Finalists will be announced April 2. The award ceremony is June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (Hat tip: CTBites.com)
Chef Brian Lewis
Chef Michelle Greenfield
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In years past, Connecticut Department of Transportation engineers said they would not repair the Cribari Bridge authentically, with respect to its 135-year-old historical significance.
That may change.
The state DOT is seeking public comment on a draft that will govern the way they review transportation projects in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. The Cribari Bridge fits the National Landmark designation.
The draft (click here to see) would “make efficiencies to the process for considering historic properties that may be affected by road, rail and transit projects in Connecticut.”
“We are committed to ensuring that transportation projects not only meet the needs of today but also preserve and respect our rich historical and cultural assets,” says CTDOT commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
“This collaboration with our federal and state partners is crucial for maintaining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in our process, particularly when it comes to preserving the historic landscapes and structures that define our communities. We encourage all members of the public to provide their feedback.”
Click here and click here for more details. To provide comments on the draft, click here. The deadline is February 24. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)
The historic William F. Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
It was not a real flower. But it will last longer than one.
Emily Teall’s “Tulip Bulb” is the newest sculpture at the Imperial Avenue site. All steel, it’s 8 feet high, and 6 feet in diameter.
If it looks familiar: It spent the past 5 years in front of the Norwalk Arts Space.
The installation is part of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s initiative — along with the Selectwoman’s Office, and Parks & Recreation Department — to beautify town parks with sculptures.
A formal dedication of “Tulip Bulb” will take place (appropriately) this spring.
Westport Arts Advisory Committee members Kathie Bennewitz (left) and Dina Upton (right), with Mariano Brothers installers, at Grace Salmon Park yesterday.
Feeding the animals at Wakeman Town Farm Summer Camp.
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When Parker Greenberg was born in 2016, her parents instantly knew something was not right.
She was born with a very rare genetic condition, HIST1H1E Syndrome that leaves her with severe special needs. Hers was the 8th case diagnosed worldwide, a week before her second birthday.
Daily life is a challenge for the young Westporter. She sees a large team of specialists, has undergone many surgeries, and had plenty of medical scares.
Yet, her mother Kimberly says, “our determined little girl has never given up. She continues to teach us new things daily, including how to stay positive.”
In just 4 years Dr. Yong-Hui Jiang, Chief of Medical Genetics at Yale, has made great progress toward a cure. What felt like a distant dream when her parents founded the non-profit Parker’s Cure is now within reach.
The Westport community has helped the Greenbergs raise over $600,000 for Parker’s Cure over the past few years. But more is needed.
This Friday (January 31, Bowlero in Norwalk, 8 p.m.), Parker’s Cure hosts a special event. Auction items include autographed NBA jerseys; a signed 2024 US Olympic gold medal basketball; special sports experiences for baseball, golf and basketball fans; Broadway tickets, local treasures and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.
But you don’t have to be at Bowlero to win. Click here to see all the auction items, and bid. The auction closes Friday at 11:30 p.m.
Parker Greenberg (middle child in photo), with her parents and sisters.
This week’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7. $20 music charge; $15, veterans and students).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who has crossed jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years, it features Fairfield native and acclaimed percussionist Bryan Garbe, bassist John Mobilio and pianist Dave Childs. Click here for tickets.
Jim Royle
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Here’s today’s smile, courtesy of the Leonard Schine Nature Preserve, and our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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And finally … in honor of Westport’s 2 chefs, chosen as James Beard Award semifinalists (story above):
(“06880” keeps a close eye on Westport’s restaurant scene –openings, closings, James Beard awards and more. If you dine out on any of our stories, click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Top Chefs, Cribari Bridge, Long Lots …
The agenda for tonight’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria) includes updates from the Long Lots Building Committee, and on the Strategic Plan.
The board will also discuss elementary school redistricting. The current recommendation includes:
Transitioning approximately 51 Long Lots students to Saugatuck Elementary School for September 2025
Keeping the Integrated Resource programs at their current locations
Transitioning approximately 36 Kings Highway students to Coleytown Elementary School when the new Long Lots opens (likely September 2027)
Maintaining the current Greens Farms Elementary boundaries, but monitoring enrollment trends in 2025 and ’26 before considering transitioning approximately 33 GFS students to Saugatuck.
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Is the pandemic finally over?
Elle Bowen writes: “Not since COVID have I seen the Westport train station parking lot full.
“Wednesdays were starting to fill up, but there was not a spot this week on a Tuesday.
“Looks like ‘back to the office’ may soon be a reality.
(Photo/Elle Bowen)
What’s your work situation? Back to the office? Fully remote? Hybrid? Which would you prefer?
Click “Comments” below, to share your story.
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Tonight’s League of Women Voters debate — featuring candidates for State Senator and State Representative — is set for the Town Hall auditorium (7 p.m.). It will also be livestreamed on the town’s website and Optimum Channel 79.
Kami Evans and Ceci Maher are vying for State Senate District 26. Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton are running for the State House in the 136th District.
The Westport Library is a very welcoming place for children and teenagers.
But this month, it gets frightening.
It’s all because of Halloween, of course. Among the events:
“STEAM Scene: Storybook Pumpkins”: Transform miniature pumpkins into your favorite book character. October 17, 4:30 to 6 p.m., grades 2-3; click here to register. October 24, 4:30 to 6 p.m., grades 4-6; click here to register.
Zombie Special Effects Makeup (Wednesday, October 23, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; grades 7 and up). Learn special effects makeup techniques to transform yourself into a zombie. Use kits with cotton balls, liquid latex, bruise makeup, fake blood and scar wax to create scars and rotting flesh. After the program, take home a kit. Click here for more information, and to register.
“Pink or Treat with Victoria Kann” (Sunday, October 27, 2 to 3 p.m.). After a reading from “Pinkalicious” author Victoria Kann, youngsters can join a costume parade, and trick or treat for Pinkalicious treats on Jesup Green. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Click here for more information, and to register.
Westport Library zombie!
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The Blondinit — the popular Israeli restaurant on Church Lane that opened in March — has added a brunch menu.
Served on weekends starting at 11:30 a.m., it includes salatim (small dishes with spreads, dips and pickles), salads, and specialty dishes like an omelet, eggs, baklava French toast, puff pastry, waffles topped with schnitzel, shakshuka, avocado toast, schnitzel sandwich and beef burger.
There are specialty cocktails too.
Owners Inda Sale and Solomon Sale also offer catering. The Yom Kippur menu serves 8-10 people, and must be ordered by midnight tonight (Thursday). Call 203-557-3277, or email resy@theblondinit.com.
The Blondinit brunch.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 2 and 9.
A 40-year-old Stratford man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1:37 a.m. incident on Post Road East near Roseville Road. An officer observed a van cross over the double yellow lines and continue into his lane, nearly causing a collision.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Following too closely: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Breach of peace: 1
Distracted driving, 2nd offense: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Failure to grant right of way at an intersection: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motorcycle without license or permits: 1
Improper number of headlamps: 1
Slow down — and yield to pedestrians!
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Henry Lehr is coming back to Westport.
Sort of.
A sign announces the arrival soon of American Colors, on Post Road East between Barnes & Noble and Tiffany.
American Colors was Henry Lehr’s retirement project when it started as a simple garment dyed collection. He recruited Alex, his son, to sell for him. Alex spent his spring break senior year in Las Vegas with his dad selling. He kept selling after graduation, and found he was good at understanding customers and the business and how to connect the two. …
He worked with his dad for 9 years, before taking over design and resourcing. American Colorscontinuestoevolve, but we continue to be family-owned and domestically produced.
We are known for our wash and uniquely soft hand, as well as specialty fabrications in 100% organic Japanese natural fibers. Our designs have always been focused on classic silhouettes made from high-quality fabrics because Alex has close relationships with retail and wholesale customers he keeps a close eye on what their needs are, and how to build that into his collections.
Henry’s spirit of hard work and passion for business stays at the heart of American Colors, but Alex’s talent for finding and building lasting relationships keeps American Colors strong. His mom, Toni, continues to own and operate the Henry Lehr stores, and enjoys collaborating with Alex on designs from time to time.
There is no indication of when the Westport store will open.
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As today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, the only good spotted lanternfly is a squashed spotted lanternfly.
This one was at Compo Beach. Here’s to many more.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … Cissy Houston, the Grammy Award-winning soul and gospel star who helped her daughter, Whitney Houston, achieve superstardom, died Monday in Newark. She was 91, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Beyond her daughter’s renown — and that of her her nieces Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick, and cousin Leontyne Price — she had her own notable career. On her own or with her group the Sweet Inspirations, she was a backup singer for Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Wilson Pickett, David Bowie, Neil Diamond, Jimi Hendrix and hundreds of other stars. Click here for a full obituary.
Click below 3 out of the many songs Cissy Houston sang background on.
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In a lightning-quick meeting last night, the Long Lots School Building Committee voted formally to do what it had previously discussed: send to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker the recommendation to build “Concept C,” an entirely new elementary school next to the present one.
However, the LLSBC added another recommendation: that the Westport Community Gardens (which will be displaced by a new baseball field) be relocated to Baron’s South, the town-owned property between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue.
Meeting later last night in a long session, the Board of Education agreed 5-1 that plans for the new school follow from the educational specifications they approved last April.
Member Robert Harrington offered an amendment that would keep the Gardens at their present location, just south of the school. That motion failed 4-2, with Dorie Hordon joining Harrington.
The majority said that the gardens’ future is up to other bodies in town. The Board of Ed’s focus, they said, is on the school only, and moving ahead is imperative.
The Long Lots project must still be approved by several town bodies, including the Board of Finance, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Baron’s South property, recommended by the Long Lots School Building Committee as the new site for the Westport Community Gardens. (Photo/Morley Boyd)
That’s what WestportMoms banks on. Their twice-postponed 3rd annual Fall Festival is set for this Sunday (October 22), at the fields across from the Compo Beach playground.
Painters, sports, pumpkin decorating, hair tinsel, a magic show, bracelet making and more are all in store. All kids and families are welcome.
Bring layers, WestportMoms advise. It may be windy.
Town-wide curbside leaf collection begins November 6.
All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags near the curb of a town street by December 4 to guarantee pick-up. Residents on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up,
Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow. For further information, call the Department of Public Works 203-341-1120), or click here.
The 180 Bayberry Lane yard waste site (behind the Aspetuck Health District) will extend its Saturday hours, from October 28 through December 4.
The extended Saturday hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Westport residents with proof of residency may dump up to 6 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton.
Any vehicles with a 9-foot body, or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size, will be charged $90 per ton, estimated at 2 tons without weigh slip ($180).
Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall’s Public Works office weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by writing the Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.
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It’s pretty impressive for a high school golfer to shoot a 73.
It’s even more so when 2 do it.
Harrison Browne and Sawyer Dalzell tied for the individual title at yesterday’s FCIAC (Fairfield County Conference) championship, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
Their 1-over-par rounds helped the Wreckers to a 1-stroke team title over Fairfield Warde.
Congratulations to them, teammates Gus Palmer (79), Philip Sullivan (82) and Chris Taylor (83), and coach Pete Caligiure. On to states!
FCIAC champion Staples High School boys golf team. (Hat tip and photo/The Ruden Report)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 11 and 18.
A woman was arrested for shoplifting at HomeGoods. A man was arrested for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, after a domestic violence incident.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Speeding: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of marker plates: 1
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
A Westport woman was charged with 3 dog violations. This is not that dog.
“Commuting seems to have leveled off. Is there consideration to opening up some daily spaces in the railroad parking permit areas? Not to mention the boats parked there!”
Westport Police are in charge of railroad parking (among many other things). Chief Foti Koskinas notes that while Monday and Friday usage of lots is lower than pre-COVID, they are fairly full Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Deputy Chief Dave Farrell adds:
“The lot that stores the winterized boats is privately owned, and is not managed by the railroad parking division of the PD.
“Meanwhile, we constantly monito our lots and make changes as necessary. At this time, we will not be adding daily spots to permit lots.
“I encourage daily spot users to check out Lot 7 on Franklin Street. It’s a convenient lot that does not fill up, and has direct access to Riverside Avenue.
“Also, Lot 8 will soon be available for our daily spots as the I-95 project will wrap up within a month or so.”
Click on or hover over to enlarge this railroad station parking map.
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Still speaking of driving:
David Meth waited yesterday patiently, with other drivers, in the southbound lane of Compo Road North by Winslow Park. As everyone knows, it can take a while to get to the Post Road.
One person couldn’t wait. This driver attempted to jump the line — with predictable results.
But wait! There’s more!
This very same driver — after finally reaching the Post Road (along with everyone else), and making a right turn — zoomed into Playhouse Square.
And — feeling entitled after waiting all that time — promptly grabbed not one but two parking spots, in the always-crowded lot.
(Photos/David Meth)
“Driving in this town is out of control, supplanted by entitlement, arrogance, rudeness, and unrelenting stupidity,” David observes.
Where do you go if your dad writes a new will right before he dies, leaving a sizeable fortune to the dog walker he met 3 months ago?
Where do you go if you want a schizophrenic family member committed to a hospital for treatment, or put under conservatorship to protect him from himself?
The answer to both questions is “Probate Court.” At this week’s lunch meeting, the Westport Rotary Club heard Lisa Wexler, Probate Court judge for Westport and Weston, discuss how she deals with issues like those every day.
Wexler called Probate Court “Family Court without the divorce.” She decides over 3,300 matters a year, many involving family members at each other’s throats. She noted that if her life was made into a TV show, it would be “’Parks and Recreation’ meets ‘Blue Bloods.’”
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s. Next Friday (October 27 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), the Westport Weston Family YMCA hosts a discussion by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Connecticut chapter.
The presentation will speak cover the Association’s resources, ways to get involved. healthy behaviors, Alzheimer’s impact on the workplace, its effects on caregivers, and more.
Say She She closed out the 2023 Levitt Pavilion concert season last night.
That’s a wrap: About 60 nights of free entertainment, under the stars.
The stars — well, the air — was a bit chilly last night. But it’s only a few months until the air will be warm again, and music will be back on the banks of the Saugatuck.
Say She She, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
But the weather this week was pretty good. Tracy Porosoff was in her garden, photographing beautiful sights like this for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
And finally … as the colors change, and the foliage blazes (though perhaps not this week), it’s time to remember Simon & Garfunkel’s classic tune:
Today, as always, “06880”‘s Roundup delivers a broad array of Westport-specific news and notes. If you rely on this coverage, please support our work. Click here — and thank you!)
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