This morning, “06880” posted a story about Kevin Nealon’s appearance at this Friday’s “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” benefit at Fairfield University. The event is now sold out.
Great news for the non-profit that addresses homelessness and food insecurity. Bad news for the comedian’s many fans who missed out on tickets!
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Most Westporters seldom think about our water.
We turn on the tap. We drink it. We cook with it. We shower in it.
Ignacy Nieweglowski think about our water, though.
He’s not a hydrologist. He doesn’t work for Aquarion, or the town.
He’s a senior at Staples High School. He and classmate Sahil Vora co-founded the Health Tech Initiative. The entirely student-run public research organization tracks the state of lead contamination in Connecticut. Recently, they won a President’s Environmental Youth Award.
This Saturday (October 10, 9 a.m. to noon), the group will host a free Water Drive. It’s in the main lobby of Staples High.
Residents can bring water samples from their homes. Ignacy, Sahil and their club will screen it — free — for lead and heavy metals.
The results come back in just 3 minutes. They are then added to the Health Tech Initiative Lead Watch database.
For the most accurate results, do not run any water in the house for 8 hours (usually that’s overnight). Then collect a sample, after that stagnation period.
Along with the testing, the Health Tech Initiative will raffle off an automatic flushing system on behalf of their partner, Noah Systems. It automatically clears lead from home pipes.
Any money raised or donated will help fund the group’s project: testing every Westport public school and many public facilities for lead.
Sahil Vora and Ignacy Nieweglowski, with the Presidential awards.
A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — is set for this Saturday.
And everyone is invited.
On October 10 (5 to 7 p.m), “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.
You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.
Ginger Richardson
If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)
Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.
Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.
This year’s event — the 4th annual fundraiser, supporting Westport’s first responders and veteran community — is Saturday, October 17 (6 to 8 p.m. VFW Post 399).
Greg Gunter of the Westport Police Department is the defending 3-time champion. Can he make it 4 straight?
Attendees vote for their favorite, among a wide variety of homemade recipes. There’s plenty of other great food, a 50/50 raffle, and a healthy heaping of community spirit.
Tickets are $25, at the VFW in advance or at the door. Proceeds benefit the VFW, Fire Department, Police Department and Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.
Questions? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.
Here in District 4, it’s been a low-key race for US Congress.
On October 19 (7 p.m., Westport Library), the Lower Fairfield County Leagues of Women hosts a debate. The 3 candidates — Democratic incumbent Jim Himes, Republican Michael Ted Goldstein and Independent Benjamin Wesley — will participate.
Paula Morgan is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for October.
She works primarily in oils, exploring the quiet moments and enduring light of coastal New England.
Paula has been a visual arts educator for over 2 decades. She is a member of The Artists Collective of Westport, and her work is exhibited in galleries throughout New England.
A reception is set for this Thursday (October 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Paula’s work will be on display all month, and available for purchase.
For months, rumors have circulated that Douglas Ouellette’s name as the Republican candidate for Westport’s 136th District state House of Representatives seat was a placeholder.
His name was filed with Secretary of the State on May 28.
On July 31, “06880” reported, “There’s been no sign of activity, online or in real life. Ouellette has not run for office before. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as CEO of Westport-based Home Choice Senior Care.
“No official announcement has been made. Westport Republican Town Committee chair Patrizia Zucaro did not respond to an email request for comment.”
Tuesday was the deadline for the Westport RTC to replace him with a different candidate, according to Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and Registrar of Voters Deb Greenberg.
So it appears Democrat Lee Goldstein is running against Douglas Ouellette.
But there has still been no press release or other announcement from the Republicans.
And no one has heard from Ouellette himself.
Screenshot of Ballotpedia courtesy of, and hat tip to, Tom Price.
“06880” has reported on recent weekend parties, attended by large groups at the beach. The Westport Police Department says:
“Through both formal and informal complaints received from Westport Parks & Recreation staff as well as neighbors, the WPD has recently observed multiple instances of extremely large gatherings of predominantly high school aged youths at Compo Beach. In most cases these incidents have been reported on weekends. and after the 10 p.m. closing time of the beach.
“Complaints have included allegations of disturbances, underage drinking, marijuana usage, littering and damage to property, with numbers of youth observed by the responding officers estimated to be in the 200 to 300 person range or greater.”
Last Friday and Saturday “officers encountered, and subsequently needed to disperse, gatherings of this size at Compo Beach. These gatherings have been comprised of both area youth as well as groups from out of state.
“The Westport Police Department in partnership with the Westport Prevention Coalition and the Office of the 1st Selectman would like to again take this opportunity to remind both youth and their parents of the town’s zero-tolerance policy on underage drinking and cannabis use.
“Additionally, crimes against persons and property perpetrated by youth will not be tolerated. Area patrols have been increased to monitor this situation going forward, and officers will issue citations for observed violations.
“Despite that, these are not the outcomes we wish to see, so we ask parents to closely monitor their children’s activity and please help to do their part to discourage participation in these gatherings.”
The story said that meeting materials had not yet been posted on the town website.
Town engineer Ted Gill responded quickly. He said:
“All WPLO applications that come in front of the F&ECB also need to go to the Conservation Commission. So there is only 1 set of documents for the one application, which then goes to both bodies.
“The documents for all F&ECB WPLO applications are on the Town website, attached to the Conservation Commission meeting link for the corresponding application.”
All the materials — and we do mean all — are available here. After clicking on, scroll down.
Thank you, Ted!
This building would be torn down, and replaced by a larger one.
A reader writes: “We’re expecting another storm this weekend. In the past, the town of Westport provided sand and sandbags for downtown businesses, particularly those of us who are vulnerable to flooding during high-tide storms.
“I just got off the phone with Public Works, and was told the town no longer provides either the bags or the sand. We can certainly order the bags ourselves, but obtaining and transporting sand individually may be more challenging for small businesses.
“From my experience, sandbags can make a real difference in helping minimize water damage. I wanted to see whether there may be any way for the town to assist downtown businesses with access to sand, even if we are responsible for purchasing our own bags.”
“06880” contacted Public Works director Larry Roberts. He responded promptly: “Until about 8 years ago, the town provided sand and bags to residents. Residents could drive up to the highway garage and fill bags themselves, and our staff helped those who were unable to. Downtown businesses could participate as well.
“The program was discontinued mainly because of the logistics involved: storing clean sand and staffing the site to fill bags on demand.
“At the same time, as buildings on Main Street were renovated, many owners installed flood gate systems in place of sandbags. These gates offer better protection and are easier to store when not in use. Since those renovations, commercial demand for sandbags has been negligible.”
Sandbags on Main Street during Hurricane Sandy, 2012.
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Families, friends, neighbors and individuals are invited to “Give Back Together” — and help Homes with Hope.
This Saturday (September 26, 8 to 11 a.m., 10 Church Lane), volunteers will pack essential item bags — filled with household items, snacks and personal hygiene products — for people served by Westport’s supportive housing non-profit.
A $25 contribution covers the cost of 2 bags. All items will be provided. Click here to register. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, FLB Law, David Adam Realty and Willo.
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between September 16 and 22.
A 38-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to yield right of way, following a Sunday accident at Saugatuck Avenue and Ferry Lane, with injuries. She was released on a $500 bond.
A 25-year-old Manhattan man and 24-year-old Bronx man were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into the February theft of a car from Volvo of Westport. Both were held on $150,000 bonds.
A 55-yar-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, following the theft of a Jeep from the Saugatuck train station. The key had been hidden within the exterior mounted spare tire. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, charging greater than $500 on a revoked payment card, conspiracy to commit that crime, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, following an investigation into the theft of a woman’s wallet at HomeGoods. She was released on a $10,000 bond.
A 36-year-old woman was charged with failure to appear. She was released on a $5,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 10 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
Distracted driving: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Texting while driving: 2
Speeding: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
School zone violation: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper passing: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Articles obstructing view: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
All license plates must be readable!
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Sometimes you look at one of nature’s creatures and say, “Wow!”
Sometimes you see one, and you just laugh.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo elicits both responses.
(So: Do you enjoy “06880”? If so, great! And now: Please click here, to support our work; we’d really appreciate it. PS — Do you like the way this paragraph is supporting Punctuation Day?)
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.
(“06880” keeps its eye on downtown, restaurants, the river, and everything else in town. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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 …
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