Marpe: Updated COVID Regulations. Town Reopenings

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 5 comments

1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:

Yesterday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order enacting updated COVID mask protocols in response to the new recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These recommendations allow fully vaccinated individuals to forgo the use of a mask either when outdoors or when indoors with other fully vaccinated individuals. According to the governor’s order, a face covering is required when indoors in a public place or when safe social distancing of approximately six feet from every other person is not maintained – specifically for those who are not fully vaccinated. (Click here to read the entire Executive Order #12.)

According to the Westport Weston Health District, “In accordance with CDC and state Department of Public Health guidelines, the use of masks outdoors is no longer required, but recommended if an individual is outdoors in crowded conditions with others of unknown vaccination status and it is not possible to physically distance from others. Businesses, state and local government offices and event organizers may choose to require universal masking when there is uncertainty of the vaccination status of individuals visiting their facility and/or large crowds may be anticipated.” More information from the CT DPH can be found here.

Please note that this guidance does not mean that masks are no longer required or that social distancing is not recommended. Rather, it is a communication to those who are fully vaccinated that they may forgo the use of a mask in certain, if not most, circumstances. Individual businesses and offices may continue to require people to wear a mask in their facilities.

Currently, there is no process in place to recognize the vaccination status of others. Because of that uncertainty, it is recommended that individuals err on the side of caution and assume in certain larger gatherings that there are those who are unvaccinated, and a mask should be worn. Since many institutions will follow this logic, most indoor mask wearing provisions will remain in place until there is a higher degree of certainty of increased vaccination rates.

Effective June 1, town facilities, including the Westport Library, will be expanding capacity with the goal of returning to full in person and pre-COVID access. However, given the uncertainty of vaccination status, masks will continue to be required in all town facilities. The following procedures will be in place:

  • Town Hall:  The building continues to be open to the public. Effective June 1, walk-in services for certain departments will be reintroduced. Visitors may park in the front or the rear of the building and enter through the front entrance or the handicap ramp. Sign-in will continue as visitors enter the building at the reception area. Masks will be required to enter Town Hall.
  • Appointments: Appointments and remote services continue to be encouraged for the most efficient service. Most appointments will occur in the Town Hall lobby to allow for optimal air circulation and social distancing. For those who prefer to meet outdoors, the exterior tent will be reinstalled.

Town Hall is reopening — slowly. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

  • Plan review meetings with the Land Use Departments (Planning & Zoning, Conservation, Building and fire marshal) continue to be encouraged using remote technology, but those requiring in-person meetings that exceed 15 minutes should schedule an appointment during the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p,m. Monday through Friday in the Town Hall lobby. Plan review with the Building Department and fire marshal will follow the same protocol at Fire Headquarters at 515 Post Road East.
  • Public Meetings: Some public meetings will begin to return to in-person attendance by both board/commission members and the public. Municipalities are still authorized to host remote public meetings until July. It is expected that additional board, committee and commission in-person meetings will gradually return over this time period. Public meeting announcements will indicate how meetings will be conducted.
  • Parks & Recreation:  The Parks & Recreation Department will reopen its administrative office to the public beginning June 1. Masks must be worn. Please practice social distancing. Remote and online options remain the preferred methods of interacting with the Parks & Recreation Department.
  • Police Department:  The Police Department lobby is fully open, including the records window. Follow signage for safety procedures. Remote and online services remain preferred methods of business interaction.
  • Reopening Updates: For the latest on reopening updates, please visit here.

Our goal is to make the town’s transition to pre-COVID operations as safe as possible for residents and employees.  Your continued patience and cooperation are appreciated.

Certainly, anyone may wear a mask if they prefer to do so. Civil and courteous behavior towards all should continue to be the norm. Some individuals with underlying medical conditions who may be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19 should consider continued mask wearing. Such conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes and those immunocompromised. More information on underlying medical conditions can be found at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html1

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Posted in Local politics, Westport life

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Hook’d: Now Open

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 2 comments

Earlier today, “06880” reported that Hook’d on the Sound — the new Compo Beach concessionaire — had not yet opened, as previously announced.

Later this afternoon, they unlocked their doors.

A woman named Nadine — the general manager — posted this comment:

I’m so sorry for your experience. We have been in gear working hard to open and be of service to the Westport community. We are now open with a fantastic menu. I’m inviting you to come and visit with us, our wonderful staff is ready to serve.

I personally have been on the boardwalk since opening and inviting passersby to have a look and enjoy a bite. I hope to see you soon. Hook’d is most definitely worth the wait we are very proud of what we have achieved.

Hook’d is now open. Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Hook’d. Snagg’d?

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 5 comments

“06880” reported at noon that Hook’d — the new Compo Beach concessionaire — would open today.

That’s what they told at least 2 readers yesterday.

But early this afternoon, the only thing they served beachgoers was a pair of locked doors.

The scene yesterday at Hook’d … (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Two weeks ago, a local content provider (not me!) emailed Hook’d. He offered to interview them, for a video story to promote their business.

They replied brusquely: “Check in with us when we’re open.”

Yesterday, he was at the beach. The doors were open.

He walked in, and repeated his offer to create digital content. Matter-of-factly — without great thanks — a woman said, “We’re open tomorrow.”

The media guy went back today. The doors were locked. There was no signage. Several hopeful customers milled around outside, equally mystified and miffed.

… and today.

The content provider checked social media. Nothing there either.

He wants to give them a chance. He’ll go back tomorrow. His offer to help — with free publicity — still stands.

Yet as Westporters gear up for a (near) normal summer — and the weather today is gorgeous — Hook’d is not off to an auspicious start.

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Posted in Beach, Restaurants

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Remembering Joe Valerio

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 8 comments

Joe Valerio — noted producer of ESPN’s long-running Sunday morning “Sports Reporters” series, and a longtime Westporter — died Sunday, of pancreatic cancer. He was 71.

Valerio began in the programming department in ESPN’s first days. But he was best known for overseeing “The Sports Reporters.” The show aired weekly, from 1988 through 2017.

ESPN reporter — and fellow Westporter — Jeremy Schaap paid tribute to Valerio:

According to ESPN, “Valerio was known for his passion, sharp wit, and smarts. A groundbreaking program featuring newspaper columnists debating issues in sports, The Sports Reporters helped usher in a new genre of sports studio programming, while bolstering the profile of some of the most renowned sports personalities in the industry.”

(In 2017, Schaap reflected on “Sports Reporters”‘ impact. His comments include thoughts about Valerio. Click here to read. Click here for more on Valerio, from ESPN; click here for other tributes. Hat tip: David Tetenbaum)

Joe Valerio

 

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Posted in Media, Sports

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Roundup: Beach Concession, EMS Week, Convertibles Needed …

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 7 comments

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Are you Hook’d?

That’s the (odd?) name the new Compo Beach concessionaire has chosen. It’s slated to open today. The menu has been posted on the door.

If you check it out, “06880” readers would love to know your thoughts. Click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Happy EMS Week!

1st Selectman Jim Marpe made it official, with a proclamation. Without all the “whereas”es, here’s the gist:

The pandemic has tested emergency medical professionals like never before. Westport’s EMTs and paramedics rose to the challenge, and played a crucial role. EMS personnel have been on the frontlines, caring for the sickest patients and staffing testing and vaccine clinics, despite risks to themselves and their families.

Over the last year, COVID has given people a glimpse into the vital role of EMS professionals. The sacrifice and dedication of Westport’s EMTs and paramedics earned them the gratitude of our community. Behind those face masks are people who — whether paid or volunteer — take on many crucial roles every day: healthcare professional, emergency manager, social worker, crisis counselor, consoler and caregiver.

EMS Week recognizes the service and sacrifice exhibited by EMS personnel over the past year. We give our thanks for all theyy continue to do every day, for our community.

First Selectman Jim Marpe and his EMS proclamation with (from left) Elyssa Grogan, Eric Hebert, EMS deputy director Marc Hartog, Larry Kleinman, Police Chief Foti Koskinas (hidden), Dan Guetta and David Corro.

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Calling all convertibles!

Open-top vehicles are needed to transport World War II veterans during the Memorial Day parade. If you can lend one, contact Deborah Detmer at Westport Parks & Rec: ddetmer@westportct.gov; 203-341-5091.

Grand marshal and World War II vet Bruce Allen rode in the 2015 Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Jillian Elder created Finding Westport — a great site for business owners, customers, job-seekers and realtors to connect online.

Then she expanded, to Finding Fairfield County and Finding Connecticut.

Jillian has branched out again. She sells Westport-themed merchandise — and has just added t-shirts. She’s got some interesting items posted, with patriotic and other town-inspired designs coming soon. Click here to browse.

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Update on Monday’s announcement that Pride yard signs are available from Baker Graphics: They’re not quite ready yet.

But if you want one (or more!) to show support for the LGBTQ community, click here. The Westport Pride committee will let you know when it’s ready.

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Staples High School Class of 1988 graduate Kerri Kenney — known for her roles in “Reno 911,” “Counter Culture” and “All About Steve” — has a new project.

The actress is working on ABC’s comedy pilot “Maggie.” Based on Tim Curcio’s short film, it’s about a young woman who tries to cope with life, while realizing she’s a psychic.

Kerri Kenney

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Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to the high school’s May Students of the Month: Yersultan Zhakupov, Jasper Cahn, Wyatt Resnick, Amelia Galin, Spencer Yim and William Fitch.

Nominated by their teachers, and recognized as “students who help make their school a welcoming place for their peers and teachers,” principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the glue of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together.”

In addition, juniors Natalie Bandura, Erin Durkin and Allison Schwartz will represent Staples at this year’s Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit in July. Eighty students are chosen from around the globe. The only other US high schools participating this year are Scarsdale (New York) and Dominion (Virginia).

For the past 8 years, Westport has been invited to send 3 juniors who are interested in world affairs, especially Asia. Usually, a trip to Singapore is included. Unfortunately for Natalie, Erin and Allison, this year’s event is virtual.

From left: Natalie Bandura, Erin Durkin, Allison Schwartz.

 

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Some jobs you can do any time. Others … well you have to schedule them tightly.

That was the case for these workers, pulling big granite steps near the Westport Library Riverwalk. They repaired and repointed them, then put them back — all before the tide came in.

(Photo/Frank Rosen)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features a pair of goldfinches. Wendy Crowther spotted them, enjoying her feeder.

(Photo/Wendy Crowther)

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And finally … on this day in 1873,  Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis received a patent for blue jeans with copper rivets.

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Fine Arts Festival Returns Next Weekend

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 4 comments

Last year, the Westport Downtown Association moved its Fine Arts Festival from mid-July to Memorial Day weekend. The goal was more pleasant weather than the traditional bake-on-the-asphalt date, along with a holiday kickoff to summer.

It didn’t happen. COVID canceled the nearly-50-year-old event.

But the Westport Fine Arts Festival returns this year. It’s set for next weekend: May 29 and 30 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

And — quite by accident — it’s more than just the first townwide event of the season. It’s also the first big gathering since the lifting of most major COVID restrictions.

A scene from the 2019 Fine Arts Festival. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The 48th annual Fine Arts Festival draws artists from across the country to Main Street. Their works are available for sale at a wide range of prices.

The WDA is making this all-are-welcome show as local possible. All artists will receive gift cards to use at local restaurants and cafes.

There’s live music, and food from Don Memo and Walrus Alley. Children can take selfies at 3 murals painted specially for the festival by MoCA Westport, the Artists’ Collective of Westport and One River. The (very apt) theme of the murals is “New Beginnings.”

It’s a new beginning indeed. For a very old, and cherished, tradition.

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Posted in Arts, Children, Downtown

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Go “Down The Rabbit Hole” With Theatre Artists Workshop

Posted on May 20, 2021 | 1 comment

Theatre Artists Workshop‘s next event is “Down the Rabbit Hole: The Only Way Out is Through.”

That’s almost a metaphor for the low-key, highly productive non-profit. For 38 years, they’ve been up and down. But they keep coming through.

Theatre Artists Workshop began in Westport in 1983. Keir Dullea transplanted his Los Angeles career to the East Coast. Conceived as a playground or gym for professional theater artists, he based it on an LA organization they loved. James Mapes was a co-founder.

Ever since — in different locations — the Workshop has continued. It’s a place to hone skills, develop new work, take artistic risks and get rigorous critiques — away from the glare of agents, and commercial concerns.

Plays developed have gone on to Broadway, Off-Broadway, film and TV.

The Workshop’s original home — the Greens Farms Arts Center — ended when the town reclaimed the space for an elementary school. Most recently, the pandemic brought an eviction from the “black box” space they’d enjoyed for 25 years.

The Workshop is not the only victim of COVID. Live theater everywhere has been on hold. But local members met weekly via Zoom. They did what the Workshop always has: provide a “gym” to workout, and get feedback.

In October they produced “Tawlight Zone” on Zoom. “Down the Rabbit Hole” — a series of short plays — is also virtual. It’s accessible any time from now througg May 24. Click here for tickets.

As usual, Westporters are featured.

Susan Jacobson wrote and performs “My Story.” It was inspired by an interview with a woman who had “traveled down the rabbit hole” into QAnon. Disillusioned by everything she once believed in, she struggles to free herself from a dangerous lie.

Initially, Jacobson said, she thought all Q followers were “crazies.” But as she read about the woman — who had worked on Bernie Sanders’ campaign — she recognized “the common story we all have: a desire to belong, make a difference, find validation and be part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Rob Mobley and Melody James in “The Book Lover,” part of the “Rabbit Hole” show.

Melody James is featured as an actor and director in 3 “Rabbit Hole” plays. A noted member of Staples Players — the high school troupe — in the 1960s, her professional credits include stage, TV and film. She also taught theater at Vassar and Muhlenberg, and playmaking for the Westport Country Playhouse.

For “Rabbit Hole,” James directs “Trio Asphodel,” in which 3 female friends face a friend’s suicide and discover a secret. She also performs 3 roles in the dark comedy “The Book Lover” (an amusing unraveling of a revenge murder), and portrays a local theater director in the comedy “Rowan’s Last Bow.”

Longtime Westporter Linde Gibb gives a tail-wagging performance as Judy, an abandoned blind chihuahua in an animal shelter. “Good” is the hilarious-yet-heartbreaking story of 2 older dogs bonding, as they await adoption.

Intrigued? Click below for the trailer.

FUN THEATRE ARTISTS WORKSHOP ENCORE: Theatre Artists Workshop alumni include Anne Baxter, Theodore Bikel, Dorothy and Ed Bryce, Rita and Win Elliot, Pat Englund, John Franklin, June Havoc, Fred Hellerman, Ring Lardner Jr., Lucille Lortel, David Rogers, Brett Somers, Haila Stoddard, Max Wilk and Maggie Williams.

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Pic Of The Day #1493

Posted on May 19, 2021 | 2 comments

Compo Cove couple (Photo/JC Martin)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Petitioners Ask RTM To Review Hiawatha Lane Settlement

Posted on May 19, 2021 | 3 comments

One week after the Planning & Zoning Commission agreed to a settlement with Summit Saugatuck — allowing a scaled-down 157-unit housing development to be built on Hiawatha Lane (off Saugatuck Avenue adjacent to I-95 Exit 17). seemingly ending 18 years of proposals and litigation — there is a new twist.

Earlier this afternoon — one day ahead of the filing deadline — a petition signed by over 60 electors was delivered to the town clerk. Lead petitioner Gloria Gouveia and Save Old Saugatuck leader Carolanne Curry presented the signatures.

If Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton ascertains that there are at least 20 valid signatures, the petition will be forwarded to the Representative Town Meeting, as provided by the Town Charter. A public hearing would follow.

The RTM has 30 days from today to hear and decide the petition.

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate

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Remembering Zdenka Fuller

Posted on May 19, 2021 | 2 comments

Longtime Westporter Zdenka “Kiki” Meloun Fuller died peacefully yesterday, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

A native of Prague, Czechoslovakia, Kiki’s parents were journalists. After World War II, when Nazis occupied their country, Zdenka’s father moved the family to London, where he was a foreign correspondent.

Kiki attended Queens College, the London Polytechnic, and Pittman’s College. Just as the family prepared to return to Prague, the communists took over Czechoslovakia. The Melouns decided to stay abroad.

They spent 5 years in England, then relocated to Munich, Germany. She and her father worked for Radio Free Europe, a station supported by the U.S. government that broadcast anti-communist information behind the Iron Curtain.

In Munich she met her future husband, Joseph Fuller, an architect who had escaped from Czechoslovakia into Germany. They married a few months after meeting, and decided to pursue the American dream.

In 1953 they arrived in New York. An aunt, Elaine Saxonmeyer, picked them up at the airport and brought them to her home in Westport. They loved the town, and visited constantly. After 13 years in New York City (and 2 children), they built a house and moved here in 1966.

Zdenka Fuller

When the children were teenagers, Zdenka went back to work for a conglomerate in Greenwich. She was a senior legal assistant for 15 years, in charge of their extensive law library. She retired early when the company was taken over by a California conglomerate and the Greenwich office closed.

When Joe Fuller Sr. died in 2003, his firm Fuller & D’Angelo, Architects and Planners were working on the renovation of Staples High School. Their son, Joe Fuller Jr., who worked with his father, completed the project.

Zdenka was a member of the Young Women’s League. In her later years she belonged to the International Club of Lower Fairfield County.

The Fullers enjoyed the outdoors. They spent many hours sailing Long Island Sound on their boat Sunset, skiing in Vermont, and took yearly ski trips to the Alps.

Zdenka loved to travel. She visiting her native country many times after the Iron Curtain fell. She enjoyed reading and keeping in touch with her family abroad and many friends near and far, first by lengthy correspondence and later email. She also enjoyed cooking, entertaining and writing short stories.

With her 2 children and 2 granddaughters living in Westport, she was surrounded by family, to whom she was devoted till her last day.

She is survived by her daughter Victoria Fuller and son Joseph Fuller Jr.; granddaughters Elizabeth (Liza) and Alexandra (Lexy) Barlow, as well as her brothers Paul Meloun and Thomas Meloun, both of Alabama.

Kiki’s funeral will be held at Christ & Holy Trinity Church on Friday (May 21, 3 p,m.), followed by burial at Willowbrook Cemetery and a reception at her home in Westport.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Yale Smilow Cancer Center, Lustgarten Foundation, Soundwaters or a charity of your choice.

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS

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