Posted onSeptember 1, 2024|Comments Off on We’re Hiring! Youth Commission Matches Students, Employers
As a new school year begins, people are scrambling to fill jobs.
Parents search for tutors, babysitters and yard work. Stores and restaurants replace employees who returned to college.
Local high school students are ready to fill flexible, part-time jobs.
The Westport Youth Commission can help.
Last year, teen member Jake Shufro led the organization’s collaboration with Quad Jobs. The online platform is free for all Westporters with a high school email address. Filling out a profile helps create viable matches.
Now a Staples High School junior, he is heading the project again.
When an employer posts a job, students who live nearby with an interest in that category are notified.
When a student applies for a job, the employer receives both an email and pop-up message. They communicate with students directly via the app, or through the student’s phone or email.
Over 30 employers hired students last year, for jobs ranging from babysitting to bike shops to lacrosse trainer.
To sign up, students should click here, then follow the instructions.
Household employers pay $10 for a one-time post, $50 a year for unlimited posts. Use the code“Free10” for a free first post, and “gowestport” for 50% off unlimited posts.
Businesses pay $100 a year for unlimited posts. Use the code “westportbiz” for 50% off.
Ten percent of profits are donated to charity.
Employers of all kinds can click here to begin, or click here for more detailed instructions.
Click here for more information, on the town’s Youth Commission page.
(If there’s news about Westport’s young people, you’ll read it on “06880.” Please click here to support our ongoing work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on We’re Hiring! Youth Commission Matches Students, Employers
How busy has the Department of Public Works been this summer?
One very visible project: the new sidewalk and re-paved 0.6 miles of Hillspoint Road, from Greens Farms Road South to Old Mill. It’s getting raves for both its quality of construction, and the safety it provides.
The summer paving program resulted in upgrades and safety enhancements on 4 miles of roadways and Town properties, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports.
This includes Imperial Avenue and the Staples High School and Bedford Middle School parking lots and sidewalks.
Construction and improvements continue on and around Cross Highway. It includes:
Began reconstruction of the sidewalk from Compo Road North to Roseville (0.48 miles).
Made sightline and safety improvements at the North Avenue intersection.
Installed illuminated stop signage at the Bayberry Lane intersection.
The DPW managed and oversaw:
Completing sewer extensions projects at the Evergreen Avenue/ Tamarac Road and Whitney Street neighborhoods.
Sweeping 125 miles of roadway, 25 miles of sidewalk, and all municipal parking lots.
Installing and upgrading equipment for various pump stations, including installation of new generators, lining 3,500 linear feet of sewer pipe, and installing new elevators.
Installing a new cardboard compactor, and rehabilitating and reconstructing main waste compactor #1 at the town transfer station.
Tooker says: “Many thanks are due to our hard-working highway crews and public works employees who kept these projects on track, and on budget. And thank you to everyone who remained patient while the construction work was occurring. The upgrades to Westport’s infrastructure are worth it.”
Part of the sidewalk project, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
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Yesterday morning, the last of 5 kittens — trapped in a storm drain with their mother, underneath a grate on Post Road East — was rescued.
They’ll be named soon (based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, courtesy of the foster family’s 5-year-old daughter).
They will soon be vetted, and available for adoption through Wilton-based Animals in Distress.
Additional information and photos will be posted on WASA’s Facebook,
WASA thanks Katherine Reid of Animals in Distress, the Westport Fire Department (particularly Engine Company No. 5 and Jennifer Petrosinelli), Bryan Thomas and Ralph Ramos of Westport’s Public Works Department, Schulhof Animal Hospital, the kind staff of Mattress Firm (adjacent to the storm drain; they allowed WASA to use their business to transfer the kittens and wash volunteers’ sardine-scented hands as a result of trap baiting), and special WASA helpers Sandy Young and Jess Zullo, who spent countless hours setting and monitoring the trapping operation, despite family and work demands.
Rescued!
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys golf team.
On Thursday at Longshore, they beat the team record — by 3 strokes.
And Philip Sullivan set a new school individual 9-hole match record. The junior shot a scintillating 30.
The top 4 scorers count for the team score. Besides Sullivan’s, they were George Targowski (34), Gus Palmer (36) and Tommy Riley (36). Chris Taylor came in 5th, with a 38 — but that still would have been good enough to secure Staples’ record.
The future for coach Pete Caligiure’s Wreckers is bright. All 5 golfers are juniors.
The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter’s 10th annual Optimism Walk is in Westport next month.
And a Westport volunteer will be honored there.
The event is set for Sherwood Island State Park on September 21 (10 a.m.). When it’s done, Holly Betts — assistant director of the Westport Senior Center — will receive the Tiedemann Award, for her support of the APDA.
Gladys Tiedemann volunteered for APDA CT for more than 30 years.
Holly schedules weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes, support groups for those diagnosed with the disease and their care partners, as well as wellness programs for the Senior Center and greater community.
For the past several years, Holly has led a fundraising team of Senior Center members called “Stand by Me,” at the annual Westport Optimism Walk. Click here to support her team.
The APDA Westport Optimism Walk is a family-friendly event. It includes a short walk of up to 1.5 miles, as well as educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music, kid’s crafts, fall risk assessments, Tai Chi, and camaraderie.
Holly Betts
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Big Y moved one step closer to opening this week.
Their shopping carts have arrived, at the Post Road East store.
(Photo/Dave Shea)
Enjoy the photo.
No matter how different the new supermarket may be from Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Stew Leonard’s and any other store, the end result will be the same.
These carts will soon end up all over the lot.
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Here is our first X-rated “Westport … Naturally” photo ever:
(Photo/Jay Walshon)
In case you don’t know: It’s 2 moths mating.
Normally, we wouldn’t invade their privacy.
But they did it in public.
Or at least, on Jay Walshon’s back door screen.
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And finally … congratulations again to the record-setting Staples golf team! (Story above)
(Happy Labor Day weekend! While you’re relaxing, “06880” keeps working to serve you. We love what we do — but we rely on your support. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)
But less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to female-only founded companies.
Shocked by those statistics, Danya Herman — an aspiring business founder herself — vowed to do something about it.
She created Future Girl Entrepreneurs, a platform for connecting aspiring young creators with experienced female mentors.
Danya Herman
The centerpiece is a contest for females ages 14-20. They submit business ideas. Ten finalists gain access to training focused on accessing capital, including help creating a pitch deck.
Five winners are chosen from that round. They receive mentorship from female VCs and/or entrepreneurs — and earn the chance to pitch to a panel of female VCs via Zoom.
Future Girl Entrepreneurs is an important concept. It’s executed brilliantly.
What’s even more impressive is that Danya Herman is just 16 years old.
Next week, the Westport resident begins her junior year at Greens Farms Academy. She founded the school’s Entrepreneurs Club. As a member of Westport’s Youth Commission, her current project is a student hackathon at GFA on October 5.
But it is through FGE that she is making her mark globally.
At 12, Danya developed a prototype for her own business: an app for teens interested i decorating their rooms.
But she learned how much it would cost to build. So — like any good entrepreneur — she pivoted.
The budding company founder became someone who would teach other potential business owners how to overcome the barriers so many females face.
Her first challenge was finding mentors willing to help. She researched female entrepreneurs, then contacted them via email and LinkedIn. Many were willing to help — and to introduce her to others
Some of the mentors on the Future Girl Entrepreneurs site.
Mentors include Myra Hart, retired Harvard Business School professor and co-founder of Staples, the office supply store; Maura Connor, founder and CEO of Catalytic Solutions, and Maria Gotsch of the Partnership Fund for NYC.
As for Danya’s global impact: That’s not hyperbole.
This summer, she interned with Fen Ventures. The Santiago, Chile-based firm fosters early-stage startups in Latin America.
Danya attended a VC conference in Patagonia.
Actually, she did more than “attend.” She gave a presentation about the US venture capital ecosystem.
In Spanish.
Danya Herman, giving her Patagonia presentation.
It’s daunting enough for a 16-year-old to present to adults. To do so in a second language is even more impressive.
“I’m so interested in this, I didn’t want to shy away,” Danya says.
Spoken like a true entrepreneur.
Of any age. Or gender.
For a story (in Spanish) on Danya’s presentation, click here.
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It’s a decades-long Staples High School tradition: On the first day of school, half of the 12th grade class wears specially designed shirts, proclaiming their status as “Senior Girls.”
They arrive honking, in cars they decorated the night before, drawing nicknames and “Senior Girls” with their graduation year on the windows.
A decorating party took place last night at Compo Beach. It was quite a way to celebrate the last night before becoming … senior girls.
Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.
Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.
“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published today. She celebrated by placing copies in 9 “little free libraries”
I celebrated a little early by sneaking copies into 9 “little free libraries” in Fairfield County, including Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, at Compo Beach.
Speaking of books: Next month’s Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club selection is “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan. The group meets on Thursday, September 26 (6 p.m.).
Called “a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy,” the novella is on the New York Times‘ recent list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was awarded the George Orwell Prize for political fiction, for outstanding works first published in the UK or Ireland that illuminate major social and political themes.
Registration is requested, as space is limited. Call 203-349-5141, or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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Artnletters.com is a new website featuring hand-painted, detailed, colorful custom name and word prints with scenes of animals, fairies and adventure. T
Its giclée prints are great gifts for new parents, young kids, teachers, medical professionals serving kids and, its creators say, “all who are young at ❤️ART.”
The duo behind the venture are 1976 Stapes High School grads Jackie Rogers and Patricia Elliot.
Rogers has illustrated over 150 children’s books, including the bestseller “Our Great Big Backyard” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.
Her childhood friend Elliot has practiced employment law for over 40 years. She gives Jackie’s illustrated alphabet art as gifts, and wanted to help share Jackie’s art more broadly.
Elliot handles logistics, while Rogers paints and create in her whimsical style.
A sample of Jackie Rogers’ art.
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Longtime Westport resident Jayne Mauborgne died peaceful August 8 in St. George, Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty she loved. She had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous month, with friends and family.
The Bronx native was an avid traveler, who explored Africa extensively. She also loved animals, and supported numerous animal organizations.
She founded a sales rep organization which she managed into her 80s, covering New England.
Jayne is survived by her daughters Colette Griffin and Danielle Mauborgne; grandson Peter Griffin; son-in-law Michael Printz, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barnett, and cherished friend Vivienne Nemmerson.
A memorial celebration will be held on September 22 (1 to 4 p.m., Rive Bistro). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wildlife in Crisis, 44 Indian Valley Rd. Weston, CT 06883.
Jayne Mauborgne
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I’m not sure if I’ve ever included an alpaca in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Whether or not, here’s the South American mammal — a Wakeman Town Farm favorite:
And finally … here in Westport, it’s the first day of school!
(Another school year begins. As always, “06880” will be here to report on it. And, of course, everything else going on in town. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
With the start of school Tuesday, the Westport Police Department, Board of Education, and Parks & Recreation Department remind residents about new school security guidelines.
On school days, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., only students, staff and people conducting school-related business are allowed on school property.
This includes Wakeman Park at Bedford Middle School, the Community Gardens at Long Lots Elementary, and all athletic fields on school property.
People involved with Wakeman Town Farm can use the parking area located at Wakeman Park.
School security officers and school security guards will monitor all sites.
Wakeman Field — a popular dog-walking site — is closed to the public when school is in session.
Officials have confirmed that the body of a man found Thursday in the Aspetuck River, near Easton Road and Bayberry Lane, is that of Westonite Robert Macisaac.
His vehicle was swept away in Fairfield during last Sunday’s torrential rains. It was discovered several hours earlier, behind Aspetuck Falls. A police diver found the car unoccupied.
Macisaac’s body was recovered during a search-and-rescue team led by Fairfield police. Westport, Weston, State Police aviation and K-9 units assisted.
Submerged vehicle, in Fairfield. (Photo courtesy of Fairfield Police)
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I have no idea idea why “I slept like a baby” is supposed to be a good thing.
Babies get up every 2 or 3 hours. So neither they nor their exhausted parents “sleep like babies.”
The $500 million company — which emphasizes excellent, no-hassle service, at non-premium prices; sustainability, and free delivery — started online, with a direct-to-consumer model. The goal was to counter the pervasive (and not exactly sparkling) reputation of the mattress industry.
In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room, in Manhattan: a relaxed, pressure-free environment
There are now 20, in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.
The newest one opened a month ago — right here in Westport.
Ron Rudzin
It’s about time. The firm’s founder, Ron Rudzin, has lived here for nearly 30 years. (Click here for his back story.)
The site is next to Walgreens, in the former Citibank.
That’s where I met a very helpful, and knowledgeable, mattress consultant. Iranie provided plenty of options, asking questions about my sleeping habits I’d never even thought about.
The process went exactly as promised. Delivery by a “white glove team” was quick, efficient, and exactly when scheduled.
Saatva representatives — in Westport and New York — called several times, to make sure everything had gone okay.
Shopping at Saatva was a wonderful breeze. I made a good, informed decision with the mattress I chose.
One of the many aid organizations that Westporters volunteer their time and money with is Filling in the Blanks.
The non-profit works on a variety of fronts to eradicate childhood hunger in Fairfield and Westchester County. They support 8,600 youngsters, and have distributed 300,000 pounds of food to families in need, primarily in Norwalk and Stamford.
Two Westport moms — Maddy Travers and Ashley Dowling — are chairing a big FITB fundraiser: Plates with Purpose. Westporter Meghan Ready leads the auction committee.
Well-known Westporter Mar Jennings hosts the event. Set for October 5 (The Loading Dock, Stamford), it’s a “culinary adventure” designed by chefs like Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, Luke Venner (Elm), Damon Sawyer (29 Markle Court), Jared Falco Bar Rosina’s), Andréa Stevenson (Abigail Kirsch), and Hannah Gorman (Revel). plus specialty cocktails, a silent auction and dancing.
The 2nd annual MoCA Gives Back and MoCA Summer Camp Kaleidoscope Exhibition opens tomorrow (Sunday, August), with a reception (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.).
The event includes music by DJ Justin and DJ Joe, the Taste of Grill food truck and treats from South Norwalk Ice Cream, plus a fashion show with designs by MoCA Gives Back participants (3 p.m.).
And finally … in honor of my new Saatva mattress (story above):
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Jack Stoler is a rising Staples High School senior. He plays on the state champion football team.
But his biggest score may come off the field.
He’s organized the first-ever Fairfield County Jam.
The August 30 event (7 to 10 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company) is a fundraiser for KEYS.
The Bridgeport non-profit — whose acronym stands for Kids Empowered by Your Support — provides free music lessons and performance opportunities for under-resourced students.
The Jam will include bands from across Fairfield County — including many Staples students. A number of football players will be on hand too.
The goal is $15,000.
For tickets and more information, click here. Questions? Call Jack at 917-453-4038 ,or email jackstoler@icloud.com.
Jack Stoler (right) and jazz musicians, at the Levitt Pavilion.
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Westporters donate time and treasure to many worthy organizations.
At the top of any list is Mercy Learning Center.
The Bridgeport non-profit offers literacy and life skills training for women with low incomes.
Coming from 40 different countries, they study English, math, science, health, civics, computers, and employment and life skills.
They are supported by an early childhood education program; social services including case management, mental health counseling, health and financial screenings; job and counseling advice, and enrichment opportunities.
Mercy Learning Center clients earn high school equivalency diplomas; learn job skills, and get help finding work; receive assistance applying for college, job training programs and scholarships, and prepare for US citizenship exams.
It’s all offered at no cost, to hundreds of women every year.
Mercy’s many Westport volunteers are gearing up for their annual Empowering Women Through Education Benefit.
It’s Sunday, September 15 (5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club, Norwalk). The event includes cocktails and light bites — plus inspiring stories of education and empowerment.
Run — don’t walk — to Fleet Feet’s 2 fall programs.
The store continues its partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA. Its coach-led, 8-week training will focus on the New York Marathon. However, it is also good preparation for any fall long-distance race. Click here for more information.
The Zoomerangs kids program returns September 8.
Sessions are held Sundays (3 to 4 p.m., Staples High School Laddie Lawrence Track), through October 20.
A certified youth coach will introduce youngsters to the sport of running. Click here for more information.
Positions are available for fall clinics: grades K-2 (Sunday mornings) and grades 3-8 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings), and spring teams (grades 5-8 head and assistant), practices and clinics.
General and specialty (goalies, draw) coaches are needed. Girls/women’s lacrosse experience is required; coaching experience is ideal, but not mandatory. Eager new coaches can be trained.
Pay is “highly competitive.” For more information, contact PAL girls coaching directory Cathy Schager: cschager@westportps.org; 203-554-5691.
Westport PAL lacrosse players, at Paul Lane Stadium.
Only 10 days left to snag early-bird tickets for Westoberfest.
The Westport Downtown Association Oktoberfest-style event (in September: the 21st, 2-5 p.m., Elm Street) features over 50 tastings from innovative craft breweries like Kent Falls, Nod Hill, Obscure Oscillation and Space Cat Brewing to name a few, plus activities like keg rolling and pumpkin chucking contests for adults.
Children’s activities include root beer floats, flower crown-making, pumpkin decorating and face painting.
There’s live music too, from One Bad Oyster.
For a complete list of breweries, kids’ activities, food and vendors, click here.
The price through August 31 is $45. Tickets go up to $50 on September 1; they’re $55 at the event. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Jay Norris was the speaker at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch.
The entrepreneur, Startup Westport organizer, and Library and YMCA board member discussed Westport 10, the networking group for Black men he co-founded.
Norris noted that diversity is necessary for innovation in any organization or community.
His definition of diversity is broader than the usual categories of race, gender and culture. To him, it means bringing together a “mosaic” of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives to produce solutions to problems in a creative, comprehensive and sustainable way.
He calls diversity more than just a moral issue. It is, Norris says, “the essential ingredient of progress.”
Jay Norris (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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“06880” readers sent plenty of photos of last night’s full moon.
Many were taken at Compo Beach. This was one of the most interesting:
The public is invited to a Japanese Fall Festival on Saturday, September 7 (1 to 4 p.m., Jesup Green).
The family-friendly festival — sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County — features taiko drum performances, live plays of Japanese folktales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
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When talk turns to real estate — and when in Westport does it not? — most conversations involve single-family homes.
New homes. Old homes. Teardowns. Renovations. Sustainable homes. White homes with black windows. You know the drill.
Sometimes we talk about apartments. The ones opposite Greens Farms Elementary School, which everyone feared and no one notices anymore. Those coming on Hiawatha Lane and Cross Street (that’s the construction you see at the crest of Post Road West).
After initial controversy, the 1177 Post Road East apartments have become just another part of the landscape.
Especially, the apartments that are nearly finished, at the corner of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North.
No one seems to talk about condominiums.
Except the people buying them.
Right now, lots of folks want to.
The condo market is hot. And I say that not just as a condo owner myself.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass note the appeal. Condos are “maintenance-free, single-family style living, (for buyers) accustomed to single-family homes but no longer interested in the upkeep – snow removal, lawn care and the like.”
They include empty nesters looking to downsize while staying in Westport (or perhaps keeping a foothold here while spending several months a year elsewhere); older folks moving from other places who want to be close to their adult children and grandkids; divorced or widowed men and women, and young professionals who want to own a home but are not yet ready for a house.
Other condo-buyers are city dwellers looking for a weekend escape, and investors.
Single floor living, first floor primary suites and elevators are sought-after condo features.
For all those buyers, prices are rising quickly.
One KMS agent recently listed a Lansdowne condo. It needed updating.
Yet within days there were multiple offers. It will close early next month — at over the asking price.
Here are median sales prices, for 4 Westport condo complexes:
According to KMS, supply and demand is driving the condo market in several ways.
While on the surface Westport seems to have a fair number of condos, most multi-family new construction in recent years has been in apartments, keeping condo supply tight.
Due to the lack of affordable, single-family homes on the market, many buyers expand their search to condos, raising demand.
Additionally, Westport has a higher-than-national-average percentage of households with someone over 60 (the typical condo buyer).
Source: 2016-2020 American Community Survey, via Partnership for Strong Communities
What’s ahead?
KMS Team’s experts envision smaller, boutique-type developments as the new norm, due to the lack of expansive land.
Large-scale developments like the proposed Hamlet in Saugatuck take substantial funding, and often meet zoning and neighborhood resistance.
Projects like the proposed Glendinning Place off Weston Road (the former Bridgewater office complex) have challenges too. But their smaller scale and lower density make those obstacles easier to overcome.
Connecticut’s 8-30g mandate has had an impact. But with litigation behind us, KMS believes that Westport builders, officials and residents will “move forward in a thoughtful, deliberate manner to stay ahead of 8-30g, preserving the character of Westport while meeting the demands of current and future residents.”
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2ND STORY (ho ho):Westport’s condo history dates to the 1980s. KMS Partners offers this brief history.
Strathmore, on the Norwalk line off Kings Highway South, was built in 1980. Its 64 units consist of 1 or 2 bedrooms in a townhome, 2-story style.
Harvest Commons, built 1980-1983 on the site of a former Post Road East orchard and farm stand (hence the name) has 80 units, with a mix of ranch-style and 2-story townhomes. A clubhouse and gardening area are offered, plus a pool.
Whitney Glen, an age-restricted community (62+), has 62 units off Main Street East, near Compo Shopping Center. It was built between 1982 and 1986.
Lansdowne, on Post Road East on the site of a former mini-golf course and driving range, was constructed in 1983. The 90 Nantucket-style homes are set back far from the road.
Playhouse Square, built in 1983, replaced a former ramshackle boarding house behind the shopping center, next to Winslow Park and the Westport Country Playhouse. Its 20 units are all 2-bedrooms, mostly 2 stories.
Regents Park, on the Post Road near Harvest Commons, was built in 1985. 81 townhomes offer 2 or 3 bedrooms, and 2-car garages.
Regents Park
Also built in 1985, Edgewater Commons on Hillspoint Road replaced the former Penguin club and apartments. Its 25 units have high ceilings, skylights and private patios.
It was another 20 years before the next complex was built with a community pool: Terra Nova, in 2004. Its 54 large townhomes include features like finished basements, on Post Road West near the Norwalk line.
With land unavailable to build large scale complexes, builders began building smaller developments.
One example is Daybreak Commons, between Main Street and Weston Road. Named for the florist that once occupied the site, it includes 5 stand-alone townhouses and 4 duplex units, for buyers 55 and older.
Bankside Housewas the first luxury condo on the Saugatuck River. Sales of its single-floor homes, each with private outdoor living spaces, began last fall. Non-penthouse units sold at an average price per square foot of $1,211, while two penthouse units went for $1,654 per square foot. Two penthouse units are available now, at an average asking price of $1,703/square foot.
Bankside House (Photo/Howard Edelstein)
The Mill Westport — also on the Saugatuck, in a converted mill further east on Richmondville Avenue — has an average selling price of $1,108 per square foot for the 11 units sold in 2024 (mostly off-market). Three units are listed for sale now, with an average asking price of $1,452/square foot.
You may not be talking about condos these days. But plenty of other people are.
And they’re buying them.
(Every day, “06880” explores the diversity of Westport: its people, its institutions, its real estate. We bring the community together — but we need readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Starbucks has its wavy-lined logo. The mermaid is supposed to represent a siren — the creature in Greek mythology that lured sailors with their beautiful voice to a shipwreck off the coast.
Dunkin’s logo is simpler — just like its coffee.
The font is recognizable everywhere. So Jen Kobetitsch, Clark Thiemann, Janice Strizever and Brandon Malin didn’t need a wake-up cup of joe to recognize last week’s Photo Challenge — the word “Westport” — as part of the décor in the chain’s Compo Shopping Center store. (Click here to see.)
Susan Iseman knew it was Dunkin’ too, but wasn’t whether it was in the Compo plaza, or at Bridge Square. (Fun fact: Dunkin’ is the only national chain in all of Saugatuck.)
Today’s Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this guy, click on “Comments.”
Westport and Weston will be well represented next month, when Broadway stars perform in a benefit for Sandy Hook Promise.
“The Best of Broadway’ (September 22, 6 p.m., SHU Community Theater, Fairfield) is the brainchild of 2 residents.
It began with Dodie Pettit, who performed on Broadway in “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera.”
Her husband — Aztec Two-Step co-founder Rex Fowler — had been asked to perform in a Sandy Hook Promise film called “A Father’s Promise.”
Sandy Hook Promise — formed in the aftermath of the horrendous school shooting — is a Newtown-based non-profit that educates and empowers youth and adults, to prevent violence in schools, homes and communities
The documentary is about Mark Barden, whose son Daniel was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting.
Dodie was so moved by the mission of Sandy Hook Promise that she volunteered to gather Broadway performers to raise money for gun
violence awareness.
Among the artists next month: 2-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, and Terry Eldh (Carlotta in “Phantom of the Opera”). Dodie and Rex will also perform, as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone (“Phantom,” “Cats,” “Les Miserables”), and Paige Backus and Grace Hutchinson — recipients of the Connecticut Dance School Kevin Gray Scholarship, given in honor of Dodie Pettit’s late husband (a Broadway star in “Phantom of the Opera” and “The King and I” — will also appear.
For tickets, a full cast list and other information. click here.
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Dave Shea writes: “One of the benefits of a dog who needs walking at 5:30 every morning is being greeted by this brave soul. He puts it all into perspective.”
(Photo/Dave Shea)
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It’s illegal to stick commercial flyers on utility poles.
If we called out every company that does this, we wouldn’t have room for any photos bad drivers — I mean, anything else.
But this one caught our eye.
There sure aren’t a lot of services like this one, in our little corner of the world.
(Photo/Steven Goldstein)
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A reader writes: “There has been a scam going on for a few months at Whole Foods.
“If you bring your own shopping bag, you’re supposed to get a 10 cent credit per bag.
“The receipt will indicate Bag Refund,’ but it no longer shows the credit. It’s happened to me 4 times, with different cashiers and different registers.
“The cashier insists it’s at the end showing up on total savings, but if you do the math, it’s not there.
“I showed the manager twice. He agreed and thinks something is wrong with the computer program. But I think Whole Foods is hoping no one will notice, and they are saving thousands of dollars, maybe more.”
Garden and music lovers — and those who are both — take note.
Blau House & Gardens and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra present “Music in the Garden” this Sunday (August 18).
There’s a pre-concert tour of the magnificent property off Bayberry Lane from 4:30 to 5 p.m. The woodwind quintet plays in the gorgeous gardens from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m.
Bring your own picnic, blankets and chairs. There’s a shuttle from Coleytown Elementary School. Tickets are $75. Click here to order.
And finally … Dave Shea’s photo of the Doughboy statute at Veterans Green got us thinking about the sacrifices our soldiers made over 100 years ago, in World War I.
You know: The War to End All Wars.
(Broadway stars, Sandy Hook, the Doughboy, chickens, rabbits … just another day on “06880.” If you appreciate our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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