Town officials and residents have been laser-focused on 2 zoning issues: HB 5002, and plans for the Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/residential/and more project, or a 500-unit 8-30g housing complex there.
Both the omnibus housing bill and large-scale development would impact Westport, everywhere from traffic and density to taxes and moratorium points.
Meanwhile — far from the spotlight — quiet but steady progress is being made on affordable and below-market housing.
And it’s happening all over town.
On Monday (June 23, 6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application for the property at 455 Post Road East.
For decades, the building between Compo Shopping Center and Westport Fire headquarters has been home to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Connecticut Human Society, on Post Road East.
They’re moving soon, to Wilton. That offers an opportunity for new housing — right on the bus line, a few steps from Trader Joe’s, CVS and more.
Westport’s Inclusionary Housing Zone — in place since 2010 — has encouraged housing (including affordable units) on mixed-used properties along the Post Road. Beneficiaries include developments behind Splash car wash, and at the former Geiger’s and Kowalsky sites opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
But according to Rick Redniss, the regulation is not “user-friendly.” Some of the provisions discourage housing, especially of the affordable and below-market kinds.
Rick Redniss
He should know. He’s a partner in Redniss & Mead, the land use consulting firm that has worked on many successful local projects.
Redniss says the pre-app addresses the question: “Why can’t a site on the Post Road be all residential?” It seeks to add flexibility to the IHZ designation.
Housing — some of it affordable — is more necessary than “another small commercial building,” he says.
A builder with extensive Westport experience has contracted to buy the Humane Society property, Redniss says. But they need to know the P&Z backs housing at the site.
Redniss has worked on other affordable housing — some of it off-site — that many Westporters may be unaware of.
The Residence — the independent, assisted and memory care community on the Post Road near Morningside Drive — was built in an IHZ area. Instead of 3 small apartments on-site, the project includes 2 single-family homes — with yards and garages – on Crescent Park.
The Mill condominium project on Richmondville Avenue includes 5 units at 136 Riverside Avenue, next to Saugatuck Elementary School.
The Victorian home was completely renovated. Four apartments are now occupied by adults with special needs. A fifth is rented by an income-eligible resident director. A 49-year lease with the town has been pre-paid.
136 Riverside Avenue, after renovations.
Meanwhile, residential units are going up on land between New Country Toyota and Splash car wash. In collaboration with Homes with Hope, Redniss is proposing an affordable 2-family home off-site.
Also in the works: on-site affordable housing at 220 Post Road West — the 2-story retail building that housed a rug store, on the corner of Sylvan Road North.
And, in the northern corner of Westport, 14 units of special needs housing at Glendinning Place, near the former Bridgewater headquarters off Weston Road.
Taken together, that’s a lot of affordable and below-market housing, at a wide variety of sites.
Keep your eye on the Humane Society — and other spaces — as public and private officials seek humane solutions to a town, state and national housing crisis.
(“06880” covers real estate, zoning, local politics — and much, much more. If you enjoy our hyper-local focus, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
At 6 a.m., the first spots were already reserved for tonight’s fireworks.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
This was the scene at 6:30:
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 6:40, there was this:
(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)
Ghost encampments will continue to sprout all morning long.
Some will be normal, considerate-of-neighbor-sized. Others will be the Compo Beach equivalent of McMansions.
The upside: The trend of setting up for a party ahead of time has lessened the traffic trying to enter the beach the moment it opens to ticket-holders, at around 4:30 or 5.
NOTE: As of 7:30 a.m., only 15 tickets for tonight’s show remained. They’re being sold today at police headquarters on Jesup Road only.
Organic Krush — the property they were replacing — vociferously said “not true!”
It was. But it took 2 years for it to happen.
The sign is now up. The targeted opening date is the end of this month.
(Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)
As “06880” reported in early June — and WestportMoms alluded to yesterday, in the Sweetgreen announcement — Just Salad is likely to replace Salsa Fresca “before the end of the year.”
Brooks Corner — the 23,945-square foot retail and office complex in the heart of downtown Westport — has been sold.
ARC — a Concord, Massachusetts-based real estate acquisition, development and management firm — bought the property from Westfair Inc., the Brooks family company.
The purchase price was $12,750,000.
Brooks Corner is anchored by Brooks Brothers (no relation to the family that built it), and Lux Bond & Green.
Brooks Corner
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There was no wind, rain or any other precipitating factor.
But a large tree fell just before 9 a.m. yesterday on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary School.
Branches hit a car driving past. The driver veered into a stone wall. There were no reported injuries.
More than 50 Eversource customers lost power.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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The Residence at Westport is a senior living community.
But they’ve adopted our town’s youngsters as a cause.
From now through August 31, they’re collecting backpacks and school supplies, to support students in need.
Items can be dropped off in the lobby. The Residence is at 1141 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
Westport Rotary Club outgoing president Kenny Epstein passed the gavel to new president Goldie James at the annual traditional dinner on Friday, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Over 70 members ate lobsters, watched the new board sworn in, and enjoyed awards and gifts, as Rotary rang in its 101st year.
Kenny Epstein passes the gavel to Goldie James. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Ewen Rainer grew up in New Jersey. Jennifer Leigh is from the Branford area. They now live in Charleston, South Carolina.
They planned a religious wedding in Italy. But they wanted a civil one in the US, before heading overseas.
What better place than Westport?
But where? And who would perform it?
They got a list of justices of the peace from Town Hall. They chose Andrew Colabella, based on his close associations with Westport.
In May, the Representative Town Meeting member performed the ceremony on Veterans Green. A dinner, with family members who could not travel overseas, followed at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The couple is back in the States. They’ve got great memories of Italy — and Westport.
Justice of the peace Andrew Colabella (left), with Ewen Rainer and Jennifer Leigh.
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Wondering how space environments threaten exoplanet habitability?
Dr. Ofer Cohen — an associate professor at the University of Massaschusetts -Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology — answers that question July 16 (8 p.m.), in a free Westport Astronomical Society webinar.
Posted onMay 5, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Music Honors, Library Book Sale, Twiddle …
It’s getting to be routine. But it never gets old.
For the 11th year in a row, the Westport Public Schools have been named a “Best Community for Music Education,” by the NAMM Foundation.
The honor goes to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.
The application process includes questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. The Music Department cites partnerships with organizations like the Westport Library, Levitt Pavilion, PTA Cultural Arts, WestPAC and Westport Arts Advisory Committee.
Encore!
Westport music instructors take bows, at the Levitt Pavilion Pops Concert.
The Westport Library’s spring book sale starts today (Friday).
Thousands of gently used books for children and adults are available in over 50 categories, plus vintage children’s and antiquarian books, music CDs, and movie and television DVDs.
Of special interest: Books donated from the homes of former US cabinet member Joseph Califano; NBC Sports producer Ricky Diamond, and philanthropist and educator Elisabeth Luce Moore, sister of Henry Luce (Time-Life founder). Many of the books in the Califano collection have been signed political, journalist, literatary and entertainment figures.
Plus a collection of works by or about James Joyce, and an extensive collection of history books, especially US and world politics, and World War II.
The “Fiction for $1” room is back by popular demand, filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy and young adult fiction, plus paperbacks, just $1 each.
Vinyl records, graphic novels and manga will be available at the Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green from the Library.
Friday, May 5: Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; almost everything half-price.
Monday, May 8: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: fill a logo bags for $8 (or fill your own equivalent-sized bag for $5), or purchase individual items for half price.
Years ago, as a student at Providence College, Alison Reilly became interested in American Sign Language.
This year she began exploring how to add it to the Staples High School curriculum. She cites the benefits of learning any language, including improved memory, attention and problem-solving skills, and increased cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Studies have shown that learning ASL can have cognitive and academic benefits for students. Learning a second language has been shown to improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, and ASL is no exception. In addition, learning ASL can help students become more culturally aware and sensitive, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Schools like Brown, Columbia, Harvard, MIT, NYU, Berkeley, Michigan, Penn and Yale all accept ASL as fulfilling students’ world language requirement for admission.
Fairfield, Wilton and Greenwich already include ASL in their course offerings, Reilly says.
Assistant superintendent of schools of teaching and learning Anthony Buono says, “We currently offer ASL online as an elective. We have had conversations about offering it as a World Language option, but nothing formal has transpired.
“One significant challenge is finding certified teachers. Darien is currently searching for a teacher and has been unable to find one.”
Reilly says she’ll keep “06880” posted on the progress of her initiative.
Artist/photographer Miggs Burroughs created “Signs of Compassion,” by asking 30 Westporters to sign a different word, in Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name.
In his work with “CBS Sunday Morning,” PBS’ “Nova,” the Missing Manuals tech guides and more, David Pogue calls himself a “professional explainer.”
At Monday’s Y’s Women meeting (May 8, 11:15 a.m., Green’s Farms Church), he’ll explain something all of us have heard about, but few understand: artificial intelligence.
It’s useful — and terrifying. An app can write anything you ask it to: Letters, song lyrics, research papers, recipes, therapy sessions, poems, essays, software code.
Other apps create music, perfectly mimic anybody’s voice, and generate complete video scenes from typed descriptions.
His talk is so important, the Y’s Women are inviting everyone to come. So be “wise”: Go hear David Pogue.
The Westport and Fairfield Senior Centers co-hosted a “Meet the Authors yesterday, in Westport Nearly 2 dozen local authors chatted informally about their works (and sold copies).
Susan Garment buys an autographed copy of “I Pried Open Wall Street In 1962: Overcoming Barriers, Hurdles and Obstacles – A Memoir” from author Winston Allen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Twiddle — the Vermont-based ensemble that played to sold-out Levitt Pavilion crowds last summer — returns for a 2-day, 4-set festival July 21-22. (Click here for a great video of that weekend.)
It’s extra special, because soon after, they’ll take an indefinite hiatus from touring.
The Twiddle Festival also includes Lespecial, Kung Fu, Oh He Dead, and one more band to be announced soon. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Twiddle
The Levitt Pavilion recently announced a new slate of free shows, too.
The Suffers — an 8-piece Gulf Coast Soul/rock/country/Latin/Southern hip hop/Stax and Muscle Shoals band from Houston — take the stage July 14.
Calexico’s “Feast of Wire 20th Anniversary Tour” is August 17.
Click here for free tickets, and more information.
Do you have questions about aging, like who will protect your financial assets, how to navigate healthcare, and whether you can age in place?
The Residence at Westport hosts a panel on “Navigating Senior Care Options” (May 16, 2 p.m., 1141 Post Road East).
Representatives from Cohen & Wolf, Constellation Health Services, Growing Options, Hartford Healthcare Geriatric Medicine, Moneco Advisors, National Heath Care Associates, Privatus Care Solutions, Stardust Move Managers, The Carolton and William Raveis Real Estate will join The Residence experts.
Westport artists Dale Najarian and Tomira Wilcox are featured in the “Shadows Revealed” exhibit at Sono1420 craft distillers in South Norwalk.
Proceeds from a portion of sales, and an artwork raffle at the opening reception May 11 (6 to 8 p.m.) benefit The Rowan Center sexual assault resource agency.
Artwork by Dale Najarian.
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Laurel Canyon comes to Westport on May 13.
Voices Café’s next concert (8 p.m., the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) features with The Bar Car Band. Their “Songs & Stories of Laurel Canyon” — with the music of Carole King, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds and more — is a benefit for the Green Village Initiative.
The Bar Car Band includes Nina Hammerling on vocals, Russell Smith on guitar and vocals, plus Joe Izzo (drums), Scott Spray (bass), Tim DeHuff (guitar), Tim Stone (keyboards), David Allen Rivera (percussion), Amy Crenshaw (vocals) and narrator Hadley Boyd.
There’s café-style seating (at tables) or individual seating, plus room for dancing. Bring your own beverages and snacks; snacks are available for purchase too. Tickets are $25 each. Click here for tickets and more information.
The Bar Car Band
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LaBeaute Artistry Brow & Nails has just opened, in the rear of the 234 Post Road East building that is anchored by Calico (just east of Imperial Avenue).
Owners Penny Yi and her sister, and their team, specialize in designs and nail extensions. They offer mani and pedi, microblading, brows lamination, tinting, waxing and other services.
Right now, there is 20% off for promgoers and new clients. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 203-349-5655.
The first rainbow of the year rose yesterday evening.
Mary Beth Stirling spotted it over Compo Beach. She notes that it’s just in time for today’s Full Flower Moon.
And Cinco de Mayo.
(Photo/Mary Beth Stirling)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is more proof — not that any is needed — that spring has arrived. Sunil Hirani captured this image on Riverside Avenue.
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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And finally … in honor of Voices Café’s Laurel Canyon show (story above):
Comments Off on Roundup: Music Honors, Library Book Sale, Twiddle …
With more and more people wearing fewer and fewer masks, it may seem like that’s one part of the pandemic now in the rear view mirror.
But unvaccinated children still need them. And youngsters in Bridgeport summer camp programs don’t always have access to nice masks.
Since March 2020, Virginia Jaffe and her crew of volunteers has sewn over 8,500 masks. They gave them all away — and they’re still doing it.
Last month, they donated 200 masks to New Beginnings in Bridgeport. A thank-you note cited the “wonderful craftsmanship,” adding, “Their beauty will bring joy to our students. This donation has provided some of the most vulnerable children in the state with the resources they need to thrive.”
Virginia wants those youngsters to feel that brand new, unused masks show they feel cared for, and just a little bit safer.
To help in any way, email westportmaskgiving@icloud.com.
Two of Westport’s most creative institutions are the Library and Artists Collective.
This summer, they’re collaborating on a very creative project.
“Piece by Piece” is a grid of 60 12-inch squares. Each of those 60 artists contributes one square. When assembled together, they form one image.
The work represents the artists’ response to the isolation they felt during the pandemic. E
Each square is available for sale. For $100, you can select one or more of the squares from a grid. Proceeds will be divided between the Library and the artist. The name of the artists, and the iconic masterpiece on which Piece by Piece is based, will be revealed on July 10th.
It, and more works by the Artists Collective, will be on display at the Library from July 10 through September 28.
For more details — including how to own a piece of “Piece” — click here.
Speaking of the Artists Collective: Their great live (!) exhibit ends this Saturday, with artist talks.
Works hang in the barn gallery at Westport Country Playhouse. Among the participants: Miggs Burroughs, Elizabeth DeVoll, Charles Douthat, Susan Fehlinger, Noah Fox, Toby Michaels, Nancy Moore, Melissa Newman, Diane Pollack and Ellen Schiffman.
When PJ Pacifico plays the Levitt Pavilion June 25 (7 p.m.), the Westporter won’t have far to go. He lives right around the corner.
The singer/songwriter’s new single, “Every Little Heartbreak,” speaks to a world eager to embrace a fresh new day after a time of intense challenges. Sound familiar?
PJ’s perspective on the ups and downs of being an indie artist and songwriter are influenced by his experiences as a survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Beating cancer after undergoing months of chemo and radiation, and losing his spleen and part of his liver, made him feel like he had a second chance.
But he suffered with survivor’s guilt and “impostor syndrome.” He’s battled through all that — and is ready to rock the Levitt.
Just down the hill from his home.
The event is free, but tickets are required. Click here to register.
Monday — the first full day of summer — is the longest day of the year.
Recognizing that for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, every day is “the longest” — but also, that art has the power to inspire and excite — RaRa (“Real Art. Real Artists.”) is partnering with the Residence at Westport to produce an art exhibit.
The show (June 21, 3 to 5 p.m., The Residence, 1141 Post Road East), is open to the public. There’s wine and cheese, plus live entertainment. A portion of art sales will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Can’t get out (even on the longest day)? Click here for information on the virtual version of the exhibit.
In this hybrid summer, the Westport Library offers 2 learning clubs. Both are “blended” — meaning in-person classes at the Library, and a remote option for distance education.
The program for grades 1 to 5 includes week-lonf literacy, math and STEAM sessions. Grades 6 to 8 enjoy STEAM, book clubs, and other programs that encourage academic independence. They beginning June 29, and end August 19.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo includes a Fresh Mark osprey update.
Carolyn Doan reports: “We checked on the nest Monday and Tuesday. The parents were doing such a great job at shielding the chicks from the rain that they were impossible to see. The next day was a different story. Making lots of noise and waiting for an incoming fish, these two were front and center — literally.”
And finally … on this day in 1972, 5 men were arrested for burling Democratic National Committee offices at the Watergate complex. The crime drew little attention at the time. Of course …
Valentine’s Day is over. But a “Share the Love” art is exhibit is on display for the next 2 weeks, at The Residence at Westport. The display highlights 18 professional and emerging local artists.
This Friday (February 19), The Residence hosts “Cocktails and Curating.” It’s an interactive, on-site reception where artists will share their stories, inspirations and highlights live, and to guests via Zoom. Senior Center members are particularly welcome.
The project was developed by Lisa Stretton, founder of RealArtRealArtists, an online directory through which users search for original art for sale by professional artists.
“Morning Walk,” displayed at The Residence at Westport. Artist Lisa Stretton was inspired by Compo Beach.
The Westport Book Shop wasted no time becoming part of the arts community.
The used book store on Jesup Green opened earlier this month. Already, their first art exhibit — in what they call the Drew Friedman Art Place — is on display. The show features photographic prints of artworks by renowned local assemblage artist Nina Bentley.
The exhibit is open during business hours: Thursdays and Fridays 3 to 6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Miggs Burroughs is curating the Westport Book Shop exhibits. They’ll change monthly.
Nina Bentley, with photos of her art at the Westport Book Shop.
Westport native Cathy Malkin moved back here in November, after 31 years in the Bay Area. Her sister Stefani Malkin Cohen now lives in New Rochelle.
Cathy is an animal communicator and animal Reiki practitioner. Stefani is a therapist, working with children and families.
Stefani developed a niche helping kids who are afraid of dogs (it works with adults too). That’s a real fear — and unlike spiders or snakes, it’s hard to avoid dogs.
“Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs” covers understanding dog behavior; how dogs communicate, and staying safe around dogs.
“We teach kids to look both ways before they cross the street, to not touch hot things and to stop, drop and roll in a fire,” Stefani says. “But parents rarely teach them how to interact safely and respectfully with dogs.”
Click here for more information, and to order Stefani’s book.
Now the 2 — both, in their way, “homes” for older men and women — are working together, to end feelings of isolation forced by the pandemic.
With its Imperial Avenue doors shut, the Senior Center has moved many programs to Zoom, YouTube and Cablevision Channel 79.
Music performances, museum tours, art shows, workouts with Patty Kondub, book talks, discussions on emotional well-being — all are shared with the Residence. That’s the new assisted living community, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
The Senior Center is closed. But its programs continue.
Meanwhile, Residence residents made decorations, like Halloween pumpkins, to add to Senior Center home delivery programs. The Residence’s chef baked pies for Thanksgiving meals.
Senior Center director Sue Pfister has known The Residence executive director Michelle Piskin for years. Both women take holistic approaches, caring for the physical, emotional and social needs of the people they work with.
Pfister also reached out Heather Wood, activities director at The Residence, to make sure she knew everything the Senior Center offers, to all Westporters.
Whether in-person or online, the Senior Center is a superb resource for older citizens. The Residence is a great option for people wanting to downsize, yet still live in the area.
When the Senior Center reopens, the relationship between it and The Residence will continue — in-person, as well as in cyberspace.
When the Senior Center reopens, residents at The Residence will enjoy in-person events. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But this week she’s in a crazy rush to deliver 1,500 roses, ordered by people for loved ones they’ve never met.
They’ll brighten the days of front line workers all around Fairfield County.
Michele — a Westport mom and former New York event producer — started Blossom + Stem Floral Design just over a year ago, at home. She’s succeeded during the pandemic with creativity, talent and persistence.
Yet even in the toughest times, she gives back to the community.
In June, Michele donated hundreds of boxed lunches (with flowers) to Yale New Haven Hospital. A former competitive triathlete and current avid runner who was diagnosed in 2019 with a very rare tumor, she’d been touched by the care she received their after intensive surgery.
Michele Sinacore (Photo/Tamira Wilcox)
That experience — and the grateful thanks for her gift — sparked an idea.
A longtime admirer of (and volunteer with) Al’s Angels, she approached founder Al DiGuido with an idea: asking residents to donate roses to local front liners.
Al went right to work. Norwalk, Bridgeport and Stamford Hospitals jumped at the idea of showing love to their staff.
Al’s network of donors came through too. In the first 10 minutes, 250 roses were promised. Within 72 hours, 600 flowers had been been donated.
Michele and Al added The Residence at Westport and Montefiore to their list of recipients. Soon, they’d sold 1,500 roses. People donated on behalf of their children, friends, even pets.
Local businesses like Performance Physical Therapy became supporters too.
On Monday, East Coast Whole Flowers delivered those 1,500 flowers to Michele’s garage. Teams of (masked and socially distanced) volunteers began pruning, water tubing and wrapping them in a temperature-friendly (cold) setting. They added messages of support, written by donors, to each rose.
A few of the 1,500 roses in Michele’s garage.
The next day, Michele made her first delivery: 65 flowers to The Residence. Employees were getting vaccinated — and, as an extra treat, given a rose.
Yesterday, Bridgeport and Montefiore Hospitals got 250 to 400 roses. They’ll hand them to staffs in their ICU, COVID, ER and children’s units.
Still ahead: Norwalk and Stamford Hospitals.
Michele Sinacore, surrounded by roses in her garage.
It’s Michele and Al’s way of spreading love and thanks.
Now all you need to do is order your own rose (or dozen) for your loved one, from Blossom + Stem. They deliver to our front liners — and to you.
In your 20s, it’s easy to move. You call a friend, toss your few belongings in his truck, throw them on your new floor, and hand him a beer.
In your 30s and 40s it’s tougher — but manageable. Odds are you’re moving to a same size or bigger house. Your company may even foot the bill. You know the drill.
But when you’re older, making what may be your last move can be daunting. Your spouse may have died. You’re leaving a home you love for a smaller place. Most difficult: Look at all that stuff you’ve got!
Figuring out what to keep and what goes can be paralyzing. Add in other hard questions — who gets what I’m giving away, and how does it get there? — and it’s no wonder some people simply give up and stay put.
They should call Patty Gabal.
Patty Gabal
She and her husband Jim have lived in the same Westport home for 23 years. They raised 3 kids there. But this is not a cobbler’s-children-have-no-shoes tale.
In 2005 Patty — who had been a registered nurse and an executive recruiter — heard about an emerging industry. “Senior move managers” were helping older folks downsize, and move into a new type of community: independent and assisted living.
A few dozen companies had formed the National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers. They were helpful and kind — just the sort of people she’d have wanted to move her own parents.
She and a childhood friend, Paula Meighan of Larchmont, researched the field. They formed a company: Stardust Move Managers.
It was a natural “move” for Patty.
“I’m very organized,” she explains. “When I was a nurse, I learned to do things in order. Whenever I moved, I kept a notebook of things that needed to be done.”
To prepare for her new role she took classes, went to conventions, learned the industry’s code of ethics, and paid for insurance and workmen’s compensation.
Aargh! Look at this basement! Where to begin?! No problem. Patty was on it!
She and Paula filled a huge need few folks even knew existed. They’re full-service. too. Stardust — which employs 7 people, including Westporters Diane McCoy, Judy Raines and Lillian Krause (Paula now has her own business, in Westchester) — hires movers, supervises packing and unpacking, ships items that are given to children and others, and works with other managers if someone moves outside this area.
For items that don’t make the bring-or-give-to-kids’ list, Patty arranges donations to organizations like Homes with Hope, Neighbor to Neighbor and Goodwill.
Of course, not every senior wants to move. For those who stay in place, Patty can de-clutter to make a home more livable.
But a recent moving client is typical, Patty says. Julie Belaga was downsizing, from her Westport home to The Residence, our town’s new independent living facility.
The Residence at Westport is beautiful. But apartments are smaller than the average Westport home.
She felt overwhelmed by the task. Like many in her situation, she had no idea where to begin.
Patty helped her choose which furniture she wanted to keep. Patty got a Residence floor plan, measured each item, and figured out what could go where.
Julie’s children came from their homes across the country. They decided what they wanted. Those items stayed, and helped Julie’s realtor stage the home for showing.
Patty stickered every item: go, give to (child’s name); give away. She has strong relationships with moving companies; the packing process is quick and efficient.
Patty was at Julie’s new home for unloading. Her staff unpacked everything, hung all the clothes in the closet, made the bed, then got rid of the boxes.
When Julie walked in with her daughter, her eyes lit up. “It’s beautiful!” she said — like a recreation of her home.
Unpacking in a new kitchen.
In her 15 years as a senior move manager, Patty has realized “how much things mean to people.”
She appreciates the delicacy and impact of what she does. “People share their most intimate things with us. They do it because we’ve built trust.
“There’s no judgment. If someone is really attached to something — anything — we try to make it work.”
She also sees family dynamics at work. “You’d be surprised at how much goes into breaking up a home.” (There’s a book about this: Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?)
“But we’re a neutral party. We help them negotiate it. Children of adults love us. We help guide them all.”
Patty pauses. “And when we’re there, people act better.”
A new bedroom, ready to move into.
It is rewarding, she says. “to see seniors transition without all the physical work and decision-making. And to see them in one piece, not exhausted, able to start right out enjoying their new community.”
Another reward: listening.
“Seniors have been through a lot. They tell amazing stories,” says Patty.
“When I was starting out, I moved a lot of World War II veterans. They had some amazing collections, including art. Some of them were like museums.”
Of course, even museums deaccession their collections. If they’re smart, they’ll call Patty Gabal for help.
The Stardust Move Managers. Front row (from left): Sue Lapsien, Lillian Krause, Judy Raines, Liz Donovan. Back: Diane McCoy, Patty Gabal. Maura Connolly, Kelly Chase.
In 1973, the Planning & Zoning Commission offered a regulation to allow a senior living facility in town. It would have enabled older Westporters to stay close to friends, in the community they loved, after their children grew up and they wanted to downsize.
The RTM turned it down.
“We don’t need those old folks,” one member said. Nearly half a century, Julie Belaga — who chaired the P&Z back then — has not forgotten those words.
Julie Belaga
Belaga went on to serve in the Connecticut Legislature, run for governor, become New England director of the EPA, and earn an appointment by President Clinton to the Export-Import Bank.
She’s now 90 years old. A few months ago, she sold her Westport home. Her new residence is The Residence at Westport.
That’s our town’s only assisted living community. Located on the Post Road, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School and behind a new apartment building, it offers independent living, assisted living and memory care options.
It’s spacious, bright, warm and welcoming. Residents enjoy anytime dining (including a bistro and pub), salon, entertainment spaces, a fitness center, concierge service, even parking for electric vehicles.
It’s exactly what Belaga envisioned, as a 43-year-old in 1973. It only took 47 years to build.
Much has changed since the Nixon administration. Most “06880” readers have never heard of The Residence at Westport. It was presented, passed and built without a peep from anyone.
And when people learn about it — no matter how old or young — they love it.
Belaga — who is up on all the national and local news — nonetheless was one of many Westporters who did not know an assisted living community had come to her home town. After her husband Mike died, a realtor suggested she look at The Residence.
“My god!” Belaga thought when she walked in. “This is exactly what Westport needs.”
The Residence at Westport.
She and Mike moved from England to Berndale Road in 1965. They loved their house and neighborhood, but as they aged they needed a 1-level home. They found one on Newtown Turnpike. It had a waterfall and beautiful garden; they loved it too.
Yet as a widow, Belaga thought she would have to move to “someplace like Ridgefield.” Then she discovered The Residence.
She moved in 4 months ago, just after it opened. She’s been thrilled by the amenities, the great chefs, the “very accessible and kind staff” (they even hung all her pictures for her) — and unexpected delights, like being “where all the action is,” on the Post Road.
Friends live in nearby condo complexes. She still drives (“locally and not at night!” she says), and visits them easily.
Dining at The Residence.
Another joy: One of her neighbors is Ellie Dinitz. Her late husband Arthur served on the P&Z with Belaga.
One more surprise: “How did this happen without me knowing about it?” she asks.
“I was going to call (First Selectman) Jim Marpe and ask. That’s the last thing he needs. But I’m fascinated: How could this have been built without a brouhaha like in the ’70s?
“I love Westport, with all its quirks,” Belaga says. Speaking of both her town and her new home, she adds, “It is so satisfying to be part of a community that cares.”
Westport, she notes, is “enriched that people can make choices based on their needs, not on what others in town think they need.”
Meanwhile, Belaga continues to enrich all of us. The other day, she was asked to help on a project for the League of Conservation Voters. That’s fitting: Years ago, she helped start the organization.
“I live in a town I love. I have a great apartment. And my kids are grateful, because they don’t have to worry about me morning, noon and night,” Belaga says.
“How lucky can I be?”
(The Residence at Westport is at 1140 Post Road East. Click here for more details.)
Senior communities are fairly quiet. Older residents are not loud. They don’t drive much, or create a stir.
On the other hand, many of those seniors are quite active. They participate in group activities. They exercise. There’s plenty of life there.
Those characteristics can be applied to the current construction at 1141 Post Road East. There — on the former Kowalsky property, between the old Geiger’s site and the new 1177 Post Road East apartments — a new assisted living center is being built.
From the road, we can see something going on there. But it’s back near the woods. It’s quiet and low-key.
The facility is called The Residence at Westport. When it opens — the target date is next summer — it will include 96 studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments. It’s the first upscale community of its kind in town.
Artist’s rendering of the Residence at Westport.
The Residence features common rooms, a library, media room, “bistro” and dining room.
There are no set meal hours. Dining is any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Among the amenities: laundry and linen services, in-house maintenance, personal housekeeping. Pets are allowed.
The 3 levels of care are independent living, assisted living and “Reflections Memory Care,” for residents with dementia.
Apartments begin at $7,250 a month. The most expensive is $10,421.
The Residence at Westport is being developed by LCB Senior Living. They operate similar senior communities in Stamford and Darien, as well as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.
A sales office is already operating, at 238 Post Road East. For more information, click here.
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Michele — a Westport mom and former New York event producer — started 
