Dozens of AEDs — automated external defibrillators — are posted throughout town. They’re in schools and public buildings, and at athletic fields and parks.
Several of the life-saving devices are at Compo Beach. Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the one on the side of the Westport Police Marine Unit office at Ned Dimes Marina. (Click here to see.)
It’s a good idea to notice them. You never know when someone will have a cardiac emergency. AEDs are simple to use; turn one on, and an automated voice provides easy, step-by-step instructions to shock a heart back to rhythm.
The marina device was in a locked case (though it was open). There were several “06880” comments about the wisdom of a lock — and others about the danger of keeping AEDs outside in the cold winter months.
(Interesting side note: The Westport Police Department manages and maintains the AEDs in public locations like the beach, Longshore and Town Hall — even though they were donated by individuals, and Norwalk Hospital. Westport Public Schools take care of those that are in their buildings.)
Michael Calise, Dan Vener, Matt Murray, Andrew Colabella and Beth Berkowitz all knew exactly where the AED in the Photo Challenge was located.
Now you do too. Here’s hoping you never need it.
On to this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click Comments below.
A leaf blower ordinance — discussed for years, and blowing in the wind for the past few months — was finally enacted last night.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting voted 22-9 in favor of the proposal, which regulates when and which types of leaf blowers can be used, and by whom. The town of Westport is specifically exempted from the rules. Enforcement will be done by the Conservation Department.
Click here, the scroll down to Slide #28, for the full ordinance, and supporting materials.
Meanwhile, the Board of Education voted 4-3 to request up to $600,000 from the Board of Finance (which meets tonight), for 2 modular classrooms at Long Lots Elementary School. The portables will be placed behind the school, near a small play aea.
The Board also discussed redistricting. Pieces of the puzzle include unbalanced populations at Westport’s 5 elementary schools; Stepping Stones preschool, currently housed at Coleytown El but slated to move to Long Lots after a new building is constructed, and the schedule for that new Long Lots.
The new portable classroms would be placed behind the school, at the upper left on this photo. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Westporters — especially seniors and those with low to moderate incomes — can once again take advantage of the town’s no-cost full-service AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program.
On-site personal counseling is available by appointment at Town Hall (Mondays from 1 to 7 p.m.) and the Senior Center (Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.), starting January 23. Call 860-590-8910 for an appointment.
The service is also available through a secure internet site. Click here for an appointment.
The “SimplyCT” counselor group that services Westport prepared and filed more than 7,000 returns last season – almost all electronically. Federal refunds of over $10 million were received by their clients..
The program is administered by Westport’s Department of Human Services.
Westport is less than $10,000 away from its goal: raising $250,000 to support our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.
Yesterday’s donations brought the total to $241,700. Our partners on the ground — Ukraine Aid International, founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — are arranging for building supplies, a trash truck and more to be delivered immediately to the war-torn town.
It is far quicker and cheaper for those to be sent from Poland and elsewhere in Europe, rather than the US.
Can we reach our goal today?
Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International. Pleaseclick here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
Grammy winner Frank London headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, January 5, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, sets at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; $15 cover; dinner from 7 p.m.).
The trumpeter will be joined by pianist Roberta Piket, bassist Hilliard Greene, drummer Billy Mintz and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Wall calls London “one of the most inconoclastic traditional musicians I have ever met. I have heard him tear down the walls of parochial practices of old and new jazz, swing, bop, klezmer, Gypsy, Baltic, Cuban, West African and many other musical genres, and create community across the globe while bringing joy to literally hundreds of thousands of concert goers.”
Wall and he were partners in Hasidic New Wave, a band combining traditional Jewish celebratory music with downtown jazz, funk and “pure improvised mayhem.” They play together now in Zion80, a “mixed marriage of avant jazz and Afro beat.”
London will play new works inspired by Pharaoh Sanders, John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Azar Lawrence and others, with an ethnic twist.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
Longtime Westporter Richard Auber of Westport died peacefully on New Year’s Day, surrounded by his family. He was 87.
Dick lived on Long Island before moving with his wife and 5 children here in 1975. He served in the Air National Guard for 6 years.
After graduating from St. John’s University he had a long career in the business world, and retired from the New York Transit Authority in 1987.
He met the love of his life, Elizabeth Mary Schick, in church choir. They were married for 64 years. He enjoyed sharing his singing talents with the St. Luke Church choir every Sunday morning. He also sang with the Hoot Owls and Fairfield County Chorale. He was a gifted storyteller too.
Dick is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Auber; children Patricia Auber (Tom Magro), Richard (Tatyana Nivina), Ron (Cheryl Fogg), Judy Auber Jahnel (Ferdinand) and Christine Auber (Michael Bauersfeld); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; his sister Marilyn Fitzpatrick, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and extended family. He is predeceased by his brother Robert and sister Edna.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (January 7, 11 a.m.. St. Luke Church). Contributions can be made in his memory to the St. Luke Church Matthew 25 fund, or Food for the Poor.
And finally … Earth Wind, & Fire drummer Fred White died Sunday. He was 67.
The New York Times says he “propelled some of the funkiest songs in pop history, helping to provide a soundtrack to the nation’s weddings, bar mitzvahs, high school reunions and any other function at which people of all ages dance.”
Westport’s latest teardown now looks like every other:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
But unlike many homes that smooshed by the wrecking ball, this one will have few mourners.
Here’s what it looked like, pre-demolition:
174 Hillspoint Road is the house that — ever since it was built in 1968, across from Sherwood Mill Pond — never fit in.
Westport Journal’s Thane Grauel described it as “a single-story house with a sort of terracotta mansard roof, white stucco-ish sides, narrow vertical windows and greenhouse windows like a fern bar.”
Architect Christopher Pagliaro was more succinct. He called it the “offspring of a Burger King and a diner.”
And, says Historic District Commission chair William Harris, “When we put the (demolition) sign up, people walking by started applauding.”
I have no idea what will take its place. But it will have to go a long way to be as universally disliked as its predecessor.
If you think the real estate market has slowed a bit lately: You’re right.
There were 472 closed sales in 2022, a decrease of 22.2% from 2021.
But the average days on market dropped from 57 days in ’21 to 52 in ’22. So homes sold a bit more quickly this year.
Average sales price: $2,250,197 in 2022 (up 29% from 2021).
The months supply of inventory was flat from 2021 to 2022, at 3.2 months. A historically normal market is considered to have 6 months of supply. The low figure for Westport could indicate that demand for homes in the area is outstripping the supply, potentially leading to further price appreciation.
About those prices: The average sale in Westport was $2,250,197. That’s a 29% increase over 2021. (Hat tip: The Riverside Realty Group)
The most expensive home on the market is this 11,000-square foot, 6-bedroom, 7 1/2-bath property on 3.45 acres on Charcoal Hill Road. It is listed for $12.5 million.
If you own a house in Westport — like the one above, or perhaps smaller — you think about leaves.
One of the noisiest items on the Representative Town Meeting agenda — a leaf blower ordinance — cranks up at tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, January 3, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
Click here, then scroll down to Slide #26 for the regulation itself, and explanatory materials.
Many sides — homeowners, landscaping company owners and town officials — have been heard already. They’re loud and clear, on all sides of the issue.
Checking in recently has been another concerned party.
Tanvi Gorre — president of Staples High School’s Club Green — wrote to support the proposal. Her words are a model of clarity and objectivity. She says:
“This ordinance isn’t perfect, though I am most definitely not the first person to tell you this.
“But we cannot wait for the perfect move, the perfect step against climate change. That step will never come, because it doesn’t exist.
“There will always be a problem with every solution we come up with. The best we can ever do is try to get closer to a solution. What has brought us some of the best solutions we have today is trial and error.
“But in order to get to good solutions we need to try. This ordinance is a way for us as the town of Westport to take a step towards getting to a better solution. So perhaps one day when my generation has to face the ramifications of the climate crisis we can have a great solution. We, the young generation, need your help more than ever.”
Meanwhile, the RTM’s Planning & Zoning Committee meets Thursday (January 5, 7 p.m. Zoom; click here for the link). They’ll begin discussing the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission’s approval of text and map amendments that would create a district in Saugatuck, which could lead to the development of The Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/residential/hotel/marina complex.
A group of residents — the Saugatuck Sensible Zoning Committee — has petitioned the full RTM to review the P&Z’s decision. Their goal — for the RTM to overturn it — requires a 2/3 vote.
The group says that are not “against development, change, improvements or re-zoning of the 4.82 acres and 11 properties that comprise the area under consideration.”
In fact, they add, “we enthusiastically support the revitalization of Saugatuck that will result from the Planning & Zoning Commission proactively engaging in a rigorous process to craft carefully planned changes in the zoning.”
However, the SSZC urges, “we want the re-zoning and subsequent development to be sensible, of appropriate scale, and respectful of Westport’s past, present and desired future.”
The group is concerned about the size and density of the possible project; traffic, congestion and parking; precedents, and other issues.
After Thursday’s meeting, the RT& P&Z Committee will meet again next Tuesday (January 10), and if necessary January 17.
They will then make a recommendation to the full RTM, which will meet and vote on January 17 or 19.
The shaded area includes the new text and map amendment boundaries.
Speaking of town politics: Anna Rycenga has resigned as chair of the Conservation Commission. She has taken a full-time job.
She has served as chair since 2010. Anna says that she and her fellow members have helped “ensure the protection, preservation and restoration of local wetlands and watercourses in Westport by making provisions to protect these wetland soils, water bodies, environmental functions and the wildlife habitat.”
Hers is not an easy job. She and fellow commissioners must balance the sometimes competing wishes and needs of property owners, neighbors, developers, environmentalists and other town officials.
Anna did it for 12 years, with dedication, understanding, dedication and grace. Thanks for your service!
In addition to the Conservation Commission, Anna has helped lead many charitable projects, including food and holiday toy drives with Westport PAL. She’s also the unofficial “mayor” of Westfair Village, keeping the neighborhood connected and fun. She’ll keep doing that.
PS: Anna’s new employer has made a very wise hire.
We’re used to seeing a few hardy souls “plunge” into the water on January 1. Yesterday’s Roundup carried one such photo– a gorgeous shot, just as the sun rose.
But I can’t recall anyone ever enjoying a New Year’s swim at Sherwood Mill Pond.
Perhaps “enjoying” is not the right word. These 4 dudes do not look happy at all.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Hey — as photographer Matt Murray notes, at least they heeded the oft-disobeyed “No Jumping or Diving” sign.
MoCA Westport’s annual collaboration with the Westport Public Art Collections Committee — “Paul Camacho: El Ritmo y La Unidad” — is set for this month.
The opening reception is January 12 (5 to 7 p.m.). It’s a ticketed event (free for MoCA members; $10 general admission). Click here to register.
The museum’s annual high school exhibition — “Who Are You When You Are Dreaming” — is on view simultaneously.
Nearly 200 student artworks will be on display. As always, Westport artists are represented creatively.
Among them:
“I Have Always Wondered Why, You See” — digital collage/composition (Allison Cancro, Staples High School sophomore)
In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast (click below), 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor chats with Police Chief Ed Henion about personnel plans, road improvements, driver safety and state grants.
The series sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, and hosted by Dick Kalt.
And finally … Anita Pointer died Saturday, at her Beverly Hills home. She was 74, and had battled cancer.
The New York Times called her “the sweet and occasionally sultry lead vocalist” on many hits with her siblings: the Pointer sisters.
They “occupied a middle point in pop history between the doo-wop innocence of the Ronettes and the stilettoed girl power of Destiny’s Child. Anita’s voice had a lot to do with that. She sang with the speed and flavor of molasses. Though she commanded the virtuosity to trill prettily, she tended to sing too softly to sound overpowering. In ‘Slow Hand’ …Anita cooed.” (Click here for a full obituary.)
(Real estate, politics, art, music … “06880” covers it all. Please click here to help support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
If it’s New Year’s, it’s time to … get rid of the Christmas tree.
It can be disposed of online — well, the registration is done that way, anyway. Scout Troops 39 and 139 will happily pick up yours. Click here for the form.
You’ll get a confirmation email. Then, this Saturday (January 7 — by 6:30 a.m.), put your tree by your mailbox.
There’s a suggestion donation of $20 per tree. Tape an envelope with cash or check (payable to “Boy Scout Troop 39”) to your front door.
NOTE: All Christmas trees are mulched into wood chips, and donated to the town. So no wreaths or garlands (the wires ruin the machinery).
Also seen at Compo Beach: this message to “rock” (ho ho) 2023.
It’s the handiwork of Ross and Wendy McKeon. And the “rock” part can be taken literally: They’re the parents of 2000 Staples High School graduate Drew McKeon. Among his many talents, he’s the longtime drummer in fellow Westporter Michael Bolton’s band.
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a utility pole on Hillandale Road. An “06880” reader explained why it’s hard to get broken ones fixed, or obsolete wires or cables removed.
The example shown was hardly the worst. Michael Lonsdale noticed more, on the short stretch of Kings Highway North between Main and Canal Streets.
(Photos/Michael Lonsdale)
It will not be easy to address the issue. Each pole has multiple “owners” — Eversource, Altice and Frontier, for example.
Low hanging wires and excess poles are low priorities. They’re prime candidates for buck-passing.
But the lower the wires droop, and the more old poles tilt and rot, the more dangerous they are.
When they come down in a storm, excess poles and obsolete cables make clean-up that much harder.
Our electric and telecom companies have lots to do. Removing unsightly — even dangerous — wires and poles are not at the top of their lists.
And unlike weeds or brush, this is not something we can take in our own hands.
Thoughts? Click “Comments” below. Please be constructive, not nasty. And be sure to use your full, real name.
As we hunker down in winter with the final Friday Flashback of 2022, what better choice than a photo from mid-summer, 1983.
(Photo/Arthur Nager)
For anyone born 20 years after this photo was taken: It shows a “pay phone.” This primitive pre-cellphone technology operated with “coins.” You put a “dime” in a slot at the top. You lifted the receiver, punched in a phone number (no area code required, if local), and hoped someone would answer.
Want to know more? You could dial 411 for “Directory Assistance” (an “operator” would give you someone’s number). You could place calls “collect” (the person at the other end would be charged for the call). You could even get your dime back (and collect those of previous callers), if you knew certain tricks and were juvenile delinquently inclined.
There’s no telling how often this phone was used by young kids calling to be picked up, teenagers calling friends to find out where the party was, and anyone else needing to communicate from Compo Beach.
BONUS FACTOID: Look at those 4 poles surrounding the pay phone. They’re the remnants of a “phone booth” — indicating that at one point, it was enclosed, for privacy and to guard against the weather.
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