For 3 years, the proposed new Long Lots Elementary School project has lumbered along.
The building committee planned (and planned and planned). The Community Garden was removed, moved back, moved again. Athletic fields morphed from baseball to all-purpose, grass to artificial turf. 8-24 (town municipal use) permits were filed and refiled. Construction — originally hoped to begin last year — remains on the horizon.
Suddenly though, the lumbering pace will become a race.
Preliminary plans for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
Toni Simonetti — a gardener who is following the project with a close eye — notes that the deadline for a Connecticut funding grant application is June 30.
“The state can reimburse a town anywhere from 10-70% of the cost to replace a school with a new one. (Westport likely to be on the low end of that range.),” she reports.
She’s compiled a master list of meetings that must be held — and votes taken — before the funding application deadline, 34 days from now.
A recent schematic for Long Lots School.
For example, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hear testimony on a new 8-24 plan, along with a new special permit/site plan.
The Conservation Commission and Soil & Erosion Control Board must both grant approval for the area — which includes wetlands and a brook — in order for the state grant to be approved.
Financing approvals for the $98 project are still ahead, too.
Upcoming meetings include:
June 3: Representative Town Meeting (RTM) first financial review (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
June 4: Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board joint meeting (Zoom, 7 or 7:30 p.m.).
June 5: Board of Finance first meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
June 9: Planning & Zoning Commission, 8-24 vote and site plan/special permit approval (Virtual, 6 p.m.).
June 10: RTM Finance Committee vote (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
June 11: Board of Finance vote (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking plans are moving forward.
On March 6 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Flood & Erosion Control Board meets to consider the 2 riverside lots.
Forty-two additional spots are proposed for the Jesup Green (lower Westport Library) parking area. Work includes restriping, minor grading, the removal and relocation of some trees, and a new retaining wall.
The new spaces will replace those lost in the Parker Harding renovation, as it is brought into compliance with ADA and safety standards.
The site plan is below. For a larger version, and other material related to the Jesup and Parker Harding lot project, click here.
After Tuesday’s “06880” Roundup report that Dunville’s closed suddenly last week, several readers noted that the Riverside Avenue’s Facebook page said: “Hi everybody, we’ll be closed for a little spring cleaning and then some vacation until Friday, March 1st. BRB!”
The post was accompanied by a photo of a Jimmy Buffett-style beach scene.
Usually, owners howl directly when I get something wrong. I reached out to Dunville’s owner before posting the story, but still have not heard back from him, or any representative.
Meanwhile, rumors are rampant in town that the popular, 40-year-old bar has been, or will be, bought by Little Pub.
I contacted the Little Pub owner for comment, but also did not hear back.
Dunville’s
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Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs are now viewable online (click here).
There are 2 online registration dates.
Tuesday, March 5 (9 a.m.) if for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.
Wednesday, March 6 (9 a.m.) is for all other spring and summer programs. Registration also continues for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.
If a program is full, names can be added to the waitlist. There is no charge at that time.
Parents should click here to access their account.
Log into your profile and choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. This brings you to the “My Family Members” page. Click on the first name in the column. In “Family Member Information,” verify date of birth, and make sure that children’s grades are correct (it is the grade going into as of September 2024). Hit “Save” at the bottom. Complete the process for every family member.
You may not write “West Side Story,” “Gypsy” or “Into the Woods.” But — if you are at least 20 years old — you can do what Sondheim did when he was at Williams College: become a Westport Country Playhouse intern.
Applications are open through March 8 for the Joanne Woodward Internship Program. Interns work closely with Playhouse staff each summer — as they’ve done ever since the 1940s.
Opportunities are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and community engagement. Interns also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including Playhouse staffers, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.
This year’s program runs from May 28 through July 31. The stipend is $630 per week. Housing is provided, if needed. For more information and to apply, click here.
Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).
And Dasha Horton, Natalie Glidden and Sean Fitzpatrick are ready.
On February 24 and March 2 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), they’ll talk about tapping and producing syrup, answer questions about how to tap trees at home, and show off WTF’s homestead-sized evaporator.
They’re all-weather farmers. Soo they’ll also answer questions about summer gardens.
The Maple Sugaring Days are free; go any time during the 2 sessions.
People of all ages love maple syrup — and making it.
And finally … Jimmy Van Eaton, Jerry Lee Lewis’ pounding drummer on “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” died earlier this month in Alabama, of kidney complications. He was 86.
Also last night: The annual “Stand up for Homes with Hope” benefit.
A full crowd packed Fairfield University’s Quick Center to laugh uproariously with Roy Wood Jr., and raise much-needed funds for Westport’s supportive shelter and food pantry non-profit.
Laughter and homelessness don’t often go together. But the star of the night — and Helen McAlinden and the many board and staff members who make Homes with Hope a local treasure — made sure attendees understood that connections between all of us are the most important thing in life.
Flooding is a major issue in Westport. As climate change worsens, it too will became even more prevalent.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board meets November 1. On the agenda:
Prioritize and assist the Department of Public Works in the approval and implementation of flood related projects involving watersheds in Westport.
Work with the Representative Town Meeting to revise regulations, allowing the board to review large projects if required, and educate the RTM about public input related to flooding.
Dedicate a minimum of 2 public discussion meetings per year to discuss updates on flood projects.
Develop and implement a campaign to help educate the public about flood and erosion issues in Westport.
Develop and implement a plan to educate the community on ways to help mitigate the impact of flooding and erosion on private and public properties.
Advocate for supporting the town mitigation efforts by sharing the board’s perspective with the Board of Finance, state legislative leaders, and Department of Energy & Environmental Protection officials.
The meeting will be held virtually. Click here for the Zoom link. The meeting ID is 892 4707 8896; the passcode is 900470.
Grove Point flooding, from a December storm. (Photo/John Kantor)
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Saranda and Al Strazza are very involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399. Al — a retired combat Marine who served in the first Gulf War — is now vice commander of the local VFW. Saranda helped obtain a $100,000 gift, to pay for river dredging in the area.
This Friday (October 20, 6 p.m.), the VFW hosts a Chili Cook-off. The participation fee is $15. Funds raised will benefit Westport’s Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services.
There are prizes, a 50/50 raffle — and of course chili.
While participating in the Citizen Police Academy, Saranda and Al were surprised to learn that the local K-9 unit is completely funded by donations.
They vowed to help raise funds for a new bite jacket, medical costs, food, equipment supplies and training toys.
A booth at the Chili Cook-off will sell plush toys for sale, and collect donations.
For more information, call 203-227-6796, or email vfw399ct@gmail.com.
October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fire Safety Month.
So — of course! — on Friday the Westport Fire Department brought fire trucks and pink fire boots to Kings Highway Elementary school, for an all-school event.
Fire Marshal Terry Dunn spoke to students about fire safety. Meanwhile, his fellow firefighters collected donations from students for the American Cancer Society. Students filled the pink boots with more than $475.
After listening to the fire safety speech, students, teachers and administrators explored a vintage fire truck. ‘
They also placed pink ribbons in the back of the school, as a symbol of support for those impacted by breast cancer.
Kings Highway Elementary School administrators, in a vintage fire truck. From front to back: principal Tracey Carbone, assistant principals Catherine Carmona and Jame’el Lawrence.
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Also on Friday, the Norwalk Housing Authority brought students to the Westport Community Gardens for after-school art enrichment.
Creativity “bloomed,” as NHS and WCG adults watched with pride.
The Westport Woman’s Club’s annual Clothing Tag Sale runs this Friday and Saturday (October 20-21) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday (October 22) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the WWC’s historic clubhouse (44 Imperial Avenue).
Gently used women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories are featured, with a wide variety of suits, dresses, pants, blouses, gowns, coats, scarves, shoes, jewelry, handbags and hats.
Funds raised help support the town’s food closet, many charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.
Rolling Stone magazine just listed their 250 best guitarists of all time.
There at #7 — behind Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Jeff Beck and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, but ahead of artists like BB King and Duane Allman — is Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.
The story begins:
There’s “influential,” then there’s “massively influential,” then there’s Nile Rodgers. The story of pop music over the past 50 years is basically the story of Rodgers’ guitar.
The manic-staccato funk jangle he invented with Chic, in Seventies disco hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times” — that’s been the heartbeat of global pop ever since.
His warp-speed guitar on the 1980 Diana Ross classic “I’m Coming Out” was still the toughest sound on the radio almost two decades later, when Biggie turned it into “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Now that’s staying power.
Jack Backiel is a frequent commenter on “06880.” He no longer lives here, but he has fond memories of the years his family owned Westport Lanes — the bowling alley located where BevMax is today.
Jack’s son John recently added a small display about the Lanes in his dining room. It includes newspaper clippings, stationery, and a photo of opening day (with professional bowlers, sent by Brunswick).
John lives in the Washington area, and is vice president of finance and accounting at the Heritage Foundation.
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High on the cell tower behind Walgreens, Johanna Keyser Rossi counted 20 turkey vultures. And a few crows.
It takes an eagle eye to sport them. But they’re all part of “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … let’s hear it for our neighbor Nile Rodgers, the 7th greatest guitarist in the world! (See story above …)
(From floods and the Fire Department to Nile Rodgers and Keith Richards, we’ve got 06880 [and 06883] covered. Please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)
It looks like a simple legal notice. But it’s a big step.
The first agenda item for the July 5 Flood & Erosion Control Board reads:
Parker Harding Plaza / WPL-11724-23; Application of Keith S. Wilberg, Town Engineer, on behalf of the Town of Westport, to revise the existing roadway and parking lot, build sidewalks, a riverfront boardwalk, and park areas, and to relocate trash and recycling dumpsters. The proposed activity is within the WPL area of the Saugatuck River.
Upon completion of the Public Hearing, and time permitting, the members of the Board will have an open discussion reviewing the boards efforts to assist The Town of Westport in controlling flood and erosion. The open discussion will include the members of the Board with the opportunity to express their thoughts and recommendations on what can and should be done to help The Town of Westport further control flooding and erosion.
Sounds like an important meeting. It will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link. The meeting ID is 813 1215 9695; the passcode is 236833. The phone-in number is 646-876-9923.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board will discuss plans for Parker Harding Plaza on July 5.
LymanAID — the huge July 9 partycelebrating Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine — just got a big boost.
It came from our friends in Marigny, France — our first sister city, and the impetus for our relationship with Lyman.
Sunday, July 9 is LymanAID (1 to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American club — just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp in Southport).
The food, drinks, music and other entertainment is free. But there will be plenty of chances — raffles, Yankee auction, plant sale, book pulls, etc. — to help the men, women and children of Lyman.
Several of those auction items come from our Marigny amis. They include:
3 copies of “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche” — a 700-page book, with a special inscription
3 sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-Le-Lozon/Lyman
1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados” — a drink enjoyed by American GIs in Marigny, during World War II.
To RSVP for free admission, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.
And to our friends in Marigny, who will be with us in spirit: Merci!
The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.
Speaking of autographs at the Library: Fairfield County basketball fans are already excited about Chris Paul’s upcoming event there.
Now there’s another reason to head to the Trefz Forum next Tuesday (June 27, 8 p.m.). After his discussion about his life and new memoir with journalist, Fox Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak (she’ll be live; he’s remote), and questions from the audience, copies of his book “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court” will be on sale.
And they’re all autographed.
The free event will be livestreamed and recorded as part of Czarniak’s podcast, “Lunch with Lindsay.”
Click here to register for a seat at the Library event. “61” can be ordered through the same link.
That means the flags of dozens of United Nations countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge.
Early today, town crews were replacing the dozens of American flags on the span.
It’s a small gesture of welcome. But it’s been part of our town’s tradition, for over 60 years.
Getting ready, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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A reader told me there’s a “For Lease” sign outside Ulta Beauty & Hair Salon.
Does this mean they’re closing? I called to find out.
The very long phone message (including “curbside pick-up hours” — does anyone really still do “contactless” shopping?) finally gave me 2 options: Press 1 to make an appointment; press 4 (!) for all other inquiries.
I pressed 4. “Nothing was selected,” the voice said, and sent me back to the long message.
I listened again to all the shopping hours, plus curbside pickup. This time I pressed 1.
“Nothing was selected,” the voice said again. Again, I was sent back to the start.
So they may be closing. Or maybe not.
I couldn’t find out. Perhaps everyone was in back, dealing with shoplifters.
Two local residents were honored last week, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s 57th annual meeting.
Bill Kutik of Westport was named Conservationist of the Year, for saving a key property in the 705-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve from development. (It is now called the Bill Kutik Honey Hill Preserve.)
Kutik has been an ALT member since 1999. The first editor of Backpacker magazine, a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and technology impresario, he has written for the Boston Globe, New York Daily News and New York Times. He is a hiker and trail steward, and has donated hundreds of hours to the Land Trust, as an editor and writer.
Michelle Fracasso is the Native Landscaper of the Year. She has planted hundreds of pollinator-friendly plants and shrubs, attracting bees, butterflies and birds (100% pesticide-free).
Fracasso is a long-time supporter of Fairfield County farms. Her own — Wells Hill — is the last working family farm with livestock in Weston. She has been active with Aspetuck Land Trust’s farmland initiatives, and a volunteer and advisor for their homeowner engagement program and native plant sales.
Charly Bliss has a new single. “You Don’t Even Know Me Anymore” is the band’s first new song since 2019.
What makes that “06880”-worthy is that Charly Bliss is an all-Staples group. Eva Hendricks (lead vocals, guitar), her brother Sam (drums), lead guitarist Spencer Fox and bassist Dan Shure all graduated from the high school.
The new single “celebrates personal growth,” says Rolling Stone.
Eva Hendricks “looks back on a bad breakup that left her wrecked and realizes she doesn’t feel the same as she once did. Instead, she has come to realize that the person she cried over doesn’t know her the way she thought they did.”
Click here for the full Rolling Stone story. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
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