Our annual display of lights and decorations is not.
Long Lots Road
Traditionally, residents leave their displays up past New Year’s. Many remain through the 12th day of Christmas (January 5th), and then the Epiphany (Three Kings Day, January 6).
Buena Vista Drive
Most come down soon thereafter. I’ve seen wreaths remain beyond Memorial Day, for better or worse.
Meeker Road
So the good news is: There is still lots of time to enjoy the hard work that homeowners (or their hired hands) have put in to delight, inspire, sometimes amuse and occasionally even awe us.
Richmondville Avenue
The better news is: Westport is filled with holiday decorations. On and around houses from the 1700s, and those built year; from Compo Beach to Sturges Highway, and Bulkley Avenue to Kings Highway, our nights are brighter, thanks to our neighbors.
Dogwood Lane
Andrew Colabella took his camera (and his energy) all around town this week. Here are just a few of the scenes he photographed.
Andrew Colabella reports: “Over the last 2 years, a group of volunteers from the Representative Town Meeting planted 500 tulips. Most were at the Minute Man monument.
“In late spring, a landscaper mistook the stems there for weeds. Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent Michael West was upset, and wanted to make up for it.”
Colabella requested 500 tulip bulbs as replacements. West, and Parks & Rec’s Jamie Boone and Rick Giunta, surprised him with 1,500.
The other day,Colabella and several fellow RTM members planted the bulbs at the Minute Man, and other spots in town like the Compo Beach entrance and Compo cemetery.
In addition, each RTM member who planted tulips took bulbs to plant in a public spot of their choice — without telling the others where it is.
We won’t see the results of their work until spring. But it will be fun to discover, and beautiful to see.
Planting tulips at the Minute Man monument. Front row (from left): Nancy Kail, Kristin Mott Purcell. Rear: Melissa Levy, Andrew Colabella, Don O’Day.
Planting bulbs at Compo Beach. RTM members Claudia Shaum and Julie Whamond flank Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd.
Looking for non-shopping activities over Thanksgiving? Got relatives from out of town, who want to do something Westport-special?
Earthplace is your place.
Their Story and Animal program, Birds of Prey feeding, “Saturdays at Earthplace” and Winged Wonders program are all intriguing. And Earthplace trails and 62-acre sanctuary are open to the public, from dawn to dusk.
The Story and Animal program (Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; age 5 and under) includes an animal-themed story, and an “encounter” with an Animal Hall resident.
Birds of Prey Feeding (daily, 11 a.m.; all ages), includes information about birds’ eating habits and behaviors.
Saturdays at Earthplace (November 30, noon; all ages; parent or caregiver must be present) is a nature-based arts and crafts activity.
Winged Wonders (December 1, 1 p.m.) is a bird-on-glove demonstration, to learn about raptors. This Sunday features Earthplace’s barred owl, Moody.
Also, starting Sunday, Earthplace participates in Westport Moms’ first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt The “Earthplace Elf” will hide somewhere indoors, for one week. Spot it between December 1 and 8, and win a prize.
For more information on Earthplace and its programs, click here.
An Earthplace Winged Wonders demonstration.
=================================================
The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, November 26, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes a project update; work session to review progress on schematic plans, and public comment.
Long Lots School Building Committee, in a meeting last year.
As part of the Cross Highway Traffic Improvement project between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, the Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge.
The existing bridge is in bad shape, and cannot be modified to include the new sidewalk proposed for the corridor.
Construction is proposed for 2025. The goal is to replace the bridge during the summer, when school is not in session.
The town has submitted applications to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for an 8-24.
Meetings of those groups are December 4, 11 and 16, respectively. Meeting materials are or will be available on the town’s website for each board.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.
Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook.
================================================
Achtung!
Staples High School German students did more than just showcase their skills and knowledge at the recent University of Connecticut German Quiz Bowl, competing against other high school German programs.
They finished Nummer Eins — Number One!
In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops. They also learned about job prospects with over 150 German companies operating in Connecticut. (Since 2019, Germany has been Connecticut’s number one business partner.)
Staples German students, at the University of Connecticut.
Speaking of school: Last week, Greens Farms Academy broke ground for it new Athletics and Wellness Center.
The 30,000-square foot facility — set to open in the spring of 2026 — will
include 2 full-size basketball courts, 2 wrestling rooms, 2 squash courts with viewing galleries, a fitness center and training room.
It follows the expansion of Lower School facilities, including a new dining and student commons and a renovated assembly room, which opened last year.
The projects are funded through GFA’s Centennial Campaign, which will officially launch next fall 2025 as the school nears its 100th anniversary.
A model of Greens Farms Academy’s Athletics & Wellness Center.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Thanksgiving a day early.
This year’s weekly musical treat is tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27; VFW Post 399), instead of the traditional Thursday.
Bassist Fima Ephrom headlines. He’s joined by his First Light Band: guitarists Idan Morim and Tim Jago, keyboardist William Evans, drummer Ben Silashi and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
And finally … Tina Turner was born on this date, in 1939. After a dynamic musical career, first with her husband Ike and then as a solo artist, she died last year, at 83.
(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …
All morning yesterday, and through 2 p.m., the Stop & Shop parking lot was packed.
Residents responded in droves to calls from the Westport Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary to bring supplies of all kind — food, tools, medical items, generators and more — for victims of Hurricane Helene.
An enormous truck was packed. By mid-afternoon, it was on its way south.
(Photos/Connie Belta)
Many folks contributed cash too, for the Rotarians to buy more supplies.
The Rotary Clubs — and countless hungry, hurting folks in North Carolina — thank all who helped.
And if more is needed for Florida, we’ll be there too.
Over 200 years later — on October 18-20 and October 25-27 — Lachat Town Farm will be transformed into a modern-day, supernatural site.
Visitors will walk through a strange landscape, encounter disturbing creatures, and see scary stuff. They’ll be challenged to “solve the mystery behind the meteor before it’s too late.”
The special, immersive Halloween adventure includes a 45-minute interactive walking tour filled with live actors, horrific scenes, and chilling surprises. Lachat says: “Experience the ‘almost true’ story of the meteor, and discover Weston in a completely new light.
In a nod to 2024, seasonal treats and drinks will be available for purchase.
Parental discretion is advised, with a recommendation for ages 12 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thirty people will be accommodated per time slot. For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-246-8431.
Candidates for Westport’s State Senate seat, and the 2 State Representative districts here, will face each other on the Westport Library stage.
The October 22 debate (12 p.m.) is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Executive director Matthew Mandell will serve as moderator.
Kami Evans and Ceci Maher are vying for State Senate District 26. Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton are running for the State House in the 136th District; Peter Bang and Dominique Johnson are in the 143rd District race.
On October 24, the anchor tenant of Post Plaza is once again a supermarket.
BigY opens that day, at 1076 Post Road East. A “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.
Opening soon. (Photo/Arthur Hayes)
=================================================
MoCA’s Photography Fine Art Fair will attract a large crowd (October 18 and 19, noon to 4 p.m).
An early access ticket (October 18, 11 a.m. to noon) offers a chance to browse and buy one-of-a-kind and limited edition photos from talented and emerging photographers.
Click here for early access ($100) and general admission ($10) tickets.
Supper & Soul returns to the Westport Library — and 12 downtown restaurants.
The event — which combines a 3-course dinner, rock/jam band concert at the Library, and happy hour prices for after-show drinks — is Saturday, November 9.
The band, Pajamas, will make their much-anticipated Connecticut debut. They have roots in the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Phish and Goose.
This is the 11th dinner-and-concert event sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
One ticket ($84) covers a 6 p.m. meal at participating restaurants, the 8 p.m. concert, and drinks at those restaurants afterward. Concert-only tickets are $32.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley.
The 2017 Staples High graduate has been added to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster. They face the San Diego Padres.
Casparius replaces another right-handed pitcher, who is injured.
The 25-year-old was called up from the minors in August. He was 2-0 in 3 relief appearances, with a 2.16 ERA. He struck out 12 batters and walked 4, in 8 1/3 innings. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius
=================================================
For 17 years, Earth Animal’s Mitten Project has helped CT Foodshare tackle food insecurity.
Once again, the Post Road store will match every dollar donated by customers.
Last year’s drive raised $65,000. This year’s goal is $70,000.
The Mitten Project will run through December 31. The campaign begins with “Pumpkins for Good.” All proceeds from this month’s sale of pumpkins and gourds at Earth Animal will go to CT Foodshare.
It will be followed by the sale of handmade fair-trade mittens, dog treat Advent calendars, and a “Shop & Give” program involving local businesses.
=================================================
The latest “Little Free Library” — small roadside structures, courtesy of private homeowners — is at 69 Morningside Drive South.
It’s like others around town — filled with books to borrow (with an invitation to donate your own) — but with a twist.
This one has a bench. So you can start reading even before you get home.
69 Morningside Drive South. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)
Robert Steven Williams’ new documentary, “To the State of the Good Life,” is as timely as a film can be.
An intimate look at the American Dream through the story of a DACA recipient in Nebraska, it highlights the struggles of over 600,000 similar immigrants.
It will be shown at the Westport Library on October 17 (7 p.m.). Afterward, Williams moderates a panel discussion with experts — and Raúl Arcos Hawkins, who is featured in the video.
Tom Canavan worked on the 47th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. As he escaped the wreckage on September 11, 2001, he was caught under the collapse of the adjacent 110-story South Tower.
Digging his way out of steel and debris, Canavan became one of 19 people to survive the collapse of the Twin Towers.
On December 3 (7 p.m.), Canavan will share his story in an interview with Christie Seyglinski and Andrew Colabella.
Colabella is a Westport Town Representative Meeting member, and civic volunteer.
Seyglinski grew up in the shadow of the Twin Towers. When the 9/11 Memorial opened, she became a volunteer. She is a close friend of Canavan’s.
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker, Shannon Calvert, is ab amateur astronomer, photographer, and president of the Westport Astronomical Society.
The WAS hosts viewing nights on Wednesdays at their Bayberry Lane observatory, and provides classes and workshops in astronomy, telescope training and astrophotography.
They also organize monthly online public Zoom call with experts from around the world, representing different scientific fields.
Calvert’s magnificent photos of nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and supernovas are aesthetically beautiful, scientifically informative — and the highlight of his presentation.
Tracy Porosoff describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “My sunflowers may look dead to us, but to the goldfinches, they look delicious! They are visiting and munching away.”
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
===============================================
And finally … on this day in 1701, the Collegiate School of Connecticut was chartered in Old Saybrook. The school later moved to New Haven, and changed its name to Yale University.
(When was the last time you heard about the Weston meteor? You never know what you’ll learn on “06880.” But we can’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click hre to contribute. Thanks!)
At 6 a.m., the first spots were already reserved for tonight’s fireworks.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
This was the scene at 6:30:
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 6:40, there was this:
(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)
Ghost encampments will continue to sprout all morning long.
Some will be normal, considerate-of-neighbor-sized. Others will be the Compo Beach equivalent of McMansions.
The upside: The trend of setting up for a party ahead of time has lessened the traffic trying to enter the beach the moment it opens to ticket-holders, at around 4:30 or 5.
NOTE: As of 7:30 a.m., only 15 tickets for tonight’s show remained. They’re being sold today at police headquarters on Jesup Road only.
Organic Krush — the property they were replacing — vociferously said “not true!”
It was. But it took 2 years for it to happen.
The sign is now up. The targeted opening date is the end of this month.
(Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)
As “06880” reported in early June — and WestportMoms alluded to yesterday, in the Sweetgreen announcement — Just Salad is likely to replace Salsa Fresca “before the end of the year.”
Brooks Corner — the 23,945-square foot retail and office complex in the heart of downtown Westport — has been sold.
ARC — a Concord, Massachusetts-based real estate acquisition, development and management firm — bought the property from Westfair Inc., the Brooks family company.
The purchase price was $12,750,000.
Brooks Corner is anchored by Brooks Brothers (no relation to the family that built it), and Lux Bond & Green.
Brooks Corner
=================================================
There was no wind, rain or any other precipitating factor.
But a large tree fell just before 9 a.m. yesterday on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary School.
Branches hit a car driving past. The driver veered into a stone wall. There were no reported injuries.
More than 50 Eversource customers lost power.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
=================================================
The Residence at Westport is a senior living community.
But they’ve adopted our town’s youngsters as a cause.
From now through August 31, they’re collecting backpacks and school supplies, to support students in need.
Items can be dropped off in the lobby. The Residence is at 1141 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
Westport Rotary Club outgoing president Kenny Epstein passed the gavel to new president Goldie James at the annual traditional dinner on Friday, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Over 70 members ate lobsters, watched the new board sworn in, and enjoyed awards and gifts, as Rotary rang in its 101st year.
Kenny Epstein passes the gavel to Goldie James. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
=================================================
Ewen Rainer grew up in New Jersey. Jennifer Leigh is from the Branford area. They now live in Charleston, South Carolina.
They planned a religious wedding in Italy. But they wanted a civil one in the US, before heading overseas.
What better place than Westport?
But where? And who would perform it?
They got a list of justices of the peace from Town Hall. They chose Andrew Colabella, based on his close associations with Westport.
In May, the Representative Town Meeting member performed the ceremony on Veterans Green. A dinner, with family members who could not travel overseas, followed at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The couple is back in the States. They’ve got great memories of Italy — and Westport.
Justice of the peace Andrew Colabella (left), with Ewen Rainer and Jennifer Leigh.
================================================
Wondering how space environments threaten exoplanet habitability?
Dr. Ofer Cohen — an associate professor at the University of Massaschusetts -Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology — answers that question July 16 (8 p.m.), in a free Westport Astronomical Society webinar.
Sherry Jagerson’s memorial service last weekend was an upbeat, uplifting afternoon.
The longtime Westporter — who died earlier this month at 80 — was remembered for her vibrant, can-do, do-it-yourself spirit, and for the many environmental and humanitarian projects she threw herself into, at home and around the world.
Now, she may be memorialized here for decades to come.
Andrew Colabella and Matthew Mandell have started a petition to rename the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve on Hillspoint Road “Sherry Jagerson Preserve.”
One view of Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve … (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
The petition says: “This preserve exists as it is today because of the environmental love and care of Sherry Jagerson.”
In 2009 she — along with Wendy Crowther and Liz Milwe, and Westport’s Parks & Recreation maintenance division — excavated the property, built up the land, and installed a boat launch, saltwater natural plants, and accessible walkways with benches.
Colabella credits Jagerson’s “vision and hard work” from 2009 onward with the preserve’s current look and appeal.
… and another. (Photo/Bobbi Essagof)
Jagerson could be memorialized for many things. She was a steward for Nash Pond, where she lived. She led one of the first initiatives to ban plastic bags in the country. She created the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helped found the Westbridge Coalition, was a founding board member for United with Kenya, and served on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
But naming a wonderful piece of town property “Sherry Jagerson Preserve” is especially fitting.
Sherry Jagerson at Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)
Here’s one more story. Last Sunday — the day after her memorial service — Jagerson’s son, 2 daughters, grandchildren and friends gathered at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.
They spent the better part of a day weeding, cleaning and planting. As they did, they felt her spirit everywhere.
(The request to rename the property “Sherry Jagerson Park” will go to the Board of Selectwomen. If okayed, it heads to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval. Click here to see and sign the petition.)
Sherry Jagerson’s family and friends at the preserve last Sunday …
… with a pause for a group shot. (Photo/Jen Tooker)
Sherry Jagerson was also an accomplished sailor and racer. She founded a business that taught women how to sail.
We welcome a record-setting number of works in this week’s online art gallery.
Many of them are nature- and beach-related. Plenty are photos, too.
Not a lot of abstract art this week.
That’s the thing about this gallery: The exhibits change, every week.
But o matter what your theme or medium — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Flowers at Bryant Park” (Laurie Sorensen)
“The Little Pine Tree That Could” (Dorrie Barlow Thomas)
“Garden Gate” — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)
“Forsythia” (Kathleen Burke)
“Untidaled” (Michael Tomashefsky)
“Beach Sand” (Richard Fogel)
“Remember” (Cohl Katz)
“Driftwood Pier” (Bruce Borner)
Untitled (Andrew Colabella)
“Kite Flying at Burying Hill” (Duane Cohen)
Untitled — Point by the cannons (Steve Moen)
“Beachside Abstract” — digital composite (Ken Runkel)
Untitled (Aerin Lichtman, 12 years old)
“An Easter Island Statue in Connecticut?” Photographer Peter Barlow says, “This one, likely a reproduction, is in Stoney Creek and looks out to the Thimble Islands.”
“Amazing” (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“After Charing Cross” (Tom Doran)
“Distortion on Delancey” (Patricia McMahon)
“Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do Unto You” (Mike Hibbard)
“The Beachcomber” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Never Again” — artist Steve Stein shows “the different stars used to mark Jewish citizens in each country the Nazis took over during World War II. May 5 and 6 was Yom HaShoah (Day of Remembrance) for the 6 million who died during the Shoah (Holocaust). May 12 and 13 are Yom HaZikaron (Official Israel Memorial Day) for fallen soldiers in 9 wars. May 14 is Yom Ha’atzmaut (76th Israel Independence Day, after a 4000-year history in the land).
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking plans are moving forward.
On March 6 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Flood & Erosion Control Board meets to consider the 2 riverside lots.
Forty-two additional spots are proposed for the Jesup Green (lower Westport Library) parking area. Work includes restriping, minor grading, the removal and relocation of some trees, and a new retaining wall.
The new spaces will replace those lost in the Parker Harding renovation, as it is brought into compliance with ADA and safety standards.
The site plan is below. For a larger version, and other material related to the Jesup and Parker Harding lot project, click here.
After Tuesday’s “06880” Roundup report that Dunville’s closed suddenly last week, several readers noted that the Riverside Avenue’s Facebook page said: “Hi everybody, we’ll be closed for a little spring cleaning and then some vacation until Friday, March 1st. BRB!”
The post was accompanied by a photo of a Jimmy Buffett-style beach scene.
Usually, owners howl directly when I get something wrong. I reached out to Dunville’s owner before posting the story, but still have not heard back from him, or any representative.
Meanwhile, rumors are rampant in town that the popular, 40-year-old bar has been, or will be, bought by Little Pub.
I contacted the Little Pub owner for comment, but also did not hear back.
Dunville’s
=================================================
Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs are now viewable online (click here).
There are 2 online registration dates.
Tuesday, March 5 (9 a.m.) if for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.
Wednesday, March 6 (9 a.m.) is for all other spring and summer programs. Registration also continues for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.
If a program is full, names can be added to the waitlist. There is no charge at that time.
Parents should click here to access their account.
Log into your profile and choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. This brings you to the “My Family Members” page. Click on the first name in the column. In “Family Member Information,” verify date of birth, and make sure that children’s grades are correct (it is the grade going into as of September 2024). Hit “Save” at the bottom. Complete the process for every family member.
You may not write “West Side Story,” “Gypsy” or “Into the Woods.” But — if you are at least 20 years old — you can do what Sondheim did when he was at Williams College: become a Westport Country Playhouse intern.
Applications are open through March 8 for the Joanne Woodward Internship Program. Interns work closely with Playhouse staff each summer — as they’ve done ever since the 1940s.
Opportunities are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and community engagement. Interns also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including Playhouse staffers, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.
This year’s program runs from May 28 through July 31. The stipend is $630 per week. Housing is provided, if needed. For more information and to apply, click here.
Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).
And Dasha Horton, Natalie Glidden and Sean Fitzpatrick are ready.
On February 24 and March 2 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), they’ll talk about tapping and producing syrup, answer questions about how to tap trees at home, and show off WTF’s homestead-sized evaporator.
They’re all-weather farmers. Soo they’ll also answer questions about summer gardens.
The Maple Sugaring Days are free; go any time during the 2 sessions.
People of all ages love maple syrup — and making it.
And finally … Jimmy Van Eaton, Jerry Lee Lewis’ pounding drummer on “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” died earlier this month in Alabama, of kidney complications. He was 86.
But yours probably paled in comparison with the one Andrew Colabella attended.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting member headed to Washington, and a special Supreme Court gathering in their East Conference Room.
He and his date, Viviana Vasiu, hung out with the justices.
And sang Christmas carols led by a great tenor (Chief Justice John Roberts), a gifted alto (Justice Amy Coney Barrett), and some of the high court’s most interesting colleagues and friends.
Andrew calls himself Viviana’s “very lucky” date. She is one of 4 fellows selected each year for a prestigious fellowship program created by former Chief Justice Warren Burger.
Andrew Colabella and Viviana Vasiu, at the Supreme Court party.
This was the fellowship’s first holiday party since 2020.
“I was walking among the brightest and most successful law and policy makers, in the last great cathedral of the United States,” Andrew reports.
All of the justices were “very friendly and warm. They conversed with everyone.”
He says that Viviana is “proof that the American Dream still exists.” She came to the US at 18 from Eastern Europe. After starting at a community college, she graduated at the top of her class at both Stetson University and its law school. He calls himself “her biggest supporter and fan.”
As for Chief Justice Roberts’ excellent singing voice: “He killed it,” Andrew says.
Chief Justice John Roberts leads the caroling. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
=================================================
Can we get $3,348?
That’s all that’s needed for Westport to reach its goal of $60,000. With just $3,348, we can fund two wood pellet machines — and provide heat, all winter long, to 2,000 residents of our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
Two anonymous gifts — and many smaller ones — have brought us thisclose to the end of our holiday fund drive.
One donation of $30 can help one family through the long winter. $300 can help 10 families. One gift of $3,000 will put us almost over the top.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Christmas is still 6 days away. We’re sure your tree looks gorgeous.
But a few days after that, you’ll start thinking about how to get rid of it.
As they do every year, Scout Troops 39 and 139 can help.
Their annual Christmas tree pickup is January 6. Just fill out this form.
Then put your tree by your mailbox by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. The suggested donation is $20 per tree (though you can of course give more!). Put it in an envelope (cash or check made payable to “Troop 39”); tape it to you front door.
All trees will be mulched into wood chips, and donated to the town for landscaping projects. Funds raised help pay for Scout activities all year long, and for chipping expenses.
NOTE: Scouts cannot take wreaths or garlands. The wires ruin tree chippers.
A raucous home crowd cheered on the Staples High School boys basketball team last night, as they started on the road to their 2nd straight state championship appearance by dominating Newtown, 73-57.
Dozens of young Westport PAL players were in the packed stands. They got an extra-special treat when Larry Johnson — the former New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets player — joined them.
At halftime, they swamped the ex-pro with autograph requests. Smiling, he signed every one — including a paper towel.
Larry Johnson, and young fans. (Photo/Lisa Newman)
“Sheppy” has worked at The Home Cook on Saugatuck Avenue for almost 3 years. He’s a key member of the “heat and eat” food service.
After a recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, an infection in his foot required amputation. Owner Stephanie Berghoff organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with Sheppy’s significant medical bills.
Brian Marsella returns to Westport, for this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 21, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Called “a psychedelic Art Tatum,” the pianist has toured the world. Now he’s back wit bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg Wall.
All wowed the Jazz at the Post crowd, earlier this fall.
There’s a $15 music charge. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella writes:
On January 1, Westport’s single-use plastics ordinance becomes law.
Single-use plastic items such as straws, stirrers, plates, cups, to-go containers, and all expanded polystyrene products will be banned from distribution to patrons at food establishments in town. (Plastic straws will still be available to people who are handicapped, disabled, or suffer from an illness whose effects are eased by the use of a plastic straw).
The RTM’s objective was to reduce our carbon footprint and lead by example for other municipalities, reduce frivolously distributed products, expand inventory lifespan of products for food establishments, and reduce expenses.
The process began in May 2019, when the RTM unanimously passed a single-use plastic ban on food establishments. We are leading 46 other states, along with cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Our intent was to lead with perseverance, ease, and informative alternatives to make the transition smooth.
Andrew Colabella (right) is interviewed about Westport’s single-use plastics ban.
Some plastic products will not be covered under this ordinance, such as lids and utensils. There are no readily available, cost-effective alternatives.
This allows food establishments to explore on their own, and implement their own best practices toward sustainability.
Establishments throughout town have already started switching over. However, all establishments have leftover product that they are allowed to use past January 1.
It would be inappropriate to force establishments to throw out products that can still be used. Please be patient and respectful as we all work together to make the transition.
The transition will take time. There is a form that any food establishment can use to be granted time to transition. Most have already done so.
A lot of franchises have already introduced innovative products in the holiday season.
Some newer products look and feel like plastic. They’re not. They are a polylactic acid (PLA) material that is a plant/leaf-associated product that, when disposed of properly, breaks down quickly leaving no harmful traces behind.
If disposed of improperly, it will biodegrade and have no adverse effect on the environment.
Unlike plastic it contains no benzene or styrene, which are carcinogenic products. It is made from a renewable resource, not petroleum-based like plastic.
We are fortunate to live in state where landfills no longer exist for solid waste. Our solid waste is transported to Bridgeport, where it is burned to generate electricity through a turbine system, converting smoke into steam and one ton of soot a year.
Out of 78 million metric tons of plastic produced yearly, only 14% is recycled. At one time countries like China, India, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia purchased our plastic recyclables. These created floating garbage islands.
Single-use plastics are seldom recycled.
Westport has always led the East Coast in the fight against harmful products for consumers. Our town advocates for education, innovation, safety, and reducing waste fiscally and physically.
I extend a big thank you on behalf of my co-sponsors, P3, the Conservation Commission, Sustainable Westport, the selectwomen’s office, Nick Bamonte, town operations director Tom Kiely, and the Aspetuck Health District for supporting and implementing real legislation in action.
For more information on the Westport legislation, click here.
(“06880” covers Westport politics, the environment — and their intersection — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) does not always agree on everything.
That’s the messy part of democracy.
But this morning, members were unanimous: The Minute Man Monument needs more tulips. RTM member Andrew Colabella writes:
Last year, 100 tulips were planted by the Minute Man statue, as part of a beautification project.
The results were eye-popping, colorful and bountiful in beauty.
Blooming tulips.
This year, I decided to expand to 300 tulips.
Many hands made the work lighter, and smarter.
Top: Jimmy Izzo hangs with the Minute Man. Fellow RTM members include (middle, from left): Nancy Kail, Harris Falk, Seth Braunstein. Front: Don O’Day, Andrew Colabella, Kristin Mott Purcell.
The group came armed with shovels, a cordless drill, and donuts.
It was great to see families that biked, drove or walked by. A father and 3 children stopped, and asked to take part. Don O’Day lent a hand (below).
They asked about the history of the Minute Man statue, then posed with H. Daniel Webster’s 1910 sculpture.
With so much help, the work did not take long.
(All photos courtesy of Andrew Colabella)
The 300 tulips from Colorblends in Bridgeport came directly from the Netherlands. They were harvested this past summer.
Westport Hardware donated a bag of grass seed for top dressing, while Thomas Kerrigan of Kerrigan Industries provided a mixture of topsoil and compost.
I want to thank this group of green thumb enthusiasts and caring individuals for helping continue a vision I had a long time ago. It is finally coming to life.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
