Linda Shannon Bluestein

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Lynda Shannon Bluestein is a longtime member — and former board chair — of the Unitarian Church in Westport.

She just published a very moving piece in The CT Mirror, on medical aid in dying.

The 2-time cancer survivor writes: “I simply want the right to have a say in the timing and manner of my death when I reach the point where my disease or the pain and suffering it causes robs me of the quality of life that is essential to me.”

Click here for the full, enlightening story. (Hat tip: Steve Axthelm)

Lynda Shannon Bluestein (Photo courtesy of The CT Mirror)

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As ~~Build Back Better~~ infrastructure funds begin flowing, skilled workers in a variety of trades will be needed. The Connecticut Department of Transportation alone is looking for 100 people, especially those with commercial drivers licenses. They can’t find them.

High school juniors and seniors — and recent graduates — interested in on-the-job training and real-life work experiences in a variety of trades have until February 18 to register for a special program, which can propel them into successful, well-paying careers.

The Staples High Guidance Department has partnered with Trumbull High School to offer the free Connecticut Pre-Apprenticeship High School Training program.

Students gain experience, and learn how to apply as an apprentice, in unions for carpenters, electricians, iron workers, road and highway laborers and operating engineers.

Certification can be earned in OSHA 10-Hour, flagger, and CPR/First Aid/AED.

Program graduates are eligible for notification of employment opportunities, resume reviews and interview preparation.

For more information, click here and here. Questions? Contact Staples guidance counselor Vicki Capozzi (vcapozzi@westportps.org) or Trish Howells (phowells@westportps.org).

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Carl Addison Swanson has written over 50 books, including the Hush McCormick series, Tug Christian thrillers, Scooter mysteries, Ian Fletcher legal series and Justin Carmichael nostalgic memoirs.

You can find them all at his website. Or you can find many — for free — at the Westport Bookcycle, outside Local to Market on the Main Street/Parker Harding corner.

But be kind. Be like Carl. When you pick up a book, try to give one in return.

(Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)

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The Westport Country Playhouse has new policies for all visitors.

Starting March 1, everyone 18 and older must show proof of 2 doses of the COVID vaccine, or one of Johnson & Johnson — plus the booster.

And as of now, everyone 5 to 17 years old must show proof of 2 doses of the vaccine. Everyone under 5 must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult, and provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the performance.

Masks must be worn at all times, with N95 and KN95 masks strongly encouraged. The Playhouse may ask audience members to double mask, with a surgical mask provided by the theater.

The Playhouse says, “We are aware that mask requirements are being lifted in some communities. But please note that Actors’ Equity requires that actors perform only at theaters where audiences are required to wear masks.

“Thank you for working with us to keep our community safe, especially for those who are most vulnerable. We will continue to follow the science and anticipate our guidelines will change as conditions change. We recommend that you check our website for the current policy before every visit to the Playhouse.”

Mask up before entering the famed venue,

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ᐧFor a while, Marie Gross has noticed a pair of bald eagles sitting in the same tree overlooking the Saugatuck River, across from Saugatuck Elementary School.

A couple of days ago, she snapped this “Westport … Naturally” image.