Tag Archives: Police Chief Foti Koskinas

Roundup: Lyman Air Strike, “06880” License Plate, Staples Baseball …

Posted on June 7, 2024 | 9 comments

Lyman — Westport’s Ukrainian sister city — was struck by Russian missiles recently.

A video from Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit formed by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has delivered over $300,000 donated by Westporters to our friends in that town — shows some of the horrific destruction. Click here to see.

To donate to Ukraine Aid International by credit card, click here; 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.

A resident of Lyman — Westport’s sister city — after a Russian air strike. 

Meanwhile, Lyman’s police chief asked his counterpart, Westport Chief Foti Koskinas, for help. The town needs 2 EcoFlow batteries to power up their charging stations for the Starlink (provided by Westport), their computers and other important devices.

Ukraine Aid International is providing the funds, using money from last summer’s LymanAID fundraiser.

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There are 2 sides to (nearly) every story.

Wednesday’s Roundup included an email from a reader who slammed me for reckless driving on Thomas Road, in “my” BMW with “06880” plates.

I noted that I don’t have a BMW, and that just because I publish “06880,” it doesn’t mean that’s my license plate.

Yesterday, I heard from Gary Shelton, who has some skin in this game. He wrote:

“I’m the driver of the blue BMW ‘06880,’ and a very aware and careful driver.

“The man who wrote you should learn how to properly walk a dog between himself and the side of the road. He had the dog on a long leash between himself and the middle of the road on a blind corner.

“The ‘heads up display’ in my car says the speed limit on Thomas is 25. I was going 20 mph up the hill approaching that blind curve. He gave me a choice of slamming on my brakes and hitting his dog, or accelerating and going quickly around him.

“Fortunately I have extensive evasive maneuver driver training. I would much rather have hit the other car than his dog. He should have been appreciative of that, but clearly is not a good dog parent.

“The other car simply went on the small shoulder as I was around him and back in my lane before he was at any impact point. Cars can be fixed; lives cannot.

“I hope you add this to your blog as a response. I have been a longtime Westporter, and that has been a longstanding family license plate.”

Blind curve on Thomas Road

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Play ball!

The Staples High School baseball team plays for the state “LL” (extra large schools) state championship tomorrow (Saturday, June 8, 12 p.m., Palmer Field, Middletown).

The #19th-ranked Wreckers face #4 Amity.

Fans are invited to gather at the Staples fieldhouse at 9:15 a.m., to give them a great send-off.

Tickets must be purchased through GoFan. The game will be live-streamed here on game day.

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Club 203 celebrated the end of another great year on Wednesday.

Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities hosted a party at Ned Dimes Marina. It was their biggest turnout ever: 175 guests.

The Super Duper Weenie truck served delicious treats, with kind service. Guests enjoyed games, MoCA art projects like message-in-a-bottle and decorate-your-own kites, and cookies from Big G.

Club 203 volunteers were joined by others from the Westport Rotary Club. Special thanks go to the town’s Department of Human Services and the Commission on People with Disabilities. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore stopped by to enjoy the event.

Club 203 fun.

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Staples High School students respect and admire Cathy Dancz Schager.

Now the Contemporary World Studies teacher has been recognized as a “US Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher,” and through the University of Connecticut Office of Early College Experience Teacher Appreciation Campaign.

Leigh Foran, a senior — also the Class of 2024 valedictorian and a US Presidential Scholar honoree — chose Schager as the teacher who inspired her, and contributed the most to her success as part of the Scholar process.

“I’m so thankful to have had a teacher like Ms. Schager who teaches her students to apply what we learn in the classroom to the real world,” Foran says. “She’s truly encouraged us to become global citizens, which I deeply admire.”

In addition, students participating in UConn’s ECE program nominated Schager for her dedication, passion and commitment to supporting students and creating an incredible UConn course experience.

Cathy Schager

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As the LGBTQ community celebrates Pride Month, many look back at a time when they were less certain of their place in the world.

On June 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Alan Downs discusses his book “The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Men’s World.”

Downs is a clinical psychologist. The vent is sponsored by Westport Pride.

Dr. Alan Downs

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Michael Lonsdale has had enough.

Of utility and cable wires, that is.

He sends this photo, from Kings Highway North between Main Street and Canal Street …

(Photo/Michael Lonsdale)

… and writes: “Wiring in Westport is a mess. It depresses me to drive around.

“It’s time for the town to come down on independent vendors who are wiring massive amounts of cable with no protocol. Ridiculous. It is out of control!”

He’s right. Wires are always added — never subtracted.

There’s no incentive for cable or utility companies to remove unused or obsolete wires. It’s easier for them to leave it in place, and move on to the next job.

Of course, they have to return when it all comes tumbling down. But hey …

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There may soon be another place to buy beer here.

The Exxon gas station on Post Road East at Maple Avenue South has applied for a license. Here’s the state-mandated sign in front:

(Photo/Peter Gold)

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Nearly every Westporter of a certain age has a story about Paul Newman, and his Volvos.

(Mine: He picked me up hitchhiking a few times. “Hop in, son!” he’d say.)

“06880” reader Todd Suchotliff sends along a link to a car website called The Autopian.

The story is about the legendary actor and his souped-up Volvo wagons.

It’s an insanely long story, of interest to auto enthusiasts — but also anyone who knows Ian Warburg and the late Michael Brockman, 2 Westporters who feature prominently in the piece.

The article also mentions a “missing” Volvo wagon, of which Suchotliff says, “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen bit before around town, and parked at a house on Compo Road South close to Soundview. It’s a Volvo wagon, with an ‘RR’ emblem on its grille.”

Click here for the full story.

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If you’ve ever had an experience where you found yourself coming together with others whose mindsets, approaches, and/or backgrounds were completely different from your own — yet ended up with surprising or inspiring results — you’ll know what this Sunday will be like at the Westport Library.

In “Unexpected Human Pollination” (June 9, 2 to 4 p.m.), artists will share art and true stories about those times. The storytelling ends with a community conversation on the subject.

It’s the first public event of The Hive — the new project of Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito. The mission is to create opportunities to engage, discover connections and build understanding fueled by the arts, dialogue, ideas and transformation.

The HIVE partners delivers programs in “cross-pollinating community gatherings, arts immersions, and transformation workshops.”

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Art is soothing. So is a sound bath.

On June 20 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), Sorelle Gallery hosts a “Sound Bath Meditation” evening.

The evening begins with a look at Sorelle’s coastal exhibit, Summer Crush. Attendees will then relax on yoga mats for a soothing session led by Hummingbird healing Center founder Lisa Pak.

Tickets are $25 each. There is room for  20 guests. Click here to register, and for more details.

Sorelle Gallery’s “Summer Crush” show.

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It’s been a while since our last osprey check-in.

Johanna Keyser Rossi reports that a pair has been hanging around the high tower behind by the police station  for a few weeks. Their most recent activity: building a nest.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Do you like our new header (the image at the top of “06880,” on desktops and laptops)?

The photo of Old Mill Beach, and homes on Hillspoint Road and Compo Hill, was taken by Gregg Jacobs.

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There’s no accounting for taste.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image might not be your favorite architecture for a home. But purple martins love it.

Every year they flock there, at Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … Dean Martin was born on this day, in 1917. The singer, TV star and famed Rat Pack member died in 1995, age 78.

9 Comments

Posted in Library, Local business, Politics, Staples HS, Transportation

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School Safety Officers: First Year Draws Praise

Posted on May 28, 2024 | 5 comments

When it was first proposed several years ago, there was some pushback to the idea of a School Resource Officer at Staples High School.

Why, some people wondered, should a uniformed police officer walk the halls?

Today, the SRO is an integral part of Staples. Staff and students admire and trust “Officer Ed” Wooldridge.

He helps keep the school safe — and has been an important first responder in a few situations.

Just as importantly, he’s another resource for students with concerns about everything from mental health and social media to drugs, alcohol and sexual assault.

Nearly every student knows him. Their banter is easy. He’s a daily reminder that the Westport Police Department’s job is to make everyone feel more — not less — secure.

Staples’ School Resource “Officer Ed” Wooldridge.

A year ago, when Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice and Police Chief Foti Koskinas proposed adding 4 School Safety Officers, some Westporters again balked.

Why, they wondered, was a police presence needed around our elementary schools? What kind of message would that send? Was the expense worth it?

Nearly a year after the SSOs began patrolling parking lots and school perimeters; interacting with staff, students and parents; dealing with occasional incidents in and around 8 schools, their value is clear.

Even opponents agree: SSOs work.

Sgt. Sean Kelley oversees Westport’s School Safety Officer program.

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook massacre, Koskinas says, Westport schools and the police focused on safety measures like bollards, film on windows and numbers above outside doors. Then-superintendent Elliott Landon opposed a police presence inside schools.

His successor Colleen Palmer, and a different Board of Education, re-examined security issues, and proposed an SRO in every school. The Representative Town Meeting voted it down, by a very narrow margin.

In 2017 — as school shootings continued– an SRO for Staples was approved.

Then came Parkland and Uvalde. Scarice — the new superintendent — was familiar with the positive effects of a police presence in and around schools.

He, Koskinas and the Board of Education developed a plan to augment Wooldridge — Staples’ School Resource Officer — with 4 School Safety Officers.

Each would be responsible for 2 campuses: Staples/Bedford Middle School; Coleytown Middle/Elementary; Kings Highway/Saugatuck, and Long Lots/Greens Farms.

Their roles would include helping with student drop-offs and pick-ups; checking doors and perimeters; enforcing speed zones around schools; responding to emergencies, and being available for advice and guidance.

Part of the School Safety Officers’ job is managing traffic, like this that backs up on Post Road West at Kings Highway Elementary School. (Photo/Dick Lowenstein)

Choosing the 4 SSOs was a deliberate process. Koskinas did not want it to be a burdensome assignment; he wanted people who enjoyed being in a school environment.

The officers went through a lengthy interview process, and were vetted by the Board of Ed, and assistant superintendent for human resources John Bayers.

Sergeant Sean Kelley — who oversees the program — and Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson met with parent groups, to explain what SSOs would and would not do.

The School Safety Officers are Shane Pucci, Ned Batlin, Rachel Hall and Dennis Broderick.

The first year of the program has been very successful, say Koskinas, Kelley and school personnel.

SSOs have identified traffic choke points, helping vehicles move more smoothly in and around schools, and worked with administrators on communicating changes.

On Easton Road near the Coleytown schools, the SSO has made over 150 traffic stops.

One SSO covers the 2 Coleytown schools.

They make sure buildings are secure, and look for vulnerabilities that can be addressed.

Kelley — who earlier in his career worked in the youth division — calls the first year “a really good experience. The SSOs are definitely involved with schools and staffs. They’ve been integrated even more than I expected. There are lots of fist bumps every day.

“They’ve gotten to know the kids. They go to their plays, and other events.”

The SSOs have gotten to know parents too. “We get a lot of thank-you, and ‘we’re happy you’re here.'”

Bedford Middle School principal Dr. Adam Rosen says his school has “benefited substantially from the School Safety Office program.

Staples High School SRO Ed Wooldridge and Staples/Bedford Middle SSO Shane Pucci wear orange ribbons, to raise awareness of teen dating violence.

“Our SSO, Officer Shane Pucci, has quickly become a welcome and contributing member of the Bedford community.

“While he assists our students, staff and parents with school functions and campus operations, it’s when students invite him to play basketball with them during recess that demonstrates the positive connection and trust he’s engendered within our school community.”

Officer Batlin — the SSO at Long Lots and Greens Farms Elementary School — calls this “a fantastic year. The school staffs, the parents, and most importantly the students have been amazing.

Ned Batlin — shown here at the 4th of July fireworks — is a popular School Safety Officer at 2 schools. 

“Initially they were very curious about me and my role on campus. Now, I’ve blended into being just another member.

“I love interacting with the kids. They have so many questions.

“Last weekend I was coaching my son’s Fairfield lacrosse team in a big tournament in New Canaan. A lot of Westport students came up and said hi. One of the dads I coach with said, ‘that’s so cool!'”

Officers Dennis Broderick (Coleytown Middle and Elementary School) and Rachel Hall (Saugatuck/Kings Highway).

“We threw a lot at them. They’ve really stepped up,” says Koskinas.

“We’ll never know what they deter,” he notes.

But what Koskinas, Kelley and the SSOs do know is this: They’ve found a place, in and around every school in town.

(“06880” covers Westport’s schools, Police Department, and much more. If you appreciate our hyper-local work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Children, Education, Police, Staples HS

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Dramatic Day At Compo: 29 Rowers Rescued, After Winds Swamp Boats

Posted on March 21, 2024 | 32 comments

Twenty-eight people — 27 teenager rowers and 1 coach — were thrown into the water off Compo Beach late yesterday afternoon, when glass water suddenly turned rough.

But a mass casualty was averted, thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of first responders from several towns.

Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan described the dramatic rescues last night, at a police headquarters press conference that drew media from as far as New York.

What Koskinas called “a very serious incident with a very good outcome” began around 5 p.m. A Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete called 911, reporting that boats had capsized and there were people in the water.

Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service responders raced to Compo. They found a “chaotic” scene, Koskinas said, with a number of young rowers clinging to boats, between the beach and Cockenoe Island. Others were swimming to shore.

The 3 60-foot rowing sculls — with 9 boys, ages 14 to 18, in each — had been swamped when calm weather suddenly turned very windy. Two of them capsized.

Just an hour before the near-tragedy, Alli DiVincenzo took a photo of the Saugatuck Rowing Club boat on calm water.

Some swam to a much smaller launch boat, manned by a coach. Another launch boat soon arrived.

As the young rowers clung to the first launch boat, it too overturned.

The water temperature was 44 degrees. The air temperature was 40.

The Westport Fire Department sent trained dive personnel. Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford marine units soon arrived to assist. So did the US Coast Guard. There were 8 ambulances on the scene too.

Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Cohen immediately established a command post.

The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brought 6 victims to shore. The Westport Police Marine boat brought 6 more to Ned Dimes Marina. First responders assisted other victims as they reached the beach on their own.

The chaotic scene yesterday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

Emergency personnel initially believed 25 people were involved. The number was raised to 29. Several of the young rowers had reached shore, and gone in to nearby homes to warm up and shower.

Eventually, all were found, and matched with lists of those who had been on the water.

Responders remained at the scene for an extra hour after the last rower was removed from the water at 6 p.m.. They made sure no one was still unaccounted for.

Norwalk Hospital was advised to prepare for a mass casualty event. Ultimately, only 2 young rowers required medical attention there, for hypothermia.

“The weather changed so quickly,” said Weston High School junior Davis Evans, a 4-year Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete.

“The water was glassy. Then it suddenly got windy. Two- to 3-foot swells crashed into the boat. That was really scary.”

Davis Evans describes the dramatic events. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Three hours after the rescue, he said, “it still hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

But, he noted, his fellow rowers remained calm. “I was really impressed by how mature everyone was.” He cited Alex Vogt, the coach on the launch boat that overturned, as “the reason everything worked out okay.”

Westport Public Schools quickly sent a bus to Compo. The rowers warmed up there, then were transported to the Saugatuck Rowing Club to be reunited with families.

“It was an incredible team effort,” Koskinas said. “The most important thing is that all 29 people are safe tonight with their families.”

“As the mother of 3 athletes, I can’t imagine the range of emotions today,” 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker said.

Noting that 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore had a daughter who rowed with the Saugatuck Club, Tooker added, “We hope that all the kids and families feel safe, and well taken care of, tonight.”

She thanked “this amazing leadership team. We are so blessed to have such a professional group of Fire, Police and EMS first responders.”

Police Chief Foti Koskinas describes the events, at last night’s press conference. Behind him are (from left) Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Lieutenant Eric Woods, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Cohen, EMS Deputy Director Marc Hartog and EMS’ Rick Baumblatt. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“You can’t really prepare for something like this,” said Evans, the Weston High rower.

“We practice 6 days a week, from 3 to 6 p.m. We were out that far because the water was really nice. There was no sense of bad weather, until it was there.

“You don’t think something like this can happen to you — until it does.”

But, he said, he will be back on the water soon.

“This is my sport.”

Koskinas said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

(Assistance was provided by the Fairfield Police Marine Division, Stamford Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Boat, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Marine Division and US Coast Guard. Eight ambulances and 20 personnel were provided by Norwalk Hospital, American Medical Response and Darien EMS.)

32 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Police, Sports, Teenagers

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Auto Theft Audience Applauds Police, Demands Legislative Action

Posted on September 21, 2023 | 27 comments

Westporters respect, admire, even love their police department.

Westporters hate laws that hamper law enforcement, attract criminals, and allow juvenile car thieves to return here again and again, sometimes even taunting officers.

Both themes emerged strongly last night, at a Town Hall forum with the Westport Police command staff, a representative of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

The event was scheduled in the wake of a Bayberry Lane carjacking Sunday afternoon. Two people were arrested within 72 hours — but the incident highlighted the ongoing problem of auto thefts.

The panel at last night’s forum (from right): 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Westport Police command staff David Farrell, Ryan Paulsson, David Wolf, Anthony Prezioso, Jillian Cabana, and Bridgeport Auto Theft Task force officer David Scinto. Not pictured: Eric Woods. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Police Chief Foti Koskinas and his top aides told the crowd of over 150 — including his counterparts from neighboring towns, and several TV crews — that several factors contribute to the thefts, which so far this year number 50.

One is the number of expensive cars owned by Westporters. Unfortunately — despite repeated warnings — residents continue to leave their cars unlocked, with the keys in the ignition or fobs inside, and valuables in plain sight.

One of the 2 BMWs driven by the pair to the Bayberry Lane carjacking had been stolen the night before on Church Lane. A resident left his car running, while he went into a restaurant to pick up a takeout order.

Residents can take precautions to make it harder for thieves to spot and steal vehicles, Koskinas and the officers noted.

But another element in the rash of thefts stems from laws passed several years ago by state legislators, severely limiting consequences for juvenile offenders. They know exactly how quickly they can be released; how hard it is for police to find out if they’ve committed prior crimes; how insignificantly they’ll be punished; even how constrained officers now are to give chase following a property crime.

(The carjacking was different– it was a crime against a person, as the driver was still in his vehicle. However, police must still consider many factors like traffic, weather and road conditions when giving chase — things that people in stolen cars never consider.)

Two people confront a car owner in his garage on Sunday.

Koskinas and his department received several strong rounds of applause, with most speakers beginning their remarks by thanking them for all they do despite the challenging circumstances.

But applause was even more sustained for speakers who demanded that the General Assembly revisit, and revise, legislation that hamstrings police at many levels of their work, particularly with juvenile offenders.

Police are also impacted by a “Police Accountability Law,” which make them more responsible for decisions made in the heat of the moment, including during a crime and while trying to apprehend a criminal.

“We are not inept,” Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso said. “But criminals know what we can and cannot do. They know what lines to cross, and what the system offers them at their age. They flaunt it.”

“This is not a partisan issue. It’s a safety issue,” said Westport Representative Town Meeting member Jimmy Izzo.

Though different municipalities have different priorities, Koskinas noted that car thefts have ramifications beyond taking property, and violating trust. Stolen cars are often used in other crimes, including burglaries, robberies, drug deals and drive-by shootings, in cities like Bridgeport, Waterbury, Hartford, even Newark.

The juvenile justice system works for “98 or 99%” of youths arrested, Prezioso said. He supports the move toward restorative justice — with accountability to parents and themselves — rather than punishment.

But for “the other 1 or 2%,” the loopholes are wide. And widely exploited.

Prezioso described the pandemic’s impact on juvenile justice. When courthouses were shut, it created a backlog of cases that continues today.

“The same 50 to 75 kids across the state are responsible for most of the crimes,” Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson said.

“We know exactly who they are. But our hands are tied.”

When the public spoke, several asked about personal safety. Beyond the oft-repeated advice — lock cars always; keep them in a garage, with keys, fobs and valuables removed — officers recommended lights all around a property, including the back; being aware at all times; making sure vehicles have tracking devices, and calling police for any suspicious activity.

Knowing your neighbors, and working together, also helps.

Diane Lowman was among 2 dozen people who spoke at last night’s forum. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Yet the loudest applause came from residents who castigated politicians who promoted, and passed, legislation that has led to the current situation.

Koskinas agreed. While praising support he’s received from Westport officials, who provide him with the tools and personnel he needs — along with the regional cooperation of many law enforcement agencies — he made the “not great analogy” with the current debate on gun safety.

“Cars are bullets too,” he said. “An unsecured car can become as dangerous as an unsecured gun.”

In the aftermath of the carjacking, Koskinas said, all of Westport’s legislators reached out to him.

“Our state legislature needs input from police departments — and everyone here” to change the current laws, he said, to robust applause.

“I hope they’re as tenacious about this as they were when they passed the Police Accountability bill.”

(Hat tip: Bill Dedman) 

27 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Police

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Roundup: Carjacking Forum, Car Theft Podcast, Lyman Apartments …

Posted on September 20, 2023 | 3 comments

Tonight’s special forum on car thefts, vehicle break-ins and Sunday’s carjacking (Wednesday, September 20, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will also be livestreamed. Click here to access that page, on the town’s website.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion on safety concerns voiced by residents. He and members of his command staff will describe the work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, formed in response to increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.

The discussion will also include police practices utilized to combat vehicle thefts.

Yesterday, Koskinas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker taped a special edition of “What’s Happening … Westport.” They discussed the escalation in incidents, and what residents can do. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston podcast.

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Meanwhile, Westport Police made one custodial arrest between September 13 nd 20. A woman was charged with disorderly conduct, following a domestic dispute.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations 6 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signs: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Distracted driving (2nd offense): 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle using a handheld phone: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Improper use of license plates: 1

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As winter nears, Westport’s sister city of Lyman is in a race against time.

52 apartment buildings need repairs, so they can survive the cold weather and be fully restored in the spring.

Ukraine Aid International co-founder Brian Mayer — the Westporter who helped create the sister city relationship, and has made many trips to Lyman on our behalf — sends a video that shows how much our town has helped.

And how much remains to be done.

(Donations through Ukrainian Aid International will help rebuild the many heavily damaged apartments. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

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This Friday’s Westport Country Playhouse show is called “I’ll Drink to That! A Broadway Cocktail Party.”

Fittingly, it will feature Broadway stars.

Joe Delafield, Kristen Hahn and Maggie Lacey will perform cocktail-themed tunes and scenes from Broadway productions, while author Laurence Maslon recounts tales of actors, shows, and cocktail concoctions from his recently published book, “I’ll Drink to That!”

The event (September 22, 6 p.m., Playhouse courtyard and barn) begins with cocktails that pay homage to Broadway. The 70-minute program concludes with a second cocktail and book signing. Cocktails are included with $50 ticket.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

From left: Joe Delafield, Kristen Hahn, Maggie Lacy.

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STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.

She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy. The presentations also includes representatives of local and state emergency management, highlighting their efforts to prepare communities.

For more information and to register,  click here.

Mary Fetchet, with a photo of her son Brad.

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When kids go to the doctor, they may be nervous.

Like many offices, Village Pediatrics provides distractions to calm their nerves.

Their latest surprise, for patients big and small: an outer space room.

Huck (in the rocket control center) and Lola Shipman, with their mother.

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Speaking of doctors: BD²: Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder today announced an $18 million first round of grants, focusing on research in bipolar disorder.

Among the recipients: Westport resident Dr. Hilary Blumberg. She will lead a Yale University team in an investigation of mitochondrial-related genes, metabolic changes, and the central importance of energy- and activity-related symptoms at the onset of bipolar-related episodes. These studies w may translate that into pharmacological therapeutics and behavioral interventions. (Hat tip: Sherri Peyser)

Dr. Hilary Blumberg

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The bar for “06880” Entitled Parking photos has been set incredibly high.

Drivers must now show breathtaking acts of selfishness to be featured here.

This one does:

(Photo/David Meth)

That’s not one, but two handicap spots taken up at Stop & Shop.

Plus, the car is taking up space in the drivers’ part of the lot too.

And — of course! — there is no handicap placard inside the car.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi reports for “Westport … Naturally” from Sherwood Island State Park:

“There were lots of monarch butterflies yesterday, all around the milkweeds and bees. Unfortunately, lanternflies were everywhere too.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roger Whittaker — described by the New York Times as “a British singer whose easy-listening ballads and folk songs caught the sentiments of perfect summer days and last farewells, touching the hearts of mainly older fans across Europe and America for four decades” — died last week in France. He was 87.

Click here for a full obituary.

(By contributing to”06880,” you support local news coverage. Please click here to help your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Police, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Townwide Forum On Wednesday Will Address Auto Thefts, Carjacking

Posted on September 18, 2023 | 19 comments

Yesterday’s carjacking — and the recent spike in car thefts — has rattled many Westporters.

This Wednesday (September 20, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) Westport Police Department and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will host a town forum on public safety. It will focus on car thefts, vehicle break-ins, and Sunday’s carjacking.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion on safety concerns voiced by residents. He and members of his command staff will describe the work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force, formed in response to increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.

The discussion will also include police practices utilized to combat vehicle thefts.

All Westporters are invited to Wednesday’s event.

Meanwhile, Westport Police have released Ring videos of the carjacking. Portions of the video have been redacted, to protect the victim’s identity.

 

19 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Police, Westport life

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Koskinas On Carjacking, Car Thefts, What Cops Can And Can’t Do

Posted on September 18, 2023 | 38 comments

Yesterday’s daylight carjacking in the garage of a Bayberry Lane home surprised and shook many Westporters.

One man was not surprised: Police Chief Foti Koskinas.

With the rise in car thefts and break-ins around town — always of unlocked vehicles — he’s feared an escalation like this was coming.

He’s also frustrated. He followed the stolen vehicle from I-95 exit 19 to Route 8 exit 27, where he had to stop.

Two carjackers surround the driver of an Aston Martin in his Bayberry Lane garage yesterday.

The carjacking — with an assault on the driver, in his vehicle in his own garage — is different from the “property crimes” of break-ins and thefts.

Early this morning — after being up all night — Koskinas discussed both with “06880.”

“There is a level of frustration, as a department,” the chief said. “There’s not much we can do initially,” when officers respond to a break-in or theft.

“We do all the follow-up. We try to get DNA, and lift fingerprints. We have an officer on an Auto Theft Task Force with area towns. They’ve recovered cars, and guns.”

But the problem starts with cars that are left unlocked in driveways, or open garages — often with the keys, fobs and/or valuables in plain sight.

None of the car thefts have involved jump starts or punched ignitions, Koskinas said.

The carjacking was different. Two men followed the victim — driving an Aston Martin — home, then assaulted him and stole his car.

They followed him in 2 vehicles that they had stolen previously.

When Koskinas saw the Aston Martin, he followed it on and off the highway.

The drivers “were taunting me — baiting me,” Koskinas said. “They were not afraid.” Eventually — due to heavy traffic, and the potential for an accident — the chief had to back off.

Westport Police Chief Fotios Koskinas (Photo/Dan Woog)

Those were legitimate concerns after a carjacking. Connecticut laws on pursuit following a property theft — an unlocked car, for example — are even more restrictive.

“It makes sense. You don’t want to injure or kill someone — the car thief or anyone else — after a property crime.”

But to not give officers the latitude to make that decision in the middle of the night, when there is very light traffic, for example, is frustrating.

So is the knowledge that catching car thieves — many of whom are juveniles — is almost fruitless.

The official age of “juveniles” was raised years ago, from 16 to 18. Juveniles caught now are released within hours, Koskinas said — even if they have multiple charges already pending. It’s almost like fishermen’s “catch and release.”

“The court system is overwhelmed,” Koskinas said. “They’re still backlogged with pre-COVID cases. And young people know what the police can and can’t do.”

He noted that the consequences for yesterday’s crime — if the carjackers are caught — are much more serious than a simple car theft.

“I try not to do politics,” Koskinas said. “But every time I hear a politician touting that jails are empty and crime is down — well, it’s not true. The hands of the police are tied.

“People talk about holding police accountable for their actions. They should. In Westport, we hold ourselves to the highest standard. But society has to be held accountable too. There’s a balance.

“Its extremely frustrating,” Koskinas continued. “These guys know if they come to Westport, they’ll be successful. So they come, the word gets out, and they come back and bring others. They have a high rate of success here, stealing very nice cars.”

Westport police recover almost 100% of cars — often with extensive damage. The stolen cars don’t go to chop shops, or overseas, the chief says.

They’re used to commit other crimes: robberies, street crimes, gang-related shootings in other cities.

Koskinas has increased patrols at times when crimes happen. He’ll continue to do so.

Koskinas is heartened that every town official — from “the selectwoman’s office to the newest RTM member” — has supported his requests. “My hands have never been tied,” he said.

But, he noted, “we have 10,000 or 11,000 homes in town. Yesterday, 2 people followed someone home. Having another 10 officers might have helped after this happened, but it wouldn’t have stopped it before.”

So what can Westporters do? Be very careful of your surroundings. Call the police — any time — when something looks or feels suspicious.

And park your cars in locked garages. If they must be outdoors, put them in well-lit areas, with keys, fobs and all valuables safely inside your home.

Thieves go where they’ll be most successful. The harder we make it for them in Westport, the less chance they’ll keep coming back.

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Roundup: School Security, Spotted Lanternflies, Slice of Saugatuck …

Posted on August 30, 2023 | 9 comments

Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is timely and important.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas joins 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker to discuss why, how and where additional school security personnel will be added soon.

Click below to hear their conversation. The podcast is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Spotted lanternflies are a highly invasive species.

And they thrive on another invasive pest: trees of heaven.

Infestations have been reported around Westport, including Winslow and Grace Salmon Parks.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station says:

The spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula, (SLF) was first found in North America in Pennsylvania in late 2014. It is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding planthopper that has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s agricultural crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults feed on more than 70 species of plants. Its preferred host tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is highly invasive and is abundant along highways, in urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas, where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established.

Approximately half of Connecticut’s trees are threatened by spotted lanternfly invasion according to data from Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). As spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults feed on the sap from trees and vines, the entire plant can become weakened because it cannot conduct photosynthesis as effectively. The excretions from these leaf-hopping insects encourage the growth of black sooty mold, thereby reducing photosynthesis. Agricultural crops will have reduced yields due to SLF feeding on fruit and generally weakening plants, if not completely destroying them.

To learn more about the pest, click here. Sightings (including, if possible, photos) should be reported to state environmental authorities, using this form. (Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)

(Photo/Stacie Weiser Waldman)

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Speaking of nature: Paul Rohan writes, “The other morning on my morning walk on Hillspoint Road ner Valley Road, I spotted 2 young deer eating grass at the edge of the road.

“I then saw a coyote run up Lookout Lane and enter Hillspoint to approach the deer. As he was halfway across the road he spotted me. He did an about face, ran back down the lane, and quickly disappeared in the underbrush.

“Over the years I have seen a few coyotes in the area, but only before daybreak.  This was around 8 a.m. Please alert readers with small dogs or other pets who might be in the area in the early morning to be aware of this coyote situation.”

Not the Hillspoint Road coyote.

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If it’s late summer/early fall, it must be time for the Slice of Saugatuck.

The 11th annual event — a fun food/merchant experience in Westport’s most walkable neighborhood — is set for Saturday, September 9 (2 to 5 p.m.).

This year, over 40 businesses will participate in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.

Over 2 dozen venues will offer tastes from their menus. Live music will play at 7 locations, with favorite bands like Otis & the Hurricanes, Silver Steel, Mill River Band, the Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi and Accidental Breakdown.

Bouncy houses are back. New this year: a face painter for the kids.

Beer Gardens (with wine) on Bridge Square and Railroad Place will be complemented by restaurants offering specialty drinks. Many venues will continued the festivities with happy hour offerings after the Slice ends.

The price is again $15 for adults, $5 for children under 13, free for age 5 and under. Tickets are sold on-site only, beginning at 1:50 p.m.

Slice of Saugatuck is one of the best events on the local calendar. It’s also a great cause. Over the years, the Chamber has donated more than $44,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry .

For more information — including a map of participants —  click here.

Lining up for samples, on Railroad Place

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Mike Ronemus and a few friends have been thinking about it for, oh, only 25 years or so.

On Monday, they finally did it: They swam from Compo Beach to Cokenoe Island.

And back.

They began at 6 a.m. A kayak, stand-up paddleboard and 2 boats escorted them through the channel.

It took between 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 hours to cover the 2 1/2 miles.

Congratulations to Mike, and fellow adventure swimmers Tom Bottini, Chris Coffin, Kevin Huelster, Bruce Koffsky, Andy Ludel, Mary Money, Ric Nadel, Leila Shields, Clay Tebbits.

And welcome back to land!

Halfway there! There swimmers at Cockenoe Island.

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A pair of local realtors recently sent out a newsletter, touting — among other things — a popular Westport restaurant.

Next time, they (or their proofreader) might want to do a more thorough job. (Hat tip: Francoise Jaffe)

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Of course there’s lobster at the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park’s annual Shorefest celebration.

But there’s also salmon and steak (with catering by Westfair Fish & Chips). Plus music by Westport Jenny Ong’s classical trio. And as always, a chance to party with fellow park-lovers.

This year’s event is September 8 (6 to 9 p.m., main pavilion). A silent auction includes tours of Prospect Gardens and Aspetuck brew lab, a fishing charter with Westport captain Blake Smith, and gift certificates to local restaurants.

Proceeds help fund 140 feet of new dunes, with 3,600 American beach grass plants; invasive species eradication; an owl habitat restoration project; fall and spring tree plantings; the Nature Center intern program, and speakers on raptors, horseshoe crabs, turtles and insects.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Tennis Channel is listed on the NASDAQ. For the past 12 years, they’ve celebrated the start the US Open by ringing the morning bell.

Yesterday morning, the ringers included Cayne Mandell. The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University sports management graduate is an ad sales marketing coordinator for TC.

The NASDAQ bell was not his only perk. He’ll be in the Tennis Channel corporate suite during the event too.

Cayne Mandell, larger than life.

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Allan Friedman has led bike trips for a decade — ever since his first Backroads journey to Tuscany in 2013. He then biked through California and Canada, and now leads urban tours in areas like New York, New Haven and Washington.

On September 12 (Saugatuck Congregational Church; 6:15 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m. presentation), he’s the Appalachian Mountain Club’s dinner guest speaker. His topic: ”Adventures Abound — Ride and Explore!”

The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members (payable at the door). Bring a dessert to share. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.

 

Allan Friedman

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Eagle-eyed photographer Steve Halstead snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — at the same moment his subject looked, equally intently, for a fish.

(Photo/Steve Halstead)

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And finally … Bob Mummert, the drummer on Roy Orbison’s last tour, died Saturday.

Known for his appearance on the “You Got It” music video, he was also a drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, and a session musician who toured with many famous artists and bands.

(From school security to spotted lanternflies, “06880” is your connection between Westport and the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: Lyman Library Talk Video, Kindergarten Change, Paul Newman’s Projectors …

Posted on July 8, 2023 | 3 comments

Earlier today, Russian artillery killed 8 civilians and injured 13, in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

Just 2 days ago, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota drew a large crowd, for their discussion of the town officials’ recent trip to the Donetsk region.

Plenty of others could not make the 2 p.m. event.

Fortunately, the Westport Library and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston taped it all. Click below, for a very important hour.

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A little-publicized state law change may have big implications for Westport’s littlest residents.

And their parents.

Governor Lamont signed bill HB 06880 (a total coincidence; nothing to do with the name of this blog) into law on June 27.

It covers a variety of education topics. But one significant change is that beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the kindergarten age cutoff changes from December 31 that school year to September 1, so that any student entering kindergarten must already be 5 years old.

Because enrollment in private “5s” programs generally begins in early fall, families with students who will now be ineligible for kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year may need to think about private options.

Click here for the full bill. The relevant section begins on page 3. (Hat tip: Caroline Ferson)

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Ever wanted to go inside Paul Newman’s projection room?

Now you can. It will just cost you at least $700.

Liveauctioneers.com posted this listing for “The Projection Room, Westport, CT”:

“Simplex 35 mm Projectors PR-1003 with Kowa Company Ltd. and other lenses; Kni-tron Xenon Lamp Houses L-100-3 (5134, 5138) with Simplex Electric Changes Overs SA5 (188C, 182C) …” — and 8 other lines of similar technical stuff.

Then came the money shot: “The Newman’s [sic] Westport, CT barn housed a full projection room for screening movies. The above-listed equipment is being sold as-is, to be de-installed and picked up by the buyer in Westport, CT at their expense.” Click here for more information, and to bid. (Hundreds of other Newman items are listed too.)

The projection equipment’s estimated worth is $1,500 to $3,000. The cost of de-installing it yourself in the late actor’s barn: priceless. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

A small part of Paul Newman’s projection equipment.

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The teardown of 254 Hillspoint Road has been followed by demolition of a rock ledge.

The work has been followed closely, by the hundreds of people who walk daily between Compo and Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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David Bigelow — who lived most of his life in Westport, and with his wife Eunice helped turn Fairfield-based Bigelow Tea company. and its “Constant Comment,” into a national leader in flavored tea — died last month. He was 96.

A celebration of his life is set for August 25 (11 a.m., Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Fairfield). Memorial contributions to the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation can be made online, or to 201 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Click here for a full CT Insider story. Click here for the full obituary.

David and Eunice Bigelow

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Longtime Westporter Gerald “Jerry” Minsky died Thursday at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was 78.

A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School of Coney Island, New York and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, he earned an MBA from the University of Buffalo.

Jerry was an executive and mentor in the finance industry for many years. He was an innovator of computer leases and tax shelters, and was involved with the program that put the first camera on the moon.

His family says, “He was a world traveler, who always knew the best places to eat. He loved jazz and blues, and enjoyed cigars in the backyard. He played basketball, and was the first Ben Franklin Mascot.

“Jerry was also an avid tennis and pickleball player, and a late believer in the game of golf. He was an extremely intellectual person who loved reality TV, and family was the center of his world.”

Jerry is survived by his wife Lynne Minsky of Westport; sons Greg and Geoff;  grandchildren Jack, Maddie and Sadie Minsky; nephews Richard (Som) Stein and Daniel (Wannarawee) Stein; great-nephew Tankhun Stein, and his cherished dog, Mickey. He was predeceased by his sister Arlene.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 9, 3 p.m., Temple). To join a live stream and share a condolence message, click here. Shiva will be observed at the Minsky residence on Sunday following the service, and on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mozaic Senior Life (formerly Jewish Senior Services), 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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Milkweed comes in many forms — all vital for monarch butterflies Here’s one, courtesy of Werner Liepolt, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

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And finally … on this date in 1889, the Wall Street Journal published its first edition.

(Hey, Mr. Businessman: “06880” is a great investment! If you appreciate what we do every day — and have done for 14 years — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!

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Posted in Beach, Children, Education, Library, Obituaries, Real estate

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8 Civilians Killed, 13 Injured In Attack On Lyman

Posted on July 8, 2023 | 7 comments

8 civilians were killed, and 13 injured, earlier today (10 a.m. local time), when Russian artillery struck Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

An apartment building, business and 3 cars were set on fire by multiple rocket launchers. No other details were available.

Russian forces occupied the town in the spring and summer of 2022. Ukraine’s army retook Lyman in October. But the Donetsk region continues to be the site of fierce battles.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas — who traveled to the Lyman and eastern Ukraine in May — have been communicating with their counterparts in Lyman this morning.

“Our support for our sister city Lyman is more important than ever,” Tooker said today. “We have stood with them, and while mourning together, we will continue to do so.”

Today’s attack makes tomorrow’s LymanAID event honoring our sister city more important too (Sunday, July 9; 1 p.m. to dusk; Ukrainian-American Club, Post Road in Southport just past the I-95 northbound Exit 19 on-ramp).

It is one more way for our town to show solidarity with, and support for, our war-weary friends halfway around the world.

Tomorrow’s event is free. Though pre-registration is not required, a couple of hundred people have already done so. (Click here to register, and for more information.)

The day includes free food, beer, wine and soft drinks, and music from the Mike McGovern Band. Fundraising opportunities will be available through a raffle with many items (including a gorgeous Ukrainian quilt); a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more.

Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov is scheduled to speak on a big screen. Senator Richard Blumenthal will be there, in person. So will Tooker, Koskinas — and many, many caring, concerned Westporters.

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Posted in Politics

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