October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
And Westport wants to make everyone aware.
A “Let’s Talk About Disability” forum (October 22, 12 p.m., Westport Library) highlights the 2024 theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Local businesses, employers and community members are invited to the noontime event, to explore and improve their capacity to hire and support the local workforce.
The program is a “shame-free exploration of attitudinal barriers, and creates a new perspective on the unique abilities and advantages of working with persons with disabilities.”
The Porch at Christie’s is a local leader in hiring people with disabilities.
This is hardly a one-off event.
Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities sponsors an ongoing “Employment is for Everyone” initiative.
The goal is to provide education and awareness, through tools and guidance, to employers and employees, to find circumstances where both can thrive.
Westport Human Services director Elaine Daignault notes, “too often employers are hesitant to hire due to self-limiting perceptions, and fear or concerns over their capacity to provide ongoing support for employees with disabilities within their organizations.”
The Porch at Christie’s, Stop & Shop and Westport Book Shop are 3 local businesses that employ people with disabilities, and embrace an inclusive culture. That is part of Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s mission statement too.
According to an Accenture study, “companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in the workforce have outperformed their peers, improved productivity and increased innovation while enhancing their business’ reputation.”
Daignault adds, “people with disabilities are capable, creative, and eager to work, adding value, promoting teamwork, and spreading joy to employees and customers.”
The October 22 Library workshop is “a great first step in opening doors of opportunity for businesses and potential employees with disabilities who will enhance the vibe in any place of business.”
Everyone has fun at Club 203’s Thanksgiving party.
Employment is not the only area in which Westport addresses the needs and opportunities of people with disabilities.
Non-profits like CLASP, STAR Lighting the Way and Abilis provide assistance for a wide range of ages.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA and Westport Little League Challenger program offer recreational programs.
Club203 is Westport’s social club for people with disabilities. Their monthly events are enthusiastically supported by many businesses and non-profits.
There is housing at, among other sites, a recently converted home on Riverside Avenue, and transportation alternatives through the Westport Transit District.
Of course, there is also the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities. For more information, click here or call the Department of Human Services: 203-341-1050.
Club 203’s social activities are on summer vacation.
But 2 partners offer activities, for members of Westport’s group for adults with disabilities.
MoCA CT plans 2 “Summer Art” sessions. Attendees can spend relaxing evenings, learning about art and self-expression. They’re tomorrow (July 8) and August 5 (6 p.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.
In addition, Deirdre Flores — the Teen SLP, who offered her services at an April event — will provide classes on employment, technology and social skills (July 9, 10 and 11). Click here for details.
Club 203’s 2024-25 calendar will be announced soon on Instagram. Follow them: @club203_ct.
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“06880” can’t resist a great rainbow photo.
And even though this was taken a few days ago at Wakeman Fields, it’s worth posting.
Photographer Frank Sisson says: “A double rainbow! And thanks to the topography of Wakeman, it was visible from the 2 starting points, to the 2 pots of gold. Moments like this make you stop and appreciate the grandeur of Mother Nature.”
Totney Benson offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and these thoughts:
“I was glad to see this pair on the beach near Schlaet’s Point.
“I have seen so few this year that I was worried. Last year there were dozens, and many nests. But I also saw their path down the sand in more detail than ever before, with tiny claw marks evident.”
(Photo/Totney Benson)
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And finally … yesterday, “06880” saluted the anniversary of the first meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Today, it’s Sir Ringo Starr’s 84th birthday.
(Act naturally — and now, Please click here to support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Lyman — Westport’s Ukrainian sister city — was struck by Russian missiles recently.
A video from Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit formed by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has delivered over $300,000 donated by Westporters to our friends in that town — shows some of the horrific destruction. Click here to see.
To donate to Ukraine Aid International by credit card, click here; 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.
A resident of Lyman — Westport’s sister city — after a Russian air strike.
Meanwhile, Lyman’s police chief asked his counterpart, Westport Chief Foti Koskinas, for help. The town needs 2 EcoFlow batteries to power up their charging stations for the Starlink (provided by Westport), their computers and other important devices.
Ukraine Aid International is providing the funds, using money from last summer’s LymanAID fundraiser.
Wednesday’s Roundup included an email from a reader who slammed me for reckless driving on Thomas Road, in “my” BMW with “06880” plates.
I noted that I don’t have a BMW, and that just because I publish “06880,” it doesn’t mean that’s my license plate.
Yesterday, I heard from Gary Shelton, who has some skin in this game. He wrote:
“I’m the driver of the blue BMW ‘06880,’ and a very aware and careful driver.
“The man who wrote you should learn how to properly walk a dog between himself and the side of the road. He had the dog on a long leash between himself and the middle of the road on a blind corner.
“The ‘heads up display’ in my car says the speed limit on Thomas is 25. I was going 20 mph up the hill approaching that blind curve. He gave me a choice of slamming on my brakes and hitting his dog, or accelerating and going quickly around him.
“Fortunately I have extensive evasive maneuver driver training. I would much rather have hit the other car than his dog. He should have been appreciative of that, but clearly is not a good dog parent.
“The other car simply went on the small shoulder as I was around him and back in my lane before he was at any impact point. Cars can be fixed; lives cannot.
“I hope you add this to your blog as a response. I have been a longtime Westporter, and that has been a longstanding family license plate.”
The Staples High School baseball team plays for the state “LL” (extra large schools) state championship tomorrow (Saturday, June 8, 12 p.m., Palmer Field, Middletown).
The #19th-ranked Wreckers face #4 Amity.
Fans are invited to gather at the Staples fieldhouse at 9:15 a.m., to give them a great send-off.
Tickets must be purchased through GoFan. The game will be live-streamed here on game day.
Club 203 celebrated the end of another great year on Wednesday.
Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities hosted a party at Ned Dimes Marina. It was their biggest turnout ever: 175 guests.
The Super Duper Weenie truck served delicious treats, with kind service. Guests enjoyed games, MoCA art projects like message-in-a-bottle and decorate-your-own kites, and cookies from Big G.
Club 203 volunteers were joined by others from the Westport Rotary Club. Special thanks go to the town’s Department of Human Services and the Commission on People with Disabilities. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore stopped by to enjoy the event.
Staples High School students respect and admire Cathy Dancz Schager.
Now the Contemporary World Studies teacher has been recognized as a “US Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher,” and through the University of Connecticut Office of Early College Experience Teacher Appreciation Campaign.
Leigh Foran, a senior — also the Class of 2024 valedictorian and a US Presidential Scholar honoree — chose Schager as the teacher who inspired her, and contributed the most to her success as part of the Scholar process.
“I’m so thankful to have had a teacher like Ms. Schager who teaches her students to apply what we learn in the classroom to the real world,” Foran says. “She’s truly encouraged us to become global citizens, which I deeply admire.”
In addition, students participating in UConn’s ECE program nominated Schager for her dedication, passion and commitment to supporting students and creating an incredible UConn course experience.
Cathy Schager
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As the LGBTQ community celebrates Pride Month, many look back at a time when they were less certain of their place in the world.
On June 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Alan Downs discusses his book “The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Men’s World.”
Downs is a clinical psychologist. The vent is sponsored by Westport Pride.
He sends this photo, from Kings Highway North between Main Street and Canal Street …
(Photo/Michael Lonsdale)
… and writes: “Wiring in Westport is a mess. It depresses me to drive around.
“It’s time for the town to come down on independent vendors who are wiring massive amounts of cable with no protocol. Ridiculous. It is out of control!”
He’s right. Wires are always added — never subtracted.
There’s no incentive for cable or utility companies to remove unused or obsolete wires. It’s easier for them to leave it in place, and move on to the next job.
Of course, they have to return when it all comes tumbling down. But hey …
Nearly every Westporter of a certain age has a story about Paul Newman, and his Volvos.
(Mine: He picked me up hitchhiking a few times. “Hop in, son!” he’d say.)
“06880” reader Todd Suchotliff sends along a link to a car website called The Autopian.
The story is about the legendary actor and his souped-up Volvo wagons.
It’s an insanely long story, of interest to auto enthusiasts — but also anyone who knows Ian Warburg and the late Michael Brockman, 2 Westporters who feature prominently in the piece.
The article also mentions a “missing” Volvo wagon, of which Suchotliff says, “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen bit before around town, and parked at a house on Compo Road South close to Soundview. It’s a Volvo wagon, with an ‘RR’ emblem on its grille.”
If you’ve ever had an experience where you found yourself coming together with others whose mindsets, approaches, and/or backgrounds were completely different from your own — yet ended up with surprising or inspiring results — you’ll know what this Sunday will be like at the Westport Library.
In “Unexpected Human Pollination” (June 9, 2 to 4 p.m.), artists will share art and true stories about those times. The storytelling ends with a community conversation on the subject.
It’s the first public event of The Hive — the new project of Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito. The mission is to create opportunities to engage, discover connections and build understanding fueled by the arts, dialogue, ideas and transformation.
The HIVE partners delivers programs in “cross-pollinating community gatherings, arts immersions, and transformation workshops.”
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Art is soothing. So is a sound bath.
On June 20 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), Sorelle Gallery hosts a “Sound Bath Meditation” evening.
The evening begins with a look at Sorelle’s coastal exhibit, Summer Crush. Attendees will then relax on yoga mats for a soothing session led by Hummingbird healing Center founder Lisa Pak.
Tickets are $25 each. There is room for 20 guests. Click here to register, and for more details.
Johanna Keyser Rossi reports that a pair has been hanging around the high tower behind by the police station for a few weeks. Their most recent activity: building a nest.
The LGBTQ organization of the same name invites everyone to Jesup Green this Sunday (June 2, 12 to 3 p.m.) for the annual celebration.
Girl Scout Troop 51003 will raise the pride flag. Then comes an array of local talent, featuring performances by Bridget Reddy, The Corduroys, Imogen Medoff, Next Day Delivery, Alyssa Lee, Josie Pines, Echo Bodell, and Jonathan Ridel of The Rubber Skulls.
The family-friendly day includes’ children’s arts and crafts, face painting and yard games.
Food trucks and local vendors will be on on site. Local author Nikkya Hargrove will sign copies of her new novel, “Mama: a Queer Black Woman’s Story of a Family Lost and Found.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will declare June as Pride Month in Westport, underscoring the town’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The afternoon includes local drag queens The Latin Doll and Bleach.
Cantor Julia Cadrain of Temple Israel and Rev. Kari Nicewander of Saugatuck Congregational Church will offer prayers and blessings at the start and conclusion of the event.
“It’s A Hollywood Life!” — the documentary that captures the story of longtime Westport resident Susan Granger’s 80+ years in and around the movie industry — continues its successful rollout.
Yesterday, News 12 Connecticut ran a story. It included interviews with Granger and the film’s producer, 1971 Staples High School graduate Fred Cantor. Click here for Mark Sudol’s report.
The piece followed word that the Chain NYC Film Festival — the long-running indie film event — selected “It’s A Hollywood Life!” as one of 18 documentary shorts for 2024. A screening date will be announced soon.
Earlier this month, the video generated the second highest ticket sales at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival.
But wait! There’s more!
The film recently received a 2-thumbs-up review. From Beneath The Hollywood Sign — a blog devoted to movie history — called the documentary “a fascinating film that any classic cinema fan should see.”
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities ends it with a bang next Wednesday (June 5).
The Beach Bash begins at 6:30 p.m., at Ned Dimes Marina.
Highlights include the Super Duper Weenie food truck, cookies donated by Big G, outdoor games, and art by MOCA. Click here for details, and registration.
Tobacco has a long history in the US — including Connecticut.
It’s been an important crop upstate.The gold standard for cigar wrappers comes from tobacco grown here.
In the 1940s, teenaged Martin Luther King Jr. spent 2 summers harvesting the crop in the Farmington Valley. It was his first look at the world outside the Deep South.
“Stepping Into the Shade” — a documentary series — debuts this Saturday (June 1, Westport Library).
It tells the story of tobacco from this state’s perspective, illuminating its integral role in agricultural history and highlighting the workers who came from around the world to “toil in the soil.”
The free event begins with a 5 p.m. reception. A screening of scenes from the series begins at 6, followed by a panel discussion and Q-and-A.
The evening closes with a VIP reception, featuring food representing the cultures and ethnicities in the series. Click here for more details, and to register.
Click here to watch the trailer for “Stepping Into the Shade.” The series was produced by the Eastern Connecticut State University Department of Communication, Film and Theatre.
There is no smoking in the Westport Library.
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Express Edit is closing.
The fashion retailer’s parent company, Express Inc., has filed for bankruptcy. The 125 Main Street store is one of 4 locations in Connecticut that will be shut, out of 95 to close nationwide.
The next United Methodist Church Jazz Vespers service is this Sunday (June 2, 4 p.m.).
Featured musicians include Mae Czuba (vocals and saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Tyler Sherman (bass) and Dan Jantson (drums).
The public is invited. There is a free will offering. The church also collects non-perishable food donations, for local pantries. Refreshments and conversation follow the service.
And finally … after reading about the Library’s upcoming film premiere (story above), you knew this was coming, right?
(“06880” covers Westport like tobacco covers a field. That’s not blowing smoke. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Club 203 “spared” nothing for their monthly party on Tuesday, at Nutmeg Bowl.
And they “struck” a perfect chord for all attendees.
Bowling, prizes, pizza — it was right down everyone’s alley.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities gets ready now for their final event before their summer break: a Compo Beach bash on June 5. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 8 and 15.
A 47-year-old Westport woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, violation of a protective order and assault, after a report of a domestic violence incident.
A 36-year old Tracy, California man was arrested for identity theft and forgery, after he deposited fraudulent checks, then attempted to withdraw money from a credit card account.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
MoCA Westport’s “Gallery of Games” begins at 7 p.m.
The arts center will be filled with poker, blackjack and craps tables. Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker provides entertainment; there’s tarot card reading too, and a silent auction.
Staples High School juniors Jack Schwartz, Ryan Sunjka, Jackson Tracey and Lucy Barney, plus freshman Sienna Schwartz, serve on the Friends of Yale New Haven Children Hospital’s Junior Board.
They volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house, participate in toy drives, and have special guest speakers at monthly meetings.
They also fundraise.
A lot.
This year’s goal is $30,000.
The money will support sick children and under-resourced families as they struggle through unimaginable medical complications.
The 2nd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” is set for Orange Theory in Westport this Saturday (May 18, noon) and June 1 (1 p.m.). Teams of 3 compete in running and rowing workouts.
There is no entry fee. But to win big prizes, participants are asked to raise at least $450 per team ($150 per person) from families, friends, neighbors and others.
Prizes to the teams with the top times and most amount of money raised include high value tickets (University of Connecticut basketball, Yankees Legends behind home plate, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets), gift baskets and gift cards. Participants also receive t-shirts. Click here to join the fundraiser; then click “Support Me.”
The Junior Board members hope “06880” readers will donate, even if they can’t participate. Click here for the donation page.
Staples high School members of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Junior Board.
And finally … on this date in 1888, Nikola Tesla described the equipment that allows alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.
(Casino nights, jazz, police reports, duck races — as usual, it’s all here in the “06880” Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westporter Julie Mombello and her longtime friend Patty Lewis — former colleagues at Greens Farms Academy — have done spent a decade creating, building and growing Adam J. Lewis Academy.
The Bridgeport pre-K through 6th grade school honors Patty’s husband, who was killed on 9/11. He grew up poor in the Bronx, and never forgot the educational opportunities he was given at Dalton School and Hamilton College.
Adam J. Lewis Academy serves as a similar beacon of hope for 250 youngsters, who thrive in its child-centered, small-class, joyful and discovery-based environment. It is a shining example of the power of education to change lives, one youngster at a time.
Many Westporters support the school. A number of them were at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Friday night, for a fundraiser celebrating AJLA’s 10th anniversary.
Funds raised will help add one more grade each year, so students can continue to explore, learn and grow under the guidance of a superb staff.
To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy — including how to help — click here. For a 2021 “06880” story on Julie, Patty and their work, click here.
There’s always something going on at Wakeman Town Farm.
Westport’s sustainability center offers educational workshops for all ages, internships, after-school environmental clubs, children’s summer camp programs, a farm stand and much more.
Evenings are packed with programs too. Many take place in Tim’s Kitchen, the homey, versatile space created in memory of Liz Milwe and Peter Wormser’s son.
One of the lesser-known, but not-to-be-missed, events there are “chef farm dinners.”
Noted local chefs cook fantastic meals, often using produce and herbs straight from WTF. Guests enjoy them at communal tables. In good weather, they stroll around the farm.
She should know. The founder of AMG Catering is one of the most popular of all Town Farm chefs.
She was at it again last week, offering a 4-course meal highlighted by bucatini with asparagus, pea shoot Meyer lemon pesto and local buratta, or lamb chops with fennel slaw and spiced yogurt. (No, the lamb did not previously live at the farm.)
Several students of one of Alison’s cooking classes came together. Two people who are in the same (non-Farm) woodworking class were surprised to see each other. Conversation was lively at the long tables, with folks who had just met.
“Food brings people together,” Alison notes. “For 3 hours, in beautiful surroundings, you can just enjoy yourself.
And, of course, the food is terrific.
There will be more chef farm dinners soon. Allison is already planning for her next ones — including October.
“There’s so much available then, right at the farm,” she says. “Kale, squashes, tomatoes, fresh herbs …”
Yum!
Alison Milwe Grace, with za’atar roasted carrots, served over whipped feta with mint-date “jus.”
Over 40 parents have reacted to recent incidents of antisemitism and racism in Westport schools by looking at codes of conducts and restorative justice practices in other districts.
They’ve launched a website — Kind WPS — as the Board of Education examines revisions to its own policies, suggesting stronger measures than already planned. Click here for details.
There’s plenty of great art on the walls of the Westport Woman Club’s annual art show.
At Friday night’s opening reception, and yesterday, there was also a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer providing piano music.
Mark Naftalin — inducted as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s keyboardist in 2015 — made the show even more special.
He won’t be there this afternoon. But you can still see this excellent show today (Sunday), from 2 to 5 p.m., at the WWC’s Bedford Hall (44 Imperial Avenue).
Mark Naftalin, at the Westport Woman’s Club piano. (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)
A proposal to develop 125 Riverside Avenue — the site of the historic Crossman-Coley house at the foot of Burr Road — will be explained this week.
Tomorrow (Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting begins with a pre-application by Vita Design for their plans. There will be no public comment, or vote.
The next night (Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), a joint meeting of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will review and discuss the plans, including the notice of intent to demolish the house.
125 Riverside Avenue.
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The beaches are open for residents with stickers. Memorial Day, Camp Compo, REC-ing crew and the fireworks are around the corner.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department welcomes summer with a special Compo Beach family event on Saturday, May 25 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Activities include touch-a-truck, bouncy house, obstacle courses, food vendors and more. Everyone there gets a free raffle ticket too!
MoCA Westport is gambling that Westporters will love its new fundraiser.
“Gallery of Games Night – Deal Yourself In to Support the Arts” (May 17, 7 to 11 p.m) includes gaming tables, live music by the very talented Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker, silent auction prizes. and drinks from Sono 1420. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — continues its fun schedule a with a night at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield (May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
Shoes and pizza are provided. As always, MoCA Westport will supply an art table.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg. A cash bar is available.
For more information, click here. Club 203 is on Instagram: @club203_ct.
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Sure, it’s early May. But that means the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race is less than 2 months away.
This year’s event is June 29. As always, it’s family friendly, fun and free. Of course, you can’t win the $5,000 first prize (or any other) if you don’t have “race” tickets.
Proceeds help fund a variety of important projects, here and abroad.
They’re available from any Sunrise Rotarian, and online here.
So how do you know who’s a Rotarian? They’ll be wearing special shirts, all around town. Check out the models below:
Looking ducky (from left): Mark Mathias, Pete Wolgast, Katie Augustyn, Ron Holtz, Bruce Paul.
Missed Startup Westport’s Innovator of the Year award last week?
Interesting in finding out what ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro and ESPN host Mike Greenberg had to say about their network, the future of sports and the media, innovation, and Westport (the town they live in and love)?
Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Jackson Cregan and Dylan Kurpiel of Troop 36 were honored yesterday, with a Court of Honor at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Guest speaker Michele Sorensen, president of Friends of Sherwood Island, spoke about the importance of volunteerism and protecting the environment — both of which the new Eagle Scouts embody every day.
Eagle Scouts Dylan Kurpiel and Jackson Cregan. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Congratulations too to Frank Murgalo. The Marine Corps veteran (aka Santa Claus for the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll) organized and hosted a very successful fundraiser Friday night, at Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399.
The dinner and comedy show, featuring Rodney Norman, Howie Mason and Andrew Alfredo, was completely sold out.
Frank continues to work tirelessly for veterans. That’s no laughing matter!
“This male house finch has Darwin written all over it. Look at that beak!”
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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And finally … happy May 5th!
(Every day is a holiday at “06880” — or at least, a chance to celebrate our hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support, so please click here to donate. Thank you!)
Two dozen electors have petitioned the Representative Town Meeting to appoint a committee to “review the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green, the scope of the work and the associated costs; and to consider the merits and costs associated with feasible alternatives to what is being proposed by the DPIC, including a parking deck at the Baldwin lot; and to report its findings to the entire membership for such action as may be appropriate.”
The petitioners note “a great deal of concern and consternation among the citizenry surrounding the DPIC proposal, focused upon both the encroachment into Jesup Green and perceived flaws in the redesign of Parker Harding.”
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser has asked the RTM Rules Committee to review the petition prior to the full body’s May 7 meeting.
Wieser says that the RTM will take up that topic at the full meeting, along with the request for design funds to propose construction drawings for Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“Various committees have met regarding the design funds,” he notes. In addition, the RTM will have field trips next week at Jesup Green to review the proposed plans.
It’s very appropriate: WestportMoms is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration — called “MOMents that Matter” — next Thursday (May 2, 6 to 10 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).
The event includes:
Mother’s Day shopping boutique with curated vendors
Panel discussion “rock star local moms” (including CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, actress Stephanie Szostak, “Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger, Melissa + Doug co-founder Melissa Bernstein and others) on balancing careers and motherhood, and the “MOMents That Matter.”
Gift bags for 50 attendees ($100 gift card to WEST, massage at Squeeze, and much more)
Appetizers from the new Birchwood chef, and cash bar.
Attendees are asked to bring a pack of feminine napkins, for women in need. The be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Stacie Curran reports:
“What a wild nightyesterday at the Westport Library!
“Attendees from Club 203 members (our social group for adults with disabilities) and friends packed the Trefz Forum with a night of ‘speed friending; by TeenSLP (Staples High School’s speech and language expert Deirdre Flores), and rockin’ out with karaoke by our MC extraordinaire volunteer PJ Pitcher.
Thank you, Westport Library, for this incredible space. A special shout-out to associate director Alex Giannini, and the sound manager of Verso Studios, Travis Bell. You turned dreams into realty!”
Part of the Club 203 fun last night at the Westport Library.
There’s a new addition to Saturday’s annual Drug Takeback Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Senior Center).
A Wellness Fair — sponsored by Positive Directions — will take place, along with a collection by Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container.
Residents can bring expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal, then stay for “wellness fun.”
The event includes a free behavioral health screening and blood pressure check, a sensory table for relaxation, and nutrition tips.
Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention resources, and gambling awareness materials.
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Prep work continues for the upcoming beach season.
Speaking of police: The Westport PD made 6 custodial arrests between April 17 and 24.
A 26-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, illegal taking of a payment card, illegal use of a credit card exceeding $500, receipt from illegal use of a credit card, and identity theft, following complaint of fraudulent credit card charges over $12,000. Surveillance footage at Walgreens determined that an employee had used the card to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage at other locations also showed the same user.
A 52-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey woman was arrested for larceny and forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a $560 check was stolen from their mailbox, and fraudulently deposited for $5,500..
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an emergency call, following a domestic disturbance. His comments made a family member fear for their safety, then held their car keys so they could not leave and interfered with a 911 call for help
A 47-year-old Stamford woman was charged with disorderly conduct and assault, after a domestic violence incident in a Westport home.
A 33-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following an accident with injuries at the Compo Road North/Evergreen Avenue intersection. The driver — who fled with the passenger on foot — had failed to stop at the Evergreen Avenue stop sign. He and the passenger were quickly apprehended. The operator of the vehicle that was struck sustained minor injuries.
A 39-year-old Darien man was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle was stopped in the travel portion of the street, near 1655 Post Road East. Officers found the driver disoriented, unable to follow basic instructions, and with the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Interfering with an officer: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks like this one, on Riverside Avenue at Sylvan Lane.
Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.
Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.
No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala this Friday (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.
The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.
Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.
This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.
Dimitri Alatakis — a part owner of the Sherwood Diner — died last week, after suffering a heart attack. He lived in Fairfield, and was 61.
Dimitri is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; children Dimitri, Zoe and Alexei; mother Galatia and brother Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Andreas.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, to benefit the preschool program.
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We don’t often post a nighttime “Westport … Naturally” photo. Here’s an exception: Jerry Kuyper’s image, “minutes after the moon hit full.”
Club 203 doubles the fun at their next monthly get-together.
On tap for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: speed friending and karaoke. Both events are set for April 24 (6:30 to 8 p.m., Westport Library).
Speed friending is a fun, fast activity to build new friendships through similar passions, courtesy of Westport-based The Teen SLP.
Of course, everyone knows karaoke. Optional: Dress as your favorite musician, singer or rock star. Munchies are provided by The Porch at Christie’s and Sweet P Bakery.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at the Library.
Newcomers can click here to become Club 203 members. The Instagram is @club203_ct.
Last June’s Club 203 event, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
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I was surprised to see a long, Christmas-like line yesterday at the Westport post office.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
It was an ordinary Friday afternoon. In fact, today marks the start of our schools’ spring break, which means many folks already skedaddled a day or two earlier.
Then I realized: It’s almost April 15.
Tax day!
I wished all those standing line many happy returns.
If you enjoyed Madelyn Spera singing last year as Sarah Brown in Staples Players’ “Guys & Dolls,” or Olivia in “Twelfth Night,” you should hear her now.
Actually, you can. Madelyn’s new single “Dying to Know” is out now. Click below to listen. Or check her out on your favorite streaming service.
PS: Madelyn is now a first-year student at New York University.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature usually highlights our town’s beauty and wonder.
Today, we’re showing nature at its most primal level.
Chuck Greenlee spotted this in his yard, off Wilton Road:
(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)
He contacted Carrie Gilbertie. The owner of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden quickly responded: “What you have here is Gymnosporangium rust — aka cedar apple rust.
“Do you by chance have an apple tree in close proximity to your cedar? Or possibly a neighbor has one? That is usually the case.
“It is not recommended to have the Eastern cedar near an apple tree for this reason. It is more apt to harm if not kill the apple than cause harm to the cedar.
“Usually a fungicide is not recommended. It should clear up on its own. If it continues to harm the tree I would contact an arborist to see what they would recommend.”
Bingo!
Chuck replied: “The closest flowering crab floribunda is about 100 feet away. I had never seen this gooey rust before. It was all through the tree. But by this late windy afternoon, it was virtually all gone.”
And finally … based on yesterday’s post office line (see above), this is an appropriate song for many people’s weekend:
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Like most Westporters, I’ve gotten used to the construction cones, narrow lanes and drunken lines on the Post Road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s — and further east, near Bulkley Road by Stop & Shop.
Like most Westporters too, I’ve gotten used to seeing no work going on at either site — for months.
Will it ever resume? Is it done?
I asked Pete Ratkiewich. The Westport Public Works Department director pointed me to documents from a 2019 (!) Town Hall presentation.
They show intersection improvements, roadway widening and sidewalk work (click here to see).
So: No. It’s not over yet. Not by a long shot.
“They are only done partially on the north side. And they have a long way to go on the south side in both locations,” Pete says.
And, he adds, “you won’t see work start up again in earnest until the asphalt plants open.”
Work on Post Road East near Fresh Market.
Work at the Post Road East/Roseville Road/Hillspoint Road intersection.
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Speaking of the state Department of Transportation:
They’ll perform maintenance work on the Cribari Bridge this Monday night (7:30 p.m., to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday; March 18-19).
While the bridge is closed, traffic will be detoured to the Post Road.
When the sun goes down Monday, work will be performed on the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Sam Levenson)
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St. Patrick’s Day came early for Club 203.
On Wednesday night, over 135 guests from Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities partied at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
The evening included entertainment by the Lenihan Irish Dance troupe, green bagels from Village Bagels, and green clover cookies from the Pantry.
Nearly everyone wore green. Everyone was Irish for the night. And everyone had a blast!
There is a new — and very friendly — face at the Westport Weston Family Y.
Angie is the “official greeter” on Monday and Thurday mornings, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. She then heads to the Wellness Center, keeping things clean and tidy.
Her employment is a partnership between the Y and Star Inc. She gets her first paycheck today, and is very excited.
When you see Angie, give back to her the same smile she gives you!
When thousands of homeowners in Florida and Louisiana purchased their hurricane insurance, they probably had no idea that John Seo stood to make a big profit if their properties got through the next three years unscathed.
Unbeknownst to them, Seo, a 57-year-old hedge fund manager in southern Connecticut, is the reason why millions of people from New Zealand to Chile have financial protection against natural disasters. His fund, Fermat Capital Management, owns the world’s biggest collection of catastrophe bonds — complex financial instruments that insurers issue to cover risks they can’t handle.
Fermat is an oddity in the hedge fund world. Its modest office, in the affluent town of Westport, sits in a former post office across from an auto-repair shop. There are meteorology journals in the reception area and equations scrawled on a whiteboard. Investment decisions are guided by complicated weather-risk computer models powered by large servers that whirr ceaselessly behind a glass window.
Fermat’s “modest office” is at the end of Riverside Avenue, just before it intersects with Railroad Place. Click here to read the rest of the piece about Seo, titled “How a Physics Whiz Made a Fortune Betting on Nature’s Catastrophes.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
John Seo (2nd from left) and colleagues, at Fermat Capital. (Photo/Joe Buglewicz for Bloomberg)
Next up in the Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series: “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four.”
Michael is a party boy who avoids intimacy at all costs. Jenny is a jaded, wise-cracking office worker who still harbors dreams of becoming an artist. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship at work, they are forced to learn what it means to open up to someone else, and how to take a long, hard, messy look at oneself in the mirror.
The “a humorous, often heartbreaking examination of love, art, truth, lies, office politics, and the complicated road to true friendship” is set for April 15 (7 p.m.).
All tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
We’re halfway through March. Which means our town is halfway through the Great Westport Burger Contest.
Competitors in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event include Black Duck, Boathouse, Harvest, Jr’s,, La Plage, Little Barn, Match Burger, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organika, Rizzuto’s, Shake Shack, Southport Diner, Spotted Horse, The Blondinit, The Porch, The Whelk, Viva Zapata and Zucca.
The 7 categories are Best Classic Burger, Best Cheese Burger, Best Gourmet Burger, Best Veggie Burger, Best Non Beef Burger (fish, turkey, lamb…), Best Fast Food Burger, and Best Slider. Each Restaurant can enter up to 4 categories, but can win a maximum of 2.
Residents have until March 31 to visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then vote on the Chamber’s website.
Yesterday, 17 current and former Representative Town Meeting members relished the chance to promote the contest, with lunch at Spotted Horse.
I wasn’t there. But I’m pretty sure I know what was on the menu.
What’s the state of college admissions today, in a post-COVID world? What should rising 9th and 10th graders be thinking about?
Those are some of the topics they (and their parents) can learn about, at a “College Admissions Planning for Rising Freshmen and Sophomores” webinar (March 21, 7 p.m.).
There is no charge for the S4 Study Skills event, but registration is required here. Click here to sign up.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Y’s new greeter (story above):
(From Post Road traffic to hedge funds, the YMCA to London, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Super Bowl drive led by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Police Department at Stop & Shop brought in 600 bags of groceries, and nearly $1,200 in donations.
The food will last for several months at Homes with Hope’s pantry.
Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden thanks all who participated, on behalf of the many recipients.
Presenting a symbolic check at the recent Sunrise Rotary meeting (from left): Liz Wong, Sunrise Rotary president; Officer Craig Bergamo, Westport Police; Rob Hauck, Sunrise Rotary; Helen McAlinden, Homes with Hope CEO; Paris Looney, Homes with Hope vice president; Officer Scott Thompson, Westport Police.
As the FCIAC (league) finalist Staples High boys basketball team prepares for the first round of the state tournament this week, they invite Westporters to the school gym today (Sunday, March 3).
From 9:45 to 11:30 this morning, the Wreckers’ practice is open to the public.
From 4 to 5:15 p.m., shooting coach Dave Hopla will offer one of his legendary clinics.
From 5:15 to 6 p.m., Staples coaches and booster club representatives will discuss the team’s program. Future Wreckers will have a chance to play games, and shoot with current varsity stars.
The cost is $50 per family (Venmo: @staplesboysbasketball). Youth players receive a Staples basketball March Madness t-shirt.
Meanwhile, the team’s silent auction continues through 8 p.m. tonight. Click here to bid on sports and Broadway tickets, Staples “fan experiences” and more.
Proceeds help fund program improvements, including a shooting machine, strength and conditioning program, game jerseys, etc.
Diners at Jeera Thai got an extra treat the other day.
Joining them at the popular downtown restaurant were members of Lyyra. The 6-woman ensemble pushes the boundaries of treble choral, jazz. pop and folk music, as they redefine the entire genre of treble music.
They’ll perform at Christ & Holy Trinity Church on April 21 (5 p.m.; click here for tickets), and the Westport Library April 23 (7 p.m.; click here for tickets). The Library performance is a partnership with local high schools, and feature a mass choir with all students singing alongside Lyyra, and plus a solo set for Lyyra.
Meanwhile, click here for a video of Lyyra entertaining the surprised, but grateful, diners at Jeera Thai.
And finally … on this date in 1923, Time magazine published its first issue.
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