Early voting began yesterday, for the first time in a Connecticut presidential election.
A number of Westporters headed to Town Hall, to take part in history (and make their voices heard).
(Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
Early voting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map. (Hat tip: Ifesheyi Gayle)
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I was not at Compo Beach last weekend.
But several residents emailed “06880,” noting that on 2 beautiful days, which should have brought out the best in everyone, there were “conflicts” involving dogs.
Or, more specifically, dog owners.
Apparently some off-leash dogs did not stay in the proper area (near the cannons). Apparently too, this was not the first time.
Linda Mezzullo has a solution. She writes: “Would it make more sense to designate the off-leash area as the stretch of beach beyond the playground and pavilion?
“It could start at the walkway from the Soundview parking lot across the street, and run along Soundview Drive to the jetty. That section tends to be less crowded. Dogs could still be walked along the entire beach, but the off-leash area would be limited to that stretch.”
Knowing Westporters, and their love for both the beach and their dogs, this suggestion might get readers yipping and/or growling. Click “Comments” below to share your thoughts. But please: Keep it civil!
Should the beach behind the seawall on Soundview Drive be the new “off-leash” area? (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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Most leaves are still (beautifully) on trees.
But they won’t be for long.
Curbside leaf collection begins November 4. The Department of Public Works says that all leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 2.
Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up, as plastic contaminates the composting process.
There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call 203-341-1120.
(Photo/Scott Smith)
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This is the way to bag your leaves. (Photo/Scott Smith)
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As planning continues for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the Building Committee has scheduled 2 special meetings.
Tonight (Tuesday, October 22, 7 p.m., Long Lots auditorium), they’ll meet with neighbors to “answer questions and listen to comments, suggestions and concerns that the neighborhood may have regarding the new Long Lots School Project.’
This Thursday (October 24, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A), they’ll meet with members of the Westport Community Gardens to hear input regarding “the relocated, rebuilt community garden.”
Immediately following the session, at 4:15 p.m., 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker has invited Community Gardens members to a walk-through of the Baron’s South property on Compo Road South, a proposed site for the new gardens.
Earlier this spring, Morley Boyd photographed debris in the fill behind the Senior Center.
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Baron’s South is a possibility for a new Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
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Would you like “7 ways to support your student’s studying and executive functions without losing your mind?”
That’s the provocative title of a free Westport Together webinar, set for this Thursday (October 24, 7 p.m.).
Topics include:
- What are the study skills all students need to be successful in school?
- How can your child eliminate distractions when they study?
- How your child can avoid feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious?
Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-307-5455.
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A celebration of the life of Lis Comm — the longtime Staples High School English teacher and town-wide director of language arts, who died in August — will be held November 14 (3 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Her husband and fellow Staples educator, Frank Corbo, invites Lis’ many former colleagues, students and parents to the ceremony.
Lis Comm
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Last month, “06880” chronicled the story of Rob Eichler. The 1971 Staples High School graduate is battling ALS (and using a communication devise that traces its origins to his father, an engineer).
After the story ran, over 40 readers donated more than $4,000 to ALS research, in Rob’s name.
Earlier this month, there was an ALS walk in New Hampshire, where Rob now lives. Click here for a video. It offers a look into the cause “06880” readers supported.
And into the grace, humor and courage with which Rob Eichler continues to live his very fulfilling life.
Rob Eichler, ready for the ALS walk.
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Westport’s latest teardown: the longtime Evergreen Parkway home of Judith Marks-White.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
The noted newspaper columnist and writing teacher died in June.
Oh, the stories that house — and she — could tell.
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Jewish and African American musicians merge their roots and melodies in “The Afro-Semitic Experience.”
On November 10 (2 p.m., Westport Library), they offer a concert that “puts the ‘unity’ in ‘community.’” The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Jazz Society of Fairfield Count.
The Afro-Semitic Experience is “a whoopin’, hollerin’, testifyin’ celebration of multicultural soul music. Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band, playing gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of congas and bongos.”
Their “powerful and poetic musical experience … celebrates diversity, promotes social justice, and inspires hope and joy. Their music embodies the radical notion that people of different faiths, races, and beliefs can come together through music to celebrate and build community.”
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Speaking of music: Drums take center stage this Thursday, at the weekly Jazz at the Post series.
Sylvia Cuenca is a hard-swinging post-bop/hard bop drummer, best known for her long associations with trumpeter Clark Terry and saxophonist Joe Henderson.
She has played at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 before.
This time, she’s joined by Rico Jones (sas), Manuel Valera (piano) and Essiet Okun Essiet (bass).
Show times are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. Tickets are $20 for the music, $15 for veterans and students. Click here to reserve.
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Tony Ventrella died Saturday, after a battle with cancer. He was 80.
Described by the Seattle Times as “a fixture of the Seattle sports media landscape, known for his endearing optimism and friendliness, and a quirky sense of humor that brought the combo of information and entertainment to his broadcasts” — as a sports anchor on 4 TV stations, he got his start at WDJF, an FM station in Westport.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Jim Simpkins)
Tony Ventrella
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Lou Weinberg is one of our town’s best nature photographers.
His “Westport … Naturally” image today is even more spectacular than most.
Lou explains: “This beauty is hard to photograph. It does not stay in one place for long.
“Black swallowtails love nectar-rich flowers such as zinnias (pictured above), milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly bush, phlox and ironweed. All grow in the Westport Community Gardens, where this photo was taken.
“Host plants for the larvae include carrot tops, parsley, dill, fennel, turnips and Queen Anne’s lace.
“They overwinter in a chrysalis and emerge around April. Green open space is critical to their survival.”
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And finally … following up on the Compo Beach leash/off-leash story above:
(Election Day is November 5. Early voting has already begun, as noted in this Roundup. But any day is a good one to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to “register” your support. Thank you!)
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