Only 2 weeks remain for young photographers to take shots at the Westport Farmers’ Market — and enter the “Young Shoots” contest,
The 8th annual event runs this Thursday and next (July 31, August 7). Students ages 5 through 18 can demonstrate their love for local food — and their creative photo talents — to win cash prizes in 3 age categories, plus a chance to attend an art class at MoCA CT.
All photos must be taken at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s an amazing place, filled with food, plants, food trucks, entertainers, the farmers themselves, shoppers — everything a young photographer could hope to capture.
Local artists will judge. Age groups are 5-9, 10-14 and 15-18. An exhibit at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (August 21, 6 p.m.) will showcase the winners. Every entrant can pick up a framed print of their photo there.
The contest is sponsored by the Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
Click here for rules, registration and more information.
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This terse, 2-line news release was sent to local media yesterday:
“As of July 27, 2024, Alma Sarelli will no longer participate as Campaign Manager for Candidate Kami Evans who is running for State Senate for the 26th District. Alma wishes Kami nothing but the best in her campaign.”
Kami Evans
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Tony Award winner James Naughton, and Aztec Two-Step folk legend Rex Fowler — both local residents — headline an all-star “Best of Broadway” cast.
The performance — a benefit for Sandy Hook Promise, the gun violence education and empowerment non-profit — is set for September 22 (6 p.m., SHU Community Theater, Fairfield).
The evening of music and dance includes stars from the casts of “Phantom of the Opera,”” “Les Miserables,” “Chicago,” “City of Angels,” “Cats” and more. Naughton and Fowler will host and perform.
The cast also includes veteran Broadway stars Dodie Pettit and Terry Eldh of Westport; a special screening of the trailer “A Father’s Promise,” and an auction.
Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley — co-founders and CEOs of Sandy Hook Promise, and parents of 1st graders killed in the vicious school shooting in Newtown — will be at the benefit.
For tickets, a full cast list and more information, click here.
Speaking of entertainment: Westport singer Melissa Newman joins Tony Lombardozzi, Phil Bowler and Bobby Leonard at this week’s Jazz at the Post.
Thursday’s event (August 1, shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) kicks off another great season for the popular series.
Reservations are highly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
Melissa Newman
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This cormorant waited patiently on a Ned Dimes Marina buoy — perhaps for someone to take his “Westport … Naturally” photo?
It’s a sure sign of spring. Next Thursday, the Westport Farmers’ Market opens its 2024 season.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot is once again the spot for fresh produce, meats, herbs and more — including organic pet food, and lunch from Mexican and pizza food trucks — every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This year’s Farmers’ Market runs through November 7.
New this season: stricter guidelines on plastic usage. The goal is to reach a waste-free model.
The Farmers’ Market also plans to include only Connecticut farmers, and products from state-based businesses.
Three Staples High School students are finalists for TEAM Westport’s annual Teen Diversity Essay contest.
Sophia Lopez, Olivia Morgeson and Teya Ozgen will read their essays on Monday (May 6, 6 p.m., Westport Library) — and learn who has won the $1,000, $750 and $500 prizes.
This year’s essay prompt is about hate speech, and the balance between offensive, threatening or hurtful language, and the constitutional right of free expression.
In the aftermath of yesterday’s gas tanker fire on I-95 in Norwalk — the cause of enormous Westport traffic jams — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice praised the district’s bus service, First Student.
“They were on top of the travel issues long before buses started rolling and did incredible work navigating the clogged streets,” he said. “I am sure they will handle (the) afternoon commute in a similar fashion.”
Scarice also urged parents to not drive their children to school or pick them up. The buses will take a while longer than usual — but more cars on the road will make the trip even longer.
Speaking of school buses: I’m not sure how this story escaped notice on “06880” — or any other local media.
But it’s been at least a couple of weeks, and this is the first we’ve heard of a car crash that took out Westport’s nicest (and perhaps only) school bus shelter.
It happened on Saugatuck Island, right before the schools’ spring break.
Here’s a photo from that night …
,.. and one during daylight:
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A Staples High School student writes: “I often fly fish in Westport for striped bass, in the Saugatuck River. Lately, I have seen a huge amount of poaching.
“There are maybe 3 or 4 respectful, honest guys where I fish, at 5 a.m. But I also see, for example, a guy dropping nets, with a rope. He had at least 8 fish on the bank, all undersize.
“I was very upset. This is a fishery I try to protect, but because of people like him, the species has suffered badly.
“I did not speak to any of the people there. They could be dangerous, and being out alone as a kid is dangerous enough to begin with.
“I hope some action can be taken, either by local law enforcement or DEEP (state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection). If anyone sees any poaching, they should report it please.”
Speaking of Staples: Non-Profit Promoters — the podcast created and hosted by juniors Zach Gorin, Cormac Mulvey, Jack Schwartz and Aaron Varsov, which tells the stories of local organizations — has just dropped a fascinating interview with Helen McAlinden.
The CEO of Homes with Hope goes into depth about their work fighting homelessness and hunger. She also talks about her career path, challenges such as COVID, and the importance of community involvement.
Speaking of podcasts: Alec Baldwin just did a great interview with James Naughton.
The actor and longtime resident talks about the Westport Country Playhouse, his friendship with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, his advocacy work for death with dignity legislation, and much more.
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting has a new member.
Alma Sarelli replaces Jessica Bram in District 6. Sarelli — who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Board of Education — is president of Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport.
Bram resigned, after moving from the district.
Alma Sarelli
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After reading Tuesday’s “06880” story on Westport’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds — and the possible issues of using them to fund a study for the redesign of Jesup Green — a reader writes:
“Since the funds can be utilized for sewer, maybe the town could upgrade the existing sewage treatment, and help residents connect.
“At the moment the town basically double charges residents to connect, unless they petition and can wait 5-6 years. If a connection point is a few houses away, the person looking to connect must pay for all the work involved, plus give a connection point to every house they pass by at the full expense of the person looking to connect.
“On top of that, the town levies the full assessment of the sewer line they are connecting to, even though that line has been fully paid for by all the residents it services. I’m told the extra money charged goes into a sewer Kitty.
“It definitely doesn’t make the idea of upgrading one’s sewage disposal very attractive. But it sounds like we might have potential funds available so residents don’t have to pay for it twice, and question whether connecting makes sense due to exorbitant cost.”
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This winter, the Longshore Women’s Golf Association asked the town to upgrade the women’s locker facility.
Within 4 days, the request was approved.
Work started quickly. It’s already been done — in time for the new golf season.
The LWGA says, “We are thrilled at the positive attitude of the town officials and their willingness to go above and beyond.”
The LWGA did their part, donating time and money to upgrade the locker room’s furnishings.
Last week, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava joined Mike Frawley of the Department of Public Works’ building maintenance staff, for a ribbon cutting.
Celebrating the new women’s locker room.
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Neil Roper, an active member of Staples High School’s Class of 1965, died recently in Memphis, after a short illness. He was 77.
After Staples, Neil attended the University of Virginia, and graduated from Michigan State University.
He worked in Overton Square in the 1970s, moving on to be part owner of the East End Grill, and part-owner and general manager of the Belmont Grill. He retired in 2015.
Neil enjoyed gardening, working around the house, and going on road trips. He was heavily involved Staples’ class reunions.
His obituary says, “His wonderful sense of humor consisted of practical jokes, puns and pranks. He was very well-read, and carried on lively discussions about politics, current affairs and music, which he was extremely passionate about. Those who knew him saw past his gruff exterior and loved him for his idiosyncrasies.”
He was predeceased by his wife Denise and brother Timothy. He is survived by his sisters Anne Roper of Dublin, Ireland; Margaret Trainor (John) and Erin Roper; brothers Brian and Kevin Roper of Memphis, nieces and nephews, and his loyal cat, Buscher.
Angelo Dorta and Chris Chaille were thanked for their care and friendship over the years.
A gathering honoring Neil is set for Alex’s Tavern in Memphis on May 9 (3 p.m.).
In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.
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Like all animals, ospreys act on instinct.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows this one, trying to intimidate an owl near Police headquarters.
And finally … Duane Eddy — the groundbreaking 1950s guitarist, who influenced artists like George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen — died Tuesday in Tennessee. He was 86, and had been ill with cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
For a while, it looked like Democrat Jonathan Steinberg would have no opposition in his bid for a 7th term as Westport’s state representative from the 136th District. Republican Tom Lasersohn withdrew in August.
Today, Alma Sarelli announced her campaign for the seat. The press release did not identify her as a Republican, but “that was a mistake,” says spokesman Joseph Sledge.
Alma Sarelli
Sarelli — a native of Albania with a degree in business management — moved to Westport 6 years ago. She ran as a write-in candidate last November for the Board of Education. She received 565 votes, behind the 4 candidates officially on the ballot.
Sarelli and her husband Nick run a national event entertainment production company. They have 4 children: 2 in college, and 2 at Staples High School.
Sarelli currently serves as president of Newcomers & Neighbors of Westport.
Her press release says:
“As an immigrant, a working mother of 4 children, a business owner and for better, not worse, a political novice. I am running for state representative because I want to return the focus to the basic priorities all of us share.
“I want to keep taxes down so Connecticut can compete as an attractive destination for businesses and hard working families. Education is an absolutely top priority: we need schools that focus above all on learning and achievement. We want schools truly to celebrate and respect the individuality and uniqueness of all of our children, regardless of their background or appearance — not be training camps for ideological activists.
“We also need sensible, fair and effective law enforcement that doesn’t compromise the safety of our families, particularly those in higher crime areas, to the false narratives of a few.
“Connecticut is a state with an incredible diversity of strengths. Instead of living up to our potential, we are being held back by the same policies and mismanagement bringing down so many other similarly governed states. These states are watching their populations decline, lawlessness surge and their families lose faith in public education. It doesn’t have to be this way,
but the only way to reverse it is by voting in new leadership.
“If you agree with these priorities and want to help steer Connecticut towards a different path, please support me in November. There is a widening gap between what Connecticut families actually want and what Hartford is delivering. It is time to change course.
“I stand for great schools, safe streets, responsive government and lower taxes. How will I achieve these goals? I am going to try something different. Rather than represent Connecticut’s special interests like public sector unions, state contractors and political party bosses, I am going to represent the people of Westport. I seek the support of all Westport residents. With your support
and your vote on November 8th, I will be a fierce advocate for Westport in Hartford. I will listen to your voices and ideas so we can keep Westport excellent.
“My business experience and leadership will be assets to help us build on our successes. I will also be a voice for Westporters and address the major concerns we are all experiencing.”
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“I stand for great schools, safe streets, responsive government and lower taxes. How will I achieve these goals? I am going to try something different. Rather than represent Connecticut’s special interests like public sector unions, state contractors and political party bosses, I am going to represent the people of Westport. I seek the support of all Westport residents. With your support