In the 1950s, a surge of new families changed Westport forever.
They built new homes. They needed new schools. They got involved in town affairs.
Those post-war parents picked up the volunteer reins from the men and women who had made Westport what it was in previous decades. They joined well-established local organizations, and started others. They ran for political office. They asked how this beautiful, resource-rich town could be even better; then they made it happen.
Their baby boomer children continued that tradition. Some were their literal descendants, who stayed in Westport or moved back later. Others were baby boomers who grew up elsewhere, then somehow found their way here and understood that for a community to thrive, every member who can, must contribute to it in some way.
Coleytown Capers was a 1950s fundraiser for the elementary school. It was directed, produced and acted in by dozens of parents. Many worked fulltime in entertainment and the arts. PTAs today find it difficult to recruit volunteers.
In the 2020s, Westport is changing again.
The pandemic brought a new surge of new families. They moved here for all the right reasons: the schools. The amenities. The space. The community vibe.
They are young and energetic. They are smart and creative. They are our future, and that future is very bright indeed.
But as baby boomers age, there is a concern that the civic value of volunteerism is fading.
Certainly, plenty of newcomers have picked up the mantle. They join organizations, run for office, coach teams.
But there are not enough of them.
Katie Augustyn and Haley Schulman volunteer with Food Rescue US. They deliver excess food from stores and restaurants to pantries and shelters in the area. Volunteers are always needed.
Nearly every group in town — PTAs, non-profits, town commissions — wonders: How can we get the next generation more involved?
“They do everything they can for their kids,” one current leader said. “But they don’t always do everything they can for their town.”
Last Saturday, the Town of Westport and League of Women Voters sponsored a volunteer fair at the Westport Library. (Right there, those are 3 organizations that rely often on volunteers.)
Over 2 dozen community groups had tables. Turnout was good (bad weather may have helped or hurt). Representatives offered information, answered questions and encouraged participation.
Saturday’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
If you missed it, here they were:
A Better Chance of Westport
AWARE
Center for Senior Activities
Club 203
Earthplace
FCJazz
Food Rescue
Friends of Sherwood Island
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Homes with Hope
Levitt Pavilion
Staples Tuition Grants
Sunrise Rotary Club
TEAM Westport
Town of Westport
Verso Studios
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Wakeman Town Farm
Westport Book Shop
Westport Community Theatre
Westport Country Playhouse
Westport Emergency Medical Services
Westport League of Women Voters
Westport Library
Westport Permanent Art Collections
Westport Rotary Club
Westport Woman’s Club
Westport Young Woman’s League
Westport-Weston CERT
Westport Weston Family YMCA.
What a list!
Education, community service, seniors, people in need, people with disabilities, the environment, the arts, politics, entertainment, veterans, health, youth — no matter what your interest, there was something for everyone.
That’s not counting the groups that were not there: PTAs. Sports. And one that I profiled earlier this month (started — yes — by new arrivals): Bike Westport.
Imke Lohs, Adam Ganser and Markus Marty are young Westporters who started Bike Westport. The non-profit is addressing our town’s transportation crisis.
I am often asked what I think about “changing Westport.” I respond that I am excited and invigorated by all the new people. Some are families; some are young singles moving into apartments.
They’re excited to be here. They quickly learn to love this town.
Now it’s up to them — not just some, but all of them — to make their mark on Westport.
And set the standard for future surges of newcomers, in the 2090s and beyond.
PS: Adults are not the only volunteers who make this town go.
The Library will host a volunteer expo for teens on Wednesday, October 4 (4:30 to 6 p.m.), featuring local youth organizations with volunteer opportunities.
(“06880” covers all of Westport: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to support our local journalism. Thank you!)
The League of Women Voters welcomed Westport’s registrars of voters — Democrat Deb Greenberg and Republican Marie Signore — for post-election coffee yesterday, at VFW Post 399.
The registrars said that nearly 65% of eligible Westporters voted in last week’s election The statewide average was 57%.
They noted an increase in young voters, and hailed the efforts of Staples High School students — many of them not yet eligible to cast ballots — for their work at the polls.
“We have amazing poll workers,” Greenberg said. “The first things we do after an election are thank them, and pay them.”
Connecticut LWV president Laura Smith said that for registrars everywhere, Election Day is long, but satisfying and worthwhile.
Smith also hailed the voting process in Connecticut. “It’s safe and secure,” she said. “There are so many checks and balances.”
Though it may mean more work for registrars, there was praise that a ballot measure to allow the General Assembly to provide for early voting passed, by about a 60-40 margin.
If legislators approve, details like where exactly to vote, and for how long, would be ironed on. Connecticut is one of only 4 states — with Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire — to not provide early voting.
The Westport Police have released arrest reports for November 9-16.
Six people were detained in custody.
One had many counts: larceny, 1st degree; conspiracy to commit larceny; forgery; conspiracy to commit forgery; telephone fraud; conspiracy to commit telephone fraud; criminal impersonation; conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation; illegal use of credit card; conspiracy to commit illegal use of credit card; fraudulent use of automated teller machine; conspiracy to commit fraudulent use of automated teller machine; identity theft; conspiracy to commit identity theft. and failure to appear.
An accomplice was charged with larceny 4th degree; forgery; telephone fraud; illegal use of credit card; criminal impersonation; fraudulent use of automated teller machine; identity theft — and conspiracy to commit all those acts.
There was one arrest for identity theft; receipt of money, goods, services by illegal credit card use; larceny, 2nd degree; forgery, and criminal impersonation.
One person was arrested for possession of controlled substance (narcotics); drug paraphernalia; tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and interfering with an officer/simple assault.
One person was charged with 2 counts of both larceny, 6th degree, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
One person was charged with violation of a restraining order (threatening).
Arline Gertzoff was a proud 1964 Staples High School graduate. After her death this fall, Staples Tuition Grants has created an award in her honor.
STG encourages Arline’s many friends — from her work with the jUNe Day United Nations hospitality committee, to the Representative Town Meeting and local politics — to donate in Arline’s honor. Click here for that link; click here to learn more about Arline.
Staples Tuition Grants provides over $400,000 a year, to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni already in college. Click here to learn more about STG.
The long Thanksgiving weekend will be filled with activities at Earthplace. They’re perfect for visiting relatives and friends (and everyone else).
Two miles of trails are open from dawn to dusk. Walk off your Thanksgiving turkey — or see one in the wild. The 62-acre wildlife sanctuary includes fields, forests, ponds and a stream. Some trails are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Click here for a trail map.
“Saturdays at Earthplace”: Explore the sanctuary, create art, climb trees, identify flora and fauna, get dirty, catch bugs and enjoy the great outdoors. All ages. Click here for details.
Family campfire (Saturday, November 26, 1:30 to 3 p.m.). A guided activity with s’mores and animals. Click here for details.
“Story and Animal Program” runs Mondays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. For children 5 and under. Click here for details.
Birds of prey feeding takes place daily at 11 a.m. Learn about diets, behavior and care. Click here for details.
Earthplace also offers holiday shopping (reusable water bottles and travel straws, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, stuffed animals, books, honey and more), and science box kits with themes like acids and bases, birds, ecosystems, plants, pollution and polymer ($35 per box; call 203-557-4400 or email info@earthplace.org).
One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
The New York Post does not often cover high culture.
But the tabloid takes note of Beechwood’s Arts & Innovation Series — as well as Beechwood itself.
The Weston Road home of internationally renowned pianist Frederic Chiu and his wife, artist Jeanine Esposito, is on the market for $2.59 million. Built in 1806, the magnificent 7-bedroom home on 2.63 acres has been the site of a decades-long series of events, bringing together creative people from the worlds of music, art, dance, design, food and more.
The Post recounts some of Beechwood’s history too, from visits by Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Frederick Law Olmsted (and possibly Buffalo Bill and Rock Hudson).
Click here for the full New York Post story. Click here for the real estate listing.
The Staples High School girls soccer team is getting ready to defend their state championship.
The Wreckers got 3 goals from the Chudowsky sisters — 2 by Natalie, 1 from Evelyn — to shut out Glastonbury 3-0 last night, at Naugatuck High. Staples was ranked 3rd in the state “LL” (extra large school) tournament. The Titans were 2nd.
This Saturday or Sunday (day and time TBD) at Trinity Health (formerly Dillon) Stadium in Hartford, coach Barry Beattie’s squad will face top-rated Cheshire. They edged Ridgefield 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Last year the Wreckers and Ridgefield shared the title, after tying 0-0 through 80 minutes of regulation play, and 30 minutes of overtime.
This year, one team will definitely win. State tourney rules have been changed, adding penalty kicks to decide a winner instead of co-champions.
The Staples girls soccer team. (Photo/JC Martin courtesy of Westport Local Press)
In other Staples sports news, sophomore Annam Olasewere broke 2 state records in the girls swimming state meet.
Her 1:47.86 finish at 200 meters smashed a 17-year-old mark. Annam then busted her own record by .26 seconds in the 100 freestyle with a 49.88 time.
Overall, the Wreckers finished 5th, with 431 points. Ridgefield won the team title, with 761.
Greens Farms Academy’s new theater director Kellie Comer is getting ready for her first musical there.
The Upper School’s “The Lightning Thief” opens tonight (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.). Shows continue tomorrow and Sunday at 7:30, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $5 at the door. Click here to read more about the show, and its director.
Kellie Comer (Photo courtesy of GFA Dragon Digest)
Also last night: The Conservative Synagogue‘s Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and his wife Riki were feted by the New York Board of Rabbis. The couple received a 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Award, at the Pierre Hotel.
A former president of the board, Rabbi Wiederhorn’s most recent humanitarian effort was delivering clothing, food and other aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, in the early days of Ukraine’s war with Russia.
The rabbi and his wife were in good company last night. Former US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer received the same Humanitarian of the Year honor.
Rabbi Jeremy and Riki Wiederhorn, at last night’s awards ceremony. (Photo/Avi Kaner)
The print version of the Westport League of Women Voters’ voter guide has gone the way of much of the print media: It’s disappeared..
But the LWV still provides important information. And it works for anyone, anywhere in the United States.
Just click on vote411.org. Enter your address. You’ll see every race being contested at your polling place. Clicking any office and candidate’s name brings up plenty of background information.
It’s a rich resource. And a lot better way to decide who to vote for than yard signs. (Hat tip: Charles Wiseman)
In August, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic and safety study of Cross Highway, at the North Avenue and Bayberry Lane intersections.
Monitoring devices have been installed. They’ll measure things like traffic volume and patterns.
No — they’re not cameras catching stop sign violators.
Although that might not be a bad idea.
Traffic monitoring device at North Avenue/Cross Highway stop sign. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Westport Chinese Takeout — the bare bones, simply named but popular restaurant on Saugatuck Avenue at Franklin Street, closed recently.
The location is historic. It was the original site of the Arrow Restaurant. The Nistico family eventually moved their famed Italian eatery to larger digs on Charles Street.
When the Arrow’s run ended there, it became Jasmine — a Chinese restaurant. When that closed, the owners opened the much smaller Westport Chinese Takeout — in the Arrow’s first spot.
Jasmine then became Blu Parrot, and later Mystic Market. Now it too is gone.
And the original Chinese Takeout owners sold to others too.
For now, a phone message says: “We’re sorry. Westport Chinese Takeout is no longer in business. In the meantime, we’re getting ready to bring you the best of Peruvian food at this location. We’ll see you soon!” 9(Hat tip:
Westport Chinese Takeout is now closed.
Halloween alert: Tomorrow (Saturday, October 29, 2 to 4 p.m.) — not Monday — the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston hosts their annual (and very popular) “Trunk or Treat,”
The parking lot will be filled with car trunks from church and community members, Staples PRIDE, and more, decorated for (non-scary) Halloween. Kids (up to age 12) can pick up candy and other goodies.
It’s free for the community — but there’s a chance to give back too. The church is collecting canned goods for the Person to Person food pantry. A donation of 5 cans of food per child attending is requested.
All (kids up to age 12) are indeed welcome at the United Methodist Church’s “Trunk or Treat” tomorrow. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s downtown parade was a smashing success.
We can’t ask the kids — they’re still devouring their candy — so here’s the perspective of a parent. Tyler Errickson writes:
“Westport is a special town, and my son Henry had a special time at the Halloween parade. He was proud to mount the Westport fire truck, on a very special day.”
Henry Errickson, on a fire truck at the Halloween parade. (Photo/Tyler Errickson)
Jonathan Alloy reports on a long-running projecct:
“The bridge on Bayberry Road North Extension saw major progress on Thursday: The deck rails arrived.
“Each of the 7 concrete and steel rails is more than 50 feet long, and weighs over 19 tons.
“They came from Vermont, each on its own special 24-wheel trailer truck. A portable crane lifted them into place.
“Instead of being flat, the rails are built with a camber (arc) to allow for flex with weight and weather. Inside the concrete, steel cables allow for that bending.”
The trucks caused a traffic mess on Bayberry. Westport Police soon straightened things out.
Plenty of work remains. But yesterday marked a big step forward.
Trucks line Bayberry Lane yesterday morning …
… and work is completed yesterday afternoon. (Photos/Jonathan Alloy)
The free Thinkers, Educators, Actors — “TEA” — event returns to the Westport Library on Sunday, November 6. Among the notables: an Emmy-winning composer, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, former Westport Teacher of the Year, and many more.
They’ll share the Trefz Forum stage, to explore provocative, topical subjects in the arts. Particularly apt for an event impacted for 2 years by COVID, they’ll consider the effects of recent history on creativity in film, music and visual art.
Were home-bound artists more or less creative? What new ways were discovered to express one’s creativity? Does the public now consume the arts differently from the way it did before?
Westport textile and fashion designer Shobana Mani converses with Oscar-nominated New York City filmmaker Kevin Wilson Jr.
Dr. Richard Epstein (Westport musician, dentist and WPKN radio host) speaks with Emmy Award-winning composer, music supervisor and pianist Michael Whalen
Westport 2013 Teacher of the year Cecily Anderson discusses the state of the arts with Westport artist Tom Berntsen and Norwalk street-muralist 5ive Fingaz.
TEA Talks is sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. An audience Q-and-A and refreshments follow the presentation. For more information, click here.
Speaking of honors: The Westport Garden Club earned several honors at this week’s Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 93rd annual awards luncheon.
The club received the Certificate of Achievement – Arboreal for planting a swamp white oak at Grace Salmon Park for “Oaktober 2021.”
They also won a Certificate of Achievement – Historic, Memorial and Public Gardens for their 2022 renovation of the Nevada Hitchcock Garden at the Cross Highway/Weston Road intersection. The garden — established in 1941 — was reworked to focus on native and pollinator plantings.
Two members received individual awards. Andi Turner was given a Certificate of Individual Achievement for her work as horticultural chair. At each meeting, she shares well researched and informative best practices .
The Tribute Award in Landscape Design went to Ellen Greenberg, a Westport Garden Club past president, for her leadership in the club and community, involving a diverse array of partners including the Waltersville School Garden Project with Pivot Ministries, Wakeman Town Farm Pollinator Gardens, a Kaboom playground project in Bridgeport, and Aspetuck Land Trust’s Green Corridor Initiative and Haskins Preserve Project.
Westport Garden Club members at the Nevada Hitchcock Garden.
Many Westporters know Pippa Bell Ader for her environmental activism.
She’s also a talented potter. Next Thursday (November 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), she’ll sell her work at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Imperial Avenue parking lot).
All money raised at the “Urban Farming and Food Justice” fundraiser go to Green Village Initiative. The non-profit grows food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.
Can’t make it to the Farmers’ Market, but interested in helping Pippa and GVI? Email bellader@gmail.com.
MoCA Westport’s next 2 “Cocktails and Conversation” events are set.
On November 3 (6 p.m.), Diana Mashia — founder and CEO of Invest In Her Art — discusses “the power of story, and the role that narratives play in shaping identity, fandom, advocacy and positive social impact.” She’ll lead a conversation around “how to better utilize stories and the arts to build awareness and advance women and non-binary people.” Click here to register.
On November 10 (6 p.m.), exhibition co-curators Tom Berntsen, Liz Leggett and Ruth Mannes describes the design and installation of MoCA’s current exhibition, “From the Pen to the Knife,” and the fascinating story of artist Marian Christy. Click here to register.
Both events are free; advance registration is requested. Access to the exhibit beforehand is free; cocktails and drinks are available for purchase.
Anne Bernier explains: “Anyone has seen ‘Stranger Things 4’ episode 3 (or has heard the Kate Bush song ‘Running Up that Hill’) will understand the floating Halloween decoration my 8th grader Luke created. Hopefully it won’t scare off any potential trick-or-treaters.”
The League of Women Voters’ candidate debate — postponed by Tuesday’s nor’easter — has been rescheduled for tonight (Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.).
Board of Education candidates Christine Torres and Kevin Christie (Democrats), Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon (Republicans), and Planning & Zoning hopefuls Danielle Dobin, Neil Cohn and Michael Cammeyer (Democrats), Jack Whittle (Republican) and Ron Corwin (Coalition for Westport) will participate.
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In June, “06880” posted a plea from Amanda DeRosa. The Westport m sought help for her favorite Starbucks worker, a woman in dire straits due to deliver a baby 3 months later.
Readers responded quickly, and generously. Amanda soon gave the woman $4,550 in gift cards, for stores like Buy Buy Baby, Target and Stop & Shop.
Last month — after 3 days in labor — the barista delivered a healthy, 8-pound baby boy. Yesterday, the new mom returned to work.
She was all smiles. And when you check out the photo below, you’ll see why.
The Westport Country Playhouse has changed the date of its Family Fun Day from this Saturday to Sunday (October 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), due to predicted bad weather.
The event includes kids’ activities like a scavenger hunt and spider web weaving, treats, food trucks, ghost stories, a food drive for Norwalk’s Open Door Shelter, beer tastings, and costume parade for youngsters and dogs. The box office will be open from 12 to 2 p.m. for 25% discounts on in-person tickets to the upcoming performances of “Doubt: A Parable,”and 2022 Flex Passes.
Children are encouraged to bring their own pumpkins for decorating. For more details, click here.
Wondering what to do with your used mattresses and box springs?
Sustainable Westport is sponsoring a free recycling program. Just bring them to Earthplace (10 Woodside Lane) on Saturday, November 13,. between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.
The project is run through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress program.
Four school records fell last night, as Staples High Schools’ girls swim and dive splashed to victory over Trumbull at home on Senior Night.
Once again the Wreckers broke 200 and 400 meter freestyle relay school records. Senior captains Jessica Qi and Ella Alpert, plus freshmen Annam and Ayaan Olasewere, set 2 new marks: 1:48.17 (200) and 4:02.10 (400).
In individual events, freshman Annam broke her own record in the 50 meter freestyle (25.69, shattering her previous mark, 26.15). She also broke Staples’ record in the 100 meter freestyle (57.30).
Freshman Dani Schwartz won the 400 meter freestyle (4:52.51). The Wreckers also swept the 200 meter freestyle, led by Jessica (personal best 2:08.99). Sophomore Libby Turner (1:09.92) took first in the 100 meter backstroke.
Divers Kate Whitaker, Emme Thaw and Ava DeDomenico took the top 3 spots in their event.
Staples finishes the regular season 6-3 record. Postseason championships begin soon.
Winning 400 meter free relay team (from left): Annam Olasewere, Ayaan Olasewere , Ella Alpert, Jessica Qi.
Also moving into the postseason: The Staples field hockey team (11-1-0) can finish 2nd or 3rd in the FCIAC, depending on today’s game at undefeated New Canaan, and begin the league playoffs Friday or Saturday.
The girls soccer team finished the regular season 9-2-4. Seeded #4 in the FCIAC tournament, they host #5 New Canaan this afternoon (Thursday, 3 p.m., Wakeman Field at Bedford Middle School).
The boys soccer team closed out their best regular season (10-1-4) in 10 years last night, with a 3-0 win at Fairfield Ludlowe. Ranked #3 in the FCIAC tourney, they host #6 Fairfield Warde tomorrow (Friday, 3 p.m., Wakeman Field at Bedford Middle School.)
The Staples boys soccer team runs over to greet their fans, at the end of their final regular season game last night. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
Speaking of sports: Ryan Fitton was a 2-sport (football and baseball) star at Staples High School.
The 2017 graduate is now a 6-5, 245-pound tight end at Cornell University. Last weekend, he made a very improbable touchdown catch against Brown. It was so special, it made #2 on ESPN’s Top 10 Plays.
Fast forward to 2:15 on the link below. (Hat tip: Felicia Catale)
Master gardener Alice Ely snapped this stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo of a bumblebee. She’s stocking up on milkweed before her long winter sleep, Alice says.
And finally … on this date in 1893, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Pathétique premiered. Nine days later he died. His death, at just 53, has been attributed to both cholera from drinking unboiled water, and suicide.
This week’s Unsung Heroes selection is a no-brainer.
No matter what you thought of the election — and the months-that-seemed-like millennia run-up to it — you know one thing: We could not have voted without help.
I don’t mean help in choosing a candidate. If I never get another text saying “Daniel, this is Caroline from the xxxx campaign!” it will be too soon.
I mean the behind-the-scenes help. To the town clerk ‘s office; the League of Women Voters and other volunteers who compiled and disseminated information, and (of course!) the poll workers who braved COVID, closed-in indoor spaces and vague threats of disruption to ensure that democracy prevails: thank you. Many of those spending long hours are polling places were high school and college students. How great to get them involved — along with all the regulars, who have done it for decades. (Nice too how many people thanked them profusely.)
Staples High School senior Reed Caney volunteered as a poll worker yesterday, at Long Lots Elementary School.
And how about the registrars of voters? In a herculean effort this past Saturday, they opened approximately 8,000 returned absentee ballots. They rejected only 5 (!), because of issues like improper envelopes or missing signatures.
On Monday, they personally notified those 5 voters — and advised them to vote in person yesterday.
We’ve been through a lot this year. You helped bring a bit of normalcy into very uncertain times.
I know, I know. You don’t do it for the glory. (And certainly not for the pay.)
But that makes your work even more important, inspiring and incredible.
Posted onSeptember 23, 2019|Comments Off on Election Day Near; LWV Is Here
It’s fall! Time for leaves, pumpkin everything, and elections.
The League of Women Voters Westport “leaves” raking to you, and pumpkin lattes to Starbucks. But it’s all over the ballot box.
As the non-partisan, men-are-welcome-too organization prepares for Tuesday, November 5, they offer several programs and services to help Westporters register, and learn about candidates. For example:
Tomorrow (September 24) is National Voter Registration Day. You can register at the Westport Library (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
October 6 is the LWV’s annual Fall Brunch (11 am to 1 p.m.). It’s a meet-the-candidates event. For more information or to RSVP, call 203-293-7687.
On October 21 (Town Hall, 7 p.m.), the LWV co-sponsors debates with the Westport Library and PTA Council, for Board of Finance and Board of Education candidates. Email your questions to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com (specify which office you are asking about).
On October 28 (Town Hall, 7 p.m.) there’s a second debate, for Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals candidates.
Of course, Election Day would not be complete without the LWV Voter’s Guide. It will arrive in the mail of all 10,500 Westport households shortly after October 25.
The League seeks donations to help defray the $3,900 cost of printing and mailing this important tool. Checks can be sent to the League of Women Voters of Westport, PO Box 285, Westport, CT 06881-0285 (write “Voter’s Guide” in the memo line.
For more information on the League of Women Voters Westport, click here.
Opinions are like you-know-whats: Everyone’s got ’em.
Westporters know exactly what to do about Baron’s South, the education budget, tree-cutting, downtown parking, Compo Beach, affordable housing, bike lanes, and a thousand different topics.
We are not afraid to share our thousands of different views with our elected officials.
When those officials disagree with us, we think it’s their fault. Even if we did not vote in the election that put them in office.
Knowledge is power.
If you’d like to know exactly who you’re voting for next month — besides seeing their names on lawn signs — come to a pair of League of Women Voters-sponsored debates.
Tomorrow (Monday, October 5) focuses on candidates for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Assessment Appeals.
On Wednesday, October 14, meet Board of Education and Board of Finance hopefuls.
Both sessions are set for Town Hall, at 7 p.m.
But wait! There’s more!
Both days, at 6:15 p.m., voters can meet Representative Town Meeting (RTM) candidates. They’re our unsung civic backbone, with power over everything from final budgets to plastic bags.
Around the world, people continue to die for the right to vote. Here in Westport, you just have to go around the corner.
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