Summer is here!
Beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 20), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.
Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 19), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.
If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.
If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.
Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 business days. They are not required until May 1.
If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email recreation@westportct.gov.
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)
=================================================
The Planning & Zoning Commission’s discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal continues next Monday (March 24, 6 p.m., Zoom).
The specific agenda item is for “special permit/coastal site plan approval for a mix of non-residential, hotel and residential uses as part of an integrated site development, for property located in the General Business District/Saugatuck Marina” area.
Click here for details on The Hamlet at Saugatuck’s proposal.
A view of The Hamlet at Saugatuck, from the Saugatuck River.
==================================================
Staples High School’s Asian Students Association is raising funds to provide menstrual hygiene products to women who face challenges accessing those basic necessities. The World Bank estimates that number as high as 500 million women.
There is a local need too. The Staples group’s goal is to raise $1,000 for Homes with Hope. The non-profit runs Westport homeless shelter and food pantry (whose shelves include hygiene products).
The club is a part of Dear Asian Youth, a youth-led, global non-profit that promotes solidarity with other marginalized communities, and equality and equity. Click here to donate, and for more information.
==================================================
Speaking of Staples: Mark DeRosa’s teaches drawing and animation classes there, along with an after-school comic book course called Graphicus that publishes an annual anthology.
Last weekend they presented their work at Southern Connecticut State University’s Indie Comics Creator Con. It drew over 175 creators from around the country, and included panels and discussions about making and publishing comics.
DeRosa’s students saw first hand the impact their creations have on comic fans of all ages. They were buoyed by guest appearances from 2 principals: Staples’ Stafford Thomas, and Bedford Middle School’s Adam Rosen.
From left: Stafford Thomas Jr., son Stafford Thomas III, Dinuka Periyapperuma, Archie Kobetitsch, Will Hebel.
==================================================
Congressman Jim Himes has scheduled in-person town hall meetings for this Saturday in Norwalk (10 a.m.) and Fairfield (1 p.m.), along with a telephone town hall on Monday, March 24 (7:30 p.m.).
Click here for details, and to register.
Congressman Jim Himes
=================================================
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is in rehearsal for “Theatre People.” The adaptation of the Hungarian play — set in 1948, in a Newport mansion — opens March 25.
But that’s not Shanahan’s only Hungarian connection. A play he adapted —Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” — is currently on stage there.
“I’m told that even in another country and another language, the audience still gasps at the big reveal,” Shanahan says.
==================================================
From blowing bebop with the Charles Mingus Band to improvising with Anthony Braxton, Michael Rabinowitz has changed conceptions of what a bassoon can do.
Local jazz fans can hear him — and bassist Rich Zurkowskir, pianist Roberta Piket, drummer David Alvarez and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — this Thursday (March 20) at Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399).
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15, veterans and students). Click here for tickets.
==================================================
Local experts will share insights on enhancing “lifespan and health span.” The first event (March 26, 6 p.m.) continues a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd, begun during their sold-out Westport Farmers’ Market session.
A team from Rhone will offer performance-driven gear. Register by email: info@tapstrength.com.
================================================
Longtime Westport resident Malcolm Doak died peacefully at his home in Spring, Texas on January 27, surrounded by family. He was 95.
He joined Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Hackensack (New Jersey) High School).
While studying at Rutgers University, Malcolm was accepted into the USAir Force flight school. In 1952 he received his wings and married Vivian, the love of his life.
During the Korean War he served with distinction. Malcolm then transitioned to civilian aviation, while remaining active in the Air Force Reserves.
He entered corporate aviation as a pilot for IBM. He then served Wayfarer Ketch Corporation as chief pilot and director of flight operations. Owned by the Rockefeller brothers, Wayfarer Ketch allowed multiple companies to own their own aircraft, while pooling the resources of pilots, mechanics,
Malcolm flew Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, and led the first commercial flight into China after President Nixon normalized relations.
He finished his career at American Express as vice president of flight operations. Malcolm served as USAF academy liaison officer for the state of Connecticut, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Malcolm and Vivian moved their 5 children to Westport in 1964. The couple donated time and money to the Westport Public Library, Westport Country Playhouse, Scouting, the Westport Weston Family Y and environmental organizations.
He enjoyed jogging and biking, then sculleld on the Saugatuck River into his 80s.
He is survived by his children Kathi of New York City; Lisa Lyne (James) of Spring, Texas; Ivy (Tim Montler) of Denton, Texas; Robin Neyrey of Spring, and Malcolm (Carole Ann) of Kirby, Vermont; 7 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 3 great-grand children; 3 half sisters, and 1 step-sister. His wife Vivian Doak died in 2021.
Malcolm Doak
=============================================
There’s a late winter chill on the Saugatuck River. But — as they do in all weather, all year long, and as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes are ready to work.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
==================================================
And finally … happy 55th birthday to Queen Latifah!
(If today’s “06880” helps you get your beach sticker — hey, that’s what we’re here for. We’re your hyper-local blog, 24/7/365. Don’t thank us — just click here to support our work! Much appreciated.)
