The Compo Beach playground renovation project is more than halfway to their fundraising goal.

So far, they’ve received $332,333 in donations. They’re aiming for $650,000.

The final push is underway. 360 fence pickets are still available for purchase. Other funding options remain too. Click here for details.

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Not far away from the playground, Old Mill’s long blue nightmare may soon be over.

Workers are installing siding on 233 Hillspoint Road. The house — formerly the site of Positano (and other) restaurants — was the subject of years of litigation.

All the while, it was swathed in blue wrap.

There is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Or at least, gray.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Gus Palmer is not related to Arnold Palmer.

But the rising Staples High School junior shares something with the other Palmer: Both are golf champions.

Arnie Palmer won 62 PGA tournaments, including 4 Masters.

Gus – a member of Staples High School’s varsity golf team — captured the Longshore club championship on Sunday. He is believed to be the youngest player ever to win it.

In a close 36-hold match play with Stephen Colodny, Palmer sunk a 15-foot putt on the last 18th green, to capture the crown.

Gus Palmer (left) receives the Longshore trophy from head pro John Janik. 

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There are only 86 days left until Halloween.

But Stop & Shop is ready.

This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Can “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” be far behind?

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Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — sponsored a timely topic yesterday.

“Communicating to Open Minds” featured Steve Parrish in conversation with Sally Susman, Pfizer’s chief corporate affairs officer. They discussed how to share information in ways that encourage agreement, and avoid confrontation.

During the pandemic, Susman was charged with rolling out Pfizer’s vaccine to an anxious and polarized world. She offered insights learned about leadership and connectivity.

From left: Westort Library director Bill Harmer, Sally Susman, Steve Parrish.

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Most of our “Westport … Naturally” osprey photos have been taken between Terrain and Fresh Market.

This one is from Burying Hill Beach. Laurie Sorensen did the honors.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … on this date in 1962, Jamaica gained its independence from the United Kingdom.

(Like Gus and Arnold Palmer, “06880” is a winner. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)