Two Representative Town Meeting (RTM) committees — Finance, and Parks & Recreation — meet on January 5 (5 p.m., Zoom).
There is one agenda item: consideration of the Board of Finance’s recommendation to approve $275,000 to fund a settlement between the town and Hook’d on the Sound.
If approved by the committees, and then the full RTM, the lease with the food concessionaire at Compo Beach, and the Longshore pavilion and halfway house, would be terminated before the end of the contract.
The door may close on Hook’d. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Before Paul Newman began filming “Slap Shot,” he learned to skate at Crystal Ice Rink — the bedraggled but beloved Norwalk rink.
We’re not sure whether Richard Gere is prepping for a skating-related movie. (“Oh, Canada,” released last year, has nothing to do with our neighbor to the north’s national sport.)
But there he was at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore, learning from the master: Mar Jennings.
Many people probably just skated by those 2 guys, all bundled up and having a ton of fun. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Mar Jennings and Richard Gere
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Club203’s holiday celebration was filled with joy, laughter and spirit.
Members and friends of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities filled the Westport Woman’s Club.
They enjoyed snacks from TCC Catering, music by Kasey Clark, gifts (Club203 backpacks, courtesy of the Woman’s Club), and cookie decorating stations with Avery Horne and MoCA\CT.
Logo backpacks, courtesy of the Westport Woman’s Club.
Kevin Christie and his wife Gina were there too. The first selectman offered a proclamation recognizing the evening, and the spirit of Club203.
Organizers say, “Thank you Westport. What a gift you have given supporting inclusion, and meaningful social opportunities where adults with disabilities can connect, be themselves, and celebrate life together.”
Enjoying the festivities, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photos/Stacie Curran)
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Staples High School senior Neha Singh has a strong interest in financial literacy education. It is, she says, “not just a practical tool, but an essential vehicle for sustaining communities.”
She recently spearheaded an effort to bring an original multi-session financial literacy module — which she named “Count On It” — to Coleytown Middle School 6th graders.
As co-president of Mu Alpha Theta — Staples’ Math Honors Society — she organized 16 student volunteers. They led the first session for over 140 CMS students.
The 6th graders explored how to make smart spending and saving choices with money. They learned the difference between needs, wants, and waits (items they can save for over time), and discussed the 20 percent savings rule.
Two more sessions will follow.
This is not Neha’s only effort with middle schoolers. For 3 years she’s volunteered at ASPIRE, a Norwalk non-profit serving under-resourced populations.
She developed a bilingual financial literacy curriculum for them. It helps 75 ASPIRE youngsters build strong financial habits. Lessons focus on smart budgeting, real life careers and costs, and staying safe with digital money.
Neha Singh
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An alert but please-keep-me-anonymous reader writes: “The town has changed the categorization of Greens Farms railroad station parking in a row of Lot 1 (effectively the second row adjacent to the tracks).
“I always thought the entire row was for permit holders. But I got a ticket earlier this week for unknowingly parking in a newly deemed day spot.
“The sign they posted is directly behind a space. It could easily be blocked by a large SUV — especially the lower half that specifies this change.”
Greens Farms railroad station sign. Left unresolved: is the spot directly in front of the sign permit parking, or daily?
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a bobcat skulking around Ben James’ driveway.
Hey — he does live on “Cat”amount Road.
(Photo/Ben James)
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And finally … Edith Piaf was born on this date, in 1915. The French singer died in 1963, age 47, from liver cancer.
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Andrew Colabella (front row, center) and friends picked up trash last weekend at the Greens Farms train station.
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Just after 6 p.m. yesterday, the Westport Fire Department, Police Department and EMS responded to a multi-vehicle crash in front of 40 Bridge Street.
One driver was trapped, and required extrication with hydraulic tools. The patient was transported to the hospital.
No other injuries were reported. Be careful out there!
Bridge Street accident. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Earlier in the day, the Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on Berndale Drive.
It began when an electric stove knob was bumped accidentally. That activated a burner, which set fire to items on the stove.
“Do not store items on your stovetop,” the department emphasizes.
Berndale Drive kitchen fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
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Pianist Chris Coogan is a local legend.
He grew up here. He has made Fairfield County his home — and home base for his multi-faceted music career.
Coogan is a world-class jazz pianist; a sensitive and popular accompanist for singers; a powerhouse Gospel pianist, choir director and bandleader; a highly effective and inspiring educator, and an all-around good guy.
Saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met Coogan shortly after moving to Westport almost 10 years ago. They share a deep spiritual attachment to American music that digs deep into its roots.
Coogan and the Jazz Rabbi join bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Jim Royle for this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (January 12, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; $15 cover; dinner at 7 p.m.).
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzattthePost@gmail.com.
Greg Wall and Chris Coogan.
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