Pic Of The Day #1484

Posted on May 10, 2021 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1484

Downtown reflections (Photo/Wendy Levy)

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Remembering Dmitri (Doug) Belser

Posted on May 10, 2021 | Comments Off on Remembering Dmitri (Doug) Belser

The city of Berkeley is mourning the loss of Dmitri Belser. He died April 22, 3 months after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 63.

Belser — who was known as Doug Belser when he grew up in Westport — was legally blind, due to macular degeneration. A leader in the disability rights movement, he helped create the Ed Roberts Campus. It includes offices for independent living organizations, accessible meeting rooms, a computer/media resource center, fitness center, café and child development center. Belser served 2 terms as ERC president.

For more than 20 years, he was also was executive director of the Center for Accessible Technology.

Dmitri (Doug) Belser (Photo credit Tom White)

Previously he worked as a sign language interpreter and coordinator of deaf student services at San  Francisco State University, and manager of Pacific Bell’s Deaf and Disabled Service Center.

Belser and his husband, Tom White, renovated 10 century-old houses in Berkeley. They saved several from demolition.

Belser was a member of Berkeley’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, and chair of the Commission on Disabilities.

He also restored cars, including a 1939 and ’50 DeSoto, ’57 and ’67 Volkswagens, and a ’63 VW van.

Belser always loved cars. After graduating a semester early from Staples High School — in January of 1976 — he and fellow grad Diane Stapkowski drove a VW Bug he had rebuilt to San Francisco.

The vehicle was named Gerry — in honor of Staples English teacher Gerry Kuroghlian.

After that adventure, Belser went to Hampshire College. He met White there.

In 1985 the couple adopted a baby girl, Talia. Open adoption was rare at the time, reports Berkeleyside. Belser, White and the girl’s birth mother remained friends until his death.

Four years later, Belser and White adopted 5-month-0ld Sebastian.

The partners had a civil union in Vermont in 2001, a marriage ceremony in Vancouver, Canada in 2005, and a legal US marriage in Oakland in 2008.

Describing his vision loss (he called himself “hard of seeing”), Belser said:

I’m used to who I am and the kind of vision I have. [Without vision difficulties] I wouldn’t be me. The experience I’ve had being an outsider, living a different kind of life, has helped make me the person I am now. What I’ve gotten from having vision loss is, I think, bigger than what I’ve lost by it.

Two days before he died, a Berkeley City Council proclamation expressed “our sincere appreciation for his many contributions to the city and its residents.”

Staples Class of 1976 graduate Tim Garvin remembers Belser as “a wonderful, inventive, creative person.”

In addition to his husband and children, he is survived by his mother Charlotte (who was active in planning and zoning affairs in Westport); sisters Stephanie and Ann; brother Mark; 3 nephews and 1 niece.

Contributions in his name can be made to CforAT, with “EBSHC” in the memo line, and sent to EBSHC, c/o  Center for Accessible Technology, 3075 Adeline Street, Suite 220, Berkeley, CA 94703.

(Click here for the full Berkeleyside obituary. Hat tip: Barbara Sherburne)

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Roundup: CPR & EMT Classes, Great Horned Owls, I-95 …

Posted on May 10, 2021 | 4 comments

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Non-COVID health emergencies don’t take a break during a pandemic. Unfortunately, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services had to.

Not responding quickly, professionally and compassionately, of course. Their service never wavered. But they did have to pause their public education.

Now, with threats lessening, WVEMS is cleared to resume reduced-capacity classes at their Police headquarters facility. CPR/First Aid and Stop the Bleed courses begin this month. EMT certification is set for the fall.

All classes have limited capacity. For more information, click here.

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“Who” did Tina Green see at Longshore yesterday?

Not one but three great horned owls. They look properly wise.

(Photo/Tina Green)

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Construction of the I-95 overpass at Beachside Avenue is cruising along. (As opposed to, say, the Kings Highway Bridge replacement near Canal Street — a far less complicated project).

Here’s yesterday’s view:

(Photo/Tom Lowrie)

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And finally … today is Donovan’s 75th birthday. The Scottish singer-songwriter was often compared — unfairly — to Bob Dylan.

He had his share of pretentious clunkers (just like Dylan!). But much of his music stands the test of time.

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GFS Gives The Gift Of Reading

Posted on May 10, 2021 | 1 comment

Years ago, Leigh Cataudo taught at a Greenwich middle school. She and a colleague ran a read-a-thon, with students raising funds to buy books for an underserved school.

She calls the project — which included her students helping elementary school children choose books, and read with them — “the most rewarding thing I have ever been part of.”

Leigh is now a realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s. She’s also a Greens Farms Elementary School parent. She’s just brought the “Read for Change” program to her school — and the Luis Muñoz Marin K-8 School in Bridgeport.

(“Change” refers to becoming better readers, earning “change” by reading, and changing the lives of others.)

The project began last fall, as the pandemic raged. Her 3 children started the school year with many challenges — but, Leigh knew, they had the laptops, internet access, paper, markers and (most importantly) books they needed to do okay.

She was wary of putting too much on teachers’ already overloaded plates. But principal Kevin Cazzetta loved the idea, and invited her to help make it happen. Leigh reached out to her friend and football team co-manager Liz Leary. “Read for Change” was underway.

Greens Farms Elementary School got into the “Read for Change” project in a big way. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

Students requested pledges from parents and relatives. To make it fun, non-intimidating and all-inclusive, Leigh and Liz let students decide how to ask. For example, newer readers could get pledges for the number of books they read, while more advanced readers could earn money for time spent reading.

Classes already kept daily reading records, so there was no additional work for teachers. There was a small prize each week for the class with the most participation, and a bingo board with another prize. Students were engaged and excited.

The excitement grew when the month was over. Leigh and Liz were speechless.

Their goal was to buy 1 book for each of the 800 Luiz Muñoz Marin students. Starting this past Friday, and through Tuesday, GFS is sponsoring a Scholastic book fair. Each child can choose 2 books.

Friends checking out books at the Luis Munoz Marin School …

“Friday was incredible,” Leigh reports. “The students and staff of Marin were amazed, and so very appreciative.

“We are so proud to be part of such an incredible school community, and to have the ability to offer the gift of books to so many students in our neighboring community.”

… and a girl gets engrossed in one of them.

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Pic Of The Day #1483

Posted on May 9, 2021 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1483

Happy Mother’s Day! (Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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Cross Street, Hiawatha Projects Settlements Near

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 12 comments

Two of Westport’s longest-running — and thorniest — housing issues may soon come to conclusions.

RTM member and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce executive director Matthew Mandell has been following the sagas of Lincoln/Cross Streets and Hiawatha Lane Extension for years. He writes:

Two major projects, both 8-30g*, have come to a negotiated resolution: Lincoln / Cross Street as well as Hiawatha.

Both will be presented to the public by the Planning & Zoning Commission this  Wednesday (May 12, 7 p.m., Zoom). There will be an outline of what each will be, and the public will be allowed to comment. It is anticipated that P&Z will then vote on each.

How did we get here? 

P&Z denied the Lincoln multi-story 80+ unit project, and was then sued by the developer. The judge ruled in favor of the developer. 8-30g cases are exceedingly hard to defend. Even though there were severe safety issues, the judge said the need for affordable housing essentially outweighed them.

The P&Z then worked with the neighbors and the developer to make the project more palatable. I was not in any of the meetings, so I too am waiting to see what has come out of it.

The settlement may lessens the impact on Lincoln Street, just south of Cross Street.

As for Hiawatha: P&Z, the Board of Selectmen, the Department of Housing and everyone else who ever said boo about this project was sued over this one. There were actually 7 lawsuits still pending after this 16-year battle.

With this negotiated settlement, all of them go away. Their ancillary issues, some of which could have been detrimental long-term to the entire town, will be gone as well.

While some of the suits might have been won, I am not sure all 7 would have. This was always an egregious project of 5 buildings with 187 units, where 10 naturally occurring affordable homes exist in the middle of an affordable neighborhood.

Homes on Hiawatha Lane.

This one is going to hurt. I can’t say more on the issue, but we will all see it when it comes public. I am very sad about this outcome, and really feel for the neighborhood. We all fought for 16 years against a developer and lawyer who only saw opportunity and not people.

In the end, it is the town that gets sued. It’s the town that negotiates for itself, and they make the call in these cases. A silver lining may be, with both of these projects the town would probably get another 4 year moratorium from 8-30g projects.

The Planning & Zoning Commission welcomes public comment at Wednesday’s 7 p.m. meeting. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 816 5841 6015. The passcode is 221876.

*8-30 g is a Connecticut statute. It says that that unless 10 percent of a town’s housing stock is “affordable” — according to state definition — a developer planning to include affordable units can challenge a town’s denial of a proposal.

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Roundup: Shore Birds, Sundance, Swimsuits …

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 1 comment

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An American oystercatcher is nesting at Compo Beach.

Parks & Rec is on the case.

Department staff has strung rope around the site, keeping people away from the fragile bird and her eggs. A sign offers information about her habits.

Another sign describes other threatened shorebirds. It’s fascinating to read.

And heed.

The oystercatcher sign …

… and another, describing piping plovers and least terns. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografik)

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An excited “06880” reader writes:

I’ll admit I got a little breathless when I received a Sundance email headlined, “Visit Our New Store in Westport.”

Westport?! This catalog has served as my retail therapy vision board for years; the source of countless subtle, dog-eared “tips” I’ve left for my spouse re birthday and holiday gifts.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Robert Redford-stamped brand, think Millie Rae’s meets Anthropologie — high-end, carefully curated, bohemian-Southwest-y silver and gold jewelry, as well as clothes, shoes and housewares.

I can’t wait to see how they deck out their brick-and-mortar store on Main Street (the former Ann Taylor — it’s only their 18th retail location). Am I excited enough about it to get the free gift for booking an “early access appointment”?

Why yes, actually, I might be. If they do this right, I think it’s about as perfect a fit for Westport as any catalogue-come-to-life could be.

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Last year, during the darkest days of the pandemic, the Westport Garden Club’s “Friday Flowers” project brightened up our town. Once a week, members placed beautiful bouquets at very visible spots.

The Garden Club has picked up again this year. The first Friday Flowers of 2021 was delivered to Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Keep your eyes open every week. And if you see a Westport Garden Club member: thank her!

Friday Flowers at the church entrance. (Photo/Pat Nave)

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Speaking of Saugatuck Church: Boy Scout Troop 36 — which they sponsor, and provide meeting space for — helped make yesterday’s mattress recycling drive a huge success.

The Scouts picked up 34 mattresses and box springs throughout town. Then they headed to Earthplace, and helped load the items into a truck.

The Scouts’ efforts doubled the number of items received during Sustainable Westport’s project

Troop 36 Scouts also volunteered at Earthplace, filling containers with free compost for residents.

Boy Scout Troop 36 members, with mattresses and the recycling truck.

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Tracy Rosen offers a shout-out for a local business.

The other afternoon, she and a friend went to Shearwater for coffee. But they close at 4 p.m.

They decided instead to have a glass of wine next door, at Ignazio’s Pizza.

“They couldn’t have been nicer!” Tracy says.

“They set up a table for us outside, and lit a wood-burning fire pit. They were so hospitable,  just letting us sit there with our wine, never pushing us to order anything else. But their pizza smells amazing!”

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Westport PAL’s motto is “It’s all about the kids.”

And kids of all ages love car shows.

The PAL is sponsoring one on June 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., railroad station parking lot near Railroad Place and Franklin Street). In addition to cool cars, there’s food and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $15 each. But kids — that is, anyone under 12 — are free. Of course.

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The other day, “06880” highlighted the Connecticut Preservation Award for 70 Turkey Hill South.

An award ceremony was held last week, via Zoom. Here’s a video of all 10 awards. The Westport one begins at 16;13. (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)

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There’s always something new at George Billis Gallery.

An opening reception this Friday (May 14, 4 to 7 p.m.) showcases “A Glimpse Ahead.” The figurative exhibit focuses on summer, with artwork that includes swimmers, surfers, pool scenes and waterscapes. The aim is to create a sense of peace, relaxation and joy.

Among the artists: Westporter Dale Najarian. She contributes abstracted waterscapes on canvas and wood panel.

The exhibit runs through June 13.

“Jewel Landscape,” oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)

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And finally … Happy Mother’s Day, to every “06880” mother out there.

None of us would be here without you. We love you, moms!

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Photo Challenge #332

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 15 comments

In the past decade, most newspapers have moved online. Whether it’s the New York Times or the Westport News, many folks find what they’re looking for with a click of the mouse, not the rustle of a page.

That’s particularly true for USA Today, which I always think of as given out exclusively to hotel guests and airline passengers (back in the day when both businesses handed out freebies).

But apparently, once upon a time, people bought USA Today from machines. Those machines are still around, even if it’s been years since they were used.

Apparently too — judging by last week’s Photo Challenge — at least 2 of those dinosaur relics are still around. (Click here to see.)

My photo was not taken at the Westport train station. Several readers thought it showed the kiosk on the New York-bound side.

Nope. My shot was of the one next to the post office, in Playhouse Square. As much as I’ve used the post office — and I live in the condos right behind it — I’d never actually “seen” that USA Today machine until a couple of weeks ago.

Nancy Engel and Doug Weber did, though. They were the only readers to answer correctly. They win a year’s subscription to USA Today.

Just kidding. They’ll have to stay in a hotel, or fly, to get that.

This week’s Photo Challenge comes from David Squires. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/David Squires)

 

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 6 comments

Today we celebrate all mothers — our own, and those everywhere around.

There are many ways to be a loving mother. For a while now, the Amitins — Betsy Meisel, her husband Aaron, and their sons Luke and Beau — have been watching a robin’s nest inside a tree in the front yard of their Colony Road home.

Yesterday morning, they found new life inside.

Happy Mother’s Day, to one of Westport’s newest moms.

Here she is, doing what every new mother does: keeping her babies warm and safe.

(Photos/Betsy Meisel Amitin)

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Sherwood Mill Pond And Island: The Hidden Culverts

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 12 comments

Generations of Westporters know John Kantor from his decades owning and running Longshore Sailing School.

But he’s comfortable near any body of water. He lives on Grove Point Road, bordering Sherwood Mill Pond. John writes:

Whenever there is a big coastal flood due to a hurricane, tropical storm or nor’easter, Grove Point residents talk about shutting the flood gates at Old Mill to keep the seawater out of our neighborhood. They believe that it is where floodwaters come from.

It is not entirely true.

The Mill Pond is not a closed system whose seawater level is controlled exclusively by the tide gates at Old Mill.

Did you know that you could paddle a canoe or kayak, non-stop from Grove Point to Greens Farms Academy?  And, under certain conditions, even to the Greens Farms post office?

Sherwood Mill Pond, Sherwood Island State Park and environs. Grove Point is at left, off Hillspoint Road. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

You can. You just need to pass through 3 culverts. But watch your head. Some have low clearance.

And if you turn to starboard in the marsh channel at Burying Hill Beach, you could paddle straight into Long Island Sound. It is an independent seawater connection to the Mill Pond – a Mill Pond back door.

You can kayak all the way from Sherwood Mill Pond to Burying Hill Beach (shown above).

To prove it, the other day I took a walkabout.

I went to the Sherwood Island State Park “Mission Control” office on the Connector, and got permission to slog around in the wetlands. I wanted to see the culvert that I knew existed, which connects the Mill Pond to the wetlands north of the state park. I wanted photos to bring back as proof.

I took many shots from every possible angle, from the pond on our side all the way to the New Creek wetlands alongside Greens Farms Academy.

The culvert from Sherwood Mill Pond to Sherwood Island State Park …

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officers assured me that the tidal flow, ebb and flood, to and from the pond, goes both ways in the culvert on a daily basis.

The cast concrete box culvert is sizable. Actually there are 2, separated by a common concrete wall. Each is wide enough for two canoes to pass through side by side.

… and the view from the park, looking west to the Mill Pond.

The culverts have no control gates. Water passes through freely on all tides. Tidal surge seawater can enter the pond through them in substantial volume regardless of whether or not the gates at Old Mill are open or shut.

Sherwood Island really is an island. It is surrounded by water on all sides. It just doesn’t appear that way. because the big double culverts are hidden from view beneath the Sherwood Island Connector. You drive over them whenever you enter the State Park.

New Creek culverts by Beachside Avenue, further east. (Photos/John Kantor)

Fun Fact: There is a significant delay in the tide change in the Sherwood marsh system, relative to the Sound. I witnessed a rising tide level on the state park beach side of the Burying Hill breakwater, while the ebbing current was still flowing (at a good clip) out of the Sherwood wetlands on the other side of the breakwater — just a few feet apart!

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