NEW RULES OF THE rOAD
New state motor vehicle laws went into effect October 1.
And breaking them could cost you.
According to Asia Rutledge of On the Marc media, “Connecticut’s new distracted driving law goes beyond texting. Drivers can be ticketed for holding or supporting a phone, using it outside hands-free mode, reading or typing messages, or having videos visible while driving — even while stopped at a red light.”
There are exceptions for navigation and driver-assisted systems.
NOTE: Distracted driving violations can increase insurance rates by 64% — that’s $1,083 a year.
The first violation for passing a stopped school bus brings a $450 fine. Subsequent violations can cost up to $1,000, and result after a third time in loss of license. Our “06880” Police Reports routinely note these violations — including multiple offenders.
Texting — even while stopped — is illegal.
THE SHORES: official welcome
The Shores — the new name for what was once St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health, and for decades before that, Hall-Brooke Hospital — has been operating quietly, but effectively, in Westport since Hartford HealthCare took over St. Vincent’s.
This week, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie joined company officials, including CEO Jeffrey Flaks, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Welcoming The Shores to Westport. CEO Jeffrey Flaks (7th from left), 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (9th from left), and others. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
“06880” reporter Dave Briggs was at the ceremony. Click here or below for his interviews.
The Shores offers 76 beds, for acute adult cases, children and adolescents, and a mood and anxiety program.
A new Welcome Center — open 6 days a week, including evenings — allows people to talk with clinicians. If admission is appropriate, it happens quickly. If not, they may be referred to one of the outpatient facilities.
CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DOORS
Last year, Westport residents Dan and Melanie bought the local Closet Factory, across from Stop & Shop.
She is an interior designer, with a background in residential and commercial work. His background is in entrepreneurship and investing.
Their goal was to create a welcoming space where people could possibilities for their homes, from an organizational upgrade to a larger custom project.
Their new showroom includes a wide range of displays, styles and finishes, going far beyond closets. The staff handles everything from design consultation through installation, with all cabinetry manufactured in Bethel.
They work closely with local interior designers, builders and architects. A grand opening is set for this Saturday (October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
BINGO! CLUB203 SCORES
Club203’s Halloween Bingo Party filled the Westport Center for Senior Activities last night with dozens of people in creatives costumes.
Members of the social club for adults with disabilities enjoy laughter, games, and plenty of Halloween fun.
Volunteers led by Holly and Paul Betts, along with caller Doug Brill and cookie decorating ace Avery Horne, made the evening extra special.
Bingo! (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)
jane austen at 250
A free Sunday Symposium on October 25 (after the 3 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse performance of the world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley”) explores “Pride and Prejudice” author Jane Austen’s legacy, 2 1/2 centuries after her birth.
Moderator Kelle Ruden is a member of the Jane Austen Society North America.
The show runs from October 20 through November 7. Celebrating Austen’s 250th anniversary year, it is a lively ensemble comedy about marriage, ambition, and the thrill of changing one’s destiny. For more information and tickets, click here.
SPEED KILLS
This Coleytown area family manages to, um, kill 2 birds with one stone.
They send an important message — with a Halloween twist.
(Photo/Julie Whamond)
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
We’re not sure what happened here yesterday.
But this is not something you want to see when you come back to your car at the Westport train station.
(Photo/Dave Briggs)
OBITUARY: MARTIN SLATTERY
Former Westport YMCA aquatics director, swim instructor, lifeguard and Water Rats coach Martin Slattery died October 1, after a long illness. He was 53.
In addition to his Y work, he was an automotive service manager with Subaru and Park Place Lexus. In every role he enjoyed working with people, solving problems, and helping others succeed.
Martin enjoyed attending car shows, refining his automotive detailing skills, and working on projects in his garage. His other interests included music, exploring the outdoors, discovering a great bargain, and enjoying a good meal or cup of coffee.
In his later years Martin faced significant health challenges, including end-stage renal failure. He always maintained a positive attitude. He died of heart failure during a dialysis treatment.
Martin is survived by his wife Deborah; sons Cadyn and Meryk; parents Martin and Margaret Slattery; sister Maureen, and brother Michael.
There will be a celebration of Martin’s life on October 22 (10 a.m., Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas).
POLICE REPORTS
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 7 and 13.
A 41-year-old Westport Man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a complaint about a 2-day period in which the man made repeated threats of physical harm, while brandishing a knife. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
A 42-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following an investigation into 3 incidents in August in which the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and was verbally aggressive and threatening. He was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Texting while driving: 4
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
- Failure to renew registration: 4
- School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
- Transporting a child under 5 without restraints: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Failure to grant right of way: 1
- Failure to obey stop sign: 1
- Following too closely: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Improper rear lights: 1
Children need car seats!
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE daY
Wendy Levy spotted today’s interesting “Westport … Naturally” image on Old Road.
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … we missed this yesterday: the 100th anniversary of the publication of “Winnie-the-Pooh.” So, as the classic tale begins its 2nd century:
(“06880” has several decades to go, to reach the 100-year mark. You can help us get there. Please donate, by clicking here. Thank you!)
Five years ago this week, Westport was just settling into the new reality of COVID.
The weekend’s nice weather had brought large crowds to Compo Beach, though the parking lots were closed. Town officials — worried about close contact (even outdoors), and cars parked all along Soundview Drive — scrambled to react.
Soundview Drive, the first weekend after the lockdown. Town officials quickly cracked down on parking there.
The Trader Joe’s line wrapped along Compo Acres Shopping Center storefronts. Only a few shoppers were allowed in at a time. The checkout line was — like every other part of life — dictated by “social distancing.”
Schools desperately tried to figure out “distance learning.”
Trader Joe’s enforced social distancing rules — with their own very recognizable font.
And that was just the first couple of weeks.
Five years later, how have we changed? What effects linger — negative or perhaps positive? What do you remember most about those uncertain, frightening days?
Earlier this month, “06880” asked readers to weigh in. Here’s what you said.
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In May we decided to move to a senior housing domicile. It was beautiful, and well-maintained. My beloved husband lived there for 5 days; then he passed (from his heart condition). A few weeks later, I was diagnosed with COVID and quarantined for 15 days in a new home, where I knew no one and was totally isolated.
So I can’t say that the pandemic treated me favorably. I’ve gotten all the shots I could possibly need to protect me against the next outbreak of something — I hope. — Bobbie Herman
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We were raising our son in a 1- bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village. Wanting more space and family, we gathered a few things and our cat, and went to stay with my mother in my hometown of Westport. We expected to be there a few weeks, a month at most.
As spring and summer passed, my husband and I got used to the spaces, the beach, the green. We got spoiled with multiple bathrooms, a convenient washing machine and drive-thru Starbucks. We got to know the town better, the stores, the people, and eventually looked into the schools. When we saw that a cute house was less than a decent 2-bedroom in our neighborhood (crazy, this was 2020) we decided to stay.
Five years later I miss New York terribly. I miss my community, and easy access to all that culture. But I am happy with our decision to stay. We have settled nicely, embraced the town that has changed so much since my childhood yet is so familiar. I knew we were settled in when we did something I would not do in the city: adopted our dog. — Juliet Koskoff Diamond
Late March, 2020: Starbucks’ drive-through was one of the few places that seemed normal. So long as you didn’t get out of your car. (Photo/Rob Hauck)
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Not for all, but it was a glorious time for my husband and I. We started the pandemic as new grandparents. Our daughter and her husband moved from the city into our home, thinking it was only temporary.They ended up purchasing a home in Fairfield. Now we have 5 grandchildren, 4 of whom were born during the pandemic (the first was 5 months before. That’s how our life changed, all for the better: It gave us an immersion of love and family time.
And we never got COVID — until last July. — Dorothy Robertshaw
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