Last week’s Friday Flashback featured a what’s-old-is-new-again look at the Cribari Bridge.
Specifically: the 1985 campaign to save the then-threatened historic span from the threat of rebuilding, and the tractor trailers that would follow.
The story drew more than 2 dozen comments. Several referenced the temporary bridge that was erected when — a few years later — the bridge was rehabilitated.
(Spoiler alert: The renovation did not alter the structure. The temporary bridge — much praised for its height, and ease of use — was demolished once the project was completed.)
This week, we show you one of the few photos of that temporary bridge. No, it’s not Photoshopped or AI-generated.
Built just north of the permanent bridge, it curved from Bridge Street through the parking lot of what was then the Mansion Clam House (today, it’s the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant).
Dave Eason — a former co-owner of Mansion — noted in the comments, “It only impacted the extreme southern end of the lot. It actually worked really well.”
Today, that Riverside Avenue terminus has been planted with evergreen trees.
BONUS SHOT: At the lower right of the photo is what was then a high hump on Ketchum Street. During the Gault project that brought (among other things) condos to Saugatuck, the road was lowered.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Many hoped for a similar response today. Forty years later, the future of the Cribari Bridge is still in doubt.
Larry Weisman is not sure that’s the right reaction.
The longtime attorney and town observer writes:
I think that the enthusiasm for saving the Cribari Bridge — which reached its peak in 1985 — is outdated.
It should be replaced by an effort to improve the safety and efficiency of the bridge, preventing its use by oversized vehicles, and preserving what some value as its aesthetic properties.
That is exactly what the state – which owns the bridge – is trying to do.
Below is a chart that outlines 6 carefully considered alternatives, as well as DOT’s preference among them.
As can be seen, the options in the two righthand columns headed “Replacement”, (one with “Alignment” — the preferred alternative — and the other without), check all the boxes for the thoughtful criteria in the left-hand column.
Click on, hover over or pinch to expand.
If the bridge is replaced in accordance with the preferred alternative, the results would include:
Increased horizontal and vertical clearance, with electrical equipment located above 100 year flood elevation
Safe bicycle and ADA compliant pedestrian passage
Safe guardrails and roadway barriers
Increased clearance when closed, reducing frequency of openings
Compliance with historic criteria
Right and left turn lanes at the Saugatuck end of the bridge.
It seems to me that ConnDOT has done a conscientious job of establishing reasonable and realistic criteria; assessing available alternatives, and the need for structural and operational improvements, and has listened to and taken into account public concerns expressed in earlier forums.
This is not to say that there are not traffic issues on the roads leading to and from the bridge.
But those problems must be addressed separately, and apart from any decision about the bridge itself. The bridge is not the only problem.
The town controls all of the roads that affect bridge traffic, except for Compo Road South (Route 136). The town is in a position to prevent or limit truck traffic on Imperial Avenue and Greens Farms Road. Along with height and weight warnings and alarms, that would go a long way toward effectively addressing the concern about 18-wheelers.
We only have 3 ways to drive across the river. It is imperative that each of them operates safely and efficiently for cars, bicycles and pedestrians.
I believe that the “preferred alternative” shown below in the second column from the right is the best solution. It should be widely supported — even though it would be difficult to synthesize on a t-shirt.
Harvest Wine Bar on Railroad Place closed last week.
But not permanently.
The restaurant will reopen, with new partners joining current ownership.
The menu will be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.
Renovations are underway, with a new look to suit the next venture. The kitchen and liquor license remain intact, for an easy transition. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Harvest restaurant
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Speaking of Saugatuck: As the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/renovation/ replacement/etc. project creeps forward — right in time for election season — Westporters may wonder where to find background information.
The link is to a state Department of Transportation slide show. It includes the history of the project; a variety of alternatives; “Concerns & Considerations,” and a timeline.
It may not answer all your questions. But — like the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street — it’s a good starting point.
The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.
25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.
They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.
Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.
Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.
In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.
They also receive Stop the Bleed training.
The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 18. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 Thursdays, through November 20.
The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.
Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)
Speaking of police: The Westport Police Benevolent Association’s “Coffee with a Cop” program is so popular, they’re rolling out a kids’ version.
Called, of course, “Cones with a Cop.”
Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, August 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunny Daes) is a chance for kids (and adults) to enjoy a free ice cream cone, while chatting with police officers.
It’s a perfect way to cool off and connect, in the final days of summer.
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Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.
The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.
As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.
He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.
The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”
Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.
Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
An alert “06880” reader/avid beach walker (who asked for anonymity) writes:
“We are so fortunate to have new sidewalks in the Compo area that encourage walking, social interactions, and appreciating the beauty of the sound and surroundings.
“That’s why I was surprised to see numerous new signs erected between the ‘blue house’ near Old Mill Grocery, and Schlaet’s Point at the Hillspoint Road/ Soundview Drive corner. They all say ‘No Parking.’
“I don’t think people trying to park on Hillspoint is a major problem. It seems like overkill. And marring the views, especially at the wide open areas, seems unnecessary.
“Even if parking attempts here are a pressing problem, a few signs likely would deter such activity.”
Tired of watching interminable “Coming Attractions” at the movie theater?
But tired also of streaming films at home?
A unique Wakeman Town Farm online auction item may be answer.
They’re offering a “Movie Night on the Farm,” for 20 of your closest buds.
You pick the night. You pick the flick. You invite your friends. You bring the chairs, blankets and beverages.
WTF sets up the 20-foot screen, runs the movie and provides munchies.
The minimum bid is $700. Bidding is blind, and ends at midnight tonight.
Email info@wakemantownfarm.org. Put “This is my best + final bid for Movie Night” in the subject line.
Then fill in the rest: “I’d like to bid on the online auction item, Movie Night at the Farm. Below is my name, contact info and best and final bid. The opening bid is $700.00. The winner will be notified by August 20.”
Outdoor movie night.
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Haven’t gotten your LobsterFest tickets yet?
Wait till 2026.
The Rotary Club’s massive fundraiser sold out in just 4 days.
It was the 4th straight quick sellout year.
Meanwhile, if you did snag one of them: See you September 20!
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Live, from Oggi Gelato: It’s “The Candy Bowl”!
Next Thursday (1 p.m.), Westport podcaster Paula Conway hosts her show live, at the Fairfield store. The public is invited.
And on that day only, a new flavor (banana and strawberry gelato) — for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, which honors pets who have passed away — will be served. 10% of scoops will support PAWS in Norwalk.
Conway is a travel and leisure writer with Forbes.com. Her podcast covers luxury travel, theater, candy and special guests.
Mike Borchetta — the 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died in mid-June, at 84. (Click here, then scroll down for his obituary.)
His niece, Laura Lawhon, says there were many great photos at his memorial service in Nashville earlier this month.
Among them was this one:
Mike is on the right. His daughter does not know the name of his friend on the left.
It was taken before he moved from Westport, in 1961. If anyone knows — or thinks they do — click “Comments” below.
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You may not recognize today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured insect.
It’s a cicada — many times its actual size.
Clarence Hayes spotted — and snapped — it off Sylvan Lane.
And finally … on this date in 1858, Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.
There’s a selectperson’s race in the fall. One issue: a state Department of Transportation plan to replace the bridge over the Saugatuck River.
That’s this year’s scenario. But history repeats itself. The same events played out 40 years ago, in 1985.
This summer, Longtime Westporter (and Bridge Street resident) Werner Liepolt discovered a 4-decade-old t-shirt during a closet cleanout. He writes:
In the summer of 1985, crowds of Westporters wearing “Preserve the Bridge/Save a Neighborhood” t-shirts attended DOT meetings, protested on the bridge, and called for Westport’s candidates for first selectperson to protect a neighborhood and its residents from the irreparable harm threatened by a plan to replace the bridge and allow tractor trailer traffic an unobstructed route through residential Saugatuck.
Vintage 1985 t-shirt, designed by Bill Bell.
Republican candidate Bill Seiden and his Democratic opponent Marty Hauhuth both weighed in.
On August 9, 1985, the Norwalk Hour reported: “First Selectman Bill Seiden asked [CTDOT] to restore and repair the bridge rather than enlarge it which would allow tractor trailers to traverse the state route. He said that the public in general have justifiable fears that a bridge built for such a loading [10 tons & up] will encourage the use of 18-wheelers through our residential streets.
“Preserve The Bridge/Save A Neighborhood” supporters: Top row (left to right): Former 1st Selectwoman Jacqueline Heneage, Andy Ackemann, Marty Hauhuth, Sylvia Kamerow. Front: Bobbi Liepolt, Jordan Liepolt, Lorna Christopherson. (Westport News photo, courtesy of Woody Klein’s “Westport, Connecticut: The Story of a New England Town’s Rise to Prominence”)
His opponent, Hauhuth, acknowledging the neighborhood’s history. said: “The Saugatuck community has already almost been destroyed by one monstrous highway [I-95] and we cannot accept any bridge that would again create such monstrous approaches and desecration of homes.”
Hauhuth was dedicated, and more convincing. The “Preserve The Bridge/Save a Neighborhood” group endorsed her, and helped her defeat the incumbent, Seiden.
In the ensuing decades:
CTDOT restored the bridge.
Westporters ensured its National Register status, as the oldest operable pin-connected swing bridge in America.
Our state representatives blessed it with the name of beloved local traffic policeman, William F. Cribari.
Route 136, from the bridge up Compo Road South, is now a designated State Scenic Highway, thanks to John Suggs, Helen Garten, Wendy Crowther and Morley Boyd.
The Westport Historic Commission worked successfully with the State Historic Preservation Commission to designate the Bridge Street neighborhood — including the Cribari Bridge — as a National Register District.
Forty years later 35 more home owners reside in The Saugatuck (formerly Saugatuck Elementary School), Westport’s first cooperative affordable housing project. It opened in 1988.
And now there are 8 more families in newly built homes on the street leading to the bridge. More kids wait for school buses, bike, walking dogs, and wave to boats passing through the open bridge.
The open Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Whitmal Cooper)
In “Westport, Connecticut: The Story of a New England Town’s Rise to Prominence,” author Woody Klein reported Hauhuth’s sense of satisfaction with her service as first selectperson, stopped in traffic, waiting for the bridge to close:
A group of people gathered and it was delightful. There were people waving from a sailboat in the water. It was a wonderful, marvelous, small town summer scene. As Bob and I were watching somebody behind us said, “The town did the right thing in keeping this bridge. It’s wonderful.” That made me feel as good as anything I did as first selectman.
The Westporters wearing the t-shirts felt pretty wonderful too. We look back on the work that just needed a shirt to get started, and it makes us feel as good as anything we did.
However, not only did we find the preserved shirt, we found the silk screen used to print it.
Will a 2025 edition be needed for the coming election and CTDOT hearings?
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
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!
(Yogi once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” We say, “The future ain’t the future if you don’t support ‘06880.’” Yogi joins us in saying, “Please click here to help!”)
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):
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Last week, after the Cribari Bridge was opened to allow a vessel to pass through, the span would not close.
It was mid-afternoon. Traffic quickly jammed every major road in Westport, and many side streets.
The situation was bad. But it could have been much worse.
Phil Delgado, quartermaster of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, writes:
“Hansen Marine Contractors, a third-generation family-owned company, is performing dredging operations this winter at VFW Post 399, Bridgebrook Marina, and the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“Last week, when the Cribari Bridge was stuck open in freezing temperature and snow flurries, the Hansen team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and community spirit.
Hansen Marine equipment, dredging the VFW Marina on the Saugatuck River.
“Hansen Marine’s vessel, piloted by Erik Hansen and crew, was returning with an empty dredging barge. Radioing the Cribari Bridge maintenance crew, they learned the icy conditions were causing major mechanical issues with the bridge.
“Hansen’s master mechanic, Paul Olson, immediately stepped up. He picked up industrial-duty tools and torches, then returned to the scene to help the maintenance crew address the mechanical failures.
“His swift action and expertise were instrumental in restoring the bridge’s functionality, preventing further disruptions and ensuring the safety of our community.
“’Paul Olson saved the day,’ said a member of the Cribari Bridge maintenance team.
“His quick thinking, technical skills and willingness to help in freezing conditions make him this week’s Unsung Hero.”
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