Tag Archives: Club203

Roundup: Downtown Parking, EMS Honors, Holiday Stuff …

Posted on December 12, 2024 | 1 comment

Downtown parking has gotten “lots” of attention lately.

In meetings and online, Westporters have talked discussed the lack of spots, and/or the distance they walk from them.

This holiday season, the Westport Transit District has a solution.

Wheels2U — their on-demand train station service — will operate this weekend and next.

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on December 14 -15 and 20 -21, Wheels2U will pick you up anywhere in Westport. They’ll take you downtown, then back home again when you’re through.

Stops are at Jesup Green opposite the Westport Book Shop, and Elm Street across from Serena & Lily.

Download the Wheels2U app, and book your ride 20 minutes before you want to leave. Rides are just $2 per passenger, open to all Westport residents and visitors. Children 12 and under must ride with an adult.

For more information about Wheels2U, click here.

Wheels2U.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service is filled with men and women who go above and beyond the call.

Recently, 7 were honored for going waaaaay beyond the call. They are:

  • Crew Chief of the Year: Chris Moore
  • EMT of the Year: David Harmston
  • Volunteer of the Year: Yaashi Jhangiani
  • Youth Corps EMT of the Year: Justin Sun
  • Callback Champion: Crew chief Ben Frimmer (most responses to callbacks from home)
  • Top Responder: Crew chief Larry Kleinman (most on-duty hours)
  • Guiding Light: Crew chief Yves Cantin (mentorship and teaching excellence).

Congratulations — and thanks — to all!

EMT of the Year David Harmston (left) with Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris.

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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disaiblities — celebrated the holidays last night at the VFW.

It was another great evening. And — as with all of the club’s events — many people and businesses made it rock.

The VFW donated its popular space. Delicious food was made by Carmine Cenatiempo, of Calise’s Market. Desserts and gingerbread cookies for decorating came courtesy of Chef Avery (@chefaveryw).

Marcello scontributed a holiday-themed photo booth (@Marcello.DEF).

Club203 gives a huge shoutout to the Westport Woman’s Club. Its Ruegg Grant will enable them to offer more social and educational events for Westport’s neurodiverse community.

Holiday party collage.

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Audiences at the Westport Country Playhouse’s production of “A Sherlock Carol” (December 17 through 22) can get in the holiday spirit even before the curtain rises.

Collection boxes for 4 local charities — Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Norwalk Toys for Tots, and Westport Homes with Hope Food Pantry — will be set up in the lobby during performances.

They’re also available during box office hours (Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.). You don’t have to see the show to help!

Click here for details on each charity, and wish lists for all 4.

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Speaking of Christmas wishes: There are 13 days till Christmas.

Which means there is still time for kids to drop off letters to Santa, at the Greens Farms post office.

Where — unlike the always-crammed Playhouse Square location — there is never a line.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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It was a full — but unintended — Westport moment yesterday, on “Today.”

NBC host Craig Melvin discussed the Lifelines Flameless Candle Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser.

He did not realize until later that Lifelines is the company started by Melissa & Doug to “help individuals rediscover wonder and relieve stress through their senses.”

Of course, he knows that “Melissa & Doug” are the Bernsteins.

And that the husband and wife team are — like Craig himself — Westport residents. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between December 4 and 11.

A 21-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into 2 shoplifting incidents at Ulta Beauty in 2021. His bond was $100,000.

A 51-year-old Bronx man was arrested for identity theft, after a report from TD Bank of a suspect using fraudulent identifaction to obtain a debit card. He was released on $10,000 bond.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 13 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Opoerating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1

Ulta Beauty is a frequent target of shoplifters. Many are arrested.

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Westport continues to raising funds, to ensure that 200 children in our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine enjoy time away from the wartime terrors of the past 3 years.

Our goal of $56,000 will pay for them — scattered now, evacuated from their homes — to get together, with friends, teachers and counselors, at a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains.

To help, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

A bit of normalcy in war-torn Ukraine.

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Westporter Warren Hammer is a chiropractor in Norwalk

For years he has specialized in fascial manipulation. It is taught in 50 countries, and used by many professional teams for chronic pain.

Last weekend, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he introduced the method to the trainers who treat the New York Mets.

Interesting. Usually, it’s Mets fans who suffer.

Warren Hammer, with New York Mets trainers.

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This time of year, many evergreens are decked out with ornaments, tinsel and angels.

This one, at Sherwood Island, had a different decoration.

InteresJohanna Keyser Rossi captured the image, for our daily “Westport … Naturally feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of Warren Hammer’s recent gig (story above):

(As this Roundup shows, “06880” is like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: You never know what you’ll get. If you like most of what we offer, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Athletic Field Lights, Saugatuck Safety, Holiday Wreaths …

Posted on November 22, 2024 | 5 comments

Right now, 3 athletic fields in Westport have lights: Staples’ Paul Lane Field, Greens Farms Elementary School, and PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School

Will there be more?

The Planning & Zoning Commission’s Recreation Sub-committee meets December 4 (12 noon, Zoom), to review and discuss a draft text covering lighted athletic fields on town-owned public school property.

The public may comment during the meeting. To comment before the session, email PandZ@westportct.gov.

The nighttime crowd at this fall’s Staples Homecoming football game. (Photo/Luca Caniato)

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Amng the items on the agenda of a joint meeting of the Representative Town Meeting Finance, Parks & Recreation, Transit and Public Works Committees (November 26, 7:30 p.m., Zoom):

A request by the director of Public Works to approve a $110,000 appropriation for the analysis, design and preparation of construction documents for traffic signal and pedestrian improvements in Saugatuck, between Bridge Street and Charles Street.

The proposal includes replacement of the Saugatuck fire station traffic light, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

The traffic light here may be replaced.

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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport has partnered with Wreathing for Community.

Volunteers created over a dozen handsome winter wreaths. They’ll be donated to local organizations, charitable events and individuals in town, as recognition for for their kindness and good deeds.

Who gets them?

“06880” readers can nominate an organization or community member to receive a wreath. Email Faith Sargent: whimsicalredheadcrafts@gmail.com.

You can also email her to donate materials for future projects, or arrange an event for your organization or group.

Neighbors and Newcomers take a break from wreath-making.

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Club203 was “on strike” last night. Members of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities made pre-Thanksgiving “turkeys,” with a party at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield.

Friends, volunteers, fun and food had everyone ”rolling” in new friendships.

Next up: Club203’s holiday bash, December 11 at VFW Post 399. For more information, click here.

Club203, at Nutmeg Bowling.

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Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has spent nearly 3 years delivering supplies and services to residents and officials in besieged cities in that war-torn nation — has planned a holiday celebration.

It’s both an action-packed evening, and a fundraiser. Proceeds will be earmarked for Ukrainian children, as another harsh winter begins.

The December 8 event (1 to 5 p.m., Redline Restorations, Black Rock) includes food and drinks, holiday activities, kids’ crafts, antique cars, and updates from Marshall Mayer’s recent trip to the front. Click here for details.

Ukraine Aid International

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between November 13 and 20.

A 58-year-old Waterbury man was arrested for larceny and criminal mischief. he allegedly entered Kai Yoga, stole money, then removed the security camera. He was arraigned on a $175,000 bond.

A 36-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft and violation of probation, following an investigation into a fraudulent check for $6,613.32, drawn in December 2020. He was held in lieu of an $80,000 bond.

A 34-year-old Stamford man was charged with larceny, criminal mischief and simple trespass, on a complaint by Bank of America of theft of parts of the exterior irrigation system.

A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on an active re-arrest warrant, after being stopped for a motor vehicle violation.

A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with failure to appear, after an active re-arrest warrant was discovered following a stop for a motor vehicle violation.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to display lights: 1
  • Improper stop: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

One arrest this week was for an adult who failed to halt possession of alcohol by a minor.

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Barbara Young, a former Westporter and noted athlete, died last week in Massachusetts. She was 91.

She achieved tremendous success in a variety of sports, including tennis, field hockey, baseball, basketball, platform tennis and golf.

Barbara played for the Chicago Colleens and Kenosha Comets in the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League, later made famous in “A League of Their Own.”

She is a member of 3 Halls of Fame: at Dean Junior College (for tennis), the Connecticut Golf Association HOF, and in a “Women in Baseball” exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Barbara also won the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Gold Key Award.

Barbara was a New England girls champion tennis player, and went on play #1 on the Dean Junior College men’s team. She was also a Westport women’s champ.

At Dean, she also played field hockey. In the 1960s, she played semi-pro basketball.

She was ranked among the Top 10 platform tennis players in the nation.

After receiving a set of golf clubs from her husband for Mother’s Day, she took up the game. She was a 6-time Connecticut women’s champion, and an 8-time state senior champ, along with New England senior crowns. Barbara continues her success in North Carolina.

At the Highland Country Club in Attleboro, Massachusetts, well into her 80s, she was the second-ranked female member by handicap.

Barbara is survived by her children, Janet Young See of Mansfield, Massachusetts and Lawrence of Baltimore, and grandchildren Christopher and Andrew Young, and Jason and Brian See. She was predeceased byher children Donna and Scott.

A celebration of life will be held in January, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Click here to send online condolences.

Barbara Parks Young

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A great blue heron showed up recently at Burying Hill Beach.

And Johanna Keyser Rossi was there, to snap this image for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming meeting about lights on athletic fields:

(Here’s another “bright” idea: Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution in support of “06880.” Thank y’all!)

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Posted in Local politics, Police, Politics, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Crepes Choupette, La Plage, Riko’s …

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 1 comment

Westport’s newest restaurant — Crêpes Choupette — opened Wednesday in Bedford Square, to eager crowds.

The crêperie –owner Adil Chokairy’s third, after New Haven and Darien — adds one more international cuisine to Church Lane.

It’s a couple of doors down from an Israeli restaurant (The Blondinit), and across the street from Pink Sumo (sushi) and the Spotted Horse (American).

Choupette ribbon cutting … (Photo courtesy of Sam Disraelly)

… and customers inside. (Photo/Karen Como)

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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with developmental differences — held a great Halloween Bingo night Wednesday at the Senior Center.

Nearly 140 guests played (many in Halloween costumes). They enjoyed subs from Planet Pizza, cookies by Big G, mac & cheese thanks to the Senior Center’s own Holly Betts, pumpkin decorating by MoCA CT, and tons of candy from an anonymous donor.

Club203 thanks Wendy Petty and the Senior Center for hosting, along with the volunteers  who give time, energy and talents — plus a special shout-out to special guests Fire Chief Nick Marsan and the Westport Fire Department’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, who shared information about the town’s Community Connect program. It provides household information to first responders — including, for example, details about people with disabilities who live there.

Club203 bingo, at the Senior Center.

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Speaking of the Fire Department: They’ve partnered once again with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

Chief Nick Marsan notes, “This drive impacts hundreds of men, women and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

 The WFD welcomes donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits at these sites, through November 12:

  • Westport Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East)
  • Senior Center: (21 Imperial Avenue)
  • Town Hall (110 Myrtle Avenue)

Collection boxes will also be placed at public schools. Once collected, Westport firefighters will sort and transport items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, says, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,350 coats.”

(From left): Fire Chief Nick Marsan, volunteer Anna Rycenga and Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois want your winter coats, and more. 

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Want to learn more about the influence of social media on today’s youth?

Westport Together — a program of our town’s Department of Human Services — has arranged a conversation on the topic, with local psychotherapists Vince Benevento, LPC Founder and CEO of Causeway Collaborative, and Mary Dobson.

It’s this Tuesday (October 22, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). For more information, click here.

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As the weather gets colder, Earthplace heats up.

Among the activities:

  • Plein-Air Art Along the Trails (October 19, 10 a.m. to noon)
  • Tree ID Walk (October 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Yoga with Alison Heisler (October 25 and November 1, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.)
  • Forest Bathing with Merritt Juliano (October 30, 10 to 11 a.m.)
  • Fall Gardening Workshops (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m.)’Car
  • Guided Meditation with Alison Heisler (November 4, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Sound Bath with Abbey Chase Yoga (November 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
  • Craft and Sip: Fall Wreath Making (November 2, 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.)
  • Environmental Learning Series (November 2, 7 to 8 p.m.)
  • Native Plant Propagation (November 16, 1 to 3 p.m.)
  • Saving an Endangered Butterfly (November 21, 7 to 8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and registration.

Create your own art along the Earthplace trails.

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La Plage’s patio is closing for the season soon.

To celebrate — and to get an early start on Halloween — they’re throwing a “Costume & Closing Party” (Sunday, October 27, 5 to 7 p.m.).

The $39.19 ticket includes light bites, music, and 2 drink tickets.

“Dress to impress,” the Longshore restaurant urges. The “Best Costume” winner will receive 2 tickets to La Plage’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner — a $370 value. Click here to purchase.

Closing soon — but just for the season. (Photo/Nicole Donovan)

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Speaking (once again) of restaurants: Back in May, “06880” announced the upcoming opening of Riko’s. The pizza place — which has drawn raves at their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford locations — replaces Mystic Market, off I-95 Exit 17 across from the train station parking lot.

(Mystic Market replaced, in turn, Blu Parrot, Jasmine, and the granddaddy of all Italian restaurants, the Arrow.)

It’s taken nearly 5 months, but the signage has finally appeared:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Now we wonder: Which will finish first: Renovations to Riko’s, or construction on nearby 95?

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A date has been set to celebrate the life of Tom Carey. The former Conservation Commission chair and Westport Rotary Club treasurer died Monday.

Tom’s many friends are invited to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, October 26 (2 p.m.). A reception will follow.

Tom Carey

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Get a jump on holiday shopping — and support The Westport Library — next Thursday (October 24, 1 to 5:30 p.m.), at J.McLaughlin.

15% of all purchases made at the 382 Post Road East store will benefit the Library.

Library officials will be on hand to say thanks, and answer questions about the Library’s programs and events.

Busy that afternoon? Call 475-284-2495 that day, and order. Those purchases help the Library too!

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The weather the past couple of weeks has been spectacular. (Knock wood.)

The days are warm. The nights are crisp. The skies are blue.

Anyone who can has been outdoors, taking advantage of our wonderful New England autumn.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is always outside, no matter the weather. She too appreciates every minute of this perfect fall.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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This determined-looking guy was stalking Hales Road yesterday, like he owned the place:

(Photo/Drew Grega)

He did slow down long enough to pose for this “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Be careful out there!

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And finally … George C. Scott was born on this date, in 1927.

This final item in the “06880” Roundup is almost always dedicated to a musical selection.

Today is different. We honor the actor, who died in 1999 at 71, with a clip that may be the single greatest monologue in the history of movies.

(Want to know the latest restaurant news — or anything else, anywhere, in Westport? Just read “06880.” And if you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Paulie’s Push, Paralympics, Jim Himes …

Posted on September 5, 2024 | 1 comment

Paulie Veneto is not your ordinary former flight attendant.

The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing a beverage cart 210 miles from Boston to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York.

This is the 4th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” fourth tribute walk. to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.

Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.

“It’s a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defined those tragic events” — and a fitting way to honor Paulie too — officials say.

Paulie Veneto (center), Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right), and Westport firefighter, at headquarters yesterday.

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Matthew Torres — the longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member — finished 5th in the 400 meter freestyle yesterday, at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. 

He was clocked at 4:32.25. The winner, Alberto Amodeo of Italy, finished in 4:23.27.

This is the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.

He’s got another chance for gold on Friday, in the 100 meter free.

Then it’s off to Sardinia, Italy, where Matthew will represent the US in the international Open Water Cup.

Matthew Torres

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Congressman Jim Himes is the speaker at the Friday, September 13 meeting of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.

Now in his 8th term, Himes is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and serves on the Financial Services Committee. He will discuss the work of both committees.

The public is invited. But you have to get up early: The meeting at Green’s Farms Congregational Church begins at 7:30 .m. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served, starting at 7. Rep. Himes will begin around 8.

Attendees should RSVP at info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

Congressman Jim Himes

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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — opened its 2024-2025 season with an “Aloha” gathering last night, at Sherwood Island State Park.

It was a picture-perfect night. Friends were elated to see each other again, after summer break.

They danced and limboed the night away, while enjoying snacks, drinks and desserts, courtesy of Alina’s Bakery.

Fun art projects were also part of the evening, thanks to MoCA CT.

Club203’s next event is October 16: Halloween bingo, at the Senior Center. Click here for more information.

Club203 last night, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Curran)

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A novel set in Venezuela is the Westport Library’s 2024 Prize for Literature award winner.

“Freedom is a Feast” — Alejandro Puyana’s debut, a multigenerational tale of love and revolution — earned the author a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition, he’ll be honored at the Library on Saturday, September 21, between 1 and 2 p.m., as part of StoryFest.

Puyana will be in great company. The annual literary festival’s lineup of authors includes Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden, Claire Messud, Peng Shepherd, and Joyce Carol Oates. (Click here for the full list.)

“I’m extremely honored,” Puyana says. “Venezuela is going through a rough time right now, with people out on the streets fighting for freedom and democracy. It means so much to have this Venezuelan story highlighted, at a time when we need voices everywhere to stand with us.

The Westport Prize for Literature is awarded annually for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society.

The other finalists for this year’s honor were “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood, and “skin & bones “by Renée Watson.

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BMWs and K9s might not often go together.

But Staples High School graduates Ben Gault and Alex Angus are partnering with BMW of Bridgeport, on a special car show. The September 15 “Cars & Coffee” event (Sherwood Island State Park, 8 to 10 a.m.) benefits the Westport Police K9 unit.

The idea began several years ago, when Alex raised $17,000 with a similar show for Fairfield’s K9 group.

There’s a DJ, and free coffee from Jack’s of Westport (in the former Shearwater space). Local businesses — some automotive-related, some not — are also involved.

Collectors, families, kids — and everyone else — is invited. Youngsters will enjoy seeing a big Gault oil tanker.

All proceeds go to food, care and support for the Westport K9 dogs and officers.

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The Westport Senior Center celebrates “The Power of Connections” at its new outdoor sanctuary on Tuesday, September 17 (1:30 p.m.).

The landscape, pollinator and greenspace project will be dedicated to the late Irma and Joe Schachter. Funds were provided by Connecticut’s ARPA Grants for Senior Centers.

The event is part of National Senior Center Month — and includes treats from Skip’s Ice Cream Truck.

Senior Center outdoor sanctuary.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between August 28 and September 4.

They issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Texting while driving, 2nd offense: 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Improper turn signal: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1

Any vehicle with an after-factory tint must get it tested, to receive a tint compliance sticker. 

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Rebecca Rose is The Westport Book Shop’s exhibitor for the month of September.

She’s showing watereolors she created for a new children’s book, “In the Beginning! A Love Story, written by Westporter Michael Hendricks.

Rebecca and Michael will both be at a reception and book signing this Sunday (September 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.

Rebecca Ross, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Just when we think we’ve seen all the spotted lanternfly photos we can handle … here comes a different view.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the underside of the pest.

Ugh is right.

(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)

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And finally … on this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas.

Nearly 200 years later, most of us have forgotten Sam. But we haven’t forgotten another Houston:

(From the Paralympics to Congress, “06880” has you covered. If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. Now, we hope you find a few seconds to click here, and support our work. Thanks!

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Posted in Library, Local business, Police, Politics, YMCA

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Roundup: Accident Update, LobsterFest Tickets, Club203 Parties …

Posted on August 10, 2024 | 4 comments

As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.

The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.

The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).

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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.

Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.

So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.

The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.

There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.

Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.

All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.

Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

These 3 say it all:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.

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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).

The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.

Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.

They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.

Click here for free tickets.

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Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.

Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.

For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.

Click here to become a member. Click here for the Club203 website.

Club203’s Thanksgiving party.

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B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.

They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.

Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.

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In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.

The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.

She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.

Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).

His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.

A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.

The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

And guess which putter they’ll use?!

Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.

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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.

That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).

Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.

All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.

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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?

Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.

“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”

The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).

It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events

“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.

On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.

A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August artist is Rachel Waldman.

Her anime-inspired drawings will be on display all month, at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for Tuesday, August 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited.

Rachel Waldman, with her work.

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What do yellow finches and baseball players have in common?

Both love sunflower seeds.

But only the bird gets its photo in “Westport … Naturally” while eating them.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.

Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:

Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.

After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.

(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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