Category Archives: Weather

Roundup: Wind Storm, P&Z Resignation, Ice Cream …

Posted on December 18, 2023 | 8 comments

With winds and rain walloping the region, Eversource reported at 9 a.m. that 47 Westport customers were without power. That’s 0.37% of the town.

Among those in the dark: residents of Apache Trail, off Bayberry Lane.

Stephanie Moore Girling says she warned town officials and Eversource repeatedly about a tree leaning precariously near wires.

Her prediction came true: This storm brought it down.

Tree down on Apache Trail. (Photo/Stephanie Moore Girling)

Meanwhile, Weston reported 189 outages (4.8%).

Statewide, the number lacking electricity was 85,059– 6.5% of Eversource’s customers.

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Speaking of high winds:

They usually bring kite surfers to Compo’s South Beach.

Tammy Barry spotted this one yesterday, off Schlaet’s Point on Hillspoint Road:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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For the second time since the Nov. 7 municipal election, the Planning and Zoning Commission is poised to appoint a new member to an open seat.

Amie Tesler, who was elected to a new, four-year term on the P&Z last month, has decided to step down.

The Republican told Westport Journal: “Family first, always. I have an amazing but demanding job. I respect my fellow commissioners and love this town but, alas, kids and work.”

According to LinkedIn, she is director of business development for Zebra.

The Republican Town Committee will recommend a replacement. the full P&Z will vote on that recommendation at tonight’s Zoom meeting.

Amie Tesler

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Here’s the scoop:

Yesterday marked the end of Saugatuck Sweets. The Riverside Avenue ice cream shop closed, after a 10-year run.

(Photo/Jason Stiber)

It will be replaced this spring by MOMU — another ice cream place. The name comes from the initials of the owners. They know the site well: They also own Kneads Bakery Café, across the street.

MOMU will make their ice cream fresh, in the store.

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The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport Meets the World.”

The other day, Westport met Tokyo.

Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate — and current resident — Galen Blumenthal recently returned from a business trip to Japan. He reports:

“On my first day in Tokyo, I met the local interpreters hired to support our discussions. It didn’t take long to realize one of the interpreters and I had something in common: We both attended Kings Highway Elementary School.

“Chie Sugano lived in Westport for a few years while her dad worked for IBM. She attended KHS ‘around first and second grades,’ lived on Rice’s Lane, and remembers the town fondly.

“She has lived in Tokyo since. She was excited to hear about the ‘06880’ tagline, and agreed we should share this story.”

Galen Blumenthal and Chie Sugano

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As traffic worsens this week — and you’re stuck at the Playhouse Square Post Road light (heading west) or the one at Compo Road (going east), look over at Winslow Park Animal Hospital.

As always, they offer a whimsical welcome to the holidays.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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A day before the storm, the Compo Beach “Westport … Naturally” scene — not far from yesterday’s kite surfer (story above) was sunny and serene:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … in honor of today’s weather:

(“Weather” or not you realize it, “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Local politics, Weather

Tagged Amie Tesler, Apache Trail, Eversource, Galen Blumenthal, kite surfing, Kneads Bakery, MOMU, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, Winslow Park Animal Hospital

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Westport Snowplows, But Didn’t Think To Ask

Posted on December 16, 2023 | 1 comment

There is no snow in the forecast (though it looks like a rainy Sunday and Monday).

But soon enough (unless we have a repeat of last winter), flakes will fall.

When it does, the plows will come out. Some are private (new arrivals: do you have yours?).

Department of Public Works plows will be out in force too, clearing the main and “town” roads.

Coming soon? (Photo/Paul Schott)

Here — for whenever it’s needed — are some things the DPW wants Westporters to know.

PLOW ROUTES: There are 124 miles of roads in Westport, and only a small team of drivers to clear them of snow and ice.

To efficiently accomplish this immense task, plowing priorities must be implemented. Main roads are plowed first, with special attention given to steep hills and difficult intersections.

Then come side streets, followed by dead-end streets. Plow drivers make a single pass on side streets to keep them open, but their primary focus is to keep the main roads open for emergency vehicles and the safety of all residents.

DO NOT PASS SNOWPLOWS! Never pass or follow a snowplow too closely. Passing snowplows or driving aggressively near plows can be dangerous.

Snowplows are massive vehicles, with wide blind spots that cannot maneuver easily or stop quickly.

Plowing can create a cloud of snow around the truck, limiting visibility and creating whiteout conditions for passing motorists. It can also create a ridge of snow between lanes that makes passing inadvisable.

Reducing speeds when clearing and treating roads allows plow drivers to better control road salt treatments, saving taxpayer money and minimizing environmental impact.

(Photo/Luke Hammerman)

BLOCKED DRIVEWAYS: Westport snowplows angle plow blades to the driver’s right. This allows drivers to direct snow off the road and onto the shoulder.

Plow drivers are not able to prevent snow from accumulating in front of individual driveways, while safely and efficiently clearing snow from roads.

Snow that accumulates on, or at the base of, private driveways is the responsibility of the homeowner to clear, not the town. (See above: Do you have your private plow guy yet?)

PLOW DRIVERS: Driving a snowplow is challenging work. It requires hours of intense concentration to navigate these massive vehicles in dark, cold and challenging weather conditions. The Department of Public Works thanks you for driving with caution when approaching a snowplow.

MAILBOX DAMAGE: The town will only repair or replace mailboxes and posts struck by a plow blade. Mailboxes and posts must be able to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow directed from the street onto the roadside.

The town will not repair or replace mailboxes and posts damaged by the force of projected snow. And damage from private plowing contractors is not the town’s responsibility.

PRIVATE PLOWING: The town prohibits snowplow contractors from leaving snow from driveways or parking lots on town streets. It is dangerous, and impedes the town’s snow removal efforts.

If there is no other alternative to pushing snow into the street, the private snowplow driver must re-plow the street until it is safe for residents to drive. This may not necessarily mean bare pavement, but should be no worse than before the snowplow driver began plowing.

BUSINESS SIDEWALKS: Businesses are responsible for keeping all sidewalks along their property clear of snow and ice.

Questions? Call the Public Works Department: 203-341-1120.

Ta da! (Photo/Amy Shapiro)

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1 Comment

Posted in Transportation, Weather

Tagged Department of Public Works, snow plows

Pic Of The Day #2394

Posted on November 7, 2023 | Comments Off

Fall foliage: Bridge over Deadman Brook at Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2394

Posted in Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Deadman Brook, Winslow Park

Roundup: Board Of Finance, Dog Days Of Autumn, Peace Vigil …

Posted on October 29, 2023 | 16 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the 4th agenda item for Wednesday’s Board of Finance meeting is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only”).

Chair Lee Caney notes: “On all of our agendas for our regular monthly meetings, we will have an update on LLS. The updates have been on prior agendas. We did the same thing with the Coleytown Middle School updates.

“This month there will probably be no discussion, as we just had a meeting. This is not our second meeting on LLS, which will take place at a date to be determined.

“I would never try to sneak in an important meeting, as I welcome and encourage community participation.”

The Board of Finance is just one stop on the road to approval of the Long Lots Elementary School project.

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Today will be much cooler than yesterday — like, 30 degrees lower.

So let’s take one look back at the “last day of summer” (aka October 28):

Longshore: The view from a Boston Whaler (Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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The view is always spectacular from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation sanctuary.

It’s particularly inspiring on a gorgeous fall day list yesterday.

The foliage framed the UU’s quiet and contemplative peace vigil yesterday. Rev. Alan Taylor and others led attendees through a meditative experience. Cellist Gunnar Sahlin provided musical accompaniment.

“All of us are spiritual people, no matter our personal faith traditions or religious affiliations,” the UU says. “We can find solace in community … in peace, in meditation, and in reflection.”

Cellist Gunnar Sahlin. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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The Westport Library celebrated Halloween last night with a Westport and Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored party.

“Bella’s Bartok” played. The stage was decorated. Costumes were worn.

It was, one of the 200 attendees said, “outrageous.”

In, of course, the best way possible.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

There’s a new sheriff in town. Matthew Mandell (left) — director of the Chamber of Commerce — and his wife Cara enjoy last night’s party.

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More traditional entertainment was provided last night at the Westport Country Playhouse.

There was a deserved standing ovation at the opening performance of “First Lady of Song: Cherise Coaches sings Ella Fitzgerald.”

The show continues Tuesday through Sunday, including evenings and matinees. Special events include Pride Night (November 2) and Open Captions (November 5). Click here for schedules, tickets, and more information.

Cherise Coaches, at last night’s curtain call. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Billions” — the high-powered Showtime series about a high-stakes hedge fund managed that morphed into a fascinating exploration of people, power, prestige, and (always) the role money plays in it all — ended its 7-year run this month.

Bobby Axelrod’s “Axe Capital” — based, more than loosely, on both Westport’s Bridgewater Associates and Steve Cohen’s SAC Capital — was originally headquartered in Westport, where the character lived. Midway through the series, it (and he, following a divorce) moved to New York.

It was a thrilling series, with plenty of superb writing and acting (including the great Damian Lewis). Click here to see.

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The Westport Book Sale hosted their first-ever fundraiser this past week.

The event supports the next phase of their employment and job training program for adults with differing abilities. Scores of Westporters enjoyed a video about the Book Shop, including plans for expanding their employment program.

Click here to watch.

Some of the scenes at the Westport Book Sale fundraiser.

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Sure, it was 80 degrees (or more yesterday).

But it’s still autumn — and peak foliage time.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped this why-we-love-New England “Westport … Naturally” shot yesterday at Vista Terrace. That’s the private road that forms a horseshoe, starting and ending across from the 1st hole at the Longshore golf course.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … today is the 94th anniversary of Black Tuesday.

On this date in 1929, the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Investors traded a then-whopping 16 million shares in one. $14 billion of stock value was lost, wiping out thousands of investors.

Some stocks had no buyers at any price. The Dow lost 11.73% of its total value: a staggering 30.57 points.

The Great Bull Market was over. The Great Depression had begun.

(Help “06880” stay solvent. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

16 Comments

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, religion, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged "Billions" TV show, Board of Finance, Long Lots Elementary School, Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, Westport Book Sale, Westport Book Shop, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerc

Pic Of The Day #2382

Posted on October 26, 2023 | 3 comments

Autumn on Richard Drive, off Mayflower Parkway (Photo/Amy Schneider)

3 Comments

Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Fall foliage

Pics Of The Day #2361

Posted on October 5, 2023 | 1 comment

This morning’s fog in Westport:

Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge … (Photo/Jay Babina)

Bartaco ,,, (Photo/Amy Schneider)

,,, and the other side of the west bank (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

1 Comment

Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Bartaco, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, Saugatuck River

Pic Of The Day #2355

Posted on September 29, 2023 | 2 comments

Today’s weather was not as wild as New York’s.

Still, it was pretty bad. And very wet.

This was the scene where Stony Brook Creek rushes out of Nash’s Pond, on its way to the Saugatuck River.

Despite a high tide (and near full moon) earlier, it did not overflow its banks. It’s a well looked-after dam and waterway, reports Dan Nash.

(Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Nash's Pond, Stony Brook Creek

Pics Of The Day #2350

Posted on September 24, 2023 | 1 comment

For some, this weekend was a washout. For others, it was a chance for a welcome walk on the beach … (Photo/Pam Docters)

… or a swim in the surf. (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged Compo Beach

Roundup: RTM, Wet Weather, CraftWestport …

Posted on September 24, 2023 | 12 comments

John McCarthy wrote to Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Weiser, deputy moderator Lauren Karpf and Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton:

“I was surprised to see that the below resolution was not placed on the RTM Agenda for its October 3 meeting:

‘RESOLVED, that the full Westport RTM at its October 3, 2023 meeting affirms that the meaning of the term ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ of the ‘Representative Town Meeting Rules of Procedures’ as found in Exhibit A of the ‘Code of Ordinances of Westport Connecticut’ is to be ‘construed as being mandatory’, per the definition of the word ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. 1-2. – Definitions and rules of construction’ and that ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ compels and requires the Moderator, or in the event of the Moderator’s inability to act, the Deputy Moderator or, in the event of the inability of both, the Town Clerk to place on the RTM meeting agenda such matters as petitioned by at least 20 Westport Electors not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.”

A petition with over 20 electors was certified by the town clerk on September 5, McCarthy says.

He adds, “I trust that this was merely an oversight and that a corrected version of the agenda with the requested resolution will be issued shortly.”

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Early yesterday morning, Philip Keane headed to Compo Beach. A storm was brewing, and he wanted to see it.

He got the waves he expected.

But he also found 2 swimmers. Rick Gaenzle and Chris Kraus told Philip they swim every morning, at 5:30.

A little rain and wind was not about to keep them away.

Rick Gaenzle and Chris Kraus. (Photos/Philip Keane)

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CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 4-5. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.

Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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“Chapter Two: Spanning From Retail to E-Tail” — a benefit supporting expansion of Westport Book Sale’s employment and job training program for adults with disabilities, to its eBay online sales business — is set for October 25 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

The event will include live music, light bites, a paddle raise, and a live and silent auction of a sample of what the Book Sale sells on eBay.

Click here to see auction items. They include a first edition of Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince; 2 copies of The New Yorker in Westport donated by authors Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; books signed by Laura Linney; a poster autographed by Sylvester Stallone; art donated by Nina Bentley, Miggs Burroughs, Kirsten Rao, Norm Siegel, and Rowene Weems, and more.

Participants in the online sales business will learn computer, data entry and office skills, broadening their work experience and marketability.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Eager beavers will be excited about this year’s Aspetuck Land Trust Haskins Lecture.

Leila Philip — author of the bestseller “Beaverland” — speaks at the Westport Library on October 26 (7 p.m.).

She’ll discuss the animal’s large role in American history, and even larger role in our ecological future. Books will be available for purchase, and signing.

Aspetuck Land Trust will also host 2 beaver hikes (October 12 and 22) at Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Weston. Click here for details of that, and other events.

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What kid doesn’t love “The Lightning Thief”?

On December 2, the Westport Country Playhouse presents a production of the young adult novel. The musical follows Percy jackson as he discovers he’s a demigod.

It’s recommended for grades 3-6. Click here for tickets ($25) and more information.

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Rowene Weems saw this as she got off I-95 at Exit 17 on Friday:

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

“Is it the Golden Arches over Westport?” she wondered.

“M for ‘Magnificent work and inconvenience’? M for ‘Maybe they’ll be done before 2025?’ You could go on, right? 🤣”

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This guy clung yesterday to Johanna Keyser Rossi’s screen door.

It looks like he’s posing for our “Westport … Naturally” feature. More likely, Johanna says, he was seeking shelter under the overhang, from the rain.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the kerfuffle over the word “shall” (story above):

(Kerfuffles, controversies — they’re all part of the local journalism you find on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyperlocal blog. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Entertainment, Environment, Transportation, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged Aspetuck Land Trust, beavers, CraftWestport, I-95, Westport Young Woman's League