I-95 (aka the Connecticut Turnpike or Thruway — though definitely not the “John Davis Lodge Turnpike”) has been part of Westport for so long that its path through here, largely paralleling the railroad tracks, seems foreordained.
Of course, it was not.
In 1951 — when planning for the highway was underway — 2 different routes were proposed.
One was very similar to what was ultimately decided — though it appears a second, or alternate, exit was included, at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/ Bridge street intersection. (Greens Farms Road was further south then than it is now.)
But a northern highway was also considered.
Two proposed routes, from the October 18, 1951 Westporter-Herald. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
It would veer off just after the Norwalk border. It would rip through Treadwell Avenue and Kings Highway South, cross over Post Road West (with an exit by Birchwood Country Club), then head east at Riverside Avenue (another possible exit).
The “expressway” would continue just south of Post Road East (known at the time as State Street East), obliterating residences in its path through Hillandale Road, then just south of Greens Farms Elementary School (another potential exit), and on eastward through Maple Avenue South.
At the Fairfield line, the highway would continue at what is now its current location.
Legend has it that the more southern route was chosen because the governor — a Westport resident — lived on Easton Road, closer to the northern path.
The Staples High School boys soccer team, coached by Albie Loeffler, earned its 5th consecutive state title (a Connecticut record).
Jimmy Manning headed in a beautiful cross from Kenny Murphy in sudden-death overtime to defeat #1-ranked Manchester. The upstaters had a perfect record going into the state final.
Staples finished 13-1-5.
(Every day, “06880” covers the Westport of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)
Winners of Tuesday’s election — newcomers and incumbents — will be sworn in on Monday, November 20 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The public is invited to attend.
Dozens of town officials — including board and commission members, and those on the Representative Town Meeting — will take oaths of office November 20. This is a file photo from 2021. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
The Westport Library Gift Store is now open, and filled with gifts. It’s located in the writing center adjacent to the Hub on the main floor, alongside the Library Store and Patron Services desk.
There are gifts for readers, writers, and anyone else special: handmade scarves, hats and gloves; puzzles and games; decorative items like unique snow globes; notebooks and journals; toys, art supplies, novelty items for kids, and more.
An added gift: Purchases are tax free. All proceeds support Library services and programs.
High school students were not around in the 1960s. Most of their parents were not, either.
But MoCA Westport is reaching back to that famous decade, while seeking submissions for their 2024 High School Student Art Exhibition.
The theme of the open call is “Through the Lens of Icons: Revisiting the 1960s.” The idea is to “reimagine the ’60s through your creative lens.” Individuals, moments or symbols that hold cultural, political or personal significance are welcome.
Categories include photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and video. Students may submit only one work each.
The deadline is December 1. For more details, including submission guidelines, click here.
President Kennedy, his wife Jackie and Texas Governor John Connolly, moments before the assassination that changed the world.
The “bridge slide” portion of the I-95 project is over.
But construction delays remain.
Long ones.
Last night, Jo Shields Sherman reports, 3 state highway trucks were traveling south, “as fast as 5 miles an hour.” Police vehicles kept pace, preventing any vehicles from passing.
One view of I-95, from the Hillspoint Road bridge …
The view from the other side of the bridge seemed eerie, she says, with not a single vehicle in sight. Here’s what it looked like:
(Photos/Jo Shields Sherman)
By 8:30, traffic was moving well again.
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After a 3-year hiatus, Stephanie Bass returns to the stage.
Westport’s favorite 70something comedian offers her always-hilarious take on life — including getting older, and raising a kid from 5 to adulthood in this wonderful, odd, often (unintentionally) humorous town.
The free show (including both stand-up and storytelling) on November 17 (7 p.m., Westport Library) is presented by students of Verso University’s Stand-Up comedy series. The host is comedian (and course instructor) Mina Hartong.
Staples High School’s November Students of the Month are seniors Dylan Fiore and Dylan Walsh, juniors Will Boberski and Kate Weitz, sophomores Tyler Smalls and Mia Zibly, and freshmen Ishan Pasham and Eliza Wadley.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
November Students of the Month (from left): Dylan Walsh, William Boberski, Mia Zibly, Kate Weitz, Eliza Wadley. Not pictured: Dylan Fiore, Ishan Pasham, Tyler Smalls.
The Westport Library’s Big Fall Book Sale is set for 3 weeks before winter: December 1-4.
On sale: thousands of gently used books for children and adults in more than 50 categories, antiquarian books, vinyl records, music CDs, movie and TV DVDs, plus a limited selection of ephemera and artwork, and the “Fiction for $1” room.
Hours are Friday, December 1 (noon to 6 p.m.), Saturday, December 2 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Sunday, December 3 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., nearly everything half price), and Monday, December 4 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; fill logo bags for $8 or $10).
On December 1 (8:55 a.m. to noon), the book sale is open via an Early Access ticket (click here to buy). For more information, click here.
Can’t make the sale? Visit the nonprofit Westport Book Shop across Jesup Green from the Library, or shop any time on the Book Sale’s Online Store, or eBay.
Westport Library Book Sale.
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It’s been a few days since Tracy Porosoff sent in this “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Hopefully, these flowers are still hanging on, in her backyard garden.
And finally … if high school students need a prompt to create art for MoCA Westport’s “1960s” exhibition (story above), there are tens of thousands of songs to choose from.
Here are 3:
(“06880” looks back often — and looks to the present and future always. Please help us continue our work. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The Westport Community Gardens/Babe Ruth baseball field saga continues.
A week after the Long Lots School Building Committee recommended relocating the gardens to Baron’s South, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to place the diamond where the garden is now, just south of the elementary school.
Meeting last night at Town Hall, commissioners spoke about field use and scheduling, including possibilities for new fields to allow the gardens to remain.
Community members spoke. Issues raised included possible toxic chemicals at Baron’s South; the importance of fields for youngsters; the importance of the gardens for mental health and the environment, and contrasts between how often the gardens and Long Lots baseball field are used.
Commissioners then read prepared statements, favoring the baseball field over the gardens. They hope to keep as much of the Long Lots Preserve as possible, as a buffer for neighbors.
Other town bodies will now continue to discuss the entire Long Lots project, including the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted that a new Babe Ruth baseball field should replace the Westport Community Gardens.
Yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker acknowledged recent antisemitic incidents in Westport, like the vandalism of an Israeli flag. She said:
“Hate incidents are on the rise in the US following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Specifically, antisemitic incidents have increased by 388% according to a report released by the ADL last week.
“This data is shocking and horrifying. Leaders like me all around the country, in large cities and in small towns, are monitoring these trends and communicating with organizations like the ADL and our local clergy to publicly stand against these incidents in our communities.
“I want the residents and business owners of Westport to know that there is no place for hate — no place for antisemitic behavior — in Westport. Our community strongly rejects hate in all forms. The safety and well-being of each member of our community are my top priority and that of Police Chief Foti Koskinas. If you hear something or see something, please report it.
“We are here for you. We want you to feel safe, and heard. We want you to know that you are a valued member of our community, that you belong here. It is up to all of us to stand together and speak up – clearly and unequivocally – against hate, and specifically antisemitism, and any language or actions that feed or normalize it. Again, when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.”
A defaced Israeli flag was found near Temple Israel last weekend.
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Fairfield County Hunt Club has withdrawn its Planning & Zoning Commission application to construct to construct 2 pickleball courts, along with a proposed tennis court expansion and parking lot modification.
At a recent meeting, commission members and neighbors questioned the plan, focusing on noise and related issues.
A revised plan may be resubmitted in the future, the Hunt Club says.
This is the second application to be taken off of next Monday’s meeting agenda. Yesterday, the town withdrew its application for a redesign of Parker Harding Plaza.
It bears repeating: The second “bridge slide” is set for this weekend (Friday, November 3, 8 p.m. to Monday, November 6, 6 a.m.). Traffic throughout town will be heavier than usual.
Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller led the Y’s Women through 93 years of history yesterday.
He described the 1930 beginning, when Broadway producer Lawrence Langner bought a barn and hired a set designer, through Stephen Sondheim’s apprenticeship, and the Joanne Woodward-led renovation 2 decades ago.
Miller took his guests backstage, showing the lighting and sound board; onto the storied stage, then downstairs to see the dressing rooms, green room, and “wall of honor” with head shots of actors who have performed there, including Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Ethel Barrymore, Gene Kelly, Olivia de Havilland, and of course Paul Newman.
Y’s Women begin their tour in the Westport Country Playhouse lobby.
Trombonist Steve Davis and musical partner/pianist David Hazeltine headline this week’s Jazz at the Post.
Davis has appeared on over 100 recordings, while Hazeltine has been on hundreds more.
Also on the bill: Jason Tiemann (drums), Rich Zurkowski (bass) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
The 2 shows are this Thursday (November 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
A new panelist has been added to Sunday’s TEA (Thinkers, Educators, Artists) talk at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).
The event — which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on the arts — will now include Luciano Floridi. A professor of philosophy at Yale University, he’s also founding director of the Digital Ethics Center. He writes extensively about the philosophy of information and technology, digital ethics and the ethics of AI.
He joins Brian Keane, the Grammy Award-winning composer/producer (and a 1971 Staples graduate), Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman, and arts consultant Liz Liggett. Click here for more information.
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In case you don’t have kids, and (somehow) forgot: Today is Halloween.
But flowers still bloom. Lauri Weiser sent this photo of the scene at Lansdowne condos, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … everyone plays “Monster Mash” today.
But this if my favorite Halloween song:
(No candy for “06880,” thanks. But if you really want to give us something, a tax-deductible contribution would be sweet. Please click here. Thanks. Now we won’t toilet paper your house.)
As scheduled, parts of I-95 were closed last night — along with the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — as part of the “slide,” to replace the old bridge with the new one.
As expected, traffic — including plenty of trucks — jammed the Post Road.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
The closure is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday (October 23).
Sunday’s “Bring Them Home” candlelight vigil on Jesup Green (6 to 6:45 p.m.) — “an opportunity to come together, united as a community, to pray for the safe return of the hostages and show our support for Israel” — is on.
It might be windy. Organizers suggest electric candles, in addition to or in place of ones that might blow out.
Speaking of Israel: 4 Westporters — Jennifer and Eric Blankfein, and Wendy and Spencer Brown — were on a flight there when Hamas attacked.
They landed at 10:30 on Saturday morning,, October 7.
Jennifer documented their 4 days in Israel on her blog, “Book Nation by Jen.” It’s long, but well worth the time. Click here for “A Trip to the Holy Land; Timing is Everything.” (Hat tip: Betsy Pollak)
Speaking still of the crisis in the Middle East: The Westport Writers’ Workshops is raising funds the best way they know how.
Next Thursday (October 26, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Zoom), Julie Sarkissian will lead a writing circle. All proceeds from the $35 registration fee will provide aid to children affected by the fighting.
Attendees will write together to prompts, and share work aloud. Click here to register.
Neil Gaiman — noted author of “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Sandman” series — kicked off this weekend’s StoryFest at the Westport Library.
His keynote conversation doubled as the Fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts.
A full slate of events — panel discussions, workshops, children’s activities, a story pitch session and the world premiere of the psychological thriller “Gentle Hacksaw” — take place today and tomorrow.
In addition to the previously announced 8-24 hearing on Parker Harding Plaza, next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (October 23, 7 p.m., Zoom) includes a proposed text amendment to modify affordable housing standards.
The request — to increased the number of bedrooms from 20 to 24 per gross acre, and authorize approval of off-site affordable housing — would turn 259 Riverside Avenue, currently an office building, into residences.
Click here for the full agenda of Monday’s P&Z meeting.
La Plage says “adieu” to their patio for the season, in a spooky way.
On Sunday, October 29 (5 p.m. until late), the Longshore restaurant hosts a Halloween Soiree.
On the menu: complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails (“boo-ze”) from Litchfield Distillery, music, and a costume contest.
RSVP by phone (203-684-6232) or email (Info@laplagewestport.com).
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Sustainable Westport’s second Residential Energy Learning series focuses on solar energy. “Everything Solar” is set for the Westport Library on November 7 (6:30 p.m., reception, 6:45 presentation and Q-and-A).
Westport architect John Rountree and Nathan Hernandez, solar consultant, will discuss how to transition your home or business to solar energy. They’ll cover solar panels, installation companies, design considerations, the expected ROI, and financing options (with federal and state incentives).
Westporter Dan Schlesinger will talk about his recent process of going solar.
The final Residential Learning Series, “Going Geothermal,” is December 12.
We’d love you to check out 4 great houses on our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour on November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.; click here for details).
But there’s another tour that very same day, and in the interest of fairness I’m posting that info too.
Histoury — a non-profit dedicated to preserving and appreciating historic buildings in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts — is offering a bus tour of Frazier Peters homes in Westport.
It begins at 1 p.m. November 5, and lasts 4 hours. The bus will include 20 stone homes designed by the famed architect, with stops for a few interior looks.
Click here for tickets ($75 for adults, $49 for students).
Due to artist availability. the Westport Country Playhouse November 13 Script in Hand play reading has been changed.
“Cleo” has been replaced by “Theatre People,” by Paul Slade Smith.
Based on Ferenc Molnár’s Hungarian farce “Play at the Castle,” this adaptation is a comedy about people in love with theater. But pursuit of a surefire Broadway hit, they might have to give reality a rewrite.
Click here for more information, and tickets to the 7 p.m. play reading.
Longtime Westporter Edward (Doug) Hyde, Jr. died Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones. He was 85.
The Ridgefield native was a graduate of Fairfield Prep and the University of Detroit. He served proudly as a sergeant in the US Army Reserve.
Doug was a credit analyst in New York, and the owner of Hyde’s Wines & Liquors in Ridgefield. He later bought Beacon Liquor Store in Westport. He also took on the role of manager at Depot Liquors in Saugatuck
He and his wife Joan Masnato, former Westport town clerk, were married for 53 years.
Doug and Joan loved to travel. He found solace and joy in fishing and boating. As an amateur radio operator, he connected with the world through his airwaves. He also enjoyed reading historical and Stephen King novels, cooking and entertaining.
He is survived by his wife; brothers Brian of Winchester, Virginia and Gary (companion Christine Lamadrid) of Avon; sister Marilyn Gregory of Shelton; nieces Sara Hyde, Marybeth McAllister (John) and Rena Hemmann (Tom); nephews Paul Hyde (Annie), Jason Hyde (Jamie), Kenneth Hyde (Jen S.), William Gregory (Susanna) and Thomas Gregory, and goddaughter Sally Anastos (Tarsey).
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday (October 24, St. Pius X Parish, Fairfield). Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Westport Volunteer EMS, 50 Jesup Rd, Westport CT 06880 or St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Doug Hyde
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Egrets at the Sherwood Mill Pond always make us smile.
Today — in the golden sun of autumn — they make our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … happy 83rd birthday to Manfred Mann.
You know his band. But the South African/English keyboardist was not its lead singer. That was Paul Jones.
But he did sing with another, later group, also named for him: Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.
(Just another regular “Roundup” — in other words, everything you need to know in Westport today. If you like what you learn, please consider a contribution to “06880.” Click here — and thank you!)
Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.
She said then:
The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.
I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.
Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.
We are with you, Israel.
She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:
TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.
On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S. against the rising scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.
Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.
For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.
On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.
“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.
“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.
Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.
This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.
Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.
Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.
In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.
On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.
Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.
RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.
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Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:
That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.
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Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.
They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.
Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.
This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.
Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?
To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?
Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.
Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.
It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson
The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).
The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.
“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.
It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.
His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”
Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.
After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.
“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”
In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.
A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).
Ty Guarente
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Today is not much of a beach day.
But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.
The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.
Here are just 3 of their classics:
(It’s your thing … do what you want to do! But please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
If you want to make decisions based on more than yard signs, come to the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidate debates.
There are 3, all in the Town Hall auditorium. Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the stage on October 11 (7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
The I-95 reconstruction project is getting more complicatd.
I-95 north and southbound between Exits 17, and the southbound Exit 17 ramp will be closed periodically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., from October 2 to October 27.
Traffic will be detoured along the Sherwood Island Connector, Post Road and Riverside Avenue.
The state Department of Transportation says closures will be “not more than 15 minutes” at a time.
Should be fun!
Work continues on the I-95 project. (Photo/Dave Stone)
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Yesterday morning, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice promised that the buses parked at Staples High School — a temporary solution, while First Student searches for a permanent site — would be relocated to the Greens Farms train station by early next week.
A couple of hours later — before noon — they were already there.
Westport school buses, at their new Greens Farms train station home.
Westport Transit District co-directors Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad will be at the Saugatuck train station next Tuesday (October 3, 6 to 10 a.m.; sidewalk near the elevator on the westbound side, corner of Franklin Street and Railroad Place). They’ll meet commuters (and anyone else who wants to attend).
Peter and Karina want to hear what people think about Wheels2U, and transportation issues in Westport overall.
Ever since Evan Sheiber was born with half a heart (hypo-plastic right heart syndrome). his mother Britt Melsheimer has fundraised for research and support.
“Hoops for Heart” is her latest project (October 15, 10 a.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA).
It’s a non-competitive basketball tournament for players over 10 years old. No experience is necessary.
All money raised supports the Fontan Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital. Click below for a superb video about the registry. (It includes Evan, his twin brother James, Britt, and Evan’s cardiologist.
Teams are already established (Bird and SolidCore have created teams; the other 7 are local families). Click here to be added to one. Spectators are welcome. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation. and for more information.
Granola Bar and Stylish Spoon are donating breakfasts. There’s also a raffle, with Invisalign & Zoom by Imperial Dental Associates, and diamond hoop earrings and a $500 gift card from Sarah Kaplan owner of Middlemarch.
DJ Mo hosts the event, ensuring an especially fun time.
Speaking of Staples students on the national stage: 3 juniors are heading to France.
The Institution Saint Joseph in Le Havre has invited Staples to the 10th ‘Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit (November 27 to December 1). School officials selected Mia Bombeck (an “06880” intern!), Ryder Levine and Sam Rossoni, as high performing students interested in world affairs.
They’ll join representatives from Brazil, South Africa, Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, Romania, Costa Rica, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Finland, Senegal, Indonesia and Estonia at the event.
Félicitations!
From left: Ryder Levine, Mia Bombeck, Sam Rossoni.
Gently-used items — racquets, gear, shoes, even household items — can be dropped off today and tomorrow (Saturday, September 30) at 104 Long Lots Road — not Lane.
Fortunately, there are no surprised homeowners. 104 Long Lots Lane does not exist.
Every year around this time, a cashmere pop-up shop pops up at a new location.
This year it’s 180 Post Road East (the Da Tapas building).
It opens October 6, and runs through December 17. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (Hat tip: Patti Brill)
Bed Beth & Beyond has gone to, well, the great beyond.
The sign on the bankrupt chain was carted away yesterday.
In its place: a new one, for Summit Health.
(Photo and hat tip/Dinkin Fotografix)
So it looks like — contrary to media reports earlier this month — the new tenant in the space just over the Norwalk border will not be a combined Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.
“Innovators in Wellness Week” begins October 2 at Pause + Purpose (21 Jesup Road).
Five days of special events highlight local businesses that “blend the wisdom of old and new, and offer groundbreaking approaches to nurture your mind, body and soul.”
There are speakers, Q-and-As, massages and more. Clear here for details.
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John McCarthy wrote to Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Weiser, deputy moderator Lauren Karpf and Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton:
“I was surprised to see that the below resolution was not placed on the RTM Agenda for its October 3 meeting:
‘RESOLVED, that the full Westport RTM at its October 3, 2023 meeting affirms that the meaning of the term ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ of the ‘Representative Town Meeting Rules of Procedures’ as found in Exhibit A of the ‘Code of Ordinances of Westport Connecticut’ is to be ‘construed as being mandatory’, per the definition of the word ‘Shall’ in ‘Sec. 1-2. – Definitions and rules of construction’ and that ‘Sec. A162-6. – Agenda’ compels and requires the Moderator, or in the event of the Moderator’s inability to act, the Deputy Moderator or, in the event of the inability of both, the Town Clerk to place on the RTM meeting agenda such matters as petitioned by at least 20 Westport Electors not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.”
A petition with over 20 electors was certified by the town clerk on September 5, McCarthy says.
He adds, “I trust that this was merely an oversight and that a corrected version of the agenda with the requested resolution will be issued shortly.”
CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 4-5. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.
Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.
“Chapter Two: Spanning From Retail to E-Tail” — a benefit supporting expansion of Westport Book Sale’s employment and job training program for adults with disabilities, to its eBay online sales business — is set for October 25 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
The event will include live music, light bites, a paddle raise, and a live and silent auction of a sample of what the Book Sale sells on eBay.
Click here to see auction items. They include a first edition of Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince; 2 copies of The New Yorker in Westport donated by authors Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; books signed by Laura Linney; a poster autographed by Sylvester Stallone; art donated by Nina Bentley, Miggs Burroughs, Kirsten Rao, Norm Siegel, and Rowene Weems, and more.
Participants in the online sales business will learn computer, data entry and office skills, broadening their work experience and marketability.
Eager beavers will be excited about this year’s Aspetuck Land Trust Haskins Lecture.
Leila Philip — author of the bestseller “Beaverland” — speaks at the Westport Library on October 26 (7 p.m.).
She’ll discuss the animal’s large role in American history, and even larger role in our ecological future. Books will be available for purchase, and signing.
Aspetuck Land Trust will also host 2 beaver hikes (October 12 and 22) at Trout Brook Valley Preserve in Weston. Click here for details of that, and other events.
On December 2, the Westport Country Playhouse presents a production of the young adult novel. The musical follows Percy jackson as he discovers he’s a demigod.
It’s recommended for grades 3-6. Click here for tickets ($25) and more information.
And finally … in honor of the kerfuffle over the word “shall” (story above):
(Kerfuffles, controversies — they’re all part of the local journalism you find on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyperlocal blog. Thank you!)
Two longstanding local traditions — the Sunrise Rotary Great Duck Race, and Westport Downtown Association Sidewalk Sale — take place this weekend.
There’s also a third. And this one has an even longer history: over 60 years.
jUNe Day will be celebrated all over town on Saturday (June 24). United Nations diplomats, staff members and their families will spend the day here, having fun and enjoying special activities.
At 10:30 a.m. on Jesup Green — as part of the Great Duck Race celebration — UN Under-Secretary General General Christian Saunders will deliver a message from Secretary General António Guterres.
Options for our guests include Earthplace, Wakeman Town Farm, Compo Beach, tennis and golf at Longshore, and a soccer match (UN vs. Westport Knights, 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).
UN visitors can also enjoy the Duck Race and Sidewalk Sales. Nearby, they’ll see flags from many UN member countries flying on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
That’s an apt sight. Steinkraus Cohen was one of the founders of jUNe Day, more than 6 decades ago. She was a longtime member of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut too, which sponsors the annual event in cooperation with the town of Westport.
For questions or more information, call Bill Hass: 203-454-7685 or 203-434-6609.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously last night to ban tobacco and cannabis smoking at all beaches, and certain parts of recreational facilities, like playgrounds, pools, fields and athletic courts.
The regulation — which includes a 25-foot buffer — does not include the golf course, or passive recreation areas like Winslow or other town parks.
Speaking of the law: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 14 and 21.
One was for disorderly conduct, following a domestic violence incident.
The other was for issuing a bad check, worth $12,945.50, to a local business.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations; 8 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Assault, 3rd degree: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of high beams: 1
Failure to display plates: 1
Littering: 1
Don’t be a litterbug! (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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Housing. Transportation. Gun safety.
Those were just a few of the topics Connecticut’s General Assembly voted on in the session that ended just a few days ago. (Oh, yeah: the budget too!)
Three local legislators — State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — host a “wrap-up” discussion at the Westport Library next Wednesday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Komansky Room).
On the agenda: successes (and failures), plus goals for the future.
Senator Ceci Maher, Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
It’s one of the most prestigious and elite legal programs around.
For 50 years, the Supreme Court Fellows Program has offered 4 positions a year to mid-career professionals, recent law school graduates and doctoral degree holders. Founded by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger, it draws over 1,000 applicants.
One of the appointees this year is Viviana Vasiu. A Westport and Brooklyn resident, she will be assigned to the US Sentencing Commission.
A former clerk for 2 US District Court judges, she participated in the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the Department of Justice. She earned a BA summa cum laude, and a JD magna cum laude, from Stetson University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
But there’s more to the story. Viviana came alone to the US at 18, from Romania. She enrolled at a community college in San Diego, and within a year earned a paralegal certificate. She was the Stetson’s first-ever immigrant and English major valedictorian.
Congratulations, attorney Vasiu!
Viviana Vasiu
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The I-95 bridge in Philadelphia will be repaired — and reopened — barely 2 weeks after it collapsed, during a truck fire.
Meanwhile, work on I-95 in Westport — which did not collapse — appears to be on schedule for its completion date of November, 2038.
The Post Road project should be finished a week or two before that.
And finally … 2 takes on the new smoking ban (story above).
You can no longer smoke at the beaches, tennis courts, athletic fields and related recreational facilities …
… but you can still light up on the golf course, Winslow Park and other spots.
(As jUNe Day nears, a reminder: “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please consider a contribution, to help us continue our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Last week’s Friday Flashback showed Ken Montgomery’s Old Mill store — one of several predecessors of the current Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
It had been his mother’s market. He joined her, after his original place — on the corner of Bridge Street and Compo Road South — was demolished, to make way for the new Connecticut Turnpike (now called I-95).
I’d never seen a photo of it. Then, just days after that Friday Flashback, Pamela Docters posted an old Westport Town Crier newspaper clipping on Facebook:
As the caption notes, Ken wanted to move the “retail landmark” to property he owned opposite the old Saugatuck Elementary School (now The Saugatuck co-op housing complex). His request was denied.
The caption also says that he hoped to return with a new store once the highway was finished.
That never happened. But the Old Mill store was good to him.
And Ken was good to his town. When he died, he left a $500,000 gift to the Westport YMCA.
Pamela posted a couple of other fascinating doomed-by-the-thruway photos.
This one, from June 7, 1956, shows houses moved to Dr. Gillette Circle.
Dr. Gillette Circle is off Davenport Avenue, which itself is accessed by Ferry Lane West off Saugatuck Avenue — adjacent to I-95 Exit 17.
Indian Hill Road — also part of the neighborhood — is now sliced in two by the highway. It once connected, all the way north to Treadwell Avenue.
Dr. Gillette Circle is once again buffeted by change. The 157-unit Summit Saugatuck development is a few yards away, on Hiawatha Lane Extension.
As for I-95, recent state Department of Transportation work has radically altered the landscape first created when the turnpike was built. It took 70 years for trees and vegetation to grow. Now it’s all gone.
Of course, as thruway construction took place Saugatuck was not the only neighborhood affected. Another photo posted by Pam shows a Greens Farms home — already 125 years old — being moved 700 feet away from the new route’s right-of-way, to Turkey Hill South.
The Connecticut Turnpike cut a wide swath through Westport. It changed Saugatuck forever, and made an enormous impact everywhere else.
Three-quarters of a century later, most of us cannot imagine life here without it.
But there are still Westporters, and former residents, alive who do.
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