Three members of the Westport Fire Department, and one from the Westport Police Department, have deployed to western North Carolina to assist with relief efforts after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The group includes Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter.
The 4 will provide critical communication and data restoration support to the hard-hit area.
The Westport team will use a mobile command unit equipped with cutting-edge communication and coordination technology. Field-Comm 1 functions as an on-site command center, offering satellite communication, radio interoperability, and internet access.
Ready to deploy (from left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Firefighter Michael Durette, Police Officer Gregory Gunter, Firefighter Patrick Dailey, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The unit also has onboard power and climate control systems, ensuring continuous operation in all conditions.
“This vehicle allows our team to operate independently and maintain essential communication links between local responders, state agencies and federal resources,” says Fire Chief Nick Marsan. “Field-Comm 1 is a critical asset in managing large-scale incidents, making sure that communities get the help they need quickly and efficiently.”
All costs associated with the deployment of personnel, equipment and resources will be fully reimbursed toWestport through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, in collaboration with the State of North Carolina.
“Westport is proud to answer the call to help our neighbors in North Carolina during this challenging time,” says First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.
“Our highly skilled first responders are well-equipped to provide vital assistance in restoring essential communication infrastructure.”
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette on October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).
Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.
Meanwhile, the next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety public meeting is October 17 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Police and other officials will present the results of the safety action plan survey, and offer updates on road, traffic and pedestrian initiatives.
Traffic safety map, showing residents’ input and ideas.
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Yesterday, “06880” reported that Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young is retiring, effective Friday.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker praised Young for her 22 years of “outstanding service to our community. We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s unwavering dedication throughout her tenure, which has greatly contributed to the growth and development of Westport. Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Mary and wishing her the very best as she embarks on her next journey.”
Young’s position will be filled by deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie.
Tooker said, “Michelle has served the Town of Westport as a planner for over 20 years, working with all aspects of land use planning with a special concentration in environmental issues.
“She became a licensed Professional Planner as qualified by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2006. In 2020, she was qualified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be a Certified Floodplain Manager.” (Click here for an “06880” story on that achievement.)
“Michelle has excelled in a variety of roles, and steadily advanced within the department…. I am excited to see her lead the department with the same professionalism and expertise that she has always demonstrated.”
Amanda Trianovich, current town planner, will take Perillie’s place as deputy director.
Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy is helping support victims of Hurricane Helene.
And they need our help.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, 1252 Post Road East
Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Road, Weston
GCA, 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield (Sportsplex)
277 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk
Sacred Heart University, inside the Church of the Holy Spirit, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield.
Items needed include:
Non-perishable foods
Sports drinks (powdered packets)
Cleaning supplies
Hydration packs (powder form)
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries
Diapers (children & adults)
Baby formula
Pet food (dog & cat)
Bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Manual can openers
Heavy-duty work gloves
Trash bags (13-gallon or contractor)
Socks and underwear (new, in packages)
Sanitizer wipes
Plastic utensils
Baby wipes
Teens interested in volunteering should email Hannah.YasmineEvans@gmail.com.
Businesses and individuals who would like to become drop-off locations should email Kami.evans@icloud.com or call 203-212-9910.
Hurricane Helene has left a path of devastation.
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“The Apprentice” — the movie written by Westport native Gabriel Sherman, exploring a young Donald Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn — has gotten a lot of buzz recently.
Now — a few days before its October 11 release – you can hear about it directly from Sherman himself.
He was interviewed recently by David Remnick, for a New Yorker podcast. Click here to listen.
Gabriel Sherman
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When the Survivor Rowing Network andHead of the Charles host the first Survivor Row on October 19 — celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the Saugatuck Survive-Oars will be there.
And they’ll compete in their new pink boat.
Eleven 8+s of cancer survivors — women and men — from 15 rowing clubs have entered the race, from as far as Italy and France.
The Saugatuck Survive-Oars is our local breast cancer survivor rowing organization, based out of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Amy Bauer calls it “a life-changing organization and experience for many women in various states of treatment and recovery. Through the generosity of the SRC, the Survive-Oars is in its seventh year. They provide instruction and opportunities to learn and row.
“Its impact cannot be overstated for the benefits of health, camaraderie and support.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Saugatuck Survive-Oars are participating in the Pink the Boathouse Challenge. proceeds will help maintain and grow the Survive-Oar program.
Speaking of breast cancer: Sorelle Gallery’s online art sale includes original works by over 70 artists in 4 price categories: $2500, $2000, $1500, and $750 and under.
The event opens at 7 p.m. on October 23, and ends 7 p.m. on October 25. Click here to browse, and add to your wishlist.
It’s for a good cause, too. 5% of proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Though all of us face obstacles, some of us are better problem solvers than others.
Want to improve that skill? Mike Hibbard — co-author of “Thinking it Through: Coaching Students to be Problem Solvers” — offers a breakfast presentation on the topic tomorrow (Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston).
Now retired, Hibbard has taught creative and critical thinking throughout his career.
And finally … as you get ready to offer your thoughts on our next downtown ideas:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news you can use. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The opening of 122 Wilton Road — Westport’s new 19-unit affordable housing building across the Saugatuck River from downtown — shined a new spotlight on an issue the town (and county, state and nation) are addressing with ever-increasing urgency.
Westport has done a better job than many similar communities. We supported one of the first homeless shelters in any suburb anywhere. Homes with Hope — which operates 122 Wilton Road — has evolved with the times and needs, and today is stronger and more efficient than ever.
Still, their mission — to end homelessness in Fairfield County — is enormous, and seemingly impossible to achieve.
The Westport Housing Authority, formed just after World War II to help returning veterans, oversees 4 residential communities — Canal Park, Hales Court, Hidden Brook and Sasco Creek Village — with professional management, resident services, and outreach and support.
But their wait lists are closed.
Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.
Still, Westport continues to seek solutions. The need for affordable housing is not just a moral issue; it involves the economy and jobs; education and the next generation, and much more.
Last winter, the Representative Town Meeting created an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Money from land purchases, house construction and market rate housing sales will be used to build affordable housing. It could generate up to $1 million annually.
Fairfield and New Canaan have similar funds.
Last month, the RTM appointed 5 members to the Affordable Housing Fund Committee to will oversee the money.
They are former Board of Finance member James Foster, former assistant town attorney Gail Kelly, former Planning & Zoning Commission member Jon Olefson, investment banker Kate Weber, and retired institutional asset manager Ralph Yearwood.
Ralph Yearwood
The other day, Yearwood — a Harvard College and Business School graduate; Westporter since 1984; father of 3 children who went through the local school system; volunteer with a food pantry and after-school learning program, and a Norwalk Public School mentor, as well as treasurer of Homes with Hope — chatted with “06880” about the new committee.
“Everyone should have sufficient food, housing, education, healthcare and security,” he said, describing his volunteer efforts in general, and his motivation to serve on the Affordable Housing Fund Committee.
Members have not yet held their first meeting. They’ll meet individually with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, before convening as a group.
When they get together, they’ll assess their tasks: to study the town’s existing plan for affordable housing; inventory the sites that may be suitable for affordable housing; track the availability of those properties, and determine how to purchase and fund those sites.
Yearwood is proud that there is a consensus in Westport around the need for affordable housing. The state mandates that 10% of units built since 1990 be deemed “affordable,” according to an income formula.
19 apartments at 122 Wilton Road are Westport’s newest affordable housing units.
But, Yearwood says, the interest of residents goes beyond state requirements.
“Having affordable housing enables you to attract better employees,” he says.
“There’s a direct benefit to teachers, first responders, retail workers and others.”
Affordable housing is also a means of reducing homelessness. And yes, there are homeless people in Westport, he notes.
In addition, the opportunity for children to get a good education helps end inter-generational poverty, whose effects are borne by all taxpayers.
The details and timeline of the Affordable Housing Fund Committee are still to come.
But Ralph Yearwood and his fellow members feel right at home in their work.
(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local source for real estate, education and political news — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last evening the Westport Police Department was informed of the potential of an international group planning to send swatting calls nationwide to schools reporting that a shooter was in the school building.
The information was shared with chiefs of police statewide. The Connecticut State Police command staff was also notified. The information was described as very vague.
Given the (Rosh Hashanah) holiday, the WPD shared the information. We remained on standby in the event Westport received this potential swatting call. The WPD confirmed that a call was received identifying Staples High School with information similar to the warning last night.
As a precaution, a number of WPD officers were dispatched to Staples. They walked the building, particularly the bathrooms, the place identified in the swatting call. The entire facility was cleared by the WPD.
Westport Police presence at Staples today, after the swatting call.
I have been in communication with Police Chief Foti Koskinsas. We agreed that an additional presence will be on, and near, our campuses tomorrow, all arriving well before school starts.
Fortunately, our effective partnership with the WPD enabled us to prepare well in advance for this potential report. Although the holiday made it easier with our schools largely empty, we did not soften our preparation, and the WPD communicated an assertive response once the actual call was received.
A swatting call is a false report to emergency services to prompt a strong police response to a specific address. The goal is to frighten, harass, or cause problems for the target.
I can assure the community that our strong safety protocols and continued partnership with the WPD provide a safe school environment for all of our students and staff.
To the chagrin of many builders, homeowners, architects and others who have worked with her, Mary Young is stepping down as Planning & Zoning Department director. Her last day is Friday.
Mary tells “06880”:
It has been an immense honor and privilege to serve the residents of Westport since 2002. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. When you love what you do, it hardly feels like work, and I truly cherished my time here.
Land use decision-making is inherently a collaborative process, and Westport is fortunate to have residents who are dedicated to volunteering their time for the greater good and shaping a brighter future. I have been blessed to collaborate with countless unsung heroes who tirelessly advocate for transparency and meaningful change.
As I step aside, I sincerely hope that the residents of Westport will embrace my successor, who has truly earned this position. I believe my legacy will thrive in her continued success. Thank you all for your support and commitment to the Westport community.
I’d like to add my personal thanks to Mary. She has always treated the media with fairness and respect. She is quick to respond to questions, always forthright, and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you, Mary, for making my job easier — and for always having Westport’s best interests in mind.
The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 26.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event.
Elementary and middle school children paint a store window they request, or that is assigned to them.
Elementary and middle schools winners in 3 categories — Scariest Art Work, Best Halloween Theme and Most Original — earn gift certificates. Click here to sign up.
That’s just the start. On October 29, the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Parade begins at 3:30 p.m., at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection.
Costumed kids will walk to Avery Place, then enjoy festivities on Veterans Green across from Town Hall.
Westport resident Dave Briggs films intriguing videos for Cheddar, the business, finance and tech website.
The other day he was at a New York location of Dig, the Northeast restaurant chain. Dave was shooting a story on Bite, whose AI-powered kiosks are found at quick-serve spots everywhere.
Chatting with Bite CEO Brandon Barton about the advantages of self-service — ease and comfort; more opportunities for add-sons; “friction-less and pressure-less,” and of course potential cost savings — Dave learned that Barton is also a Westporter.
But that’s not all. Turns out Dig founder Adam Eskin also lives here.
Sounds like Dig needs to open a location here. Then Dave can tape another video, without any of the principals leaving town.
Screenshot of Dave Briggs (left) with Brandon Barton.
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Last year’s Volunteer Fair was a great success.
This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m,, Westport Library), will be even bigger and better.
The adult and youth fairs are combined into one, presenting even more opportunities for volunteerism with many non-profits, organizations, and town boards and commissions. Education, housing, government, youth, seniors, the environment — those interests, and many others, are all represented.
Adult and teen attendees can speak with staff members, and sign up for volunteer opportunities. Click here for more information.
Last year’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library.
Got an old vehicle you’d like to get rid of, but refuse to donate it to 1-800-KarsForKids because they’ve tortured us with the most obnoxious jingle in the history of advertising for the past 20 years?
The Westport Fire Department wants you! (And yours.)
They train for life-saving rescues by using donated cars and trucks.
Any make, model or condition is fine. It can be damaged, even non-working.
Like NPR, they’ll even tow it for free.
For more information — or to cut right to the chase, and schedule a pickup — call 203-341-5003, or email jkronenberger@westportct.gov.
Westport firefighters practice on a donated vehicle. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
This Sunday (October 6, 11 a.m., meeting at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot), the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives commemorates the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel with a “peaceful and apolitical march through town.”
Marchers will carry signs to remember the 101 hostages who remain in captivity. They’ll be joined by local clergy from different denominations, and community leaders.
Every Sunday for a year, residents have marched through town, in all kinds of weather.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s newest “In Focus” newsletter has been posted to the town website.
Among the items: an update on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s work, and a reminder about illegal clear-cutting, filling and dumping in and near wetlands and watercourses.
The Westport Police Department’s “Coffee with a Cop” yesterday morning, at McDonald’s, was a great success.
Many patrons stopped for a chat with our officers. There were smiles all around.
And no tickets.
One “06880” reader appreciates the outreach, but offers a suggestion for next time: Choose a locally owned coffee shop, rather than one of the biggest chains in the world.
Coffee and conversation. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)
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Speaking of cops: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 25 and October 2.
A 40-year-old man from Nutley, New Jersey and a 32-year-old man from Paterson, New Jersey were charged with larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, following a shoplifting at Ulta Beauty. Officer stopped the suspects’ vehicle on Post Road East, near the Fairfield line. A female suspect has been identified, and is being investigated.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
Following too closely: 2
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 2
Improper use of marker plates: 2
Reckless endangerment: 1
Transporting a child 5-8 years old, 40-60 pounds without restraints: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
Failure to cancel registration: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
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Over the last 15 years, the Push Against Cancer fundraiser has grown from a small community fundraiser to a giant push-up festival raising funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.
Hundreds of Westporters will join the push-up marathon on Sunday, October 20 (8 a.m., Staples High School).
Registration starts at $40 per participant. It includes Push Against Cancer gear, and a fundraising web page to engage friends and family. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Unite the World With Africa Foundation‘s Westport supporters are collecting medical supplies for Kitanga, a small Tanzanian village that is accessible only by water.
Items needed include stethoscopes; blood pressure machines; pulse oximeters; green, dark blue or black scrubs (small); glucometers and hemoglobinometers.
Odds are, you don’t have any of those lying around your house.
No problem!
Click here; the select the “Unite Medical” address at checkout to have the items shipped directly.
If you actually have them on hand — or want them shipped to you — you can drop them off at Village Pediatrics, 323 Riverside Avenue.
Residents of Kitanga, Tanzania need medical supplies.
“Moms in Security” — a Westport-based nonprofit focused on ending human trafficking and child exploitation — hosts a fundraising 5K walk at Compo Beach Saturday (8 a.m.).
All ages are invited. Click here to register or donate. All proceeds support Moms in Security’s programs and initiatives.
Jaime Hastings, executive director of the Arthur Miller Foundation, spoke Tuesday to the Westport Rotary Club.
For the past 10 years, the Arthur Miller Foundation has been increasing equitable access to quality theater education for public school students by certifying and supporting teachers to build sustainable in-school theater programs.
They currently support theater teachers in New York City, Bridgeport, and Norwalk Public Schools.
Sure, we posted a great bee photo on Monday, right here in “Westport … Naturally.”
But this one is equally cool. Photographer Jen Greely says: “This early fall scene in my garden shows 3 bees nectaring from a single dahlia. I guess it’s more fun with friends.”
And finally … between Tanzania, Israel, schools in Bridgeport and Norwalk, and stories in our own back yard, today’s Roundup proves once again that “06880” is truly “where Westport meets the world.” So …
(If you enjoy learning about Westport — and the world — through “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
With the arrival of fall, can winter be far behind?*
And with so many new homeowners in Westport — many of them former New York apartment dwellers — there is a lot to learn about property maintenance.
SCA Crowley — longtime Fairfield County residential and commercial property managers — know everything about preparing a home for cold weather.
Here — courtesy of vice president Maxxwell Crowley — are some of the most important tips.
NOTE: You don’t have to be a new homeowner to read these. Everyone can learn something from them.
√ Make sure your irrigation system is winterized.
√ Schedule your plumber to turn off all exterior spigots, as well as any water lines that are exposed or on walls with no insulation (a garage, for example).
√ When temperatures drop into the teens and there’s high wind chill, SCA Crowley recommends keeping faucets on a drip to ensure pipes do not freeze — especially in older homes with poor insulation,
√ Once all the leaves have fallen, make sure to clean your gutters. This is a tedious, dangerous task so consider hiring it out to a professional. If you do it yourself, make sure someone is below you to support the ladder. This should be performed at least 3 times a year, to avoid clogging and potential leaks into your home.
Gutter cleaning.
√ Contact your local HVAC technician to service your system as you transition from air conditioning to heat. Keep all rooms at a warm set point (68-72 degrees). If areas of the home (like a basement) do not have heat, consider insulating those areas or hooking up a space heater for cold snaps. This is especially important if the basement has waterlines.
√ Contact your landscaper to do a fall clean-up of the property: removing leaves, pruning shrubs, and prepping the lawn for the winter ahead. This might not sound important, but it is critical — especially if you want your garden and lawn to grow back healthy next season.
Fall lawn care pays dividends in the spring.
√ If you have a pool, make sure to contact your contractor to empty and winterize it.
√ If you have time clocks for exterior lighting, adjust the on/off times. It will get darker earlier.
√ If your property is on septic, make sure to clean your tank before it gets too cold and the ground freezes, if your clean-out is not already exposed above ground. Cleaning a septic tank should be a routine item all homeowners do annually or semi-annually, depending on use and size of the home.
√ If you move to a warmer state during winter and your home will not be occupied, consider hiring a property manager or trusted friend to keep an eye on your home. No matter how new the house is, issues can arise. Having someone available will help — and help your piece of mind.
A property manager or friend can prevent headaches.
√ One item not as critical, but important: Make sure to store or protect patio furniture, to ensure it stays in good condition. Consider sending your patio cushions and umbrella canopies for winter cleaning and storage. This helps maintain the life of your outdoor living investment, and ensures they are clean next spring.
*No.
(“06880” is a full-service blog. If you appreciate our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
This year, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease. Thanks to advancements in early detection methods — and financial support for research — the chances of survival continue to increase.
Locally, the efforts of many to raise awareness of the second most common cancer among women mirror the work done on a national scale.
It takes a village to fight breast cancer.
Ours certainly does its share. From organizations like Pink Aid and the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation, to groups like the Westport Police Department and Staples High School sports teams (plus their “Pink Out” fans), to businesses like Mitchells that support fundraisers, to individuals who solicit pledges through walks, runs and bake sales and other events, Westport is strongly engaged in this battle to find a cure.
And compassionately engaged to help all those affected by breast cancer, and all those who love them.
You are this week’s Unsung Heroes. Thank you all for your work this month — and every day of the year.
There are 5 items on the Zoning Board of Appeals’ meeting next Tuesday (October 8, 6 p.m.; www.westportct.gov; Zoom link here; also Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020).
The item — continued from September 24 — is an appeal by two neighbors ofo the decision by Planning & Zoning director Mary Young to sign a liquor permit for Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
Click here, then scroll down for all meeting materials (listed as 222 Hillspoint Road).
Public testimony may be offered by joining the meeting. Written comments may also be sent to ZBA@westportct.gov by noon on the day of the meeting to be distributed to ZBA members. Written comments received after noon on the day of the meeting will be entered into the record.
Artie DiRocco writes: “Four years ago I lost my otherwise healthy, athletic and full-of-energy 16-year-old son, a student at Wilton High School, to sudden cardiac arrest. There were no warning signs.
“He would be alive today if we had his heart screened. We had no idea this was something we should do. He looked fine, and acted like there was nothing wrong.
“This Saturday (October 5, noon, Westport Weston Family YMCA), our organization, More George, is teaming up with In A Heartbeat to offer a free heart screening for children (ages 8-25).
“I can’t stress how important this is. I don’t want anyone to feel the things I feel, or cry the way I still cry. You have the opportunity to put this worry behind you. Please take advantage of this!”
Click here to register. Walk-ups are accepted, but pre-registration speeds the process.
Yesterday — October 1 — was the first day since summer that dogs were allowed on Compo Beach.
Several readers emailed “06880,” noting/complaining that more than a few dogs — well, their owners — did not exactly follow the rules for leashed/unleashed areas.
This guy seemed to know what was expected.
(Photo/Mary Minard)
Just a reminder: Obey the rules. It’s our beach. It belongs to everyone. But everyone has a place.
Making new friends, on the first day back. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
Elsewhere at the beach, there’s a new poem in the poetry box, at the end of Soundview Drive near Schlaet’s Point.
Appropriately, it’s about the time of year just past:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The poetry box is a project of Westport’s poet laureate, Donna Disch.
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It’s that time of the year: Pippa’s Pots at the Westport Farmers Market.
All year long, the Westport sustainability advocate makes ceramic pots, bowls, mugs, vases and more, at Silvermine Arts Center.
Every fall, she sells them at the Imperial Avenue market. She’ll be there tomorrow (Thursday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
This year, she’ll include pots from some of her generous classmates.
All proceeds go to Green Village Initiative. Their mission is to grow food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.
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Kids of all ages are invited to Westport Book Shop’s 4th annual Pumpkin Painting Project this Saturday (October 5, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green).
The morning includes pumpkin painting, surprise critters from Earthplace, tattoos, snacks and a free Tree Board giveaway. Costumes are encouraged.
Pumpkin decorating on Jesup Green. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
Last September, when TAP Strength sponsored the Sound on Sound music festival in Bridgeport, they connected with the members of Mt. Joy. I
(If you don’t know: They’re a hugely popular indie band. Last weekend, they played at Madison Square Garden).
TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro stayed in touch with lead singer/guitarist Matt Quinn, bonding over their mutual love for the Arsenal soccer team.
Last Thursday, Mt. Joy invited TAP Strength to be their personal hands-on manual therapists backstage, at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
The team helped alleviate the repetitive stress the band experiences from performing and playing instruments, ensuring they felt great for the Bridgeport show.
EJ Zebro works on Matt Quinn (foreground); TAP therapist Colleen Morley (rear) takes care of bassist Michael Byrnes.
Plenty of Westporters enjoyed the concert. Some were TAP Strength clients.
Probably none of them knew the connection between the band’s easy movements on stage, and their own Post Road wellness center.
From left: Colleen Morley, Michael Byrnes, Matt Quinn, TAP Strength’s EJ Zebro and Lauren Leppla.
Bespoke Designs — Shari Lebowitz’s custom invitations/printing/engraving/and more shop in Sconset Square has closed.
She built a devoted clientele, since opening there in 2017. She’ll continue to serve them online. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Shari Lebowitz, in her Sconset Square doorway.
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Yesterday’s Roundup story about the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County’s interfaith “As One We Come Together” gathering on October 7 (7:30 p.m.) did not include a registration link.
(Since 2009, “06880” has brought you news and information you can use — and we’ve never missed a day. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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