Pic Of The Day #3018

Harnessing the Compo Beach wind (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

[OPINION] Saugatuck Public/Private Partnership: The Sequel

Two weeks ago, Larry Weisman — a longtime Westporter, noted zoning law attorney and civic volunteer — offered an intriguing solution to the Hamlet at Saugatuck morass.

What if, he wondered, the town and developer (ROAN Ventures) entered into a public/private partnership to develop Saugatuck — part dilapidated, part historic — in a less dense way than either the current plan, or a threatened 500-plus 8-30 housing proposal?

Weisman envisioned a mix of residences (a “substantial” number of them affordable, under state guidelines); a “judicious mix of commercial and office uses, with appropriate amenities on the river”; possibly a theater and/or hotel, as well as a pharmacy, hardware store and grocery. (Click here to read the full story.)

In 2018, a Transit Oriented District plan envisioned redevelopment of Saugatuck. 

His piece drew 24 comments — most of them positive.

However, only one commenter was a public official (a Representative Town Meeting member).

Today, Weisman follows up (below).

This will likely resonate (again) with many readers. Meanwhile, “06880” wonders: What do town officials think? Will anyone follow up on the clear public interest, and take the lead?

Larry Weisman writes:

It would be disappointing if ROAN were to throw in the towel after denial of its overly ambitious attempt to redesign and redefine Saugatuck.

ROAN’s Plan B, an out-of-scale 8-30g housing block without supporting uses, seems more like petulance than a sensible second bite at the apple.

I still believe that both parties could benefit if the town were to invite the developer to participate in an effort to create a public/private partnership, with the town reducing the developer’s costs by contributing materially to a workable plan of development.

Many Westporters hope that area of Saugatuck can be improved.

The area surrounding ROAN’s holdings, including the railroad parking lots, is largely controlled by the town. It can be improved and repurposed to support a rational redesign.

In this instance, 8-30g, despite its flaws, can be a useful tool to create below market housing on one of the lots that comprise the development site.

I would think that ROAN would welcome an opportunity to work with the town to create a village that serves its residents.

And I would think that the town would be eager to work with the developer in an effort to achieve a mutually beneficial result. But alas, there seems to be no willingness on the part of the current town leadership to actually lead.

So we may have to swallow the bitter pill of yet another lost opportunity, and live with a large housing block devoid of supporting infrastructure and services.

What a shame.

(“06880’s” Opinion pages are open to all. Please email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

Roundup: Superintendent’s Contract, Mandy Patinkin’s Show, Soundview’s Stroll …

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice is getting a raise — and another year on his contract.

The Board of Education voted yesterday to give the town’s highest paid official a 4% increase, from his current $321,661 salary. Another year was also added to his 3-year rolling contract.

The vote was 5-2 in favor. BOE members Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon voted against the increase. Harrington cited both finances and Scarice’s performance, in areas like renewals of coaches’ contracts, while Hordon focused solely on a raise that is above the national inflation rate.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

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In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.

His November 21 show is sure to do the same.

The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.

Tickets are $175 and $150. They go on sale tomorrow (Friday, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mandy Patinkin

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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.

It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.

See you there!

Among the activities at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll: chalking the street. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

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Immigrant justice is the topic of a panel discussion July 31 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

The event — sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congegation of Westport — features Professor Cristina Jiménez, author of “Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power and Real Change.”

She is also an award-winning community organizer, former executive director of the nationwide immigrant youth organization United We Dream, and the recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant.”

Members of Make the Road CT will share stories, and discuss how to support efforts that push back against anti-immigrant policies. Click here for more information.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between July 16 and 22.

A 30-year-old Queens man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, plus conspiracy to commit those crimes, following an investigation into a 2023 burglary of a Westport home. The stolen items — including jewelry and designer handbags — were worth more than $50,000. The suspect ws held in a New York correctional facility, and extradited here. He was unable to post a $30,000 bond.

A 56-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a domestic disturbance in a school parking lot.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonbly fast: 6 citations
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Stay in your lane! Don’t pass unless it’s allowed!

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Longtime Westport resisdent Dr. Charles Huebner died in his sleep on December 29. He was 89 years old.

He was interred with full military honors at the Assumption Cemetery in Greens Farms last month.

Charlie was an active member of St. Luke Church — chairing the Finance and Parish Council for many years — along with the Patterson Club and Minuteman Yacht Club.

He was born in Hungary, and spent his early years in Budapest. Impacted by excesses of national socialism during World War II and the imminent Russian invasion, the family fled to Austria, before settling in Detroit.

Charlie earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (first in his class) from the University of Detroit. He was commissioned as an Air Force officer, then earned a master’s in aero/astronautics engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He completed his military service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, then joined NASA’s Apollo space program as a project engineer, while also earning a doctorate from American University.

In 1968 Charlie and his family moved to Westport, when he transitioned to the corporate world. He held senior executive positions with General Electric, AMF and US Industries.

In 1990, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, Charlie led the Hungarian American Enterprise Fund, established by Congress to help open Hungary to private investments.

He moved to Budapest, where he spearheaded efforts to reform the country’s economic structure. Charlie was elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce there, and was a leading member of the Hungarian-American business community.

Charlie was a devout Catholic, and a Knight of Magisterial Grace in the Order of Malta. He was chosen by the Order to serve as a deputy ambassador to Hungary, a position that carried full diplomatic status.

Charlie met and married Suzan Lawlor in college. They raised 4 children in Westport: Chuck (Lucy), Christine Rohan (Paul), Diane Dillon (Peter) and Andrea Kalkstein (Bart). They survive him, along with 11 grandchildren.

After Suzan’s death in 1984, Charlie married Zsuzsa Korab and had a fifth child, Alexandra Doane (Bobby).  He was predeceased by his brother.

Services were held earlier this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Jesuits.

Charlie Huebner

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Our “Westport … Naturally” features has gotten a ton of egret submissions lately.

Here — from the Saugatuck River, by the Westport Library Riverwalk – is- one of the best:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … there are so many Mandy Patinkin songs we could choose (story above).

Here are 3:

(“06880” is your hyper-local source, for Westport news, events, history, photo, and much more. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

233 Hillspoint Road: The Follow-Up

James Pendry owns 233 Hillspoint Road — the “blue house” that has been back in the news lately. He writes:

There have been several newspaper articles written about a notice of auction for the property at 233 Hillspoint Road.

Some have been full of inaccuracies and snarky, with 2-year-old photos. The “06880” post was respectful and straightforward, but also had a couple of key mistakes.

The house has a mortgage which can be foreclosed upon if the terms of the mortgage are not being followed. Such a foreclosure is a judicial process, with all its safeguards and principles of due process.

233 Hillspoint Road: The view from the street …

What has been threatened here (and buried in the very small print on the last page), on the other hand, is an Article 9 UCC foreclosure of the LLC interest — a rarely used tactic which is explicitly non-judicial, and therefore a theoretically easier and faster way to take possession of a property, albeit indirectly and full of its own vulnerabilities.

The announced auction will never take place, and should never have been noticed.

The attorneys are talking. The mortgage (only 35% of the property’s appraised value) will be repaid in full by the end of the month, in all likelihood.

The notice became public when the auctioneer disingenuously inquired about the cost of running the notice for budgetary reasons. Disingenuous in that the property owner has to pay for notice in any event, and the price could have been easily ascertained by describing the number of lines that would run.

Given the property’s unfortunate and somewhat notorious history, the publisher considered the announcement “news,” and published.

… and the beach.

Pic Of The Day #3017

Treadwell Avenue shadows (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

Unsung Hero #392

If you’re a native Westporter, you probably know Rick Giunta.

If you’re a newcomer, you may not recognize the name.

But anyone who has ever enjoyed Compo Beach or Longshore — or any other town recreational facility — has done so thanks, in large part and over many years, to Giunta.

Rick Giunta

The Westport Parks & Recreation deputy director retires next week, after 18 years with the department.

Parks & Rec — and the entire town — will miss his broad knowledge, great expertise, and strong love for his work and his community.

Giunta is that once common, now all too rare breed: a local boy who stayed true to his roots.

A Staples High School graduate (and, like so many of his era, a former Arrow restaurant employee), he worked as a compensation analyst for Champion International, and a manager/director at Pitney Bowes, before joining Parks & Rec as a customer service manager in 2007.

He’d already served his home town, as a special police officer in the Marine Division starting in 1982. He continued through 2015.

Giunta was a volunteer football coach for Westport PAL. He stayed long after his twin sons left the program, spending more than 20 years as a treasurer and trustee.

Rick Giunta and his sons: then, and more recently.

He was also a longtime volunteer with Festival Italiano.

After director Jen Fava resigned last year, Giunta was “the glue of the department,” says operations manager Carmen Roda.

“He’s been our face to the public. He oversees customer service — like beach emblem sales, and boat and kayak renewals and storage — and the budget too.”

Giunta is “a good mentor and colleague,” Roda says. “I’ll miss our morning talks, when we get ready for the day. He fosters leadership and engagement. He’s made a mark on the people who worked for and with him, and on the entire town.

“Retirement is great for him. But Westport is losing a very important resource.

Rick Giunta (right) and Carmen Roda, at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“Rick loves giving back, and helping the community,” Roda continues. “He’s ‘Mr. Westport.’ He knows the history of places and people. He’s seen the past and the present, and knows all the trends.”

Giunta “doesn’t like the spotlight,” Roda notes. “He’s the type of guy who always puts the town and its people in front of his own needs.”

Erik Barbieri took over as Parks & Rec director just 5 months ago. But he was impressed with Giunta as early as the interview process.

“The first time I met him I saw his professionalism, and his desire to help smooth the transition. I’ve really valued his experience, with budgets and operations.

“I hate to see him leave. But I’m super excited to see him enjoy retirement.”

Giunta — who owns the house he grew up in, off South Compo Road — looks forward to spending time on his boat, with his wife Karen, his sons and grandchildren.

Rick and Karen Giunta.

His legacy will live on. Giunta’s son Michael transitioned from a summer Parks & Rec job to his full-time role, as waterfront senior foreman. (His brother Christopher is a physical therapist in Trumbull.)

Even though he’s retiring, Westport native Rick Giunta is not going anywhere.

“He told me he’s only a phone call — and less than a mile — away,” Barbieri says.

“I really appreciate that.”

Westport appreciates Rick Giunta. Well-deserved congratulations on retirement — and as this week’s Unsung Hero.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

Roundup: John Proctor, Lunch Box, Asteroids …

Many Westporters have enjoyed the Broadway hit “John Proctor is the Villain.”

The show — about rural Georgia high school students studying “The Crucible” during the #MeToo movement — is being adapted for film. Tina Fey and Marc Platt are producing — Britt Hennemuth will oversee the project.

The 2008 Staples High School graduate — and proud Staples Players alum — is Universal Studios’ senior vice president for production development and special projects.

But that’s not the only SHS connection. The epigraph for the show’s published script features lyrics from a Charly Bliss song. Band members (and fellow Players alumni) Eva Hendricks and Dan Shure overlapped with Hennemuth’s Staples years. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Britt Hennemuth

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We all know there is no such thing as a free lunch.

In Weston, you can’t buy one either.

The Lunch Box — the town center’s only restaurant — closed Saturday.

It had been a fixture there for 48 years. Current owners Josh and Jessica Tolk bought it in 2014, and expanded the menu.

The Lunch Box (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)

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Speaking of Weston: The Financial Times just posted an informative — and only slightly frightening — story headlined “What Happens Once We Spot the Asteroid That Will Hit Earth?”

Buried deep in the details about asteroid 2024 YR4 (spoiler alert: It’s not gonna smash into us) is this nugget:

On a December morning in 1807, eyewitnesses in the town of Weston, Connecticut, saw an explosion in the sky. Rocky fragments littered the woods about town, but the idea that the Weston meteorite, as it was later called (a meteorite is a space rock that has descended through the atmosphere) originated from space, as some scientists at the time were claiming, was ridiculed.

“Gentlemen, I would rather believe that two Yankee professors would lie,” Thomas Jefferson said, “than believe that stones fall from heaven.”

Click here for the full story.

I could have said this was Asteroid 2024 YR4, and you wouldn’t have known it’s not. It’s just a random one, drawn by a random artist. (Courtesy of European Space Agency)

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The public is invited to tomorrow’s promotion ceremony for 3 Westport Police officers. The event is set for 9:30 a.m., at police headquarters on Jesup Road.

The 3 are Detective Sean Doyle, Sergeant James Baker III, and Lieutenant Howard E. Simpson III.

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Lesliie and Andrew Ward’s hometown business continues to work like a charm.

The couple’s 3 sons played football and basketball for Westport youth and Staples High School teams. Each then competed in college.

Every season Leslie and Andrew made bracelets showcasing their uniform numbers or initials, customized for their sport and team colors.

For good luck, they did not take them off all season long.

Some of Bleacher Family’s bracelets, customized by sport, uniform number and school colors.

Family members, friends and fans noticed their bracelets, and asked for ones for their own kids’ teams.

As word spread, the Wards launched a small family-run online business, so people in Westport (and beyond) could order their own personalized/customized bracelets.

They called it Bleacher Family.

To honor a family member who died, the Wards donate a portion of each year’s profits to the American Cancer Society and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Click here to see a great selection of bracelets, plus ordering information. Supporting a local business — and cancer research — is a win/win.

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Next up for the Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series: Ramblin’ Dan & The Freewheelin’ Band.

The high-energy, interactive kids’ concert is set for August 2 (4 p.m.). The show — the album release party for Ramblin’ Dan’s new album — will include a 5-piece band, large props and costumes.

The artist reimagines children’s favorite nursery rhymes to entertain adults just as much as kids, through rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, New Orleans swing, funk, hip hop, jazz, gospel, folk and bluegrass.

Ramblin’ Dan has performed thousands of concerts and parties, and taught well over 10,000 early childhood music classes.

The hour-long show is recommended for ages 0 to 6. Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Tracy Porosoff sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and writes: “The goldfinch likes the seeds, even though we may think the flower is past its prime.”

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal and reality TV pioneer, died yesterday. He was 76.

He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which the New York Times said was exacerbated by “exacerbated by his chronic drug abuse.” Click here for the full obituary.

(Black Sabbath, the Police [Westport, that is], killer asteroids — just another day at “06880.” If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Renovation, Apartments Planned For Historic Post Road Building

50 Post Road West is one of Westport’s most iconic buildings.

Since the 1800s, the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.

Because eastbound traffic often stops opposite it, drivers have witnessed its slow, 3 decade-long deterioration.

Neglected 50 Post Road West, in 2021. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

Recently, they’ve watched — and wondered — as workers began its renovation.

The building’s owner — Botero Building Design & Construction, a high-end custom firm led by Westporter Tomás Botero — is doing something rare here.

Rather than knocking down the historic yet now decrepit building, they are restoring it.

Botero plans 13 apartments: 5 on each of the first 2 floors, and 3 on the top floor.

Four more will be included in a new barn-style building, in the back. It would replace a current Cape-style structure.

Twenty percent of the units will be affordable, according to state guidelines. The rest will rent at market rates.

Artist’s rendering for 50 Post Road West …

Last night, the Architectural Review Board considered the project. Members were supportive of the plans, which include tidying up the front, and elevating the roof line. The Doric columns will remain.

Representative Town Meeting member Lou Mall, who lives on Ludlow Road behind the property, called it “an incredible addition to the neighborhood– especially compared to the 8-30g monstrosity going up across the street” (between Post Road West and Cross Street).

In tandem with the ARB’s okay, Botero and LandTech, the Saugatuck engineering firm, will ask the Planning & Zoning Commission for a special permit. Now zoned for commercial use, it would be changed to multi-family housing. Construction could begin this fall.

Botero has maintained the property ever since purchasing it. They’ve cleaned the gutters, and patched the roof. The interior has been gutted (“to see what we’re up against,” Botero says).

Drivers stopped on the Post Road West hill have watched the work with interest — without knowing what’s happening.

Now, Botero is happy to explain.

“The location is great for apartments,” he says. “It’s near downtown, and not far from the train station.

“This is a historic building. We want it to blend into the fabric of Westport.

“Downtown is so well maintained. This has been a missing piece for way too long.”

… and the new building in back.

(“06880” reports regularly on real estate, local history, town government — and much more. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #3016

Sherwood Mill Pond morning (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

Roundup: Run For RTM, Eat At Gruel Britannia, Clean Up Trash …

Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office, starting today.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.

The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body. Four representatives are elected from each of 9 voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.

RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests over $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.

For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Yesterday marked a jolly good opening for Gruel Britannia.

The new Cross Highway restaurant — an outpost of the very popular Southport spot, taking over the vacant Porch @ Christie’s — was packed from the moment the doors opened.

Neighbors, other Westporters from further away, Fairfield fans, construction workers, delivery people — all were impressed with the menu, the interior, and owner Karen Hubrich’s welcoming vibe.

Click here for last week’s preview story, and menus.

Gruel Britannia: ready to serve. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today marks the beginning of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force drive.

They’re collecting household items for clients at their 2 safe houses. Supplies are part of “move-in baskets,” which help recipients transition into apartments.

Items needed include

  • Laundry detergent
  • Laundry baskets
  • Plastic reusable plates
  • Plastic reusable utensils
  • Dish soap
  • Sponges
  • Dish towels
  • Hand towels and washcloths
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
  • Tin foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Parchment paper
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Brooms and mops
  • Dustpans
  • Paper napkins
  • Hand soap

Donations can be dropped off in the lobby at the Westport Police station, through July 29.

For more information on the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, click here. For 24-hour assistance with domestic violence, call 888-884-2900, or click here.

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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.

It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.

See you there!

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An “06880” reader whose home abuts the Longshore golf course writes: “During the 4 years we have lived here, we have found empty beer cans, candy wrappers and the like on our rear property.

“On Sunday, one of my granddaughters discovered 2 empty Coors cans.

“Of course, there’s a teaching lesson for them: Respect other people’s property, don’t litter, etc.

“However, the real lesson is: Golfers and other Longshore attendees are disrespectful to their neighbors.

“My husband and I are shocked that we live in aqqa community that has no respect for our property. We thought when we moved here Westport was a kind,caring and respectful community. We sadly are finding that that is not the case.

“Everyone should treat their neighbors’ property in the same manner they would like others to treat their property.”

The back of a Longshore-area resident’s property.

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The Westport Police Department says: Connecticut is updating its e-bike laws.

Effective October 1, e-bikes without pedals, and with batteries over 750 watts, will now be classified as motor-driven cycles. A driver’s license will be required to operate them.

E-bikes over 3,500 watts are expected to need registration and insurance — similar to motorcycles.

Class 1–3 e-bikes are not affected. They still will noto require a license.

Police say tell parents: “As you shop for e-bikes, keep these changes in mind –especially for younger riders. If a bike performs like a motorcycle, it may not be the right fit for a child just yet.”

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Speaking of transportation: Spaces in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot closest to the Merritt Parkway are narrower than in other rows.

There are “Compact Cars Only” signs. But not a lot. They’re easy to miss.

What’s not easy to miss is when you have to squeeze into a spot. And come within millimeters of scraping the car next to you. Like this driver:

I’m pretty certain the green car was already there.

Getting in was the easy part. Getting out will be much harder.

It’s always amazed me that people will do anything they can, to park as close to the Y as possible.

So they can then go inside, and work out.

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Westport is home to all kinds of summer camps. Cello, art, computer, SAT prep — you name, there’s something for you.

Including water polo.

Northeast Elite offers an August 4-9 camp for middle and high school students. Experienced and new players are all welcome. It’s non-competitive and focused on fundamentals, with both land and water activities.

It’s the 6th year for this special opportunity — and it certainly is unique. The site is Schlaet’s Point, right off Compo Beach. Click here for more information.

Coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, at the Northeast Elite water polo camp.

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Speaking of water sports: Congratulations to Zadie Schatz!

The young Westport swimmer — a rising 8th grader at Pierrepont School — earned 1 gold and 3 silver medals, 4 junior national times (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, 400 IM), and a few national swimming news mentions at the recent Novato Sectionals in California.

Her 100 breaststroke time is 0.7 seconds away from last year’s Olympic trial cut —  very unusual for a 13-year-old, particularly a dual sport athlete (she also plays water polo).

Sectional meets are open age, so she raced against adults and college athletes too.

Congratuations too to Zadie’s Stamford Sailfish teammate and fellow Westporters, Connor Cheung

The 15-year old, who will be a Staples High School sophomore this fall, placed 51st, 97th and 105th in, respectively, the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free.

Zadie Schatz

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Like all reunion classes, they can’t believe it’s been xx years.

But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 45th reunion next month.

They’ll meet Friday, August 15 at the VFW. They’ll spend Saturday afternoon and evening at Compo Beach, with dinner from the Szabo Seafood truck.

As always, they’ll raise money for their beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, and the Susan Fund that for over 50 years has provided more than $2 million in scholarships, to Fairfield County residents with cancer. Funds will come from a raffle of art, by Class of ’80 artists.

For more information on the reunion, and to register, click here. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.

Susan Lloyd

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When vocalist/actor/writer Abena Koomson-Davis sat in with her husband at Jazz at the Post, she brought the VFW house down.

This Thursday, the 3-time Tony winner — who has performed with Stevie Wonder and recorded with Natalie Merchant — headlines her own shows (July 24, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20; $15 veterans and students).

Koomson-Davis will be joined by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Matt Dworszyk, drummer Jonathan Barber and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for reservations.

PS: Even if you’re not a jazz fan, check out the performance below. Spectacular!

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Also this Thursday (July 24): The Fairfield County Dance Festival returns to Westport (6:30 p.m., MoCA CT). The free, outdoor performance features the Amy Marshall Dance Company and New England Ballet Theater.

All are welcome — from longtime dance enthusiasts to families looking for a fun summer evening outside.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. For more information, click here.

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There’s a word for “fear of spiders” (arachnophobia).

But even the most arachnophobic “06880” reader must marvel at spiders’ creation.

Pam Kesselman spotted (and snaped) today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo — on her deck.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … “who” knew this was coming?

(From the RTM and Gruel Britannia to e-bikes and water polo, “06880”‘s Roundup has it all. That’s the way we roll. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)