Roundup: Tulips, Solar Eclipse, Puppy Adoptions …

Posted on April 5, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s tulip time!

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

=================================================

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.

(Photo/EJ Crawford)

==================================================

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

=================================================

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.

Sneak peak at the solar eclipse.

==================================================

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.

Everyone needs a dog. (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

==================================================

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)

===============================================

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

================================================

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:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

[OPINIONS] 2 Views On Downtown Parking Plans And Process

Posted on April 5, 2024 | 5 comments

The long debate over downtown parking continues.

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.

Here is a deck with pertinent excerpts.

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!)

5 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Pic Of The Day #2543

Posted on April 4, 2024 | 2 comments

Burying Hill Beach today, after yesterday’s storm (Photo/Ed Simek)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged

Dog Walkers, Joggers, Gardeners Face New School Restrictions

Posted on April 4, 2024 | 29 comments

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.

 

 

29 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Inn At Longshore, Chuck D, Playhouse Piano …

Posted on April 4, 2024 | 16 comments

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.

================================================

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)

=================================================

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.

To receive the streaming link, click here.

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:

  • 9-foot Steinway Model D concert grand
  • 9-foot Yamaha Model C series (CFX)
  • 7-foot Steinway Model B classic grand
  • 7-foot Yamaha Model C series (CF6).

If you — or someone you know — is downsizing, or for any other reason can donate a piano, email westportcountryplayhousepiano@gmail.com.

It may not be done in time for Judy Collins’ show on April 12. But Bernadette Peters is at the Playhouse May 19.

And many more talented acts follow.

Your piano could be on the Westport Country Playhouse stage.

==================================================

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.

Click here for the full Soap Opera Digest story.

Jamie Martin Mann (Photo courtesy of XJJohnson/jpistudios.com)

==================================================

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)

==================================================

Splash of Pink is celebrating over 2 decades in business, with an expansion just in time for Mother’s Day.

The family-owned Playhouse Square store hosts a “grand re-opening” celebration on May 1 (2 to 7 p.m.).

They’ll also offer special promotions, discounts and events throughout May, in honor of their 20-year anniversary.

Click here for Splash of Pink’s Facebook page. Click here for their Instagram.

Splash of Pink

================================================

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.

=================================================

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. 

Click here for tickets, and more information.

See you Friday at the Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse!

================================================

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.”

=================================================

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
  • Failure to return plates: 1

Slow down when approaching a school zone!

==================================================

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.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

==================================================

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!)

16 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Longshore, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Westport Garden Club: 100 Years Of Gorgeous Growth

Posted on April 4, 2024 | 1 comment

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.)

1 Comment

Posted in Environment

Tagged ,

Pics Of The Day #2542

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 5 comments

Today’s weather was nasty.

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)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Weather

Tagged , ,

Unsung Hero #329

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 13 comments

Longtime Westporter Katie Augustyn nominates Rob Hauck as this week’s Unsung Hero. She writes:

Rob has been a member of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club since 2011. As chair of its Hands-On Committee, he organizes and manages all of our club’s community service activities.

These include our annual Read Aloud Day in the Bridgeport Public Schools; the Exit 17 cleanup we do each spring; Rotary Day of Service, such as cleaning elderly residents’ property; serving dinner at the Gillespie Center the first Saturday of each month; hosting a 4th of July barbecue for Homes with Hope clients, and our Food Drive in conjunction with the Westport Police Department at Stop & Shop 2 or 3 times a year, to provide much-needed food for Homes with Hope’s food pantry.

Rob Hauck with collections at the Stop & Shop food drive …

Rob works tirelessly at all of these activities, especially the Food Drive. The last one he organized (and worked all day at) was the Saturday before the Super Bowl.

It was a huge success. We collected 600 bags of groceries for the HWH food pantry, plus $1,188.17 in cash donations.

Rob also chairs the Rotary Club Sunshine Committee. In that role he reaches out to any member who needs support when they or a family member is ill, or there is a death in the family, or just to check in if we haven’t seen them at a meeting recently. Rob is such a caring person, so this is another perfect role for him.

Rob never seeks attention for any of his volunteer work. He does it all quietly and efficiently, because that’s who he is. He truly enjoys helping other people, and giving back to the community. Nothing makes him happier!

… and (right) with Jim Ezzes, at the Gillespie Center.

Rob’s full-time job is branch manager at Webster Bank on the Post Road near downtown. He is extremely helpful to all the customers, dedicated to serving them and ensuring their satisfaction.

He has many loyal banking customers because he goes out of his way to help with whatever they need (especially after the recent merger, which I experienced first hand). Rob has the patience of a saint.

Rob Hauck is an exemplary Westporter who works for the good of others, and does not expect or want recognition. He is definitely an Unsung Hero of our community.

If you know an unsung hero, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

(Unsung Hero is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

13 Comments

Posted in Unsung Heroes

Tagged ,

Roundup: We Voted! VersoFest! New Poet Laureate! …

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 1 comment

Connecticut’s presidential primary ended yesterday.

No surprise: Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective parties’ votes.

In the Democratic primary, Biden collected 710 votes. There were 29 ballots cast for “Uncommitted,” 7 for Marianne Williamson, and 3 for Dean Phillips.

In the Republican primary, Trump got 184 votes. There were 72 ballots for Nikki Haley, 23 for “Uncommitted,” and 4 for Ron DeSantis.

Statewide, Biden and Trump also prevailed, with about 85% and 78% of their respective parties’ votes. Only 1.4% of the state’s voters participated.

But there was one surprise: In the first-ever week of early voting, Westport had the third highest turnout of voters in the entire state.

Hamden led with 1,197 early voters. Wallingford was next, with 506.

Westport was not far behind: 460 residents cast early ballots (361 Democrats, 99 Republicans).

As Election Day voting began (background of the photo below), Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas presented a (tiny) trophy to Westport’s registrars of voters: Democrat Deborah Greenberg (left) and Republican Maria Signore.

==================================================

VersoFest 2024 kicks off today (Wednesday, April 3).

It’s the first of 5 days celebrating music, media, and creativity, with concerts, panels, workshops and more.

The Westport Library’s annual music and media conference and festival is “where knowledge is shared and inspiration is discovered — a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.”

Up to 6,000 guests are expected.

Headliners include Chuck D (Public Enemy), producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex), drummer John Densmore (The Doors), plus Cindy and Dennis Dunaway, Tish & Snooky of Manic Panic, the Cold Crush Brothers, Tony Tone, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and author Audrey Golden.

This year’s shows include the Thursday night kickoff with the Lemon Twigs, and Friday’s concert headlined by the Spin Doctors.

Click here for the schedule, and more details.

 

==================================================

2-4-6-8
Westport needs a new poet laureate!

Okay, that won’t get me the job. But if you’re more qualified than I:

It’s National Poetry Month, and the town has begun searching for a new poet laureate. Current poet Jessica Noyes McEntee’s 2-year appointment ends July 1.

He or she serves as a cultural ambassador, promoting poetry appreciation and literacy throughout town.

The ideal candidate is a published poet with a strong connection to Westport, and a passion for sharing their love of poetry with others.

The Poet Laureate is responsible for creating and delivering original poems for significant civic events, hosting workshops and readings, and collaborating with local schools and organizations.

Click here for more information, and the application. The deadline is May 10.

Questions? Email waac@westportct.gov, with the subject line “Poet.”

Westport’s first and second poet laureates Diane Lowman (left) and Jessie Noyes McEntee on the Westport Library screen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

Tomorrow (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.) is when Westport Police Department officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.

Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.

=================================================

Aaron Fortunoff is a Staples High School freshman. His brother Brett Fortunoff is in 7th grade at Bedford Middle School. Both boys have big hearts and great goals. They write:

“In the spirit of giving and being thankful, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate and fail to receive a proper daily breakfast — the most important meal of the day.

“So we teamed up with a non-profit called Cereal4All that helps provide cereals to local food pantries. We hope ‘06880’ readers can help us with this important cause.

“For local readers, we will be by both entrances of Stop & Shop this Sunday (April 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We will then deliver the collected cereal to food pantries in Fairfield County.

“There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.

“For readers who are not local, we created an Amazon wish list you can donate to.  Also, you can Venmo our mother: @lauriefortunoff. She will buy cereal with the money raised:  You can also click here and donate directly to the charity. The donation is tax deductible.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, at their first Cereal4All drive last year.

=================================================

The Westport Astronomical Society shines a light on the early universe, at their next free online lecture series.

Robert A. Simcoe, director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, discusses “Science in the Early Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope” (April 16, 8 p.m.).

He studies the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies by constructing custom-built spectrometers for major astronomical observatories.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for the YouTube livestream.

Just another view of outer space.

==================================================

The Fresh Market ospreys are not our only raptors.

The Sherwood Island Mill Pond birds of prey are back too on the west side, opposite the oyster house, Chris Swan says.

The other two nearby nests — one near I-95 accessible from Grove Point Road, the other opposite the Nature Center in the Sherwood Island State Park salt marsh — appear to have occupants, though Chris says the combination of clouds and his weak eyes preclude a definite “yes.”

The nearby Burying Hill platform appears empty, Chris says.

Sherwood Island Mill Pond osprey nest. (Photo/Chris Swan)

=================================================

In 2021, Westporters Eva Grant-Rawiszer and Diana Sussman created — with 2 other women — “Virtually Ours.”

Our show was created in 2021.

The musical rom-com about 5 very busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an unusual AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate was selected by the Spark Theater Festival New York City.

It was presented last month to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.

Click here for highlights. Click below for the sizzle reel.

==================================================

Longtime Westport resident Winifred Keane passed away peacefully Monday, in Wallingford. She was 93.

She was born in Beijing in 1931, where her father was a naval doctor. She had an itinerant childhood. The family eventually settled in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

In 1952 Winifred earned a BFA degree in voice and composition from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her first husband, CommonFund founder George Keane. They had three children: award-winning composer and musician Brian Keane; cellist Geoffrey Keane, and physical therapist, Dr. Sheila Keane.

After moving to the Berkshires as a new mother, Winifred directed a church choir. She sang and composed music for them, and won 2 scholarships to Tanglewood.

Moving to Westport in 1957, Winifred studied voice with Metropolitan Opera bass Alexander Kipnis. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as lyric soprano in 1962 to critical acclaim.

Winifred performed her compositions in concert halls including Columbia and Yale Universities, Lincoln Center and the Charles Ives Festival in Danbury.

After obtaining teaching certification in music from Western Connecticut State University she taught children in New Canaan, and adults at Fairfield University. She also had private students, and ran The Creative Music Studio in Westport for several years. Later, she took up the French horn and played in bands, orchestras and solo recitals.

Winifred received an MFA degree in composition from Sarah Lawrence College. Her woodwind and percussion compositions were premiered there under Saul Goodman of the New York Philharmonic in 1972.

Her interest in world music drew her to sing Indian ragas at Wesleyan University, and folk songs in Mandarin with Chinese traditional instrumentalists.

She was the recipient of commissions, awards and prizes for her compositions from the Westport Arts Center, the National League of American Pen Women, and the National Endowment of the Arts. Her composition “International Greeting” was commissioned by the US Coast Guard Band.

She wrote compositions for opera, oratorio, choral, songs, orchestra, band, instrumental, sacred music, electronic and microtonal music. One of her more renowned pieces involved electronically processed recordings of Siamese cats, with vocal soloist and Moog synthesizer, which was choreographed for ballet.

She was a  founding member of Connecticut Composers Inc. Later, she became  interested in poetry, and was published by the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts.

Winifred lived in Westport for 54 years, before moving to Ashlar Village in Wallingford in 2011.

She was a long-time member of the Religious Society of Friends in Wilton and Middletown. She was a prominent member in Al-Anon. When she moved to Ashlar Village she got involved with various arts and poetry groups.

Winifred Keane was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine Morey and Jean Albright; her ex-husbands George Keane and Harvey Brickman, and long-time companion and fellow Westporter Walter Schlenker. She is survived by her  children Brian, Geoffrey and Sheila; grandchildren Wylder and Dylan Keane, and sisters Mary Weightman, Barbara Schauber and Carol Amling.

A memorial service is set for Sunday, April 7 (2 p.m., Chapel at Masonicare Health Center, Ashlar Village, Wallingford; click here for the livestream.

There will be a smaller Quaker memorial at Wilton Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 13 (2 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Wilton Quaker Meeting to support programs for social justice, environmental activism and education.

Winifred Keane

=============================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows spring trying hard to arrive at Covlee Drive on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Westport’s search for a new poet laureate (story above) — and Sunday’s story about Phil Ochs — let’s listen to the folk singer’s haunting rendition of Alfred Noyes’ classic poem “The Highwayman”:

(Wow! We crammed a ton into today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or anything else about “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

1 Comment

Posted in Entertainment, Obituaries, Police

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

After Life-Changing Battle, Jessica Branson Stands Stronger Than Ever

Posted on April 3, 2024 | 5 comments

It’s hard to imagine a Westporter more active, engaged and upbeat than Jessica Branson.

The 1996 Staples High School graduate — a former soccer and volleyball player — worked in Australia after Colgate University. Moving back here, she spent over 2 decades in advertising and marketing. She helped build a variety of brands, including Coke, Jeep and Trojan.

Always healthy, she didn’t think much of some stomach problems in the winter of 2021.

But after a couple of months she lost motor functions. She dropped cups, fell often, then could not even walk.

No one could figure out what was happening

Finally, on Jessica’s second visit to Norwalk Hospital, a neurologist said, “I’m 99% certain you have Guillain-Barré Syndrome.”

Jessica had never heard of the rare autoimmune disorder. It affects 1 to 2 people out of every 100,000.

But it was clear: Her body was fighting its own nervous system.

Despite intense pain, Jessica Branson managed a smile.

She began intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Healthy antibodies quieted her angry ones.

But she was paralyzed from shoulders down. The disease deprived her of her mobility, yet her nerves continued to fire signals. They tingled, all over her body. 

The pain was “excruciating,” she says. Her body felt like it was constantly vibrating.

Though the disease is related to ALS and multiple sclerosis, it attacks the peripheral — not the central — nervous system.

The good news is, 85% of Guillain-Barré patients respond to treatment.

The bad news: It takes a long time. GBS, it is said, stands for “Get Better Slowly.”

After 2 weeks in Norwalk Hospital, Jessica was transferred to Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford for rehabilitation.

She had to learn how to pick up a pencil, take a shower — and walk — again.

Fortunately, the GBS had not affected her mouth. Some patients can’t swallow or breathe, and need speech therapy.

“I was 41 years old. I laughed at the doctor when he said it would take 1 to 2 years” to recover, she said.

Jessica Branson today.

Three years later, she’s not yet fully healed.

After 4 months at Gaylord, Jessica returned to her Newtown Turnpike home. She spent the first year in a wheelchair.

Thankfully, she says, her home has just one floor. She and her husband had never considered mobility issues when they bought it.

It was mid-summer, 2021. COVID was still rampant. No one could visit.

Her friends did what they could. She is grateful for the community outpouring of support.

At Christmastime, they decorated her ramp so it looked beautiful — “just like Terrain.”

Jessica Branson’s neighbors raised her holiday spirits.

Still, it took well over a year before she could drive again. Her feet could not feel the pedals.

Throughout her ordeal, Jessica’s spirit never wavered.

Now, as she re-emerges into the world, she wants one thing: to give back.

She is guiding another woman — a 42-year-old Westport mom — through her own long journey with GBS.

The morning we spoke, Jessica had been at Gaylord Hospital, helping strategize a fundraising campaign.

She works with a national foundation. And she’s helping doctors at Yale and Massachusetts General with their clinical studies.

She’s back at work professionally, too.

Jessica created Branson Growth Consulting with a simple vision: to help businesses and individuals grow, by telling their stories.

“You never know when your story will become someone else’s survival guide,” she says, quoting author Brené Brown.

Jessica Branson’s mantra.

She works with local non-profits like Staples Tuition Grants, Homes with Hope and Positive Directions, to get their stories in front of the community.

And she is writing a book about “the view of the word from 3 feet” — a wheelchair — to educate readers about GBS, and champion solutions for the disabled community.

If you look at Jessica today, it’s hard to see anything wrong. “My motor side has recovered,” she says. “But my sensory side has not. I still feel disconnected from my feet. I’m a former athlete, and I’m re-learning the basics of how to balance myself, and how to walk.”

For someone who always felt so connected to her body, that disassociation is both “horrible, and humbling.”

It would have been easy to feel sorry for herself, or become depressed. But, Jessica says, “that wouldn’t have helped. I couldn’t do anything, so all I had were my thoughts. I decided to think about recovery.”

She recognizes the advantages she had — the resources to be in a hospital; a motorized wheelchair, and someone to push it — and says, “I have my voice. Now I’m looking for my stage.”

(Click here, to see a News12 story on Jessica Branson.)

(“06880” often posts stories of remarkable Westporters or Staples graduates — or both, like Jessica Branson. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Local business

Tagged , ,