Tag Archives: Just Salad

Roundup: November Elections, Longshore Shed, Just Salad …

In November Westporters will elect 3 selectpersons, plus members of the Board of Education, Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Appeals.

The Westport Democratic Town Committee invites registered Democrats interested in running to attend a Zoom forum on February 6 (7 p.m.). It’s a chance for potential candidates to hear what it’s like to serve on a local board, and learn the fundamentals of campaigning. The Zoom link can be found .

For questions or to RSVP, email info@westportdemocrats.org.

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Speaking of local politics: There are 2 agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 3 meeting (6 p.m., remote).

One is a request for a sewer line extension to Ellery Lane.

The other — more controversial, no doubt — is a request from Public Works and the first selectwoman for a new Parks & Recreation Department building at Longshore.

Full details will be available closer to the meeting.

The current maintenance shed at Longshore.

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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted the release of the draft of a Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants as part of our town’s Safe Streets for All program.

Residents can weigh in on the plan by submitting a comment to SS4A@westportct.gov online, and/or attending public meeting scheduled for next Wednesday (January 29, 7 p.m., Town Hall audigorium).

To read the Draft Westport Safety Action Plan, click here. For the Safe Streets for All website, click here.

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Just Salad has just opened.

The 3rd Connecticut outpost of the Northeast-plus-Florida and Illinois chain replaces Salsa Fresca and Qdoba, near the entrnace to Playhouse Square.

Perhaps the quick-casual-but-not-Mexican menu will work.Cick here to learn more about Just Salad.

Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad.

A guy with just a salad, from Just Salad.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 15 and 22.

A 26-year-od Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft, illegal possessio nof personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, followin an investigation into an armed carjacking in Bridgeport in September. In October, a stolen vehicle was recovered after crashing into a Wilton police officer. While processing the recovered stolen vehicle, several checks belonging to residents of Westport and other towns were seized. The man is being held on $75,000 bond.

A 51-year-old Weston woman was charged with interering with an officer/ resisting, and making a false statement, after an incident in august. A complaint was made that the woman — a former girlfirend — broke into the victim’s residence and created a disturbance. The woman made accusations against the complainant that could not be corroborated, and filed for a restraining order using facts that were proved to be false. She was released after posting $30,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

A 36-year-old woman was charged with breach of peace and assault on an elderly victim, following a disturbance at Sakura. The woman asked a group of allegedly intoxicated diners to stop cursing and being disruptive. When the group left the restaurant, the woman followed them outside. They argued, and the woman grabbed the 62-year-old complainant’s hair, causing her to fall. The woman posted bond of $5,000, and will appear in Stamford Superior court.

A 20-year-old Wilton man was charged with breach of peace, criminal mischief and 2 counts of reckless endangerment, after someone sitting in their car in the McDonald’s parking lot complained they were shot by a paintball. A complaint was made almost immediately, by someone further east on the Post Road that he was shot several times while entering his car. Similar incidents were reported in Fairfield and Darien. Through surveillance footage, the mn and a juvenile were identified as suspects. He posted $70,000 bond, and will appear in Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding over 70 mph: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

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Chris Grimm says that for about 2 weeks, this motor home has been parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot:

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

Has someone (or several people) taken up residence there?

Hey — at least they’re parked as far from the store as they can. They take up as few spaces as possible.

And they’re not in the fire lane.

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Betty Ann Jones — a 62-year resident of Westport — died at home, surrounded by her family, on Januaary 18. She was 97.

Betty Ann was a world traveler, avid reader and accomplished golfer. At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Chhurch, she was a member of the altar guild and served on the vestry.

She was predeceased by her husband Howard, and sons David and Evan. She is survived by her children Howard (Barbara Smythe Jones) and daughter Barbara Jones; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, for the exceptional care they provided the last 6 months.

A memorial service is set for February 15 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 10 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Ann’s memory may be made to The Groden Center, in support of individuals with autism, or Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Click here to leave online condolences.

Betty Ann Jones

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There’s always room for a deer photo in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this one, on the way to Burying Hill Beach.

Perhaps there was a snowball fight …

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the opening of Just Salad (story above):

(From politics to restaurants, Longshore to Stop & Shop — and for every other bit of news — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Fireworks, Sweetgreen, Brooks Corner …

At 6 a.m., the first spots were already reserved for tonight’s fireworks.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

This was the scene at 6:30:

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

At 6:40, there was this:

(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)

Ghost encampments will continue to sprout all morning long.

Some will be normal, considerate-of-neighbor-sized. Others will be the Compo Beach equivalent of McMansions.

The upside: The trend of setting up for a party ahead of time has lessened the traffic trying to enter the beach the moment it opens to ticket-holders, at around 4:30 or 5.

NOTE: As of 7:30 a.m., only 15 tickets for tonight’s show remained. They’re being sold today at police headquarters on Jesup Road only.

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Nearly 2 years ago, “06880” broke the news that Sweetgreen was coming to Westport.

Organic Krush — the property they were replacing — vociferously said “not true!

It was. But it took 2 years for it to happen.

The sign is now up. The targeted opening date is the end of this month.

(Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)

As “06880” reported in early June — and WestportMoms alluded to yesterday, in the Sweetgreen announcement — Just Salad is likely to replace Salsa Fresca “before the end of the year.”

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Brooks Corner — the 23,945-square foot retail and office complex in the heart of downtown Westport — has been sold.

ARC — a Concord, Massachusetts-based real estate acquisition, development and management firm — bought the property from Westfair Inc., the Brooks family company.

The purchase price was $12,750,000.

Brooks Corner is anchored by Brooks Brothers (no relation to the family that built it), and Lux Bond & Green.

Brooks Corner

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There was no wind, rain or any other precipitating factor.

But a large tree fell just before 9 a.m. yesterday on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary School.

Branches hit a car driving past. The driver veered into a stone wall. There were no reported injuries.

More than 50 Eversource customers lost power.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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The Residence at Westport is a senior living community.

But they’ve adopted our town’s youngsters as a cause.

From now through August 31, they’re collecting backpacks and school supplies, to support students in need.

Items can be dropped off in the lobby. The Residence is at 1141 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.

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Westport Rotary Club outgoing president Kenny Epstein passed the gavel to new president Goldie James at the annual traditional dinner on Friday, at Ned Dimes Marina.

Over 70 members ate lobsters, watched the new board sworn in, and enjoyed awards and gifts, as Rotary rang in its 101st year.

Kenny Epstein passes the gavel to Goldie James. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Ewen Rainer grew up in New Jersey. Jennifer Leigh is from the Branford area. They now live in Charleston, South Carolina.

They planned a religious wedding in Italy. But they wanted a civil one in the US, before heading overseas.

What better place than Westport?

But where? And who would perform it?

They got a list of justices of the peace from Town Hall. They chose Andrew Colabella, based on his close associations with Westport.

In May, the Representative Town Meeting member performed the ceremony on Veterans Green. A dinner, with family members who could not travel overseas, followed at Saugatuck Rowing Club.

The couple is back in the States. They’ve got great memories of Italy — and Westport.

Justice of the peace Andrew Colabella (left), with Ewen Rainer and Jennifer Leigh.

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Wondering how space environments threaten exoplanet habitability?

Dr. Ofer Cohen — an associate professor at the University of Massaschusetts -Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology — answers that question July 16 (8 p.m.), in a free Westport Astronomical Society webinar.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here to watch on YouTube.

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The other day, Michele Sorensen spotted a monarch butterfly landing on leaves of flowering milkweed. It found one tiny egg.

“They usually lay only one at a time, often on the bottom of a leaf, which this one is,” Michele says.

She sends along this fascinating “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Michele Sorensen)

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And finally … in honor of Ewen Rainer and Jessica Leigh’s wedding:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support for all we do. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

Roundup: Aquarion Water Tanks, Levitt Pavilion, Just Salad …

Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority continues to hear testimony about Aquarion’s construction of 2 large water tanks on North Avenue, opposite Staples High School. They replaced 1 smaller one on the same site.

Marc Lemcke has fought the water company since the tanks were first proposed in 2017. On Thursday, he testified before PURA, on behalf of Smart Water Westport and a group of neighbors.

Lemcke described his group’s investigation into Aquarion’s actions. His 4 main points:

  • The Westport tanks were not needed, and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are part of a $200 million project that was not needed. and Aquarion knew it.
  • The tanks are larger than authorized.
  • Aquarion tried to conceal certain facts.

Specifically, Lemcke said, Aquarion blocked the disclosure of public records; hid payments to their Westport town lawyer’s firm, which had a conflict of interest; concealed information about contamination; knew that tank screening was not possible; engaged in illegal marketing; failed to provide “critically important” reports; violated terms of length of construction, and built the tanks without a wetland permit.

The water utility’s “questionable conduct … has critical implications for future water management, and makes the case for even greater oversight going forward,” Lemcke told PURA.

A hearing on Tuesday (June 4, 10 a.m., Zoom) will be held, covering Aquarion’s permit conditions.

Click here for the full 53-page report of Lemcke’s testimony; then click “Attached correspondence” at the bottom.

Aquarion water tanks under construction, June 2022.

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The Levitt Pavilion’s 50th season features over 50 free shows. And they started yesterday.

Tonight (Saturday) at 7:30, Boston-based Couch entertains with pop, funk, rock, R&B and soul. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 7 p.m.), the Arun Ramamurthy Trio fuses South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary jazz. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.

For all free shows, all available and returned tickets are distributed at the box office, first-come, first-served, beginning 2 hours before show time.

And for all free shows, audience members are free to bring in outside food and drink.

For a highlight reel of last weekend’s ticketed opening — with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The United Nations, and Dogs in a Pile, click below.

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The start of June means summer — and summer reading.

The Westport Library has every reader, of every age, covered.

Whether it’s a book for vacation, at the beach or on your couch — or for your kids or grandchildren — read on.

The 8th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge begins today. It runs through August 31.

The rules are the same as past challenges, this year with a fresh round of 25 categories (click here to see). You can do all or only one, or anything in between. Just have fun!

There are just 2 rules:

  1. Categories may only be fulfilled once.
  2. Each book can only be used for one category.

Once you read a book that fulfills a category, submit it via the form on the Library. Then track your progress on our leaderboard.

The leaderboard is also where you can see what everyone else is reading, and give your own recommendations. You can also join the Westport Reading Challenge Facebook Group, and talk smack — er, books — all summer long.

As for kids: Starting today, children can sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. It wraps up September 2.

Youngsters can read anything. Any time. And anywhere, all summer long.

Register online and keep track of minutes read. For every 100 minutes, you can decorate a summer sun that will be displayed in the Library.

Earn a treat from Shake Shack at 500 minutes. When you reach 1,000 minutes, can choose a book to keep from the Library’s selection of titles.

For more summer fun and prizes, stop in the Children’s Library to play bingo and earn more free books.

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Speaking of the Library: Martha Hodes, professor of history at New York University, speaks about her latest book, “My Hijacking: A Personal History of Forgetting and Remembering,” on June 5.

It’s a memoir about the fallibilities of memory. In 1972 she and her 13-year-old sister were flying unaccompanied back to New York from Israel. Their plane was hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and forced to land in the Jordan desert.

Too young to understand the gravity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Martha coped by suppressing her fear. Nearly a half-century later, her memories of those 6 days and nights as a hostage were hazy and scattered. Was it the passage of so much time, or that her family couldn’t endure the full story, or had trauma made her repress the experience? A professional historian, Martha wanted to find out.

Drawing on archival research, childhood memories, and conversations with relatives, friends, and fellow hostages, she re-creates what happened to her. As the hostages forged friendships and provoked conflicts, the sisters learned about the lives and causes of their captors, pondering a deadly divide that continues today.

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Westport Police officers carried the Flame of Hope along the Post Road through town yesterday. The event — from the Norwalk line, to the Southport border — showed support for Special Olympics of Connecticut.

Amy Schneider was one of many drivers and passersby who slowed down and snapped photos, as the torch and flags went past.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Qdoba didn’t make it.

Neither, apparently, will Salsa Fresca.

The Connecticut Scoop reports that Just Salad will replace the Mexican grill “before the end of the year.”

There is already a Just Salad location in Greenwich. Another will open in Norwalk too.

Click here to learn more about Just Salad. Spoiler alert: The menu is more than just salad. (Hat tip: Neil Markman)

A guy with Just Salad.

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Mar Jennings’ marvelous Rosebrook Gardens is one of 7 selected for the Garden Conservancy’s Fairfield County Open day (June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

It features a garden studio, wisteria-covered wisteria, classic English Folly, and 2 parterre gardens surrounded by flowers anchored by boxwoods.

In the 1920s, the property served as the entire neighborhood’s vegetable garden.

Jennings purchased a then-new home in 1996. He transformed a once-vacant lot into his brand and business.

Tickets are $5 for Garden Conservancy members, $10 for non-members. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mar Jennings’ Rosebrook Gardens.

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Westport Pride’s Jesup Green celebration is tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.).

LGBTQ Pride Month continues June 16, when Saugatuck Congregational Church sponsors a Family Pride picnic and party (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

The event is open to all. It includes a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, hot dogs/veggie dogs, cake and more

For more information, call 203-227-1261 or email Rev. Kari Nicewander: kari@saugatuckchurch.org.

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Gail Cohen died yesterday, surrounded by her family.

Her family says, “she was passionate about her family, the theater and canasta. She battled her terrible disease valiantly and courageously for 9 months.

“Throughout her life she inspired those around her with her passion, empathy, zest for life, and devotion to the happiness of others. Gail always led with love. She was a force and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.”

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eric; children Hayley, Zach and Sydney, grandson Cooper, mother Mimi and siblings Richard, Beth Steinberg Michael and Robin.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, June 2, 1 p.m., The Community Synagogue of Westport). Shiva will be at 32 Burnham Hill tomorrow from immediately after the burial until 8 p.m., and Monday, June (1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cohen Family Scholarship Fund at Cardozo Law School/Yeshiva University, or a charity of your choice.

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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a mighty oak in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

This mighty fine one towers over Nancy Axthelm’s back yard.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … in light of the many headlines over the past 2 days:

(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” never rests. Our Roundup continues, 24/7/365. If you enjoy our ceaseless work, please click here support us. Thank you!)