Though the Parks & Recreation Department has recommended that current Longshore Sailing School operator Jane Pimentel’s lease with the town be extended another 10 years, the Board of Finance last night asked for more time.
And for questions to be answered.
Heidi McGee and Jeff Manchester — Westporters who are involved in competing bids — challenged the transparency of the process, along with the low $5,000 rent proposed. She also said she would make a Freedom of Information Act request about the bid.
After much discussion, including remarks endorsing the current operators, Parks & Rec director Jen Fava’s request was tabled until the next Board of Finance meeting.
Longshore Sailing School. (Photo/Stefen Turner)
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Lynda Bluestein has begun her final journey.
The longtime Westport resident and active Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member left her Black Rock home yesterday.
News12 Connecticut reports that her husband Paul drove her to Vermont. Last year, she won a lawsuit to allow her — despite being a non-resident — to use the state’s medical aid in dying statute.
Lynda suffers from ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Her condition deteriorated rapidly this week, News12 says. She was carried out of her home by her son Jake Shannon, and twin granddaughters.
Bluestein’s legacy will live on in many ways. She has been a longtime voice against gun violence. She has advocated for a Connecticut medical aid in dying law.
And last year, she helped place wind phones — disconnected telephones that allow loved ones and friends to “call” people who have died — throughout the area.
A ceremony at the Westport Library — the first such indoor space for a wind phone in the world — drew dozens of friends and admirers.
Click here for the full, loving report from News12’s Mark Sudol.
Lynda Bluestein, during yesterday’s News12 interview.
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In November, “06880” reported that James Comey’s new book will be published in May.
The murder mystery novel from the former FBI director — and also former Westport resident — is about a “make-believe hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, billed as the world’s largest.”
Aspiring authors are told to “write about what you know.”
Hmmmm … let’s see ,,, well, Comey was general counsel of Westport-based Bridgewater Associates.
Oh, yeah. The book’s title is “Westport.”
The cover has just been released. Look familiar?
If Comey has a book-signing here, we’ll let you know.
Perhaps at Barnes & Noble.
Or Bridgewater. (Hat tips: Sean McGee, Dick Lowenstein)
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Robin Moyer Chung sends this message to “06880” readers:
“As the editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine for the past 5 years, I’ve been fortunate to pen so many fascinating features of Westport and its residents.
“Every time I left an interview I couldn’t wait to tell the story (well, with one exception). I’d sit down at my laptop and write the first sentence: ‘This will blow your mind.’ ‘What she’s doing is amazing.’ ‘This guy is unbelievable.’
“Then I’d stop and re-examine the superlative. How can I best convey how amazing this person or story is without a ham-handed declaration of adoration?
“For 5 years I’ve loved this challenge. I’ve loved discovering and writing about the outstanding contributions of those who do so quietly and without seeking fanfare. Of those who sculpt our unique landscape of commerce, design, and entertainment. Of those who speak up, dress up, act out, and sing out loud.
“Regretfully, this January 2024 issue is my last one.
“I look forward to the next chapter of Westport Lifestyle, and hope it continues to reflect the dazzling community in which it lives.
“Thank you all! It’s been fabulous!”
Robin Moyer Chung
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The Westport Inn is gone.
A new boutique hotel — owned by the same company that runs the famed Delamar properties in Southport and Greenwich, along with La Plage restaurant and the soon-to-be-renovated Inn at Longshore — is rising in its place.
The target date is this fall.
Construction work on the new Delamar hotel.
Meanwhile, eBay is offering a remnant of the previous incarnation of the Westport Inn: this key from the original “New Englander Motor Hotel.”
Postage may no longer be “guaranteed.”
(Photos/JD Dworkow)
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between December 27 and January 3.
In the same period, they issued these citations:
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
- Improper use of markers: 6
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
- Evading responsibility: 2
- Failure to obey a stop sign: 2
- Larceny: 1
- Breach of peace: 1
- Speeding: 1
- Failure to yield right of way: 1
- Failure to drive to the right: 1
- Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
- Possession of an abandoned marker: 1
It’s no laughing matter: You can’t put an abandoned license plate on your car.
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He’s 2 years away from getting his driver’s license.
But 14-year-old Vivek Kanthan is a world junior kart racing champion.
Currently competing in Europe, he’ll be at the Westport Library this Sunday (January 7, 2 p.m.), for a “Motorsports 101” presentation.
The teenage racer will discuss his journey, and answer questions.
Vivek Kanthan, with his trophies.
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Ken Runkel — whose works are showcased regularly in “06880”‘s Saturday online art gallery — is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.
He describes himself as “a digital photographer, photoshop artist, and AI explorer with an unusual imagination, and sometimes twisted sense of humor.” His work ranges from nature, landscapes and waterscapes to abstracts and surrealistic images.
Runkel spent 4 decades in advertising, corporate identity development and brand consulting with major international firms serving Fortune 100 clients worldwide.
After retiring in 2017 he focused on digital photography, and digital post-production editing. He now explores the power of artificial intelligence, and how it can expand visual creativity.
A reception is set for January 17 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). RSVP by phone (203-349-5141) or email (bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org).
All work on display is available for purchase.
Ken Runkel and his art, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Sure, it’s New Year’s.
But flowers are blooming. Susan Leone spotted these, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Susan Leone)
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And finally … today was the birthdate, in 1838, of Tom Thumb. Born with dwarfism, he became a world-famous performer under the direction of P.T. Barnum.
Local connection: Tom Thumb (Charles Sherwood Stratton) was born in Bridgeport. After he died of a stroke at 45, Barnum placed a life-sized statue at his gravesite, Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport. His wife, Lavinia Warren, died more than 35 years later, and is buried next to him.
(Where else but “06880” can you read about old and new hotels, kart racing and digital art — all in the same place? If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support it. Thank you!)
