Tesla Driver To Musk: “Stay In Your Lane!”

When she purchased a new Tesla Model Y in November of 2023, the Westport woman was pleased.

She no longer had to buy gas. It was easy to maintain. The cost was only about $40,000.

“It was a no-brainer,” the woman — who asked that her name not be used — says.

Tesla Model Y

As he joined the Trump administration, the woman knew that Elon Musk — Tesla’s CEO — was “a potential danger as a human being.” But, she says, “I never thought he’d have as much power as he does.”

In the first days after the inauguration, she says, “I joked, ‘I gotta get rid of this car.’ But as he ramped up his slash-and-burn, I didn’t want to be attached to him in any way. He’s evil.”

Three weeks ago, she found a Hyundai Tucson hybrid. She sold her Tesla.

Hyundai Tucson

Worldwide, owners are talking about selling their Musk-related automobiles. This is one local woman who actually did.

“I don’t want to make a grand statement,” she insists. “I just wanted to feel better.”

No one ever said anything to her about her Tesla. No one flipped her off, or keyed her car.

Still, she says, “I didn’t want to become a target. I didn’t want controversy. There shouldn’t be controversy about the car you drive.”

But something else about her Tesla made her uneasy, beyond the company CEO’s actions she loathes.

Beginning in December, her Tesla’s menu of radio stations and podcasts suddenly changed.

There — sprinkled among her presets and favorites — were options like Ben Shapiro, Sean Hannity and “Fox & Friends.”

They’d probably been there before, she says, but much lower on the list. “I would have had to scroll way down to find them.”

She found the sudden appearance of right-wing shows “creepy. It can’t be a coincidence.”

The Westporter is happy with her Hyundai. It recharges itself. She can go 400 miles on a tank of gas.

Yet if she had a chance to meet Elon Musk, and talk face to face, what would she say?

“I just want him to stay in his lane,” she says.

“He’s a smart guy. He’s good with technology. But he’s been given so much power, because he gave Trump so much money.

“Why can’t he just stick with what he’s good at?”

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — politically, automotively, and in every other way. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2891

Pet rock on Easton Road (Photo/Alison Wachstein)

Unsung Heroes #374

Less than a year ago, “06880” honored Marcy Sansolo as an Unsung Hero.

We hailed the founder of Facebook’s “What Up Westport” for her regular “Social Media Experiments.” Over 7 years, she’d run more than 2 dozen pop-up collections.

Thanks to Marcy’s posts and persistence, generous residents have donated food for pantries; hats, gloves and socks during winter months; prom dresses; school supplies; Puerto Rico hurricane relief diapers; support for Parkland High School after a shooting; a yearly holiday gift drive, for which people shop in stores or scour their drawers for gifts kids can give to their parents; even a band instrument fhat brought in over 150 trumpets, trombones and more, for Bridgeport youngsters who loved to play but could not afford them.

Marcy Sansolo, mid-collection at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Now Marcy has embarked on another collection. This stime, she’s joined by another Unsung Hero: a local business.

The Gillespie Center food pantry needs help. This Sunday (March 23, 11 a.m. to 12 noon), she and Martha Deegan will collect items at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

They ask for canned beans, meats, veggies, fruit, pasta, rice, peanut butter, condiments and spices, along with dish soap, paper towels, dish soap and sponges. (No Costco-sized items, due to space constraints).

Supermarket gift cards are also welcome.

Speaking of supermarkets: The Fresh Market manager offered Marcy a great price — if she purchased 100 pounds of meat and chicken, or more.

She put a request on social media for people to cover the cost of the meat. In less than 10 hours, she exceeded the goal.

Yesterday, Marcy bought 100 pounds of meat, and another 100 pounds of chicken, for the Gillespie Center.

Marcy Sansolo (far left) and Martha Deegan (far right), with The Fresh Market’s very helpful staff.

“Mark, Mike, El and Gabby were the stars at Fresh Market,” says. “They couldn’t have been more helpful or kinder.

“Not only are they packing everything in 1-pound parcels — they are delivering it as well.

They also gave Marcy 3o packets of spices, and the promise of dairy and produce.

“I’m at a loss for words,” the normally very talkative civic volunteer says.

Marcy looks forward to seeing a great turnout at the Imperial Avenue parking lot on Sunday. “It’s such a great sense of community,” she says.

She offers this quote, which has always stuck with her: “We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect with our fellow men.”

Marcy and Fresh Market: Thanks for all you do. You are his week’s Unsung Heroes!

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

Roundup: Osprey Returns, Mattress Recycling, Staples High Honors …

Right on schedule — actually, a few days early — a Fresh Market osprey is back.

The nest next to Terrain is occupied by at least one of the magnificent raptors. The second member of the pair usually arrives after the first.

As we do every year, Westport waits anxiously for the little ones. (Hat tip: Dana Kuyper

Fresh Market osprey. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee’s nominating committee interviewed 4 “excellent” candidates for this November’s first selectperson election. It’s an open seat, now that incumbent Jen Tooker is running for governor.

The nominating committee settled on 2 “very qualified” candidates to present to the full DTC. Board of Education member Kevin Christie was one. The other asked not to have their name put forward.

However, despite a previous announcement, the full DTC will not vote on a candidate next month. Instead, in July they’ll introduce Christie’s name. At that point, nominations can be made from the floor.

That information was offered to DTC members — and other attendees — at last night’s monthly Zoom meeting, by chair Michelle Mechanic.

Next month, the Democrats also begin interviewing candidates for all open board and commission seats.

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Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. That’s 55,000 that land in incinerators and landfills each day.

 

But up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushions, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.

 

Sustainable Westport can help. They’ll host a free mattress/ box spring recycling event on Saturday, April 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).

 

Dry and unsoiled mattresses and box springs are welcome. Please do not bring those that are damaged, wet, or contaminated (bed bugs, etc.).

 

If you can’t bring your mattress or box spring, Westport Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to sign up.

 

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Twenty Staples High School seniors will graduate in June with high honors.

They represent the top 4% of the graduating class. Congratulations to Aidan Stubbs, William Borowsky, Andrew Rebello. Annam Anjolaoluwa Adachukwu Olasewere, Sam Rossoni, Jackson Tracey, Cole Siegner, Perrin Root, Mack Haymond, William Boberski, Carolina Proctor, Alexis Krenzer, Mia Bomback, Matthew Guadarrama, Abe Lobsenz, Alessandra Gavriloiu, Megan Sargent, Kendra Cheng, Shreyas Gorre and Suhani Aggarwal.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “these students were involved in a number of extracurricular activities and various aspects of school life which took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom. We were lucky to have had them for 4 years, and will no doubt hear about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

Staples High School Class of 2025 high honors students, flanked by assistant principal Pat Micinilio (far left) and principal Stafford Thomas (far right).

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VersoFest is near. Time to take the Westport Library decibel level up another few notches.

Actually, more than that. On Saturday, April 5, the goal is to become the loudest library ever.

Starting at 10 a.m., visionary artist 5iveFingaz hosts a 90-minute celebration. It includes a rotating cast of DJs, “an electrifying fusion of music, art, and community, and the Library version of a primal scream.” (Plus doughnuts and beverages.)

“Our goal is to make this a true celebration and community experience, showcasing the transformative power of community and creativity,” says Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.

“We want everyone to feel welcome, from our youngest patrons to our longtime music supporters. The emphasis here is on fun, and setting the right tone to what promises to be an incredible weekend of events at VersoFest 2025.”

This kickoff coincides with 5iveFingaz’s Interactive Community Participation Mural. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Residents  are invited to create a one-of-a-kind work of art from 10 am to 2 pm.

It will be followed by an all-star panel discussion on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” (1 p.m.), and 2 Verso Visionary conversations: 4 p.m. between The Roots founder and lead emcee Black Thought and June Archer, followed by hardcore punk legend Henry Rollins in conversation with Nabil Ayers at 7.

The festival closes Sunday, April 6, with a VersoFest live podcast discussion between longtime David Letterman music director Paul Shaffer and SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.

Click here for more VersoFest details, including a full schedule.

5iveFingaz

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It takes a week to transform the Westport Country Playhouse stage, from one show to the next.

But you can watch it happen in just 3 minutes, on video.

Immediately after “Native Gardens” closed, a crew began building the “Theatre People” set.

The comedy opens March 25. Will they get it done in time?

Watch below!

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Club203 celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in style last night.

The Westport Library was filled with smoke machines — and decked out in green — at a special karaoke night.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities enjoyed soda breads and honey buns donated by Cob’s Bread, green bagels from Village Bagels, and cookies Baked by Belle.

As always, there was plenty of volunteer support, and MoCA CT ran an art table.

Club203 rocks the Westport Library.

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Also yesterday: a presentation to the Westport Rotary Club by Catalyst CT CEO and president Marc Donald.

The nonprofit began by combating teen substance abuse. It has since branched out into reducing gun violence, suicide prevention, and practicing restorative justice.

The organization trains police and security guards in Bridgeport and Fairfield public schools to help defuse potentially violent situations. They also partner with Park City Presents, helping familiarize Bridgeport teenagers with music production technology.

Marc Donald, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Fleet Feet’s United Track Club program, for boys and girls in grades 2-8, begins April 27. All athletic levels are welcome.

The program runs Sundays (11 a.m. to noon, Staples High School track) through June 8.

It includes sprints, hurdles, long jump and endurance running. The focus is on coordination and confidence.

The cost is $160. Click here for details.

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The Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy Association invites all teenage girls and boys to a packing party this Sunday (March 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m., United Methodist Church) for Dignity Grows.

The goal is to pack 200 bags of menstrual hygiene products, for distribution to local food pantries, shelters and organizations. 

This will be a fun time, a great cause — and there’s pizza and snacks. RSVP your their faith community youth leader, or Heather Sinclair: hsinclair@westportumc.org.

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Yesterday’s “Roundup” item about TAP Strength’s first “lifespand and health span” wellness event — a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd — did not include the date and time. It’s March 26, 6 p.m.

A team from Rhone will offer performance-driven gear. Register by email: info@tapstrength.com.

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Just 3 days remain before Westport Pride’s annual drag show.

This year’s special guest is Patty Bourée. The 18+ event — with cocktails, songs and comedy — is Saturday (March 22, 7 p.m.) at The Knowlton, Bridgeport’s premier event space.

“Come dressed to spring eternal,” organizers say. And why not? It’s the second day of spring!

Click here for tickets, and more information.

 

 

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Most Sherwood Mill Pond sunsets are dramatic.

Yesterday’s was particularly vivid.

Matt Murray captured the scene, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finallly … Jesse Colin Young, co-founder of the Youngbloods and the lead singer on “Get Together,” a still-beloved paean to love and brotherhood, died Sunday in South Carolina. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.

(Come on people, smile on your brother, everybody get together and support “06880” right now. Please click here. It’s groovy — and we thank you!)

New Parks & Rec Director Brings “Team Player” Vision To Town

Recreation — sports, golf, racquets, the beaches, boating — is big in Westport.

As he settles in to his new position as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri is meeting with many stakeholders: staff, Park & Rec Commissioners, Public Works, Police and Fire Department, school officials, youth leaders, and more.

“I’m a team player,” he says.

He’s not kidding.

The Glastonbury native had a stellar soccer career at the University of Connecticut. He won numerous awards , culminating in 1994 Big East Player of the Year. Barbieri then played professionally with the minor league Connecticut Wolves.

Erik Barbieri, with UConn and sports memorabilia in his Westport office.

At the same time, the parks and recreation management major was embarking on his parks and recreation career.

Helped by a series of mentors — and secure in the knowledge that he was most comfortable in a hands-on, outdoors profession, not sitting in a cubicle — he rose through the ranks in New Britain.

Over 3 decades — culminating in 9 years as director — Barbieri managed 7 divisions. He oversaw parks, recreation, a golf course, a large stadium, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability and youth programs. He completed 2 multimillion-d0llar capital improvement projects,

The only thing New Britain was missing was water.

With the mindset of an athlete — and a team player — the challenge of learning about beaches and marinas excites Barbieri.

Since starting  his new position last month, the new director has explored our facilities, and tapped the insights of people like Rick Giunta, longtime marina director.

Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach is one of 2 under Parks & Recreation’s purview. (Drone photo/Daniel Johnson)

Barbieri had not been looking for a new gig. But the Westport position — vacant since Jen Fava resigned last spring — intrigued him.

The more he researched, the more he realized this town has outstanding facilities. It’s serious about recreation.

And there was plenty of work to be done.

The 10-year capital plan includes the renovation of Longshore. Replacing the maintenance facility is a high priority. There is a scarcity of athletic fields, several of which are overused and not up to high standards. Contracts — including the Compo Beach concession stand, and Longshore golf course maintenance and cart fleet company — expire soon.

New Britain’s self-described “jack of all trades” is excited to dig into every aspect of his new job.

“We’ve hit the ground not running, but sprinting,” he says. He’s learning about — and where necessary, taking fresh looks at — facilities, programs, and everything in between.

Take the maintenance facility and golf pro shop. Both have Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues. Machines and golf carts are stored outside, in the salt air.

Erik Barbieri’s “fresh eyes” will take a new look at Longshore, and all town recreational facilities.

“Westport has great people,” he says. His Parks & Rec staff, and those in Public Works — with whom his department works closely — “really make things happen.”

Returning to his “team player” analogy, Barbieri says “we have to prioritize needs. We’ll do it together: our staff, the first selectwoman, Public Works, Board of Finance — everyone.”

Also on his agenda: hiring a new parks superintendent. Michael West left that crucial role in January, to become assistant director in Ridgefield. Barbieri begins interviewing candidates for that position soon.

On his first day, Barbieri says, he told his staff: “I have an open door. Feedback is important.” He, Giunta and operations manager Carmen Roda, “are here to listen to you.” And, he emphasized, “community feedback is important.”

Barbieri calls himself “high energy. I like to get things done. There are good projects ahead, to make Westport an even better place than it already is.”

(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront — literally and figuratively. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2890

Westport Weston Family YMCA, early morning (Photo/Bob Levy)

Roundup: Beach Emblems, Hamlet At Saugatuck, Staples Comics …

Summer is here!

Beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 20), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.

Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 19), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 business days. They are not required until May 1.

If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email   recreation@westportct.gov.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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The Planning & Zoning Commission’s discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal continues next Monday  (March 24, 6 p.m., Zoom).

The specific agenda item is for “special permit/coastal site plan approval for a mix of non-residential, hotel and residential uses as part of an integrated site development, for property located in the General Business District/Saugatuck Marina” area.

Click here for details on The Hamlet at Saugatuck’s proposal.

A view of The Hamlet at Saugatuck, from the Saugatuck River.

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Staples High School’s Asian Students Association is raising funds to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who face challenges accessing those basic necessities. The World Bank estimates that number as high as 500 million women. 

There is a local need too. The Staples group’s goal is to raise $1,000 for Homes with Hope. The non-profit runs Westport homeless shelter and food pantry (whose shelves include hygiene products).

The club is a part of Dear Asian Youth, a youth-led, global non-profit that promotes solidarity with other marginalized communities, and equality and equity. Click here to donate, and for more information.

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Speaking of Staples: Mark DeRosa’s teaches drawing and animation classes there, along with an after-school comic book course called Graphicus that publishes an annual anthology.

Last weekend they presented their work at Southern Connecticut State University’s Indie Comics Creator Con.  It drew over 175 creators from around the country, and included panels and discussions about making and publishing comics.

DeRosa’s students saw first hand the impact their creations have on comic fans of all ages. They were buoyed by guest appearances from 2 principals: Staples’ Stafford Thomas, and Bedford Middle School’s Adam Rosen. 

From left: Stafford Thomas Jr., son Stafford Thomas III, Dinuka Periyapperuma, Archie Kobetitsch, Will Hebel.

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Congressman Jim Himes has scheduled in-person town hall meetings for this Saturday in Norwalk (10 a.m.) and Fairfield (1 p.m.), along with a telephone town hall on Monday, March 24 (7:30 p.m.).

Click here for details, and to register.

Congressman Jim Himes

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is in rehearsal for “Theatre People.” The adaptation of the Hungarian play — set in 1948, in a Newport mansion — opens March 25.

But that’s not Shanahan’s only Hungarian connection. A play he adapted —Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is currently on stage there.

“I’m told that even in another country and another language, the audience still gasps at the big reveal,” Shanahan says.

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From blowing bebop with the Charles Mingus Band to improvising with Anthony Braxton, Michael Rabinowitz has changed conceptions of what a bassoon can do.

Local jazz fans can hear him — and bassist Rich Zurkowskir, pianist Roberta Piket, drummer David Alvarez and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — this Thursday (March 20) at Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399).

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15, veterans and students). Click here for tickets.

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Local experts will share insights on enhancing “lifespan and health span.” The first event (March 26, 6 p.m.) continues a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd, begun during their sold-out Westport Farmers’ Market session.

A team from Rhone will offer performance-driven gear. Register by email: info@tapstrength.com.

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Longtime Westport resident Malcolm Doak died peacefully at his home in Spring, Texas on January 27, surrounded by family. He was 95.

He joined Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Hackensack (New Jersey) High School).

While studying at Rutgers University, Malcolm was accepted into the USAir Force flight school. In 1952 he received his wings and married Vivian, the love of his life.

During the Korean War he served with distinction. Malcolm then transitioned to civilian aviation, while remaining active in the Air Force Reserves.

He entered corporate aviation as a pilot for IBM. He then served Wayfarer Ketch Corporation as chief pilot and director of flight operations. Owned by the Rockefeller brothers, Wayfarer Ketch allowed multiple companies to own their own aircraft, while pooling the resources of pilots, mechanics,

Malcolm flew Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, and led the first commercial flight into China after President Nixon normalized relations.

He finished his career at American Express as vice president of flight operations. Malcolm served as USAF academy liaison officer for the state of Connecticut, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Malcolm and Vivian moved their 5 children to Westport in 1964. The couple donated time and money to the Westport Public Library, Westport Country Playhouse, Scouting, the Westport Weston Family Y and environmental organizations.

He enjoyed jogging and biking, then sculleld on the Saugatuck River into his 80s.

He is survived by his children Kathi of New York City; Lisa Lyne (James) of Spring, Texas; Ivy (Tim Montler) of Denton, Texas; Robin Neyrey of Spring, and Malcolm (Carole Ann) of Kirby, Vermont;  7 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 3  great-grand children; 3 half sisters, and 1 step-sister. His wife Vivian Doak died in 2021.

Malcolm Doak

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There’s a late winter chill on the Saugatuck River. But — as they do in all weather, all year long, and as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes are ready to work.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … happy 55th birthday to Queen Latifah!

(If today’s “06880” helps you get your beach sticker — hey, that’s what we’re here for. We’re your hyper-local blog, 24/7/365. Don’t thank us — just click here to support our work! Much appreciated.)

 

Holy Smokes! Fire Pits Proposed For Compo

For a great summer gathering, Compo’s South Beach is almost perfect.

The long swath of sand from the cannons to the kayak launch is filled with grills and picnic tables. Sunsets are gorgeous.

All we’re missing are fire pits.

Ta da!

Tomorrow night, the Parks & Recreation Commission hears a request from the Parks & Rec Department to offer fire pit rentals there, from May 1 through September 30.

A portable fire pit. This may not be the type our Parks & Recreation Department buys. And this sure is not a beach scene.

“It’s a natural addition to the amenities there,” explains Carmen Roda, Parks & Rec operations manager.

Two portable fire pits would be available to residents by reservation 7 days a week, from 4 to 10 p.m.

Users will be responsible for providing the wood (no pellets!) and starters.

Beach staff will monitor usage. At 10 p.m. they’ll cool the fire pits down, load them on golf carts, and store them securely.

Fire marshal Terry Dunn and the Westport Police Department were consulted, and support the initiative. Parks & Rec employees will be trained in fire pit usage.

The proposed fee is $150 a night.

(The Parks & Recreation Commission meeting is tomorrow — Wednesday, March 19 — at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. The agenda also includes updates on the Parks Master Plan and Longshore Improvement Master Plan, and reports from the Golf, Racquets and Parks Advisory Committees.)

Pics Of The Day #2889

Today’s clouds over Long Island Sound, from Hillspoint Road … (Photo/Tammy Barry)

… and Compo Beach (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Roundup: Justin Paul’s “Snow White,” Christian Soriano’s Celebration …

Disney’s “Snow White” —  a live-action version of the 1937 animated Disney film “Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs” — opens in theaters on Friday (March 21).

But you can enjoy the soundtrack now.

It includes reimagined classics, and all new songs. What makes this “06880”-worthy is that the music is by Pasek & Paul.

The Westport half of that Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony-winning duo is 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul. They’ve already written the music and lyrics for (among others) “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”

Both are huge Disney fans. Click below to hear them discuss their work with “the one that started it all.”

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Another Westport boldface name — Christian Soriano — is closing his local shop.

The fashion designer — whose outfits were worn at this year’s Oscars by Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Whoopi Goldberg — is relocating his Collective West store to New York City.

(Siriano — a Westporter since 2020 — is not leaving.)

“One More Celebration” is set for Wednesday (March 19, 6 to 9 p.m., 940 Post Road East).

Siriano will be there, offering “fashion, cocktails, and a stylish sendoff.” No RSVP needed.

Christian Soriano, in The Collective West.

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The Animal Awareness Night — postponed earlier this month — is set for Wednesday (March 19, 7 p.m., police station classroom).

Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.

Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.

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Bedford Acting Group’s 6th graders take the stage this Friday through Sunday (March 21-23) for “Alice in Wonderland Jr.”

It’s a 60-minute musical adaptation of the Disney classic, with both familiar and new songs. Long Lots Elementary School teacher Anna Woodin (Friday), and Saugatuck El’s Katie Bloom (Saturday evening) perform alongside former students. There is a meet-and-greet for younger kids after Saturday’s matinee.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Double cast Alices, Queens of Hearts and Caterpillars: Aubrey Steffa, Charlotte Naughton, Ellie Delorier, Chloe Robbin, Lola Rockwell, Charlotte Leykind.

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“Seared” — the comedy that brings audiences into a kitchen — earned rave reviews, in its first 2 weekends at Weston’s Lachat Town Farm.

First produced off-Broadway in 2019, the show earned Outer Critics Circle Awards. As garlic and onions sizzle on stage, the play explores conflicts between artistic passion and the pressures of the business world.

Show dates are Friday and Saturday (March 21 and 22) at 7:30 p.m., Sunday (March 23) at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Wesleyan University’s storybook men’s basketball season continues.

The Cardinals edged Emory 61-58 in a thrilling game Saturday. Oscar Edelman — a 6-8 freshman from Westport — scored 7 points.

The win propels them into their first-ever NCAA Division III Final 4.

Wes travels to Fort Wayne, Indiana this week. On Thursday (5:30 p.m.) they take on a familiar foe: in-state rival Trinity College. Click here for the full story.

Oscar Edelman

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A large crowd was entertained at the Westport Library yesterday afternoon by The Hudson Arts Ensemble.

Trumpeter Bill Owen and pianist Yalin Chi played all French composers –Debussy, Faure, Ravel and others. The duo are currently with the West Point Band.

Hudson Arts Ensemble (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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The bald eagle is back. Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted the handsome bird, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … today’s playlist needs no introduction!

(Sure, and it’s a grand day to help support “06880.” Please click here to contribute to the cause. Go raibh maith agat!)