Old Mill Grocery & Delis’s picnic tables, gelato cart and liquor license are now, officially, legal.
On Monday night, the Planning & Zoning Commission approved — with a modification — a text amendment covering outdoor eating areas, and associated uses, for retail food establishments in residential zones.
Commissioners tweaked the prooposal, ensuring that tables at 2 other establishments — The Porch at Christie’s, and The Country Store on Wilton Road — would not encroach on their property boundaries.
The P&Z cited the “strong sense of community and connection with one’s neighbors” provided by those 3 establishments, as part of the reasons for adopting the text amendment.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s picnic tables have been there for decades.
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Due to extreme fire danger in the area, outdoor burning is prohibited. This includes fire pits; open flames (for example, brush or leaf pile burning), chimineas, and other outdoor flame devices. Violators may face legal consequences.
For indoor fireplaces or wood stoves, follow these safety tips:
- Ensure chimneys and flues are professionally cleaned and inspected.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood to minimize creosote buildup.
- Avoid overloading your fireplace or stove.
- Use a protective screen to contain embers.
As drought conditions persist, water conservation tips include:
- Limit outdoor watering and use of irrigation systems.
- Fix leaks in faucets, pipes, and appliances promptly.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor plants.
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Are you interested in electric vehicles, but unsure which is the “best”? (Or, more accurately, the best for you?)
The EV Club of Connecticut hosts a special online event December 3 (7 p.m.).
Gabe Shenhar — a Westport resident, EV Club member, and associate director of the auto test program for Consumer Reports — will review 8 vehicles: Mercedes EQE SUV; Genesis GV60; Cadillac Lyriq; Acura ZDX; Lexus RZ; Chevy Equinox EV; Tesla Cybertruck. and Volvo XC60.
The session is free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
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Next month, prominent musicians and music scholars gather at the Westport Library to honor one of America’s greatest composers.
“Speaking of Music: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington (December 7, 7 p.m.) features a multimedia presentation by Dr. John Edward Hasse.
The longtime curator of American music at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will discuss Ellington’s legacy as a musician, including his impact on popular music of the late 20th century.
Then, James Langton and Dan Levinson’s New York All-Star Big Band will perform music from the innovative artist.
Tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Oscars are great.
But they’re not the only prizes in the film universe.
ETHOS Film Awards celebrate purpose-driven films that promote peace, diversity, inclusion and environmental sustainability.
All genres and lengths are eligible. Under-represented voices — including the neuro-diverse and disability community — are encouraged to apply.
This past weekend in Santa Monica, California, Wynston Browne earned an ETHOS as “Best Impact Actor.”
The Staples High School senior — a non-speaking autistic teenager whose communication via a typing device has opened up his own world, and shown the rest of the world his remarkable, wide-ranging and tremendous intelligence — starred in (and inspired) “Presumed Incompetent.”
Directed by Staples High School graduate Cynthia Gibb, written by longtime Westporter Jill Johnson Mann, and filmed here in 2023, the film tells the story of an exceptionally bright young man — overlooked for his neuro-diversity, and “presumed incompetent” — overcoming his disabilities, and blazing a path for inclusion.
Wynston did a talkback — using his communication devices — following the screening in California.
But he and his film don’t stop there. On December 12, “Presumed Innocent” will be screened at the Big Apple Film Festival (657 West 57th Street, 5:45 p.m.; click here for tickets).
Congratulations, Wynston. We always knew you were a star!
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Speaking of entertainment: First Folk Sunday is going Irish.
Four fine Irish musicians come together Sunday, December 1 (noon), at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Californian John Brennan began his career as a guitarist with Poco, the Eagles, Graham Nash, and The Byrds discovered his Irish roots when he relocated to New York City.
For First Folk Sunday, he brings together accordionist Loretta Egan Murphy (Cherish the Ladies, Shamrock Traditional Music Society); Eugene Bender (Sligo style traditional Irish fiddler), and Mark Demchak (bodhran player – the Irish drum).
First Folk Sunday’s Irish lass Suzanne Sheridan joins them. She recently traveled to Ireland, and has taken her homeland’s music to heart.
The music cover charge is $15 (click here for reservations). Table service is available for brunch or lunch. Cocktails and beverages are offere too.
Sure, and it’s an Irish First Folk Sunday.
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Here’s an interesting spin on mental health:
Over 75 people turned out recently for Positive Directions’ first spin fundraiser.
More than 150 donors — including some of the town’s top officials — rode almost 625 miles in 90 minutes.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker take spins.
Their hard work raised over $30,000 for Positive Directions. Funds will help the non-profit behavioral health organization address mental health needs, and ensure that mental health treatment is available to all who need it.
Positive Directions’ board members, staff and spin talent. (Photos/Kerry Fitz Photography)
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As Donald Trump gets ready to return to the White house, the ACLU of Connecticut gets ready too.
On December 5 (6 p.m., Westport Library), they’ll sponsoor a “Civil Rights Town Hall: Preparing for a New Presidential Administration.”
ACLU panelists will address:
- Free speech, and the right to assemble
- Immigrants’ rights
- Reproductive rights and bodily autonomy
- LGBTQIA+ rights
- Criminal legal system
- Government surveillance
- Voting rights.
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The Westport Country Playhouse 2024 Script in Hand season concludes December 2 (7 p.m.) with “True Art.”
It’s a “sharp and funny tale of ambition, deception, and self-discovery in the high stakes and cutthroat art world.”
All tickets are $30. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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There were treats for doggies — and humans — last night, as Spot on Vet celebrated its grand opening.
The new veterainary center replaces Men’s Wearhouse, on Post Road East between Christian Siriano’s boutique and Starbucks.
Spot On Vet offers emergency medical care; day care and boarding for sick, injured or recovering animals in “luxury accommodations” (well-lit cubicles with small beds).
Owners can watch their pets via camera. Pets can also listen to their favorite music or TV program.
Spot On Vet also offers dental care, a full pharmacy, facilities for major surgeries including orthopedic procedures, medical testing that often can’t be done in a regular veterinary office, physical therapy, and a valet service to pick up pets from home.
Everyone was welcome at Spot on Vet’s opening. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Speaking of man’s best friend: Our “Westport … Naturally” features often bring smiles to readers’ faces.
But today you’ll actually laugh. Just look at this laughing dog:
(Photo/Pat Weist)
“We all need a good laugh these days,” photographer Pat Weist says.
Arf!
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And finally … in honor of Positive Directions’ fundraiser (story above):
(No matter how you spin it, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, opinions and much more. As always, we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
The EV Club reports that there was a $15,300 differential in the purchase price of the Tesla versus a Ford Explorer, previously the the “workhorse of the fleet.” That was recouped in the first year due to reduced customization and lower operating costs.
