Tooker Tells Gardeners: Senior Center Is Best Site

Posted on February 6, 2025 | 47 comments

Last Sunday, during her State of the Town address, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker mentioned her support of the Baron’s South property (adjacent to the Senior Center) as her preferred site for the Westport Community Gardens.

A new home is needed, due to upcoming construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School. The gardens are now located just south of the school.

Today, gardeners received a letter from Tooker. Dated January 29, it says:

I hope this letter finds you well.

I wanted to communicate directly with each of you to provide an update on the Community Garden. This letter confirms that the Westport Commumty Garden and the sports fields located on the Long Lots Elementary School campus are closed effective December 31, 2024 to all non-school activities.

I understand that some equipment remains at the garden site, and gardeners are requested to remove those possessions during the month of April.

Plots at the Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Bill Armstrong)

However, the real purpose of this letter is to again make the offer to relocate the
Community Garden to the Baron’s South property.

By way of background, in October 2023, the feasibility study for the Long Lots School  reported that a new school was needed to replace Long Lots Elementary school. As First Selectwoman, I concurred with that analysis.

In that study, because a new school would be constructed concurrently with the ongoing operation of the current school, it was apparent that the entirety of the campus, including sports fields and the Community Garden area would be
utilized as a construction site for at least 3 years.

With that in mind, I made a proposal for the Community Garden to be relocated to the town-owned property at Baron’s South. That central location, next to the Westport Center for Senior Activities, is an enhanced, accessible and viable location due to the on-site infrastructure, parking, and water access.

The proposed Baron’s South site is near the Senior Center’s garden (above).

Personally, I believed this was a win-win situation, and had the proposal been accepted by the Community Garden representatives at that point, there would have been limited, if any, impact on the spring, 2025 and future growing seasons.

In my opinion, both the town and the gardeners would benefit from this option — a new Community Garden without time constraints for its members, ADA-accessible, adjacent to the Senior Center and walking trails, designed in cooperation with the gardeners, a short walk to the Library and downtown shops, with water and electricity.

A Community Garden that can be operational long before 2028 is the best long-term solution for current and future gardeners, and for the town of Westport.

As it currently stands, the Planning and Zoning Commission’s 8-24 report from January, 2024 does include a smaller version of the garden to be rebuilt on the Long Lots campus, but not at its current location, and at the conclusion of the construction of the new school.

Realistically, this will not occur until 2028 at the earliest. That means no gardening will be taking place at Long Lots, in whatever final form it may take, for at least 3 growing seasons, and after that time, with no access during school hours.

The Community Gardens (top left), and the current Long Lots Elementary School campus. (Photo/Brandon Malin)

I thought the time is now to reiterate the offer to build a new and fully accessible Community Garden at the Baron’s South site and remove the ga:r:den from the Long Lots Campus.

Certainly, there is a process that will take some time to achieve thls option. This includes approvals for land use and permits from P&Z and Parks & Recreation, as well as approvals for appropriation from the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting (RTM).

I understand that some are concerned with the soil compatibility at Baron’s South. The town hired independent environmental sc1ent1sts and soil experts who have researched and studied the soil in that area.

These experts have deemed the land at Baron’s South perfectly suited for a
community garden.

Enclosed you will find a schematic drawing of a proposed Community Garden at Baron’s South.

Schematic drawing of proposed Community Garden at Baron’s South.

Included in this proposal are items that were expressed as “needs” or “wants” during the multiple discussions on the relocation, most recently during 2 on-site visits in October, hosted by myself and Department of Public Works d1rec!or Peter Ratkiew1ch, as well as during Long Lots Schqol Building Committee
meetings.

They mclude:
1. Clearing the area for garden plots
2. Removal of additional invasives
3. Grading along slope to flatten grade
4. 8′ deer fencing and below grade animal fencing
5. Water Service
6. Electricity
7. Provide timbers and topsoil for raised beds
8. Composting Area
9. Wood chip deposit/storage area
10. Porta-john location with screening enclosure
11. Community Garden gathering area

The Town continues to express its desire to work collaboratively with the Community Garden representatives.

Since early October, 2023, when the LLS feasibility report was first published,
the primary goal has been to relocate the garden to a more accessible, well-functioning, efficient, expanded and enduring Community Garden to serve as a community asset in Westport.

All the while, the intent was to.make the transition to the Baron’s South property so that gardening seasons were not lost, and that your community gardening efforts could continue and thrive. I know this is important for many of you.

I also trust that most agree with that ideal and will be amenable to working together to make that happen for the betterment of our community members.

I would like to hear from each of you, and encourage you to please reach out and contact me at the selectwoman’s office (selectwoman@westportct.gov) to continue the conversation and bring the Community Garden to Baron’s South.

The closing of the Community Gardens at Long Lots, M*A*S*H final episode-style. (Photo/Sally Kleinman)

(“06880” covers the Community Gardens controversy — and every other news story in town. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Library Closed — Harriet Tubman Event Tonight Is Virtual; Board of Ed Postponed

Posted on February 6, 2025 | 1 comment

The Westport Library is closed all day today (Thursday).

They hoped to open at 2 p.m. But the forecast of additional precipitation and potential for icy road conditions made a full-day closure the safest option for patrons and staff.

Tonight’s scheduled program — “Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary: Author Talk With Jean Marie Wiesen and Tubman’s Descendant, Rita Daniels” — has been moved to a virtual event, at 7 p.m. Click here for the link.

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In addition, tonight’s Board of Education has been postponed to next week (Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).

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Roundup: Charrette Postponed, Library Delayed, Eversource Property …

Posted on February 6, 2025 | 2 comments

Tonight’s charrette for the proposed Westport public safety complex has been postponed, due to the weather forecast.

The new date is February 25 (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Senior Center).

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In addition, the Westport Library will delay its opening today until 2 p.m. — unless conditions warrant a closing.

Click on the Library’s website for updates.

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In yesterday’s story about the 2024 Grand List, “06880” included a list of Westport’s top 10 taxpayers.

As it always does, Connecticut Light & Power (aka Eversource) was in first place.

We noted that much of their property consists of utility poles.

It does. But that’s not the full story.

Chris Swan — Eversource’s now retired director of transmission siting (and 1967 Staples High School graduate) — says that the largest item in their property portfolio is the double set of underground 345,000-volt transmission cables, installed in 2009.

They run from the Fairfield border, mostly  under the Post Road, traversing town into Norwalk across from Whole Foods, en route from Bridgeport to the Norwalk substation at the junction of Routes 7 and 123.

Eversource also owns the 4 substations in town. The newest (the Sherwood Substation) was built on New Creek Road adjacent to the Greens Farms train station in 2009.

Chris adds: “Most of the company’s facilities are overhead poles and wires. But the biggest taxable valuation is in the underground transmission lines and substations.”

Eversource’s Main Street substation, behind Coffee An’.

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Flood mitigation is an issue of importance to nearly every Westporter.

We can always learn more about it.

This month, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) hosts two Flood Mitigation Assistance information sessions.

The first is in person: February 11 (6 to 8 p.m., Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard; click here to register.

The second is virtual (February 27, 6 to 8 p.m.; click here for the Zoom link; click here to register).

Questions? Email jreelick@westcog.org.

Floods like these are becoming more prevalent. (Photo/Geralyn Rella Breig)

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“Native Gardens” — the Westport Country Playhouse comedy that runs February 18 to March 8 — is about fences and neighbors.

In the spirit of community-building, several special events are planned. They include:

Taste of Tuesday (February 18, 6 p.m.): Reception pairing food from Harvest Restaurant,plus wine. Exclusive for “Taste of Tuesday” season ticket holders. Click here for information.

Together at the Table (February 19, 5:30 p.m.): For $15, a family or group* enjoys a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. show. Call 203-227-4177 for reservations.

 Pride Night (February 20, 6 p.m.): Pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar and appetizers from Gruel Britannia. Use code GARDENSPRIDE online or call 203-227-4177 for reservations.

Opening Night Post-Show Reception (February 22): Celebrate with the cast, crew and creative team.

Sunday Symposium (after the February 23 3 p.m. show): No ticket necessary  — open to all.
Stay tuned for an update on the speakers! No ticket necessary — open to all.

Open Caption (March 2, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences enjoy the performance while watching a digital screen with actors’ dialogue.

Backstage Pass (after the March 5 2 p.m. performance): Learn how the technical staff brought “Native Gardens” to life. No ticket necessary — open to all.

Thursday Talkback )after the March 6 7 p.m. performance: Q&A with cast members. No ticket necessary — open to all.

For more information on “Native Gardens,” click here.

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Youngsters interested in sailing — and parents who want their kids to learn – are invited to a “Junior Sailing Bagel Bash” (March 1, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Cedar Point Yacht Club).

No experience is necessary. The Cedar Point program is open to all junior sailors — members and non-members, beginners to experienced.

Questions? Email emelnichok@gmail.com.

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Speaking of kids: Long QT Syndrome — a potentially life-threatening heart condition — affects 1 in 2,000 children. Early detection can help prevent serious complications.

Connecticut Children’s and Hearts in Harmony are sponsoring free EKG screenings this Saturday (February 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Specialty Care Center, 191 Post Road West).

Children with abnormal EKG results will receive expedited follow-up appointments with Connecticut Children’s cardiologists.

The event includes kid-friendly activities, a fashion show, food and more.

For more information, contact Dr. Robyn Matloff at 917-439-8941.

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Attention, Westport Library e-book and audiobook users: With a transition from CloudLibrary to Libby, patrons can access more digital titles than ever.

The transition takes place March 18. CloudLibrary. The last date for holds to be placed through CloudLibrary is February 15. (See below for important dates and FAQs.)

The Library will offer online and in-person tutorials from March 18 to March 21 (3 to 4 p.m), to help users with the transition. An “Anyone Can Use” class focused on the Libby app is set for the Library on March 19 (11 a.m. to noon).

For more information, click here.

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The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 12 (9 a.m., Town Hall Room 201A).

Discussion items include:

  • Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
  • First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
  • First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
  • Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.

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Westport police made no custodial arrests between January 29 and February 5.

Police issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 8 citations
  • Speeding: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
  • Failure to renew registrations: 3
  • Texting while driving: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obe traffic control signals: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Failure to yield to pedestrian: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension:
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1

Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Even those pedestrians (and crosswalks) that are less visible.

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Longtime Westporter and noted writer Barry Tarshis died peacefully at home Tuesday, with his family by his side. He was 86.

His obituary says, “He endured 2 years of brutal health challenges by drawing on a bottomless wellspring of optimism, charm, kindness, generosity, and a weak spot for mediocre jokes. Five days before he died, confined to his bed and afflicted with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he was asked by his hospice nurse if he was comfortable. ‘I make a decent living,’ he replied.”

He grew up in Pittsburgh. His father Max was a musician who instilled in Barry a lifelong love of music. Even into his final months, Barry retained his ability to play Bill Evans on the piano, sing along with Pavarotti, and harmonize with Elton John and Jim Croce.

Barry overcame his childhood shyness to star in his high school production of “Guys and Dolls,” play basketball, and capture the heart of his future wife, Karen Ross, who he began dating at the age of 15.

After leaving University of Pittsburgh 1 credit short of graduation, Barry traveled across Europe on a motorbike, appeared as an extra in “La Dolce Vita,” lived on an Israeli kibbutz, and moved into a Greenwich Village hovel to embark on a career as a writer.

After marrying Karen and serving in the U.S. Army in New Mexico, he settled into a 30-plus year career as a freelance author. He wrote a dozen books and hundreds of articles for the New York Times, Playbill, Playboy, Town & Country, and Tennis, among other publications.

Herallied with Chris Evert, walked on hot coals with Tony Robbins, traveled to India, Russia, Colombia and Micronesia, and interviewed a mystic who specialized in casting love spells.

He taught writing, led communications seminars for business leaders, and created the grammar and writing website Communications Fitness.

His family said, “The shaping forces of Barry’s career were an eagerness to learn and his genuine curiosity about and respect for all kinds of people — from tennis champions to the students who took his writing classes at public schools in the South Bronx. He brought these same qualities into his most prized creative endeavor, his family.

“While most fathers dream of their children achieving fame and fortune, Barry’s oft-stated parenting goal for Lauren and Andrew was to ‘raise children he would want to hang out with when they were older.’ They wanted to hang out with him, as often as possible.

“Well into his last weeks, he woke up each day with a renewed sense of life’s possibilities, deep gratitude, and an eagerness to uplift his family, his friends, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path.”

Barry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; children Lauren (David Dreyfuss) and Andrew; grandchildren Leo Dreyfuss (Rebecca Goldman), Jeremy Dreyfuss (Shira), Dylan and Valerie Dreyfuss; Lily, Evi, and Ruby Tarshis, and his sister Carole Cohen.

A private celebration-of-life is planned. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or tell someone a mediocre joke.

Barry Tarshis

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Right after Monday’s snowfall, Pam Kesselman captured these Soundview Drive runners, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Snow, sleet and rain is predicted today.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming flood mitigation workshops (story above):

(“06880” would love to be flooded with contributions. But even a trickle helps. Please click here to join the torrent. Or be the first. Thank you!

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Coaches’ Saga: BOE, Administrators Should Re-examine, Re-set Policies And Procedures

Posted on February 6, 2025 | 14 comments

The large crowd gathered Friday in the Town Hall auditorium had plenty of questions.

Would they be able to speak in support of Kris Hrisovulos, the multi-state champion-winning Staples High School boys tennis coach, as he appealed the non-renewal of his contract by Westport administrators?

What would the Board of Education — the group hearing Hrisovulos’ appeal — think about the reasons given for non-renewal?

Would some of the underlying elements of the case — a complaint by a parent not made through the usual chain of command, for example — be discussed openly?

Staples tennis players were among the large crowd at Friday’s Town Hall hearing. 

None of those questions were answered.

After more than 2 hours of debate, the board reached a consensus. The appeal hearing ended, because Hrisovulos had not been given timely, proper and legal notice that his contract was not being renewed.

What the hearing did reveal, however — through questions that were raised, and others that were not, yet loomed unasked over the proceedings — was a number of flaws in Athletic Department policies and procedures.

They include:

  • Evaluation of coaches by superiors.
  • Expectations of, and training provided to, coaches.
  • Support given to coaches by administrators.
  • Expectations of parents regarding the role of interscholastic athletics, and the coaches of those sports.
  • Handling of complaints made by parents, particularly those that go outside the defined chain of command (coach first, then athletic director, principal, and finally superintendent).
  • Process for timely, thorough investigations, including input from student-athletes.
  • Communication with, and respect shown to, student-athletes and their parents.
  • Transparent discussions of conflicts of interest.

One positive consequence of Hrisovulos’ long and expensive battle to retain his job as tennis coach is this: Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and athletic director VJ Sarullo have an opportunity now to refocus their relationships with coaches, athletes and parents.

They can re-examine policies regarding the hiring, supervision and evaluation of coaches. They can re-set expectations of when, where and how parents can make complaints known — and how to react once a complaint is made.

They can acknowledge the excellent work being done by so many coaches, in so many ways, for such low pay. They can celebrate coaches’ accomplishments, on and off the field and court — and help them improve in areas where it’s needed.

That’s what a team does.

And that’s how they win: together.

 

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Posted in Categories, Education, Sports, Staples HS

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Pics Of The Day #2849

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 1 comment

Compo Beach man and dogs … (Photo/Ed Simek)

… and another view … (Photo/Pam Docters)

… and a Compo couple (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Unsung Heroes #369

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 2 comments

Last week, a Westport woman fell victim to computer scammers.

They told her they took control of her computer, and would turn it black if she did not comply.

As directed, she went to Stop & Shop to get $1,000 of Apple gift cards.

Fortunately, while there she met a firefighter. She told him her story.

He told her not to pay — and called the police.

Corporal David Scinto came immediately. He listened to the offenders on the woman’s phone.

They drove quickly to her house. He unblocked the rogue program, then took the phone. He identified himself as a law enforcement officer.

The scammers immediately hung up.

“All’s well now,” the woman tells “06880.”

“After I get over how stupid I was, I’d love you to extol the helpfulness and services our amazing police force gives us. They are truly heroes,  even with on-line thieves.”

PS: Congrats too to the firefighter — whose name the woman did not get — for having the foresight to involve the police.

A typical computer scam begins with a warning like this.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Quite A Grand List

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 1 comment

Town Assessor Paul Friia has announced details of Westport’s 2024 Grand List.

The Grand List is the sum of the net assessed value of all taxable property – real estate, motor vehicles and personal property.

Motor vehicles and personal property are valued annually, while real estate is updated based on the market values determined as of the town’s last revaluation date (October 1, 2020).

Changes to next year’s Grand ist will reflect the upcoming revaluation.

The net 2024 Grand List of $11,616,471,195 is an increase of nearly 1.3% from 2023 ($11,468,456,765).

Properties like this on Beachside Avenue help boost the Grand List.

There were increases in 2 of the 3 categories.

Friia says that the 1.6 percent increase in real estate assessment is a result of continued residential and commercial new construction, as well as renovation activity.

That includesthe completion of construction on 31 condos at 41 Richmondville Avenue (“The Mill”), and the renovation of National Hall.

The Grand List was also boosted by construction of approximately 40 new homes, and ongoing commercial development.

Personal property increased by just under 2%. Friia calls this “typical continued reinvestment in local new and existing businesses to include equipment and leasehold improvements.”

The motor vehicle portion of the Grand List decreased 7.8%. This was expected, following a change in state law that requires vehicles to be valued using MSRP, and a set depreciation schedule.

Other contributors to Westport’s Grand List.

 

The current 2024 Grand List totals are:

Assessment 2024 % of List
Real Estate 10,783,861,235 92.83
Motor Vehicle 428,120,510 3.69
Personal Property 404,489,450 3.48
TOTAL 11,616,471,195 100%

Friia also announced the top 10 taxpayers in Westport: 

Connecticut Light & Power Inc          Pers. Property                         144,150,180

60 Nyala Farms Road LLC                Real Estate                                83,335,700

Bedford Square Assoc LLC               Real Estate                                51,520,000

Aquarion                                             Real/Pers. Prop.                        40,247,920

Equity One Westport Vill. Center      Real Estate                                32,970,900

Bridgewater Associates LP                Pers. Property                           26,598,410

Byelas LLC                                        Real Estate                                24,856,700

41 Richmondville LLC                       Real Estate                                23,335,270

Southern Connecticut Gas Co            Pers. Property                           23,050,730

LCB Westport LLC                            Real Estate                                22,302,600

Much of Connecticut Light & Power’s property consists of utility poles.

 

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Posted in Economy, Local politics, Real estate, Transportation

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Roundup: Farmers’ Market, First Responders’ Facility, Gang Of Four …

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 5 comments

With snow predicted tomorrow (Thursday), the Westport Farmers’ Market has canceled this week’s session.

“This decision is incredibly difficult to make,” director Lori Cochran says. “We understand the negative impact it has on our vendors and yoru kitchens.

“Be we need to put the safety of our vendors and you foremost.”

Operation Warm Hug — the Farmers’ Market coat drive — will take place next Thursday (February 13).

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Still on: tomorrow’s open house charrette, to view and discuss plans for Westport’s proposed public safety complex (Thursday, February 6; 7 p.m., Senior Center).

The project — involving the Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services — is in the conceptual and feasibility stage.

An architectural presentation will be followed by discussions and feedback opportunities.

For more information, click here.

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Ever wished you could snag an invite to Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak’s house?

I’ve never gotten one. But thanks to the New York Times, I — and anyone else on the planet with internet — can check out a few highlights.

“At Home with Craig Melvin” shows a few rooms. The new NBC “Today” host reveals how the family landed in Westport (it was midway between New York and Bristol, Connecticut, where she works for ESPN), and near a train station.

He talks about their strong relationship with the town (youth sports coaching, PTA, etc.).

And he shows off his grandmother’s beloved chair, and his own candle-making equipment.

Click here for a tour of Craig and Lindsay’s home. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Craig Melvin’s chair, vinyl and more. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)

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Club203 celebrated Valentine’s Day early last night.

With a bit of mini-golf.

At their monthly party — hosted by MoCA CT — members made their own golf visors, played a few rounds, enjoyed sweet treats, and mixed and mingled at high-top tables. was treated to some Valentine Birdie Fun tonight  – when Mini Golf Party Events brought the party to us at MOCA-CT!”

“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our team of volunteers,” says Club203 co-founder Stacie Curran.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!

Fun for all: Club203 at MoCA CT.

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Earthplace is ready for the rest of winter.

And spring.

Upcoming at the non-profit science, conservation and education center:

Woodland Egg Hunt: (April 18 & 19; hourly slots from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.; $25 per child): A nature hunt for eggs, meet a live rabbit (and egg-laying animals), and create spring-themed crafts.

Toast to the Trees: Afternoon Beer Tasting and Kids Activities
(April 26, 4 to 6 p.m.; $35 adults 21+; $15 child). Arbor Day special. Explore the trails while sipping craft vrews. Kids have fun too. End with beer, food trucks, lawn games and a campfire with s’mores.

Cocktails & Clams Fundraiser: Sunset Evening on the Sound (May 31, 5 to 7 p.m.). Harbor Watch benefit, at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Unlimited  raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live band and silent auction.

Moth Ball (June 21, 8 to 11 p.m.). Observe nocturnal insects while sipping cocktails. Costumes are optional.

Click here for more information, including tickets.

Arbor Day at Earthplace.

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Gang of Four kicks off its farewell tour on April 18, at the Westport Library.

The pioneering band served a forerunner of the post-punk movement, fusing outspoken political messages with intense, percussive live set.

Tickets for the concert — an extension of VersoFest 2025 — are $55. Click here to purchase.

Tim “Journeys by DJ” Fielding, the founder of Brainiak Records, will spin tracks before the show.

Singer Jon King will be in the Trefz Forum earlier in the day for a conversation with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (and Fairfield resident) Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club) about his new book, To Hell with Poverty!: A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four.”

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The Staples boys basketball team rebounded (ho ho) from a rare loss to #1 St. Bernard’s on Saturday, with a 57-41 win over highly touted Fairfield Ludlowe, in Westport.

“06880” photographer/Staples sophomore Ryan Allen captured this great photo, of senior co-captain Charlie Bowman:

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is both basic and beautiful.

Pam Kesselman captured this sunrise at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … get ready for Gang of Four, as they kick off their farewell tour at (of course) the Westport Library (story above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support to keep going. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Parks & Rec Names New Director

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 1 comment

After 9 months, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has a new permanent director.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced yesterday that Erik Barbieri takes over, effective February 18. He has over 25 years experience in the field, after leading “major municipal recreation initiatives and facility development projects throughout Connecticut.”

Barbieri has served as New Britain’s director of parks, recreation and community services since 2015. He managed 7 divisions, including parks, recreation, a golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs.

He helped the city complete several multi-million dollar capital improvement projects, including the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park.

He oversaw major city-wide events, including international soccer exhibitions, and developed “innovative recreation programs.”

Erik Barbieri

Before his current post, Barbieri was superintendent of recreation for New Britain. He was responsible for large-scale youth programs, after-school initiatives, and the transformation of local parks and sports facilities.

He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, with a bachelor of science in parks and recreation management.

In Westport Barbieri will oversee parks, beaches, recreational facilities and community programs.

Tooker says, “His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”

Barbieri succeeds Jen Fava, who resigned in May to take a similar position in Darien. Rick Giunta served as interim director, before returning to his role as deputy director.

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Toquet’s Grungy Alley: A Simple Solution

Posted on February 5, 2025 | 11 comments

There are several ways to get from the Jesup Green parking lots to the Post Road and Main Street.

You can walk toward Starbucks. Through Taylor Place, next to Tiffany. The Walrus Alley alley. Across the Bank of America lot. Down Bay Street.

You can also take the alley between Green & Tonic and the Westport Book Shop, passing Toquet Hall on your right.

But why would you?

That quick shortcut could be the skankiest in town.

Toquet Hall alley.

It’s filthy. An array of garbage cans gives it a distinctive smell. You might not get mugged there, but it feels like you will.

Has anyone tried to clean it up?

Yes.

Basso — the restaurant a few doors down from the unnamed alley — wants to beautify it.

Sure, it would help them. But it would add to the appeal of its retail neighbors, while also offering another way to drive foot traffic across both sides of the Post Road.

A great shortcut. But little used, for obvious reasons.

Basso owner Renato Donzelli has proposed a low-cost, interactive and culturally enriching initiative. Local artists could create murals along the gray walls of the buildings. Visible from the Post Road, the artwork would showcase Westport’s history, culture and values.

The town could host a competition to choose artists. (A similar project was a great success in Norwalk, Basso’s previous home.)

At the same time, enclosing the dumpsters would provide aesthetic — and health — benefits.

Light fixtures similar to those at Basso and on Main Street would create continuity, showcase the art, and ameliorate some of those I-might-get-jumped-here fears.

Planters on both sides would add to the upgraded alley’s appeal.

Basso has helped its neighborhood in the past. In 2021 they spent more than $20,000 on pavers, light fixtures, gates, posters, tables and chairs.

Outdoor at Basso, a few yards from the alley. (Photo/JC Martin)

Basso’s landlord, Jim Randel, favors the idea.

But, Basso says, Mel Mioli, the landlord of 46 Post Road East — the building on the west side of the alley — has no interest in participating. He denied a request to string lights on the side of his structure.

Mioli told “06880” that he is concerned about safety. More pedestrians using a more attractive passageway might increase his liability in the event of an accident.

However, the idea still seems like a no-brainer (unless you’re not worried about getting brained walking on the path).

Come on, Westport. Time to rally for the alley!

(Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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