125 Riverside Avenue Remains Graceful while Older than the United States of America
At over 200 years old, 125 Riverside Avenue remains a proud glimpse into Westport’s earliest history - one that pre-dates the Declaration of Independence. The home is noted as the Joshua Couch/Kathleen & James Coley Jr. home in the 2012 Westport Historic Resources Inventory - however, despite its age, is not a part of the National Registry of Historic Places due to its possible early uses as a commercial property. The home sits within the Riverside Avenue Historic District that includes registered historic properties that dot Post Road West, Riverside Avenue, Burr Road, and Cross Street. The age of the structure according to its plaque is 266 years old, however Town inventory has it noted as just a juvenile 212. WestportLocal.com photo
“Bob-bob-bobbin’ along”
An American Robin remained steadfast in the cool winds this afternoon along Riverside Avenue. The state bird for Connecticut, the robin does not leave the region during the harsh winters - but instead nests in high trees, coming down on days like today to forage while showing its true grit as a hearty New Englander - not a snowbird. WestportLocal.com photo
Governor Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocols through Tuesday
Office of Governor Ned Lamont: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as overnight temperatures over the next several days are anticipated to dip into the low teens with wind chill values as low as -2 degrees, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022, and remaining in effect through noon on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“When temperatures drop this low, it can be very dangerous to be outdoors for long periods of time,” Governor Lamont said. “Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need can call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and they can even provide transportation if necessary.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
New Neighbors: “Mexicue” brings Mexican + Barbecue to Main Street in former Bobby Q’s building
Filling newly renovated storefronts, Mexicue has announced their opening in Westport with a second floor restaurant space at 38 Main Street. The restaurant group has several locations in New York City, one in Washington, DC, and one in Stamford - with Westport and a Bethesda, Maryland location both being their newest openings. The company’s website describes it as a fusion of barbecue and traditional Mexican meals that began in a Manhattan food truck by founder Thomas Kelly.
The restaurant brings barbecue back to one of Westport’s most famous spaces - the former home of Bobby Q’s barbecue. The locally owned barbecue joint closed in 2016 as part of a natural end to their decade+ run in the community, with owner Bob LeRose adding to the downtown dinner scene while helping found the Blues, Views, and BBQ festival. LeRose passed away in August after a battle with cancer, however his passion for the community lives on through the many groups he supported throughout the years.