It’s been going on so long, we barely notice it at all.
Except it’s so annoying — and dangerous — that we drive through it like we’re 16-year-olds, behind the steering wheel for the first time in our lives.
It’s the Post Road East project. Specifically, the section in front of Westport Hardware and Pottery Barn, extending up to Sakura.
It began, I think, during the Roosevelt years (Teddy). And it will last until the end of the next Trump administration (Barron).
The other day, Jerri Graham — whose photos usually showcase the most beautiful scenes and people in Westport — took this shot:
(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
She added this comment, on social media: “After wondering why this was taking forever to complete, I asked the man at the UPS Store.
“He said that one company was paid for the work, when two should have been paid. Now there’s a dispute, and construction has been halted.
“I guess it’s becoming an art installation. Regardless, it’s a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.”
It’s also a headache — and a financial hit — for businesses along that torn-up, semi-tarred stretch.
In the meantime: Drive safely. Drive slowly.
And if you happen to see anyone working there again, be extra careful. We can’t afford to lose a single laborer.
==================================================
Plans are moving forward for the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports that the end of this month, or early October, will see “groundbreaking for the geothermal wells and site mobilization.” It’s the first major step in the construction process.
For updates, documents and more details, click here.
Long Lots Elementary School
==================================================
Jonathan Uman was killed on September 11, 2001.
He was 33 years old. Today, he would be a grandfather.
Jonathan’s wife, Julie Whamond, is a Westport resident, and Representative Town Meeting member. She also volunteers as a docent, at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York.
Yesterday she and fellow RTM member Andrew Colabella visited the museum. They paused in front of a mural of blue tiles. Each represents one of the 2,977 people killed that tragic day, 24 years ago.
Andrew Colabella and Julie Whamond, at the 9/11 Museum.
Behind that wall is where the chief medical examiner office’s. Nearly a quarter century later, they store and test remains every day. Over 1,000 have yet to be discovered.
Part of Jonathan’s remains are kept on site. It is the final resting place for many victims.
As a docent, Andrew says, Julie tells the story of 9/11, and her personal connection to it. It, and she, serve as “a primary source of evidence of the impacts of terrorism that day,” he says.
================================================
Tomorrow’s Slice of Saugatuck is on!
Delayed one week by rain, the annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event will fill Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Bridge Square with 7 bands, tons of kids’ activities, retail offerings — and more 2 dozen restaurants and food purveyors, handing out tasty samples.
The forecast is for partly cloudy skies, and a high of 78 degrees — perfect Slice weather! Click here for a map, ticket information and other details.
==================================================
The Norwalk Art Space’s Arts Bash will have a very distinct Westport flavor.
The October 9 event (6 p.m., 455 West Avenue, Norwalk) — featuring exhibits, music, cocktails and gourmet bites, raising funds to provide free art education and exhibition opportunities to under-represented students and artists — will honor Melissa Newman, for her many contributions to arts and arts education.
The longtime Westport resident is a noted artist, writer, teacher, sculptor, painter — and jazz singer.
A Norwalk Art Space board member, Newman is also a dedicated mentor. “Her multifaceted artistic career and deep-rooted passion for the next generation of creatives make her an ideal honoree for this year’s celebration,” the Art Space says.
Another Westport connection: The Arts Bash co-chair is local resident Dale Najarian.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
During the Gilded Age, America’s favorite sage, sociologist, philosopher and
news analyst was Mr. Dooley — a bartender invented by Chicago newspaper editor Finley Peter Dunne.
Though hardly remembered today, Dunne’s humorous newpaper columns were read all over the world. Mr. Dooley’s opinions were read at White House cabinet meetings; robber barons and politicians lived in fear of the bartender’s sarcasm.
Starting tonight, Mr. Dooley comes to life at the Westport Community Theatre in “Dooley at the Bar,” a one-man show created and performed by Alexander Kulcsar.
The play — which opens WCT’s 68th season — runs for 10 performances, on Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.), through September 28.
For tickets, call 203-226-1983, or click here. Questions? Email info@westportcommunitytheatre.com.
“Dooley at the Bar,” at the Westport Community Theatre.
==================================================
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg discuss “climate wins from the 2025 legislative session, and plans for the future” on September 17 (9:30 a.m., Westport Library). The public is invited.
==================================================
The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter holds its annual “Optimism Walk” at Sherwood Island State Park on September 20 (11 a.m.). The event raises awareness and funds. Click here for more information.
==================================================
Except for a few hours last weekend, we haven’t had any rain since about 1986.
You wouldn’t know it from Burying Hill Beach, though.
The entrance floods regularly now — pretty much, whenever the tide comes in.
Jalna Jaeger snapped this photo on Wednesday, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jalna Jaeger)
==================================================
School has begun. The temperature is slowly dropping.
But the Levitt Pavilion continues to offer great entertainment.
DNR — the nearly-all-physician classic rock band — played to an enthusiastic crowd last night.
They’ll be back again just a few yards away on November 1. That show is indoors, at the Westport Library. It’s a benefit for Norwalk Hospital’s Whittingham Cancer Center.
DNR, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Ken Schwarz)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of “Dooley at the Bar,” the new play at the Westport Community Theatre (story above):
(If you don’t support “06880”: Hang down your head and cry. And then … click here to right your wrong. Thank you!)
