It was called a soft opening.
But plenty of Westporters knew. hi’Amba — Bill Taibe’s new eastern Mediterranean restaurant and market, in the space recently vacated by Basso — was packed all day yesterday.
Customers loved the ground floor bakery; the dips, salads, shawarma, skewers and more, and the indoor and outdoor dining.
hi’Amba is not yet open for dinner. In fact, after this weekend it will close for a couple of days, to prepare for the actual non-soft opening.
But judging by yesterday, one of Westport’s most creative and favorite restaurateurs has another smash.
Bill Taibe at hi’Amba (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Thursday’s Roundup included information that 3 Westport school bus drivers had been given citations for driving while using handheld phones.
That information was provided in error. Westport Police Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso explains:
“On October 1, the state of Connecticut made changes to the cellphone statutes for Utilizing a Handheld Mobile Device in a Motor Vehicle. The statute number was changed. This caused the physical order of the statutes in the mobile systems utilized by our officer to be shuffled.
“The new statute now appears in a list below the statutes that were not changed. This change came without advertisement and led to some initial confusion when officers could not find the appropriate (original) charge within our system. In all three cases, the arresting officer selected the wrong statute number when issuing/processing the citation.
“The Westport Police Department did not issue any citations to school bus operators. All 3 were standard cell phone violations without special circumstances. I have also since been in touch with our Board of Education to clarify this matter.”
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The League of Women voters has canceled its Tuesday’s debate at Earthplace. It
Republican candidate Alma Sarelli’s campaign told organizers that she would not participate in the event, for voters in the 26th State Senate District. Democrat Sam Nestor had already agreed to appear.
LWV rules mandate that at least 2 candidates must be involved for a League-sponsored debate.
Nestor told local media that Sarelli also failed to respond to invitations from the Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield Leagues of Women Voters, causing those groups to cancel debates as well.
The 26th Senate district covers 8 towns, including Westport and Weston.
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As Staples High School seniors work on their college applications, their parents are working to figure out how to pay for the next 4 years.
Even in Westport, financial factors play a role in selecting schools. 26% of Staples students qualify for financial aid.
Since 1941, Staples Tuition Grants has helped close the funding gap. Last spring:
- 81 students qualified for a need-based STG grant
- Recipients received an average grant of $5,186, with a maximum grant of $7,500
- Over 90 individuals, families and organizations privately funded named awards
- More than 500 community members donated to STG
- Yet with tuition rising, STG met only 13% of the financial gap
Staples Tuition Grants is asking Westporters and alumni to continue helping. For example:
- Donate to one of over named award (the SLOBs Award, the STG Fun Run, Perrin Delorey the Max Harper Award, and many more)
- Establish a new named award with a pledge of $2,000 a year, for at least four years ($8,000). Email donation@
staplestuitiongrants.org - Gifts of $25,000 or more create an endow and permanent named awards, changing lives for generations.
Click here for more information, and to donate. Questions? Email donation@
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Speaking of education: Westport resident Brian Rutter works with Higher Heights.
The New Haven-based non-profit empowers, equips and encourages college-bound students as they pursue post-secondary education.
From November 2 to 6, they need volunteers to help high school seniors in Bridgeport and New Haven with their college applications. That week, the state of Connecticut will waive application fees for seniors applying to a state college or university.
Students can also complete the Common Application to apply to HBCUs.
Rutter says, “this is a great volunteer project for Westporters. Many people possess the experience and skills to help these students.”
Specifically, Rutter seeks volunteers for Bridgeport’s Bassick, Central and Harding Highs, on November 5 and 6.
“It would be just a couple of hours of commitment for a life-changing moment for these students who need guidance and help,” he says.
Click here for more information, and to sign up. Questions? Email Rutter: bprcomm0612@gmail.com.
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Aspetuck Land Trust is hosting Joan Maloof — author of “Forty Ways to Know a Tree: Exploring Trees to Understand Nature” — for this year’s Haskins Lecture.
Despite the subject and the name — the Haskins family donated a 22-acre preserve on Green Acre Lane to the ALT — the event will be held indoors.
It’s set for the Westport Library (October 22, 7 p.m.).
Maloff will discuss the incredible life of trees, and how people today perceive ancient, undisturbed ecosystems.
There is no charge. Click here to register, and for more information.
Haskins Preserve (Photo/Tomoko Meth)
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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — is today (Saturday).
And everyone is invited.
From 5 to 7 p.m, “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.
You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.
Ginger Richardson
If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)
Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.
Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.
Kiin Sauna
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Kevin Flynn knows the Westport Country Playhouse well. Each summer, he hosts an education program that teaches youngsters life skills, through stand-up comedy.
On October 26 (7 p.m.), Flynn — a stand-up comedian, professional soccer player, actor, television host, and founder/executive director of the Nantucket Comedy Festival — returns to the Playhouse, with “Fear of Heights.”
The show — part of the Barnstormer series — examines the American experience through the lens of his Irish-American family, including his father and grandfather (both steelworkers ).
In this very funny biographical work, he’ll explore what it means to be a man, and how one generation measures success relative to their forebears. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kevin Flynn
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“Belles of Steel” — a new book by Jeanette Vaughan — features strong, resilient women who have changed their corner of the world.
They include military members, nurses, and more.
One is Mary-Lou Weisman.
The longtime Westporter is one of 30 women portrayed in the book. Her son Peter was diagnosed at age 2 1/2 with a fatal disease, Duchene muscular dystrophy. He died at 15, in 1980.
Her book “Intensive Care” celebrates Peter’s life, and describes the impact of his fate on his family and friends. Click here to learn more about “Belles of Steel.”
Mary-Lou Weisman
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Purple Martins are the largest swallows in North America. They are also nearly totally dependent on humans for housing.
Sherwood Island is doing its part. These birdhouses have stood for a long time at our state park. Today, they’re featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
(Photo/Eric Bosch)
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And finally … on this date in 1845, the Naval School opened in Annapolis, Maryland with 50 students. Today it is known as the US Naval Academy.
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