The new Westport Public Safety Complex is still in the conceptual and feasibility stage.
The public is invited to learn more about the $90 million project, and offer feedback, at an open house charette. The event is February 6 (7 p.m., Senior Center).
An architectural presentation will be followed by interactive discussions.
The aim of the project, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, is to “ensure that our first responders have the resources and infrastructure they need to serve Westport effectively for generations to come.”
Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, who also serves as the town’s emergency management director, adds, “This would be more than just a building; it’s a commitment to the people of Westport. Modernizing our facilities will enhance our ability to respond quickly and efficiently in times of emergency. A new complex will also allow for better coordination of resources and planning, ensuring that our community is well-prepared for any situation. We look forward to hearing from our community and working together to bring this vision to life.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas notes, “This is a much-needed facility that will greatly benefit our community. Housing police, fire, and EMS under one roof fosters better collaboration, faster response times, and more efficient operations. A project of this nature will strengthen public safety and ensure that we are well-equipped to serve Westport now and into the future.”
For more details on the charette, call Marsan (203-341-5000) or email nmarsan@westportct.gov.
==================================================
Meanwhile, while you were warming up with hot cocoa yesterday — or at least staying inside — the Westport Fire Department was outdoors.
Very much outdoors.
They used the cold weather to train on cold water rescue.
And they offer this advice:
If a pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Call 911 or Westport Fire immediately. First responders are trained and equipped with cold-weather rescue suits tho handle those situations safely.
When in doubt, stay off the ice! Err on the side of caution. Avoid risk!
Westport Fire Department’s cold weather training, yesterday.
==================================================
Speaking of first responders: Westport Police report that the man reported as missing in yesterday’s “06880” Roundup has been found, safe and sound.
==================================================
VersoFest 2025 just got even bigger.
Henry Rollins will headline the Saturday evening (April 5) event, at the Westport Library.
The harcore punk legend will be in conversation with author and Beggars Grou president Nabil Ayers.
Rollins has held many titles in the past 45 years: singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, producer, radio host, and outspoken frontman for Black Flag and the Rollins Band.
VersoFest is The Library’s 4-day music and media festival and conference (April 3 through 6). It’s a forum for media creators, artists and fans, with panels, workshops and performances.
Tickets are $35. Click here to purchase. Click here for more details on VersoFest.
Henry Rollins
==================================================
MoCA CT celebrates Black History Month with a series of events focusing on the rich cultural contributions and creativity of the African diaspora.
They include:
Film Screening & Q&A (February 13, 7 p.m.): “DELA” is a documentary about Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui. Filmmaker Oyiza Adaba will host a post-screening Q&A, tying the film into MoCA CT’s exhibitions on the role of recycled materials in art and climate issues. Click here to register.
Soulful Expressions (February 15, 7 p.m.): An evening of poetry by Sahmra Sawyer, music by pianist Joe Bush, dance by Jeffline Saint Louis, and food by Jamaican chef Dré Sawyers. Artist Erika McGhee will do live sketches of visitors, followed by a dance floor open for classics like the Electric Slide, Wobble, and more. Click here to register.
Upcycling Sculpture Workshop & Exhibition Tour (February 22, 1 p.m.). Local artist Remy Sosa will lead this. He’ll start with a guided tour of the current exhibit “On Fire: Energy, Climate, Infrastructure and Human and Nature: A Changing Relationship,” focusing on the environmental impact of recycled materials. Click here to register.
Yo learn more about MoCA CT’s Black History month offerings, click here.
Remy Sosa
================================================
February also includes Valentine’s Day.
And at the Westport Country Playhouse’s intimate Lucille Lortel White Barn Center.
“An Evening to Celebrate Love” (Saturday, February 15, 8 p.m.), features Playhouse alum Rodolfo Soto and Carrie Lyn Brandon. They’ll highlight music from “Once,” original songs and more.
Alll tickets are just $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
=================================================
Pamela Docters spotted this yesterday, at the Senior Center:
“Let’s ‘hope’ that spring is on its way!” she says.
From her (and the Senior Center’s) lips, to …
=================================================
Longtime Westport resident James Masiello Jr. died unexpectedly on Tuesday, surrounded by his family. He was 65.
His obituary says, “A man of many passions, Jimmy had a special place in his heart for old mob movies, homemade Italian meals (especially when he was cooking), the beach and golf. He loved spending time with friends on the course, often boasting about his handicap, and he had a talent for making every round feel like a good time. A fantastic cook, he always enjoyed preparing a delicious meal for family and friends to enjoy, but also loved visiting his favorite restaurants to spend time with special people.”
Jimmy had a 28-year career in sales and marketing, where he formed long-lasting business relationships worldwide. Most recently he was self-employed as a retail liquidator, renowned for his salesmanship.
Jimmy was predeceased by his brother Mark, and his beloved chocolate labs Winston and Duke. He is survived by his children Michele, Alexandra and James (Buddy); his sister Marnie; many cousins, extended family and friends.
A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home on February 7 (4 to 7 p.m.). The funeral is set for St. Luke Church on February 8 (11 a.m.), followed by a celebration of life at BJ Ryan’s East, 1 Cove Avenue, Norwalk at 12:30 p.m.
Donations can be made in his honor to the Mark Masiello ’83 Memorial Scholarship at Fairfield College Prep, or to World Central Kitchen.
Condolences for the family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com.
Jimmy Masiello
================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is suitably wintry. Mark Laclair took this shot not long after a boat drove down the channel, cutting through the ice.
(Photo/Mark Laclair)
==================================================
And finally … on this day in 1964, The Beatles reached the top of the US Cashbox chart for the first time. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” became the group’s best-selling single worldwide. Two weeks later, they performed the song on the Ed Sullivan Show.
The world was never the same.
(Whether you remember Beatlemania, are a Swiftie or anything else, we hope you like our daily music videos. It’s one more feature of our hyper-local blog. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Condolences to the Masiello family. I remember his father from the mid 1950s when my father was good friends with his father.