Connecticut’s General Assembly will have a different look after the next election.
Redistricting takes place every 10 years, based on census data and population shifts.
Unlike many states, Connecticut’s reapportionment is done by a panel of 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans. If they can’t agree, a 5th objective member is added. This year, that was unneeded.
Current plans — which will be finalized soon — change district lines for the 2 state senators and 2 representatives who now serve parts of Westport.
Senator Will Haskell’s 26th District currently runs far north. He’ll lose Bethel, but gain a slice of Stamford, connected by a bit of Darien and New Canaan.
The borders of State Representative Jonathan Steinberg’s 136th District have shifted slightly, though it continues to include only Westport. He’s lost some voters in the western part of town. His district still runs all the way to the Fairfield town line.
State Representative Stephanie Thomas’ Norwalk-based 143rd District has changed significantly. She gained some additional voters in Westport and a large number of new voters in Norwalk. They replace Wilton, which has become an entirely new district.
State Senator Tony Hwang’s 28th District has been pushed north, into Bethel. He’ll lose the Greens Farms section of Westport he now represents.
But, Hwang says, “I’ve worked with Jim Marpe, Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, on projects like Coleytown Middle School and bridge repairs. I’ll always advocate for Westport. Please give my thanks to the terrific people of Westport I’ve been able to represent.”
(For more in-depth information on redistricting, click here, here, here and here. Hat tip: Peter Gold.)
Alert — and astute — “06880” reader Paul Rossi writes:
Reading a recent article in the Wall Street Journal titled “An Antidote to Inflation? ‘Buy Nothing’ Groups Gain Popularity” reminded me why this works so well in Westport — and why I offered to help administer our local Buy Nothing Project group years ago, with co-admins Meg Lepsisto and Danielle Alexander.
As we enter this season of giving, I want to share a resource that may not be well known.
As many can relate, our family of 5 had amassed a great deal of “stuff” since moving here to Westport in 1996. Most is no longer needed or wanted. Kids grow up, trends come and go, new products offer preferred conveniences, the nest begins to empty … you know.
Paul Rossi (far left) and his family at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. Paul’s father Nick was the grand marshal. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Like most Westporters, we are genuinely concerned with protecting the environment and not dumping on our future generations. If you have ever been to our transfer station, you have seen the shocking amount of perfectly usable items deposited there that will end up in a landfill or incinerator.
On the other side, what really hooked me on Buy Nothing Westport was an experience a few years ago. I needed an extra propane tank for a BBQ grill. I posted a “wish” on the Buy Nothing Facebook Group Page.
Sure enough, 3 people offered to give me one. I considered how it might look asking for a freebie, but I swallowed my pride and proceeded.
I picked up the tank and had a lovely encounter with the giver, who was happy to pass along a perfectly good item she no longer needed.
That’s the reason why, since its founding in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project is expected to grow to over 5 million members worldwide next year.
You can give on the Buy Nothing Facebook page …
The formula works: A hyperlocal Facebook group (you must legitimately live in Westport) fueled by people’s desire to reduce waste and connect with neighbors.
As COVID hit, we saw a spike in membership. Being cooped up made us all more aware of how much “stuff “we no longer needed. The urge to purge kicked in.
Over the last few weeks, I was curious about another surge in Westporters wanting to join our Buy Nothing group. Reading the WSJ article suggests that “with inflation hitting a 31-year high and supply-chain issues making it difficult for people to get the goods they want on time, some have found an answer in online groups where members give things away free.”
… or get. People are encouraged to do both.
Re-enter the Buy Nothing Project. It is not a trash-to-treasure online thrift store. Most of the “gives” offer new or gently used items, surpluses, vintage finds, etc. The “wishes” run the gamut from lamps for college dorms, children’s books, tools needed tomorrow for one-time use, wheelchairs and supplies for elderly homecare, to surplus herbs and veggies for cooking and the like.
Our family loves meeting the people we give to and receive from. The community-building aspect differentiates this movement from others. It is very much a “feel good” experience all around. And in the process, we do our part to remain good stewards of the planet.
Click here to learn more about the Buy Nothing Project. Click here to join the Westport Facebook Group. You can also download the BuyNothing app.
It may have been lost in the run-up to Thanksgiving.
It shouldn’t be.
Earlier this week, John Brandt moderated a fascinating discussion with 4 Vietnam War veterans. Part of the Westport Library’s Oral History Project, it delved deep into the experiences of the quartet — all Westporters — and what it all means today.
Panelists included retired Army veterans Capt. Jay Dirnberger, Sgt. Preston Koster, Sgt. Bud Siegel, and retired Navy Lt. JG Tucker Mays. Click below to watch.
The broken record of Staples High School swim and dive team broken records continues.
The girls finished their season in style last weekend, with 4 state open record- breaking performances.
Freshman Annam Olasewere once again dominated the 50 and 100 yard freestyle events, with state open record times of 22.58 and 50.21. The 200 free relay team of Jessica Qi, Ella Alpert, Ayaan Olasewere and Annam Olasewere recorded a record 1:35.94. In addition, their record-breaking 3:27.46 in the 400 free relay qualifies them for All-American status.
Other outstanding swims came from Jessica Qi (4th in the 100 free, 8th in the 200 free). Divers Kate Whittaker and Mia Guster finished 13th and 17th respectively. Freshman Ayaan Olasewere was 12th in the 50 free and 13th in the 100 free, while senior captain Ella Alpert placed 10th in the 100 fly.
From left: Annam Olasewere, Jessica Qi, Ella Alpertm Ayaan Olasewere.
Speaking of sports: A new tradition began on Thanksgiving Day.
A bunch of fathers — all relatively new to Westport — reserved PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School for the first-ever “Westport Dadz Turkey Bowl.”
Cones were set, football flags arranged, and teams picked. A good time was had by all. Even a few hamstring pulls could not keep these guys from smiling, and enjoying the rest of their holiday weekend.
(Photo/Josh Stern)
Meanwhile, a much older tradition — the Staples boys soccer Turkey Bowl — took place at Wakeman Field.
Over 60 current and past players worked up an appetite. There were alumni from as far as California and Texas, and as far back as Staples’ Class of 1975. Guys who just finished their college season showed their stuff. So did everyone else.
There were plenty of alumni spectators too. And the weather was perfect too.
The 2021 Staples soccer Turkey Bowl. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
Longtime Westporter Vermelle Miro died recently, at 88. Her funeral is set for today (Saturday, November 27, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church).
The Greenwich native had a variety of hobbies, interests and careers. She worked at Vogue magazine before opening the Westport Country Day Preschool in the 1970s.
“Mel” became a realtor in Westport in the 1980s, and enjoyed a successful career until she retired close to 40 years later.
She was a member of the Westport Young Woman’s League and Westport Rotary Club, along with many other civic groups.
Mel traveled around the world, learning about different cultures and viewing famous pieces of art. She was a talented artist as well.
Her family says, “Mel had a unique ability to connect with people on a deep level, providing a safe haven for her community of friends and acquaintances. She was a magnet to others, always willing to lend an ear to those who needed it. But er greatest joy came from her children and grandchildren.”
Mel is survived by her children, Donald (Kim Healy); son-in-law Chris Healy; grandchildren Ryan, Tyler and Brittany Healy, and grandson-in-law Steve Geiges. She was predeceased by her husband Donald Miro and her long-time partner, Patrick Mitchell.
On this holiday weekend — when all of us are stuffed — photographer Lou Weinberg says of this “Westport … Naturally” photo from Lansdowne Condominiums: “Hey, everybody’s gotta eat.”
And finally … Stephen Sondheim died yesterday, in Litchfield County. The legendary Broadway composer was 91.
The New York Times calls him an “intellectually rigorous artist who perpetually sought new creative paths … the theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century, if not its most popular.” Click here for Sondheim’s full obituary.
For nearly 20 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided educational opportunities to academically gifted, highly motivated young men of color.
Dozens of scholars from across the country have thrived at Staples — in the classroom, and outside.
Take Daniel Burgin.
Daniel Burgin
Though not part of Glendarcy House this year due to COVID, the Brooklyn native jumped into Staples life starting early in his freshman year. He managed the football and boys lacrosse teams, and was a production assistant with Staples Players.
As a sophomore he took photos for football, girls basketball and indoor track. He played volleyball, and followed his interests in film and martial arts.
A Narrative Film course changed his career plans. Daniel had always dreamed of being an FBI agent, or working in law enforcement. But that Staples class opened a whole new world: movie-making.
He shot a music video in Westport. Then he made a short film. “It was not great,” he admits. “But it was definitely a learning experience.”
He expanded his sports photography into videography: football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball and water polo.
A photo of the Staples High School rugby team, by Daniel Burgin.
Then COVID struck. The ABC scholars went home. For months, school was online.
Daniel used the time to bring another interest — fashion — to a new level. He’s started a clothing line.
Cinema Pancakes launched Monday. It’s another way to expand his creative reach — and raise money for his film projects.
Daniel is selling pullovers, sweatshirts, hoodies, bucket hats, beanies, stickers and more.
In the works: customizable sports jerseys and pants.
Daniel designed all the clothing. Many ideas came while walking around Westport. “It looks good, feels good, and it’s what people enjoy,” he says.
He found a manufacturer, created mockups, and is marketing the site himself. The initial response has been great, he says.
Screenshot of some of Daniel Burgin’s Creative Pancakes offerings.
Though Daniel is not at Staples this year, he remains very connected to this town.
“Westport has become home for me,” he says. “I’ve created a life there. It’s hard to understand what it’s like being an ABC student, having an experience away from home.
“The community is so generous, providing ABC the chance for a great education, and making beautiful memories, at Staples and around town.
“I am grateful to Westport. I wouldn’t have started what I’ve done if I hadn’t been there.”
(Click here to see Daniel Burgin’s clothing line. Click here for his photography site.)
The borders of State Representative Jonathan Steinberg’s 136th District have shifted slightly, though it still includes only Westport. He’s lost some area in the western part of town, and gained some voters in the east — all the way to the Fairfield town line.
State Representative Stephanie Thomas’ Norwalk-based 143rd District has changed significantly. She gained some additional voters in Westport and a large number of new voters in Norwalk. They replace Wilton, which has become an entirely new district.
(For more in-depth information on redistricting, click here, here, here and here. Hat tip: Peter Gold
The other day, Governor Ned Lamont stopped in downtown Westport.
He — and actress Eva Amurri, who lives a few steps from Main Street — visited local businesses, like Indigo Wellness, Kerri Rosenthal and The Toy Post.
Trailed by a camera crew, they shot a video to promote stores and services like those. Amurri has been a big booster of shopping local.
For Lamont, it was a homecoming of sorts. Years ago, he lived right here in Westport.
US Squash has honored 13 Staples High School squash team members as Scholar-Athletes. They earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher last year, while competing for the Wreckers.
Congratulations to Zachary Allen, Anna Diorio, Nicky Fabian, Sophie Fridland, Brian Fullenbaum, Joshua Jordan, Tucker Peters, Lorenzo Rinaldi, Ryan Salik, Ben Saxon, Rebecca Schussheim, Eli Shorrock and Lilly Weisz,
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” features one more turkey shot.
Perhaps “shot” is not the best word. At any rate, here are 2 of about 30 turkey vultures perched — a couple of days before Thanksgiving — near Long Lots Road.
Yesterday marked the second straight Thanksgiving without a traditional community feast.
The decades-long event has had bumps before. When Saugatuck Congregational Church was recovering from a fire, Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church stepped up to host.
Some years there were more than enough volunteers to cook, serve and clean up. Other times, folks did double or triple duty.
But the feast was always there: an in-person affirmation that our town is truly a “community.”
COVID changed the event. This year dinners were delivered to recipients.
They were grateful (and well fed). They gave thanks.
But fingers are crossed that next year, the Thanksgiving Community Feast will be in person once again. Our town would be truly thankful.
A small part of the 2014 Thanksgiving Community Feast. Gatherings like this seem like a page out of the past.
Posted onNovember 26, 2021|Comments Off on Candlelight Tickets Available On Wednesday
Candlelight Concert tickets are always a hot item.
This year, they’ll be blazing.
With current state COVID regulations limiting auditoriums to 50% capacity, just half the number of people will enjoy the Staples High School music department’s annual gift to the town.
The 81st annual Candlelight is set for Friday, December 17 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 18 (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).
It will also be livestreamed one time only (due to video rights), on December 23.
Tickets for the in-person performance will be available to the public at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 1. Click on www.staplesmusic.org. There is no charge, but there is a maximum of 4 tickets per order.
Concert-goers should arrive at least 45 minutes early, and show their vaccination card or a negative COVID test within the previous 72 hours. Masks are required at all times.
It will be a spectacular show. The choirs and symphonic instrumental ensembles will join forces in traditional Candlelight favorites like “Sing We Noel” and the “Hallelujah Chorus,” plus new-to-Staples numbers like Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” and Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival.”
Click here for the full back story on this year’s Candlelight Concert.
Comments Off on Candlelight Tickets Available On Wednesday
Posted onNovember 26, 2021|Comments Off on Something New For “Nutcracker”
There are many ways to mark the start of the holiday season. “The Nutcracker” is as good as any.
For 4 decades, the Westport Academy of Dance’s ballet has been staged here. The venues have changed — Staples and Weston High Schools, Long Lots and Saugatuck Elementary — but the performances never did. They were always outstanding.
Westport Academy of Dance’s “Nutcracker.”
For the first time this year, the local “Nutrcracker” will have a professional setting worthy of its almost-professional dancers. The 40th annual production is set for Bridgeport’s Klein Memorial Auditorium. Shows are tomorrow (Saturday, November 27, 3 p.m.) and Sunday (November 28 2 p.m.).
“The Nutcracker” is such a tradition that current Westport Academy of Dance owner Nancy Zindell also performed in it — multiple times. So have current Academy teachers Tollie Barrato, Abby Evans and Grace Bergonzi. They were inspired as young dancers; now they’re doing the same for a new generation.
Parents are an integral part of every aspect of the Academy of Dance — including “The Nutcracker.”
*Abby Evans as Sugar Plum, with her dad Bill Evans. He played Drosselmeyer for years.
They, their kids and their kids’ instructors are excited to return to a full, live performance after last year’s’ COVID interruption. For those unable to be at the Klein though, both shows will be livestreamed.
After 40 years — or 129, since Tchaikovsky wrote it in 1892 — there’s still new news about “The Nutcracker.”
(Click here for ticket information. Click here to learn more about the Westport Academy of Dance.)
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The borders of State Representative Jonathan Steinberg’s 136th District have shifted slightly, though it continues to include only Westport. He’s lost some voters in the western part of town. His district still runs all the way to the Fairfield town line.
