Westport Police Address Immigration Raid Fears

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 22 comments

The Westport Police Department just issued this statement:

The Westport Police Department has recently received inquiries from members of our community concerning our policies on federal immigration enforcement, specifically the level of this department’s participation in these activities.

Chief Foti Koskinas would like to reassure the community that as a first generation immigrant himself, he is sensitive to and shares the concerns of the community at large as it relates to this matter.

The Westport Police Department is in no way affiliated with or actively participating in federal efforts at immigration enforcement.

This department strictly adheres to and trains its officers on the Connecticut Trust Act, which clearly defines the circumstances and duration under which a prisoner in the custody of state or local police or corrections can be held solely on the basis of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer request.

Initially enacted into law on January 1, 2014, it is also noteworthy to mention that legislation was also recently passed updating this act, further limiting these conditions. Click here for a link to the original legislation.

The Westport Police Department recognizes and truly values the diversity of the community we serve, and seeks to foster an environment of trust in which victims of crime actively seek our assistance regardless of immigration status. As has been set forth as a guiding principle in our mission statement, this agency will always treat all with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

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Posted in Police, Politics

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Signs: The Lawful Sequel

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 5 comments

Earlier today, I posted Amy Ancel’s story about the theft of legal signs for non-profit events. Here’s a re-post from 2017, courtesy of the Westport Police Department:

Unfortunately we have experienced vandalism and theft regarding temporary signs in the past. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. These crimes may lead to criminal charges such as trespassing, criminal mischief and/or larceny.

The following policy has been established by town officials, in order to provide coordination for the placement of temporary signs by Westport non-profit organizations wishing to advertise one-time-only charitable events.  Signs placed on public property advertising a private business or company will be removed. (Bold italics are mine!)

The sign in the foreground is illegal. (Photo/John Karrel)

General Guidelines for ALL Temporary Signs

  • Town property includes traffic islands and road rights of way.
  • The town may not approve, nor is it responsible for, any signs erected on State of Connecticut property. It is not advisable to place signs on State of Connecticut property (including rights of way and islands along Routes 1, 136, 57, 33, and the Sherwood Island Connector, nor on the exit or entrance ramps of I-95 or the Merritt Parkway), as the state may remove them.
  • No sign may be placed on any school property without the prior permission of the superintendent’s office.
  • No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore.
  • No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
  • No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
  • No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
  • Signs on private property require property owner approval. Signs on private property shall not extend beyond the property line or into the town right-of-way and is suggested they be removed within 2 days after the publicized event or election.

There are rules for advertising charitable events.

Temporary Signs for Advertising Charitable Events

The placement and locations of temporary signs on Town property for the purpose of advertising a charitable event requires review and approval by the Westport police chief, director of Planning and Zoning, and director of Parks & Recreation, or their designated representatives. Qualifying organizations (i.e. local non-profits) may send the attached request, including proposed locations, for the placement of temporary signs to: Selectman’s Office, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 or selectman@westportct.gov.

The following conditions will apply to charitable events:

  • A maximum of 15 signs are allowed for each such event. This includes directional signs.
  • The signs may be erected not more than 2 weeks before the event and must be removed within 2 days after the publicized event.
  • The size of the sign cannot exceed 2 feet by 3 feet.
  • Non-compliance may result in the removal of signs.

Please note that this press release pertains to Town of Westport roads, and not state roads, like Route 1, Route 33, Route 57 and Route 136.

Temporary Signs for Political Purposes

Political signs are considered an expression of free speech and are allowed on public property. The General Guidelines noted above apply to temporary signs for political purposes.

 

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Posted in Organizations, Police, Politics, Westport life

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Another Sign Of The Times

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 14 comments

Westporters have a complex relationship with advertising signs.

We don’t want them clogging traffic islands — particularly when they’re illegal.

But for non-profits, they’re great vehicles for passing the word to passersby.

Alert “06880” reader/avid volunteer Amy Ancel writes:

People have been removing non-profits’ event yard signs from areas all over town — even those permitted and approved by the first selectman’s office.

This week’s thefts include signs for the Westport Library Book Sale and Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day.

I checked with Chip Stephens of the Planning and Zoning Commission. He and fellow commissioner Al Gratrix stopped removing illegal signs a year ago.

So it appears that members of the general public are removing our signs from town roads. They can’t do that!

Of course, commercial signs — like for Mosquito Joe, Hauling Unlimited and kids’ camps — are not legal anywhere.

But non-profit event signs are legal. They are approved by the first selectman’s office, for specific locations. They should not be touched by the public. This includes traffic islands maintained by local businesses.

These signs are one of two main ways non-profits have of advertising special events. (The other is social media.)

And these signs cost a lot of money. We try to reuse them, to create less waste!

We spend a lot of time and energy placing them. We’re only allowed 15 signs per event. It’s so aggravating to see them go missing almost as soon as we put them up!

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Posted in Environment, Library, Organizations, Transportation

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This “Just In”: Miller, Paul Combine For Musical Gold

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 3 comments

Back in 2001, 1/4 of a Staples High School music octet was named Justin.

Justin Miller — a senior — went on to a storied career as a music director. He led the Westminster Chorus of Los Angeles to the 2009 “Choir of the World” Pavarotti Trophy, and Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus gold medals in 2007, ’10 and ’15.

A few days ago he did it again. Westminster recaptured the world title, in Salt Lake City.

Miller’s chorus did it decisively, setting a new record for the highest score ever: 97.9%.

But there’s more to the story.

The 100-man chorus paired the tender ballad “I’ll Be Here” from Broadway’s “The Wild Party” with “From Now On.”

That’s the tune from “The Greatest Showman,” written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The same Justin Paul who, as a junior in 2001, sang in that famed octet with Justin Miller.

The director is proud of his friend’s work. He wanted to showcase it on his choir’s biggest stage.

So now — in addition to Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards — Justin Paul can say he’s “won” a Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus gold medal too.

(For the full story on the competition, click here.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Organizations, People, Staples HS

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New Westport Yoga Spot: Definitely Hot

Posted on July 11, 2019 | 3 comments

The shopping center between Sherwood Diner and the old Bertucci’s/new-and-may-open-someday Ignazio’s Pizza — is hot and cold.

Literally.

On the ground floor is Restore Cryotherapy. Clients step into chambers chilled to minus 220 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s an adrenaline-surging, toxins-removing, endorphin-producing way to burn calories, reduce pain and enhance endurance.

Right above it is a new tenant: Westport Hot Yoga.

That’s exactly like it sounds. You do all your yoga stuff — stretching, breathing, concentrating, posturing, working out — in a room super-heated to between 95 and 105 degrees.

It’s as energizing and relaxing as cryotherapy.

A recent session in the new Westport Hot Yoga space.

The studio — which opened July 4 — is not new. For nearly a decade, it operated as Fairfield Hot Yoga.

Owners Abbey Chase and Richard Failla moved here from the Sportsplex for a few reasons.

Both have long local roots. Many of their clients came from Westport. And while the Fairfield location was a hot, windowless box, their new space has a view. Granted, it’s the Post Road, but if you’re going to sweat like that it’s still better than 4 walls.

Chase is a single mom, with 3 kids going through the local schools. Failla is a former Westport police officer now working part-time as a traffic agent.

Rich Failla and Abbey Chase, in Westport Hot Yoga.

Hot yoga attracts a wide range of people. Some are in middle school. Some are in their 70s. About 30% are male.

The sweet spot, Chase says, is women 35 to 60 years old. They add yoga to their routines, to balance their other activities.

Hot yoga also appeals to people who have had knee or hip replacements, shoulder surgery or back issues, Failla says.

Westport Hot Yoga offers a variety of classes, of different lengths (and heat levels). There’s bikram, power vinyasa, and low-impact, high-intensity interval training.

The studio gets hot, sure. But the heat can be sucked out, enabling Chase and Failla to offer something here they could not in Fairfield: unheated yoga.

With Chase’s kids involved in Staples sports, she knows several Staples coaches. She’s talked with the school’s trainers about offering stretching classes for Wrecker athletes.

She and Failla are excited about their move. Their many Westport connections will serve them well here.

Early feedback is positive. Several people said the new space has “great energy.”

Between yoga and cryotherapy, the strip mall by the Sherwood Island connector is definitely hot.

And cool.

(The official grand opening is tomorrow [Friday, July 12, 5 p.m.] There’s wine, cheese and raffle prizes — including from Westport Hot Yoga’s neighbors Restore Cryotherapy and Shearwater Coffee.)

 

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Posted in Local business, People, Sports

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Pic Of The Day #814

Posted on July 10, 2019 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #814

The sign at Post Road/Turkey Hill North says, “Gardens Maintained by The Watermark at 3030 Park.” But you have to look closely to see it. Time to maintain that garden!

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Posted in Organizations, Pic of the Day, Transportation

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Prime Real Estate Listing Offers A Piece Of The Pie

Posted on July 10, 2019 | 3 comments

The commercial real estate listing sent shock waves through Westport.

“Exceptional 2,516 square foot downtown property now available for sale!” it read. “New to market, for sale at only $1,425,000.

“Significant potential for many other retail oriented uses. Long-term first floor commercial tenant and second floor, income-producing apartment. Call to inquire now before it’s too late!”

The address is 143 Post Road East.

But you know it better as Westport Pizzeria.

143 Post Road East, Westport.

The beloved institution — which celebrated its 50th anniversary last October — moved from Main Street to the former S&M/Joe’s Pizza location in 2014.

Founder and owner Mel Mioli had bought the Post Road location a couple of years earlier. It was a fortuitous hedge against a non-renewal notice from his Main Street landlord.

But don’t worry.

Mioli says he’s just testing the market. And even if he sells, he’s keeping the pizzeria.

Grazie!

(Interested in the property? Call Tommy Febbraio at 203-247-3516, or email Tommy@CBCFG.com. Hat tip: Sal Liccione.)

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Posted in Downtown, People, Real estate, Restaurants

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Westport Represents At Women’s World Champs Parade

Posted on July 10, 2019 | 19 comments

The US women’s national team won the World Cup on Sunday with talent, swagger, poise and personality.

Today’s ticker-tape parade down New York City’s Canyon of Heroes Heroines drew a great, enthusiastic crowd.

A large contingent of Westporters — young soccer players, siblings, moms, and others enthralled by this fantastic team — joined the festivities.

Among the most excited: these 4 Staples soccer players.

From left: Mia Didio, Elizabeth Kuehndorf, McKenzie Didio, Emma Nordberg. (Photos/Karen Nordberg)

Mayor Bill de Blasio praised “America’s team.”

Captain Megan Rapinoe explained it more colorfully: “This group is so resilient, is so tough, has such a sense of humor — is just so bad-ass.

“We have pink hair and purple hair. We have tattoos, dreadlocks. We’ve got white girls and black girls, and everything in between. Straight girls and gay girls. Hey!”

Congratulations — and thanks for being role models for us all!

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Posted in Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Unsung Hero #106

Posted on July 10, 2019 | 9 comments

When an “06880” reader — who asked for anonymity — decided to try the Westport Senior Center’s fitness program, she chose a small personal group training class facilitated by Ilene Boyer.

It was a great choice.

“This lovely, dedicated trainer takes everyone under her wing,” the woman says.

“She teaches proper form and use of equipment. She motivates everyone to work at their best ability, regardless of age or weaknesses. She never treats us like ‘older people.'”

Despite her own circumstances — Ilene uses a wheelchair, and works 2 jobs — she competes in races herself.

Ilene Boyer and Dawson.

She often brings her sweet rescue therapy dog Dawson to class. Members love him.

The “06880” reader has trained with Ilene for 2 years. She had suffered 2 heart attacks before joining the class, and says, “honestly, Ilene changed my life. She makes me so much stronger, healthier and more confident. My cardiologist agrees.”

But, she adds, “my experience is not unique. Everyone feels similarly. We are incredibly lucky to have her as a caring teacher. Her level of caring, expertise and fortitude is truly inspirational.”

(If you know of an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)

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Remembering Vivian Perlis

Posted on July 10, 2019 | 7 comments

Vivian Perlis — a longtime Westporter, noted musician and transformational musicologist — died last week. She was 91.

Perlis was a renowned harp player with a master’s in music history from the University of Michigan when she began studying for a doctorate at Columbia University in the early 1960s.

Living in Westport with 3 small children — her husband, Dr. Sandy Perlis, was a psychiatrist here — she was “turned down flat” when she asked for flexibility in her studies.

The Perlis family (clockwise from top left): Mike, Sandy, Vivian, Lauren, Jonathan.

“I could either orphan my children or give up the Ph.D.,” she told the New York Times in 1997. “That would never happen today.”

Instead, she became a research librarian at the Yale School of Music. While working on the Charles Ives collection, she conducted more than 60 interviews with the Danbury composer’s former colleagues.

She “faced disdain from traditional musicologists who thought recorded interviews would be merely anecdotal, overly subjective and prone to factual inconsistencies,” Perlis’ Times obituary says.

But she went on to found Yale University’s Oral History of American Music. The project — described by the Times as “an invaluable archive of audio and video interviews” — includes 3,000 interviews with figures like Aaron Copland and Duke Ellington.

Vivian Perlis interviewing (at right) Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.

Perlis directed the program for more than 40 years. She also wrote several books. For many years, she was a harpist with the New Haven Symphony.

The Perlises moved to Westport from Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She worked at Tanglewood, and her husband was studying at the Austin Riggs Institute.

“The town’s reputation as a mecca for artists and writers appealed to both of them,” says her son Mike.

She was very involved in Friends of Music, the local organization championed by Ruth Steinkraus Cohen. She played with the Westport Madrigal Singers, and contributed to holiday events, Staples High School Orphenians and Staples Players.

She was also active in the Westport Arts Center.

Vivian Perlis in 2005. (Photo by C.M. Glover/New York Times)

Her son Mike recalls Coleytown Elementary School principal Lynn Odell announcing “a very special treat” one day. To his surprise, it was his mother playing Christmas carols on her harp.

He remembers too “the great pleasure of falling asleep listening to her practicing ‘Greensleeves’ into the night.”

Vivian Perlis was part of a cohort of talented, well-educated and energetic women who overcame barriers to achieve professional and personal success. They helped mold Westport into the artistic, volunteer-driven town it is today.

In addition to her son Mike, she is survived by her daughter Lauren Perlis Ambler; another son Jonathan; her brother Irwin Goldberger, and 5 grandchildren. Her husband — a professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine — died in 1994.

(Click here for the full New York Times obituary.)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Organizations, People, Staples HS

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