Saugatuck Swells as Snow Melts
As late-blooming Winter snow begins to melt after a few days of mild temperatures and rain, the Saugatuck River has began to swell from the run-off from both Westport and waterways north of Westport that feed into it. Many of the small brooks and streams could also be seen swelling this weekend as the water tries to find a place to go.
Hartford Healthcare COVID-19 Test Site Closes after Months of Service to Thousands of Westporters
Effective tomorrow, one of Westport’s first and busiest COVID-19 testing sites will be officially closed, although yesterday marked the last day of appointments at Hartford Healthcare’s 47 Long Lots Road testing center. The drive-through system began in the Spring as numbers soared and a need for a permanent system was noticed in the community. The small driveway and view of the expansive front lawn became a place where thousand of Westporters spent some of the most nerve-wracking times during the Pandemic as they awaited the unknown: “do I have COVID, or not?”.
The staff at the site remained outdoors from 8-12 every day, some days experiencing hundreds of cars that waited nearly 3 hours for their turn. When rain or snow came, the Hartford Healthcare personnel continued their work standing in the elements - causing the healthcare company to install more permanent and protective options.
The closing of the center ends a chapter in Westport’s pandemic story - the memories of waiting in line for one’s test surely to be remembered as a poignant moment. With hope, the closing of this chapter signified a positive and healthy future for Westport as numbers continue to decrease, while vaccination rates increase.
Editor’s Note
Since the Spring I received nearly twenty proactive COVID-19 tests from the team at the Long Lots Road testing site in rain, sleet, extreme heat, and snow. They, and the members of the National Guard, were helpful, reassuring, and knowledgeable. I appreciate their service to our community - it was an invaluable part of our collective success. If you are one of those team members: Thank you.
“We’re So Excited!” Bookworms Rejoice with Barnes & Noble Opening, Creating a Beautiful Home for Books
The Main Hall at downtown Westport’s Barnes & NobleCustomers were welcomed with open doors this warm afternoon.Although closed for just a few months - Westport’s largest bookshop was missed as customers made their way into the new Barnes & Noble at 76 Post Road East on their grand opening debut today.
The opening of the store marks a continuation of the revival of Downtown Westport, which has experienced several years of renovations and vacant storefronts. With commercial properties in the business district quickly being taken off of the hot pandemic market, Westporters are excited to start the next chapter in the community’s story with the store that specializes in stories.
Natural wood frames the bright colours of the children’s section. High ceilings and large windows create a home for books. The new Barnes & Noble location took over the historic space from Restoration Hardware, and continued the former tenant’s natural, luxurious aesthetic - creating a space that deserves an in-person visit just as much for the design as it does for its contents. Warm, natural hardwood shelves and high, ornate ceilings frame the rustic wooden floorboards and stone tiles that customers pace over while searching for a title. The former location resembled a commercial brand with efficiency in-mind. Now, walking into the building brings one a feeling of walking into the home of an old bibliophilic friend.
Exploring the books was welcomed.While stepping off of the sidewalk into the bright main hall, visitors are greeted by fresh flowers and hand sanitizer as staff mill around to assist in locating their favorite book or other items. Off of the main hall are the stacks - designed like small caves that allow customers to linger over a few pages of a new novel without being in the way of others.
Stone & wood floors create an upscale book shopping experience. The location does not offer a café space - but staff were excited to describe the many options in Downtown, Westport for a quick bite, - something they hope will allow Barnes & Noble to contribute to the overall success of neighboring businesses. “Everyone has been so supportive” a staff member described as they spoke about preparing to open this week. “Other shop owners came to visit us here, and we were able to go visit them and see their stores while meeting them. It’s a great community of people who support each other.”
From the sidewalk - cheering could be heard, “We’re so excited!” two customers yelled as they burst through the main entry doors into the hall, followed by kids dancing in the foyer before they sprinted towards the children’s section at the back of the store.
Staff members watched as the space came alive. “That’s what we’re most excited about.”
The store entrance sits across Post Road East from the newly renovated Bedford Square. Snowshoeing at Longshore
The town’s golf course is not just for golf as families enjoyed the day snowshoeing on the snow-covered greens this afternoon.