Effective Tuesday, the fine for parking illegally at the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations will double.
At the request of the Westport Police Department, the Select Board approved
an increase in the fine for non-permit holders parking in permit-only areas, from $25 to $50.
As always, daily parking areas are available at both stations for non-permit holders.
For more information on railroad parking, and to purchase a permit, click here.
Saugatuck train station permit-only parking lot.
==================================================
Westporters know the joys of skating at the PAL Rink at Longshore.
Now, many other people know too.
NewEngland.com included it — right near the top — in their list of “30 Best Winter Activities Across All 6 States.”
(Okay, it’s near the top because the states are listed alphabetically, and Connecticut is first. But still …)
The writeup says:
For more than 25 years, the Westport Police Athletic League (WPAL) has sponsored this winter gem located just steps from Long Island Sound.
Meeting NHL rink specifications, the outdoor facility is open to all, with daily, weekend, and season passes available. Visitors can find skate rentals and sharpening here, as well as figure skating lessons offered through the Westport Parks and Recreation Department that range from beginner to advanced levels.
We’re right up there with Powder Ridge, Franconia Notch, and Okemo, Stowe and Stratton.
Click here for all 30 spots. Then lace up your skates! (Hat tip: Bob Mitchell)
Westport PAL rink: a top New England attraction!
=================================================
Local athletes have many opportunities to receive specialized, sport-specific training.
The mental and nutrition aspects: Not so much.
Three professionals — Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potoff and Adriana Liberatore — now fill that gap.
The multi-disciplinary group — Saugatuck Mind and Sports Lab — offers athletes, coaches and parents team and 1-on-1 coaching and counseling.
Lorenz — well-known to Westporters as a co-founder of JoyRide — already had a thriving mental performance practice, specializing in high school and college athletes.
Potoff is a therapist. She aids many athletes in areas like anxiety and perfectionism.
Liberatore is a registered dietician, who also has experience with athletes’ fuel for performance and recovery.
The trio saw a gap between physical regimens, and off-the-field aspects of training. They’ve designed a holistic approach, but are also available individually.
“Coaches have only so much bandwidth,” Lorenz notes. “They understand the value of mental training and good nutrition. They’re able to reinforce what we provide.
“Athletes often seek help when they struggle, or suffer a setback,” she adds. “But they don’t have to be reactive. We can be proactive, providing the tolls and skills they need to overcome the inevitable stresses of sports.”
From left: Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potof, Adrianna Liberatore.
===============================================
Speaking of sports: Friends of the Senior Center are sponsoring a Super Bowl tailgate party. (Indoors, of course: February 8, 1 p.m.).
All ages are welcome to enjoy hot dogs, chips and dessert, plus a chance to meet Staples High School’s championship boys soccer and rugby teams.
PAL and Staples cheerleaders will perform.
And there’s a “guess the final score” contest, with prizes.
All ages are invited.
The state champion “futbol” team will be at the Senior Center football Super Bowl party on February 8. (Photo/John Walker)
==================================================
On Tuesday, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an accessory dwelling unit at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)
James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.
Neighbors in the area are considering a lawsuit.
The Norwalk Avenue home (top, 2nd from left), showing where the ADU would be situated. (Drone photo/John Videler)
==================================================
On January 25 (2 p.m.), Westport Library goers get a first look at the Shoah Memorial. The sculpture — coming soon to Fairfield University — seeks to “honor history, while actively stemming the tide of hate.”
The afternoon features a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion with Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.
The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots sculpture Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.
Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.
Shoah Memorial
==================================================
Longtime Westport resident Wayne Paull died January 3. He was 79.
Wayne graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he earned a football scholarship. After college, Wayne joined the Army.
With his wife Lee’s support, Wayne chose a career as a movie cameraman. His work took him around the world, covering the PGA, Indy racing, the circus, and interviewing figures such as George H.W. Bush, the Dalai Lama, and countless other world leaders and fascinating figures.
He was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son Matthew (Leslie), and grandsons Brittain and Cooper.
A service will be held Monday (January 19, 11 a.m.) at Harding Funeral Home.
==================================================
Today’s mid-winter “Westport … Naturally” sign of life: this beach plum, at Old Mill.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1920, Prohibition began in the United States. It lasted until 1933.
(There are many ways to spend a few bucks in Westport: Skating at Longshore. Drinks with friends. Clicking here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Enjoy them all — and thank you!)
The ZBA has not been noted for its common sense 👎🏻🇺🇸
Regarding 21 Norwalk The P&Z sub committee on zoning will be looking into that 350sq exemption. The issue is, as it was in this situation, does it make sense for smaller lot areas such as compo beach and Saugatuck Shores where houses are already in close proximity. Feb 4 noon.
Hi Matt
It makes no sense. It’s ignorant density. It’s not neighborly. The area is too dense. Parking?
It’s just stupid.
Please put a stop to this nonsense. Thanks Matt 🇺🇸👍
It is time for the school buses to be moved on to a new home.
Greens farms station is at capacity and there are a lot of buses parked there.
The train station must not be used for this purpose.
This was “temporary” but appears to now be the “new norm”.
The railroad parking should not be dumping grounds for the school buses of Westport and surrounding towns.