The second burst pipe in 2 days affected 1,600 Westport customers in the Newtown Turnpike neighborhood last night.
That one was a 24-inch main. Aquarion. A.J. Penna and the Westport Fire Department assisted in repairs, in bitterly cold weather.
Repairs to the Newtown Turnpike main. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Adding to the woes, at the same time high winds brought down a tree, also on Newtown Turnpike.
Tree down on Newtown Turnpike. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
The day before, a water main break on Duck Pond Road in Saugatuck Shores affected customers on more than 20 streets.
Saugatuck Shores water main break. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
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“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.
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8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.
There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?
A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.
The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.
The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.
Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.
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The Norwalk location is not on the list of hundreds of Bed Bath & Beyond stores set to close.
However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.
The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.
The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.
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There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.
But only one invites you to come in pajamas.
The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.
Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.
Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.
An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.
The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.
Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.
Rachel Doran
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Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.
The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.
That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.
VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.
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The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.
During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.
Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).
They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”
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The wintertime crowds at Compo Beach may not rival those of summer.
But the shoreline’s “Westport … Naturally” beauty is there, 24/7/365.
(Photo/Michelle Harmon)
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And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks:
(Bed Bath & Beyond is contracting. But “06880” continues to grow — thanks to readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
