==================================================
First Selectman Jim Marpe and 2nd Selectman Jen Tooker helped “Light up Westport” yesterday at Town Hall (photo below).
They were not alone.
Dozens of others bought luminaries to send a message of hope and resilience — and raise money for Filling in the Blanks, the non-profit that provides weekend meals to needy area residents.
The event was sponsored by WestportMoms and Purpose 2 Purchase.
(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
=======================================================
At the end of yesterday’s Roundup item reminding commercial property owners that they are responsible for all snow and ice removal from their sidewalks, I noted that residential homeowners must do the same.
That’s true in Westport, Wisconsin — but not Westport, Connecticut. Homeowners only are off the hook.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt.
And don’t forget to shovel your hydrants!
=======================================================
Boat purchases have risen during the pandemic. There’s a wait list of more than 1,000 people — and they’re waiting up to 11 years for a slip at a town marina.
And those slip fees will rise in 2022.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectmen approved increases for boats in 4 categories. For examples, owners of boats 22 to 26 feet will pay $1,580, up from $1,505; boat owners of slips 35 to 40 feet will pay $3,099, up from $2,695.
There is no increase for slips less than 21 feet.
Ned Dimes Marina, at Compo Beach (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
=======================================================
Congratulations to Staples High School’s “We the People” team.
For the 2nd year in a row, teacher/advisor/coach Suzanne Kammerman and her crew took 1st place in the state competition.
For the 2nd year in a row, they knocked out longtime powerhouse Trumbull High.
For the 2nd year in a row, their championship earns them a place in the national contest, this April.
And for the 2nd year in a row, they don’t get a traditional trip to Washington for nationals. Once again, this year’s event will be virtual.
Last year, the team placed 5th in the US. This time around, they’re gunning this year for the top spot.
State champs!
====================================================
From today through Saturday (February 13), Winged Monkey will donate 15% of all proceeds to CLASP Homes, the great non-profit that supports adults with developmental disabilities.
Can’t make it in, but want to help? Text Valentines to 44-321 to make a donation.
Basso restaurant is also participating. Show a Winged Monkey receipt; they’ll give you a free glass of prosecco.
And more on Winged Monkey: The popular Post Road East shop celebrates its 25th anniversary on March 1. That’s appropriate: March is Women’s History Month.
Winged Monkey has a great history in town. It’s always been woman-owned. Jenny Vogel has now taken over from her mother, who founded the business and ran it all this time.
Here’s to the next 25 years, for one of the coolest — and best named — stores anywhere!
=======================================================
“When Caged Birds Sing” — a human rights teaching exhibition created by Westport artist Ann Weiner — has been acquired by MoCA Westport for its permanent collection. It is thte museum’s first such acquisition.
Weiner’s work features 8 life-size sculptures. They represent women’s rights activists who suffered and survived abuse because of their gender, and continue to advocate for the rights of others at risk.
The exhibition will be on view at MoCA Westport every 3 to 5 years. In between it will be loaned to other museums.
Click here to learn more about “When Caged Birds Sing.”
Ann Weiner, with one element of “When Caged Birds Sing.”
=====================================================
Roberta Seret is a United Nations NGO director and NYU film professor. Now the Westporter adds another title: author.
Her book “Gift of Diamonds” will be published February 23. She’s turned government secrets and stories from Romania into fiction, for a journey of self-discovery.
The history of Bucharest Jews forms the center of the story, which begins in 1960s Transylvania. “Gift of Diamons” reveals hidden secrets of how fascism led to communism — which formed the seeds of modern-day terrorism. Click here for more information.
======================================================
And finally … on this day in 1534, Henry VIII was recognized as supreme head of the Church of England. You know what’s coming …
