State Department of Transportation engineers have shared with Stina Sternberg Snow, and other neighbors, what the $400,000 landscaping plan looks like for the renovated maintenance garage off the nearby Sherwood Island Connector.
Click on or hover over to enlarge. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left; Post Road East is at top.
The area highlighted in red will be a turn lane into the new entrance (from the Connector). It will have an 8-foot privacy fence next to it.
This Thursday (July 17, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)
The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.
Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). If you’ve got a folding table, we could use a few too 🙂
Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.
There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser. A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.
Marie Gross woke up this morning a bear breaking up her bird feeders. on Kings Highway North.
(Photo/Marie Gross)
It then sauntered casually down the road, toward the cemetery.
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Michael Franti & Spearhead brought a message of love, hope, acceptance and positivity to the Levitt Pavilion yesterday. It was Franti’s third time at the open-air venue.
He engaged intimately with the audience on stage — and while performing as he walked around.
(Photo/Sean Bernand)
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Cimafunk was the opening act last nigh — and also high-energy. The musician’s funk and hip hop, with Cuban and Afro-Caribbean roots, got the crowd moving from the moment he stepped on stage.
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Backing up, on sax. (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
This week’s shows include Hopalong Andrew (Children’s Series; Tuesday, 7 p.m., free); I’m with Her, with Ken Pomeroy (Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.; ticketed); Nellie McKay Trio (Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.; free), and Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls (Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.; free).
The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s cultural community-building collaboration — has launched a small-group series, at the Hive loft.
Each event will revolve around a music and arts theme, and include a conversation inspired by the arts. Beverages and small bites will be served.
The dates are July 23 (7:30-9:30 p.m.), July 27 (4-6 p.m.), July 30 (7:30-9:30 p.m.), and August 9 (8-10 p.m.).
The Hive strives to gather groups with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Ticket purchasers (click here) are invited to make an additional donation, to go toward a ticket for someone who otherwise could not join.
And finally … Happy Bastille Day, to all who celebrate!
(“06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” If you enjoy being part of our great online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Now alert “06880” reader Jamie Walsh has seen his first Candela — all-electric — boat. It was moored yesterday at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Jamie says: “Pretty cool! Those 3 things protruding in the air are the hydrofoils. They lower into the water as the boat accelerates, greatly reducing drag and rocking normally associated with most boats.
Last fall, I had myself scanned — and underwent other tests — at Longevity Powered by DexaFit.
The company — nestled inside Sherpa. the personal fitness and training gym across from Border Grille (not their health food partner) — uses those analyses to help people understand their bodies, and improve fitness.
A Dexa scan is a quick analysis of body composition, detailing muscle mass, bone mass, fat and visceral fat. The report provides insights into a person’s T-score (bone density), ALMI, FFMI, A/G Ratio, and BMC (bone mineral content).
If you don’t know what all that means — neither did I.
But manager Amy Julien explained it all.
The other day, I went back for a follow-up. I had taken some of Amy’s recommendations to, um, heart — and the results showed improvements in areas like muscle gain.
Whew! My improved fitness regime had paid off.
Plus, I did not want to disappoint Amy.
I had not taken up a couple of her other recommendations though, like walking with a weighted vest. She (very) gently tsk-tsked me, and provided a few options.
The good news: I’m in pretty good shape.
On the other hand, I’m not Mr. Olympia.
On the third hand, I don’t want to be. I still have my day job, which keeps me from spending 5 hours a day at the gym.
In the meantime, I’ll keep working out. I’ll follow a few of Amy’s other recommendations. I may (or may not) buy that weighted vest.
And in 6 months, I’ll go back to Longevity to see how I’m doing.
Amy Julien and yours truly. Long may we both live.
Early Clover — the former Coasters’ lead singer, and Apollo Theater favorite –brought his soul/R&B/Motown show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
The youngsters he brought up on stage were born decades after Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole and Otis Redding were alive.
But — with a little encouragement — they got right into those legends’ classic grooves.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Bert Reisman — an accomplished journalist, businessman, and longtime Westporter whose volunteer efforts ranged from the Library to Little League — died June 25, at his Southbury home. He was 96.
The Brooklyn native (and passionate Dodgers fan) graduated from New York University in 1941 with a degree in journalism.
At NYU he met his first wife, Sydelle Silver. They were married for 43 years before her death.
They left New York for Colorado, where he was a reporter for the Durango Hearld. Bert then wrote for the St. Joseph (Missouri) Gazette and Rochester (New York) Times Union. His feature subjects included Willie Mays, Jonas Salk and Robert Oppenheimer.
Bert left journalism in 1959 for corporate communications. He spent 30 years at IBM, where he spearheaded the public relations launch of the IBM 360.
He was also responsible for award-winning campaigns that featured Charlie Chaplin and the M*A*S*H characters.
In his final position, Bert he oversaw IBM’s advertising, media relations and market research. After reaching mandatory retirement age, he spent 6 years as a senior consultant at Burton Marsteller.
During his 35 years in Westport, Bert was active in local politics, served on the Westport Library board of directors, and was a Little League organizer, umpire and manager.
He met his second wife, Louise, when he moved to Stratford. They were married for 16 years, before her death in 2021.
Bert split his time between Connecticut and Carefree, Arizona, where his passion for golf flourished. He enjoyed being part of the Mulligans, a group devoted to golf, community service and laughter.
He is survived by his children Robin of Westport, Jodie (Mark) Naber of Sanibel Island, Florida, and Mike of Westport, and grandchildren Samantha Sydelle of Providence and Charlie Reisman of Los Angeles.
Slava Leykind died Wednesday, from complications after participating in a mountain endurance event earlier in the week. He was 43.
Born in Minsk, USSR, in 1982, he emigrated with his family to Minneapolis in 1988.
In 20024 he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Slava joined General Mills. In 2006 he joined the boutique investment banking firm Sawaya Segalas, and rose one 3 senior partners at what became Sawaya Partners. When it was acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2021, Slava became co-head of US consumer investment banking for the broader firm.
Yet Slava’s role as a husband and father was his greatest achievement, passion and pride. He is survived by his wife Amy Keller Leykind; children Charlotte, Eloise and Jonah Leykind; parents Art and Nelly Leykind; brothers Gene and Max; parents-in-law Bonnie and Alex Keller; in-laws Nina Leykind, Laura and Alan Isenberg, and Rachel Leykind, and nephews and nieces Deia Leykind, Coby Leykind, Jackson Isenberg, Esme Isenberg and Blake Leykind.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 8 at Temple Israel. A private burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a fund in Slava’s name is being established at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Details will follow.
Slava Leykind
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It was hard not to have fun this weekend.
And that goes not just for guys and gals. Gulls, too.
Wendy Levy spotted this pair at Burying Hill Beach. They swooped past, posing just long enough for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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Werner Liepolt lives in the Bridge Street Historic District. Valerie Seiling Jacobs is a member of Save Westport Now.
Both have closely followed deliberations over the future of the 135-year-old Cribari Bridge. Long stalled — like traffic heading to it — the state Department of Transportation has recently shown new interest in a replacement. Werner and Valerie write:
We’ve all seen it: traffic backed up on Bridge Street across the Cribari Bridge, distracted drivers with out-of-state plates checking their smartphones, and the line of cars clogging Riverside Avenue and Greens Farms Road.
It was bad in 2015, when the Connecticut Department of Transportation first started talking about fixing the historic swing bridge. But it’s only gotten worse since COVID.
The stream of traffic coming from I-95 is remorseless, especially in the morning. Pity parents trying to shepherd their youngsters across the street to catch the school bus. or commuters trying to get to the railroad station. A drive to Compo Beach during the summer can put you on Bridge Street for half an hour.
Bridge Street traffic: 7:40 a.m., May 29, 2025. (Photo/Werner Liepolt)
You know all this. You live here. And that’s exactly why Jim Marpe, our former first selectman, refused to vote to release the money for a DOT study.
He recognized that DOT was likely to recommend building a new, state-of-the-art bridge, one that would be tall enough to accommodate 18-wheelers and thus invite even more I-95 spillover and Waze traffic.
But here’s the rub: our current first selectwoman seems oblivious to the problem. Last year she voted to release $4.1 million to the DOT to begin work on the project.
On May 15, DOT held its first meeting in Westport about the bridge since 2018.
William F. Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
Of all the neighbors, only registered “stakeholder” Werner Liepolt was invited to attend, although the public was not. In the invitation, the DOT noted that there had been “significant developments” concerning the project.
At the meeting, however, we learned the only “developments” appear to be that:
The DOT has been asked by Tooker to do a traffic study on the Saugatuck side of the bridge only, presumably to accommodate the proposed Hamlet development, which she supports; and
DOT is now officially recommending that we build a new, bigger bridge — one that will be weight-bearing and tall enough for 18-wheelers.
Needless to say, the stakeholders in the room were outraged. We reiterated what we had said in 2018: that a taller bridge will invite more traffic and trucks when I-95 backs up.
Matthew Mandell, a Representative Town Meeting member, wanted more information on how to obtain an exemption from current building specs, a request that Valerie Seiling Jacobs of Save Westport Now echoed.
She also asked if DOT had considered the impact of increased traffic on air quality — especially given Westport’s ongoing ozone issues. (They had not.)
Maggie Dallal and other young mothers described how difficult it is to cross Bridge Street to get their kids to the bus stop.
School bus crawls along Bridge Street: 7:47 a.m., May 29, 2025. (Photo/Werner Liepolt)
John Suggs, of the Westport Preservation Alliance, reminded DOT that the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and that Bridge Street is an official “Scenic” route, 2 designations that entitle us to special dispensation.
And Paul Lebowitz, chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission, reminded everyone that the traffic and truck problem had been discussed at the 2018 DOT meeting.
A potential solution had been floated then: building a bridge that would look like the current bridge (e.g, it would have ornamental trusses), but would not be tall enough to accommodate 18-wheelers.
What happened to that idea? Lebowitz wanted to know.
The DOT seemed flummoxed by the crowd’s reaction, perhaps because none of them had been at the 2018 meeting (all those folks have since moved on).
Still, they insisted that a new bridge would not invite more truck or other traffic. In fact, they claimed that a new bridge would actually speed up traffic and reduce idling time, apparently ignoring the fact that everyone would still need to get through the intersection at Riverside and Bridge Street.
Moreover, they seemed to think that trucks would not choose this route even if I-95 backs up.
The Riverside Avenue side of the Cribari Bridge.
Are their memories so short that they do not recall how the fiery crash on I-95 in 2024 prompted hundreds of trucks to cut through Westport? Everyone in the area remembers how our police department had to stop truck traffic due to 18-wheelers jumping the sidewalks.
It’s true that the DOT reps at the front of the auditorium “duly noted” many of the concerns we raised, implying that they would look into those matters. At the very end of the meeting however, in a complete ambush, the chief DOT engineer for the project — who had apparently been in the audience all along but had not previously identified himself — took the microphone and made it clear that DOT intends to build a new bridge that will accommodate all truck traffic — thereby making a mockery of his junior colleague’s “duly noted” promises.
At this past Thursday’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety meeting, we stood together with residents of the area and insisted that the Westport Traffic Authority demand comprehensive surveys and plans for traffic abatement and resident safety from DOT before any decision is made about the Cribari Bridge.
We must stand together as a community, and tell our first selectwoman and DOT that anything less is unacceptable.
We deserve to have a voice in what happens in our community.
(If you agree, please email contactsavewestportnow@gmail.com to add your name to the roster of residents who will save the town from this hasty, dangerous, foolish plan.)
(The Opinion pages of “06880” are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
But the Connecticut Department of Transportation is rousing itself, for another stab at the William F. Cribari Bridge.
Rehabilitation or replacement has been discussed — fitfully — for well over those 6 years. May 8, 2019 marked the last meeting of the “Project Advisory Committee,” established “to assist CTDOT in its decision-making process.”
“We recognize it has been some time, and since then, there have been significant developments both within the community and concerning the project itself. CTDOT is now scheduling a new PAC meeting to provide updates and discuss the project’s progress,” wrote project manager James Barrow II, in an email to a select group.
It includes the 1st Selectwoman; chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission; fire, police and public works officials, some Representative Town Meeting members, and nearby residents.
The meeting — which appears to be open only to those invitees — is this Thursday (May 15, 4 to 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
CTDOT officials have said they will hold a public meeting in the future.
The Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee has recommended 10 candidates to run in November’s election.
If approved July 15 by the full DTC — along with Board of Selectperson candidates Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich — they’ll be on the municipal election ballot.
The Nominating Committee has chosen:
Board of Education:Lauren Karpf, RTM Deputy Moderator and Education Committee chair; Abby Tolan, current BOE member and former PTA Special Education co-chair.
Board of Finance:Allyson Stollenwerck, current BOF member and international nonprofit executive; Elaine Whitney, former BOE chair and healthcare management executive.
Planning & Zoning Commission; Michael Cammeyer, current P&Z secretary and mergers and acquisitions consulting executive; Neil Cohn, current P&Z vice chair and sustainable finance and digital technologies executive.
Board of Assessment Appeals:Ifeseyi Gayle, current BAA member and DTC volunteer; Lynette Pineda, current BAA member and commercial real estate executive.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Sheri Gordon, Former BOF chair and current ZBA alternate. Joe Scordato, current ZBA member and legal and compliance executive.
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On Saturday, Hannah Schneewind posted this photo on Facebook:
She wrote: “Does anyone know if there is a trend or dare involving whipped cream cans? Every day, I see them when I go for a walk. I have seen them in a variety of locations. Any ideas?”
There were plenty.
The nitrous oxide in the canisters is being inhaled. Called “whippets,” it produces a short high. But it can also cause oxygen deprivation, leading to fainting, brain damage, even death.
A Staples High School graduate died several years ago, from inhalation.
Diane Lowman — who alerted “06880” to the post — notes that finding cans on the roadside means teenagers and young adults are probably doing whippets while they or their friends are driving.
FoundHer is a Westport-based, female-focused recruiting company. They specialize in women re-entering the workforce after a brief career break, and commuters looking for a local or flexible position.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.), you can find FoundHer at Steam Coffee Bar, on Railroad Place by the train station.
You’ll also find, to your delight, that your first cup of coffee or tea is on them.
“Arrive for your train a little early and chat about the current job market,” FoundHer says.==================================================
he RTM Environment and Health & Human Services Committees meet jointly tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
There is one agenda item: “discussion about artificial turf ordinance.”
There are 4 artificial turf fields in Westport: Paul Lane (above) and Jinny Parker Fields at Staples, Wakeman adjacent to Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
Plenty of Westporters celebrated Mothers Day yesterday with a trip to Compo Beach.
The weather was mid-May nice. Time to take off all those layers!
(Photo/William Weiss)
When the crowds were gone, what remained was a scene we’ll see repeated often, over the next few months:
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Of course, not everyone left.
These scenes too will be familiar — as they have been for years — in the months ahead:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Staples High School junior Jade Reejhsinghani has had a life-threatening peanut allergy since she was 2.
In elementary school she felt isolated at the nut-free table. In 7th grade she was diagnosed with allergies to eggs, dairy and soy.
Eating at a restaurant with friends puts her in danger of anaphylaxis. People have told her, “just eat at home.”
Classmate Claire Harris is also allergic to peanuts. In 2020 she started oral immunotherapy. That’s changed her life for the better.
The two girls run a Staples club called Food Allergy Education. May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. They help students — especially younger ones — feel empowered living with their food allergies.
On June 1 (9 a.m. to noon Staples High School track), they’re joining with the non-profit FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to sponsor a walk. The goal is to raise both awareness and funds.
Frank Sinatra is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
Also Carrie Bradshaw.
Okay, one is dead. The other was never alive.
But both are “starring” on the historic stage.
On June 27 (8 p.m.), Cary Hoffman turns his “My Sinatra” PBS special into a one-man musical play.
It’s a hilarious, poignant show about his love for Ol’ Blue Eyes, and the perils of wanting to be someone else. Learn more and order tickets here.
On July 9 (8 p.m.), Candace Bushnell — creator of “Sex and the City” — takes the Playhouse audience on a tour of New York, from Studio 54 to the Lipstick Jungle. “Meet the real Carrie Bradshow!” the WCP says.
One more attraction: on July 20 (7 p.m.), Grammy Award-winning bluegreass/ Americana band Steep Canyon Rangers bring their mountain music to the Playhouse. Here’s more info on the show, and tickets.
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My Lucky Penny — a children’s clothing story at 8 Church Street South, just behind Little Barn — has its grand opening May 31 (noon to 5 p.m.).
Penny is owner Rhoda Schwartz’s daughter. Born with a brain deformity, she had 4 surgeries. Today she is a gifted artist, who also sews all types of clothing.
Rhoda Schwartz’s daughter, in My Lucky Penny.
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Congratulations to Staples grads Emma Ashe (Class of 2022) and Kate Smith (’23).
Both play on the Boston College women’s club lacrosse team — and yesterday, they won the Women’s College Lacrosse Association Division I national championship, in Wichita, Kansas. Here is the full report.
Emma is the team’s vice president. Kate will be captain next year, as the team goes for a two-fer.
Emma Ashe and Kate Smith: national champs!
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Speaking of former Staples athletes: George Robbins’ Raleigh Bombers team just won the Over-50 Triangle Adult Soccer League championship.
George — a 1990 SHS grad, and former soccer captain — plays central midfield.
And he could probably play pretty well with today’s much-younger-than-50 crowd too.
George Robbins
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Another season of live music on Church Lane begins May 22.
Featured artists are Staples senior Vivian Shamie and her sophomore sister Willa. They sing contemporary pop, and covers. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
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What would we do without the month of May?!
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” super-spring foliage shot comes from Ellen Wentworth, on Highland Road:
And finally … Yogi Berra was born 100 years ago today. The Hall of Fame catcher and homespun philosopher may not have said everything he said he said, but who cares? Happy birthday, Yogi!
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Over 500 law firms have backed several of their biggest colleagues. In a “friend of the court” brief, they said that President Trump’s threats against firms that have crossed him personally are “a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself.”
The Bridgeport-based firm — which recently won a near-$1 billion suit against Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook families — was founded in 1936 by Theodore Koskoff.
His son — Westporter Michael Koskoff — was a longtime partner. His grandson Josh now carries on their long civil rights and social justice legacy.
Describing the decision to join the amicus brief, Josh writes: “Today we joined firms across the country to say to the president and others that would seek to deny access to justice for individuals wronged by the government that your threats only fill us with resolve, that we will not bend the knee and pay tribute or do your dirty work, and that we 100 percent will not yield in our service to individuals wronged by your abuse.”
Josh Koskoff
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The Wallflowers — Jakob Dylan’s band — rocked the Westport Library yesterday, on the second day of VersoFest.
The 4th annual music/media-and-more event continues today.
From 10 to 11:30 a.m., artist 5iveFingaz hosts a rotating cast of DJs. Attendees will try to set a record for “world’s loudest library” withprimal scram. There’s also live art installations, and other family fun.
At noon and 1 p.m. there’s “Graffiti 101,” followed by a 1 p.m. panel on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run”; Black Thought, lead emcee of The Roots, in a 4 p.m. conversation, and Henry Rollins at 7 p.m.
Paul Shaffer headlines tomorrow’s events (Sunday, 11 a.m.).
Click here for the full schedule. Click here for the live auction, with Keith Richards’ guitar and more.
The Wallflowers, in concert at VersoFest … (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotographix)
… and meeting fans outside. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
The United Methodist Church’s Easter Egg hunt, scheduled for today at 2 p.m., has been postponed to tomorrow (2 p.m., indoors).
It’s free — but donations of non-perishable food for local pantries are welcome.
Easter Egg Hunt, at the United Methodist Church.
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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
And local, state and federal officials are celebrating it.
Westport Police are teaming up with the Connecticut and US Departments of Transportation for a “U Drive/U Text/U Pay” campaign.
At any moment, 660,000 drivers are using electronic devices while driving. More than 3,000 people have been killed annually in crashes involving distracted drivers — about 8% of all fatal accidents.
Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.
Tickets are $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses. For more information, click here.
Speaking of the Connecticut Department of Transportation: Last month they announced plans to build a new maintenance facility on their property, behind Walgreens and Saatva.
They have not wasted any time getting started. Clear-cutting has already begun.
View from the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Longtime Westport resident Michael Hoherchak died Tuesday. He was 94.
Michael J. Hoherchak, a beloved resident of Westport, CT for the past 68 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.
He was a member of St Luke’s parish, the Masons and the Ancient Order of the Scottish Rite.
Growing up in Brooklyn he worked a wide variety of jobs from an early age: (selling newspapers, being a messenger, helping in a meat market, and as an engineering aide, TV installer, clerk and surveyor.
The first member of his family to attend college, he received engineering degrees from the University of Virginia and New York University.
He began his professional career as a mechanical engineer at AMF. He worked as a project manager in the pollution control industry, most recently for ABB.
Mike is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gay; son Michael (Monica), daughter Karin (David) and grandchildren Sasha, Natasha, Michael, Klara and Justin. He was predeceased by his sister Mary-Ellen.
A wake will be held tomorrow (Sunday, April 6, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be at St Luke on Monday (noon).
His family is grateful to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at Norwalk Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
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Westporter Alan Nudelman died Wednesday. He was 87.
The Chicago native graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering. He served as an Army lieutenant. After 25 years at IBM, he became president of Composition Materials for 30 years.
Alan is survived by his wife Kay; daughters Julie Naye and Joey Sadavrati; stepsons David Elster and Jeff Elster; grandchildren Wes, Jack, George and Jett
Naye; step-grandchildren Sydney Elster and Alex Elster, and sister Iris Anosov.
A funeral service will be held Monday (April 7, 2 p.m., Temple Israel).
Memorial contributions can be made to the Anti-Defamation League.
And finally … in honor of the Wallflowers’ show last night, at VersoFest (story above):
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But over 150 Westporters at the Westport Library yesterday heard 5 Representative Town Meeting members passionately describe their work on our town’s legislative body.
Andrew Bloom, Jimmy Izzo, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Kristin Mott Purcell represent different generations, and lengths of service.
But they share a reverence for the RTM. Over 75 years old, it is one of the last such forms of government in Connecticut.
The 5 members spoke about their work on a variety of committees; the insights they gain into Westport’s issues and residents; the importance of non-partisanship; the satisfaction they get giving back to the town (despite some long hours) — and the RTM’s unique seating arrangement.
After the panel, attendees had a chance to meet representatives from their own district. Town organizations, including the Boards of Education and Finance, and League of Women Voters, had informational tables too.
The “Community Conversation” event was arranged by RTM members David Rosenwaks and Claudia Shaum, through Nancy Kail’s RTM communications committee.
RTM members (from left): Jimmy Izzo, Kristin Mott Purcell, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Andrew Bloom. “06880”‘s own Dan Woog moderated the event. (Photo/Nancy Kail)
The Staplesl publication is one of only 6 in the nation to earn a Columbia Scholastic Press Association “Gold Crown,” for hybrid (web and newspaper) general magazine coverage.
… with advisors Joseph Delgobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco (standing, far left and far right).
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Every parent knows the importance of car seats.
But most parents don’t know that 73% of them are misused, or improperly installed.
On April 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the Westport Police Department offers a free “car seat check.”
Just drive (carefully!) to police headquarters on Jesup Road. Your car seats will be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. The event is co-sponsored by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
How does plant migration help expand our native plant palette during climate change?
That’s the subject of this Friday’s Aspetuck Land Trust “Lunch and Learn” webinar (March 27, noon to 1 p.m.).
The Zoom talk will examine the role humans play in helping move plants (and animals), to aid in seed dispersal. Click here to register, and for more information.
Former Westport resident Adrienne Berman died Friday at the Watermark in Bridgeport, where she lived. She was 86.
The Chicago native moved to New York City, where she met her husband Bill. She career in retail, first as a business owner and later as the New York showroom manager for Brown Jordan Furniture. Her leadership and keen eye for design left a lasting impact.
Her family calls her “the heart and brain of her home, always providing love, wisdom, and unwavering support to those she cherished most.
Adrienne is survived by her husband; daughter Randy (Scott Ellis), son Larry (Betsy), and grandchildren Robert Zachary Ellis and Jacquelyn Ellis, Madalyn Culnane, and Jake and Josh Berman. She was predeceased by her son Jason.
A private service is planned.
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We’ll be seeing a lot more flower photos soon, in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Here’s an early season crocus:
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … on this day in 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated 6 concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt. We know them today as the Brandenburg Concertos.
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Could part of the state Department of Transportation Post Road East property still be used for affordable housing?
After the DOT revealed plans to build a new maintenance facility on the land behind Walgreens, “06880” asked 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker about earlier discussions to use some of the land closest to West Parish for housing.
“The DOT never offered the town of Westport a portion of that property,” Tooker said.
“There were discussions regarding building affordable housing on a portion of the property, in 2020 and 2021. However, the land would have been transferred from DOT to the Department of Housing for that purpose, not the town. Neither the state DOT nor DOH has advanced that project.”
Simultaneously, “06880” had asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg — a member of the Transportation Committee — about the DOT’s plans.
Yesterday he forwarded a reply from Mary Ann Daly, who works in the Department of Transportation Office of Legislative Affairs.
After noting that the new facility is depicted in the site plan (shown at the bottom of this story), she noted another element of the plan: a parcel “which is a portion of the DOT property along West Parish Road that could be transferred for affordable housing.”
In her email to Steinberg, Daly included a note from Michael Strong, transportation supervising engineer in the DOT Office of Facilities Design.
State Department of Transportation land. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left, Post Road East at top, West Parish Road on right. The proposed new maintenance facility is outlined in black (behind Walgreens). The land considered for affordable housing is in red, at right.
Strong provides more details: “My awareness of the potential for affordable housing started in September 2019. Design supported Paul Rizzo and Mark Rolfe in reviewing documents sent to the Department and in developing conceptual site plans to identify a potential surplus parcel beyond what the Department needs to maintain operations on site.
“I was not in attendance of any of these meetings with the town or its representatives so I cannot offer any additional first-hand information other than a few E-Mails that may not paint a clear picture. The Department advanced Project No. 158-223 [the new maintenance facility] in 2023, sooner than originally scheduled, to facilitate the creation of this surplus parcel. I have heard nothing officially regarding the property transfer.”
So: Is it still possible to use the land for affordable housing?
To be continued …
Plans for the new Department of Transportation maintenance facility.
The next of many steps on the Hamlet at Saugatuck‘s road to approval took place last night.
The Planning & Zoning Commission spent 4 hours reviewing ROAN Ventures’ plans to redevelop the area around Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles street. The plan is for a combination of retail, residences, a hotel and marina, and open space.
The presentation included details on traffic and the environment.
The P&Z will continue its consideration of the Hamlet on March 24. The Architectural Review Board will also discuss the project on March 18 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
Part of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project, leading to the Saugatuck River (rear).
The Connecticut Department of Transportation maintenance facility — tucked between Walgreens and West Parish Road on Post Road East — has often been mentioned as a site for affordable housing.
The door may soon close on that option. The state plans to build a new 23,000-square foot facility, on the part of the site closest to to the Sherwood Island Connector. Access would come from that road.
Entrance to the state maintenance facility on Post Road East. Walgreens is at right.
The plan — first reported by CT Insider — would include room for at least 17 vehicles, and offices.
“The current Westport maintenance facility, built in 1958, is outdated and cannot adequately accommodate the modern vehicle fleet,” the story said. The current building is 7,700 square feet.
Construction could begin next winter.
Drawing of the new state Department of Transportation facility.
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Andrew Colabella and Jimmy Izzo have withdrawn — “without prejudice to the underlying or ultimate issues involved” — their request to overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission’s negative 8-24 report regarding a new maintenance building at Longshore.
The Representative Town Meeting members said that while their body has the authority to address the procedural questions that led to the petition, they now believe the matter should be returned to the Board of Finance, “with a request for the necessary funding to properly address the maintenance building at Longshore and its location concerns.”
Colabella and Izzo added, “A key message emerging from the early February zoning hearing and last week’s RTM subcommittee meeting was that all parties involved must ‘try harder. However, the ‘try harder’ option comes with a price tag, which requires an appropriation only within the purview of the Board of Finance to approve.
“Moreover, much of the rationale for denying the Administration’s §8-24 was rooted in the perception that there had been insufficient collaboration somewhere in the early stages of this process.
“Accordingly, we have consulted with the First Selectwoman’s Office and a consensus has emerged that a specific appropriation request to finance a more comprehensive approach should be presented to the Board of Finance. We believe this step aligns with both Connecticut statutory law and local precedent.”
The 2 RTM members say that their petition fulfilled its goal of promoting public discussion, and a vigorous review. They have withdrawn their petition “in the interest of efficiency, adhering to legal precedence, and sound governance.”
The proposed site of the new maintenance facility at Longshore.
State Representative Dominique Johnson hosts a 3-point event April 6.
Pizza, politics and basketball are on the menu, at Riko’s in Saugatuck.
The event offers residents of the 143rd District an informal, town hall-style chance to meet Johnson, ask questions about policy initiatives in Hartford, and share concerns about the community.
She will be available from 1:30 p.m. until the NCAA women’s Division I basketball championship game starts at 3. Johsnon invites everyone to stay and watch together.
Want to be a Westport Library board member? The trustees have vacancies.
If you love our library — and have ideas to make it even better — click here for more information.
Westport Library board of trustees.
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Alison Milwe Grace has done just about everything in the culinary world, from cooking and catering to teaching.
Now she’s an author too.
The Staples High School graduate (and instructor, and owner of AMG Catering & Events) has just released “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” — a collection of recipes, themed classes and menus for home cooks.
On March 19 (7 p.m.), she’ll launch her book at the Westport Library.
“Every day should be treated like a special occasion – a reason to celebrate another day of living!” Milwe Grace says. “And what better way to bring people together than with food?” Click here for more information.
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As Elon Musk takes a chainsaw to the US government, sales of Teslas have plunged worldwide.
We don’t know how many drivers in Westport — the Connecticut municipality with (according to suburban legend) the most Teslas in the state — may have buyer’s remorse.
But there is at least one. This bumper sticker was spotted yesterday, at the Compo Road North/Post Road East light:
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets Thursday (March 13, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes the downtown design master plan, Jesup and Imperial Avenue parking lot updates, and the Church Lane closure.
Imperial Avenue parking lot.
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One of Jazz at the Post’s favorites — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns to the VFW this Thursday (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
She’s joined by other Post favorites: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more details.
Melissa Newman
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a 4-fer:
(Photos/Lou Weinberg)
Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg writes: “It’s that time of year.
The snowdrops have emerged. Snowdrop flowers provide native bees (which are now emerging) and other native pollinators with a source of nectar and pollen during this time of year when there are very limited sources of energy.
“Mason bees, like other native bees, are solitary and over-winter in holes in dead wood and in the hollow stems of plants. Mason bee houses are readily available for purchase. They are fun and educational and very important as native bee habitat is constantly under pressure from increased development.
“Snowdrop flowers grow in clumps as their bulbs divide. They also provide habitat for smaller critters on the forest floor. They strengthen the ecosystem’s biodiversity!
“These photos were taken at the Long Lots Preserve, adjacent to the Westport Community Gardens on Hyde Lane. The Long Lots Preserve is an environmental rehabilitation project geared towards improving our town’s biodiversity.”
Finalists will be announced April 2. The award ceremony is June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (Hat tip: CTBites.com)
Chef Brian Lewis
Chef Michelle Greenfield
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In years past, Connecticut Department of Transportation engineers said they would not repair the Cribari Bridge authentically, with respect to its 135-year-old historical significance.
That may change.
The state DOT is seeking public comment on a draft that will govern the way they review transportation projects in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. The Cribari Bridge fits the National Landmark designation.
The draft (click here to see) would “make efficiencies to the process for considering historic properties that may be affected by road, rail and transit projects in Connecticut.”
“We are committed to ensuring that transportation projects not only meet the needs of today but also preserve and respect our rich historical and cultural assets,” says CTDOT commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
“This collaboration with our federal and state partners is crucial for maintaining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our process, particularly when it comes to preserving the historic landscapes and structures that define our communities. We encourage all members of the public to provide their feedback.”
Click here and click here for more details. To provide comments on the draft, click here. The deadline is February 24. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)
The historic William F. Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
It was not a real flower. But it will last longer than one.
Emily Teall’s “Tulip Bulb” is the newest sculpture at the Imperial Avenue site. All steel, it’s 8 feet high, and 6 feet in diameter.
If it looks familiar: It spent the past 5 years in front of the Norwalk Arts Space.
The installation is part of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s initiative — along with the Selectwoman’s Office, and Parks & Recreation Department — to beautify town parks with sculptures.
A formal dedication of “Tulip Bulb” will take place (appropriately) this spring.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee members Kathie Bennewitz (left) and Dina Upton (right), with Mariano Brothers installers, at Grace Salmon Park yesterday.
Feeding the animals at Wakeman Town Farm Summer Camp.
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When Parker Greenberg was born in 2016, her parents instantly knew something was not right.
She was born with a very rare genetic condition, HIST1H1E Syndrome that leaves her with severe special needs. Hers was the 8th case diagnosed worldwide, a week before her second birthday.
Daily life is a challenge for the young Westporter. She sees a large team of specialists, has undergone many surgeries, and had plenty of medical scares.
Yet, her mother Kimberly says, “our determined little girl has never given up. She continues to teach us new things daily, including how to stay positive.”
In just 4 years Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang, Chief of Medical Genetics at Yale, has made great progress toward a cure. What felt like a distant dream when her parents founded the non-profit Parker’s Cure is now within reach.
The Westport community has helped the Greenbergs raise over $600,000 for Parker’s Cure over the past few years. But more is needed.
This Friday (January 31, Bowlero in Norwalk, 8 p.m.), Parker’s Cure hosts a special event. Auction items include autographed NBA jerseys; a signed 2024 US Olympic gold medal basketball; special sports experiences for baseball, golf and basketball fans; Broadway tickets, local treasures and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.
But you don’t have to be at Bowlero to win. Click here to see all the auction items, and bid. The auction closes Friday at 11:30 p.m.
Parker Greenberg (middle child in photo), with her parents and sisters.
This week’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7. $20 music charge; $15, veterans and students).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who has crossed jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years, it features Fairfield native and acclaimed percussionist Bryan Garbe, bassist John Mobilio and pianist Dave Childs. Click here for tickets.
Jim Royle
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Here’s today’s smile, courtesy of the Leonard Schine Nature Preserve, and our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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And finally … in honor of Westport’s 2 chefs, chosen as James Beard Award semifinalists (story above):
(“06880” keeps a close eye on Westport’s restaurant scene –openings, closings, James Beard awards and more. If you dine out on any of our stories, click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Top Chefs, Cribari Bridge, Long Lots …
Too many to count, they worked a couple of miles from Westport. But they made a gigantic impact on our town.
Less than 3 days after Thrusday’s horrific accident closed I-95 in both directions, the fire-damaged Fairfield Avenue overpass at Exit 15 had been demolished.
Northbound traffic flowed once again on Saturday night. Southbound traffic resumed a day later.
It was a remarkable effort, by engineers, demolition workers, pavers and line painters, state and federal Department of Transportation officials, Connecticut State Police and their local counterparts, Governor Lamont, and many others.
I-95 bridge repair, last Saturday.
Traffic in Westport was bad, for a couple of days. It could have been much worse, for far longer.
Another shout-out goes to Westport Police, who had their hands full with the spillover traffic. Special kudos to Ryan Paulsson.
“06880” reader Werner Liepolt wrote that Westport’s Deputy Police Chief “promptly cut truckers off from a left turn onto Greens Farms Road, after learning of numerous big trucks over running sidewalks” on Bridge Street and Imperial Avenue.
Thanks to all those listed above, we were back — remarkably quickly — to just our own bad drivers.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
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