Spectacular weather, a great vibe on a crowded beach, enough food to feed an army (though far better than any mess hall), and a sea of red, white and blue provided a perfect backdrop for last night’s 2-days-early 4th of July fireworks.
Westport PAL, Melissa and Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation — and everyone else who helped — threw what is always our town’s best party of the year.
And this one was right up there with the best of the best.
Here are some images from the day. Stay tuned for a second set later today.
Compo Beach, from the air. Can you find yourself? (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)
Young families already know the drill ,,,
… and so do those who have been here a while.
Relaxing, a bit away from the crowd.
Stacie Curran and Jim Izzo.
Lifeguards had a long day. Downtime was always welcome.
Cornhole was fun too, at Old Mill Beach.
Camp Compo artwork. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Mom and daughter: red, white and blue.
Westport PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo. flanked by PAL representatives Duke Saltus (left) and Andrew Colabella.
… and the view from the water. (Photo courtesy of Linda Mezzullo)
Cool stuff for sale. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Flags and guns, for sale. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
The view from Longshore. (Photo/Amy Buckman)
The finale! (Photo/Matt Murray)
(“0688o” celebrates Westport, every day and in every way. But we can’t do it without readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
On Tuesday (July 2), thousands of people will throng Compo Beach for the 4th of July fireworks show. (Westport is always ahead of the game.)
Sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, it’s been an annual tradition for more than 60 years.
Back in the day, the pyrotechnics were shot off on land, near the cannons. Westporters of a certain age remember the smell of the ashes, as they floated down all around.
(Our safety-impaired parents then tossed us in the back seat of the station wagon, facing backwards and without seat belts, for the ride home. But that’s another story.)
Now that the fireworks are shot from a barge offshore, some of the action has shifted to Soundview Drive. That part of the beach is packed. With the road closed to traffic, it becomes a street festival.
Little kids romp. Teenagers and adults meander (separately). Music plays. It’s like California’s Venice Beach, without the bodybuilders.
A century ago though, Soundview Drive looked very different.
Here’s that desolate view. (But check out the very cool bathhouses in the distance).
(Photo courtesy of Bill Scheffler)
The scene will look a lot different on Tuesday.
And mark your calendars for Sunday, July 28. ‘That’s the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
The beach exit road will once again be closed. There will be live music, kids’ activities like face painting and balloons, a photo booth and food trucks — all courtesy of the Compo Beach Improvement Association and “06880.”
See you on the 2nd, and the 28th!
BONUS FRIDAY FLASHBACK:Some fireworks-goers will be dropped off, or arrive by Uber. They’ll avoid the $50 per vehicle ticket charge (hopefully they’ll donate to the Westport PAL anyway — it’s their major fundraiser of the year).
The drop-off point is the area near the volleyball courts, where Compo Beach Road becomes Soundview Drive.
It’s often a busy spot — and not just for the fireworks.
This was the scene when a trolley brought beach-goers from downtown and the railroad station.
On the left, you can see the open pavilion that is still there. On the right — now the Soundview parking lot — is a large building that once housed a restaurant and dance hall.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
It’s not quite like 1976, when the American Basketball Association merged into the NBA.
But in the Westport youth sports world, it’s a pretty big deal.
Westport PAL and the Westport Weston Family Y announced this week that their 2 travel basketball programs, for 3rd through 8th graders, are joining forces.
There will be 20 teams, overall. Both program logos will be on the uniforms.
One result will be one strong feeder program for Staples High School. There will be uniform messaging to players and youth coaches about basketball philosophy and skill development.
Another result: a reduction in confusion, divisiveness and social tensions between players and families in different programs.
PAL girls team …
“One program allows Westport families to walk into any gym in the state, see the Westport travel uniform, and support the players on the court, no questions asked. No longer will best friends and families need to choose between programs, or stand on opposite sides of the gym,” PAL basketball president Jordan Schur says.
Schur started the ball rolling, after becoming president last summer. He, PAL vice president Charles Do and the PAL basketball board worked with Y coaches Andre Brooks and Greg Downes, and Y CEO Anjali McCormick and COO Christina Scherwin.
Schur says, “For PAL, this means everything. We can take an already thriving youth basketball program and go to new levels. We can take the best of both programs, and have one robust program.
“This past year as seen PAL expand its youth programming into basketball clinics year-round, and a partnership with the Jr. Knicks. Now we can integrate all that Coach Brooks has done the past few years with the YMCA, into one singular effort.
“By combining forces we will have elite coaching, depth at each grade, purposeful development, and can put each kid in the program in a favorable position as they continue their basketball journey.”
Downes notes, “By combining our shared knowledge and passion for the sport, we can build upon our already solid foundations to enhance the league experience for our kids, and prepare them for success as they transition to the high school.”
The Y’s Schwerin adds, “The Y has a strong passion for youth development. We will support all levels of athletic ability.
… and YMCA boys.
“The YMCA’s historical and ongoing contributions to organized youth sports have shaped the athletic landscape and positively influenced young individuals by promoting healthy habits, teamwork, and personal growth.
“By partnering with PAL we are continuing this legacy, fostering youth development and building a stronger, united community.”
Staples coach Dave Goldshore says, “Two years ago, when I was hired as Staples’ boys Basketball coach, my vision was to build a culture that united Westport basketball. I believed that in order to consistently win at the high school level, it was imperative to establish ‘core values’ that could be implemented at the youth level.
“The partnership between the PAL and YMCA brings Westport’s elite youth basketball players under the same organization. This allows for a cleaner path to instill these values into our future Wreckers. Through synergistic curriculum and developmental coaching, it is my intention to continue to build Staples Basketball into a program that Westport can be proud of for years to come.”
(“06880” is a championship site for comprehensive coverage of everything Westport — including sports and youth activities. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
His wife’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2013 galvanized Tony Award-winning actor Jim Naughton into action.
He’s spent the past decade advocating for a statewide Aid In Dying law.
On Tuesday he brought his passion — and powerful persuasive powers — to the Westport Rotary Club. The longtime Weston resident discussed the importance of the bill, its history and future.
He noted that although 75% of Connecticut residents support this “death with dignity” legislation, its proponents have not been able to get it out of committee for a vote.
Jim Naughton, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Photographs are not allowed during the trial of Donald Trump — at least, not during the actual action.
But a few photographers have been allowed in before the proceedings begin. This one — published around the world — was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt:
(Photo/Spencer Platt for AFP)
It’s not the first time Platt has shot a Trump-related image.
In 2022 he was one of 5 Getty Images photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography, for their coverage of the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. (Hat tip: Richard Seclow)
Westport PAL is collecting used sports equipment. It will be used on their Memorial Day float, and donated to organizations in need.
Equipment can be dropped off any time in the lobby of Police headquarters on Jesup Road. Pickups can also be scheduled; call Emma Rojas at 203-571-7505.
===============================================
There’s been another Tesla Cybertruck sighting in town.
Saryn Koche and her son saw it parked behind Don Memo.
This year — which despite economic headwinds, was a good one for many Westporters — as we buy presents for loved ones, friends, and people whose good graces we need to keep, we should also think about helping others.
Give what you can.
(Of course, helping them can also ease our own tax burdens next spring. This is still a great country!)
But who to give to?
Far be it for “06880” to say. So here is a list of some worthy local organizations. Each one has a clickable link 🙂
I know I’ve missed some. Rather than bite my head off (too un-Christmas-y), please mention them in the “Comments” section. I’ll add them to this list.
And please: Keep your suggestions local (southern Fairfield County). There are way too many very worthy national and international groups to include. Thank you!
06880: This blog — now a non-profit — sponsors community-wide events. Projects include the Holiday Stroll, the Lyman Ukraine sister city project, and collaborations with the Westport Library. “06880” also publishes this daily blog, to help create community.
Disabilities
Catch a Lift: Westport supports veterans through fitness programs Circle of Friends: Teens work with children with disabilities
CLASP: Group homes and opportunities Club 203: Provides fun, engaging activities for adults with disabilities MyTEAM Triumph: Road race support for children, adults and veterans New Canaan Mounted Troop: Youth development and therapeutic equestrian center serving children and adults with disabilities, and giving horses a second chance STAR Lighting the Way: Support for all ages Sweet P Bakery: Provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities; supplies The Porch at Christie’s with delicious baked goods
PROUD Academy: New school for LGBTQ+ students and allies, proving a safe, affirming learning community Triangle Community Center: Providing programs and resources for the LGBTQ+ community Westport Pride: Our town’s own LGBTQ+ organization — sponsors of the June festival, and much more
Literacy
Mercy Learning Center: Life skills training for low-income women Read to Grow: Promoting children’s literacy from birth, supporting parents as babies’ first teachers Westport Book Sales: Providing employment for people with disabilities — and offering books, while providing funds for the Westport Library Westport Library: They do it all!
Ukraine Aid International: Founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, UAI ensures that donations go directly to Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
Women and girls
AWARE: “Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education” Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County: Empowering women by providing professional clothes and other support LiveGirl: Leadership development and mentoring for females, grades 5 through college Malta House: Shelter and programs for young pregnant women and their babies
A reminder (and we can’t remind readers often enough): From tonight through early Monday morning, the second “bridge slide” takes place.
The new I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge will be slid over, replacing the old one. Traffic will be diverted onto local roads.
Drivers using Waze and other apps will find their own ways around the miss, as they did 2 weeks ago. Areas far from 95, like Hermit Lane and Gorham Avenue, were affected.
If you’re going to weekend happenings — like Saturday’s Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services banquet at the VFW, or the next day’s “First Folk Sunday” (also at the VFW), or Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour — plan accordingly.
If it seems like there are a lot of vape and smoke shops popping up around town: You’re not high. It’s true.
The Planning & Zoning Commission has taken notice too.
The first agenda item at its November 13 meeting (7 p.m., Zoom; click here to see) includes a text amendment that would “protect the public health and welfare by adding language to define and prohibit Smoke Shops and add stricter standards applicable to other establishments that sell smoking related products, but do not qualify as a Smoke Shop as described in the definition.”
New language is also proposed to “prohibit light emitting diode or LED signs so as to reduce potential distractions to motorists” — one of the complaints about Savvy Smoker, the new shop next to Christian Siriano at the corner of Post Road East and West Parish Road.
Nearly 400 fans packed the Inn at Longshore last night, for Westport PAL’s 2nd annual gala.
The Romano family (Pete, his parents PJ and Joan, sister Pam Romano-Gorman, and daughters), and former PAL president Ned Batlin, were honored for their longtime contributions to the non-profit that serves thousands of Westport youth every year.
There was an auction too, including special items like VIP parking — and beach sitting — areas for the PAL-sponsored 4th of July fireworks.
And there were heartfelt testimonials to the importance of Westport PAL (and the influence of so many volunteer coaches) by former lacrosse player Henry Dodge, current Staples High School quarterback Caleb Smith, and 6th grade athlete Tristen Rycenga.
It was a great, Westport-centric evening. Funds raised will go to the new, 2-story clubhouse planned for (of course) PJ Romano Field.
6th grader Tristen Rycenga (at microphone) and teammates thank Westport PAL for all they do. PAL president Craig Bergamo is at left. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Also yesterday: 90-year-0ld Win Allen provided a snapshot of his life story to the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
The 48-year resident of Westport grew up in Harlem, attended law school, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, then created the first Black-owned Wall Street firm.
He has written 3 books, most recently“How I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”
Win Allen speaks to the Y’s Men. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Ukraine Aid International –– the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — continues to deliver crucial aid.
The organization has purchased a water filtration truck, for deliveries to frontline locations to places — like our sister city of Lyman — without permanent installations.
Lyman’s police also just received a generous donation from the Westport Police Department. The shipment includes gear that was scheduled to be replaced here, including bulletproof vests, shoulder radios, winter hats and gloves, car radios, police belts and ballistic helmets.
Donations to Lyman are always welcome. Click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
Ukraine Aid International’s water filtration truck.
For adults — well, you may have way too many Kit Kats, M&Ms and apples (just kidding) left over from Monday night.
Al’s Angels are happy to take it off your hands.
From now through Wednesday (November 8), bring extra Halloween candy to Saugatuck Sweets’ Westport or Fairfield locations.
It will be placed in nearly 1,500 Al’s Angels Thanksgiving holiday meal bins, for children battling cancer, rare blood diseases and several financial hardship.
“On September 13, the Conservation Board approved a plan to build a luxury townhouse next to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue.
“This approval occurred over the objections of a number of residents, including a ‘Friends of the Park’ group which has been lobbying against the project for some time.
“Opponents of the project argue that it will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be ‘forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls’ encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, wildlife displaced, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected for lengthy periods of time.
“While the project still requires approval by Planning & Zoning (no hearing date has yet been set), Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park urges residents to find out where P&Z candidates stand on this issue. They also invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.”
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who are drivers or passengers in cars, are invited to a “Traffic Stop Practice” tomorrow (Saturday, November 4, 8 a.m. to noon), Sacred Heart University).
Sponsored in part by the Westport Police Department, the goal is to provide those with ASD with information about interactions during a routine traffic stop. They’ll also learn how to use the Department of Motor Vehicles’ “Blue Envelope,” which helps enhance communication with officers.
To register, email asd-center@southernct.edu; include “Traffic Stop Practice” in the subject line, and include name, phone, email and physical address.
The state DMV “blue envelope” program, for people with autism.
Though 180 families applied to the Salvation Army for Thanksgiving turkeys and other food, the organization expects their CT Food Share allotment will not cover the need.
The seek additional support from are residents.
The Salvation Army also hopes to purchase new coats, sneakers and toys for hundreds of youngsters.
To help, and for more information, contact Major Persi Sanclemente: Persida.Sanclemente@USE.SalvationArmy.org; 401-439-3480.
===============================================
Yesterday’s frost was the first of this fall.
Jacqui O’Brien captured it in Greens Farms, for “Westport … Naturally”:
(Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)
=================================================
And finally … this weekend’s “bridge slide” is not electric.
But this video will get you in a happier mood than you otherwise might be:
(Staying home to avoid all the traffic? Slide over to this link, and help support “06880.” Thank you!)
Yesterday morning too, a sign with an Israeli flag was found defaced at the corner of Coleytown and Lyons Plains Roads — just a few yards from Temple Israel.
The message is clear: “Israel has blood on its hands.”
At the same time, Weston Police learned that one Israel sign was stolen from a resident’s property, and 2 other flag signs were defaced similar to the one in Westport.
Weston Police are conducting neighborhood canvases and checking residential security cameras. They ask anyone with information to call 203-222-2600.
=================================================
The Westport PAL online auction now open contains the usual great local items, like gift certificates and sports tickets.
But there are a few special items too that we haven’t seen anywhere else, including a 3-month membership to the private Autostrada club, 5 hour-long boxing sessions with Rich Dean, and the chance to be police or fire chief for the day.
Click here for the full list, and to bid. Funds help build the new PAL clubhouse at PJ Romano Field. The auction ends this Thursday (November 2) at 9 p.m.
The Autostrada lounge overlooks the private car collection.
================================================
The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
After graduating from Staples High School in 2009, Cronin Cullen became an actor, filmmaker and producer.
His latest project, “12 Hours,” is about a single mother’s desperate night-long search for her fentanyl-addicted son. It is based on true events from the writer/ director, Kelly Stanphill.
The issue is close to Cronin’s heart. He has lost Westport friends to substance abuse.
A crowdsourcing campaign launched last week. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here for more information, and to contribute.
And finally … When I was a kid growing up in Westport, Halloween Eve was called “Mischief Night.” Fortunately, the statute of limitations is long past. (Don’t ask about the time I tossed my own parents’ mailbox into the pond across the street.)
In some parts of the country, it’s called Devil’s Night. Enjoy!
(Be an angel! Please support “06880.” Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Two dozen residents heard an update last night from the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, at Town Hall.
Representatives from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, and town operations director Tom Kiely, offered updates on the coordinated effort to identify and address trouble spots.
They provided statistics — 491 special enforcement details over the past 6 months, and 2,526 traffic stops — along with tangible actions, like a new 4-way stop sign at Hillandale and West Parish Roads, and sidewalks on Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left): Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Police Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, town operations director Tom Kiely, town engineer Keith Wilberg, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker also attended. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Then many residents offered trouble spots of their own.
Several mentioned Kings Highway North (east of the speed humps). Others spoke about Bayberry Lane, Imperial Avenue, Thomas Avenue, and Harbor Road on Saugatuck Shores.
A resident wants a traffic agent at Treadwell Avenue starting at 3 p.m., to handle Saugatuck Rowing Club traffic.
One person asked police to teach children about pedestrian safety. Another wondered how Westporters can help push the state Department of Transportation to move beyond its glacial pace. (One example: The town has been requesting left-turn arrows at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street light for 3 years.)
One resident suggested painting “Don’t block the box” rectangles at intersections like Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road, then installing cameras and fining miscreants.
Another wondered why she never sees police ticketing drivers who run red lights on the Post Road near Trader Joe’s and Compo Road.
One Westporter urged Public Works to request more staff.
Last night’s meeting followed 9 other Task Force sessions — one for each Representative Town Meeting district — last year, and a town-wide summary meeting.
“We’ll be back again in 6 months,” promised Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson.
The map on the left shows the location of “enforcement details” between April and October of this year. The one on the right shows the location of traffic stops. (Photos/Dan Woog)
As planning progresses for the Compo Beach Playground makeover, organizers want Westporters’ input.
From all ages.
The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League are partnering on the rebuild. They’re the same great groups that developed the original playground in 1986, and renovated it a couple of decades later.
The Compo Beach Playground Rebuild Committee designed a survey to capture ideas. It doesn’t take long. But residents’ input will help create a fun, safe and much-loved playground.
But act soon! The survey closes Monday (October 30). Click here for the link.
Compo Beach playground: ready for a rebuild. (Drone photo/David Szymanski)
=================================================
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 kicks off Halloween weekend tonight (Friday, October 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $5 cover ) with a Happy Hour special.
Beer and wine is $6, with chances at free drinks every hour. The food is (as always) great, and there are prizes for best costumes.
Matt Zako — founder of The City’s Backyard podcast — is host.
================================================
Halloween weekend continues tomorrow (Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), with a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.
Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.
It is, says the sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, an event “to die for.”
Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Bella’s Bartok
=================================================
Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s kids’ parade downtown — sponsored by Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL and the Westport Downtown Association — included these trick-or-treaters, at Town Hall.
Andrew Wilk’s “Library Medical Series” continues Monday (October 30, 7 p.m., Westport Library), with the second of a 3-part series on the brain.
“Headaches and Migraine: Better Understanding the Diagnosis and New Therapies Available” features Dr. Dario Zagar and Dr. Robert Altbaum. A Q-and-A follows their presentation.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Program had its best-ever overall showing at the Head of The Charles regatta in Boston this month.
Current and former rowers, now competing for their colleges, contributed to the success.
In a very close finish, the men’s 8+ boat, including Westporters George Bentley, Ben Whelan, Campbell Cohen and Jack Kiely, plus Gavin Marshall of Weston, placed second, behind a late entry from the U.K. That makes them the current fastest men’s youth 8 boat in the US.
The men’s youth 8+ boat.
The women’s U17 4+ boat, with Rylie Cordell and Kate Weitz of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, captured gold. That continues SRC’s’ national streak in the category.
The women’s U-17 4+ boat (from left): Grace Baker Kate Weitz, Madeline Casano, Anne Studnicky, Rylie Cordella, coach Cody Silvester.
In other Saugatuck Rowing Club women’s junior news, the public is invited to a special event on November 7 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lululemon).
Rowers from novice and varsity teams will talk about their experiences, and demonstrate their rowing machine workouts. Coaches be available to talk about the benefits of the program. The event includes giveaways from Lululemon and Saugatuck Rowing Club, and treats from GG & Joe’s.
All are invited (schools are not in session, for Election Day).
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a porta-potty, nestled in one of the Old Mill garages near Sherwood Mill Pond, and the pedestrian path to Compo Cove.
There’s a back story. (There always is.)
A homeowner on the Cove is having work done. Either the bathrooms don’t work, or they don’t want workers using them. So they set up the portable toilet.
Of course, those potties need to be serviced. Vehicles are not allowed on the Cove.
That’s why it’s there, in the garage.
And here is what that cleaning looked like yesterday:
We can’t emphasize it enough: I-95 will be a mess this weekend.
And local roads will be collateral damage.
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will remain closed from now through Friday, October 31. Traffic is being detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. this Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting tonight (Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to “meet briefly to accept the written recommendation for presentation to the First Selectwoman.”
That recommendation of a new building is for “Option C,” voted unanimously by the LLSBC earlier this month.
An hour later tonight (Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), the Board of Education agenda includes a discussion/action item: “Long Lots Building Committee Update.”
It will be presented by LLSBC chair Jay Keenan.
The Long Lots project moves forward next Tuesday (October 24, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), with a special session of the Board of Finance. They’ll meet with the Building Committee and Board of Education, “to discuss only their recommendations.”
The Board of Finance will take comments from the public for 30 minutes.
Long Lots School Building Committee.
=================================================
A third arrest has been made, in connection with last month’s carjacking incident at a resident’s Bayberry Lane garage.
Vineys Baez, a 20-year-old Waterbury resident, was arrested yesterday.
He was charged with:
Home invasion
Burglary, 1st degree
Robbery by carjacking
Assault, 3rd degree
Reckless endangerment
Larceny 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit larceny, 1st degree
Robbery, 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit robbery, 1st degree.
Baez is the second person identified through surveillance video. A third person was also arrested.
Baez was held on $500,000 court set bond.
The Westport Police Detective Bureau has completed their investigation into the carjacking.
Two men were caught on surveillance video taking an Aston martin, as the owner was in the vehicle in his Bayberry Lane garage.
Westport’s annual Children’s Halloween Parade returns to Main Street next Wednesday (October 25). It’s free for all kids (especially those age 8 and younger).
Children and parents will meet at the Main Street/Post Road East corner at 3:30 p.m. The parade heads up Main Street, then goes right on Avery Place and left on Myrtle Avenue to Town Hall and Veterans Green.
Youngsters may trick or treat along Main Street, and in front of Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green (across from Town Hall) at 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Westport Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL.
This photo is from 2011. Where is this former Halloween parade-goer today?
=================================================
The United Methodist Church invites everyone to a couple of cool — and very different — events.
This Saturday (October 21, 1 to 3 p.m.), “Trunk or Treat” offers a fun, safe Halloween alternative for kids under 12, with snacks and games.
The suggested admission price is simple: 5 non-perishable food items for the Person to Person pantry, per child.
Don’t be spooked by the weather forecast. It’s on, rain or shine. (Heavy rain will move it indoors.)
On Sunday, October 29 (4 p.m.). “Jazz Vespers” is an inspiring service of words and music with a quartet featuring UMC’s new music director, John Hoddinott. A free will offering will be received.
Craig Bergamo has a full-time job: Westport Police Department officer.
He’s also married, with young kids.
But he finds time to serve our town — and thousands of boys and girls in it — as president of the Westport Police Athletic League.
PAL sponsors sports teams. They endow scholarships. And the outdoor skating rink at Longshore — that’s theirs too.
But Craig’s personal journey is equally compelling. The other day, he joined me on the Westport Library stage, to talk about his many passions — PAL, police work, family — and how he got to where he is today.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
