Roundup: Real Estate, Seatbelts, Lars Bolander …

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We all know that Westport’s real estate market has been hot during COVID.

But did you know that it’s the hottest in the entire state?

Our town has gained 672 people since 2019, according to CBRE. That’s the most of any place in Connecticut. Other Fairfield County towns showed strong gains too. Cities like Stamford and New Haven lost residents.

Click here for a report from WTNH-TV. (Hat tip: Tricia Freeman)

Westport has been an attractive destination for homebuyers since COVID struck. (Photo courtesy of Compass)

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Meanwhile: How has Westport handled the pandemic, overall?

Tri-state viewers will find out on Wednesday Tuesday (May 19 18, at 5:30 p.m.). ABC News7 sent a camera crew here last week.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell talked about outdoor dining, drive-in concerts and the Remarkable Theater.

Matthew Mandell is interviewed by ABC News7 on Church Lane.

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It’s May, which means it’s time to … “click it or ticket.”

That’s the Westport Police Department’s annual campaign to remind drivers and passengers to buckle up every time they drive or ride.

All month long — leading up to the Memorial Day unofficial start-of-summer/ let’s-hit-the-road holiday — local and state law enforcement will vigorously enforce seatbelt laws for everyone in a motor vehicle.

Connecticut law requires that all drivers and passengers in the front seat regardless of age — and all children under 16 anywhere — wear seatbelts. Fines start at $92 for the first offense.

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Attention, lacrosse (and all sports) fans. And anyone else who wants to honor our military.

Staples is the Staples High School boys lacrosse program’s 9th annual “Sticks for Soldiers” event.

The JV (12:30 p.m.) and varsity (2:30 p.m.) host Ridgefield. The Wreckers are ranked #5 in Connecticut. The Tigers are #4.

The varsity game includes a presentation of colors by the Westport Police honor guard, and a brief address by John Sabino. A Westport resident, he served as an Army Ranger in Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Donations at the gate go to Sticks for Soldiers, which raises funds for wounded military personnel.

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Lars Bolander just opened a new store at 1300 Post Road East (opposite the Lexus dealer). It joins others in New York, Easthampton, Miami and Palm Beach.

The shop features contemporary furniture, textiles and decorative accessories from all over the world, alongside a mix of 19th century Scandinavian, European and Swedish antiques.

Highlights include tents from India, lacquerware from Hong Kong, faux Mediterranean olive trees, custom Venetian paintings and umbrellas from Bali.

The store is light, colorful and eclectic, with a mix of colors and styles. Owners were attracted to Westport by its artistic heritage, institutions like the Playhouse and MoCA, and the diversity of stores in the area.

Chris Kalachnikoff runs the Westport operation. His father and mother are involved too.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Part of the new Lars Bolander store.

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Organizers of a community, outdoor art event at the Aspetuck Land Trust’s Leonard Schine Preserve (Glendinning Place, off Weston Road) are all set. The event is June 12 (2 to 6 p.m.).

They just need your art.

Works will be hung along the paths. The natural playground will be the site of live music

The prompt is: “Something about nature that makes you feel wow!” Submissions can include drawings, paintings, photos and writings. The maximum size is 15″ x 15″.

Email woodlandartexpo@gmail.com with an image of your work, or for questions. Deadline is June 1.

Part of the Children’s Playground at the Leonard Schine Preserve. Artwork will hang there on June 12.

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Susan Filan has been a trial lawyer, Connecticut state prosecutor and senior legal analyst for MSNBC.

As a child growing up in Weston, she found an arrowhead and mortar in the woods behind her house. Ever since, she’s been fascinated by the history and culture of Native Americans.

That led her to the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Master of Laws program at the University of Arizona Law. She just graduated, and is focusing on indigenous human rights.

She’ll start work on a doctoral degree in juridical science there. Her goal is to become an advocate and scholar, and teach, write and argue before international human rights bodies and domestic courts.

Click here for a full story on the University of Arizona website.

Susan Filan

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As the Levitt Pavilion gears up for their 2021 season, they announce another ticketed event.

The Lone Bellow takes the stage August 6, for a socially distanced concert.

Tickets for the Brooklyn group are sold in pods of 2, 4 and 6. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot is from Ned Dimes Marina. Boaters, beware!

(Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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And finally … in honor of “Click It or Ticket” month:

 

 

 

5 responses to “Roundup: Real Estate, Seatbelts, Lars Bolander …

  1. Mathew Mandell

    I was informed the ABC new piece will now be aired on Tuesday May 18 at 5:30pm.

  2. Brad French

    I think the Schine Preserve is off Weston Rd not Wilton Rd

    • Absolutely. I will fix. Thanks, Brad!

      • Jack Backiel

        I’ll be 74 in June, and finally I’m going to get to meet Dan Woog when I come back to Westport in July. I’ve met Jack Dempsey, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Rooney (total loser). Elizabeth Taylor, and now I’ll be able to add Dan Woog (Mr.Westport) to that list!

  3. Dick Lowenstein

    How about a month of catching speeders on our local roads? Call it “If you’re speeding, you’re’ paying”