Tag Archives: EV Club of CT

Roundup: Saugatuck Caroling, Westport Lifestyle, Jersey Boys …

Posted on December 11, 2022 | 2 comments

A wonderful tradition returned to Saugatuck yesterday evening.

The Saugatuck Caroling Crawl came back, after a 2-year COVID-induced absence.

Six Staples Orphenians moved from one restaurant to the next, singing holiday songs and making spirits bright. They hit 14 spots in all.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

Carolers began their rounds at the Boathouse. They headed to Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck, before making their way to Railroad Place to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci and Allium.

They finished by entertaining diners at Match Lobster Burger, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s.

Grateful thanks to Orphs Sophia Betit, Zoe Schwartz, James Dobin-Smith, Alyssa Lee, Deneil Betfarhad and Ethan Tober — and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event.

Missed it? Click below for a “taste” at Match Burger Lobster.

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Christian Siriano’s new store, The Collective West, was the site of Thursday’s Westport Lifestyle party. The magazine honored all 2022 Readers’ Choice winners.

With catering by Marcia Selden and The Home Cook, music by Drew Angus and decorations from Blossom + Stem — plus Santa Claus — it was a great way to show off the noted designer’s recently opened place.

Enjoying Westport Lifestyle’s party: Sholeh Janati (abstract artist) and 
Courtney Davis Schlesinger (comedian). (Photo./John Videler for Videler Photography)

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The curtain rose yesterday on “Jersey Boys” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center next month.

Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Jack Baylis is part of the cast. He’s not a 4 Season — but he does sing a great number in French.

The show runs through January 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jack Baylis, at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. (Photo/Cara Baylis)

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Yesterday’s Roundup piece about the local connections on “In With the Old” — the Discovery+ series highlighting transformations of abandoned structures — mentioned Westonites Brian and Megan Austin Philpott, and former Westport Planning and Zoning Commission member Al Gratrix.

But there’s much more detail

Brian Philpott is a project manager for The O’Dell Group. The local construction firm put together a team of 20 people to frame that addition in one day.

He’s just one of 4 project managers with Staples ties. Owner Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten and Chuck Hilman graduated from high school — and so did Philpott’s wife.

PS: The celebration at the end of that day was catered by Matt Storch — another Staples High grad, and the owner of Match Burger Lobster and Match restaurants.

From left: Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten, Brian Philpott, Chuck Hilman.

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Congratulations to Barry Kresch.

The Westport resident and EV Club of Connecticut president will be honored by the Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities Coalition as EV Evangelist of the Year.

He has spoken on several panels, for example discussing a financial analysis he did for the Westport Police about electric vehicles. Click here for a blog post he wrote on the department’s Tesla.

The celebration is Tuesday (December 13, 11 a.m., Fodor Farmhouse, Norwalk).

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Winter arrives on December 21.

This guy — the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — is getting ready. He’s no fool.

(Photo/Marisa Lambert)

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And finally … in honor of Jack Baylis’s “Jersey Boys” show (story above):

(‘Tis the season to support “06880.” Please click here to help — and thank you!)

 

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Staples HS

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Roundup: Super Bowl Raffle, Electric Cars, Convos & Kids …

Posted on February 3, 2022 | 1 comment

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No, you won’t get busted for taking part in your office Super Bowl pool.

But Westport’s Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring a legal, fully documented one.

And the payout is great: $1,000 for being assigned the randomly generated winning score box; $500 for winning each of the first 3 quarters.

After the 50% payout, all proceeds support the group’s many charities. Tickets will be sold through the morning of the number drawing (2 days before the Super Bowl). The drawing is set for Friday, February 11 (10 a.m., Westport Library). Participants (18 and older) will be notified by email of their numbers.

If the first 100 squares are sold, the Rotary Club may add other grids.

Click here for more information. Click here to purchase a square.

*Trick question. There are no “ups” in football. Only downs.

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Want to buy an electric vehicle, but clueless about them?

Try “Electric Vehicles: Pros & Cons.”

On Monday (February 7, 7 p.m.), Wakeman Town Farm sponsors a talk by Brady Kresch and Analiese Mione, of the EV Club of CT.

They’ll describe different types of electric vehicles, how to charge the battery, and the climate effects of an EV.

You don’t even have to drive your old gas-powered car there. This is an online event. Click here to register.

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With temperatures in the 40s today, the ice is melting.

But on Tuesday, Jonathan Rosenoer spotted some ice rescue training at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina. He sent this photo:

(Photo/Jonathan Rosenoer)

I asked who conducted the training.

“Sorry,” he replied. “It was too cold to ask.”

Thanks to whoever is out there — keeping us safe, as we stay warm.

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“Cocktails and Conversation” return to MoCA on Thursdays — starting today.

The events run from 6 to 7 p.m. They include expert speakers, views of current exhibitions, and a chance to purchase custom cocktails. The events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested. Click here for links.

Tonight (Thursday, February 3): Co-curator Kathleen Motes Bennewitz. She’ll be joined by “ThingsILove203,” with their range of high-end fashion and home acessories.

February 17: “An In-Depth Discussion on Tom Wesselmann” with Huffa Frobes-Cross, Tom Wesselmann catalogue raisonné project manager at the Wildenstein Plattner Institute, New York and Paris.

February 24: “Ekphrastic Writing Workshop” with Diane Meyer Lowman, Westport poet laureate

March 3: “WestPAC Teaching Gallery Talk” with WestPAC Director of Education and Learning Gallery curator Ive Covaci, and Cecily Anderson, Westport Public Schools educator

March 10: “WestportREADS Book Discussion.”

Diane Meyer Lowman will be at MoCA on February 24.

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“Family Festivities Shows” return soon to the Westport Country Playhouse.

The famed theater presents 2 performances of “Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends” on Sunday, March 13 (1 and 4 p.m.).

The 60-minute show — aimed at youngsters in grades K to 4 — features Rosie, Iggy Peck and Ada Twist, as they bring their passions and curiosity to stage in a musical spotlighting the STEM curriculum.

The Playhouse says: “Based on the books by Andrea Beaty, it might just inspire bright kids to pursue their dreams,” Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Last weekend’s storm is now just a memory. But Jamie Walsh captured this robin at rest, preserving its color and beauty for “Westport … Naturally” readers.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … Hargus “Pig” Robbins died last week, at 84.

You may not have heard of him — I sure hadn’t — but he was a noted Nashville session pianist. He was also blind, having lost his sight at age 3 in a knife accident.

Beginning in 1959, Pig worked with George Jones, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette. He also played on Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, and with Neil Young, Shania Twain, John Hartford, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Ween.

Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Michael Taylor)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Environment, Sports, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Networking, No …

Posted on September 20, 2021 | 12 comments

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Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.

The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.

Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?

Click here for more information, and to order his book.

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Connectalent is a Westport-founded firm that connects skilled employees with employers who value work/life balance.

They’re partnering with Indeed to sponsor a workshop and networking event for mothers — “Returning to Work with Confidence” — on October 5 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Among the topics: positioning yourself for jobs, how to fill in any resume gaps, and helpful interviewing and networking tips.

There will be time to network — and enjoy light refreshments and cocktails. Click here to register.

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Miggs Burroughs spotted this sign in a car at the Trader Joe’s parking lot:

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

He adds one more “no”: “No education. Bidon?!”

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Speaking of cars: The longtime Sunoco station across from the Westport Country Playhouse is now a Shell.

Probably not much will change, besides the sign. Prices will no doubt be in line with every other gas station in town.

Except the Mobil next door. It’s one of the last actual “service” stations — as in, they do repairs too — in town.

But their prices are always $1 a gallon more than anywhere else.

The new Shell station. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, Kings Highway Elementary School was filled recently with gold ribbons.Staff and students wore gold, and donated funds.

“KHS” means more than the school’s initials. You could also say: “Kind Hearts Shine.”

Staff members support Kings Highway School’s Childhood Cancer Awareness drive.

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Speaking of kids doing good: In August 2020, 10-year-old Suzuki violin students Isabella and Alexander Mariani — with help from their mom, Carole Chinn Mariani — created “Make Music Feed.” The small, socially distanced concert raised money for the Connecticut Food Bank. The young musicians are products of Westport’s Suzuki School of Music.

A year later — with food insecurity still rampant — Isabella and Alexander once again gathered friends. On Saturday, a second concert was held on the Marianis’ front lawn. The beneficiary was Connecticut Foodshare.

Joel Pitkin accompanied his children Mia and Noah Jung-Pitkin, and Grant Zimmerman.

A special guest was Staples High School sophomore Janna Moore. She was Alexander’s “Practice Buddies” partner. The program pairs Staples musicians with 5th grade orchestra students.

Contributions are still being accepted. Click here to help.

Suzuki concert musicians (from left): Alexander Mariani, Noah Jung-Pitkin, Isabella Mariani, Mia Jung-Pitkin, Grant Zimmerman, James McNamara, Julie McNamara and Janna Moore.(Photo: Carole Chinn Mariani)

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Quietly — just like an electric vehicle — the EV Club of CT is getting pumped for National Drive Electric Week. (It’s September 25 through October 3, if you’re celebrating.)

A Green Wheels EV Parade and Showcase is set for Saturday, October 2 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The parade begins at the Westport train station, and ends at Bob’s plaza lot in Fairfield.

For details and registration, click here.

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When COVID canceled Emory University’s varsity soccer season last fall, former Staples High School captain Josh Berman decided to stay on for one more semester. He will graduate this winter.

His team is glad he did. Berman scored with just 14 seconds remaining Saturday night, lifting the Eagles to a 1- victory over the University of Lynchburg.

After playing a great match as a defender, Berman raced up the left side on the attack. then blasted a shot past the diving Hornet keeper. It was his first goal of the season.

It was as exciting as it sounds. Click here, then scroll down for the video.

Josh Berman

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They’re not quite Canada goose-level obnoxious. But — when they steal your food and poop on your head, seagulls can be pretty annoying.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows them in a different, um, light.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … the Harvest Moon rose last night. It’s called that because its bright early evening light was very helpful to farmers harvesting late summer crops.

Of course you know what that means for today’s song …

 

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Posted in Children, Environment, Library, Local business, Media, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Tesla 3 Cop Car Earns Kudos

Posted on July 23, 2021 | 6 comments

There were snickers in 2019, when the town announced it was buying a Tesla Model 3 for the Police Department.

You can stop laughing.

The vehicle — put in service in February 2020 — is being celebrated for “exceeding performance, cost savings and environmental benefits estimates.”

That’s not just hopeful hype. It’s the verdict of a study by the EV Club of CT.

The Westport Police Department’s Tesla 3.

The report says the Model 3 police cruiser recoups the purchase price premium, and saves money — even in the first year.

It adds:

• After 4 years the Tesla will have saved enough money to buy another one.
• Each EV avoids emission of over 23 tons of CO2 per year, and saves $8763 in
environmental and health costs.
• There is a $12,582 savings in fuel alone after 4 years, from using electricity to
power the vehicle.
• Reduced maintenance comes from regenerative braking (the engine slows the
car and recaptures some of the kinetic energy, replenishing the battery and
reducing wear on the friction brakes), as well as no spark plugs, transmission,
alternator, water pump, or catalytic converter. The Tesla does not require oil changes.
• Even during the winter months, the Tesla ran 2 patrol shifts without needing to be recharged. There were no issues related to charging and battery use.

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.

Though Police Department would not receive the discounts applied to the initial vehicle, a second Tesla is still projected to recoup the price premium in one year due to lower customization, maintenance, and fuel costs.

For a full financial analysis, click here.

According to the EV Club’s report, there are non-financial benefits too.
“The car’s catlike alacrity enables an officer to quickly overtake a moving suspect’s vehicle, which reduces the risk to the driver (and) officer, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians.”

Police Chief Foti Koskinas says:

What initially attracted us to the Tesla was how it compared to our traditional fleet vehicles in terms of performance, 5-star crash ratings, and collision avoidance technology.

While the Police Department has been using plug-in hybrids for parking enforcement for several years, this was the first fully electric car to be used in active duty. We needed to confirm our estimates on things like mileage per charge and how the vehicle would stand up overall in the challenging environment of police work.

And of course, we were tracking expenses. The purchase price of the Tesla was higher than the Ford Explorer, but we hypothesized that we’d recoup that expense in lower fueling and maintenance costs for the Tesla.”

Charles Sampson of the WPD managed this project. He adds, “Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve have been contacted by at least 50 other police departments – from all over the world – with questions about our experience. I know many of them have gone on to purchase Teslas for their fleets.”

The Tesla 3 takes to the road.

 

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Posted in Economy, Environment, Police

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Roundup: Big Top Ribs, “Best In Show”, EV Club, More

Posted on September 9, 2020 | 9 comments

Owner Pete Aitkin wants to add some new “flashback” items to the Black Duck menu.

And he needs “06880” readers’ help.

“Many readers have fond memories of the Big Top,” he says, referencing the beloved, mouth-watering burgers-and-more joint on the Post Road and Roseville Road that is now (aaaargh) McDonald’s. “Some even worked there.”

Pete wonders: What kind of ribs did they serve? Baby backs? Beef? He thinks they were pork spare ribs. Any info on sauce or seasoning would be great too.

Email duckpeter78@gmail.com, or call 203-227-7978.

Yesterday marked the start of another school. It’s different than any that came before. But — as students, staff and parents saw yesterday at Coleytown Elementary School — some things never change:

(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

The Artists Collective of Westport knows about shows. So they’re proud to collaborate with the Remarkable Theater on a showing of “Best in Show.”

The drive-in movie — a biting satire about dog shows — will be shown Thursday, September 17 at 8 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. The gate opens at 7.

Tickets are $50 per car. Click here to reserve.

Who says parades must be loud?

The EV Club of Connecticut is sponsoring a (socially distanced) electric car parade. It’s set for Sunday, September 27 (check-in at 9:30 a.m.

It starts at 10 a.m. at the eastbound Westport train station, by Donut Crazy. The parade ends at Fairfield’s Old Town Hall.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead the parade in the department’s Tesla Model 3 police cruiser.

All makes of EV are welcome. To register, click here.

The Westport Police Department’s electric car.

And finally … today is September 9. Which means, whether you’re using American or European style, it’s 9/9. Which means …

 

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Organizations, Police, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Electric Vehicles: We’re #1!

Posted on January 28, 2020 | Comments Off on Electric Vehicles: We’re #1!

We’ve all heard the statistic: There are more Teslas in Westport than anywhere else in the state.

That’s not all we lead in, electric vehicularly speaking.

According to Westport-based EV Club of CT, we top the state in the number of electric vehicles per capita. Weston, Woodbridge, New Canaan and Greenwich fill out the Top 5.

But it’s not just “per capita.” Our town registers the 3rd highest total number of EVs overall. Greenwich and Stamford are 1st and 2nd, respectively; Fairfield and West Hartford follow us.

Electric vehicles lined up by the Staples charging stations (from left): Chevy Bolt, Tesla S, VW, Tesla X, Nissan Leaf,

The club notes that over the past 6 months, registration of all types of electric vehicles has grown by 26%.

Tesla is responsible for 65% of the number — and the Model 3 accounts for 84% of that increase.

Tesla is followed by Hyundai (9%) and Toyota (6%).

For more information, click here for the EV Club’s dashboard. To learn more about the club, click here.

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