Category Archives: Police

Roundup: Paulie’s Push, Paralympics, Jim Himes …

Posted on September 5, 2024 | 1 comment

Paulie Veneto is not your ordinary former flight attendant.

The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing a beverage cart 210 miles from Boston to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York.

This is the 4th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” fourth tribute walk. to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.

Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defined those tragic events” — and a fitting way to honor Paulie too — officials say.

Paulie Veneto (center), Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right), and Westport firefighter, at headquarters yesterday.

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Matthew Torres — the longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member — finished 5th in the 400 meter freestyle yesterday, at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. 

He was clocked at 4:32.25. The winner, Alberto Amodeo of Italy, finished in 4:23.27.

This is the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.

He’s got another chance for gold on Friday, in the 100 meter free.

Then it’s off to Sardinia, Italy, where Matthew will represent the US in the international Open Water Cup.

Matthew Torres

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Congressman Jim Himes is the speaker at the Friday, September 13 meeting of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.

Now in his 8th term, Himes is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and serves on the Financial Services Committee. He will discuss the work of both committees.

The public is invited. But you have to get up early: The meeting at Green’s Farms Congregational Church begins at 7:30 .m. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served, starting at 7. Rep. Himes will begin around 8.

Attendees should RSVP at info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Congressman Jim Himes

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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — opened its 2024-2025 season with an “Aloha” gathering last night, at Sherwood Island State Park.

It was a picture-perfect night. Friends were elated to see each other again, after summer break.

They danced and limboed the night away, while enjoying snacks, drinks and desserts, courtesy of Alina’s Bakery.

Fun art projects were also part of the evening, thanks to MoCA CT.

Club203’s next event is October 16: Halloween bingo, at the Senior Center. Click here for more information.

Club203 last night, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Curran)

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A novel set in Venezuela is the Westport Library’s 2024 Prize for Literature award winner.

“Freedom is a Feast” — Alejandro Puyana’s debut, a multigenerational tale of love and revolution — earned the author a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition, he’ll be honored at the Library on Saturday, September 21, between 1 and 2 p.m., as part of StoryFest.

Puyana will be in great company. The annual literary festival’s lineup of authors includes Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden, Claire Messud, Peng Shepherd, and Joyce Carol Oates. (Click here for the full list.)

“I’m extremely honored,” Puyana says. “Venezuela is going through a rough time right now, with people out on the streets fighting for freedom and democracy. It means so much to have this Venezuelan story highlighted, at a time when we need voices everywhere to stand with us.

The Westport Prize for Literature is awarded annually for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society.

The other finalists for this year’s honor were “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood, and “skin & bones “by Renée Watson.

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BMWs and K9s might not often go together.

But Staples High School graduates Ben Gault and Alex Angus are partnering with BMW of Bridgeport, on a special car show. The September 15 “Cars & Coffee” event (Sherwood Island State Park, 8 to 10 a.m.) benefits the Westport Police K9 unit.

The idea began several years ago, when Alex raised $17,000 with a similar show for Fairfield’s K9 group.

There’s a DJ, and free coffee from Jack’s of Westport (in the former Shearwater space). Local businesses — some automotive-related, some not — are also involved.

Collectors, families, kids — and everyone else — is invited. Youngsters will enjoy seeing a big Gault oil tanker.

All proceeds go to food, care and support for the Westport K9 dogs and officers.

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The Westport Senior Center celebrates “The Power of Connections” at its new outdoor sanctuary on Tuesday, September 17 (1:30 p.m.).

The landscape, pollinator and greenspace project will be dedicated to the late Irma and Joe Schachter. Funds were provided by Connecticut’s ARPA Grants for Senior Centers.

The event is part of National Senior Center Month — and includes treats from Skip’s Ice Cream Truck.

Senior Center outdoor sanctuary.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between August 28 and September 4.

They issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Texting while driving, 2nd offense: 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Improper turn signal: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1

Any vehicle with an after-factory tint must get it tested, to receive a tint compliance sticker. 

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Rebecca Rose is The Westport Book Shop’s exhibitor for the month of September.

She’s showing watereolors she created for a new children’s book, “In the Beginning! A Love Story, written by Westporter Michael Hendricks.

Rebecca and Michael will both be at a reception and book signing this Sunday (September 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.

Rebecca Ross, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Just when we think we’ve seen all the spotted lanternfly photos we can handle … here comes a different view.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the underside of the pest.

Ugh is right.

(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)

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And finally … on this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Nearly 200 years later, most of us have forgotten Sam. But we haven’t forgotten another Houston:

(From the Paralympics to Congress, “06880” has you covered. If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. Now, we hope you find a few seconds to click here, and support our work. Thanks!

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Posted in Library, Local business, Police, Politics, YMCA

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Unsung Heroes #349

Posted on September 4, 2024 | 2 comments

Once again, another summer is gone, with no news from the Westport Police Marine Division.

That’s good news.

Quietly, efficiently, and under the radar, the unit keeps Westport waters — and beyond — safe for boaters of all kinds, from all over.

The town’s website notes: “Currently the Westport Police Marine Division operates 3 boats, from 18 feet to 33 feet.

“Approximately 25 officers are currently qualified to work on the police boats, and 3 officers are assigned to the Marine Division full-time from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

“These officers patrol Long Island Sound and the Saugatuck River, enforcing marine laws, shellfish regulations, and conducting safety inspections on hundreds of pleasure craft each season.

“In 2013 a jet ski was added to the Marine Division and is used for shellfish enforcement and special events.

“Usually, Marine One, a 2014 33′ NAID, is kept in the water 365 days a year in mission-ready shape, and can be en route to any marine-related emergency within minutes.”

Westport Police Marine Division, at work. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

The Marine Division was part of the dramatic rescue of 29 Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers and coaches last March.

They did not have any job nearly as difficult this summer.

But that didn’t mean they weren’t busy.

We seldom hear about all the great things they do. They make rescues when they have to, and spend the rest of their time preventing the need to do so.

Thanks, WPD Marine Division, for yet another successful summer. You are our very Unsung Heroes!

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: Ben Casparius, State Police, Sherwood Island Shorefest …

Posted on September 1, 2024 | 14 comments

It’s been a crazy August for Ben Casparius.

But now he’s notched his first major league win.

The 2017 Staples High School graduate — and Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, who helped the Wreckers win the state championship — was called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers exactly 2 weeks ago, then sent back to AAA Oklahoma City 3 days later without an appearance.

But he was summoned back yesterday.

He did not have far to go. Coming on in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Phoenix’s Chase Field — with the score tied in the 8th inning — Casparius did not let up a run.

Ben Casparius, on the mound last night. 

His team scored twice in the top of the 9th. Evan Phillips came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. He got the save — and Casparius was credited with the win.

Not a bad major league debut — in front of a crowd of 50,041.

(One other highlight: a 1st-inning inside-the-park home run for D-back’s Corbin Carroll.) (Hat tips: Jeff Mitchell, Brian Sikorski, David M. Goldstein)

 

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Westport Police assisted Connecticut State Police last week, in subduing and arresting a man who fled a traffic stop on I-95.

The event began when a driver left a tractor-trailer on an electric scooter near Exit 17. He crossed the highway, and headed south on the right shoulder.

After he was stopped, he reacted aggressively, and refused to sit down. He drove away, but was intercepted by troopers on the Exit 17 off-ramp. He fought attempts to be placed in handcuffs.

Westport Police and a State Police K9 dog helped the troopers gain control of the suspect, who continued his behavior, including spitting at officers. At least 2 state troopers sustained minor injuries.

The man was charged with fugitive from justice without a warrant, 6 counts of assault on a public safety officer, 2 counts of cruelty to animals, interfering with an officer, reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian, improper parking and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, according to police.

He was held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center, in lieu of $350,000 bail.

 

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Since COVID, many Westporters have discovered Sherwood Island.

(For those who haven’t: Connecticut’s first state park sits smack in the middle of our shoreline. It’s 238 acres of beaches, wetlands, woods, walking paths, a Nature Center — even a model airplane runway.)

Many Westporters also help keep the park shipshape, as volunteers with Friends of Sherwood Island.

They raise money in part through a great annual fundraiser. This year’s Shorefest is Friday, September 6 (6 to 9 p.m., Sherwood Island pavilion). It features dinner and a silent auction.

Dinner options include lobster, tenderloin, salmon or vegetarian, plus steamers, corn, salad and dessert. A children’s menu includes hot dog or hamburger, corn, salad and dessert.

Click here for tickets, or send a check to Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, PO Box 544, Westport, CT 06881.

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Jean Wanat — a lifelong Westport, and the former owner of Westport Electric — died Wednesday. She was 78.

She was a lifetime member of Assumption Church, and participated in many festivals. Her family recalls her “sense of humor and zest for life.”

She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Phil Palmer, Carlo Palmer and his wife Ann Marie, Peter Palmer Jr., sister-in-law Arlene Wanat, and brothers-in-law William Wanat and George Wanat.

Jean is survived by her son John Wanat Jr (Sharon), daughter Jeanmarie (partner Ed Mackowski)l grandchildren Scott, Jamie and Aryn; daughter Jeanmarie Wanat, her partner Ed Mackowski and his children Shelby and Eric; brother Tony Palmer (Susan), sisters-in law Rosaland Palmer and Judy Wanat, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral is set for Assumption Church on Tuesday (September 3, 10 a.m.), followed by committal services in Willowbrook Cemeter.

Contributions may be made to Assumption Church or Connecticut Humane Society.

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Trish Leavitt explains today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“We put in our first bee and butterfly garden this summer. We have seen so many different bugs, bees and hummingbirds. Recently. some monarch butterflies found us.

“Yesterday I saw this praying mantis in the garden happily munching a bug. I hope he finds some lanternflies.

“He hung out all day yesterday, then moved on.”

(Photo/Trish Leavitt)

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And finally … today is September 1. It’s the day we were supposed to be seen again.

(Welcome back! As always, “06880” is here for you, with news, information, inspiration, a song or two, and more. If you like our style, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Friday Flashback #414

Posted on August 30, 2024 | 13 comments

Before Quality Towing, the Post Road East property next to Saugatuck Congregational Church was a Tydol gas station.

Dairy Queen, Westport CT 1956

What’s more remarkable about this January 1956 photo, though, is the Dairy Queen.

Westporters from the 1960s through ’80s remember the DQ further east. Today it’s Little Barn restaurant. (Think of the architecture — makes sense, right?)

This earlier Dairy Queen sat on the site of what later became the Crest. (It’s now the site of recently closed Salsa Fresca, soon to be Just Salad.)

The Crest was Westport’s 1st drive-in — as beloved by teenagers in the early ’60s as the Big Top in later years.

Today’s equivalent is — I have no clue.

A bit east of the Crest — beyond the right side of this photo — was the original Viva Zapata.

But check out the police car parked in front of the DQ.

Can’t see it? Here’s a better image:

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)

If you don’t think seeing that gumball light in your rearview mirror would worry you, think again.

Getting pulled over as a teenager in the 1950s probably meant being driven home in the back seat to your parents.

That may have been the scariest punishment of all.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Friday Flashback, Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: Carjacking Plea, Lanternflies, Crabs …

Posted on August 30, 2024 | 12 comments

The 17-year-old charged in connection with last September’s carjacking of an Aston Martin from the garage of a Bayberry Lane home would not face a home invasion charge — if he agrees to serve 8 1/2 years in prison.

Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Moran made the offer on Tuesday, at State Superior Court in Stamford. It came “in light of the defendant’s age, behavior while being out on release and lack of adult record.”

The teenager has until October 9 to make a decision. Click here for the full story, on CT Insider.

Footage from a security camera of last September’s carjacking.

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Spotted lanternflies are (ugh!) back.

But we don’t have to just sit back and look at their fascinating and ugly selves.

Joe Schnierlein, Aspetuck Land Trust offers these tips, via the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry:

SQUISH THEM

And when you do so, do it well. One adult can lay about 80 eggs.

REMOVE ALL TREE OF HEAVEN

The Tree of Heaven is also invasive, so you are doing double duty. Click here for information.

WRAP TREES AND BUSHES WITH STICKY TAPE

Wrap tape around a tree or shrub. Lanternflies get stuck as they climb up the plant. Tape made by Catch Master (4 30-foot rolls for about $24 is so sticky that you also need to put screening or mesh about 1/2 to 1 inch over the sticky tape, to keep birds from getting stuck in it.

SPRAY WITH VINEGAR & SOAP, OR VINEGAR ALONE

Reports are that this is effective. however, plants may react to the acidity.

REMOVE THE EGG MASSES

Click here to see the lanternfly’s life cycle. Spotted lanternfly egg masses can be laid on any surface (outdoor furniture, fence posts, etc.).

Spotted lanternflies last year, at Winslow Park. (Photo/Michael Mossman)

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A reader writes:

“The Old Mill neighborhood is fed up with the blue crab industry that has arisen on our pristine beach.

“Participants arrive from New York State around low tide anytime after 5 p.m., when they can park legally on Hillspoint Road adjacent to the two concrete stairways down to the beach.

“They often come in groups of 15 at all hours of darkness, each with a bright LED flashlight fastened to their head. The lights disturb the precious marine ecosystem, and the surrounding neighbors’ sleep.

Old Mill crabbers, with LED lights.

“The crabbers harvested crabs the night the town closed the beaches to swimming as a result of the recent huge rainstorm. This could cause serious illness to unsuspecting consumers at the end of the commercial supply chain.

“Perhaps most disconcerting is the trash left behind each night, next to where they park: beer bottles and cans, plastic bottles, food packaging, wet socks, used rubber gloves, cigarette butts, plastic buckets and more.

Old Mill garbage.

“This is just what we see. Who knows what they are discarding in the water that is hidden.

“The town needs to prohibit overnight parking in this area starting at 5 p.m. to any vehicle without a Westport beach permit, and needs to patrol the Old Mill parking lot after 10 p.m.

“This abuse must stop. Our beaches are not intended to support a commercial industry, especially one unsupervised and unchecked by health officials.”

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Registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begin online this coming Wednesday (September 4, 9 a.m.).

Click here to see all programs.

To prepare: Sign in to your online account. Under “Account Options,” you’ll see your name with a pencil next to the edit button. Select the edit button; then choose the “Contact Info” tab.

Verify that your email address is current; select the save button at the bottom. You will be directed back to the “account options” page.

Under your family name, you will see your family members. Follow the steps below for each family member.

  • select “manage family members”
  • choose a name from the list
  • Under “Family Member Information,” make any necessary changes. Make sure that the grade (if applicable) is correct; hit “Save.”
  • Go to “Contact Information” to verify your cell/home phone, and provide carrier if interested in receiving text messages. Make sure your email is current. Click “Save.”
  • Continue this process for every family member.

Have an address change? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

If you are not able to log into your online account, do not create another profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — the non-profit that helps children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential — has a new short video.

It tells the story of who the group is, and what they do, while inspiring and comforting parents of kids with LD and ADHD.

The film — which features honorary chair Henry Winkler – was created by Westporter Robert Steven Williams.

All interviews wee conducted at the Southport School. Click below to watch:

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Storyfest — the Westport Library’s 7th annual genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest in Connecticut), celebrating all forms of storytelling — is just 3 weeks away.

The event kicks off Friday, September 20, with a keynote conversation with Roxane Gay and Oliver Radclyffe. Saturday (September 21) features a full panel lineup, 2 live podcast recordings, and a dedication to Westport literary icon Sybil Steinberg. Pitchfest caps off the weekend on Sunday (September 22).

Click here for full details.

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Earthplace calls this a “wonder-‘fall'” time of year.

The environmental and educational center welcomes September with live performances, foraging and wildlife programs, a community volunteer clean-up day, a “Harvest Homecoming” including a nature walk, canoe paddle, family campfire, after-school activities and more.

For details, click here.

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The honors keep coming for Harold Bailey Jr.

Yesterday, “06880” reported that the longtime resident/TEAM Westport chair/Westport Country Playhouse board member will be honored — with his wife Bernicestine McLeod Bailey — at the WCP gala with Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell on Saturday, September 14.

The previous week — on September 6 ( 2 p.m.) — Bailey will be featured at the Senior Center, through their “This is Your Life” project.

A collaboration with The Legacy Project USA, it’s an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of friends and neighbors, both well known and quiet — before and during their time here.

Rozanne Gates, co-owner of The Legacy Project, will moderate the event. The public is invited.

Harold Bailey Jr.

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Hummingbirds don’t usually fly too quickly to be photographed.

But this one hung around in Marvin Frimmer’s yard long enough to be captured — photographically, of course — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)

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And finally … today is National College Colors Day. We’ll celebrate with 3 of the greatest college fight songs in the history of athletics.

Feel free to disagree.

(Here’s one thing no one has to fight over: support for “06880.” We all agree: This is where Westport meets the world. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Library, Police

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Roundup: Harold & Bernicestine Bailey, Back To School Parents, BSA Scouts …

Posted on August 29, 2024 | 2 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse’s gala fundraiser, celebrating WCP alumni Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell — featuring their performances of Cy Coleman’s greatest hits, plus a roster of special guests — is a great draw.

But Harold Baily, Jr. and Bernicestine McLeod Bailey’s many friends have another reason to attend.

The couple — longtime Westport residents, and volunteers in a wide array of local activities (including the Playhouse) — will be honored with Leadership Awards.

The event is Saturday, September 14 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Bernicestine McLeod Bailey and Harold Bailey Jr.

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Dr. Nikki Gorman has relaunched her popular Instagram series, Tiktokdoc.

The popular Village Pediatrics doctor partnered with health influencer Dr. Tania Elliott on her most recent — and very timely — post: “4 Things Every Parent Should Know About Back to School.”

What are they? Click below!

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As a new school year begins, it’s a great time to be a Scout.

Or join a troop.

Middle school boys and girls are invited to learn about Scouting’s “family, fun, friends and a lifetime of adventure,” including camping, hiking, biking and backpacking.

Troop 139 (girls) and Troop 39 (boys) typically meet together once a week. There is at least 1 outing per month, and community service projects throughout the year.

The Troops host a welcome campfire at Greens Farms Congregational Church on Tuesday, September (7 p.m.) for 6th-8th graders to learn more.

Questions? Email Troop 139 Scoutmaster Katherine O’Brien: kjobrien72@mac.com.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 enjoy a mountain biking and ziplining weekend at Berkshire East.

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Westport Police made 7 custodial arrests between August 21 and 28 — including one following the motor vehicle accident that closed the Merritt Parkway, and a search for fleeing suspects, near Clinton Avenue on Sunday.

That arrest — of an 18-year-old from Waterbury — began on July 14, with the theft of an unlocked Mercedes Benz from an open garage in Westport. A warrant was issued for that person’s arrest.

On Sunday, the same person was in another stolen vehicle that crashed. He fled the scene, was apprehended, and taken to Norwalk Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. He was charged with evading responsibility, burglary, larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle.

He was released on a $75,000 bond, and is due September 18 in Stamford Superior Court.

A 32-year-old Westport resident was charged with risk of injury to a child and disorderly conduct, after he and a family member were involved in an argument with pushing and shoving, while the other person was holding a child. He could not post a $100,000 bond.

A 36-year-oldl Greenwich man was charged with assault and breach of peace, after an incident at La Plage Restaurant. The complainant reported that the man was intoxicated, and assaulted him for no apparent reason. He then attempted to assault other patrons, and was restrained until police arrived.

A 23-year-old Norwalk man was charged with reckless driving, traveling unreasonably fast, engaging police in pursuit, failure to obey stop sign, failure to display lights and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into a July 25 incident after police attempted to stop a vehicle after a minor motor vehicle violation on Greens Farms Road near Hales Road. The driver refused to stop, and began driving erratically and aggressively attempting to elude police. The officer disengaged, but obtained the license plate. The driver posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 13 court date at Stamford Superior Court.

A 37-year-old Stamford man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, following too closely, failure to obey a stop sign, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and without insurance, following investigation into a January accident with injuries at Greens Farms Road and Hales Couort.

A 59-year-old Queens man was arrested for failure to appear, following a 6 a.m. disturbance Tuesday on Wilton Road. When police arrived, he was found to have an active re-arrest warrant.

A 36-year-old Philadelphia man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into an October report that 2 checks were stolen from the blue USPS box outside the Playhouse Square post office, altered and deposited. He posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 30 date at Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 24 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 15
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Disorderly conduct: 2
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • assault: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Transporting a child 2-5 years old, under 40 pounds without restraints: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

 

Children two to five years old, or weighing less than 40 pounds, must use a child restraint with a 5-point harness. It’s the state law!

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Tracy Porosoff has been having fun with Merlin, an app that identifies birds by their sounds.

But you don’t need high-tech to name this bird — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — which has been hanging out a lot recently, in her yard.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dinah Washington. The 1950s jazz vocalist was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1924. She died just 39 years later, in Detroit.

(You can make a difference in our “06880” day. Please click here, to support our work. [It’s tax-deductible.] Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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2nd UPDATE: Suspect Apprehended After Car Theft, Merritt Accident

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 4 comments

Westport Police say:

At approximately 1:50 p.m. today (Sunday), Connecticut State Police contacted the Westport Police Department about an accident on the Merritt Parkway, near the Clinton Avenue overpass.

Three people fled from one of the cars involved. The vehicle they fled was stolen from another jurisdiction.

Westport and Norwalk police officers joined state troopers, flooding the area searching for the suspects.

One suspects was quickly apprehended, and turned over to State Police. That person suffered injuries related to the car accident, and was taken to Norwalk Hospital.

Westport’s K-9 and drone units assisted in the search for the other 2 parties, but they were not located.

It is believed that the 2 people still outstanding are no longer in the area. If anyone sees suspicious activity, call the police immediately: 911 or 203-341-6000.

State Police will release information about the suspect arrested, and the charges made.

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Posted in Police, Transportation

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UPDATE: Police Activity Near Merritt

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 3 comments

Westport Police say:

Please be advised of heavy traffic and delays due to police activity in the area of the Merritt Parkway, Clinton Road and Ford Road. Avoid this area.

There was a motor vehicle accident on the Merritt Parkway in the area of Clinton Road. Three suspects fled their vehicle, into the neighborhood of Clinton Road and Ford Road.

One suspect was apprehended. There are two outstanding suspects, possibly wearing masks and one with dreadlocks.

There is currently heavy police (multiple agencies) activity in the area conducting a search for the outstanding suspects.

There is no threat to the public at this time. We ask you to contact the Westport Police Department immediately should you see something suspicious that could be related to this incident: 911, or 203-341-6000.

Merritt Parkway closed, in both directions. (Photo/Bryan Bierman, via Facebook)

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Posted in Police, Transportation

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Avoid The Merritt!

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 5 comments

The Merritt Parkway has been closed in both directions near Exit 42.

There are reports of an accident — possibly involving a stolen car — and a police search in the areas of both Clinton Avenue and Weston Road.

Adjacent streets are, of course, filled with traffic. That includes Wilton Road.

The Post Road is backed up too.

“06880” will provide an update, when Westport Police have time to do so.

For now: Be careful. And avoid that part of town, if possible.

Route 33 (Photo/Lauren Lee, via Facebook)

Merritt Parkway (Photo/Bryan Bierman, via Facebook)

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Posted in Police, Transportation

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Roundup: School Security, Storm Victim, Saatva Sleep …

Posted on August 24, 2024 | 1 comment

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.

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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.”

But last night, I sure slept well.

It was my first night on my new Saatva mattress.

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.

And now I can sleep on it.

Saatva’s Westport viewing room.

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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.

VIP tickets include a private cocktail tasting. 

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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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.).

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The “dog days of summer” may already be over.

But don’t tell that to guests at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows a serene scene at Sherwood Island State Park, looking toward Burying Hill Beach.

It’s part of the beauty that is all around us, every day. Take time to enjoy it!

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of my new Saatva mattress (story above):

(We hope you enjoy this “06880” Roundup, today and every day. Here’s our dream: That every reader feels a part of our online community, by clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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