Tag Archives: downtown parking

Roundup: Parking Limits, Women’s Rights, Minute Man Race …

Posted on April 19, 2024 | 4 comments

Enforcement of downtown parking limits — suspended 4 years ago, during COVID — begins again May 1.

The good news: They’re now 3 hours, up from the previous 1 and 2 hours. (One exception: Post Road East parking remains 1 or 2 hours.)

Enforcement will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week.

Some parking areas are designated for all-day parking.

Click here for a map of all downtown parking lots, including aerial views, and the number of timed, all-day and electric vehicles spots. The map is also shown here:

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More police news: The WPD is investigating a car vs. canine accident last Saturday (April 13), at 11:30 a.m. on Compo Road North adjacent to Winslow Park. A driver struck a dog, then left the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should email jkimball@westportct.gov.

Dogs occasionally run away from Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Yesterday’s “06880” story on “Suffs” — the musical about early 20th century suffragists that opened last night on Broadway — highlighted producer Jill Furman, a Westporter.

There’s another local connection: 2008 Staples High School graduate Leo Stagg.

A former Staples Player member (and winner of the Paul Steen Award for Fine Character, Dedication, Honesty, and Excellence in Performance), he is the head carpenter for “Suffs.”

His mother Heli — who runs the Westport Library café — was at last night’s show.

The “Suffs” set.

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Speaking of women’s rights:

State Representative Anne Hughes will discuss reproductive justice issues, in Connecticut and the nation, after this Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport service.

Hughes — whose district includes Weston, Easton and Redding — has sponsored pro-choice legislation that expands the eligibility of trained practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants to provide abortions, and blocks Texas and other states from targeting Connecticut patients, doctors and advocates.

The event is sponsored by UU Westport’s Reproductive Justice ​​Committee. The public is invited to the April 21 10 a.m. service, or the discussion only, which begins around 11:30 a.m.

Questions> Email beth@uuwestport.org, or call 203.227.7205, ext. 10.

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There’s a new “Passage” at Pasacreta Park.

That’s the name of Niki Ketchman’s new sculpture. It was installed yesterday at the peaceful oasis on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Elementary School.

The work is part of a joint initiative between the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, Westport Parks & Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Commission, to beautify town parks. It is on loan for 5 years.

Ketchman — whose work has been exhibited at the Katonah Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Aldrich and Bruce Museums — can  visit her work often. She has lived in Westport for almost 50 years. 

A public dedication is set for May 4 (4 p.m.).

Sculptor Niki Ketchman (umbrella) watches the installation of “Passage” at Pasacreta Park. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Diamond)

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The Westport Young Woman’s League is sponsoring 2 great — and very different — events.

The 45th annual Minute Man Race  Sunday, April 28 at Compo Beach.

The main event includes a certified USA Track and Field 10K run, 5K run, and 5K walk.

Kids Fun Run activities involve a 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, 1/2-mile run and 1-mile run, featuring a Kids Zone during and after the race.

On-site refreshments include a food truck, ice cream truck and beer truck.

Race net proceeds benefit a number of area charities. Click here to register, and for more information.

The next day — Monday, April 29 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 11:30 a.m.)– the WYWL hosts a lunch with chef and TV host Lidia Bastianich.

The 3-course meal features Bastianich’s recipes. All attendees get a gift from Cuisinart. There’s also a free raffle.

VIP ticket holders meet Bastianich in person, take photos and get an autographed copy of her book, “From our Family Table to Yours.”

The event highlights the Young Woman’s League grant program. Click here for tickets and more information.

The start of a Minute Man race.

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The Rock & Roll Legends exhibit — dozens of Michael Friedman’s photos from the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones, The Band, Janis Joplin and more — draws a constant stream of visitors to the pop-up gallery on Church Lane.

On May 14 (7 p.m.), it will draw a large crowd for an Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser. 100% of ticket sales go the non-profit.

The event includes stories from Friedman himself, Q-and-A, and a raffle to win a photograph and signed book.

For tickets ($100), click here; then click “Donate to the Team” once, and — on the next page — “Donate to the Team” again.

Questions? Email mindiroca@yahoo.com, or call 914-806-3090.

Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.

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Whether you watched this month’s solar eclipse in full totality (amazing, we’re told), or here in Westport (less so), you probably have a set or two of special sunglasses sitting around somewhere.

You can hold onto them for the next eclipse, years from now.

Or you can donate them to Astronomers Without Borders. The non-profit recycles them. Click here for more information.

The nearest collection sites are in Bethel and Shelton.

That’s a lot closer than the sun.

 

Recycle those eclipse glasses! (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Seth van Beever ties together today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and next month’s holiday: “This dogwood tree at 22 Treadwell Avenue was planted for my mom‘s first Mother’s Day, in 1976.”

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And finally … Dickey Betts died yesterday in Florida. He was 80, and suffered from cancer and chronic destructive pulmonary disease.

The New York Times called him “a honky-tonk hell raiser who, as a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, traded fiery licks with Duane Allman in the band’s early-1970s heyday, and who went on to write some of the band’s most indelible songs, including its biggest hit, ‘Ramblin’ Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.

(Have a great weekend! No matter what you plan, “06880” will be here for you. We’re your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you.)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Police, Politics, religion, Staples HS

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Roundup: Downtown Parking, Tesla Cybertruck, Yarn Bomber …

Posted on April 16, 2024 | 7 comments

Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is very timely.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers details about the downtown parking plan, including process, options and current status. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presentation:

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April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.

Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.

She tells “06880” that she fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.

“We’re out of food and money, and have no transportation,” she says.

On Spotfund she wrote: “We have less than $100, and we’re exhausted. We have been surviving on one meal a day, making sure our dog has food and water. We’ve literally got no food in the room for ourselves.

“Applying for help takes time. We’re reaching out to churches and whatever benefits we can get. All we are trying to do is stay afloat and get into affordable senior housing ASAP, and get stable.

“We’re reaching out hoping and praying for help in this difficult situation. All donations will be used to keep us with a roof over our heads and fed, clothes washed, and non food items like toiletries. We need a vehicle obviously, but for now the basic necessities.”

Click here for the Spotfund link.

April Carusone’s dog.

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A Tesla Cybertruck — first announced in 2012, introduced as a concept vehicle in 2019, scheduled for production in 2021, and finally delivered in late November 2023 with a 4-year wait list — has finally been spotted here.

Alert “06880” readers noticed one at both Classic Cars in Southport, and Old Mill Beach.

We received only one photo, however, so we’re not sure if there are two Cybertrucks in the area, or just one.

What’s all the buzz about? Check it out:

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Mia and McKenzie Didio accomplished a lot at Staples High School.

The twins members of the Class of 2022 captained the basketball and lacrosse teams, and won FCIAC and state championships in soccer.

Both now play lacrosse at the University of Delaware.

And they’re poised to accomplish even more.

The Didio women will represent the Puerto Rico lacrosse team this summer, at the U20 World Games in Hong Kong.

Their maternal grandmother is Puerto Rican. Though they have not been submerged in that culture, they look forward to learning more through their participation.

They know their selection means a lot to their mother and grandmother.

“Being able to represent them in a new capacity is so exciting,” McKenzie says. “It’s something bigger than ourselves.”

Mia tore her ACL after she was selected. Her coaches asked her to take on a manager’s role. She happily agreed.

The Didios have started a GoFundMe to raise money to help fund the Puerto Rico lacrosse program. Click here to help. Click here to read more, from the University of Delaware.

McKenzie and Mia Dido.

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Exactly 4 years ago this month, the yarn bomber first struck.

In those first desperate weeks of the pandemic, someone began draping trees with multi-colored, soothing blankets of yarn.

Compo Beach was first. Then came fire headquarters, Bedford Square, the Senior Center … all over town.

Eventually, the disease eased. Westporters went back to their “normal” lives. The yarn faded, and curled. Residents removed the “bombs,” as anonymously as they’d been placed.

But now, it seems, the yard bomber has returned.

Molly Alger sends this photo, from the Senior Center:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

It’s fresh, clean, and in the signature style of the original yarn bomber.

It looks great. And we’re happy to have the decoration — so long as it has nothing to do with COVID.

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Post-Easter news: Wakeman Town Farm has 12 chicks in need of sponsors.

Sponsorship includes naming rights for 1 year, and a certificate. Funds support the sustainability center’s operations. Click here for more information.

Wakeman Farm chickens. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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David Hazeltine — the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time (35 CDs as a leader, hundreds more as a sideman) — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (April 18, shows at 7:30 and 8;45 p.m., dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

He brings his long-time musical partner, trombonist Steve Davis.

Also in the house: bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Today, “Westport … Naturally” takes a break from spring flowers. We turn the feature over to a snowy egret, perched delicately yet decisively at Ned Dimes Marina.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … if you’re thinking of sponsoring a chick (story above), let’s goose things along:

(Ain’t nobody here at “06880” Central but us bloggers. If you enjoy our work, please support us with a tax-deductible donation. Just click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Entertainment, Local politics, Transportation

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Roundup: Parking Petitions, Fred Guttenberg, Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro …

Posted on April 12, 2024 | 16 comments

Following Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission vote approving plans to redesign the Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking lots, longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Lawrence Weisman has launched a petition.

Its goal is to for Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Wieser to place on the agenda “the matter of how best to supplement and improve downtown parking.”

The Change.org petition says:

Westport is a vibrant town which owes great deal to its downtown and its  merchants for whom adequate, convenient parking is a priority. The scheme which is making its way through the approvals process, involving an unnecessary complete restriping of the Parker Harding lot without loading spaces and with parallel (as opposed to angled) parking is inadequate and poorly conceived.

A parking deck on the Baldwin lot will provide additional parking in an easily accessible location at affordable cost without the need to encroach upon the town green. If you want to keep Westport vibrant, sign our petition so we can make the case to the RTM.

The petition to the RTM includes the idea of a parking deck on the Baldwin lot, off Elm Street.

Another Change.org petition — also opposing changes to Jesup Green and aimed at the RTM, though it does not seek an agenda item — was started by Tracy Porosoff. It says:

Save Jesup Green and mature, beautiful trees from being turned into parking spots!

As Dr. Seuss said, we must speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.

Please ask the RTM to reject the funding to convert 1/3 of Jesup Green, an inviting green, open space in the heart of downtown, into parking spots that the downtown merchants do not even want.

Turning this area into paved parking spots will only exacerbate existing flooding problems near the Saugatuck River.

This proposal is not a solution to Westport’s parking issues- it is a sad attempt to destroy our precious trees and open, green spaces. The Westport Library conducts story times in this area. Children play in this area. Birds build nests and rest in the leafy branches. People walk their dogs and sit outside and relax in the shade of these magnificent trees. Jesup Green has been a community meeting space for protest groups, Westport Youth Commission events and the annual Westport Library book sale.

Tell our RTM representatives to preserve Jesup Green and vote against cutting down trees to fund a Jesup parking lot.

Use your voice to keep Jesup Green green, open and beautiful for our town! Vote against funding the destruction of Jesup Green to create inconvenient, unwanted and environmentally unsustainable parking.

We must speak for the trees, which some people are chopping as fast as you please!

Jesup Green, looking south toward the Westport Library.

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In the 6 years since the Parkland High School shooting, Fred Guttenberg has become one of America’s most prominent anti-gun violence advocates.

On May 21 (noon), he’s the guest speaker at CT Against Gun Violence’s spring benefit luncheon. He’ll discuss his — and his fellow activists’ — efforts to turn pain into purpose, as well his book “Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me about Recovery, Purpose and Hope.”

Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for some of the strongest gun laws in the country. ​

They were behind Connecticut’s 1993 assault weapons ban, the 3rd in the nation. Since Sandy Hook, they’ve  worked closely with the state legislature to enact universal background checks, an expanded assault weapons ban, and limits on large capacity magazines.​

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club is proud of its interesting guest speakers.

Next Friday (April 19, Green’s Farms Church), US Senator Richard Blumenthal takes the mic.

The public is invited. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m.; the meeting begins at 7:45.

Senator Richard Blumenthal

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Speaking of politics: Congratulations to the Staples High School Class of 2024!

On Wednesday, the Westport League of Women Voters registered 112 seniors who will turn 18 by Election Day (November 5). Another 15-2 took home forms to complete there.

Last year, 57 seniors registered. So the Class of ’24 set a Staples LWV single-day voter registration record — by a landslide.

LWV registers new voters at Staples.

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Och and oy! Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro are a powerful 1-2 punch.

The Scottish actor (“Cabaret,” “The Good Wife”) and American journalist and singer (NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Pink Martini) join forces for an evening of entertainment at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The November 22 event is called “Och & Oy.” The title pays homage to Cumming’s Scottish and Shapiro’s Jewish roots.

The show combines the best bits of public radio and a musical, with “deep, thought-provoking conversations and also entertaining, perhaps slightly bawdy, musical numbers.” It’s a mix of songs, Q&A and personal storytelling.

Click here for tickets (on sale at 1 p.m. today), and more information.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA is all about health for all — especially youth.

So it’s a no-brainer for them to invite everyone to Healthy Kids Day (April 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Part of a national Y program, Healthy Kids Day highlights the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, mental resilience, and developing lifelong healthy habits.

The event includes mini-classes, food trucks with healthy options, a bounce house, water safety demonstrations, and community vendors and partners.

To register (it’s free!), click here.

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The “swirling, ethereal” voices of Lyyra Ensemble’s women’s choral comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, April 21 (5 p.m.).

The repertoire includes jazz, folk and classical pieces. Afterward, attendees can meet the singers at a special reception.

Tickets are available at the door, or by clicking here.

Lyyra

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There are garage sales.

And then there is MoCA and Designport’s “Upscale Garage Sale.” It’s set for May 4 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA Westport.

Interior designers, stagers and local shops will join together to “spring clean” excess inventory at discounted prices — for example, furniture pieces like end tables, dining chairs and ottomans), tableware, vases, lamps, pillows, accessories, throws, frames, small rugs, coffee table books and more.

Upscale Garage Sale sellers include Apadana Fine Rugs, Kerri Rosenthal, House of Prim, The Post, The Rath Project, House of Huck, Maison Sheik, Smart Playrooms and Innate Studios.

A “Drop In Kids’ Art Studio” will entertain youngsters. There’s also music by LeRoy Decker.

There is a suggested $10 donation. Click here for more information.

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Molly Doe Wensberg.is Sorelle Gallery’s new featured artist. Her abstract landscapes of New England scenery — from rolling hills to coastal sunsets — are on view through May 4.

The show opens tomorrow (Saturday). Click here for more information about her work.

“Between Tides” (Molly Doe Wensberg)

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Westport resident and tennis aficionado Christian Le Brun died Saturday at home. He was 56, and had been diagnosed 22 months earlier with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Born in Buenos Aires, he grew up in Scarsdale, New York. He played tennis for Scarsdale High School and Lehigh University, and met his wife Oona on the tennis courts of Roosevelt Island.

A voracious competitor, Chris had a rich social life built around tennis. He spent many hours while ill watching the Tennis Channel, with a sprinkling of news. He also played canasta with his sister and parents.

His family says, “Chris was a stylish and elegant man, tall and slim, always impeccably groomed. On the work front he was unusual: a lawyer who loved being a lawyer.”

After working in New York for Chadbourne & Parke, Chris joined Orbcomm as general counsel in 2005. He played a key strategic role through an IPO, multiple satellite launches, 12 acquisitions and a go-private transaction.

His family says, “Chris loved family dinners with his wife and 1 boys, taking long walks with  Oona and their chocolate lab Latte, and playing as much tennis as his busy schedule would allow.”

In addition to his wife and sons Nicolas and Jacque, Chris is survived by his parents Yves and Ana, brothers Lee and Paul, and sister Ceci.

A memorial service is set for on April 22 (2 p.m., Greens Farms Congregational Church). Click here to leave online condolences.

To honor Chris’s  love for tennis, his family encourage donations to OTA, which supports underprivileged children in Cameroon through tennis and education.

Chris Le Brun

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As spring envelops us, scenes like this are popping up — and entrancing — folks all over town.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” can be found on Compo Road South.

It won’t last long. But that makes it even more special.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … happy birthday to Herbie Hancock! The jazz great is 84 years old today.

(And finally … every day, “06880” brings news of upcoming shows, talks, gallery openings and every other event imaginable. Please click here to support our wide-ranging blog. Thanks for your help!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Roundup: Downtown Parking, Remarkable Theater, Alcohol Sales …

Posted on August 17, 2023 | 11 comments

Free parking is still available throughout downtown.

But — like before the pandemic — there will soon be some limits.

Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen voted to bring back the pre-COVID regulations. With a tweak or two.

All “timed” town lots will now be 3 hours long, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The previous restrictions were 1 and 2 hours, depending on location.

553 public spots downtown will be limited to 3 hours. Another 800 or so remain unlimited.

Approximately 700 more spaces are in private parking lots.

The vote was 2-1. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore favored the 3-hour plan, with Candice Savin opposed.

The new rules are effective September 1.

“Open parking” will remain in some areas of downtown — but not all.

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Encore!

The Board of Selectwomen yesterday agreed to a request from the Remarkable Theater to use the Imperial Avenue parking lot from August 28 through November 3.

This marks the 4th year for the popular Imperial Avenue pop-up drive-in. The “curtain rose” for the first 3 — beginning with the socially distanced season of 2020 — in late spring.

A schedule will be announced soon. Meanwhile, representatives of any organization interested in sponsoring a movie should contact Doug Tirola: doug@4throwfilms.com.

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The July real estate report is out.

After years of COVID-fueled frothy growth, trends appear to be leveling, according to Judy Michaelis.

Some July 2023 statistics, with July 2022 (in parentheses) for comparison:

  • New listings: 40 (48)
  • Number of properties for sale: 97 (124)
  • Number of properties sold: 53 (48)
  • Average days on market: 61 (55)
  • Average list price: $3,023,148 ($2,752,077)
  • Median list price: $2,450,000 (2,137,500)
  • Sales price/list price ratio: 103.8% (105.4%)
  • Average sales price per square foot: $574 ($726)

Click here for a full report. (Hat tip: Judy Michaelis)

The most expensive property for sale in Westport right now is this 9-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom, 10,959-square foot home on 3 acres, at 50 Sylvan Road North. It is listed for $3.9 million.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 9 and 16.

A man at the International Wine Shop was charged with illegal sale of alcohol to a minor after 2 18-year-olds were seen leaving the store after making a purchase. He confirmed he had not checked identification of the buyer.

An investigation into the theft of a motor vehicle and credit cards led to charges of larceny, payment card theft, illegal transfer, fraud, forgery, illegal use of a payment card and identity theft.

A woman was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signal: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1

Off-limits to anyone under 21.

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Speaking of police: Around 4:44 p.m. on August 7, Awesome Toys reported the theft of a “Traxxas” truck and art supplies.

Captured on film, the suspect appears to be 6-2, 220 pounds.

Four days later, on August 11, the same man returned. He filled 2 large bags with items, and left without paying.

Suspect in Awesome Toys theft.

Westport Police ask for help identifying the suspect.  Email swongwon@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-6080.

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Two Connecticut residents died after contracting infections from a flesh-eating bacteria that can be caused by eating raw oysters or swimming in saltwater, the New York Times reports. A third person survived.

“Infections from the bacteria, called Vibrio vulnificus, are rare but extremely dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in five people who become infected die. Many survivors lose limbs to amputations, according to the C.D.C.”

People with open wounds should avoid swimming in warm seawater. Those with compromised immune systems should be careful eating or handling raw seafood.

Vibriosis is caused by a bacteria found in salt water, during warm weather. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills, slong with ear infections, sepsis and life-threatening wound infections.

Two of the state victims had open cuts, in Long Island Sound. A third became sick after eating raw oysters, though not at a restaurant here. Their towns were not identified.

As ocean temperatures rise, infections may spread.

The Times notes,”Connecticut has seen a few cases in recent years. One person died of a Vibrio vulnificus infection in the state in 2019. In 2020, five cases were reported; all recovered. The people who became infected had open wounds and were exposed to salt or brackish water.”

Inspectors have never detected the infection in Connecticut’s commercial oysters. Click here for the full story.

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Speaking of the Times: Its “Ethicist” column often tackles thorny issues.

Yesterday’s will resonate with many Westporters. A reader wrote:

I live on Cape Cod, and I have recently noticed something of a current trend in which beachgoers claim valuable (and sometimes scarce) real estate by arriving several hours early to set up chairs, blankets and umbrellas before leaving to return (in some cases several hours later) to eventually move into their pre-claimed territory.

I always thought that you had to be on hand to occupy some piece of public space. Does an empty chair or blanket constitute actual occupancy? Do such phantom claims have any merit? Would someone have the right to ignore such maneuvers by removing these chairs or blankets? If so, what should be the response to the claimant who might return to find their items no longer claiming possession? 

“The Ethicist” replied:

The aim of such public space is to allow as many people as possible to make the proper use of it. That aim is undermined by absentee claims that prevent others from enjoying a spot on the beach for extended periods. It’s fine to leave evidence of occupancy if you’re just going off to get an ice cream, say, or to visit a restroom. If you do this, though, it might be wise to leave an explanatory note. (“10:15, buying a snack, back by 10:45.”) That’s within the spirit of the social convention. But your beach-blanket buccaneers are abusing this convention and effectively privatizing what should be public.

At the same time, moving other people’s things isn’t to be done lightly. You’ll certainly want to be sure that their owners haven’t just stepped away for an acceptable interval. The social conventions about claiming areas in these public settings are not, of course, precise. Half an hour or so strikes me as a good marker in most such circumstances, but take a poll among people you know. If the beach-spot hogs return while you’re around, you can show them where their possessions are and tell them that you waited for a while and assumed they were not returning. (Should you ever mistakenly displace a bathroom-breaker, you should apologize and immediately cede the spot.)

It’s best when these issues can be settled through social, rather than statutory, means. Certain beach towns in Spain, I’ll note, punish such infractions with stiff fines on beach-spot hogs; the Italian Coast Guard has even seized unattended towels, umbrellas and chairs, holding them until their owners pay a penalty. Let’s hope that at your beach, norms and social sanctions will eventually suffice to discourage these parasol-planting land-grabbers.

Remember that the next time you’re heading to the fireworks.

Or — on any day — thinking of reserving one of those South Beach picnic tables that say (quite clearly) “Tables May Not Be Reserved.” (Hat tip: Jay Petrow)

Reserving early spots for the fireworks, 2018. The arms race has grown substantially since then. (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

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Tomorrow (Friday, August 18) is the opening for Sorelle Gallery’s “On View” exhibition, with abstract artist Deborah T. Colter.

The Martha’s Vineyard-based artist layers found materials, handmade paper, paint, and other media to create abstract collages.

The show is open Tuesday through Saturday (10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays noon to 4 p.m.). Click here for more information.

Deborah T. Colter’s “On View,” at Sorelle Gallery.

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Westporters love the ornamental plantings at Grace Salmon Park.

It’s also now home to this zucchini. Perhaps it wandered over from the Farmers’ Market, next door on Imperial Avenue?

However it got there, it’s a great image for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Peggy O’Halloran)

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And finally … today marked the penultimate day for the 1969 Woodstock festival.

Were you there? If so, click “Comments” below to share memories!

Meanwhile, enjoy 3 of the most famous performances from this day, 54 years ago:

(You may have missed Woodstock. But you don’t have to miss a chance to support “06880.” Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Police, Real estate

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Roundup: Downtown Parking, Remarkable Theater, Sweetgreen …

Posted on August 12, 2023 | 21 comments

There’s no such thing as a free lunch — at least, if you’re eating in or taking out downtown.

Downtown parking though, has always been free — for 1 or 2 hours.

During the pandemic, enforcement of parking limits was suspended.

Tickets may soon return — but only after those parking limits are extended.

The second agenda item on Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (August 16, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) reads:

Acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority, to re-establish the enforcement of timed parking limits previously suspended by the Board of Selectmen at its public meeting of June 10, 2020, and further, to establish uniform parking limits and times of enforcement throughout the town-managed and owned downtown parking lots known as Parker Harding Plaza, Sigrid Shultz Plaza, Baldwin, Bay Street, Jesup Road, and Taylor, and the Town roadways known as Main Street, Church Lane, Bay Street, and Taylor Place, by changing FROM the currently posted “1- and 2- hour parking” limits TO “3-hour parking” limits and enforcement times TO “8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.” And further, to request permission from the CT DOT to change the current parking term limits posted on Post Road East FROM “1- and 2-hour parking” TO “3-hour parking.”

Click here for the livestream of the Board of Selectwomen session, or watch on Optimum Channel 79. Comments may be sent to selectwoman@westportct.gov prior to the meeting.

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The 3rd agenda item for Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen’s meeting is also of interest: a request from the Remarkable Theater to use the Imperial Avenue parking lot from August 28 through November 3 for a 4th season of drive-in movies.

From 2020 through ’22, the Remarkable’s season began in the spring.

Paul and Melissa Levy, at the Remarkable Theater.

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Jacqui O’Brien was one of several readers who sent photos of a strange object seen over Westport skies last night.

Susan Leone was the first to identify them as SpaceX Starlink satellites.

They were launched yesterday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It was the 9th flight for the first stage booster supporting the mission.

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As first noted on “06880” over a year ago — but denied vociferously by Organic Krush — Sweetgreens is indeed moving in to Compo Shopping Center.

Organic Krush has already moved out.

No date has been announced for opening. But the fast-casual salad-based chain — which emphasizes healthy eating and sustainability, and has 158 outlets in 13 states — already has Westporters excited.

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The recent food drive for Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and food pantry — which included a special, fill-my-shopping-cart trip by a mother and 2 children —  was celebrated yesterday, at the Sunrise Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.

The sponsors — including also the Westport Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Saugatuck Rowing Club — presented a check for $1,105.62 to Homes with Hope.

Those cash donations were in addition to the hundreds of bags of groceries that were dropped off, as shoppers entered and exited the store.

From left: Liz Wong, Sunrise Rotary president; Rob Hauck, Rotary member; Helen McAlinden, Homes with Hope president; Paris Looney, HWH vice president, and Sunrise Rotary members Bruce Paul and Bruce Fritz. (Photo/James Wong)

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The link provided yesterday by Wakeman Town Farm for their September 9 Harvest Fest fundraiser was incorrect. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Wakeman Town Farm’s Harvest Fest is coming soon.

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Many Westporters love pickleball. Some hate it.

But all can agree: the Smart Shots Pickleball Social is great.

The September 30 event (6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Milford Indoor Tennis) is a fundraiser for A Better Chance of Westport.

Level-designated courts will ensure exciting matches. Vendors will offer pickleball services and products. A raffle includes special prizes. The Porch @ Christie’s is providing food (available for pre-purchase).

The event is sponsored by ATP (Alan & Tina Pickleball). Click here to register. Questions? Call 203-984-1949.

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We like to think of Long Island Sound as “ours.”

But — as Karen Como’s “Westport … Naturally” photo reminds us — humans were not here first.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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And finally … anyone who saw the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” knows that Rodriguez’s story is astonishing.

The Detroit musician wrote and sang haunting protest songs. But he never found an audience, and settled into a life as a laborer and office worker.

He was “discovered” in Australia however — and then, even more so, in South Africa during apartheid. According to the New York Times:

“To many of us South Africans, he was the soundtrack to our lives,” Stephen Segerman, owner of a Cape Town record store, said in the documentary.

“In the mid-’70s, if you walked into a random white, liberal, middle-class household that had a turntable and a pile of pop records, and if you flipped through the records, you would always see ‘Abbey Road’ by the Beatles, you’d always see ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon and Garfunkel, and you would always see ‘Cold Fact’ by Rodriguez. To us, it was one of the most famous records of all time. The message it had was ‘Be anti-establishment.’”

Astonishingly, Rodriguez did not know he had fervent fans in South Africa. Equally astonishingly, South Africans thought he was dead. One rumor was a drug overdose; another, that he had killed himself onstage.

In 1998, he was discovered — alive, and living in obscurity in Detroit. He was invited to South Africa, and played concerts at  sold-out venues.

He was “discovered” again more than a dozen years later, with the release of “Searching for Sugar Man” — a film about his strange but vibrant life.

Rodriguez — whose full name was Sixto Diaz Rodriguez — died Tuesday, in Detroit. He was 81.

Click here for a full obituary. Click below to hear Rodriguez.

(Have you recently discovered “06880”? Did you know we rely completely on reader support? Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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