What is the concession contract at Compo Beach, the Longshore pavilion and Longshore halfway house worth?
$8,333 a month in year one of a 3-year contract; $9,166 per month the second year, and $10,000 the third. That works out to about $100,000, $110,000 and $120,000 a year.
The terms were worked out between the Parks & Recreation Department and NG Entertainment, a Westport-based company owned by Nikki Glekas.
On Wednesday (6 p.m., livestream), the Planning & Zoning Commission discusses the lease. They’re involved because Compo and Longshore are public property.
Glekas’ business could sell alcohol at the halfway house, and from a roaming golf cart.
The contract would begin May 15, and end November 15, 2029 (the last day of that golf season.
Two 2-year extension options could be exercised, at the town’s discretion.
After the P&Z, the contract goes to the Boards of Finance and Selectpersons for final approval.
Click here for a full copy of the lease.
A mural may not be all that’s new at the beach this year. A local concessionaire may replace Hook’d. The town bought out that company’s lease earlier this year. (Photo/Carm Roda)
==================================================
Speaking of which: Compo Beach is for everyone.
Including nesting birds.
In fact, they were here long before we were.
New signs — colorful, informative, and quite clear — warn humans (and their dogs) to give them plenty of space.
We don’t need that little section of the beach. They do.
Stay away, until the signs are gone.
And the birds are ready to fend for themselves.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
==================================================
The weather cleared beautifully yesterday — just in time for the opening of the outdoor Westport Farmers’ Market.
The 20th opening, in fact. That’s quite a milestone.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot was packed. And it will be, every Thursday between now and November, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you’ve never been: Go! From fresh produce, breads, baked goods, meats and seafood to flowers, dog treats and food trucks for lunch — plus live music, knife sharpening and much more — the Farmers’ Market has something for everyone.
And if you’re a regular — see you there!
(Photos/Susan Garment)
=================================================
Also yesterday: the always-inspiring A Better Chance of Westport “Dream Event.”
For a quarter century, the local chapter of the national non-profit has brought academically gifted and highly motivated teenagers of color to town. They live together, attend Staples, are supported by Westport volunteers — and give back at least as much as they get, to the community.
Last night, at the spectacular House Up on the Hill in Norwalk, ABC celebrated 2 graduating seniors, and 1 longtime volunteer.
Souleye Kebe and Vincent Vega are graduating, after 4 years in the program. After loving introductions by their host families, both spoke eloquently and movingly about their time at ABC’s Glendarcy House, at Staples and in Westport.
Souleye — who is a student representative on the Board of Education, president of Student Council, a member of the high school’s award-winning We the People team, and was the “Wrecker Bob” mascot at football games — talked about the impact his July 4th birthday had on his passion for democracy. He will attend Northwestern University.
Vincent — a talented baseball player — described the 4 families that have been central to his life: the one he was born into; his ABC “brothers”; his baseball team, and his 2 host families.
Both scholars received standing ovations for their words, and their contributions to their school and adopted town.
Souleye Kebe and Vincent Vega.
Maggie Gomez — a math teacher, who serves as both the liaison between Staples and A Better Chance, and with her husband Felix is a host parent — received ABC’s Community Award. She too spoke about the importance of the program, to all who are involved.
For more information on ABC — including how to volunteer and donate — click here.
================================================
The need for blood is never-ending.
Your next chance to give is Monday (May 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club, 44 Imperial Avenue). The drive is sponsored by the WWC and American Red Cross.
To make an appointment, click here; enter Westport in the “Zip/Sponsor Code” box. Or call 800-REDCROSS.
==================================================
Anyone for tennis?
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department hosts a free Tennis Festival this Saturday (May 9, 12 to 4 p.m., Longshore).
The afternoon includes free adult and junior lessons (12-2 p.m.), a fast serve contest, hitting for prizes, adult and junior point play (2-4 p.m.), food trucks and a raffle.
Questions? Call Dave Kardas: 203-520-9815.
Longshore tennis courts (Photo/Cliona Becker)
==================================================
Hacky sack is back!
The 1970s game is being played all over Staples High School’s main courtyard — and outside the cafeteria too.
Not only that: The Wreckers are the game’s FCIAC (league) champs.
At least, this banner says they are:
(Photo/Dee Hychko)
We’re not sure if it’s tongue in cheek, so we may be putting our foot in our mouth.
No matter. Game on!
==================================================
Speaking of Staples : The Class of 1966 celebrates their 60th reunion this year. A full weekend of activities is planned, from September 18-20.
I’ve been a guest at their previous bashes. They do reunions as energetically and creatively as they did high school.
If you are in that class, or know someone who was, email Ed Garlick for details: e.garlickiii@att.net.
Staples High School, as the Class of 1966 remembers it.
==================================================
Nesting birds aren’t the only creatures who need a wide berth at Compo (story above).
It’s gosling season at the shore.
They take their time waddling across the road, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.
But — as with birds — this is their beach too.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
==================================================
And finally …Happy V-E Day!
On this date in 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II in Europe.
Released right around that time, this is widely considered the ultimate homecoming anthem.
(Every day, “06880” takes you on a journey — with many emotions — through Westport’s past and present. If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
