Tag Archives: snowman

Roundup: Vince McMahon, Ukraine Aid, Staples Basketball …

Dashboard and body camera footage has been released of the Merritt Parkway accident in Westport last July, involving WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.

Driving northbound near Exit 20 (formerly Exit 41) at a speed of 110 to 115 miles an hour, the 79-year-old Greenwich resident slammed his Bentley Continental GT into the back of a BMW. He caromed off a guardrail, then continued driving before a Connecticut state trooper pulled him over.

The WWE owner told the officer he was in a hurry to get to his granddaughter’s birthday.

He received a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely, and was released at the scene on a $500 bond. In October, he was granted accelerated rehabilitation for one year, on the condition he make a charitable contribution.

Click here or below to see the accident, and the aftermath with the state trooper. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds into its 4th year, a special event will raise funds for besieged towns.

One of those is Lyman — Westport’s sister city. It was the first of several established by Ukraine Aid International, the not-for-profit founded by Westport brothers Brian and Marshall Mayer. UAI provides humanitarian aid to Ukrainian communities near the Russian border.

Next Thursday (March 5, 7 p.m.,), “Keys of Resilience” brings Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanoy to the Westport Country Playhouse. He rebuilt his life in the US following the 2022 invasion, and is now a faculty member witht the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

He’ll offer interpretations of masters like Brahms, Chopin, Liszt and Gershwin, and introduce the audience to contemporary Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.

In addition, Connecticut-born Ukrainian-American soprano Teryn Kuzma — a 4th-generation bandurist — will play the 55-stringed harp-zither.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Board of Education meets tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).

The 2 main agenda items are the schools’ screen time survey, and the quarterly financial report.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys basketball team.

Last night they routed a strong Ridgefield squad 67-49, to complete the regular season 20-0.

That remarkable run includes 15 FCIAC (league) wins), and victories over non-league Wilbur Cross-New Haven, Ramapo, Archbishop Molloy, Taconic and Scarsdale Highs. The latter 4 are out-of-state teams.

The closest contest was 53-51, over Fairfield Ludlowe. Two weeks ago, the Wreckers handled then-undefeated Trumbull by 18 points. Every other win too was by double digits.

Coach Dave Goldshore and his senior-laden ballers begin the FCIAC tournament this Saturday (February 28), with a 1:45 p.m. tipoff at Staples.

Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls team — who suffered only 2 losses in league play this year — are the first part of that FCIAC quarterfinal doubleheader. Their game starts at noon.

Staples basketball senior Drew Hill. (Photo/John Walker)

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Jennaty Med Spa — a boutique medical aesthetics and wellness spa — has just opened on the 2nd floor at 991 Post Road East (across from Starbucks).

It was cofounded by 2 nurses. They wanted to create “a private, concierge style wellness space, where patients feel genuinely cared for.”

They focus on IV hydration and wellness therapy, advanced injectables (Botox, dermal fillers), regenerative treatments and personalized aesthetic consultations.

The atmosphere is “intimate, elevated, and designed to feel more like a private wellness lounge than a traditional med spa.” Jennaty believes in “natural results, ethical practice, and long-term relationships with our clients.”

For more information, click here.

PS: The name comes from the nicknames of the 2 founders: Jennifer Velazquez and Natalia Cardona.

Jennaty Med Spa founders: Jen and Naty.

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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates “the green” (aka St. Patrick’s Day) at a very appropriate place: Green’s Farms Church.

The  March 9 event (6:30 to 8 p.m.) includes Irish-themed bites by Lyfe Cafê, live Irish favorites from Peter Kozak, and sweet green treats by Avery Horne.

As always, art with MoCA\CT adds a festive flair to the celebration. Guests are encouraged to (of course) wear green. Click here for more information, and registration.

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Sure, anyone can build a snowman. (And there has been more than enough snow with which to do it lately.)

But not everyone can make a creation as whimsical as this one, at the corner of Hillandale Road and Center Street.

David Squires snapped the scene, and adds: “I believe he’s hitchhiking to a warmer destination. The snow-covered sign reads Florida (I think).”

(Photo/David Squires)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests, between February 18 and 24.

An 18-year-old Meriden man was charged with larceny, theft of a payment card, charging less than $500 on a stolen/revoked payment card, and identity theft, following theft of a wallet from a car that was in an unlocked garage, with the garage door open. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 71-year-old Westport man was charged with operating under the influence and evading responsibility, following a motor vehicle accident in the Riko’s Pizza parking lot. He was released on a $1,500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 7 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
  • Failure to remove snow/ice from roof:
  • Tinted glass violation: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals 1.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: It’s not just courteous to remove snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof. It’s the law!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” features doggie couture: the blizzard look.

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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And finally … the item about Vince McMahon (above) brought to mind:

(If you appreciate “06880”‘s coverage of law enforcement matters — from our weekly Police Reports, to an item like the one on Vince McMahon — please click here to support our work. 10-4.)

Pic Of The Day #3183

Saying goodbye to 2025 — or hello to 2026 — in Greens Farms (Photo/John Karrel)

Build A Snowman Of Love: 2 PM Today, At Saugatuck Church

When God gives you lemons, make lemonade.

When someone in Westport makes an antisemitic snowman, many others make snowmen of love.

That’s the message that Rev. Kari Nicewander of Saugatuck Congregational Church has just sent, to everyone in town.

She invites the community to the church — on Post Road East, near Myrtle Avenue — today between 2 and 4 p.m.

The goal is to build snowmen that send a very different message, than the one found Sunday at Newman Poses Preserve

“Bring hats and gloves for the snowmen, signs/messages of love and peace, etc.,” the pastor says. 

“Our snowmen will have hearts and outreached arms. Let’s fill the lawn and show the community what kind of humans we are. Please help share and get the word out. Each snowman represents another person standing up against hate.”

Today, snow covers the Saugatuck Church lawn. This afternoon, the town is invited there, to make “snowmen of love.”

Police, Tooker Respond To Antisemitic Snowman

The Westport Police Department says:

On the night of February 9, Westport Police were notified by a local rabbi to the existence of a snowman with antisemitic features at the Newman Poses Preserve.

The person who found the snowman notified the eabbi and a local blog. On the morning of February 10, Westport Police initiated an investigation which included responding to the Newman Poses Preserve where a snowman was located, but without any antisemitic symbols.

We contacted the complainant and spoke with him about the incident. He reported finding the snowman at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Februray 9 while walking in the preserve. The complainant took a photo of the snowman, and then removed the antisemitic symbols prior to leaving the preserve.

The Westport Police Department is investigating the incident, and asks anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the Westport Police Department at 203-341-6000. Furthermore, we ask that incidents like this be reported immediately to the Police Department so they can be investigated in a timely manner.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community. Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my north star, and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”

Snowman with Nazi symbols, at Newman Poses Preserve.

 

Roundup: Youth Sports, Levitt Pavilion, Library Trustees …

As pressure mounts on young athletes to be more competitive than ever, Sebastian Little says: Enough!

The leadership coach — who works with clients in MLB, the NBA and NHL, and is in his 3rd year as Yale University football’s performance coach — will speak on a Westport Public Schools and Westport Together panel called “For the Love of the Game: How Parents Can Promote Successful Athletes on and Off the Field.”

The session — for parents and coaches — will offer insights and strategies into “balancing competition with compassion and growth with enjoyment.”

The event is March 5 (7 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium). Click here to register.

Go team! (Photo/Leslie Flinn)

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2024 Levitt Pavilion memberships are on sale now.

Members enjoy pre-sales, discounts and more for specially ticketed events. Shows announced so far include

  • May 25: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | Andy Frasco & The UN | Dogs in a Pile
  • June 1: Couch (free)
  • June 8: Keb’ Mo’
  • June 16: The Wood Brothers
  • July 5: : moe. Best. Summer. Ever. With Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Neighbor
  • August 17: Andrew Bird, with Amadou & Mariam.

Memberships help subsidize over 50 free shows, all season long. Click here for more information, and membership registration.

Levitt Pavilion (Photo/JC Martin)

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The Westport Library and Representative Town Meeting are looking for candidates to fill vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees.

Candidates must be Westport residents. Skills in management, planning, marketing, finance and law are valued. Candidates with a track record in fundraising and connections within the community are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of public funding, and service on other boards is advantageous.

Trustee appointments typically span 4 years, beginning July 1. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to  rpowell@westportlibrary.org by March 15. Click on the Library’s Strategic Plan  and also here for more information.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 7 and 14.

A man was arrested for larceny, after video surveillance showed him stealing $137.94 worth of laundry detergent from Stop & Shop.

A man was arrested for evading responsibility (hit and run) and failure to remove a vehicle from a highway, following investigation into a 1-car accident on Easton Road January 6. He hit a telephone pole during a snowstorm, then left while his car remained in the travel portion of the road.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Passing a standing school bus: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Evading responsbility: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling at unreasonable speed: 1
  • Traveling at unreasonable speed for conditions: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to remove ice/snow from roof: 1
  • Illegal use of a handheld device: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1.

It’s the law: Connecticut residents must remove snow and ice from car roofs!

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Staples High School’s February Students of the Month are seniors Chelsey Oliva and Michael Belpedio, juniors Anna Berrod Cassimatis and Zachary Pardon, sophomores Landon Alswanger and Claire Harris, and freshmen Makayla Hein and Ari Sklar.

Students of the Month “help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.”

February Students of the Month (from left): Anna Berrod Cassimatis, Claire Harris, Chelsey Oliva, Michael Belpedio, Landon Alswanger, Ari Sklar,  Zachary Pardon. Missing: Makayla Hein. 

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Before rising temperatures take their toll, here’s a snowman shot from Cross Highway. near Main Street.

“You’re never too old for joy!” says photographer Claudia Sherwood Servidio.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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As the snow fell on Tuesday, this red-shouldered hawk found a way to escape the flakes — and at the same time, pose for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Melissa Chang)

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And finally … on this date in 1965,a  new red-and-white maple leaf design was adopted as the flag of Canada. It replaced the red ensign banner.

(O Canada! O6880! This blog is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Christopher Plummer, Staples Players, Avi Kaner, More

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In 1987 — its bicentennial — Weston produced a history of the town.

Lots of communities do something similar.

But not many get to have theirs produced and narrated by one the most famous actors in the world.

This video — courtesy of Cristina Negrin — says all you need to know about the deep feeling Christopher Plummer had for his adopted hometown.

And Weston loved him right back.

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Due to snow, Staples Players’ 1st radio play of 2nd semester — the thriller “Sorry, Wrong Number,” broadcast live from the Black Box Theater — has been postponed. The new date is Wednesday, February 10 (7 p.m.).

The production will be streamed live (and free) at wwwptfm.org.

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Westporters know Avi Kaner as our former 2nd selectman and Board of Finance chair.

But he also co-owns Morton Williams, the noted New York City supermarket chain. It’s a 75-year-old family company, but it’s never faced a challenge like today’s pandemic and its many side effects.

The other day, Kaner spoke to NTD Business about the state of his business, and New York — including the flight to the suburbs. Click below for the fascinating interview.

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“06880 readers” can’t get enough of the “new” view of I-95 and the Beachside Avenue overpass, now that it’s been removed for reconstruction. Here’s one more shot:

(Photo/John Richers)

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This guy hung out at the Lansdowne condos yesterday. No telling what he’ll look like today.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Westport Town Clerk Patty Strauss retired in December. Last month, she and her husband Ed moved to North Carolina.

Yesterday, their Juniper Road was torn down. Real estate moves fast around here.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Numerous fire trucks raced to Bayberry Lane this morning, to put out a fire at Belta’s farm.

The blaze was confined to an outbuilding, rented to tenants.

Belta’s farm, with fire apparatus on hand.

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And finally … Jim Weatherly died Wednesday near Nashville, of natural causes. He was 77.

He wrote hit songs for Ray Price, Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers and many others. His biggest was originally called “Midnight Plane to Houston.” Gladys Knight and the Pips turned it into the much more memorable “Midnight Train to Georgia.”