Tag Archives: Larry Roberts

Roundup: Levitt Lineup — And All That Jazz …

Yesterday, an “06880” reader asked about the status of the Cross Highway bridge replacement project.

Timing is everything. Two hours later, Department of Public Works director Larry Roberts announced the launch of a Monthly Project Update.

It’s designed to keep residents informed about municipal infrastructure and construction projects. Beginning now, it’s available on the town website,

Each update will include the name and location of projects, a brief scope of work, the current status, and the anticipated completion date.

Other projects underway include Compo Road South sidewalks and Compo marina seawall replacement (estimated completion, this fall), Sherwood Mill Pond tide gates (November), and Compo marina pier replacement (spring 2027).

Questions about any current or upcoming project? Call DPW: 203-341-1120.

So about Cross Highway: It’s still scheduled to be completed “prior to the start of the school year.”

This is the bridge that’s being replaced.

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Every year, the Levitt Pavilion offers 50-plus nights of free entertainment.

But it relies on several paid-ticketed events to keep the (stage) lights on.

A few of those shows are upcoming. The biggest: Bonnie Raitt (next Sunday, August 9).

Coming soon:

  • The Revivalists, with Olivia Barnes (August 11)
  • The Machine performs Pink Floyd (August 21)
  • Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers, with Magoo
  • Charlie Hall’s Get Up With It: Miles Davis Centennial (August 24)
  • Mihali: Full bnd show, with Mr. Mota (September 4)
  • Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Experience (September 5)

Click here for more information, and tickets.

Bonnie Raitt

Meanwhile, there are plenty of free shows too.

Tuesday (August 4, 7 p.m.): The Joy Clark Trio. Her debut album, “Tell It to the Wind,”  marks Clark’s arrival on the national stage as a proud, queer Black woman. She blends the social consciousness of folk, the rhythms of southeast Louisiana, and the soul-centered music she grew up with.

Wednesday (August 5. 7 p.m.): Children’s Series, with Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winner Flor Bromley.

Thursday (August 6, 7:30 p.m.): Homage to the “Days Between*” with The Red Planet and special guest Crispin Cioe — the Westport saxophonist who played on “Love Shack,” and has recorded and toured with the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Ray  Charles, the B-52s, Robert Plant, Solomon Burke, Joe Cocker, Debbie Harry and Aretha Franklin. *The “Days Between” is the 9-day period from August 1 to 9, marking the birth and death of Jerry Garcia.

Friday (August 7, 7:30 p.m.): The Devon Gilfillian Time Will Tell tour. Devon’s music ranges from neo-soul and R&B to funk and rock. Devon recently appeared at the Newport Folk Festival.

Other free August shows include breakout band Improvement Movement with Memo, Christine Ohlman (aka the Beehive Queen), Logical Pretzel (the music of Steely Dan), pop classical stars the String Queens,. Lizzy & the Triggerman (swing) and Broadway and American Songbook favorite Frank Mastrone & Friends. Click here for details, and more information.

Free shows at the Levitt Pavilion. 

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Speaking of entertainment: Congratulations, Daniel Planas!

Last Thursday during the weekly Jazz at the Post show at VFW Post 399, the young saxophonist from Stratford received the Jazz Society of Fairfield County’s Micky Golomb Scholarship. He is a rising sophomore, studying music at the University of Connecticut.

Created to honor the memory of a local saxophonist, educator and regular attendee of the Jazz Society’s Thursday performances, the scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in jazz performance, composition and/or jazz education. It is based on musicianship, determined by a jury of professional jazz educators.

In addition to the receiving the $5000 award, Daniel joined an all-star group of jazz musicians at last week’s Thursday night Latin Jazz show. He played with Michael Mossman, professor of jazz studies at Queens College and Julliard, Cuban pianist Luis Perdono, 6- time Grammy winner Vince Cherico, Alex “Apolo” Ayala, Carly Moldanado, and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Daniel Planas (left) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” wall, at VFW Post 399.

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A new networking tradition began last week at Zucca Gastrobar.

Business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders joined at the debut of the Executive Networking Series. The initiative strengthens business relationships, while introducing local companies to nonprofit organizations  throughout Fairfield County.

It was created through a partnership between VTB Financial and Prestige Cabinetry & Design LLC

The first event featured Operation Hope and the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. Representatives from both groups highlighted the impact their programs have across the region.

A generous donation was presented to Operation Hope by Dushi Marble & Granite. The next Executive Networking Series will be announced soon. For more information, email anna.b@PCDTeam.com.

Executive Networking Series at Zucca. (Photo/Sylvia Janik Photography)

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It’s not a race.

But Amtrak’s Acela led Metro-North’s New Haven line train yesterday around noon, at the Westport station.

(Photo copyright/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Plus, the long-distance one looks a lot cooler.

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Local resident Peter Mossa died on July 25. He was 58.

His family calls Peter “the kind of person who could brighten any room simply by walking into it. He had a true sparkle, infectious enthusiasm, and a gift for making everyone feel like a friend. He never cared much for formalities — you were far more likely to find him in shorts, a t-shirt and barefoot than dressed up.”

He enjoyed his family, spending time with friends, sharing stories, making people laugh, snowboarding, snowmobiling and celebrating the holidays at his parents’ home in Vermont. Summers were spent on his boat, fishing or tying up with friends to barbecue.

Peter was also a gifted craftsman, whose skill and attention to detail left a lasting mark on countless homes and the lives of those who live in them. His strong work ethic, integrity and dedication earned the respect of everyone.

His family says, “For many years, Peter battled clinical depression. He sought treatment, held onto hope, and never stopped trying to find healing. Though his illness ultimately claimed his life, it never defined the man he was. Peter is deeply loved, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew him.

Peter is survived by his wife Arlene; children Haley and Max; parents Joseph and Deanna; siblings Susan Young (Larry), Joe Jr. (Luisa) and Katie Carmody (Josh); in-laws Wendy Jacobsen (Stephen); several nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends,

His family says, “For those who knew Peter, please remember his laughter and sense of humor, his compassion, his strong loyalty, and his unending love for family and friends. While our hearts are shattered, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace. We’re forever grateful for the joy he brought into our world and the love he shared so freely.

The family encourages anyone struggling with depression or mental illness to reach out for help (everwellct.org), keep talking, and hold onto hope. Peter’s story is a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone- and is an illness —not a weakness—and that every life is precious.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete’s name to your local Humane Society, animal shelter or your favorite charity organization.

Peter’s memorial aervice will be held August 6 (11 a.m., Norfield Congregational Church, Weston). Casual Florida attire is encouraged.

Peter Mossa

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Mark Mathias provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, with this note:

“After last week’s storm overflowed Deadman Broo between Winslow Park and Saugatuck cemetery, the marshy parts did what they were supposed to do and absorbed much of the overflow.

“The moisture also brought to life this beautiful fungus/mushroom/whatever (I’m not a botanist) that I trust will remain while the ground stays moist.”

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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And finally … Vicki Wickham was not a household name. But she was “a behind-the-scenes force in popular music who helped oversee the influential British television showcase ‘Ready Steady Go!'” and managed artists including Labelle and the singer Dusty Springfield.

She died Friday in the Bronx, at 87. Click here for a full obituary.

(If you’ve ever discovered a great show — or other event — here, well, that’s our job. We do it 24/7/365. But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to thank us with a donation! Thank you!)

New Public Works Director No Stranger To Town

Today, Westport welcomes a new Public Works director.

Larry Roberts takes over from Pete Ratkiewich, the highly regarded, now-retired 35-year veteran of our town’s roads, transfer station and all other infrastructure.

It should be a seamless transfer. Roberts has over 3 decades’ experience, in facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. Most recently, he served as Weston’s director of public works

A Westport native, he knows this town well. He traces his current position — in a roundabout way — to how he learned to fly here.

At Staples High School.

Larry Roberts, Staples High School Class of 1985 …

Back in the day, Wilson Hopkins taught an Aeronautics course. Roberts earned his pilot’s license before graduating in 1985.

That led to Embry-Riddle University in Florida, where he majored in aeronautical science and minored in airframe mechanics. He knew how to fly planes — and how to fix them.

For 10 years, Roberts flew for Business Express Airlines. He married Sandra Pasarelli (Staples ’86), moved to Weston, and became a volunteer firefighter.

Realizing that “flying is not the best occupation for an expectant father,” Roberts pivoted to a new career: firefighting.

He was hired by Greenwich, and rose through the ranks to deputy chief. His background in mechanics helped him oversee construction of several new firehouses there.

After 20 years, he retired. Weston hired him, first as director of their communications center, then as head of public works and facility management.

Several major projects had been funded, but not begun. Over the past 5 years, Roberts’ department built 3 bridges; paved 27 miles of road; reconstructed Lyons Plain Road, and renovated a public water supply system.

When Ratkiewich announced his retirement, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie named him to the interview committee. There were several good candidates, Roberts says, but none panned out.

So Christie asked Roberts if he’d be interested in the job himself.

He met Christie and other department heads. “I was impressed with their professionalism,” Roberts recalls. “And they all seemed happy.”

He applied, and was interviewed — this time on the other side of the table. His tenure begins today.

… and Larry Roberts today.

His learning curve will not be steep. “I’m in Westport virtually every day,”” Roberts says. “I know the infrastructure, the people and the relationships. I read ‘06880.’

“I know the town well. Maybe not as well as Pete (Ratkiewich), but not many people do.”

Right now, the DPW is working on about 80 projects. They include the Ned Dimes Marina and nearby retaining wall at Compo Beach, the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates, Long Lots Elementary School, Parker Harding Plaza, and sidewalks.

Roberts will spend time learning about them, and about the department’s strengths and areas for improvement.

“”I’m not the type to come in and make big changes,” he says. “If something is needed, okay. If not, that’s also okay.”

Sidewalks and marinas are a far cry from the planes Larry Roberts first learned to fly at Staples.

But he’s ready to soar, in the town where it all began.

(“06880” covers Westport’s government, beaches, roads … and Staples High graduates. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please make a tax-deductible contribution to clicking here. Thanks!)

 

Roundup: Public Works Head, Sidewalk Sale, Ham Radio …

Westport did not go far to find its new director of public works.

Larry Roberts — Weston’s current director of public works and facility management — takes over from Pete Ratkiewich on July 6. The longtime Westport director is retiring.

And he’s a Westport native.

Roberts has over 3 decades of experience, including municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. In Weston he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.

Previously, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, retiring as deputy chief.

Roberts holds a master of science in fire science/public administration from the University of New Haven, and  a bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. He also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

Larry Roberts (Photo courtesy of Weston Today)

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The Westport Downtown Association’s annual Sidewalk Sale is this weekend.

Sometimes, it’s hot enough to fry an egg on those sidewalks.

Not this year.

The temperature today and tomorrow will be in the high 70s, with partly cloudy skies.

It’s perfect for shopping at over 70 local retailer and businesses, downtown and a bit beyond (think Playhouse Square).

There are plenty of bargains in store. Or, should we say, out on the sidewalks in front of them.

 

The Sidewalk Sale line yesterday, at Kerri Rosenthal. (Photo/Susan Kowalsky)

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Dan Donovan writes: “06880 was out in force Thursday night in New York City.

“From local philanthropists Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, to local business owners Bill Mitchell and Annette Norton, to Westport soccer illuminati including Andy Udell, Todd Coleman, Jim Wolf, Mike Carey and Zack Gross, and a group of more recent players, to former Staples High principal John Dodig, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, and fellow townies Andrew Colabella and Terry Brannigan, along with Dave Briggs, Amy Saperstein, Joan Gillman — and many others — we were all there to celebrate 06880’s own Dan Woog, as he was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. Of course Dan’s family and a few of his former Staples teammates were there too.

“Dan was honored, along with several other impressive, decorated, driven, articulate and brave sports world figures, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ community.

“Kyle Martino, our most decorated Westport soccer success story — National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team member, now a TV analyst and advocate for soccer in under-served communities — introduced Dan with humor, recalling growing up in Westport and the influence Dan had on him.

“Then Dan got to the podium and knocked it out of the park — or, as we say in soccer, scored a golazo — with his insightful words. It was a great night for Dan, and a great showing for 06880.”

Dan Woog (center, front) with Mike Carey and Zack Gross. Standing (from left): Luke Foreman, Neil Brickley, Jack Foster, Matthew Jordan, Jim Wolf, Emerson Anvari, Vaughan Sealey.

 

Kyle Martino, introducing Dan Woog

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Also this weekend: the Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Field Day.

Local clubs operate as K1WAS. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Here, that’s the Westport Observatory classroom, behind the Aspetuck Health District and yard waste station on Bayberry Lane. 

Everyone is invited to get in on the action — and on the air.

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Westport Farmers’ Market celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday, with some special events.

Shoppers who brought in 10 canvas bags — or all 15 varieties produced so far — received rewards.

From left: Lauren Kreter, Westport Farmers’ Market Lori Cochran-Dougall and Andrea Debello, with their shopping bags.

Also celebrating: River Hollow Farm and Ox Hollow Farm (representatives in the photo below). Both have been part of the WFM since its inception, 2 decades ago.

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In a celebratory ceremony — with a lobster dinner — at the Ned Dimes Marina on Thursday night, Westport Rotary Club outgoing president, Peter Helt (left below) passed the ceremonial gavel to new president Ron Henkoff.

(Photo/Dave Matlow)

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It’s crab for lunch at Saugatuck Shores’ Bermuda Lagoon, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … on this date in 1844,  Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.