A new community garden at Burr Farms. At least 2 synthetic turf fields. Some upgrades to Compo Beach and Winslow Park. A dedicated maintenance facility.
Those were some of the key “Phase I” recommendations for Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, offered last night as part of the new Parks Master Plan.
The Town Hall event was the third public session for BL Companies, the consultants who have undertaken an independent review of the town’s beaches, parks and playing fields.
Thirty residents — including a number of elected officials — heard Dominick Celtruda offer a “10,000-foot” view of current facilities and operations, and 3 phases for the future.
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri, last night at Town Hall. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Specifically, Phase I priorities involve:
Infrastructure upgrades, including maintenance; a multi-purpose field at the Doubleday complex, and a minimum of 2 synthetic fields. BL Companies urges a balance between natural grass and artificial turf surfaces.
The Community Garden at Burr Farms would share space with a 50 x 70 multi-purpose athletic field, as well as restroom facilities for gardeners and field users.
Upgraded trails and a dedicated dog area at Winslow Park.
At Compo Beach: Upgraded pickleball (site TBD), a relocated skate park, reconfigured internal circulation, and dune restoration.
Phase II would include Baron’s South — for example upgraded access, vegetation management, removal of invasives, and a small percentage of space dedicated to semi-active recreation.
Phase III would focus on Luciano Park, Jesup Green, other parks, and the Town Hall athletic fields.
Celtruda emphasized that these are recommendations only. Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri noted that while BL offers important insights, he “may not necessarily agree” with all of the recommendations, or their timing.
“Nothing is set in stone,” he noted. His department, and the Parks & Recreation Commission, will continue to assess the report.
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom) will begin with the consideration of a pre-application that’s been discussed for a while.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella will initiate discussion of a fenced dog area at Winslow Park. It would be located near the end of the asphalt walkway, in the area where construction equipment was staged a couple of years ago.
There would be one section for small dogs, another for large ones.
A pre-app is an informal, preliminary review process for a proposed project. It’s a way to present a conceptual plan and receive early feedback, before formally filing a special permit or site plan application.
There are currently on- and off-leash sections of Winslow Park — but no special fenced-in area. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Speaking of the great outdoors: Yesterday was Earth Day.
As she has done for over 20 years, longtime Westporter and environmental advocate Rindy Higgins cleaned up garbage at Canal Beach (after a full day of substitute teaching at Coleytown Middle School).
She reports: “Finding mostly paper scraps, tar chunks, an odd large jar full of dirt topped with a lid like a terrarium, and some plastic bits and bobs, I’m glad to announce there is much less this year than in the past!”
Next year, let’s put Rindy out of a job. (Clean-up, that is — not teaching.)
An update on an ongoing accessory dwelling unit (ADA) case:
In January, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an ADU at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)
James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.
With a suit pending in Superior Court (set to be heard in August), alleging that the Zoning Board of Appeals erroneously approved the permit, Johnson and Jaffe requested an injunction to prevent construction. A judge will rule on that motion on April 29.
This week, however, work began on the new structure.
Construction begins at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Meanwhile, the P&Z has already revised regulations for ADUs in small lots. They removed a 350-foot exemption on lots of 1.5 acres and less. The lot in question (above) is .11 acre.
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“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.
Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — kicks off with an opening reception today (Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.). The exhibit continues Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.
Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.
This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.
Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is all about health for all — especially youth.
So it’s a no-brainer for them to invite everyone to Healthy Kids Day (April 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Part of a national Y program, Healthy Kids Day highlights the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, mental resilience, and developing lifelong healthy habits.
The event includes mini-classes, food trucks with healthy options, a bounce house, water safety demonstrations, and community vendors and partners.
“Art, Jazz + the Blues” — MoCA\CT’s current exhibition — is open through June 7. It’s visually expansive, and the music it evokes is equally broad and inspiring.
But that’s far from the only reason to visit the Newtown Turnpike gallery.
A host of activities complements, draws upon and adds to the exhibit. For example:
East Coast Contemporary Ballet Salon Series (tonight, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.).
Teen Open Mic Night (April 30, 6 p.m.)
Inside Art & Jazz with WPKN’s Richard Epstein and Jim Motavalli (May 2, 6 p.m.)
Intuitive Painting: Analyzing Your Creative Flow with Melissa Benedek (May 3, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
1 Degree of Separation: Jazz in Connecticut — A Conversation with Yale School of Music’s Tom Duffy & Wayne Escoffery (May 7, 6 p.m.)
Mother’s Day at MoCA\CT (May 10, 12 to 5 p.m.)
Sound Bath Meditation with Hummingbird Healing Arts’ Lisa Pak (May 12, June 30, July 14, 6 to 7 p.m.)
Westport Writers’ Workshop at MoCA\CT (May 14, 6 p.m.)
Camp MoCA Open House (May 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.)
Karisa Chiu, Violin, and Frederic Chiu, Piano (May 16, 7 p.m.)
Lewis Black is an upcoming Westport Country Playhouse attraction.
Well, he won’t be on stage. But the comedian has written a lively, insightful comedy — “One Slight Hitch” — that is the next Script in Hand reading.
It’s set for Monday, May 4 (7 p.m.).
His inspiration was a wedding invitation from a woman he had dated years earlier.
“That really blew my mind,” Black says. “I thought, ‘What if I did go?’ That was the beginning of the idea: What would happen if someone from the past suddenly showed up on a day that’s supposed to be completely planned out?”
“Everyone loves Lewis Black for his razor-sharp stand-up, his incredibly funny books, and his unforgettable appearances on ‘The Daily Showm’” says Mark Shanahan, Script in Hand series curator and Playhouse artistic director.
“But he’s also a remarkably funny playwright, and ‘One Slight Hitch’ proves it.”
The face “feels both wildly entertaining and all too familiar to anyone who’s ever navigated family, love, or the chaos of a wedding day.”
Born 16 weeks prematurely, doctors said he would be blind, and never walk.
He proved them very, very wrong.
Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
At Staples High he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
But that was just the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College, and pursued a master’s through the University of Vermont. in physical activity and wellness science.
The other day, Daniel provided this update:
“I believe that in our digitally connected world, we might be missing out on human support and contact.
“I saw the challenges my fellow neurodiverse individuals and I face in that digital world. My solution is developing a local neurodiverse mentoring community.
“Because resources are commonly developed and brought about from a neurotypical perspective, while well-intentioned they unfortunately often fail to support individual goals of people they are meant to serve.
“I offer personalized coaching for teen and young adult neurodivergents. Across several levels of functioning. my support from an empathetic perspective helps people achieve their goals and navigate their lives, from daily routines and indepedence to fitness and school.
“My background as a neurodiverse individual, and my professional experience as a paraeducator and fitness coach allow me to help. But my most important credential is my lived experience.”
For more information, email danielimaya@gmail.com; call 203-644-6877, or click here.
Daniel Maya
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Pop Shop Market offers a special pre-Mother’s Day event, with local vendors showcasing fashion, accessories, home goods and more.
It’s May 2 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Other gift ideas include graduations and teacher appreciation.
David Aasen — a 1974 Staples graduate whose interest in foreign affairs led him to a long career as a field manager, policy analyst and representative of international organizations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe — died of natural causes on April 7, in Dubai. He was 69.
A resident of Mombasa, Kenya, David had expertise in governance,
democratization, and relations between non-governmental organizations and the
media. He worked to make the world better and safer, in places many would have thought too broken to fix.
David worked for the United Nations, US State Department, Organization of African Unity, and Organization of American States.
Previously, he served as a long-time program officer for Amnesty International USA. Field assignments included reporting on civil conflict in Sudan, coordinating electoral assistance in Haiti and relief aid in Somalia, monitoring elections in the Republics of the Congo and Angola, and overseeing refugee repatriation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
David spoke French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.
After Staples High School, David earned a BA in international affairs from George Washington University. He also received certificates in mass media from Stanford University, and international peacekeeping from the Inter-American Defense College.
He was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Lawrence Aasen. He is
survived by his sister Susan Aasen (David), of Rockland, Maine.
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The Longshore golf course is up and running … and ready to shine, as the featured photo in today’s “Westport … Naturally” daily series.
And finally … Dave Mason, who had success both with Traffic and as a solo artist, died Sunday. He was 79.
Mason — inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Traffic — headlined more than once at the Levitt Pavilion. His most recent appearance there was a 2017 fundraiser.
In his long career, he played with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie and Cass Elliott.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. From local news and upcoming events to a connection you forgot or never knew, we’re here for you, 24/7/365. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
A town resident for nearly 50 years, he was a familiar presence at Winslow Park, and Compo and Old Mill Beaches — biking, running, walking a dog, planting a tree and chatting.
Many other Westporters knew Lowrie’s work, if not his name. He spent years — independently, and with a disregard for rules — creating and maintaining a series of walking trails at Winslow Park. (He got Lyme disease in the process.) Everyone who walks in the Winslow woods owes him a debt of gratitude.
Lowrie died April 8 at Norwalk Hospital, of complications of pneumonia. He was 87.
Lowrie Gibb with Rosie, at Winslow Park. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Lowrie — known also for his vintage Volvo station wagons and idiosyncratic attire — had roots on the New Jersey shore. But he had a keen appreciation for Westport’s location at the juncture of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound. He admired the town’s waterways, and outdoor amenities.
Lowrie explored his native Rumson, New Jersey Lowrie by bike. He learned to sail there too.
Later in Westport, he delighted in a wooden Lightning sailboat — like those of his youth — that he found for sale. He kept it at Compo Beach, maintained it meticulously, and took friends and family for frequent jaunts on the Sound.
He also enjoyed rowing, sculling and paddling.
A multi-sport athlete, Lowrie was especially recognized as a skier. He learned at an early age in Stowe, Vermont with his father and 2 brothers. He pursued other winter sports, like skating and pond hockey, in New Jersey.
There was a 2-year adventure in Half Moon Bay, California during World War II, while Lowrie’s father, a Navy captain, served in the Pacific.
In 1951 Lowrie’s family moved to a dairy farm in Weybridge, Vermont. His father, Arthur Gibb, served in the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate.
A Republican and staunch environmentalist, Arthur chaired the commission that created Act 250 — the strictest environmental protection law in the nation at the time. Senator Gibb also played in important role in Vermont’s no-billboard law, and the introduction of recycling. His father’s environmentalism had a strong influence on Lowrie.
Lowrie Gibb helped create and maintain many walking paths at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Lowrie attended local public schools, then Mount Hermon. At Middlebury College he studied history, and competed in giant slalom, slalom, the 50-meter jump and Nordic.
He trained in the western US and South America, and tried out for the 1960 Olympic team in Nordic.
After college Lowrie married and started a family. They lived in Stowe and Manchester, Vermont where he taught school.
In 1967 the Gibbs moved to Westport. He chose the town carefully, for its waterfront, public access to recreational spaces, and excellent schools. He loved Westport, and often said it had more to offer than any place else in the world.
During snowstorms, Lowrie would wax his children’s skis. They’d go out at night, before the streets were plowed.
Lowrie was passionate about land use, with a special interest in integrating nature into communities. He was always on the lookout for a good spot for a pocket park, a tree or a trail.
For some years he worked in real estate development. But his commitment to using land to serve a public need for open space and recreation found its ultimate expression later, and on a smaller scale.
Lowrie Gibb
He might have become a landscape architect, like one of his grandfathers who designed urban parks. But he always preferred an unconventional path.
Lowrie loved trees — especially elms, for their majestic canopied crowns. Lamenting their destruction by disease, he planted 30 saplings of Liberty elm, a resistant strain, in his backyard.
When the trees were big enough, he re-planted them all around Westport. (Like his creation of the Winslow trails, this too was illegal.)
Today those elms can be seen across from Town Hall and the Seabury Center, in the median off I-95 Exit 18, in an Ambler Road back yard, and many other places.
Lowrie was a longtime regular at Longshore’s Westport PAL rink, figure skating with grace and ease. As recently as last month, at 87, he made a track and skied in his backyard.
When there was no snow or ice, he ran at Compo Beach and Grace Salmon Park.
Lowrie is survived by his daughters, Cynthia and Rebecca.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the charities he supported — the Humane Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah, and St. Jude’s.
Cynthia and Rebecca suggest also “continuing his work at Winslow Park, picking up trash, clearing branches from trails, and caring for it like your own yard.”
With over 1,000 votes cast, the winners of the Great Westport Sandwich Contestare …
Best Chicken Sandwich: Garelick & Herbs
Best Steak Sandwich: Nômade
Best Combo Sandwich: A & S Fine Foods
Best Vegetarian Sandwich:Nômade
Best Club Sandwich: The Clubhouse
Best Pressed Sandwich: The Granola Bar
Best Breakfast Sandwich: The Granola Bar
Best Wrap Sandwich: Kabab & Hummus House
Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich: Rizzuto’s
Best NY Deli Sandwich:Gold’s Delicatessen
Honorable mentions go to Calise’s Market and Outpost Pizza in the Best Chicken category.
The contest was organized by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship from the law firm Bercham Moses.
The winners (clockwise from top left): The Clubhouse, The Granola Bar, Kabab & Hummus House, A & S Fine Foods, Gold’s Delicatessen, Nômade, Rizzuto’s, Garelick & Herbs.
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Earthplace celebrates 2 milestones soon: the 40th anniversary of Harbor Watch, and the 15th anniversary of “Cocktails & Clams.”
The fundraiser is set for June 6 (5 to 7 p.m.), at Copps Island Oysters, Norwalk.
The location is fitting. Proceeds will help modernize the water quality lab at Harbor Watch, Earthplace’s Long Island Sound program. They’ll also provide hands-on training for student interns, and will support ongoing water monitoring.
Guests will enjoy an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, plus a live band and silent auction.
The Westport Senior Center kicks it off on May 1 (1 p.m.), with a special event featuring Melissa Bernstein.
The co-founder of Melissa & Doug Toys will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about her personal journey through anxiety and depression.
She’ll discuss the tools and insights that helped guide her back into the light, and what she has discovered about finding purpose and meaning along the way.
Melissa is the author of “Lifelines” and “The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Crafting Your Authentic Recipe for Success.” She also curated a collection of stress-relief tools inspired by her own life experiences, available at Lifelines.com.
The event is open to Senior Center members, and anyone 60 or older.
Melissa Bernstein
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Among the agenda items for today’s Board of Selectpersons agenda (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium): acceptance of $20,000 from Sustainable Westport, for the purchase and installation of 2 ADA-compliant water filling stations.
They’ll replace the current fountains at Compo Beach and Winslow Park
A plaque on the Winslow Park water filling station will honor the memory of Sherry Jagerson. The longtime environmental activist died in 2024.
Sherry Jagerson
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The Blight Prevention Board meets tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Zoom).
They’ll continue their discussion of 20 Center Street, and address 3 new properties:
Westport resident Carole Williams died Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 86.
A longtime customer service manager at Pepperidge Farm, she was known for her dedication and care. After retiring she worked for the town of Westport, at the Fire and Building Departments.
She was an avid traveler, and also enjoyed both playing tennis and shopping.
She is survived by her daughter Kim Thibodeau, grandson Michael Thibodeau, sister Phyllis Denke, brother Samuel (Sandy) Anastasia Jr. .
A Requiem Mass will be held at Assumption Church on Friday (April 10, 10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.
Carole Williams
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Longtime Westporter Dick Alley sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: Schlaet’s Point, at low tide in early spring.
And finally … in honor of Earthplace’s “Clams & Cocktails” fundraiser, benefiting Harbor Watch — harborside, at Copps Island Oysters (story above):
(From the environment and entertainment to the Senior Center and beach, if it’s happening in Westport you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers’ support; please click here to help. Thank you!)
“Students Speak” offers Westport teenagers a chance to share their thoughts and insights with the broader “06880” community.
Emme Dorfman is a junior at Staples High School. She is a member of the varsity soccer, ski and lacrosse teams. While working on a speech for her Rhetoric and Persuasion class, she realized she could actually make this idea happen.
She’s launched a survey (link at the bottom of this story). Emme writes:
I technically only have one sibling. But in my heart, I have three.
One is a freshman. The other two have 4 legs. They spend their days chasing tennis balls and begging for food. Their names are Bode and Ozzie.
Emme Dorfman, and “siblings.”
As much as I love my dog Bode, if he sees a squirrel, I’m done for. In fact, I almost broke my arm while chasing after him at Winslow Park because there was no fence to stop him.
While I did get some good cardio in, it was one of the scariest days of my life. Ever since, I’ve been very distrustful of letting Bode off leash anywhere in Westport.
According to the Animal Humane Society, about 10 million pets run away from their owners each year. That’s millions of families facing horrible moments that could be prevented.
If there were more places for dogs to safely run around and play, this number would drop drastically. For a town that prides itself on being safe, family friendly and community-oriented, it’s bizarre that Westport doesn’t have a single fenced-in dog park.
Although we have public areas for dogs to run around, like Winslow Park, Sherwood Island and Compo Beach, there isn’t one secure, fenced-in dog park, which almost every town around us has.
Dogs love Compo Beach. But they can’t be fenced in there. (Photo/JC Martin)
Weston has one, New Canaan has one, Trumbull has one. It’s time Westport has one too.
Just like humans, dogs love their social time. They need to be able to run around freely to get the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy.
Without it they can develop bad behavioral patterns like barking, leash-pulling or anxiety. Not only would this space be amazing for dogs, but it would also be creating a place for residents to connect and bond with one another.
So today, I’m asking that our town representatives consider my proposal to build a fenced-in dog park in Westport.
The average size for a fenced-in dog park is about ¼ of an acre. Winslow Park is 29 acres. With all that space, doesn’t it make sense to dedicate just a small portion to something that would bring so much value to our community?
Winslow Park has fences. But not the kind that keep dogs from running wherever they want. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
To see how a project like this would move forward, I talked to Planning & Zoning commissioner Michael Cammeyer, who expressed his full support for the idea.
While you might argue that constructing it would cost the town a lot of money, the reality is that a dog park doesn’t have to be a financial burden on the town. With all the money our residents spend on dog walkers, doggy care, let alone just toys, we would be able to come up with the funds through a combination of grants from the town and community donations.
This proposal is very realistic, and it fits directly into Westport’s community goals. Two primary objectives of our town’s Plan of Conservation and Development are to enhance the development of our town, while also encouraging sustainable patterns of land use.
To add to that, part of the Parks & Recreation mission statement is to achieve the standards that Westport residents expect of parks. By building a fenced-in dog-park, Westport would be fulfilling both of these missions and prioritizing the desires of its residents.
I understand the feeling of having to stare down your dog anytime you let them off leash, and that’s why I know how relieved dog-owners would be to have a place their dogs can socialize safely.
I’m hopeful we can build Dog-Port, a place where dogs can finally play freely and owners can actually relax. It’s time that Westport takes this idea off-leash, and makes it a reality for our four-legged siblings!
(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students — at Staples, private schools or home-schooled — to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)
Final preparations are underway for this Saturday’s Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll.
Among the attractions: Savvy + Grace is sponsoring an Airstream photo booth, and a “Letters to Santa” station. All supplies for letters will be provided. And (if there’s a return address) Santa will personally answer all letters.
The Holiday Stroll (Saturday, December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.) also includes caroling with the Staples Orphenians, selfies with Santa and Westport’s favorite piglet, face painting, a DJ, giveaways from restaurants and retailers, and 6 dozen store specials.
Here are the latest signups (new since Monday):
Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything
Earthplace: 10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday)
La Source: Enter to win a $500 gift card, with every purchase of $100 or more
Il Pastaficio: Focaccia di recco, Italian hot chocolate, salame di cioccolata; gift card for 10% off purchases of fresh pasta boxes and sauces
Scout & Molly’s: Free gift with $200 purchase
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing
Everything But Water: Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup
Johnny Was: 40% off sale; gift with purchase; free gift wrapping.
This year, they are bringing two exciting experiences: an Airstream Photo Booth and a Letters to Santa station with all supplies provided.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly production based on both Sherlock Holmes and “A Christmas Carol” — returns to the Westport Country Playhouse for a third great year.
There are 8 performances, from December 13 through 21.
The New York Times “Critics’ Pick” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director. The Westport production is one of 30 “Sherlock Carol”s happening around the world, including Australia, Canada, England and the US.
Meanwhile, over 35 vendors will pack the Senior Center December 12 (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.), for a holiday craft and gift sale.
In addition to a wide array of special items, including wood-turned pieces, pottery, fused-glass art, glass ornaments, beaded gemstone jewelry, clocks, silver jewelry, handcrafted necklaces, earrings, potholders, art and painted glass, origami, painted shells, birdhouse ornaments, holiday centerpieces, wreaths, decoupage shells, watercolor gifts, children’s books, mystery novels, painted baby shoes, quilted art, home décor, baby blankets, knits, scarves, Pearl’s famous salad dressing, holiday cards, tableware, specialty ceramic painted tiles (and much more!), there’s free gift wrapping — and cookies baked by the National Charity League.
The Longshore golf course closes for the winter this Sunday (December 7).
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri says, “We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 season this far into December. On behalf of head pro Jon Janik, golf course superintendent Sean Charles and the entire staff, we wish all our loyal golfers a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”
But golfers can still swing. Two Westport businesses — The Clubhouse and Sticks — offer simulators for practice.
Two great choral groups — the Dartmouth Brovertones and Staples Orphenians — bring holiday music and more to Saugatuck Congregational Church this Sunday (December 7, 7 p.m.).
The free program includes classic pop songs, along with Christmas favorites.
As Westport’s selectperson’s race ramps up, “06880” is there.
This afternoon (4 p.m.), Dan Woog and TV journalist Dave Briggs take their InstagramLive camera into the political arena. We’ll chat with Republican-endorsed candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. It’s the first in a series we’ll do, with all those running.
Find us @06880danwoog at 4 today. We’ll take your questions, and listen to your comments.
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Westport Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday), at 10 a.m.
Rotary officials sent an incorrect link, which was posted yesterday. Here’s how to get tickets tomorrow morning, starting at 10: Click here, then follow the prompts.
Yesterday morning, alert “06880” reader Mark Mathias spotted 4 of them.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
Mark has no idea where they came from. Perhaps, he says, they’re friends of the stuffed animal at Trader Joe’s. (It’s “hidden” in the store. If a child finds it and brings it to the front, he or she is rewarded with candy or a sticker.)
There are many mysteries in Westport. (Including at Winslow — for example, the oddly symmetrical, strangely placed slightly creepy hill near the entrance.)
If you’ve got any info — or even a theory — about these stuffed animals, click “Comments” below.
On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Westport resident Stew Leonard Jr. threw out the first pitch, against the Minnesota Twins. It was a perfect strike.
The supermarket mogul wore a custom jersey, courtesy of the Yanks, emblazoned with #38 and “Stewie.”
It honored his toddler son, Stew Leonard III, who drowned in 1989. Stewie would have been 38 this year.
Stew was selected for the honor of throwing out the first pitch by Yankees sponsor Mike’s Amazing, in recognition of his quick action in saving a choking crew member at the WPIX Channel 11 studio on August 1.
Mayor Adams declared yesterday “Stew Leonard Day” in New York, in honor of his heroics. Click here or below for the Instagram. (Hat tip: Susan Farley)
Speaking of sports: Staples High School football is just beginning its new season. They’ve got a new coach, Matty Jacowleff.
But some things don’t change. This afternoon, the program hosts its 6th annual Murph Challenge.
It’s a culmination of their summer fundraising, for both the football program and the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The event begins at 4:30 p.m., with Catch a Lift veteran Andy Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Then the athletes take on the Murph Challenge. It includes a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run. (With a modified version for linemen!)
Everyone is invited to Paul Lane Field, to listen to Smith’s talk, and watch the Wreckers take on the Murph. Donations are welcome by Venmo: @Staples-Gridiron.
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Westport Police made 11 custodial arrests, in the 2 weeks between July 30 and August 12.
Five New York City males, ages 31, 18, 18, 17 and 15, were charged with forgery, and conspiracy to commit forgery, after attempting to pass counterfeit bills at local businesses. The 31-year-old was also charged with risk of injury to a minor.
A 38-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, criminal attempt and conspiracy to commit larceny, and failure to appear, after officers responded at 3:44 a.m. to a report from a homeowner that someone had entered and searched her unlocked vehicle, parked in her driveway. A nearby resident reported that items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle too. An officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the middle of the road on an adjacent street. The operator fled, but at the same time another man was seen walking toward the vehicle. He admitted to entering the unlocked vehicles. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond. The second suspect’s identity is still under investigation.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after complaints from 3 residents regarding missing jewelry from their homes. An investigation revealed that all 3 employed the same cleaning service. An employee of the service was pawning the jewelry. She was unable to post a $250,000 bond.
A 25-year-old Old Greenwich woman was charged with larceny, after shoplifting $14,651 worth of goods at Michells. She was released on a $10,000 bond.
A 41-year-old Stamford man was charge with larceny, after a report that jewelry valued at $10,000 was missing from a home. The suspect worked for a company that provided service at the victim’s home. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with criminal possession of a firearm. He was ineligible to possess the Taurus .357 magnum handgun. He was unable to post a $100,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stratford man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $10,000 bond.
WEstport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 17 citations
Driving while texting: 12
Failure to obey stop sign: 12
Speeding: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Texting while driving (2nd offense): 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper stop: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
A citation was issued for a vicious/barking dog. This is not it.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets in executive session at 4 p.m. today, at the law office f Berchem Moses.
There is one agenda item: “Discussion of pending litigation, Roan Development Ventures LLC v. Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Westport, for property at 601, 606, and 609 Riverside Ave, 91 and 96 Franklin St, 2 and 16 Railroad Place (The Hamlet at Saugatuck).”
It is the first of many such discussions, following the filing of a lawsuit against the P&Z by the developer, following denial of its proposed Saugatuck project.
Speaking of public hearings: The Planning & Zoning Department says that scammers have contacted residents regarding zoning and/or public hearing applications.
The bad guys falsely claim that a “public hearing fee” must be paid directly to them before an application can proceed.
The town of Westport will never request payment fees through phone calls, texts, emails or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle or CashApp.
All official fees are paid directly to the town through established, secure payment methods.
Scammers may use official-sounding titles, fake letterheads, or spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious request:
Do not provide personal or financial information.
Do not send payment.
Contact the P&Z Department immediately (203 341-1030) to verify the legitimacy of any request.
Report the incident to the Westport Police Department: 203- 341-6000.
The other day, “06880” published a photo of parking signs downtown.
They showed new 2-hour limits (down from 3) on several streets. (Parking lots are not affected.)
The signs said the limits were in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — even though the new regulation does not start until 8 .m.
In fact the erroneous signs had already been changed, by the town Highway Department.
They were clearly way ahead of “06880.”
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Speaking of downtown: The public is invited to his year’s free Japanese Fall Festival (Saturday, September 6, 1-4 p.m., Jesup Geen).
The family-friendly festival is sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County. It features taiko drum performances, brief plays of Japanese folk tales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
We’ve reported on the success of the Fairfield Little League team — regional champs, now competing in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvan — several times, because pitcher Ben Herbst is the son of a Staples grad, nephew of another, and grandson of Mickey and Candace Herbst.
But there are other reasons to root for our neighbors, too.
Jennifer (Zeoli) Curley is a 1996 Staples graduate. Her son Colin is on the team — and her husband Tom is one of the coaches.
Britt (Horton) Dunlap is a 1999 Staples grad. Her son Boden is on the squad too.
Fairfield won their first game in Williamsport last night. They play tomorrow night (Friday, 7 p.m.) against Hawaii. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Here’s hoping they go at least as far as the 2013 Westport team — World Series finalists! (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)
Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley are all in this photo.
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Pam Docters describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo: “Gorgeous contrast of the blue sky and the white hydrangeas on Saugatuck Shores!”
And finally … you may have predicted this, from the Police Reports (above):
(Winslow Park, Staples football, Westport police — a few of the things that make our town special, all together in one Roundup. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
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