From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Blossom + Stem has created over 100 bud vases filled with local flowers for customers. There’s also iced coffee and cookies, and Sweetgreen swag.
Westporters who know Sweetgreen are excited. Let’s hope the hype is true.
The 49th straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 is tomorrow (Wednesday, July 31, 1 to 6 p.m. Veteran blood donors — and first-timers — are welcome.
Click here to make an appointment. Use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. You can also call 800-733-2767.
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The Public Works Department’s annual roadway crack seal program begins today.
Work will take about a week, on 12-15 miles of town streets.
Alternating one-way traffic flow will be used. Keep your eyes open — and drive carefully.
Attention will be paid.
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Staples High School Class of 1987 graduate Linda Hall’s latest piece — “What Alice Munro Knew” — has been posted on The New Republic’s website.
The subtitle reads: “After news of Munro’s betrayal of her daughter, its hard not to see a preoccupation with guilt and secrets in her later work.”
Hall is an associate professor of English at Skidmore. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Linda Hall
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“Westport … Naturally” photographer Johanna Keyser Rossi snapped this great close-up of a butterfly, at the Library Riverwalk:
What works for Long Lots Elementary School must also work for Bedford Middle School.
Put another way: What’s good for the Westport Community Gardens is also good for Wakeman Park.
The Board of Selectwomen affirmed yesterday that no one — including dog walkers and regular human walkers — will be allowed on the athletic fields and paths adjacent to BMS during school hours.
The ban does not apply to Wakeman Town Farm.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava were unable to find a way to keep the large Wakeman Field property safe, the selectwomen were told at their meeting yesterday.
The board had voted on the ban — which was first suggested as a safety issue for Long Lots, which is located near the Community Gardens — last month.
Yesterday’s discussion followed that earlier vote, which included a sense of the meeting resolution to examine the possibility of a solution for Wakeman.
The Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School (not shown, off to the left of the photo) will be off-limits to non-school personnel during school hours.
But after more than 3 months, you’ve only got one day left. The deadline is tomorrow (Friday, May 10).
An online map-based survey was introduced this winter. It’s an interactive, even fun (!) way for residents to provide feedback on Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan project.
Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).
Click here to take the survey. Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.
If you’ve driven past the former Pane e Bene restaurant on the Post Road, you’ve noticed plenty of construction.
Work on The Clubhouse — the golf-and-more simulator/event space — is moving ahead. It should open later this year.
You may also think that Redi-Cut — the longtime family business next door — is closed.
They’re not.
Though they were shut for a couple of weeks for renovations, they’re very much open.
“They’ve been amazing partners as our project moves forward,” says Clubhouse co-founder Emily Zobl. She invites customers — old and new — to check out their updated space.
Redi-Cut Carpets: Open for business. Tim Zobl (The Clubhouse co-owner, center) is flanked by Redi-Cut owners (from left) Harry Arnowich and Matt Arnowich.
The Public Works Department’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 13). It continues through the mid-June.
These roads will be paved, though not necessarily in this order:
Brookside Drive
Evergreen Avenue
Evergreen Parkway
Kings Highway North
Crawford Road
Hillandale Lane
East Main Street
Rainey Lane
Pioneer Road
Maple Avenue South
Greenbrier Road
Church Street North
Pleasant Valley Lane
Brightfield Lane
Imperial Avenue
Green’s Farms Road
Morningside Drive North
Questions? Call Public Works: 203-341-1120.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 1 and 8.
A 62-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for breach of peace, following an altercation with an employee at Minuteman Cleaners over the price charged. The man grabbed the items, causing minor injuries to the employee, and left the store.
A 25-year-old Westport woman was arrested on failure to appear, and violation of probation. She was unable to post a $30,000 bond.
Police also issued these citations:
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Criminal trespass: 1
Simple trespass: 1
Criminal mischief: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Unsafe passing: 1
Improper turns: 1
Driving with a foreign license: 1
Falsification of markers: 1
Unreadable plates: 1
Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
There were 2 license plate violations this past week. This was not one of them. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
The Westport Fire Department hosts a promotion ceremony tomorrow (Friday, May 10, 3:30 p.m, Town Hall auditorium).
Assistant chief Matthew Cohen will be promoted to deputy fire chief; Lieutenant Jason Kronenberger moves to to assistant chief, while Firefighter Matthew Wille becomes a lieutenant.
The public is invited.
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Explore the horticulture, beauty and bounty of rhododendrons on May 19 (10:30 to 11:45 a.m., Carriage Barn Art Center, New Canaan) — then tour the magnificent gardens at Blau House, off Bayberry Lane in Westport (1 to 4 p.m.).
After receiving critical acclaim in Europe, “Here Lived”‘s May 5 debut screening quickly sold out. An encore show has been added, on May 21 (7 p.m., Marlene Meyerson JCC, 334 Amsterdam Avenue, New York City).
Music by Brian Keane — the Grammy Award-winning composer/Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate — adds depth to the film, which is a story of children hidden during World War II, murdered parents, generational trauma, and an artist’s vision for healing.
Keane and director Jane Wells will join a panel after the showing. Click here for tickets.
Speaking of turtles: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Westport nature lesson comes from Compo Beach.
Lou Weinberg writes: “I found this little guy yesterday. I’m sure there’s more where he/she came from. So, if you’re at the beach and something looks like a stone, look twice. It might be a diamondback terrapin baby. Place it in the water and let it go.
“It’s amazing that with all the beach maintenance and use, these creatures can survive around here. Ain’t nature grand?”
Lou adds this link, for information and fun facts from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
And finally … happy 75th birthday to Billy Joel! There are only hundreds of songs I could choose to highlight. Here are 3 of my favorites:
(Another day, another “06880” Roundup, another reminder that we rely on reader support to keep doing what we do. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Every year the Westport Police Department, in conjunction with the Public Works Department and Aspetuck Health District, conducts a safety inspection of garbage and septic vehicles that do business in town.
This week, it took place at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Approximately 70 trucks passed the inspection, allowing them to use town facilities.
A few hours ago — at 2 a.m., to be exact — Westporter John Sharian began running the Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
His goal is to raise awareness of — and donations for — Frontline Healing Foundation. The non-profit supports the unmet addiction and PTSD needs of servicemembers.
The 30-mile loop includes 10,000 feet of vertical elevation.
This is not part of a large event. It’s Sharian’s solo desire to highlight the foundation’s work, and the many people they heal.
His goal is $10,000. Click here now — as he’s in the mountains — to help.
PS: This is not Sharian’s first rodeo (or run). Last year he completed the Presidential Peaks solo.
Businessman/private equity manager/former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is a longtime Beachside Avenue resident.
He did not get to be a billionaire by passing up investment opportunties.
In 2021 he paid $17.5 million for a 20-acre property — with a century-old home, boathouse, pool and pool house, tennis court and more, just around the corner in Fairfield. Like his Westport property, it’s right on the water.
The property had been abandoned. Taxes were nearly $600,000 a year. (“Could you imagine?” Lasry said.)
So — to preserve its history, and keep it from condominium-minded developers — he subdivided it into 7 plots. He built a private road, and remodeled the main house. It’s 18,000 square feet, with a 6-car garage.
It just sold for $9.375 million, to a trust related to actor Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”).
The 1923 Tudor boathouse, meanwhile, sold for $8 million.
Lasry’s daughter Emma spent $5 million for a vacant parcel. Four more parcels remain, listed at $4.5 million to $7.5 million.
That info, and more — including the history of the previously abandoned multi-million-dollar house, and photos of the renovation — are part of a Wall Street Journal story. Click here to read it. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Marc Lasry’s 20-acre Fairfield property, with its main house (left-center) and boathouse. (Photo/Borgatta for Wall Street Journal)
Bridgeport’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater has become one of the most popular music venues in the state.
Just this year it’s hosted the Beach Boys, Temptations, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, the Four Tops, Rod Stewart, Jackson Browne, Santana and more.
On August 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Howard Saffan — owner, developer and president — offers an insider’s look at the entertainment facility.
He’ll describe how he converted a traditional stadium into a noted amphitheater, and a performance home to superstars.
Wine and cheese will be served. The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
An audience Q-and-A will follow Saffan’s presentation. Here’s my question: “Is it difficult to market a performance space in Bridgeport that has ‘Hartford’ in its name?”
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (in Bridgeport).
After interviewing 9 candidates, the Democratic Town Committee has recommended Jeff Hammer to complete the Board of Finance position being vacated by Nancie Dupier. The long-time member is moving out of town.
Hammer is also recommended to run with Danielle Dobin this fall, for the BOF.
Hammer has spent 35 years in finance He has spent the past 4 1/2 years on Westport’s Pension Investment Committee.
The full DTC will vote on the recommendation next Monday (7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link). Registered Democrats may nominate other candidates from the floor.
Judge Kevin O’Grady, formerly of Westport and Weston, died peacefully at the Jewish Senior Services facility in Bridgeport, after a long illness. Surrounded by his family, he was 76.
Kevin grew up in Manhattan and Westport, including summers at Old Mill Beach. He graduated from Fairfield Prep as a Merit Scholarship finalist. After graduating from Southampton College he spent 4 years traveling the world in the Merchant Marines. He then continued his education, graduating cum laude from Boston University School of Law.
He shared an office with Tony Slez in Westport, where he practiced for many years. In 1999 Kevin was elected probate judge for Westport and Weston. He served for most of 4 terms, until his retirement in 2013.
His family said he was “treasured for his humor, warmth and answers on all questions about plants, cars, home improvement and the law.’
Kevin is survived by his son Sean (Heather) and their children Molly and Dylan O’Grady of Northford, Connecticut; son TJ (Jenny) and their children Max and Isaac of Lutherville, Maryland; brothers Terence (Jenny) of Sandy Hook, and Martin (Julie) of Westport; nephews Terence O’Grady (Nancy) of Sandy Hook, John O’Grady (Christine) of Sandy Hook; Robert O’Grady (Natalia) of Vero Beach, Florida; niece Katherine Stromsky (Joseph) of Sandy Hook; niece Tara O’Grady of Jensen Beach, Florida; nephew Liam O’Grady of Westport; first wife Maureen; ex-wife Helen Fischer; stepdaughters Alison (Tobin), Nina (Liz) and Lauren (Katie) Lebwohl; grandchildren Levi, Josie, Theo and George of Madison, Wisconsin. as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his psister-in-law Jennifer (Skemp) O’Grady of Sandy Hook; cousin Mary Agatha (O’Grady) and her husband Patrick Savage of Toronto; and Father Martin O’Grady of Kinvara, Ireland.
Kevin will be buried along with other family at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Friends and family may call at the Harding Funeral Home August 3 (4 to 8 p.m.) A funeral <ass will be held at Assumption Church on August 4 (10 a.m.), with a graveside service at 11:15 a.m. The family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Everyone* complains about traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Someone is listening.
Actually, several someones.
Every Thursday this spring, there’s a public meeting at Town Hall. Members of the Police, Public Works and Planning & Zoning Departments set up a mic, then listen as the public provides input about the worst spots, and (sometimes) suggests fixes.
The meetings are organized by RTM district, so the focus is hyperlocal.
This past Thursday, I went to my own District 9 meeting. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas were in the audience, along with our 4 Representative Town Meeting members.
RTM District 9 member Kristin Schneeman addressed the traffic and safety meeting. In the row next to her are fellow RTM reps Nancy Kail, Lori Church and Sal Liccione.
With the Post Road, Route 136 and 33, several major roads and the Saugatuck River crisscrossing our district, we have special challenges.**
Residents described issues with traffic lights, lack of sidewalks (North Compo), speeding drivers (and boaters), noise, and not enough police enforcement
As each speaker mentioned an area, Google Street View showed the problem on a big screen.
When a speaker mentioned safety issues on North Compo Road, members of the Police, Public Works and Planning & Zoning Departments listened — and looked.
Solutions are not easy. Many District 9 roads — and others throughout Westport — are controlled by the state. Something as simple signage and changing traffic light cycles takes time; adding sidewalks involves taking private property and knocking down retaining walls. Town and state funds are limited.
But town officials were attentive. They took notes. They answered questions.
And — when possible — they offered immediate solutions. If vegetations obscures a sign or inhibits sight lines, for example, call Police or Public Works. They’ll take care of it.
“Thanks for active listening,” one District 9 resident said. Her neighbors nodded in agreement.
Three meetings remain. All begin at 7 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium. Click here for a map of RTM districts.
District 2: May 5
District 3: May 12
District 5: May 19
*Including some of the worst offenders.
** I know, I know. Every other RTM district is special too.
With Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools closed, it may be a while since you’ve driven on North Avenue.
If you have, you’ve noticed construction underway on a new sidewalk. It parallels the old one, from Long Lots Road north to Cross Highway. But it’s closer to the road, with no grass strip in between.
The old sidewalk was separated from North Avenue by a grass strip …
What’s up with that? several readers wondered.
I asked Peter Ratkiewich. The Public Works director said the new sidewalk will be 5 feet wide, elevated above the road by a 6-inch concrete curb. For the most part, it will run along the edge of the road. In certain areas with obstructions, it will deviate from the road edge.
The old sidewalk — parts of which were over 30 years old — will be removed entirely. That area will be restored with topsoil and seed.
… while the new one will not be. (Photos/Michael Fleming)
The new construction will facilitate maintenance (including winter, when it must be plowed or shoveled).
This is the same method of construction used all over town. The North Avenue sidewalk will look very similar to the one on Imperial Avenue, built about 6 years ago and hailed by many residents.
North Avenue resident Michael Fleming is not pleased, however. He started a petition asking the town to retain the sidewalk buffers.
The Imperial Avenue sidewalk.
In other sidewalk news, Public Works has nearly completed a new sidewalk on Maple Avenue North. They’ll start the Myrtle Avenue project soon.
Ratkiewich is still waiting for word from the state on the Riverside Avenue reconstruction project. It will include some sidewalk replacement.
The Main Street sidewalk project has been submitted to the state for final review. He hopes to have that project underway before fall.
Next year, Ratkiewich hopes to rebuild the Hillspoint Road sidewalk from Old Mill Beach to Greens Farms Road, and the Compo Road South sidewalk from the Post Road to Bridge Street.
The North Avenue project was scheduled before COVID-19. And yes, the lack of traffic has made the work easier.
Alert — and grateful — “06880” reader Hannah DeQuadros writes:
I’ve been thinking about all the snow we received this year, and what a great job the Public Works Department does plowing the streets in Westport. Two recent experiences brought home how fantastic they are.
Westport’s Public Works guys, in action a few years ago. (Photo/Luke Hammerman for Inklings)
I was in Norwalk twice after snowfalls. I thought, “these roads are terrible!” Fairly main roads were not as well cleaned as my small one. I wondered if it was my imagination. But both times, once I crossed back into Westport, the roads were in much better condition.
I live at the end of a cul-de-sac. The plows do an excellent job clearing the circle. There isn’t much space though, so a huge pile accumulates on our curb.
It doesn’t bother me. But we received a note from our mail carrier last week that he can’t get to the mailbox without getting out of his vehicle. He asked us to clear the way.
A shovel was useless on the massive, compacted pile of snow and ice. I called Public Works Monday morning, wondering about a solution. I reiterated that the guys do an outstanding job plowing; I just had to contend with the letter carrier.
On Tuesday morning, a plow and backhoe loader came to clear the pile. Problem solved!
While we wait for warmer weather, we should all give big thanks to the guys who work long shifts, in dreadful conditions, keeping our roads clear. They do an outstanding job!
The snow AFTER a Public Works crew came through. The pile once stood 8 feet tall.
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