For most Westport students, Friday was just one day closer to the end of the school year.
At Long Lots Elementary School, it was a chance to celebrate a national champion.
And a Long Lots alum.
Hundreds of kids — wearing Michigan hats, t-shirts and sweatshirts — gathered in the auditorium to welcome football hero Jake Thaw.
They honored the 2023 NCAA football national champion, chanting “Jake Thaw! Jake Thaw! Jake Thaw!” as he walked across the stage.
The wide receiver and punt returner greeted his former physical education teacher Mark Carmody, who asked him questions submitted by students.
They ranged from what his typical day looks like, to whether he likes syrup on or off his pancakes (on, he said).
The afternoon began with a montage showing Thaw playing football and basketball at Long Lots, Bedford Middle School and Staples High, then catching passes for the Wolverines.
Thaw said, “I’m 22 now. Coming back here, I have memories of being with my friends and doing things like walking through the halls, recesses, lunch — and Mr. Carmody’s classes of course.”
Carmody reminded the students of the book “What Would You Do With a Chance,” which they all read. It features a child who is afraid to take a chance, and misses out on opportunities.
Jake noted that when you have a dream, “take the chance. Take a crack at it.”
“Jake Thaw Day,” at Long Lots Elementary School.
“Who in here wants to play professional sports?” he asked. More than half the auditorium raised their hands.
“I believe you all can do it,” he said.
In addition to leading his Staples football and baseball teams as captain, Jake was named to the all-state academic team. He was also a News12 scholar-athlete.
“It’s not all just being a good athlete to play at a great college,” he said.
“You also have to be well rounded and work hard in school.”
Jake Thaw, with Long Lots friends (and Leo the Lion). (Photos and video/Talia Varsano)
One child asked Thaw if he gets nervous before games.
“Understand, whether it’s a football game or a game at recess, it’s normal to have anxiety,” Jake said.
“But the more you prepare for the moment, everything blacks out, and you’ll be ready to roll.”
His visit neared an end with a proclamation making May 24 “Jake Thaw Day.” A banner in his honor will hang in the school gym.
The students, along with school mascot Leo the Lion — and Jake — ended the afternoon by singing Long Lots’ spirit song.
Jake Thaw
(“06880” proudly covers the achievements of Staples High School graduates — and those of all other Westport schools. If you enjoy those stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Board of Selectwomen’s Wednesday agenda (May 8, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) is packed.
Among the 14 items:
A report on discussions between the Police Department and Board of Education, recommended by the selectwomen last month to re-examine the policy that “recreational facilities located on Board of Education campuses are not accessible to those who are not students, staff or invited guests between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on school days,” and how it may apply to Wakeman Town Park while maintaining safe and reasonable school security.
Approving a contract with Lindquist Surveying for services for the Long Lots Elementary School project ($19,500); a contract with Svigals + Partners for architectural, engineering, and furniture, fixtures and equipment for Phase II design and construction of Long Lots ($4.097 million), and a contract with Newfield Construction, for pre-construction services ($145,045).
Wakeman Park — popular with dog walkers, joggers and more during the school day — is adjacent to Bedford Middle School.
“Pure: The Sexual Revolutions of Marilyn Chambers” — will be published May 15.
Chambers is known to Westporters as Staples High School 1970 graduate Marilyn Briggs.
Publicity for the book says: “Marilyn Chambers was the embodiment of the free-spirited ’70s, the world’s most famous X-rated star, and an unappreciated talent whose work in adult films hindered her dreams of becoming a serious actress.
“Raised in an affluent Connecticut suburb, Marilyn catapulted to fame when it was learned that not only had she starred in the groundbreaking X-rated film, Behind the Green Door but was also the model on the box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent (product tagline: ’99 44/100% Pure.’)
“Marilyn was the first woman known primarily for her work in adult films to cross over to mainstream entertainment. She sustained a versatile 3-decade career in entertainment, including roles in dramatic plays, a Broadway musical revue, her own television show, and the lead role in David Cronenberg’s film ‘Rabid.’
But her success in adult films also proved to be her undoing. Marred by a violent relationship with her abusive husband-manager, Chuck Traynor, she developed the persona of a 24-hour-a-day sex star. In the process, she lost her sense of self and spent much of her life searching for her true identity.
“With recollections from family and friends, many of whom have never spoken publicly, along with Marilyn’s own words, and never-before-published photos, Jared Stearns vividly captures the revolutionary career of one of the twentieth century’s most misunderstood icons.”
For more than 4 decades, 5-time Emmy Award-winning producer/director/ musical theater and symphony conductor/ writer (and Westport resident) Andrew Wilk has captured the performing arts for television.
He has recorded everything from artists like Kristin Chenoweth, Joshua Bell; and Itzhak Perlman and performances like the Alvin Ailey Dance Company for prime time broadcast.
As executive producer of “Live From Lincoln Center,” Wilk created renowned musical and theatrical productions for PBS.
He produced 3 Westport Country Playhouse productions for PBS too. At the Library, he created the speaker series “Andrew Wilk Presents.”
On May 22 (7 p.m., Westport Library), he’ll chat with Y’s Men of Westport and Weston past president John Brandt about his career, the stars he’s worked with, and take questions from the audience.
The evening is a collaboration with the Y’s Men’s Classical Music Society. Click here for more information.
“Art in Bloom” — a celebration of the Westport Public Art Collections, with drinks, light bites, art sales, a silent art auction, and a special exhibit of flower-themed works — is set for June 6 (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
This is the first fundraiser for Friends of WestPAC is 5 years. They welcome old and new friends, to ensure the continued growth, care, display and educational uses of the collections. Works are exhibited in public building throughout town, including schools, Town Hall, and municipal offices.
Click here for tickets, sponsorship information, and donations.
Westport artist Stevan Dohanos’s Saturday Evening Post cover — part of the Westport Permanent Art Collections — has special significance. The models were all Staples students.
And finally … on this day in 1877, Chief Crazy Horse of the Oglala Lakota surrendered to US troops in Nebraska. He had fought fiercely and proudly to preserve the traditional way of Lakota life, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn the previous year.
Four months after his surrender, Crazy Horse was killed while resisting imprisonment. In 1982 he was honored by the US Postal Service, with a “Great American series” stamp.
(“06880” is your hyper-local “bear necessity.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this update yesterday:
“On April 16, after a series of interviews over several weeks to assess qualifications (in particular, qualifications for the sustainability aspects of the project) and reviewing cost proposals, the Building Committee selected Newfield Construction to provide construction management services for the new Long Lots Elementary School, and Svigals & Partners to lead the architectural and engineering team, who will design the new school.
“These 2 firms, along with their consultants, will be recommended to the Board of Selectwomen for their approval.
“The next phase of this exciting project will occur over the next several months. It will be a 3-step process: schematic design, design development and, finally, Construction documents. This will lead to a set of documents that will be used to bid and then build the new school.
“The process will start with additional site testing (e.g., updating the survey, borings for geothermal testing, geotechnical and ground water information, etc.) and refining the site criteria with the design team, construction manager, town departments and the committee.
“Early on in the schematic design phase, a tentative schedule will be developed, allowing each of the town approval bodies and departments to know when information or decisions will be required. The schedule and cost estimates will be updated as we progress through this process.
“Each of these increasingly detailed steps in the design process will be shared with the public during the Building Committee’s meetings. Beyond our working public meetings, we expect to hold public informational meetings where the Building Committee and the architect will present progress drawings.
“We look forward to getting the consultants under contract, moving forward with the design process and keeping everyone updated on our progress.”
Plans for a new Long Lots Elementary School are moving forward. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Sports fans and entrepreneurs — and sports fans who are entrepreneurs — filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night, as Startup Westport honored Jimmy Pitaro with its first-ever Innovator of the Year Award.
Startup Westport is our town’s public-private tech entrepreneur partnership. Pitaro is ESPN’s creative, visionary CEO — and a Westporter.
He was interviewed onstage by ESPN host Mike Greenberg — a former Westporter.
The 2 bantered easily, and told stories of their careers. But Pitaro also delivered insights into the sports and media business with depth, breadth and humor.
Both also gave great shout-outs to Westport, as communities to raise families and inspire them with its beauty, its active residents and its vibe.
The perfect ending came from a Bedford Middle School 6th grade student, who represents the future of sports broadcasting. It was an unexpected — but very innovative — finale, for the first of what will become an annual Startup Westport signature event.
Mike Greenberg (left) and Jimmy Pitaro. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
Real Estate Outlook — an annual Fairfield County event co-sponsored by FLB Law, the Greater Norwalk Chamber and the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce — takes place May 22, 2024, at M& T Bank in The SoNo Collection.
This year’s theme is “Housing Matters: Challenges, Solutions and Impacts on Commercial Real Estate.” Networking begins at 8:30 a.m. A panel discussion follows at 9.
Eric Bernheim, head of FLB’s real estate and land use practice, will moderate. Among the panelists: David Waldman of David Adam Realty, developer of Westport’s Bedford Square.
Bedford Square developer David Waldman will discuss housing as it relates to commercial real estate on May 22. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The Greens Farms Academy Dragonoids Middle School robotics team has been in existence for only 3 months.
Yet they’ve already qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championships.
The team’s 7 students flew to Dallas recently, to compete in the 3-day competition. The 494 middle schools, from over 30 countries, qualified out of 20,000 teams.
After a very strong first-time showing, GFA won the sportsmanship award in their 80-team division.
Congratulations to the Dragonoids — Ben Kiev, Cooper Mleczko, Dylan Karpf, Liam Haverstick, Lucas Robinson, Mackenzie Bloom and Spencer Shiff — and coaches Nicholas Iacobelli and Berni Lally!
The Greens Farms Academy Dragonoids.
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Staples High School’s annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion is June 7.
Tickets are not yet available. But the Music Department is reaching out to local business owners for support, by purchasing ads in the program book.
Ad sales help cover concert expenses, and support the 400-plus students involved in Staples’ award-winning music program.
“Seeking Home” — an original cantata for 2 guitars, drums, Native American flute and full choir, with music and score by Rev. Dr. Ed Thompson — will be presented on Sunday (May 5, 10 a.m., the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Thompson is the UU’s minister of music. His cantata honors the over 5,000 missing and murdered indigenous women, children and their families in North America, on National Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Day.
Longtime Weston resident and volunteer Richard Amill died peacefully on April 19 in Norwalk, surrounded by his family. He was 91.
The New York City native graduated from Brown University in 1954. It was there that he met his wife Nancy Jayne. They married in 1955.
Rick spent his career in educational textbook publishing, with leadership positions at Time Inc., Silver-Burdett, Cowles Communications, Macmillan Publishers, Random House and McGraw-Hill. He launched Learning Supplements, a pioneer in K-12 digital learning.
Rick was an avid reader, from current events and history (especially anything about World War II) to novels by John Grisham.
He was a 25-plus year member, and past president, of the Kiwanis Club of Weston, where he established multiple lifelong friendships.
Rick passionately believed in children and the mission of helping others. He taught reading skills to students in Bridgeport, and mentored elementary, middle and high school students in Norwalk into his late 80s.
He volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Outpatient Surgical Center, emergency room and Whittingham Cancer Center into his 90s.
He also volunteered at the Connecticut Food Bank, Read Aloud Program, Norwalk Reads, Homes With Hope, Gillespie Center and Open Doors Shelter.
Rick was a lifelong New York Yankee fan. He attended hundreds of Yankee games, including spring training with his family. He passed his love of the sport and his enduring optimism to all who knew him. He was a devoted father, grandfather and friend.
Rick was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, who died in 2001. He is survived by his sons Andrew (Susan) and Alexander (Jesstyne), daughter Sally, and grandchildren Ryan, Garrett, Sean, Kennison and Callie.
His family thanks the many caregivers who provided support, including the Whittingham Cancer Center, Norwalk Hospital, Waveny Care Center, Maplewood at Strawberry Hill and Constellation Health Services.
Services will be private. The family requests that donations in Rick’s memory be directed to Open Doors Shelter of Norwalk (www.opendoorsct.org).
Rick Amill
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We’ve featured plenty of flowers in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But none have been shown as beautifully close-up as today’s image, on Manitou Road.
Thanks to photographer JD Dworkow, for a spectacular spring shot.
With more than $400 million in capital spending looming in our budget forecast, what can taxpayers expect?
Town officials say: We’re preparing.
And: We’ve been there before.
Common Ground — the Westport Library’s project to bring civility back to civic discourse — and the League of Women Voters collaborated last night on an educational forum.
Nearly 100 residents heard 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice, Finance Department director Gary Conrad and others discuss a variety of projects and timelines, and their implications for mill rates, bond ratings and more.
Acknowledging the costs associated with — among other things — a new police/fire/EMS facility, the renovation of Longshore and downtown parking lots, and a new Long Lots Elementary School, Tooker said twice that her goal is for the Westport’s mill rate to remain “stable, consistent and competitive.”
She, Conrad and a pair of independent bond advisors said that Westport’s finances have been well managed. Though debt will rise substantially through the mid-2030s, they expressed confidence that prudent, proactive planning will position the town well for the future.
To provide historical perspective, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and former RTM moderator Velma Heller began the event — titled “Preparing Westport for Major Capital Spending” — by citing previous large expenses.
In 1960 for example, the town purchased the failing Longshore Country Club for $1.9 million ($20 million, in today’s dollars). The decision — in the face of a 180-home residential development on the property — showed remarkable foresight, Marpe said.
(It also was done “around a dinner table” by 1st Selectman Herb Baldwin, the Board of Finance and other officials — not in open, transparent meetings — Marpe noted wryly.)
In 1959, a developer wanted to buy the failing Longshore Country Club, and built 180 homes on the land. In just 19 days, the town bought it as a municipal club.
Other major expenditures included new schools in the 1950s and ’60s, Baron’s South, and the Senior Center.
The public debt burden ballooned to $200 million. But Westport kept its AAA bond rating — and paid it off with one of the lowest mill rates in Fairfield County.
Tooker noted that in the private sector — where she worked before entering local politics — leaders are rewarded for being “ahead of the curve.” In government, she said, the key is to be neither too early or too late.
It is not an easy needle to thread. Officials constantly ask what a variety of stakeholders want, and if the town can afford it.
She described the 3 major expenses. The $90 million combined first responder facility would replace the 1980s fire headquarters and 1950s police/EMS building.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, with photos of the Saugatuck firehouse, and police headquarters.
Renovations to Longshore — an asset that attracts newcomers, and serves nearly all residents — would involve racquet sports, the pools, a new golf clubhouse and more, and cost about $40 million. It includes a private partnership with Delamar, which begins renovating the Inn at Longshore next year.
The downtown plan addresses more open space, pedestrian and vehicular safety, and flood mitigation, so that residents and visitors will be encouraged to spend more time shopping, dining and enjoying the Saugatuck River.
Other projects in the 10-year capital plan include sidewalks, bridges, culverts, and equipment like police cars, fire trucks and Public Works vehicles.
The Board of Finance is the first body to approve spending requests. The Representative Town Meeting gives the final okay.
From left: Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Finance director Gary Conrad, and bond advisors Matt Spoerndle, Mike Andreana, and assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers settle in at last night’s forum. Behind them is a list of expected major capital projects.
Scarice noted that when he arrived in the early days of the 2020 pandemic, Coleytown Middle School had recently closed due to mold. The town wanted “no more surprises” with building maintenance.
Studies showed that Long Lots was at the end of its 70-year-old life. Coleytown Elementary School is getting there, though its condition is not as dire.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, with a photo of Long Lots Elementary School.
During COVID, meanwhile, Westport’s school enrollment skyrocketed. Our figures far outpaced those of neighboring suburbs, which have remained stagnant or even decreased. That impacts our schools — along with recreational facilities, emergency services and more.
Private bond counselor Mike Andreana said that many towns rely only on 5-year capital forecasts. That is “more reactive,” he said. “Thinking 10 years out is fantastic.”
The panel, with a chart showing Westport’s past and projected debt, from 2001 through 2037. (Photos/Dan Woog)
So what does it all mean for the mill rate?
That is set after looking at the town’s budget, borrowing, reserves, grand list and non-taxable revenues, Tooker said.
It is a rigorous process, done in conjunction with the Board of Finance.
And despite the capital forecast of up to $470 million — a figure, she emphasized, that is not set in stone — the 1st Selectwoman declared, “I am so bullish on our future as a community. There are so many exciting, positive changes.
“I’m not worried,” she continued. “But I take my fiscal responsibility very seriously. It is critical for the mill rate to remain stable, consistent and competitive.
“Westport,” she concluded, “is on fire.”
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Today’s weather has forced a change for tonight’s Representative Town Meeting, which will consider an $6.8 million request for design of the new Long Lots Elementary School.
Instead of meeting at Town Hall, the RTM session will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link.
Public comments are limited to 3 minutes. Emails to all members may be sent to RTMmailinglist@westportct.gov.
Postponed by the weather: tonight’s “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” event, sponsored by Westport Public Schools at Temple Israel.
Tomorrow’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (Wednesday, February 14, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium and livestream) contains this agenda item:
eliminating the requirement of a hand pass to register for participation in Parks & Recreation Department programs.
Charlie Tirreno’s plea to Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission — opposing development of a house on Riverside Avenue, which would disrupt the nests of eagles along the Saugatuck River — drew several supporting comments on “06880.”
It also elicited a photo of an eagle nesting by th eriver, from Louis Mall. The Representative Town Meeting member — whose district includes that neighborhood — sent this photo, taken by his wife Joan yesterday:
(Photo/Joan Mall)
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A dozen or so Westporters worked up an appetite for Sunday’s Super Bowl with a trash pick-up. They began at Grace Salmon Park on Imperial Avenue, and worked their way north.
RTM member Andrew Colabella, who organized the event, reports:
A total success for today’s pick. The high tide dampened our goal to obtain all trash; however we made do with what we could grab.
As it gets warmer, I would implore all residents to take advantage of the Saugatuck river to kayak and canoe, and to bring a picker with them. Dog walkers as well.
Instead of wrapping up your dog’s waste and flinging it into the woods, find a trash receptacle, or bring a trash bag and pick. I know many residents who do this during the week.
I was very happy to see so many residents turn out. In fact, a lot of people who were just walking inquired about the trash clean-ups.
For 72 years, STAR Lighting the Way has provided services for people of all ages impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On April 4, their annual spring fundraising — always a sellout — will have its own “star”: soccer legend Brandi Chastain.
The US women’s national team World Cup and Olympic champion, and Hall of Famer — whose celebration in a sports bra after her winning penalty kick again China was an instant iconic photo, and who now helps underserved girls learn leadership and motivational skills through the power of sports will speak at the Country Club of New Canaan on April 4.
Chastain joins a list of previous speaking stars that includes Mia Farrow, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager and Norah O’Donnell.
The gourmet luncheon includes a Champagne shopping boutique, goody bag, a signed copy of Chastain’s Book “It’s Not About the Bra,” and a Q-and-A session. Westport photographer Miggs Burroughs will snap photos of guests with Chastain.
“As a kid I loved The 3 Musketeers, and their fierce loyalty to one another. Who knew that all these years later I would find them again at the Westport Weston Family YMCA,
“As a member, I already though I had discovered a gem in our community. But volunteering for Parkinson Body and Mind truly confirmed it.
“The Greenwich-based organization runs numerous Yprograms demonstrating the health benefits of boxing for people with Parkinson’s. Our boxing program, through the superb leadership of Brenda Waldron, consistently shows improvements in balance, strength and memory for the participants.
“In addition, what I have witnessed is extraordinary, magical and enviable. The group, who met as strangers, morphed into a loving family whose support for each other extends way beyond the walls of the Y. They are truly ‘all for one and one for all!'”
Yesterday, Bob handed “Knock Parkinson’s Out” t-shirts to everyone in the group. He added a sentence from The Book of Psalms: “There is strength in our souls.”
This week’s Jazz at the Post show features vocalist Pete McGuinness.
A New York jazz treasure since the 1980s, the trombonist on Maria Schneider’s Grammy-winning “Concert in the Garden” is known for his improvisational prowess, and creative arrangements for his own Pete McGuiness Jazz Orchestra. His recordings have been nominated for 3 Grammys.
McGuinness will be joined on February 15 (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner serve at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for students and veterans) by pianist Ted Kooshian, bassist Mark Wade, drummer Scott Neumann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees the Spinners, died last week in Virginia. He was 85.
Though the R&B group had several hits in the 1970s, they were formed in 1954, and — with different members — still tour today. Click here for a full obituary.
(Stuck inside in this winter weather? You can pass some time — and show your support for “06880” — by making a tax-deductible donation. Just click here. Thank you. PS: Stay warm and dry!)
The Representative Town Meeting will hold a special meeting on Tuesday (February 13, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of the Long Lots School Building Committee, to approve an
appropriation of $6,800,000 along with bond and note authorization, to the Municipal Improvement Fund Account for the design of the
new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Pre-school.”
Click here for meeting materials, including specific cost breakdowns, and comparisons with other towns’ similar projects.
Click here for the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the town website.
The current Long Lots Elementary School plan, as approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
On Wednesday, Staples High School held a “signing day” ceremony for students who have committed to play NCAA Division I sports next year.
They and their coaches spoke briefly. Teammates, friends and family members applauded. Then they officially signed their papers.
Congratulations to the student-athletes in the photo below. From left: Leigh Foran (Columbia University, track); Caleb Smith (University of Connecticut, football); Keira Best (Davidson College, lacrosse); Harrison Browne (Lafayette College, golf); Ben Burmeister (University of Notre Dame, lacrosse); Tanner Chlupsa (Boston College, football); Evelyn Chudowsky (Cornell University, soccer); Alex Fiala (Fordham University, football); James Horton (University of Massachusetts, football); Max Maurillo (Providence College, lacrosse).
(Photo/Lynda Kommel)
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Speaking of sports: Former Staples basketball star Arianna Gerig continues to shine.
The 2021 graduate — now a junior at Williams College — recently scored her 1,000th career point. It came in a 20-point game, with 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Her teammates and fans offered balloons, signs, hugs and congratulations after the game. (Hat tip: Amy Sanborn)
Arianna Gerig (#34), teammates and fans after her 1,000th point.
The Long Lots Elementary School project moved one important step forward last night.
The Board of Finance voted unanimously to appropriate $6.8 million, for the design phase.
As reported in the Westport Journal, the funds include $6.2 million for a design consultant, architect, engineers and other professionals; $190,000 for a construction manager; $175,000 for a town project managers; $195,000 for testing, studies and borings, and $40,000 for printing and miscellaneous.
The cost per square foot is projected to be $727. Geothermal heating and cooling could raise that to $777 per square foot.
The appropriation request now goes to the Representative Town Meeting.
The Finance Board pushed 2 other requests to its next meeting, the Journal reports: $630,000 in design money to upgrade the Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue parking lots, and $110,000 to update conceptual plans for a new Fire Department headquarters, to possibly include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service.
A replacement for 70-year-old Long Lots School moved closer to reality last night.
The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 years old this year.
And on March 7 — 100 years to the day that they received their charter from Rotary International — the civic-and-service-and-more organization will celebrate.
Their “First 100 Years” Centennial Gala (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) includes cocktails, a great meal, and entertainment, with a multimedia presentation of that first century (photos by Dave Matlow, a new video, and MC Jeff Wieser).
Everyone receives a commemorative book too, highlighting Rotary’s 100 years.
You don’t have to be a Rotarian to attend. The event is open to all.
Tickets are $100 (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.
The Centennial Gala is not the only way for Rotary to mark their milestone. They’re also the lead sponsor for the Compo Beach playground renovation project. It’s planned for late September — just a few days after their annual LobsterFest.
Meanwhile, members of Westport’s other Rotary — the Sunrise Club — will be out in force this Saturday (February 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop) for their annual “Souper Bowl Food Drive.”
It’s a team effort, with the Westport Police Department and others. They’ll collect non-perishable food and personal care items — and cash donations — to support Homes with Hope’s food pantry at the Gillespie Center.
Among the items needed: canned tuna, chicken, meat, vegetables and fruit; hearty soup, beef stew and chili; pasta and pasta sauce; peanut butter and jelly; crackers; granola and protein bars; rice; mac and cheese; cereal; shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between January 31 and February 7.
A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run), driving under the influence and illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, following a crash near M&T Bank. The suspect was found passed out behind the wheel, in the bank parking lot.
A man was arrested for assault with serious injury, strangulation/suffocation and unlawful restraint. Following a traffic stop for no headlights and a bumper dragging on the ground, the officer observed the driver and passengers with injuries, blood and scratches. The man had gone through the female’s phone, found messages he believed to be suspicious, assaulted her, and refused to let her get out of the car.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
School zone violation: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
Passing a motor vehicle stopped in a crosswalk: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Driving with a foreign license for more than 60 days: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Homebuyers comparing counties know that the downside to Westchester’s closer proximity to New York City is its much higher property taxes.
But there’s another element of Westchester real estate that buyers may not realize: higher closing costs too.
Refinance costs for mortgages are much higher too.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that the reason is differences in state and county regulations and requirements, along with added taxes and fees.
New York state imposes a mansion tax of 1% on purchases over $1,000,000. There is also a mortgage tax of roughly 1% in Westchester County.
Today (Thursday, February 8, 2 to 4 p.m.), they offer a “Blossom + Stem Floral Design Workshop.”
The local florists will help you design your own centerpiece, for you to take home. Bring your own vase (up to 6 inches wide and 1 foot tall), or purchase a Blossom + Stem vase on-site for $25. All other supplies are covered. Click here to register.
On Saturday (February 10, 5 to 6 p.m., and 7 to 8 p.m.), there’s a “Romantic Evening” chocolate workshop.
Couples can create treats under the guidance of Le Rouge by Aarti chocolatiers — while sipping their signature hot cocoa, Champagne or a BYO beverage. Click here to register.
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Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate-making with your loved one in a romantic setting. Create delectable treats under the guidance of expert chocolatiers from Le Rouge Chocolates while sipping on Le Rouge’s signature hot cocoa, a glass of champagne, or a byo beverage.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates from District 3 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Lyn Hogan. I
No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 18, 2025.
Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered for vacancy should invited to send a resume by February 21 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Sustainable Westport co-directors Gately Ross and Johanna Martell attended the recent Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Summit in Hartford.
They joined environmental leaders, lawmakers and policy experts to discuss priorities and challenges for the 2024 legislative session, and better understand their impact on Westport.
Sustainable Westport’s Gately Ross and Johanna Martell flank State Representative Jonathan Steinberg at the environmental summit in Hartford.
Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “food left by a tree along the Library Riverwalk, for ducks, geese and seagulls.”
And, we’re sure, any other creature that comes along.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … James Dean was born on this day, in 1931. He died in a car crash in 1955, age 24. Had he lived, the star of “Rebel Without a Cause” would be celebrating his 93rd birthday.
LOCAL CONNECTION: Phil Ochs was giving a concert in Westport on March 31, 1968. He was handed a note on stage — and told the audience that President Johnson had just announced he would not seek re-election that fall.
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Toni Simonetti has lived in Westport for nearly 24 years. She is a retired corporate communications executive and former journalist. She has become “passionately interested in good municipal governance, as the town works through a number of high-stakes projects.”
In advance of a series of meetings by the Representative Town Meeting’s Finance and Education Committees, the full RTM and the Board of Finance on the Long Lots Elementary School project, she sent this email to members of those bodies, and the Planning & Zoning Commission.
There is an irresponsible rush to approve the Long Lots appropriation request after a very long period in which the RTM would not entertain a discussion of any magnitude.
“Let the process work,” was the response we got from many an RTM member to the many requests for a hearing on the pending matter.
This is a highly complex project, with a price tag that will increase property taxes by nearly 4%. This is high stakes for every town citizen, and every one of your constituents. Make sure you represent them ALL.
Yet now, the Board of Finance will vote on an initial appropriation on February 7, and the RTM the very next day will hold committee meetings followed by a full RTM special meeting next week for final approval.
You are inviting litigation for malfeasance by those who have been or will be damaged by a rushed decision. As the chair of the BOF stated rather definitively: “Once we approve this [funding request], the train has left the station.”
The Board of Education spent years on this topic. The Long Lots School Building Committee was formed amid some initial hesitation on the makeup of the committee at the RTM last year; it was the last time the RTM had anything close to the Long Lots matter before it.
The LLSBC had 20+ meetings on the project since its inception. None of the meetings were recorded, and written minutes provide no details on the public discussions, which became robust once it became clear the open space on Terrace 1 would be decimated and abutting neighbors potentially damaged. It has been a deeply flawed process.
The Planning & Zoning Commission had 2 meetings on the topic, at which many concerns were expressed by commissioners and the public.
Hundreds of public comments were received, and a record number of electors attended the 2 meetings.
Public interest is high in the Long Lots Elementary School project.
Many of the P&Z concerns are detailed in the resolution included with their positive 8-24 report (click here to see). It calls for transparency, more communication and collaboration, and a lot more scrutiny over the remaining phases of the project.
Your rushed meeting schedules do not honor this commitment to good governance.
Now is the time for the RTM to review the process, the dissension surrounding this project and its process to date, and fix it. Now is the time to revisit the makeup of Long Lots School Building Committee and add collaborative members and experts; to involve the town’s Public Site and Building Commission, and to get neighbors and other stakeholders to the table.
You cannot do that in one meeting. The RTM committees cannot do that in one night. The RTM process is just beginning.
By the way, the RTM committees need to be livestreamed and recorded with good quality audio, and held in a meeting room large enough to accommodate interested citizens.
I implore the RTM to do what is right. This is the biggest capital project in the town’s history. You need to get this right.
The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.
Then come a bang-bang series of action items:
A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
That’s a robust agenda.
And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.
This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.
We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.
Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.
The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.
Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.
In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.
The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.
Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.
Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.
Dredging the Saugatuck River.
And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.
Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.
On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.
These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.
All are important to some people. Some are important to all.
But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.
Buckle up.
(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)
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Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice provides this update on the Long Lots Elementary School facility:
As the LLS community knows, there is a recommendation for a new construction. In the interim, the district is appropriately maintaining the facility until the opening of the new school.
Recent History (July 2021)
In July 2021, concerns were raised about elevated humidity levels in the building that could potentially lead to an increased risk of indoor mold germination. At that time, an indoor air assessment (22 interior and 6 exterior spaces) was performed by industrial hygienist consultant, Langan CT, Inc., and found that the indoor air at LLS all fell within the normal ranges when tested for fungal spores and particles with the exception of 2 locations: the auditorium and basement Room 9. They demonstrated slightly elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium when compared to outdoor air.
A plan was put into place for our consulting industrial hygienists to identify the source of Aspergillus spores in the auditorium and Room 9, and direct any necessary cleaning. These areas were taken offline and cleaning protocols were implemented.
The auditorium was retested and cleared. However, it was determined that the source of elevated spore counts in basement Room 9 emanated from a doorway leading to an underground utility crawl space that traces along the building. Consequently, it was decided that Room 9 would remain permanently offline.
Long Lots Elementary School was built in 1953.
Ongoing Prevention and Maintenance
As a result of this history, certain protocols and practices were put into place.
There will be at least 2 more school years in the current facility even if a new construction is approved and funded this spring. As I’ve stated publicly, the building is in need of being replaced. There are leaks that our facilities team works to immediately repair. The heat and A/C systems periodically need repairs. These maintenance needs are attended to in order to keep LLS safe and dry.
Here are some of the measures we take to maintain appropriate indoor air standards:
Regular Indoor Air Quality Testing
Testing conducted every April, August and November.
The most recent testing (November 2023) was clean.
All spore counts in the building are lower than spore counts outside.
The spore types in the building are no different than the spore types outside.
If issues arise, the area is cleaned and retested.
TFS is a collaborative committee of faculty, administrators and parents who help implement an IAQ management program.
A binder is maintained for all IAQ incidents and available for public inspection.
The TFS team conducts building walk-throughs in the event of an IAQ incident or report.
Regular Repairs
Repairs are made when reported by our Facilities Department.
For example, ceiling tiles were recently replaced as a result of a report of visible water stains. The area was inspected to insure any active water incursion was corrected.
Records of all work orders are maintained.
Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensors
16 Temp/RH sensors are spread out across the building.
Any deviation from temperature or relative humidity norms initiates a notification to our Facilities Department.
Commercial Dehumidifiers
The district leases 14 large commercial dehumidifier units that are placed throughout the building as relative humidity factors dictate.
There are currently no relative humidity levels of concern in the building. These conditions fluctuate and are impacted more in the late summer/early fall months.
Radon Testing
Testing is done every 5 years by law.
The last test was done in 2021 and no issues were detected.
“SNAP” Data
SNAP is our secure school nurse software suite that tracks student health.
This data is tracked for any student health patterns related to IAQ.
The Long Lots Elementary School campus. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Current Status
Following the recently reported water incursions and reports, our facilities team and members of the TFS team conducted walk-throughs of the building. Repairs are being made to seal up areas where water incurred during recent storms.
However, an area of concern was identified. An alert was tripped in the basement that notified our facilities team.
A steam condensate return pump in a small contained maintenance service closet (dimensions: 4 feet by 5 feet) in the basement failed, causing moisture in the closet. The unit was repaired in 3 days. Due to the moisture incursion, the room was tested.
The testing found “occasional” counts of Cladosporium, Penicillium/Aspergillus, Unknown Hyphae and Ascospore spores on the service closet plaster ceiling. Additionally, “numerous” counts of Penicillium/Aspergillus spores were found on the service room door facing surface.
The hygienist interprets “occasional” counts as no evidence of mold growth, while “numerous” counts are indicative of strong evidence of mold growth. Additionally, due to the moisture, some tiles on the floor buckled and need to be replaced. There is asbestos in those tiles and in the adhesive mastic that needs to be abated.
Next Steps
After consultation with our industrial hygienists, it has been recommended to immediately clean the areas of mold in the closet and abate the asbestos during the February break when the building is not occupied.
Our Facilities Department has since removed the service closet door and covered the doorway opening with plastic sheeting while placing the service closet under negative air pressure for containment. We have been assured that the asbestos tile is undisturbed and does not pose any health concerns. Abatement and material haul away will occur in the lower level restricted to a lower level exit door.
As a precaution, three rooms (115, 130, 205) will be retested for IAQ levels. There is no indication based on the evidence that any of these rooms warrant further intervention. Finally, LLS Principal Kim Ambrosio will reconvene the Tools For Schools team to review all of this material on February 12 so that the building level team is apprised.
Based on our fall IAQ testing, walk-throughs of the facility and consultation with our industrial hygienists, we have been assured that this is the appropriate protocol in response to this report. Again, this is a small maintenance service closet in the basement and not accessible to students or staff.
Long Lots Elementary School
Additional Information
CDC Information
According to the CDC, Aspergillus/Penicillium is a common mold that lives indoors and outdoors, and since most people breathe in fungal spores every day, “It’s probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus isn’t harmful.” (https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/causes.html)
However, to be clear, this information is not intended to minimize any compromises in indoor air quality. In fact, for some individuals with allergies to mold, such compromised indoor air could lead to health problems. If we find mold, we follow EPA protocols for “Mold Removal in Schools and Commercial Buildings” and remediate.
Beyond that, our standards for the quality of indoor air necessitate that any instances that affect indoor air quality are addressed immediately by following proper procedures based on the individual incident. We proactively work to prevent recurrences with the measures listed above. For mold to grow, there needs to be moisture and a food source (e.g., paper, cardboard, etc.). Once again, if we find mold, we remediate using appropriate procedures for the specific incident, clean and work to prevent further occurrences by determining and fixing the moisture source.
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The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
