Today’s sullen skies are an apt metaphor for this entire gray year.
But “06880” readers are a hardy bunch. We made the best of what we had, every day. We were thankful for little things — including the chance to live in a place with as much beauty and wonder as Westport.
The final day of 2021 was like so many others here. No matter what else goes on, we are drawn to the beach. It’s a place of wonder, no matter the weather.
Here are today’s scenes, captured by 2 “06880” readers.
We may not be able to solve the COVID crisis. We can’t agree on where to put affordable housing, or what to do with trees on private property.
But together, we can fix one of Westport’s gravest threats: the Compo Shopping Center parking lot.
Yesterday, I asked for ideas about the clusterf*** that confounds us all. It is — as readers repeatedly report — a death trap. An embarrassment. And (this should get everyone’s attention) a detriment to business.
You did not disappoint. Ideas poured in — plus aerial photos, complete with arrows and Xs.
Sure, it’s the last day of the year. You’re distracted with New Year’s preparations, deciding which sweatpants to wear as you sit home tonight.
But I want to make sure that some of the best solutions don’t get buried in the Comments section. So here’s a summary of what you said.
Evan Stein has a thorough solution — with a diagram:
Evan suggests: Close all connections from the rear parking lot to the front. Re-stripe the lots, for angled parking.
Divide the lot with a barrier (giant planters with trees or shrubbery) into a south lot and a north lot. Each would have one entrance, and one exit. Enter the south lot from the south. Enter the north lot from the north.
Each lot exit would have an independent traffic light. The exit from Compo Acres Shopping Center (Trader Joe’s) would also have its own traffic light. There would be a 5-light cycle:
• South lot green
• North lot green
• Compo acres green
• Route 1 green (no turning allowed)
• Pedestrian crossing.
Elizabeth Thibault likes Evan’s idea, but notes that Post Road traffic frequently blocks the light at CVS. She’d make the lights one way, going into the plaza and then flowing out the back. If that doesn’t work, at least paint a giant box in front, and ticket drivers for blocking the entrance.
Elizabeth has a more radical suggestion: Remodel each business, making the main entrances in the rear. She’d keep the glass windows and displays on the Post Road side, to attract drivers, but would make the store layouts favor back entry.
Doug Kniffin offers 4 fixes, from easiest to most difficult:
Adjust the CVS-adjacent traffic signal for 3 separate phases: a) Post Road both directions; b) CVS lot exit only, with cars able to turn east and west; c) Trader Joe’s lot exit only, with cars able to turn east and west.
Paint solid yellow lines down the center of the parking lots in front of CVS and Gold’s Little Kitchen. This will help keep drivers on the “right” side of the lot.
Change the exit ramp next to Cohen’s Optical from exit-only to entry-only. The exit ramp now is useless. A new parking lot entry will reduce traffic going into the entry further west, at the traffic light.
Take space from the north end of the People’s Bank parking lot; create entry/exit access lanes between the back of the Compo Shopping lot and North Compo Road. People’s rarely uses this space, but an exit/entry there will reduce the traffic traveling through the front lots.
Beth Berkowitz suggests angled parking too. That makes it harder for 2-way traffic to imperil drivers.
She’d also make the spaces closest to the road parallel parking — not head-in — and would turn the entrance/exit in front of CVS into entrance only. Traffic could exit only through the south (North Compo) end, or the back lot.
Wendy Crowther has one simple, quick fix: Eliminate the parking spaces that encroach upon the lot’s main entrance/exit, as well as those near the center driveway that passes between the 2 buildings. This would allow drivers to enter and exit the lot without the hassle of cars trying to pull in and out of those spaces.
For more than 2 decades, Westporters had the choice of First Night.
Long after other towns and cities ended their December 31 parties, ours rocked on.
The indomitable Barbara Pearson-Rac — and a host of volunteers — ensured that the orchestral, jazz, swing, country and a cappella music; face painting, ice sculptures and model railroads; comedy and improv shows; horse-and-buggy rides; star-gazing; fireworks and more — went off without a hitch.
(So long as the weather cooperated.)
Times change. Celebrations go in and out of fashion. Costs rose. Volunteers dwindled. The last First Night was in 2017. Barbara Pearson-Rac died in August.
To honor her — and 2 decades of New Year’s Eveses — here’s a look back at First Nights past.
A First Night horse-drawn sleigh.
Fireworks over the Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/John Videler)
The Survivors Swing Band at the Westport Library. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Model trains were always a big draw.
Barbara Pearson-Rac was at Town Hall, overseeing the 2015 First Night
The Westport Astronomical Society setsup a telescope outside the library.
A mother wrangled her young son at the Saugatuck Elementary School bounce house.
As COVID cases soar in Westport, a concerned “06880” reader writes:
“Our positivity rate is through the roof. The statistics as of Wednesday were near 18%. When other variants were circulating, an indoor mask mandate was in place.
“Currently there is no mask mandate, except government or municipal buildings. I cannot comprehend why there is no mandate reinstated for all indoor spaces in Westport.
“Masks have proven to work in preventing the spread of COVID. As we are all aware, the Omicron variant is extremely contagious. Westport residents, as well as people who work here, would be much safer with a mask mandate in place.
“Not having everyone wear masks indoors puts all of us in danger, especially the older and immuno-compromised populations.
“This has nothing to do with politics or the economy; it has to do solely with health. Whether people agree or not, it is honestly not much of an inconvenience to mask while indoors in order to protect people.
“Let’s keep everyone safe. Let’s reinstate a mask mandate.”
Masks did not detract from Staples High School’s Candlelight Concert earlier this month.. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Yesterday’s New York Times carried a fascinating obituary of Ben McFall. It calls him “the longest-tenured bookseller in the history of the Strand, New York’s renowned bookstore, who for decades peered above his spectacles at a line of acolytes, tourists and young colleagues for whom he incarnated the store’s erudite but easygoing spirit.” He died last week at his home in Jersey City. He was 73, and suffered from pulmonary fibrosis.
The story notes that after graduating from Olivet College with a degree in French and music in 1971, he moved with college friends to Connecticut — and worked at the Remarkable Book Shop in Westport.
“A co-worker told Mr. McFall she could see him at the Strand,” the Times says. “He had never heard of the place, but in 1978 he arrived in New York and interviewed for a job.” He was hired on the spot.
Click here for the full obituary. (Hat tips: Tom Prince, Jackie Kaplan, Adam Stolpen, Mark Lassoff and Fred Cantor)
Ben McFall (Photo/Julie Glassberg for the New York Times)
If you’re like 90% of Westporters*, your New Year’s resolution is: “Get fit” (or “fitter”).
Why wait?**
The Joggers Club starts 2022 on the right foot (ho ho), with their annual 3.5-mile run (Saturday, January 1, 8 a.m., Compo Beach).
But wait! There’s more! Cool off with a Polar Plunge at 10.
For a $50 annual fee, you’ll get access to exclusive parties, 41 group runs, post-run coffee and treats, a Brooks running shirt ($35 value!), a ton of fun — and you’ll get in great shape.
Click here, or check out Instagram (@TheJoggersClub).
PS: Save the date: Joggers Club Jr. (ages 5 to 13) returns April 3. Six weeks of 75-minute coached sessions, for just $99.
*The other 10%? See below.
**Because then you won’t do it.
This could be you! (Photo/Armelle Pouriche-Daniels)
Perhaps your New Year’s resolution is to find inner peace.
Pause + Purpose is ready. A new studio on 21 Jesup Road — right near Westport Book Shop — they offer drop-in meditation weekdays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). They also plan to launch mindfulness gatherings soon.
Founder Emily Vartanian-Tuttle says: “The world is especially stressful right now, and our collective mental health and wellness is suffering. We have built a positive communal space for meditation and discussion in the heart of Westport.
“Scientists are beginning to understand that meditation is essential to a healthy mental landscape, and there is no better way to dedicate yourself to a practice than with the backing of a whole community behind you. We offer meditation modalities and group support, backed by science to improve mental, social, and emotional wellbeing.
“Our professional staff includes psychologists, counselors, nutritionists, and the like, addressing issues such as postpartum depression, social anxiety, dietary challenges, and mourning, among others.
“Drop in for a self-led practice or join one of our high-quality children and adult mindfulness gatherings, where a seasoned meditation teacher will lead you and a group in meditation and discussion.” Click here to learn more.
Next year, Westport will receive $8.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The money is part of a $2.2 trillion CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) economic stimulus package.
Earlier this month, “06880” reported one possible use. The Greens Farms Association hopes the town can repair the crumbling jetty at Burying Hill Beach.
On January 5 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Board of Finance will review a $1.3 million request from the Department of Public Works for that project.
They’ll also discuss an application for $200,643 in funds from the Westport Arts Advisory Council. It includes 12 organizations that could use some of that money:
Artists Collective of Westport: $20,000 to beautify new bus shelters with changing local artist work; full-color, large-scaled prints of adjudicated works to rotate every 2 months.
Beechwood Arts: $20,000 for 4 all-arts collaborative events, including community scavenger hunts, art opening, story share and facilitated dinner discussion.
JIB Productions: $20,000 for 2 projects: 1) Play Time (professionally moderated structred play reading/discussion group, 6 sessions at the Senior Center); 2) Partnership with Westport Library, Bridgeport schools and Westport schools to screen (with director talk-back) “Change the Name,” a documentary abouyt a group of middle school students who successfully changed the name of a Chicago park from slaveholder to abolitionist.
Levitt Pavilion: $20,000 to underwrite 4 free presentations for 2022 summer season, including folk, jazz, rock and big band concerts.
MoCA: $20,000 for weekly art enrichment workshops for underserved community groups such as STAR, Silver Hill Hospital, Veterans groups/Homes for the Brave, Bridgeport Boys & Girls Club, etc.
Suzuki School of Music: $20,000 for a community concert series in-person and streamed from the Westport Library; Connecticut Guitar Festival, Concerto and Aria Concert, Piano Concerto Concert and Family Pillow Concerts.
Westport Country Playhouse: $20,000 for a pilot program mobile tour of elementary school plays, touring Westport and Fairfield County; partnering with TEAM Westport, ConnectUs, the Boys & Girls Club of Connecticut/Southport, Westport Library and Norwalk Housing Authority.
Westport Museum of History & Culture: $20,000 for a graphic novel to explore the American Revolution from 6 perspectives: women, Indigenous people, enslaved and free Americans, loyalists, patriots, and local authors/illustrators.
WestPAC: $20,000 for art storage: professional fees ($125 an hour/160 hours) to perform a feasibility study to to adapt town-owned facilities for the Collection’s storage needs.
Community Band: $12,500 to commission a piece to commemorate the COVIDI experience, to be played at the Levitt Pavilion.
Music for Youth $6,518 for the Arkai gender-bending string duo 2-day residency and pormances a Westport middle schools and Staples High; master classes for orchestra students, performances for full schools.
Westport School of Music: $3,625 for a faculty chamber concert for The Residence at Westport assisted-living facility.
The Board of Finance meeting on January 5 will be streamed on www.WestportCT.gov, and shown on Optimum Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Emails can be sent to BOF@westportct.gov. Comments to be read during public comment period may be emailed to BOFcomments@westportct.gov.
Fire Chief Robert Yost has announced his retirement. It is effective January 1.
His replacement is a familiar face: Deputy Chief Michael Kronick. He will assume Yost’s other role too, as the town’s Emergency Management Director.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, “The town and its residents have been very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Rob’s expertise and dedication throughout his 34 years. As Fire Chief, Rob has assured that our firefighters are appropriately recruited, trained, and equipped to serve in their roles of preventing and fighting fires and providing rescue services.
“As the Emergency Management Director, Rob has been on the front lines in protecting all our residents. On Rob’s watch, Westport has weathered some particularly devastating storms and tense situations. In addition, his attention to FEMA reimbursement regulations and opportunities has enabled many Westporters to receive federal financial assistance in repairing/replacing their storm damaged properties.
“On behalf of the residents of Westport, his fellow employees, and his firefighting colleagues, I am grateful for Rob’s longstanding, exemplary and dedicated service. I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Chief Robert Yost delivers a briefing in September. He served for 2 weeks in a support role, during wildfires in Minnesota..
Chief Yost notes, “It has been an honor to serve the town of Westport for the last 34 years, and a privilege to work with the finest Firefighters and coworkers in the State. I look forward to enjoying a new chapter in my life and I will always hold the Westport Fire Department near and dear to my heart.”
Tooker adds, “I am very confident that the command of the Westport Fire Department will remain in capable hands. Mike Kronick has the proven ability and expertise to seamlessly and effectively take over the role as chief. Like Chief Yost, Mike has a breadth of knowledge, skill and understanding that will ensure that the current high standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained in the Westport Fire Department.”
Yost began his career in the fire service in 1986 as a part-time firefighter in Mansfield, while attending the University of Connecticut. After briefly working for Xerox, he took a full-time position in Mansfield. He joined the Westport department in 1988.
He was the department’s first Emergency Medical Service instructor, then became a paramedic in 1995. In 2006, Yost was promoted to lieutenant. He was also Fire Department leader of the joint Fire and Police Dive Rescue Team.
In 2009 he was promoted to assistant chief. He was named fire chief and emergency management director in February 2017.
Yost’s father served as fire chief in Norwalk for 2 decades. A photo of Yost’s grandfather, also a firefighter, sitting atop a Norwalk fire truck adorns his desk.
During his career with Westport Fire Department he has obtained 3 Edmund Duffy Unit Citations, a John Gallagher Award for an Unusual Act of Valor, and a Certificate of Exemplary Police Action. He is a member of the National Ski Patrol, Connecticut Interstate Wildfire Crew, and Connecticut West Incident Management Team. His other interests include skiing, bicycle riding, scuba diving, windsurfing and kiteboarding. He lives in Milford with his wife Tina.
Kronick — Westport’s new fire chief — joined the Westport Fire Department in 1998. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2009, and deputy chief in 2017. During his career in Westport he has earned the Edmund Duffy Unit Citation, and the Chief Shippey and Argenio awards for service to the department.
Westport’s new fire chief, Michael Kronick.
Kronick serves on the Connecticut Incident Management Team. He was instrumental in forming the Fairfield County Strike Team and Task Force system. He is a member of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, and been on several national wildfire deployments out West.
Kronick graduated from Fairfield High School in 1991. He has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Connecticut, and a masters in fire science from the University of New Haven.
He lives in Stratford with his fiancée Beth and his two young son, Sullivan (2 years old) and Anderson (3 weeks old).
(Earlier this month, Chief Yost was my guest on “06880: The Podcast.” Click below for that interview.)
The latest casualties of COVID: the Senior Center and Toquet Hall.
Both places — gathering spots for older Westporters and teenagers, respectively — have suspended all indoor and in-person programming.
The town Department of Human Services says that some Senior Center classes and programs will be offered on Zoom.
The Senior Center lunch program will operate as a drive-thru at noon, Monays through Fridays. To participate, call 203-341-5099 at least 24 hours in advance.
Rod Serling moved from Westport to California in the late 1950s. He died — at just 50 years old — in 1975.
But the screenwriter extraordinaire still lives. Continuing a long tradition, the SyFy network airs a “Twilight Zone” New Year’s marathon. It starts at 2 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, December 31) and runs through 5 a.m. Sunday, January 2.
There’s a new episode every half hour or so. Click here for the schedule.
Looking for “A Stop at Willoughby” — the famous show in which the conductor of a train calls out “Next stop: Westport Saugatuck!” (and which Serling called his favorite of the entire first year)?
Local to Market — Main Street’s great new spot for food, crafts and much more — is hiring.
If you’re fond of fine local stuff, have a passion for small business, and are interested in joining a fun team for 10-20 hours a week, email jon@localtomarket.com.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature focuses on natural features (naturally).
Sometimes though, the natural world needs a slight man-made touch. David Lowrie created this scene, using (naturally) all natural tree stumps, at his property off North Bulkley.
And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.
It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:
Governor Lamont’s office has notified Westport that due to a shipping problem, the state’s allotment of 500,000 home COVID test kits have not yet been received.
The distribution planned for today at Staples High School has been postponed.
Once the test kits arrive, a new distribution date will be set.
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He was the department’s first Emergency Medical Service instructor, then became a paramedic in 1995. In 2006, Yost was promoted to lieutenant. He was also Fire Department leader of the joint Fire and Police Dive Rescue Team.
