In today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker covers a topic of great interest: the recently approved town operating budget. She describes what it involves, and explains the 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year.
Click below to listen, courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston:
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The Representative Town Committee Transit Committee meets next Monday (April 1, 7 p.m., Westport Library Room 216).
They’ll review, and make recommendations to the full RTM for its April 9 meeting, on a request by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich to approve $630,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
This area of Jesup Green may be redeveloped for parking. Green space would then be added at the lower lot, closer to the Saugatuck River.
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Most of the damage from Saturday’s storm came from heavy rain.
The predicted high winds did not materialize … mostly.
One place they did was in Winslow Park. This was the scene yesterday, at the path by the southern edge, near the Compo Road North parking lot.
(Photos/Patricia McMahon)
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While Connecticut is not in the path of the April 8 total solar eclipse, we will experience 85% to 90% coverage.
The eclipse begins at 2:10 p.m., with peak coverage (the sun most hidden) at 3:26 p.m. The eclipse end around 4:35 PM.
The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be August 23, 2044 (save the date!).
The Westport Public Schools have purchased solar eclipse glasses for all elementary school students and staff, including preschool.
Classroom teachers and science coaches will prepare students through age- appropriate lessons, practicing proper use of the glasses and sharing information on their morning news.
Some schools are making this a “Spirit Day,” asking youngsters to wear black to represent the moon (or yellow, for the sun). Teachers will take their students outside for a short period of time between 2:15 and 3:15, for observation.
The district asks parents to talk to their children about what to expect, and the importance of looking up at the sun only when wearing the solar eclipse glasses. Click here for more information on solar eclipse safety.
Parents who want to experience the event with their child away from school can have an excused absence for an “educational experience,” if requested in advance.
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Speaking of schools: The graduation date for Staples High School was reported incorrectly yesterday on “06880,” due to a press release error.
The Class of 2024 will graduate this year on Monday, June 10. Are we the first to say “congratulations”?!
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The Parks & Recreation Commission meets tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Zoom). The agenda includes discussion of the Compo Beach playground renovation project.
Click here for the meeting link.
Compo Beach playground.
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Five days after taking part in a dramatic rescue of more than 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers, the Westport Fire Department was back at Compo Beach.
This time, the event was planned: testing all hoses for leaks and pressure loss. It is a 2-day — and very important — process.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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Double L Market — the Post Road spot beloved for sourcing clean, healthy food from local farms and artisans — has expanded. Double L now delivers fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal food and gourmet products directly to Greenwich residents.
Double L was founded in 1985 by Lloyd Allen, as an outdoor farm stand. It’s now an indoor market next to Calise’s, run by Allen and his wife Gianna Bavido.
Click here for delivery options (in Westport too). The local store is open Monday through Saturday, for in-person shopping.
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For several years, Lorenza Arnal’s homemade salsas, matcha, guacamole and more — under the name of Alma’s Mexican Foods — have been one of the Westport Farmers’ Market’s most popular items.
For good reason: she was born and raised in Mexico.
One day, a WFM customer suggested she offer culinary tours there. Soon, Capitana Adventures was born.
Last year, Lorenza took her first group of foodie travelers to Mexico. Her guests were very impressed. One said that even if they had seen and done half of what was offered, she still would have been thrilled.
She is booking tours now for next fall and winter. Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Amy Ancel)
¡Salud! in Oaxaca.
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Trumpeter Michael Mossman has done it all — almost
After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, he served as music director for Blue Note Records’ Out of the Blue, while still in his 20’s. He then forged a brilliant career as a soloist, arranger, music director and educator.
There is one thing left, after Mossman’s Jazz at the Post shows this Thursday (March 28, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m. on; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover; $15 for veterans and students).
That is: marrying Westport’s own Nancy Kail. That takes place the next night!
Joining Mossman are guitarist Bob DeVos, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Sylvia Cuencal and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi.”
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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If the big crowds at VersoFest aren’t your thing, consider a quieter alternative on Saturday, April 6.
Voices Café at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport presents the Deep River Ramblers. The trio “roams between” the eclectic music of Doc Watson, Nanci Griffith, Levon Helm, Muddy Waters and John Prine, using instruments like fiddle, guitar, mandolin, dobro and bass.
Tickets are $25; click here to buy, and for more information. Proceeds benefit StreetSafe Bridgeport, a street-based, non-law enforcement program focused on reducing youth violence.
Guests can bring their own beverages and snacks; coffee and sweet treats are available for purchase. Groups of four or more can reserve table space.
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, Yogi Bear enjoys Compo Beach.
His buddy Cathy Malkin does not have the heart to tell him he has only a few days left there.
(Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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And finally … in 1830, the Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, New York.
(From Westport to the sun, “06880” has you covered. We also help you cover your eyes. If you appreciate our “coverage,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
