Last weekend, the Westport Transit District rolled out a soution to holiday shopping traffic.
This weekend, Wheels2U — the on-demand train station service — will operate once again.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday (December 20 -21), a Wheels2U vehicle will pick you up anywhere in Westport. It will take you downtown, then back home again when you’re through.
Stops are at Jesup Green opposite the Westport Book Shop, and Elm Street across from Serena & Lily.
Download the Wheels2U app, and book your ride 20 minutes before you want to leave. Rides are just $2 per passenger, open to all Westport residents and visitors. Children 12 and under must ride with an adult.
Westporters learned a lot about investing — and sports, and politics — when billionaire financier/former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, and fellow TV personality Dave Briggs, chatted onstage at the Westport Library last month.
Yesterday, a national audience learned from the 2 Westporters too.
Their interview was featured on CNBC, when Lasry went on the business channel to discuss investing in college sports.
VFW Post 399 is a warm, welcoming place for any meeting. There are plenty of veterans-related events there — and many others with outside groups, that rent the Riverside Avenue facility (for a very modest sum).
The vibe was especially warm earlier this week. The VFW, American Legion and auxiliary enjoyed spicy chili, before their end-of-year meetings.
Happy 69th anniversary to former 2nd selectwoman/Apple Festival founder/ longtime town volunteer Betty Lou Cummings and her husband Tom, a former IBM executive.
Here’s to many more enjoyable years, at your Saugatuck Shores home.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature takes us to Grace Salmon Park.
The small riverside oasis on Imperial Avenue has many devoted users. Some were upset the other day, to see significant sections laid bare.
It’s all goodo. The work was part of the town’s Invasive Species Management Project. Run collaboratively by the Parks & Recreation and Conservation Departments, the goal is to remove invasives, to improve wetland health and biodiversity.
Grace Salmon Park looks a bit different these days. It’s more of a gem than ever.
And finally … On this date in 1971 the live album from the Concert For Bangladesh, held 6 months earlier in Madison Square Garden, was released. It went on to win a Grammy, for Album of the Year.
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For most Westport drivers, the lights on the Cribari Bridge are the main holiday attraction. But if you’re walking, check out the miniature bridge, candy cane street light and teddy bear paddling in the river below, set into the Bridge Street hillside, on the right headed to Saugatuck just before the span. It’s all strung with holiday lights too, so it must look great at night.
It doesn’t take an Einstein to guess this week’s Unsung Heroes.
If you were part of the large crowd at the Cribari Bridge on Monday evening, watching its magical transformation from 135-year-old steel span to a riot of color — or if you were or will be anyone crossing it, or strolling through Saugatuck, any night from now through well beyond New Year’s — you’ve already figured out who our heroes are.
The lights are a visual delight, for residents, visitors, and anyone who believes in the spirit of the holidays.
They also demonstrate — more than any mushy card or mawkish Christmas song — the power of community.
(Photo/Andrea Moore)
Less than 2 weeks ago it looked like the Cribari Bridge would be dark, for the first time in 25 years.
After being hit by a couple of vehicles, and coming loose, the lights were removed earlier in November. Al’s Angels — the longtime sponsor — could no longer continue.
Suddenly, up stepped a passel of folks who worked a holiday miracle.
Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore took the lead on the town side.
Representative Town Meeting member Kristin Mott Purcell ordered the lights. Fellow RTMer Andrew Colabella helped pull in sponsors and volunteers.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas coordinated with the Fire Department, Public Works and state Department of Transportation.
AJ Penna & Sons Construction, Kevin Ancker of Riverside Mobil and a corps of others unboxed, strung and tested hundreds of bulbs on Sunday.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Helpers included Kristin, Andrew, the Fire Department’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, Gault Energy’s Jim Donaher, RTM member Jimmy Izzo, Neat Lending’s Justin Carmichael, and Joe Bottone.
Colonel Craig Bergamo of the Police Department and PAL stepped up in a huge way. The foreman on this very special and complex job, he spent most of the night in the bucket truck hanging lights.
The Police Department added logistical support.
They worked through the night, finishing at 3:50 a.m. Monday.
Meanwhile, Emma Rojas ordered the thank-you sign, and collected toys for the PAL/Police Department’s collection.
Doug Pardon and The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant hosted a post-lighting celebration, with drink specials.
Financial support for the project came from lead sponsors Neat Lending, The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant, and Saugatuck Financial.
Other sponsors were LandTech, the Colabella Family, our own “06880” blog, and Westport PAL (which also collected the donations).
Volunteers and sponsors made sure there were lights.
Monday’s ceremony capped a frenzied few days of activity.
Now — amid the holiday hustle (and all that bridge traffic), we can sit back, relax, and enjoy one of Westport’s most beloved traditions.
There may not be a Santa Claus. But this week’s Unsung Heroes made sure there was a gift for everyone, right next to the towering (and well lit) Bridge Street tree.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The Cribari Bridge, from across the river. (Photo/Margot Simmons)
After 25 beautiful years, Al DiGuido and Al’s Angels could no longer light the Cribari Bridge.
No problem!
A townwide effort — including, among many others, the Selectwoman’s office; Westport Fire, Police and Public Works; Penna & Sons Construction; Westport PAL — brought lights to the span, in lightning time.
Helping hands, last night. (Photo/David Moore)
A large crowd turned out tonight, for a brief ceremony.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Kids counted down. The switch was thrown. Another holiday season “officially” began.
And — this really was a special moment — a few snowflakes fell.
Before the photos, let’s enjoy a special Drone of the Day, courtesy of the great John Videler:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
A happy Westport family. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The view across the river, from Wakeman Place (Photo/Margot Simmons)
(Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Westport PAL’s Craig Bergamo (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
From left: Vincent Penna, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, RTM member Kristin Mott Purcell, Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (holding a toy, donated to the PAL collection). (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Vincent Penna and Police Chief Foti Koskinas (Photo/Dan Woog)
Volunteers, funders — and the sponsors’ sign. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
(Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Westport’s holiday miracle — the less-than-a-week project that ensured the Cribari Bridge will be lit again this year — is nearly complete.
The start of the stringing process, last night. (Photo/Andrea Moore)
The Public Works and Fire Departments, plus AJ Penna & Sons Construction, Kevin Ancker of Riverside Mobil and a corps of volunteers, unboxed, strung and tested hundreds of bulbs last night, on the 135-year-old Saugatuck River span. The Police Department added logistical support.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
The new lights worked perfectly. And tonight, the town celebrates.
The test worked! (Photo/Andrea Moore)
The gala bridge lighting is set for 5 p.m. today (Monday). Everyone is invited.
Westport PAL — one of the lights’ sponsors — will have collection boxes for the toy drive they run, with the Westport Police Department. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the bridge, and the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
The restaurant will also offer half-priced wine and beer from 5 to 8 p.m.
(Photo/Andrea Moore)
PS: Lead sponsors are The Bridge at Saugatuck, Saugatuck Financial and Neat Lending.
Other sponsors include LandTech, Westport PAL, the Colabella family, and our very own “06880” blog.
Wheels2U — Westport Transit District’s on-demand transit program offering $2 shared rides between any Westport address and the town’s 2 train stations — has announced new upgrades.
They include:
● More comfortable vehicles. The new fleet of minivans (many of them wheelchair-accessible) provides a smoother, quieter ride than previous vehicles.
● A “greener” ride. The new vehicles are significantly more fuel-efficient as well.
● Longer hours. Morning service has been expanded by half an hour, from 5:45 to 10:30 a.m. Evening service is 4 to 9:30 p.m. weekdays.
● Improved booking. Users can request rides starting at 5:30 a.m. for a pickup as early as 5:45, and as early as 3:45 p.m. for a 4:00 pickup. They can request rides as late as 10:30 a.m. or 9:30 p.m. too.
The new vehicles are already in operation. They replace the entire old fleet.
Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground organization making a difference in that war-torn nation, founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — is hosting a holiday celebration this Sunday (December 8, 1 to 5 p.m., Redline Restorations, 2475 Fairfield Avenue, Black Rock).
And it’s free!
The afternoon includes antique cars, plus footage from UAI’s latest missions in Ukraine.
It’s a chance to celebrate the perseverance of Ukraine, with food and drink, holiday activities, and creative kids’ crafts.
A reminder: Westport is raising $56,000, to ensure that 200 children in our sister city of Lyman can attend a therapeutic camp this winter, away from the horrors of their country’s 3-year war.
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Before Halloween, our Roundup included a photo of a Bayberry Lane stop sign, at Easton Road.
A very elaborate skeleton dangled beneath the red hexagon.
Bayberry Lane at Easton Road, before Halloween. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Another holiday is near. An “06880” reader writes:
“Someone has now twice cut down my holiday decorations outside my house. The neighbors and community love it. I get compliments and even ‘thank yous’ from passersby.
“I realize that I may not be allowed to hang stuff on the sign, but making my community happy surpasses that until I’m told by someone with authority that I cannot do it.”
Are private citizens allowed to hang decorations from a stop sign? If they are — or even if they’re not — are other private citizens allowed to take them down? Stay tuned …
Buffalo Rose — the hot folk/Americana band — returns to Voices Cafe this Saturday (December 7, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
WFUV’s John Platt calls the sound of the 6-person group “intoxicating,” hailing “the combination of their tight string band rhythm and supple harmonies.”
Voices Cafe concerts offer a choice of coffee-house style seating, tables or individually. Bring your own beverages and snacks; coffee and sweet treats are available for purchase.
Voices Cafe concerts support social justice programs through the UU. Click here for tickets, and more information.
And finally … in honor of the controversial Easton Road sign, at Bayberry Lane (photo above):
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Observant drivers* have noticed that lights have been removed from the Cribari Bridge.
For 25 years, they were lit the day after Thanksgiving. Then, every night through New Year’s, hundreds of colorful holiday bulbs brightened everyone’s passage across the 135-year-old span.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
A couple of weeks ago, they were removed. It’s unclear by whom — probably the state Department of Transportation — but recently several came loose, and hit at least one vehicle.
For a quarter century the lights were provided by Al’s Angels. Al DiGuido’s non-profit supports children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship.
This year, Al’s Angels can no longer provide and maintain the lights.
(Photo/Joel Treisman)
Is this the end of a beloved 25-year tradition?
No!
Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Police Corporal Craig Bergamo, Representative Town Meeting members Kristin Mott Purcell and Andrew Colabella, and a few other Westporters began working on a solution.
It’s not as easy as buying new lights, finding volunteers to string and test them, and throwing a switch.
The bridge must be closed for several hours to do the work. Questions about power sources loomed.
(Photo/Patti Brill)
But within 2 days the community came together. Every problem was solved.
The Bridge at Saugatuck — the new, instantly popular restaurant a few yards from the Cribari Bridge — plus Saugatuck Financial and Neat Lending quickly became lead sponsors.
Other sponsors include LandTech, Westport PAL, the Colabella family, and our very own “06880” blog.
A source was located. The lights are being shipped overnight from Georgia.
Late Sunday night, they’ll be strung on the bridge. Saugatuck-based AJ Penna & Son Construction will help make it happen.
The final piece will be an official lighting ceremony. When it’s set, “06880” will let everyone know.
In the space of a few days, the sad prospect of a dark Cribari Bridge turned very, very bright.
The state Department of Transportation is working on the Cribari Bridge from 10 a.m. through noon today.
They plan intermittent openings and closings. Police officers will be stationed on both sides of the bridge — with one at Post Road West/Wilton Road/Riverside Avenue, and one on Post Road East/Imperial Avenue — to assist with traffic, as it is diverted to the Post Road.
Traffic congestion will be heavy. Drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.
The Cribari Bridge will be closed intermittently through noon today. (Photo/Adam Goldberg)
The Westport Weston Family YMCA had a split decision this week.
The Planning & Zoning Commission agreed to their requests to increase the capacity of their Mahackeno camp from 360 youngsters to 400, and for 1 more hour of morning practice for the Water Rats swim team.
No whistles may be used at the pool, and someone must be available 24/7 in case of neighbors’ concerns.
But the board denied a request for extended hours for the splash pad and large slide.
Lou Kitchner has had some great bands, during his 16-year career as a beloved Westport music teacher.
But none ever received a 99 score (out of 100) at the Fantastic Festival — an adjudicated event — until this year’s Bedford Middle School Wind Ensemble.
They’re also his first concert band to win 1st place. They beat out 65 bands from 4 states for that honor.
Lou told parents: “A professional trumpet player with a degree in performance commented she has never heard a band at this age, this good. She said, ‘your band puts high school bands to shame. I cannot believe they are middle schoolers and can play like this.’ She went on to compliment their tone, style, mechanics and musicality.”
Congratulations, Lou and all the musicians. Staples High School looks forward to hearing you play! (Hat tip: Maggie Gomez)
The Bedford Middle School wind ensemble. Director Lou Kitchner is in the back row, center.
The newest Staples Tuition Grants named award honors Dick and Paula Leonard.
For decades, they were fixtures in the Westport community. As a long-time English teacher at Staples High School, president of the Westport Education Association and a labor lawyer, Dick inspired educational excellence for generations of Westport students.
A successful real estate broker, Paula gave generously of her time in many ways. She helped lead construction of the Westport Senior Center and convert the original Saugatuck Elementary School into The Saugatuck, providing moderate income housing to aging town residents.
Paula Leonard died last month. A celebration of her life is set for June 25 (3 p.m., Senior Center).
The award commemorates the spirit of community and volunteerism that Paula and Dick embodied. Click here to donate; click here for the Staples Tuition Grants home page.
Paula and Dick Leonard.
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Rindy Higgins was inspired by yesterday’s “06880” story on the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee, and their work to help a Syrian family find a home in Stratford.
The longtime Westporter works with the extended family of 11. She helped get household supplies, offered job ideas, and provided tutoring and love. She’s especially excited at the great progress made by their 6-year-old.
She notes that the 16-, 14- and 11-year-olds need pro bono tutors in math, reading and English. Volunteers can email 06880blog@gmail.com; I’ll pass your information on to Rindy.
Volunteer tutors are needed for 3 Syrian younsters.
Club 203 wrapped up its fantastic first year yesterday, with karaoke at the Westport Library.
The social organization for adults with disabilities welcomed dozens of partiers. CRUMBL Cookies donated goodies, MoCA took care of the art, CTFSN presented on taking new friendships to the next level, and volunteers made everyone feel welcome.
Club 203 kicks up again in September. Click here for more information.
Club 203 karaoke at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
As if traffic wasn’t bad enough yesterday — the Cribari Bridge was stuck in the “open” position for a while — this supposedly licensed driver ignored the “One Way/Do Not Enter” sign, plus 2 lines of cars facing him, to cause chaos on Main Street.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
We’re used to seeing occasional wrong-way automobile drivers. We seldom see wrong-way truckers.
Jamie Walsh describes what happened around 2:30 p.m.: A state trooper pulled the driver over. Cars had to back up onto the Post Road to let the truck pass.
The trooper followed him with lights on, presumably to a safer location to continue their conversation.
Perhaps the trooper could say: “Don’t you know? There’s a cut-through in Parker Harding Plaza!”
Work on the Evergreen Avenue sewer system between Myrtle Avenue and Washington Avenue begins July 5, and runs through August 4. Through traffic will be detoured from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Evergreen Avenue will be open to the residents of the area.
Markings are made for the Evergreen Avenue sewer project. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The 2nd annual Westport Pride drag show is set for tomorrow (Saturday, June 17, 5 to 8 p.m., MoCA Westport).
“Light Up the Night” is family friendly. The evening includes neon face painting, hair and makeup services, a photo booth, custom pizzas and cocktails.
The show itself begins at 6 p.m. MC Desmond reads from their book “Be Amazing: A History of Pride.” After 3 performers, there’s a Q-and-A about their journeys.
Kevin Mashia died Wednesday, at his Norwalk home. He was 54, and began his career at Westport Tile & Design, using his creativity and eye for design well. He then moved on to Hastings Tile.
Kevin is survived by his parents, Richard and Martha; his sister Stephanie, niece Sydney, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday, June 20 (10 a.m., Assumption Church). The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Monday (June 19, 4 to 7 p.m.). Click here to leave online condolences. Contributions in Kevin’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Kevin Mashia
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“Westport … Naturally” has been swamped with dozens of deer photos.
This is the only one, though, that includes a “dear” little kid.
Yash Lorenzato got acquainted with 2 fawns, in his North Bulkley Avenue yard.
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