Slice Of Saugatuck Draws Hundreds For Food, Music and Fun
The possibility of rain didn't dampen attendance much at this years Slice. There were shorter lines at most restaurants with the exception of Lomito, the newish Peruvian food eatery which opened this year, and the the food was delicious as usual.
Photos & Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Four of the venues had multiple bands playing throughout the event adding to the fun.
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As in years past, the Westport Firefighters at the Saugatuck firehouse made sure all the kids waiting on line got an opportunity to climb on the fire truck, getting an chance to rig the bell and perhaps dreaming of one day becoming a Westport Firefighter.
The Black Duck staff enthusiastically served up their famous wings. Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore and RTM member Andrew Colabella made sure they got to enjoy the entire event, pausing on Railroad Place for a quick photo before getting back to sampling the street's excellent cuisine.
The Gault family provided kids a chance to create some artwork and get their face painted in the parking area of Match Burger & Lobster.
Even a few adorable pups strolled the event getting love from doggie fans.
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Westport's Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak Raise $1.2 Million For Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Today Show Co-host Craig Melvin and Sports Reporter Lindsay Czarniak, Hosted the Star-Studded Event to Increase Awareness and Funds to Combat the Disease. They are joined on stage by NBC Legendary personality Al Joker.
Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak and NBC and Today Show personality Al Roker get things going to begin the auction portion of the evening at Bridgeport's Total Mortgage Arena on Sunday night.
Westport, CT, power couple Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak teamed up with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Bottoms Up Invitational golf tournament and concert to raise awareness and funds in honor of Craig’s brother Lawrence Meadows, who died from the disease at the age of 43. Despite being more fatal than most cancers, colorectal cancer is less known and less funded. The second annual event surpassed last year’s fundraising goal by bringing in more than $1.2 million. Craig and Lindsay were joined by notable celebrities eager to make an impact during the events in Connecticut on September 24-25.
Above, Melvin take a moment for a photo with Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore. Other celebrities attending the function included MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl, host of the 11th Hour on the network with Craig (center) and Craig with Westport friends.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
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Stephanie Ruhl with Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Jen Tooker, (left). Lindsay Czarniak with friends (center). Former Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, Today Show’s Al Roker.
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Colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women combined, is on the rise in people under age 50. It is the only cancer that is preventable, yet it’s estimated to be the deadliest cancer among 20-49 year olds by 2030, if things remain the same.
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
Proceeds from the events will benefit the community served by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s programs that advocate for prevention, magnify support, and accelerate research. To learn more about how you can help or to donate, visit ccalliance.org/getinvolved.
Caring and Lindsay on stage inviting guests to come to the stage as the auction is about to begin..
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Auctioneer Lydia Fenet revved up the crowd and got paddles raised as eager buyers bid on a long list of fabulous offerings provided by generous sponsors, including great vacations and a dinner and bourbon tasting at the Westport home of Craig and Lindsay.
The opening reception and concert took place at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport on September 24th and featured members of Hootie & The Blowfish, the Spin Doctors’ Chris Barron, saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis, singer, songwriter and guitarist Edwin McCain, The Voice alumni Ray Boudreaux, Javier Colon, and Preston Pohl, and more amazing artists. The celebrity golf invitational at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk on September 25 featured TV Hosts Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Sterling Sharpe, Harry Smith, and Rutledge Wood, as well as actress Stephanie Szostak, among others.
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Connecticut's own Javier Colon was one of the headliners who took the stage following the auction. Colon, born in Stratford, is well known as the winner of season one of the Voice in 2011 received the first four-Coach chair turn from Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera.
About The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention, magnifies support, and accelerates research. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime.
For more information or to make a contribution, visit ccalliance.org.
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Voices Cafe At Unitarian Universalist Congregation Hosts Two Contemporary Folk Artists Saturday Night
Voices Cafe, called Westport’s musical gem, brings the power of song to our local community. On September 30th two of the most powerful contemporary folk artists, Abbie Gardner and Tracey Grammer, will be at Voices Cafe in a rare co-bill! These talented female artists bring incredibly unique energy and positive vibes to contemporary indie/folk music. You will enjoy their musical artistry when they sing individually and when they pair their vibrant voices.
All net proceeds of Voices Cafe concerts benefit local social justice programs and community causes.
On Saturday September 30th Voices Cafe’s doors open at 7:30pm and showtime is 8:00pm. For tickets and info go to voicescafe.org.
Enjoy this BYO setting with café-style seating (at tables) or individual seating, bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy a snack from our sweet treats table. Groups of four or more can reserve table space. General admission: $25 per person.
For more info and tickets for September 30th’s concert at 8pm, go to: Voices Cafe.
For additional information please contact Voices Cafe at 203-227-7205 ext 20 or via email: VoicesCafeCT@gmail.com.
About The Artists:
Abbie Gardner (left) is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Americana darlings, Red Molly, Gardner’s acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar chops. Her live shows are truly unique - as an award-winning songwriter, captivating vocalist, and a world-class lap style dobro player, she has an unmistakable sound all her own.
From Abbie Gardner’s 2022 “DobroSinger” CD, preview her song “Born in the City”. Listen to her artistry here: abbiegardner.com
Tracy Grammer (right) is among contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her pure voice, deft guitar and violin work, and incantatory storytelling, Grammer has recorded and performed with Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter, headlined several of the nation's top folk festivals, including Philadelphia Folk Festival and Falcon Ridge, and enjoyed 12 consecutive years as one of folk radio's 50 top-played artists, singing both solo as well as with the late Dave Carter. LOW TIDE, the first of her albums to showcase her original songs, has met with high acclaim. Music Matters Review shares about Grammer’s LOW TIDE: “A bold new sound, attitude, and personal viewpoint…. engaging songs beautifully sung and arranged.”
Village Records says that with Hole, from Grammer’s LOW TIDE, Grammer continually demonstrates that she’s “a voice to be reckoned with.” Listen to her songs here: tracygrammer.com
For more info and tickets for September 30th’s concert at 8pm, go to: Voices Cafe.
For additional information please contact Voices Cafe at 203-227-7205 ext 20 or via email: VoicesCafeCT@gmail.com.
Award Winning Concert Pianist, Navy Lieutenant Alex Beyer Thrills Saugatuck Congregational Audience
The Sanctuary at Saugatuck Congregational on Sunday was packed with more than 150 past and future fans of a local musical treasure, Alex Beyer formerly Fairfield and now living at the U.S. Naval base at Norfolk, VA. He is serving his country as a Lieutenant and pilot of the U.S. Navy's E-2 Hawkeye, an American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft.
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Alex has entranced area audiences for years, frequently playing concerts at Fairfield's Greenfield Hill Congregational church and extensively both domestically and abroad. Alex, now, 29 has received warm praise for his performances nationally and internationally. In 2016, he received Third Prize in the Queen Elisabeth Competition, an international competition for career-starting musicians held in Brussels. and was named one of five finalists of the American Pianists Association Awards.
Recently, he has been a guest soloist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Brussels Philharmonic, the National Orchestra of Belgium, the Royal Orchestra of Wallonia, and the Irish National Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Milwaukee, Charlotte, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, and Bridgeport Symphony Orchestras, among others. Recent performances have brought him to Greece, Slovakia, Holland, Belgium, and across the United States. He received Sixth Prize at the 2015 US Chopin Competition. He was a 2012 US Presidential Scholar in the Arts.
Above: Alex relaxing in the green room before his performance. He uses that time for several brief meditations to prepare. Also above, Beyer was introduced by Liang-Fang Chang, who holds a doctor of musical arts degree and is Director of Music Ministry at the church, laughing as her introduction was interrupted by her cell phone ringing, reminding everyone to silence their own phones.
Lt. Beyer spoke between selections providing detail on some of the music in his program. Most interestingly, Beyer spoke fondly of a sort of distant connection with Rachmaninoff. Alex's grandfather graduated from MIT and the next day began working for a newly established Long Island company, Sikorsky Aero Engineering Corporation. In the fall of 1923, Russian aviation pioneer and designer Igor Sikorsky was facing economic disaster when he received a visit from fellow Russian, Rachmaninoff who pulled up to Sikorsky's "factory", which was a chicken house at a friend's farm. Rachmaninoff told Sikorsky, ‘I believe in you and your plane and I want to help you.’ ” The composer sat down and wrote a check for $5,000 (approximately $100,000 today). With a smile, he gave the check to the stunned Sikorsky and said, “Pay me back whenever you can.”
Alex started his musical training early, being taught by his mother, a pianist herself and piano instructor. He then began training with renowned master piano teacher, Julliard trained Yoshie Akimoto of Wilton who won the Steinway teacher of the year award last year. Beyer studied with Yoshie from age 11 onward, and always kept coming back to play for her.
Beyer then attended Harvard (2017) and New England Conservatory (2018) where he maintained a dual degree program, doing normal undergrad at the former while taking lessons and then earned his masters at the latter in the 5th year. His second degree was in mathematics, quite helpful in his Naval career. Immediately after graduatioon in the summer 2018, Alex joined the navy training to become a naval aviator. Alex told WestportLocalPress that after touring internationally and doing pretty well, he found things in the music career path that he was less interested in. He said his musical training, with it's extensive repetition provided a foundation for his flight training. He said he "hit the simulator pretty hard" adding that he "may be a bit of a workaholic". When not deployed Beyer has played in a summer music series at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk at he invitation of series manager, a retired Navy captain who also loves music.
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A packed audience of more than 150 filled the Sanctuary at Saugatuck Congregational Church on Sunday. The audience ranged from the very young to the not-so-very young.
The terms prodigy and gifted have been linked with Alex over the years. As if being a classical pianist at that level was not enough Beyer was an exceptional athlete, playing soccer and tennis.
Alex opened the program with Four selections from Songs Without Words, Op 19b & 30, by F. Mendelssohn and followed with Impromptu in A Flat Major, Op 90 No 4, by F. Schubert and Preludes, Op 28 Nos 1-8, by F. Chopin. Next he performed Preludes Op 32, No 5 in G Major and No 10 in B Minor, by S. Rachmaninoff, Romanian Dances, Sz 68, by B. Bartok, finishing the program with Sonata No 3 in A Major, Op 28, by S. Prokofiev. Beyer played all of these complex and challenging compositions from memory as he has been doing for more than 15 years. His Mom said that "Alex had practiced piano every day of his life"
The audience roared its applause after each piece concluded. Beyer's Mom, Misty (above right) listens attentively as she has many times for many years. Alex tragically lost his Dad in 2008 who was certainly there in spirit. Misty continues to inspire young musicians with her Music For Youth program which she runs in Bridgeport and other Fairfield county schools to educate and promote emerging artists.
After only a minute or so into his standing ovation, Beyer exits the stage and a minute later returns for an encore, sting that he will perform another Rachmaninoff selection, saying with a chuckle "if the piano can take it".
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After another standing ovation for his Rachmaninoff encore, Alex holds a meet & greet session with friends and fans both old and new. At right, Alex takes a photo with two of his mentors, his Mom, Misty and his instructor Yoshie Akimoto., Steinway teacher of the year awardee last year.
To can see and enjoy this phenomenal concert visit the Church's Youtube page:
https://www.youtube.com/live/qUleioRilpI?si=l55vutuI0fO5qgTc
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At the conclusion of the event Alex and the church hosted a masterclass with several of the area's gifted students. Here, Beyer gives notes to Giuseppina Santandrea, a Weston High sophomore who performed Rondo Capriccioso, op.14 by Mendelssohn. Other students involved were Felix Baer, Bedford Middle School, 8th grade on viola, Sabrina Lee, Weston Middle School 7h grader also on piano. On cello, a Staples High senior, Madeleine O'Neill performed Camille Saint-Saens: Cello concerto No. 1, op 33, Mov. III.
Beyer then began his nearly 7 hour drive back to the base in Norfolk.
About the Saugatuck Congregational Concert Series:
The Saugatuck Concert Series came from the idea of opening the beautiful sanctuary to the public. Church should be related to people’s everyday life, not just Sunday services. Also, I hope through the concert series, people in our community can attend professional performances without taking a train down to nyc.
This is our 2nd year of the concert series. The series includes solo recitals, chamber music, and choral concerts. Last year, we held concerts by concert pianist Uriel Tsachor (Queen Elizabeth and Busoni competition prize winner), Hui-Mei Lin, cellist Peter Seidenberg, Westport Orphenians, Western Connecticut State University Chamber Singers, as well as myself and my viola colleague Suzanne Wager.
Their next concert will be on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 3pm. Music Ministry Director Dr. Chang and her colleague, Dr. Hui-Mei Lin, will play a piano four-hand recital. The program includes works by Debussy, Burge, and Schubert.
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Saugatuck believes music is a common language, not a privilege.
This is a self-funded concert series, so donations are greatly appreciated to support the future concert series.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Parker Harding Parking Problem; What WAS She Thinking
We have all seen various examples of bad parking in Westport. Some are more flagrant than others and some leave one scratching their head in amazement at the sight of such poor or sometimes dreadful parking of an automobile. We wonder, is it lack ability to park properly, or lack of consideration for those who are inconvenienced. Was it due to some dire emergency to which someone had to respond immediately. Who knows?
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
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This particular example raises the question, just what was the driver of this silver BMW thinking? She parked her vehicle substantially enough into the driving lane to cause other drivers to thread their way through the narrow lane which was left. Smaller cars could maneuver more easily but larger vehicles like the SUV's ubiquitous here in town sometimes had to have the passenger exit the car and guide their vehicle through to open area sometimes coming perilously close to the offending vehicle. Cars backed up down the roadway and people walking to their parked cars also had difficulty.
After about 15 minutes of watching we saw a Westport PD officer arrive on scene. She looked over the situation and then drove her cruiser around the lot to position it blockading the lane to prevent drivers from being in the middle of the mess.
After 10 minutes or so of this, the operator of the BMW appeared and the officer and she had a conversation, about what, we can only guess as WPD did not provide details up inquiry by WestportLocal.
We were not able to determine if the driver just returned as a matter of course or if WPD was somehow able to reach her and request she return to remove her car. We could confirm is a ticket was issued, or a warning. The issue ended as the driver drove her vehicle (the wrong way) toward the patrol car and then exited the Parker Harding.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
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Westporters and Visitors Enjoyed Last Weekend's Beautiful Weather, This Weekend Looks Anything But Beautiful
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
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Last weekend's beautiful summer-like weather brought people outdoors everywhere from downtown to Compo beach to enjoy the temps in the mid 70's and the warm sunshine. This weekend does not look like it will bear any resemblance to that be delightful weather.
Rain is expected to blanket the area both Saturday and Sunday as a result of tropical rainstorm Ophelia which may put a damper on one of Westport's favorite events, Saturday's Rotary Lobster Fest held each year at Compo beach.
The beautiful impatiens in front of Anthropologie and at Bedford Square were full and lush but it will not be long before a freeze one night ends their beautiful display. One passer-by in his car may have smelled the great food being enjoyed by lunch time diners sitting at the many tables at downtown restaurants including a young woman visiting Westport from NYC.
Newly installed, very stylish bike racks on Main St. and Church Lane come in handy as they did for Jeff Cuff of Westport who parked his Lectric e-bike at this one. Some of the company's higher end e-bikes go for as much as $1500.
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Meanwhile, at Compo Beach folks enjoyed catching some rays and a few even went for a swim as the water temps were actually mild. Some strolled through the beach, others did the picnic thing or walked along Soundview.
The playground at Compo was a busy scene with children and their parents enjoying some playtime. There was a birthday party at the outdoor pavilion for a young man who was clearly a Buffalo Bills fan
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Inside the brick pavilion, Hannah Makmale, who won a gold medal at the annual U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship in Sarasota, Florida in June rowing for the Saugatuck Rowing Club, celebrated her 16th birthday with a group of her Weston friends.
A seagull who had been eyeing first one door and then the next at Hook'd On The Sound, hoping for an opportunity to grab a snack. He finally made his move and was very unceremoniously escorted out by one of their employees.
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Later, in Saugatuck, the bubble tent domes at Rizzuto's were replaced earlier this season with tent canopies adorned with flowers, garlands and other decorations creating a lovely tropical ambience. for their dinner guests.
Public Forum On Car Jacking & Thefts Tonight At Town Hall
In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community. Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.
The event will be live streamed on the Westport Town Website:
Interested residents may also view a Westport What's Happening Podcast of an interview with First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Chief Of Police Foti Koskinas on the topic.In this very important episode Chief Koskinas and First Selectwoman Tooker discuss the recent carjacking incident and auto thefts in Westport and how to prevent them.
Most important says Chief Koskinas is: LOCK YOUR CAR
BUSTED! Westport Police Make Arrest In Sunday Carjacking
On Tuesday members of Westport PD's Detective Bureau arrested a 16 year old juvenile in connection with the carjacking that occurred on Sunday September 16th. Westport Detectives, as part of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force on Monday executed a search warrant of a residence in Berlin, CT.
Based on information obtained by the Westport Detective Bureau, a warrant to search a residence in Berlin, CT was secured. On September 18, 2023, the warrant was executed by members of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, of which Westport is a member, along with members of Berlin Police Department. During this search four stolen motor vehicles were recovered, one of which was the Aston Martin taken during the carjacking (above, center).
A 2021 BMW 530i that was stolen from Westport on September 16 and used in the carjacking was also located during the search (above, right). Finally, a BMW stolen from Ridgefield (above, right) and a Porsche stolen from Rhode Island (below, right) were also recovered. Twenty-nine-year-old Derek McGill, (above, left) who lives at the home where the stolen cars were found, was placed under arrest by the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force but does not currently have charges pending in Westport. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and has been charged with the following crimes: Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree (4 Counts), Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st (1 Count), Payment Card Theft (1 Count). Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count), Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count
A second search warrant was also executed today.
According to Westport PD Lt. Eric Woods:
On September 19, 2023, Westport Police Detectives, the Connecticut State Police Violent Crime Task Force, and members of the Waterbury Police Department executed a second search warrant on a residence in Waterbury, CT. A handgun with an extended magazine was seized. A sixteen-year-old juvenile who resides in the home was arrested by Westport police after evidence linking him to the carjacking was uncovered. He was charged with the following crimes: Strangulation 1st Degree, Robbery by Carjacking, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree. After conversation with juvenile prosecutors, an additional charge of home invasion has been filed against the 16 year old juvenile.
Contributed photos supplied by Westport Police.
Home Invasion/Car Jacking On Bayberry Lane On Sunday Under Investigation By Westport Police
The assault and car jacking was captured by homeowner’s video camera.
A Bayberry Lane homeowner got the shock of his life after pulling his Aston Martin into his garage when two individuals entered his garage and began the terrifying assault which was captured on the homeowners video camera. Video of the event was released to the media by Westport Police.
Westport PD Press Release On Sunday 9.17.23:
On Sunday, September 17, 2023 at approximately 3:50 PM Westport Police responded to a residential burglary and carjacking on Bayberry Lane. The complainant reported that as they returned home and pulled into their garage, two (2) suspects entered the garage. The suspects assaulted the complainant while they were seated in the vehicle and subsequently stole their blue Aston Martin after forcibly removing the victim. It is believed that the suspects arrived at the residence in a dark blue BMW, as this vehicle was seen fleeing with the stolen vehicle. The complaint suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault but declined medical attention. Broadcast messages were sent to neighboring towns and Connecticut State Police. Both of these vehicles were reported to be last seen traveling north on Route 8. The Westport Police Detective Bureau is currently investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact us at (203)341-6080.
It is believed that our victim was targeted and followed back to their residence. Therefore, Westport Police are encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to 911.
WPD Update on Monday 9.18.23:
There have been no significant developments in the investigation as of this writing. The Aston Martin has not been recovered and there have been no arrests. The dark blue BMW that was involved was later reported stolen from Norwalk..
Westport police to host public forum on this and Car theft issuesI.
n an additional Press Release on Monday by Westport PD, the department announced it will be hosting a forum on public safety do to the seriousness of this incident and the number of vehicle thefts in town over the last 18 months or even earlier.
WPD Press Release:
In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community. Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area. Special attention will be given to police practices that are utilized to combat the theft of vehicles. The forum will provide information and instructions to increase situational awareness and help our community avoid being victims of these crimes.
We hope to see everyone Wednesday at this important and informative meeting.
Not The Electric Slide, This Will Be The Lateral Slide
The bridge replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue is proceeding along on time.
The much needed bridge replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue is being done using the highly efficient technique of Slide-in bridge construction (SIBC), more commonly known as "lateral slide". This is one of several Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technologies being promoted by the FHWA Every Day Counts program. For those who don’t remember, the Electric Slide was all the rage a few years back. This slide offers a more substantial benefit.
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Information on this project is available at www.i95norwalkwestport.com. https://www.i95norwalkwestport.com/
Ironworkers from union local 424 and local 15 work in the blazing sun recently with temperatures in the mid 90ºs and feel-like temps over 100. It wasn't easy for Larry, Bernie, Shai, Willie and John on a day like this, but they did their jobs as they do whatever the weather might be.
Connecticut has received many millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements:
CT has been the recipient of major federal funding for this and other major infrastructure projects. WesportLocalPress spoke with Josh Morgan, CT DOT spokesperson who told us, "Billions of dollars in Federal funds for Connecticut are going towards improving our infrastructure, helping grow the economy, connecting communities, and creating safe and accessible passageways for more people. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our state and make it safer and more accessible for everyone. As a result of this funding, we are doing more projects than ever before and accelerating existing projects so they can be completed sooner. These investments would not be possible without the support of Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, who championed this bill, and Governor Lamont and the state legislature, who have provided us with the matching state funds to leverage new federal grant opportunities. The Federal infrastructure law is making a difference in Connecticut."
To see what slide-in bridge construction looks like you can go to a similar bridge replacement project ins Southington from several years ago: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAAMx0W-7S8
As you will see quite often on union construction jobs, workers insure the Amercian flag takes a prominent position on the jobsite.
The bridge replacement is on schedule to be completed next month over the course of two weekends. This will result in weekend lane closures on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-95. While the roadway will remain open, CT DOT is advising motorists to avoid the area during the weekend work. Details about the date and time of lane closures and alternate routes will be published in advance of the work beginning.
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There are several informative websites to learn about how CT is improving the roads and bridges we drive on day and night.
Morgan further provided additional information and links to see just what is being accomplished to improve the entire state of Connecticut's infrastructure, which has significantly increased use by more and heavier vehicles in recent years.
Morgan's DOT Info:
Here is a link to our end of year Infrastructure Law press release that highlights projects and provides a lot of numbers:https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2022/CTDOT-Highlights-Investments-in-First-Year-of-Infrastructure-Law/. Please note, Commissioner Giulietti has since retired and our current Commissioner is Garrett Eucalitto. Also please note, that release came out two weeks before we were alerted that we received a $158 million Federal grant, which was part of a new program created by the Infrastructure Law:https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2022/Federal-Infrastructure-Grant-for-Gold-Star-Memorial-Bridge-Rehabilitation.
Here is link to a map we have that shows projects and funding type, including the Infrastructure Law:https://ctdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/52e9ba95ad914e34b149966420e9db08.
On that map, there are multiple projects happening in the same area, so if you click on part of 95 for the Norwalk/Westport job, you may have to click through some arrows to get it. And here is a map that shows all active projects in the state: https://connecticut-ctdot.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/497d9f93de1247378faceff72434b8a6/explore. Same note as before with the arrows to move around projects that overlap.