As first reported by the Westport Journal this morning, the Westport Board of Education ended last night’s meeting when several speakers continued beyond the 15-minute public period.
As they’ve done at meetings since February — when a Westport couple described racially based incidents directed at their Staples High and Bedford Middle School daughters — parents, students and others have used the public comment time to talk about the treatment of minority students in the district.
This time, when they continued after being asked to finish their comments, chair Lee Goldstein left the meeting. Other board members, and school officials, followed.
Board member Kevin Christie stayed, and listened as the speakers continued.
When members returned, the Board voted 4-1 to adjourn.
This afternoon, Christie told “06880”: “I believe we have to create space for our community to be heard, while also ensuring the Board of Education can live up to its mission of preparing every student to reach their potential as lifelong learners and socially responsible contributors to our global community.
“We have to be able to balance these things, and when that didn’t happen in last night’s BOE meeting, the board recessed and ultimately voted to adjourn.
Kevin Christie
“It is understandable why our community was and is upset. When members of our community are in pain and speaking up on issues that are important to them, and our bylaws put time limits on comments and prevent us from responding and reacting, it can feel like a lack of human decency, interest or care.
“We do care. We also want to ensure that we can make space for the challenging work of the BOE. Last night’s agenda included things like restorative practices (generally, and in the context of hate-based incidents), ensuring productive public comment, and student research projects, which we know are important to our community.
“Public input is important. The work of the board is important. Let’s find a way to do both.”
This morning’s 4.8 magnitude earthquake — the third strongest within 50 miles of New York City since 1950 — was a compelling reminder of the power of nature.
For 10 to 15 seconds, from Philadelphia to Boston, the ground shook, floors vibrated, and walls rattled. The epicenter was Whitehouse Station, New Jersey — 106 miles from here.
Westport Police report no damage. But there were plenty of surprised, and a few shaken, residents.
Today’s earthquake, measured by the Westport Astronomical Society. (Courtesy of Franco Fellah)
Most Westporters have not experienced a major earthquake. I was in the 1994 6.7 magnitude Northridge quake that killed 57 people, injured 9,000 and caused $40 billion in damage.
It was the scariest event I’ve ever been through.
I had arrived in Los Angeles the day before, to do some interviews for a book I was writing. I checked into my West Hollywood hotel, had dinner and went to sleep,
At 4:30 a.m. I was awakened by enormous shaking, and deafening noises. My first thought was that a plane had crashed into the building.
Then I realized it was an earthquake.
I remembered something about quakes and doorways. But I couldn’t recall if I was supposed to stand in one, or get far away.
It didn’t matter. My bed shook so violently, I could not get out of it. Meanwhile, shelves in the closet fell onto the floor.
After 20 seconds — which seemed like 20 years — it stopped.
I rushed to the balcony, to see what was going on. Foolishly, I did not realize the balcony might not be there.
Fortunately, it was.
I looked around. A man stood on the balcony next to mine.
“Holy shit!” he said. “I’ve lived in California all my life. That was the worst earthquake ever.”
It was — right up there with the “World Series” Loma Prieta Bay Area earthquake of 1989.
And the epicenter was 15 miles from me. Smoke rose in the distance.
Then I heard the noises. Every home and car alarm in the area was ringing. So were the sirens of every police, fire and emergency vehicle.
One view of the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake …
I never did those interviews. I spent the next couple of days in a state of tension. Aftershocks came randomly.
Walking down the street, the rumbling would begin. I’d lock eyes with strangers; we’d wonder, silently: Is this another big one?
Then it would end.
Ten seconds later, a pane of glass might land at my feet.
The New York Times notes that the Northridge quake was “more than 700 times as strong as the temblor in New York on Friday.”
… and 2 others.
Aftershocks may continue here in Westport, experts say. There is a 3% chance that one will be “large.”
Earthquakes are unlike any other natural disaster.
In every other one — hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes — there are warnings, or at least time to prepare.
An earthquake happens suddenly. There is no warning. And there is little anyone can do, until it ends.
At 10:23 this morning, Westporters learned what people in California — and Turkey, Japan and many other places — have long known.
After a few years in which Fairfield ate our lunch, Westport is back atop the dining scene.
We’ve long been a restaurant town. Old-timers drool over legendary spots like the Arrow, Mario’s and Chez Pierre.
Even older old-timers remember spots like La Normandie and the Townly.
But I’ve never heard anyone mention The Five Little Pigs.
Paul Ehrismann posted this photo the other day, on Facebook:
I assume it’s a restaurant. With a name like that, what else could it be? Certainly not a butcher shop.
Taking a wild stab, this looks like the section of the Post Road where Cycle Dynamics is now, near Carvel. (I’m guessing “a mile east of Westport, Ct.,” refers to downtown.)
But I really have no clue.
If any real old-time Westporter has ever heard of The Five Little Pigs, please click “Comments” below.
I hope we find out soon. Not when pigs fly.
(“Friday Flashback” is a regular “06880” feature. Please click here to support it — and all our work. Thank you!)
Nomadica is a flower farm and garden design business in Weston, owned and run by advanced master gardener Christina Koether.
This year she’s growing over 20,000 tulips, including varieties from the 1630s that were popular during the Tulipmania craze.
There are tulips that look like peonies, double fringed varieties, and flamed striped ones. All will bloom soon.
Nomadica offers tulip subscriptions (some have already sold out). One option offers 2 weeks of large bouquets of the best and most beautiful blooms grown this year.
Pick up is at the flower stand in Weston (where you can also shop Thursday to Saturday, weather permitting). Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Christina Koether’s tulips
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For the second night in a row, VersoFest drew a full house to the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
Yesterday’s show by the Lemon Twigs — the indie/power pop/glam rock band — followed the previous night’s appearance by legendary rapper Chuck D.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The magic — and fun — continues tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.) with the Spin Doctors, and Nick Depuy.
Tomorrow and Sunday are filled with music- and media-related performances, panels, workshops, exhibits and more. All are free. Click here for the full schedule.
Speaking of music at the Library: “Supper & Soul” returns April 20.
The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arrezo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley).
Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.
West End Blend
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A message from the Westport Public Schools, regarding Monday’s eclipse:
Westport will experience 90% of the sun being blocked by the moon at peak eclipse. The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (sun at its most hidden) at 3:26. The eclipse will end around 4:35.
The district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, so they can view the eclipse safely. Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students for this event, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.
Based on recent guidance from the state Department of Education and testing the eclipse glasses with young students, the district has modified the eclipse viewing plan for elementary schools.
Grades 3-5 teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15-3:30 for observations. Pre-k through grade 2 students will be provided solar eclipse glasses to take home, but for safety reasons will not be taken outside at school to view the eclipse.
They will have the chance to view the eclipse via live stream TV.
If parents are concerned about the outside viewing of the eclipse, they may pick up their children prior to the start of the eclipse at 2:15. Due to the anticipated increase in the number of dismissals, families should try to pick up students before 1:45. I
The eclipse will occur when students are dismissed, between 3:10 and 3:45. Parents should remind children not to look at the sun on their way home.
Parents who wish to experience the event with their child off-site will be allowed to check-out their children as an excused absence for an “educational experience.” Normal check-out procedures will be in effect.
Fetch Rescue and Jenni Kayne are teaming up, for a “puppy adoption pop-up.”
This Sunday (April 7, 2 to 4 p.m., Sconset Square), all are invited to spend quality time with some pups — and consider making one part of your family.
For more information, email jessie@fetch-rescue.com.
Before the recent deluge recedes too far in the rear view mirror, here are a couple of reminders from yesterday morning. Check out Hillspoint Road …
(Photo/Matt Murray)
… and Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Ron Auber)
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There’s a double dose of featured artists this month at the Westport Book Shop.
Jack Geer and Ranvir Sharma are each exhibiting their drawings and illustrations.
Geer earned a graphic design degree from Norwalk Community College. He works as an artist with Team Woofgang, a non-profit that provides training for young adults with disabilities.
Sharma was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2 Though non-verbal, his mother encouraged his interest in letters and numbers. During a 2018 family trip to India, he met a calligrapher who developed classes for him. His elementary school teachers encouraged him to enter a SoNo Library competition with the theme of inclusion. He won it, and last fall took 1st place in a Cricket magazinei art contest. Now a 6th grader, he takes art classes at Silvermine, and hopes to become a Hollywood animator.
Both say that art has been a transformative part of their lives, serving as a form of personal expression and communication, while fostering social connections.
A reception is set for April 10 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The exhibit runs through April 30, and all work is available for purchase.
Jack Geer (left) and Ronnie Sharma, at the Westport Book Shop.
Jazz at the Post is a very popular Thursday tradition. This Sunday (April 7, 4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its own jazz show.
Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service. The service will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.
This service features trumpeter Sarah Uyar, guitarist John Hoddinott, guitar, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Elijah Atkins.
United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)
One more show has been added to the Westport Country Playhouse schedule.
Mike Birbiglia’s “Please Stop the Ride” comes to the historic stage on June 7 (7 p.m.).
The comedian/writer/director/actor has performed his award-winning solo shows from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway.
“Sleepwalk With Me,” “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God For Jokes,” “The New One” and “The Old Man & The Pool” became hit Netflix specials, merging storytelling and comedy.
Birbiglia has appeared in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Billions.”
Tickets go on sale today at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more details.
Lorenz Esposito earned fame as a College of Charleston soccer star, then played professionally in Sweden for 5 years.
Now he’s got a new “team.” As the founder of SearchX, he leads a business that creates customized SEO solutions for clients.
The 2013 Staples High School graduate first learned about SEO — search engine optimization, which improves a company’s visibility online — while playing in Sweden. He also worked at a digital marketing agency there.
Last November, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, opening his own firm in South Carolina.
SearchX specializes in personalization. “We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” Esposito says.
They already have over 100 clients, locally and nationally.
Lorenz Esposito
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Johanna Keyser Rossi says, “Red-winged blackbirds are back. They gather in marshes. When they call out to each other, they puff out their wings.”
Here’s one she spotted, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
On Monday, the Representative Town Meeting’s Transit Committee voted 7-2 against recommending that the full RTM spend $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to redesign Jesup Green, and the nearby Imperial Avenue parking lot.
A week earlier the Planning & Zoning Commission put off their own vote on a plan for those 2 sites, plus Parker Harding Plaza. The P&Z discussion will continue at next Monday’s meeting (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).
Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board and the Conservation Commission have both approved the Jesup Green redesign.
As downtown parking remain stalled, 2 residents offer differing views of the plans.
Downtown Plan Implementation Committee (DPIC) chair Randy Herbertson writes:
Downtown Westport master planning has been underway for more than 30 years — with consistent objectives, countless hours and investment, but little execution.
Formed after the 2015 Master Plan exercise, DPIC was created to support town efforts to bring plans finally to fruition, after failed attempts in the 2 previous master planning exercises.
This screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee shows the Parker Harding lot and Saugatuck River.
When I took over as chair of DPIC in 2021, I was tasked with bringing a number of our bigger project visions to life. Springboarding from the 2015 plan, we summarized the vision into 5 key pillars articulated on the website we re-vamped and launched at that time.
As identified, a careful balance must be struck between maintaining the right level of safe, accessible and up-to-code parking with green space for pedestrians, river views, and flood resiliency.
Our decrepit lots have been in need of updating for decades. Our residents (especially those who don’t attend town meetings) have consistently told us they desire better access to our unique downtown riverfront.
But we can’t invent land to perfectly serve the divergent needs of all, including the merchants who want close employee parking, exclusive loading zones and no loss of spaces for customers, as well as the many who provide opinions that are not founded on the expertise we hire professionals to give us.
Our overall master plan does not call for the loss of any parking inventory, and future prospects of a relocated Police Department and possibly a parking deck (if warranted somewhere once we assess the impact of timed parking areas and new lot configurations) will provide even more.
Currently, we just want to complete our “commerce sub-district” with Parker Harding plans, which are now complete.
Due to the heavy pushback on short-term parking inventory loss, the Department of Public Works developed a solution in the only close-in area possible: the top of Jesup. This development area has been in the master plan schematic since April of last year, and was shown in public forums and on the website.
The Jesup Green redesign plan.
The current proposed DPW plan calls for 3 phases — the first 2 to be completed with the Parker Harding work.
When done with just these 2 phases, we will have net zero loss in parking and more green space on Jesup than today, all closer to the river. It will also provide more Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible and clustered parking to serve the many library and Levitt events, which was part of the objective on this “culture sub-district” side.
This said, we had ideally hoped to assess this further with holistic planning and public feedback devoted to Jesup and Imperial (funding for which was not approved this week by the RTM Transit Committee, although it still goes to full vote next week.) However, if the cost of progress is moving in phases, we may have to do so.
The whole downtown process marks a new low in delays, many of which are quizzically politically driven and divided.
It’s been 30 years. Isn’t it time to provide a downtown experience that will support real estate values and serve all our residents?
Toni Simonetti has lived in Westport for nearly 24 years. A retired corporate communications executive and former journalist, she has become “passionately interested in good municipal governance, as the town works through a number of high-stakes projects.”
She writes:
After reviewing the most recent to-and-fro on the town’s uncertain plans to address downtown parking, I am compelled to voice my strong objection to proposed plans for the Jesup Green and adjacent parking areas, and further to express my concern once again for a less-than-transparent process.
I strongly oppose the Jesup plan for the following reason: It will pave over 1/3 of the green space known as Jesup Green. That is a travesty. The town’s Plan of Conservation and Development puts a priority on green space. We are losing green space in Westport at an alarming rate.
I am aware of the counterargument that Phase 2 and Phase 3 will restore the green space lost. However, that is a pipe dream contingent on Westport getting $400 million in capital projects approved (so that the police station is moved out of the Jesup area). There is no guarantee Phase 2 or 3 will ever see the light of day, be approved, or be funded.
Until there is a concrete plan that includes the immediate replacement of green space, the Jesup plan should be rejected.
Second, to pre-empt the expected protestations about lack of transparency claims: The public was not made fully aware of the Jesup Green parking plan until mid-March, when a schematic was first made public for a Planning & Zoning Commission 8-24 hearing.
Trees at the top of Jesup Green. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
Here is the tick-tock:
In October 2023, the P&Z expressed reservations about Parker Harding parking plans, citing among other things a lack of a holistic plan for downtown parking in general, and at Jesup and Imperial lots.
On January 12, 2024 — unbeknownst to the public — 2 town agencies acted in accord to write up appropriations requests for studies:
Fire/Emergency Medical Service to study proposals for a new joint headquarters with the Police Department and
Public Works design appropriation to pave 1/3 of Jesup Green into 44 parking spots, and modify parking spaces at the Imperial lot.
On January 17, the public got its first cryptic glimpse that the town would pave over 1/3 of Jesup Green when the chair of the Board of Finance issued its agenda for its Feb. 7 meeting, with items #8 and #9 as follows:
Upon the request of the Fire Department Deputy Chief, to approve an appropriation of $110,000 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Fund Account 31502220-500188 for work to update and merge FD conceptual plans to include PD and EMS in a new concept analysis for a Joint Public Safety Facility.
Upon the request of the Director of Public Works, to approve an appropriation of $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund 51003310-500189-13012 for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Lot.
On February 7, both agenda items were withdrawn from the Board of Finance meeting. It seems the items were a surprise to more than just myself.
On February 8, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, the hardworking appointed body charged with all things downtown, held an in-person-only meeting at 8:30 a.m., which I attended and at which no detailed information was given on the Jesup Green plan other than additional parking was being considered.
Members of the public, and even a member of the DPIC who is also on the RTM, expressed surprise by the sudden appropriation requests that appeared out of nowhere. We all had a lot of questions. The answers pointed to one person who was not there: the first selectwoman.
On March 6, the BOF reviewed these items and approved the appropriations. There was no specific detail or schematic posted or presented in the BOF meeting packet on where the additional parking would go. A specific plan was not shared, though some questions were answered verbally,
The Jesup schematic plan was drawn Feb. 15, but was not made public until posted in mid-March as part of Planning and Zoning’s March 24 meeting process.
On March 14, DPIC again held an in-person-only meeting, which I was not able to attend. There is no specific Jesup Green parking plan posted in conjunction with the meeting.
On March 24, the P&Z heard 8-24 requests for Jesup Green and Parker Harding. Though much has been publicized on Parker Harding Plaza, this was the first real look at what was planned for Jesup Green.
Redesign plan for Parker Harding Plaza. The Saugatuck River is at the bottom; backs of Main Street stores are at the top.
I believe once the public comprehends the paving plan for Jesup Green, they will be outraged. The P&Z did the right thing by continuing the matter to April 8 – at which time I suggest they issue a negative 8-24 report.
I live on Evergreen Parkway in RTM District 9, in what I consider a downtown neighborhood. I love the location of my home because I can – and do — walk downtown to shop, dine and recreate.
There is much ado about parking, but it’s not a problem for us (though I empathize with downtown merchants and support their stance).
This is a walkable town and one big reason why I choose to live here. I walk my dog Max nearly every day past Town Hall, along Main Street, through Parker Harding Plaza and along the river, then across the Post Road down the Riverwalk around the Library and Levitt Pavilion over to the Imperial lot and up Imperial, back over to my neighborhood. Sometimes Max detours us over to the Winslow dog park on our way home.
My Westport is a walkable Westport. Please preserve our green space.
(“06880” regularly offers a forum for residents to express their views. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Residents have long been prohibited from using school property when classes are in session.
Most Westporters know to stay clear of most schools.
But there have been exceptions.
A longstanding agreement has allowed people with plots to use the Westport Community Gardens at the south end of the Long Lots campus — separated from the school by a parking lot — all day, except from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., when students arrive and depart.
The Wakeman fields, north of Bedford Middle School, are a popular spot for dog walkers (and walkers without dogs) all day long.
The Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School (not shown, on the left), are popular spots all day long.
The PJ Romano track between Saugatuck and Kings Highway Elementary Schools is occasionally used by joggers.
On Wednesday night, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted 5-0 to tighten restrictions.
If the Board of Selectwomen approve, all recreational facilities on all Westport public school properties will be off-limits to anyone who is not a student, staff member or invited guest between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. whenever school is in session.
The PJ Romano track, between Saugatuck Elementary School (bottom left) and Kings Highway Elementary is sometimes used by joggers during school hours.
The policy is an attempt to standardize times for all 8 schools, and eliminate what had been gray or undefined areas around the meaning of “school grounds.”
Enforcement will be done by school security guards and, if necessary, school resource officers.
Access to the Westport Community Garden would be restricted, if the Board of Selectwomen endorse the Parks & Recreation Commission proposal.
Renovations to the Inn at Longshore — long awaited, and much needed — will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).
Interior work includes a new HVAC system, replacement of windows and doors, more guest rooms (and renovation of current rooms), updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA compliance updates.
Architect Ken Nadler has proposed a new entrance with a porte cochère.
Other exterior renovations include a series of patios extending across the length of the building with access to the lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage, and replacement of siding and roofing.
Site improvements also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan.
The estimated cost is $5 million.
Click here for the Zoom link to the P&Z meeting. It will also be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum Channel 79.
To see all P&Z materials, click here; then scroll down to 260 Compo Road South.
Inn at Longshore plan, prepared by LandTech. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
A little rain failed to dampen the VersoFest crowd last night.
Five days of panels, workshops, performances and more kicked off with Chuck D — the front man of Public Enemy — in conversation with Johnny Temple of Akashic Books.
His talk ranged from music, TV and film to politics and his new book.
VersoFest continues tonight with the Lemon Twigs and DJ Hysterica. Click here for a full schedule of VersoFest ’24, and more information.
Chuck D with Johnny Temple, last night at the Westport Library … (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
… and the sold-out crowd. Most VersoFest events are free.
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The last few days of rain and wind have brought down trees, all around town.
This was the scene (below) early today on Hillandale Road.
It was quite a welcome to the neighborhood. The new owners moved in a month ago.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Accidental overdoses kill 2.5 times more Americans than car crashes.
On April 10 (7 to 8 p.m., Toquet Hall), you can learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and use Narcan to save a life.
Margaret Watt, Westport Prevention Coalition (WPC) co-chair and prevention director at Positive Directions, provides the training. 30 Narcan kits will be available to participants. Click here to register.
In addition, from now through June the WPI is making the documentary “If They Had Known” available for streaming.
The 35-minute film was created by the college friends and family of a college student who died after mixing alcohol and Xanax. It shows the dangers of drinking while taking drugs like antidepressants or ADHD meds.
Both events are offered in conjunction with Staples High School’s annual “Invest in Yourself Day,” which prepares seniors for life after high school and recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month.
As the Westport Country Playhouse transitions to a year-round performing arts center, they need a permanent, on-stage piano — not a rental.
They’re hoping someone can donate a piano, for upcoming concerts on their historic stage. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Playhouse will provide a letter acknowledging the piano donation for tax purposes,
To comply with artist contracts, they’re seeking one of these:
Soap opera fans, hold back your tears: Today is Jamie Martin Mann’s last day on “Days of Our Lives.”
The 2021 Staples High School graduate had split his time between Los Angeles — where the TV show is filmed — and Ann Arbor, where he is a junior at the University of Michigan.
Mann — who starred in Staples Players productions before graduation — is a musical theater major. Balancing academics and acting became increasingly difficult.
According to Soap Opera Digest, the 2021 Staples High School graduate “wraps up his brief but memorable run as tortured teen Tate Black on a high note …
“After 6 months of angst and drama, including being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and sent to rehab, his ‘Days of Our Lives’ character was finally exonerated, much to the actor’s delight.
“I felt a lot of gratitude that I had the chance to close the storyline,” says Mann.
As Big Y prepares to take over the former Barnes & Noble space, Westporters continue to wonder: WTF happened to Amazon Fresh?
After much hoopla and a few months of renovation (plus some back-and-forth with town officials over the size of their sign), the mammoth company abandoned plans to open their cutting-edge grocery store in Westport (and other places).
The high-tech idea had been that shoppers’ purchases would automatically register without the need for a checkout counter. Customers could just pick up their items, walk out, and be charged electronically.
Not so fast.
According to The Byte: “Instead of closing the technological loop with pure automation and AI, the company also had to rely on an army of over 1,000 workers in India, who were acting as remote cashiers.”
They called it “a highly invasive marketing ploy to get more customers to shop at its stores, while actively undercutting the local job market.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Mark Lassoff)
The Connecticut Humane Society urgently needs donations of dry dog food.
Its pet food pantry provides nutrition for pets of families facing financial hardships. It’s looking for dry dog food, specifically Purina One, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, and any other grain-free brands.
Donations of dry dog food (and other pet-related items) can be dropped off at the Humane Society, 455 Post Road East.
Cash donations can be made online at CThumane.org/Donate, or by check to the address above.
Every dog deserves to eat.
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Westporter Alison Ziering Walmark is a longtime Fairfield Theatre Company board member — and chair of this Friday’s disco party fundraiser.
At 8 p.m. on April 5, the FTC Warehouse will transform into Studio 54. The night incudes specialty drinks, music, dancing, disco balls, lights and memorable beats.
Awards will be presented for Best Costume, Best Dancer(s), Best Group, and more. Festive attire is encouraged.
Proceeds support Fairfield Theatre Company’s music, art, film, theatre, education and culture programs.
See you Friday at the Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse!
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Coleytown Company’s production of “Footloose” debuts this weekend.
Friday’s opening night performance at Coleytown Middle School is sold out. But some excellent seats remain for Saturday (April 6, 1 and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (April 7, 1 p.m.).
The high-energy dancing and music are great for all ages. Click here for tickets.
Ariel (Ella Grove) and Ren (Lucas Soares van Keulen), in “Footloose.”
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 27 and April 3.
They issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
School zone violation: 1
Larceny: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
We all know the relationship between cats and mice.
So today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo should come as no surprise: A cat — looking quite fat and satisfied — guarding “The Mouse House” on Compo Road South.
And finally … in honor of Friday’s disco party fundraiser at Fairfield Theatre Company (story above), how about something with a Saturday theme?
(Put on your bell bottoms, crop tops and silky shirts. But before hitting the disco floor, please consider a contribution to “06880.” We never go out of style. Just click here — and thank you!)
This is a big year for Westport civic centennials.
Last month, the Rotary Club celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding.
This month, it’s the Westport Garden Club’s turn.
April marks one full century since 10 Westporters — 8 women and 2 men — met, at the suggestion of Nevada Hitchcock and Amelia Cutler, to form a garden club.
Two months later, in June, 19 more women were recommended for membership. They included names that are still familiar: Wakeman, Coley, Bradley and Staples.
Sara Crawford, Connecticut’s first female Secretary of the State, was an early member too.
Garden Club founders Nevada Hitchcock and Amelia Cutler.
The club’s first project was the installation of a memory garden at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
Since then, the Westport Garden Club has been deeply involved in the community, and environmental concerns around the state.
Projects include:
Establishment of the Connecticut College Arboretum
Founding of the Connecticut State Federation of Garden Clubs (which now numbers 114 clubs and 6,000 members)
Tree and shrub plantings along the Merritt Parkway
The first-ever “Clean-up Westport” day, in 1962
Creation of Grace K. Salmon Park on Imperial Avenue, site of a former dump
Projects at Town Hall, the Westport Library, Earthplace and the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
Longtime Westport Garden Club member Winnie Balboni, at Grace Salmon Park.
The passion and mission of the 60 Westport Garden Club members in 2024 remains the same as the founders’ in 1924: to further interest in and knowledge of gardening, horticulture, landscaping and floral design; participate in civic beautification, and promote conservation and environmental education.
The anniversary month kicks off with an open meeting today (Thursday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). In observance of a recent project — the Westport Pollinator Pathway, launched in 2019 with Earthplace and the Wakeman Town Farm — Geordie Elkins will discuss “The Essential Role of Native Plants in our Landscape.” Attendees should RSVP: westportctgardenclub@gmail.com.
Westport Garden Club members beautify downtown …
The Westport Garden Club celebrates Earth Day and National Poetry Month at the Westport Library on April 28 (2 p.m.). Winners of the club’s Youth Poetry Contest will read and participate in a workshop with town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee inspired by the theme “I Spy with My Little Eye… Something Green.”
The annual plant sale is Saturday, May 11 (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jesup Green) It features over 1,000 homegrown perennial plants from members’ own gardens, with a special section of Connective native plants, tomatoes and herbs. Special this year: a collection of unique peonies.
There is also a selection of decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day and more.
… and clean up Grace Salmon Park.
As always, the club will mark in the Memorial Day parade.
Save the date for the Garden Club’s 100th anniversary flower show, “Westport’s Town Treasures.” It’s September 28, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
All year long, when you’re at the entrance to Compo Beach, or pass the Nevada Hitchcock Garden (corner of Cross Highway and Weston Road) or Cam’s Garden in Old Hill on Winding Lane, you can see the club’s work.
The Westport Garden Club always welcomes new members. The only requirement is an interest in gardening and community.
(For more information on the Westport Garden Club, click here. For a history of the club’s first 90 years, click here.)
Significant coastal flooding was expected at high tide tonight (7:35), then again tomorrow morning at 8.
Wind gusts could be up to 60 mph. And up to 3 1/2 inches of rain is expected before it ends tomorrow morning.
Be careful out there!
Old Mill Beach … (Photo/Matt Murray)
… and Compo … (Photo/Lana Diggin)
… and Hillandale Road, between Hillspoint and West Parish Roads. As of 7:30 p.m. there were 48 outages in Westport. By 8:30, the number was “fewer than 3.” (Photo/John Raho, via Facebook)
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As they’ve done at meetings since February — when a Westport couple described racially based incidents directed at their Staples High and Bedford Middle School daughters — parents, students and others have used the public comment time to talk about the treatment of minority students in the district.
