Three members of the Westport Fire Department, and one from the Westport Police Department, have deployed to western North Carolina to assist with relief efforts after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The group includes Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter.
The 4 will provide critical communication and data restoration support to the hard-hit area.
The Westport team will use a mobile command unit equipped with cutting-edge communication and coordination technology. Field-Comm 1 functions as an on-site command center, offering satellite communication, radio interoperability, and internet access.
Ready to deploy (from left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Firefighter Michael Durette, Police Officer Gregory Gunter, Firefighter Patrick Dailey, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The unit also has onboard power and climate control systems, ensuring continuous operation in all conditions.
“This vehicle allows our team to operate independently and maintain essential communication links between local responders, state agencies and federal resources,” says Fire Chief Nick Marsan. “Field-Comm 1 is a critical asset in managing large-scale incidents, making sure that communities get the help they need quickly and efficiently.”
All costs associated with the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources will be fully reimbursed toWestport through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the State of North Carolina.
“Westport is proud to answer the call to help our neighbors in North Carolina during this challenging time,” says First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.
“Our highly skilled first responders are well-equipped to provide vital assistance in restoring essential communication infrastructure.”
To the chagrin of many builders, homeowners, architects and others who have worked with her, Mary Young is stepping down as Planning & Zoning Department director. Her last day is Friday.
Mary tells “06880”:
It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve the residents of Westport since 2002. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. When you love what you do, it hardly feels like work, and I truly cherished my time here.
Land use decision-making is inherently a collaborative process, and Westport is fortunate to have residents who are dedicated to volunteering their time for the greater good and shaping a brighter future. I have been blessed to collaborate with countless unsung heroes who tirelessly advocate for transparency and meaningful change.
As I step aside, I sincerely hope that the residents of Westport will embrace my successor, who has truly earned this position. I believe my legacy will thrive in her continued success. Thank you all for your support and commitment to the Westport community.
I’d like to add my personal thanks to Mary. She has always treated the media with fairness and respect. She is quick to respond to questions, always forthright, and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you, Mary, for making my job easier — and for always having Westport’s best interests in mind.
The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 26.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event.
Elementary and middle school children paint a store window they request, or that is assigned to them.
Elementary and middle schools winners in 3 categories — Scariest Art Work, Best Halloween Theme and Most Original — earn gift certificates. Click here to sign up.
That’s just the start. On October 29, the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Parade begins at 3:30 p.m., at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection.
Costumed kids will walk to Avery Place, then enjoy festivities on Veterans Green across from Town Hall.
Westport resident Dave Briggs films intriguing videos for Cheddar, the business, finance and tech website.
The other day he was at a New York location of Dig, the Northeast restaurant chain. Dave was shooting a story on Bite, whose AI-powered kiosks are found at quick-serve spots everywhere.
Chatting with Bite CEO Brandon Barton about the advantages of self-service — ease and comfort; more opportunities for add-sons; “friction-less and pressure-less,” and of course potential cost savings — Dave learned that Barton is also a Westporter.
But that’s not all. Turns out Dig founder Adam Eskin also lives here.
Sounds like Dig needs to open a location here. Then Dave can tape another video, without any of the principals leaving town.
Screenshot of Dave Briggs (left) with Brandon Barton.
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Last year’s Volunteer Fair was a great success.
This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m,, Westport Library), will be even bigger and better.
The adult and youth fairs are combined into one, presenting even more opportunities for volunteerism with many non-profits, organizations, and town boards and commissions. Education, housing, government, youth, seniors, the environment — those interests, and many others, are all represented.
Adult and teen attendees can speak with staff members, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.
Last year’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library.
Got an old vehicle you’d like to get rid of, but refuse to donate it to 1-800-KarsForKids because they’ve tortured us with the most obnoxious jingle in the history of advertising for the past 20 years?
The Westport Fire Department wants you! (And yours.)
They train for life-saving rescues by using donated cars and trucks.
Any make, model or condition is fine. It can be damaged, even non-working.
Like NPR, they’ll even tow it for free.
For more information — or to cut right to the chase, and schedule a pickup — call 203-341-5003, or email jkronenberger@westportct.gov.
Westport firefighters practice on a donated vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
This Sunday (October 6, 11 a.m., meeting at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot), the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives commemorates the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel with a “peaceful and apolitical march through town.”
Marchers will carry signs to remember the 101 hostages who remain in captivity. They’ll be joined by local clergy from different denominations, and community leaders.
Every Sunday for a year, residents have marched through town, in all kinds of weather.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s newest “In Focus” newsletter has been posted to the town website.
Among the items: an update on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s work, and a reminder about illegal clear-cutting, filling and dumping in and near wetlands and watercourses.
The Westport Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” yesterday morning, at McDonald’s, was a great success.
Many patrons stopped for a chat with our officers. There were smiles all around.
And no tickets.
One “06880” reader appreciates the outreach, but offers a suggestion for next time: Choose a locally owned coffee shop, rather than one of the biggest chains in the world.
Coffee and conversation. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)
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Speaking of cops: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 25 and October 2.
A 40-year-old man from Nutley, New Jersey and a 32-year-old man from Paterson, New Jersey were charged with larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, following a shoplifting at Ulta Beauty. Officer stopped the suspects’ vehicle on Post Road East, near the Fairfield line. A female suspect has been identified, and is being investigated.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
Following too closely: 2
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 2
Improper use of marker plates: 2
Reckless endangerment: 1
Transporting a child 5-8 years old, 40-60 pounds without restraints: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
Failure to cancel registration: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
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Over the last 15 years, the Push Against Cancer fundraiser has grown from a small community fundraiser to a giant push-up festival raising funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.
Hundreds of Westporters will join the push-up marathon on Sunday, October 20 (8 a.m., Staples High School).
Registration starts at $40 per participant. It includes Push Against Cancer gear, and a fundraising web page to engage friends and family. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Unite the World With Africa Foundation‘s Westport supporters are collecting medical supplies for Kitanga, a small Tanzanian village that is accessible only by water.
Items needed include stethoscopes; blood pressure machines; pulse oximeters; green, dark blue or black scrubs (small); glucometers and hemoglobinometers.
Odds are, you don’t have any of those lying around your house.
No problem!
Click here; the select the “Unite Medical” address at checkout to have the items shipped directly.
If you actually have them on hand — or want them shipped to you — you can drop them off at Village Pediatrics, 323 Riverside Avenue.
Residents of Kitanga, Tanzania need medical supplies.
“Moms in Security” — a Westport-based nonprofit focused on ending human trafficking and child exploitation — hosts a fundraising 5K walk at Compo Beach Saturday (8 a.m.).
All ages are invited. Click here to register or donate. All proceeds support Moms in Security’s programs and initiatives.
Jaime Hastings, executive director of the Arthur Miller Foundation, spoke Tuesday to the Westport Rotary Club.
For the past 10 years, the Arthur Miller Foundation has been increasing equitable access to quality theater education for public school students by certifying and supporting teachers to build sustainable in-school theater programs.
They currently support theater teachers in New York City, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Public Schools.
Sure, we posted a great bee photo on Monday, right here in “Westport … Naturally.”
But this one is equally cool. Photographer Jen Greely says: “This early fall scene in my garden shows 3 bees nectaring from a single dahlia. I guess it’s more fun with friends.”
And finally … between Tanzania, Israel, schools in Bridgeport and Norwalk, and stories in our own back yard, today’s Roundup proves once again that “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” So …
(If you enjoy learning about Westport — and the world — through “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.
Everyone does what they can.
For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.
Hundreds of them.
On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.
But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?
The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.
Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.
And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.
Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).
The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.
“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.
“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”
That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.
Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.
But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.
James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.
Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.
The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.
You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.
Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.
Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.
Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.
The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10. Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.
Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.
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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.
But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.
Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.
According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”
He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”
Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Parker Kligerman
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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.
These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.
Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.
During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”
It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.
There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.
No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.
Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.
Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.
His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.
(“06880” is indeed where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
With over 600 attendees — and many more watching the livestream — it was the best-attended “Booked for the Evening” ever.
With over $750,000 raised, it was the most successful too.
And with special guest Chris Evert and Westport’s own ESPN star Chris McKendry adding to the luster of superstar Billie Jean King, it was certainly the most warm, intimate and inspiring in the Library fundraiser’s illustrious 25-year history.
A small portion of the large crowd, before “Booked for the Evening” began. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The 80-year-old honoree is a tennis icon. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, in singles and doubles. She is an International Tennis Hall of Famer, was ranked #1 in the world 5 times, and launched both the first pro tennis tour for women, and the Women’s Tennis Associaition.
She may be the only athlete in the world to have a venue named after her, while still alive. (And not just any one: The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, where the US Open concluded a few days ago, is the premier facility in the country.)
But — as was noted often, by a wide variety of speakers, on stage and in a loving tribute video by Westporter Doug Tirola — King is much more than an athlete.
She has spent her life fighting against injustice, and for the rights of everyone: women, minorities, the LGBTQ community, and anyone else denied their rights, on the tennis court or in life.
King’s admirers filled the Library’s Trefz Forum. They were there in Tirola’s film, too: Serena Williams, Pam Shriver, John and Patrick McEnroe, James Blake, Stan Smith, Julie Foudy, Christiane Armanpour.
All spoke with humor, respect and awe of King’s impact — on their own lives, on sports in general, and the world at large.
Billie Jean King (left) and Chris McKendry. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
McKendry — an admirer from her early days at ESPN — got King to talk about her early life, and career highlights (including how and why Elton John wrote “Philadelphia Freedom” about her; the song was sung on stage by Westporter Sophie B. Hawkins, and a group of talented young girls).
But King’s insights into her use of the platform sports provided, to shine a light on issues like unequal pay for female athletes and the importance of Title IX, were the most compelling parts of the night.
Her character shone through in stories like her friendship with Bobby Riggs. After their much-hyped “Battle of the Sexes” — the 1973 exhibition she won in straight sets — the two grew close. She called him the night before he died; each told the other “I love you.”
Evert — now 69 — made a surprise appearance. Calling King “the 8th wonder of the world,” she recounted the older woman’s mentorship — including King’s delight at Evert beating her, heralding the next generation of great female players.
Chris Evert (left) joins Billie Jean King and Chris McKendry. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
“She even helped me during my breakup with Jimmy Connors,” Evert noted, underscoring the fact that King — who has been in a 40-plus years relationship with South African player Ilana Kloss — is wise in many areas.
Or, as Evert noted, “Billie Jean has more wisdom than anyone I’ve met in my life. And I’ve met a lot.”
“Lots of therapy,” King quipped.
King talked about how much has changed in women’s tennis. Players today have “teams” of coaches (“all men,” King noted sadly), trainers, psychologists, nutritionists and more.
In her day, King traveled alone, and with only 2 racquets. (“Now they have 3 bags for them.”)
But, she said, “I’m thrilled for them. That’s what I fought for.”
When McKendry asked what King is most proud of, she demurred.
“I don’t think that way. I think forward. Maybe when I’m older …”
Near the end, McKendry asked, “All over the world, women’s sports are now having a moment. What’s that like for you?”
Like a great tennis player, King found the best angle.
“I’m the first athlete you’ve had here” as a “Booked for the Evening” honoree, she said.
It’s a star-studded list of writers, artists and others: Tom Brokow, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Patti Smith, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Adddario, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu, Itzhak Perlman, Shonda Rhimes and more.
“Tonight, your first athlete was a woman. You have no idea what that means to me,” King said.
She was also the first female athlete to get the Presidential Medal of Freedom, her wife — who joined her onstage — said.
“You are the OG, and you helped build it,” Kloss added proudly.
Ilana Kloss, Billie Jean King’s wife. The couple were married in a small ceremony, by former New York Mayor David Dinkins. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The evening ended with Library director Bill Harmer noting that King’s father, Bill Moffitt, was a firefighter.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan announced that King — who “embodies the department’s core values of courage, resilience and a desire to serve every person” — is now an honorary Westport firefighter.
He gave her a Westport firefighter’s hat, inscribed with her initials.
She looked as delighted as if she held the Wimbledon trophy.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan hands Billie Jean King a plaque, and a firefighter’s hat. Library director Bill Harmer looks on proudly. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Paulie Veneto is not your ordinary former flight attendant.
The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing a beverage cart 210 miles from Boston to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York.
This is the 4th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” fourth tribute walk. to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.
Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.
“It’s a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defined those tragic events” — and a fitting way to honor Paulie too — officials say.
Paulie Veneto (center), Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right), and Westport firefighter, at headquarters yesterday.
Matthew Torres — the longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member — finished 5th in the 400 meter freestyle yesterday, at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris.
He was clocked at 4:32.25. The winner, Alberto Amodeo of Italy, finished in 4:23.27.
This is the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.
Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.
He’s got another chance for gold on Friday, in the 100 meter free.
Then it’s off to Sardinia, Italy, where Matthew will represent the US in the international Open Water Cup.
Matthew Torres
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Congressman Jim Himes is the speaker at the Friday, September 13 meeting of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.
Now in his 8th term, Himes is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and serves on the Financial Services Committee. He will discuss the work of both committees.
The public is invited. But you have to get up early: The meeting at Green’s Farms Congregational Church begins at 7:30 .m. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served, starting at 7. Rep. Himes will begin around 8.
Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — opened its 2024-2025 season with an “Aloha” gathering last night, at Sherwood Island State Park.
It was a picture-perfect night. Friends were elated to see each other again, after summer break.
They danced and limboed the night away, while enjoying snacks, drinks and desserts, courtesy of Alina’s Bakery.
Fun art projects were also part of the evening, thanks to MoCA CT.
Club203’s next event is October 16: Halloween bingo, at the Senior Center. Click here for more information.
Club203 last night, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Curran)
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A novel set in Venezuela is the Westport Library’s 2024 Prize for Literature award winner.
“Freedom is a Feast” — Alejandro Puyana’s debut, a multigenerational tale of love and revolution — earned the author a $10,000 cash prize.
In addition, he’ll be honored at the Library on Saturday, September 21, between 1 and 2 p.m., as part of StoryFest.
Puyana will be in great company. The annual literary festival’s lineup of authors includes Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden, Claire Messud, Peng Shepherd, and Joyce Carol Oates. (Click here for the full list.)
“I’m extremely honored,” Puyana says. “Venezuela is going through a rough time right now, with people out on the streets fighting for freedom and democracy. It means so much to have this Venezuelan story highlighted, at a time when we need voices everywhere to stand with us.
But Staples High School graduates Ben Gault and Alex Angus are partnering with BMW of Bridgeport, on a special car show. The September 15 “Cars & Coffee” event (Sherwood Island State Park, 8 to 10 a.m.) benefits the Westport Police K9 unit.
The idea began several years ago, when Alex raised $17,000 with a similar show for Fairfield’s K9 group.
There’s a DJ, and free coffee from Jack’s of Westport (in the former Shearwater space). Local businesses — some automotive-related, some not — are also involved.
Collectors, families, kids — and everyone else — is invited. Youngsters will enjoy seeing a big Gault oil tanker.
All proceeds go to food, care and support for the Westport K9 dogs and officers.
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The Westport Senior Center celebrates “The Power of Connections” at its new outdoor sanctuary on Tuesday, September 17 (1:30 p.m.).
The landscape, pollinator and greenspace project will be dedicated to the late Irma and Joe Schachter. Funds were provided by Connecticut’s ARPA Grants for Senior Centers.
The event is part of National Senior Center Month — and includes treats from Skip’s Ice Cream Truck.
Rebecca Rose is The Westport Book Shop’s exhibitor for the month of September.
She’s showing watereolors she created for a new children’s book, “In the Beginning! A Love Story, written by Westporter Michael Hendricks.
Rebecca and Michael will both be at a reception and book signing this Sunday (September 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.
Rebecca Ross, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Just when we think we’ve seen all the spotted lanternfly photos we can handle … here comes a different view.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the underside of the pest.
Ugh is right.
(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)
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And finally … on this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas.
Nearly 200 years later, most of us have forgotten Sam. But we haven’t forgotten another Houston:
(From the Paralympics to Congress, “06880” has you covered. If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. Now, we hope you find a few seconds to click here, and support our work. Thanks!
For years, Westporters have been distressed watching Coastal Link bus riders standing on the side of the Post Road.
Employees of local businesses are there in broiling heat, freezing cold, torrential rain and driving snow.
Two new shelters should provide some protection.
Measuring 6 by 12 feet, with roof solar panels for light, electric heat and a small computer screen displaying bus arrival times, they’ve been built on Post Road West.
One is in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital. The other is across the street.
Each shelter costs $60,000. Funding is shared by the state and town (through an ARPA grant).
At the other end of town, Big Y took a big step toward its opening.
The logo is up over the supermarket, in the former Barnes & Noble building.
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
A soft launch is set for October 24.
Meanwhile, they’re hiring in the bakery, meat, seafood, deli, produce and floral departments, along with cashiers, overnight stock clerks, and assistant management and management positions.
Sometimes the wheels of government grind exceedingly slowly.
Other times they work at warp speed.
On Sunday, a Westporter — frustrated he could not find a map of Representative Town Meeting districts on the town website — emailed RTM moderate Jeff Wieser and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Couldn’t it be somewhere much more visible, he wondered? Like, in the main menu on the RTM page?
Voilà!
By yesterday afternoon — the first day back at work, after Sunday and the Labor Day holiday — the link was right there, just below “Members/Contact Information.”
Speaking of government: “A Public Conversation on Marxism in CT, Trafficking in America, Rank Choice Voting, and Election Integrity” is the title of a September 18 event (7 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
The event is sponsored by Connecticut Centinal.
Panelists include Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, USAF Ret., chairman of STARRS.us; Joe Oltmann, host of the Conservative Daily podcast; Connecticut State Senator Rob Sampson, and Linda Szynkowicz, founder of Fight Voter Fraud.
In-person tickets are $30 ($100 premier). Livestream tickets are $25. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to VFW Post 399 to fund infrastructure development.
Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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The bad news: Next Tuesday (September 10), the Starbucks near Carvel closes for a month, for renovations.
The good news: For 4 weeks, we can all drive safely on that stretch of the Post Road.
(Photo/John McKinney)
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On August 18, “Paulie” set out on his fourth “Push.”
The former flight attendant is honoring the heroes of American Flight 11, the first aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001.
Paulie left from Boston’s Public Garden 9/11 Memorial. He’s pushing an airline beverage cart 210 miles, to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at New York’s Ground Zero.
This morning (Wednesday), he’ll come from Fairfield through Westport. Around noon, he’ll stop at Westport Fire Department’s Post Road East headquarters.
Keep your eye open for Paulie, as he “pushes” his way through town.
“Paulie” pushes his cart through Westport, on a previous journey.
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If you’ve never been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibition: You’ve missed some of the most creative shows in town.
The opening receptions are especially fun.
The next one is set for Thursday, September 19 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
It runs Friday and Saturday, September 20-21 (noon to 4 p.m.), with an artists’ talk on Sunday, September 22 (4 p.m.).
Exhibiting artists include Peter Mendelson, Lisa Silberman, Lois Goglia, Rosalind Shaffer, Melissa Newman, Lucienne Buckner, Erin Nazzaro, Elizabeth DeVoll, Andrew Graham, Nancy Woodward, Miggs Burroughs and Susan Lloyd.
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Sara Deren — yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker — has a unique job, and a moving story to tell.
She is founder and CEO of the Westport-based national non-profit, Experience Camps. They provide a free week of sleepaway camp for 1,300 children a year who are grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.
Deren noted that the camps don’t try to “fix” the grief. Instead, they ameliorate the sense of isolation it causes, by teaching youngsters how to talk to the staff and with other youth in the same situation.
That, and the support of others, gives them the tools they need to move on with their lives in a positive way.
Sara Deren, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Norwalk native Mike Camacho headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (September 5, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
The drummer will be joined by pianist Ben Rice, bassist Alec Safy, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.
Nature photographer Lou Weinberg took today’s very compelling “Westport … Naturally” image. It shows a green sweat bee on Autumn Joy Sedum, at the Westport Community Gardens.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Lou explains: “The green sweat bee gets its name from the fact that is attracted to the salt in human perspiration. (Don’t worry — it won’t sting unless it is really threatened; even then, its sting is mild.)
“These beautiful critters live in the soil and feed on the nectar from flowers and a sweet ‘honeydew’ created by little bugs called aphids. They store ‘pollen bread’ for themselves and their young.
“Green sweat bees add to the incredible biodiversity found in the Long Lots Preserve surrounding the Community Gardens. They are one of over 300 species of native bees found in Connecticut. Native bees are incredible pollinators, more efficient than the European honeybee.
“They have innate habits adept at pollinating hundreds of important native plants — the same plants (trees, shrubs and wildflowers) that have been planted in the Long Lots Preserve.
“As habitat loss and decreasing plant biodiversity are the primary sources of native bee population decline, it would be incredibly disappointing to destroy the Long Lots Preserve as well as the Westport Community Gardens.
“Populations of dozens of other species are being brought back by the native plantings reestablished there. When you disturb the soil, you destroy the bees.”
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And finally … in honor of our new bus shelters:
(Politics, art, business … just another day at “06880.” If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or anything else we do — please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
Michael Rapaport is well known across the country, as an actor, advocate and comedian.
Westporters know him as our neighbor.
On September 15, we won’t have to travel far to hear him speak. He won’t have too far to go either.
That night, Rapaport headlines a United Jewish Federation event at Stamford’s Rippowam Middle School.
He’ll speak candidly — and humorously — about his Jewish heritage, and how it’s shaped his life and career. A Q-and-A will follow.
Tickets are $75 through September 3, then $100. Sponsorships (including cocktails, light bites and a meet-and-greet) are $500 per couple. Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Email dianesloyer@ujf.org.
Michael Rapaport
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Anyone can use any of the Westport Library’s many (VERY many!) resources.
And anyone can attend any of the Library’s “Anyone Can Use…” classes. They provide basic instruction, in a wide range of areas, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.
No one has to pay. They’re free! But … registration is required.
Upcoming classes include
Anyone Can Use: Candid Foundation Directory (September 4): Unlock the potential of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts by learning how to use the Foundation Directory, a powerful tool with more than 265,000 grant-maker profiles. You’ll also learn how to enhance your organization’s visibility through the GuideStar platform. Click here to register.
Anyone Can: Save Money on Streaming with Your Westport Library Card (September 18): With your card, you can install Hoopla, Freegal and Kanopy, and their many movies, TV shows and music. Click here to register.
Anyone Can Use: Social Media for Marketing (October 2): Join a hands-on workshop exploring the nuances of Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, along with cutting-edge creator tools like Canva, CapCut and ChatGPT, to elevate your brand’s online presence and storytelling capabilities. Click here to register.
Anyone Can Use: Nexis Uni (October 16, 11 am-12 pm): Nexis Uni is a trove of information spanning centuries and continents, offering everything from Supreme Court rulings to contemporary corporate insights. Click here to register.
Westport Animal Shelter Advocates rescued one of them yesterday evening. Two more were found in a trap at 10:30 p.m.
WASA has set traps, monitors them every hour, and is fostering the kittens. They’ve gotten great help from the Westport Fire Department, which moves the heavy grates.
WASA is still working to save the remaining 2 kittens, and their mama.
(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
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Many companies are aware of the importance of cybersecurity.
Many non-profits are not.
But the threat of disruption to services, damage to the people they serve, and the erosion of public trust is as real to organizations as they are to corporations.
A special “Cybersecurity for Non-Profits” meeting is set for the Westport Woman’s Club on October 9 (breakfast networking 7:30 a.m., program 8:30 a.m.).
Bill Siegel — co-founder and CEO of Coveware, a cyber incident response firm — will speak.
For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.
The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.
Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.
The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). The golf event is sold out, but tickets are still available for the after-golf event (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
You’ll be inspired by Catch A Lift Fund veterans, as they describe their triumphs over significant obstacles, on their journey to healthier futures.
Click here for details. Questions? Email jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.
Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.
Recent elections have shined a light on the importance of administering fair and transparent elections.
Some states play games with the democratic process.
Connecticut is not one of those.
Even in light-voting elections — like the August 13 primaries — state officials watch closely, to ensure fairness.
This month, our Secretary of the State — Norwalk’s own Stephanie Thomas — randomly chose 39 precincts to audit results.
Westport’s District 136-1 is number 39. All ballots cast in the Republican primary will be hand counted, to ensure that tabulators did the job accurately.
Fortunately, that’s not too labor intensive. Only 30 or so votes were cast.
If a district in our town is randomly chosen in November … well, that will take quite a bit longer.
Waiting for voters. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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We don’t know whether this guy overstayed the 60-minute limit, got nailed for parking beyond the sign, or both.
But the message is clear: No matter what kind of car you drive, you can’t escape The Law.
Former Y’s Women president Arlene Bloom died Monday. She was 91.
The Massachusetts native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston University, and embarked on a career in education.
After 20 years in the classroom, she focused on teaching teachers how to accommodate differences among students in the classroom, without making anyone feel as if they did not belong.
She and her husband Herb lived in Massachusetts and Illinois, before setting in Westport. In every new place, Arlene made connections, started bridge groups, enhanced speaker series, and attended plays.
Her family calls her “a devoted and passionate friend,” who spent hours on the phone listening to and helping others. She had “2 abiding characteristics: the love of friends and family connections, and the importance of urging young people to aspire, reach high and know they can create worlds of betterment and impact.”
In addition to her leadership with Westport’s Y’s Women, Arlene was president of her Illinois chapter of the League of Women Voters, and an avid bridge player.
Arlene is survived by her daughter Sarah (Jamie Raskin), son Kenneth (Abby Meiselman), and grandchildren Hannah (Hank Kronick), Tabitha (Ryan Vogel), Phoebe and Lily. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert and grandson Thomas Bloom Raskin.
And finally … today is the 61st anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s momentous “I Have a Dream” speech, at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.
How far have we come? And how far do we still have to go?
(From Michael Rapaport to “Elf” auditions: If it happens here, or involves Westporters, “06880” will let you know. Please let us know you appreciate our work. Just click here to donate. Thank you!)
A Westport woman faced a scary situation yesterday morning.
Working out at a fitness center in Southport, a heavy metal bar slammed down on the back of her head as she changed weights.
It felt like a bat smashed into her. She fell to the ground in pain.
But no one stopped to help. Not anyone exercising nearby; not one trainer.
She stumbled downstairs, only to be told at the front desk: “Sorry, the ice machine is broken. And there’s no first aid kit.” They offered her a seat, if she wanted.
One kind woman took a can from the drink cooler, and put it on her head.
The woman who was hurt wondered described the incident on social media, and wondered: Should she let it go, or pursue it with management?
Over 70 people replied. They offered smart suggestions — document everything; consult an attorney; ask for security camera footage; cancel your membership — as well as the most immediate advice: Go to a hospital! Get yourself checked out! You probably have a concussion.
Most impressive: 2 people offered to drive her to the hospital.
She replied that her husband was on top of things. But what a great thing to hear: that 2 complete strangers were willing to drop everything, and help.
That’s the upside of what could have been a very bad outcome.
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Gregg Jacobs reports:
“The boardwalk/bridge over the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond started sagging a few days ago.
“As a result, Mill Pond was drained so the town could inspect the pilings. Several of them have rotted and are completely gone.
“Town employees inspecting it said it will need to be closed in the near future so they can install temporary supports, until the town finds the money to install new pilings and supports.”
Rotted pilings (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)
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Here’s a sight you don’t see every day:
(Photo/Stephen O’Shea)
Stephen O’Shea spotted this dolphin about 50 yards from the Compo Beach Hillspoint Road jetty, around 5:45 p.m. Saturday night.
Did anyone else see this cool-looking visitor?
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Here’s another animal story.
On Saturday, Westport animal control officer Peter Reid received a call from a resident about a mother cat and several kittens trapped in a storm drain at the entrance to a Post Road business.
He called the local cat rescue group to no avail.
Next was Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. Two volunteers found the mother and at least 3 kittens looking up at us from the bottom of the storm drain.
The heavy grate covering the drain prompted WASA to contact Police/Fire dispatch for assistance. Firefighter Eric La Riviere (a cat owner) and Chris Carroll of Engine Company #5 arrived quickly and removed the grate.
But the cats scurried further back into the drain pipe, which empties into a 12-foot well filled with water.
Peter Reid entered the storm drain. He could not see the feline family.
From left: Peter Reid, Eric La Riviere, Chris Carroll.
WASA is not a cat rescue organization. They do not have a variety of cat trap sizes, and this area is not large enough for a standard cat have-a-heart trap. The grate also presents an issue.
They wondered if a temporary cover or coned area could work.
After the grate was replaced, and the Fire Department and Animal Control left, the kittens came out to eat the canned food placed below by WASA.
Yesterday, WASA volunteers returned to the site. Jennifer Petrosinelli helped coordinate Fire Department help lifting and replacing the grates.
Traps were set, but none of the 5 kittens went in. WASA will try again this week, joined by cat-catching professionals from Animals in Distress in Wilton.
The rain is concerning because the kittens are too small to climb out of the drain but too big to be carried out by the mother cat. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)
Cat, underneath grate.
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Tom Chapin comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 22 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The singer/songwriter/storyteller headlines a “Family Fun Day.” Also on the bill: a bounce house, ice cream truck and face painting.
And … it’s all free!
Homes with Hope is a co-sponsor of the event.
Tom Chapin
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Whether you’re involved in youth sports as an athlete, coach or parent, or you’re just setting off fireworks (see photo below): clean up after yourselves!
The collage is from Wakeman Field. But it could be any facility in Westport.
(Photos/Richard Fogel)
Trash cans are there for a reason.
And if they’re not nearby, pick up what you brought, and dispose of it at home.
I mean, come on. Respect your town, and everyone else.
This is as basic as it gets.
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Bob Weingarten writes: “On Sunday morning I found that a large tree limb had fallen, and considered how to remove it.
“But a short time later I saw a deer eating its leaves. I hoped that deer would eat it all, but it was too large.”
He calls the photo: “Nature taking care of nature.”
I call it: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … happy 76th birthday to Valerie Simpson.
Our former Cross Highway neighbor was known — with her husband Nick Ashford — as both a stellar songwriter team, and a hit performing duo.
(From dolphins and deer to one of our favorite duos, “06880” covers all of Westport — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
Thousands of Westporters use Nixle. The nimble notification system allows town officials to alert residents via text, email or phone about emergencies: floods, downed wires, police activity, tornadoes, gas leaks, missing persons and more.
Messages can be sent to every resident in town, or an affected neighborhood or group. Users select how they want to receive notifications.
Now, the town has added another advancement to enhance safety.
Community Connect provides first responders with critical information about residents, businesses and their properties during incidents and major disasters.
The secure, user-friendly platform allows Westporters to voluntarily share essential household information with emergency service personnel.
The details — emergency contacts, special needs and more — enable first responders to act even more swiftly and effectively than they otherwise could.
When first responders approach a house, the more information they have, the better. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Among the information for homeowners and renters: type of residence; fire sprinklers; gas, water and electric shut-off locations; fuel storage tanks; pools; a designated family meeting place; mobility or health issues of any family members; any pets, a gate code and more.
Information for businesses includes emergency plans; procedures in place for staff and guests; mobility issues; access and utility details; fire control systems; hazardous materials on site; emergency contact details of owners and managers, and more.
Fire Chief and emergency management director Nick Marsan
“Community Connect is a valuable tool for our community,” says Westport Fire Chief and emergency management director Nick Marsan.
“Having access to critical details can significantly enhance how we manage and resolve the situation. This proactive approach enables us to serve our residents in the most efficient manner when it matters most.”
The application is voluntary, and residents have full control over the information they choose to share.
Data entered into Community Connect is protected by the highest security standards, Marsan says, and is used exclusively to improve emergency response services.
Town officials welcome community feedback, to ensure the system meets residents’ and businesses’ needs.
Residents and business owners can create profiles now. Click here to begin.
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