is there a statewide competition to see which bureaucracy can spend the longest time on a project?
The Connecticut Department of Transportation took the lead, with its Post Road renovation.
But the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is not sitting back. (Well, actually, they are.)
The popular Sherwood Island State Park pavilion has been closed since January 16 for “assessments for repairs.”
The other day, the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston — which is one of many groups that uses the pavilion — asked for an update.
Parks supervisor Caitlin Munson told Allan Siegert: “We unfortunately do not have any estimated timeframe for the repairs to the pavilion as the project is in the planning phase with the Engineering division, however, it is my best guess that it will remain closed for the remainder of 2026 and the majority, if not all of 2027.
“At this time, I don’t have any details to give, but you’re welcome to check back periodically to see if there are any updates. However- I would say for now while you plan for your events next year, it is safe to assume that the pavilion will remain closed next year.”
Ruben — the popular, ever-helpful Westport Post Office clerk — has seen a steady stream of customers requesting passports.
They’ve filled out forms online. But because they googled “Passport application,” and clicked on a “service,” they paid an additional fee that they did not need to.
Ruben urges “06880” readers to avoid the excess fee. The least expensive way to get a passport is through the official State Department website: https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html.
You can also get passport forms at the Westport Library.
Remember: A “service” that you find online is anything but. Go to the official State Department page website!
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Frank Mastrone is always a Levitt Pavilion favorite.
His 10th annual appearance last night was extra special. The Connecticut-born Broadway star brought 2 friends: Westporters Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
Dodie met Mastrone when both were in “Phantom of the Opera.” Rex — Dodie’s husband — is the co-founder of Aztec Two-Step. The duo now perform as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
From “Send in the Clowns” and “Bring Him Home” to “Like a Rolling Stone” and “The Boxer,” it was a great evening.
And the rain held off until 10 minutes after the show ended.
Rex Fowler, Frank Mastrone and Dodie Pettit. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.
Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.
Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.
In 2023, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. Others followed. Since then, they’ve raised over $1.4 million.
The next event — “Shank It & Serve It” is September 14, at Birchwood Country Club. The day includes an 18-hole morning golf scramble, 9-hole afternoon scramble, ladies’ point-play tennis tournament and canasta tournament — all capped by a cocktail reception (and pop-up market).
Hillandale Road residents were stunned earlier this year, when the state Department of Transportation clear-cut large swaths of land on the Sherwood Island Connector, in preparation for a new maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
More work will be done, this time on West Parish Road. But now, town operations director Thomas Kiely has given neighbors some warning.
He writes: “As part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative, the DOT will be removing trees along a portion of the roadway over the coming weeks. The work will take place from the corner of Post Road East, to the area across from 7 West Parish Road.
“In place of the removed trees, the DOT will construct a 10-foot land berm. This will be landscaped with new vegetation, to enhance the visual appeal of the area and create a natural buffer for nearby properties.
“Additionally, the project will eliminate the old salt shed and adjacent facility entrance on West Parish Road, further improving privacy and separation for adjacent homes.
“We understand that changes to the neighborhood landscape may raise questions, and we want to ensure residents are aware. Please be assured that the work is being planned with consideration for safety, improved visibility, and long-term aesthetics.
“I will continue to work with the DOT and advocate on behalf of the Westport community. Please know that the plantings will be towards the end of the project after final grading is complete, to avoid damage.” (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
The DOT maintenance facility, as seen from West Parish Road.
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Westport Library’s Verso Studios have hosted Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winners.
Now they’ve got an honor of their own.
Actually, 4. “Crew Call” — the Verson program that gives community members the chance to be trained in live, hands-on video production — recently earned 3 silver and 1 bronze Telly Awards.
Created in 1979 to honor local, regional and cable television commercials, with non-broadcast video and television programming soon, Tellys have evolved with the rise of digital video to include branded content, documentary, social media, immersive and more.
The contest draws more than 13,000 entries annually, from 6 continents and all 50 states.
Crew Call began as a 6-week training course, led by Emmy-winning Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey. Community members are trained to record and edit programming and events produced on the Library stage, and occasionally on location.
Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey (far right), assistant producer Fred Lavins (center, 3rd from left), and Crew Call members, before a recent program.
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Speaking of entertainment: Perhaps the Westport Country Playhouse tempted fate last night by screening the film “Singin’ in the Rain,”
Rain pelted down, and there was a power blip at the 7 p.m. showtime. But the tech crew got it up and running, just a few minutes late.
The Playhouse’s celebration of timeless films continues with “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (August 6, 6 p.m.), “The Sting” (August 18, 7 p.m.), and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”(October 10, 7 p.m.).
A combination of heat, poor air quality and the potential for flash floods this week prompted Governor Lamont to activate Connecticut’s “extreme hot weather protocol.”
It begins at noon today, and runs through at least 8 p.m. Friday.
Westport has activated its cooling centers and will monitor conditions closely, says Fire Chief and emergency management director Nick Marsan.
Need help or transportation? Call 211, or visit www.211ct.org.
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Hearts in Harmony is a foundation created by Mark and Kira Greenfield. The mission is to find better treatments (and a cure) for Long QT Syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that affects their daughter Shea.
But the non-profit’s impact extends far beyond researchers and patients.
Last week, Hearts in Harmony partnered with Coastal Bridge Advisors, to offer CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training to residents.
Over 6o people — many of them parents with young children — learned from EMS professionals, at Coastal Bridge’s Wilton Road headquarters. The event included special infant and toddler training.
Make-Modern’s grand opening is tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m.).
The open house at their 180 Post Road East location includes free crafting stations for adults and kids, plus giveaways.
Make-Modern is a crafting and sewing studio “for people with a passion for design, and a deep respect for the art of making … rhe opposite of (a) glitter-and-glue setup. Every class, workshop, party and camp is built around thoughtful curriculums, age-appropriate skill building, and elevated materials sourced from around the world.”
An alert — and grossed-out — “06880” reader writes:
“I was returning an item at Lululemon today, and experienced a poorly mannered dog owner.
“Three cashiers were handling customers. I was in the middle. The lady to my left had a cocker spaniel on a leash. I just had a pedicure, and tried to avoid him stepping on my toes. The owner saw that, and pulled him to her front.
“It was busy and noisy. When the dog owner left I smelled something foul, and looked down to see several pools of vomit.
“Another woman almost stepped into it before I called for her to stop. I told the manager. It took 3 young women to clean the floor. They put up a cone so no one would fall.
“There was no way the owner didn’t realize her dog threw up. I say that as a dog owner myself. While accidents can occur, to not report it was negligent.”
For sure. And that brings up a fairly new trend: Dog owners who bring their pets everywhere.
I’ve seen them in stores, supermarkets and restaurants. What’s up with that?
I understand owners’ desires to bring their dogs with them. But do they really belong everywhere?
Am I being overly sensitive? I want to hear all sides of this. Click “Comments” below.
Sure, you take your pooch paddleboarding. But into a store? (Photo/Matt Murray)
Every Thursday, Jazz at the Post welcomes noted musicians from around the globe.
But there are plenty of homegrown talents too.
At the top of any list is Chris Coogan. The Weston native is a mucha-admired composer, performer, teacher, choir director and producer, rooted in both jazz and gospel.
He headlines this week’s shows (July 17, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; VFW Post 399; music charge $20; $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by John Mobilio, his bassist for decades. Also sitting in: drummer Scott Latzky, who has worked with Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton and Bob Dorough. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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