The Tyre Nichols story is national news.
Despite Hearst Connecticut Media’s story yesterday, there is not a Westport connection.
A Connecticut Post story headlined “Advocates call for policing reforms, as Lamont questions whether Tyre Nichols incident could happen in CT” quoted Scot Esdaile, president of Connecticut’s NAACP chapter, as saying, “It’s not only happening in Memphis, we’ve seen it in New Haven, we’ve seen it in Westport, we’ve seen it in Hartford, we’ve seen it in Bridgeport.”
However, the link associated with “Westport” referred to a case from 2011 — in Westport, Massachusetts.
A statement from the Westport (Connecticut) Police Department says: “Understandably, (we) were disappointed by this article because we feel we have worked hard to build relationships and have never had any incident that resembles what we saw in Memphis.”
Hearst Media deleted the Westport link.
Esdaile apologized to Chief Foti Koskinas, the Westport Police Department and the town of Westport. He said that he meant to reference West Haven.
Esdaile added, “I have had a conversation with the chief along with Harold Bailey, the chairman of the Westport Civilian Review Panel, and we had a wonderful and energetic conversation. I apologized during the call several times, and we are looking forward to working together in the future.”
Koskinas called his conversation with Esdaile “productive, and brought about a positive resolution.”
=======================================================
If you’re a local non-profit organization, the Westport Woman’s Club wants to give you money.
Ruegg Grants provide up to $10,000 for a 2023 project. Proposals should be “high-profile initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the Westport community.
The grants — established in 1995 by an endowment from former WWC member Lea Ruegg — go to projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education. Recent beneficiaries include the Westport Astronomical Society, Project Return, Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm.
Click here for the grant application. The deadline is February 28.
The Westport Woman’s Club opens its doors to grant applications.
=====================================================
The first big ticketed event of the Levitt Pavilion has been announced.
Michael Franti & Spearhead‘s “Big Big Love Tour” kicks off the Stars on Tour Series on Saturday, June 24 (7 p.m.). Phillip Phillips is the opening act.
Franti is a globally recognized musician, activist, hotel owner (Soulshine Bali) and award-winning filmmaker revered for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism.
His hits include “Sound of Sunshine,” “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “I Got You.” Spearhead’s 12th studio album, “Follow Your Heart,” debuted last June at #2, behind Harry Styles.
Levitt Pavilion members can purchase tickets now. The public ticket sale begins Friday (February 3, 10 a.m.). Click here for details.
=======================================================
Here in Westport, we take garbage trucks for granted.
In Lyman, Ukraine they are game-changers.
A small part of the $252,000 donated by Westporters recently went to the purchase of 1 large and 1 small used trash trucks.
They’re vital to the reconstruction of our new sister city. When the Russians fled last fall, after 5 months of occupation and carnage, they took or destroyed all the vehicles. Refuse from the occupation — including bombed-out buildings and schools — has piled up ever since.
Katya Wauchope created this video, with footage supplied by Westport’s on-the-ground partners, Ukraine Aid International and Alex 21:
=======================================================
Last August, “06880” highlighted Aiden Schachter. The rising Staples High School junior started a business — creating and selling LED light clouds — that has taken off nationally.
That’s impressive — and time-consuming. But it’s not all Aiden does. He is also a varsity wrestler.
And a pilot: He soloed on his 16th birthday. Next month, he hopes to get his full license.
Westport is justifiably proud of Aiden. Now the whole state can be.
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) just posted a video starring Aiden. Check it out (below): The story of this athlete/cloud-making entrepreneur/pilot is truly uplifting.
=======================================================
After several years, the Greens Farms train station waiting room has reopened.
That’s good news for commuters during this winter — even if they have not yet needed to take refuge from bitter cold.
It’s open from 5:30 to 10 a.m. No coffee vendor yet — but that is on the front burner.
The Greens Farms train station waiting room is open again.
=======================================================
Getting into and out of the Westport Book Shop just got easier.
A handrail — often requested by patrons — was just installed on the steps to the Jesup Road used book store.
Now there’s one more reason — besides helping fund the Westport Library, and keep people with disabilities employed — to stop in and browse.
Surrounding the Westport Book Shop handrail (from left): Evan Payne, cc-manager Katherine Caro, Lia Walker, Lori Wenke. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)
======================================================
Coming up at Earthplace:
Family Campfire (February 11, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; $30 member families, $40 non-member families): Learn about animal tracks while roasting marshmallows next to a crackling fire; meet an “animal ambassador,” and participate in a guided activity. Click here to register.
February Break Camp (February 20-24, 27; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., $100/day; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $150/day; ages 3-12): Spend winter school break outside with nature; animal encounters, and self-chosen activities. Themes change daily. Click here to register.
Maple Sugaring Magic (March 5, $20 per family; 1:30-2:30 and 3-4 p.m.): Take part in a New England tradition. Learn how to identify maple trees on a trail walk, tap a tree and collect sap, and make maple syrup at home. Finish with tasting fresh maple sap, syrups and other maple goodies around the campfire. Click here to register.
Books & Beverages (March 15, 7 to 8 p.m.; free): Participate in a casual discussion about “A Sand Country Almanac,” with naturalist Becky Newman. BYOB and snacks. Weather permitting, it’s outside. Click here to register.
=====================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows what — even in mid-winter — is always one of our town’s most beautiful spots.
(Photo/Michelle Harmon)
=======================================================
And finally … Barrett Strong, Barrett Strong, whose 1959 hit “Money (That’s What I Want),” helped launch Motown Records, and who later co-wrote “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Ball of Confusion” and “War,” died on Sunday. He was 81. Click here for a full obituary.
(It would be tempting to follow up the item above with a crass plea for donations to “06880,” but I won’t do that. I’ll just say: Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
What happened to Tyre Nichols is hardly “news”. Shouldn’t there be more concern that the same act has happened on Westport’s doorstep rather than an innocent mistake in the paper? Stop pretending Westport is an island of perfection, blind to the problems of its neighbors.
It was not an “innocent mistake in the paper'” Mary. I was an ill-informed and reckless statement by the leader of a group that wants respect and allegiance from us all…rather than just an apology over the phone to a select (albeit an important) few, Esdaile goddamned well owes the entire town a public apology in both the “Hour’ and the “Westport News.”
Aiden: tell me when you IPO. I’m in.
Dan — Thank you for not putting the apostrophe in “Greens Farms.”
There’s (“there is”) no right or wrong (except for Greens’ Farms). The church calls itself Green’s Farms Congregational.
Thanks for the handrail at the book shop!!