Category Archives: Weather

Blizzard Update: Town Declares Civil Preparedness Emergency

Westport officials have declared a Local Civil Preparedness Emergency, in advance of the predicted major winter storm.

The declaration activates the town’s Local Emergency Operations Plan, and authorizes coordination of all emergency response assets.

The Town’s Emergency Operations Center will open at approximately 5 p.m. under a partial hybrid activation, with Chief Nicholas Marsan and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen present to coordinate operations.

 Updated Storm Forecast

Timing: Snow begins approximately 1 p.m. today (Sunday), and continues through Monday evening.

Accumulation: 18–24 inches of heavy, wet snow is forecast.

Winds: Gusts of 60 to 70 miles per hour; strongest along the shoreline.

Coastal Flood Warning: Midnight to 5 a.m. Monday. Moderate coastal flooding is possible during the early Monday morning high tide.

Travel: Major impacts expected; travel may become dangerous or impossible at times.

Public Safety Directives

Parking ban: Effective noon Sunday. Residents are strongly encouraged to park in driveways and other off-street locations whenever possible.

If you must park in the street, then park only on the side of the street that corresponds with the calendar date.

Even house numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.
Odd house numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

Sunday: Park on the EVEN-numbered side
Monday (2/23): Park on the ODD-numbered side

Stay off the roads: Travel should be avoided once snowfall intensifies.

Prepare for power outages: Hazardous winds and snow may delay restoration efforts.

Generator safety: Operate generators outdoors only, and away from structures.

Prepare for prolonged cold: Extended cold temperatures are forecast following the storm.

Sign up for alerts: Text “06880” to 888777 to receive emergency notifications via Nixle.

Update Community Connect: Ensure your contact information and special needs details are current to assist first responders: https://www.communityconnect.io/info/ct-westport

Check on neighbors: Especially elderly or vulnerable residents who may need assistance during extended outages.

Blizzard Alert!

Westporters know a blizzard is coming. A few minutes ago, the line at Trader Joe’s wound all the way to the milk and orange juice cases on one side, and nearly to the bananas on the other.

The parking lot — and entrance from the Post Road — was crazier than ever. That’s saying something.

Trader Joe’s, noon today. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Meanwhile, the Westport Office of Emergency Management says:

We are closely monitoring a major coastal storm expected to impact the area from Sunday morning through Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for coastal Connecticut.

Residents should prepare for dangerous conditions, including heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding, and power outages.

 Expected Conditions

  • Heavy Snow: 13 to 18 inches are likely. Snowfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour Sunday night.
  • High Winds: North/northeast winds of 30 to 35 miles per hour, with gusts up to 55.
  • Coastal Flooding: Widespread moderate coastal flooding is possible during Sunday night and Monday morning high tides. Inundation of 1.5 to 2.5 feet above ground level may occur in vulnerable low-lying areas.
  • Power Outages: Heavy, wet snow combined with strong winds may result in downed tree limbs and power interruptions.

Required Actions for Residents

 Stay Off the Roads: Travel will become dangerous and may be impossible during peak storm conditions. Keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles and snow removal operations.

Parking Advisory: The Department of Public Works strongly urges residents to remove vehicles from roadways prior to the onset of snowfall. If vehicles cannot be fully removed, residents should follow alternate side parking based on the calendar date (odd/even schedule). Clearing streets is critical to allow plows to operate effectively and to ensure emergency access.

Protect Property: Move vehicles from flood-prone and low-lying waterfront areas where coastal flooding may occur.

Prepare for Outages: Fully charge electronic devices and ensure flashlights and extra batteries are readily available.

Check on Neighbors: Monitor elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may require assistance during the storm.

Report Emergencies: Call 911 for life-safety emergencies. Report power outages directly to Eversource (800-286-2000).

The Department of Public Works anticipates a prolonged event lasting approximately 36 hours, and will have crews on station beginning at midnight to support continuous snow removal operations. Residents should not expect sidewalks to be fully cleared until well after the storm concludes, particularly if snowfall accumulations reach projected levels.

The Westport Fire Department remains fully staffed and prepared to respond to all emergencies. Residents should complete storm preparations by Saturday evening, and remain indoors during peak storm conditions.

Roundup: Budgets, Boathouse, Big Air …

It’s budget time.

But before the Board of Finance discusses and votes to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, they want to hear from you.

Questions? Concerns? Just want to chat with a member?

Board of Finance “office hours” are this Thursday (February 19), in the Westport Library’s Room 213. Two sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — ensure that just about any resident who wants to be heard, will be.

On March 4, the 1st selectman and Board of Education will informally present their budgets. On March 9 (BOE) and 10 (town), the BOF will conduct formal hearings.

Click here for the full Board of Education budget. 

Click here for the full 1st selectman’s town budget.

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The Boathouse is one of Westport’s most interesting restaurants.

It’s got a great seafood-and-more menu. The vibe is classy, but relaxed. The view of the Saugatuck River — especially from tables on the outdoor deck — can’t be beat.

The one downside: The only way to the 2nd-floor dining area is through the Saugatuck Rowing Club entrance, past the locker rooms and fitness center.

People finishing their workouts mingle with those about to dine.

That may soon be solved. On Monday (February 23, 6 p.m., Zoom), the Rowing Club will ask the Planning & Zoning Commission for a permit, to build a separate entrance. It would be located on the parking lot side.

The Boathouse restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

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Some — okay, many — Westporters are spending the schools’ winter break on ski slopes or beaches.

Fun. But also a bit, well, ordinary.

Rob Simmelkjaer and his daughters run with a different crowd.

They’re in Kaptagat, Kenya. Eliud Kipchoge — the greatest marathoner of all time — runs (ho ho) the Global Sports Camp there. Over 25 world class distance runners are training there now.

They were joined by Rob, Julia (a Staples High School junior) and Annika (a Coleytown Middle School 7th grader). 

It was a business trip (of sorts) for Rob. The CEO of New York Road Runners, he told brought his team along.

He did not specify to “06880” whether that was his management team, or racing team.

This being the Road Runners, perhaps they’re the same.

Eliud Kipchoge, with Annika and Julia Simmelkjaer.

Rob Simmelkjaer, in Kenya.

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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to Mac Forehand!

The US Olympic team freestyle skier Mac Forehand —  a Southport native, and son of Staples High School 1976 graduate Ray Forehand — earned a silver medal in Livigno, Italy yesterday.

He lost by just .25 of a second in the men’s freeski big air, to Norwegian Tormod Frostad.

NBC Sports reports: “Forehand nailed a pair of triple cork 2160s — one switch (95.00) and one regular with nose butter (98.25) — for 193.25 points and briefly jumped into 1st place, one point clear of Frostad with only the Norwegian left to drop. But Frostad answered in the clutch, retaking the lead, and the gold.

“‘I knew I had to one-up one of the tricks and I deliberated with my coaches for like five minutes at the top about what I should do,’ Forehand said. ‘The level of tricks I’ve been doing tonight were insane. … The top five guys all landed insane tricks that would win any other contest day.’

“While Forehand’s tricks featured more rotation, Frostad’s edge came in his technicality: nose-butter takeoffs, high-difficulty grabs and unique, sideway rotations that force blind landings — the kind of details judges heavily reward.”

Click here for the full story. Click here for the video. (Hat tips: Dan Donovan and Elaine Marino) 

Screenshot from NBC Sports.

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Most Westporters love most things about Trader Joe’s.

It is definitely a different experience than Stop & Shop, Big Y and Whole Foods.

And it’s an experience that shoppers at Trader Joe’ses around the country can relate to.

Comedian Nate Meeker sure can. Click here or below for his take.

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Anne Bernier took this otherworldly-looking photo on Monday:

Where was it? Antarctica? Greenland?

Nope.

Compo Beach.

The massive block of snow — over 6 feet, she guesses — in a bizarre shape was balanced on one ice sliver.

Here’s a more recognizable view:

(Photos/Anne Bernier)

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Mushrooms are on the menu next month.

Wakeman Town Farms hosts a cooking class (March 10, 7 p.m.; $125; BYOB), centered on the fungi.

Chef Genee Habansky of Herbaceous Catering will showcase varieties like blue oysters, hen of the woods, shiitakes and lions mane, while preparing (and tasting) dishes such as mushroom parmigiana, fricassee, mushroom “crab cakes” and crispy chicken-fried mushrooms.

Attendees will learn techniques, flavor pairing, and how to make mushrooms the star of the plate. Click here for details, and to register.

Edible? (Photo/Peter Gold)

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The Levitt Pavilion just added another ticketed event.

Eggy — the Connecticut-based jam band — returns to the outdoor stage July 11.

Their Levitt Pavilion roots run deep. Eggy first performed in 2016, as part of the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival. They returned in 2019, and played to a full house 2 years later.

In 2022 Eggy was part of the sold-out Twiddle Festival. This year marks their first headline appearance.

But wait! There’s more! $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Backline Care. The non-profit offer mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families.

Tickets go on sale Friday (February 20, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Eggy

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Longtime Westport resident, softball star and youth coach Michael Calise died February 9, surrounded by his family, in Gilbert, Arizona, where he had retired. He was 87.

A proud US Marine, he served as a tank crewman and rifle range coach. After his discharge he worked as an electrician for Tarala in Norwalk.

He dedicated many hours to mentoring young athletes. He coached St. Luke’s CYO basketball; the Westport Little League Jaguars, leading them to 3 town championships, and the Westport Babe Ruth League Schaefer’s Sporting Goods team, guiding them to 2 titles. He was twice named Babe Ruth League head All-Star coach.

Mike also enjoyed a distinguished softball career. He was inducted into the Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame, and recognized by the Sportsmen of Westport. A Senior Softball world champion and Connecticut ASA state champion in 1962, he earned multiple batting titles and MVP honors as a player.

He spent much of his career with Sonny’s softball team, contributing to a remarkable 120–10 season. He also played with Chatham Oaks and Laurels AC, and competed in several world tournaments.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carol Valiante Calise; children Michael Calise, Debbie Wohlforth, Dominick Calise and Grace Hodges; grandchildren Michael Calise (Samantha), Heather Hohimer (Stephen), Christy Leon (Matt), Christopher Wohlforth (Christina), Erika Calise, Caitlin Hodges (Zach), Anthony Calise and Nicholas Hodges; great-grandchildren Cameron, Austin, Madison, Troy, Wyatt, Dylan, Harper and Blake; great-great-grandchild Makayla, and sister Katherine Calise.

He was predeceased by his brother Douglas Winton, and son-in-law Bruce Hodges, who shared a special bond with him.

A funeral Mass is set for All Saints Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona, on February 27, 2026 (10 a.m.).

Michael Calise

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With temperatures in the 40s — and rain ahead — the Saugatuck River won’t be frozen too much longer.

But it was on Monday. And Rowene Weems snapped this shadowy shot, for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … in honor of the Simmelkjaers’ trip to Kenya, and the great Eliud Kipchoge, of course we give you:

(There’s only one Bruce Springsteen. There’s only one “06880” too. Since he’s got plenty of money, but we rely on reader support, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Pics Of The Day #3225

Compo Beach jetty … (Photo/Jim Hood)

… and ice off Compo’s South Beach … (Photo/Lawrence Zlatkin)

… and not far away, Longshore’s ER Strait Marina (Photo/Dave Halpern)

Pics Of The Day #3224

Three views of ice: The Saugatuck River … 

… and Compo Beach … (Photos/John Maloney)

… and Deadman Brook (Photo/Amy Schneider)

Roundup: Valentine’s Day Edition

An overflow crowd filled Assumption Church yesterday, to say goodbye to Pete Romano. He was a lifelong parishioner of the church around the corner from his Saugatuck roots.

The Staples High School graduate, generous philanthropist, and avid volunteer with organizations ranging from Westport PAL and Al’s Angels to Festival Italiano and Wakeman Town Farm was remembered for his willingness to help everyone, his strong friendships, and his ability to own any room he walked into.

Saugatuck and Westport were common themes at the service. Pete’s LandTech civil engineering firm is located just down the street from Assumption.

He died last week at 70, following a diagnosis of cancer. Click here to read a remembrance of Pete Romano.

Mourners on Riverside Avenue, following the service. (Photo/Melissa Makris)

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Happy Valentine’s Day (to all who celebrate it).

If you don’t — but would like to, in 2027 — check out “Sips & Sparks.”

The speed dating event is set for Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m., The Clubhouse). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.

It’s advertised for singles in their 30s and 40s. But, organizers say, “if you’re slightly outside this range but feel you’d connect well with this group, you’re welcome to join.”

Click here for more information, and tickets.

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Another social event is geared to the LGBTQ (and allies!)

Westport Pride hosts their second Happy Hour of the year on March 5 (6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club).

Organizers say, “We believe Pride isn’t just a month — it’s a year-round movement rooted in visibility, connection and care.” Click here for more information.

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Hey, “06880” readers: The Westport Prize for Literature seeks additional readers for this year’s prize.

Volunteers will score submitted manuscripts. The best-reviewed books advance to a panel of judges, who will select the winner. 

Click here for more information. (Westport residents only, please!)

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Speaking of the Library: Memoirist/essayist/critic Claire Dederer is the lastest addition to VersoFest.

She takes the Westport Library Saturday stage Saturday, March 28 (1 p.m.), chatting with journalist Hilarie M. Sheets.

Dederer’s most recent book — “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma” — examines what happens when good art (writing, painting, film) is made by bad people. 

Click here for information on Dederer’s talk. Click here for full details on VersoFest 2026, including appearances by Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, Susanna Hoffs, The Thing and more.

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The Yale Alley Cats are one of the oldest collegiate a cappella groups in the country.

On Sunday, February 22 (5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), they’ll show why they’re one of the best.

Soundwaves — a highly touted high school group — opens the show.

Tickets are $25 for adults; students free with ID. Tickets are available here, and at the door.

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Speaking of music: Jazz pianist (and Westport native) Jeff Franzel has toured with legends like Les Brown and The Hues Corporation, and accompanied Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mel Tormé. He’s a Grammy-nominated star.

Jeff’s new trio has performed at clubs like The Bitter End. On February 28 (2 p.m.), they’ll be live — and free — at the Pequot Library.

Also appearing: Eva Slossberg, the Staples High School senior who has who has just been accepted into the Clive Davis School at NYU Tisch. Click here for more information.

Jeff Franzel

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It’s a longtime Westport question: How dressed up should I get for a fundraiser?

Here’s one you don’t have to worry about.

Rach’s Hope PJ Gala returns for a 7th year on March 28 (7 p.m., Fairfield Theater Company).

As the many attendees at the popular event have learned: It’s all about pajama chic.

Rach’s Hope hich honors Rachel Doran, a Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior who died after developing a rare reaction to common medications. A Staples Players costume designer, she had already founded a pajama company. (That’s the PJ connection!)

The evening includes live music by Michael Cantor of Frog Salon and Fairfield’s favorite band Ellis Island, great appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering, an open bar, and live and silent auction experiences.

Funds raised support families with children facing extended ICU stays.

This pajama-chic evening blends cocktails, music, and meaning to raise critical funds for families with children facing extended ICU stays — a lasting legacy, created lovingly Rachel’s family and friends. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rachel Doran

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Temperatures are slowly rising.

But the effects of the recent 2-week freeze remain.

This boat — at a private dock on Harbor Road, in Saugatuck Shores — did not make it. All that can be seen now is the flying bridge.

(Photo/Rob Jackson)

The good news: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s today, the high 30s tomorrow. Nighttime lows will be just below freezing.

Break out the sunscreen!

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“06880” gives a V-Day shout-out to the Learning Community Day School.

The pre-school staff began yesterday’s professional development day by creating valentines for folks at Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, and the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

Sure looks like they had fun!

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More on today’s main event: Here’s a message from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite pig.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

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Continuing today’s Valentine’s theme — of course we need to post a “red” image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Photographer Jodie Brooke Aujla says, “I was lucky to catch the beautiful ombré watercolor sunrise. It was quick, but lovely.”

(Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)

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And finally … you probably knew this was coming:

(“06880” ♥ our readers. If you ♥ your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

Roundup: Jackie Robinson, Son Little, Little Books …

Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.

This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.

Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”

This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”

Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).

Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers. Click here to submit your entry, and for more details. The deadline is March 15.

Jackie Robinson

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Yesterday, the Levitt Pavilion announced Big News: Matteo Bocelli has been booked for July 10.

Today, there’s more. Grammy Award winner Son Little has been booked for June 24 — and it’s free!

Tickets for the soul/blues/folk/hip hop/R&B artist become available to the public tomorrow (click here).

More announcements — for 50+ free nights of entertainment, and several ticketed shows — will be coming soon.

Son Little

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Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.

For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).

They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.

Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!

Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.

They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.

Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.

Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.

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Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”

Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.

Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence. 

The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

STORMAC invites “06880” readers to join their fundraising. Click here to help them reach their goal.

STORMAC boys ice hockey team.

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For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.

By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.

Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.

On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.

Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.

She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.

Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Border Grill has closed.

The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”

But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”

We assume that means another Mexican spot.

It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.

The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

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It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.

Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.

The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.

Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)

The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?

Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!

In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.

Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …

… and next door, the Mobil station.

M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.

A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 9 citations
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1

It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.

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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.

The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.

Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline);  grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).

Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Andrew Ippolito

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Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.

But it could have been anywhere in town.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!

(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)

 

Pics Of The Day #3220

Frozen Sherwood Mill Pond …

… and icy tracks at Compo Beach (Photos/Ferdinand Jahnel)

Pic Of The Day #3218

Library Riverwalk (Photo/Leslie Beatus)

Roundup: Students Speak, Wheels2U Expands, Jackopierce Rocks …

A reminder to students: We want to hear from you!

“06880”‘s “Students Speak” pages are open to all teenagers. If you live in Westport, go to school in Westport or are home-schooled: Tell us about your lives.

What is growing up here like for you? What causes stress? What brings you joy? What is your passion, and how has this town helped you develop it (or hindered)? Is there too much emphasis — or not enough — on academics, arts, athletics, activities? What’s your friend group like? What do you think about social media? The state of the world (or town, or school)?

You can use your name, or be anonymous — your choice. You can be positive, negative or neutral. You can offer suggestions and solutions, or not.

The important thing is to offer insights and perspectives, to the broad “06880” audience. You’re an important part of our online community, and we want to share your stories.

If you’re unsure of what to write about — or want a little guidance — we’ll work with you. But we’ll make sure that in the end, your voice comes through loud and clear.

To send submissions or learn more, email 06880blog@gmail.com. Thanks!

Of course no one writes like this anymore. But it’s the only graphic I could find about “writing.”

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Westport’s Wheels2U is branching out.

The on-demand service is joining with Norwalk Community Health Center to bring patients with transportation challenges to Norwalk Community Heath Center’s medical mobile unit at Jesup Green every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The unit was brought back to Westport by Homes with Hope, following the pandemic.

Residents needing rides can use Wheels2U’s app, or call 475-258-7893. 

The fare is $2 — and new users get their first 5 rides free. 

For information, on Wheels2U, click here.

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Cary Pierce — the 1987 Staples High School graduate who, as half of the alt/ rock/folk duo Jackopierce has been entertaining audiences around the world for over 30 years — played a “hometown” concert last night.

The Fairfield Theatre Company was filled with a wide range of fans — including former classmates.

Former Staples teachers Jim and Denise Honeycutt were there too. Jim shot this video, with 2 of Jackopierce’s most popular songs: “Please Come to Boston” and “Vineyard.”

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This was the temperature yesterday on Saugatuck Shores. Did anyone record a lower one?

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

At Old Mill, James White reports: “It’s been a good 10 years plus since the Sherwood Mill Pond froze over.

“Back then we formed the Mill Pond Explorers Club. Here are some hearty members on a current excursion out on the ice.”

(Photo/James White)

Today’s high is predicted to be 30 degrees. Tomorrow, it’s 36; on Wednesday, a positively tropical 41.

See you at the beach!

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Have you seen the signs? Pink Floyd is coming to Westport!

And they’re not playing at a big venue, like Staples High School or the Levitt Pavilion.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

But wait! Jonathan Alloy — who sent along the photo — notes that 2 of the original members are dead. And the other 3 have not worked together since 2005.

Spoiler alert: The group — called Prognosis The American Pink Floyd — is a tribute band.

Their website says they’ve been “performing the music of Pink Floyd
with incredible album accuarcy [sic] for 15 years both in the USA and internationally. Known for their elaborate lights, lasers and video projections, Prognosis The American Pink Floyd is considered to be the best and most accurate ​Pink Floyd experience.”

Too bad. Still, it sounds like a great show. And for $20, how can you go wrong?

Meanwhile, we look forward to the upcoming Beatles concert. They’ll be playing at Little Barn.

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The topic for the  next Westport Astronomical Society science lecture is dark.

Dark matter, that is.

Dr. Yue Yu of Columbia University’s International Axion Observatory

It’s set for February 17 (8 p.m.), at the WAS’ classroom on Bayberry Lane. It will be livestreamed too, on YouTube and Zoom.

Axions and axion-like particles are among the leading candidates for dark matter. This talk will introduce the International Axion Observatory, the next-generation experiment designed to search for solar axions, along with its pathfinder mission, BabyIAXO. For more information, click here.

Dr. Yue Yu

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On Saturday, this majestic bird took a break on a small woodpile, just a few feet from a window at Johnny Clark’s High Point Road home.

It sat long enough for a “Westport … Naturally” photo — a gorgeous start to our week.

(Photo/Johnny Clark)

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And finally … there is no more appropriate song to follow up on the Pink Floyd story (above) than:

(You could pay hundreds of dollars for a Pink Floyd ticket — if they were still performing. But they’re not. So instead, please click here to toss a few bucks “06880”‘s way. Thank you!)