As director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell hears a lot.
He sends regular updates to an email list, from a SaveWestport.com address.
The one that landed in inboxes less than an hour ago is quite interesting. Matthew writes:
I was informed this week that an 8-30g will be coming to 55 Greens Farms Road. (NOTE: That’s the office building next to Assumption Cemetery, opposite I-95 and near Hillspoint Road.)
55 Greens Farms Road
Our old 8-30g lawyer Tim Hollister (Hiawatha) is bringing us another one. Of the 2 buildings at the office park, the front one will become a 70-foot, 250-unit apartment building (175 market, 75 affordable).
The other will remain for office use, at least for now. The Planning & Zoning Commission rezoned this area for medical use, which made a lot of sense, but this is what is coming anyway.
Aerial view of 55 Greens Farms Road. The apartments would be in the front. The rear building would remain offices.
55 is the one closest to the road, and the new apartment building will be much closer to the road. While the folks in the cemetery to the east probably won’t mind much, it’s the poor folks on Gonczy, Lakeview and Medwell who will get this full impact.
This is besides the increase in use of the roads for that area, and the sheer size of it being out of character. And the state Department of Transportation still would like 18-wheelers to come across the Cribari Bridge and be on this road.
Technically the application has not been filed with P&Z. Hollister is coming before the Conservation Commission to do a wetland modification based on new reports. CC pretty much would have to follow the expert analysis, but they don’t have to, nor do they need to do anything quickly.
Once the application arrives formally then we look for cracks in the application, knowing Hollister it will be pretty clean.
This is coming folks. We have not had an 8-30g since we lost the moratorium 2+ years ago. Once Lincoln Street and Hiawatha Lane come on line we will get another moratorium, but until then we are still vulnerable.
(This is a developing story. “06880” will update it, as more information becomes available.)
It’s listed for $999,999. That’s one of the least expensive properties in Westport today.
It was also one of the least expensive 70 years ago.
In 1956, it was a new build. Jerry Mande’s father wrote a check for $793.38. That covered his down payment.
The annual property tax was $36. Heating oil was $0.145 a gallon.
Those were the days.
Fillow Street was part of a new neighborhood. It sprouted near Fillow Flower Farm, off Clinton Avenue, and included nearby streets like Oak, Calumet, Loren and Sniffen (the latter 2 named for one man: Loren Sniffen).
Developers knew they were in the right place, at the right time. The baby boom was booming. Young families wanted the suburbs: a big home, space, good schools, amenities.
Westport sure offered amenities.
Compo Beach! Franklin Simon Shopping Center! A quick and pleasant drive on the Merritt!
And while some of those distances (2 minutes to Coleytown School, 5 minutes to the station) might be wishful thinking, the 58 minutes to Grand Central was not. Seven decades later, it takes at least 15 minutes longer. Ah, progress!
The marketing material did not hold back.
“The #1 location in the entire metropolitan area — perhaps in the entire country,” it said.
But, it added oddly, “With its awkward years of growth and inconvenience far behind, Westport stands today as the nation’s model suburban community.
“It boasts innumerable mansions in the $100,000 class and up. It abounds in many Fifth Avenue shops. It is famous for its art, theatrical and cultural centers.”
And beyond “incomparable Compo Beach … it’s endowed with priceless prestige — so vital in business and social success today.”
The homes themselves came in 2 models: “The Caddy” and “The New Englander.”
Features included finished recreation rooms, separate dining rooms, oversized garages, separate space for laundry, and leaders and gutters.
The neighborhood has stood the test of time. (The name — Flower Estates — is long forgotten, if it was ever used.)
The area is still one of the most family-friendly in Westport. It is walkable, bikeable, and filled with kids. (Especially, because of its compactness, at Halloween.)
Some original homes remain. (Though their number is dwindling.)
Jerry Mande hopes that the home he is selling is one of those. He’d like a family — not a developer — to treasure it, as his family has for 70 years.
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Westport has a new property tax rate: 13.2 mills ($13.2 per $1,000 of assessed value). The Board of Finance set that figure at its Wednesday meeting.
The current rate (for fiscal year 2025-2026) is 18.86 mills. However, many homeowners will see their property tax rise, following last year’s revaluation.
Tax bills will be sent in early July. To figure out your new rate, click here. Find your property; multiply the total assessment (minus the last 3 numbers) by 13.2.
Alma Sarelli’s candidacy for the 26th State Senate District is official.
The Republican Party nominated the Westport Representative Town Meeting member this week. She’ll face Democrat Sam Nestor — Weston’s 1st selectwoman — in the race to succeed retiring Senator Ceci Maher.
Sarelli owns a production company. She is involved in several local organizations, including Neighbors and Newcomers, and TEDx Westport.
Alma Sarelli
===============================================
Speaking of politics: It was 1st selectpersons’ day yesterday, at the Y’s Men’s meeting.
Westport’s Kevin Christie and Weston’s Sam Nestor were interviewed by a panel, then took audience questions.
Topics included the Westport mill rate (story above), Nestor’s run for State Senate, Saugatuck development, affordable housing including for teachers and young people), seniors aging in place, and Saugatuck River dredging.
Wheels2U is extending its “10 rides for the price of 9” promotion through December 31. The cost is $18 — a savings of $2.
Riders now have 8 more months to snag the discount. There is no time limit for using the rides.
Wheels2U provides on-demand service to and from anywhere in Westport, and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green, Farmers’ Market, and the shopping centers at Post Road East and Compo Road.
The Staples Tuition Grants Kids Fun Run is always a great time.
It’s also a chance to support an organization that each year helps over 100 students attend college.
This year’s Kids Fun Run is Saturday, May 30 (8:45 a.m., Loeffler Field at Staples High). In addition to the run, there’s a bounce house, face painting, snacks, awards and more.
Organizers Will Briggs and Ryan Krenzer, and other Stapleites, will help run the event. All youngsters in grades pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Click here to register.
A few tickets are left for Cocktails & Clams. The tasty benefit for Harbor Watch — the Earthplace division that protects local waterways through water quality monitoring and research is set for June 6 (5 p.m., Copps Island Oyster, Norwalk).
This year’s event celebrates 2 milestones: the 15th anniversary of Cocktails & Clams, and the 40th for Harbor Watch.
All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s testing lab, to improve efficiency, expand monitoring capacity, and provide more hands-on training for student interns.
As always, the fundraiser includes an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar live band and silent auction, all with beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Mary McCarthy died Tuesday. She was 93.
Though born in New York City, Mary spent her formative years in County Limerick, Ireland, where she moved with her mother and brothers. Her childhood there shaped the woman she became: deeply rooted in her Irish heritage, her faith, and her love of family.
After World War II, Mary returned to New York City with her family. She graduated from Cathedral High School, and went on to work for the telephone company. At a St. Patrick’s Day dance she met her future husband of 61 years, Tom McCarthy.
After living in Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, they moved to Westport. Over more than 50 years Mary created a place of warmth, laughter and open doors, where 7 children and all their friends always felt welcome.
Her annual St. Patrick’s Day party — complete with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish coffee — was a cherished tradition for family, friends and neighbors.
In the years that followed, Mary and Tom lived in London, making a home away from home for family and friends. She and Tom traveled extensively across Europe and Asia.
Mary volunteered for many years at the Gillespie Center, where she and Tom served dinner monthly for many years. Recently, she found joy and purpose in attending protest rallies at Jesup Green and on the bridge in downtown Westport.
Tom died in 2021. She was also predeceased by her brothers Patrick, Neasy and John, and her dearest friend and cousin, Ann Ahern.
Mary is survived by her children Christine, Tommy, John ( Susan), Maggie, Michael (Stacy), Paul (Ann), and Stacey; grandchildren Kathleen, Thomas and James Casey, and Crissy, Patrick, Siobhan, Sean, Jack and Danny McCarthy, and nieces and nephews John Carroll, Madeleine Richmond, Sarah Richmond, Liam Richmond, Dorothy Carroll and Rob Nelson.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home today (Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Nourish Bridgeport.
Mary McCarthy
=================================================
Egrets are regularly featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series. (Sometimes we misidentify them as cranes.)
But usually they’re solo, or in pairs.
Today’s image shows a school of egrets. That may not be the official term (like a “parliament of owls”).
But the young ‘uns sure look like they’re learning what it takes to survive in the rough waters of Burritts Landing.
And finally …. on this date in 1807, a grand jury indicted former Vice President Aaron Burr on a charge of treason.
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An antisemitic incident in Westport has drawn national attention.
In an Instagram post yesterday, a user named jonnydaniels described the scene as he and friends were leaving a restaurant in “a nice suburb of Connecticut” with Israeli flags.
He did not name it, but it was The Blondinit, the Israeli spot on Church Lane.
Speaking in what sounds like a South African accent, he recounts what he calls his first instance of antisemitism in the US.
A man in “a pub” across the street yelled “F— Israel! You’re committing genocide.”
Daniels swore back. Then — after some back and forth between his group and the man — they left.
“Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in today,” he says on Instagram.
At 9 a.m. Westport’s annual parade begins, at Saugatuck Elementary School. A couple of thousand folks — from the 101-year-old grand marshal to infants in wraps — ride, walk, march, amble, bike, and otherwise make their way up the Post Road and onto Myrtle Avenue.
A couple of thousand other folks line the streets and bridge. They cheer, take videos, clap, socialize, and have a great time. It’s an annual ritual they wouldn’t miss.
Too many other folks sleep in.
What a shame. They miss one of the best Westport days of the year.
Cub Scouts hold a giant flag, as they round Riverside Avenue onto the Post Road. (Photo/Swapna Podlich)
If you’re a “marcher” (an admittedly loose term) or a spectator, you know what I mean.
If you’ve never been, what might convince you to spend Monday morning doing this very cool community thing? Try:
It’s a parade! That’s obvious — but who doesn’t love a parade? For an hour you watch an ever-changing cast of marching bands, first responders, fifers and drummers, local organizations, politicians, young Little Leaguers and soccer and lacrosse players and gymnasts and Suzuki violinists — and of course, veterans — parade past. They smile, wave, and occasionally toss goodies into the crowd. Seven-year-olds pull the fire truck horn. All you have to do is clap.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
People put tons of work into their floats.This is a parade (see above), so there are Memorial Day-themed floats. The Y’s Men will win for Best Overall — that seems to be a town regulation — but there are other categories too. After all that papier-mâché, the least you can do is clap for it.
Y’s Men float. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Happy birthday, America! What better time to watch a parade than on our 250th anniversary? And if you don’t have a little flag to wave, no problem. Many of the marchers — and some of the local businesses along the route — are happy to hand you one.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Those World War II veterans aren’t getting any younger. At the end of the day — and especially, that morning — Memorial Day is really about honoring our vets. They gave years of their lives so we could enjoy our lives. The least we can do is clap as they ride or walk by. (NOTE: If your kids are young, this is a great chance for them to see our last World War II heroes. I still remember a Spanish-American war veteran in Westport’s parade. As a child, my father saw Civil War vets.)
2023 grand marshal Ben Pepper, a World War II veteran. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
The ceremony after the parade is meaningful too.After the last marchers finish at Parker Harding Plaza, there’s a half-hour event at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. You’ll hear from the World War II grand marshal, listen to a couple of patriotic songs, watch the honor guard place a wreath, see a 21-gun salute — and reflect for a brief moment, in whatever way you wish, on both our little town, and our vast nation.
(Photo/Harris Falk)
Kids! If you want a look at our town’s future, the Memorial Day parade is it. You’ll be gobsmacked at the number of youngsters in town — and the variety of activities they participate in. It takes a village to raise a child. Our entire village should be downtown on Monday, supporting the boys and girls who will support us in our old age.
Suzuki violinists entertain the crowd (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
It’s a true community gathering. (The fireworks is another.) Sitting or standing on the sidewalk, you’ll meet random interesting residents. If you’ve been here a while, the Memorial Day parade is a chance to catch up with old friends. And if you haven’t been here long enough to have old friends, you’ll enjoy seeing new ones, and feeling “hey, this really is my town!”
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
It’s a uniquely American holiday. Nothing else on our calendar combines history and reverence with fun and spirit. You’ve got the rest of day for cookouts, parties, the beach, whatever. Kick it off in style at 9 a.m. Monday morning. See you downtown — and then on Veterans Green!
Artists like Wyclef Jean and the Wallflowers don’t know what to expect when they’re booked for concerts at the Westport Library.
But when they take the stage, plug into the great sound system and look out at hundreds of fans packed into the Trefz Forum, they get it. Our library is also a music hall.
Westporters have grown used to the venue — maybe even a bit blasé. We’re proud though that Library director Bill Harmer had the vision, creativity and chops to make it happen.
Wyclef Jean, at Verso Fest. (Photo/Kerry Long)
However, this is not his first rodeo — er, round as a concert promoter.
He’s done it for nearly a quarter century, since the start of his library director career in Michigan.
And on May 30 (7 p.m.) those two worlds meet, in a special, multi-media event.
Josh Malerman brings his show “From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience” from the Midwest to Westport.
He’s an author. But this is the furthest thing from a book reading imaginable.
Malerman is also a musician. The evening features an immersive horror performance based on his new novel, “Incidents Around the House.”
His troupe, Wow Town, will offer what Harmer calls “something between a radio play, concert and stage production.” Wow Town has performed almost all of Malerman’s launches, in chapels, gyms, theaters, bars (and libraries).
Wow Town shows include actors, live music, props, backdrops and original scoring. Malerman takes center stage.
This giant head — part of the Wow Town show — is operated by Josh Malerman’s wife, Allison Laakko.
When Harmer first met him, Malerman had been on the road for years with his band, The High Strung. The group opened for another one, who Harmer had hired to perform for teenagers in the library where he worked.
That meeting sparked Harmer to create a “Rock & Roll Library Tour.” For 3 summers, The High Strung played 220 concerts in public libraries around the country. They performed in 48 states (and Cuba).
The project garnered plenty of press, and was featured on “This American Life.”
All along, Malerman wrote. He stashed unpublished manuscripts in a seaman’s chest.
“I’ve never met a harder-working artist, or a more persistent and committed optimist,” Harmer says.
As the band’s life on the road wound down, Malerman kept writing. His persistence led to the 2014 publication of “Bird Box.” The post-apocalyptic horror novel became a Netflix film, starring Sandra Bullock.
Harmer says that Malerman’s cross-media work is compelling. “It brings together literature, music, horror, performance, and the kind of creative risk that has become central to what we do here.”
Meanwhile, Malerman admires Harmer’s work as director.
Bill Harmer (Photo/Ryan Allen)
“I’ve followed his ascension in Connecticut,” the writer/musician says. “I’m not surprised he’s involved in a great library, doing things like Verso Fest and hosting Keith Richards.”
That’s not all. Harmer hopes to sign The High Strung to a deal with Verso Records — the Library’s studio arm — and work with the community to produce an album.
“That may sound a little crazy,” he admits. “But so did sending a rock band to perform in libraries around the country.”
(“From Bird Box to the Stage: A Life Horror Experience with Josh” Malerman will be performed at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. The free event is supported by the Irma Schachter Legacy Venture Fund, which makes innovative and community-responsive Library programs possible.)
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We’re just 2 days away from the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.
Across North America, over 150 artists will head to Westport. (Six already live here — they’re hometown favorites.)
Selected from more than 320 applications, and representing 12 categories, they come from 23 states and Canada.
All 2025 award winners return (click here for a full list). Meanwhile, a record 52 artists make their Fine Arts Festival debut.
New this year: Staples High School art students will paint a BMW in the family area (Sigrid Schultz parking lot). There are lots of other kids’ activities there too.
Plus, of course, music and food.
Two new judges join the panel: art enthusiasts Lonnie Quinn (CBS weatherman) and Louise Crowley.
Also downtown, coming soon: an interesting reshuffling of space.
After more than 25 years in Westport, Brooks Brothers will vacate its space in what used to be called Brooks Corner, at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
But they’re not closing. In fact, they’re moving a few yards away, to bigger digs.
Brooks Brothers’ new location is 44 Main Street. For decades, it was Klein’s department store. For a couple of decades after that, it was Banana Republic. For a few minutes most recently, it was Oka furniture.
(Before Klein’s expanded north from its smaller beginning, the space belonged to the Townly restaurant. During Banana Republic’s renovation, they discovered a long-lost painting, depicting life — in Westport? — during that era. They preserved it. Hopefully, Brooks Brothers will too.)
The move is planned for late October or early November — in time for the holidays.
The new space will be 1,000 square feet larger. It will include new women’s casual and everyday wear, in addition to the current inventory.
DOWNTOWN TRIVIA: Brooks Corner (now called much more generically “Main & Elm”) was not named for Brooks Brothers.
It’s a tribute to B.V. Brooks and his family. The real estate developer created the small shopping plaza in the 1960s — years before Brooks Brothers arrived in Westport.
Of course, the clothing company has a much longer history than that. They were founded in New York City in 1818 — 17 years before Westport was incorporated.
That makes them the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States.
There will be no Democratic primary in the 26th State Senate district race.
Weston 1st selectwoman Sam Nestor is assured of a clear path to the November ballot. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan had explored a bid after Nestor outpolled her nearly 2 to 1 at the nominating convention, but decided against it.
Nestor’s Republican opponent for the seat being vacated by Ceci Mahar will be Westporter Alma Sarelli.
Last month, Dr. Matthias Becker led a powerful Westport Library conversation about decoding bias and hate.
Next Thursday (May 28, 6 p.m.), the noted linguist returns for a follow-up discussion.
The evening includes screenings of video shorts about the subject, created by local teens — and an announcement of the winners of the “Decode Hate Video Challenge Awards.”
Parents, teens, and all community members are invited to learn — and to celebrate the next generation, using creativity to tackle an enormous social problem.
The Brubecks are one of the jazz world’s leading family.
They’re also local. Their roots in Wilton date back decades.
So it was fitting on Tuesday night for for Dave Brubeck’s son Chris to bring his trio, Triple Play, to MoCA\CT, for an intimate, high-octane performance. A full house enjoyed the warm, playful and intimate show.
Arts supporters and blues lovers joined together in the gallery space where the current exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues,” has drawn raves.
Chris Brubeck (left) and his trio, in the MoCA\CT gallery. Two of Westport artist Eric von Schmidt’s majestic paintings, telling the stories of America’s jazz, blues and folk music history, hang on the wall. All 7 of his works are part of the show. (Photo/Roger Young)
The Pierrepont School junior will perform there in November, with Pierrepont dance faculty members Jamal Jackson and Emily Pacilio.
They’ll be in “Timaeus and The Teacher,” an opera written by former Pierrepont teacher Tammy Nguyen.
It will cost $100,000 to produce the piece. Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University. Designate a gift to the “Venice Biennale Project Fund,” or email Joshua Lubin-Levy, director and chief curator: jlubinlevy@wesleyan.edu.
Questions? Email Lisa Manimala: lisamanimala@gmail.com.
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s wonderful (if fleeting) weather:
(“06880” delivers hot fun — and news, features, photos, and much more — all summer long. Plus spring, fall and winter too. We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Nearly 100 parents filled a Staples High School library classroom last night, for the Board of Education’s community conversation on special education.
Speaking respectfully but passionately, they urged the Board to conduct a “thorough, objective, independent and transparent” review of the entire special ed. program — and then follow through with accountability.
All 7 Board members, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, took notes, and asked several clarifying questions. Board chair Lee Goldstein said their job last night was to listen to the public.
Board of Education members (from left) Stephen Shackelford, Jill Dillon, Andy Frankel, Neil Phillips, Dorie Hordon, Abby Tolan and chair Lee Goldstein, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services Michael Rizzo, who oversees special education, was there too. His acknowledgment that the last district survey of special education families took place in 2009 drew a strong reaction from several speakers.
A 2017 review by CES — an organization that provides services to the district — was not an independent review, but looked only at the administrative structure, parents said.
They also questioned how many of CES’ 9 recommendations had been followed up on.
Several parents offered names of groups that could conduct a comprehensive review, involving all stakeholders.
Speakers also requested “transparency” around issues like the number of out-of-district placements for special education students, the amount of money paid to settle lawsuits, and the number of non-disclosure agreements signed.
There was discussion too of how well Westport special ed. students perform on standardized tests compared with their peers in regular education classes, as well as against special ed. students in comparable school districts.
Several parents praised their children’s excellent experiences in Westport, particularly Stepping Stones Pre-School. Others noted difficulties, including PPTs (Planning and Placement Team meetings), access to programs and facilities, and a lack of responsiveness from administrators.
The final speaker, Rosie Jon, drew sustained applause when she said, “No family should feel forced to leave the district because their needs are not being met.
“The Board of Ed is capable of leading change. They can be a hand reaching out to every child.
“We need an independent consultant to look into whether students, families and staff feel safe physically and emotionally working together, free from retaliation.
“At the center of everything is the child. We should all look at each child and ask, ‘How can we help? How can we work together?’ You can choose the right consultant to run this review.”
While most residents celebrated Mother’s Day, neighbors in the Bayberry area visited 24 Meeker Road to say goodbye to a very special cat.
Though a common Tuxedo, nothing was common about him, as I learned in the 3-plus years he graced our home before passing away at age 15.
During that time, he gained such popularity that he was called “Dallas the Dazzling Ambassador.”
Dallas … (Photo/Larry Silver)
Dallas lived on Bayberry Lane most of his life. One day he showed up at our house, and made himself at home.
His owner Lisa tracked him here with an AirTag. Because he seemed to like here it so much, she asked if we’d like to adopt him.
I’d already fallen in love with him. I said, “Absolutely, yes!,” promising she could visit anytime.
We soon discovered the amazing life and world of Dallas. I’ve had dozens of cats in my life, but Dallas was unique. He made it his life’s work to visit our neighbors, and get to know them all.
… on Florian Court …
This kind of cat rarely happens anymore. People keep their pets at home, fearing loss, injury or worse.
Since I’d adopted him fully grown into his ways, I didn’t think it fair to keep him inside. Taking a leap of faith, I let him out every morning trusting he’d come back. He always did.
Dallas was too smart and savvy to get hurt by an animal or car. He was the most intelligent cat I’ve ever known. He learned the neighborhood completely. He made his rounds every day to visit, and get treats on his trail.
I also followed him on his AirTag. Often, he’d visit his former owner a mile down Bayberry. Lisa would text, “Dallas is here…want me to keep him for the night?” I’d say “Sure, send him home in the morning.”
And he’d come, visiting his many friends along the way. Over time I gathered more and more neighbor’s texts.
Last Christmas I made marmalade for Dallas’s friends. We left them in mailboxes — 21 neighbors, one as far as 1.8 miles away.
Their texts read: “Hi, Dallas is here on our lawn … in my garage … at our front door … I fed him tuna … My daughter loves your cat … Dallas slept in my living room all day, should I tell him to go home? … here’s a pic of Dallas on my front steps with the grand kids … his favorite food is lox with milk.”
… and in a home on Berkeley Road …
Everyone felt like he was their cat. One man expected him every morning on his back porch at coffee time. Others saw him at the bus stop on Meeker Road by the stonewall, watching parents collect their kids.
This spring I noticed that Dallas’s behavior was “off.” Sadly, the vet found tumors. “There’s nothing we can do,” I texted everyone.
I was not prepared for the outpouring of love and prayers. In his last days — even on Mother’s Day — families came to visit. They shared stories, and gave comfort.
How could one common cat touch so many people?
Dallas did, touching the hearts of an entire neighborhood. I have gained friendships because of him.
That’s the gift this amazing cat with a big heart brought to us. He lived larger than life, and we were the lucky beneficiaries.
Rest in peace dear Dallas. We’ll never forget you.
… and in a typical pose.
==========================================
Gary: “His spirit will dance in the gardens of Westport.”
Larry: “He was more than a great cat — more like a person than a cat, very sweet and lovable. We will all miss him.”
Christine: “We would like to bring our cat Spotty to visit Dallas this afternoon”
Jane and Brian: “We were so glad to meet Dallas in our yard… such a special cat”
Stephanie: “Thank you for letting us spend time with him… he is loved by many.”
Lourdes: “So sorry to hear about our friend Dallas!”
Pam, Ainsley: “thank you for sharing him with all of us.”
Monica: “ He can truly say he accomplished his life mission!”
Lisa: “What a legacy he leaves, a free spirit in the truest sense. No cat lived a better life. Chipmunks may rest easier, but the rest of us will miss him always. Cheers to a life well lived!”
8 Bayberry Ridge: “What a wonderful cat. We’ll miss him discovering the gardens.”
Nikki: “Everybody loved him. It was easy to do.”
Namhee: “Black-whiskered, eating where he wished, napping where he pleased, providing that a free life is simply one lived on your own terms.”
Darlene: “Sleep beneath the stars, little wanderer.”
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Speakers also requested “transparency” around issues like the number of out-of-district placements for special education students, the amount of money paid to settle lawsuits, and the number of non-disclosure agreements signed.
