First Selectwoman Jen Tooker reacted yesterday to charges of racial incidents in Westport schools, leveled at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting.
She said: “Every time I speak publicly, even as recently as last week at the State of the Town address, I state that one of my top priorities is to ensure Westport is a place where everyone feels like they belong – where people feel safe and seen and heard. I regularly acknowledge that we have more work to do as a community.
“It is with shock and disappointment that I listen to the devastating comments made by parents at the Board of Education meeting this week. I want the residents and business owners to know there is no place for any form of hate in Westport. There is no place for racism in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms.
“We must all stand together and speak clearly and unequivocally on this issue. We should demand accountability. Westport has my unwavering commitment to continue to work with local leaders, including TEAM Westport and the school administration, to create a supportive environment where we, as Superintendent Tom Scarice said, treat each other with dignity and respect. We all want to feel like we belong. Every one of us deserves to feel valued. When one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”
Connecticut’s presidential primary begins this month.
Early voting is set for Tuesday through Thursday, March 26-28 (Town Hall Room 201) and Saturday, March 30 (Town Hall auditorium); polls are open fro 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 2 (6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Republican candidates are Donald Trump, Ryan Binkley, Nikki Haley and “Uncommitted.” Ron DeSantis is listed, but may not be on the final ballot.
Democratic candidates are Joseph Biden, Dean Phillips and “Uncommitted.” Cenk Uyuger and Marianne Williamson are listed, but may not be on the final ballot.
Workers are needed at the polls (for pay). Contact registrars Maria Signore (Republican) or Deborah Greenberg (Democrat) at 203-341-1117 for more information.
=================================================
A fed-up reader wants help or advice from “06880” readers. She writes:
“Can anyone tell me how to stop Westport News home delivery, which we never asked for and never pay for?
“When we are away, it is impossible to stop delivery. There is no phone number to call, no email to send to, and lots of newspapers cluttering up our driveway indicating we are away. Since we live on a major thoroughfare, this is particularly concerning.
“Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this problem – who to call or write to so we can stop delivery forever?
“My husband is apoplectic. I am mad. Your suggestions and any info are most welcome.”
If you get voicemail from someone claiming to be Captain David Wolf from the Westport Police Department, requesting a call back — and then hear there’s a bench warrant for your arrest, or a $5,000 fine — don’t worry.
It’s a scam.
The WPD will never request that a fine be paid over the phone — or solicit payment of any kind.
And of course, do not ever give personal banking information like an account number to someone who calls, unless you are absolutely sure who you are speaking with.
Weston author Lisa Grunwald’s 7th novel, “The Evolution of Annabel Craig,” will be published this spring.
It is set in 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee during the infamous Scopes “monkey trial.” In the midst of a town and marriage divided by issues of faith and science, Annabel Craig must learn to question her own beliefs.
Mingling fictional characters with famous figures and events, the novel is both a portrait of a marriage and a harbinger of many of today’s deepest controversies.
Much of it was written in her Weston house (and discussed with her husband, a journalism professor and former head of Reuters) during walks on Compo Beach.
Click here for more information, and to pre-order.
==============================================
the East Coast Contemporary Ballet celebrates its 5th anniversary with a gala at MoCA Westport (March 2, 7 p.m.).
The evening includes a dance performance, open bar, auction and live music.
Many of the dancers teach in the area. Every summer, they offer a dozen free outdoor performances at the Fairfield County Dance Festival.
For more information on East Coast Contemporary Ballet, click here. For tickets to the gala, click here.
================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image highlights Winslow Park, in serene winter stillness:
Posted onJuly 25, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: “Clubhouse” Approval, RTM Petitions, Gloria’s Woods …
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously last night to approve the indoor golf and entertainment center — “The Clubhouse” — proposed for 1608-1620 Post Road East (the current site of Redi-Cut Carpet and Pane e Bene restaurant).
The P&Z also okayed 10 townhouses, at the rear of the property. Two will be affordable, as determined by state guidelines.
That’s a much less intensive use than a previous developer’s plan, for an 8-30g housing development there:
An earlier 8-30g concept for 1608-1620 Post Road East.
Last night’s decision is the first step in the process for Westport residents Tim and Emily Zobl. Next on the agenda: a final site plan.
Speaking of local politics: Want to run for the Representative Town Meeting?
Petitions for our legislative branch — the RTM — are available, starting today in the Town Clerk’s office at Town Hall.
Interested candidates must gather 25 signatures from residents in their district to be on the ballot November 7. The deadline is September 12.
The 36-person RTM is non-partisan; all terms are 2 years. There are 9 voting districts, with 4 members each. Click here for a district map.
RTM members vote on town appropriation requests of more than $20,000; approve town ordinances, and the town budget; serve on 2 or more committees, and review certain decisions of town boards and commissions.
For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
“Gloria” — Alan Sterling’s beloved oyster boat, which graced Gray’s Creek for many years but deteriorated slowly after his death 9 years ago — may have found its final resting place.
(Photo/Bruce McFadden)
Perhaps it was moved into the nearby woods. Perhaps it was deposited there by a very high tide.
Whatever happened, “Gloria” is now out of the water.
To read a number of “06880” back stories on this legendary Westport craft — and its oysterman captain — click here.
The blue-wrapped house at 233 Hillspoint Road has generated a lot of controversy — and not gotten much love — over the past few years.
Another blue-wrapped construction project has not generated many comments at all.
But, many Westporters wonder: What’s going on at the corner of Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
177 Main Street — the restored 1775 house that was most recently home to Local to Market, and before that Talbots and (of course) the Remarkable Book Shop — was purchased by Eleish Van Breems Home Westport.
Headquartered on Franklin Street, and with stores on Railroad Place and Nantucket, Eleish Van Breems offers “a clean, elegant and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence.”
There’s no target date for opening.
But it’s safe to say it will be a lot sooner than that very-unloved home on Hillspoint.
================================================
Want a sneak peek at Tacombi, the new Mexican restaurant replacing A&J’s Market on the Post Road between Lansdowne and Stop & Shop?
And want to support a great cause at the same time?
Realtor Judy Michaelis and Hightower Financial Group host a pre-opening party on August 4 (5:30 p.m.). There’s plenty of food and drink — and 100% of ticket sales directly support Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The recent appointment of Dr. Penny Proskinitopoulos as principal of Coleytown Middle School created a vacancy at Staples High School. She spent the past 2 years there, as assistant principal.
That post has been filled by a familiar face. Micah Lawrence returns to the place where he began his academic career — which is also his alma mater.
Lawrence worked for many years at Staples as a school counselor, administrator and coach.
Micah Lawrence
============================================
Lyman, Ukraine continues to need help.
And Felicia Catale keeps helping.
The owner of Salon Nash on Post Road West is giving free haircuts to anyone who donates to our sister city.
Her cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for standard rates. But anyone who contributes any amount gets one, gratis.
Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).
Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!
Everyone has a different way to enjoy Compo Beach.
Some people ride bikes, jog, walk, or walk their dogs. Some play basketball or softball. Others rollerblade, skateboard, kayak or kitesurf. A few even swim.
The Vermont-based band with a huge cult following attracted tons of out-of-towners to the Levitt Pavilion. The crowd danced for nearly the entire 5-hour set.
Just to remind everyone where they were, this was part of the scene:
Longtime Westporter Sanford (Sandy) Libow — one of our last World War II veterans — died last month in Stamford. Addie, his wife of 67 years, was at his side. He was 96 years old.
After graduating from Brooklyn’s James Madison High School and
serving in the Army, he earned his master’s from New York University. He was
editor-in-chief of the yearbook and the University Guidebook. Sandy then joined Fairfield Publications as a reporter.
In 1952 he founded Ideal Electrical Supply Corp. in Mt. Kisco, New York. He was president and CEO until he sold the business in 1999.
Sandy’s many community activities included president of Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor, New York and Birchwood Country Club. He also served on the boards of The Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, and Temple Israel.
In 1973 he was honored by the Westchester County Bond Drive, in
celebration of Israel’s 25th anniversary. He was particularly proud of his volunteer service at Boca Regional Hospital’s Infusion Lab in Florida.
Sandy took pride that from humble beginnings he became a person with broad
interests including sports, politics, art, music, theatre, movies and bridge, with a particular love for jazz.
He was an avid tennis player and golfer, and was extremely knowledgeable in all sports, particularly his beloved New York Mets.
In addition to Addie he is survived by his daughter Lindsey Weinstein and son Marc; grandchildren Scott (Caitlin), Jess, Nick, Claudia, Jordyn and Zachary, and great-granddaughter Alina, who was born just 2 days before he died, as well as his daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Elise, son-in-law Bruce and his brother Dr. Leslie Libow (Linda).His eldest child, Daryl Libow, died in 2018
Sandy Libow
==============================================
Wasps make huge nests.
When they hang on tree branches, we watch them with a combination of awe and fear.
But this one is much closer to home — literally.
It’s the first wasp nest featured on “Westport … Naturally.” Let’s hope — at least at this site — it’s the last.
And finally … in honor of the scene at the Westport railroad station (story above): There are a zillion train songs I could have picked.
This one — by our next door neighbor — seems most appropriate:
(Today — and every day — the Roundup is filled with news you can use. Or not — that’s up to you. But if you appreciate all the work that goes into compiling it, please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: “Clubhouse” Approval, RTM Petitions, Gloria’s Woods …
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
