Yesterday’s “Opinion” piece by Mark and Valerie Seiling Jacobs, about the approval process for a new Long Lots Elementary School, referenced documents that have been filed about the project.
All reports, plans, updates and more are available at the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the town’s website.
Meanwhile, tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been canceled.
Also canceled: The June 11 Representative Town Meeting Environment Committee session, regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.
That meeting did not specifically involve Long Lots. However, the elementary school may become part of the discussion. The composition of the new field there — artificial turf or grass — has not yet been determined.
One sketch of the proposed Long Lots School, on the LLSBC page.
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The universe is 13.8 billion years old.
The Westport Astronomical Society is younger — by about 13,799,999,950 years.
But its 50th anniversary celebration is still worth shouting about, to the stars.
The June 21 event (12:30 to 7:30 p.m., 182 Bayberry Lane) features:
- Astrophotography art show, with amazing images by WAS members
- Silent auction, with “out of this world” (ho ho) items
- Games and challenges like Space Jeopardy and Black Hole (the WAS twist on cornhole), with prizes
- Daytime observation of the sun, moon and Venus through solar telescopes
- Limited edition 50th anniversary WAS swang
- Ribbon-cutting for the new observatories
- Live ham radio demonstrations with K1WAS, the on-site amateur radio station
- Door prizes
- Food, friends and community connections.
But wait! There’s more.
Speakers include:
- Clare Burhenne (Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers): Star formation in the local universe
- Phil Harrington (WAS founder): 50 Years of WAS
- Shannon Calvert (WAS p)resident: Unveiling a bold new theory of gravity — a world premiere.
The public is (of course) invited.
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The weather has not quite turned summer-y yet.
But the Westport Library is ready, with the return of their Kids’ Summer Reading Program and Adult Summer Reading Challenge.
From now through September 1, youngsters are encouraged to read anything, anytime, anywhere — while earning free books, and a chance to win a prize. “Every minute counts, and every reader wins,” the Library says.
Registration and details are available online.
The 9th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge runs through August 29.
There are 25 new categories to inspire readers. There are 2 rules
- Categories may only be fulfilled once.
- Each book can only be used for one category.
Progress can be tracked on the leaderboard — along with a look into what others are reading.
The Library also offers a Reading Challenge Facebook Group to talk about books, share recommendations, and stay motivated.
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When Ethan Walmark was in pre-K, his teacher advised the neurodiverse boy’s parents to take away his music.
“You want him to be in our world, not his,” she said.
Fortunately, they disregarded that advice.
The 2024 Staples High School graduate just finished his freshman year at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He earned a 3.71 GPA, and was inducted into the Honor Society for first-year academic success.
This Thursday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m.), he’ll bring his prodigious talent to Times Square.
Ethan will star on the Broadway and 46th Street Stage, as part of the ”2025 Neurodivergent Tour.” He’ll sing, and perform 6 songs on keyboards and guitar.
With a band and 2 solo artists besides Ethan, the free, groundbreaking show highlights exceptional artists from around the country.
It’s more than a concert. It’s a statement: The time is now to embrace the diverse talents of all neurodiverse people.
Ethan’s mom, Allison Ziering Walmark, says “For ages, the mantra for parents and caregivers has been, ‘Different, not less than.’ The Neurodiversity Tour will reinforce that to thousands of Times Square tourists, visitors and commuters.”
Ethan Walmark’s bio, from the Neurodiversity Tour.
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Two of downtown’s most interesting people — WEST owner Kitt Shapiro and TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro — join forces tomorrow night (Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.).
The event at TAP Strength (180 Post Road East) is called “Effortless Effort: A Conversation on Community, Relationships, and the Power of Belonging.”
The wellness experts and business leaders will share tips for living longer and feeling better.
EJ will wrap up the talk with an “immersive experience”: practical tools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into daily life.
To RSVP and for more information, email info@tapstrength.com.
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For 8 years, Kaia Levine and her family have worked with Jeanette Romanello, a kindergarten teacher at Bridgeport’s Read Elementary School.
Throughout the year, Kaia — an artistic and committed Staples High School students — creates seasons arts and crafts projects for the kids.
Now she’s doing even more. On June 8 (noon to 4 p.m.), she’ll host a pop-up thrift store in a corner of the Old Mill Beach parking lot.
“The Giving Rack” will include used (and some new) clothes from popular teen brands — all donated by close friends. Every dollar raised will go to the Read School.
Showing some love for Read Elementary School students.
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The Bridge at Saugatuck’s outdoor dining area has opened.
Nestled along the river, the open-air seating and cabanas have drawn enthusiastic crowds.
And the weather isn’t even that great yet.
Between the enormous horseshoe bar, adjacent patio, upstairs indoor and outdoor tables, and now the riverside option, there’s a lot to choose from.
That’s before even opening the menu.
Outdoor dining at The Bridge.
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Speaking of (relatively) new Saugatuck restaurants: Zucca Gastrobar just celebrated their second anniversary. The Charles Street spot has been embraced by the community.
And their outdoor dining is also open for the season.
Zucca, on Charles Street.
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Always popular (and hometown) singer Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post.
And, as always, it’s on Thursday (June 5), at VFW Post 399. Sets are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students.
Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Melissa Newman
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Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon last Tuesday. He was 73.
After setting high school and state records that lasted for decades, Wheeler ran for Duke University. That 3:59.4 race took place in Raleigh, in 1974. A full story, including an interview with him, is available here.
Wheeler went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. He had a long career in city management, including assistant city manaager in El Cajon, California, and cit manager of Hood River, Oregon.
Wheeler continued to run into his 60s. He is survived by his wife Nancy; children Jeff and Emily, and grandson Tyler, a budding track star.
Steve Wheeler (Duke) sets the pace in a Duke relay race. (Photo/Sir Walter Miler)
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Lauri Weiser sends along today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo, with a simple but heartfelt message: “I love coming home to my beautiful garden.”
Now we all can see why:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s 50th anniversary:
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. And the universe. Maybe event the multiverse. And you’ve got a chance now to support us. Please click right here. Karma will be mind-blowing.)
