Pic Of The Day #2574

Jesup Green (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)

I-95 Now Open, Both Ways

Less than 80 hours after a truck with 8,500 gallons of fuel burned an I-95 overpass in Norwalk, the span has been demolished — and the vital highway is back in operation.

The southbound lanes reopened just after 10 a.m. today.

Traffic flowed on the northbound lanes shortly after 7 p.m. yesterday.

Demolition, paving and restriping was completed a full day earlier than expected.

Workers put the finishing touches on the southbound lanes (left).

Photo Challenge #488

When not looking at the road, drivers, cyclists, joggers and walkers on Compo Beach Road usually gaze at Ned Dimes Marina.

Whether filled with sailboats, powerboats and yachts in summer, or completely empty in winter, it’s a gorgeous, ever-changing sight.

But the view on the other side — the homes facing the water — is also alluring.

Set back from the street, they’re handsome, well-maintained and unique.

Enough “06880” readers notice them to ensure that — contrary to what I thoght — there were several correct responses to last week’s Photo Challenge.

Linda Stern, Michael Szeto, Matt Murray, Andrew Colabella, Jeff Laska and Goldie Winn all knew that the statue in Ed Simek’s photo stands in the front lawn of 53 Compo Beach Road. (Click here to see.)

That’s “the yellow house with the li’l robotic lawnmower,” Andrew notes.

Now, let’s kick off Memorial Day month with this Photo Challenge.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

HINTIt’s not at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

Roundup: Adam J. Lewis Academy, Wakeman Town Farm, Schools’ Code of Conduct …

Westporter Julie Mombello and her longtime friend Patty Lewis — former colleagues at Greens Farms Academy — have done spent a decade creating, building and growing Adam J. Lewis Academy.

The Bridgeport pre-K through 6th grade school honors Patty’s husband, who was killed on 9/11. He grew up poor in the Bronx, and never forgot the educational opportunities he was given at Dalton School and Hamilton College.

Adam J. Lewis Academy serves as a similar beacon of hope for 250 youngsters, who thrive in its child-centered, small-class, joyful and discovery-based environment. It is a shining example of the power of education to change lives, one youngster at a time.

Many Westporters support the school. A number of them were at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Friday night, for a fundraiser celebrating AJLA’s 10th anniversary.

Funds raised will help add one more grade each year, so students can continue to explore, learn and grow under the guidance of a superb staff.

To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy — including how to help — click here. For a 2021 “06880” story on Julie, Patty and their work, click here.

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There’s always something going on at Wakeman Town Farm.

Westport’s sustainability center offers educational workshops for all ages, internships, after-school environmental clubs, children’s summer camp programs, a farm stand and much more.

Evenings are packed with programs too. Many take place in Tim’s Kitchen, the homey, versatile space created in memory of Liz Milwe and Peter Wormser’s son.

One of the lesser-known, but not-to-be-missed, events there are “chef farm dinners.”

Noted local chefs cook fantastic meals, often using produce and herbs straight from WTF. Guests enjoy them at communal tables. In good weather, they stroll around the farm.

It’s a “hidden magical night,” says Alison Milwe Grace (Liz’s niece).

She should know. The founder of AMG Catering is one of the most popular of all Town Farm chefs.

She was at it again last week, offering a 4-course meal highlighted by bucatini with asparagus, pea shoot Meyer lemon pesto and local buratta, or lamb chops with fennel slaw and spiced yogurt. (No, the lamb did not previously live at the farm.)

Several students of one of Alison’s cooking classes came together. Two people who are in the same (non-Farm) woodworking class were surprised to see each other. Conversation was lively at the long tables, with folks who had just met.

“Food brings people together,” Alison notes. “For 3 hours, in beautiful surroundings, you can just enjoy yourself.

And, of course, the food is terrific.

There will be more chef farm dinners soon. Allison is already planning for her next ones — including October.

“There’s so much available then, right at the farm,” she says. “Kale, squashes, tomatoes, fresh herbs …”

Yum!

Alison Milwe Grace, with za’atar roasted carrots, served over whipped feta with mint-date “jus.”

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Over 40 parents have reacted to recent incidents of antisemitism and racism in Westport schools by looking at codes of conducts and restorative justice practices in other districts.

They’ve launched a website — Kind WPS — as the Board of Education examines revisions to its own policies, suggesting stronger measures than already planned. Click here for details.

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There’s plenty of great art on the walls of the Westport Woman Club’s annual art show.

At Friday night’s opening reception, and yesterday, there was also a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer providing piano music.

Mark Naftalin — inducted as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s keyboardist in 2015 — made the show even more special.

He won’t be there this afternoon. But you can still see this excellent show today (Sunday), from 2 to 5 p.m., at the WWC’s Bedford Hall (44 Imperial Avenue).

Mark Naftalin, at the Westport Woman’s Club piano. (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)

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A proposal to develop 125 Riverside Avenue — the site of the historic Crossman-Coley house at the foot of Burr Road — will be explained this week.

Tomorrow (Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting begins with a pre-application by Vita Design for their plans. There will be no public comment, or vote.

The next night (Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), a joint meeting of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will review and discuss the plans, including the notice of intent to demolish the house.

125 Riverside Avenue.

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The beaches are open for residents with stickers. Memorial Day, Camp Compo, REC-ing crew and the fireworks are around the corner.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department welcomes summer with a special Compo Beach family event on Saturday, May 25 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

Activities include touch-a-truck, bouncy house, obstacle courses, food vendors and more. Everyone there gets a free raffle ticket too!

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Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. 55,000 end up in incinerators and landfills each day.

Sustainable Westport Earthplace and Bye Bye Mattress can help.

They’re hosting a free mattress/box spring recycling event on Saturday, May 18 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).

Used mattresses can be turned into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushioning, bike seats, insulation, air filters, and steel materials.

Unable to transport your mattress or box spring? Scout Troop 36 can pick it up (for a small donation). Click here for details.

Saving the planet, one mattress at a time. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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MoCA Westport is gambling that Westporters will love its new fundraiser.

“Gallery of Games Night – Deal Yourself In to Support the Arts” (May 17, 7 to 11 p.m) includes gaming tables, live music by the very talented Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker, silent auction prizes. and drinks from Sono 1420. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — continues its fun schedule a with a night at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield (May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).

Shoes and pizza are provided. As always, MoCA Westport will supply an art table.

Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg. A cash bar is available.

For more information, click here. Club 203 is on Instagram: @club203_ct.

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Sure, it’s early May. But that means the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race is less than 2 months away.

This year’s event is June 29. As always, it’s family friendly, fun and free. Of course, you can’t win the $5,000 first prize (or any other) if you don’t have “race” tickets.

Proceeds help fund a variety of important projects, here and abroad.

They’re available from any Sunrise Rotarian, and online here.

So how do you know who’s a Rotarian? They’ll be wearing special shirts, all around town. Check out the models below:

Looking ducky (from left): Mark Mathias, Pete Wolgast, Katie Augustyn, Ron Holtz, Bruce Paul.

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Missed Startup Westport’s Innovator of the Year award last week?

Interesting in finding out what ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro and ESPN host Mike Greenberg had to say about their network, the future of sports and the media, innovation, and Westport (the town they live in and love)?

Click below for the full show.

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Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!

Jackson Cregan and Dylan Kurpiel of Troop 36 were honored yesterday, with a Court of Honor at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Guest speaker Michele Sorensen, president of Friends of Sherwood Island, spoke about the importance of volunteerism and protecting the environment — both of which the new Eagle Scouts embody every day.

Eagle Scouts Dylan Kurpiel and Jackson Cregan. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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In January, Dr. Clarence Jones inspired a packed Westport Library audience, with his tales of a lifetime spent fighting racism and antisemitism.

On Friday, Rev. Martin Luther King’s 93-year-old speechwriter was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Biden.

As anyone who heard him speak here knows, the honor is richly deserved.

 Dr. Clarence B. Jones receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Congratulations too to Frank Murgalo. The Marine Corps veteran (aka Santa Claus for the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll) organized and hosted a very successful fundraiser Friday night, at Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399.

The dinner and comedy show, featuring Rodney Norman, Howie Mason and Andrew Alfredo, was completely sold out.

Frank continues to work tirelessly for veterans. That’s no laughing matter!

Frank Murgalo works the room at the VFW.

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Lou Weinberg offers today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image. He writes:

“This male house finch has Darwin written all over it. Look at that beak!”

 (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy May 5th!

(Every day is a holiday at “06880” — or at least, a chance to celebrate our hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support, so please click here to donate. Thank you!)

“Shake It For Shea”: Inspirational Gala Raises Heartfelt Funds

Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.

Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.

There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.

Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.

Last year, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. The day before the event — set for an outdoor space — Canadian wildfires made the venue impossible.

In 18 hours, caterer OnTheMarc managed to relocate everything to The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company.

It was an amazing effort. And it raised $290,000 for Dr. Ackerman’s lab. “The turnout, love and support of this community has been incredible,” the Greenfields say. “In good times and bad, people show up.”

The large crowd, at last year’s “Shake it For Shea” fundraiser.

That’s the yin and yang of the family’s journey. They face a devastating disease, but they’ve been buoyed by so many people they only recently met.

The Greenfields continue to pay it forward.

In the aftermath of that first “Shake it for Shea” gala, they launched Hearts in Harmony Foundation. The non-profit is a fundraising vehicle for Dr. Ackerman’s further research.

The 2nd annual “Shake it for Shea” fundraiser for the Mayo Clinic doctor is set for June 6 — back at the FTC Warehouse.

The great Bobby Attiko Band — who performed at Mark and Kira’s 2017 wedding — has again donated their services. Many other vendors are working pro bono too.

The night of eating, drinking and dancing runs from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

The effects of the research that the funds enable will last far longer.

(Click here for tickets, and more information. Can’t make it? Donations are always welcome, at the same link. To donate through a donor-advised fund or a company, or for questions, email markgreenfield1@gmail.com

Pic Of The Day #2573

The Lower Merion High School ultimate frisbee team was on its way to a tournament in Amherst, Massachusetts yesterday. They stopped for a brief break at Compo Beach. They had no way of knowing that in the 1970s, Staples High School here was a national ultimate frisbee leader. (Photo/Ben Meyer)

UPDATE: I-95 Northbound Will Reopen Tonight (Saturday)

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto say:

  • Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and contractors stayed at the site of the Fairfield Avenue Bridge throughout Friday night and continued working through the early hours of Saturday morning when additional equipment needed to remove the damaged bridge arrived.
  • Crews were able to complete demolition of the bridge by 12:30 p.m. today.
  • Following demolition, crews then began working to clean up all the debris and materials from the bridge off the highway. They also began making necessary repairs to the highway to ensure that it is safe for vehicular traffic.
  • The Connecticut Department of Transportation estimates that the northbound lanes of I-95 will reopen to vehicles by 8 p.m. tonight (Saturday).
  • All southbound lanes of the highway will remain closed to vehicles through the day on Sunday, May 5, because the pavement on this side of the highway was so damaged from the Thursday morning crash that those lanes need to be milled and repaved.

“Crews are making great progress in Norwalk and I am encouraged that we’ll have one side of I-95 open later tonight,” Governor Lamont said.

“Completely removing that bridge in less than 36 hours is an impressive feat and is credit to the hard work and dedication of the contractors and Connecticut Department of Transportation crews, who are pushing to get the entire highway fully reopened in both directions by Monday morning.”

As of 7:20 p.m. Saturday night, the entire Fairfield Avenue overpass in Norwalk had been removed.

“I continue to be thankful to the CTDOT crews and contractors who are working as hard as they can to get this highway reopened,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “They made great progress today and I remain optimistic that we will meet our Monday morning deadline. I ask the public to remain patient with the ongoing traffic congestion and to continue using alternate routes and public transportation throughout the weekend.”

“I remain completely impressed with the response from our Norwalk Fire Department, Norwalk Police Department, and the State of Connecticut, including Governor Lamont’s Office, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and our State Police,” Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling said. “The fact that there were no injuries from the accident and that crews are working incredibly quickly to remove the bridge so we can reopen I-95 in both directions as soon as possible is a testament to Governor Lamont’s leadership and the high level of collaboration between each agency and level of government. I also want to thank our Norwalk residents and business community for their patience, as I know these temporary closures have been a complete inconvenience to their lives.”

A live video feed showing the ongoing work can be accessed at https://share.earthcam.net/CTDOTNorwalkbridge.

[OPINION] Parker Harding, Baldwin Deck: Go Slow, Get It Right

Longtime Westport residents Mike Nayor and Larry Weisman sent this letter to all Representative Town Meeting members:

You will shortly be debating the pros and cons of Jesup Green/downtown parking that have the potential for transforming downtown Westport.

Parker Harding is the linchpin. It needs a makeover to become more attractive, pleasant and inviting, and more riverfront oriented.

In a September “Opinion” piece in”06880″ Robert Augustyn posed taking bold steps to reconfigure Parker Harding to an almost park-like setting, while adding retail space, plus a parking deck at the Baldwin lot to make up for lost PH spaces.

The column elicited 58 responses. There was overwhelming support for virtually all of his suggested changes. A few comments concerned potential flooding and cost, but the vast majority enthusiastically supported the idea of a parking facility.

Not one writer objected to the proposal.

Parker Harding Plaza (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

Historically, controversial changes/improvements undertaken in Westport have been hailed after the fact, and we are usually puzzled why any particular project was opposed in the first place. A parking deck can certainly be designed acceptable to all, to be integrated into its environment, with a low profile which does not mar the downtown skyline or hinder neighbors.

The need for contiguous parking at or very near store entrances has been pushed for decades. With the exception for handicapped parking, Westporters and visitors do not need curb-to-door access downtown. Witness the large number of cars parked at Gorham Island on weekends, creating a short walk to Main Street. Strolling pedestrians create a lingering and community atmosphere that benefits retailers.

A parking deck at the Baldwin lot alleviates the necessity for expanded Jesup Green parking. Therefore, the request for an appropriation of $630,000 should not be approved. Money could be far better spent to address other, more immediate downtown issues.

We urge RTM members to adopt this plan for downtown. The RTM should respond to the needs and desires of its residents. Improvements have been discussed and postponed for decades. The supposed urgency to get a spade in the ground now is not as important as getting it right. Poor choices now will have long term consequences.

(“06880” values the opinions of readers — and relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Roundup: I-95 Live Webcam; Really Bad Driver; Gillespie Renovations …

This was the scene yesterday in Norwalk, as workers dismantled the fire-damaged Fairfield Avenue I-95 overpass:

(Photo/News12 Connecticut)

Last night, massive “shears” were brought in from Long Island, to cut the metal. Work will continue all weekend.

Want to watch the ongoing operation, from the comfort of your home? Click here for this fascinating live webcam, courtesy of the state Department of Transportation.

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Just when you think you’ve seen everything … you realize you haven’t.

A driver yesterday — perhaps unhappy with the I-95-related traffic, perhaps confused, perhaps distracted, but definitely not someone you want behind the wheel — decided to create a new street, in the pedestrian alley between Don Memo and Barnes & Noble.

Employees of Walrus Alley finally stopped him.

(Hat tip and photo/Joelle Malec)

But that’s not all.

He also ran the red light right there.

And drove right past pedestrians in the crosswalk, to make that right hand turn off the Post Road into the very narrow alley.

You can’t make this stuff up.

Nor would you want to.

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The Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters, and the Westport Food Pantry at the same site, have temporarily closed.

Homes with Hope has embarked on a $1.2 million renovation of the Jesup Road facility.

Food pantry pick-ups can be made at the Sasco Creek Village community building (1655 Post Road East) across from Goodwill) every weekday except Wednesday, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“It’s sad,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden. “But the result will be happy.”

Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place: temporarily closed.

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Marc Hartog appreciated “06880”‘s recent Roundup item, noting that AEDs are back in a number of public outdoor locations.

The deputy director of Westport Emergency Medical Service adds: “PulsePoint AED is an app that shows locations of public access AED (automated external defibrillators.

“As long as the user has location permission allowed on their cellphone, it shows the location of the closest AEDs, along with a picture of the location. Clicking on the picture then adds more specific information.

“For example, if I’m near Winslow Park, it says ‘Entrance behind Westport Country Playhouse, by map and dog fountain; address 295 Post Rd East.’

“It also shows who is responsible for that AED (in this case, Norwalk Hospital EMS), along with the email address of the responsible party.

“Or if I’m around Main Street, the map shows 3 public access AEDs: 2 inside Town Hall, 1 outside at the ball field in the rear parking lot.

“The only downside is that the app only shows AEDs that have been registered with PulsePoint by the entity that owns and is responsible for it. There may well be other public access AEDs downtown, possibly within stores or restaurants, but they are not registered and do not show up.

“We strongly encourage any business with an AED to register their location.”

The AED at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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The Westport Country Playhouse’s move to a new format — with plays scheduled for October through April, rather than the summer — will generate a lot of laughs.

In a good way. The 3 shows are comedies, in what the 94-year-old theater is called a “Season of Laughter.”

Each play runs for 3 weeks. The season also includes a holiday offering and musical revue.

“The 39 Steps” (October 22-November 9) is “a fast-paced frenzy of espionage and murderous mayhem … (mixing) Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film with a juicy spy novel, and a dash of Monty Python.”

“Native Gardens” (February 18-March 8) features 2 sets of neighbors, who become “feuding enemies in a backyard battle for the ages.”

“Theatre People” (March 25-April 12) is set in 1948, as Broadway stars gather in a Newport mansion for a weekend of “romance, chaos, and misunderstandings.”

The shorter-run productions are “A Sherlock Carol” (the family holiday show by artistic director Mark Shanahan, back after last year’s sold-out run; December 17-22), and “Broadway Scores at the Playhouse,” songs from the Golden Age to recent musicals (January 23-26).

Season ticket packages for all three longer-run productions start at $68. Tickets will go on sale soon. Click here for complete season details.

PS: In other Playhouse news, a limited number of tickets remain for Bernadette Peters’ evening of songs from music masters (May 19, 7 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Also: A third Mike Birbiglia “Please Stop the Ride” show has been added next month. It’s June 4 (8 p.m.).

Tickets to his June 7 performance are sold out. There are only a few seats left for the second one (June 5). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Westport Country Playhouse (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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The Westport Book Shop is going to the dogs.

Exhibitor of the month Clark Hanford is showing oil paintings featuring dogs. They are painted in 19th century style, and are presented in antique frames.

Hanford has been an artist for over 5 decades, working in painting, clothing and sculpture. Before returning to Westport in 1985, the 1962 Staples High School graduate lived, worked and studied in London for 17 years, making and selling works from his Notting Hill shop.

He has created lifelike sculptures of Marlene Dietrich, Lucille Ball, Katherine Hepburn, Liz Taylor and others, dressed in period clothing made by Clark.

Hanford’s notable clients include Burt Bacharach, Demi Moore, John Entwistle, Elton John, Debbie Reynolds and David Bowie.

A reception is set for May 15 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Clark Hanford, at his Westport Book Shop exhibition.

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All month long, the Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors is running a food drive, to benefit Person-to-Person.

Items — including especially cereal, oatmeal, hearty soups, peanut butter and jelly, protein and granola bars, bags or boxes of rice, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta and sauce, dried and canned beans, nutrition bars, coffee and tea — can be dropped off at the MFCAR office (19 Imperial Avenue, weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.).

The month-long drive ends with a shredding event (June 1, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Colonial Green). Anyone bringing a food donation gets complimentary shredding.

To give a monetary donation to People-to-People, scan the QR code below:

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Greens Farms Garden Club members are digging in the dirt, preparing for their annual plant sale.

It’s May 18 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sherman Green, Fairfield). They’ll sell locally grown perennials, annuals and surprises.

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Is there life (besides ours) in the universe?

No one knows. But Caleb Scharf’s insights are probably far better than the rest of us.

NASA’s senior scientist for astrobiology at the Ames Research Center returns to the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series. He’ll discuss “The Search for Life in the Universe: 2024 and Beyond” on May 21 (8 p.m.; click here for Zoom; click here for YouTube livestream).

This is his third appearance at the WAS. He’ll speak specifically about research in exoplanetary science, exploration of the solar system, and upcoming plans for Mars, Titan, and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (NASA’s future space telescope).

Hello out there!

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The Joggers Club is moving to the Greens Farms train station, with “fun runs” on Saturdays starting at 8 a.m. It’s a buildup series, free to all registrants in the Fairfield Half Marathon.

The Joggers Club also runs (ho ho) Track Nights (Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Staples High School track) and a Kids Run Club (Sundays, 4 p.m., Staples High School track; $25 per session, grades K-8).

Joggers Club memberships ($50) include a free Lululemon running shirt ($78 value), a year of free coffee and bagels after each run, plus fitness and friends.

They’re on Strava, Facebook, Instagram and www.TheJoggersClub.com.

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The Cottage is offering a prix fixe, 4-course Mother’s Day meal.

From noon to 5 p.m. next Sunday (May 12; $110 per adult, $55 per child, not including tax and tip), chef Brian Lewis rolls out the red carpet for Mom and her family.

Click here for the menu, and reservations.

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When Fantasia headlined a tribute to Clive Davis recently at Carnegie Hall, she did so with her voice — and an elegant gown.

It was designed, Essence says, by Christian Siriano, “who has built quite a name for himself in the fashion industry. The lavender long sleeve dress featured a leg slit and a black feather trim all around the gown, causing a dramatic, old Hollywood effect.”

Siriano is — in addition to being a former Project Runway winner — a Westporter. His Collective West collection is on Post Road West.

Click here for the full Essence story. (Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)

Fantasia, and her Christian Siriano gown. (Photo courtesy of Essence)

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Lift Wellness will hold a ribbon cutting for the opening of its mental health and eating disorder partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment for teens and adults at their 8 Myrtle Avenue location on May 17 (11 a.m.).

The timing is appropriate: This is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Attendees can enjoy food, take a tour, and pick up swag. Click here for more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo highlights the Longshore golf course, in full, beautiful bloom:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … Fantasia was wearing a non-Christian Siriano outfit (see story above) in this 411 million-view video.

But she still looks (and sounds) great.

(From high fashion to homeless shelters, “06880” has our town covered. This is “where Westport meets the world.” We rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

Tree Warden Issues Jesup Green Report

As debate continues on the possibility of replacing part of Jesup Green with parking spots, Westport’s tree warden has issued a report.

Ben Sykas — a certified arborist — examined 3 trees, at the easternmost (top) portion of the green. All would be removed, under a current renovation plan.

Aerial view of Jesup Green in summer. The Westport Library is at left; Jesup Road is on the right. The Norway spruce is identified by a green pin; the white pine by blue, the linden by purple. 

The same scene in winter.

Sykas says that the Norway spruce “contains significant structural concerns which warrant its removal when actionable.

“Conifer trees in general are weak wooded trees, in conjunction with codominant structure containing decay and separation are factors that cannot be reliably mitigated.”

Norway spruce at Jesup Green. Close-up photos in the tree warden’s report show seams, and root damage.

Two other trees warrant further examination, Sykas says.

The white pine tree is a member of a species that is fast growing and thus “weak wooded.”

Limb failure is common in white pines during weather events like wind, snow and ice, Sykas says.

They are also known for “uprooting due to shallow footing.” Because of its location and exposure due to its height and open surroundings, plus previous branch failures, “mitigation to reduce risk might be possible.” Further investigation is needed however, according to the tree warden.

White pine at Jesup Green. Other photos in the report show branch structure and roots.

The linden tree “appears to be in average health.” Recent pruning reduced the risk of falling branches. Like white pines, lindens also grow rapidly and can be weaker than other species. They can be prone to cavities and decay.

Sykas recommends further investigation of this linden’s cavity.

Click here full the tree warden’s full report.

Linden at Jesup Green. Close-up photos are in the tree warden’s report.

(“06880” covers all aspects of the current parking debate — and everything else in town too. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)