Tag Archives: Westport bus shelter

Roundup: Bus Shelters, Blood Drive, Black Dog …

Posted on November 18, 2025 | 9 comments

Westporters love the (finally) completed Post Road reconstruction project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.

And employees of the businesses in that area — on both sides of the street — love the new bus shelters that have just been completed too.

“06880” reader Lawrence Weisman notes, “they are the result of a multi-year effort of a small group of citizens, ably assisted by Public Works Department director Pete Ratkiewitch and his staff, and ultimately by the state Department of Transportation (including former commissioner Emil Frankel).

“Those primarily involved include Ron Corwin, Jenny Johnson and Pippa Bell Ader. They took the initiative after noticing that many of those who commute to Westport to staff the establishments that serve us often had to wait for their buses in bad weather.”

“Thanks to all who helped make life better for the men and women who work here.”

Workers put the finishing touches on the bus shelter at Volvo of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (November 24, 6 p.m., Zoom) — the first with its newly elected members — features a full agenda.

Items include:

  • A discussion of a plan to build an office building, with parking, at 715 Post Road East — the vacant lot currently used to store logs, at the corner of Roseville Road.
  • An application to subdivide 107 Old Road, into 4 single family residential lots, with an open space parcel.
  • A text amendment to permit offsite affordable housing, at the discretion of the P&Z. Click here for the full text amendment.

Click here for the full agenda.

715 Post Road East (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are hosting the 65th straight monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).

Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

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Also at the VFW: Led Zeppelin.

Well, Black Dog, a great tribute band, anyway.

They rock Post 399 on Saturday (November 22, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase.

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After 3 outstanding performances at MoCA\CT, judges of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition made a rare decision Saturday night. They named 2 winners: Ye‑Eun Hyun and Zhu Wang.

Though stylistically distinct, both impressed the jury with technical brilliance and emotional depth. Each was awarded the $20,000 first prize, sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. Jiahao Han earned the $10,000 second prize, plus $500 for Best Performance of a Commissioned Piece.

Now in its 54th year, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition honors the legacy of pianist and philanthropist Heida Hermanns, the longtime Westporter who championed emerging artists on the world stage.

“I think we all had very strong opinions about the order, and the first two were equals in our minds,” said head judge Frederic Chiu, a renowned pianist and former winner of the Heida Competition. First prize has only been shared once before, in 2013.

To learn more about the 2015 finalists, click here.

Heida Hermanns co-winner Zhu Wang, and …

… fellow winner Ye-Eun Hyun.

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Staples High School is not the only school with a soccer champion this fall.

The Greens Farms Academy girls varsity capped their undefeated Fairchester Athletic Conference title season by winning the New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class C title this weekend.

The final was a 4-1 victory over Brewster Academy.

Congratulations to all the Dragons!

Greens Farms Academy: soccer champs!

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Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jane Krauss won a Lone Star Emmy last weekend. She was part of the team that produced a segment called “Austin Really Moves.”

Jane graduated from the University of Austin in May. She was a coordinating producer on the KXAN production that won, as a spring intern.

She is now in Madrid, doing social media marketing strategy for a study abroad company and teaching English.

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MoCA\CT’s screening of “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars” — a film about literacy — set for November 20, has been postponed until spring.

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Four great musicians headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (November 20, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

They’re pianist Miki Hayama, bassist Harvie S, drummer Matt Wilson, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Staples High School graduate Peter Kluchnick has died.

He grew up on Bauer Place Extension, and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966 with several Staples High School Class of 1966 classmates. He served one year in Vietnam.

Family and friends will gather this Friday (November 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Cody-White Funeral Home, Milford).

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The fall foliage is still hanging on!

This is the scene behind Wendy Levy’s Post Road East office:

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of the new Post Road bus shelters (story above):

(“06880” is pleased to report that the Post Road project is finished. We’re also pleased to report on so much more in Westport, 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Categories, Entertainment, Local politics, Obituaries, Real estate, Sports

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Roundup: Bus Shelters, RTM Map, Marxism In Connecticut …

Posted on September 4, 2024 | 8 comments

For years, Westporters have been distressed watching Coastal Link bus riders standing on the side of the Post Road.

Employees of local businesses are there in broiling heat, freezing cold, torrential rain and driving snow.

Two new shelters should provide some protection.

Measuring 6 by 12 feet, with roof solar panels for light, electric heat and a small computer screen displaying bus arrival times, they’ve been built on Post Road West.

One is in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital. The other is across the street.

Each shelter costs $60,000. Funding is shared by the state and town (through an ARPA grant).

On the westbound side of Post Road West …

… and across the street. (Photos/Amy Schneider)

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At the other end of town, Big Y took a big step toward its opening.

The logo is up over the supermarket, in the former Barnes & Noble building.

(Photo/Arthur Hayes)

A soft launch is set for October 24.

Meanwhile, they’re hiring in the bakery, meat, seafood, deli, produce and floral departments, along with cashiers, overnight stock clerks, and assistant management and management positions.

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Sometimes the wheels of government grind exceedingly slowly.

Other times they work at warp speed.

On Sunday, a Westporter — frustrated he could not find a map of Representative Town Meeting districts on the town website — emailed RTM moderate Jeff Wieser and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Couldn’t it be somewhere much more visible, he wondered? Like, in the main menu on the RTM page?

Voilà!

By yesterday afternoon — the first day back at work, after Sunday and the Labor Day holiday — the link was right there, just below “Members/Contact Information.”

Click here to see. Or just look below:

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Speaking of government: “A Public Conversation on Marxism in CT, Trafficking in America, Rank Choice Voting, and Election Integrity” is the title of a September 18 event (7 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

The event is sponsored by Connecticut Centinal.

Panelists include Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, USAF Ret., chairman of STARRS.us; Joe Oltmann, host of the Conservative Daily podcast; Connecticut State Senator Rob Sampson, and Linda Szynkowicz, founder of Fight Voter Fraud.

In-person tickets are $30 ($100 premier). Livestream tickets are $25. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to VFW Post 399 to fund infrastructure development.

Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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The bad news: Next Tuesday (September 10), the Starbucks near Carvel closes for a month, for renovations.

The good news: For 4 weeks, we can all drive safely on that stretch of the Post Road.

(Photo/John McKinney)

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On August 18, “Paulie” set out on his fourth “Push.”

The former flight attendant is honoring the heroes of American Flight 11, the first aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001.

Paulie left from Boston’s Public Garden 9/11 Memorial. He’s pushing an airline beverage cart 210 miles, to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at New York’s Ground Zero.

This morning (Wednesday), he’ll come from Fairfield through Westport. Around noon, he’ll stop at Westport Fire Department’s Post Road East headquarters.

Keep your eye open for Paulie, as he “pushes” his way through town.

“Paulie” pushes his cart through Westport, on a previous journey.

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If you’ve never been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibition: You’ve missed some of the most creative shows in town.

The opening receptions are especially fun.

The next one is set for Thursday, September 19 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).

It runs Friday and Saturday, September 20-21 (noon to 4 p.m.), with an artists’ talk on Sunday, September 22 (4 p.m.).

Exhibiting artists include Peter Mendelson, Lisa Silberman, Lois Goglia, Rosalind Shaffer, Melissa Newman, Lucienne Buckner, Erin Nazzaro, Elizabeth DeVoll, Andrew Graham, Nancy Woodward, Miggs Burroughs and Susan Lloyd.

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Sara Deren — yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker — has a unique job, and a moving story to tell.

She is founder and CEO of the Westport-based national non-profit, Experience Camps. They provide a free week of sleepaway camp for 1,300 children a year who are grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.

Deren noted that the camps don’t try to “fix” the grief. Instead, they ameliorate the sense of isolation it causes, by teaching youngsters how to talk to the staff and with other youth in the same situation.

That, and the support of others, gives them the tools they need to move on with their lives in a positive way.

Sara Deren, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Norwalk native Mike Camacho headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (September 5, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

The drummer will be joined by pianist Ben Rice, bassist Alec Safy, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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Nature photographer Lou Weinberg took today’s very compelling “Westport … Naturally” image. It shows a green sweat bee on Autumn Joy Sedum, at the Westport Community Gardens.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

Lou explains: “The green sweat bee gets its name from the fact that is attracted to the salt in human perspiration. (Don’t worry — it won’t sting unless it is really threatened; even then, its sting is mild.)

“These beautiful critters live in the soil and feed on the nectar from flowers and a sweet ‘honeydew’ created by little bugs called aphids. They store ‘pollen bread’ for themselves and their young.

“Green sweat bees add to the incredible biodiversity found in the Long Lots Preserve surrounding the Community Gardens. They are one of over 300 species of native bees found in Connecticut. Native bees are incredible pollinators, more efficient than the European honeybee.

“They have innate habits adept at pollinating hundreds of important native plants — the same plants (trees, shrubs and wildflowers) that have been planted in the Long Lots Preserve.

“As habitat loss and decreasing plant biodiversity are the primary sources of native bee population decline, it would be incredibly disappointing to destroy the Long Lots Preserve as well as the Westport Community Gardens.

“Populations of dozens of other species are being brought back by the native plantings reestablished there. When you disturb the soil, you destroy the bees.”

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And finally … in honor of our new bus shelters:

(Politics, art, business … just another day at “06880.” If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or anything else we do — please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, Politics

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Photo Challenge #465

Posted on November 26, 2023 | 19 comments

I wasn’t sure how many people would actually know the I’m-sure-I’ve-seen-it-somewhere image that was last week’s Photo Challenge.

It showed the bus shelter — built by the Westport Rotary Club — on Kings Highway North, not far from the Canal Street apartments. (Click here to see.)

As several readers noted, the site known as Duck Haven.

Which raises 2 questions:

  • Why, exactly, is it called “Duck Haven”?
  • And who, exactly, is the bus shelter for?

It is not on the Coastal Link bus line. I don’t know of any bus that passes by there.

Perhaps it was once a Minnybus stop.

Here’s an idea: If no one uses it now, can it be moved to a spot on the Post Road, where it could actually shelter people waiting for an actual bus?

Right now, it seems like  a waste of good wood.

Congratulations to Andrew Colabella, Cheryl Petrone, Jamie Walsh, Ed Simek, Michael Calise, John D. McCarthy, Suzanne Ford, Michelle Vitulich, Dave Eason, Jonathan McClure, Jack Harder, Miichael Simso and Kate Caputo Squyres.

You probably noticed it while waiting on Kings Highway North for the light at Canal Street. Right now, 4 cars get through at a time — max.

But that’s a different issue.

This week’s Photo Challenge highlights a little-known fact: “Beetle Bailey”‘s creator, cartoonist Mort Walker, is buried in Westport.

(Photo/Arlene Yolles)

But where? And why?

If you know, click “Comments” below.

(The Photo Challenge is a Sunday “06880” feature. If you like it — or anything else from Westport’s hyper-local blog — please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

19 Comments

Posted in Photo Challenge, Transportation

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Roundup: Bus Shelters, Cell Tower, Strawberry Moon …

Posted on June 25, 2021 | 5 comments

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Westport has taken a big step toward adding more bus shelters.

Last night the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-0, with 1 abstention, on a text amendment. It adopts a definition for “bus shelters,” and exempts them from being considered a “structure.” That removes many obstacles from where they can be located.

Transportation and employment advocates have pushed for more bus shelters for years. Before last night bus shelters were deemed to be structures, and could not be located within the 30-foot setback along roads.

Thus, except for one shelter near Stop & Shop, bus riders on the Post Road must stand in all kinds of weather, on sidewalks or even the roadway.

Approval for new bus shelter locations will be made by the director of Public Works, in consultation with the Police and Fire Departments.

Among the people working for years for this change are members of the ad hoc Bus Shelter Working Group (Pippa Bell Ader, Harold Bailey, Ross Burkhardt, Ron Corwin, Jennifer Johnson, Melissa Kane and Larry Weisman), plus Peter Boyd of Sustainable Westport, and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young.

Click here for full details of the text amendment.

Waiting for the bus. (Photos courtesy of Planning & Zoning Commission Bus Shelter Working Group)

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Earlier this month, “06880” reported on a proposal to build a cell tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road.

An information session is set for Monday (June 28, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium

To provide written comments before the session, email selectman@westportct.gov.

A cell tower been proposed for the property on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

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Though the Westport Country Playhouse will not host any live productions this summer, the famed theater is opening up for special events.

They include cabaret performances tomorrow (Saturday, June 26, 8 p.m., with Tonya Pinkins and Brad Simmons, and another cabaret July 24); an in-person screening of the virtual production “Tiny House” (Tuesday, June 29), and more. (Click here for details.)

Playhouse managing director Michael Barker filmed a “welcome back” video. Click below to enjoy.

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Longtime Westporter Herman Smith died June 17. He was 84

Herman lived in The Villages, Florida for nearly 20 years, but called Westport and Danbury home. He was the second of 4 generations of Westport residents, following his father who started a business in the 1940s.

Herman was educated in the Westport school system, from kindergarten through his graduation from Staples High School in 1955. He then attended the Engineering Institute of Bridgeport. He was also honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, and served in the National Guard.

Herman was in management at United Parcel Services, working in the South New England District for over 30 years. He retired in 1995.

Herman Smith

Herman was an original member of the Gents, and a long time member of the African American Club at The Villages. He enjoyed his time with the Frogs and Flakes, and the ROMEOs with his neighbors on Lawson Loop.

He was also a collector of baseball hats, an avid golfer and a world traveler.  He and his wife Mary Fran traveled  to over 25 countries, and visited all 7 continents.

His favorite spots and activities included his gardens in Westport, boating on Candlewood Lake, golfing at the Villages, watching the ocean at Daytona Beach Shores and making memories at Disney with his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Herman and Jane Smith, and sister, Jane “Patsy” Smith. Herman is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Frances; children Mark of The Villages, Florida; Susan of New Haven, and Scott (Jane) of Westport, CT), and grandchildren Brandon, Jacob and Joshua.

Herman’s family will celebrate his legacy by establishing a scholarship in his name to advance the education and talents of promising youth. In lieu of flowers, they ask for contributions to that scholarship once it is established. Donations may also be made to another charity that fittingly honors Herman’s kind spirit, generous soul and full life.

A memorial service is planned for July 10 (11 a.m., Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages, Florida). A celebration of Herman’s life will also be held in Connecticut in September.

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Last night’s Strawberry Moon was marred by a few clouds. But Daniel Johnson was one of many Westporters who gathered at Compo Beach. He captured this great shot:

(Photo/Daniel Johnson)

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Today in “Westport … Naturally”: Miggs Burroughs spotted this white deer in his Old Hill backyard. It (or a relative) has appeared once a year, for the past several years. Miggs writes:

“According to Native American legend, the appearance of an all-white deer signifies an abundant harvest. I must say, I have more weeds this year than ever.”

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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And finally … in honor of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s vote last night that will lead to more (much-needed) bus shelters in Westport:

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Posted in Local politics, Obituaries, Real estate, technology, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Starbucks Smiles Update, The Bats, Bus Shelters …

Posted on June 22, 2021 | 1 comment

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Last Wednesday, “06880” posted a plea from Amanda DeRosa. The Westport mom sought help for her favorite Starbucks worker, a woman in dire straits due to deliver a baby in September.

Less than 5 days later — yesterday morning — Amanda delivered $4,550 in gift cards to the woman. They’re for stores like Buy Buy Baby, Target and Stop & Shop — and they’re all courtesy of “06880” readers.

“I’ve never felt so much joy in my heart,” says Amanda, about the moment she handed the cards (and flowers) to the woman.

“She said she couldn’t believe it. She felt her mom” — who died before she was a teenager — “was looking out for her. We both hugged and cried.”

Thanks go to Amanda — and the more than 100 very generous “06880” readers, who helped make one life a little brighter today.

Amanda DeRose (right) and her Starbucks friend.

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Rex Fowler has played the Levitt Pavilion before. So has Dodie Pettit,

But they’ve never played the Levitt together before.

They’re on stage Thursday (June 24). Of course, Rex and Dodie are not some fill-up-an-empty-date wannabes.

They’re Aztec Two Step 2.0. They’ve toured internationally; their music is known far and wide.

But on Thursday, the husband-and-wife duo will be performing in their home town.

Joining them are other noted musicians, including Westporter Joe Meo and Westonite Chris Coogan. It’s free, but tickets are required. Click here to register, and for more information.

Aztec Two Step 2.0 (from left): Muddy Roues, Joe Meo, Dodie Pettit, Rex Fowler, Peter Hohmeister, Chris Coogan.

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Speaking of music: REO Speedwagon and Styx will open the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on July 28.

It’s part of the “We Are Back Tour 2021.”

The name is fitting. In 1971,  the most popular track on Speedwagon’s debut album was “157 Riverside Avenue.” That’s where — in Westport — they stayed while recording at Leka’s studio. Which (speaking of “we are back”) was in Bridgeport.

“157 Riverside Avenue” remains one of the band’s concert favorites. No word on whether they’ll take a side trip next month to their old stomping grounds.

If so, they won’t recognize it. Ten years ago, it became just another teardown.

(Tickets for the Bridgeport show go on sale Friday, June 25, 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com.)

(Photo/Peter Tulupman)

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Staples High School’s graduation ceremony last week was special for 450-plus graduates.

It was extra special for 12.

Russell Sherman writes: “In 2009, a group of kindergarten boys started their Little League careers together on a team called The Bats.

“Over the years the boys stayed in touch, and so have the parents. Thursday night, following Staples graduation 12 years later, they gathered for a reunion to celebrate.

“They are fantastic kids. It has been a privilege watching them all grow up. Obviously it is an emotional time for all of us parents. But we can’t help but be proud of them, and excited for what’s to come.”

The Bats, all grown up …

Front row (from left): Danlel Rosenkranz, John Vincini, Owen Sherman, Tucker Lawrence. Middle row: Coach Steve Vincini, Quinn Jumper, Eduardo Andrade, Sam Kleiner, Mathew Ambrifi. Standing: Coaches Russell Sherman and Eduardo Andrade.
Missing: Lucas Dimyan, Steve Greenberg, Mike Greenberg. (Photo/Scilla Vincini)

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Next on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda: bus shelters.

On Thursday (June 24, 6 p.m.) the board holds a public hearing. A proposed text amendment would define bus shelters, exempt them from coverage requirements, and permit them within the front landscape area setbacks.

An explanatory statement notes that in Westport, bus shelters are considered structures with no special exemptions. Installing them adjacent to the roadway and within the 30-foot front landscape area requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The proposal will explicitly define bus Shelters, specify which features are permitted there, specify which agencies are responsible for overseeing the locations, exempt bus shelters from coverage requirements. and allow them to be located within the 30-foot front landscape area setbacks adjacent to the roadway without a variance.

The P&Z meeting will be live streamed on www.westportct.gov, and on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.  Comments may be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov, and during the meeting at PandZComments@westportct.gov. Interested parties may join virtually to offer live testimony during the meeting if the meeting link is requested by sending an email to maryyoung@westportct.gov by noontime on the day of the meeting.

Waiting for the bus — without a shelter. (Photos courtesy of Planning & Zoning Commission Bus Shelter Working Group

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is Molly Alger’s darling dahlia:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … happy 68th birthday, to the amazing Cyndi Lauper!

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

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Gimme Shelter

Posted on May 15, 2009 | 1 comment

We see them standing forlornly along the Post Road, at most hours of the day and in every type of weather.  They’re the men and women who work in our stores, our yards, our homes — and whose only transportation is the Coastal Link bus.

No, that’s wrong.  We don’t really see them.  We stare right past them.

Otherwise, we’d have done something to protect them long ago.  Right now the only shelter is on Bulkeley Avenue South, a bit off the Post Road.  It was built a couple of years ago, courtesy of the Rotary Club.

A year ago, Westport’s Human Services Commission recognized the need for more bus shelters.  But as with most things governmental, a good idea was no match for rules and regulations.  There were applications to fill out, issues of jurisdiction,  insurance questions to answer.

Steven Hill, director of finance and administrative services for the Norwalk Transit District — the entity that operates Westport’s bus service — was key to making things happen.

The planned shelter — in front of Stop & Shop, where many bus riders gather — is on a state right-of-way, adding several layers of bureaucracy.  At last, all parties have agreed.  The town of Westport will pour concrete for the base of the shelter in early June.  It will be finished soon after.

That’s one shelter, out of many that are needed.  Barbara Butler, Human Services director, promises to work on others.

Next month, look for Westport’s newest bus shelter.  And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for the men and women who use it too.

Coastal Link bus route

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