COVID-19 Roundup: ReBooked; Star Cakes And STAR; Marina And Dump Rules; More


One of the highlights of the Westport Library year is its Booked for the Evening fundraiser. One of the other highlights is the announcement of the star.

Past honorees include Tom Brokaw, E. L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Will Shortz, Patti Smith,  Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, and Frederic Chu.

This year’s Booked for the Evening is a two-fer: Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, Pulitzer-prize winning authors of “She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement.”

Unfortunately, the spring event has been postponed. A new date has not been announced. Library officials reassure their many fans: It will be rebooked, for some evening!


Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates announces its newest creation — and a new chance to make a difference.

For every ⭐️Star Cake⭐️ ordered this Mother’s Day season, owner and ace chocolatier Aarti Khosla will donate another cake to a “star mom” fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines. Click here to order, for curbside pickup or delivery.


New rules went into effect today at the transfer station.

Everyone must wear a mask. The number of vehicles entering the facility will be limited and monitored. During high traffic days (Saturdays, Mondays), cars must queue in a single line on the Sherwood Island Connector.

Transfer station personnel cannot assist residents with the removal or disposal of solid waste from vehicles. Do not bring bulky items that require assistance.

During the pandemic, all fees and collection of refuse tickets will be waived.

Social distancing is strictly enforced. Every other parking space is blocked off.

Just think: Every Saturday morning before COVID, this was the center of Westport social life.

(Photo/Michael Calise; hat tip Dick Lowenstein)


Compo Beach is closed to vehicular traffic. But anyone with a boat slip at the Ned Dimes Marina will be mailed a temporary allowing entrance to the marina Lot. Town officials emphasize: This is only to provide access to boats!


This Thursday (April 30, 9 a.m.) the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors a free networking event with 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. Click here to register, and find out how the town is coping with the coronavirus.


Yvonne O’Kane is a great friend to STAR Lighting the Way. During the pandemic, she’s led Zoom art and garden classes for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

One was on flower arranging; she’ll follow up soon with a virtual tour of her gardens. Also ahead: preparing simple yet elegant hors d’oeuvres. Yesterday’s class was on rock decorating.

They all look beautiful. But I’m partial to the one that says “06880.”


Ilene Strizver writes: “I have moved locally and have furniture to donate. Goodwill does not take furniture at this time, and all consignment shops are closed. Do any readers know where to donate, possibly with pickup, during the virus? I’d hate to trash everything, and would rather not post on Facebook.”

Ideas? Click “Comments” below.

Not Ilene’s furniture.


Shoreline Pharmacy — the “old-fashioned” drugstore near the Southport line — closed yesterday. Owners Phil and Karen Hein opened near Shake Shack 3 years ago.


Staples High School junior Chloe Ashton won 2nd place in State Senator Will Haskell’s essay contest. He invited students to write essays describing what they’d focus on, if they were elected to public office. Chloe focused on changes to the Electoral College.

Haskell planned to visit schools and present citations to the winners. With schools closed indefinitely, he’s posting a video on social media, and writing each winner a personalized note.


And finally … thanks, Josh Groban. You raise me — and everyone else — up!

10 responses to “COVID-19 Roundup: ReBooked; Star Cakes And STAR; Marina And Dump Rules; More

  1. Arline Gertzoff

    Can someone enlighten me about the brush dump Is it open and what are the hours.?I am well prepared with mask and gloves Thanks

  2. Molly McGrath

    Regarding Ilene’s furniture: I suggest Habitat for Humanity in Bridgeport. Not sure of their Covid policy…but definitely try them..”Habitat CFC’s ReStore is a retail store that accepts donations of, and then resells, furniture, appliances and building materials, both new and gently used, as we work toward our mission of eliminating substandard housing in Coastal Fairfield County. “To donate, call the ReStore hotline at 203-383-4358

  3. Try the Salvation Army as well.

  4. Dick Lowenstein

    Re: Alternate car-spacing at the transfer station. To prevent the spread of CARvid-19? Maybe each entering vehicle should have an exhaust-pipe swab test? (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

  5. Re furniture: I suggest trying NextDoor neighborhood website. ReStore
    is an excellent suggestion too. Mary Condon

  6. If you have furniture to give away, go to freecycle.org. You can leave items out in front of your home for people to come by and pick up. They will be happy and so will you.

  7. Bruce McFadden

    Wonder if kayak rack access to ER Strait
    Marina will be the same as the policy for the Ned Dimes Marina?

  8. If you are on facebook, you can join the Westport group, Westport Gift Economy- Neighbors sharing with Neighbors. Everything must be free. Pick up must be contact free. https://www.facebook.com/groups/WestportGiftEconomy/

  9. Enjoy

    Sent from my iPhone