Pic Of The Day #2518

Posted on March 10, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2518

It’s been pretty poor weather week. But last Sunday was beautiful. And La Plage at Longshore was already preparing for spring. (Photo/Paul Delano) 

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Posted in Longshore, Pic of the Day, Restaurants

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Photo Challenge #480

Posted on March 10, 2024 | 8 comments

I guess all docks look alike.

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the empty moorings at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. (Click here to see.)

But only Pat Saviano, Andrew Colabella, Michael Szeto, Brandon Malin and Rick Benson nailed it.

Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach, Saugatuck Rowing Club, the river behind The Whelk, and the nearby Longshore Sailing School were other plausible — but wrong — guesses.

This week’s Photo Challenge is (duh) an entrance.

But to what?

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

(Photo/John McKinney)

(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else on “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here for details. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Flooding, Northern Lights …

Posted on March 10, 2024 | 6 comments

Yesterday’s rain was an annoyance to many Westporters.

To residents of Saugatuck Shores, it meant another high tide flood.

This was the scene looking north on Canal Road:

(Photo/Matt Fortuna)

A few hours later, Canal Road looked like this:

(Photo/Yulee Aronson)

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The Brubeck Brothers Quartet rocked the Westport Library last night, for a special fundraiser. Proceeds support the Library’s vast array of free programs and offerings.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is led by Chris (bass and trombone) and Dan Brubeck (drums), sons of the jazz legend who lived in Wilton. They recorded their first album in 1966. Rounding out the group is guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb.

Chris told stories about the family. Home movies added to the warm atmosphere.

The group has performed across North America and Europe, including Newport, Detroit, Montreal, The Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz festivals.

Now they can add the Westport Library to the list.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Last year, 7-year-old Evelyn Sullivan was a leading participant in the Westport Weston Family YMCA Race4Chase triathlon training program. It honors Chase Kowalski, a victim of the Sandy Hook shooting.

Head coach  Robin Myers worked with Evelyn and 18 other youngsters, strengthening their swimming, biking and running skills, while they enjoyed team building and learned about nutrition.

Evelyn and her mother Sarah raised over $700 for the Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski Foundation. Illness and bad weather kept her from her first 2 triathlons, but she’s resilient. She’s ready for this summer.

The Race4Chase program returns to the Y this summer — at no cost to participants. It runs 5 days a week from June 24 to August 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, and registration, click here.

Westport Y 2023 Race4Chase triathlon program participants.

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Sure, the new apartments going up on Wilton Road at Kings Highway North corner have everyone talking about the massive change coming to the already congested intersection, a few yards from wetlands.

But it wouldn’t be worth an “06880” photo without the massive amount of utility lines, hanging all around the site.

(Photo/Terry Brannigan)

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In the waning days of winter, “Northern Lights” come to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

That’s the name of a concert this Friday (March 15, 7:30 p.m.). It features choral and bell music inspired by the Northern Lights, stars and sky, plus music and composers from northern countries.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; click here to purchase. Children and students are free.

Northern Lights

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We’re a long way from Thanksgiving.

But yesterday was Turkey Day at St. Vincent’s Health Services on Long Lots Road.

Meredith Holod caught all the action, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Meredith Holod)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s flock (photo above):

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

 

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, religion, Sports, YMCA

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Women Tee Off At Birchwood Country Club

Posted on March 10, 2024 | 5 comments

Kammy Maxfeldt‘s retirement at the end of last season, after 21 years as Birchwood Country Club‘s head pro, left huge golf shoes to fill.

Kammy Maxfeldt

She was a beloved teacher, a great golfer, and a wonderful friend to all.

After an exhaustive search, Birchwood has found its woman.

After 19 years as the lead assistant at Fenway Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, Wendy Modic will take over here.

She never expected to make the move. She says:

“The reality is, it’s more challenging to be a female head professional than it is to be a male just because it is what it is. I always thought that I didn’t really want the headache. I love teaching. I love doing what I’m doing. I like being a #2.”

She was already doing many of a head pro’s jobs, and enjoyed them — especially mentoring. But then Wendy went to Kammy’s retirement party, in October.

She was “taken aback and impressed” by the support in the room. She wished she had applied — but the process was already underway.

Wendy Modic

A PGA consultant advised her to send in her resume. Wendy’s accomplishments — including 4-time Metropolitan PGA Women’s Player of the Year and the 2020 Met PGA’s Women’s Championship — were impressive.

So was her inclusion on Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State list.

Wendy looks forward to teaching, owning the golf shop — and more.

Only 2 other women — Angela Aulenti at Sterling Farms in Stamford and Kelley Brooke at Bethpage State Park and Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course on Long Island – are head pros/directors of golf among all tri-state Metropolitan Golf Association clubs.

Those are public courses. Wendy is the only female head pro at a private club.

But that’s nothing new for Birchwood members. As they wish Kammy Maxfeldt well in retirement after more than 2 decades in charge, they welcome Wendy Modic to stay the course.

(For more information from the Metropolitan Golf Association, click here.)

(“06880” covers sports, people, organizations and much more. We are “Where Westport Meets the World.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2517

Posted on March 9, 2024 | 3 comments

Gloria — Alan Sterling’s beloved oyster boat — is on her last legs, on the shore of Gray’s Creek (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge Comments, MoCA, YMCA, RFK …

Posted on March 9, 2024 | 31 comments

The Western Connecticut Council of Government and South Western Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization have endorsed a state Department of Transportation request for $4.1 million for the right of way and design phase of rehabilitation or renovation of the William F. Cribari Bridge. (Click here to read the draft report.)

Public input is invited in several ways:

  • A Zoom meeting this Thursday (March 14, noon). The meeting ID is 835 3614 6030.
  • A meeting this Tuesday (March 12, 7 p.m., Ferguson Library, Stamford).

People wishing to speak at either meeting should email plan@westcog.org. Include your name and the subject you will speak on.

Comments on the bridge project can also be emailed to plan@westcog.org, sent to Western Connecticut Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482, or phoned in to 475-323-2071. The deadline is noon on April 1.

William F. Cribari Bridge (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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MoCA Westport is gearing up for spring and summer.

Among the offerings:

  • Recess Art Camps (April 15-19, ages 4-7)
  • Artisan Workshop Series
  • Paint Nights for Teens (Fridays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
  • Paint Nights for Adults (Thursdays, 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Summer Art Workshops for Kids (ages 8-12)
  • Camp MoCA

For information on these programs and other MoCA events, click here.

MoCA Westport

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Four Westport artists — all anti-gun violence advocates, and part of the current “In Our Hands: Gun Culture in America” exhibit at Bridgeport’s Metro Studios — will discuss their work this Sunday (March 10, 2 p.m.).

Miggs Burroughs, Darcy Hicks, Daniel Recinos and Tammy Winser share their thoughts, influences and processes.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted to benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.

The exhibit runs through March 16.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 8th annual golf tournament is May 20, at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.

Funds raised will benefit their financial assistance program, which last year provided support to over 400 families.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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One of the most popular “06880” features is photos of Westporters who think they can park anywhere they want.

But they’re not our only entitled neighbors (or, perhaps, ourselves). Consider this person, who was considerate enough to pick up his pooch’s poop (odds are, someone was watching), yet could not be bothered to dispose of it properly.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

And we wonder why kids don’t clean their rooms …

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will require 12,000 signatures to get on the Connecticut presidential primary ballot, as an independent candidate.

Alert “06880” reader Jan Carpenter knows he is a controversial figure.

But, as volunteers fan out with petitions, she says: “This is democracy in action.”

When volunteers in Westport ask for signatures, she hopes residents will be kind.

“If you don’t approve, they will simply thank you and allow you to get on with your day,” she says. “If you sign, they will thank you as well. If you sign, you are not committing to vote for anyone in particular this fall. You are simply signing to endorse democracy and choice.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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The weather hasn’t been great for humans these past few days.

But some creatures don’t mind at all. Michael Fortuna spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” models on Saugatuck Shores.

(Photo/Matt Fortuna)

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And finally … Steve Lawrence died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 88, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

In a long career, including with his wife Eydie Gorme, he “kept pop standards in vogue long past their prime and took America on musical walks down memory lane,” the New York Times says. Click here for a full obituary.

(More meh weekend weather — and another chance to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation, Westport life, YMCA

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Online Art Gallery #204

Posted on March 9, 2024 | 1 comment

Spring is coming … really!

Our online art gallery artists know it. Or at least, they’re hopeful too.

Every week, they send colorful work reminding us of the beauty of life’s renewal.

But no matter what your theme, or medium — and whether you’re a first-timer or oldtimer: We welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

Untitled — Artist Dorothy Robertshaw says, “this encaustic wax painting looks like our sea shore of late … spring is coming!”

“Flowers in Bloom — A Sign of Spring” (Diane Yormark)

“Firenze” (Patricia McMahon)

“Can You Find the Mouse?” — digital illustration (Ken Runkel)

Photographer Jo Ann Miller calls this “a final tribute to Kelley Spearen, with our favorite ‘Marilyn.'”

“1915 Ford Model T” (Peter Barlow)

“School’s Out!” (Ellen Wentworth)

“Untitled” — This work by French artist (and physician) D. Caudron is on view new at Westport River Gallery.

“Aerin’s Copacetic Mountains” — watercolor (Aerin Stein, 12 years old)

“Tree of Peace — pencil and crayon (Steve Stein)

“La Danse” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Jeepers!

Posted on March 9, 2024 | 2 comments

Is Staples High School the Jeep capital of the world?

Dave Briggs wanted to find out.

The well-known Westporter — a national broadcaster with CNN, NBC Sports, Fox News and Turner Sports; marketing executive with Cann Social Tonic, the micro-dosed THC and CBD drink; Westport Library board member and, later this month, Fashionably Westport MC — took a tour of the school’s parking areas, including Bedford Middle School where juniors park.

Of 133 cars, he counted 33 Jeeps. That’s almost exactly 25% — 1 in 4.

Actually, there were 34.

If you count the Jeep Dave was driving.

(Does content like this — and everything else we post — “drive” you to support “06880”? To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Staples HS, Totally random, Transportation, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #2516

Posted on March 8, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2516

Low tide at Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Wendy Levy)

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[OPINION] Store Owners Offers Considerations For Downtown Parking

Posted on March 8, 2024 | 30 comments

Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton says, “when I speak to people in my store, most are not aware that redoing the Parker Harding lot will cause us to lose 45 parking spaces, in an already parking supply-challenged area.” 

Prior to the Board of Finance meeting this week, at which members approved $630,000 to redesign the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, she emailed members. Annette said: 

I am proud to be a Westport resident and business owner. Downtown is one of the jewels of Westport, and should be cherished and not taken for granted.

That said, our downtown is in a precarious position. None of the people behind this request are retailers, and therefore may not truly understand the impact and inner workings of the redevelopment.

Site plan for Jesup Green parking area. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

The parking situation has long been a challenge. With increased population comes space constraints and congestion. Aside from the parking dilemma, downtown brick and mortar retailers face fierce competition from online shopping. These are threatening the viability of downtown businesses.

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, with the director of Public Works, agreed to add parking spaces at Jesup and Imperial, after much opposition, in an attempt to make up for the 45 spaces that will be lost with the redesign of Parker Harding parking lot.

I believe caveats should be put in place prior to approval. This ask is only the first phase for what will ultimately be the redesign of the Parker Harding lot, in which 45 parking spaces will be lost.

  1. There should be signs should be placed downtown to inform drivers so they know where additional parking can be found.
  2. There should be signs to indicate fines if drivers exceed the 3-hour minimum.
  3. DPIC plans to put in underground scanners at Parker Harding to fine drivers if they exceed the 3 hour time limit. I believe the funds  should be used to invest in technology in the form of a parking app, and eliminate the 3 hours limitation as it will hurt businesses.

As the vice president of the Westport Downtown Association, I support the use of metered parking, and am in favor of the WDA managing it to relieve the burden from the town. Please note that the WDA already manages the refuse program downtown, and funds are used for beautification and downtown events.

The logistics of the metered parking maintenance arrangement between the WDA and town should be discussed. Every major downtown has parking in place using a mobile app: Fairfield, New Canaan, Greenwich, Bronxville and Larchmont to name a few.

Finally, I am not in favor of limiting parking to 3 hours. This is a deterrent for shoppers and diners. Dining in a restaurant takes 2.5 hours. When shopping is factored in, that’s well in excess of 3 hours. It’s unrealistic expectations.

It is important that retailers be engaged in these crucial decisions. Their input is critical to keep businesses from moving away from Westport. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Local politics

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