Tag Archives: Westport beach stickers

Roundup: Beach Stickers, Basketball, Big Sports Names …

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Summer is here!

Well, at least, beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 19), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.

Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.

If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email  recreation@westportct.gov.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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The Staples High School boys basketball team is one game away from a historic accomplishment.

The Wreckers — ranked #1 in Division I — downed Notre Dame Prep 67-61 last night at Fairfield Warde, in a state tournament semifinal contest that was nowhere near as close as the score seems.

That lifts the Westporters into the state championship against #2 West Haven.

The game — to be played Saturday or Sunday, on a date and time to be determined at Mohegan Sun — will be their first state championship since 2023. Three years ago, they fell short in their quest for the Division II crown.

If the Wreckers win this weekend, it will be their first state title since — are you ready? — 1937.

That’s right. Staples’ last Connecticut championship came when Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House. And 9 years before the founding of the NBA.

Go Wreckers!

There could be another historic moment this weekend too.

The boys could be joined by the Staples girls basketball team.

The Wreckers’ girls state tournament semifinal game tips off at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), at Bethel High School.

The Wreckers — seeded #3 in Division II — take on #10 Bristol Central.

Go Wreckers indeed!

The 2026 Staples girls basketball team.

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Speaking of sports: Sports Business Journal just unveiled the nominees for their 2026 Sports Business Awards Executive of the Year.

Astonishingly, 3 of the 5 are from Westport.

They are NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, and TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro. (The 2 non-Westport nominees are 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.

Cordella — who would be the first NBC Sports leader to win the award since Dick Ebersol in 2009 — oversaw the NBA’s return to NBC, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, and negotiated a 3-year deal for MLB to return to the network this season.

Pitaro won the award in 2020. He led the re-launch of the DTC-focused ESPN app, the acquisition of key assets within NFL Media and a renegotiated MLB media deal, and was selected to the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Shapiro presided over TKO (the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG). UFC agreed to a $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Skydance, while WWE agreed to a $1.625 billion, 5-year deal with ESPN.

The 19th annual Sports Business Awards ceremony — including 14 other categories — will be presented May 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.

Good luck to all 3 local nominees. Looks like there’s a 60% chance that the  Sports Business Executive of the Year will be one of our neighbors.

Will they share an Uber to the event? (Or — more importantly — home?)

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With 74 power outages in Westport (0.58% of customers), and a much more substantial 1,128 in Weston (29%), it’s a good time to remind readers that Office Evolution is a great option.

The co-working space opposite Westport fire headquarters on Post Road East offers free day passes to new customers, and discounts on hourly private office space.

It’s a great way to get work done, charge devices, and enjoy hi-speed Wi-fi.

Call (203-635-8770) or email (WestportCT@OfficeEvolution.com) — if you can!

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Probate Judge Lisa Wexler is running for re-election, in the Westport-Weston district. She says:

“Being your probate judge for the last 13 years has been a great privilege. I have loved being able to help so many people in our community. I remain committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of probate judge with the utmost integrity, transparency and fairness. I hope that I have earned your trust and confidence for another term.

“Most people think that probate courts are only for wills, trusts and estates. But over half of our work involves people with special needs, including the elderly and those suffering from mental illness. As your probate judge, I use the tools available to me to try as best as I can to help those in our community who are the most vulnerable.”

Wexler has opened the court on Tuesday nights for public lectures, writes an email newsletter, appears at the Westport and Weston senior centers, and speaks before gatherings of trusts and estates professionals. She also made probate hearings available for the first time, via CDs.

A graduate of the New York University School of Law and Johns Hopkins University, she is a member of the Weston Kiwanis and Hadassah, and advisory board member to Jane Doe No More, and is a board member of The Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Judge Lisa Wexler

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Last month, “06880” reported on Westport’s first-ever Mini Moguls Marketplace. The youth business fair — founded and organized by Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi — drew (very) young vendors in grades 5–8, and plenty of shoppers, to the Westport Library.

Long Lots Elementary School students Leo Rubin and Luke Capolupo made and sold personalized necklaces. Their first sale was to an important customer: superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

The event jump-started their business. Since then, they’ve expanded sales at school. Leo then pitched the idea to ASF. The popular Post Road East store now carries their product.

An Instagram post says: “LL Creations’ beaded necklaces are made for players and true sports fans alike. Rep your passion, support young entrepreneurs, and give back — 10% of proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.”

 

Luke Capolupo and Leo Rubin at ASF.

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Attention, college juniors and seniors interested in a career in management consulting: A Westport firm is offering a summer internship.

The New England Consulting Group’s program runs from June 1 to August 7. They’re looking for interns from top colleges; any major is appropriate.

It’s on-site in Westport, with a $5,000 stipend.

Contact Tom Sebok, managing partner: ths@necg.net (subject line: Westport Summer Internship at NECG); 917-825-2206.

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You don’t have to be Irish — or even a human being — to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all decked out in green. Sure, and it’s a great day when everyone eats corned beef.

Not ham or bacon.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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David Berkman has been a major jazz voice for decades. Since his first visit to the Jazz at the Post — a soldout performance a few years ago with Antonio Hart — he has become a favorite at VFW Post 399.

This week, as the featured artist of JazzFC’s March Jazz Madness, he presents his own writing for quintet.

Berkman will be accompanied by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist David Ambrosio and drummer Jay Sawyer.

Shows are Thursday (March 19) at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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What could be more appropriate for today’s St. Paddy’s Day “Westport … Naturally” photo than this wearing-of-the-green shot?

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … to all who celebrate today (and who doesn’t?):

(And on that note, may we ask for a bit o’ green today? If you’d like to support “06880” — and, ahem, this Danny Boy — please click here. Thanks — and may the luck of the Irish be with you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Westport Rotary Club, Slava Archie, Playhouse Boxing …

Posted on March 8, 2024 | 4 comments

On the exact (to the day) 100th anniversary of their founding, the Westport Rotary Club celebrated with a gala dinner last night, at the Inn at Longshore.

Rotarians from near and far, town officials and friends honored the club’s long and storied history, from the early days (largely, but not always, strait-laced), to the easing of membership rules and the admission of women, to the current strong and generous nature of the club.

(Everyone received a book by Ron Henkoff chronicling Westport Rotary’s first 100 years, too. Click here for details.)

Videos and slides showed the enormous, multi-million dollar impact Westport Rotary has had on Westport, and the world.

As the next 100 years begin, the Westport Rotary Club prepares for its centennial gift: lead sponsor of the renovation of the Compo Beach playground.

Congratulations to all who made last night (and the reason for the celebration) possible. Special shout-outs go to longtime Rotary organizer and advocate Rick Benson, and last night’s MC, former president Jeff Wieser. Well done, all!

Twenty Westport Rotary Club presidents — representing exactly 1/5 of the club’s 100-year history — gathered for a photo at last night’s celebration. The oldest living former president (1968), George Damman, sent video greetings from Florida. 

MC (and former president) Jeff Wieser models 100-year glasses. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this update yesterday:

The deadline for submission of Request for Proposals/Quotes qualification statements from interested construction managers and architects was February 22.

The committee met on March 5 to discuss the submissions. They agreed on which respondents would be invited to submit proposals and be interviewed by the LLSBC.

Each of the selected firms will be contacted this week. The interview process is expected to be completed over the next 2 weeks. The goal is to select a construction manager and architect by the end of the month.

The design phase can then begin.

The Long Lots School Building Committee is moving forward to select a construction manager and architect for the project.

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On Wednesday, Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which organizes and delivers aid to residents and first responders — hosted a roundtable for officials and volunteers in Fairfield County towns that have sister city relationships with that war-torn nation.

Westport — whose sister city, Lyman, was UAI’s first such project — was well represented. Police Chief Foti Koskinas described his trip there last year, and emphasized the importance of his ongoing relationships with his counterparts in the Donetsk region.

Just hours earlier, he said, he had been texting with the Lyman police chief. The Ukrainian chief — who says often that Westport’s support inspires everyone in his town — proudly wears with a Westport Police Department patch.

Lyman police chief, with the Westport Police logo.

But the star of the event, held at the Ukrainian-American Club in Southport, was 4-month-old Archie Wauchope.

The son of Staples High School graduate Clyde Wauchope and his wife Katya, UAI’s director of development, he wore a bib that said — in Cyrillic letters — “Slava Ukraini! Slava Archie!”

In other words: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Archie!”

Archie Wauchope, his bib and his parents.

To learn more about Ukraine Aid International, and donate to Westport’s sister city Lyman, click here.

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As the Norwalk Transit District — which oversees the Westport Transit District — “re-envisions” bus service here, they invite Westport residents to a meeting March 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The charrette-session format will include remarks from Transit District officials, then a chance for attendees to give feedback on improvements they’d like to see.

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“Supper & Soul” returns April 20.

The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Goji, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse and Walrus Alley.

Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.

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Aargh!

There was another confusing date in yesterday’s item about beach emblem sales. Here is the re-corrected info. “06880” apologizes for the confusion:

Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.

Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston begin online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. next Wednesday (March 13). A limit of 450 will be sold.

If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.

After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.

Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

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It was a madhouse — but fun — Wednesday evening, in the Staples fieldhouse.

Over 70 Westport Little League boys and girls practiced skills and did drills with the big Wrecker players.

Coach Jack McFarland and the Diamond Club oversaw the event. It was a grand slam!

This is the closest they got to “posing” for a photo at the Staples baseball event. (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)

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When I say “boxing,” odds are you do not think “Westport Country Playhouse.” Or “The Westport Woman’s Club.”

But the 3 very different worlds meet on April 6. Rich Dean Boxing will present “Gloves For Good,” a night of boxing to support the WWC.

It’s a first-ever USA Boxing-sanctioned event, with boxers from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

The evening includes 10-plus bouts of boxing, live music, a silent auction, and a VIP dinner and drink service courtesy of Gabriele’s Steakhouse.

Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Ross Levin)

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Longtime Westport resident Phyllis Markoff died Tuesday. From 1982-88, she served proudly as president of Temple Israel.

She is survived by her children John (Laurie), Cathy (Jim Bessent), Janet and Nancy (Jeffrey Burt); grandchildren Alisa (Andy), Bill (Anita), Briana, Lily, Jack (Hanna Wallace), Kane (Lana Holley) and Blaze, and great-grandchildren Aaron, Alec, Sophia, Lydia, Isabella and Axel. She was predeceased by her husband Del.

The family will hold a private memorial service next month.

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Today is International Women’s Day. In its honor, Westport-based non-profit Nest Egg Foundation is sponsoring a free online chat about women’s health and reproductive care (including in vitro fertilization).

The event begins at 3 p.m. today (March 8). Click here for the Zoom link.

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We see deer all the time. (And our “Westport … Naturally” feature includes lots of them.)

It’s far rarer to see an albino deer — even a partial albino, like the one Molly Alger spotted on Whitney Street.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of the inaugural boxing exhibition taking place next month at the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(“06880” is your one-stop spot for news about beach stickers, buses, boxing, and much much more. Please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Obituaries, Restaurants, Staples HS, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Fireworks Date, Board Of Ed Student Conduct Meeting, Scarice Speaks …

Posted on March 7, 2024 | 6 comments

Save the date!

This year’s Westport PAL/Parks &  Recreation Department 4th of July fireworks at Compo Beach will be … Tuesday, July 2.

(Note to newcomers: They’re never actually on July 4th. Don’t worry! It’s still the best party of the year.)

Ticket information will be announced soon. Start making plans to spread those umbrellas, chairs and blankets as early on July 2 as you can!

Happy July 2nd!

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Tonight’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, March 7, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes a Policy Committee update.

The committee met last week for a fifth reading of the student discipline policy, and first reading of the student Code of Conduct.

To read the drafts click here, then click the links under “Discussion.”

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Speaking of education: Westport Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice gave an insightful talk Tuesday, at the Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.

After briefly mentioning increased school enrollment and capital improvement projects, he pivoted to a topic he spent most of his time on: “outside pressures” that impinge on students and schools more than ever before.

Scarice said the internet has “a debilitating impact on kids,” and that “the innocence of childhood is being violated.”

The role of schools is now critical in dealing with the issues of hate speech and bigotries that are fostered online, Scarice noted. But he said that parents must be the front line of defense for their children.

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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The Westport Center for Senior Activities needed a new logo. Director Wendy Petty and Department of Human Services director Elaine Daignault wanted it to be identifiable as the Senior Center — but close to the town of Westport’s logo too.

Designer Shari Barnhart is a former Westport teacher and media specialist, who designed the Friends of the WCSA logo.

Her creation highlights the warm, welcoming building, with its recognizable windows and front entry arch.

She incorporated Westport’s blue and orange colors and the Westport font, to tie things together.

The new logo was rolled out recently. Coming next month: a new website.

Both the logo and website are funded through a state ARPA grant dedicated to senior centers.

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Yesterday’s Roundup contained confusing information about Weston residents’ applications for Westport Parks & Recreation beach emblems.

The correct information is this: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.

Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston began online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. today (Wednesday, March 13). A limit of 450 will be sold.

If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.

After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.

Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

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Speaking of Compo Beach: 29 Danbury Avenue may not be a teardown after all.

Though a demolition sign hangs prominently outside the home with the famed “Beach House” sign, sources say it is a formality the owners must go through to sell, as it “could be” an option for a future homeowner.

“You won’t see a bulldozer any time soon,” we are told. Fingers crossed …

(Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Have you ever wanted a peek behind the Westport Country Playhouse curtain?

How about a chance to see the scene shop and wardroom room? What about the dressing rooms and green rooms, where every star from Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland to James Earl Jones and Paul Newman hung out?

“From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available now by reservation, on select Friday and Saturday mornings.

Tours are scheduled for March 29 and 30, April 20 and 26, May 17 and 18, June 28 and 29, and July 26 and 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each tour is limited to 25 people.

The tour guide is special: Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist. He is familiar with every nook of the historic theater. And boy, does he have stories.

The tours are free, though donations are encouraged.

To reserve a group tour, click here. For a private group tour, email krichards@westportplayhouse.org.

The Westport Country Playhouse green room has hosted nearly every stage star. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between February 28 and March 6.

A man was charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following break-ins at Westport Cigar & Vape, and Mohegan Smoke Shop. During the first burglary, the suspect also fled after an attempted traffic stop.

A man was arrested for burglary and criminal mischief, based on DNA evidence, following an investigation into an attempted residential burglary in November 2021.

A woman was charged with larceny and identity theft after 2 checks were stolen from the mailbox outside the Westport post office, then altered and deposited.

A woman was charged with failure to appear to answer a previous arrest.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 2
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without proper instructor: 1
  • Littering on public property: 1

Don’t litter!

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A few tickets remain for next Wednesday’s evening with Geno Auriemma at Mitchells of Westport.

The legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach will bring his current team to the Post Road store.

Tickets to the benefit for Bleeding Blue for Good — the organization that provides name, image and likeness opportunities for UConn student athletes (and Connecticut charities) — are $100 each. Children under 12 (maximum of 2 per adult) are free. Click here to purchase.

Light appetizers, wine and beer will be available.

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Speaking of sports: The Staples-Westhill-Stamford co-op girls ice hockey team’s bid for a state championship was derailed last night.

New Canaan captured the title with a 3-0 win. But it was a remarkable season for the Westport/Stamford squad. Big props to coach John Fay, and his girls!

The Staples-Westhill-Stamford girls ice hockey team celebrates their state quarterfinal victory.

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National Freelancer Week is March 11-15.

To celebrate, Office Evolution — the bright, airy co-working space in the Post Road office building opposite Westport Fire Department headquarters — invites all freelancers to enjoy an (of course) free week in their shared workspace.

Click here to register. For more information on the Westport location, click here.

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The Joggers Club is stretching out, getting ready for an active spring.

Among the offerings:

  • Connecticut’s Biggest Kids Running Camp: Sundays, April 21- June 2 (4-5:15 p.m., Staples High School track). Learn the basics of good running, in a fun environment. Kindergarten-8th grade; $125.
  • The Joggers Club “Race Of The Year”: The Minute Man 5K & 10K, April 28 (Compo Beach). All proceeds benefit local charities, through the Westport Young Woman’s League. Click here to register.
  • Free Joggers Club Track Night: Run with friends at Thursday night workouts (Norwalk High School track).
  • Fun Running is The Best Running: Every Saturday at Compo Beach. All paces and levels;  all are welcome. No rules, no judgments, all smiles.

Join the Joggers Club for $50 a year (it works out to $4.16 a month — plus a free Lululemon shirt for all new members).

Click here for details; http://www.TheJoggersClub.com; Instagram @TheJoggersClub.ct.

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This month’s Westport Book Shop Drew Friedman Art Place exhibit features 2 local artists: Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins.

The women collaborated on a series of photographic artworks called “Immiscible.” They are striking images based on simple elements like oil, water, and colorful backgrounds.

A reception is set for March 13 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Their work will be on display at the Jesup Road store throughout the month.

Veronica Hauresz and Karen Kallins, with their works.

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Alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sends this photo from the Sherwood Island Connector …

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

… and adds: “I have as much holiday spirit as anyone. But it is March!”

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It’s been a gray week. And — after a mostly sunny day tomorrow — showers return this weekend.

But “spring is coming,” Matt Murray assures us. As proof, he sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … after reading the Police Reports (above), you knew this was coming:

(You can get anything you want on “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Police, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Beach Sticker Sales Begin Monday

Posted on March 5, 2022 | Comments Off on Beach Sticker Sales Begin Monday

Beach stickers — or, as Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department calls them, “parking emblems” — go on sale online this Monday (March 7). The department says:

If you have purchased emblems or registered for our programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your Parks & Recreation account.

Once you have logged into your account choose memberships and in the search box type “vehicle.” This will filter and bring all of the Westport resident vehicle packages to the front pages. (Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box). There is no limit on sales of emblems to Westport/Weston residents.

Upon verification of your information (we may email you to request a copy of your current vehicle registration or we may need updated proof of residency), your online purchase will be mailed to you. Due to the high volume of sales, it may take 10 to 14 days to process.

Vehicle parking emblems are required as of May 1 for entrance to all town beaches.

Do not create another account if you’ve forgotten your login or password. You may choose “Forgot login” or “Forgot password” on the Parks & Recreation login page to reset your account.

If you still have difficulty, please email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152.

Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parks & Rec office in Longshore. We look forward to a great summer season.

Beach stickers go on sale Monday. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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Norwalkers: Beach Sticker Price Increase An Insult To “Outsiders”

Posted on March 21, 2018 | 103 comments

The weather outside may be frightful. Nevertheless, Westport beach stickers went on sale this week. 

There’s a small price rise for residents; a bigger one for Weston residents ($375, up from $250 for last year) — and a bigger one still for all others ($775, up from $490). 

Daily parking increases too: It’s now $50 weekdays, $65 on weekends. 

That news did not sit well with one Norwalk family. They write:

We consider your nearly 50% increase in non-resident parking emblems outrageous, and motivated by more than needs relating to upgrades to latrines. The sudden and dramatic inflation of the emblem tag is a naked and obvious way to cut down on “outsiders.”

Surely you are aware of the effect this has on the family budgets of hard working people. Your sudden price increase makes your beach, and neighbors mingling with neighbors, cost prohibitive.

For several years we have loyally contributed to Westport by spending time there in the summers with your already expensive decals. We paid for this without complaint. We always behaved well, and summered in a clean and friendly way — while contributing to your vendors and local economy.

For working people like us in Norwalk (both educators outside of our area), this was our yearly vacation. After many years, this loyalty has been rewarded with this unprovoked and inappropriate price increase — a thumb in the eye of your clients and long-time supporters.

You may wish to know why we are so eager to use your beaches, when Norwalk has its own lovely locations. The reason is that our friendships and our kids’ friends aren’t divided by town borders. Through Scouts, church, parades, athletics and community events — including at your own public library — we co-mingle.

Unlike the apparent exclusivity exhibited by your town’s politicians, most regular people are eager to spend time with those who aren’t their immediate neighbors.

Your decision-makers should be eager to lead in this rather than increasing barriers especially as you promote the “hate has no place here” themes and inclusive rhetoric.

A Norwalk family claims Westport’s beach policy is exclusionary — and hypocritical. (Photo/Brandon Malin)

Your town officials have spoken out on changing Westport’s “image,” and largely blame outside forces for any possible negative reputation. No need to look beyond your community — the image can be helped from within. This price increase flies in the face of that. Given this increased price point, it seems we can add hypocrisy on the part of the powers that be to the questionable motives.

Lastly, your lack of acknowledging (in original emails and posts, as well as subsequent email exchanges) the nature and effect of the cost prohibitive nature of your decision is insulting. Prices don’t go up for 300 to 400 “outside” families by nearly 50% (plus other fees for your own residents) to cover improvements to the bathrooms. This makes no sense on its face, and is insulting.

At best, your decision is an effort to keep Westport beaches closed to neighbors for misguided logistical reasons. At worst, it is motivated by race and class.

We plan to gather families inside and outside your town. We will contact the media to explore the nature, results and effects of your decision immediately.

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Posted in Beach, Local politics

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