Our long blue nightmare may be over.
The sale of 233 Hillspoint Road — site of the former Café de la Plage and Positano restaurants, but for the past several centuries decades years a half-finished, Tyvek-wrapped, litigation-snarled residential property that’s been an eyesore and headache for neighbors and passersby — closed last week.
Work has already begun to finish the home.
It may take a while. But whenever it’s done, all of “06880” will rejoice.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
(Photo/John McKinney)
==================================================
Meanwhile, there’s more going on in that historic neighborhood.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci has posted its menu online — and it’s an extensive one.
There are many lunch and dinner favorites from the popular Railroad Place restaurant, plus lots of breakfast items. Catering options are available too. Click here to see.
A grand opening is set for this Saturday (February 10, noon to close). “Celebrate with us, and taste a slice of Italy,” say the new operators, who had a soft opening last month in their newly renovated space — which dates back to 1919.
==================================================
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee has a full agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (Thursday, February 8, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).
It includes: parking lots reinvention; downtown lots design master plan; Parker Harding status; Jesup and Imperial lots; other projects status, Avery Street pole removal, and sustainability.
To contact the committee, email: DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.
On the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee agenda: the Imperial Avenue parking lot. From 2020-22, it was the site of the Remarkable Theater drive-in. This photo shows a COVID drive-in concert, sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
=================================================
It’s been a big month for Jane Pimentel.
On Monday, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously granted her — as owner/operator of Longshore Sailing School — a 1-year extension to her contract.
An RFP for a longer contract will be posted this summer.
A few days earlier, at US Sailing’s National Sailing Programs Symposium in Savannah, Georgia, Pimentel received the Sail Training Service and Support Award in honor of Virginia Long.
The award — commonly called “The Ginny” — goes to an individual who “unselfishly assists and enables a sailing program or sailing instruction in a supportive role.” Recipients’ “outstanding efforts improve sailing education programs and instruction in the United States.”
US Sailing said Pimentel “has seemingly made it her dual mission to create new sailors while simultaneously improving the level of instructor training in her region…. Longshore Sailing School puts over 1,000 junior sailors and 250 adults on the water annually, with many coming by way of scholarship. Many adults also go on to become instructors at the school.
“Much of her success is due to the culture she’s created. As all good leaders do, Pimentel has established a staff culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and empowerment, understanding that accountability and compassion go hand in hand.” (Click here for more information. Hat tip: David Loffredo)
Jane Pimentel, with her Ginny Award.
==================================================
Valentine’s Day came early for members of Club 203 — Westport’s great group for adults with disabilities.
They partied at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel barn, where they enjoyed heart-shaped pizzas from Planet Pizza, music by DJ Joey, a “sweet” art project organized by MoCA, and mountains of pink and red desserts by Avery Horne.
Volunteers — including some from the Westport Rotary Club — joined the fun.
Dylan Curran and friends, at Club 203’s Valentine’s party.
=================================================
Speaking of Valentine’s Day: With so much contention in our town and country, the Democratic Women of Westport want to show a little non-partisan love.
This Saturday (February 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’ll be outside Anthropologie, offering hot chocolate and cookies to all.
They’ll also have Post-Its, for people to share what they love about Westport. The DWW will hang them up, for all to see.
It’s their “valentine to our town.”
=================================================
In a town filled with fundraisers, it’s tough to stand out.
The Westport Woman’s Club has found a unique — and very fun — way: a “Death by Bathtub Gin” murder mystery dinner.
On Saturday, March 23 (6 p.m.), their Imperial Avenue clubhouse will be transformed into a Jazz Age speakeasy.
A professional troupe of Broadway actors will guide 100 guests through a hunt for the “murderer.” It may well be one of them.
The night includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a 3-course Italian dinner, as the “murder mystery” unfolds.
Flapper dresses and tuxedos are welcome. A photo booth will have “jazzy” accessories for all. There’s a silent auction too.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds help fun scholarships, grants and food gift cards — continuing the Woman’s Club’s 100-plus years of service to the community.
Call 203-227-4240, or email wwc@westportwomansclub.org for tickets.
================================================
Calling all 6th through 8th grade boys who dream of playing on the Staples High School varsity team!
On Sunday, February 18 (8 to 10 a.m.), the Wreckers will host a clinic at the PAL Longshore ice rink.
Head coach Matt Bohn, his staff and current players will lead skill drills and small area games. Attendees can then watch Bohn lead a varsity practice.
For the final half hour, any current or prospective player (of any age) can sign up to “Skate with a Wrecker” during an open session. Beginners are welcome.
The program is sponsored by Westport PAL and is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve a spot, email wreckerhockey@gmail.com
Staples High School 2023-24 boys hockey team.
==================================================
Attention all veterans coping with PTSD and anxiety: Westport-based The Harmonetiks Project‘s mind/body workshops can help.
Classes begin February 27, and will be held Tuesdays at Harmonetiks (420 Post Road West, at 9 a.m., noon and 6:30 p.m. Classes are limited to 12 in-person; there is an online option too.
Westport acupuncturist and energy medicine specialist/coctor of Oriental medicine Jeffrey Zimmerman provides the treatments and self-help workshops for veterans, teaching them concrete tools to support their well-being.
Harmonetiks exercises dial down the body’s “fight/flight or freeze” response, and transition to a state of ease and harmony.
For more information, calll 203-349-5374.
==================================================
Amy Simon Fine Art has moved.
Their new home is not far — just a few yards east of the old location, to 155 Post Road East (opposite Design Within Reach).
They’ve transitioned to a showroom with full inventory, rather than a public gallery space. They’ll be open by appointment: 203-259-1500.
==================================================
Remy romps at Compo, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Enjoy it, little guy. In 53 days, you’ll be banned from the beach.
(Photo/Becky Keeler)
==================================================
And finally … country music star Toby Keith died Monday. He was 62, and in 2022 was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” has covered the blue house story — and many others — for years. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
