A reader near Clinton Avenue has safety concerns. He writes:
“Drivers routinely exceed the speed limit, with the 2 existing speed humps proving far too low to serve as an effective deterrent. Motorists fail to stop at the stop sign further down the street.
“There are no sidewalks, forcing children, walkers, cyclists and pet owners to share the road with speeding traffic. Clinton Avenue’s proximity to Exit 21 off the Merritt Parkway makes it a commuter cut-through, compounding the problem
“The other day, a school bus stopped to pick up children during morning rush hour. Kids were crossing the street to board, but drivers still tried to squeeze around the bus. The only thing between those children and a tragedy was luck.
“We are asking the town to demolish and rebuild the existing speed humps to a greater height, introduce additional traffic calming measures, and increase enforcement on Clinton Avenue, at no cost to taxpayers. The response is clear: Residents want action.” Click here for the Change.org petition.
Clinton Avenue speed hump. A resident calls the height ineffective.
==================================================
Staples High School National English Honor Society members always look for ways to help promote literacy.
Four of them — Avni Krishna, Mike Smith, Soleil Dennebaum and Charlotte Brookbanks — have found a creative way to do that.
And much more.
Since the start of the year, they raised $400 for a Little Free Library.
They built it, painted it, and solicited book donations. Recently, they installed it at 122 Wilton Road, Homes with Hope’s 19-unit apartment building.
They’ll continue to stock it.
And residents will have easy access to books, all without leaving their lobby.
122 Wilton Road Little Free Library.
==================================================
Speaking of Staples: The robotics team is raising money for their trip to the national tournament, in West Virginia.
A GoFundMe page has already brought in over $1,600. Now Riko’s Pizza is helping too.
All day long, on May 6 and 13, they’ll donate 20% of all pre-tax dine-in sales to the team. Be sure to mention the promotion when ordering!
Staples robotics team. Buy pizza, and help them get to West Virginia!
==================================================
Over 150 people enjoyed great dinners and a powerful show, at last night’s “Supper & Soul.”
Vanessa Collier — who played the second-ever “S&S” event in 2018 — returned as the headliner. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored “Supper & Soul” includes a pre-concert meal, a high-energy performance at the Westport Library, and drinks afterward.
The next show, featuring the Grateful Dead tribute act Spadastics, is set for November.
Last night’s Vanessa Collier show, on the Library stage and big screen. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
==================================================
Speaking of the Library: The Read to Grow Bookmobile will be in the back lot on Thursday (May 7, 3 to 5 p.m., back lot).
Families can hop in, and let their children choose a book to take home and keep.
Read to Grow is a non-profit, Their mission is to “support families as their babies’ first teachers.” The goal is for every child in Connecticut to have books of their own — from birth on.
=================================================
Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.
Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.
Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began helping the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.
In 2023, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. Since then, they’ve raised over $1.7 million.
The 4th annual Shake It For Shea gala is May 14 (7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). There’s live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, a night of dancing, and much more.
Click here for tickets, donations, sponsorships and more information.
==================================================
“06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” And Chocolatieree is where Westport meets “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
The downtown chocolate-and-more shop has just cooked up The Runway Edit. The limited collection of hand-painted chocolate bags comes straight from Miranda Priestly’s desk.
The first one featured — “The Miranda. That’s All” — comes in deep red, with black pyramid hardware and a gold Prada plaque. Every detail is rendered by hand in, chocolate.
Owner Laureen Hayes says, “It’s the kind of thing Miranda would leave on your desk, without explanation.”
The Runway Edit is available at Chocolatieree (66 Church Lane). Reservations are required: 203-939-7339.
“The Miranda,” at Chocolatieree.
=================================================
We’ve mentioned Westporter Nile Rodgers’ recent inclusion in the New York Times’ list of 30 Greatest Living Among Songwriters.
But he’s not the only artist with local ties.
Valerie Simpson and husband Nick Ashford co-wrote “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and “I’m Every Woman,” among many others.
The couple lived for many years on Cross Highway. They were frequently seen around town.
And their 4th of July parties — with some of the Biggest Names in Entertainment — were legendary.
At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
Click here for the New York Times story. J(Hat tip: Jack Krayson)
Valerie Simpson
==================================================
May is AAPI Heritage Month. To celebrate, the Westport Library hosts Scott Kurashige.
On Tuesday (May 5, 7 p.m.), the historian discusses his new book, American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism with Jason O Chang, director of the Asian and Asian American Studies Institute at the University of Connecticut.
The event is co-sponsored by AAPI Westport. Click here for more information.
==================================================
Speaking of the Library: On May 19 (7 p.m.), they celebrate the theatrical release of the original “Shrek” film.
Roger Schulman, Oscar-nominated co-writer of the film, will be in conversation with Professor Todd Barnes, artistic director of the graduate film program at Sacred Heart University. Schulman is an artist in residence there. Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
Westporter Sandra Krenzer visited her daughter Alexis the other day, at Northwestern University.
She also went to a Chicago Cubs game. It was fun enough to sit next to Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt (aka Ted Lasso and Coach Beard).
But then they all appeared on the jumbo screen.
Sandra is to the right of Lasso. Hey: Why didn’t they include her name too?! (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
 |
================================================
Longtime Westport resident Eve Clifford died peacefully at home on Thursday. She was 83.
A native of Tallinn, Estonia, she emigrated in 1944 to Malmö, Sweden following the Soviet occupation during World War II.
She and her family later settled in St. Catharines, Ontario. She was a 1965 graduate of the University of Toronto with a degree in nursing, and was a clinical nursing instructor and visiting nurse.
After the death of her husband Robert, Eve became a sales specialist for Macy’s in Stamford.
She is survived by her sons Michael and Christopher, of Westport.
A graveside memorial service will be held Monday (May 4, 11 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 38 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854.
Eve Clifford
=================================================
Another spring day, another colorful “Westport … Naturally” image.
This one shows Celia Campbell-Mohn’s Timber Lane yard, in full bloom.
(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
==================================================
And finally … speaking of Valerie Simpson (story above): She and her husband Nick Ashford wrote many great songs.
But this may be their crowning achievement:
(Ain’t no mountain high enough. And ain’t no reason not to support “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)