Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins next Wednesday (September 6, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all offerings (not yet viewable, however). Click here to register.
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call (203-341-5152 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
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Construction of the cell phone tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road is moving ahead quickly.
This was the scene yesterday, looking east. I-95 is on the right.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Earlier this month, Substack launched a new sports newsletter: “The Finder With Tom Haberstroh.”
The former Staples High School basketball star was inspired to start it in part because of his mother Patty. The longtime Westport Department of Human Services social worker — who died last month from complications of ALS — gave him “The Finder” nickname when he was young. (Click here for that back story — and a mention of Westport’s own Craig Melvin.)
Another local connection: This week, Tom published a podcast with Westporter Dan Orlovsky. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst had a great conversation with Tom. (Dan recorded it on his way to Bristol.)
Click here to listen.
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The Westport Country Playhouse benefit was already shaping up as a showcase of local — but A-list — talent.
Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul headlines the September 9 event. He’s joined by James Naughton, and the Weston actor’s son Greg and daughter-in-law Kelli O’Hara, along with Staples ’06 alum/Broadway actor Jacob Heimer.
Staples ’87 grad/Coleytown Middle School director Ben Frimmer is the concert producer. The director is Staples ’10/former Staples Players president/current Disney creative developer Caley Beretta.
Now 12 current Staples Players have joined the cast, for the opening and closing numbers: Yusef Abdallah, Kaya Araya, Henry Carson, Finley Chevrier, Cece Diyoka, Samantha Edwards, Ben Herrera, Alyssa Lee, Andrew Maskoff, Imogen Medoff, Cooper Sadler and Melody Stanger.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kelli O’Hara will be joined by many other Westporters at the Westport Country Playhouse benefit.
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It’s amazing what’s donated to the Westport Library and Westport Book Shop.
Now, several rare and unique literary works — given over the psat 2 years — will be auctioned online.
The September 6 event includes a letter handwritten and signed by former Westporter F. Scott Fitzgerald to his publisher, and a first American edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” signed by author J.K. Rowling.
The auction is conducted by University Archives, an online auction house operated by Wilton collector/dealer/handwriting expert/auctioneer John Reznikoff. The 2 items are among hundreds of rare autographs, manuscripts, books and sports memorabilia to be auctioned that day.
Click here to see the 7 lots to be auctioned for Westport Book Sale’s benefit. For a catalog of all 505 lots, click here.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his letter.
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Income-eligible residents can get help with winter heating bills. Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program start September 5.
Westport residents who previously qualified for assistance through the Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Those applying for the first time should call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.
A household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households with 1 person is $41,553; it ranges up to $92,695 for families of 5.
Households receiving SNAP, SSI, State Supp or Refugee Cash Assistance may automatically qualify. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heaters, along with additional fuel deliveries.
Help for winter heating bills may be available.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 23 and 30.
A woman was arrested after a domestic violence incident, and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, after it was determined she was the “dominant aggressor.”
After being assigned a court date and told not to return to the residence until after that court date, she attempted to do just that. She was charged with violation of the conditions of release, 2nd degree.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
- Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
- Failure to renew registration: 2
- Distracted driving: 1
- Failure to yield right of way: 1
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
- Failure to renew license: 1
- Violation of readable plates: 1
- Failure to appear: 1
Nearly every week, Westport Police issue citations for “failure to register a commercial vehicle.”
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As fall nears, Aspetuck Land Trust is gearing up for another “Lunch & Learn” webinar season.
First up: “Hedges and Edges: Increasing the Resilience and Diversity of Your Garden’s Ecosystem” (September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.).
Plant ecologist and landscape designer Heather McCargo will discuss using garden design to increase yard productivity and biodiversity.
For example, ALT says, “Group together shrubs of different species into a hedgerow for small or large spaces, add herbaceous groundcovers and small trees to the shrub layer for a multi-level garden that creates amazing habitat for a variety of species.”
Click here for more information and registration.
Heather McCargo
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Potential Pennsylvania senatorial candidate David McCormick stirred controversy earlier this month, when news outlets reported that the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates actually continues to live in Westport.
Official documents list his home here as his address; so does a $5,000 campaign contribution made this spring. McCormick, a Republican, is raising money and hiring staff as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey next fall.
Now a new report notes that his 2019 Honda CR-V and 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser are both registered to his Westport address. He paid the motor vehicle taxes that were due July 1. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
David McCormick
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Today is the Westport Farmer’ Market.
There’s always something to see, smell and admire at the Imperial Avenue lot. Here are just a few items, photographed last week by Mary Sikorski for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
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And finally … Ray Hildebrand, the “Paul” of “Paul & Paula” fame who had a #1 love song using those names in 1963, died this month in Kansas. He was 82, and suffered from dementia. Click here for a full obituary.
(F. Scott Fitzgerald, heating bill assistance, police reports, much more … as usual, this “06880” Roundup has it all. If you appreciate our work, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
Thanks, Dan! Appreciate the support over the years. My friends and family getting a kick out of the “star” label hahah!