Roundup: Budgets Passed, Playground Needs Volunteers, Longshore Golf Course Opens …

Two budgets passed, in 2 days.

That was the work of the Board of Finance this week.

On Monday, the 5 members took about half an hour to unanimously approve the Board of Education’s $150.4 million 2025-26 budget.

Last night, they voted to adopt almost all of the 1st Selectwoman’s proposed $87.2 million budget.

The only cuts were to defund the Wheels2U train station ride-share program ($342,400 out of the total Westport Transit District request of $491,800), and $25,000 from Earthplace (out of $105,000),

The transportation cuts would leave the WTD with services solely for the elderly and disabled.

The BOF has voted to cut Transit District funding often in the past, citing low ridership. Nearly as often, it has been restored by the Representative Town Meeting.

Lee Caney, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Rich Hightower and Michael Keller voted for the reductions.

Danielle Dobin and Allyson Stollenwerck objected. During the Earthplace discussion, Dobin cited the importance of 62 acres of open space, and the Harbor Watch program.

On April 2 (Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.), the BOF will consider requests for restoration. The Representative Town Meeting then has the opportunity to restore funding for both items in May.

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Less than a month out from the Compo Beach playground build, there is plenty of news to report.

And there are plenty of ways to help.

Volutneers are still needed, from April 21-26. Click here to see the many jobs available. “Skilled” labor is important — but no building experinece is needed for other tasks.

Whether you renovated your home by yourself or never lifted a hammer, this is a great chance to get outside, contribute to the town, and meet interesting people.

Also needed: tools.

Saws, bolt cutters, tape measures, wheelbarrows, tents, hammers (of course): the playground committee needs them all.

They can be donated or loaned, for the duration of the build. (You don’t need to haul your own tools back and forth each day.) Click here to see all that’s needed, and click on what you can supply (and when you can drop it off). 

And for anyone who donated a picket for the previous rebuild, in 2009: If you want to keep yours as a souvenir, stop by the playground on SAturday, April 12 (9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.). You can also to before or after volunteer shifts during the build, April 21-26.

For more information on the Compo Beach playground project, click here.

Volunteers building the Compo Beach playground, in 1989. Next month, you can join the rebuild.

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The Longshore golf course opens for the season this Friday (March 28).

“We invite golfers of every level to come and enjoy the beautifully manicured 18 holes that comprise this gem of the Westport parks system,” says Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Baribieri.

“Our head professional Jon Janik and course superintendent Sean Charles have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff and course are ready.”

Click here for golf course information, including advanced and same day tee time bookings. Pro Shop phone numbers are 203-221-0900 and 203-226-9785.

Westport residents who would like to purchase a golf handpass, or whose handpass has expired, can renew or purchase online here, or in person weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Parks and Recreation Department near the first tee.

Fore! (Photo/Nicole Gorman)

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Looking for a cute puppy — especially one to bring home?

Fetch Rescue is sponsoring an adoption event this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Earth Animal.

One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.

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Staples High School students racked up awards recently in 2 different areas: business and international relations.

Nine teams placed at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University.

“Competing in FBLA allows students to show their interest and abilities in subjects we do not teach at Staples,” says Sarah White, math instructor and FBLA advisor.

Staples students who placed at the FBLA State Leadership Conference include:

First Place: Ollie Vynerib (Advertising); Ethen Perry, Aidan Stubbs, Jackson Tracey (International Business)

Second Place: Jack Jacob (Securities & Investments); Max Benke, Jonah Bomback (Sports & Entertainment Management)

Third Place: Jay Nicholds, Luke Spera, RJ Wilks (Sales Presentation); Jack Leonard (Supply Chain Management)

Fourth Place: Chris Taylor (Supply Chain Management); Matthew Tybur (Organizational Leadership)

Fifth Place: Mikael Nagy (Introduction to Financial Math).

In addition, 4 students earned recognition at the National High School Model United Nations conference. Competing against schools from around the world, they displayed strong knowledge, diplomacy, and debating and leadership skills.

“Our students were very motivated and focused with their committees,” says Spanish teacher Horacio Ballesteros.

“This was an unforgettable experience for our students, with all grades represented in diverse contemporary groups addressing important global issues.”

Receiving the National High School Model United Nations Award of Merit:
Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon (Special Political and Decolonization Committee);  Alessandra Spadea and Jori Altman (Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee).

Julien McMahon and Jacob Calandro.

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Congratulations to Lisa Wexler!

The Westport/Weston probate judge received the Henry C. Lee Award from Jane Doe No More — a Connecticut non-profit devoted to erasing the stigma of sexual abuse — at their 14th annual gala last weekend.

Noted pathologist Dr. Henry Lee and Jane Doe No More founder Donna Palomba presented the award. It recognized Wexler’s work on the radio and in court to bring awareness and empathy to victims of sexual violence.

The Lisa Wexler Show airs on WICC (600 AM/95.9 FM) weekdays, from 10 a.m. to noon. Podcasts are available on Apple and Spotify, and at lisawexler.com.

Judge Lisa Wexler (center) with Dr. Henry C. Lee and Donna Palomba.

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Earthplace — the educational and environmental center tucked away in the northwest Westport woods — has a packed calendar for families and adults in April.

Activities include:

Craft n’ Sip: Windchimes (April 3, 6-8 p.m.; make a wind chime with natural materials, guided by naturalists; BYOB and snacks; 21+).

 Winged Wonders (April 6, 1 p.m.; bird-on-glove demonstration to learn about raptors).

Family Campfire: Vernal Pool Party (April 11, 6:30-8 p.m.; s’mores, spring crafts, animals and more).

Plein Air Painting on the Trails (April 12, 10 a.m.-noon; create artwork along the trail; all levels of artists, all mediums welcome; light refreshments).

Sunday Morning Ramble (April 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; hike).

Frog Watch Hike (April 23, 7-8 p.m.)

Environmental Learning Series: Lights Out Connecticut! (April 15, 7-8 p.m.; lecture and Q-and-A via Zoom; learn about light pollution and its effects on birds, wildlife and human health.

Group Canoe Paddle (April 27, 1-3 p.m.; join naturalists on the Saugatuck River; equipment provided).

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Meanwhile, registration closs soon for several after-school programs at Earthplace, for children and teenagers. They begin early next month, and include:

Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.; open-ended outdoor play, grades K-2).

Eco Explorers (Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.; themed adventure weeks, grades 3-5).

Nature Art Club (Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; nature-based art, grades 3-6).

Free Range Homeschoolers (Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.; explore streams, meadows and woods with naturalists; ages 4-11).

Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; learn animal care skills with hands-on training

Junior Staff (Fridays, 4-5 p.m.; explore plants, insects and other local wildlife alongside naturalists, grades 6-12)

Also at Earthplace: Kids’ Night Out (March 28, 6-9 p.m.; ages 5-12). Drop your children off for an evening of fun and learning; then relax and enjoy your night off).

Click here for details, including registration, fees and more.

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Dustin Lowman — the 2011 Staples High School graduate/singer-songwriter making waves on the New York folk-ish scene — will play at Voices Café April 5.

That show is already sold out. But Dustin’s many fans can hear him interviewed by another former Westporter this Thursday (March 27, 2 p.m.).

Mike Zito has retired as a Staples radio and music production teacher. But he continues a longtime gig — hosting radio shows about American folk music — on WPKN, the eclectic and always interesting Bridgeport station.

In fact, Zito has been on ‘PKN since he was a student there, in the 1970s.

You listen on 89.5 FM, or click here for the livestream. (Hat tip: Jim Honeycutt)

Mike Zito

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo could be from anywhere along our coast. Pam Docters spotted these early spring reeds at Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue adoption event (story above):

(Another day, another Roundup. Another reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. And another link to click on, to help. And another thank you, to all our contributors!)