After a lull, car thieves have returned to Westport.
This morning, 3 of them met their match.
At 12:42 a.m., Westport Police responded to a homeowner near Compo Beach, who reported their vehicle was being burglarized. A doorbell camera was activated when a suspect entered a vehicle parked in the driveway. The caller said a dark colored vehicle was waiting in the street for the suspect.
Police arrived on the scene almost immediately, and set up a perimeter at Hillspoint Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South.
An officer located a suspicious vehicle exiting Mimi Lane, and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop.
An officer stationed at Hillspoint Road and Greens Farms Road deployed a tire deflation device (“stop sticks”). The vehicle continued east on Greens Farms Road.
Another officer observed the vehicle entering Sherwood Island State Park. He waited for it to exit, as he knew the gates were closed.
The vehicle became disabled from flat tires as it entered I-95 northbound at Exit 18. All 3 occupants then fled on foot.
Officers gave chase, and located 1 adult and 1 juvenile hiding in the nearby marsh.
A short time later, Metropolitan Transit Authority Police notified Westport Police that they had located the third suspect, a juvenile, in the area of Clayton Street, off Maple Lane.
All 3 were arrested, and charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, 6th degree; conspiracy to commit burglary, 3rd degree; and interfering with a police officer.
The adult — a 19-year-old from Naugatuck — was also charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and engaging in pursuit.
The 2 juveniles were released on summonses to their family. The adult was released after posting bond. He has an April 11 date at Stamford Superior Court.
Westport Police remind residents to lock their vehicles, and take valuables out of their locked cars. They encourage the use of alarm/surveillance systems and exterior lighting at night.
Westport Police thank the Connecticut State Police, Fairfield Police, Wilton Police K-9 Unit, and MTA Police, which assisted with perimeter security and the search for the suspects.
I’m talking (of course) about Westport’s Fire and Police Departments, and Emergency Medical Service.
Their lightning-quick, well-coordinated, extremely professional and exceptionally efficient response yesterday turned what could have been a mass casualty event — 27 teenage rowers and 2 coaches, in the frigid water off Compo Beach in gale conditions — into what Police Chief Foti Koskinas calls “a very good outcome.”
From the moment the first 911 call came, at 5:06 p.m. — from a young rower in the water — to an hour later, when the last victim was rescued, and on through the extra hour spent making sure everyone was safe, then into the very clear, direct and honest 8:30 p.m. press conference, with media from as far as New York, the incident serves as an important reminder that our first responders are even more than first class.
They are the best of the best.
We don’t often think about the training that goes into a response like yesterday’s. We don’t see the hours spent planning for every conceivable what-if, while knowing that not every conceivable situation can be foreseen — and the way that response plays out when a call arrives that 29 people are offshore, in 40-degree temperatures.
We don’t know how they do what they do: ensuring that mutual aid arrives from nearby towns; setting up a command post; coordinating efforts in a chaotic scene; getting an accurate count, then accounting for everyone.
We don’t understand the courage it takes to head out in dangerous conditions, or the emotional toll such an event takes on everyone involved.
We don’t give much thought to the men and women in our Fire, Police and EMS departments — the rank-and-file, and their leaders.
Nor do we give much thoughts to their annual budget requests, and how they use our tax dollars.
But — as yesterday proved — every penny they spend is well-deserved.
And well earned.
Westport gives grateful thanks to our Fire, Police and EMS first responders. Sung or unsung, they are our heroes — today, and every day.
The Westport Police Department offers this update on yesterday’s rescue of more than 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers:
Westport Police Marine Division continue the investigation into the boating incident. As of this morning, the following information is known:
One of the capsized rowing sculls has not been recovered, and is missing. The other 2 sculls were brought to Ned Dimes Marina last night.
The “chase boat” that sank has been located, submerged near Cockenoe Island, and will be recovered later this afternoon.
Both rowers who were transported to Norwalk Hospital and treated for cold exposure have been released from the hospital.
The total number of rowers/coaches involved in this incident stands at 29. We have determined that 19 people were in the water and 10 (9 rowers and 1 coach) were able to remain in their vessels.
The investigation will focus on any weather advisories that were posted, available life jackets, experience of the rowers and coaches, and suitability of the vessels.
As Chief Foti Koskinas stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again. We feel this investigation will aid in that mission.
Rescue operations yesterday, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
In November of 2011, High Point Road residents reached an agreement with Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission and Parks & Recreation Department regarding the hours that lights at the Staples football stadium (now called Paul Lane Field) could be used. Noise regulations were included too.
The agreement included any other lighted fields in town (the only other one is PJ Romano, behind Saugatuck Elementary School. (Click here to read it.)
The agreement has now expired. Next Thursday (March 28, noon, Zoom), the P&Z’s Recreation Committee will discuss lighting policies for all town athletic fields.
It will also review “Dark Sky compliance and sports field lighting.”
Paul Lane Field at Staples High School. (Photo/Robin Wolfe-Scheffler)
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The Westport Country Playhouse has just added 2 intriguing events.
“A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” features Ari Axelrod, as part of the new “Mic in Hand” series.
The May 8 cultural celebration honors the songs and stories of Jewish composers, and their crucial contributions to the American musical.
Axelrod says, “Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived. ‘A Place for Us’ highlights this in its exploration of Jewish Broadway.”
The show was presented first last year to a sold-out house, as the first Mic in Hand (a spin-off of the Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand series). This year’s show will include more songs and musicians. Click here for tickets, and more information.
On Saturday, March 30 (2 p.m.), “table-top puppetry meets pro wrestling meets a rock show; high art meets low art meets Samuel Beckett.”
Kayfabe — an hour-long “frenetic frenzy of puppet wrestling action,” is “a semi-autobiographical meta-fictional love letter to professional wrestling, written, directed and designed by aspiring wrestler and inspired puppet artist Josh Rice.”
It is recommended for ages 13 and up. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Ari Axelrod
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A snafu with FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — has delayed college financial aid decisions for many high school students.
As a result, applications for Staples Tuition Grants — the 81-year-old program that last year awarded $407,000 to more than 100 members of the Class of 2023, and other graduates already in college — are down from this time last year.
STG officials urge students to submit applications before the April 22 deadline — even without knowing specific aid packages from universities.
Also down this year: contributions to the STG General Fund. The organization relies on donor support — along with endowed funds — to help close the gap between what college costs, and what students’ families can afford
More than 500 individuals, families and organizations donated to Staples Tuition Grants in the 2023 fiscal year. To help reach that number again, click here.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between March 13 and 20.
A man was arrested for assault, and intimidation due to bias/bigotry, after a fight at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health. The incident was unprovoked, and occurred because of the victim’s race.
A woman was charged with issuing a bad check over $2,000, following a complaint by a local business owner.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
Speeding: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Improper use of markers: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Assault: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
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Sorelle Gallery’s newest exhibit opened yesterday. Abstract artist Teodoro Guererra will be featured through April 10.
Guererra uses impasto techniques, with thick coats of paint layered over each other for a light 3-dimensional effect. Click here for more information.
Teodoro Guererra’s works, at Sorelle Gallery.
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La Plage’s Mother’s Day menu is set (click here to see).
It’s May 12 (noon to 7 p.m.; $95 3-course prix fixe; $55 for young adults). Reservations are required: 203-684-6232.
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We’ve all heard the tale that it’s only possible to balance an egg upright on the spring equinox.
That’s not true. There is no gravitational change that day; if you have the right egg (and a ton of patience), you can do it any day.
But Marie Gross tried Tuesday night (technically, the day after this year’s equinox). Here’s the result:
(Photo/Marie Gross)
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Dana Kuyper was the first Westporter to photograph the 2024 ospreys, at Fresh Market. We posted her image yesterday.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows the first close-up of the magnificent raptors:
The Westport Fire Department has released photos of yesterday’s dramatic rescue of 27 teenage rowers, and 1 coach, from Long Island Sound.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes and adult were in 3 sculls and 1 chase boat when the weather suddenly turned nasty. The sculls filled with water; 2 overturned, as did the chase boat when the young rowers clung to it.
Click here for the full story of the event, including the superb efforts of Westport’s Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service, aided by mutual aid from surrounding towns.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brings rowers to shore.
First responders assist victims.
Emergency personnel remained for an hour after the last rower was rescued at 6 p.m., an hour after the incident began, to ensure that everyone was accounted for.
Emergency vehicles from many units raced to Compo Beach.
Twenty-eight people — 27 teenager rowers and 1 coach — were thrown into the water off Compo Beach late yesterday afternoon, when glass water suddenly turned rough.
But a mass casualty was averted, thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of first responders from several towns.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan described the dramatic rescues last night, at a police headquarters press conference that drew media from as far as New York.
What Koskinas called “a very serious incident with a very good outcome” began around 5 p.m. A Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete called 911, reporting that boats had capsized and there were people in the water.
Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service responders raced to Compo. They found a “chaotic” scene, Koskinas said, with a number of young rowers clinging to boats, between the beach and Cockenoe Island. Others were swimming to shore.
The 3 60-foot rowing sculls — with 9 boys, ages 14 to 18, in each — had been swamped when calm weather suddenly turned very windy. Two of them capsized.
Just an hour before the near-tragedy, Alli DiVincenzo took a photo of the Saugatuck Rowing Club boat on calm water.
Some swam to a much smaller launch boat, manned by a coach. Another launch boat soon arrived.
As the young rowers clung to the first launch boat, it too overturned.
The water temperature was 44 degrees. The air temperature was 40.
The Westport Fire Department sent trained dive personnel. Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford marine units soon arrived to assist. So did the US Coast Guard. There were 8 ambulances on the scene too.
Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Cohen immediately established a command post.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brought 6 victims to shore. The Westport Police Marine boat brought 6 more to Ned Dimes Marina. First responders assisted other victims as they reached the beach on their own.
The chaotic scene yesterday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
Emergency personnel initially believed 25 people were involved. The number was raised to 29. Several of the young rowers had reached shore, and gone in to nearby homes to warm up and shower.
Eventually, all were found, and matched with lists of those who had been on the water.
Responders remained at the scene for an extra hour after the last rower was removed from the water at 6 p.m.. They made sure no one was still unaccounted for.
Norwalk Hospital was advised to prepare for a mass casualty event. Ultimately, only 2 young rowers required medical attention there, for hypothermia.
“The weather changed so quickly,” said Weston High School junior Davis Evans, a 4-year Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete.
“The water was glassy. Then it suddenly got windy. Two- to 3-foot swells crashed into the boat. That was really scary.”
Davis Evans describes the dramatic events. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Three hours after the rescue, he said, “it still hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
But, he noted, his fellow rowers remained calm. “I was really impressed by how mature everyone was.” He cited Alex Vogt, the coach on the launch boat that overturned, as “the reason everything worked out okay.”
Westport Public Schools quickly sent a bus to Compo. The rowers warmed up there, then were transported to the Saugatuck Rowing Club to be reunited with families.
“It was an incredible team effort,” Koskinas said. “The most important thing is that all 29 people are safe tonight with their families.”
“As the mother of 3 athletes, I can’t imagine the range of emotions today,” 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker said.
Noting that 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore had a daughter who rowed with the Saugatuck Club, Tooker added, “We hope that all the kids and families feel safe, and well taken care of, tonight.”
She thanked “this amazing leadership team. We are so blessed to have such a professional group of Fire, Police and EMS first responders.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas describes the events, at last night’s press conference. Behind him are (from left) Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Lieutenant Eric Woods, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Cohen, EMS Deputy Director Marc Hartog and EMS’ Rick Baumblatt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“You can’t really prepare for something like this,” said Evans, the Weston High rower.
“We practice 6 days a week, from 3 to 6 p.m. We were out that far because the water was really nice. There was no sense of bad weather, until it was there.
“You don’t think something like this can happen to you — until it does.”
But, he said, he will be back on the water soon.
“This is my sport.”
Koskinas said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
(Assistance was provided by the Fairfield Police Marine Division, Stamford Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Boat, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Marine Division and US Coast Guard. Eight ambulances and 20 personnel were provided by Norwalk Hospital, American Medical Response and Darien EMS.)
Westport’s next Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday, April 13 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).
The free program enables residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes.
Residents of those towns may bring these types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.
Make sure items are clearly labeled.
Never mix chemicals!
Keep products in their original labeled containers.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers, and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in back of the vehicle, away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.
This is the first Hazardous Waste Day of 2024, so lines may be long.
Westport residents may recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
The following items are NOT acceptable: ammunition, flares, commercial hazardous waste.
The Westport Country Playhouse has hosted many big names.
On May 19, it adds another: Bernadette Peters.
The stage, film and television actor and singer has won 4 Emmy Awards, 3 Tonys, and a Golden Globe. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Peters just finished a successful West End debut in “Old Friends,” celebrating the life and work of Stephen Sondheim.
Tickets for the evening of song are $250 and $175. All proceeds benefit live theater at the Playhouse. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Two items on the agenda:
Executive discussion to discuss Request for Quote submissions, with invited candidates.
Public comment and/or questions, as time allows.
Discussion continues, on a new Long Lots Elementary School.
Meanwhile, next Monday (March 18, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget for fiscal year 2024-25 to the Board of Finance.
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A large crowd filled Mitchells of Westport for last night’s meet-and-greet with University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, and his team.
Among the attendees: Emily Bernier. She wore her UConn shirt. Meeting the legendary Auriemma was fun — and so was posing with her idol, Paige Bueckers:
The event was a fundraiser for Bleeding Blue for Good, the organization that provides name, image, likeness opportunities for Husky athletes.
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There is no limit on beach sticker sales to people who live in Westport and Weston.
However, only 450 stickers are sold to folks living anywhere else.
Those non-resident sales began yesterday, online and in person.
The photo below shows the woman (on the right) who purchased the first non-resident sticker.
She looks delighted.
Like the rest of us, she can’t wait to shed her coat, and — starting May 1 — put that sticker to good use.
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Registration is open for a slew of Wakeman Town Farm classes and events, for children and adults.
They include:
Kids’ spring classes
Kids’ summer camp
Kids’ Easter and Passover cooking (April 26, 4:15 to 6 p.m., ages 6-12)
Backyard chicken-keeping (April 4 and 25, May 9, 6:30 p.m.)
Canning class: jams and pickles (April 30, 6:15 p.m.).
Click here for details and registration information.
Want to raise chickens? Wakeman Town Farm will teach you.
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Jill Dunn‘s speed dating events are attracting big crowds.
And some great success stories.
The next are on Tuesday (March 19, Walrus Alley).
There are actually 2: one of people in the 30s-40s range (7 p.m.), the other for singles 55+ (5 p.m.).
Space is available for all (particularly for “great men” in the older group).
Click here for tickets to next Tuesday’s events. Click here for more news and information for singles.
Last week, “06880” reported that Nate Colman and Jonah Rothlein’s documentary was one of 15 finalists for C-SPAN’s Student Cam contest.
Now it’s official: the Weston High School students’ story about Morad Tahbaz, a Weston resident held in an Iranian prison for 6 years, won the grand prize.
The young filmmakers will receive $5,000 — and “Innocents Held Hostage” will air on C-SPAN on April 21 (6:50 a.m., then throughout the day).
You can see it now — just click below:
The network received over 1,600 entries, from 42 states and Washington DC.
Westport is a town of people who love to read. Now, you can help select the next winner of the Westport Prize for Literature.
The Westport Prize needs readers to help vet manuscripts for its 2024 honor, to be awarded in conjunction with this fall’s StoryFest.
Readers will read 2 or 3 manuscripts, then submit feedback via an online form. Those results will help determine the finalists that advance to an independent jury.
The Westport Prize for Literature honors “an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society. Last year’s winner was Zadie Smith, for The Fraud.
Westport residents interested in being a reader for this year’s prize should click here.
Last year’s winner of the Westport Prize for Literature.
The Greenfield Hill Grange is in Fairfield. But Westporter Cornelia Olsen is very involved.
And Westport resident/composter/self-described “trash picker” James Flint is the speaker at fundraiser there. Proceeds will help pay for a new roof on the beautiful Queen Anne building.
“Recycling Revisited” (March 23, noon) is a luncheon and panel discussion for “gardeners, farmers, eaters and waste generators.”
Speakers will offer updates on what’s in and out in the recycling world; the solid waste crisis in Connecticut, and what local residents can do about it all.
Tickets are $20, and include a tuna or egg salad sandwich, beverage and dessert. RSVP by March 20; call Cornelia: 203-571-8673.
Speaking of education: Westport Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice gave an insightful talk Tuesday, at the Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.
After briefly mentioning increased school enrollment and capital improvement projects, he pivoted to a topic he spent most of his time on: “outside pressures” that impinge on students and schools more than ever before.
Scarice said the internet has “a debilitating impact on kids,” and that “the innocence of childhood is being violated.”
The role of schools is now critical in dealing with the issues of hate speech and bigotries that are fostered online, Scarice noted. But he said that parents must be the front line of defense for their children.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The Westport Center for Senior Activities needed a new logo. Director Wendy Petty and Department of Human Services director Elaine Daignault wanted it to be identifiable as the Senior Center — but close to the town of Westport’s logo too.
Designer Shari Barnhart is a former Westport teacher and media specialist, who designed the Friends of the WCSA logo.
Her creation highlights the warm, welcoming building, with its recognizable windows and front entry arch.
She incorporated Westport’s blue and orange colors and the Westport font, to tie things together.
The new logo was rolled out recently. Coming next month: a new website.
Both the logo and website are funded through a state ARPA grant dedicated to senior centers.
Yesterday’s Roundup contained confusing information about Weston residents’ applications for Westport Parks & Recreation beach emblems.
The correct information is this: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.
Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston began online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. today (Wednesday, March 13). A limit of 450 will be sold.
If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.
After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.
Speaking of Compo Beach: 29 Danbury Avenue may not be a teardown after all.
Though a demolition sign hangs prominently outside the home with the famed “Beach House” sign, sources say it is a formality the owners must go through to sell, as it “could be” an option for a future homeowner.
“You won’t see a bulldozer any time soon,” we are told. Fingers crossed …
(Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
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Have you ever wanted a peek behind the Westport Country Playhouse curtain?
How about a chance to see the scene shop and wardroom room? What about the dressing rooms and green rooms, where every star from Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland to James Earl Jones and Paul Newman hung out?
“From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available now by reservation, on select Friday and Saturday mornings.
Tours are scheduled for March 29 and 30, April 20 and 26, May 17 and 18, June 28 and 29, and July 26 and 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each tour is limited to 25 people.
The tour guide is special: Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist. He is familiar with every nook of the historic theater. And boy, does he have stories.
The tours are free, though donations are encouraged.
To reserve a group tour, click here. For a private group tour, email krichards@westportplayhouse.org.
The Westport Country Playhouse green room has hosted nearly every stage star. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between February 28 and March 6.
A man was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following break-ins at Westport Cigar & Vape, and Mohegan Smoke Shop. During the first burglary, the suspect also fled after an attempted traffic stop.
A man was arrested for burglary and criminal mischief, based on DNA evidence, following an investigation into an attempted residential burglary in November 2021.
A woman was charged with larceny and identity theft after 2 checks were stolen from the mailbox outside the Westport post office, then altered and deposited.
A woman was charged with failure to appear to answer a previous arrest.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 2
Texting while driving: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1
Littering on public property: 1
Don’t litter!
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A few tickets remain for next Wednesday’s evening with Geno Auriemma at Mitchells of Westport.
The legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach will bring his current team to the Post Road store.
Tickets to the benefit for Bleeding Blue for Good — the organization that provides name, image and likeness opportunities for UConn student athletes (and Connecticut charities) — are $100 each. Children under 12 (maximum of 2 per adult) are free. Click here to purchase.
Light appetizers, wine and beer will be available.
Speaking of sports: The Staples-Westhill-Stamford co-op girls ice hockey team’s bid for a state championship was derailed last night.
New Canaan captured the title with a 3-0 win. But it was a remarkable season for the Westport/Stamford squad. Big props to coach John Fay, and his girls!
The Staples-Westhill-Stamford girls ice hockey team celebrates their state quarterfinal victory.
To celebrate, Office Evolution — the bright, airy co-working space in the Post Road office building opposite Westport Fire Department headquarters — invites all freelancers to enjoy an (of course) free week in their shared workspace.
Click here to register. For more information on the Westport location, click here.
The Joggers Club is stretching out, getting ready for an active spring.
Among the offerings:
Connecticut’s Biggest Kids Running Camp: Sundays, April 21- June 2 (4-5:15 p.m., Staples High School track). Learn the basics of good running, in a fun environment. Kindergarten-8th grade; $125.
The Joggers Club “Race Of The Year”: The Minute Man 5K & 10K, April 28 (Compo Beach). All proceeds benefit local charities, through the Westport Young Woman’s League. Click here to register.
Free Joggers Club Track Night: Run with friends at Thursday night workouts (Norwalk High School track).
Fun Running is The Best Running: Every Saturday at Compo Beach. All paces and levels; all are welcome. No rules, no judgments, all smiles.
Join the Joggers Club for $50 a year (it works out to $4.16 a month — plus a free Lululemon shirt for all new members).
This month’s Westport Book Shop Drew Friedman Art Place exhibit features 2 local artists: Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins.
The women collaborated on a series of photographic artworks called “Immiscible.” They are striking images based on simple elements like oil, water, and colorful backgrounds.
A reception is set for March 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Their work will be on display at the Jesup Road store throughout the month.
Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins, with their works.
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Alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sends this photo from the Sherwood Island Connector …
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
… and adds: “I have as much holiday spirit as anyone. But it is March!”
Westport Police have arrested a 27-year-old Brooklyn man, for the December theft of Israel flag lawn signs.
On December 30, the WPD initiated a larceny investigation after a complaint was made concerning those thefts. A Colony Road resident saw a man walking down the street, hauling a dumpster.
He stopped at a house across the street, with an Israel flag on the lawn. He seemed to check to see if anyone was looking, then stuffed the flag in his dumpster and continued walking.
The resident got in his car, and took a picture:
Worried what would happen if he confronted someone who would do such a thing, he returned home and called the police.
When he went back out a few minutes later, the man “seemed to have disappeared,” the resident said. “Maybe he was picked up by someone.”
A detective quickly arrived.
The neighbor had already replaced her Israel flag. But as the officer and the resident who called were at his front door discussing the incident, a white car with New York plates pulled up across the street.
Someone jumped out, grabbed the new sign, and zoomed away. He did not see the police car — but the detective saw it all.
He tried to pursue them, but was too late.
The police investigation revealed that 5 Israel flag yard signs were stolen.
William Banks
Through law enforcement sharing, the suspect was identified as William Banks.
A warrant was issued. Yesterday, Banks turned himself in to the Westport Police Department.
He was charged with 6th degree larceny, and released after posting a $500 bond.
Beginning March 11, the town will charge drivers at electric vehicle charging stations on town-owned and operated property.
Officials say the plan is competitive with other local charging stations, while also offering “a sustainable and cost-effective option for EV owners.”
Stations at Town Hall, the Westport Library, the Baldwin Lot, Senior Center and Fire Department headquarters will charge 35 cents per kilowatt hour for the first 3 hours.
After a 15-minute grace period, users will be charged an idling fee of $10 an hour. The goal is to discourage drivers from occupying spaces after they have charged their vehicles.
Stations at Saugatuck and Greens Farms railroad stations will also charge 35 cents per kwh. However, there is no idling fee, because vehicle owners use the station for commuting (and pay a railroad parking permit fee as well).
Payment may be made through QR codes on the charging unit, or through a 3rd-party app used for EV charging.
EV charges in the Baldwin lot, after installation last year. They were not yet in use, because they had not been turned on.
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Last night, News12 Connecticut ran an excellent story on tomorrow night’s event “Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” (February 29, 6 p.m., Westport Library).
Sponsored by StartUp Westport and Westport 10 — and coming on the heels of allegations of racism in town, and at the end of Black History Month — the timing is fortuitous.
Jay Norris — a co-founder of both organizations (StartUp Westport is aimed at creating a tech entrepreneurial hub here; Westport 10 is a networking and social group for Black men and their families — told News 12: “The goal is diverse entrepreneurship. We believe we’re all stronger together. We need to acknowledge ech other. We need to support each other’s business.”
He cited martin Luther King’s inspiration — and his focus on a “diverse economic perspective,” which remains unreached.
Tomorrow’s event — moderated by MSNBC host and Westport resident Craig Melvin — will be followed by a cocktail reception. Click here for more information, and to register. Click here for the full News12 story, including video of Norris’ interview.
Everyone thought Ridgefield — the #1 seed in the boys basketball FCIAC tournament), ranked #2 in the state, and unbeaten in league play this year — would roll to their 4th FCIAC championship in 6 years last night.
Everyone except Staples.
The Wreckers got a highlight reel performance from sophomore Sam Clachko — 40 points, including 7 3-pointers and 11 of 12 foul shots — en route to a 73-57 demolition of the Tigers, in last night’s semifinal at Wilton High School.
The 4th-seeded Stapleites advance to tomorrow night’s final. They take on #2 Trumbull at 7 p.m., again at Wilton. It will be the Wreckers’ 2nd straight FCIAC final appearance, under 2nd-year coach Dave Goldshore.
The Westporters dropped a tough 48-46 decision to Ridgefield during the regular season. But they battled evenly in the first half, then pulled away in the second.
Junior Adam Udell added 13 points, in the all-around team effort.
Bill Vornkahl — the Korean War veteran and for over 50 years the organizer and heart of Westport’s Memorial Day parade, who died last month — will be honored this Saturday (March 2, 1:30 p.m.) at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
The Bill Vornkahl Citation of Service will be presented to his family. The public is invited.
The event was coordinated by Westport’s state legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Mahar, and the Board of Selectwomen.
Bill Vornkahl (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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The New York Times reports:
A former New York University administrator admitted on Tuesday to spending $80,000 in public money meant for minority- and women-owned businesses on a swimming pool at her Connecticut home as part of a broader $3.5 million fraud she orchestrated, officials said.
The former administrator, Cindy Tappe, made the admission while pleading guilty to second-degree grand larceny, court records show. Under a plea agreement with the Manhattan district attorney’s office, she will be sentenced to five years’ probation and must pay $663,209 in restitution to cover the full sum of money she diverted for personal expenses.
Tappe, 57, lives in Westport, the Times says.
Ms. Tappe’s “fraudulent actions not only threatened to affect the quality of education for students with disabilities and multilingual students, but denied our city’s minority- and women-owned business enterprises a chance to fairly compete for funding,” Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, said in a statement.
Deborah Colson, Ms. Tappe’s lawyer, said in a statement that her client “strongly regrets her misconduct.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Scott Brodie)
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A few tickets are still available for Bedford Acting Group’s production of “The Lion King Jr.”
The curtain rises at 7 p.m. on March 15. Additional shows are set for March 16 (3 and 7 p.m.), and March 17 (3 p.m.).Click here for tickets, cast lists and more information.
This Sunday (March 3, 4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts a chamber music vespers service. It includes a string quartet, poetry and prayer, plus refreshments and conversation. The public is invited.
The church invites donations of non-perishable food items for Summerfield UMC Light on the Hill in Bridgeport.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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High winds are predicted today.
Will they topple this utility pole on Compo Road South, a few yards from the Post Road?
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
Mark Mathias writes: “This does not look safe. It’s as if someone said, “let’s put this pole in the street and stack it on some 4x4s. What could go wrong?”
It seems, he says, “like a YouTube failure video waiting to happen.”
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The sun may not shine today.
But our “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken yesterday on Myrtle Avenue by Molly Alger — should bring a warm smile to everyone.
And finally … I never heard of Roni Stoneman, or the Stoneman Family. I never watched “Hee Haw,” where she played banjo and (apparently) had her biggest success.
But the former member of the “renowned Appalachian string band” had quite a career. She died Thursday in Tennessee, at 85. Click here for a full obituary.
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Another officer observed the vehicle entering Sherwood Island State Park. He waited for it to exit, as he knew the gates were closed.
