The Long Lots building project is moving ahead.
The review for the appropriation for design documents for the new elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool, including the site, will be heard by the Board of Finance tomorrow (Wednesday, February 7).
The Representative Town Meeting will hold a special meeting next Tuesday (February 13).
Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker says that the next phase of the project includes “requesting appropriations for needed studies and plans as well as the ability to perform the appropriate due diligence on critical issues such as impact studies on neighboring properties, drainage, parking, wetlands, etc.
“All land use and funding bodies will have the opportunity to opine on their given expertise and authority in public meetings throughout each stage.
“Although time is of the essence in order for construction of the new school to begin before the end of 2024, proper process and public participation will not be compromised. Most importantly, we need to ensure the Long Lots School and Stepping Stones School community is heard, and that the goal of a safe, secure environment for our children to learn and grow is realized.”
Next up for Long Lots Elementary School: the Board of Finance and RTM.
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The Westport Public Schools that our Westport educators have partnered with local clergy and community leaders on an important community forum.
“Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (February 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel) provides an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in our public schools, A Q-and-A session will follow.
Click here to attend in person, or to watch via livestream.
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South by Southwest — the annual film/interactive media/music festival/ conference in Austin, Texas — is very cool.
But it just got cooler.
Staples High School 2014 graduate Rachel Rose has joined the list of performers.
The University of Texas alum volunteered at SXSW as a sophomore. Next month, she’ll be on stage.
Rachel’s new EP, “And One More Thing,” includes original songs. She also recently worked with producers John Alagia (John Mayer, Dave Matthews), and Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Joan Baez).
Click here to be added to her newsletter. Click below to see Rachel on Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show” Battle of the Instant Songwriters:
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Meanwhile, Fashionably Westport — the very cool runway show-and-more Westport Downtown Association show, which benefits Homes with Hope (March 28, 7:30 p.m., Westport Library) — just got even jazzier.
The Staples Jazz Band will perform during the cocktail hour.
Already announced: Dave Briggs as MC. Stay tuned for news about the models. Hint: They’re some of Westport’s coolest (and jazziest) names.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” — originally seen on Broadway in 2013 — is set for a limited run at the Westport Country Playhouse. Dates are February 17-25.
Click here for more information, including the all-star cast and tickets.
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More show news: Tickets go on sale March 8 for Coleytown Company’s spring production of “Footloose.” There are 4 performances, April 5 to 7.
It’s an inspired choice. The “Footloose” film came out in 1984 — the same year Coleytown Company was formed.
Click here for more information, and tickets.
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Aspetuck Land Trust welcomes spring (yes, it’s coming) with a pair of Lunch & Learn webinars.
“Attracting Birds by the Season” (February 23, noon to 1:15 p.m.): Allison Middlemass from Bent of the River Audubon explains how enhancing your garden with native plants can attract birds naturally all year long. Click here to register.
“Native Trees, Shrubs Perennials: Choosing Layers for Biodiversity” (March 18, noon to 1:30 p.m.). Anna Fialkoff, formerly of Wild Seed Project, discusses how to design a native plant garden with trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, hedges and hedgerows. Click here to register.
On Saturday, March 16 (10 a.m. to noon, Trout Brook Valley, Weston), “Ranger Jim” leads a family hike. He’ll highlight “all the wonders of nature hiding in plain sight.” Click here to register.
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The latest scam: Scaring residents into thinking the Westport Police caught them driving illegally on camera.
If you get this text …
… ignore it. And delete it.
The WPD does not use traffic cameras, nor do they solicit payment for violations via text.
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Free People is Westport’s oddly named women’s bohemian-inspired clothing chain store.
Bob Weingarten spotted this very un-bohemian sign in its parking lot, near Fresh Market:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
It is, Bob said, “a sign of the times.”
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John Fumasoli and the Jones Factor Lite headline this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, February 8, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover charge).
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met Fumasoli several years ago, at a memorial concert for Micky Golomb (namesake of JazzFC’s scholarship fund), and was wowed by his musicianship and friendly vibe. Now they both bring the Jones Factor Lite to the VFW.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Longtime Westporter Robert E. McGrath died peacefully at home on Saturday, surrounded by his family. He was 93.
The Massachusetts native attended Fitchburg State College, where he met his wife of 68 years, Betty. After serving in the army during the Korean War, he began his career as a teacher. He went to school at night for his graduate degree at the University of Connecticut, then went into sales. He established his own executive search firm, Robert E. McGrath & Associates, which he ran for more than 20 years.
Betty and Bob moved to Westport in 1966, and enjoyed Compo Beach and all that Westport offers. Bob served on the board of the Stamford YMCA, and several Westport town committees. He was an active member of the Westport YMCA and the Y’s Men, which he served as president. His 2 great loves (other than his family) were the Boston Red Sox and the stock market.
Bob is survived by his wife, Betty, and daughters Maura McGrath, Kerry McGrath (Michael Cox) and Sheila Wulf (Brad).
A funeral Mass is set for Thursday (February 8, 10:30 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home tomorrow (Wednesday, February 7, 4 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. Click here to leave online condolences.
Bob McGrath
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“06880” loves every creature we feature on “Westport … Naturally.”
But we have a special place in our heart for barred owls. Even AI could not come up with something this cool.
Betsy Amitin sends today’s photo, and writes: “We just got a visit from our favorite barred owl (we named him Bart!) in our backyard. Or maybe we are visiting him, if he’s lived here for a while.
“Either way, we love hearing his call ‘woo woo woo woo wooooo,’ and seeing him snoozing during the day.”
(Photo/Betsy Amitin)
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And finally … sure, Coleytown Company’s production of “Footloose” is not until April (story above).
But to get you in the mood, click below:
(If you enjoy these daily Roundups — packed with info and news you can use — well, they take a ton of work. please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
