The 120-foot structure — on private property adjacent to I-95 — would address a gap in cell service coverage.
The battle is over. As reported first on Westport Journal, the Connecticut Siting Council recently approved the tower. As those decisions nearly always stand, the town will not appeal the decision.
A cell tower has been approved for 92 Greens Farms Road, the property on the left of the photo. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
Dr. Winston Allen — a Westporter, and the author of “I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962” — discusses that memoir, and his life as the first Black man to open a broker-dealer service — this Thursday (February 23, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture; $5 suggested donation).
The event includes a Q-and-A session. Click here for more information.
Another book talk: Westport author Paul Podolsky shares the challenges of “Raising a Thief,” his memoir of parenting an unusually difficult child, at the Westport Book Shop (March 9, 6:30 p.m.).
He and his wife adopted a baby girl who had been severely neglected as an infant. Their daughter, now in her early 20s, was ultimately diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder.
Fairfield County Giving Day is February 23. But Wakeman Town Farm has their “Donate” button up and ready already.
They ask help for 3 programs. All support their commitment to outreach and inclusion, as WTF makes programs accessible to less advantaged groups by offering them at low — or no — cost.
The first is a project with the Connecticut Transitions Program. It offers services to students ages 18-21 with emotional and physical disabilities, ages 18-21, as they enter adulthood.
WTF provides opportunities to volunteer, gain work experience, and attend social events. Tasks include working in the gardens, gleaning produce, merchandising, setting up the weekly Farm stand, and selling and interfacing with the public.
A second partnership is with STAR: Lighting the Way, for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. WTF offers a popular weekly cooking class, along with outdoor experiences in the gardens and animal enclosures.
The third partnership is with Horizons, a national network of educational programs for disadvantaged students grades K-8 from surrounding urban areas. Their summer curriculum is enhanced by weekly visits to the Farm, where some see a vegetable garden, farm animals, beehives, fruit trees or a working farm for the first time. Youngsters learn how vegetables are grown, retrieve warm eggs from nesting boxes, feed baby goats and pick fruits, berries and vegetables.
Click here to contribute to those 3 Wakeman Town Farm programs.
Wakeman Town Farm programs benefit on Fairfield County Giving Day.
Grammy Award-winning pianist Dave Kikoski headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 23; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Kikoski emerged on the New York jazz scene in the 1980s and quickly established himself as a go-to performer working with top musicians. He is known for his adept post-bop style, and spontaneous swinging play. Chick Corea calls his playing “sparkling.”
Also sitting in on this week: bassist Yuriy Galkin, drummer Vinnie Sperazza and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and naturalist lesson — comes from Lou Weinberg.
The Westport Community Gardens director writes: “Chickadees nest in tree cavities. Their natural food sources consist mostly of insects. Insects love tree bark and dead wood. So, when possible, leave trees standing even when dead. Nature wins!”
And finally … Huey “Piano” Smith, a 1950s pioneer of Top 10 New Orleans R&B, died last week in Baton Rouge. He was 89.
He wrote and recorded — among many other songs — “Don’t You Just Know It,” “Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu,” (later covered by Johnny Rivers) and “Sea Cruise” (which was taken by his record company and given to a white singer, Frankie Ford).
For a full obituary — including other examples that forced Smith to pawn his piano and declare bankruptcy — click here.
(If you enjoy our daily Roundup — bringing together people, events, and random bits of Westport — please consider a contribution to “06880.” Click here — and thank you!)
With reports of Russian troops advancing in the Donbas region, Westporters have been worried about residents in our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
The front line is 20 kilometers away.
Brian Mayer — a Westport native, and co-founder of Ukraine Aid International — is texting with Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov. He reports that the town is hunkered down, hoping for the best and in good spirits.
Meanwhile, Brian and his colleagues have used some of the $252,000 donated by Westporters and friends to purchase all kinds of building supplies: drywall, concrete, glass, plywood, pipes and more.
It’s all in a warehouse, ready to be delivered to Lyman. Officials have identified 3 large apartment buildings where local contractors (already hired) can make repairs.
“That’s 1,00o people who will be directly impacted by Westport’s generosity,” Brian says.
One more bit of sister city news: the Lyman town flag has arrived, and been delivered to town officials.
Marshall Mayer — Brian’s brother, a Staples High School graduate and co-founder of UAI — made the presentation Friday at Compo Beach. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, and UAI director of development Katya Wauchope — a member of the working group that helped raise funds earlier this winter — joined in the ceremony. Click below to see:
Westport resident Joan Litsky Rosenblatt Wetzler died Friday in Bridgeport. She was 87.
A competitive swimmer at Crosby High School in her native Waterbury, she earned a BS in mathematics from Clark University, and a master’s in social work from the University of Connecticut.
Joan had a career as a social worker at JCCs in Norfolk, Savannah, Troy, New York and Englewood, New Jersey.
Two years after her husband Herbert Rosenblatt died of a heart attack at 38 in 1971, Joan married Fred Wetzler and moved to Westport. She was a social worker at Family & Children’s Aid in Norwalk, then in the inpatient psychiatry department at Norwalk Hospital. and later in private practiceyty.
Joan is survived by her sisters Helen Goldberg of Bethany and Paulette Feinberg of Virginia; daughters Amy (Charles) Rosoff, Jodi (Scott) Galin and Lisa (Marc) Krigsman; grandchildren Heather and Ben Rosoff, Hannah Galin (Michael Katz) and Rebecca Galin (Sam Epstein), and Jamie and Em-J Krigsman, and great grandchild Sophia Katz. She was predeceased by her husband Fred Wetzler in 2010.
Funeral services were held today (Sunday, February 12 at Temple Israel. Shiva will follow this afternoon at the home of Amy and Charles Rosoff in Westport until 6 p.m., and February 13 and 14, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Click here to leave online condolences. Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport, CT.
And finally … once upon a time, Americans celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12). Ten days later, it was George Washington’s turn.
In 1971, both were subsumed into Presidents Day. So while it’s nice we now have a federal holiday to honor greats like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson, we also include schlemiels like Warren Harding, James Buchanan, and “others.”
Honest Abe was born 214 years ago today, in — yes, it’s true — a log cabin. A deep — well, first page — dive into Google brings up this interesting list of favorite songs.
The first is a no-brainer. It was the unofficial anthem of the Civil War.
Another was a famous Scottish love ballad:
The third may be a surprise.
“Dixie” was popular before the Civil War. When a band serenaded him at the White House after the end of the war, he asked for it.
“I have always thought ‘Dixie’ one of the best tunes I have ever heard,” he said.
‘That tune is now federal property, and it is good to show the rebels that, with us in power, they will be free to hear it again.”
Yesterday’s Roundup gave an incorrect date for the Connecticut Siting Council’s public hearing on the cell tower application for 92 Greens Farms Road.
The correct date is next Tuesday, August 9.
The Zoom meeting begins at 2 p.m. with an evidentiary session. Public comment follows at 6:30 p.m. Click here for the link.
To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session, email siting.council@ct.gov with your name, email address and mailing address, by August 8. Public comments may also be submitted to the Council by email (see address above).
A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
New England Hemp Farm — the CBD and hemp shop in Brooks Corner — will close on August 31.
But its many customers will still be able to buy rubs, drops, gummies and more, online.
Business is great, says owner Matt Bannon. His landlord has been good. But rents are rising, and as online sales rise, that’s where customers can find them.
“We give great thanks to this community,” Matt says. “When we first came to Main Street, knowledge of the benefits of CBS were a big unknown. The open-mindedness of this town was refreshing.
“We’ll miss the people most. We made thousands of friends, who support us in person. We look forward to continuing to serve and support them online.”
New England Hemp Farm is the approved vendor for Northeast Pharmacy Service. They represent almost 300 independent pharmacies.
Meanwhile, Matt continues to look for a local store that will carry their products. Interested owners can email matt@newenglandhempfarm.com for information.
New England Hemp Farm started as a pop-up store, in Brooks Corner.
Last weekend’s Roundup noted that Wafu – the Asian fusion restaurant in Southport — is closed. But based on a phone call I made to the Westport location, in Bedford Square, which called itself “Korean BBQ,” I added that it was still open.
Yesterday, “06880” reader Clark Thiemann was dining at Amis. He noticed this sign:
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has given funds to 17 organizations. The goal is to increase equity and opportunity in 3 areas: health, education and financial stability. Amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Among them: Westport-based Positive Directions. Click here for a full list.
The CT Challenge — a bike ride of varying lengths, in part through Westport, to raise funds for programs for cancer patients and survivors — always draws thousands of participants and spectators.
Every one has a story.
Last weekend, Dave Lowrie heard this:
“On a random bike ride, I came upon two men about to finish their second “Century Ride” (100 miles). When I sat with them after they finished, I learned that Alec Fraser, age 62, and Danny Faryniarz, 58, rode for Team Julian. It is named for Alec’s son, who succumbed to cancer at age 19.
“Julian was a student and water polo athlete at Santa Clara University. So last year Alec cycled across the country, from Connecticut to California in his honor.
“When he arrived in San Francisco, Alec was joined by 50 of Julian’s water polo teammates. They rode together the final 3 hours to Santa Clara, where the water polo pool was re-named for Julian.
“The foundation in his name (https://teamjf.org/ includes events throughout the year.
“On top of that, after Danny’s first 100-mile Challenge ride, he discovered he had type 1 diabetes. In spite of that he finished that and Saturday’s races. These guys are inspiration personified!”
Danny Faryniarz (left) and Alec Fraser. (Photo/Dave Lowrie)
Tarpon Towers II and AT&T are proceeding with plans for a 124-foot cell tower in the back yard of a private home, at 92 Greens Farms Road.
Neighbors, meanwhile, are proceeding with their fight against it.
A petition cites environmental and aesthetic concerns with the proposal. It’s already garnered over 200 signatures.
Verizon is an “intervenor” in the case. They’ll join AT&T in leasing space on the tower.
Stephen Goldstein says: “Verizon admits that only ~1.5% of its calls in the area get dropped (vs their “target performance” of less than 1% – pretty darned close…) – and they say the reason for this tower is ‘primarily’ to increase coverage on I-95. That’s a tough pill for the neighborhood to swallow, for sure.”
The Connecticut Siting Council will hold a Zoom meeting about the application on August 9. It begins at 2 p.m. with an evidentiary session. Public comment follows at 6:30 p.m. Click here for the link.
To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session, email siting.council@ct.gov with your name, email address and mailing address, by August 8. Public comments may also be submitted to the Council by email (see address above).
A cell tower has been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road.
Baseball and ’70s/’80s music are the stars of this week’s Remarkable Theater offerings.
Today (Monday, August 1, 8 p.m.; gates open at 7 p.m.), the Imperial Avenue drive-in screens “The Sandlot.” Besides baseball, the film includes treehouse sleep-ins, a desirous lifeguard, snooty rivals, a travelling fair and a ball-eating dog..
“Mamma Mia!” needs no introduction, beyond one word: ABBA. It’s set for Wednesday (August 3, 8:15 p.m.; gates open at 7:15). Glittery costumes are optional.
Wakeman Town Farm’s bee team harvested a big batch of home-grown local honey yesterday. Overseen by beekeeper Jaime Smith, WTF worker bees 🐝 spun 11 boxes, which they then turned into golden nectar.
The process begins with opening up the capped comb by scraping off the wax, then putting the frame into the extractor. Once the extractor is filled with frames, the spinning begins.
Erika Smith, hard at work. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
Honey drips to the bottom of the tank. It is then poured into storage to be siphoned into glass jars.
It’s a sticky process. But the result is delicious — and it’s sold at WTF’s farm stand every Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Sweeeeet!
Honey-making at Wakeman Town Farm. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
If you’re not aware: AWARE is a wonderful Fairfield County-wide organization.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women with Actions, Resources and Education. Each year, members partner with a local non-profit. They volunteer with that group, organize an educational event and host a fundraiser.
Among AWARE’s past partners: the Cancer Couch Foundation (health), International Institute of Connecticut (human trafficking), Mercy Learning Center (education), Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (veterans) and Malta House (pregnant and new mothers).
The other day, AWARE volunteers gathered at Compo Beach. They celebrated the work they do, their commitment to helping other women — and the beautiful sunset they felt lucky to enjoy.
That was just Wafu’s latest problem. In the months before, Fairfield police had been called there numerous times, for public urination, underage drinking, and a bouncer allegedly pepper spraying a crowd.
Now it’s permanently closed. Chris Grimm snapped this photo, noting that the sign with its name is removed.
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
The Westport location in Bedford Square — which calls itself a “Korean BBQ” restaurant — is still open.
There have been no reports there of shootings. Or public urination, underage drinking or a bouncer using pepper spray.
When I posted a “Roundup” item about Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed t-shirts, hoodies and tumblers, a number of you quickly spotted a misspelling: “Patrick Wetlands,” not “Partrick.”
Clicking on the link provided, several also noticed that “Greens Farms” was rendered as “Green Farms.” There’s plenty of debate about an apostrophe — both Greens Farms and Green’s Farms are used — but there’s no doubt there’s an “s” at the end.
Jillian quickly apologized — and printed new shirts. She thanks all who pointed out the errors.
If local farmers grow it, you can buy it at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
And if you grow it — and have too much of it — the Market wants it.
Extra lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, whatever — donate it, through the WFM and Grow-a-Row.
Grow-A-Row is a volunteer effort to grow and donate fresh local seasonal produce to food-insecure populations in Fairfield County. Based at the Westport Community Gardens, Grow-A-Row plants, tends, harvests and collects nutritious donations of fresh produce and herbs, then delivers it directly to agencies in need.
You don’t even need to grow it yourself, though. If you bought too much fresh produce, bring it too.
Deliveries are at the Farmers’ Market (Imperial Avenue parking lot), any Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Produce will be delivered by Food Rescue US – Fairfield County volunteers. The Bridgeport FEED Center, Fridgport, Career Resources CT, and Westport Housing Authority will receive the donations.
If your cup (and table) runneth over, donate produce to Grow-a-Row, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Music Theater of Connecticut’s stirring production of “Falsettoland” — starring a Westport father-and-son acting duo — took top honors at Monday’s Connecticut Critics Circle Awards. The event, which celebrates work from the state’s professional theaters during the 2021–22 season, was held at Long Wharf Theatre.
Westport’s Dan Sklar won Outstanding Actor in a Musical. His son Ari was honored for Outstanding Debut.
Kevin Connors was named Top Director for “Falsettolands.” He also earned the Tom Killen Award, for lifetime service to the theater.
The Westport Country Playhouse was cited too. Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical went to Daniel J. Maldonado for “Next to Normal”; Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play was won by Sharina Martin, for “Doubt.”
Speaking of awards: “The Lisa Wexler Show,” hosted by Westport’s own, won 1st place for Best Radio Interview at the National Federation of Press Women’s awards ceremony on Saturday in Fargo, North Dakota.
The honor was for Wexler’s live interview with Congressman Jim Himes on January 7, 2021, just hours after he had spent the night at the Capitol following the January 6 riot. Click here to hear the show.
“The Lisa Wexler Show” is broadcast weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon on AM WICC, AM 600 and 107.3 FM.
An application by Tarpon Towers to build a 124-foot structure on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road was filed with the state on May 26. The town of Westport received notice of this filing and is coordinating logistics with the applicant.
Town officials notified Tarpon of a desire to explore an alternative site along the railroad right of way, and is trying to get the state Department of Transportation to approve that site. Information is available on the Connecticut Siting Council’s website.
A public hearing is scheduled for August 9. A final decision is expected a month or two later. (Hat tip: Stephen Goldstein)
A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
If the fireworks are not for you, but you don’t want to stay home tomorrow (Thursday, June 30), consider Jazz at the Post.
Guitar master Paul Bollenback headlines this week’s 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $10 cover). He’s joined by Mark Lewandowski (bass), Jason Tiemann (drums) and the Jazz Rabbi himself, saxophonist Greg Wall.
In addition to cool jazz, there’s a hot new menu from chef Derek Furino (from 6:30 p.m. on). Reservations are strongly suggested: jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
The Westport PBA Scholarship Fund helps college-bound children of our Police Department. Two scholarships are also awarded to Staples High School seniors who will pursue degrees in law enforcement.
Major funding comes from an annual golf tournament. This year’s is set for July 18, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
It’s a scramble tournament, shotgun start. The day includes breakfast, the tourney itself (9 a.m.), and a cocktail reception with open bar (1 to 3 p.m.).
There’s a 50/50 raffle, other raffle prizes, and prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, closest to line, and the winning foursome.
The cost is $250 per golfer. Sponsorships are available at the $1,000, $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 levels. Checks should be sent to the Westport PBA Scholarship Fund, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Email jlauria@westportct.gov, or call 203-803-0215.
They can’t believe it’s time. But Staples High School’s Class of 1972 holds its 50th reunion September 9-11. Events include a Saturday night dinner at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield. with music by the Reunion Band. There’s an informal gathering Friday night at the Black Duck, and a get-together Sunday at Compo Beach. For more information and reservations, click here.
“I just returned from Block Island for a few days. Even in that short time, these guys grew so much. The chicks are exercising their wings and getting ready to fledge (if they haven’t already.) I didn’t see them lift up from the nest today, but they are ready!”
Luxe Nail Spa — in the shopping plaza opposite Fresh Market — has closed, reportedly due to high rent. The owners are seeking a new location, perhaps in Stamford.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate and former Saugatuck Rowing Club member Justin Schmidt is part of a team that beat the defending men’s lightweight quadruple sculls 2 weeks ago in Florida. They’ll represent the US at the U23 World Rowing Championships next month in Varese, Italy.
Schmidt now rows at the University of Delaware. He and his Conshohocken Rowing Center teammates have set up a GoFundMe page, to help offset costs of the trip. Click here to help.
Justin Schmidt (3rd from left), with teammates and coaches.
Carol Fisher died in her Westport home on Sunday. She was 94, and had fought Parkinson’s disease for a decade.
The New York City native graduated from Queens College at age 19. She worked at Little Golden Books and for a movie magazine before taking a job as acquisitions editor at Pyramid Books. There she developed and edited a book by Peter Max, plus health-focused cookbooks and short biographies of movie stars. Pyramid Books became, as a result of her efforts, the US publisher of bestselling author Barbara Cartland. Carol also worked as an editor at Harcourt Brace.
Her life changed in 1978, when she married longtime Westport resident Milton Fisher, an attorney, investment banker, author, and teacher of the popular Applied Creativity adult education class.
Together they founded Wildcat Publishing Company. Carol brought her editorial skills and experience to the publication of books including the Holocaust memoir Dry Tears, by Nechama Tec, a resistance classic, and The Fall of Japan by Westporter William Craig.
Carol Fisher was a devoted participant in and organizer of stimulating programs at the Westport Senior Center, Westport-Weston Arts Council, and Westport Library. The Senior Center recognized her efforts to enliven and improves the lives of seniors with a Service to Seniors Award in 2013.
As executive director of the Renée B. Fisher Foundation, she was instrumental in creating and sustaining initiatives including Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity, the annual Renée B. Fisher Piano Competition, and the Books for Teachers program that has built thousands of classroom libraries in under-resourced schools across the country. The Pequot Library in Southport, where the program began, remains its flagship program.
Carol Fisher was an enthusiastic member of several book clubs and a movie discussion club, and was also an avid bridge player. She was a member of the Westport Rotary Club, and a longtime member of Temple Israel.
She loved hosting multi-generational gatherings on Thanksgiving and Passover every year, as well as month-long family reunions during summers. The last gathering she hosted coincided with her 94th birthday this year.
She was predeceased by her husband Milton and brother Leonard Plaine. Carol Fisher is survived by her stepdaughter Shelley (James Fishkin) Fisher Fishkin, grandchildren Joseph and Robert Fishkin, and great-grandchildren Anna Ardith Fishkin Franklin and Simon Asher Fishkin Franklin, all of California.
A private virtual memorial service is planned for late summer. Friends interested in attending should email sfishkin@stanford.edu. Contributions in Carol’s memory may be sent to the Anti-Defamation League.
Carol Fisher
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Eileen Lavigne Flug spotted these “Westport … Naturally” birds early the other morning, along Soundview Drive.
As noted in this morning’s Roundup, 7 a.m. — the time arranged for today’s “balloon test,” showing the actual height of a proposed 124-foot cell tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road — came and went, without a balloon.
So did 8 and 9.
Finally — around 10 a.m. — the “balloon vendor” arrived. He (or it) had been delayed.
The balloon is up now. Here are 4 photos, with 2 views.
From Greens Farms Road, looking west. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Also from Greens Farms Road, looking west. (Photo/Claudia Shaum)
From the I-95 Hillspoint Road overpass, looking east (Andrew Colabella)
Also from the Hillspoint Road bridge, looking east. (Photo/Dick Lowenstein)
Westporters will argue about the wisdom of building the cell tower there, If you choose to use the “Comments” feature below, please use your full, real name — and, in the interest of full disclosure, include whether you are a neighbor or not.
“Can I drink if my parents are with me?” “How old were you when you started drinking?” “If pot is legal, how can it be bad?”
If you’re a Westport parent, your child may ask you those or similar questions. How would you respond?
To help frame your answers, the Westport Prevention Coalition offers “Don’t Wait.” The 52-minute short film helps parents start conversations about substance use.
It’s available free to Westporters throughout March, thanks to a grant. You can watch at home whenever it’s convenient, or join other parents for a virtual group showing. There are follow-up discussions online too.
To watch, click here, then enter promo code PD2022. To register for a group showing and/or follow-up discussion, click here.
In related news, on Thursday Positive Directions hosted a virtual discussion on “Mindful Drinking: Reimagining Our Alcohol Habits, and How They Impact Our Relationships.”
A panel — including professionals, parents, a recovering alcoholic and a Staples High School student — gave clear, honest accounts of their own experiences with drinking in Westport.
The discussion is online, and available at any time. Click here; then scroll down underneath “How Are You Coping in 2022?” to view.
The Westport Library invites artists to submit work to be featured on upcoming vinyl. It will also be sued for digital and print promotions.
Fairfield County painters, illustrators, designers, photographers, collage makers — and all other visual artists — can apply.
The competition is part of the Library’s first-of-its-kind “Verso Records Compilation, Volume 1.” The independent record will feature emerging tri-state musicians in genres from jazz and rock to folk and indie. All tracks are recorded live at the Library’s state-of-the-art Verso Studios.
The Artists Collective of Westport will oversee an independent jury committee. Among them: Neal Smith, a founding member of Alice Cooper.
Along with the honor of designing the cover, the artist chosen will receive $1,000.
12” x 12” artwork should be in TIF, JPEG, PNG or PDF format, with a minimum of 300 dpi. The Library’s art department will add text and crop materials at their discretion.
For more information, click here. The submission deadline is March 25.
Sarah Bernhard is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
The actress/singer author presents “Sandra Bernhard: An Evening of Comedy and Music” on Sunday, March 12 (8 p.m.). Running time is one hour; no intermission. Explicit language.
Her film credits include “The King of Comedy” with Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis, directed by Martin Scorsese. Television credits include “The Sopranos” and “The Larry Sanders Show.”
Broadway World says, “Sandra Bernhard takes no prisoners and pulls no punches. She will set the place afire with her white-hot intelligence. She is authentic, unapologetically pissed, heartbroken, and of course, hilarious.“
The acronym stands for Assisting Women with Actions, Resources and Education. Each year, members partner with a local non-profit. They volunteer with that group, organize an educational event and host a fundraiser.
Their next event is March 1 (WEST, 117 Post Road East, 7 p.m.). WEST owner Kitt Shapiro will talk about her new book, “Eartha & Me: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White.” It’s a memoir of growing up with her mother, Eartha Kitt.
AWARE members have been reading the book this week.
This is not a fundraiser — just a fun event with AWARE member Kitt. Plus, she’s offered 20% off merchandise to anyone that night.
PS: I’ll be introducing Kitt. I’m “aware” of what an honor that is!
Once again, Tyler Hicks has the lead photo on the front page of the New York Times.
The 1988 Staples High School graduate/Pulitzer Prize winner’s shot today shows a Ukrainian military front-line position in the eastern separatist region of Luhansk, after being hit by an overnight mortar attack. (Hat tip: Ryan Burke)
Last year, COVID forced Suzuki Music Schools’ Connecticut Guitar Festival into cyberspace.
It’s back for a 5th year March 11-13 — both live at the Westport Library, and online (free!).
The event opens with a Kickoff Concert, starring classical and jazz greatsPaul Galbraith, Adam Levin, Adam Del Monte and Leandro Pellegrino.
It continues all weekend with a guitar expo, “GuitART,” and performances and events with Similar Kind, Matt Rae, Rami Vamos, Benjamin Verdery, CGF artistic director and Grammy-nominee Mak Grgic, and many more!
For a full list of events, click here. For an overview of the festival and artists, click here.
To celebrate its 1-year anniversary, Westport-based FLB Law donated 1,200 cans of soup to the Filling in the Blanks SOUPer Bowl Food Drive. The Norwalk nonprofit provides weekend meals to needy children in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Other recent FLB initiatives include packing backpacks with holiday treats, toys and a dental kitfor Filling in the Blanks, and making birthday boxes for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
And finally … Beverly Ross died recently in Nashville. She was 87.
You may not know her name. For a while, she was one of the most successful pop and rock songwriters in America — and one of its few females.
Her short career ended when a work relationship with Phil Spector turned sour. She said that he stole a riff they were working on, then turned it into “Spanish Harlem” — which he credited to himself and Jerry Leiber. Click here for a full obituary.
The northeast corner of the office building complex at 55 Greens Farms Road — the one that seems oddly out of place, next to Assumption Cemetery between Hillspoint and Hales Roads — may be the site of Westport’s next cell tower.
The site is an alternate for previous discussions about a tower at 92 Greens Farms Road. Both were proposed by Tarpon Towers and AT&T.
Construction at the office complex would involve a wetland crossing. It will be reviewed by the Westport Conservation Commission on January 31. A public information session is set for February 8 to discuss the 2 locations. Both meetings will be held virtually.
With COVID still hanging around, health and wellness is more important than ever.
WestportMoms just released their 2022 Health &Wellness guide.
They say: “Whether you need new motivation for working out, new ideas for what to cook each night, some CBD to help you sleep, or even someone to help you organize that closet or garage, we have you covered.”
Referring to fellow moms, they add: “We spent 2020 and 2021 making sure everyone else was feeling ok. Now it’s your turn!”
The State Senator dons his author’s hat on Thursday (January 27, 7 p.m., in-person and Zoom). He’ll talk about his new book: 100,000 First Bosses: My Unlikely Path as a 22-Year-Old Lawmaker.
It’s the story of his campaign for the State Senate at age 22 — and then learning
Will is both a gifted politician and an entertaining author,. For a seat at the Library or to watch from home, click here.
And finally … Jon Lind, who wrote hit songs for Earth Wind & Fire, Madonna, Vanessa Williams and others, died recently. He was 73, and had battled cancer for 2 years.
Among his biggest tunes: “Boogie Wonderland,” “Sun Goddess,” “Crazy for You” and “Save the Best for Last.”
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Comments Off on Roundup: Cell Tower, Health & Wellness, Will Haskell …
Tarpon Towers and Cingular Wireless (AT&T) have notified town officials that they’re moving ahead to install a cell tower at 92 Greens Farms Road. The next step in their long process is filing an application with the Connecticut Siting Council.
Tarpon is new — but the location and plan is not. It dates back to 2014. There was plenty of local opposition, based on the proposed height and location at the “gateway” to the beach.
There was also support, based on poor cell coverage in the area.
The proposal faded away. Now it’s back.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe is not a fan. He says, “I am dismayed that this proposal for a cell tower installation at the same location that the Town reviewed seven years ago has returned. At that time, many raised numerous rational and thoughtful reasons why this location was inappropriate, and the proposal was dropped.
“With regard to this new proposal, under the rules of the CSC, I will conduct an initial meeting with Attorney (David) Ball to review the project. The town will also have an opportunity to propose alternative sites. There will also be opportunities for the Planning & Zoning and Conservation Commissions to review and comment on the proposal.
“After the initial meeting and within the statutory time period, a public informational meeting will be held to further discuss the application with the community. Please be assured that we intend to review this proposal carefully with staff and legal counsel, exploring all options and alternatives. I will keep the community informed throughout the process.”
A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
Marpe also announced a tweak to Westport’s indoor mask policy. Masks are no longer mandatory in gyms, provided participants remain socially distant. The change does not apply to school gyms. patrons of gyms and athletes to remove their masks whenever they can remain socially distant. The amendment does not cover school settings.
Masks ae no longer required in commercial gyms in Westport — provided patrons are socially distanced.
Registration begins Wednesday (September 8) for a full array of Wakeman Town Farm programs.
They range from Mommy + Me and preschool to after-school activities for tots and teens. Click here for details of the farm programs; click here for details for culinary programs. (NOTE: When you click “Register,” you’ll need to search on the Parks & Rec website.)
MoCA Westport sponsors a fun Family Day next Saturday (September 11, noon to 4 p.m.).
Like the current “Between the Ground and the Sky” exhibit, this is a collaboration with the Westport Farmers’ Market. On tap: family-friendly nature-related art projects, including designing and stamping your own tote bag and planting your own herbs in the MoCA garden; live music by Henry Jones; food trucks, and entrance to the exhibit, featuring farms of the Who Grows Your Food program.
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