Last night’s storm was brief — but very, very intense.
In the half hour or so when lightning sizzled and thunder clapped, people lost power.
As of 7:15 this morning, Eversource reported 146 Westport customers — 1.14% of the total in town — still without electricity.
In Weston, it was 77 customers (1.96%).
In this area, New Canaan and Darien had even more outages. Statewide, 8,289 customers — 0.63% — lacked power.
Storm over Saugatuck, heading toward Compo Beach and Longshore. It looked “apocalyptic,” says photographer Mark Laclair.
==================================================
When it comes to safe bike riding practices, kids may not always listen to their parents.
But if it means free ice cream … well, now you’re talking.
The Westport Police Department, Westport Youth Commission and Sunny Daes have partnered on an initiative to reward good biking habits.
Officers will keep an eye out for young bicyclists who follow essential rules, like:
- Always wearing a helmet
- Riding safely and smartly
- Being responsible.
Young riders “caught” practicing safe habits will receive a special reward voucher. Each card can be redeemed at Sunny Daes for free kiddie cone or cup.
Now, if anyone can convince another local business to do the same for adults — in bikes and cars …
The voucher …
… and those who make it happen.
==================================================
There is life after the Planning & Zoning Commission.
In 2021 Chip Stephens — a native Westporter, 1973 Staples High School graduate and longtime civic volunteer — surprised many here.
After 3 terms on the P&Z (including a stint as chair); service on the Superstorm Sandy Recovery Regulation Committee; preservation efforts for Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall), Cockenoe Island and open space; a run for state representative, and coaching Staples wrestling, and PAL football, basketball and baseball, he headed north.
For 5 years, Chip was code enforcement officer, plumbing inspector, and Department of Environmental Protection and health official for Readfield and Wayne, Maine — 2 towns northwest of Augusta.
Now, he’s launched a new business. Kennebec Shore and Land Use Consulting helps property owners navigate shoreland zoning, permit applications, board presentations and regulations — “clearly and efficiently,” Chip says.
For decades in Westport, Chip was the man to call with land use questions and concerns.
Now central Maine residents can do the same. With — as always — a response that is professional, fast and (even) fun.
Chip Stephens. He seldom wore a tie in Westport. He’s probably never worn one in Maine.
================================================
It doesn’t quite rise to the level of “Unsung Hero.”
But Jonathan Alloy sends along a social media post, from the mother of a young child. He’d lost his favorite blankie at the beach. She described it, and said, “If you find it PLEASE let me know. PLEASE PLEASE.”
Donna Stark did.
But, the mother said, there were other heroes too. “EVERYONE walking the beach was so kind and helpful. Someone else found it first and put it on a bench. So whoever that was is also our hero!”
Found!
==================================================
Uh oh! We gave an incorrect date for next weekend’s huge Universalist Unitarian Congregation in Westport tag sale.
It’s Saturday, August 15 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; early birds 8 a.m., $20).
See you there!
A small part of the big crowd at the Unitarian Universalist tag sale.
==================================================
Registration begins Monday for Lachat Town Farm’s 3 fall children’s programs:
- Caregiver & Me
- Pre-school drop-off
- K-8 after-school (bus available from school).
Click here for details. Questions? Email childrensprograms@lachattownfarm.org.
==============================================
Many of our “Westport … Naturally” photos are cool.
This one — from Compo Beach — is especially so.
One more reason that every sunset there is special.
(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Carrie Kuhn’s great photo (above):
(Don’t let clouds get in your way. Just click here, to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
