“Parents for a New LLS” is a grassroots campaign founded by Westporters and Long Lots Elementary School mothers Sarah Morrison and Veronica Tysseland. Their goal is to get a new school built for the children of Longs Lots ASAP.
The group is not affiliated with any political party. Anyone who shares their mission is welcome to join.
The revised 8-24 submitted yesterday by our First Selectwoman represents a compromise, and should be unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commissioners.
Based on our conversations with various members of town boards, we feel that this newly designed proposal takes into account their feedback and makes the appropriate adjustments to the prior submitted 8-24. Furthermore, it satisfies all requests from affected parties, while also taking into account the topographical limitations of 13 Hyde Lane.
All elements of the property are retained on site, with the exception of an existing substandard baseball field which is eliminated.
Given that we are in the 8-24 stage of the process, final size determinations of each element have not been presented, and it is not our place to speculate on them. They are subject to change based on the necessary size of the new school and the adjoining “shooter safe” parking lot, which remain the priorities.
As it pertains to the parking lot, the proposed site plan currently shows 175 to 195 spaces. The existing lot today has 195 spaces. Any parent will tell you it is not even sufficient for daily pickup needs.
Add Stepping Stones Preschool there, with our most fragile under-5population, and it becomes obvious that more parking will be required.
In short, the parking lot will inevitably change, which will have a domino effect on the size of the fields and gardens. This parking lot must also be designed to include “shooter safe” features in keeping with today’s standards, which may further dictate the size and layout of the subsequent field and gardens.
The current Long Lots School parking lot. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The most critical elements that we believe should be highlighted in the 8-24 include:
Rebuilding of the multipurpose field and gardens will allow proper drainage to be installed on Terrace 1.
The gardens will be rebuilt to maintain the requested buffer between the neighbors and the relocated field.
The proposed field space shrinks to accommodate the gardens; final size TBD based on the aforementioned size of the new school and adjoining parking lot.
13 Hyde Lane currently houses a school, fields and a community garden. The modified plan submitted houses a school, fields and a community garden. Again, the size of each of these is yet to be determined.
As parents, we feel this plan represents the requested compromises to appease all critical constituents. We urge P&Z to pass this plan unanimously, so that professionals can get to work on the details to be presented at the site plan stage.
Any further delays on this project is unacceptable; attempts at compromise were made and denied many months ago. We urge our fellow community members to accept this updated plan, which does satisfy the specific wishes of different factions of our community.
The political machinations of the past several months have not gone unnoticed, and are inappropriate in this context. Long Lots parents and all of our supporters in the community will no longer accept the finger pointing and unproductive diatribe that has overtaken this project.
We trust in our elected officials and our volunteer working committees and sincerely believe you should do the same. It is the only way forward.
The Planning & Zoning Commission received a resubmitted 8-24 (municipal improvement) request for 13 Hyde Lane (the Long Lots Elementary School property) at midday today.
The request, from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, includes 2 possible sites for relocation of the Westport Community Gardens. One is near the current spot. The other (labeled “alt. location”) is behind where the current school now sits.
Long Lots Elementary School 8-24 plan, submitted today. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
The application has been posted to the Town’s website. Click here to see all materials.
The request is scheduled for review by the P&Z at their remote meeting on Monday (January 22). Click here for the Zoom link.
Written comments may also be received prior to the meeting. Email: PandZ@westportct.gov by noon Monday, if intended to be distributed to P&Z members.
Written comments received after noon on the day of the meeting will be entered into the record, but will not be distributed until the next business day.
All correspondence received to date from residents on the prior 8-24 request (withdrawn on January 4) will be incorporated into the record. Residents do not need to re-send prior emails.
For the record, here is the official notice:
13 Hyde Lane: Appl. #PZ-24-00029, Request for a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission, submitted pursuant to CGS-§8-24, Municipal Improvement, by John Broadbin, Deputy Director of Public Works, on behalf of the First Selectwoman, for a Substantial Improvement to Town-owned property in the Residence AA/A Districts, PID #G10058000, for the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School, a replaced and relocated multipurpose athletic field and a replaced and relocated community garden on site.(Must decide by 2/22/24). Applicant’s Presentation Time:30 Mins.
Professional engineer Yulee Aronson, and architects Joseph Vallone and Patricia Chen offer these thoughts:
For the past 6 months we’ve followed the saga that is the proposed reconstruction of Long Lots Elementary School
During this time we’ve learned about this property, its history, stakeholders, and users.
Like many of us who have followed the public debate on various blog posts regarding these issues, we’ve observed the temperature rise of some of these comments to unacceptable levels.
We understand how emotional it may get for some with a lot at stake, but we should all remember that we are neighbors and need to treat each other with respect. We attribute some of the emotional outrage to the lack of awareness of the due process required to take a project like this from concept, through regulatory approvals to final design and construction.
Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
To begin, the first step in the regulatory approval is to follow 2022 Connecticut General Statutes, Title 8 – Zoning, Planning, Housing and Economic and Community Development, Chapter 126 – Municipal Planning Commissions, Section 8-24. – Municipal improvements. For short, this has been referred to as P&Z’s commission 8-24 review.
It is important to note that this being a school reconstruction project, the most important element to include in this application would be to show the new plan for the school and deal with the other elements later in the process. Considering that the school replacement would reduce the school’s footprint on the property, the approval could have been easily gotten on the first go-around in December of last year.
Unfortunately, in addition to the new school the proposal included construction of new athletic fields. Had the athletic fields remained the same size as the existing ones, adding them to the proposal wouldn’t be an issue. However, the proposal contained expansion of these fields, ignoring the earlier ruling by P&Z in 2010 and thus jeopardizing almost certain approval by P&Z.
Below is an excerpt from Eileen Lavigne Flug, assistant town attorney’s memo dated April 26, 2022″
On February 11, 2010 (modified June 10, 2010), the P&Z issued a Special Permit/Site Plan at the request of the Parks and Recreation Department for the expansion of the community gardens, stating that, “The Commission finds that the use of this site for the Community Garden, instead of the previously proposed use for athletic fields, remains in keeping with the 2007 POCD.”
With all the back and forth surrounding reconstruction of LLS, all stakeholders unanimously agree that the new school must be replaced as soon as possible. According to the initial schedule in the RFQ for feasibility study, the study should have been completed in August of last year and 8-24 application was soon to follow. Six months later and the December application withdrawn, the new application is yet to be resubmitted. Why?
As an independent group of professionals, we would like to offer our time and expertise to help our elected officials expedite the reconstruction process while working to ensure minimal disruption to the functionality of the site and the neighborhood. We understand that a similar offer was made by the chair of the Public Site & Building Committee. Let’s all work together and get it done for our kids!
The Board of Education has added an agenda item to their meeting tomorrow night (Thursday, January 18), inviting the Long Lots School Building Committee to provide an update to the community.
The meeting is in the Staples High School cafeteria, at 7 p.m. There will be ample time for public comment following the LLSBC update to the BOE.
The community has engaged in an ongoing debate regarding the use of the property adjacent to a planned new construction of Long Lots.
This matter will be brought before the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday (January 22), when it is anticipated that the first selectwoman will resubmit a recommendation for the use of this property, based on feedback from P & Z at their previous meeting.
I want to emphasize the critical importance of this new construction project moving forward in a timely manner without delay. As determined by multiple professionals, the facility is at the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. The decision to build a new construction was recommended by the BOE in June 2022.
Further delays of this project can present districtwide complications. As the town has experienced with Coleytown Middle School, major capital failures can lead to significant disruption for many students. Although a capital failure of that magnitude is not necessarily likely, other capital failures (e.g. failure of one of the 3 HVAC systems, increased water incursions, etc.) could necessitate alternative plans for a section of the school, warranting the displacement of a subsection of students.
Mold forced the closing – and subsequent renovation — of Coleytown Middle School.
Again, without a crystal ball, these events cannot be precisely predicted.
However, the recommendation for a new construction (a year and a half ago) was made to avoid any capital failures that could lead to significant disruption for the Long Lots community and other schools in Westport.
This is not only a Long Lots community issue. Advancing this project and maintaining the timeline for the opening of a new LLS in September 2026 is an issue for the entire school community, and larger Westport community.
There’s one more plan for Long Lots Elementary School.
Sort of.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker began last night’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting by announcing a new version of the controversial renovation project. The goal was to address objections raised previously by the Planning & Zoning Commission, to a baseball diamond at the location of the current Westport Community Gardens.
A “multipurpose field” would be constructed there instead. The garden would be relocated somewhere else, on the Hyde Lane property.
There was no drawing to accompany the concept.
The LLSBC then held a work session. Microphones were either off or insufficient, making it difficult to hear.
Residents Jennifer Johnson and John Suggs both complained that the meeting was neither livestreamed nor recorded.
The newest plan — with, perhaps, a drawing — may be presented to the P&Z at its January 22 meeting.
For over 90 years, the Westport Country Playhouse has attracted Big Names.
Next up: Audra McDonald.
The singer/actor — winner of a record-breaking 6 Tony Awards (plus 2 Grammys and an Emmy); National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — takes the stage on Saturday, February 10 (7 p.m.).
The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County is sponsoring a solidarity gathering on Sunday. It marks 100 days of captivity for dozens of hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
Sunday’s event — called “Bring Them Home Now” — is at 1 p.m. Click here to register, and receive location details.
In her last issue as editor of Westport Lifestyle, Robin Moyer Chung writes about Henry Putnam. The Staples High School student is a non-verbal 18-year-old with cerebral palsy. As with other classmates with disabilities, he participates in an internship that will help him get a job after graduation.
Click here to read the story. It begins on page 42.
Henry Putnam (Photo courtesy of Westport Lifestyle Magazine)
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Fresh off a national championship, Jake Thaw has entered the transfer portal.
The University of Michigan punt return specialist is a senior, after graduating from Staples High School in 2020. However, he has 3 years of eligibility remaining, after walking on for the Wolverines.
The Detroit Free Press writes: “Thaw, 6-1 and 192 pounds played in 15 games on special teams as a senior this season. He may now be most known for his muffed punt near the goal line against Alabama in the final minute of the Rose Bowl, though it should be highlighted he was able to recover the loose ball and avert disaster.
He had 11 fair catches, and returned 16 punts for 111 yards the season.
A muffed punt with less than a minute to play in the semifinal almost cost UM a shot at the national title. Thaw was vilified on social media, but also praised for not giving up a safety.
He wrote: “For those that have kept unwavering support — thank you. And for those that have not, I understand. I made the biggest two mistakes of my life on the biggest stage, and I won’t ever forgive myself. I’ll always love and cherish @UMichFootball and this fanbase. Go Blue.” (Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
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Westport artists Miggs Burroughs, Darcy Hicks, Dale Najarian and Tammy Winser — all of whom advocate for common sense guns laws — will show their work in a juried exhibit at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport. “In Our Hands” explores many perspectives of gun culture in the US. All proceeds benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.
The opening reception is January 21 (1 to 3 p.m.).
Matthew Mandell paid a surprise visit yesterday to wish Westporters Dana Noorilly and Julie Mountain good luck with their new Upper West Side Granola Bar location.
Business was brisk, he said, in a beautiful spot.
Mandell is director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. “We support our members!” he notes.
Dana Noorilly, Matthew Mandell and Julie Mountain, at the New York Granola Bar.
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Neal Radding sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Sherwood Island State Park, plus a George Costanza quote: “The sea was angry that day, my friends.”
And finally … on this date in 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League defeated the NFL’s Baltimore Colts of the National Football League to win Super Bowl III (and the first championship game with that name). The 16-7 victory is one of the greatest upsets in sports history; the Jets were 19 1/2-point underdogs.
(The Jets and Sharks agree on one thing: Supporting “06880” is cool. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The 8-24 (municipal review) request for the Long Lots Elementary School renovation project has been temporarily withdrawn.
In a brief email this morning to Planning & Zoning director Mary Young, with copies to town attorney Ira Bloom and Long Lots School Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker wrote:
I am withdrawing the current 8-24 application for 13 Hyde Lane.
Following a robust P&Z Commission meeting on 12/18/23, we would like to take into consideration the feedback of the commission members.
After discussing with Chair (Paul) Lebowitz, we have decided to review possible modifications to the application and will file a revised proposal to be heard at the 1/22/24 P&Z meeting.
It is still our goal to start the construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School before the end of 2024, so moving swiftly and decisively remains a priority.
The “robust P&Z Commission” meeting followed months of controversy. Questions have been raised by residents and town officials about various aspects of the project, including construction of new athletic fields and the possible relocation of the Westport Community Gardens.
The plan for Long Lots Elementary School. The next step in the process — an 8-24 hearing by the Planning & Zoning Commission — is on hold.
For several years, “06880” rang in the new year with an iconic photo: The “blue marble” image of Earth, suspended in space.
Taken by Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972, for half a century it symbolized the beauty and fragility of our planet, and the interconnectedness of us all.
Last year, I went intergalactic.
In the 17 months since the James Webb Space Telescope beamed its first pictures back to us, the world has been mesmerized.
We thought we knew how vast and amazing the universe is.
Now, we realize, we don’t know the half — or the hundredth, or squintillionth — of it.
Gazing at photos like the one above, we realize how insignificant we truly are. Our planet is just one grain of sand, on an obscure beach, in an out-of-the-way location.
We really don’t matter at all.
Except to us.
Take a look at that photo again.
That landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars is actually the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. For the first time, we see stars being born.
We look billions of light years into the past. That’s crazy stuff.
So — back here on Earth, in our tiny Zip Code in our small state in our big country in our average-sized planet — we have to wonder: What actually matters?
Is it whether we put a baseball field next to a school, or keep a garden? Is it losing 44 parking spaces downtown? Is it the inconvenience of traffic on our roads, or a neighbor who chops down most of his trees?
The answer is: Yes.
These things matter.
They matter because they are part of our lives here in Westport. Sure, the universe seems endless; we still can’t really conceive of the fourth dimension, and our universe itself may be part of another, “living” life form.
In other words, the Westport — and the world — we know may just be atoms in an infinitely more complex something-or-other.
But all that’s for another day (or time).
Meanwhile, we look for the answers to life out there. But right now, it’s our own lives to lead, right here in “06880.”
Let’s lead them well.
And so … bringing us back to what we know best … here’s that beautiful blue marble, once more.
In a town noted for long meetings, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting was remarkable for being particularly lengthy.
For 6 1/2 hours — from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. — commissioners discussed the Long Lots Elementary School renovation project. They’re involved because it can move forward only with their positive 8-24 report (or if they do not vote within 35 days).
The P&Z offered the most in-depth questions — and at times, most skeptical reception — of any town body so far.
Part of the discussion involved the possibility of separating decisions about the new building itself, and a Babe Ruth baseball field that has become part of the discussion. If approved, the field would replace the Westport Community Gardens — forcing a move to (perhaps) the Senior Center.
The meeting ended with no decision. The P&Z will continue its discussion on January 8.
Monday’s session was the first for new member John Bolton. Though he lost his bid for re-election last month, he was nominated by the Republican Town Committee to replace Amie Tesler, who resigned due to increased business responsibilities.
The P&Z voted unanimously in favor. He was immediately sworn in by Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton.
After the Board of Selectwomen voted recently to place 3-hour limits on some parking spots downtown — up from the previous 2 hours, but not enforced since COVID — officials said the signs would be delivered after the new year.
Turns out, they’re already here — and in place.
This was the scene yesterday, in the Baldwin lot off Elm Street:
(Photo/Bruce Schneider)
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Speaking of downtown:
Tonight, Michael Friedman’s pop-up gallery in Bedford Square (31 Church Lane, opposite Spotted Horse; 5 to 8 p.m.) hosts drop-in party.
Guests can enjoy the dozens of photos on the wall, of the Rolling Stones, The Band, Janis Joplin and many other music legends. All taken by Friedman when he was a rock photographer.
The images were forgotten for decades. Now, Friedman has printed them again, and turned them into a book.
“Exposed: The Lost Negatives and Untold Stories of Michael Friedman” will be given as a complimentary copy, to any purchasing a limited edition print.
Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.
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“A Sherlock Carol” opened last night, at the sold-out Westport Country Playhouse.
The holiday family production is being performed in 14 theaters this week. The local version features the original New York City cast.
The show runs evenings through Saturday (December 23), with matinees on Friday and Saturday. Click here for tickets, and more information.
“A Sherlock Carol” opening night bows. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
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Congratulations to Caleb Smith!
The Wreckers’ all-everything quarterback — who led his team to the Class “LL” (extra large schools) state championship 21-20 over West Haven, despite separating his shoulder on the first play — has been named MaxPreps’ Connecticut Player of the Year.
That’s on top of previous honors, like 2-time All-State and FCIAC Player of the Year.
Smith is Staples’ all-time passing leader (5,198 yards), and ranks 3rd in both career rushing yards (2,307) and rushing touchdowns (44).
Last year, he was on the state championship lacrosse team, as well as the state finalist basketball squad.
Williams College junior — and 2021 Staples High School graduate — Arianna Gerig is the New England Women’s Basketball Association Division III Player of the Week.
She averaged 31.5 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 0.5 blocks in a pair of games last week — including the most points in one game in Ephs’ history (43 against Smith College).
Chris Coogan and his band played to a full house Sunday at the Senior Center.
The holiday concert was sponsored by the Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, thanks to a grant from the Westport Rotary Club — the gift that keeps on giving.
Chris Coogan (right) and his band, at the Senior Center.
And finally … happy 66th birthday to Billy Bragg. He’s not everyone’s cup o’ tea — but I’ve loved his music and messages for nearly 40 years.
(Each day, “06880” delivers hyper-local news and information you can use. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)
Including — especially — town officials. A major project is scheduled for a hearing shortly before Christmas.
Last night, the Board of Finance spent 5 1/2 hours on its second hearing about funding for the Long Lots Elementary School building project.
No decisions were made. A funding request is expected at the board’s next meeting.
Meanwhile, the town has filed its 8-24 municipal improvement application, for the Long Lots School. It — with “the relocation of a multipurpose field” — is on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for Monday, December 18 (7 p.m.; Zoom, plus Optimum channel 79 and Frontier
channel 6020).
By statute, the P&Z must make a decision by January 12.
Written comments can be sent to the P&Z before the meeting: pandz@westportct.gov.
The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss an 8-24 application for Long Lots Elementary School next Monday.
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But one agenda item is off the table — at least temporarily.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen scratched a request by Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava to approve a license agreement between the town and Longshore Sailing School from tomorrow’s meeting agenda (Wednesday, December 13, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Questions were raised over the weekend about the process by which the recommendation was made.
The Compo Acres Shopping Center community menorah was lit last night. It was the 5th day of Hanukkah.
Jo Shields Sherman reports that the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life-sponsored event included “festive, frenzied music; treats and toys, dancing, and of course dreidels for the kids.”
She was reassured by the police presence: half a dozen police cars. “I think all the blue lights added something special,” Jo says.
Menorah lighting, at Compo Acres Shopping Center. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
There’s a holiday twist to the old saying “sing for your supper.”
This Saturday (December 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), the Weston High School Chamber Singers entertains diners at 14 venues. They’ll sing a few songs at each.
The carolers begin their rounds at the Boathouse, then stop off at Kawa Ni, the Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck. They then make their way around the train station to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci, and Allium, before heading north to entertain guests at Zucca, Match Burger Lobster, Rizzuto’s and Viva Zapata, before ending at Dunville’s.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event.
This Sunday (December 17, 5 p.m.), Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church hosts its annual service, following the English tradition of “9 Lessons & Carols.”
The popular event — from the first notes of “Once in Royal David’s City” to the soaring descants of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” — fills attendees with the spirit of Christmas.
The Parish Choir and Choristers are accompanied by Grammy-nominated harpist Kristi Shade.
Afterward, there is a reception with light, festive refreshments in Branson Hall. The public is invited.
“9 Lessons & Carols,” at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
The star of Staples High School’s 1978 state championship team coached Clemson University to the NCAA Division I national title last night.
The 2-1 victory over Notre Dame was Noonan’s 2nd NCAA crown in 3 years. Only 2 other teams in college soccer history have accomplished that feat.
The Tigers — who finish the year 15-3-5, and also won the ACC title — allowed only 1 goal throughout the entire 5-game NCAA tournament. That was last night, by the Irish. It came late in the match on a penalty kick, when Clemson already had the game in hand.
Noonan was cheered on by family and friends, including former teammates Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers and Steve Hollingsworth; Dan Donovan (SHS ’82), who won a state title with Staples in 1981, and whose son Paddy (SHS ’22) is a goalkeeper on Clemson’s national champion squad; and Michael McCarthy, Stuart’s son who won his own state championship at Staples in 2009.
Congratulations, “Noons”! Well done, Tigers! Click here for last night’s highlight reel.
Celebrating with the NCAA College Cup trophy (from left): Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers, Mike Noonan, Paddy Donovan, Dan Donovan, Michael McCarthy.
A fascinating story in the Daily Tar Heel tells the story of the University of North Carolina’s first Black athlete.
In 1963, Edwin Okoroma left Nigeria to play varsity soccer at UNC. Life was not easy, but he persevered. After earning a medical degree at the Mayo Clinic, he returned to his native country. He practiced medicine and taught there for decades — and, now 83 years old, continues to do so.
The story caught the eye of Westporter Bud Siegel. He was Okoroma’s teammate — one of the “New England prep school kids” who, according to the Daily Tar Heel, made up most of the Carolina soccer team.
He says that the newspaper story is quite accurate — right down to its description of an incident at a Howard Johnson’s in Charlottesville, Virginia.
When a waitress told Okoroma that the restaurant did not serve Blacks, he got up to leave. The entire team followed him out the door.
“Edwin was a teammate. We supported one of our own,” Siegel says.
He adds another detail: For their 50th reunion, Siegel was tasked with trying to find former team members.
He tracked Okoroma through Saudi Arabia and to his last posting in Nigeria, but never got a response from the hospital.
“Such a shame,” Siegel says. “We would have loved to have heard Edwin’s story after UNC.”
The 1963 University of North Carolina soccer team. Edwin Okoromo is in the middle of the 2nd row. Bud Siegel is in the front row, 4th from right. Others in the photo include future Yale coach Bill Killen, and future Dartmouth coaches George Beim and Tom Griffith.
Sir Ian McKellen was at the Westport Library Sunday.
Okay, the famed English actor appeared on the large Trefz Forum screen.
But he addressed the large crowd, before the showing of “The One Note Man” — the compelling story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone, or stepping out and changing his life forever.
Westporter Rita Marcocci was an executive producer for the film.
Sir Ian McKellen, on the Westport Library screen. Westporter Dave Briggs, who moderated a panel discussion, is at far right.
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Speaking of the Library: There are just 13 days till Christmas.
And just 108 until VersoFest2024.
The 4th annual Westport Library music concerts/panels/workshops event kicks off April 4, with the indie rock/pop band the Lemon Twigs, and DJ Hysterica spinning all-vinyl power pop, punk, greasy soul and yé-yé.
The Lemon Twigs “dart from twee chamber pop balladry to full-on glam punk, mixing plaintive singer-songwriter confessionals with an almost Syd Barrett sense of outré pop. Their sound has said to harken back to the vocal melody of Art Garfunkel and chamber pop of Brian Wilson, and they cite among their influences Moondog and Arthur Russell.”
Westport Country Playhouse just announced 2 new program for this spring.
They’ll appeal to very diverse audiences.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” (April 27, 1 and 4 p.m.) is aimed at children in pre-K through 2nd grade. Click here for tickets, and more information.
On June 6 (8 p.m.), Tony Kushner sits for an on-stage interview, and Q-and-A. The author/playwright/ screenwriter is known for works like the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning “Angels in America,” and film collaborations with Steven Spielberg on “Munich,” “Lincoln,” “The Fabelmans” and the 2021 remake of “West Side Story.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
Tony Kushner
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Last week, an “06880” Roundup included a photo of the Westport post office, at noon on a weekday. It was completely empty.
What a difference a few days makes. Yesterday, also at noon, the line was almost out the door:
Hopefully no one was in line to buy Christmas stamps. A sign on the wall on the left — easily missed — notes that the post office has run out of this year’s supply.
This week’s “Jazz at the Post,” featuring Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, Greg Wall, Michael Cochrane, Yuriy Galkin and Tim Horner, is a tribute to the 1980 record “Street Singer,” a recording of a legendary 1960 performance by Jackie MacLean and Tina Brooks.
There are 2 sets this Thursday (December 14) at VFW Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $15. Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Bernadine Ann Ripka (Bernie) died peacefully at home Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 87.
The Chicago native lived in Westport since 1973.
A cherished mother and grandmother, Bernie was a member of St. Luke Church, where she prepared and served meals to the underprivileged. She was an avid fitness walker, and appreciated fashion and interior decorating.
Her family says, “She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, high emotional intelligence, and love of people.”
Bernie is survived by her husband of 57 years, John; sons Mark (Kate), Brett (Kristen) and their children, Emma and Josephine; daughter-in-law Kim, and Kim and Greg’s daughter Abigail.
She was predeceased by her son Greg, her brother John Shuta and his wife Dorothy, and her sister Martha Neumann and her husband Frank.
Calling hours are Thursday ( December 14, 4-7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (December 15, 11 a.m., Saint Luke Church), To sign Bernie’s online guestbook, click here.
And finally … in honor of this Saturday’s Saugatuck caroling, at 14 different restaurants:
(Political news? Holiday info? Random stuff you never knew you needed to know? It’s all here at “06880.” Please click here to ensure it keeps coming, 24/7/365. Thank you!)
Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.
Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.
They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.
(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)
The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).
But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.
So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?
Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.
You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.
Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.
The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.
The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.
Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.
In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:
Architectural Review Board
Arts Advisory Committee
Blight Prevention Board
Commission for Senior Services
Conservation Commission
Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
Historic District Commission
Parks Advisory Committee
Tree Board
Youth Commission
Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.
Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form, including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.
There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.
The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.
76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.
The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)
This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.
La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.
There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).
New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.
Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.
Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.
Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.
With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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Pizza and a play.
That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.
Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.
“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.
This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.
She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7; Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.
On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”
Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein.
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Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.
His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).
Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.
Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.
Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.
Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”
And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):
(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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Based on our conversations with various members of town boards, we feel that this newly designed proposal takes into account their feedback and makes the appropriate adjustments to the prior submitted 8-24. Furthermore, it satisfies all requests from affected parties, while also taking into account the topographical limitations of 13 Hyde Lane.
