Westport’s newest dock could be a game-changer for downtown.
Arezzo Restaurant’s owners have applied to the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to build a dock at the northern end of their outdoor patio, just below the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The 56-foot long structure would allow boaters to tie up, step ashore and dine. Two slips would be open to the non-patron public.
And, the application says, a tour boat could offer diners a special course: a trip along the river.
The new dock would be constructed at the northern end (right) of Arezzo’s outdoor dining area. (Photo/Sarathi Roy)
According to plans filed with DEEP, the 2-pile dock will have “minimal impact to the sediment.” It will connect to an existing seawall. There are no tidal wetlands in the area.
After DEEP and the Army Corps of Engineers review and sign off on the plan, it would go to agencies overseeing fish and wildlife.
Town permitting would follow. It’s in the the coastal area management zone, but Westport officials have jurisdiction only from the mean high water line to the land.
Aerial view, with dock plans. (Image courtesy of LandTech)
LandTech — the planners and engineers for the project — says that once necessary permits have been granted, construction would probably be done in the winter.
The dock would add new activity and life to that section of the west bank of the Saugatuck.
But it would not be the first time such a structure was there.
A century and a half ago, wharves — including those owned by Horace Staples, who lived diagonally across the street — carried onions, ax handles and other products down the river, and on to New York and Boston.
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Posted onJune 13, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Remarkable Theater, Arezzo, Earthplace …
The curtain may rise again for the Remarkable Theater.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously approved a request for a permit to show movies in the Imperial Avenue lot this summer.
The dates would be Mondays (when the nearby Levitt Pavilion is dark) and Wednesdays (when the Levitt’s Children’s Series — which ends earlier than other shows is scheduled). Movies cannot be seen on the large outdoor screen until the sun goes down.
The Remarkable Theater debuted during the COVID year of 2020. It was an instant hit, providing entertainment, opportunities for non-profit groups to partner on fundraisers, and employment for people with disabilities.
After successful seasons in 2021 and ’22, scheduling difficulties prevented the Remarkable Theater from operating last year.
Theater officials hope to confirm their opening — and announce their schedule — soon.
A who’s who of Westporters received Rotary Club honors on Tuesday.
Each also received an honorary Paul Harris Award — the highest Rotary recognition.
Westport Public Protection Awards went to Firefighter Paul Spennato, Corporal David Scinto and Volunteer EMS President Michael Burns (who also received a Community Service Award).
Westport Community Service Awards were given to Ken Bernhard, attorney, civic leader and community volunteer; Susan Pfister, former director of the Westport Senior Center; Gately Ross and Johanna Martell, co-directors of Sustainable Westport; Honorable Lisa Wexler, probate judge, and Pete Wolgast, civic leader and community volunteer.
Corporal David Scinto receives his award from Rotary member Lyla Steenbergen. Police Chief Foti Koskinas looks on.
Pete Wolgast (right), with longtime Rotarian and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
2nd annual Moth Ball (July 12, 8 to 11 p.m.; $10 adults; under 21, free). Moth experts discuss moth ecology, and identify moth species. Dress up in a moth costume. Crafts and refreshments included).
For registration and more information, click here, or email v.swain@earthplace.org.
For over 9 decades, the Westport Country Playhouse has been making musicals.
Next month, “They Made It a Musical!” comes to the historic stage.
A concert celebrating Broadway’s greatest musicals is set for July 18, 19 and 20 (8 p.m.), with a July 20 matinee (3 p.m.).
Broadway veterans and a live band offer songs and stories showcasing the origins of “Oklahoma!” (whose origins include the Playhouse), “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Titanic,” “Hamilton” and many more.
Two new art installations open soon, in all 3 Westport Library gallery spaces.
The Artist Collective of Westport’s “Piece By Piece” and “Word: Visual VS Verbal Art Show” will fill all 3 of the Library’s gallery spaces.
For “Piece by Piece,” 48 artists from the Collective each created an individual piece — part of a larger painting — replicating it in their own style. None know what the final painting will look like until it’s revealed at the opening reception (June 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
The reveal will be a fun way to see how each artist interpreted the 12″ x 12″ section they were given.
The Collective’s “Visual VS Verbal Art Show ” will also open that evening, with art on many of Library walls and the large Trefz Forum screen.
A year ago, Staples High School graduate Jake Thaw previewed his upcoming University of Michigan football season, at a special meeting of the Michigan Alumni Association of Fairfield County
The Wolverines went on to win the national championship.
After appearing in that game, Thaw — a punt returner and wide receiver — has transferred to Delaware.
But once again, local alums can hear the football forecast from someone who knows.
Lys Goldman — a 2021 Staples grad, and rising senior at UM, will speak at Pizza Lyfe on July 7 (2 p.m.).
Lis is a senior sports editor and senior layout editor for The Michigan Daily. She covers UM football, ice hockey, women’s basketball and other sports.
Lys also designs most sports print pages — including the national championship cover.
Next month’s event is free — and open to all. No Michigan connection is needed. Click here to register.
Lys Goldman
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Staples High School Class of 1976 graduate Tim Garvin is now president and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts.
In preparation for their 104th annual Community Celebration, they decorated their offices with vintage posters, artifacts and awards.
One poster from the 1950s caught his eye.
Looking closely, he realized it was more than just intriguing: The artis was Stevan Dohanos.
The Westport illustrator — a longtime cover artist for the Saturday Evening Post, US stam designed and founding member of Famous Artists School — created this work:
“I am that his work and Westport heritage are on display in our United Way offices in Worcester,” Tim says.
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There’s a reception for Dorothy Robertshaw — the Westport Book Shop featured artist of the month — tonight (Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.) at the Jesup Road store.
Inspired by nature, she creates richly textured, exuberantly colorful waterscapes and landscapes she sees in her mind’s eye. She works in oil, acrylic, encaustic wax, pastel, wood, glass and mixed media.
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Rushing to or from a train, it’s easy to overlook the gorgeous gardens at the Westport station.
But that would be a shame.
So now — assuming you’re not running to or at the station — relax, and enjoy today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
And finally … on this day in 1966, the Supreme Court ruled in Miranda v. Arizona that the police must inform suspects of their 5th Amendment rights before questioning them.
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Comments Off on Roundup: Remarkable Theater, Arezzo, Earthplace …
There are many ways to describe the location of last week’s Photo Challenge.
Post Road West, right over the bridge. The 2nd floor apartments over Arezzo restaurant, Winfield Street Deli, Stephen Kempson and Age of Reason. The Hunt & Downs Building. Across from National Hall.
All are correct. It’s a familiar sight, even if the angle was different. Click here for the photo.
Congratulations to Tom Ryan, Elaine Marino, Rich Stein, Fred Cantor, Seth Goltzer, Bruce Salvo, Linda Amos, Rosalie Kaye, Bobbie Herman, Martha Witte, Joelle Malec, Yvonne Ferris, Joyce Bottone and Michael Calise. No matter how they identified it, they nailed the challenge.
Here’s this week’s photo:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
We’ve all walked by it — often. But how many of us actually notice it?
Last week’s photo challenge — showing an Old World grotto — could have been taken in Italy.
But it was shot right here in Westport, at the highly regarded Arezzo restaurant. The waterfall and window are tucked away in the back, on the way to the riverfront patio.
Only 2 alert readers knew where this secluded spot was: Stephanie Mastrocciolo and Breno Donatti. Of course, Breno has an inside track: Arezzo shares a rear wall with his Winfield Street Deli. (Click here for the photo.)
This week’s challenge is also water-related. If you think you know where in Westport you’d see it, click “Comments” below.
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