neighbors file suit to stop wakeman lights
Last month, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved a proposal for permanent lights on the Wakeman and PJ Romano athletic fields.
On Thursday, 4 Whippoorwill Lane neighbors of the Wakeman property filed suit in Bridgeport Superior Court, appealing the decision for that field.
Shelby Keefer, Christopher Mashia, and Dorothy and John Francis allege that the P&Z’s actions were “illegal, unlawful, arbitrary and capricious and in abuse of powers.”
In addition to charging that the application and supporting documents were incomplete, and the decision was “inconsistent with procedural and substantive requirements,” the plaintiffs says that use of Wakeman for evening events will “interfere with the peaceful use and enjoyment of their property.
The case will be heard December 29.
The turf field (center) is proposed for lights. Whippoorwill Lane runs behind the grass field (top).
POLICE: STOLEN VEHICLE UPDATE
Westport Police have provided an update on Thursday’s stolen vehicle incident.
The driver of a vehicle stolen in Enfield raced away when he saw a police cruiser on Compo Road South. He later crashed on Greens Farms Road, near Prospect Rpad.
Three suspects were quickly apprehended — one through a canine track, one on the I-95 northbound ramp, and the third walking without shoes in Fairfield.
Two were 22-year-old men from Hartford. One was a 21-year-old from Middletown. One was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and interfering with an officer ($250,000 bond); larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer and possession of a controlled substance ($75,000 bond), and larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and possession of a controlled substance ($250,000 bond).
An 18-year-old from Hartford was arrested later, after seeking assistance from a Greens Farms Road homeowner. He was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, interfering with an officer and failure to appear, and was held on a $900,000 bond.
The WPD was assisted by Fairfield and Bridgeport Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police.
book it! big library sale continues today
Bad weather was a boon to the Westport Library’s Big Fall Book Sale.
Yesterday’s opening day drew a big crowd. The big — actually, huge — event continues (in better weather) today through Monday. The schedule:
- Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Almost everything half-price; $1 fiction and $1 children’s books remain $1)
- Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Shoppers can fill the Library’s logo bag for $10, or their own same-sized bag for $8, or buy individual items at half price).
Browsing for books yesterday. (Photo/Susan Garment)
mangia! felice offers traditional sunday dinner
Felice — the hot new Main Street restaurant — says, “Somewhere between growing up and getting busy, the Sunday family dinner became a bit of a lost art.”
Now they’ve found it. And brought it back.
Every week they host an “Italian Sunday Table.” The family-style meal includes (of course!) one big table, shared plates, and no rush.
Six dishes are served family style, for $55 per person (4-person minimum; children under 10, $35; under 5, complimentary). Felice wine is $34.
Sunday dinner at Felice.
classic “nutcracker” set for playhouse stage
Sure, you can go to New York to see “The Nutcracker.”
But you can also enjoy Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet much closer to home: at the Westport Country Playhouse.
And at the Norwalk Metropolitan Youth Ballet‘s performances December 5 (1 and 6 p.m.), every role will be danced by a local student.
Including Alissa Zimon. The Greens Farms Elementary School 5th grader has the plum role of Clara.
Tickets are on sale now. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Alissa Zimon and Marku Lehnerd-Reilly.
SHOP AT “THE mARKET”; HELP REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS
“The Market” — a holiday event featuring “goods and gifts for a greater good” — takes place Saturday, December 5 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Branson Hall at Christ & Holy Trinity Church).
Vendors — including Thistle Farms, Collected Haus antiques and Ajiri Teas, plus jewelry, accessories, ceramics and home decor — join pastry chef Michael Finehirsch, who will serve palmiers, hot chocolate and other treats.
Proceeds benefit the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. There is a suggested entry donation of $20 to $50.
Organizer Margaux Caniato says, “We hope to swap holiday hustle for a more meaningful shopping experience. You can support small businesses, help important causes, and choose from special items for everyone on your list.”
The weekend includes music, crafting workshops, pastry making demonstration, a community circle and more.
“hero to hero” benefit (and “blue bunny”) set for tuesday
Dave Briggs lends his substantial MC talents to many causes.
One of the best is Hero to Hero, the non-profit dedicated to transitioning servicemembers.
They, and the team behind the upcoming film “Blue Bunny,” host their 2nd joint fundraiser, “An Evening of Honor and Service,” this Tuesday (November 10, 6:30 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company).
Guests will enjoy a sneak peek of footage from “Blue Bunny,” personal appearances from stars of the film, and powerful firsthand accounts from veterans whose lives intersect with the mission of Hero to Hero.
The evening also features food, wine, beer, and a specialty Hero cocktail. creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere in support of a meaningful cause.
Click here for tickets. For more information. click here.
WESTON HOLIDAY MARKET HELPS HEAT TOWN
Weston is a small town, with a big heart.
Next Friday and Saturday (November 13–14), the Weston Women’s League hosts “Main Street Weston,” its 14th annual holiday market, at St. Francis of Assisi Church. It features over 30 local makers, brands and boutiques.
Proceeds benefit the Weston Warm-Up Fund, which helps residents pay for heating oil, gas and electricity and covers critical heating repairs, and to Weston Human Services.
Last year the market donated $25,000, split evenly between the two.
BOAT PHOTO EARNS TOP STATE PRIZE
Congratulations to Weston photographer Peter Mendelson!
His “Boat Work” has been selected to represent Connecticut in VSCO’s “The Fifty.”
The nationwide project features 1 photographer from each state. The selected image appears on a billboard in that winner’s home state. The site of the Connecticut billboard will be announced soon.
Mendelso took his photo at a Norwalk marina, in the off-season. He was drawn to the red and blue boat hulls, weathered surfaces and intersecting boat stands.
It’s part of “New England Narratives,” his ongoing exploration of the region’s traditions and sense of place.
Mendelson retired after more than 30 years in law, to pursue fine art photography full time. He is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, and exhibited at Faherty this past summer.
Click here for more information on the contest. Click here to learn more about Mendelson.
“Boat Work” (Peter Mendelson)
OBITUARY: FRAN MATIK
Longtime Weston resident and local realtor Francine Matik died Wednesday in Wilton. She was 86.
The Bronx native and Hunter College graduate first worked as a speech therapist in New York schools.
She and her husband Mickey lived in Yonkers, Rochester and Simsbury, before spending 32 years in Weston.
Fran earned a real estate license in 1976. She worked with Carmen’s Country Homes, Edith Davidson Real Estate, Riverside Shavell and Coldwell Banker.
Fran loved collecting antiques and decorating. She especially enjoyws pieces with history and stories to tell. Many clients sought her help decorating their new homes.
Fran was also passionate about dance and tennis.
She found a spiritual home at Temple Israel. She was a member of the first adult bat mitzvah class, proudly learning to read Hebrew after all 4 children had become B’nai Mitzvah on the same bima.
Fran is survived by her children Leslie (Arthur) Hahn, Amy (Michael) Berkin, David (Libia) and Scott; grandchildren Jesse, Sam (Erica), Lily, Drew, James, Nicholas, Peyton, Talia and Cooper; nieces Laurie and Cathy Casriel and Myong
Feiner, and nephews Eric Casriel and Bruce Feiner. She was predeceased by her
husband Mickey, beloved sister Tamara Casriel and Tamara’s husband, Carl Casriel; sister-in-law Marilyn Feiner and Marilyn’s husband Burton Feiner, and nephew Robert Feiner.
Funeral services will be held at Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home in Fairfield this Sunday (11 a.m.). Shiva will be observed at the home of Amy and Michael Berkin in Weston on Sunday (2:30 to 7 p.m.) and Monday (noon to 3 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m.). To join a livestream or send a condolence, click here.
Contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The family extends their gratitude to the nursing staff and care team at Evergreen at The Greens at Cannondale, and RVNA Health & Hospice of Ridgefield.
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
The number of boaters ebbs, as cooler weather settles in.
But don’t tell this guy. He’ll do his thing as long as he can.
Saranda Barisa captured the moment for “Westport … Naturally” — while (of course) out on the water.
(Photo/Saranda Barisa)
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And finally … speaking of “The Nutcracker” (as we were above):
(“06880” is gearing up for the holidays, as seen in this Roundup. Of course, it’s jampacked — 24/7/365 — with lots of other helpful items too. If you rely on us, please support us by clicking here. Thanks!)
