In a town noted for long meetings, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was remarkable for being particularly lengthy.
For 6 1/2 hours — from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. — commissioners discussed the Long Lots Elementary School renovation project. They’re involved because it can move forward only with their positive 8-24 report (or if they do not vote within 35 days).
The P&Z offered the most in-depth questions — and at times, most skeptical reception — of any town body so far.
Part of the discussion involved the possibility of separating decisions about the new building itself, and a Babe Ruth baseball field that has become part of the discussion. If approved, the field would replace the Westport Community Gardens — forcing a move to (perhaps) the Senior Center.
The meeting ended with no decision. The P&Z will continue its discussion on January 8.
Monday’s session was the first for new member John Bolton. Though he lost his bid for re-election last month, he was nominated by the Republican Town Committee to replace Amie Tesler, who resigned due to increased business responsibilities.
The P&Z voted unanimously in favor. He was immediately sworn in by Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton.
Long Lots Elementary School. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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After the Board of Selectwomen voted recently to place 3-hour limits on some parking spots downtown — up from the previous 2 hours, but not enforced since COVID — officials said the signs would be delivered after the new year.
Turns out, they’re already here — and in place.
This was the scene yesterday, in the Baldwin lot off Elm Street:
(Photo/Bruce Schneider)
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Speaking of downtown:
Tonight, Michael Friedman’s pop-up gallery in Bedford Square (31 Church Lane, opposite Spotted Horse; 5 to 8 p.m.) hosts drop-in party.
Guests can enjoy the dozens of photos on the wall, of the Rolling Stones, The Band, Janis Joplin and many other music legends. All taken by Friedman when he was a rock photographer.
The images were forgotten for decades. Now, Friedman has printed them again, and turned them into a book.
“Exposed: The Lost Negatives and Untold Stories of Michael Friedman” will be given as a complimentary copy, to any purchasing a limited edition print.
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
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“A Sherlock Carol” opened last night, at the sold-out Westport Country Playhouse.
The holiday family production is being performed in 14 theaters this week. The local version features the original New York City cast.
The show runs evenings through Saturday (December 23), with matinees on Friday and Saturday. Click here for tickets, and more information.
“A Sherlock Carol” opening night bows. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
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Congratulations to Caleb Smith!
The Wreckers’ all-everything quarterback — who led his team to the Class “LL” (extra large schools) state championship 21-20 over West Haven, despite separating his shoulder on the first play — has been named MaxPreps’ Connecticut Player of the Year.
That’s on top of previous honors, like 2-time All-State and FCIAC Player of the Year.
Smith is Staples’ all-time passing leader (5,198 yards), and ranks 3rd in both career rushing yards (2,307) and rushing touchdowns (44).
Last year, he was on the state championship lacrosse team, as well as the state finalist basketball squad.
Caleb Smith
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Wondering how you and your pet can celebrate tomorrow’s winter solstice?
Check out animal Reiki teacher/practitioner Cathy “Cat” Malkin’s guided meditation (Thursday, December 21, 7 to 8 p.m., online; free).
It’s a way for you and your animal family to “de-stress and share your hearts,” during the longest night of the year.
Cat says the zoom event allows people and animals to “come together and share a guided Reiki meditation for peace, joy and relaxation.
“It’s a great way for pet owners to take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle, to share a moment of Zen with their pets.”
Click here for registration, and more information.
Yogi Bear will be part of the Winter Solstice Animal Reiki Mediation Gathering. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Williams College junior — and 2021 Staples High School graduate — Arianna Gerig is the New England Women’s Basketball Association Division III Player of the Week.
She averaged 31.5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 0.5 blocks in a pair of games last week — including the most points in one game in Ephs’ history (43 against Smith College).
Arianna Gerig
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Chris Coogan and his band played to a full house Sunday at the Senior Center.
The holiday concert was sponsored by the Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, thanks to a grant from the Westport Rotary Club — the gift that keeps on giving.
Chris Coogan (right) and his band, at the Senior Center.
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“06880” readers know Mike Hibbard through his weekly contributions to our online art gallery.
But what does the man on the other end of the lens look like?
Surprisingly: Santa Claus.
Mike stopped in the other day at his favorite salon, Austin-Rolfe. Afterward, he paused for festive photos.
He looks great. So, of course, does his newly trimmed bear.
Mike “Santa Claus” Hibbard, with his stylist Nancy Paternostro.
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Speaking of the summer solstice (see item above):
Tessie posed this week, for a “Westport … Naturally” reminder that — in a few days — the sun will again begin setting later each day.
(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)
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And finally … happy 66th birthday to Billy Bragg. He’s not everyone’s cup o’ tea — but I’ve loved his music and messages for nearly 40 years.
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Everyone should take a wonderful trip back and time with the family and see Michael Friedman’s pop-up exhibit of his photos of rock icons of the 60’s on Church Lane. And try to stop yourself from dancing!
With the disturbing news of the growing anti-Semitism in Westport and the way the issue is being handled, I would like to see the Non-disclosure Agreement published since it was not signed, but I am sure kept for further evidence. If these very serious accusations are going to be made public then the request for secrecy and a $15,000 penalty for violating the NDAshould also be made public.
Congratulations to Caleb!! Great kid, great family!
So is 3hr parking per spot? Per parking lot? Per day? Will the business’ employees have to shift their cars over one spot every 3 hrs?
HUZZAH! Thank you for loving Billy Bragg, he’s a brilliant gem.