“06880”‘s Instagram Live series with 1st selectman candidates continues at noon tomorrow (Wednesday,).
Democratic Kevin Christie will be the guest. Republican-endorsed Don O’Day and Independent David Rosenwaks were previously interviewed.
Kevin Christie
==============================================
Also tomorrow: the Parks & Recreation Commission meets (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to discuss the Parks Master Plan and Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
The Parks Master Plan presentation should synthesize some of the findings from the public engagement session 2 weeks ago at the Westport Library.
The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan will include the previously proposed maintenance shed — now a larger maintenance complex being discussed for numerous sites, including within Longshore itself.
It includes space for Longshore maintenance items and tools, plus staff work spaces and vehicle parking.
The current Longshore maintenance shed.
================================================
Yesterday’s “Nor’easter” was nowhere near as bad as predicted.
There was a bit of rain, some stronger-than-usual winds, and — at its peak yesterday morning — only about 40 power outages.
But conditions were great for anyone who loves waves. Plus, photographers who love to shoot them.
Here are a few great images, both from Compo Beach:
Andy Flotto enjoys the waves … (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
… along with Tristen Rycenga. The 8th graders are best friends, and surf together all along the East Coast. Yesterday they did it at their “home” beach. (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
And one from Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Judith Katz)
==================================================
There’s a new theater group in town.
Well, not exactly. Call it a “rebrand.”
Bedford Acting Group — the famed Bedford Middle School program — is now called Bedford Theater Community.
The new name that honors the program’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity, collaboration and creativity. The new logo highlights the importance of collaboration among students, parents, BMS staff, and local community and supporters.
The rebrand coincides with the arrival of Rick Hribko, Bedford’s new theater director and acting teacher. He is building on its strong foundation of creativity, confidence-building, and community connection.
“Bedford Theater Community reflects not just who we are, but what we stand for: a place where every student has a voice, a role, and an opportunity to shine,” Hribko says.
“The BTC acts as a theatrical family who overcomes challenges and celebrates successes together. It’s about belonging, collaboration, and celebrating the power of storytelling together.”
His first production, this December, is “Annie, Jr.” It will be presented by the 6th grade class, with 7th and 8th grade student directors and stage crew mentors.
Show dates are December 4-7. Tickets go on sale November 10th. Click here for the BTC Instagram. Click here for the Facebook page.
==================================================
Claire Tiefenthaler works as a registered nurse at a local hospital, on a child and adolescent unit.
Andrew Colabella and friends are hosting a donations drive at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) at the I-95 commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector.
Among the items needed:
- Shirts without belts, zippers or strings
- Pants without zippers or strings
- Sweatshirts (no hoods)
- Unopened undergarments
- Unopened toiletries
- Halloween costumes
- Projectors
- Yoga mats.
Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
==================================================
VFW Post 399 has become Westport’s comedy central.
The next night for affordable local laughs is Friday (October 17; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8).
Chris Monty headlines, with Ellen Karis, Joe Pontillo and Dave Sheehan.
Tickets are $20 online or at the door. The VFW has a full bar, and a light food menu.
=================================================
But wait! There’s more!
The VFW is also chili central.
The day after the comedy show, the club hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser (Saturday, October 18, 6 to 8 p.m.). American Legion Post 63 is the co-sponsor.
In addition to a wide variety of chili recipes, there’s a 50/50 raffle.
The fee is $25; all funds go to veterans and Westport’s first responders. For more information, email VFW399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.
==================================================
If you missed last week’s StartUp Westport Innovator of the Year Awards ceremony, you missed inspiring speeches by sports and entertainment rock star Mark Shapiro, and Sweet P Bakery founders Bill and Andrea Pecoriello.
But you’re in luck. The Westport Library’s superb crew captured it all on video. Click here or below to view the entire event.
Up next: StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.
Set for November 20 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), it’s the final round of a competition that began in May, with 77 applicants.
The 21 companies selected to participate gained valuable support through education, mentorship and coaching. Now just 5 remain:
- Chroma Shield
- Mirabelle Medical
- Neuro Puffs
- Nexa Tax
- Wheel Price
- Honorable Mention: Pro Patient Tech.
They’ll compete, “Shark Tank”-style, for a share of $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The panel of Westport-based VC judges promises an inspiring, high-energy event.
StartUp Westport events often fill the Library to capacity. Click here to register.
==================================================
One of Fairfield County’s favorite musicians — Chris Coogan — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (October 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
The insanely talented jazz pianist — whose gigs range from accompanist to Gospel, plus choir director and bandleader — met Jazz at the Post maestro Greg Wall shortly after “the Jazz Rabbi” moved to Westport over 12 years ago. They realized they were cut from the same cloth. They share a deep spiritual attachment to American music, digging deep into its roots and extending outward from there.
The pair will be joined by John Mobilio on bass, and Jim Royle on drums. Click here for reservations.
==================================================
On Monday, Phillip James Dodd treated the Y’s Women to a pictorial view of the houses of the popular HBO series, “The Gilded Age”: The Biltmore, The Elms and The Breakers.
The author, educator and architect noted that the tycoons garnered great wealth because they made their money before the introduction of the income tax.
Phillip James Dodd
==================================================
We’ve all heard the saying about the fox in the henhouse.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo brings that to life. It’s from Carl McNair’s back yard — where he keeps his chickens.
(Photo/Carl McNair)
==================================================
And finally … the image above leads naturally to:
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, and much more. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As Chair of the Parks & Rec Commission, I invite all residents to Wednesday’s meeting. Stantec will be presenting their analysis of Town-owned sites and we will hear from our Town professionals about their operations. Everyone agrees that a new facility is needed (if unsure, please check out the current facility off the 18th fairway at Longshore). Public discussion is encouraged and we want to hear your ideas.
While new storage facilities are obviously needed here, as we look at all expenses we should keep in mind that Westport’s capital plan is about $500M now. But that doesn’t include funding for affordable housing, interest – and the Parks and Rec capital plan. At the last meeting, it was estimated that that would be “probably over $25M”. We should be looking at
all capital expenses (including the BOE’s) together to prioritize them, rather than seeing them individually or in small batches. The tax and other consequences of these expenses are going to be significant.
That is correct Wendy. Important to look at and prioritize all at the same time.
We have significant expenses ahead.
I moved to Westport in 2004 and the Maintenance shed looked pretty similar to how it looks now. Likely has not had much in maintenance done on it either.
I have no doubt a slightly larger maintenance shed with better staff facilities is desirable.
But we must all remember it has been “fine” for decades.
In my opinion it should have a budget of approx 1 million. And of course it should have been maintained over the last 20 years and was not.
Everything cannot now be fixed at one time. It is not feasible.
And the administrations excessive budgets for the projects that got kicked down the road need to be reigned in.
Is it any wonder that Westport is famous for its very low mill rates. Was always mind blowing, but it’s clear why, because over the last 10 years plus a lot of these improvements should have been done.
Stantec work for the town, but answer to, and are paid handsomely no doubt, out of residents taxes, by the administration, therefore Stantec does what it is told.
Just like every other “consultant”, “expert” the administration pays, traffic, parking, green space, architect.
They instruct them on what they want the recommendation or outcome to be.
We do not need another repeat of the most expensive bathrooms built outside of Saudi Arabia, here on compo beach.
5-6x what they should have cost.
It’s like an extra 0 is added to all budget proposals.
I have a prediction, Stantec is going to come back and say the only feasible site is on longshore.
We know this is not true. Just my prediction.
But when we have a tantrum throwing administration and enough RTM who bend over backwards to please the tantrum throwers and not their voters this is where we always end up.
Park and Rec is also appointed by the administration so that is who they answer to. They are not elected.