Tag Archives: Board of Finance

Roundup: Hazardous Waste, Good Food, The Oscars …

Posted on March 4, 2025 | 1 comment

Get wasted!

The Department of Public Works’ annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is  Saturday, April 5 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).

This free program enables residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes.

Products like cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health if disposed of improperly.

Residents may dispose of these types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.

Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:

  • Make sure items are clearly labeled. Do not mix chemicals. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.
  • Keep products in original labeled container.
  • Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
  • Tighten lids of all containers, and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
  • Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
  • Keep your windows open.
  • Leave pets and children home.
  • Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.

Westport residents may recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector. It’s open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

The following items are not acceptable: ammunition, flares, and commercial hazardous waste.

Questions? Call Public Works: 203-341-1793.

=================================================

Sure, you shop at the Westport Farmers’ Market. You love the fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, meats and more, and you stock up every Thursday, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (spring through all), and Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (winter).

But wouldn’t it be nice to have some great recipes, to add extra creativity to all that great food?

The Farmers’ Market Recipe Program is your answer.

Directed by chef Jes Bengtson of @terraincafe, the Farmers’ Market Instagram features monthly videos by top local chefs and foodies. Each one includes information on how to source ingredients from WFM, how to prep, and how to prepare.

You can find them on the Farmers’ Market’s Instagram (click here), Facebook page and website.

Hungry yet? Look below, for a list of monthly culinary stars.

==================================================

Speaking of food: This is Soup Month in Westport.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker made the proclamation yesterday, at Calise’s Food Market. It was the first serving of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Great Soup Contest.

All month long, 16 soup-making spots will compete in 7 categories. Judging will be done online, by soup-loving Westport residents.

And every voter is entered into a drawing to win a free soup, from one of the 7 winners.

The 16 competitors are Basso, Calise’s, Capuli, Gaetano’s, Garelick and Herbs, Gold’s Deli, Joe’s Pizza, Kawa Ni, Little Pub @ Dunville’s, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, The Whelk and Tutti’s.

The 7 categories are: Best Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, Asian, Onion and Matzoh Ball Soup, and Best Chowder. Each place can enter up to 4 categories, but can win no more than 2.

Voting runs through March 31. Visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then click here to vote.

Kicking off the Great Soup Contest (from left): town attorney Ira Bloom, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, assistant town attorney Eileen Flug, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Calise’s owner Carmen Cenatiempo.

==================================================

Speaking still of food: Finalmente has not served its last meal.

The Post Road East restaurant — next to Jeera Thai, across from Design Within Reach — will reopen, perhaps as early as the end of this month.

The new owners — Giuseppe Cinque, a familiar name to Fairfield County diners — will keep the old name. But he’s updating the menu, and renovating the interior.

CT Insider first reported the news. Click here for their story.

Finalmente, before it closed last May after 19 years.

==================================================

The Board of Finance begins its review of 2 proposed 2025-26 budgets tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on Cablevision Channel 79, and westportct.gov).

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer the Westport Public Schools budget.

Click here to view Tooker’s proposed budget. Click here for Scarice and Goldstein’s proposed budget.

==================================================

If you watched the Academy Awards on Sunday, you saw plenty of gorgeous dresses.

You may have especially admired Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Whoopi Goldberg’s outfits.

Each was special. But all were created by Christian Siriano. The fashion designer lives in Westport, and has his own shop-by-appointment store, The Collective West, on Post Road East. (It will close soon however, and relocate to New York.)

Click below to see Whoopi Goldberg. Click here for more of Siriano’s designs, on his Instagram page.

Whoopi Goldberg, in a Christian Siriano gown.

================================================

Speaking of the Oscars: Michael McCorry Rose interrupted rehearsals for Westport Country Playhouse’s next show — the romantic comedy “Theatre People” — to attend Sunday night’s ceremony.

He had good reason: He was a cast member of the film “Wicked.”

But the Playhouse was on his mind. Standing on the carpet, he gave a shoutout to the character he will portray beginning March 25: the narcissistic Victor Pratt, aka “Broadway’s Favorite Baritone.”

Click here for more information, and tickets to “Theatre People.” Click below for the video of Rose, at the Oscars.

==================================================

Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport has an active March. Among the activities:

  • International Women’s Day Lunch (March 8, 11:30 a.m., Gabriele’s Steak House).
  • Girls Night Out (bring a dish for potluck dinner, BYOB drink, and karaoke energy).
  • Book group (March 27; private home): “A Hundred Summers.” Contact Peggy O’Halloran: pohal@aol.com.
  • Cooking group (date and theme TBD). Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com.

For more details, including membership, click here.

==================================================

Westport Pride’s annual drag show is going on the road.

This year’s special guest is Patty Bourée. The 18+ event — with cocktails, songs and comedy — is March 22 (7 p.m.) at The Knowlton, Bridgeport’s premier event space.

“Come dressed to spring eternal,” organizers say. And why not? It’s the second day of spring!

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Patty Bourrée

=================================================

Sara Caswell headlines this week’s “Jazz at the Post” (Thursday, March 6, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; music charge $20, $15 for veterans and students).

A classically trained string player, she has toured or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Esperanza Spalding, Regina Carter and others, and led her own band. Caswell teaches at the Berklee College of Music, New York University and the New School.

Joining her are bassist Ike Sturm, guitarist Jesse Lewis, painist Alex Browner and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

==================================================

You have to look hard to see the 2 bobcats in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But that’s the idea of camouflage.

Ivan and Danielle Alexander spotted the animals on Sunday, in their Coleytown neighborhood.

(Photo/Ivan Alexander)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Westport Pride’s upcoming drag show (story above):

(Where else but “06880” can you learn about hazardous waste, the Oscars and a drag show, all at once? If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local politics, Politics, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: BOF Budgets, Remains On PBS, Staples STEM Champs …

Posted on February 21, 2025 | 2 comments

The Board of Finance begins its review of 2 proposed 2025-26 budgets on March 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on Cablevision Channel 79, and westportct.gov).

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer the Westport Public Schools budget.

Click here to view Tooker’s proposed budget. Click here for Scarice and Goldstein’s proposed budget.

================================================

The Remains remain Westport legends.

The band — including Staples High School grads Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs — were “how you told a stranger about rock ‘n’ roll,” raved young music critic Jon Landau.

They tore up Boston and New York, were signed by Epic Records, appeared on “Ed Sullivan” and “Hullabaloo” — and, in 1966, were an opening act on the Beatles’ last tour.

Then — on the brink, perhaps, of superstardom — the Remains broke up.

The Remains, back in the day.

Their story was told off-Broadway. Now they’re the stars of a PBS documentary.

“America’s Lost Band” captures the group on its return to Los Angeles, for the first time in 40 years. It shows the bond between 4 close friends, and the power of music that united them, decades after comingthisclose to the top.

The documentary was adapted from a feature-length film that played at film festivals 15 years ago. It was never released publicly, due to licensing costs and rights issues.

The film was produced by Fred Cantor. The 1971 Staples High School graduate — a longtime Remains fan and chronicler — previously produced “The High School That Rocked!,” about bands like the Doors, Yardbirds and Cream who played at Staples. It was the only documentary short at the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Film Series.

“Lost Band” was directed by Michael Stich, longtime director of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

It will premiere on Connecticut’s PBS station, CPTV on April 7 (9:30 p.m.), and stream nationwide on CPTV’s platforms.

==================================================

The checks have been cashed. The food has been distributed.

And Earth Animal thanks everyone who contributed to the Post Road store’s holiday Mitten Project.

The pet supply store raised an astonishing $75,737 to combat food insecurity in Connecticut.

The money came from sales at Earth Animal, participation in Shop & Give events hosted by the local business community, private donations, and contributions from customers.

Earth Animal Ventures, based in Southport, matched every dollar raised.

=================================================

Staples High School students struck gold (and silver, and bronze) at the Connecticut STEM Fair.

Under the mentorship of teacher Amy Parent, young researchers presented innovative work across multiple categories at the virtual event earlier this month.

William Boberski captured first place in the Health and Medical Science category (completed projects), for research on diet composition’s effects on lifespan and colorectal cancer progression, using the Drosophila midgut model.

In the same category (for research proposals), Alexis Krenzer placed first for her plan to study curcumin’s potential role in epidermal growth factor driven cancers using C. elegans.

Ezra Schwartz took third, for his proposal on improving glenoid labral tear diagnosis through deep learning applications.

Jonathan Dobin-Smith snagged first place in the Environmental category, for a proposal to mitigate CO2 emissions through bio-concrete development using Cupriavidus necator.

William Kwong tied for second, with research on using curcumin to protect against microplastic damage in C. elegans.

Kendra Chen presented compelling research on generating biofuels from Connecticut microalgae, using bicarbonate as a carbon source.

The STEM Fair drew more than 250 student researchers, and as many judges from science and technology professions.

CT Stem Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. They are always looking for volunteers, including fair judges. Click here for more information.

Jonny Dobin-Smith, with his STEM Fair project.

==================================================

Seniors Aviva Ross and Amire Williams, juniors Benjamin Peterson and Emmett Zahler, sophomore Giselle Colon and freshman Noa Katz are Staples High School’s February Students of the Month.

Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the school community: kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who make Staples the special place it is.” 

From left: Emmett Zahler, Aviva Ross, Amire Williams, Noa Katz,, Giselle Colon, Benjamin Peterson.

=================================================

Of the many fundraisers at Sherwood Island State Park, STAR’s Walk & Roll is one of Westport’s favorites.

The non-profit supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. This year’s event — bringing together people of all ages and abilities (the “roll” refers to the many attendees in wheelchairs) — is May 4. Money raised helps STAR continue providing essential programs and services.

For this year’s 20th annual event, STAR invites artists, designers and other creative types design the logo. The winning entry will be featured on t-shirts and promotional materials.

Contestants must take a guided tour of STAR’s Norwalk headquarters to gain inspiration and insight into STAR’s mission. Email kguthrie@starct.org to schedule a visit, or more information. The deadline is March 7.

==================================================

Yesterday’s Roundup described Mark Yurkiw’s Westport Rotary Club presentation, about relief efforts in Ukraine.

He partners with 2 non-profits. Ukraine Aid International restores infrastructure, while Ridgefield Responds focuses on family relocation.

Today, Yurkiw and his fellow volunteers will ship another container. This one is filled with $250,000 worth of used medical equipment, from a nursing home in Wilton.

They’re also raising another $8,000, to cover the costs of whatever they can’t ship today.

To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.

Mark Yurkiw has not forgotten his Ukrainian roots.

=================================================

Caribbean mountain folk music, bluegrass, country and gospel come together March 1, at Voices Cafe.

And it’s all in one show.

Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo highlight the 8 p.m. concert, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport. The band includes guitar, drums, sax, bass and cuarto.

Voices Cafe offers tables or individual seating. Coffee and sweets are vailable for purchase; guests can bring their own beverages and snacks. Cconcerts support social justice programs in the area.

Tickets are $25 each. Click here for more information.

Rick Reyes

================================================

Longtime Westporter Mary-Lou Weisman offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

And back story. She writes: “It’s morning. I lie in bed wrapped snug as a mummy in my quilt. I can see through the slit of space between the window and the shade that the leaves on the rhododendron bush outside are curled as tight as a Cuban cigar against the frigid polar air. Maybe I’ll stay in bed for a while. Maybe I’ll fall back asleep.

“But no. I spot 2 invading stink bugs, seeking indoor warmth — one clinging with all six legs to the TV screen, perhaps remembering the heat of last night’s news; the other snug as a bug on the the rug.

“Oh wee beasties, innocent intruders, I should feel sorry for you. You mean no harm. Like me, you only want to be warm.

“And you don’t even stink until I squish you.”

Stink bug, before squishing. (Photo/Mary-Lou Weisman)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1878, the first telephone directory was issued. The city: New Haven, Connecticut.

(“You can keep the dime,” Jim Croce sings. Or, you can give it — and any other amount — to “06880,” to help support this hyper-local blog. Please click here. And thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Local politics, Media, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Gillespie Center Rededication, ADL “Hitler Snowman” Statement, RTM & BOF Meetings …

Posted on February 11, 2025 | 4 comments

Governor Ned Lamont cut the ribbon yesterday, at the rededication of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place in downtown Westport.

With 15 and 5 beds respectively — and a newly expanded food pantry, renovated kitchen, and additional meeting rooms — the Homes with Hope facility is better equipped than ever to serve underhoused and hungry residents.

Lamont was joined by Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquerra-Bruno, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore,, Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden, Homes with Hope co-founder and former director Rev. Peter Powell, Westport Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and several Representative Town Meeting members.

The Gillespie Center is named for the shelter’s co-founder, Dr. Jim Gillespie. Hoskins Place honors another early housing supporter, Rev. Ted Hoskins of Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The ceremony also included Susie’s Place. Formerly known as Project Return — and named for that organization’s former director Susiei Basler — the Compo Road North house has room for 6 at-risk women, ages 18-24.

After renovations, it will open April 1.

To learn more about Homes with Hope and its services, click here.

Homes with Hope CEO, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nad Governor Ned Lamont (center, holding scissors and ribbon), at yesterday’s Gillespie Center rededication.

==================================================

A statewide organization reacted swiftly to yesterday’s story about a snowman fashioned to look like Adolf Hitler, in the Newman Poses Preserve.

Calling themselves “deeply concerned,” ADL Connecticut said: “The swastika is the symbol adopted by Hitler as the primary emblem of the Nazis. The Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropropriate and offensive to make light of it. At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we call upon community leaders to speak out against this hate. Hate is not child’s play.”

The ADL sent a report about hate and harassment. “Swastikas are very prevalent in gaming and online, and kids see them often,” they said. Click here to read.

Westport’s Democratic Town Committee reposted the ADL’s message, echoing it in “the strongest of terms.”

TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr. sent a statement to “06880.” Noting it was “personal” — not from the town’s multicultural organization — he said, “Whether hidden on a remote trail or in plain sight, such homages to hatred are heinous and must be condemned.

While some forces within our nation are pushing us pell-mell toward the outlawing of even their discussion, we must steel ourselves at every level to call them out and see them for the poison they represent to our community, and humanity itself.”

The “Hitler” snowman, in Newman Poses Preserce.

=================================================

The Representative Town Meeting Planning & Zoning, and Environment, Committees meet jointly tonight (Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m., Town Hall room 201).

There is one agenda item: “Review of the Old Mill Pond walkway, gate and properties.”

Discussion is expected to include whether the public has the right to access Compo Cove, via the formerly open, now locked gate at the end of the walkway.

Click here to see the entire meeting packet, including documents.

Access to Compo Cove will be discussed at tonight’s RTM committee meetings.

================================================

Tonight also marks the first of 3 consecutive nights of Board of Finance 2025-26 budget discussions.

All meetings take place in Town Hall room 309, beginning at 6 p.m.

The schedule:

Tonight (Tuesday, February 11): Human Services, Parks & Recreation/Wakeman Town Farm, Public Works/Sewer Fund.

Wednesday, February 12: Transit District, Police, Fire.

Thursday, February 13: Earthplace, IT, Library, Health District, Pension/ Insurance/Transfers/Other General.

Click here for a link to the full proposed 2025-26 budget.

Budget discussions begin tonight at Town Hall.

==================================================

Layla’s Falafel is known for its great Middle Eastern food.

Now it’s helping hungry folks, in our back yard.

The Post Road East restaurant has partnered with local non-profit Filling in the Blanks. They have pledged $12,000 to fund their Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry in Bridgeport, at the end of this month. The pantry feeds over 475 families in need, offering fresh and healthy food.

Layla’s is donating $2 for every pint of $8 hummus sold at their Westport, Fairfield and Stamford locations. It’s made fresh daily; it’s vegan, gluten-free and seed oil-free — and includes 3 fluffy pita breads.

Donations can also be made through the QR code below.

Layla’s hummus.

===============================================

Everyone needs a warm hug.

This Thursday (February 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) marks the Westport Farmers’ Market’s annual Operation Warm Hug. It was postponed a week, by snow.

At their Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center winter home, Market volunteers will collect lightly used coats, hats, mittens, sweaters and sweatshirts, to share with nOURish in Bridgeport.

Our neighbors are cold. Let’s warm them up!

==================================================

For the first time ever last night, Staples Orphenians — the high school’s elite a cappella group — joined Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools’ cameratas for a joint Choir Festival.

The event, at Bedford, follows a similar three-schools jazz show at Staples.

Choir members enjoyed rehearsing together during the day. More joint music programs are planned for the future.

Choral directors (from left) Christina Dominguez, Lauren Pine and Jason Phillips, sporting their respective school logos.

================================================

Timing is everything.

Yesteray, “06880” posted a story on Stitch Haven. Beth Berkowitz is the new owner of the store formerly known as Westport Yarns.

When the piece was published, a new sign was not yet ini place.

Just hours after the story appeared, the “Stitch Haven” sign was installed.

You can find all your knitting and crocheting needs there on Post Road East, next to Westport Hardware and Cava, across from Fresh Market and Terrain.

==================================================

The Y’s Women were recently treated to a chair yoga session, by practitioner Paula Schooler and model Katherine Ross.

Members enjoyed the expansive mind-body session.

Y’s Women yoga, at Green’s Farms Church.

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit unusual.

Bob Weingarten writes: “A large tree was slated for removal from Center Street by the town in December.  A town crew removed most of the top of the tree and sides in early January. but left what is shown below — probably because of all the wires.

“This removal is now waiting for (probably) Eversource.”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

=============================================

And finally … in honor of the rededication of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place, and the upcoming reopening of Susie’s Place (story above):

(“06880” is your home for hyper-local news about Westport — our non-profits, businesses, schools, residents, beaches, history and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local politics, Politics, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Financiers Question $7 Million Shed

Posted on January 9, 2025 | 17 comments

$7 million for a maintenance shed?

That question was asked several times, at last night’s Board of Finance meeting.

Perhaps that’s a bit much, was the eventual answer.

The discussion — the centerpiece of the BOF meeting at Town Hall — followed a request by Department of Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich for $222,000 for an architectural study, schematic design, land use permitting, and preparation of an opinion of probable cost for a new Parks & Recreation Department facility at Longshore.

The building would replace the current maintenance shed there. Located between the golf course’s 18th hole and the tennis courts, it dates back to at least the 1960s.

The new facility would be built where brush waste is currently piled, near where Old Cuttings Lane meets the exit road (close to the 12th hole green).

Approximately 35,000 square feet, it would include room to store equipment and vehicles, plus meeting rooms and locker rooms for employees.

The current shed is big enough only for meetings. It is “old, dilapidated and outdated,” Ratkiewich said.

The current Longshore maintenance shed.

If the new location is approved, it would free up space for 2 new paddleball courts. It would be the first step in the long-proposed renovation of Longshore.

In his presentation, Ratkiewich noted that the maintenance shed is not for golf course equipment and employees, but for all other town properties maintained by Parks & Rec — including nearby Compo Beach.

There is no other viable place besides Longshore to put the new facility, Ratkiewich said, due to its size.

Board of Finance member Danielle Dobin outlined 3 objections. The first was cost. “We should be shopping at a Ford dealership, not a Ferrari,” she said.

The second was that “this is not a great tradeoff for just 2 more paddleboard courts.”

The third was that the Planning & Zoning Commission — which she chaired, before her election to the Finance board — has not yet been asked for a positive 8-24 (land use) report.

“It doesn’t pass the common sense test,” Dobin said. “The juice is just not worth the squeeze.”

She and Ratkiewich engaged in a discussion about the “chicken and egg” sequence: Which should come first, the funding request or the 8-24 one?

 

The rectangle shows the approximate site of the proposed new maintenance facility.

Parks & Recreation Commission chair Dave Floyd advocated for moving the shed from its current “prime space” location to the new site. It would be more out of the way, he said, and would enable trucks and other vehicles to access it more easily than the current route, which circles through the golf course and past the Inn at Longshore.

BOF member Liz Heyer noted that Ratkiewich had called the $7 million figure a “placeholder,” meaning the final figure could be lower. “We can say we want only a $4 million figure,” she said.

Ultimately, no vote was taken.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s administration will reach out to the P&Z, to solicit feedback at a future public meeting before returning to the Board of Finance. There will be time too for residents to weigh in with written comments.

Ratkiewich will lead a field trip for BOF members to the existing shed, and the proposed site, on January 24. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

Ratkiewich said that the Finance board’s message about the $7 million was heard, loudly and clearly.

(“06880” reports often on local politics — and Longshore, recreation and related issues. Please click here to support our work with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

17 Comments

Posted in Categories, Local politics, Longshore

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Gather ‘Round The Table, Dan Hurley, Scrabble …

Posted on March 25, 2024 | 2 comments

Homes with Hope invites residents interested in helping young women in need of a supportive home to “Gather ‘Round the Table” on May 14 (11:30 a.m., The Inn at Longshore).

The theme of the non-profit’s annual event — “home as a place of healing” — inspires local designers and home stores to create and donate unique tablescapes. Attendees can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win the table designs.

The luncheon benefits Project Return at Susie’s House, on Compo Road North. Plans have been approved for renovations, to better accommodate the needs of homeless women in Fairfield County.

Once completed, the unique program will offer a longer-term housing solution, in a nurturing and home-like environment.

Click here for tickets.

Project Return’s “Susie’s House.”

=================================================

The University of Connecticut is the #1 seed in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

And who better to interview Husky coach Dan Hurley than another Nutmegger, Dave Briggs?

During March Madness, the longtime Westporter is hosting “Fast Break” for Turner Sports.

It includes live game action, analysis, post-game reaction and social media moments.

The show is available at MarchMadness.com, and the “March Madness Live” app.

Click below for the Dan Hurley clip:

==================================================

Speaking of media: A few years back, young Jeffrey Pogue and his partner won the North American School Scrabble Championship — 2 years in a row.

This year — as a first-year Brown University student — the 2023 Staples High School graduate was back.

This time, he was an event commentator.

No, it does not capture national attention like March Madness. There are no brackets, and you won’t talk about it today at work or in school.

But it does have a website. Click here to see.

===============================================

Last night around 7:25, a truck turned into Trader Joe’s.

Literally.

(Photo/Chris Fanning)

Chris Fanning — who was there — writes: “Westport Police were soon on the scene, and smoothly straightened things out. I’m not so sure about the building!”

==================================================

Half an hour later, a Westporter coming off I-95 exit 18 saw this sight:

Her son’s first thought, as the string of lights moved, was “aliens!”

They quickly learned though, it was Elon Musks’s  Starlink satellites.

Not quite extraterrestrials. But still pretty cool.

==================================================

Picture taken at approx 8:08pm coming off of exit 18 on I-95 where we came to a full stop to view (and I’m sure the cars behind us weren’t thrilled – but were nice enough to not honk).

Fans of the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll know Frank Murgalo as the event’s Santa Claus. (Shhh…don’t tell the kids!)

On May 3 (6:30 p.m. food and cocktails; 8 p.m. show), VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), he trades his St. Nick suit for a microphone.

Frank joins 2 other US military veterans — Rodney Norman and Howie Mason — for an evening of laughs. It’s called “The Young Guns of Comedy” (get it?!)

The 3 comedians specialize in military stories.

Dinner includes a lobster roll and wings. Click here for reservations, or call Frank: 203-856-4222.

==================================================

Whatever goes around, comes around.

In 2005, Allyson Stollenwerck was sworn in to the Board of Finance by Patty Strauss. The new board member was pregnant with her first child, and just beginning 6 years in office.

The 2005 swearing-in …

On Friday she was sworn in again — this time by Ruth Cavayero — to the same body. She’s filling Brian Stern’s seat, after his recent resignation.

,,, and 2024.

Her child is now 2 months away from his Staples High School graduation.

Congratulations, Allyson!

==================================================

The Wheels2U app, used to book rides on Westport’s door-to-train station shuttle service, will be upgraded tonight. Riders can use the upgraded app beginning tomorrow morning (Tuesday, March 26).

To keep riding on Wheels2Um after tonight:

  1. Log into the Wheels2U app. You will be prompted to create a new account. You can use your current one, or new credentials;
  2. Re-enter your payment information;
  3. Book your next ride.

Riders should add an extra 5 minutes before booking your next trip, to update your account.

==================================================

As rain poured down on Saturday, these deer sought refuge on Bayberry Lane.

Jonathan Alloy snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, near Easton Road.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

==================================================

And finally … happy 77th birthday to Elton John!

And of course, my favorite:

(Don’t go breaking my heart! Please support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Just click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Sports, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Safe Streets Feedback Sought, Finance Board Full Agenda …

Posted on February 23, 2024 | 12 comments

Tired of traffic?

Here’s an interactive — even fun (!) — way to make your voice heard.

A new online map-based survey is the first chance for residents to provide feedback on of Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan project.

Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).

One suggestion that’s already been made: Adding a left-turn signal from Compo Road South (leaving the beach) onto Bridge Street.

Two examples of concern, both at Parker Harding Plaza and the Post Road: It’s confusing for pedestrians, and drivers must nose out slowly exiting the lot, to see past Starbucks.

A “Good Examples” example? The new stop sign at the Greens Farms Road/New Creek Road intersection (near the train station) drew praise (though, the commenter noted, it was probably done to help the school buses parked there, rather than normal vehicles).

The project is led by Westport’s Traffic and Pedestrian Task Force. Consultants Tighe & Bond were hired — with funding from a federal grant — to design a road safety improvement plan.

Click here to take the survey. Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.

=================================================

The Board of Finance agenda for March 6 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream at www.westportct.gov; Optimum channel 79. ) is jam-packed.

Among the agenda items:

  • 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
  • Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will present the BOE’s operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
  • A request from Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava for $186,590 for a comprehensive beach resiliency planning study.
  • A request from Fire Department deputy chief Nicholas Marsan for $110,000 for work to update and merge FD conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis for a joint public safety facility.
  • A request from Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich for $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial parking lots.
  • A request from Public Works director Ratkiewich for $1,295,000 for parking lot repaving, curbing and sidewalk improvements at Staples High School.
  • A request from Public Works director Ratkiewich for $253,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to replace the cooling tower and 2 heat pumps at the Senior Center.

How resilient are our beaches? Parks & Rec is requesting funds for a study. 

==================================================

Tequila and mezcal come to Weston on April 27.

The Weston History & Culture Center host a tasting fundraiser. It will be led by Gregg Glaser, publisher/editor of Modern Distillery Age. Diageo will provide the spirits.

The event includes a silent auction. Tickets are $100 each. Click here to buy.

Tequila!

===============================================

Meanwhile … when you’re working on the Saugatuck River, you want to make sure that when nature calls, you can answer properly:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

Christa Lawrence died Sunday, after a long illness. She was 55.

Born in New York City, she grew up in Westport and attended Staples High.

She moved back to New York at 17, and immediately knew she was home. Her family says: “She loved everything about the East Village — the people, the energy, the music — and it loved her back.

“She soon became a mainstay of the East Village and in the rock and roll social scene, where she made many friends and was always part of the fun.”

In nearly 40 years in New York, Christa worked as a bartender and manager in bars and restaurants. She later entered the real estate industry. She worked most for Bond New York.

Her family adds: “Christa was an unforgettable person. Everyone who crossed her path, either growing up in Westport or in her adult life in the East Village, loved her and is quick to tell a story and share a laugh about their time with her. Christa’s quick wit, unique sense of humor and one-of-a-kind laugh will never be forgotten.”

She is survived by her close friends Jay Clark and Mary Rodriquez, and her sister Andrea Lawrence Moore. Visitation is set for February 27 (2 to 8 p.m., Peter Jarema Funeral Home, 129 East 7th Street, New York). The funeral will be held February 28 (11 a.m., St. Stanislaus Church, 101 East 7th Street, New York). Christa will be buried at Eagle Cemetery in Milesburg, Pennsylvania, alongside her parents.

Christa Lawrence

================================================

“Westport … Naturally” photographer Tracy Porosoff hopes that birds return this spring to this now-abandoned nest, and lay eggs.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the Weston History & Culture Center’s upcoming fundraiser:

(From traffic surveys to tequila fundraisers, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Economy, Local politics, Obituaries, Totally random, Transportation

Tagged , , , ,

Brian Stern Resigns From Board Of Finance

Posted on February 15, 2024 | 37 comments

The deteriorating culture of discourse in Westport has taken its toll. This morning, Brian Stern resigned from the Board of Finance.

He is a year away from completing his 4th term. He served as chair from 2014 to 2022.

Stern moved to Westport in 1977. He spent 40 years with Xerox. Since 2008, he has been an entrepreneur.

His letter to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton said:

After considerable thought, I’m writing to tender my resignation from the Westport Board of Finance, effective immediately.

As you know, I’ve been active in Westport town affairs for more than 15 years. I hope to have had a positive impact on our community. With my fellow board members, many important projects have been completed, processes for moving forward have been developed, significant problems have been solved, reasonable budgets approved and, in the process many good friendships have been made.

Brian Stern

I’ve made this painful decision in advance of the completion of my elected term. In the past, my work on the Board has been made easy by colleagues. They have been cooperative and constructive.

Information and analysis flowed freely without bias and free from pre-determined conclusions. Decisions were made with open access to the all the facts and with folks genuinely listening to each other.

Yes, we made some errors, hopefully small, but I believe the record shows a sustained period of wise fiscal governance. As a result, I think Westport taxpayers have been well served.

But the environment of openness in the town that allowed for that constructive work has changed. The collegial management and governance culture has evolved for the worse. Finger pointing, personal animosities, habitual complaining, data replaced by anecdote and decisions by crowd noise have become the norm.

Working in this environment has made my individual effort far more difficult and professionally frustrating. I prefer to refrain from giving specific examples.

This document is not the place for that and would likely make matters even worse. However, in the interest of righting the ship, I’d be delighted to constructively discuss these issues in private.

On a personal note, my sincere thanks to all the staff and colleagues (particularly Lee Caney), who have worked with me over many years to serve our wonderful town.

37 Comments

Posted in Local politics

Tagged ,

Roundup: Long Lots Design Funds Approved; Rotary Celebrates 100 Years …

Posted on February 8, 2024 | 8 comments

The Long Lots Elementary School project moved one important step forward last night.

The Board of Finance voted unanimously to appropriate $6.8 million, for the design phase.

As reported in the Westport Journal, the funds include $6.2 million for a design consultant, architect, engineers and other professionals; $190,000 for a construction manager; $175,000 for a town project managers; $195,000 for testing, studies and borings, and $40,000 for printing and miscellaneous.

The cost per square foot is projected to be $727. Geothermal heating and cooling could raise that to $777 per square foot.

The appropriation request now goes to the Representative Town Meeting.

The Finance Board pushed 2 other requests to its next meeting, the Journal reports: $630,000 in design money to upgrade the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, and $110,000 to update conceptual plans for a new Fire Department headquarters, to possibly include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service.

A replacement for 70-year-old Long Lots School moved closer to reality last night.

==================================================

The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 years old this year.

And on March 7 — 100 years to the day that they received their charter from Rotary International — the civic-and-service-and-more organization will celebrate.

Their “First 100 Years” Centennial Gala (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) includes cocktails, a great meal, and entertainment, with a multimedia presentation of that first century (photos by Dave Matlow, a new video, and MC Jeff Wieser).

Everyone receives a commemorative book too, highlighting Rotary’s 100 years.

You don’t have to be a Rotarian to attend. The event is open to all.

Tickets are $100 (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.

The Centennial Gala is not the only way for Rotary to mark their milestone. They’re also the lead sponsor for the Compo Beach playground renovation project. It’s planned for late September — just a few days after their annual LobsterFest.

==================================================

Meanwhile, members of Westport’s other Rotary — the Sunrise Club — will be out in force this Saturday (February 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop) for their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive.”

It’s a team effort, with the Westport Police Department and others. They’ll collect non-perishable food and personal care items — and cash donations — to support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center.

Among the items needed: canned tuna, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruit; hearty soup, beef stew and chili; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; granola and protein bars; rice; mac and cheese; cereal; shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.

=================================================

Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 31 and February 7.

A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, following a crash near M&T Bank. The suspect was found passed out behind the wheel, in the bank parking lot.

A man was arrested for assault with serious injury, strangulation/suffocation and unlawful restraint. Following a traffic stop for no headlights and a bumper dragging on the ground, the officer observed the driver and passengers with injuries, blood and scratches. The man had gone through the female’s phone, found messages he believed to be suspicious, assaulted her, and refused to let her get out of the car.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations

Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
  • Passing a motor vehicle stopped in a crosswalk: 1
  • Failure to renew license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without  minimum insurance: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license for more than 60 days: 1
  •  Improper turn/no signal: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1

Slow down! It’s the law.

==================================================

Homebuyers comparing counties know that the downside to Westchester’s closer proximity to New York City is its much higher property taxes.

But there’s another element of Westchester real estate that buyers may not realize: higher closing costs too.

Refinance costs for mortgages are much higher too.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that the reason is differences in state and county regulations and requirements, along with added taxes and fees.

New York state imposes a mansion tax of 1% on purchases over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage tax of roughly 1% in Westchester County.

We’re just sayin’ …

==================================================

Valentine’s Day is almost here.

And MoCA Westport wants you to be ready.

Today (Thursday, February 8, 2 to 4 p.m.), they offer a “Blossom + Stem Floral Design Workshop.”

The local florists will help you design your own centerpiece, for you to take home. Bring your own vase (up to 6 inches wide and 1 foot tall), or purchase a Blossom + Stem vase on-site for $25. All other supplies are covered. Click here to register.

On Saturday (February 10, 5 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.), there’s a “Romantic Evening” chocolate workshop.

Couples can create treats under the guidance of Le Rouge by Aarti chocolatiers — while sipping their signature hot cocoa, Champagne or a BYO beverage. Click here to register.

=================================================

Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate-making with your loved one in a romantic setting. Create delectable treats under the guidance of expert chocolatiers from Le Rouge Chocolates while sipping on Le Rouge’s signature hot cocoa, a glass of champagne, or a byo beverage.

The Westport Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates from District 3 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Lyn Hogan. I

No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 18, 2025.

Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered for vacancy should invited to send a resume by February 21 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.

==================================================

Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell attended the recent Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Summit in Hartford.

They joined environmental leaders, lawmakers and policy experts to discuss priorities and challenges for the 2024 legislative session, and better understand their impact on Westport.

Sustainable Westport’s Gately Ross and Johanna Martell flank State Representative Jonathan Steinberg at the environmental summit in Hartford.

==================================================

Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “food left by a tree along the Library Riverwalk, for ducks, geese and seagulls.”

And, we’re sure, any other creature that comes along.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

=================================================

And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 93rd birthday.

LOCAL CONNECTION: Phil Ochs was giving a concert in Westport on March 31, 1968. He was handed a note on stage — and told the audience that President Johnson had just announced he would not seek re-election that fall.

(“06880” is your place for hyper-local news, upcoming events — and weekly Police Reports. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Police

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Staples Internships, Board Of Finance, Fair Rent Commission …

Posted on December 9, 2023 | 3 comments

Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.

Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.

They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.

(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)

The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).

But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.

So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?

Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.

You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.

Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.

If interested, or to learn more, email shsinternship@westportps.org.

Staples High School internship opportunities include local farms.

==================================================

The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.

The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

=================================================

Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.

Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.

In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:

  • Architectural Review Board
  • Arts Advisory Committee
  • Blight Prevention Board
  • Commission for Senior Services
  • Conservation Commission
  • Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
  • Historic District Commission
  • Parks Advisory Committee
  • Tree Board
  • Youth Commission

Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.

Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form,   including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.

Questions? Contact 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore: amoore@westportct.gov.

==================================================

Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.

There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.

The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.

76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.

The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)

This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.

==================================================

La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.

There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).

New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.

==================================================

Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.

Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.

Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.

Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.

With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.

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!

=================================================

Pizza and a play.

That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.

Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.

“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.

==================================================

Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.

This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.

She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7;  Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

The public is invited. To RSVP or for questions, email info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Diane Farrell

==================================================

Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.

On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”

==================================================

Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.

Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein. 

=================================================

Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.

His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).

Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.

Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.

Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.

=======================================================

The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.

Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Click here to watch via Zoom. Click here to watch via YouTube.

==================================================

Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

======================================================

And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):

(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

3 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Absentees Ballots Counted; Landslide Wins For Dems, Dillon

Posted on November 8, 2023 | 7 comments

The addition of several hundred absentee ballots does not change a thing.

As reported first on “06880” last night, Tuesday’s election keeps all town boards in Democratic hands.

Jill Dillon

And it hands a bit of history to Jill Dillon. The unaffiliated former PTA president won a seat on the Board of Education — as a write-in candidate.

Her unofficial count of 5,292 votes swamped her Republican rivals, Jamie Fitzpatrick (2,171) and Camilo Riano (2,088).

In fact, Dillon’s write-in total is more than the number of votes cast for Fitzpatrick and Riano — combined.

The Board of Education race was led by 2 Democratic incumbents, chair Lee Goldstein (6,392) and Neil Phillips (6,361).

Turnout appeared to top 50% — perhaps a record for an off-year election, in which only strictly local (no statewide) offices were contested.

Other unofficial totals, with absentee ballots added in (elected officials in bold):

BOARD OF FINANCE

Danielle Dobin (D): 6,083
Jeffrey Hammer (D): 6,002
Liz Heyer (R): 3,475
Rich Hightower (R): 3,171
Perry Winter (R): 2,713

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION

Paul Lebowitz (D): 5,907
Michael Calise (R): 3,203
Amie Tesler (R): 3,052
Patrizia Zucaro (R): 2,980
John Bolton  (R): 2,758
Joseph Strickland Jr. (CW): 1,629

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
James Ezzes (D): 5,955
Michelle Hopson (R): 3,433
Liz Wong (R): 3,618

BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS

Joseph Sledge (R): 3,500

REPRESENTATIVE TOWN MEETING

Voters also chose 36 Representative Town Meeting members. Four of the 9 districts — 1, 2, 6 and 9 — had contested races.

Harris Falk (District 2) and Brien Buckman (District 6) were the only incumbents running for re-election who lost.

District 1

Matthew Mandell: 438
Andrew Bloom: 421
Chris Tait: 413
Kristin Mott Purcell: 372
Richard Jaffe: 293

District 2:

Melissa Levy: 543
Louis Mall: 436
Jay Keenan: 364
Mike Perry: 356
Harris Falk: 342

District 3:

Jimmy Izzo: 543
Don O’Day: 466
Lyn Hogan: 446
Ross Burkhardt: 418

District 4:

Andrew Colabella: 434
Jeffrey Wieser: 422
Noah Hammond: 362
Clarence Hayes: 320

District 5:

Dick Lowenstein: 447
Peter Gold: 442
Karen Kramer: 409
Claudia Shaum: 404

District 6:

Candace Banks: 522
David Rosenwaks: 510
Seth Braunstein: 423
Jessica Bram: 356
Alma Sarelli: 268
Brien Buckman: 165
Louis D’Onofrio Jr.: 162

District 7:

Lauren Karpf: 504
Brandi Briggs: 503
Ellen Lautenberg: 480
Jack Klinge: 477

District 8:

Ari Benmosche: 501
Wendy Batteau: 483
Rachel Cohn: 483
Julie Whammond: 433

District 9: 

Jennifer Johnson: 523
Nancy Kail: 511
Sal Liccione: 432
Kristin Schneeman: 431
Douglas Enslin: 401
John Suggs: 366
Rachel Halperin: 281

7 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics

Tagged , , , ,