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First the bad news: The Kings Highway North project (connecting Main Street and Canal Street) will not be paved until next spring.
Now the good news: It won’t be closed that long.
Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich says his department (and the rest of the country) has run into supply chain issues. As soon as some piping comes in, they’ll finish the water line. The road will reopen then.
The reason final paving must wait until 2022 is to let all the utility work settle.
Paving of the lower portion of Main Street — where utilities are also going in — may wait until spring too. Ratkiewich said it’s possible to do it in November, but he does not want to disrupt prime shopping season.
Bottom line: All roads will be open, hopefully soon. They just won’t be just-paved smooth.
Once upon a time, traffic flowed easily on Kings Highway North. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
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The latest COVID advice from the CDC: Even if you’re vaccinated, you should wear masks indoors if you live in a place with “substantial” or high virus transmission.
The CDC classifies a community as having “substantial transmission” if there are 50 to 99 weekly cases per 100,000 residents or if the positivity rate is between 8.0 and 9.9%.
NPR has a handy tool that lists risks in every US county. As of yesterday, Fairfield County was “moderate” — in other words, below the “substantial” threshold.
Not in Fairfield County? Click here to see how your county is doing.
COVID transmission rates across the US.
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Longtime Westporter Charlene Zeiberg has organized a great women’s clothing “sip and swap” for next Tuesday (August 3, 6 p.m., Unitarian Church parking lot).
There’s a lot going on. It’s a chance to see old friends and meet new ones while trading — not buying! — clothing and accessories. There are adult beverages and nibbles. And voluntary charitable cash donations to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Connecticut will be gratefully accepted. Any leftover items will be donated to charities.
Swapper alert: This is not an unload-your-junk tag sale. It’s for high-end, designer-type goods. Each participant must bring at least 10 items. And it’s ladies apparel only — not men’s or children’s. (Of course, all are welcome to attend.)
The deadline to register is this Friday night. Click here for details.
Get rid of your slightly worn gowns on August 3.
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Adam Kaplan is taking the big leap.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate has been cast in Fox’s “dance dramedy “The Big Leap.”
The show-within-a-show “takes viewers on a journey of self-acceptance, body-positivity and empowerment at any age.” It’s described as “a modern tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours.”
The show revolves around a group of diverse, down-on-their-luck characters attempting to change their lives by participating in a potentially life-ruining reality dance show that builds to a live production of Swan Lake.
“The Big Leap” is in production in Chicago. It premieres on Fox on September 20 (9 p.m.). Click here for more details.
Kaplan recently wrapped a supporting role in “Mr. Russo,” directed by Ray Romano. He also appeared in a lead role in A Bronx Tale on Broadway opposite Chazz Palminteri, directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks.
Adam Kaplan
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Earlier this week, “06880” noted Melissa Shapiro’s upcoming appearance (Saturday) on “Good Morning America.”
You can also see the Westport veterinarian Melissa Shapiro live. Next Tuesday (August 3, 7 p.m., Zoom) she’ll discuss her book “Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family. It’s the story of how fostering the unwanted dog transformed her, her family, and countless admirers.
Piglet (and Melissa) have been featured in People Magazine, and on NBC Nightly News, CNN, CBS News and more. Click here to see our neighbor (virtually). The event is sponsored by the Westport Library; autographed copies of the book are available here.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” orchids come courtesy of Molly Alger, on Whitney Street:
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And finally … if you’ve followed these “And finally …” videos for any amount of time, you know that Bruce Springsteen is one of my all-time favorite rockers.
His wife, Patti Scialfa, is no slouch herself.
She joins Bruce every night for a few songs at his Broadway show. From my 2nd-row pre-pandemic seat*, it was a riveting performance.
Today is Patti Scialfa’s 68th birthday. Hope she has a brilliant one.
* Eat your heart out
Hey Dan! while Public Works answering your questions, maybe an answer to when the Bayberry Lane “one lane bridge” will actually be repaired? Thanks!
I do know! Will be answered in the “Question Box” feature in a couple of days. (Hint: Don’t hold your breath.)
Thanks for the link to the COVID map!
For those waiting for the Kings Highway North bridge to reopen, here’s something to while away the time (skip the ads):
Tom Ziobro is a familiar name. I forgot where you fit into the Ziobro clan, but I’m sure you recognize my name. At one time, the miniature golf depended on Barbara, Marsha, and Joey. Tracy even worked there too for a short time.I’ve lost touch with everyone. Give everyone my best wishes.