The Planning & Zoning Commission continued its discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal last night.
P&Z members and proponents of the plan — which includes hotel, retail, residential and waterfront space near the train station — spoke about height, floor area ratios and requirements for public open space.
Votes on text and map amendments — necessary for the project to move forward — may be taken at the next P&Z meeting (Monday, December 12).
The last time we checked in with Vivek Kanthan, he had qualified to represent the US in the 2022 ROK Superfinal World Karting Championship in Italy.
He did win. But now the 13-year-old Westporter is a world champion.
Vivek Kanthan: world karting champion.
The venue was South Garda Karting Track in Lonato, Italy. Ninety racers from 25 countries qualified through their own national competitions.
The event is raced over 4 days. Competitors are eliminated, until only 36 drivers remain for the Superfinal world title.
Vivek won all 4 elimination heats, with a perfect score. He was the first American ever to do so.
In a very tactical, skillful and tense Superfinal, he executed a switchback passing maneuver on the last lap, to win by 0.077 seconds. Racers from Australia and Romania were 2nd and 34d, respectively.
Next year, Vivek moves up a race category. He will continue to compete in Europe against the world’s best kart racers. To follow his Instagram, click here.
Westport Book Shop’s December artist exhibitor is Westporter Jarvis Wilcox. Seven oil paintings featuring nature, landscapes and still life are on display in the Jesup Green used book store. A reception is set for December 10 (5 to 7 p.m.).
Wilcox painted in upstate New York for a decade, then in the Hamptons for 25 years. He now lives here, and is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, and Silvermine Guild.
All artwork on display is available for purchase. To see more of his work, click here.
Steve Davis returns to VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Thursday (December 8), for Jazz at the Post. He brings some great collaborators too.
Davis — one of the most widely recorded trombonists today — will feature selections from his latest CD, “Correlations,” and his Grammy Award-winning original compositions.
He’ll be joined by saxophonist/”Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall, pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Jason Clotter and drummer Jason Tiemann.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. There is a $15 cover. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Take a culinary tour of Italy — without leaving Westport.
Chef Robert L. Gorman leads the first in a series of Wakeman Town Farm dinners on January 6 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.).
In Tim’s Kitchen, guests will experience many flavors of Italy. Chef Robert starts with imported salami and cheeses; moves on to tagliatelle Bolognese and a variation on bistecca Fiorentina with gremolata and harvest-roasted vegetables, ending with classic tiramisu. He’ll discuss the background of each course, too.
Click here for tickets ($150 each) and more information.
And finally … today is the 53rd anniversary of Altamont.
On this day in 1969, a free Rolling Stones concert turned violent. 18-year-old Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death by Hells Angels security guards. There were 3 other deaths; scores of injuries; many stolen vehicles, and lots of property damage.
Less than 4 months after Woodstock, Rolling Stone magazine called it “rock and roll’s all-time worst day.”
On Saturday evening, Lynn Untermeyer Miller joined hundreds of other Westporters for our 2nd annual Holiday Stroll.
But while they strolled leisurely between the dozens of stores and restaurants with special offerings — plus Santa, face painters and carolers — Lynn was hard at work.
The talented “06880” photographer has a special fondness for downtown. A Westport native (and 1971 Staples High School graduate), she remembers the days of mom-and-pop shops, and the special energy everyone felt this time of year.
It’s still there. There are many special places to feel it, all around Main Street.
Lynn captured much of the magic Saturday night. Here is some of what she saw:
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker returns, for another Y’s Men of Westport and Weston podcast.
This week she answers questions sent in by residents about traffic impacting the downtown plan, and whether it will include a study.
She also discusses the very important role the Department of Human Services plays in town, offering financial and support services to families in need.
It’s especially important during the holidays, when economic and other pressures are strong. Tooker provides important information about DHS programs, and how to access them.
The Ralphola Taylor Center is a Bridgeport community organization serving low- income children.
They earn points for good behavior during after-school activities, and doing their homework. At the Holiday Store each year, the youngsters redeem their points to buy holidays presents for their families.
It’s a fantastic motivator for good behavior. The children feel proud and empowered to provide joy to their loved ones — which in turn reinforces their good behavior.
There are 2 Westport stores where shoppers can buy items that Ralphola Taylor Center children then “purchase” for their families: Savvy + Grace (146 Main Street) and Awesome Toys (Compo Shopping Center).
You can also order from the stores online. Click here for Savvy + Grace; click here for Awesome Toys.
Savvy + Grace — and Awesome Toys — both help kids and families. Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Speaking of giving: Barbara Tirola was among the many Westporters who dropped off toys this weekend, at the Westport Police Department and Police Athletic League drive for underprivileged children in Fairfield County.
Barbara Tirola and friends.
It’s on next weekend too. Officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — plus cash donations — in the ASF Sports & Outdoors parking lot (1560 Post Road East) Saturday and Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Toy collection boxes are also available all week at:
“Jay Myself” (Saturday, December 10) is an intimate, behind-the-scenes documentary on the fascinating life of photographer and artist Jay Maisel, directed by noted Westport photographer Stephen Wilkes.
The film documents the sale of Maisel’s 35,000-square foot, 100-year-old landmark building in Manhattan (“The Bank”), showing a man grappling with time, life, change and the end of a New York era. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Wilkes.
“The Art of Making It” (Sunday, December 11) examines the lives of 17 compelling young artists navigating emerging careers in the contemporary art world. Who gets seen? Who gets left behind? The screening will be followed by a conversation with the producer, director and featured film artist.
Each event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets include cocktails and light bites. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
And finally … on this day in 1848,President James K. Polk told Congress that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California. The Gold Rush was on!
(“06880” is not looking for pots of gold. However, contributions of any amount are always welcome. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
This year — which despite economic headwinds, was a good one for many Westporters — as we buy presents for loved ones, friends, and people whose good graces we need to keep, we should also think about helping others.
Give what you can.
(Of course, helping them can also ease our own tax burdens a few months from now.)
But who to give to?
Far be it for “06880” to say. So here is a list — off the top of my head — of some worthy local organizations. Each one has a clickable link 🙂
I know I’ve missed some. Rather than bite my head off (very un-Christmas-y), please mention them in the “Comments” section. I’ll add them to this list.
And please: Keep your suggestions local (southern Fairfield County). There are way too many very worthy national and international groups to include. Thank you!
06880: This blog — now a non-profit — sponsors community-wide events. Projects include the Holiday Stroll, an educational seminar at the library, and a soon-to-be announced Westport/Marigny/Ukraine school project. “06880” also publishes this daily blog, to help create community.
Disabilities
Catch a Lift: Westport supports veterans through fitness programs Circle of Friends: Teens work with children with disabilities
CLASP: Group homes and opportunities Club 203: Provides fun, engaging activities for adults with disabilities MyTEAM Triumph: Road race support for children, adults and veterans STAR Lighting the Way: Support for all ages Sweet P Bakery: Provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities; supplies The Porch at Christie’s with delicious baked goods
Triangle Community Center: Providing programs and resources for the LGBTQ+ community Westport Pride: Our town’s own LGBTQ+ organization — sponsors of the June festival, and much more
Literacy
Mercy Learning Center: Life skills training for low-income women Read to Grow: Promoting children’s literacy from birth, supporting parents as babies’ first teachers Westport Book Sales: Providing employment for people with disabilities — and offering books, while providing funds for the Westport Library Westport Library: They do it all!
AWARE: “Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education” Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County: Empowering women by providing professional clothes and other support LiveGirl: Leadership development and mentoring for females, grades 5 through college Malta House: Shelter and programs for young pregnant women and their babies
Generations of Westporters (including yours truly) have jumped off the Sherwood Mill Pond wooden bridge, leading from Old Mill to Compo Cove.
It was done long before I was a kid. And it continues long after.
A “Danger/No Diving or Jumping” sign — installed a couple of summers ago — has done little to deter the age-old fun. In fact, parents sometimes bring their kids, so they too can enjoy the rite of passage.
The sign was last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see). A ton of readers knew where it was — and, presumably, know that a simple sign will not stop such a long-standing (and fun) tradition.
Congratulations to Richard Stein, Matt Murray, Vanessa Bradford, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Ed Sanford, Ed Creevy, Bobbie Herman, Dave Eason, Andrew Colabella, Betty Walker, Jeff Jacobs, Tom Green, Nancie Rinaldi, Adam Starr, Rick Benson and Jim Elkind.
Long may you jump!
This week’s Photo Challenge is much more difficult. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Wendy Schaefer)
(Here’s another challenge: Please support “06880.” Click here to contribute. And thank you!)
Posted onDecember 4, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: James Montgomery, Teens’ Songwriting Workshop, Shrimp Farming …
The “Blue Sunday” concert series at the Westport Library will end with a bang.
World famous blues rocker James Montgomery joins Mark Naftalin’s all-star lineup next week (December 11, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.).
The house band includes Blues Hall of Fame guitarist/singer/songwriter Paul Gabriel, lowdown bassman Paul Opalach, swingin’ drummer Nick Longo and the host: Westport’s own Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin on keyboards.
The show is (amazingly) free, but registration is highly recommended. Last month’s show was completely sold out. Click here to register.
Verso Studios has partnered with the Song Arts Academy, with an 8-week songwriting program for 15 middle and high school students.
The program runs from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, beginning January 30.
It’s free (!), thanks to the support of Fred Reynolds and family. (A refundable $25 registration fee reserves a spot.) .
The workshop offers young songwriters a chance to record songs written in the workshop at Verso Studios.
The program is led by Billy Seidman, a Westport native and veteran New York songwriter, guitarist and producer. He’s worked with Jimi Hendrix, and top pop producers like Jimmy “The Senator” Douglass, (Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams) and Steve Jordan (John Mayer, Keith Richards, Eric Clapton).
Each week, students will learn new craft and perspective tools, then write an original song using them.
John Brawley grew up on Saugatuck Shores. He became a marine biologist, living (and fishing) on Cape Cod for many years.
He now owns Sweet Sound — Vermont’s first shrimp aquaculture outfit. He harvests 100 pounds of Pacific white-leg shrimp each week from indoor, aboveground recirculating saltwater pools.
Brawley was featured in Friday’s Washington Post piece on how the Green Mountain State has pivoted from dairy farms to other types of agriculture. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
But it did not deter the weekly Compo Beach runners. Neither it, nor the wind whipping off the water, deterred them from their jaunt down Soundview Avenue.
The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is spotlighting the Silvermine Art Colony.
Several of those artists lived in Westport between 1908 and 1922: Karl Anderson, George Hand Wright, George Wright Picknell, Ernest Funt and Edmund Marion Ashe. They met frequently, and critiqued each other’s work.
The 2 exhibits feature over 120 pieces of Silvermine artists’ work, including several of those Westporters. One of the standout pieces is Frank Townsend Hutchen’s “Compo Beach Sunset,” from around 1925.
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