The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.
Then come a bang-bang series of action items:
A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
That’s a robust agenda.
And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.
This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.
We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.
Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.
The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.
Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.
In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.
The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.
Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.
Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.
Dredging the Saugatuck River.
And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.
Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.
On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.
These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.
All are important to some people. Some are important to all.
But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.
Buckle up.
(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)
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Posted onFebruary 1, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Box Tree Moth, Martha & Miggs, Andrew Marchand …
Cindy Shumate — Westport’s garden designer extraordinaire — passes along this environmental warning from Paul Sztremer, the contractor in charge of planting and maintenance at beautiful Prospect Gardens in Greens Farms:
“There is a new, very destructive insect out there.
“It’s called box tree moth (or simply boxwood moth). Once settled within boxwood plants it can devour them within a short period of time, causing unsightly defoliation or even their demise.
“We will be on the vigilant lookout for them this season. I recommend you keep a look out as well. They can cause costly damage if missed or ignored.
The silver lining is that, just like the fairly new spotted lanterfly, they can be eradicated easily with almost any insecticide, if spotted in time (before they cause major damage).”
Cindy says they travel 3 to 6 miles a year.
“Boxwood is a favorite foundational plant in many Westport gardens. It would be devastating if this invasive pest would settle in here,” she says.
The silver lining is that, just like the fairly new Spotted Lanterfly insect, they can be eradicated easily with almost any insecticide, if spotted in time (before they cause major damage).
Andrew Marchand — the 1991 Staples High School graduate who, Poynter.org says, “probably breaks more sports media news than anyone in the business” — is leaving his longtime post at the New York Post.
His new home: The Athletic.
The New York Times — The Athletic’s owner — calls Marchand “a leading reporter at the intersection of sports media, television rights, talent and business for years.”
The former Mets and Yankees beat writer’s scoops include Joe Buck and Troy Aikman leaving Fox Sports for ESPN; the Apple deals involving MLB and MLS; Al Michaels’ shift from NBC to Amazon; Tom Brady’s stunning deal with Fox, and and the NFL making more than $100 billion on their new TV deals,
At Staples, Marchand played varsity soccer. (Hat tip: Bill Kutik)
Andrew Marchand
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 24 and 31.
A woman was arrested for larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, forgery and conspiracy to commit forgery after a $560 check was stolen. She allegedly deposited it fraudulently in a bank account, for $5,500.
A man was arrested on a failure to appear warrant.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic control signals: 8
Failure to comply with state traffic control regulations: 6
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 2
School zone violation: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension/alcohol: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
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Fetch Rescue announces 2 events this weekend.
This Saturday (noon to 2 p.m., Feather & Fringe, 252 Post Road East) there’s a “fetch rescue” puppy adoption.
Sunday (12:30 to 2 p.m., Choice Pet, Compo Acres Shopping Center) brings another puppy adoption event, plus a free “Puppy 101” training session.
Questions? Email jessie@fetch-rescue.com.
This dog may not be up for adoption this weekend. But many others will be.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a joint meeting with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce last night, at Jacob’s Pickles in the SoNo Collection.
It was a great chance to meet and greet — and enjoy a very cool new Southern comfort cuisine-themed restaurant.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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La Plage is well known for its romantic waterside views.
That’s especially true on Valentine’s Day.
To celebrate, the Longshore restaurant offers a 3-course prix fixe menu.
Click here for the $95 per person menu. Reservations are required: 203-684-6232.
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Terry Tannen’s exhibit “Awakenings” — on view at The Westport Library through March 12 — is a collection of sunrise photographs taken over Sherwood Mill Pond.
“This series is a tribute to the last year of my beloved husband Charles Tannen’s life,” Terry says.
“Chuck was an avid lover of nature, photography and adventure. As his fight with Parkinson’s progressed, our goal became finding the beauty in what was in our present moment, in gratitude. Thus, ‘Awakenings.’”
An artist’s reception is set for February 12 (6 p.m.).
Untitled (Terry Tannen)
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One of the 2 people killed in 3-vehicle accident early Friday morning on I-95 in Fairfield was 75-year-old William Foster.
Better known as Billy, he was the front man and lead singer with Billy and the Showmen.
The band was popular throughout the tri-state region, and appeared often at the Levitt Pavilion. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)
“On Wednesday I was so lucky to enjoy lunch at Rive Bistro. The food was delicious as always, but the ducks just outside the window were the best entertainment. Amazing to watch them diving for their lunch!”
And finally … on this date in 1896, “La Bohème” premiered in Turin. The conductor was 30-year-old Arturo Toscanini.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world: from the Lower East Side to France, and everywhere else. Please help us continue our hyper-local — yet global — work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Box Tree Moth, Martha & Miggs, Andrew Marchand …
As scams of various kinds rise, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport Police Lieutenant Jillian Cabana discuss email, telephone and other forms of theft.
They join Y’s Men of Westport and Weston member John Brandt, on this week’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast.
Listen below, to learn how to protect yourself and your family from them.
The tree that took down Compo Road South utility poles earlier this month started a fire at Patrick Church’s home near Park Lane. A pet was killed in the blaze.
His washer, dryer, TV, stove and other appliances must be replaced. He has had to purchase 2 generators, and hire an electrician.
Jeff Shikowitz and his family want to help. Patrick works for a refuse company, and has serviced the Shikowitzes since 2015.
“We have never encountered a more caring and thoughtful person,” Jeff says. “He always has a treat for our dogs, and a kind word for us. We look forward to seeing him during his bi-weekly pickups.”
Jeff has started a GoFundMe page for Patrick. The money will pay for replacement appliances, the electrician, and fuel to run the generators until full power can be restored. Click here for more details, and to contribute.
If, that is, you enter the Sunrise Rotary Club’s raffle.
Tickets are $50 each. Each ticket is assigned a randomly selected pair of numbers — one for each team. If the numbers correspond to the final score — or the end of any quarter, that person wins.
Payouts are $1,000 for the final score, and $500 for scores at the end of each quarter.
You don’t have to watch the Super Bowl — or even care about football — to participate.
PS: One winner is already determined: the many charities that Sunrise Rotary supports. 50% of all ticket sales go there. The other 50% goes to raffle winners.
Westport Lifestyle’s new editor is Sara Gaynes Levy.
Her previous positions include Glamour, Self, The Boston Herald and People StyleWatch. Her work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, New York Magazine, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, O the Oprah Magazine and others.
Sara lives in Westport with her husband and 3 children. She can be reached at sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com.
NCAA lacrosse action comes to Staples High School on February 6. #18 Boston University takes on St. Joseph, at Paul Lane Field.
Among the Staples lacrosse alums who have gone on to play for the Terriers: Charlie Howard (current player) and Matt Garber, who earned a master’s degree last year.
And finally … Paul Newman — actor, director, race car driver, philanthropist, civic volunteer, neighbor and friend — was born on this date in 1925: 99 years ago.
Happy birthday, Paul. We miss you!
(You don’t have to give away as much money as Paul Newman did. “06880” is grateful for whatever support you can provide. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
After input from neighbors, developers of 1 Glendinning Place have reduced the scope of plans for the property off Weston Road (mostly recently, offices of Bridgewater Associates).
The previous one had 14 units. The new plan includes 10 free-standing units, of 3,000 square feet each.
Two will house special needs affordable residents. There are 3 units in each. One of the 6 will be reserved for a live-in supervisor.
Developer David Waldman notes that this is similar to supportive housing at 136 Riverside Avenue.
The change at 1 Glendinning Place will allow Westport to obtain more 8-30g (affordable housing) moratorium points.
The next step: application to, and hearing with, the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Artists’ rendering shows 10 proposed homes (green) for 1 Glendinning Place. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
Our Town Crier and Westport Marketplace have joined forces.
Now there’s one place for over 800 local listings — restaurants, retail, realtors, services (business, personal and home), and more — along with statewide information for categories like “Pizza Trail” and Valentine’s Day (places to eat and stay; things to do).
The Westport Progress Report on Floodplain Management is complete.
It is prepared annually to enable Westport residents to receive a 10% reduction in their flood insurance. Flood Insurance is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to communities that participate in the Community Rating System. Click here to read the plan.
Municipalities that participate in the CRS are ranked from 1 (highest) to 10. Classifications warrant what flood insurance rate reductions are offered. Westport’s ranking is 8.
Annual reports are required identifying how Westport is implementing the Western Connecticut Council of Governments Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. Click here for the Westport report.
Local flooding is becoming more prevalent. This was the scene in a back yard earlier this month. (Photo/Meghan Norris)
“I recently enrolled in USPS Informed Delivery, a service that tells you every day what mail is being delivered to you.
“I was mildly interested until last Friday, when I was informed that I was receiving 6pieces of mail.
“The mailbox was empty. Since that day, none of the indicated pieces of mail have shown up. (The service shows you pictures of the mail pieces, so I know they haven’t arrived.)
“In addition, I had ordered 2 boxes of COVID test kits. On Friday I was informed by USPS in great detail the progress of the delivery of these kits, culminating in notice that the packages were delivered to my mailbox. I have never seen these packages either.
“I have reported the non-deliveries, but have had no response from USPS. I wonder if any others have had similar incidents.”
So, “06880” readers: Do you have USPS Informed Delivery? Have you experienced non-delivery? What are your options if you report them, but never hear back? Please click “Comments” to help Bob.
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This week’s League of Women Voters of Westport annual “Pie & Politics” event at Pizza Lyfe featured Westport’s 3 state legislators: Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
They updated attendees on issues expected to be debated this year in Hartford, including funding for voter education about early voting, support for polling staff, and the ballot initiative to amend the state constitution to offer no-excuse absentee voting. All 3 spoke passionately about protecting and expanding voters’ rights, and the importance of taking steps to improve voter turnout.
The discussion also included climate change, whether Connecticut should adopt an electric vehicle mandate to go into effect in 2035, and other initiatives to mitigate climate change and train a workforce for clean energy jobs.
The legislators spoke to the importance of looking at solar, geothermal, heat pumps, reskilling, and addressing housing shortages to attract clean energy companies and their employees.
Other topics included mental health policies, transportation, housing and education.
From left: State legislators Dominique Johnson, Jonathan Steinberg and Ceci Maher at Pizza Lyfe.
The Westport Rotary Club heard an animated talk by Tommy Greenwald at this week’s lunch meeting.
Of course, anyone who knows Greenwald — the 1978 Staples High School soccer state champion/father of 3 sports-playing sons/Broadway marketer/young adult author knows that he lives his life in an animated way.
Greenwald writes often about the hyper-competitiveness and pressure of youth sports — for children and their parents. He told the Rotarians that his goal is to bring fun back into that stressful world, and show youngsters that the path to a well-balanced life does not totally revolve around the success of a team, or individual achievement on the field or court.
Tommy Greenwald (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between January 17 and 24.
A woman was arrested after she found a $550 MoneyGram on the ground, endorsed it using her real name and address, and deposited it in her bank account. She was afforded the opportunity to reimburse the victim but refused, and was charged with larceny.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without proper load cover: 1
Operating a motor vehicle in violation of license class: 1
But the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is the site of a “barn dance” this Sunday (January 28, after the service at approximately 11:30 a.m., until around 3 p.m.).
Billy Fisher will call the dance, with live music from Wry Bred. The event includes Cake Carousel and pizza.
Everyone is invited: all ages, all levels of experience. A recommendation donation of $5 per person, $15 per family covers entertainment costs.
MoCA’s 2nd Artisan Market (February 11, noon to 4 p.m.) features handcrafted items: bespoke jewelry, textiles, fine art and gourmet foods.
It’s a chance to purchase unique gifts before Valentine’s Day, while supporting local creators.
Staples musical sensation Ethan Walmark will entertain.
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Also at MoCA: Jazz musician Anthony Hervey, in concert February 27.
He has impressed audiences worldwide as a sideman for Christian McBride, Jon Baptiste, Michael Bublé and Wynton Marsalis (who called him a “beautiful trumpet player of first magnitude.”
He’ll be joined by saxophonist Markus Howell, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, bassist Russell Hall and drummer Miguel Russell. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Anthony Hervey
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Patricia (“Patty”) Palmer died Sunday. She was 79.
The Bridgeport native graduated from St. Vincent’s School of Radiology in 1964. She worked at Norwalk Hospital for over 40 years, first as a registered X-ray technician and then as a manager.
Patty lived in Westport for over 50 years, and raised 2 daughters here. She was involved in their Parent Teacher Association, and led their Brownie and Girl Scout troops.
She enjoyed reading at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, taking a wide range of local classes, and was a regular walker at Sherwood Island State Park.
Her favorite activities were dancing and travel. She met her husband David on the dance floor. They spent over 30 years traveling and sightseeing, especially in Cape Cod and the Caribbean.
Patty is survived by her husband of 35 years; daughters Kelley Swift and Megan Tibball (Jeff), all of Fairfield, and grandchildren Jordan and Brendan Tibball, and Jackson Swift.
Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and caregivers at Bridgeport Hospital who took good care of her, and made her final time peaceful and comfortable.
Visiting hours are Monday (January 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Luke Church on Tuesday (January 30, 11 a.m.).
Patty Palmer
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All winter long, dogs are allowed on Compo Beach — and in the water.
These goldens enjoy the opportunity, oblivious they are the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … Melanie — the one-named, much-loved singer/guitarist/ songwriter of the late ’60s and early ’70s — died Thursday. She was 76. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
(Real estate news? Police reports? Obituaries? Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here at “06880.” This is your hyper-local blog — and it’s reader-supported. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Judy Collins — the singer/songwriter who has entertained and inspired fans since the 1960s — is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
She’ll be onstage April 12 (8 p.m.). Encore Club members can buy tickets now; public sale begins January 26 at noon. Click here for more information.
Also ahead at the Playhouse: “All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.” Written by Rupert Holmes, it’s a one-woman play in which the Supreme Court justice welcomes a friend of the family to her chambers to convey a sense of her career, and personal life.
The show is May 3 and 4 (8 p.m.), and May 5 (3 p.m.). Click here for more information.
And on July 25 the Bacon Brothers bring their unique mix of folk, rock, soul and country music to the Playhouse. Click here for more information.
Westporters — especially seniors and those with low to moderate incomes — can once again take advantage of the town’s no-cost full-service AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program.
On-site personal counseling is available by appointment at Town Hall (Mondays from 1 to 7 p.m.) and the Senior Center (Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), starting January 22. Call 860-590-8910 for an appointment, or click here.
The “SimplyCT” counselor group that services Westport prepared and filed more than 7,000 returns last season – almost all electronically. Federal refunds of over $10 million were received by their clients..
The program is administered by Westport’s Department of Human Services.
An incident that began when 2 people illegally entered a home and attacked 3 others on Friday morning in Old Saybrook ended in Westport.
One, armed with a baseball bat, injured the homeowners. The suspect then removed an adult woman from the home against her will, and fled.
Old Saybrook police sent an alert to law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for a car with New York license plates carrying the victim.
Westport police located the vehicle when it was getting gas. They arrested the suspects, seized the bat, and took the woman who had been taken from her home to Norwalk Hospital, with non-life threatening injuries.
(Click here for the full story. Hat tip: Betsy Pollak)
Remember the I-95 Saugatuck River bridge replacement project last fall?
Relive all the key moments — in a lot quicker time than it took (though of course, kudos to all who accomplished the work in just 2 weekends) — in this very cool video, from the Connecticut Department of Transportation:
Badass Bagels — the popular shop in the Sugar & Olives space just over the Norwalk line, owned by Westporter Jennifer Balin — has just opened a new location in Armonk, New York.
“It’s totally our brand,” she says.” The space is warm, cozy, and decked out with vintage furniture from Bridgeport’s Mongers Market (where they have another location).
Badass’ expanded sourdough bagel offerings include 10 varieties: everything, whole wheat everything, golden sesame, black sesame, Himalayan blue poppy, smoked sea salt, plain, cinny raisin, pumpernickel caraway everything, and naked whole wheat. (Ramp bagels are offered in May.)
There are plenty of spreads and butters too, like “sweet and lovely” with Westport honey.
Badass Bagels also sells coffee beans and whole espresso/coffee.
Stores hours in Norwalk and Armonk are Wednesdays through Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They sell at the Westport Farmers’ Market and Double L Market too.
The Senior Center Super Bowl “tailgate party” is a great one. And you don’t even have to hang out in the parking lot.
It’s indoors. This year’s event (February 11) includes a “final score contest,” and a Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities Service Award presentation to the wonderful Patty Kondub, who does so much in so many ways for the senior community.
The menu includes hot dogs, chips, spring rolls and dessert.
Staples High School state champion football and field hockey teams, and Staples and Westport PAL cheerleaders will be there too.
All ages are welcome. Lunch is at 12:30; the party begins at 1:30.
Thursday’s Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event drew a large crowd to VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
VFW Auxiliary member Patty Kondub’s meatballs complemented the fun vibe, filled with networking opportunities and great music afterward (Jazz at the Post).
Enjoying Business After Hours (from left): Virginia Ferrari, Paul Liebowitz, Patty Kondub, Sal Liccione, Matthew Mandell.
Colleen Sadick is a beloved Coleytown Elementary School professional. The CES community has rallied around her as she battles bone marrow cancer.
As Colleen has had to step back from her 2 jobs (she is also a behavioral mentor), her income has been impacted. CES organized a GoFundMe page to help the family with medical expenses, transportation, post-treatment care and daily costs.
After a number of interviews, the Democratic Town Committee nominations committee will recommend Abby Gordon-Tolan for the Board of Education vacancy, and Joe Scordato for the Zoning Board of Appeal vacancy.
The full DTC will vote Monday on the recommendations.
Merrill Jay Forgotson – an accomplished community banker and fierce advocate for justice and equal opportunity – died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, January 17, at his Westport home. He was 81.
The New York City native credited his mother and father, a World War II hero, for challenging him to lead a life of purpose, centered on education.
He earned a BS in finance from Northeastern University followed, by a JD from Boston University and an MBA from Western New England College.
Jay paid his way through college and law school by washing dishes, serving ice cream, and packaging newspapers and magazines overnight for early morning delivery.
Motivated by the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainright in 1963, which affirmed a constitutional right to legal counsel for anyone charged with committing a crime, Jay started his career as a defense attorney
He transitioned into finance, starting at Mass Mutual and advancing to become general counsel at Barclays Business Credit.
In 1990 Jay joined People’s Bank as senior vice [resident/chief credit administration officer. He also served as chair of the Connecticut Anti-Defamation League, where he shaped diversity programming to combat hate and discrimination in all their forms.
In 2000, Jay left People’s to run Cornerstone Bank in Stamford. Running the profitable mission-centered community depository was one of the joys of his professional life.
During a brief sabbatical, Jay served as dean of the business school at the University of Bridgeport. But community banking kept calling. Jay served as CEO of BNC Financial Group, and started the Bank of Fairfield and Stamford First Bank.
After retiring in 2013 he enjoyed family and friends in Connecticut and Sarasota, Florida; volunteered for non-profits; consumed current events and advocated for fairness, and photographed.
Jay is survived by his wife, Janis Reader-Forgotson; sons Nathaniel, Josh and Matthew; grandchildren Evan, Ianto, Floriana, Zachary and Benjamin, and dogs Lola and Cimba. He was predeceased by his younger sister Barbara Garavuso.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to ADL Connecticut. A Memorial Service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 21, 12:30 p.m., Temple Shalom. Norwalk).
And finally … Peter Schickele, a serious concert musician and also the genius behind madcap PDQ Bach, died Tuesday near Woodstock, New York. He was 88. Click here for a full obituary.
(How to amuse yourself on a cold winter weekend? Read about everything happening in town, now and in the future. If you like what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJanuary 18, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: De Tapas, Warming Centers, Trash Pickup …
De Tapas is closing.
The Spanish gastrobar on the Post Road next to Design Within Reach will serve its last meal on Sunday, January 28.
Owner Carlos Pia opened right after COVID, 2 winters ago. The restaurant was a leap of faith, after a career in corporate America. Click here for his compelling back story.
Then go say goodbye, and thank him for enhancing our dining scene.
Westport residents facing hardships due to the cold weather should contact Human Services for assistance: 203-341-1050 weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Just in time for the new year: Westport’s trash pickups begin again.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized the first 2024 session for Winslow Park. It’s this Sunday (January 21, 11 a.m.).
Volunteers will pick up garbage, and remove hazards from the walking paths. All are welcome. Dress warmly and appropriately!
A little snow should not deter Sunday’s trash pickup at Winslow Park.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 10 and 17.
A woman was arrested for larceny and identity theft, after a complaint that 9 checks had been stolen and fraudulently deposited into a bank account.
A man was arrested for identity theft and forgery, plus criminal attempts to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after a check for $249.65 was stolen, altered and deposited in the amount of $17,262.37.
A man was arrested for violation of a protective order and assault on an elderly victim, following a domestic disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
For over a month last fall, an exhibition by 2 Westport artists enthralled visitors to the United Nations lobby.
Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Mark Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — were displayed on a 102-foot curved wall.
On Tuesday, the two men described their accomplishment — the first-ever UN exhibit not sponsored by a member nation — at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly lunch.
Their next project: sending the exhibit to venues around the world.
Mark Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs, at the Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Speaking of art: Longtime Staples High School teacher and mixed media artist Camille Eskell is featured in a new exhibit — (Re) Work it!: Women Artists on Women’s Labor,” at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.
The show explores the many types of labor that women are often expected to manage – caring for their family, participating in the labor force, negotiating beauty standards, handling emotional labor and more.
A reception for the 30 artists is set for January 21 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The show runs through May 19. For more information, click here. To learn more about Eskell, click here.
Four of the 6 new members of the Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees are from Westport or Weston
Dave Altman is a principal for Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
Ben Frimmer is a theater arts educator with over 30 years’ experience, and the director of Coleytown Company. He produced the Playhouse fundraiser “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara & James Naughton,” and will produce and direct “Voices for Volunteers of Fairfield County” on January 24.
Anne Keefe has served the Playhouse in many capacities since 1973, including associate and co-artistic director with Joanne Woodward. She initiated and curated the Script In Hand series. Formerly she stage managed at Long Wharf Theatre, McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, and on Broadway, and served previously on the Playhouse board.
Jonathan Levy is a Westport native, and an attorney who built a venture capital business.
Speaking of the Playhouse: Nearly everyone knows the name Vince Lombardi. The Super Bowl trophy is named for the legendary football coach.
Now you can learn the story behind that name.
The Broadway play — based on the book “When Pride Still Mattered,” by David Maraniss — kicks off the Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand series on February 5 (7 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets ($30).
Following up on October’s Westport Library presentation on helping families and communities prepare for emergencies, Voices Center for Resilience offers a free webinar.
“The Ripple Effect of Trauma” (January 23, 7 p.m.) explores how children experience tragedy, including building resilience.
Yesterday’s “06880” Unsung Hero award came from Marty Yellin. The 84-year-old fell into a creek by his house, and was 15 minutes from possible death when he was saved by the Westport Police and Fire Departments, and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Marty did not have the names of those who helped.
Chief Foti Koskinas does. He writes:
“First and foremost we are extremely grateful as a department that Mr. Yellin is doing well ,and we were able to get to him in time.
“Two of the officers who responded to the incident are currently in their field training program, as they are new officers. Officer Melissa Bike was with field training officer Greg Gunther, and Officer Ryan Kardamis was with field training officer Taylor Field. The supervisor on scene was Sergeant Richard Bagley.
“It’s calls like these that our new officers get to see the level of expectation that we have of them, and how we value human life and how we treat people.
“This was truly a team effort in getting Mr. Yellin to the ambulance safely, without further injury in a timely manner .
“Westport EMS staff on scene: Crew chief James Schwartz, Westport Volunteer EMT David Harmston; Norwalk Hospital paramedic Marcos Rodriguez.
“Westport firefighters on scene: Lieutenant Kevin Dumas; firefighters Ron Burgess, Chris Carroll, Ryan Farrell,m Liz Ferguson.
The final installment of the Westport Library’s Short Cuts Film Festival will be entertaining, thought=provoking — and wide-ranging
Award-winning short films from the US, China, Canada, France and Australia will be screened next Thursday (January 18, 7 p.m.; $26.50; popcorn and refreshments provided).
All were curated from the Tribeca Film Festival. They include:
Chat Mort (Dead Cat) (Canada), a humorous look at parents trying to protect their daughter from the truth about her cat.
Sealed Off (China, Macau, US), set in 1940s-occupied Shanghai during an air raid lockdown.
Et Maintenant? (What Next?) (France), about a ballet dancer who ages out after 30 years.
Shadow Brother Sunday (US) about a sibling rivalry.
Blood (Australia), a sensitive look at Tamil customs around fertility and menstruation.
Audience members can ask questions after the show.
“Good Witch/Bad Witch” — a concert by artists who played the roles of Glinda and Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” — is set for the Westport Country Playhouse stage.
There are 2 shows on Saturday, January 20: 3 and 7:30 p.m.
The show features vocals and banter by Alli Mauzey and Dee Roscioli. In addition to “Wicked” music, the performance features songs from “Frozen,” “Funny Girl” and more.
“I’d like to salute whoever trains the checkout team at Trader Joe’s.
“My cart this morning included 2 six-packs of beer. The checker politely asked me for ID.
“At the age of 78 I was at first surprised, then flattered, to be considered under age.
“So I tipped my hat, revealing a mature hairline, but provided my driver’s license just in case. Being carded made my day, which is probably why TJ has its staff pick out the random grown-up for special attention.”
Combining hands-on learning and art, Earthplace and Silvermine Arts Center together create a memorable experience for 2nd and 4th grade students from 4 Bridgeport elementary schools.
Youngsters from Wilbur Cross, Dunbar, Hallen and Beardsley travel to Earthplace to experience the great outdoors with naturalists, and meet resident animals. Earthplace’s lesson plans are aligned with state standards, and augment the school curriculum.
Silvermine Arts Center Outreach then visits the students in their classrooms to create mixed media artwork that helps reinforce new knowledge and vocabulary.
Artwork from this initiative is on display at Earthplace through the end of January.
In 2014, Team Velominati has raised funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. They do it through the Pan-Mass Challenge, a great event that crosses the state of Massachusetts. Since the Challenge began, participants from across the country have raised nearly $1 billion,
Team Veelominati does it in conjunction with Coastal Bridge Advisors, the Westport-based investment firm. Last year, the team raised more than $560,000.
This year’s goal: $1 million.
The kickoff comes Monday (Jaunary 15, 6:30 p.m., 54 Wilton Road), at an event hosted by Coastal Bridge founding partner and Westporter Bill Loftus.
The event includes food, beverages, and a presentation about the team and the Pan-Mass Challenge. For more information, email dchilds@coastalbridgeadvisors.com.
Team Velominati, in 2022.
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Turkey vultures fill the sky, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. These were spotted above Bayberry Lane, at Long Lots Road:
Marty Yellin is a longtime Westporter — and 84 years old.
On Sunday afternoon, shortly after the snow ended, he fell into a creek by his house.
The water was 4 feet deep, running, and cold: about 35 degrees.
Marty’s phone was wet, and did not work.
For 15 minutes he tried in vain to get out of the creek.
Luckily, after vigorous shaking of his phone, he got connected to 911.
Within 10 minutes, 4 policemen and an EMT ambulance arrived.
It took all 4 officers to pull him out of the water. His body temperature was 94 degrees.
The ambulance took him to Norwalk Hospital, where he was treated. A doctor said he would not have lasted another 15 minutes in the water.
“Your officers were very competent, comforting, and caring,” Marty wrote to Police Chief Foti Koskinas. “I wish I knew their names, so I could thank them personally.”
We don’t know their names, either. But “06880” adds our thanks to today’s Unsung Heroes.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. If you enjoy this weekly feature — or any other part of our hyper-local blog, please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Congratulations to Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Jake Thaw, and his University of Michigan Wolverines: national championships, after last night’s big win over Washington!
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Staples High School wrestling parent, booster club founder and former Wrecker wrestler and coach Terry Brannigan writes: “’It’s not what you gather, it is what you scatter.'”
“That was John Chacho’s message to a packed house at Foxwood Casino in 2013. Former wrestlers came from around the country to celebrate the legendary Staples coach’s induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
“For Coach Chacho, his message is not merely a punchline delivered from a podium. It is a lesson he attributes to his mother, and the drumbeat for his life.
“John has touched the lives of generations of Westporters through his work in the Westport school system, and his favorite tool: wrestling.
“This Saturday, Staples hosts the annual John Chacho Dual Meet Tournament. It begins at 9 a.m. in the fieldhouse, and runs through mid-afternoon. We invite everyone to stop by and say hello to Coach Chacho.”
Terry nailed it. John is a Westport treasure. Seeing him on Saturday will make your day — and his.
Play With Your Food — the popular play-reading and talkback series — returns to MoCA next Tuesday (January 16, noon to 1:30 p.m.), with 3 very different shows.
Plus: boxed lunches from The Porch at Christies and Meli Melo Crêperie.
Plays include:
“I Just Sneezed with a Big Mouthful of Coffee and I Do Not Recommend It!”: 2 hypochondriacs connect in a hospital waiting room. The competition begins.
“Closing Time”: Will Sophie and her mom get to the store in time to buy the boots she so desperately wants? Spoiler alert: It’s not about the boots.
“The Jewish Wife”: Judith was a beloved wife, friend and bridge player, but now she is only Jewish. A quiet masterpiece written by Berthold Brecht in 1938.
Can’t make MoCA on the 16th? Play With Your Food heads to the Pequot Library in Southport January 17, and the Greenwich Arts Council the 18th.
Click here for details, tickets, and the full 2024 schedule.
Westport’s Business Network International chapter — the 2nd largest in the state — invites interested business networkers to a Visitors Day on Thursday, January 18 (7 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church).
The group consists of only business per profession — for example, one financial advisor, one realtor, one chiropractor.
Categories open for this neeeting include estate attorney, landscaper, interior designer, printer, salon, personal trainer, restaurant, hotel, home inspector, home security, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial/residential cleaner, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, physical therapy, promotional projects, and professional writer.
During the latest calendar year, the group passed over $1.6 million in closed business.
Pre-registration is required. Email debralommascout@gmail.com. For more information, click here.
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One of Jazz at the Post’s most popular performers — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns this Thursday (January 11; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).
The Westporter will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Her shows are sure to sell out. Reservations: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Westport Police announced yesterday that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Neil Lott, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme.
“As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, he opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization.
On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a US Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit.
Lott was released on a $350,000 bond. If convicted of wire fraud, he faces a maximum prison term of 20 years.
“An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The investigation is being conducted the US Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department.”
Margaret Carey Coley — the wife of William Booth Coley, of the Coley family of Westport and Weston — died Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 75.
Her family says: “Margaret loved spending time with her family, especially her beloved granddaughters. She also enjoyed visiting with and giving treats to her grand-dogs. She was an avid reader, and loved to research and discuss family genealogy. She also loved to keep up with her favorite sports teams (Mets and Red Sox), and current events.
In addition to her husband of 45 years, she is survived by her daughter Michelle (Richard) Corcoran of North Haven; granddaughters Madelyn and Molly Corcoran; her brother Robert (Carolyn) Carey of Jamesville, New York, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother John J. Carey Jr.
Margaret’s family thanks the Stratford VNA and Assisted Living Services for their care, with a special thank you to the ICU doctors, nurses and other staff at Yale New Haven Hospital for their care and compassion during her final week
A parlor service is set for Thursday (January 11, 10:30 a.m.; Porto Funeral Home, 830 Jones Hill Road, West Haven. Family and friends may call Thursday morning at 8:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS United Connecticut, 4 Oxford Rd. Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460.
Westporters are wishing a quick recovery to our neighbor, Michael Bolton.
In a note to fans yesterday, the worldwide pop star revealed he was diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas. He was operated on immediately.
“Thanks to my incredible medical team, the surgery was a success,” he said on Facebook. “I am now recuperating at home and surrounded by the tremendous love and support of my family.”
Bolton will take a “temporary break” from touring, he added. Click here for a full story. (Hat tip: Leah Nash)
Cobs Bread opened this morning. They replace Jersey Mike’s, in Compo Acres Shopping Center between Trader Joe’s and Pokeworks.
The “artisan bread” chain has over 700 franchises in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with a smaller presence in the US.
Two other Connecticut locations are Stamford and Greenwich. Click here for the company website (and the menu).
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A box truck struck a utility pole on Post Road East yesterday morning, near Colonial Green.
Power and cable access was knocked out to nearly 600 customers in the downtown area.
Kudos to Eversource and Optimum, for their near lightning-quick response. Both restored service in about an hour.
Thanks too to the Westport Police, who quickly blocked off and diverted traffic between Compo Road, and Imperial and Myrtle Avenues.
Crews working on Post Road East utility pole. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Though car thefts have declined recently in Westport, vigilance is still needed.
Ray Broady sends along a brief video from Ring (click here to see). It was posted by someone at the Westport train station, who saw a car pull up next to a parked vehicle.
A man jumped out and attempted to open the doors of several cars.
44 Compo Cove — perhaps the most-photographed house in Westport, standing proudly and oblivious to hurricanes and nor’easters for over a century just over the pedestrian bridge from Old Mill Beach — has also drawn plenty of attention as its new owners have begun the process of renovating and moving it a bit from the shore.
This was the scene yesterday, as workers began to place it in its new location:
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The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
