Michael Tomashefsky has lived in Westport for 32 years. He spent a career in trade magazine advertising, focusing on development media for Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
He has also had side hustles in standup comedy, writing for a rock ‘n’ roll magazine, and landscape photography. Since retiring 2 years ago, he has given landscape and travel presentations of his photos at senior centers and senior communities throughout the area.
Westport never ceases to provide Michael with photography inspiration, included the Parker Harding Plaza footbridge. He writes:
It sits there day after day, year after year, forlorn, neglected, nearly forgotten and overshadowed by the controversy surrounding its larger brother, the Cribari Bridge.
The Parker Harding footbridge … (Photo/John Maloney)
Lord knows, Westport faces many pressing issues — including the future status of that Cribari Bridge, the lack of affordable housing, not enough bike lanes and sidewalks, anemic downtown parking, a disturbing lack of Albanian restaurants, and absolutely no master plan for dealing with a Martian attack.
I would like to raise our collective consciousness by adding to this list the head-scratching demise of the footbridge behind Parker Harding.
The artfully designed wooden plank walkway that juts out into the Saugatuck River has been closed for several years, presumably because it became unsafe.
Prior to that it offered splendid all-season views of the surrounding wetlands, the river, and downtown Westport. It was a haven for photographers, birders, lovers making out and folks simply looking to enjoy the views.
It was one of many attributes that made Westport a special place to live.
Unfortunately, those of us who used to revel in the footbridge’s many delights must continue to stew in season after season of our discontent. It is a classic case of anti-footbridgeloverism.
… with its “Do Not Enter” sign. (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)
The Public Works Department has advised me that the footbridge is officially on the property of Gorham Island, and repairs are under their jurisdiction.
The agency that manages the property confirmed this, and advised me they would do a cost analysis re making repairs in the next couple of months.
As private money, corporate bureaucracy and state regulations would be involved as well, I doubt we’ll see an open footbridge any time soon.
But heck — if the citizens of Westport could stop the building of a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island, surely, we can get the Parker Harding footbridge open.
Citizens unite!
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)
Earlier his week, Westport firefighters assisted the Westport Weston Health District and Department of Human Services by providing COVID vaccinations to homebound residents.
And … while delivering the vaccines, Fire Department members performed home safety inspections, including inspecting flammable substance storage, and checking and installing smoke and CO2 alarms.
Then yesterday morning, our firefighters helped Human Services by loading and unloading food boxes from the Connecticut Food Bank. 60 will be distributed to food-insecure households in Westport. Two more pick-ups are scheduled next month.
For more information on food resources, email humansrv@westportct.gov or call 203-341-1050.
Kudos to all involved. It takes a village — and ours is a great one. (Hat tip: Jennifer Gallini Petrosinelli)
Firefighter Liz Ferguson helps with food distribution.
Audrey Hertzel posted a COVID vaccine comment. It’s so good, I’m repeating it here. Every “06880” reader needs to see this — and follow through.
Audrey wrote: “I had my first shot at the Stamford Lord & Taylor parking lot last week. Everyone was so wonderful.
“Someone on a local neighborhood group suggested bringing cookies, coffee, etc. to the the workers.
“I brought 100 Dunkin’ Munchkins and a Box of Joe for them to share. They couldn’t have been more appreciative. I’m hoping more people do the same — and spread the word to others!”
Yesterday, the Board of Selectman unanimously adopted this resolution:
WHEREAS, Asian-Pacific American communities are suffering acts of discrimination, hate crimes, and microaggressions, which have been exposed and heightened due to COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, anti-Asian rhetoric and sentiment is stigmatizing, tends to incite fear and xenophobia, and numerous Asian-Pacific Americans are experiencing increased racial profiling, hate incidents, and, in some cases, hate violence; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to bring attention to baseless and xenophobic actions, hate speech, and bias, and most particularly, those against the Asian American and Pacific Island community, the Town of Westport must demonstrate its support for neighbors, families and friends who are adversely affected and traumatized by these acts.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Westport Board of Selectmen emphatically denounces xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment. The Town of Westport joins municipalities, counties, and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of Asian-Pacific Americans and in combating hate crimes targeting Asian-Pacific Americans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Westport remains committed to condemning all manner of racism, stigmatization, hate speech, hate crimes, xenophobia, discrimination and violence. Protecting residents, business owners, workforce members, and victims of hate through supportive programs and policies that embrace inclusivity, diversity, civil discourse, and acceptance for all, remains at the forefront of our intentions as a community to combat hate and racial injustices.
After 38 years as founder and chair of the Susan Fund — where she oversaw raising and distributing nearly $2 million in scholarships to 285 Fairfield County students diagnosed with cancer — Ann Lloyd has stepped down from her role.
Incoming chair Jeff Booth’s first official act was to name Ann chairman emeritus.
That’s her second recent honor. Last month, the indefatigable Westporter was an “06880” Unsung Hero of the Week.
And speaking of sports: Dave Briggs is a great interviewer. (He should be: He spent more than 2 decades at Fox News, NBC Sports and CNN.) His Instagram Live sessions have become must-see viewing for ever-larger audiences.
It helps that he snags great guests.
Today’s is Jay Williams. The NBA analyst and ESPN radio host is — like Dave — a a Westport resident.
It’s live at 2 p.m. today (Thursday, March 25; @WestportMagazine). The 2 guys welcome your questions. Shoot!
In January 2020, “06880” reported that Little Beet was coming to the Fresh Market shopping center.
The chain offers “wholesome, healthy food that not only tastes great, but makes you feel great.” Food is “carefully sourced … from farmers and purveyors we trust, guaranteeing all of our food is gluten-free and better for you.”
The menu includes make-your-own rice and quinoa-based meals, poké and other bowls, vegetable sides, and breakfast sandwiches, parfaits and oatmeal.
Little Beet would open that summer, I confidently said.
COVID and (perhaps) other issues intervened. The storefront sat empty. But now, work has begun.
Last month, “06880” paid tribute to Bob Comstock. After a legendary career in New Jersey journalism, he spent nearly 20 years in Westport. He was active in the Unitarian Church and Y’s Men.
Yesterday, at his daily COVID press briefing, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy added his own tribute to Bob. Click below to watch:
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