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Lock your cars doors! Even — especially — in your driveway!
That’s the advice (it should be a command) from the Westport Police Department.
Four vehicles have been stolen here since Saturday. All 4 times, the doors were unlocked — and the keys were left in the cars.
Police have also responded to 15 vehicle break-ins in the past 6 days. Items were stolen from all cars — and again, the doors were unlocked.
The department reminds residents to lock all cars, and bring keys inside. Take valuables out of your car for the night too — cash, purses, wallets and electronics. It’s a good idea too to keep outside lights on, and motion lights activated.
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“Westport Downtown Merchants Association” was always a mouthful.
So chew on this: The organization has a new name.
From now on, it’s the “Westport Downtown Association.”
Sleeker. More inclusive. And it does not sound like it’s a radio station (WDMA).
But, the WDA says, they’ll still enhance the downtown experience for shoppers, diners and other visitors.
And they’ll still work with business owners, landlords — and merchants! — to improve the commerce and culture of downtown Westport.
Their website is http://www.westportdowntown.com. As easy to remember as it is to shop and dine.
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Since going public about her battle with existential anguish and depression, Melissa Bernstein has been interviewed by every major American media outlet.
Tonight (Thursday, May 6) she talks to a different audience: her neighbors.
Former CNN, NBC Sports and Fox News anchor Dave Briggs — also a Westporter — interviews the Melissa & Doug toy company co-founder today, on Instagram Live.
Melissa will talk about her life, and LifeLines: the project she and her husband Doug have created, to educate and empower people. The conversation is particularly apt now; May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
It’s available tonight at 8 p.m. on Instagram Live (@Westport Magazine). You can ask questions during the segment, or send them now: DM @DaveBriggsTV.
Melissa Bernstein
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Anne Craig no longer reports the news for Fox 5 New York and Channel 8 New Haven. She’s concentrating on her family, here in Westport.
But she continues to make must-see videos. (Remember this one on the yarn bomber?)
Now — right before Mother’s Day — she turns her camera on another inspiring local mom.
Rosie Jon is an outstanding artist who overcame what could be a major obstacle: She was born without arms.
Rosie is upbeat, optimistic, and very talented. Click below to enjoy Anne’s great tribute:
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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport is one of the town’s great — and greatly unknown — organizations.
Far from a “welcome wagon” — longtime residents are as welcome as recent arrivals — it’s a fun, active group. Members enjoy clam bakes, coffees, holiday parties, kayaking, barbecues, happy hours, wine tastings and TGIF get-togethers.
They play canasta. They go hiking and to movies. There is a book club, culinary group and luncheon club. There are trips to museums, baby and toddler play groups, and girls’ nights out.
Well, they did all that before COVID. The pandemic forced every activity onto Zoom, or hiatus.
But as Westport opens up, the group is returning to in-person events. “With the energy of spring in the air, we are trying our best to serve our community,” they say. “We will of course continue to follow town guidelines in all activities.”
The first monthly event is tomorrow (Friday, May 7, noon): lunch outdoors at Arezzo.
In the works: Book Club (May 27, 7 p.m.), kayaking, and free Pure Barre classes for members.
Click here to learn more. Click here for the Facebook page; For membership information, email membershipnnwestport@gmail.com. For other questions, email presidentnnwestport@gmail.com.
Neighbors & Newcomers enjoy a hike.
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Calling all young artists!
Westport Public Art Collections seeks submissions from K-12 students for the 2021-22 school calendar. That’s the one that hangs in every kitchen. It lists all school events — and is decorated handsomely with student art.
Drawings, paintings, photos and computer-generated graphics will be considered (landscape orientation, please).
Artwork scanned at high res (600 dpi — JPG or PDF format file) or a good photo can be mailed to WestportSchoolCalendar@gmail.com. Include the student’s name, email, school and grade. Keep the original art, in case a re-scan is needed.
The deadline is May 28. Click here for more details, and to preorder a calendar.
The cover of the 2020-21 Westport Public Schools calendar was drawn by Sophia Sheng, Coleytown Elementary School 5th grader.
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Bedford Middle School 8th grader Ryan Tzou learned yesterday he was a winner in the Women’s History Month essay contest.
He found out in a great way: State Representative Stephanie Thomas surprised him during social studies class.
“Ryan told the triumphant story of his grandmother, a Chinese immigrant who experienced countless obstacles in her life that she never let hinder her dreams and goals,” Thomas said. “Ryan’s love and admiration for his grandmother poured through the carefully constructed words in his essay, which made it both inspirational and heart-warming to read.”
Ryan Tzou with State Representative Stephanie Thomas (left) and Bedford Middle School social studies teacher Gabrielle Tripuzzi. He holds a citation for his essay.
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The other day, “06880” reported on Staples High 9th grader Cameron Mann’s current gig: He’s part of HBO Max’s “Mare of Easttown” cast.
Three years ago he was part of a 2018 workshop: “The Secret Garden.” Presented for top Broadway professionals and theatre owners, it was directed by Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle, and starred notable actors.
The production is being streamed tonight (Thursday, May 6), and will be available on demand May 7-9. Proceeds go to the Dramatists Guild Foundation and The Actors Fund. Click here for details.
Cameron Mann
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Two photos. Call them “Beauty and the Beast”?
First: Spring colors continue to dazzle Westport:
(Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)
Next: Fertilization project underway at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Les Dinkin)
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And finally … on this day in 1954, Roger Bannister became the first human being to run a mile in under 4 minutes (3:59.4).
At least 2 Westport runners (Steve Wheeler and Henry Wynne) have beaten Bannister’s record.
The current world record is 3:43.13, by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco. Who knew?!
