Monthly Archives: August 2021

Roundup: Henri … And More

Posted on August 22, 2021 | 1 comment

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While Westporters frantically prepared for Hurricane Henri yesterday — stocking up on water and batteries, pumping gas and creating huge traffic messes from the Post Road to (inexplicably) Cross Highway and Easton Road — a rainbow appeared over Compo Beach.

(Photo/Allen Bemus)

Hopefully it was a good omen. Henri — downgraded now to a tropical storm, but still dangerous — veered sharply eastward. It now appears headed for landfall in Rhode Island. Our fingers are crossed for our many Ocean State friends.

Heavy rains could still head our way. Winds might not be as high as originally thought. But they may be.

And storm surges — especially around high tide at noon, during a full moon — could be dangerous.

We’re not yet out of the woods. But it appears the woods may not contain as many toppled trees as we feared when we went to bed last night.

The current track of Henri, as of 7:45 a.m. today.

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Local to Market — the new Main Street shop across from Cold Fusion, offering food, drink and craft items — takes its “local” mandate seriously.

Founder Chris Marcocci is surveying Westporters, to learn which items they’d like him to carry. They’re ordering inventory, in hopes of opening the full store within the next 2 weeks, and don’t want to miss anything.

Click here for the survey.

Recent offerings, at the Local to Market patio.

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The Joggers Club’s 41 weeks of running with friends begins Saturday, September 11 (8 a.m., Greens Farms train station).

There are new routes every week, hot coffee and post-run treats. The club also offers training runs, pace group, free races, and custom running shirts.

The fee is $50 for the entire season. Venmo @TheJoggersClub. Click here for more information.

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Amid yesterday’s fevered hurricane preparations, June Rose Whittaker captured this serene Saugatuck River sight — “two benches, two birds” — for “Westport … Naturally”:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … a search for songs with “Henri” in the title came up empty. But I did find “Henri’s Boogie”.

Pianist Henri John Pierre Herbert gave an impromptu performance at London’s St Pancras station, on a public piano:

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Sports, Weather

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Good Info To Know

Posted on August 22, 2021 | 4 comments

As Westport prepares for Hurricane Henri, here are some things to know.

WWPT-FM (90.3) will broadcast emergency information from town officials.

Town Emergency Notification System: Click here to register, or text 06880 to 888777.

Eversource: Click here to report or check on a power outage, or call 800-286-2000. Click here for their power outage map.

For police emergencies, call 911 only in a true emergency. The non-emergency number is 203-341-6000.

The fire department number is 203-341-5000. Click here for their Hurricane Manual. Potable water will be available at the Post Road headquarters, and the Easton Road station by Coleytown Elementary School. Bring your own containers.

The EMS number is 203-341-6081.

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The Fire Department adds:

Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Never attempt to drive through a flooded road. As little as 6 inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car.

If your building floods, move to a higher floor but do not enter a closed attic.

Residents in flood-prone areas can move their vehicles to Saugatuck Avenue Train Station Lot #8.

Do not go sightseeing! Observe all caution tape!

Caution tape is there for a reason! (Photo/Richard Epstein)

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In addition, the Parks & Recreation department says the following facilities will be closed until at least noon on Monday:

Longshore: Golf vourse, pool, tennis courts, concession.

Compo Beach: Closed, but boaters will be able to access their boats if necessary.

Grass & turf fields will be closed Sunday and through at least noon Monday until they can be assessed.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is also closed today.

Metro-North trains are not running today either.

The aftermath of Isaias, just over a year ago. Fingers crossed we’ll escape most of that damage. (Photo/John Kantor)

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Pics Of The Day #1586

Posted on August 21, 2021 | 1 comment

Levitt Pavilion, last night

(Photos/JC Martin)

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Westport Emergency Management Team Says …

Posted on August 21, 2021 | 6 comments

The Westport Emergency Management Team says:

Hurricane Henri is forecast to enter our area tomorrow with tropical storm force winds and torrential rain. Deputy Chief Michael Kronick urges:

Now is the time to prepare for Henri. Bring in or secure outdoor items, and get what you need for the possibility of a power outage. We will continue to provide updates as they are available later this evening.

We should prepare for the possibility of a Category 1 hurricane landfall in Connecticut tomorrow.

Hurricane, Tropical Storm, and Storm Surge Warnings are up for the entire state. Henri will likely maintain hurricane strength as it approaches Long Island and Connecticut. Whether it’s a Category 1 hurricane or strong tropical storm, the impact will not change.

What to Expect:

The outer rain bands of Henri will move in after 3 a.m.. Winds will start to pick up after 5 a.m.

It will rain all day on Sunday. Be prepared for several inches of rain, in addition to 3- to 5-foot storm surge at the shoreline (coupled with an astronomically high tide).

Moderate River and Major Urban Flooding Expected:

Henri is forecast to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain to the entire state. This may cause moderate to major urban flooding and moderate river and stream flooding Sunday afternoon and evening.

Flash flooding is likely, along with the 3- to 5-foot storm surge at the shoreline. High tide hits at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m..

Moderate to Major Tree and Powerline Damage Possible:

Winds may gust to 50 – 70 mph. Gusts could be higher around the eye of the storm, depending on exactly where Henri makes landfall. Since the ground is already so saturated, it won’t take much wind to bring down trees.

Storm Preparation:

  • Residents in flood-prone areas can move their vehicles to Saugatuck train station Lot # 8.
  • Get your home ready. Secure (or move inside) outdoor plants, furniture, and other loose item
  • Stay informed. Tune into your local radio, town social media, news channels or weather apps/websites for the latest updates. Sign up for NIXLE alerts from the town’s Emergency Operations Center. Text: 06880 to 888 777
  • Fuel up your vehicle in advance of the storm.
  • Be prepared for power outages. Make sure devices are charged in advance.
  • Make sure you have extra batteries for flashlights. If you lose power, don’t run generators indoors.

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Sandbags Available At Transfer Station Until 4:30 Today

Posted on August 21, 2021 | 3 comments

Sandbags are available until 4:30 pm  today (Saturday) at the transfer station, on the Sherwood Island Connector.

There is a limit of 10 per person. Town residents and town employees are eligible, as are store and restaurant owners.

Sandbags lined Main Street after Superstorm Sandy, in 2012.

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Henri Heads Here

Posted on August 21, 2021 | Comments Off on Henri Heads Here

Westport won’t escape this one.

Henri — now a bona fide Category 1 hurricane — will make landfall somewhere on Long Island or southern New England tomorrow.

But wherever he hits, we’ll feel residual effects. From 4 to 6 inches of rain is now forecast, along with winds of 40 to perhaps 70 miles and hour, and storm surges of 3 to 5 feet. The full moon only adds to the danger.

Meanwhile, at Compo Beach, the Parks & Recreation Department prepared by moving lifeguard chairs to safer spots.

But have no fear. If you want to swim — taking a break from storming the grocery stores and battening down hatches — the lifeguards are on duty.

(Photos/Amy Schneider)

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Posted in Beach, Weather

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Roundup: Pre-Henri Edition

Posted on August 21, 2021 | 1 comment

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Being proactive here: In the event of a power outage, “06880” may need a temporary home. If any reader has a generator and space where I can work, please email: dwoog@optonline.net. All options are gratefully accepted!

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As summer winds down, the Westport Garden Club found a perfect spot for its #FridayFlowers arrangement: the lifeguard shack at Compo Beach.

Those guys (and girls) definitely deserve the love!

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When the 2020 (’21) Paralympic Games begin Tuesday in Tokyo, Westporters should pay attention to swimmer Matthew Torres.

The 20-year-old Fairfield University sophomore — born without part of his right leg and missing all but one toe on his left foot, along with curvature of his hands — will compete in the 100 and 400 meter freestyle, and 100 meter backstroke.

He’s a proud alum of the Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rats program — and winner of the 200 individual medley at the 2019 World Para Swimming World Series.

Go get ’em, Matthew. And congrats to the Water Rats, who helped get him there!

Matthew Torres

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The Westport Police Benevolent Association Car Cruise scheduled for today (Saturday), has been canceled due to weather concerns. The new date is October 2 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Westport PBA car rally

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All 3 sailors from Longshore Sailing School’s week-long regatta in honor of the late Doug Sheffer are Staples High School students. In the photo below, winner James Russell is flanked by second place finisher Annabelle Lott, and bronze medalist Alex St. Andre.

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Who knows what Henri will bring?

But even as the clouds rolled in, there were few worries last night at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Alina Pitchon)

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

(Photo/Dorothy Robertshaw)

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In addition to the beach, Westporters flocked last night to Jazz at MoCA, featuring Samara Joy and the Pasquale Grasso trio ,,,

(Photo/JC Martin)

… and more music at the Levitt Pavilion, with Lizzie No. She was spellbinding, and her friend Amy Irving joined her for a “Cecilia” duet …

(Photo/JC Martin)

… and of course outdoor dining, on Church Lane and elsewhere in town.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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“Tiny jumpers” is the way Molly Alger describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of Henri:

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Restaurants, Sports, YMCA

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0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 73 Gallery

Posted on August 21, 2021 | Comments Off on 0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 73 Gallery

It’s still summer. COVID is still here.

Those themes — and more — are part of this week’s colorful online art gallery.

Whatever your age and level of experience — professional or amateur, young or old — this feature is open to everyone.

All genres and styles are encouraged too. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage (and now needlepoint) — whatever you’ve got, email it to dwoog@optonline.net. Share your work with the world!

“Yours for the Taking. Get Your Shot!” — water color and pencil sketch (Ellin Spadone)

“Nature’s Art on Sherwood Rock” (Elena Nasereddin)

“Morning, Noon and Night” (Ellen Wentworth)

“Compo Summit Conference” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Need a Spare?” (Karen Weingarten)

“Returning to the Office” — cut-and-paste magazine collage (Amy Schneider)

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Town Prepares For Henri

Posted on August 21, 2021 | 1 comment

Town officials and residents are nervously monitoring Henri. The hurricane/tropical storm continues to head this way, though its path remains uncertain.

The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Westport. Impacts expected tomorrow include high winds, heavy rain, flooding and power outages..

The Westport Emergency Management team will update residents regularly.  They anticipate heavy rainfall, flooding, high winds, coastal flooding, and power outages.

1st Selectman Jim Marpe said yesterday:

“Our Public Works Department is making sure its equipment is at the ready, storm drains are cleared, and any obstructions that might be in creeks and waterways are cleared,.

“The Police and Fire departments are making sure that they have the manpower on call to respond. The Human Services Department is making sure that its list of people who may be vulnerable from a medical standpoint is up to date, and that our first responders are aware of those locations.”

 

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Abby’s Cookies Fly High

Posted on August 21, 2021 | Comments Off on Abby’s Cookies Fly High

This summer, a Delta Airlines flight attendant handed out snacks.

Glancing at the “Abby’s Cookies” package, alert “06880” reader Susan Shulman spotted a photo of Abby Najarian. What was the 2018 Staples High School graduate/field hockey and lacrosse star doing there, in the middle of the sky?

And why were they named for her?!

Abby’s Cookies – and her story. (Photo/Susan Shuldman)

The story leads to Abby’s dad, Pete Najarian. Well known for his many volunteer efforts here  — he even spent a spell as Staples lacrosse coach — he’s also a co-founder of the Safe + Fair Food Company.

He’s no longer involved in day-to-day operations. The headquarters has moved from Westport to Chicago.

But the back story of how a former UBS trader started a company selling plant-based, allergen- and gluten-free, vegan and kosher snacks like popcorn, chips, granola, mixes — and of course cookies — on airlines, and in the country’s leading supermarkets and stores, is a great one.

It started in 2012, soon after Najarian left his long Wall Street career. He wanted to do something entrepreneurial, but had no idea what.

Pete Najarian

He rented an office in Brooks Corner, and began planning next steps. Abby was an active 13-year-old. But her peanut allergy made it hard to find nut-free alternatives that were not exorbitantly expensive, or stocked in specialty aisles that made them “exclusive, not inclusive,” Najarian says.

Then he had dinner with a great friend from Lafayette College, Dave Leyrer. He too had a child with nut allergies.

Bingo!

Safe + Fair Foods — “safe for all kids, and fairly priced” — was launched.

There was a huge appetite (ho ho) for their products. Quickly, the pair landed deals with JetBlue, Costco and Walmart.

Within three years, Najarian realized that managing a consumer brand was “not my skill set.” He and Leyrer hired Will Holsworth — an experienced leader — to run the company.

Safe + Fair now has a large investor base, including 2 major strategic food brands. Its snacks are in Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, Kroger and Fresh Market, and on Delta and American Airlines flights.

Some of Safe + Fair’s favorite products.

Najarian has stepped back from a leadership role. His new venture is cryptocurrency, as chief revenue officer of BitGo.

But occasionally, a flight attendant serves Abby’s Cookies to a Westporter. They read the package, recognize Abby, and contact Pete.

He tells the back story — just as he did to “06880.” It’s one more example of how this is “where Westport meets the world.”

Even 30,000 feet in the air.

(Photo/Susan Shuldman)

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