Tag Archives: League of Women Voters Westport

Roundup: Antisemitism Forum, Capital Spending, Staples Insta …

Posted on March 13, 2024 | 1 comment

Tonight is the night for a forum on “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel).

The event — including educators, clergy and community leaders — will provide an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in public schools. A Q-and-A session will follow.

Originally scheduled for February, the forum was postponed by snow.

Click here to attend in person (pre-registration is required). Click here to watch via livestream. Click here to watch via livestream.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School Model UN Club.

Inklings reports that 16 delegates attended the recent National High School Model UN Conference in New York.

Staples delegates represented South Africa in 8 committees, debating topics like healthcare and renewable energy.

Club president Tucker Peters and vice president Jameson Russell were given the Commission on Science and Technology for Development’s Awards of Distinction, the highest possible award.

Alessandra Spadea, Jori Altman, Mia Bomback and Graysen Peters earned Awards of Merit for their contributions in the UN Human Rights Council and International Organization for Migration, respectively.

Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon received Awards of Excellence for the Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice.

Staples’ Model UN Club, at the real UN. (Photo/Mia Bomback)

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Speaking of Staples: What does the world see when they think of our high school?

If they’re one of the 83,000 followers of “thekingof5thave” — actually, Nicholas Pinsker — this is what they saw:

He’s not a Staples graduate. So how well — or poorly — did he describe our high school? Click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Donna O’Donnell)

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From a quick glance at this photo, it looks like just some guy playing piano at last night’s Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery opening party.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

But look closely. “That guy” is Mark Naftalin. A spectacularly talented keyboardist, he played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band — and was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

It did not take long for the large crowd to realize they were in the presence of greatness — musically, as well as artistically.

Attendees of all ages gathered around the piano, as the famed Westport resident played blues, boogie-woogie, and lots more — just like he was back on stage at Monterey.

Mark Naftalin: a master at work. (Photo/Tomoko Meth)

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The Gaelic American Club is in Fairfield.

But plenty of Westporters are members of the 75-year-old organization.

And sure, they’ll all be there this St. Patrick’s weekend to celebrate.

You’re invited too!

From Friday to Sunday (March 15-17; $10 non-members), Irish and non-Irish alike* will enjoy live music from a pipe band, with step dancers; corned beef sandwiches and more.

Click here for details.

*But isn’t everyone Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?

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As our national mental health crisis escalates, TAP Strength — the individualized coaching center in downtown Westport — is offering an intriguing discussion.

“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” features a discussion with Jennifer Boyd, a  physician assistant, ecopsychologist and Reiki master. TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro will moderate.

The event is March 26 (6-7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). Proceeds from the suggested $25 donation will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Westporter Atara Nova’s unique “Cosmic Misfit” concert and one-woman show of all original music heads to Newtown’s Sticks & Stones Farms this Saturday (March 16, 7 p.m.).

Organizers say: “As the music from pulsating beats to haunting melodies unfold, you’ll embark on a journey woven with intricately layered harmonies and rhythms, each reflecting a chapter of Atara’s profound inner quest.

“The music tells a story of Wetiko, a deadly virus of the mind, and one celestial being’s quest to heal herself and her community.”

Tickets are $22 (sliding scale available). Click here to buy, and for information.

PS: If you haven’t heard of Atara Nova, you may know her as Atara Horrigan.

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We can never have enough dogs in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Ellen Wentworth captions this: “Ever feel this way?”

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And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, last night’s featured musician at the Artists’ Collective of Westport gallery opening (story above):

 (Today — as every day — “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” But we couldn’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you very much!) 

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Posted in Arts, Economy, Entertainment, religion, Staples HS

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Roundup: 1 Glendinning Place, Our Town Crier, Floodplain Management …

Posted on January 25, 2024 | 13 comments

After input from neighbors, developers of 1 Glendinning Place have reduced the scope of plans for the property off Weston Road (mostly recently, offices of Bridgewater Associates).

The previous one had 14 units. The new plan includes 10 free-standing units, of 3,000 square feet each.

Two will house special needs affordable residents. There are 3 units in each. One of the 6 will be reserved for a live-in supervisor.

Developer David Waldman notes that this is similar to supportive housing at 136 Riverside Avenue.

The change at 1 Glendinning Place will allow Westport to obtain more 8-30g (affordable housing) moratorium points.

The next step: application to, and hearing with, the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Artists’ rendering shows 10 proposed homes (green) for 1 Glendinning Place. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Our Town Crier and Westport Marketplace have joined forces.

Now there’s one place for over 800 local listings — restaurants, retail, realtors, services (business, personal and home), and more — along with statewide information for categories like “Pizza Trail” and Valentine’s Day (places to eat and stay; things to do).

Betsy Pollak masterminds both. Click here to see; click here to sign up for the Westport Marketplace newsletter (monthly, plus special editions).

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The Westport Progress Report on Floodplain Management is complete.

It is prepared annually to enable Westport residents to receive a 10% reduction in their flood insurance. Flood Insurance is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Click here to read the plan. 

Municipalities that participate in the CRS are ranked from 1 (highest) to 10. Classifications warrant what flood insurance rate reductions are offered. Westport’s ranking is 8.

Annual reports are required identifying how Westport is implementing the Western Connecticut Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Click here for the Westport report.

Local flooding is becoming more prevalent. This was the scene in a back yard earlier this month. (Photo/Meghan Norris)

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Alert reader Bob Mitchell writes:

“I recently enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, a service that tells you every day what mail is being delivered to you.

“I was mildly interested until last Friday, when I was informed that I was receiving 6pieces of mail.

“The mailbox was empty. Since that day, none of the indicated pieces of mail have shown up. (The service shows you pictures of the mail pieces, so I know they haven’t arrived.)

“In addition, I had ordered 2 boxes of COVID test kits. On Friday I was informed by USPS in great detail the progress of the delivery of these kits, culminating in notice that the packages were delivered to my mailbox. I have never seen these packages either.

“I have reported the non-deliveries, but have had no response from USPS. I wonder if any others have had similar incidents.”

So, “06880” readers: Do you have USPS Informed Delivery? Have you experienced non-delivery? What are your options if you report them, but never hear back? Please click “Comments” to help Bob.

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This week’s League of Women Voters of Westport annual “Pie & Politics” event at Pizza Lyfe featured Westport’s 3 state legislators: Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

They updated attendees on issues expected to be debated this year in Hartford, including funding for voter education about early voting, support for polling staff, and the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to offer no-excuse absentee voting. All 3 spoke passionately about protecting and expanding voters’ rights, and the importance of taking steps to improve voter turnout.

The discussion also included climate change, whether Connecticut should adopt an electric vehicle mandate to go into effect in 2035, and other initiatives to mitigate climate change and train a workforce for clean energy jobs.

The legislators spoke to the importance of looking at solar, geothermal, heat pumps, reskilling, and addressing housing shortages to attract clean energy companies and their employees.

Other topics included mental health policies, transportation, housing and education.

From left: State legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Maher at Pizza Lyfe.

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The Westport Rotary Club heard an animated talk by Tommy Greenwald at this week’s lunch meeting.

Of course, anyone who knows Greenwald — the 1978 Staples High School soccer state champion/father of 3 sports-playing sons/Broadway marketer/young adult author knows that he lives his life in an animated way.

Greenwald writes often about the hyper-competitiveness and pressure of youth sports — for children and their parents. He told the Rotarians that his goal is to bring fun back into that stressful world, and show youngsters that the path to a well-balanced life does not totally revolve around the success of a team, or individual achievement on the field or court.

 

Tommy Greenwald (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between January 17 and 24.

A woman was arrested after she found a $550 MoneyGram on the ground, endorsed it using her real name and address, and deposited it in her bank account. She was afforded the opportunity to reimburse the victim but refused, and was charged with larceny.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without proper load cover: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle in violation of license class: 1

Failure to secure a load can lead to a citation.

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Sure, it’s a church.

But the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is the site of a “barn dance” this Sunday (January 28, after the service at approximately 11:30 a.m., until around 3 p.m.).

Billy Fisher will call the dance, with live music from Wry Bred. The event includes Cake Carousel and pizza.

Everyone is invited: all ages, all levels of experience. A recommendation donation of $5 per person, $15 per family covers entertainment costs.

Questions? Email mcelroy.cathy@gmail.com.

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MoCA’s 2nd Artisan Market (February 11, noon to 4 p.m.) features handcrafted items: bespoke jewelry, textiles, fine art and gourmet foods.

It’s a chance to purchase unique gifts before Valentine’s Day, while supporting local creators.

Staples musical sensation Ethan Walmark will entertain.

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Also at MoCA: Jazz musician Anthony Hervey, in concert February 27.

He has impressed audiences worldwide as a sideman for Christian McBride, Jon Baptiste, Michael Bublé and Wynton Marsalis (who called him a “beautiful trumpet player of first magnitude.”

He’ll be joined by saxophonist Markus Howell, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Russell Hall and drummer Miguel Russell. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Anthony Hervey

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Patricia (“Patty”) Palmer died Sunday. She was 79.

The Bridgeport native graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Radiology in 1964.   She worked at Norwalk Hospital for over 40 years, first as a registered X-ray technician and then as a manager.

Patty lived in Westport for over 50 years, and raised 2 daughters here. She was involved in their Parent Teacher Association, and led their Brownie and Girl Scout troops.

She enjoyed reading at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, taking a wide range of local classes, and was a regular walker at Sherwood Island State Park.

Her favorite activities were dancing and travel. She met her husband David on the dance floor. They spent over 30 years traveling and sightseeing, especially in Cape Cod and the Caribbean.

Patty is survived by her husband of 35 years; daughters Kelley Swift and Megan Tibball (Jeff), all of Fairfield, and grandchildren Jordan and Brendan Tibball, and Jackson Swift.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Bridgeport Hospital who took good care of her, and made her final time peaceful and comfortable.

Visiting hours are Monday (January 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Church on Tuesday (January 30, 11 a.m.).

Patty Palmer

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All winter long, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach — and in the water.

These goldens enjoy the opportunity, oblivious they are the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Deborah Herbertson)

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And finally … Melanie — the one-named, much-loved singer/guitarist/ songwriter of the late ’60s and early ’70s — died Thursday. She was 76. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

(Real estate news? Police reports? Obituaries? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here at “06880.” This is your hyper-local blog — and it’s reader-supported. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate

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Roundup: LWV Debate Archives, UN Exhibit, VFW Blood Drive …

Posted on October 18, 2023 | 3 comments

Missed the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidates debates for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Education and Board of Finance?

No problem! They’re archived. Watch them now (or any time before November 7).

Just click here.  www.westportct.gov. Scroll down; then click on “Watch Meetings.” Scroll all the way to the bottom; click on “Other Meetings and Events.”

Listen. Learn. Then vote!

Planning & Zoning Commission candidates, at last week’s League of Women Voters debate.

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Two dozen Westporters — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — were among the 200 guests at last night’s United Nations reception for a ground-breaking arts exhibition.

The display — in the main lobby — depicts Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion.” His 30 lenticular photos show local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name.

Nearby is fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw’s Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).

The Westporters’ work takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

The display is open to the public weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 20.

Miggs Burroughs with one of his 30 lenticular images. This one is of his son Brady. (Photo/Helen Klisser During)

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are helping with VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 40th straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive.

The event is next Wednesday (October 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Riverside Avenue).

Everyone eligible to donate blood is welcome. Pre-registration helps with scheduling; click here, and use the sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

The site of next week’s blood drive.

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Sure, you can carve a pumpkin at home.

But why not do it with others?

This Saturday (October 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon), Earthplace sponsors “hassle-free pumpkin decorating and carving.”

They supply all the necessary supplies.

And they take care of clean-up.

You get all that — plus one carving pumpkin — for just $15. (That’s for one entire table.) Click here for reservations.

PS: You can buy more pumpkins for a suggested donation of $5 each. Or bring your own.

Questions? Email v.swain@earthplace.org.

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Speaking of Halloween … Ed Simek spotted this “Driveway of the Dead” on Long Lots Road, near the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

Trick or treat!

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Fred Cantor left the crowded main roads of Westport yesterday for what he thought was less crowded Spicer Road.

Traffic there was backed up too — by a school bus.

As the bus stopped e-v-e-r-y f-e-w f-e-e-t, Fred worried he’d be late for a dental appointment.

Then the bus driver pulled to the side of the road. He waved the cars behind him to pass.

“I know it’s just a small event in the bigger scheme of things,” Fred says.

“But nevertheless I thought this courtesy should be recognized.”

Consider it done.

And consider it a great gesture for other drivers to emulate.

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This year, as many as 40 million Americans will face hunger. One third of college students will be food insecure. While millions go hungry, America’s food system allows over 100 billion pounds of food to go to waste annually.

On November 14 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), the Westport Farmers’ Market, Wakeman Town Farm, Sustainable Westport and Food Rescue US-Fairfield County present a free screening of “Abundance: The Farmlink Story.”

The award-winning documentary explores youth-led solutions to food insecurity and wasted food. All are welcome — especially students.

There is a reception before the film. After, there’s a panel discussion with local food system leaders and experts, moderated by Chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave executive chair.

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Longtime Westporter Angelo Rotella Sr, died October 7, with his family by his side. He was 72.

A native of Sersale, Italy, he moved to Norwalk at age 9. Angelo graduated from JM Wright Technical School. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Marylee Denke.

Throughout more than 50 years together, their family says, “Angelo and Marylee’s homes were filled with love and life (and tons of wall paper). Despite taking care of family, friends and a variety of pets, there was always room in their home for everyone.”

Angelo’s favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, gardening and fishing. He quickly became the Wii bowling champion in his family.

His family adds, “Angelo was a great listener. When he spoke, he offered sound advice coupled with wisdom and compassion.

“Angelo wasn’t afraid to try new things, get dirty, or work hard.” He started his career as a mason, then worked for the town of Westport at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. For years, he celebrated his love for the water by working the night shift at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. Angelo retired in 2017, after 27 years of dedication.

He is survived by his wife Marylee; children Dawn, Angelo Jr. and Lisa; grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and sister Josephine Mercurio.

Calling hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home today (Wednesday, October 18, 4 to 8 p.m. Mass will be held tomorrow (Thursday, October 19, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wittingham Cancer Center.

Angelo Rotella

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Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a hobbit entrance.

Seen at Haskins Preserve, which is a magical place of its own.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1967, 66-year-old Louis Armstrong released “What a Wonderful World.” It went to #1 in the UK, but nowhere in the US. The president of ABC Records disliked the song, and refused to promote it.

Armstrong died 4 years later. Finally, in 1988 — when used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” — it found American success. In 1999, Armstrong’s recording was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

(Good morning, Westport! We hope you’re enjoying another “06880” post. If so, please consider a contribution to support your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Obituaries

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Roundup: LWV Voters’ Guide, Bike Survey, Hook’d …

Posted on October 16, 2023 | 11 comments

The League of Women Voters’ Guide — a much-anticipated, always- indispensable tool for local elections — is now online.

Click here for the Vote411.org website; then enter your address. You’ll get a ton of information about Westport’s November 7 election, including all the races, plus candidates’ biographies and statements.

The website links automatically to your correct Representative Town Meeting district (there are 9 in Westport; each district elects 4 RTM members).

Through the site, you can also double-check your voter registration.

For information on voter registration, absentee ballots, polling places, voting districts and a sample ballot, click here.

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Bike Westport — the non-profit advocating for bicycle and pedestrian safety — wants in-depth answers to Westporters’ views on biking (and driving) around town.

A new survey takes only 3 minutes. It may be the easiest to navigate, clearest and most well designed online survey I’ve ever seen. Click here to begin.

For more information on Bike Westport, click here.

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Today is Hook’d’s last day.

Last day for the season, I assume, though the sign below is ambiguous:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

So hurry on down today, for $1 off all food. That means just $28 for a lobster roll!

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Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — will be celebrated at Saugatuck Congregational Church on Saturday, November 4 (6 to 10 p.m.).

The evening includes food, dancing, and children and adult performers.

Tickets are $50 for adults, and $35 for children ages 6-18. Those 5 and under are free. RSVP by October 20: Venmo kumuda-kumar; Zelle kumuda.kumar@gmail.com.

Questions? Call 646-852-4921.

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene at the Cross Highway/Hockanum Road corner. Enjoy!

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … happy 46th birthday to Fairfield’s own John Mayer.

Many Westporters enjoyed his performance earlier this month at Bridgeport’s Sound on Sound Festival.

He was introduced by Governor Lamont, and told a story about how his father — the longtime principal at Bridgeport’s Central High — would confiscate students’ prohibited-by-school-rules Walkmans.

At the end of the year, he brought those that were not claimed home to Mayer and his brother. That was the future superstar’s introduction to music from around the world.

(You can keep up with local election coverage on “06880.” And you can keep “06880” going with a contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, religion, Transportation, Westport life

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I Vote For A New Name

Posted on May 27, 2009 | 1 comment
League of Women Voters volunteer Liz-Ann Koos registers 18-year-old Danielle Feder to vote...

League of Women Voters volunteer Liz-Ann Koos registers 18-year-old Danielle Feder to vote...

The League of Women Voters of Westport was out in force today at Staples.  Any student turning 18 before Election Day could register to vote.  Plenty did.

The League of Women Voters performs many vital services — voter registration is just one.  But with several men, um, manning the tables — and lots of guys signing up to vote — isn’t it about time they rethought that suffragette-sounding name?

...but the League of Women Voters also includes non-woman volunteer Dewey Loselle, here registering non-woman Mikey McGovern. What's up with that?

...but the League of Women Voters also includes non-woman volunteer Dewey Loselle, here registering non-woman Mikey McGovern. What's up with that?

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Posted in Local politics, Staples HS, Teenagers

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