Tuesday night’s 6 hours-plus Representative Town Meeting about Jesup Green was not the end of the legislative body’s debate.
Meeting again Wednesday night, the RTM clarified that although they had approved $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for a redesign of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot, there will be no further consideration of parking on Jesup Green.
The final vote was 23-10, in favor of that resolution.
Parking will no longer be considered for Jesup Green, the RTM clarified Wednesday night.
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In Italian, “finalmente” means “finally.”
The final day for Finalmente Trattoria — the small but much-loved Italian restaurant across from Design Within Reach — is this Sunday (May 12).
Owners Andre and Mary Iodice wrote to their customers:
It’s with a mix of emotions that we share the news of Finalmente Trattoria’s closure after 19 remarkable years. Andre’s decision to retire brings an end to a chapter filled with cherished memories and lasting connections.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty shown by the Westport community and surrounding towns throughout the years. The memories created and the friendships formed have been the heart and soul of Finalmente Trattoria. Your patronage has been the lifeblood of our restaurant, and we are profoundly thankful for every moment shared with you. Whether you joined us for a special celebration, a quiet meal with loved ones, or simply to savor our culinary creations, your presence has enriched our lives in countless ways.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team whose hard work and commitment have been invaluable. Their contributions and loyalty have been instrumental in making Finalmente Trattoria a special place for all who walked through our doors.
Unfortunately, the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic have been significant, with rising costs and staffing shortages making it increasingly difficult to sustain our operations. While we have poured our hearts and souls into creating a welcoming space and crafting delectable dishes, the challenges of the past years have proven insurmountable. After careful consideration, we have come to the difficult decision that we will be working with our landlord to navigate the changes and sign a new tenant to take over the space.
While we may be closing our doors as of May 13th, the memories created, and the connections formed at Finalmente Trattoria will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to carrying these memories with us as we embark on new adventures.
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Dogs love Winslow Park.
For one Sunday every May, they really go to town.
The 8th annual Westport Dog Festival is set for May 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m). The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, in association with TAILS. The local non-profit promotes spaying and neutering of animals. multiple informative and exciting demonstrations, goofy competitions, Police K9 presentation, obstacle course, kids activities, food trucks and more.
As always, the day includes demonstrations like guide dog training, obedience exhibitions and police K9 presentations. There’s an obstacle course (with a year’s supply of dog food for the winner), and competitions with prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that most looks like its owner.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, games, giveaways and food trucks.
The entry fee is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Proceeds benefit non-profit organizations. So far, over $40,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups.
Dog owners can register for the competitions at the event ($5 per entry). Click here for more information.
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For the first time in over 50 years, Bill Vornkahl will not lead this month’s Memorial Day parade.
The Korean War veteran — “Mr. Westport Parade” — died in January. He was 93.
But his memory is very much alive. And his legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, May 25 — 2 day before the annual parade — with a special blood drive.
St. Paul Church is partnering with the Vornkahl family and the Connecticut Blood Center. The event is at the Easton Road church, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to sign up for a time slot. Walk-ins are welcome too.
Bill Vornkahl (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Craig Melvin is a noted news anchor of NBC’s “Today,” co-host of the “Third Hour of Today,” a memoir author (“Pops: Learning to Be a Son and Father”), and a Westport resident.
Now he’s written a children’s picture book too.
“I’m Proud of You” — published Tuesday — is also about father/son relationships. It follows the ups and downs of a young boy’s life. One thing is always certain: his father’s unwavering support and love for him, no matter what.
The heartfelt book — perfect for Father’s Day! — is a tribute to all fathers, sons, and childhood milestones.
“I have many passions in life, but what I’m most passionate about is being a father,” says Melvin. “’I’m Proud of You’ is a celebration of the small things in life, and a book for anybody who has experienced the joys and wonders of parenthood and wants their children to know how amazing and inspiring they are.”
Click here to order direct from HarperCollins.
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On Tuesday, Jake Sussman visited the Westport Library.
The Westport native — and founder of Superpower Mentors, which has facilitated over 7,000 sessions connecting youth to neuro-diverse mentors worldwide — spoke about how to reach the next generation of youth with learning disabilities.
Sharing his own story, Jake demonstrated that challenges can be transformed into “superpowers.” T
He spoke about embracing different learning styles, becoming a better self-advocate, finding healthy outlets and managing time.
If you missed it — no problem! Click below for the presentation:
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Amy and Eric Falkenstein — and seniors from Staples, Weston and other area high schools — will honored at The Circle of Friends’ 17th annual evening of recognition (May 19, 5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
More than 100 local teenage volunteers enjoy friendships with special needs children, through the organization.
The Falkensteins — who will receive the Heart of Friendship Award — have 3 children. Their son Theo participates in Circle of Friends programs.
For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, to place an ad in the journal or more information, click here, email cof@circleoffriendsct.org, or call 203-293-8837.
Amy and Eric Falkenstein
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This past winter, Staples High School held a “signing day” ceremony for students who have committed to play NCAA Division I sports next year.
The athletic department followed up this week, with a similar ceremony for students playing Division II and III sports.
- Jack Farnen: Baseball, Hobart and William Smith College
- Cooper Levinson: Rowing, University of California at San Diego
- Andrew Berkowitz: Swimming and diving, Amherst College
- Cisco Celotto: Lacrosse, Gettysburg College
- Gabriela de Brito: Soccer, Massachusetts Institute of Technolgoy
- Liam Donaldson: Lacrosse, Emerson College
- Natalie Greene: Squash, Mount Holyoke College
- Charlie Iannone: Lacrosse, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Charlotte Moody: Cheerleading, Elon University (DI; announces in spring)
- Caroline Roschen: Field hockey, Franklin & Marshall College
- Leilani Fleming: Cross country, track and field, Swarthmore College
- Luke Rabacs: Track and field, Case Western Reserve University
- Libby Turner: Swimming and diving, Swarthmore College
From left: Charlie Iannone, Liam Donaldson, Cisco Celotto at Staples High School’s NCAA Division II and III signing day.
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Westport content creator Julia Dzafic has just published a cookbook. “Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty” features recipes, using ingredients from her husband Anel’s (you guessed it) garden.
According to her Instagram stories (@lemonstripes), it’s available at Terrain. There are also signed copies at Barnes & Noble.
Click here to order direct from Penguin Random House, and for more information. (Hat tip: Erin Regan)
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Drew Angus is one of the highlighted musicians at this summer’s “Soundview Stroll” (July 25) — the first-ever Sunday street party on the Compo Beach exit road.
But you don’t have to wait for this summer to see the popular Westport singer-songwriter.
The Staples grad performs at Fairfield Theatre Company on May 17 (7 p.m.).
Drew mixes superb storytelling with a mix of Americana sounds, blending indie and folk rock.
He’s played alongside Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlisle and The Lumineers, and performed for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets,
For tickets and more information, click here.
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Paul Delano writes: “We are less than a week away from the first day of the Quiet Season. On May 15 the gas leaf blower ban begins in Westport. It continues until October 15.
“I’ll celebrate by listening for new birds.
“The free Merlin phone app from Cornell listens for bird calls, and tell you what they are. It’s very cool.
“For me it turned up a variety of birds, including beautiful ones like the yellow warbler, common yellowthroat and Northern parula.
“May is a peak time for seeing and hearing migrating birds like warblers.”
The Merlin app can identify catbirds like this, from its sounds. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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Westport native and lifelong resident Eleanor Banyard died April 21 in Norwalk. She was 99.
Ellie was born in the same house on Franklin Street in Saugatuck where her mother, Antoinette Eleanor Gilbertie DePalmer was born, and where her grandparents had lived since they were newlyweds.
She attended Saugatuck School, and remembered Miss Coyle as her favorite teacher. She graduated from Norwalk High School.
In 1953 Ellie married Joseph Banyard Jr., an accountant for the US government. They bought land on Lyons Plains Road, and built a house there. Ellie live in her beloved home for 70 years. Though they divorced, Ellie and Joe remained close friends until his death in 2021.
Ellie worked as a bookkeeper, then a teller. at Westport Bank & Trust Company. She rose to senior vice president and corporate secretary. She was an active member of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, and earned a certificate in international banking. She retired after 47 years of service to the bank.
Ellie took drawing and painting studies at Silvermine Guild Art Studios, and took classes with well-known artists like Frank Covino and sculptor Stanley Bleifeld. in retirement she had time to paint and garden. She also cared for her mother, until her death in 2000.
Ellie was predeceased by her brother Anthony DePalmer and sister Dolores Karl, who died 3 days before Ellie at the age of 95.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Judy DePalmer of Citra, Florida, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston on May 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Notre Dame Nursing & Rehabilitation, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851, where she received superb care the last year of her life. Condolences may be left on line at www.hardingfuneral.com.
Eleanor Banyard
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken in Steve Halstead’s back yard. He does not know what this great blue heron was doing — but it had a good time doing it.
(Photo/Steve Halstead)
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And finally … on this day in 1503, Christopher Columbus visited the Cayman Island. He named them “Las Tortugas,” after the many turtles there.
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Ellie (Eleanor) Banyard and I were friends from our first meeting in the spring of 1978. I will never forget my first sight of this tiny powerhouse sitting behind the giant desk in her office at Westport Bank & Trust. That this shrewd Senior Vice President took me under her wing, guiding a 20-something newbie through the mysteries of personal finance, remains a marvel to be to this day. Like a favorite aunt, she never failed to address me as Gloria, dear. Equally engraved in my memory — the flash of her driving by in her little (red?) sports car, convertible top down on a sunny day.
What a terrible loss for Westport to lose Finalmente. The food and service were consistently excellent. All the best to the wonderful owners, Andre and Mary.
Why are we going to spend $600k to redesign parking at Jesup Green without having parking on Jesup Green? I will shocked if this doesn’t end up with a report which says nothing. If we don’t want to do it (and I don’t) aren’t there better uses for this money?
Who submitted that piece of fluff of the complete debacle that occurred across Tuesday and Wednesday nights?
Harris, I presume someone who thinks that this means jesup isn’t getting used as a parking lot.
As we all, or most, or some of us know, and wish that jesups destruction would be taken off the table, one of 2 things need to happen
1/ Parker Harding is maintained as is ( adding I hope Ada ) and fixing the 25 years of utter neglect.
2/ the town builds a parking deck, somewhere, and at the towns expense.
PZ made it perfectly clear, in their 8-24, any lost parking on PH means making up for new( not existing) parking somewhere else.
The best solution, and happens to be the cheapest:
Parker Harding is maintained as is, no loss of cut through road, or parking, and we spend 300k and are done !!!!!
No lost green on jesup, no felled trees. Everybody wins.
Even the merchants get to survive 🙂
That’s what the majority want anyway.
As for the fluff. 💁🏼♀️
Thank you Ciera for your continued efforts.
End the Skullduggery!
Go Dips!