Last July, “06880” reported that Sushi Jin & Lounge would move into 44 Main Street in Westport, “between recently closed home retailer Oka and Mexicue restaurant.”
A sign on the door promised “the essence of contemporary Japanese cuisine … where tradition meets innovation in every dish.” It added, “Opening soon.”
Eight months later — and following the closure of its next door neighbor Mexicue — Sushi Jin looks ready.
When the doors finally open, we’ll let you know.
(Photos/Matt Murray)
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Westport10 — our town’s networking and social group for Black men — does not have their own clubhouse (yet).
So they did the next best thing last week: They had lunch at The Clubhouse (Westport’s newest event-and-more space).
Twenty men gathered to chat, share stories about work and families, and plan for the future. For more information on the group, click here.
Part of the Westport10 group, at The Clubhouse (from left): Rene Hart, Roy Adams, Harold Bailey Jr., Ted Parker, Adam Moore, Jay Norris, Brynden Cooper, Vincent Spencer, Dr. Stephen G., C.D. Glin, Kevin Christie, Frank Wood, Craig Melvin, Eric Freeman.
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Longtime Westporter and volunteer with an enormous variety of interests, from education and the Rotary to electric cars and stamp collecting Leo Cirino died peacefully on Monday, from natural causes. He was 91.
The New York City native attended Columbia College, graduating with degrees in liberal arts and electrical engineering. He was a varsity wrestler, and played clarinet in the marching band.
In the wake of the Korean War he joined the Army as a rocket engineer in what became the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal, a precursor of NASA. He helped launch the first US satellite, Explorer 1. Leo lost most of his hearing in a loud succession of rocket launches. That did not stop him from being an avid communicator and receptive listener through the rest of his life.
After his service he moved to Westport and worked for Norden Systems in United Technologies for the next 33 years. That is also where he met his wife of 54 years, Jane.
Leo applied his engineering and project management skills in building airborne and seaborne radar systems. He retired when the Soviet Union fell.
He became increasingly active in the Westport community. As a commander and navigator for the Power Squadron, a regular member of the Westport Shellfish Commission and a Thimble Islander, he channeled his love of the sea.
After following the alternate route to certification, Leo shared his knowledge as a part time physics and biology teacher at Staples for several years, before heeding the state’s request to teach full time in Bridgeport and Norwalk.
He taught youngsters to reach for the stars during space camp summers, raised funds for charity and student education as a Rotarian and in the United Way, and tutored anyone who needed help.
An avid stamp collector and Ye Olde King’s Highway Stamp Club regular, he wrote a book about philatelic artists from Westport and exhibited their works. At the Westport Historical Society he led the Wheeler Barn restoration.
In his later years Leo founded the Westport Electric Car Club, and worked with towns to promote the dream of a sustainable future.
He is survived by his wife Jane, daughters Dana and Jennifer, son Guy, and grandchildren Jack, Max, Chloe, Emmett, Logan and Leo Elias.
Calling hours will be at Harding Funeral Home on Monday (March 10, 4 to 7 p.m.). An honor service will be conducted Tuesday (March 11, Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 10 a.m., followed by a reception at VFW Post 399 from 1:30 to and 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Leo Cirino
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Just in time for the start of Daylight Savings Time — you did remember to turn your clocks forward, right?! — we have today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
More good news: Spring comes early this year. The first day is March 20 — just 11 days away.
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … on this day in 2012, 76-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis got married for the 7th time. His bride was his caregiver, 62-year-old Judith Brown. She was previously married to Lewis’ cousin Rusty.
Speaking of cousins: Lewis’ 3rd marriage — when he was 22 — was to 13-year-old Myra Gale Brown, his first cousin once removed. She was 14 the next year, when their first child was born.
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