State Department of Transportation engineers have shared with Stina Sternberg Snow, and other neighbors, what the $400,000 landscaping plan looks like for the renovated maintenance garage off the nearby Sherwood Island Connector.
Click on or hover over to enlarge. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left; Post Road East is at top.
The area highlighted in red will be a turn lane into the new entrance (from the Connector). It will have an 8-foot privacy fence next to it.
This Thursday (July 17, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)
The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.
Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). If you’ve got a folding table, we could use a few too 🙂
Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.
There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser. A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.
Marie Gross woke up this morning a bear breaking up her bird feeders. on Kings Highway North.
(Photo/Marie Gross)
It then sauntered casually down the road, toward the cemetery.
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Michael Franti & Spearhead brought a message of love, hope, acceptance and positivity to the Levitt Pavilion yesterday. It was Franti’s third time at the open-air venue.
He engaged intimately with the audience on stage — and while performing as he walked around.
(Photo/Sean Bernand)
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Cimafunk was the opening act last nigh — and also high-energy. The musician’s funk and hip hop, with Cuban and Afro-Caribbean roots, got the crowd moving from the moment he stepped on stage.
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Backing up, on sax. (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
This week’s shows include Hopalong Andrew (Children’s Series; Tuesday, 7 p.m., free); I’m with Her, with Ken Pomeroy (Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.; ticketed); Nellie McKay Trio (Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.; free), and Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls (Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.; free).
The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s cultural community-building collaboration — has launched a small-group series, at the Hive loft.
Each event will revolve around a music and arts theme, and include a conversation inspired by the arts. Beverages and small bites will be served.
The dates are July 23 (7:30-9:30 p.m.), July 27 (4-6 p.m.), July 30 (7:30-9:30 p.m.), and August 9 (8-10 p.m.).
The Hive strives to gather groups with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Ticket purchasers (click here) are invited to make an additional donation, to go toward a ticket for someone who otherwise could not join.
And finally … Happy Bastille Day, to all who celebrate!
(“06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy being part of our great online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is hosting a “Candlelight Vigil for Hope and Peace” tonight, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The invitation says, “Come together for a collective sigh, some tears, laughter and mutual support.”
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Compo Acres Shopping Center specializes in several types of businesses: food, fashion and fitness.
Row House is closed. But a different kind of fitness “house” moves in next month.
SweatHouz is the brainchild of longtime friends Adam Peterson and Brian Liberty.
It will offer private contrast therapy suite, each with an infrared sauna, cold plunge and en suite Vitamin C shower.
The goal is to reduce inflammation, manage pain, improve immunity and sleep, boost mood, improve recovery, burn calories and improve performance.
SweatHouz plunge tub.
Anderson describes a “boutique, high-end, hotel-type feel.” Users can set the temperature for their cold plunge through an app.
Sessions — available singly, or through packages — are 60 minutes. Clients choose whatever options they like, from contrasts to just a sauna and shower.
Liberty learned about SweatHouz, and franchise opportunities, while recovering from a golf injury.
The Westport owners like their new neighbors, including SoulCycle and the bizarrely punctuated [solidcore].
“We’re not competing with fitness centers,” Peterson says. “People work out elsewhere, and get their recovery here.”
It doesn’t hurt that there are a couple of spots for healthy food nearby, like Sweetgreen (next door) and Pokeworks. (As well as Cobs Bread, and of course Trader Joe’s.)
Brian Liberty (left) and Adam Peterson, outside SweatHouz.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting scheduled for November 14 has been rescheduled for Thursday, November 21 (8:30 a.m., Town Hall room 201/201A).
Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building committee announced yesterday that they will hold a special meeting today (Wednesday, November 6, Town Hall Room 309).
They’ll hear a project update, convene a work session to review conceptual parking concepts and conceptual elevations, and open the meeting up to public comment.
(Another day, another few “06880” stories. No matter what happens in the world, we are your window on Westport. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.
Everyone does what they can.
For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.
Hundreds of them.
On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.
But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?
The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.
Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.
And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.
Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).
The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.
“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.
“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”
That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.
Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.
But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.
James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.
Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.
The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.
You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.
Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.
Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.
Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.
The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10. Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.
Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.
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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.
But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.
Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.
According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”
He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”
Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Parker Kligerman
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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.
These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.
Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.
During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”
It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.
There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.
No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.
Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.
Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.
His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.
(“06880” is indeed where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Superfans is a group of Staples High School students. They use social media to draw attention to upcoming athletic events.
Yesterday — as the school mourned the death of Max Harper, the 18-year-old killed yesterday in a dirt bike accident — they sent out a different message.
With school delayed today by 2 hours for staff to prepare, the teenagers organized a gathering at Compo Beach.
“Anyone and everyone is welcome” at 9 a.m., texts and social media messages said. “Feel free to bring flowers to pay your respects.”
They planned a moment of silence. They would put petals in the water.
“In terms of grievance, it is crucial that you spend time with loved ones,” the teens told each other.
“Regardless of your relation to Max, we encourage everyone to join the community and face this difficult time in unity.”
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Barbara Innamorati writes:
“It is bear season. This big boy spent 20 minutes at our house in the Charcoal Hill neighborhood, in 2 separate visits today (Wednesday).
(Photo/Barbara Innamorati)
“I reported it to the police.
“Bring your bird feeders in — it is like bear bait.
“There seem to be a lot of bear sightings these days. And they are more brazen than ever.”
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Think the Grand List assessment for your Maserati (or Kia) — or, this being Westport, Tesla — is too high?
The Board of Assessment Appeals meets Thursday, September 19, 2024 (Town Hall Room 201, 6 to 7 p.m.), to hear motor vehicle appeals.
The board says: “Be sure to bring the vehicle you are appealing with you.”
We assume that means to the parking lot, not Room 201 itself.
What’s the assessment on this bad boy? (Photo/Karen Como)
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The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series continues October 7 (7 p.m.) with “Witch.”
Written by Jen Silverman — author of “The Roommate,” now on Broadway with Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow — it’s about a “charming devil” who arrives in a quiet village. He bargains for the souls of its residents, in exchange for their darkest wishes.
“This sharp, subversive fable debates how much our souls are worth when hope is hard to come by,” the Playhouse says.
Kids’ Apple Delight Baking Bonanza (Ages 7-12; September 27, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.).
Fall Cooking with the Minis (Grades K-2; Mondays, October 14 through November 11; also November 18 through December 16; 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.).
Autumn Bites & Delights — Kids’ Cooking Series (Grades 2-6; Wednesdays, October 10 through November 13; also November 20 through December 18; 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.).
Halloween-Inspired Adult Cooking Class (October 22, 7 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and to register.’
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Westport Police report no custodial arrests between September 4 and 11.
Westport Local Press reports that “Bear 211” — the black bear tagged with that number by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and reported at various sites in northern Westport and environs over the past 2 months — was struck by a car and killed yesterday, on Route 136 in Easton. The driver left the scene.
But never — ever — have I seen anyone swimming off Schlaet’s Point, the area just north of the Soundview Avenue jetty.
Clamming and fishing, yes. Wading out at low tide, sure. Couples making out on the rocks, check. But people swimming? Not a chance.
Okay, so playing water polo is not actually swimming. But that’s what’s gone on recently. An area water polo club has put up a portable court in the public, lifeguard-less inlet. Young players have been practicing there, preparing for a tournament in Dallas.
Which, presumably, will be indoors. The Gulf of Mexico is 600 miles from there.
Speaking of Compo: Yesterday’s beach story was about vandalism of benches. Today’s is about a paddleboard theft.
This year, for the first time, Mitch Raboy has stored a standup paddleboard near the kayak launch area.
On Sunday, his wife took it out on the water. She then secured it to the rack with a heavy-duty cable lock.
Now it’s gone. Only the security metal loop and chain remain.
The Raboys called the police. An officer said this kind of theft is not common.
There are no security cameras in the area, Mitch says. He’d like “06880” readers to be aware of what happened — and hopes the town will install cameras there.
My wife went out in the board on Sunday and secured it to the rack with a heavy duty cable lock afterward. On Sunday we went to check on it and found it had been stolen. The security metal loop and chain remained.
A cable (lower left) is all that’s left of the Raboys’ standup paddleboard.
Sustainable Westport surpassed its goal of $7,500 in challenge grant donations.
That earns them over $15,000. They’ll use the funds to inform, educate and engage residents about food scrap recycling, decreasing food waste. and diverting edible food from the incinerator to food insecure residents.
Congratulations, Westporters. And thanks to Sustainable Westport, for all you do.
There’s a great back story behind today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Dorothy Fitton writes: “We spotted this bald eagle overlooking a gathering of Boston College students in our yard last week. It may be a sign that our BC Eagles will have a great senior year!”
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