How busy has the Department of Public Works been this summer?
One very visible project: the new sidewalk and re-paved 0.6 miles of Hillspoint Road, from Greens Farms Road South to Old Mill. It’s getting raves for both its quality of construction, and the safety it provides.
The summer paving program resulted in upgrades and safety enhancements on 4 miles of roadways and Town properties, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports.
This includes Imperial Avenue and the Staples High School and Bedford Middle School parking lots and sidewalks.
Construction and improvements continue on and around Cross Highway. It includes:
Began reconstruction of the sidewalk from Compo Road North to Roseville (0.48 miles).
Made sightline and safety improvements at the North Avenue intersection.
Installed illuminated stop signage at the Bayberry Lane intersection.
The DPW managed and oversaw:
Completing sewer extensions projects at the Evergreen Avenue/ Tamarac Road and Whitney Street neighborhoods.
Sweeping 125 miles of roadway, 25 miles of sidewalk, and all municipal parking lots.
Installing and upgrading equipment for various pump stations, including installation of new generators, lining 3,500 linear feet of sewer pipe, and installing new elevators.
Installing a new cardboard compactor, and rehabilitating and reconstructing main waste compactor #1 at the town transfer station.
Tooker says: “Many thanks are due to our hard-working highway crews and public works employees who kept these projects on track, and on budget. And thank you to everyone who remained patient while the construction work was occurring. The upgrades to Westport’s infrastructure are worth it.”
Part of the sidewalk project, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
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Yesterday morning, the last of 5 kittens — trapped in a storm drain with their mother, underneath a grate on Post Road East — was rescued.
They’ll be named soon (based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, courtesy of the foster family’s 5-year-old daughter).
They will soon be vetted, and available for adoption through Wilton-based Animals in Distress.
Additional information and photos will be posted on WASA’s Facebook,
WASA thanks Katherine Reid of Animals in Distress, the Westport Fire Department (particularly Engine Company No. 5 and Jennifer Petrosinelli), Bryan Thomas and Ralph Ramos of Westport’s Public Works Department, Schulhof Animal Hospital, the kind staff of Mattress Firm (adjacent to the storm drain; they allowed WASA to use their business to transfer the kittens and wash volunteers’ sardine-scented hands as a result of trap baiting), and special WASA helpers Sandy Young and Jess Zullo, who spent countless hours setting and monitoring the trapping operation, despite family and work demands.
Rescued!
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys golf team.
On Thursday at Longshore, they beat the team record — by 3 strokes.
And Philip Sullivan set a new school individual 9-hole match record. The junior shot a scintillating 30.
The top 4 scorers count for the team score. Besides Sullivan’s, they were George Targowski (34), Gus Palmer (36) and Tommy Riley (36). Chris Taylor came in 5th, with a 38 — but that still would have been good enough to secure Staples’ record.
The future for coach Pete Caligiure’s Wreckers is bright. All 5 golfers are juniors.
The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter’s 10th annual Optimism Walk is in Westport next month.
And a Westport volunteer will be honored there.
The event is set for Sherwood Island State Park on September 21 (10 a.m.). When it’s done, Holly Betts — assistant director of the Westport Senior Center — will receive the Tiedemann Award, for her support of the APDA.
Gladys Tiedemann volunteered for APDA CT for more than 30 years.
Holly schedules weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes, support groups for those diagnosed with the disease and their care partners, as well as wellness programs for the Senior Center and greater community.
For the past several years, Holly has led a fundraising team of Senior Center members called “Stand by Me,” at the annual Westport Optimism Walk. Click here to support her team.
The APDA Westport Optimism Walk is a family-friendly event. It includes a short walk of up to 1.5 miles, as well as educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music, kid’s crafts, fall risk assessments, Tai Chi, and camaraderie.
Holly Betts
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Big Y moved one step closer to opening this week.
Their shopping carts have arrived, at the Post Road East store.
(Photo/Dave Shea)
Enjoy the photo.
No matter how different the new supermarket may be from Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Stew Leonard’s and any other store, the end result will be the same.
These carts will soon end up all over the lot.
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Here is our first X-rated “Westport … Naturally” photo ever:
(Photo/Jay Walshon)
In case you don’t know: It’s 2 moths mating.
Normally, we wouldn’t invade their privacy.
But they did it in public.
Or at least, on Jay Walshon’s back door screen.
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And finally … congratulations again to the record-setting Staples golf team! (Story above)
(Happy Labor Day weekend! While you’re relaxing, “06880” keeps working to serve you. We love what we do — but we rely on your support. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)
Nomadica is a flower farm and garden design business in Weston, owned and run by advanced master gardener Christina Koether.
This year she’s growing over 20,000 tulips, including varieties from the 1630s that were popular during the Tulipmania craze.
There are tulips that look like peonies, double fringed varieties, and flamed striped ones. All will bloom soon.
Nomadica offers tulip subscriptions (some have already sold out). One option offers 2 weeks of large bouquets of the best and most beautiful blooms grown this year.
Pick up is at the flower stand in Weston (where you can also shop Thursday to Saturday, weather permitting). Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Christina Koether’s tulips
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For the second night in a row, VersoFest drew a full house to the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
Yesterday’s show by the Lemon Twigs — the indie/power pop/glam rock band — followed the previous night’s appearance by legendary rapper Chuck D.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The magic — and fun — continues tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.) with the Spin Doctors, and Nick Depuy.
Tomorrow and Sunday are filled with music- and media-related performances, panels, workshops, exhibits and more. All are free. Click here for the full schedule.
Speaking of music at the Library: “Supper & Soul” returns April 20.
The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arrezo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley).
Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.
West End Blend
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A message from the Westport Public Schools, regarding Monday’s eclipse:
Westport will experience 90% of the sun being blocked by the moon at peak eclipse. The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (sun at its most hidden) at 3:26. The eclipse will end around 4:35.
The district has purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, so they can view the eclipse safely. Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students for this event, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.
Based on recent guidance from the state Department of Education and testing the eclipse glasses with young students, the district has modified the eclipse viewing plan for elementary schools.
Grades 3-5 teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15-3:30 for observations. Pre-k through grade 2 students will be provided solar eclipse glasses to take home, but for safety reasons will not be taken outside at school to view the eclipse.
They will have the chance to view the eclipse via live stream TV.
If parents are concerned about the outside viewing of the eclipse, they may pick up their children prior to the start of the eclipse at 2:15. Due to the anticipated increase in the number of dismissals, families should try to pick up students before 1:45. I
The eclipse will occur when students are dismissed, between 3:10 and 3:45. Parents should remind children not to look at the sun on their way home.
Parents who wish to experience the event with their child off-site will be allowed to check-out their children as an excused absence for an “educational experience.” Normal check-out procedures will be in effect.
Fetch Rescue and Jenni Kayne are teaming up, for a “puppy adoption pop-up.”
This Sunday (April 7, 2 to 4 p.m., Sconset Square), all are invited to spend quality time with some pups — and consider making one part of your family.
For more information, email jessie@fetch-rescue.com.
Before the recent deluge recedes too far in the rear view mirror, here are a couple of reminders from yesterday morning. Check out Hillspoint Road …
(Photo/Matt Murray)
… and Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Ron Auber)
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There’s a double dose of featured artists this month at the Westport Book Shop.
Jack Geer and Ranvir Sharma are each exhibiting their drawings and illustrations.
Geer earned a graphic design degree from Norwalk Community College. He works as an artist with Team Woofgang, a non-profit that provides training for young adults with disabilities.
Sharma was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2 Though non-verbal, his mother encouraged his interest in letters and numbers. During a 2018 family trip to India, he met a calligrapher who developed classes for him. His elementary school teachers encouraged him to enter a SoNo Library competition with the theme of inclusion. He won it, and last fall took 1st place in a Cricket magazinei art contest. Now a 6th grader, he takes art classes at Silvermine, and hopes to become a Hollywood animator.
Both say that art has been a transformative part of their lives, serving as a form of personal expression and communication, while fostering social connections.
A reception is set for April 10 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The exhibit runs through April 30, and all work is available for purchase.
Jack Geer (left) and Ronnie Sharma, at the Westport Book Shop.
Jazz at the Post is a very popular Thursday tradition. This Sunday (April 7, 4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its own jazz show.
Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service. The service will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.
This service features trumpeter Sarah Uyar, guitarist John Hoddinott, guitar, bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Elijah Atkins.
United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road. (Photo/Dan Woog)
One more show has been added to the Westport Country Playhouse schedule.
Mike Birbiglia’s “Please Stop the Ride” comes to the historic stage on June 7 (7 p.m.).
The comedian/writer/director/actor has performed his award-winning solo shows from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway.
“Sleepwalk With Me,” “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” “Thank God For Jokes,” “The New One” and “The Old Man & The Pool” became hit Netflix specials, merging storytelling and comedy.
Birbiglia has appeared in “Orange Is the New Black” and “Billions.”
Tickets go on sale today at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more details.
Lorenz Esposito earned fame as a College of Charleston soccer star, then played professionally in Sweden for 5 years.
Now he’s got a new “team.” As the founder of SearchX, he leads a business that creates customized SEO solutions for clients.
The 2013 Staples High School graduate first learned about SEO — search engine optimization, which improves a company’s visibility online — while playing in Sweden. He also worked at a digital marketing agency there.
Last November, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, opening his own firm in South Carolina.
SearchX specializes in personalization. “We prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on ethical practices and long-term sustainability,” Esposito says.
They already have over 100 clients, locally and nationally.
Lorenz Esposito
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Johanna Keyser Rossi says, “Red-winged blackbirds are back. They gather in marshes. When they call out to each other, they puff out their wings.”
Here’s one she spotted, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
Don Bergmann lives off Compo Hill. He’s been active in neighborhood initiatives, from saving Elvira’s (and then converting it to Old Mill Grocery & Deli) to the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve and tidal gates.
Don often walks his dog on Hillspoint Road. Like many Westporters — beach residents, and those who live elsewhere in town — he was disappointed when Hillspoint homeowners (whose deeds include Old Mill Beach property across the street) planted large hedges, growing 8 feet or higher.
Privacy — but no views — on Hillspoint Road …
They provided privacy for the owners, during infrequent times they use their waterfront land. They also prevent the steady stream of walkers and joggers from enjoying the view of Old Mill and Compo Cove, for a significant stretch of Hillspoint sidewalk.
So Don was pleased to see that Stephanie Foster — who lives on Bluewater Hill, but owns shoreline property across Hillspoint — told her landscaper not to let the new privet grow higher than 4 feet.
… and a lower hedge. Users of the private property still enjoy plenty of privacy.(Photos/Dan Woog)
Don calls Stephanie’s decision “a nice gesture to the many who stroll along Hillspoint Road.”
“06880” calls it worthy of this week’s Unsung Hero award!
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“06880” covers Westport, from the beaches to the woods. Also, downtown, and everywhere else. To support your hyper-local blog, please click here.)
“06880” has performed many civic functions over the years.
We’ve told you where to get COVID vaccines (remember those?).
We’ve given you details on dumping your yard waste after a storm. We’ve provided primers on septic systems.
Today, we’re a Driver Ed teacher.
Alert “06880 reader — and terrified-to-be-on-the-road-these-days Westporter — Lynn Flint sends along these reminders of who has the right-of-way at 4-way stop signs.
Three examples: Hillspoint and Greens Farms Roads; Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane; Cross Highway and North Avenue (tricky, because one of the stops is not visible to all other drivers).
The North Avenue/Cross Highway intersection may be the most dangerous one in Westport without a light. Who goes first?
Here are the rules:
1. The first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. Pretty easy: You get there (clearly) first, you go first.
2. Always yield to the right. When 2 vehicles arrive side by side, the one furthest to the right has the right of way. (That’s “right” — an easy way to remember it.) If there are 3 vehicles, the one furthest left goes last (“left = last”).
3. Straight traffic has the right of way over turning traffic. This applies when 2 cars face each other. If they’re both heading straight, or turning in the same direction (say, both left or both right), both can go at the same time. If one is turning, but the other is not, the turning driver yields to the straight-ahead driver. NOTE: This assumes that a driver who is turning uses the turn signal. That’s the little arm on the steering column. It is not difficult to push up or down, and it is not there for decoration.
4. Right turns take the right of way over left turns. This is Advanced Placement Driver Ed. Imagine 2 cars facing each other. One is turning right; the other is turning left. If they both go at the same time, they’ll crash. So the car turning right — the one closest to the turn — goes first.
There is no written test for this — just a practical exam.
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