Residents interested in learning more about a new public safety complex are invited to tonight’s charrette (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Senior Center). An architectural presentation will be followed by feedback opportunities.
The project is now in the conceptual and feasibility stage.
Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, who also serves as the town’s emergency management director, says, “This would be more than just a building; it’s a commitment to the people of Westport.
“Modernizing our facilities will enhance our ability to respond quickly and efficiently in times of emergency. A new complex will also allow for better coordination of resources and planning, ensuring that our community is well-prepared for any situation. We look forward to hearing from our community, and working together to bring this vision to life.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas adds, “This much-needed facility will greatly benefit our community. Housing Police, Fire and EMS under one roof fosters better collaboration, faster response times, and more efficient operations. A project of this nature will strengthen public safety, and ensure that we are well-equipped to serve Westport now and into the future.”
For more information, contact Fire Chief Marsan: nmarsan@westportct.gov; 203-341-5000.
=================================================
Westport life was upended in many ways — large and small — when COVID crashed into town, 5 years ago next month.
One minor casualty was the Great Westport Soup Contest. Begun in early March of 2020, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event was halted when the only soup anyone slurped was homemade.
Soon, the Soup Contest returns. On March 3 (noon), 1st Selectwoman Jen tooker will kick off the event, at Calise’s Food Market.
All month long, 16 soup-making spots will compete in 7 categories. Judging will be done online, by soup-loving Westport residents.
And every voter is entered into a drawing to win a free soup, from one of the 7 winners.
The 16 competitors are Basso, Calise’s, Capuli, Gaetano’s, Garelick and Herbs, Gold’s Deli, Joe’s Pizza, Kawa Ni, Little Pub @ Dunville’s, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, The Whelk and Tutti’s.
The seven categories are: Best Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, Asian, Onion and Matzoh Ball Soup, and Best Chowder. Each place can enter up to 4 categories, but can win no more than 2.
Voting begins March 3, and runs through March 31. Visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then click here to vote.
==================================================
Speaking of food, CT Bites has just profiled a new restaurant.
X Ramen is technically not in Westport. But — just inches over the Southport line, in the former Wafu space — we’ll mention it here.
“06880” readers have given it high marks. Click here for the equally positive CTBites review.
A variety of X Ramen offerings. (Photo collage/CTBites.com)
==================================================
The Staples High School boys basketball teams is in the FCIAC finals. The girls camethisclose.
Coach Dave Goldshore’s #2-seeded Wreckers pulled out to a quick lead last night at Wilton High School. They never lost it, en route to a 56-46 win over #3 Fairfield Ludlowe.
Adam Udell and Matty Corrigan paced Staples with 15 points each. Mason Tobias added 11.
The blue-and-whites play for the title tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26, 7:30 p.m., Fairfield University), against to-ranked Ridgefield.
It should be a great game. Less than a week ago — in the final regular season contest — they handed the Tigers their only loss of the regular season, in the Tigers’ gym.
The 2025 Staples boys basketball team.
Also yesterday, coach Tommy Sparks’ #4-seeded girls gave #1 Ridgefield a tough battle, before succumbing 42-38 at Trumbull High.
Chloe Smith paced the Westporters with 13 points. Freya Harvey was close behind, with 12.
The narrow loss came 2 days after Staples pulled off a spectacular comeback, in the FCIAC quarterfinals. Down 19 points in the first half, and 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, they stormed their way to a 4-point victory over #5 St. Joseph.
The FCIAC tournament is a prelude to the state tourney. Both the boys and girls have qualified. Brackets will be announced soon.
The 2025 Staples girls basketball team.
==================================================
Three years ago yesterday, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Within weeks, Westport native Brian Mayer traveled overseas. With a background in logistics, he assessed the situation. He figured out a way to get help to the citizens who needed it most.
Then, with his brother Marshall, he founded Ukraine Aid International.
Since then, UAI has delivered clean water, heating pellets, medical equipment, municipal services, communication devices, trash trucks and more. Its work impacts more than 350,000 Ukrainians a day.
UAI also helped establish “sister cities,” linking American and Ukrainian towns.
The Westport-Lyman relationship was the first. Westporters have donated over $300,000 in direct aid. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas are in constant contact with their counterparts.
Weston also has a sister city: Siversk. Westonites have helped hundreds of youngsters attend therapy camps.
As Ukraine enters its fourth year of war, UAI continues to raise funds, and deliver aid. Donations continue to be needed. Click here to contribute; click the dropdown menu to select Westport or Weston’s sister city.
Bomb damage in Lyman: July 2024.
===============================================
Brian Marsella has been called “a psychedelic Art Tatum.”
The jazz pianist has been on a world tour. But this Thursday (February 27; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., dinner service at 7, VFW Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students; click here for tickets), he brings his talents to “Jazz at the Post.”
Marsella will be joined by bassist Reid Taylor and drummer Brian Floody — who played there last spring — and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, the saxophonist and mastermind of the series.
==================================================
There are running programs.
And then there is Girls on the Run.
An international project with local impact, it inspires 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to realize their inner strength, while promoting physical activity, and helping grow confidence.
The 10-week program begins in March. There are 2 practices a week, ending with a 5K in May.
Elise Simon will “run” it at Long Lots Elementary School (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:15 a.m.) Stephanie Tang leads it at Kings Highway (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:45 to 5 p.m.).
Click here to register, and for more details. Click here for more information on the Girls on the Run international movement.
===============================================
There’s not a lot of swimming at Burying Hill Beach these days.
Unless you’re a lesser scaup.
Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this guy (or gal) the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Everything was just ducky.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
=================================================
Roberta Flack — the former schoolteacher who went on to become an iconic soul, jazz and folk singer — died yesterday in New York, of a heart attack. She was 88, and had been diagnosed with ALS.
Click here for the full obituary, of a woman who defined the 1970s.
(As we do every day in our Roundup, “06880” brings you news and information you can use. We are “where Westport meets the world” — and we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
