The young men and women — nearly all college- and high school-aged — are well-trained, enthusiastic, and toned.
They follow a long tradition of guards. Here’s an interesting shot of their (all-male) predecessors, perhaps a century ago.
We’re sure they were well-trained and enthusiastic. They look pretty toned, too.
Plus, they won some kind of trophy. Good work, guys!
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.
A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.
Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.
That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.
Westport Animal Control advises:
Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
Coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.
But they do pose risks to pets.
Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.
“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.
Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.
And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …
The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.
The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.
But occasionally, work is done.
Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:
(Photo/Michael Calise)
Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”
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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:
He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.
“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”
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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.
Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”
The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.
A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to renew registration: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.
The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.
“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”
Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.
A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).
Cantor Richard Silverman
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).
In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.
Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.
The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.
We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)
(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!)
The former Davis Cup tennis player/Cameroon national champion/beloved local tennis coach has changed many lives in Africa.
The Oyebog Tennis Academy in Cameroon has provided free tennis coaching, food, shelter and education to tens of thousands of underprivileged children.
To his students, Joseph is more than a coach. He is a father figure, mentor, and beacon of hope.
Westporters have supported OTA generously. Now Joseph needs our help.
He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which led to severe liver damage and many other life-threatening complications.
His condition is rapidly deteriorating, and the local hospital in Cameroon cannot handle his complex case.
Doctors strongly recommend that he be medically evacuated to a major healthcare facility in the US, where his wife and children now live.
Joseph’s many friends are raising funds to cover the costs of his medical evacuation, treatment, postoperative care and rehabilitation, so he can continue his mission at the Oyebog Tennis Academy.
Speaking of fundraisers: They may be teenagers, but Staples High School senior Jack Schwartz — co-president of the Yale Junior Board — and clssmates Jackson Tracey, Ryan Sunjka and Lucy Barneu are organizing the 3rd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” fundraiser.
Money raised for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital wil support sick kids and under-resourced families, as they struggle through difficult medical complications.
It’s a rowing and running competition. Everyone receives a t-shirt.
Last year’s running and rowing competition …
The dates are May 31 and June 1 (12:30 p.m.) in Westport; May 31 (10:45 a.m.) in New Haven, at Orange Theory.
There is no entry fee. Team members reach out to friends and family. and encourage donations.
The Artists Collective of Westport hosts 2 intriguing shows at the Westport Library.
“Interiors: A Look Inside” explores physical, metaphysical and emotional spaces through the visual arts.
Contributors include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, Ros Shaffer, Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Trace Burroughs, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman and more.
“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 8-foot installation composed of the work of 48 Artists Collective members.
Each received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 12-inch square section randomly selected from a well-known modern painting. The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style, without knowing what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception (June 6, 6 p.m.).
Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of “Piece by Piece” is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100, with 50% of the proceeds supporting the Library’s art programs and 50% going to the artist.
The additional artworks on display in the Sheffer and South Galleries are also available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds also going the Library’s art programming.
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The long-delayed Lincoln Street apartment project is making headway.
The first construction — elevator shafts — are done. Floors and walls are being added now. Here’s a recent view:
(Photo/Bill Christiaanse)
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Sunday’s rainbow over Owenoke — as seen from the Longshore golf course — stars as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
And finally … on this date in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. The link between San Francisco and Marin County changed both places forever.
Friends of Sherwood Island plan a great “Trails Day Weekend” for early June.
And you don’t have to be a member to join the fun.
Kayak Paddle: Survey Terrapins and Birds in the Marsh (June 7, 8:30 a.m., end of East Beach parking lot). Count diamondback terrapins (with a guide), and document birds using iNaturalist.
Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddlecraft, life vest and whistle/horn (required by state boating regulations), and kayak cart if you have one. Optional: waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. Free; registration requested.
Butterfly Walk (June 7, 12 noon, Nature Center). Join Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies.
Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone, to learn to report your findings on iNaturalist. Children are welcome. Free; registration requested.
A Walk Through Historical & Archaeological Time (June 8, 1 p.m., Nature Center).
A family-friendly, educational walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail, led by archaeologists. Start at the Ice Age, when Long Island Sound was formed. Examine traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from Native Americans in 1000 BC to onion farmers of the 1940s. Artifacts, maps, old photos and recent recoveries bring the island’s past inhabitants to life. Free; registration requested.
Beach to Beach Walk (June 8, 3 p.m., Nature Center). Discover habitats, inhabitants and special features, including the 9/11 Memorial, model airport, wetlands and pine forest. Free; registration requested.
Shewood Island State Park: 232 acres of prime real estate, right here in Westport.
More environmental news: Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones present a “Lunch & Learn” webinar, “Creating Beautifully Designed Food Forests for Migrating Birds” (May 30, noon to 1 p.m.).
Eva Monheim discusses edible forest gardens — intentionally created, self-sustaining ecosystems that provide food and other resources for humans and wildlife — and proper plant selection.
And — right on cue — today marked the first unfriendly and unethical “saving” of a Compo Beach picnic table.
At 8 a.m.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
A reminder — more gentle than it deserves: Those notices on the top of each table that “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” are not there for decorative purposes only.
Last week’s Westport Library spring book sale was one of its biggest indoor sales ever.
But it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers, book donors and patrons who participated.
Westport Book Sale Ventures says is grateful “for the scores of dedicated volunteers who commit their time, energy and enthusiasm to processing the tens of thousands of books and other media our community generously donates each year, and to the scores more volunteers who help set up and operate our 4-day sales.”
The organizers add a shoutout to volunteers from M&T Bank, Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary, the Y’s Men, Staples High School’s SLOBs and SLOGs, and the National Charity League.
Proceeds from the book sales support the non-profit’s dual missions: to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with disabilities, while raising funds for the Westport Library.
Since opening the Westport Book Shop on Road, Westport Book Sale Ventures has provided over 10,500 hours of employment and job training for more than a dozen adults with differing abilities, at the store and in their eBay online sales operation. They’ve contributed over $200,000 to the Westport Library too.
Sourcery — a VC deal and startup trend newsletter and podcast — is a must-read-and-listen in the industry.
Founder Molly O’Shea is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She’s always on the lookout for interesting interviews.
No suprise: From time to time, they’re fellow alums.
The most recent is Whop CTO Jack Sharkey. The 2018 SHS grad’s platform connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators.
With a million customers and 3,000 sellers, Whop has facilitated $100 million in transactions.
Molly and Jack gave nice shoutouts at the start and end to Westport, and their alma mater. You can click the Sourcery link here, or click on the video below.
Saturday’s Roundup noted the compelling presentation by Dmitry Kamensky on Friday. The Ukrainian law professor met a small group at Larry and Mary-Lou Weisman’s house, where he described the dire situation in his war-torn nation.
But Professor Kamensky also talked about the strength and will of his countrymen.
And he must have been bolstered by the show of support from the Westporters, whom he met through his work on constitutional law with Larry Weisman and Ken Bernhard.
Not to mention, the beautiful bouquet — in Ukrainian colors — arranged by Mary-Lou Weisman.
The last time we checked in with Ben Casparius, he had just earned himself a World Series ring.
It was a storybook finish for the 2017 Staples High School graduate. In just 2 months, he moved from the minor leagues to an important role in the Los Angeles’ drive to the championship.
What’s next for the pitcher? Perhaps League Rookie of the Year.
At least, that’s what the (somewhat biased) TrueBlueLA.com website thinks.
They say: “The season is only about 1/3 complete, so there’s plenty of time remaining. But in terms of NL Rookie of the Year, Ben Casparius has pitched himself firmly into the discussion.”
The reliever threw 3 scoreless innings Friday against the New York Mets, striking out 6 of the 10 batters he faced.
Three days earlier he got the final out of the 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, protecting a 1-run edge with the bases loaded.
TrueBlueLA notes: “Stephen Nelson on the Dodgers radio broadcast said something to the effect of any National League Rookie of the Year poll that doesn’t include Casparius is invalid. He’s right.”
Casparius has a 2.94 ERA, with 38 strikeouts and only 6 walks.
Thanks to our sister city of Lyman — a town now just 7 miles from the Russian front — residents and town officials have felt connected to the entire war-torn nation.
Ken Bernhard and Larry Weisman’s relationship goes back even further.
Nearly a decade ago, Bernhard — an attorney, former state representative, and civic volunteer for many causes — taught a class in Ukraine on US constitutional law.
Over the years, he and fellow Westport attorney Lawrence Weisman continued to work with Professor Dmitry Kamensky via Zoom. They spoke to his Ukrainian law students about the American legal system, and the current state of affairs here.
Professor Kamensky has been in the US since April. He’s lectured at several universities, and visited the US Military Academy at West Point.
On Friday, he met a small group of Westporters at Weisman’s home.
Professor Kamensky spoke candidly about the war’s effects on his country, his university and students, and his own wife and young children. It was a first-hand look at a life that includes nightly attacks, daily uncertain, and people who — despite all the devastation — strive to lead as normal lives as they can.
Afteward, he wrote to those met, “I am incredibly grateful for all the support, empathy and kindness that you share with the people of Ukraine. Even more so, with the people in Lyman and other eastern Ukrainian towns, which now face the war carnage daily.
“Thank you all for being with us on this incredibly hard path to freedom and European future. Your dedication, your involvement, your encouragement have no borders. I felt it with my heart today and this is something I will share with my people upon my return home soon.”
A reminder about Westport’s sister city of Lyman: Our connection began through Ukraine Aid International, the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
They’re supporting 2 camps this summer in the Carpathian Mountains. It’s a chance for Lyman’s displaced children to reconnect with their former schoolmates.
The 10-day July session for 40 youngsters is fully funded. UAI is raising $10,000 for the August camp.All donations are welcome here. (Under “Designation,” select “Westport” from the dropdown menu.)
Let’s do, this Westport!
Professor Dmitry Kamensky (right), with Westporers on Friday.
Plenty of Westporters are attending college reunions this month.
But Tom Lowrie may be the only one going to his 75th.
The longtime Westporter — who stepped down earlier this month as our town’s pickleball ambassador — attended that landmark event yesterday, at Princeton University.
Not only that: With his daughter Anne, he took part in the school’s “P-rade.”
Tom was joined by 5 others, from the Princeton Class of 1950.
They hope to see each other again, at the 80th reunion.
Sixty protesters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday, in another Saturday protest against President Trump and his administration.
Ages ranged from 26 to 92. One Tesla driver gave the crowd the finger, but other cars honked in support.
Canine protestor on the Ruth Steinkruas Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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A couple of miles away, the first beach weekend was a bit chilly. Early in the morning — before families arrived for the Parks & Recreation Department “Kickoff to Summer” and dedication of the new Compo Beach playground — a lone swimmer got ready to take the plunge.
“Pig Party” — Jo Ann Miller’s new book — has just been published.
Carl Addison Swanson provides background: “In 1962, the men of the University of Texas voted famed singer-student Janis Joplin as the ‘ugliest man on campus.’ While the university and Janis were not pleased, the news of the pig party spread fast. Soon, such parties were being held at schools across the country.
Lifelonng Westport resident Malcolm Watson, Jr. died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was 76.
He graduated from Staples High School in 1967, and worked for Nash Engineering in South Norwalk. He served in the Navy in Vietnam during the war, and marched every Memorial Day in the Westport parade.
He owned Nielsen’s Wood Arts, a furniture refinishing business where he performed meticulous antique furniture restoration.
An avid swimmer and sailor, he was a member of the “High Tide Club,” swimming at Burying Hill Beach nearly year round.
He was a member of the Norwalk River Rowing Club, and served as a mentor for generations of younger rowers. He competed as a rower and coxswain all over the East Coast, including the famed Head of the Charles race in Boston.
He is survived by wife Roseann, daughter Amanda (Nathan), son Malcolm III,grandchildren Conrad and Rosie, brother Elmer Sniffen (Patricia), sister Nancy Sniffen, and sister-in-law Kathleen Carusone
A memorial service will be held on June 11, (11 a.m., Burying Hill Beach). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization of your choice.
And finally … in honor of Tom Lowrie’s 75th reunion (story above):
(If Ben Casparius becomes Rookie of the Year, you heard it first here. You hear a LOT of things here first, right? If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Two of Westport’s most popular spots — downtown and Compo Beach — were where the action was yesterday.
Between the 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival and the 2nd-ever Kickoff to Summer, there was something for everyone. First, the Fest:
Watercolors, oil paintings, woodworking, sculptures, photos — all those mediums and more are on display this weekend, on Main and Elm Streets, and nearby Church Lane.
In its half century, the Westport Downtown Association event has become one of the top shows in the nation. This year, it drew 165 artists. Over 40 are first-timers here. Seven are from Westport.
Popular local photographer John Videler is a first-time Fine Arts Festival exhibitor. He’s selling scenes of Westport, and much more.
The Fine Arts Festival includes family activities like face painting, crafts, games, and dancing and photo ops.
Crafts for kids.
It’s a real festival, with wine and beer for adults, food vendors, and music. The show continues today (Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) More information is available here.
The School of Rock rocks.
Here come (2 of) the judges: Miggs Burroughs and Sandy Pelletier.
Staples High School students show their work.
Dylan Curran and Captain Jillian Cabana keep everyone safe.
Westport photographer Nancy Breakstone, at her traditional spot near Anthropologie.
Music on the Main and Elm Streets corner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The first arrivals: The view from Brooks Corner. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Best in Show award winner: Kathryn Maher. She’s in Booth 18. (Photo/Brian Spurr)
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At the same time, dozens of families flocked to Compo Beach. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
Westport officially opened its brand-new, fully inclusive Compo Beach playground this week, in a very appropriate way: with children’s laughter.
The new play space’s inauguration was part of a day-long celebration sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, complete with bouncy houses, food trucks and games.
The new playground replaces the popular structure first built in 1989, then refurbished in 2006.
It has been reimagined with inclusivity, safety and community spirit in mind. It features modern equipment designed for children of all abilities, including sensory elements, accessible play zones, and “mommy-and-me” swings that promote connection and bonding.
2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore noted the intergenerational nature of the project as “a coordination of a lot of different groups.
“It wasn’t just the town. It was such a great community project. I worked on this 18 years ago, the last time it was rebuilt. Now it’s incredible to see a new generation of young Westporters volunteering.”
From classic swings and towering play structures to a pretend ice cream truck that kids could not get enough of, the new Compo playground is designed for everyone.
Courtney Kornblum, at the opening with her young daughter, was excited about the new playground.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” Kornblum said. “There’s a lot more for younger ages now. The mommy-and-me swings and the drums — it really brings people together. You look around, and everyone’s smiling.”
Beyond the equipment itself, the event was a celebration of the teamwork that went into the renovation. Volunteers of all ages participated in the build. Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, who was involved in the previous playground updates, was also part of this renovation.
“This playground has a lot of history for me,” he said. “I helped out when it was first built, and again in 2006. Last year, the Westport Rotary Club decided to make a major donation to the reconstruction. It was the perfect fit.”
Marpe noted that when he took his grandchildren to the previous structure, he felt as though something was just slightly off.
“I can’t wait to bring them now,” Marpe said. “There is just so much to do, and something for everyone. We wanted it to be as accessible as possible for every child to enjoy.”
Kids began enjoying it the moment the celebration ended.
And they will keep doing so until the next rebuild, a couple of decades from now.
After the playground celebration, kids headed over to the Kickoff to Summer, near the basketball courts.
Lifeguards (from left) Olivia Kuliga, Molly Whittle and Ella Harrington keep a close (and smiling) watch.
(All photos/Katherine Phelps)
Volunteers and kids say “cheese!” (Photo/David Klee)
All Westporters are invited to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, in a townwide vigil following the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington this week.
The gathering is set for Jesup Green this Tuesday (May 27, 6:30 p.m.).
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project on June 2 (6 p.m.; live streamed on www.westportct.gov ; also on Optimum Channel 79 and Zoom link, with meeting ID 849 2904 0375 and passcode 521369).
The Representative Town Meeting’s first review of the Long Lots Elementary School building project — with updated plans, elevations, financial information and timing requirements for the upcoming funding and appropriation — takes place at their June 3 session (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The RTM Finance Committee then meets June 10 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall room 201) to discuss a request to appropriate $98.8 million for construction of the new Long Lots School.
And on June 11 (7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), the RTM Environment Committee follows up on an earlier discussion regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.
It may not feel like it — but this weekend marks the official opening of town beaches.
Also — just in time for beach openings — Save the Sound has released its 2024 grades of 200 Long Island Sound beaches, including Connecticut, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Water quality is graded in 4 categories, based on pollutants found in dry and wet periods.
The report is released every 2 years. Three in Westport dropped from both 2020 and 2022.
During that period, Compo Beach declined from A, to B+, and now B-.
Burying Hill dropped from 2 consecutive A+s, to the current C+.
Sherwood Island remains at B+, after ratings of A+ and B+.
Meanwhile, everything — including lifeguard chairs — is in place for Westport’s Memorial Day weekend beach openings.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
Now all we need are people.
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A state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind gelato and sorbet machine is enjoying a “soft” launch at the Westport Library.
The Solato machine is like a Keurig coffee maker (but cooler). Choose your pod — 2 are featured each day — and watch as a Library Café worker slides it into the machine.
A minute later: There’s your gelato or sorbet, made specially for you.
Gelato flavors include banana maple, vanilla bean, coffee, salted caramel and dark chocolate, and mango and strawberry sorbet, plus frozen yogurt. All are locally sourced, and free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Keurig cups are criticized as wasteful, because they’re single use. The Solato pods double as the serving dish. And each is served with a wooden — not plastic — spoon.
The Solato machine was donated by Lisa Weitzman and Howard Edelstein.
Gelato, on demand. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Westport Country Playhouse is more than a venue for plays.
It’s a concert hall. A site for script readings. And — this summer — it’s a movei theater.
Five classic films from the 1950s through ’70s will be screened:
“Roman Holiday” (June 18, 7 p.m.)
“Singin’ in the Rain” (July 14, 7 p.m.)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (August 6, 6 p.m.)
Ruben said a woman came in with her family of 5. She had paid $160 for each — $800 total.
Like every passport applicant, she still had to pay the $35 USPS fee, and the $130 filing fee, for each. But she could have prepared all the information herself, at the USPS website.
Beware! And while you’re at it: continue to hand all your mail to the post office clerks. You still can’t trust the drop box: Thieves still are fishing for checks there.
A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on June 28 (1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — presents “Digging Deeper: Ecological Gardening for Beauty and Biodiversity” on June 23 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
The final event of Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” initiative, it will help residents transform outdoor spaces into eco-friendly havens. Topics include soil health, reducing lawn size, minimizing chemical use, and the significance of native versus invasive plants.
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Chabad of Westport’s first-ever Community Golf Outing (June 30, Great River Golf Club, Milford) is notable for 2 reasons.
The entire community is welcome.
And IDF soldiers will be special guests, offering “an opportunity to show support and solidarity with Israel.”
Golfers (and non-golfing guests) will enjoy on-course snacks and refreshments; lunch; a cocktail/dinner reception; raffles and giveaweays, and a $25,000 hole-in-one prize.
Westport music teacher Jenny Ong invites the town to the annual Children’s Piano Spring Concert June 1 (elementary 9:15 a.m., advanced 10:45 a.m., Faust Harrison Pianos, Fairfield).
The event, showing young pianists from Westport and nearby, raises funds for the Connecticut chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. RSVP: jennyong.music@gmail.com.
Part of Jenny Ong’s recital.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo follows up on the lifeguard image above.
Compo Beach looks empty now. But it won’t be for long — or for the next few months.
And finally … in honor of Paul Newman’s “return” to the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):
(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never rests. We’re here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
There’s a Touch-a-Truck show, face painting, obstacle courses, raffles and food trucks.
It’s a perfect place for bikes. And Bike Westport invites everyone to ride to the beach (or bring bikes in your car).
They’ll be set up by the basketball court, with:
Bike Rodeo: Kids navigate a safe, marked course with cones/signals (helmets required). Led by the Westport Police Department.
Helmet inspection and bike assessment: Is your gear up to date and safe to ride? A professional mechanic will be there to assess.
Test Ride: New bikes, E-bikes and traditional, if you’re looking to upgrade.
Giveaways: Bike Westport swag, and CB Sportif discount coupons for bike service.
Bike Westport info: Learn how to get involved and donate. Share your ideas for safer, more walkable and bike friendly streets and routes in Westport.
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Speaking of bikes: The town’s next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety update session is Thursday, May 29 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force will offer details on their progress, and hear input from residents about issues of concern.
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Bedford Middle School was packed last night, for Westport Public Schools’ 4th annual district-wide art exhibition
“Spark” — a celebration of student creativity and artistic expression — is “a powerful display of the depth and breadth of arts education and the role it plays in shaping thoughtful, expressive, and empathetic students,” says Steve Zimmerman, WPS music and visual arts coordinator.
The show features over 1,000 works of art from students in pre-K through Advanced Placement Art & Design. They include observational drawings, mixed media, sculptures and digital art.
A small part of the large “SPARK” student art exhibit.
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Back in the day, there were 2 mini-golf courses in Westport.
Is it time for another?
The Westport Youth Commission wants to know.
They’ve created a quick survey to gauge interest. All ages can participate — because mini-golf appeals to every.
The miniature golf course (and driving range), owned by the Backiel family. It’s now the site of the Regents Park condos, near the BevMax shopping plaza.
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The Staples High School internship program is a chance for seniors to get out in the field for a few weeks. They test the real world, right before graduation.
Andre Albanese and Grace Zhang take that literally.
The two are spending their internship with the Westport Farmers’ Market.
They work on farms, help the bakers, learn to makek bagels, and help facilitate the WFM’s operations every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
They also spend time learning who grows their food. And they eat plenty of it — happily and healthfully.
The Mom Salon podcast is a way for women to feel less alone in motherhood.
But what good is listening to their show alone?
Hosts Melissa Fairchild (a post-partum therapist) and Leah Devito (a stylist and community organizer) are hosting “The Ultimate Moms’ Night Out” at Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue (May 29, 7 p.m.).
In addition to a live capture of their podcast, they promise cocktails, lite bites, Bridgewater chocolates, Sweet Bond permanent jewlery, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Jay Norris is one of Westport’s most active residents. He’s the founder of Westport10, a co-founder and board member of StartUp Westport, Westport Weston Family YMCA board member and former board member of the Westport Library — and that’s just here.
Jay is also co-chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the New York Urban League — in addition to his full-time job as co-founder and CEO of Guesst.
In his Urban League role, he’ll celebrate the 59th annual Frederick Douglass Awards Gala in New York (June 5, 6:30 p.m., Ziegfield Ballroom, New York City).
Honorees include Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, actress Meagan Good, Great Performances founder and CEO Liz Neumark, and Xponance founder, CEO and CIO Tina Byles Williams. Details and reservations are available here.
Frederick Douglass
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Viburnum makes its first-ever appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature. Welcome!
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