, and beverages.
PJs are optional, but encouraged!
Click here for more information, and to register or donate.
Rachel Doran’s grandfather gets ready to walk. You can too!
The Westport Tree Board in partnership with Earthplace present Call of the FOREST.
The science and enchantment of the global forest provides us with answers to modern dilemmas.
‘Call Of The Forest – The Forgotten Wisdom Of Trees’ is a documentary featuring scientist and acclaimed author Diana Beresford-Kroeger. The film follows Diana as she investigates our profound biological and spiritual connection to forests. Her global journey explores the science, folklore, and restoration challenges of this essential eco-system.
Beresford-Kroeger explores the most beautiful forests in the Northern Hemisphere from the sacred sugi and cedar forests of Japan to the great boreal forest of Canada. She shares the amazing stories behind the history and legacy of these ancient forests while also explaining the science of trees and the irreplaceable roles they play in protecting and feeding the planet.
“Call of the Forest” — a movie co-sponsored by the Westport Tree Board and Earthplace — was rained out in July.
The new date is September 22 (6:30 p.m., Earthplace outdoor amphitheater; indoor if rain).
The coumentary features scientist/author Diana Beresford-Kroeger as she investigates our profound biological and spiritual connection to forests. Her global journey explores the science, folklore and restoration challenges of this essential ecosystem.
There are no 4th of July fireworks in Westport this year.
But there were pyrotechnics off Compo last night.
A private party — and anyone else down there around 10 — enjoyed a brief display. As in colonial (okay, pre-pandemic) days, they were launched from a barge offshore.
The event was legit. Police inspected the operation earlier in the evening.
But it sure surprised plenty of folks around town, who heard it.
The Westport Museum of History & Culture honors Juneteenth — the commemoration of the end of slavery in the US — with a special walking program on Westport’s African American history.
The June 19 event (2 to 3:30 p.m.). features guides, who will share stories of the area’s Black community from colonial times through today. It’s based on the museum’s exhibit “Remembered: The History of African Americans in Westport.”
Space is limited to 10 people per tour. Reservations ($10 each) are required, Click here to purchase.
Meanwhile, this Tuesday (June 15, 6 p.m.), the museum will showcase objects related to Black history. It’s part of their Tuesday Treasures program, showcasing objects from the collection not normally on public view.
For over 60 years, Gold’s Delicatessen has been Westport’s go-to place for pastrami, bagels and lox and more.
And though it did a healthy takeout business over the past 15 months, there’s no surer sign that Westport is back from COVID than this: Gold’s indoor tables are once again open.
So go. Have breakfast or lunch. Sit and schmooze. Just like in 2019.
It’s one thing to have a national champion rowing team.
It’s astonishing to have two — and both in the same age group.
That’s what Saugatuck Rowing Club did yesterday. Both girls U-17 teams — 4+ and 8+ won the US Rowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida.
Congratulations to 8+ rowers Mia Kirkorsky (coxswain), and rowers Claudia Chadwick, Elisabeth Chadwick, Hannah Clemens, Maia Freeman, Isabella Furman, Jane Leahy, Janna Moore and Lauren Schramm. All except Isabell and Lauren are from Westport.
In the 4+ boat: Westporters Victoria Bazarko and Rosie Lundberg, plus Ella Casano, Kelly Kennedy and Alexandra Cowan.
Coaches are Gordon Getsinger, Anna Yamamoto and Mike O’’Hara.
Look for them all back soon, on the river. You’ll know who they are by the gold glinting off the sun.
Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U17 8+ boat: national champs!
What’s better than a dinner of Pizza Pete’s homemade pies at Wakeman Town Farm with the family?
The same event — but without the kids. (C’mon — admit it!)
An adults-only event — yes, there’s wine — is set for Thursday, June 24 (7 p.m.). The outdoor event includes individual pizzas from Skinny Pines’ Jeff Borofsky, a bottle from The Grapevine, and live music. Click here for details, and tickets.
Comedy returns to the Remarkable Theater screen this Tuesday (June 15, 8:30 p.m.). “Bridesmaids” tops the bill. Click here for tickets and more information.
Jocelyn & Chris — their siblings, so I guess they don’t need last names — entertained an appreciative MoCA Westport crowd Friday night.
The outdoor concert was part of their summer-long concert series. Next: a classical piano concert by Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung (Friday, June 25). They’re married, BTW. Click here for tickets and more information.
Jocelyn & Chris entertain at MoCA Westport. (Photo/Maddy Martin)
And finally … missing sit-down meals at Gold’s is not anything like what Charles Dickens’ orphans went through. Still, it’s not celebrate the return of the popular deli’s glorious food.
Comments Off on Roundup: Fireworks, Juneteenth, Gold’s …
A bill that would have banned municipalities from imposing high fees that might restrict non-residents from using public beaches — and from barring out-of-towners in order to prevent the spread of COVID — will not come up for a vote in the state legislature.
Politicians are spending their time on 2 other controversial measures — zoning reform and affordable housing — instead. The deadline for moving bills out of committee is April 5.
“It has been nice to see so many people out using our facilities as the weather has improved, including some people using the Longshore golf course as an open space for walking. As of Monday (March 29), it will be open for play, and no longer available for those not actively playing golf.
“Please keep in mind, even using the roadways through Longshore can be dangerous as errant golf balls can cause serious injury or damage. For your safety, we urge you to use other locations for getting outside.”
Even with social distancing, Longshore golf course is off limits. (Photo/Mary Sikorski)
Westport Country Playhouse’s popular “Script in Hand” series returns next month, with a virtual play reading of “Rent Control.” The Off-Broadway hit comedy tells the true story of a struggling-to-survive New York actor who invents a moneymaking scheme that (of course) backfires.
After premiering April 26 (7 p.m.), “Rent Control” is available on demand from April 27 through May 2.
Virtual tickets are available online, at 203-227-4177, or by email: boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.
He was a novelist, not a musician. But when he and Peter Bogdanovich adapted his novel “The Last Picture Show” into a movie, the soundtrack included a number of Hank Williams’ songs.
It’s still one of my favorite films of all time. And I’ve been a Hank Williams fan ever since.
As of 7 a.m., Eversource reported 6,258 Westport customers without power. That’s less than half the town — but by the slimmest of hairs. We’re down to 49.54% in the dark.
The utility “expects” to have 90% of all Eversource customers in service by tonight. That would mean 1,263 would still be waiting.
Of course, Isaias is not our only worry — or theirs. The utility notes, “In light of COVID-19, work practices and reporting procedures have been altered to protect our employees’ health, and those of our communities we serve. Pandemic guidelines have been reinforced across the system and they will be maintained while restoring service to all customers.”
PS: Saugatuck Avenue is closed from the train station parking lot to Duck Pond Road (the Norwalk line), through approximately 5 p.m. today.
PPS: Karen Solicito reports at 9:30 a.m. that the charging station at the Westport Weston Health District on Bayberry Lane is full. There’s a wait to use it. And though WiFi there works, it takes a few minutes for the phone to locate it. “Don’t fret if it doesn’t show up in the WiFi queue right away,” she says.
The cleanup continues. (Photo/C. Swan)
Rose Akin posted this yesterday, as a Comment on the Pic of the Day. But it deserves a much wider audience. So here it is:
“We moved to town recently. My husband and I and our 2 little ones picked up an amazing lunch from Rye Ridge Deli today. Finally made it to Compo Beach and realized we had way too much to carry with one trip from the car to the beach.
“My husband dropped off a few bags, and ran back to the car to grab more, and me and the boys. All of this happened within 60 seconds — and Compo seagulls! ☺️
“Rookie move on our part. They feasted on all of our lunch.
“My husband went back to Rye Ridge to get us lunch again, as the kids were starving. Guess what? Rye Ridge comped him the whole lunch. I mean … what a gesture!
“We were so beyond touched. I texted my friend Lisa Newman, telling her what a great choice we made moving here. She said, ‘you have to email Dan!'”
Thanks, Rose. And welcome to Westport. Once COVID and Isaias are gone, you’ll really love this place!
This was already a disastrous year for restaurants, markets, retail shops, fitness centers — just about any small business you can think of.
Just when they had mastered curbside and online sales, and then adjusted to the new rules and regulations regarding opening — they got whacked by Isaias.
We’re all in this together. We’re all restocking our refrigerators, paying extra for tree removal and new outdoor furniture, and on and on.
But still: Let’s figure out ways to help Westport’s own. Let’s redouble our efforts to shop local. Let’s go out for more restaurant meals than normal (eat-in or takeout) — and leave a large tip too.
If you’ve got an idea for helping the mom and pops who have sustained us for so long — and struggled so mightily — click “Comments” below.
Gold’s reopened a couple of days after Isaias struck. The popular deli had no power — but they improvised, sidewalk sales-style. Customers loved owner Jim and Nancy Eckl’s resourcefulness.
Speaking of small businesses, Savannah Bee’s store manager — the wonderful Julie Cook — writes:
“Nothing keeps us down on Church Lane. I was decorating my windows for National Honey Bee Day next Saturday (in the dark, sweltering heat), and miraculously the lights came on midday yesterday.
“What a bonus! We thought we’d be out until Tuesday night. As a thank-you (to all those tireless electrical crews from South Carolina — and the universe), please let folks know we’re open for business, we have cold spring water, delicious honey roasted coffee, lovely artisanal teas, all-natural Italian energy drinks called BEEBAD, all-natural plant-based antibacterial soaps with a huge sink to check them out, a large restroom, and the best part: People can charge their phones!
“We’d love to share our Southern hospitality today and next Saturday for our 3rd annual National Honey Bee Celebration. From 1 to 4 p.m., people can meet local beekeepers. We also have a live hive demonstration (safely encased in glass). And we’re making honey sips and sweets, plus beautiful flower crowns for all the queen bees in town.
It’s free and open to all! We’re happy to share the bee love, and our good fortune. It’s the simple things that make us smile these days❤️👍🏻🐝
How tough are things for businesses? Born of Earth spa is leaving its space near Whole Foods.
David Gerard — who has owned Born of Earth for 27 years — cited increasing rent, overhead and COVID-19 as reasons for the decision.
Fortunately, they’re not closing entirely. They’re merging with Artistex Salon & Spa, less than 2 miles away at 260 Post Road East. The entire Born of Earth team will continue at the new location.
Sandy Rothenberg asks: “How are we supposed to contact emergency services with no phone or WiFi at home? Especially in Weston as I’ve heard Westport has set up remote towers.”
Anyone know? Click “Comments” below.
And finally … if you’re waiting for a utility crew from South Carolina, Missouri, Canada or wherever:
Eversource has deployed its “Make Safe” crew as of 6 this morning, so progress is expected on blocked roadways. The town Department of Public Works has initiated the cleanup of trees and debris, and many previously impassable roads are now clear. Emergency access is prioritized.
Here’s what some of Westport still looks like, 72 hours after Isaias struck. This is on Charcoal Hill Road. (Photo/Pat Blaufuss)
Police are aware of the signal light outages at high traffic intersections and are making efforts to monitor them as power continues to be restored. Temporary signage and other warning devices have been deployed as equipment inventory allows in the areas determined to be of greatest need. However, please understand that the Police Department cannot safely or effectively provide personnel to manually direct traffic at all of the main intersections. Attempting to do so only creates more traffic back up and further disruption. Motorists should continue to proceed through intersections with caution and obey temporary signage where posted. Please allow extra time to reach your intended destination to account for increased traffic on our roadways.
AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless teams have been working around the clock to restore cellular service in Westport. Last night, Verizon successfully deployed a spot cell at the Compo beach area. AT&T has deployed a mobile cell tower at the Police Station. Many of the surrounding cell sites are back on line.
· The charging station is currently down at the Senior Center. Charging stations and WiFi can be accessed at the rear of Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue via access through St. John’s Place) and the Westport Weston Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) in addition to WiFi access at the Library (20 Jesup Road).
· Non-potable water filling stations are available at all fire houses.
The Verizon mobile hot spot, near the Compo Beach skate park. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Rizzuto’s has rented a 175kw generator. They and the Lobster Shack are open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. today for takeout and dine-in. Their phones and internet are out, so you can’t order ahead. No problem — both restaurants are well worth the trip!
Also open with a generator: Gold’s. They’re there until 4 p.m. today (or until they run) — same thing tomorrow. Certain items only, of course. They too have no phone, no internet and no power. Old school!
Gold’s is pure gold!
Looking for fresh food — and want to buy local?
Check out Belta Farms, on Bayberry Lane!
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
This crew arrived from Nova Scotia. They spent a few hours in the Unitarian Church parking lot, and have now started working. Thanks, Canada — good thing the border was opened for them!
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