Much of the debate about the William F. Cribari Bridge is binary: Replace the 139-year-old span, or renovate it.
Mary Gai has another idea. The longtime resident writes:
After reading a letter written to the state Department of Transportation by a Westporter, extolling the virtues of the temporary bridge that was constructed while the last repairs were made to the Cribari bridge about 30 years ago, a thought popped into my head.
The temporary bridge (left), built next to the Cribari Bridge. It came close to the Mansion Clam House (later Parker Mansion). The view is looking north, to Bridge Street. Bridge Square is on the right.
The bridge over the Saugatuck River is beloved, no doubt — but not all of us love the traffic congestion caused by its size and state of disrepair.
The letter proposed keeping the bridge, but leaving it in the open position to let boats through, while building another bridge like the wonderful temporary bridge that was so great for traffic and boats.
Keeping it open does not make a lot of sense to me. But what is keeping us from dedicating the Cribari bridge to pedestrian and bike traffic only? We can elevate it, with stairs on both ends and ramps for those who need them.
Then we can build a bridge like the temporary bridge we all loved 30-plus
years ago, for the cars and trucks.
Saugatuck is all grown up now, with many more residents than there were just a decade ago. Could this make everyone happy?
If this was previously presented as an idea and shot down, let’s revisit it. Our technology has to be better now. And we will be able keep the beautiful lights at holiday time … or all year long.
This rendering of a temporary replacement — while the current bridge would be worked on — was presented by the Cribari Bridge Project Advisory Committee in 2018. Could it be a permanent solution?
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Ferry Lane West — the official but seldom-used name of the road running along the eastbound side of the Westport railroad station parking lot — is a well traveled road.
But in their rush to get to or from trains, few folks look around.
Those that do might notice — and wonder — about the long and high brick wall rising next to them.
And, it seems, only a few people have noticed the good-sized red wooden door, set deep into the wall.
That door was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Andrew Colabella, Scott Brodie, Seth Schachter, Dan Vener, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Michael Simso were the very observant readers to correctly identify the mysterious door. (Incorrect guesses included the Kings Highway North cemetery, Viva Zapata, and a Compo Beach bathroom.)
The 1,675-foot long wall was built as part of a privacy agreement, when the Cockeroft family sold some of their estate to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad.
Over time, their handsome home — built around 1890, and accessible via a steam launch from New York City — deteriorated.
Around 1950, Lawrence Langner of the Theatre Guild, Lincoln Kirstein of Lincoln Center and arts patron Joseph Verner Reed tried to build an American Shakespeare Theatre and Academy on the property. Proximity to the train station was a major piece of the plan.
The price for all 21 acres: $200,000.
But many residents objected. There were also concerns that it would draw audiences away from the Westport Country Playhouse. (Others argued that a Shakespeare Theatre would enhance the town’s reputation as an arts community.)
The theater was never built here. It opened in the aptly named town of Stratford, Connecticut in 1955, and was moderately successful until ceasing operations 30 years later.
In 1956 Westporters Leo Nevas and Nat Greenberg, along with Hartford’s Louis Fox, bought the property for residential development, called Stony Point.
Little remains of the original estate. But the brick wall — and that odd, little noticed door — is still there. (Click here for more details.)
Here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Richard Hyman)
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Much of Westport’s focus is on the future of the William F. Cribari Bridge.
But another project is taking shape just a few yards away.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched a website with information about the “SAGA River Railroad Bridge.”
If that means nothing, try this: the railroad bridge over the Saugatuck River, just south of the Cribari and I-95 spans.
The Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge, just south of I-95.
The “SAGA River Railroad Bridge” is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Built in 1905, it is a “single leaf Scherzer rolling lift bascule bridge” carrying Metro-North, Amtrak and freight traffic over the Saugatuck River.
Metro-North operates 36 trains each, eastbound and westbound, on weekdays.
Amtrak runs 12 trains eastbound, and 13 westbound. The bridge also services 1 freight train daily in each direction.
Unknown to many Westporters, a pedestrian walkway on the south side of the bridge is a cherished shortcut for neighborhood commuters. (It also offers a spectacular view of the river, all the way to its Long Island Sound mouth.)
View from the Saugatuck River railroad footbridge, looking north. (Photo/Jennifer Rosen)
Two 50-horsepower diesel engines in a small building open and close the bridge. The bridge is periodically tested, but openings for marine traffic are “virtually non-existent.”
Due to its condition and age, 2 mechanics must oversee the locking mechanisms.
An early 20th-century photo shows the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge opening, to let maritime traffic through.
Here’s the project overview:
“Due to the age and condition of the structure, including the mechanical and electrical components, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is considering various options for the future replacement or rehabilitation of the existing bascule bridge which carries 4 railroad tracks over the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.
“Failure of the structure to properly open/close would pose a significant risk of major long-term disruption to the Northeast Rail Corridor and to a lesser extent, maritime traffic. Therefore, the CTDOT is considering the viability of replacing or rehabilitating the moveable bridge.”
Another view of the Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Design alternatives include no build; bridge rehabilitation; new fixed bridge replacement, and new moveable bridge replacement.
The next step is a feasibility study, including evaluation and environmental reports. It will examine “the effects a fixed structure would have on the area.”
The study will also investigate the possibility of increasing track speed to as much as 110 mph through the area. Currently, there is a 45 mph speed restriction on the bridge.
“These changes will likely require a higher track profile and an increasing of the distance between the tracks,” the website says.
“The Feasibility Study will evaluate this impact on the Westport Station, highway under/ overpasses in close proximity to the new structure, adjacent private properties, and railroad appurtenances such as catenary and signal and communication systems.”
The website lists the benefits of a new bridge:
More reliable and faster service
Possible expansion of future high-speed rail, intercity, commuter and freight rail operations
Improved maritime safety and navigation
Improved connectivity for economic growth.
No timetable is given for the project. Click here to view the website. For more information or questions, email DOT.SAGARiverBridge@ct.gov.
Westporters gather on the banks of the Saugatuck River, following a 1935 railroad crash.
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A pole with the American flag, and below it the POW/MIA banner, flies on the bank of the Saugatuck River, behind VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
Members and guests of the century-old club see it. So do boaters, passing by.
Those flags were last week’s Photo Challenge. Richard Stein, Susan Iseman, Andrew Colabella, Clark Thiemann and Seth Schachter all knew exactly where that stirring scene can be found. (Click here to see.)
Andrew notes that the flags are tattered. The VFW and American Legion hope to replace them. Donations are welcome. Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com for details.
Here’s this week’s Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see it, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Matthew Slossberg)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else we post — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
Nine prominent Westporters — longtime contributors in local government, real estate and law — firmly believe that the William F. Cribari Bridge in Saugatuck should be replaced.
Lawrence Weisman, Ken Bernhard, Ross Burkhardt, Ron Corwin, Michael Dinshaw, Marcia Falk, Roger Leifer, Mike Nayor and Denise Torve have — among other things — served in the Connecticut legislature, and on the Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
They wrote to the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, which is taking public comments for the Connecticut DOT:
As long time Westport residents we would like to comment, for ourselves and for many of our neighbors and friends, on the state Department of Transportation’s plan to improve the Cribari Bridge.
The immediate question is whether to restore or replace the existing structure. After carefully examining the issue, we strongly favor the replacement option.
The William F. Cribari Bridge … (Photo/Nancy Lally)
The Cribari Bridge plays a critical role in maintaining traffic flow in the congested Saugatuck area of Westport. Its importance cannot be overstated. It is one of only 3 vehicular crossings of the Saugatuck River in Westport, and for many it provides the closest access to the railway station, Norwalk Hospital and the interchanges with I-95.
In the not too distant future, 2 significant projects will place additional stress on the Cribari Bridge. It will become the primary river crossing for 2 large new developments in Saugatuck area — the Hamlet (a large hotel, office, retail and housing project) and the soon-to-be-completed development on Hiawatha Lane comprising approximately 150 residences.
In addition, the Saugatuck River is scheduled to be dredged, which when completed will result in increased boat traffic, particularly during the summer months when Westport is most congested.
If the bridge remains as is, large boats passing through the Saugatuck area will need the bridge to be opened, bringing all vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic to a stand still for considerable periods of time.
Opening the Cribari Bridge.
Traffic flow in and around the Saugatuck area is already poor and, as noted, will inevitably become worse. Even now, at times, the congestion and lack of alternative routing is dangerous.
It is imperative that the Cribari Bridge be replaced with a more appropriate design so that it can better handle vehicular traffic of every kind, and provide safer pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The arguments for opposing replacement of the bridge were once understandable, but they are no longer persuasive. The existing bridge has served its purpose. But now its limited size and proportions do not accommodate the long-term safety and capacity needs of our community.
The Saugatuck side of the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Consider the following facts about the bridge as it exists today:
* The deteriorating condition of the bridge has led to the imposition of weight restrictions, threatening its use by school buses, fire engines, snowplows, and the like.
* The bridge will not be able to accommodate the increasing use of the structure by pedestrians and bicyclists.
* The clearance between the bottom of the bridge and the river’s height at high tide is minimal for boat traffic.
* The width of the lanes is inadequate for today’s larger automobiles.
* The bridge frequently gets stuck in the open position. Even when operational, it takes 25 minutes to open and close, causing untenable backups and delay.
* At the 2 other Westport bridges crossing the Saugatuck River (the Post Road and Kings Highway North), where traffic congestion is notable, new development is being constructed, making the Cribari Bridge an even more important traffic relief point.
The Cribari Bridge is one of 3 bridges connecting both sides of the Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
One of the principal arguments against replacing the bridge is an apprehension that a larger bridge will attract unwelcome truck traffic. That concern can be managed and discouraged in any number of ways.
For example, the bridge could be designed with limitations on height. Additionally, the town and state can place truck restrictions on the feeder roads (Greens Farms Road, Imperial Avenue and Bridge Street) and on state Route 136, as has been done in Westport north of Coleytown Elementary School, in Darien, and in the section of Norwalk adjacent to Rowayton.
A second argument made for restoring the existing bridge, rather than replacing it, is the perception that the existing bridge has historic and aesthetic value.
While we naturally share the desire to preserve Westport’s past, in this instance we think that the need for safety and efficiency far outweighs any historic considerations.
Regarding aesthetics, Westport can rightfully insist that it should have a voice in the design of the bridge to include appropriate decorative elements such as lighting fixtures and structural enhancements, to make the new Cribari Bridge attractive.
The Cribari swing bridge is over 130 years old. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
When the town of Westport twice had the opportunity to improve the intersection of Route 33 and US 1 (Riverside Avenue and the Post Road), it failed to act.
The DOT now rates it as one of the worst functioning intersections in the state. Let’s not make a similar mistake again.
In conclusion, for the reasons stated and with an eye toward the future, we strongly support replacement of the Cribari Bridge with a modern structure that will serve Westport’s needs now and in the years to come.
To do anything less would be irresponsible.
Lawrence Weisman
Ken Bernhard Co-authors:
Ross Burkhardt
Ron Corwin
Michael Dinshaw
Marcia Falk
Roger Leifer
Mike Nayor
Denise Torve
(Residents can send comments on the Cribari Bridge to plan@westcog.org. The deadline is April 1.)
The streetscape of Railroad Place is quite interesting.
It’s hard to see from a distance. There’s not much room across the narrow street. And those who can look up are usually too busy peering down the tracks, waiting for a train.
Or hustling off one, intent on getting wherever they’re going.
But if you do glance up, you’ll see some windows above Harvest restaurant. The shutters bear the letter “H.” (Click here to see.)
That was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. Janice Strizever, David Sampson and Andrew Colabella look up enough on Railroad Place to know last week’s answer.
Do you know this week’s challenge? If you recognize it, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Johanna Rossi Keyser)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge, please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
When Dunville’s closed last month, rumors flew around town.
Some said: It’s gone forever!
Others countered: No! It’s been bought by Little Pub!
No one seemed to know what was happening with the iconic 42-year-old Saugatuck restaurant/bar.
And no one who would know was speaking publicly.
Yesterday, Doug Grabe — who owns the 5 Little Pubs, in Fairfield, Wilton, Greenwich, Stratford and Old Saybrook — emailed “06880.” He said: “Dunville’s is not going anywhere. And neither is beloved owner Steve Carpentieri.
“He and I recently decided to work together to return Dunville’s to a full-service, 7-day-a-week lunch and dinner restaurant. We had to shut down for a bit to do that.
“Dunville’s is now back open every day from 4 to 11 p.m. for dinner service, takeout and delivery.
“Lunch service should start around April 1, with Dunville’s brunch returning shortly afterwards.
“We’re still sorting out the various systems, interfaces and platforms. But the current menu is up. Click here.
“There’s still lots to do. But we’re back open, and we hope to see everyone at Dunville’s 42nd annual St Patrick’s Day Celebration on Sunday March 17.”
Generations of Westporters can breathe a sigh of relief.
And look forward to another 4 decades of food, drinks and friendly vibe on Saugatuck Avenue.
It’s still more than 2 weeks away. But “Fashionably Westport” is already setting records.
The most number of participants — 30 stores, 13 salons, and over 100 models — are combining to make this a hometown event, and support a worthy cause: Homes with Hope.
The Westport Downtown Association’s raised runway show takes place Thursday, March 28 (7 to 10 p.m., Westport Library). A full day in-store activities follows on March 29.
The event features talented, energetic MC Dave Briggs. Cove Collective owner Carey Price is the runway director. There’s a silent auction, live music by the Staples Jazz Band; signature cocktails, and a “Fashionable Taste of Westport” food vendor experience.
Fashion retailer participants include 203 The Two Oh Three, 7 For All Mankind, Bella Bridesmaids, birddogs, Bobbles & Lace, Brochu Walker, Cove Collective, Dylan James Jewelry, Express Edit, Fred, J Crew, Jenni Kayne, Middlemarch, Mitchells, Naturino’s Kids Shoes, Nineteen Pieces, Plumed Serpent, Rhone, Scout & Molly’s, Savvy + Grace, South Moon Under, Splash of Pink, Southern Tide, Splendid, Stephen Kempson, Vince, Vuori, WC Prints, West and Winged Monkey.
Salon participants include Artistex Salon & Spa, Bird, Bloom, Blow Dry of Southport and Westport, Haus of Pretty, Headliners Salon, Feathers & Fringe, Lachers X Pure, Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar, Salon Dada, Salon Nash, W Hair & Color, and Whip Salon.
Auction donors are Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Blossom + Stem Floral Design, Jillin’ It, New Beauty & Wellness, Serendipity Labs, Shake Shack, Soul Cycle, Westport Botanica, and Westport Country Playhouse.
In a town filled with high-profile, high-impact organizations working hard to make the world a better place, Westporters should be aware of AWARE.
Its name is not as well known as some others. But the group — whose acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — quietly and efficiently gets stuff done.
And they do it in a unique way.
Each year, AWARE selects a women’s cause — female veterans, say, or breast cancer, literacy, or refugees and immigrants,
Then they partner with a charity working in that area. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on specific women’s issue, all year long.
This year’s partner is Inspirica. The Stamford-based non-profit strives to end homelessness and housing insecurity by helping individuals and families achieve stability through support services, and affordable housing.
A fundraiser and awareness raiser on Saturday, March 23 (3 to 4 p.m.) includes a quick walk. It starts at Green & Tonic (all participants get a free smoothie), then goes up Main Street to Parker Harding Plaza, for a stroll along the Saugatuck River. It ends at the Westport Library.
The walk is organized by AWARE’s 3 high school clubs: Staples, Weston and Ridgefield.
Donations are requested, but not mandatory. Click here for details, and to donate.
There’s always plenty of water at Sherwood Island State Park.
After several days of rain, there’s a lot now in places there shouldn’t be.
Johanna Keyser Rossi snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo near the state park entrance. “Ducks and gulls preferred swimming there to the Sound,” she says.
The Western Connecticut Council of Government and South Western Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization have endorsed a state Department of Transportation request for $4.1 million for the right of way and design phase of rehabilitation or renovation of the William F. Cribari Bridge. (Click here to read the draft report.)
Public input is invited in several ways:
A Zoom meeting this Thursday (March 14, noon). The meeting ID is 835 3614 6030.
A meeting this Tuesday (March 12, 7 p.m., Ferguson Library, Stamford).
People wishing to speak at either meeting should email plan@westcog.org. Include your name and the subject you will speak on.
Comments on the bridge project can also be emailed to plan@westcog.org, sent to Western Connecticut Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482, or phoned in to 475-323-2071. The deadline is noon on April 1.
William F. Cribari Bridge (Photo/Fred Cantor)
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MoCA Westport is gearing up for spring and summer.
Among the offerings:
Recess Art Camps (April 15-19, ages 4-7)
Artisan Workshop Series
Paint Nights for Teens (Fridays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
Paint Nights for Adults (Thursdays, 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.)
Summer Art Workshops for Kids (ages 8-12)
Camp MoCA
For information on these programs and other MoCA events, click here.
Four Westport artists — all anti-gun violence advocates, and part of the current “In Our Hands: Gun Culture in America” exhibit at Bridgeport’s Metro Studios — will discuss their work this Sunday (March 10, 2 p.m.).
Miggs Burroughs, Darcy Hicks, Daniel Recinos and Tammy Winser share their thoughts, influences and processes.
Admission is free, but donations are accepted to benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.
One of the most popular “06880” features is photos of Westporters who think they can park anywhere they want.
But they’re not our only entitled neighbors (or, perhaps, ourselves). Consider this person, who was considerate enough to pick up his pooch’s poop (odds are, someone was watching), yet could not be bothered to dispose of it properly.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will require 12,000 signatures to get on the Connecticut presidential primary ballot, as an independent candidate.
Alert “06880” reader Jan Carpenter knows he is a controversial figure.
But, as volunteers fan out with petitions, she says: “This is democracy in action.”
When volunteers in Westport ask for signatures, she hopes residents will be kind.
“If you don’t approve, they will simply thank you and allow you to get on with your day,” she says. “If you sign, they will thank you as well. If you sign, you are not committing to vote for anyone in particular this fall. You are simply signing to endorse democracy and choice.”
And finally … Steve Lawrence died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 88, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
In a long career, including with his wife Eydie Gorme, he “kept pop standards in vogue long past their prime and took America on musical walks down memory lane,” the New York Times says. Click here for a full obituary.
(More meh weekend weather — and another chance to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It’s a sure sign of summer: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.
Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Westonbegin online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13. A limit of 450 will be sold.
If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.
After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.
Construction will begin soon on Summit Saugatuck’s 157-unit housing complex, on Hiawatha Lane Extension.
But residents of the neighborhood got a bit of relief recently, when plans for a 5-story, 42-unit affordable housing development nearby were withdrawn.
Cathy Walsh, applicant for the project and former Planning and Zoning Commission chair, withdrew the application last month, CT Insider reports.
However, the reprieve may be temporary. She said that she and Faustina Zucaro — owner of the property — will resubmit it later. Further details on the withdrawal or new submission were not available. Click here for the full story.
Plans for this 5-story, 42-unit housing complex have been withdrawn.
Many readers have asked about funeral services for Leonard Everett Fisher. The noted illustrator, longtime Westport volunteer and World War II veteran died last weekend, at 99.
His family says there will be no immediate service. However, they look forward to a public celebration of his life life close to or on his 100th birthday in June.
“06880” will provide details when they are finalized.
Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Connecticut’s presidential primary election is April 2.
But with the state finally embracing early voting, Westporters have 4 options besides that date to vote.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The only polling place is Town Hall. Do not go to your regular poll location!
Town Hall is open for early voting on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, March 26-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (though not Good Friday, March 29), and on April 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For information regarding the primary, including how to vote by absentee ballot, click here.
WestportMoms’ 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt is so big, there will be 2 of them.
The Saturday, March 23 event at Long Lots Elementary School (11:45 a.m. for ages 2-5; 12:30 p.m., kids 6+) includes art projects, cookie decorating, prizes, face painting, food trucks, games and more.
Bring the whole family, tell your friends, and come have fun with us!
Tickets are $20 per family. Click here to purchase.
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In 2005 I wrote and published “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education.”
1,000 copies of the 390-page history of the school were printed. All sold, but a second printing was not financially viable.
From time to time, they show up on eBay. They usually cost about $75. (The original was $20.)
But the other day, proud 1992 Staples grad Evan Stein spotted a copy with an eye-popping price: $288.99.
“It must be autographed,” he said.
I’m not sure how the seller came up with that figure. But it’s perfect for anyone who would never pay $289 for a history of a high school.
The cheap edition of my Staples history book is in the upper left corner on eBay. The deluxe one is at the right.
FUN STAPLES HISTORY FACTOIDS:
The first graduating class was just 6 students. All were girls.
Wilbur Cross — future Yale professor, Connecticut governor and parkway namesake — was the second principal of Staples High School.
In the 1930s, Staples sponsored 2 rifle teams: one for boys, one for girls.
In 1954, Staples was the first Connecticut school to offer an Advanced Placement (AP) class.
In the 1970s, Staples was a national Ultimate Frisbee leader.
In 2001, senior Mariangela won both the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search. Each carried a $100,000 scholarship prize.
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Speaking of Staples: The high school has announced the names of its 20 high honors graduates, in the Class of 2024.
They are the seniors whose academic grade point average is in the top 4% of the class.
The high honors students will be celebrated this spring, at a special dinner at the school. They are:
Front row, from left: Connor Ng, Ellen Ou, Kaitlyn Seo, Kathryn Asiel, Defne Merih, Gabriela de Brito, Leigh Foran, Emerson Briggs, Neva Mermagen, Mabel Propper. Back row: Peter Loranger, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, Dyan Fiore, Courtlyn Crombie, Elizabeth Turner, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Eitan Eiger, Jameson Russell, Andrew Berkowitz.
Williams College is going to the NCAA D-III men’s basketball round of 16.
And they’re headed to Greensboro, North Carolina thanks to a Greens Farms Academy graduate.
Cole Prowitt-Smith finished a driving, double-clutch layup with less than 1 second to go last weekend, leading the Ephs to a dramatic 79-77 win at #5 Oswego State. It capped a 27-point night for the 6-4 senior. (His father, Scott Smith, writes frequently for “06880” on environmental issues.)
Williams faces Christopher Newport University on Friday.
Westport is proud of its rainbow crosswalk, on Jesup Road at Taylor Place.
Now, to make the area even more colorful, Westport Pride — the town’s LGBTQ organization — has joined the Parks & Recreation Department’s Adopt-a-Spot program.
Partnering with Tuliptree Site Design, a gay-owned, Norwalk-based design firm, Westport Pride is installing a pollinator pathway garden along the 100-foot Jesup Road median.
The garden will include native wildflowers, adding both color and a a habitat for native species downtown. Flowers will include daffodils, lupine, coneflower, primrose, coreopsis, spiked gayfeather, cornflower, daisies, poppy, phlox, butterfly milkweed and yarrow. The design will also incorporate spring bulbs
Planting was completed on Monday.
Tuliptree design director Michael Mushak and Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, at the rainbow crosswalk and pollinator pathway.
If you haven’t been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery, you’re missing great shows.
The next one is March 13-17 (1 to 5 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn).
The opening reception — always packed and buzzing — is March 12 (6 to 8 p.m.). Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mark Naftalin will entertain on piano.
An artists’ talk is set for March 17 (4 p.m.).
Participating artists include Trace Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, Beatrice delPerugia, Charles Douthat, Cecilia Moy Fradet, Ronnie Gold, Ning Jia, David Stephen Johnson, Maj Kalfus, Karen Kalkstein, Robert Meyer and Jen Williams.
“Footloose The Musical” dances onto the Coleytown Middle School stage next month Tickets for the Coleytown Company show go on sale Friday.
The show — a stage and screen favorite for its celebration of youth, forgiveness and the power of music — is set for Friday, April 5 (7 p.m.), Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, April 7 (1 p.m.).
And finally … Today in 1836, a 13-day siege by an army of 3,000 Mexican troops ended when 187 Texas volunteers defending the Alamo were killed. The fort was captured.
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“The Feasibility Study will evaluate this impact on the Westport Station, highway under/ overpasses in close proximity to the new structure, adjacent private properties, and railroad appurtenances such as catenary and signal and communication systems.”
