Got an idea for downtown?
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette on October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).
Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.
Maps and displays will help guide discussions.
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Meanwhile, the next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety public meeting is October 17 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Police and other officials will present the results of the safety action plan survey, and offer updates on road, traffic and pedestrian initiatives.
Traffic safety map, showing residents’ input and ideas.
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Yesterday, “06880” reported that Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young is retiring, effective Friday.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker praised Young for her 22 years of “outstanding service to our community. We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s unwavering dedication throughout her tenure, which has greatly contributed to the growth and development of Westport. Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Mary and wishing her the very best as she embarks on her next journey.”
Young’s position will be filled by deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie.
Tooker said, “Michelle has served the Town of Westport as a planner for over 20 years, working with all aspects of land use planning with a special concentration in environmental issues.
“She became a licensed Professional Planner as qualified by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2006. In 2020, she was qualified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be a Certified Floodplain Manager.” (Click here for an “06880” story on that achievement.)
“Michelle has excelled in a variety of roles, and steadily advanced within the department…. I am excited to see her lead the department with the same professionalism and expertise that she has always demonstrated.”
Amanda Trianovich, current town planner, will take Perillie’s place as deputy director.
Michelle Perillie
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Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy is helping support victims of Hurricane Helene.
And they need our help.
Donations can be dropped off at:
- Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, 1252 Post Road East
- Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Road, Weston
- GCA, 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield (Sportsplex)
- 277 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk
- Sacred Heart University, inside the Church of the Holy Spirit, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield.
Items needed include:
- Non-perishable foods
- Sports drinks (powdered packets)
- Cleaning supplies
- Hydration packs (powder form)
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Diapers (children & adults)
- Baby formula
- Pet food (dog & cat)
- Bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Manual can openers
- Heavy-duty work gloves
- Trash bags (13-gallon or contractor)
- Socks and underwear (new, in packages)
- Sanitizer wipes
- Plastic utensils
- Baby wipes
Teens interested in volunteering should email Hannah.YasmineEvans@gmail.com.
Businesses and individuals who would like to become drop-off locations should email Kami.evans@icloud.com or call 203-212-9910.
Hurricane Helene has left a path of devastation.
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“The Apprentice” — the movie written by Westport native Gabriel Sherman, exploring a young Donald Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn — has gotten a lot of buzz recently.
Now — a few days before its October 11 release – you can hear about it directly from Sherman himself.
He was interviewed recently by David Remnick, for a New Yorker podcast. Click here to listen.
Gabriel Sherman
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When the Survivor Rowing Network and Head of the Charles host the first Survivor Row on October 19 — celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the Saugatuck Survive-Oars will be there.
And they’ll compete in their new pink boat.
Eleven 8+s of cancer survivors — women and men — from 15 rowing clubs have entered the race, from as far as Italy and France.
The Saugatuck Survive-Oars is our local breast cancer survivor rowing organization, based out of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Amy Bauer calls it “a life-changing organization and experience for many women in various states of treatment and recovery. Through the generosity of the SRC, the Survive-Oars is in its seventh year. They provide instruction and opportunities to learn and row.
“Its impact cannot be overstated for the benefits of health, camaraderie and support.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Saugatuck Survive-Oars are participating in the Pink the Boathouse Challenge. proceeds will help maintain and grow the Survive-Oar program.
Click here to donate, and for more information.
Saugatuck Survive-Oars.
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Last week marked Green’s Farms Church’s annual Service Sunday.
Families work on special projects, with 8 Fairfield County outreach partners.
Several volunteers …
The church supports those organizations all year. But this is the day the entire congregation is directly involved.
… and the entire Green’s Farms Church. (Photos/Julien Jarry)
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Speaking of breast cancer: Sorelle Gallery’s online art sale includes original works by over 70 artists in 4 price categories: $2500, $2000, $1500, and $750 and under.
The event opens at 7 p.m. on October 23, and ends 7 p.m. on October 25. Click here to browse, and add to your wishlist.
It’s for a good cause, too. 5% of proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Though all of us face obstacles, some of us are better problem solvers than others.
Want to improve that skill? Mike Hibbard — co-author of “Thinking it Through: Coaching Students to be Problem Solvers” — offers a breakfast presentation on the topic tomorrow (Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston).
Now retired, Hibbard has taught creative and critical thinking throughout his career.
Mike Hibbard
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The Westport Book Shop’s October Artist of the Month is Jeffrey Earls. His abstract works are on display at the Jesup Road store.
A reception is set for October 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Jeffrey Earls
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Johanna Keyser Rossi describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:
“Fall is here, and we see changes all around. It’s nice to see that roses are still getting ready to bloom.”
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … as you get ready to offer your thoughts on our next downtown ideas:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news you can use. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
My pick for our new town slogan: “Westport, We Do Charettes!”
Inspiring stuff.