Tag Archives: State Representative Dominique Johnson

Roundup: Winter Olympics, Dominique Johnson, Ben Frimmer …

Amanda Doyle and her daughter Niamh are probably not the only 2 Westporters at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Amanda and Niamh Doyle, at the Olympics.

But Amanda is probably the only one who posted a video that went viral.

Her clip from the US-Switzerland women’s ice hockey game — of the entire arena singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” — racked up over a million views and 71,000-plus likes, in just one day.

It looks like a great moment. And Amanda’s comment about the true spirit of the Olympics — uniting “beyond borders, languages and differences” — is pure gold.

PS: The hockey game was especially fun for Niamh. She goes to Coleytown Middle School, and plays for the Shoreline Sharks.

PPS: The US won, 5-0.

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Dominique Johnson is running for re-election.

The 143rd District state representative — serving parts of Westport and Norwalk — and deputy majority leader says she is not taking donations from lobbyists.

Click here for her website.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Congratulations, Ben Frimmer!

The veteran theater educator and director, Staples High School graduate, Emergency Medical Service leader and all-around good guy will be honored May 17.

Schoke Jewish Family Service will present him with its Community Service Award.

JFS says, “With more than 30 years of experience across the arts and public safety, he brings a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service to every role he undertakes.

Frimmer is deputy chief of Weston Volunteer EMS, and a tactical emergency casualty care and EMS Instructor.

He served on the board of Temple Israel, and is on its Security Committee. During the pandemic, he was the congregation’s COVID response point person.

Frimmer was a producer of “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and is on the producing team for “The Hunger Games” in London. He has earned kudos for his work as director of Coleytown Middle School’s Company drama program.

He serves on the board of the Westport Country Playhouse, and co-chairs its Development Committee. He holds master’s degrees in teaching and educational theatre from NYU.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Ben Frimmer

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A reminder: WestportREADS’ keystone conversation is this Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m.)

Eiren Caffall — author of this year’s selection, “All the Water in the World” — chats with Catherine Shen, host of Connecticut Public Radio’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live, about Caffall’s thriller about a flooded future, and a family fighting not to be drowned by a changing world. Click here for more information.

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We’ve posted photos of horses at Sherwood Island State Park before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But the images never get old. Here’s a shot from yesterday:

 

(Pic/Bob Mitchell)

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And finally, in honor of the photo above:

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Roundup: Soccer Coach’s Filing, Hartford Wrap-Up, Juneteenth Tour …

Russell Oost-Lievense’s fight continues.

In the wake of last month’s Board of Education hearing to appeal the non-renewal of his contract as Staples High School boys soccer head coach, the 2008 graduate filed a complaint with the state Freedom of Information Commission.

Oost-Lievense said that he intends to challenge the hearing, and the Board’s decision not to renew his contract, in court.

However, he says, he is handicapped in litigation because “the Board unlawfully deliberated my nonrenewal in executive session.” He had repeatedly requested the hearing be held entirely in open session.

Stating that the public and he were deprived of the ability to evaluate and challenge the Board’s decision, he asks that the meeting be declared “null and void.”

Russell Oost-Lievense

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Westport’s delegation in Hartford — State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — meet constituents tonight (Monday, June 16, 6 p.m.) in the Library’s Komansky Room (behind the stage).

It’s called an “End of Session Town Hall.” The public is invited, to learn about the legislative year that just ended.

From left: Senator Ceci Maher, Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

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The Westport Museum for History & Culture celebrates Juneteenth (Thursday).

At 10 a.m., they’ll offer a guided walking tour through downtown. It’s based on the Museum’s previous exhibit on African Americans in Westport

Museum staff will share stories of soldiers, sailors, activisits, artists and other citizens who helped build this town, while pointing out historic sites and buildings.

Tickets are $10 for Museum members, $15 for non-members. Click here to reserve a spot, and for more information. (Hat tip: Harold Bailey)

A plaque on Elm Street commemorates 22 1/2 Main Street, home to a thriving Black community. In 1950 it burned to the ground, in a suspicious fire.

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Meanwhile, the Levitt Pavilion’s first Comedy Night of 2025 is tomorrow (Tuesday, June 17, 7 p.m.).

The free show is billed as a special “Pride Edition.” Click here for (free) tickets, and more information.

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And … after a brief Yankee Doodle Fair-induced detour to the Levitt pavilion parking lot, the Westport Farmers’ Market returns to its Imperial Avenue home this Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

It was a different venue last week, but the scenes were familiar to its many fans. For example:

Fresh strawberries, and …

… these regulars. They’re there every Thursday from a nearby office, always smiling and looking dapper. (Photos/Lori Cochran-Dougall)

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Congratulations to Adam Friedman!

The Westporter won the 123rd annual Connecticut Amateur golf championship.

The (very large) trophy was nice. Even better: Friedman earns an exemption into this year’s US Amateur event. It’s set for San Francisco’s Olympic Club, in August.

Friedman attended Staples as a freshman, then earned a scholarship to Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy in Florida. He attended Montverde Academy, and graduated in 2016 with high honors. Adam then played at Florida Atlantic University. His home course now is Great River Golf Club in Milford.

Adam Friedman

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Jeffrey Cohen captured this guy yesterday.

No worries … he did it with his camera only.

But it sure is a cute “Westport … Naturally” capture, right?

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And finally … in honor of Jeffrey Cohen’s photo (above):

(Another week, another Roundup … and another request: If you enjoy this — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Westport Voters Keep Connecticut Blue

As the country moved rightward, Westport voters stayed blue.

With roughly 2/3 (16,042) of the town’s 24,078 registered voters casting ballots, the town’s voters overwhelming re-elected Chris Murphy to the US Senate, Jim Himes to Congress, Ceci Maher to the State Senate, and Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson to the State House of Representatives.

Including 142 new voters who registered yesterday, the town’s rolls show 10,050 Democrats, 9,479 unaffiliated, 4345 Republicans, and 204 in other parties.

The results from Westport:

US Senate: Chris Murphy (D) 11,258; Matthew Corey (R) 4,735; Paglino (Green) 85; Hyde (Cheaper Gas Groceires) 49.

US Congress 4th District: Jim Himes (D) 11,388; Michael Goldstein (R) 4,696; Wesley (I) 163.

State Senate District 26: Ceci Maher (D) 10,616; Kami Evans, 5,375.

State House District 136: Jonathan Steinberg (D) 9,418; John Bolton (R) 4,496.

State House District 143: Dominique Johnson (D) 1,394; Peter Bang (R) 633.

Westport voters allowed helped pass a ballot measure to ease absentee voting laws, 9,435 to 3,694.

Roundup: Arts Scholarships, Politics & Pizza, Snow Stories …

The arts are thriving in Westport.

And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.

The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.

The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)

To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.

Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”

Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.

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After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.

This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:

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Three local politicians will discuss Hartford’s impact on Westport, at a League of Women Voters “Pie & Politics” pizza event.

The January 18 (7 p.m., Pizza Lyfe) evening features State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

The pizza is free, but there’s a suggested donation of $10. RSVP by January 15: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

From left: State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

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Three new novellas from Carl Addison Swanson are available at Amazon.

The titles are “Agent Orange,” “Abortion” (with Jo Ann Miller) and “Homeless.”

Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.

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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.

And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.

Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.

Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.

The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.

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Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.

She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.

Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”

She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.

Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.

She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.

A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.

Terry Zapata

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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.

But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.

The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.

(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!) 

Roundup: jUNe Day, Beach Smoking Ban, Police Reports …

Two longstanding local traditions — the Sunrise Rotary Great Duck Race, and Westport Downtown Association Sidewalk Sale — take place this weekend.

There’s also a third. And this one has an even longer history: over 60 years.

jUNe Day will be celebrated all over town on Saturday (June 24). United Nations diplomats, staff members and their families will spend the day here, having fun and enjoying special activities.

At 10:30 a.m. on Jesup Green — as part of the Great Duck Race celebration — UN Under-Secretary General General Christian Saunders will deliver a message from Secretary General António Guterres.

Options for our guests include Earthplace, Wakeman Town Farm, Compo Beach, tennis and golf at Longshore, and a soccer match (UN vs. Westport Knights, 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).

UN visitors can also enjoy the Duck Race and Sidewalk Sales. Nearby, they’ll see flags from many UN member countries flying on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

That’s an apt sight. Steinkraus Cohen was one of the founders of jUNe Day, more than 6 decades ago. She was a longtime member of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut too, which sponsors the annual event in cooperation with the town of Westport.

For questions or more information, call Bill Hass: 203-454-7685 or 203-434-6609.

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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously last night to ban tobacco and cannabis smoking at all beaches, and certain parts of recreational facilities, like playgrounds, pools, fields and athletic courts.

The regulation — which includes a 25-foot buffer — does not include the golf course, or passive recreation areas like Winslow or other town parks.

No longer legal at the beach.

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Speaking of the law: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 14 and 21.

One was for disorderly conduct, following a domestic violence incident.

The other was for issuing a bad check, worth $12,945.50, to a local business.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations; 8 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Assault, 3rd degree: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Improper use of high beams: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Littering: 1

Don’t be a litterbug! (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Housing. Transportation. Gun safety.

Those were just a few of the topics Connecticut’s General Assembly voted on in the session that ended just a few days ago. (Oh, yeah: the budget too!)

Three local legislators — State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — host a “wrap-up” discussion at the Westport Library next Wednesday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Komansky Room).

On the agenda: successes (and failures), plus goals for the future.

Senator Ceci Maher, Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

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It’s one of the most prestigious and elite legal programs around.

For 50 years, the Supreme Court Fellows Program has offered 4 positions a year to mid-career professionals, recent law school graduates and doctoral degree holders. Founded by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger, it draws over 1,000 applicants.

One of the appointees this year is Viviana Vasiu. A Westport and Brooklyn resident, she will be assigned to the US Sentencing Commission.

A former clerk for 2 US District Court judges, she participated in the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the Department of Justice. She earned a BA summa cum laude, and a JD magna cum laude, from Stetson University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.

But there’s more to the story. Viviana came alone to the US at 18, from Romania. She enrolled at a community college in San Diego, and within a year earned a paralegal certificate. She was the Stetson’s first-ever immigrant and English major valedictorian.

Congratulations, attorney Vasiu!

Viviana Vasiu

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The I-95 bridge in Philadelphia will be repaired — and reopened — barely 2 weeks after it collapsed, during a truck fire.

Meanwhile, work on I-95 in Westport — which did not collapse — appears to be on schedule for its completion date of November, 2038.

The Post Road project should be finished a week or two before that.

(Photo/Monica Herndon for Philadelphia Inquirer)

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The Westport Rotary Club has a new president.

Outgoing chief Karl Mergenthaler handed the gavel to Kenny Epstein last night, at Ned Dimes Marina.

Dozens of Rotarians attended the annual event.

Incoming Rotary president Kenny Epstein (left) and outgoing leader Karl Mergenthaler. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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The next exhibition at Amy Simon Fine Art opens June 24.

Titled “Fresh!,” it features Charlie Bluett, Carla Goldber and Takefumi Hori. It runs through August 5. Click here for more information.

“These Precious Pieces We Find” (Charlie Bluett)

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Tracy Porosoff’s garden burst with color this week, as her first dahlia of the year bloomed.

Fittingly, it’s our first “Westport … Naturally” dahlia of the year.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … 2 takes on the new smoking ban (story above).

You can no longer smoke at the beaches, tennis courts, athletic fields and related recreational facilities …

… but you can still light up on the golf course, Winslow Park and other spots.

(As jUNe Day nears, a reminder: “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please consider a contribution, to help us continue our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Neil Gaiman, Saugatuck Rowing …

Summer is here!

The Yankee Doodle Fair — the way we know that’s true — is almost all set up.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The annual fundraiser for (and at) the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue opens Thursday, at 6 p.m. It continues Friday night, and throughout the weekend.

Click here for details.

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Neil Gaiman, author of “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Sandman,” is coming to Westport.

He’s the keynote speaker at StoryFest 2023. The 6th edition of StoryFest, the Westport Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community, will be held October 20-22.

Gaiman headlines opening night. The weekend includes panel discussions and other events, with authors Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen Graham Jones, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and more.

Free registration for the keynote address begins June 20. The complete lineup and schedule for StoryFest 2023 will be announced this summer.

The largest literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in New England, StoryFest drew more than 800 participants and 40 authors to the Library last year,

This year’s StoryFest keynote doubles as the Fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts,. The spring edition featured artist and former Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler.

The Malloy Lecture in the Arts, delivered free to the public since 2002 thanks to the generosity of Westport artist Susan Malloy, highlight individuals who have had significant cultural influence and whose work has enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the arts.

Neil Gaiman

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Rowing program showed well last Sunday, at the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida.

The largest Youth Nationals ever drew over 4,000 athletes from 225 clubs and schools. Saugatuck Rowing Club sent 12 boats.

The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including  Clementine Kirt, Carolina Proctor and Alice Frascella of Wesptort, and Hannah Makmale of Weston), helped SRC defend its championships for the third year in a row.

In a thrilling finish, the Saugatuck 4+ B boat including Rylie Cordella and Olivia Saw of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, took silver, giving the club the top 2 spots.

Earning bronze: the men’s U17 4+ boat, with Westley Dick and Tommy Wright of Westport, and Daniel Lee and Davis Evans of Weston), along with the men’s U16 8+ boat, with Westporters Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport).

Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U-17 4+A boat national champions (from left): Coach Cody Silvester, Alice Frascella, Carolina Proctor, Madeline Casano, Clementine Kirt, Hannah Makmale.

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Congratulations too to Derek Amlicke.

The Staples High School pole vaulter won the New England championship, clearing 14′ 3″ in Bangor, Maine.

Earlier this year, he set a new Staples record: 15′ 2″.

The sky’s the limit for Derek!

Derek Amlicke (Photo/Jacob Halsema)

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Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

On July 2, State Representative Dominique Johnson will fiddle while while Westport celebrates.

The legislator — whose 143rd district includes part of our town — brings her bluegrass instrument to First Folk Sunday (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 12:30 p.m.).

Johnson began playing violin at 2 years old in a Suzuki program. She discovered bluegrass through her grandfather’s family in Kentucky.

First Folk Sunday is a popular new folk series featuring Suzanne Sheridan (vocals and guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboards). and guest artists.

There is a $10 music charge. Brunch, plus a make-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar and Mimosas are extra.

For more information and tickets click here, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Last week, members of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and the student-led Staples High School Sexual Assault Awareness and Self Defense Club attended a private female self-defense training session at Fit Club Jiu-Jitsu in Fairfield.

The group practiced defensive tactics and learned practical skills, including situational awareness and how to avid potentially risky situations.

Instruction came from Fit Club owner/coach Joe Oppedisano, Staff Corporal Michael Ruttenber (Westport Police Department) Rob Curcio (Weston Police Department) and Detective Beth Leetch (Fairfield Police).

Trainers and trainees.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Country Playhouse Staff teamed up to help visitors at the SCP’s recent open house have fun playing”Toss the
Duck into the Bucket.”

It was a great promotion for Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race (June 24, Jesup Green). Click here for details.

Promoting the Great Duck Race, at the Playhouse. From left: Mike Hibbard (duck), Giovanni Orozlo, Joe Watson, Chris Conte, Erin Reynolds. (Photo/Ashley Sweet)

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On Monday, 30  Y’s Men of Westport and Weston and their guests toured the UN.

It’s the latest in their ongoing series of educational and cultural events.

The Y’s Men’s guide, from Uzbekistan, describes the Security Council. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Cedar waxwings are today’s “Westport .. Naturally” feature.

They’re also, as Westport Community Gardens director/photographer extraordinaire Lou Weinberg explains, “the bandits of the bird world. With their black masks and paintbrush tails, these beauties travel in flocks and love the serviceberry tree.”

He adds: “If you love birds, plant serviceberry and other native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Nature wins!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Happy Flag Day!

The American flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] 

Two years earlier on this date, Congress adopted “the American continental army.” So happy birthday too to the US Army!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to support us — and thank you!)

Westport Shows Its Pride

Rainbows were everywhere yesterday.

On flags, pins, buttons. flyers, hats — wherever rainbows could be, they were there.

Westport Representative Town meeting member Harris Falk (left) and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. 

Westport’s 3rd annual Pride celebration drew over 250 people to Jesup Green. 

Older folks, teenagers, toddlers; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, non-binary — and plenty of allies — gathered to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

 

(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

There were speeches and proclamation; music and balloons and nail-painting; information booths on everything from healthcare to starting a family.

Most of all, there was fun in the (wind and) sun. Congratulations to Westport Pride, for bringing Westport together. 

(Photo/Bethany Eppner)

Happy Pride!

St. Luke’s School student (and Westport resident) Charlie Lukens gave a powerful speech about his coming out process. The lacrosse player gave shout-outs to his very supportive family and friends … 

… as they listened intently and proudly.

Rev. Alison Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church welcomed the crowd.

Nails were painted …

… 11-year-old Owen Hill turned balloons into hearts …

… Girl Scouts hoist the Pride flag … (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

… and students came out in force.

Dr. Nikki Gorman, co-sponsor of the rainbow crosswalk at nearby Jesup Road, and friend. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

Pride onesie (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

Jonathan Alloy officiated at a wedding! (Contributed photo)

The day was filled with music. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

 

(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Candice Savin offer greetings. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

State Representative Dominique Johnson offered official greetings.

Jamie Matchotka spoke about being a trans man in Westport.

Love is love. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

Westport Pride founder and MC Brian McGunagle shared the stage with his son. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted.)

Local Election Results: Democrats Sweep

Every Democrat on the ballot in the “06880” area appears to have won double-digit victories last night.

With 95% of the vote reported, unofficial results show:

Ceci Maher halted Toni Boucher’s attempt to reclaim her former 26th Distrct State Senate seat. She leads, 57% to 43%.

Jonathan Steinberg won his 7th consecutive race for 136th District State representative. He leads Alma Sarelli, 69%-31%.

Dominique Johnson captured the open 143rd District State Representative seat. She is ahead, 57% to 43%.

Lisa Wexler retained her Probate Judge seat over Patricia Zucaro by a wide margin.

4th District US Congressman Jim Himes returns to Washington. He is ahead of Jayme Stevenson, 59% to 41%.

In statewide races, Governor Ned Lamont was re-elected over Bob Stefanowski (currently 55-44%), and Senator Richard Blumenthal was re-elected over Leora Levy (57-43).

In addition, a referendum question to allow the General Assembly to consider early voting passed, 59% to 41.

Turnout in Westport was approximately 57% of registered voters.

Democracy in action. (Photo/Jo Shields)