Solutions to Westport’s traffic woes may move more slowly than the vehicles that race around town.
But they’re coming.
That was one of the messages delivered at last night’s Traffic Pedestrian Safety public meeting.
Three dozen residents — many of them RTM representatives and other town officials — heard members of the Traffic & Pedestrian Task Force, and an outside consulting firm, describe steps they’ve already taken, and will take, to address the thorny issue.
The task force, created by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, was represented by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, Police Corporal Al D’Amura and Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson, Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, town operations director Tom Kiely, and town engineer Keith Wilberg.
Four members of the Tighe & Bond engineering firm presented too.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left) Pete Ratkiewich, Al D’Amurra, Ryan Paulsson, Nick Marsan and Keith Wilberg, last night at Town Hall.
Increased traffic enforcement — particularly around schools — has led to 3,580 traffic stops since October: a 39% increase. More than 170 of those stops have been made on Easton Road, near Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools.
That’s a direct result of the 4 police officers assigned to Westport’s 8 schools (Staples/Bedford, Coleytown Middle and Elementary, Kings Highway/Saugatuck and Long Lots/Greens Farms), Paulsson said.
In addition, several sidewalks have been built, crosswalks have been designated, and no-parking zones created.
A map showed that traffic enforcement takes place all over Westport. “It’s not just on the Post Road,” Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson noted. (Photos/Dan Woog)
A $562,500 grant — 75% of it federal, 25% local — will help Tighe & Bond devise a safety action plan by next February.
It may include traffic enforcement cameras, at selected locations. State legislation passed recently now allows municipalities to install the devices. But there are many stipulations, such as demonstrated need. Westport is moving forward to qualify, Paulsson said.
Data collection on accidents and “hot spots” continues, the consultants explained. There have been 2,944 motor vehicle accidents over the past 5 years, with 5 fatalities and 37 serious injuries.
Among the most troublesome areas: the Post Road, and Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues.
Twenty-eight involved pedestrians, while 6 involved bicyclists.
The “interactive survey map” has been helpful. Over 1,350 people have logged on, to register complaints and comments, and offer solutions.
Many involve the Post Road, Riverside Avenue, Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway. Low responses have come from the northwest (Redcoat Road) and southeast (Greens Farms) sections of town.
The survey is open until May 10. Click here to see and respond.
In the public portion of the meeting, several RTM members spoke about their districts’ concerns.
Congestion, dangerous drivers and poor visibility were mentioned frequently.
Bicyclists were not forgotten. RTM member Peter Gold asked for debris to be cleared from roadsides, potholes filled and vegetation removed, so that cyclists would not have to veer into roadways.
Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty urged the creation of more bike lanes, noting studies that show narrower lanes lead to safer streets.
(Click here for Westport’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety page.)
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Two dozen electors have petitioned the Representative Town Meeting to appoint a committee to “review the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green, the scope of the work and the associated costs; and to consider the merits and costs associated with feasible alternatives to what is being proposed by the DPIC, including a parking deck at the Baldwin lot; and to report its findings to the entire membership for such action as may be appropriate.”
The petitioners note “a great deal of concern and consternation among the citizenry surrounding the DPIC proposal, focused upon both the encroachment into Jesup Green and perceived flaws in the redesign of Parker Harding.”
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser has asked the RTM Rules Committee to review the petition prior to the full body’s May 7 meeting.
Wieser says that the RTM will take up that topic at the full meeting, along with the request for design funds to propose construction drawings for Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“Various committees have met regarding the design funds,” he notes. In addition, the RTM will have field trips next week at Jesup Green to review the proposed plans.
It’s very appropriate: WestportMoms is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration — called “MOMents that Matter” — next Thursday (May 2, 6 to 10 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).
The event includes:
Mother’s Day shopping boutique with curated vendors
Panel discussion “rock star local moms” (including CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, actress Stephanie Szostak, “Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger, Melissa + Doug co-founder Melissa Bernstein and others) on balancing careers and motherhood, and the “MOMents That Matter.”
Gift bags for 50 attendees ($100 gift card to WEST, massage at Squeeze, and much more)
Appetizers from the new Birchwood chef, and cash bar.
Attendees are asked to bring a pack of feminine napkins, for women in need. The be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Stacie Curran reports:
“What a wild nightyesterday at the Westport Library!
“Attendees from Club 203 members (our social group for adults with disabilities) and friends packed the Trefz Forum with a night of ‘speed friending; by TeenSLP (Staples High School’s speech and language expert Deirdre Flores), and rockin’ out with karaoke by our MC extraordinaire volunteer PJ Pitcher.
Thank you, Westport Library, for this incredible space. A special shout-out to associate director Alex Giannini, and the sound manager of Verso Studios, Travis Bell. You turned dreams into realty!”
Part of the Club 203 fun last night at the Westport Library.
There’s a new addition to Saturday’s annual Drug Takeback Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Senior Center).
A Wellness Fair — sponsored by Positive Directions — will take place, along with a collection by Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container.
Residents can bring expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal, then stay for “wellness fun.”
The event includes a free behavioral health screening and blood pressure check, a sensory table for relaxation, and nutrition tips.
Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention resources, and gambling awareness materials.
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Prep work continues for the upcoming beach season.
Speaking of police: The Westport PD made 6 custodial arrests between April 17 and 24.
A 26-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, illegal taking of a payment card, illegal use of a credit card exceeding $500, receipt from illegal use of a credit card, and identity theft, following complaint of fraudulent credit card charges over $12,000. Surveillance footage at Walgreens determined that an employee had used the card to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage at other locations also showed the same user.
A 52-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey woman was arrested for larceny and forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a $560 check was stolen from their mailbox, and fraudulently deposited for $5,500..
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an emergency call, following a domestic disturbance. His comments made a family member fear for their safety, then held their car keys so they could not leave and interfered with a 911 call for help
A 47-year-old Stamford woman was charged with disorderly conduct and assault, after a domestic violence incident in a Westport home.
A 33-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following an accident with injuries at the Compo Road North/Evergreen Avenue intersection. The driver — who fled with the passenger on foot — had failed to stop at the Evergreen Avenue stop sign. He and the passenger were quickly apprehended. The operator of the vehicle that was struck sustained minor injuries.
A 39-year-old Darien man was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle was stopped in the travel portion of the street, near 1655 Post Road East. Officers found the driver disoriented, unable to follow basic instructions, and with the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Interfering with an officer: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks like this one, on Riverside Avenue at Sylvan Lane.
Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.
Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.
No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala this Friday (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.
The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.
Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.
This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.
Dimitri Alatakis — a part owner of the Sherwood Diner — died last week, after suffering a heart attack. He lived in Fairfield, and was 61.
Dimitri is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; children Dimitri, Zoe and Alexei; mother Galatia and brother Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Andreas.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, to benefit the preschool program.
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We don’t often post a nighttime “Westport … Naturally” photo. Here’s an exception: Jerry Kuyper’s image, “minutes after the moon hit full.”
Enforcement of downtown parking limits — suspended 4 years ago, during COVID — begins again May 1.
The good news: They’re now 3 hours, up from the previous 1 and 2 hours. (One exception: Post Road East parking remains 1 or 2 hours.)
Enforcement will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week.
Some parking areas are designated for all-day parking.
Click here for a map of all downtown parking lots, including aerial views, and the number of timed, all-day and electric vehicles spots. The map is also shown here:
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More police news: The WPD is investigating a car vs. canine accident last Saturday (April 13), at 11:30 a.m. on Compo Road North adjacent to Winslow Park. A driver struck a dog, then left the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the accident should email jkimball@westportct.gov.
Dogs occasionally run away from Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Yesterday’s “06880” story on “Suffs” — the musical about early 20th century suffragists that opened last night on Broadway — highlighted producer Jill Furman, a Westporter.
There’s another local connection: 2008 Staples High School graduate Leo Stagg.
A former Staples Player member (and winner of the Paul Steen Award for Fine Character, Dedication, Honesty, and Excellence in Performance), he is the head carpenter for “Suffs.”
His mother Heli — who runs the Westport Library café — was at last night’s show.
The “Suffs” set.
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Speaking of women’s rights:
State Representative Anne Hughes will discuss reproductive justice issues, in Connecticut and the nation, after this Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport service.
Hughes — whose district includes Weston, Easton and Redding — has sponsored pro-choice legislation that expands the eligibility of trained practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants to provide abortions, and blocks Texas and other states from targeting Connecticut patients, doctors and advocates.
The event is sponsored by UU Westport’s Reproductive Justice Committee. The public is invited to the April 21 10 a.m. service, or the discussion only, which begins around 11:30 a.m.
Questions> Email beth@uuwestport.org, or call 203.227.7205, ext. 10.
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There’s a new “Passage” at Pasacreta Park.
That’s the name of Niki Ketchman’s new sculpture. It was installed yesterday at the peaceful oasis on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Elementary School.
The work is part of a joint initiative between the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, Westport Parks & Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Commission, to beautify town parks. It is on loan for 5 years.
Ketchman — whose work has been exhibited at the Katonah Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Aldrich and Bruce Museums — can visit her work often. She has lived in Westport for almost 50 years.
A public dedication is set for May 4 (4 p.m.).
Sculptor Niki Ketchman (umbrella) watches the installation of “Passage” at Pasacreta Park. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Diamond)
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The Westport Young Woman’s League is sponsoring 2 great — and very different — events.
The 45th annual Minute Man Race Sunday, April 28 at Compo Beach.
The main event includes a certified USA Track and Field 10K run, 5K run, and 5K walk.
Kids Fun Run activities involve a 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, 1/2-mile run and 1-mile run, featuring a Kids Zone during and after the race.
On-site refreshments include a food truck, ice cream truck and beer truck.
Race net proceeds benefit a number of area charities. Click here to register, and for more information.
The next day — Monday, April 29 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 11:30 a.m.)– the WYWL hosts a lunch with chef and TV host Lidia Bastianich.
The 3-course meal features Bastianich’s recipes. All attendees get a gift from Cuisinart. There’s also a free raffle.
VIP ticket holders meet Bastianich in person, take photos and get an autographed copy of her book, “From our Family Table to Yours.”
The event highlights the Young Woman’s League grant program. Click here for tickets and more information.
The start of a Minute Man race.
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The Rock & Roll Legends exhibit — dozens of Michael Friedman’s photos from the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones, The Band, Janis Joplin and more — draws a constant stream of visitors to the pop-up gallery on Church Lane.
On May 14 (7 p.m.), it will draw a large crowd for an Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser. 100% of ticket sales go the non-profit.
The event includes stories from Friedman himself, Q-and-A, and a raffle to win a photograph and signed book.
For tickets ($100), click here; then click “Donate to the Team” once, and — on the next page — “Donate to the Team” again.
Questions? Email mindiroca@yahoo.com, or call 914-806-3090.
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
Whether you watched this month’s solar eclipse in full totality (amazing, we’re told), or here in Westport (less so), you probably have a set or two of special sunglasses sitting around somewhere.
You can hold onto them for the next eclipse, years from now.
Or you can donate them to Astronomers Without Borders. The non-profit recycles them. Click here for more information.
The nearest collection sites are in Bethel and Shelton.
That’s a lot closer than the sun.
Recycle those eclipse glasses! (Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Seth van Beever ties together today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and next month’s holiday: “This dogwood tree at 22 Treadwell Avenue was planted for my mom‘s first Mother’s Day, in 1976.”
And finally … Dickey Betts died yesterday in Florida. He was 80, and suffered from cancer and chronic destructive pulmonary disease.
The New York Times called him “a honky-tonk hell raiser who, as a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, traded fiery licks with Duane Allman in the band’s early-1970s heyday, and who went on to write some of the band’s most indelible songs, including its biggest hit, ‘Ramblin’ Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.
(Have a great weekend! No matter what you plan, “06880” will be here for you. We’re your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you.)
This week’s spring weather has Westporters ready to play outdoors — the 1% who were still in town anyway, during the schools’ annual spring break.
Those who headed to the Doubleday tennis courts behind Saugatuck Elementary, or the pickleball courts at Compo Beach, were disappointed. Both facilities were closed.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department explains:
“Due to the weather over the winter, with large fluctuations of cold and warm temperatures and little snow to insulate the court surface, the Doubleday courts sustained damage beyond what was anticipated. The damage consists of cracks, as well as shifting, lifting, and bunching of material used in prior crack repairs.”
Due to the safety risk, those courts were closed. Nighttime temperatures are still too cold for repairs.
With other tennis courts in the area in a similar situation, companies are booked until late July.
A rough estimate to repair the cracks is $55,000 — and they “would not be expected to last much beyond this fall,” Parks & Rec officials say.
They’ve moved the replacement of the Doubleday courts up a year, in their capital plan.
The new courts will be built with post-tension concrete. They typically last over 20 years without the need for crack repair.
The department is working on the bid document. They hope to begin construction in late summer or early fall.
The Compo pickleball courts, meanwhile, are being redone with all new asphalt, net posts, nets and painting.
The asphalt will need to cure for 28 days, then painted with temporary lines. Opening day is set for around Memorial Day.
“We understand this will be an inconvenience,” Parks & Rec says.
“But believe we are taking the most fiscally responsible path forward, with a result that will be beneficial to all court users.”
Yesterday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Hunt Club Lane, off Maple Avenue North.
Responding units found a 2-story home with heavy smoke coming from 3 sides, with evidence of a possible explosion from inside.
Two injured occupants had already gotten out of the home.
Firefighters contained the blaze to the basement, but heavy smoke filled the home.
The building was ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide.
Westport Police and EMS treated and transported the 2 occupants to the hospital, with unknown injuries.
Assistance from Wilton, Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments allowed simultaneous calls to be handled while Westport units were on scene. The last WFD unit cleared the scene at 1:30 p.m.
The fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office.
Hunt Club Lane fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
In the latest chocolate news, Le Rouge by Aarti is Connecticut’s representative on EatThisNotThat.com’s list of “The Best Chocolate Cake in Every State.”
It says:
Aarti Khosla created Cafe Le Rouge in Westport to blend the flavors of her home country of India with chocolate. Her website says she wanted to “capture the flavors from around the world in the divine language of chocolate.”
Her Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache cake speaks that language well. The chocolatier modeled this cake after a popular truffle, rich, chocolatey, and infused with Kentucky bourbon.
Mashed followed up with another honor: a mention in “The Absolute Best Chocolate Cakes in America, According to Foodies.”
Here’s that writeup:
Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti may be in Connecticut, but they sure know their Kentucky bourbon, as evidenced by the fact that the shop’s Kentucky bourbon truffles are their most-ordered truffle variety. So, on the heels of that success, Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti baked up a ganache cake infused with the same Kentucky bourbon.
Made with white chocolate or dark chocolate ganache (although they recommend the white chocolate), the $45-$65 cake can also be adorned with pecans. However, you’ll have to make a trip to the Constitution State to get it, since it can’t be shipped like some of the shop’s other products.
And if you make your own chocolate ganache at home and you can’t understand why it’s not coming out right, this may be why your chocolate ganache’s texture is off.
Baker and founder Aarti Khosla makes all of her desserts in small batches to ensure quality, and she also hand-paints and hand-decorates them, so you know your Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache Cake is one that’s made with love. Plus, she only uses fair-trade dark chocolate, so you know it’s ethical, too.
On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Himes informed Aarti that, as part of his recognition of Women’s History Month, she’d been nominated as a female leader.
Himes called her Aarti “a role model, source of inspiration, and an integral part of the community.”
To learn more about Aarti (and her Le Rouge chocolate shop), click here.
Aarti Khosla
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between April 10 and 17.
A 26-year-old Stamford woman was arrest for larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after a fraudulent check was deposited into a First County Bank account, and funds were then withdrawn from it. An alleged co-conspirator had already been arrested for the same incident.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding: 6 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Driving while texting: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Operating a motor vehicle to endanger an occupant: 1
Following too closely: 1
Illegal passing on the right: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Violation of license class: 1
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The Westport Library’s spring book sale returns Friday, May 17. The always-jammed event runs through Monday, May 20.
It includes thousands of “gently used” books for children and adults in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus vinyl, CDs, movie and television DVDs, and more.
Of special interest:
A large collection of philosophy books from the library of a retired professor, along with books on Eastern and Native American spirituality,
An extensive collection of history books, especially military history, with many very scarce titles. The focus on World War II encompasses illustrated studies of aircraft, weaponry, ships and combat vehicles.
A large assortment of framed artwork, from small desktop pieces to large wall ones.
A huge assortment of jigsaw puzzles.
A small number of laser videodiscs ($3 to $5).
The “Fiction for $1” room: hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy books, young adult, plus paperback novels.
A small part of the large Westport Library book sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Every Thursday is special at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: It’s “Jazz at the Post,” with an all-star selection of great musicians.
But May 9 is extra special. That’s JazzFC’s annual “Blow-Out Bash” fundraiser. Over 20 stellar performers are already confirmed. The show runs from 7 to 11 p.m.
Paul Bollenback, Michael Mossman, Melissa Newman, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, Janice Friedman head the long list. Bridgeport’s Keys Music Jazz Ensemble opens the concert.
All proceeds benefit JazzFC’s educational clinics for students from Westport to Bridgeport, the JazzFC Scholarship Fund, outreach concerts to seniors and other underserved groups, and weekly concerts in Westport.
Tickets — including a special expanded dinner, begin at $100 (early bird price, until April 26).
A $250 sponsor ticket includes preferred seating, a festive dinner and listing in the program.
$500 benefactor tickets include premium preferred seating, dinner, an hour- hour jazz lesson or listening session with the Jazz Rabbi, and listing in event booklet.
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In 1926 Agatha Christie vanished, then reappeared 11 days later, without explanation.
It was a tabloid sensation. Nearly a century later, the myster remains unsolved.
That’s the back story for the Westport Country Playhouse’s next Script in Hand reading (May 13, 7 p.m.): “Mrs. Christie.”
Fast forward to today: Lucy, a Christie aficionado, journeys to the author’s estate. When she finds an unpublished diary in Christie’s own hand, Lucy resolves to crack the case.
All tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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This spring, we’ve got a ton of beautiful images to choose from for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
These are the guys (and girls) who climb the poles — in good weather, and really, really bad — to keep the juice flowing.
In a town like ours, where power conks out as regularly as Donald Trump in a Manhattan courthouse, we owe special thanks to our linemen. And linewomen.
Enjoy your day!
(Linepersons keep the power going. Reader support does the same for “06880.” Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
An award-winning journalist/filmmaker with extensive experience covering Gaza, and a former head of the Israeli Prison Service Intelligence Division will take the stage at The Westport Library next Tuesday (April 16, 7 p.m.).
Shlomi Eldar and Dr. Yuval Biton will discuss the impact of Yahya Sinwar’s leadership on Hamas. He is widely believed to have helped mastermind the October 7 terror attack in Israel.
Eldar has spent more than 30 years covering Gaza, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for Israeli television. He has been awarded Israel’s most important media award, the Sokolov Prize, and 2 Ophir Awards (Israel’s Oscar equivalent) for his documentaries.
Dr. Biton was on the medical team that removed Sinwar’s brain tumor as he served a 20-plus-year sentence in an Israeli prison. He spent many hours with the Hamas leader during his prison term. Hamas kidnapped and killed Dr. Biton’s nephew on October 7.
The conversation is presented in partnership with the Bennett Center at Fairfield University and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
Cabry Lueker became perhaps the youngest person to deliver a Representative Town Meeting invocation, at Tuesday’s meeting.
The Staples High School senior — and co-chair of the Wesetport Youth Commission — thanked the Westport Public Schools for the close relationships he’s forged with teachers and peers, and the academics and clubs he’s been exposed to.
Cabry also described his fulfilling work on the Youth Commission. Noting past projects like the Compo Skate Park, Toquet Hall, Dodge-a-Cop and iMentor, he said the Commission “symbolizes the power and importance of the youth in our town.”
He concluded, “I hope we can all keep legacy and leadership in mind as we navigate issues, especially contentious ones, in our town.”
Cabry Lueker offers the RTM invocation. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between April 3 and 10.
Two Waterbury men, ages 22 and 20, were arrested for larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, following an investigation into a September motor vehicle theft of an unlocked vehicle, with the key fob inside, near Church Lane. The vehicle was used the next day during a home invasion in Westport. Both men had previously been arrested for their involvement in that crime.
A 36-year-old Stamford man was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, traveling unreasonably fast, engaging police in pursuit and violation of traffic control signals, after an officer with radar on Riverside Avenue clocked the vehicle traveling 51 miles an hour in a 30 mph zone, at 12:15 a.m. The driver went through a red light at Post Road West before eventually stopping on Wilton Road.
A 27-year-old Greenwich man was charged with larceny, and criminal attempt to commit larceny, after a fraudulent check was deposit at First County Bank, and funds were then withdrawn from it.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Driving while texting: 2
Speeding: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Interfering with an emergency call: 1
Creating a public disturbance: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Following too closely: 1
Improper passing: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to return plates: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to carry a license: 1
Misuse of license plates is no laughing matter. It can result in up to 30 days in jail, a fine up to $500, and possible license suspension.
Kammy Maxfeldt — the longtime and much-loved Birchwood Country Club golf pro — died April 4. She was 63, and had battled cancer.
Her obituary says, “Family and faith were most important to Kammy. She took love seriously, and sacrificed her time and talent to do anything for her family and friends. Her Birchwood family, and Norwalk/Port St. Lucie network of friends meant the world to her. Kammy was a faithful Christian, with a strong connection to the Jewish community as well.”
She fell in love with golf at a young age, playing with her father in Holdrege, Nebraska. She competed in her first tournament when she was 10, and played on the Holdrege High School team.
Kammy then played at the University of Oklahoma
She played 84 of the top 100 golf courses in the US, and had 13 holes-in-one.
Kammy worked at golf courses in Oklahoma, Tennesse, Texas, Florida and New York. She spent her final 21 years as head pro at Birchwood.
She enjoyed teaching golf, especially to children (to whom she also taught life lessons).
Kammy was the 2013 National LPGA Professional of the Year, and ranked the #1 instructor in Connecticut by Golf Digest for 2022-2023. She was the 2024 Metropolitan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
She is survived by her mother, Emma June; sister Darcy Bomer (Gerard); brother Trent; niece Devri Penrod (Aaron); nephew Bryce Bomer; uncles Merle Nelson (Sherri) and Lonnie Nelson (Tricia); aunt Bettie Louise Murdoch; shih tzu “Little Man Bogiem”; and many friends.
There will be a gathering of family and friends, and a celebration of life, on April 19 (12 p.m.) at the Hermitage Funeral Home in Old Hickotry, Tennessee. Click here to share memories and expressions of sympathy for the family.
Kammy Maxfeldt
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Jesup Green has been all over the news lately.
We don’t know whether the trees at the top will remain, or be removed for parking spots.
Perhaps these pine cones were arranged in a message about its future. Perhaps someone randomly created this heart.
Whatever the reason, it makes a nice “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … Cabry Lueker’s RTM invocation (story above) is a reminder of the importance of youth voices. Sure, this song is from 1967. But it still resonates:
(Young or old; new resident, old-timer or long gone — no matter who you are, “06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on every one of you for support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has stopped eating, and counted over 1,000 votes. The winners of their Great Burger Contest are:
Best Classic Burger – Shake Shack
Best Cheeseburger – Viva Zapata
Best Gourmet Burger – Nômade
Best Veggie Burger – The Black Duck
Best Non-Beef Burger – Match Burger Lobster
Best Slider Burger – The Black Duck
Two winners repeated from the first burger competition in 2019. Viva Zapata and Match Burger Lobster both won again, but this year in different categories.
Next year, the Chamber sponsors the Great Westport Soup Contest. The prior one (2020) was suspended due to Covid.
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell congratulates (clockwise from top): Shake Shack, Match Burger Lobster, Nômade, Black Duck and Viva Zapata.
It was the Spin Doctors’ turn to rock VersoFest last night.
(Photo/Dick Wingate)
The long-running alt band did not disappoint the sold out Westport Library crowd.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The 5-day music/media/and more event wraps up this weekend. Today’s highlights include a conversation between Doors drummer John Densmore and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota; a session with WFUV’s Paul Cavalconte, and a workshop called “Pitch Your Podcast.”
Click here for a full schedule of today’s and tomorrow’s VersoFest.
Over a dozen of Westport’s finest joined the restaurant’s wait staff (off duty, of course). They served, poured drinks — and encouraged customers to leave extra tips.
Patrons obeyed. When the night was over, they’d raised over $4,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Which just proves: We have the best police force, restaurants and diners around!
From left: Det. Erin Shaw, Sgt. Richard Bagley, Officer Melissa Bike, Lt. Eric Woods, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Officer Greg Gunter, Lt. Sereniti Dobson, Cpl. Brendan Fearon, Cpl. Rachel Hall, Officer Ryan Kardamis, Sgt. Dan Paz. Other WPD “waiters” are not pictured.
The agenda for the Board of Selectwomen’s Wednesday meeting (April 10, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) is filled with the usual: acceptance of gifts, approval of contracts, actions taken as the Water Pollution Control Authority.
But there’s also this: updating the “Parks & Recreation Department rules and regulations to include: “Recreational facilities located on Board of Education grounds are not accessible to those who are not students, staff or invited guests between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on school days.”
The vote follows the unanimous approval of the new regulation last week, by the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Board of Selectwomen (from left): Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin.
Yesterday’s “Friday Flashback” featured a postcard of “The Five Little Pigs.” It was (presumably) a restaurant that no one in Westport seemed to recall.
Both Peter Gold and Neil Brickley sleuthed out the back side of the postcard, on eBay.
Here’s what it showed:
Yum!
Meanwhile, Jack Whittle searched through the 1931 Westport Directory. He found “5 Little Pigs Tea Room (Mrs. Lillian Hawley) E State n Colonial Rd GF.”
A Sanborn Map confirmed it was right where The Flower Basket is today (next to Stiles Market) — exactly where I guessed it might be, based on the shape of the buildings.
Mystery solved. Too bad we can’t go back in time, and taste some of “the only place in the east where this delicious BARBECUE” is served.
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In 2018, Connecticut restricted the use of insecticides called neonicotinoids (“neonics”). This class of chemicals is very harmful to pollinators. They include midacloprid, cothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid and dinotefuran.
On Household Hazardous Waste Day (April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station parking lot), residents can safely dispose of any neonicotinoids containing insecticides.
Click here for a full list of products containing these chemicals.
Bring this stuff next Saturday, on Household Hazardous Waste Day.
Last month, Faith Sargent started The Whimsical Redhead. She makes wreaths, swags, centerpieces, garlands, showroom tree decorating, etc).
She’ll also teach wreath-making classes. The first is May 1.
Faith would like to start crafting items like wreaths, centerpieces and wall hangings to donate to fundraisers like silent auctions for schools and non-profits.
She hopes that “06880” readers with faux florals, nice wired ribbon, fake wreaths that need refreshing, lightweight planters, baskets, wooden candle holders or other items that would work as centerpieces (and are too nice to toss out) will give them to her, to “recycle.”
They would not be resold; they’re all for donations to charitable functions.
If you’ve got items, please send photos to whimsicalredheadcrafts@gmail.com. And if you’ve got a fundraiser and would like an item from Faith, use that email too.
A Faith Sargent creation.
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Staples High School’s April Students of the Month are seniors David Nivia and Caroline Roschen, juniors Kate Banks and Noah Wolff, sophomore Mia Moore and freshman Sadie McEntee.
Students of the month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.”
Staples’ April Students of the Month. From left: Noah Wolff, Kate Banks, David Nivia, Mia Moore, Caroline Roschen, Sadie McEntee.
“Footloose” — Coleytown Company’s spring production — is not just another “middle school show.”
With high-quality sets, costumes, lighting — and of course choreography and acting — it’s a full-scale musical. Performances are set for 1 and 7 p.m. today (Saturday), and 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). Click here for tickets.
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four” (Monday, April 15, 7 p.m.).
The new comedy features Mary Testa — 3-time Tony nominee for “On the Town,” “42nd Street,” and “Oklahoma!,” and Robert Sella (“Flying Over Sunset,” “Sylvia,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”).
The play is about a party boy who avoids intimacy at all costs. and a jaded, wise-cracking office worker who still harbors dreams of becoming an artist. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship at work, they are forced to learn what it means to open up to someone else, and how to take a long, hard, messy look at oneself in the mirror.
Tickets are $30. For tickets and more details, click here.
In the wake of yesterday’s earthquake, Bob Weingarten writes:
“While in Japan, we were provided with this Earthquake Kit by our employer (IBM). It contains a first aid kit, radio, flashlight, batteries, crackers, blanket, etc. We still have it in our basement here.”
Longtime Westport resident Tom Seligson died yesterday at his home in Deep River, with his wife Susan and daughter Justine at his side. He was 78.
His family moved from New York’s Upper West Side to the Old Hill section of Westport in the early 1950s. He attended Westport schools through 9th grade, then went to Phillips Academy–Andover. He ran cross country and excelled at other sports, as well as academically. He served as the Class of 1964 secretary for 15 years following graduation.
Tom graduated from Columbia University with a BA in political science in 1968.
After many years in Manhattan, Tom moved back to Westport. He and his family lived at Compo Beach for 23 years.
He wrote 6 books (fiction and non-fiction), one of which became the foundation for a major movie and its sequels. As an executive producer at CBS News, he produced hundreds of shows, winning 3 Emmy Awards. He was also a print journalist, with bylines in major magazines.
Whenever Tom was asked what he did, he talked about a young man on death row for whom he advocated. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
Tom scuba dove around the world, climbed mountains from the Dolomites to the Andes, and rode wild mustangs in Wyoming. He enjoyed tennis, cycling, skiing, hiking, and tookk up boxing to counter the effects of Parkinson’s disease.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan; daughter Justine of London; sister Dr. Jane Sillman (Dr. Fred Sillman) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; twin brother Dr. Robert Seligson of Manhattan; nephew Eric Sillman Dr. Rebecca Johansson Locke) of Brookline, Massachusetts; niece, Kathy Sillman (Ray Lewis) of Newton, Massachusetts; nieces, nephews, and many friends and colleagues.
Details for a celebration of Tom’s life will take place on a date to be announced.
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s big geological news:
(Life is unpredictable, as we learned yesterday. But you can always rely on “06880.” We rely, meanwhile, on readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Every day, Westport firefighter Rob Lenois goes to work knowing he may have a chance to save someone’s life.
Now the rest of us can save a life too.
On April 24 (5:30 to 10 p.m., Autostrada), the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts its 2nd annual Whiskey Tasting.
The evening includes whiskey, specialty drinks, wine and beer; light bites from On the Marc; DJ Rob; a huge silent auction; antique fire trucks, and a photo booth.
The event falls on the third day of Passover. A rabbi will bless the ceremony, and kosher food will be available.
It’s a very important fundraiser. The goal is $80,000.
That’s the amount needed to replace 55 AEDs (automatic external defibrillators). There is one in every fire vehicle, police car and ambulance in town.
But they’re all nearly 20 years old, at the end of their useful lives.
Firefighter Rob Lenois, with a well-worn AED. He stands in front of Coleytown Engine Company 6’s 1950s-era map of the neighborhood. (Photo/Dan Woog)
AEDs ensure than human beings — you, me, our families, friends and neighbors — don’t check out before the end of our own useful lives.
Lenois says that when someone suffers a cardiac event, the survival rate using hands-only CPR is just 3%.
With an AED, that rises to 11%. And it’s a very impressive 66% if the victim gets to a hospital, after a pulse is obtained.
Westport first responders use their AEDs a dozen or so times a year. Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan had a memorable experience, saving a young woman’s life at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The community has rallied behind the firefighters’ April 24 event. Greens Farms Spirit Shop is the whiskey sponsor. The Kiev family, Tina Dragone, Hammer & Nails, Fleet Auto and many others are providing sponsorships and/or auction items.
Of course, Autostrada is an eye-popping party space. “If you haven’t seen it, this is a great chance to go,” Lenois says.
Autostrada’s lounge overlooks a floor filled with classic cars.
Last year’s event sold out, and raised over $40,000 for 4 important causes: “bed shaker” alarms for every hearing-impaired child in Westport; the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; children’s cancer care, and cancer screenings for firefighters.
This year’s fundraising target is double that.
It’s a small price to pay, for 55 AEDs that could save someone’s life.
Or yours.
Click here for tickets to the 2nd annual Westport Firefighters Whiskey Tasting, and more information.
AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) save lives.
Renovations to the Inn at Longshore — long awaited, and much needed — will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).
Interior work includes a new HVAC system, replacement of windows and doors, more guest rooms (and renovation of current rooms), updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA compliance updates.
Architect Ken Nadler has proposed a new entrance with a porte cochère.
Other exterior renovations include a series of patios extending across the length of the building with access to the lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage, and replacement of siding and roofing.
Site improvements also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan.
The estimated cost is $5 million.
Click here for the Zoom link to the P&Z meeting. It will also be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum Channel 79.
To see all P&Z materials, click here; then scroll down to 260 Compo Road South.
Inn at Longshore plan, prepared by LandTech. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
A little rain failed to dampen the VersoFest crowd last night.
Five days of panels, workshops, performances and more kicked off with Chuck D — the front man of Public Enemy — in conversation with Johnny Temple of Akashic Books.
His talk ranged from music, TV and film to politics and his new book.
VersoFest continues tonight with the Lemon Twigs and DJ Hysterica. Click here for a full schedule of VersoFest ’24, and more information.
Chuck D with Johnny Temple, last night at the Westport Library … (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
… and the sold-out crowd. Most VersoFest events are free.
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The last few days of rain and wind have brought down trees, all around town.
This was the scene (below) early today on Hillandale Road.
It was quite a welcome to the neighborhood. The new owners moved in a month ago.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Accidental overdoses kill 2.5 times more Americans than car crashes.
On April 10 (7 to 8 p.m., Toquet Hall), you can learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and use Narcan to save a life.
Margaret Watt, Westport Prevention Coalition (WPC) co-chair and prevention director at Positive Directions, provides the training. 30 Narcan kits will be available to participants. Click here to register.
In addition, from now through June the WPI is making the documentary “If They Had Known” available for streaming.
The 35-minute film was created by the college friends and family of a college student who died after mixing alcohol and Xanax. It shows the dangers of drinking while taking drugs like antidepressants or ADHD meds.
Both events are offered in conjunction with Staples High School’s annual “Invest in Yourself Day,” which prepares seniors for life after high school and recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month.
As the Westport Country Playhouse transitions to a year-round performing arts center, they need a permanent, on-stage piano — not a rental.
They’re hoping someone can donate a piano, for upcoming concerts on their historic stage. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Playhouse will provide a letter acknowledging the piano donation for tax purposes,
To comply with artist contracts, they’re seeking one of these:
Soap opera fans, hold back your tears: Today is Jamie Martin Mann’s last day on “Days of Our Lives.”
The 2021 Staples High School graduate had split his time between Los Angeles — where the TV show is filmed — and Ann Arbor, where he is a junior at the University of Michigan.
Mann — who starred in Staples Players productions before graduation — is a musical theater major. Balancing academics and acting became increasingly difficult.
According to Soap Opera Digest, the 2021 Staples High School graduate “wraps up his brief but memorable run as tortured teen Tate Black on a high note …
“After 6 months of angst and drama, including being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and sent to rehab, his ‘Days of Our Lives’ character was finally exonerated, much to the actor’s delight.
“I felt a lot of gratitude that I had the chance to close the storyline,” says Mann.
As Big Y prepares to take over the former Barnes & Noble space, Westporters continue to wonder: WTF happened to Amazon Fresh?
After much hoopla and a few months of renovation (plus some back-and-forth with town officials over the size of their sign), the mammoth company abandoned plans to open their cutting-edge grocery store in Westport (and other places).
The high-tech idea had been that shoppers’ purchases would automatically register without the need for a checkout counter. Customers could just pick up their items, walk out, and be charged electronically.
Not so fast.
According to The Byte: “Instead of closing the technological loop with pure automation and AI, the company also had to rely on an army of over 1,000 workers in India, who were acting as remote cashiers.”
They called it “a highly invasive marketing ploy to get more customers to shop at its stores, while actively undercutting the local job market.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Mark Lassoff)
The Connecticut Humane Society urgently needs donations of dry dog food.
Its pet food pantry provides nutrition for pets of families facing financial hardships. It’s looking for dry dog food, specifically Purina One, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, and any other grain-free brands.
Donations of dry dog food (and other pet-related items) can be dropped off at the Humane Society, 455 Post Road East.
Cash donations can be made online at CThumane.org/Donate, or by check to the address above.
Every dog deserves to eat.
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Westporter Alison Ziering Walmark is a longtime Fairfield Theatre Company board member — and chair of this Friday’s disco party fundraiser.
At 8 p.m. on April 5, the FTC Warehouse will transform into Studio 54. The night incudes specialty drinks, music, dancing, disco balls, lights and memorable beats.
Awards will be presented for Best Costume, Best Dancer(s), Best Group, and more. Festive attire is encouraged.
Proceeds support Fairfield Theatre Company’s music, art, film, theatre, education and culture programs.
See you Friday at the Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse!
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Coleytown Company’s production of “Footloose” debuts this weekend.
Friday’s opening night performance at Coleytown Middle School is sold out. But some excellent seats remain for Saturday (April 6, 1 and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (April 7, 1 p.m.).
The high-energy dancing and music are great for all ages. Click here for tickets.
Ariel (Ella Grove) and Ren (Lucas Soares van Keulen), in “Footloose.”
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 27 and April 3.
They issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
School zone violation: 1
Larceny: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
We all know the relationship between cats and mice.
So today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo should come as no surprise: A cat — looking quite fat and satisfied — guarding “The Mouse House” on Compo Road South.
And finally … in honor of Friday’s disco party fundraiser at Fairfield Theatre Company (story above), how about something with a Saturday theme?
(Put on your bell bottoms, crop tops and silky shirts. But before hitting the disco floor, please consider a contribution to “06880.” We never go out of style. Just click here — and thank you!)
No surprise: Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective parties’ votes.
In the Democratic primary, Biden collected 710 votes. There were 29 ballots cast for “Uncommitted,” 7 for Marianne Williamson, and 3 for Dean Phillips.
In the Republican primary, Trump got 184 votes. There were 72 ballots for Nikki Haley, 23 for “Uncommitted,” and 4 for Ron DeSantis.
Statewide, Biden and Trump also prevailed, with about 85% and 78% of their respective parties’ votes. Only 1.4% of the state’s voters participated.
But there was one surprise: In the first-ever week of early voting, Westport had the third highest turnout of voters in the entire state.
Hamden led with 1,197 early voters. Wallingford was next, with 506.
Westport was not far behind: 460 residents cast early ballots (361 Democrats, 99 Republicans).
As Election Day voting began (background of the photo below), Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas presented a (tiny) trophy to Westport’s registrars of voters: Democrat Deborah Greenberg (left) and Republican Maria Signore.
VersoFest 2024 kicks off today (Wednesday, April 3).
It’s the first of 5 days celebrating music, media, and creativity, with concerts, panels, workshops and more.
The Westport Library’s annual music and media conference and festival is “where knowledge is shared and inspiration is discovered — a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.”
Up to 6,000 guests are expected.
Headliners include Chuck D (Public Enemy), producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex), drummer John Densmore (The Doors), plus Cindy and Dennis Dunaway, Tish & Snooky of Manic Panic, the Cold Crush Brothers, Tony Tone, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and author Audrey Golden.
This year’s shows include the Thursday night kickoff with the Lemon Twigs, and Friday’s concert headlined by the Spin Doctors.
Okay, that won’t get me the job. But if you’re more qualified than I:
It’s National Poetry Month, and the town has begun searching for a new poet laureate. Current poet Jessica Noyes McEntee’s 2-year appointment ends July 1.
He or she serves as a cultural ambassador, promoting poetry appreciation and literacy throughout town.
The ideal candidate is a published poet with a strong connection to Westport, and a passion for sharing their love of poetry with others.
The Poet Laureate is responsible for creating and delivering original poems for significant civic events, hosting workshops and readings, and collaborating with local schools and organizations.
Click here for more information, and the application. The deadline is May 10.
Questions? Email waac@westportct.gov, with the subject line “Poet.”
Westport’s first and second poet laureates Diane Lowman (left) and Jessie Noyes McEntee on the Westport Library screen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Tomorrow (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.) is when Westport Police Department officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
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Aaron Fortunoff is a Staples High School freshman. His brother Brett Fortunoff is in 7th grade at Bedford Middle School. Both boys have big hearts and great goals. They write:
“In the spirit of giving and being thankful, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate and fail to receive a proper daily breakfast — the most important meal of the day.
“So we teamed up with a non-profit called Cereal4All that helps provide cereals to local food pantries. We hope ‘06880’ readers can help us with this important cause.
“For local readers, we will be by both entrances of Stop & Shop this Sunday (April 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We will then deliver the collected cereal to food pantries in Fairfield County.
“There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.
“For readers who are not local, we created an Amazon wish listyou can donate to. Also, you can Venmo our mother: @lauriefortunoff. She will buy cereal with the money raised: You can also click here and donate directly to the charity. The donation is tax deductible.
Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, at their first Cereal4All drive last year.
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The Westport Astronomical Society shines a light on the early universe, at their next free online lecture series.
Robert A. Simcoe, director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, discusses “Science in the Early Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope” (April 16, 8 p.m.).
He studies the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies by constructing custom-built spectrometers for major astronomical observatories.
The Fresh Market ospreys are not our only raptors.
The Sherwood Island Mill Pond birds of prey are back too on the west side, opposite the oyster house, Chris Swan says.
The other two nearby nests — one near I-95 accessible from Grove Point Road, the other opposite the Nature Center in the Sherwood Island State Park salt marsh — appear to have occupants, though Chris says the combination of clouds and his weak eyes preclude a definite “yes.”
The nearby Burying Hill platform appears empty, Chris says.
Sherwood Island Mill Pond osprey nest. (Photo/Chris Swan)
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In 2021, Westporters Eva Grant-Rawiszer and Diana Sussman created — with 2 other women — “Virtually Ours.”
Our show was created in 2021.
The musical rom-com about 5 very busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an unusual AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate was selected by the Spark Theater Festival New York City.
It was presented last month to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.
Click here for highlights. Click below for the sizzle reel.
Longtime Westport resident Winifred Keane passed away peacefully Monday, in Wallingford. She was 93.
She was born in Beijing in 1931, where her father was a naval doctor. She had an itinerant childhood. The family eventually settled in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
In 1952 Winifred earned a BFA degree in voice and composition from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her first husband, CommonFund founder George Keane. They had three children: award-winning composer and musician Brian Keane; cellist Geoffrey Keane, and physical therapist, Dr. Sheila Keane.
After moving to the Berkshires as a new mother, Winifred directed a church choir. She sang and composed music for them, and won 2 scholarships to Tanglewood.
Moving to Westport in 1957, Winifred studied voice with Metropolitan Opera bass Alexander Kipnis. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as lyric soprano in 1962 to critical acclaim.
Winifred performed her compositions in concert halls including Columbia and Yale Universities, Lincoln Center and the Charles Ives Festival in Danbury.
After obtaining teaching certification in music from Western Connecticut State University she taught children in New Canaan, and adults at Fairfield University. She also had private students, and ran The Creative Music Studio in Westport for several years. Later, she took up the French horn and played in bands, orchestras and solo recitals.
Winifred received an MFA degree in composition from Sarah Lawrence College. Her woodwind and percussion compositions were premiered there under Saul Goodman of the New York Philharmonic in 1972.
Her interest in world music drew her to sing Indian ragas at Wesleyan University, and folk songs in Mandarin with Chinese traditional instrumentalists.
She was the recipient of commissions, awards and prizes for her compositions from the Westport Arts Center, the National League of American Pen Women, and the National Endowment of the Arts. Her composition “International Greeting” was commissioned by the US Coast Guard Band.
She wrote compositions for opera, oratorio, choral, songs, orchestra, band, instrumental, sacred music, electronic and microtonal music. One of her more renowned pieces involved electronically processed recordings of Siamese cats, with vocal soloist and Moog synthesizer, which was choreographed for ballet.
She was a founding member of Connecticut Composers Inc. Later, she became interested in poetry, and was published by the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts.
Winifred lived in Westport for 54 years, before moving to Ashlar Village in Wallingford in 2011.
She was a long-time member of the Religious Society of Friends in Wilton and Middletown. She was a prominent member in Al-Anon. When she moved to Ashlar Village she got involved with various arts and poetry groups.
Winifred Keane was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine Morey and Jean Albright; her ex-husbands George Keane and Harvey Brickman, and long-time companion and fellow Westporter Walter Schlenker. She is survived by her children Brian, Geoffrey and Sheila; grandchildren Wylder and Dylan Keane, and sisters Mary Weightman, Barbara Schauber and Carol Amling.
A memorial service is set for Sunday, April 7 (2 p.m., Chapel at Masonicare Health Center, Ashlar Village, Wallingford; click here for the livestream.
There will be a smaller Quaker memorial at Wilton Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 13 (2 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Wilton Quaker Meeting to support programs for social justice, environmental activism and education.
Winifred Keane
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows spring trying hard to arrive at Covlee Drive on Saugatuck Shores:
And finally … in honor of Westport’s search for a new poet laureate (story above) — and Sunday’s story about Phil Ochs — let’s listen to the folk singer’s haunting rendition of Alfred Noyes’ classic poem “The Highwayman”:
(Wow! We crammed a ton into today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or anything else about “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Sergeant Dan Paz, Corporal Craig Bergamo and Officer Dominique Carr represented the Westport Police Department yesterday, at the Long Island funeral of Jonathan Diller.
The New York Police Department officer was killed Monday, during a traffic stop in Queens.
The trio helped with the escort, in Massapequa Park.
More than 200 police motorcycles, and thousands of officers from around the country, attended the service.
“It really hits home for the officers working the road, and their families, any time an officer is killed,” says Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
“But even more so when it’s so close to home. We are very fortunate to have the unwavering support of our community.”
Dan Paz, Dominique Carr and Craig Bergamo, at Jonathan Diller’s funeral yesterday.
Westport’s Lighthouse Church children’s choir kicked off Easter weekend yesterday with a double dose of joy.
They sang for seniors and nursing home staff at Cambridge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Fairfield, and Northbridge Healthcare Center in Bridgeport.
But the egg hunt fun continues next Saturday (April 6). At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Book Shop hosts kids and families on Jesup Green, across the street from their popular store.
In addition to eggs, there’s a reading and signing by children’s author Diana Blau, face painting and snacks.
Reserve a spot by email (bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org) or phone (203-349-5141).
Later in the month (April 25, 6 p.m.), the Book Shop’s Short Story Book Club discusses 2 short stories about parent-child relationships, and parents’ aspirations for their children.
They’re “Rules of The Game” by Amy Tan (originally part of her novel “The Joy Luck Club”) and “I Stand Here Ironing.” Copies of the stories are online, and included in many short story compilations.
Space is limited. Email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org, or call 203-349-5141.
The Westport Book Shop hosts events inside, and on Jesup Green.
This fall, the state’s public television channel will air television premieres of two short films produced by the 1971 Staples High School graduate.
“The High School That Rocked!” explored the magical years when great bands — the Doors, Yardbirds, Cream, Rascals, Remains and more — played at Staples.
The award-winning film was the only documentary short selected to screen at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Film Series in 2018.
Cantor’s latest documentary, “It’s a Hollywood Life!,” focuses on longtime Westport resident Susan Granger’s 80-plus years connected to the movie business.
But you don’t have to wait until fall for that one. The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival screens the Hollywood film May 18. Immediately after, there’s a Q-and-A with Granger, Keir Dullea and Mia Dillon, and the directors. Click here for tickets.
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