Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is very timely.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers details about the downtown parking plan, including process, options and current status. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presentation:
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April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.
Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.
She tells “06880” that she fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.
“We’re out of food and money, and have no transportation,” she says.
On Spotfund she wrote: “We have less than $100, and we’re exhausted. We have been surviving on one meal a day, making sure our dog has food and water. We’ve literally got no food in the room for ourselves.
“Applying for help takes time. We’re reaching out to churches and whatever benefits we can get. All we are trying to do is stay afloat and get into affordable senior housing ASAP, and get stable.
“We’re reaching out hoping and praying for help in this difficult situation. All donations will be used to keep us with a roof over our heads and fed, clothes washed, and non food items like toiletries. We need a vehicle obviously, but for now the basic necessities.”
Click here for the Spotfund link.
April Carusone’s dog.
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A Tesla Cybertruck — first announced in 2012, introduced as a concept vehicle in 2019, scheduled for production in 2021, and finally delivered in late November 2023 with a 4-year wait list — has finally been spotted here.
Alert “06880” readers noticed one at both Classic Cars in Southport, and Old Mill Beach.
We received only one photo, however, so we’re not sure if there are two Cybertrucks in the area, or just one.
What’s all the buzz about? Check it out:
(Photo/Karen Como)
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Mia and McKenzie Didio accomplished a lot at Staples High School.
The twins members of the Class of 2022 captained the basketball and lacrosse teams, and won FCIAC and state championships in soccer.
Both now play lacrosse at the University of Delaware.
And they’re poised to accomplish even more.
The Didio women will represent the Puerto Rico lacrosse team this summer, at the U20 World Games in Hong Kong.
Their maternal grandmother is Puerto Rican. Though they have not been submerged in that culture, they look forward to learning more through their participation.
They know their selection means a lot to their mother and grandmother.
“Being able to represent them in a new capacity is so exciting,” McKenzie says. “It’s something bigger than ourselves.”
Mia tore her ACL after she was selected. Her coaches asked her to take on a manager’s role. She happily agreed.
The Didios have started a GoFundMe to raise money to help fund the Puerto Rico lacrosse program. Click here to help. Click here to read more, from the University of Delaware.
McKenzie and Mia Dido.
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Exactly 4 years ago this month, the yarn bomber first struck.
In those first desperate weeks of the pandemic, someone began draping trees with multi-colored, soothing blankets of yarn.
Compo Beach was first. Then came fire headquarters, Bedford Square, the Senior Center … all over town.
Eventually, the disease eased. Westporters went back to their “normal” lives. The yarn faded, and curled. Residents removed the “bombs,” as anonymously as they’d been placed.
But now, it seems, the yard bomber has returned.
Molly Alger sends this photo, from the Senior Center:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
It’s fresh, clean, and in the signature style of the original yarn bomber.
It looks great. And we’re happy to have the decoration — so long as it has nothing to do with COVID.
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Post-Easter news: Wakeman Town Farm has 12 chicks in need of sponsors.
Sponsorship includes naming rights for 1 year, and a certificate. Funds support the sustainability center’s operations. Click here for more information.
Wakeman Farm chickens. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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David Hazeltine — the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time (35 CDs as a leader, hundreds more as a sideman) — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (April 18, shows at 7:30 and 8;45 p.m., dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
He brings his long-time musical partner, trombonist Steve Davis.
Also in the house: bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Today, “Westport … Naturally” takes a break from spring flowers. We turn the feature over to a snowy egret, perched delicately yet decisively at Ned Dimes Marina.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … if you’re thinking of sponsoring a chick (story above), let’s goose things along:
(Ain’t nobody here at “06880” Central but us bloggers. If you enjoy our work, please support us with a tax-deductible donation. Just click here to help. Thank you!)
Cyber-truck (but really it looks like a Cyber-frig. Or call it a Cyber-wedge)>
Dan, thank you for including April Cunningham’s story today. I do not know her or her family, but her story and current situation resonates with me, and her request seems to be modest and sincere. I hope your readers will consider making a contribution, as I have.
Thank you so much, Jonathan. Your comment sincerely touched me. I suddenly didn’t feel hopeless and alone. Please spread the word. to anyone that may be able to help. Thank you so much.
I saw this truck March 20th at the dirt parking lot at Compo Beach – and met the owner. According to the owner, he was the first in CT, the 9th in New England and 200th to recieve his truck out of 1M on a waiting list in the US. Impressive stats…….
Last summer, while driving home thru Gilroy, CA, I saw a car carrier with six weird-looking vehicles loaded on it. I thought they may had been props destined for a low-budget science fiction movie. I got home and looked it up, and sure enough they were the soon-to-be-released Tesla Cybertrucks. There are several on the road out here now, with two I saw having a black wrap/paint job (not impressed with the look…). When you get next to one, they are big – I guess the 21st century answer to the Hummer!
It’s not a truck and, in fact, insults the very name ,TRUCK…who the hell wants one?
Tesla Will Recall Cybertruck in Latest Setback
A federal auto safety agency said the accelerator pedal on the pickup truck, sales of which began in late 2023, could become stuck, increasing the risk of accidents.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/19/business/tesla-cybertruck-recall.html?unlocked_article_code=1.lk0.9oe8.dCLbLUtrUcD5&smid=url-share