Pic Of The Day #1752

Posted on February 2, 2022 | 4 comments

Saugatuck River scene (Photo/Dawn Sullivan)

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Unsung Heroes #225

Posted on February 2, 2022 | 13 comments

Sure, this Unsung Hero story ran previously.

But our plow guys don’t deserve just a one-off. They’re there when we need them, year after year. So get off your plow, and take a bow!

This hasn’t been the worst winter.

But it hasn’t been the best. We’ve had several snowfalls, with a decent number of inches.

Each time, we’ve been out and about quickly.

Thanks to our plow guys.

Some work for the state Department of Transportation, or Westport Public Works. Others are private — employed by landscaping or other companies, or completely on their own.

All are crucial.

We seldom see them. We’re inside, drinking cocoa. Or asleep.

There’s a real art to clearing roads and driveways, efficiently and quickly. I can’t imagine what a mess I’d make if I tried. Very quickly, I’d need to be plowed out myself.

We never know how much we need our plow guys, until we do.

Thanks to all, for all you do, for all of us.

I just hope we don’t see you again until 2023.

PS: Want to give your own favorite snow plower a personal shout-out? Click “Comments” below.

(To recommend an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)

 (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

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Roundup: D-I Athletes, Shoveled Sidewalk, Happy 95th …

Posted on February 2, 2022 | 3 comments

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A record-tying 13 Staples High School student-athletes signed letters of intent yesterday, to play sports at NCAA Division I schools.

Principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director Marty Lisevick praised the 12th graders. Each was introduced by his or her coach; each also thanked the many people who helped them on their journeys.

Congratulations to soccer player Gaby  Gonzalez (Cornell University); field hockey player Jess Leon (Bucknell University); baseball player JW Fitzgerald (Sacred Heart University); lacrosse players Aiden Best (Lafayette College), Gabe Chinitz (Bryant University),  McKenzie Didio and Mia Didio (both University of Delaware), Henry Dodge (University of Vermont), Charlie Howard (Boston Univesity); softball player Gabby Lantier (University of Rhode Island), tennis players Tighe Brunetti (Villanova University) and Amelia Galin (Colgate University), and track athlete Tatum Havemann (Elon University).

Staples athletic director Marty Lisevick addresses one group of D-I signees ….

… as the other group looks waits their turn.

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Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup included a photo from Amy Shapiro, showing an Easton Road sidewalk near Coleytown Elementary School that was still filled with snow, 72 hours after the storm.

Shortly thereafter, she sent a follow-up shot. Lookin’ good!

(Photo/Amy Shapiro)

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The Senior Center reopened for guests on Monday, after a month-long COVID hiatus.

Carl Frey was there yesterday, celebrating his 95th birthday. Welcome back, all!

Carl Frey blowing out birthday candles with (from right) his wife Iris, and Senior Center director Sue Pfister.

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Baby, it’s cold it’s outside.

But the Westport Farmers’ Market‘s “Operation Warm Hug” helps vulnerable children and adults who need clothes to get through winter. This month, they hold a coat and accessories drive, to benefit Community Coat Corners of Bridgeport.

New and gently worn winter coats, scarves, hats, mittens and gloves will be accepted on Thursdays, February 10 and 17 (Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

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As noted above: Yeah, it’s cold. But it’s not too early to begin thinking about summer.

Registration is already open for Camp MoCA. Weekly sessions run at the Museum of Contemporary Art Newtown Avenue campus from June 6 to August 22.

Each week includes art activities, hands-on agricultural and gardening lessons, outdoor fun and special events. Campers also engage with MoCA’s art exhibitions. The camp is led by certified art instructors.

The schedule includes a full day camp (ages 3 1/2 to 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.); half day camp (same ages, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), and an afternoon intensive art camp for ages 9 to 12 (1 to 3 p.m.). Click here for more information, or call 203-222-7070.

Fun at Camp MoCA.

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The Westport Book Shop’ February guest artist is Niki Ketchman.

All month at the used book store on Jesup Road, she’s exhibiting pieces from her “Resination” series. That’s a play on words like “resonations,” “resolutions,” “renovations” and “realizations” In addition, each piece is created with resin.

Niki Ketchman and her work, at the Westport Book Shop.

The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is the thriller “Murder by Misadventure,” by Edward Taylor. It’s set for a live audience on February 21 (7 p.m.) The performance will be available too for on-demand streaming at home, from February 24 to February 27.

Script in Hand play readings offer intimate storytelling, as professional actors bring the words to life without sets or costumes.

Tickets for the live event are $20. Patrons must be masked and show proof of vaccination. Tickets for on-demand streaming are $20 individual, $40 pair and $80 household. Each purchase entitles the buyer to an individual link. Click here for tickets, call(203-227-4177, or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.

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The Westport Astronomical Society explores Venus — from the comfort of everyone’s home.

The next free online lecture is “The DAVINCI Mission to Mars.” NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Dr. Giada Nichole Arney does the honors on February 15 (8 p.m.).

Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.

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“Westport … Naturally” has featured plenty of swans. This may be the first appearance, though, of buffleheads. Matt Murray captured them — by camera, anyway — at Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally: It’s the Chinese New Year — the Year of the Tiger!

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Posted in Arts, Children, Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Westport Boards And Commissions: From A(rchitectural Review) To Z(oning Appeals)

Posted on February 2, 2022 | 9 comments

A recent legal challenge to the makeup of TEAM Westport — the town’s multicultural commission — shined a light on local government.

Seven boards or commissions are elected by voters. Members “must be” registered Westport voters. Those boards are:

  • Board of Assessment Appeals
  • Board of Education
  • Board of Finance
  • Board of Selectwomen
  • Planning and Zoning Commission
  • Representative Town Meeting
  • Zoning Board of Appeals

In addition, voters choose the Probate Court judge, and the Democratic and Republican Registrars of Voters.

The RTM — Westport’s “city council” — includes 36 members, from 9 voting districts. Elections are non-partisan.

However, much of the government work is done by appointed boards and commissions. Members are chosen by the 1st selectperson, and “shall be” residents of and registered voters in Westport.

Those 45 groups make suggestions and decisions — usually advisory — covering a wide swath of Westport life. They include arts, aesthetics, recreation, the police, education, youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities, the environment, animals, downtown, housing, the water, mental health and conservation:

The only member of any of the elected and appointed boards who receives a salary for service is the first selectperson. (The other 2 members of that board receive a very small stipend. Board of Assessment Appeals members receive an even tinier stipend: $200 each.)

Everyone else is a volunteer.

To learn more about Westport’s elected and appointed officials, click here.

The Westport Youth Commission dates back to the late 1960s.

 

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Pic Of The Day #1751

Posted on February 1, 2022 | 1 comment

Frozen morning on Cross Highway (Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

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RTM Ordinance Writer Says: TEAM Westport Always “Advisory Only”

Posted on February 1, 2022 | 18 comments

In the wake of threat of legal action against TEAM Westport, one of the original sponsors of the town’s multicultural commission says: Not so fast.

As a member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in August 2005, Ann Sheffer says she and her husband, Bill Scheffler — a fellow member — wrote the ordinance establishing the organization.

They authored 2 others during their tenure too — for the Arts Advisory Committee, and the International Hospitality Committee.

All were approved by the RTM. What all 3 share, Sheffer says, is that they have “absolutely no authority or even membership requirements.” All are “completely advisory.'”

The language adopted by the RTM reads:

The Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism (TEAM) Westport Committee is hereby established, to be appointed by the First Selectman, in order to advise the appropriate Town officials as to specific actions that may be taken to achieve and celebrate a more welcoming, multicultural Westport/Weston community. This Committee’s recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

TEAM Westport was accepted by the RTM on August 2, 2005, and became effective 10 days later. It had been established as an ad hoc group by First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell in 2003. Her successors — Gordon Joseloff, Jim Marpe and now Jen Tooker — have supported the committee.

The Arts Advisory Committee was established in 1997. The RTM adopted this language:

The First Selectman is hereby authorized to establish an Arts Advisory Committee in order to advise the appropriate Town officials as to the preservation and promotion of the artistic heritage of the Town. This Committee’s recommendation shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

The International Hospital Committee language says:

An International Hospitality Committee is hereby established, to be appointed by the First Selectman, in order to advise the appropriate Town officials as to activities in the Town related to the United Nations and international visitors. This Committee’s recommendations shall not be binding but shall be of an advisory nature only.

 

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Roundup: Snowy Sidewalks, Gatsby In Connecticut, Hunt Club …

Posted on February 1, 2022 | 1 comment

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Amy Shapiro writes:

“I love a snow day with my kids. However, it becomes quite an obstacle when my children and I have to walk to school each morning, and the town neglects to plow our sidewalk on Easton Road right by Coleytown Elementary.

“We live a 4-minute walk to CES, and do our part to alleviate traffic and try to save the environment by walking to school in almost all weather conditions.

“However, the town seems to forget about plowing our sidewalk for days (and yes, this is the town’s responsibility; the sidewalk in front of our home has been plowed on our dime — we know the rules), causing us to trudge through snow on our way to school or risk our lives walking the white line on Easton Road.

“My neighbors and I have called several times. Sidewalks near schools should be a priority!”

(Photo/Amy Shapiro)

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Jay Gatsby was larger than life. So was his creator, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Next week, you’ve got a chance to watch “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story” on the much-larger-than-life Westport Library Trefz Forum screen.

Robert Steven Williams’ documentary chronicling F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s time in Westport, and its impact on his classic novel — with Sam Waterston as the writer, and voiceover by Keir Dullea —  will be shown on February 9 (7 p.m.).

The New Yorker selection as one of the best movies of 2020 will be followed by a discussion with director Williams and executive producer Richard “Deej” Webb, author of the film’s companion book “Boats Against the Current.”

Click here to register for the program.

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The Fairfield County Hunt Club has a new general manager. Mario DiPreta will oversee the staff of nearly 100, a membership of almost 200 families, and be responsible for long-term planning, dining, socializing and athletics, including nationally recognized horseback competitions.

Most recently, DiPreta was CEO and general manager of the prestigious West Side Tennis Club & Forest Hills Stadium. He has a degree in culinary arts. His 11-year-old daughter competes in regional equestrian events.

Outgoing CEO Carla Nelson was rewarded with an honorary FCHC membership. She joined the club in 1985 as a pastry and line chef, then took over as general manager 8 years later.

To learn more about the Fairfield County Hunt Club, click here.

Mario DiPreta

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David Loffredo sends along this photo, with the pithy caption: “If 2022 was a picture …”

(Photo/David Loffredo)

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Yogi Bear stars in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. He enjoys the snow!

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … Black History Month begins today. Here are 3 very powerful songs to usher it in.

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Library, Looking back, Sports, Transportation, Weather

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De Tapas: Spanish Gastrobar Graces Downtown

Posted on February 1, 2022 | 2 comments

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Or tapas.

In 2015, Carlos Pia quit a high-powered career in finance. The Barcelona native had spent 12 years in Ireland, where he married and had twin boys. Then came a stint in Miami, where he ran South American operations for Oracle, and a move to Greenwich when he joined a New York private equity firm.

But Carlos enjoys other activities. He’s a triathlete. And he loves to cook. He was the one to make holiday meals, and try new recipes.

He (and his wife) took a leap of faith. He left corporate America. He wanted to see if his dream could become a reality.

Carlos’ first job was as host at a New York restaurant. When diners heard he lived in Greenwich, they sometimes wondered how he could afford the train fare.

He moved on to manage José Andrês’ Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards. The “amazing experience” helped nudge him toward opening a restaurant of his own.

Then came COVID. With eateries everywhere shut down, Carlos had an idea. He’d bring equipment to people’s back yards. He would cook tapas and paella — outdoors.

Word of mouth spread. That summer Carlos did 2 or 3 parties, anniversaries and other celebrations a week. He called his business “De Tapas.”

But restaurants would not be closed forever. Carlos began looking for a place of his own. Last February, he found space at 180 Post Road East. It had opened in early 2020 as Chez 180. The timing was grim; despite great reviews, it shut in the early days of the pandemic, and never reopened.

De Tapas replaces Chez 180.

Carlos loved the layout. It was big and centrally located, with plenty of parking behind. He envisioned an open kitchen.

“It’s great when you can see what’s cooking,” he says. “The cooks feel better too. They’re part of the show, not cramped behind closed doors. When people leave, they thank everyone who cooked their food.”

He signed a contract in late June. Town Hall officials were “very helpful,” he says, helping every step of the way.

Yet opening a restaurant — renovating the interior, importing tiles from Spain, finding staff, creating a menu, stocking the bar — takes time.

Finally in mid-January, De Tapas — Westport’s first “Spanish gastrobar” — opened.

The lounge area looks out on Post Road East.

Diners love the still-small selection of tapas and paella, the welcoming bar and the homey lounge area. All stocks are homemade; all fish and meat are fresh.

Carlos’ favorite tapa: poached egg and truffled boletus on potato foam. His favorite paella is fideua negra (Spanish noodles with shrimp, calamari and cuttlefish ink).

Carlos Pia in his handsomely decorated De Tapas.

With the support of his wife Patricia every step of the way, Carlos’ dream is open and excited. He has chosen a great location. It is surrounded by other restaurants — Jeera Thai, Finalmente, Capulli, Don Memo, Walrus Alley, Basso, Amis, Pink Sumo, Manna Toast, Spotted Horse — creating a destination buzz.

“We’re not competitors. We’re friends,” Carlos says. “I like the Cottage, Gabriele’s, Italian restaurants. Not everyone will have Spanish food every day. But if we do well, people will come back.”

 

(De Tapas at 180 Post Road East is open at 5 p.m. for dinner every day except Monday. Weekend brunch and lunch service will be added soon, with outdoor seating in warmer weather. Click here for more information.)

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Pics Of The Day #1750

Posted on January 31, 2022 | 2 comments

Happy 1st birthday, to the Westport Book Shop!

(All photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Pic of the Day

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TEAM Westport Membership Challenged

Posted on January 31, 2022 | 58 comments

An attorney representing 2 Westporters has charged TEAM Westport with violating the town charter, and state statute.

In an email to 1st Selectman Jen Tooker, Vincent Marino — representing Zack Alcyone and Camilo Riano — says that since its formation in 2005, the town’s multicultural organization has “failed to satisfy the minority representation requirement and has included ineligible members. As a result, the Committee has conducted business in violation of the law, and in recent years, in absence of a quorum.”

Marino says that TEAM Westport includes 14 members, and that by charter and state statute, no more than 9 can be from one political party. He lists 11 Democrats, one unaffiliated, and one resident each of Weston and Redding, along with a 15th ex officio member. (Click here for TEAM Westport committee members, as listed on the town website.)

He charges also that “only electors of the Town may be appointed to serve on elected or appointed boards and commissions of the Town.” Two other members, he says, no longer live in Westport.

Marino says that at least 5 members — including chair Harold Bailey Jr. — have served longer than the charter allows.

He demands that 9 members be advised that they are no longer eligible to serve; that “all prior action of the Committee is to be considered void,” and that the 5 remaining members cannot conduct business in the absence of a quorum.

If Marino’s concerns are not addressed by Friday, he says his clients are “prepared to seek a writ of mandamus” (judicial remedy).

Members of TEAM Westport — the acronym stands for Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism — “live and work in Westport or Weston,” its website says. Members are appointed by the first selectman.

The committee was created in 2003, by Democratic 1st Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell. “Westport’s traditional ties with neighboring Weston quickly added volunteers from Weston with the sponsorship of Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss,” the website notes.

In 2005, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) voted to name TEAM Westport an official municipal committee. Democrat Gordon Joseloff and Republicans Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker have continued their support of the group.

Tooker’s office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

(Full disclosure: I was a member of TEAM Westport at its inception in 2003. I resigned when I began the “06880” blog.)

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