The September 13 rain bomb damaged her home, and destroyed 3-room rental unit in her lower level. It supplements her income. Health issues limit her ability to work.
It was the first water intrusion she’d ever had, in 28 years here.
Debra says, “I am 70 years old and trying to manage this on my own. It has become a nightmare, and an expense I was not prepared for.” Insurance (of course) does not cover her losses.
last call: tickets for “historic homes of 06880” tour
Tickets are almost all gone for the 4th annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.
This Sunday’s (November 1) event — produced in collaboration with the great KMS Team at Compass crew — is our biggest yet.
There are 5 homes — one more than usual — and we’ve added an extra hour (12 to 4 p.m.).
This year’s homes are spectacular. Each is historic, and retains its original look and feel; all have been adapted thoughtfully and beautifully, for today’s lifestyle.
They include:
The 100-year-old stone residence, with renovated gardens, ponds and fountains, at 50 Sylvan Road North (former home of actor Frank Gorshin, The Riddler on “Batman”)
“9 Hearths” (actually 11), owned by former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nearby, at 56 Sylvan Road North
50 Turkey Hill North, the much-admired former inn and tavern across from St. Luke Church, owned for over a century by the Burr and Banks families
311 Greens Farms Road, one of the oldest homes in Westport; featuring original flooring and beams, with a complementary addition
217 Compo Road South, an 1855 Victorian farmhouse and carriage house that epitomize thoughtful renovation, with history at the forefront.
From 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street, Elm and Church Streets are filled with holiday fun.
Staples Orphenians and a string ensemble play. There’s a DJ too, plus Santa Claus, face painting, a photo booth and much more.
Merchants and restaurants offer special promotions (including freebies). Vendors and non-profits fill the streets. PopUp Bagels will be there too, celebrating their opening in Westport.
It’s the second night of Hanukkah — so there will be a menorah lighting, with our friends from Chabad of Westport.
There’s something for everyone. See you at the Holiday Stroll, December 5!
Several artists have collaborated on a piece that blends iconic locations of yesteryear, with some of our town’s most recognizable names: Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward, Anne Hathaway, Patty Hearst, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Neil Sedaka, Michael Bolton, Norman Rockwell, Liz Taylor (with her home), Don Imus, Christopher Lloyd, Phil Donahue & Marlo Thomas.
The price is just $49, unframed. Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934 to order.
“Westport USA”
wwpt: #1 in the NATION!
Congratulations to WWPT!
The Staples radio station — 90.3 FM, but you should already have it on your pre-sets — was named the Best High School Station in the country this past weekend.
For the second straight year.
The honor came at the John Drury High School Radio Awards in Chicago.
In addition, Thomas Scott was named Broadcaster of the Year.
Dylan Robbin — who, we are proud to say, is a member of “06880”‘s board of directors — was a finalist for Broadcaster of the Year. He also took 2nd place with Thomas and Charlie Curran for Best Underwriting or Commercial (for Gaetano’s Deli), and 5th for Best Sportscast.
Declan Jandora was a finalist for Broadcaster of the Year. In addition, he placed third for Best DJ.
Kudos to advisor Geno Heiter, and the entire staff at The Best High School Radio Station in the US.
WWPT-FM advisor Geno Heiter (left) with Declan Jandora, Thomas Scott and Dylan Robbin — and their awards.
Now, have a chance to learn how to prevent damage by bad guys — and to meet Sam, one of the real good guys.
The event is tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27, 6 p.m., VFW Post 399). It’s hosted by (of all groups) the Wilton Drum Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (who only had to worry about Benedict Arnold).
But that’s not all.
Soon, Sam will team up with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, for a pair of Verso University “Lunch and Learn” sessions at the Westport Library.
Both are at noon, on November 13 and December 11. The first topic is “AI for Small Businesses“; the second builds on that one, for “Next Steps” (though previous attendance is not required).
No technical background required. The Library says: “Bring your lunch, your questions, and a real task you’d like help with.”
Sam Disraelly
LUX BOND & GREEN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Lux Bond & Green celebrated 30 years in Westport Saturday.
The Brooks Corner (Main and Elm Streets) location was the second, for the 128-year-old, 5th generation, family owned and operated business.
To celebrate 3 decades here, all month long they’ll donate proceeds from all watch batteries, sizing and jewelry cleaning to Swim Across The Sound. For customers who mention Swim Across the Sound, a percentage of that sale will also benefit the non-profit.
LBG partner Roberto Coin also turns 30 this year. The store celebrates with 2 trunk shows. A percentage sales will benefit Connecticut Food Share.
On November 1, Lux Bond & Green will donate another month of watch sizing, batteries and jewelry cleaning to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Mentioning the non-profit during any purchase will generate a donation too.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie reads a proclamation. Store and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce officials listen.
winslow park animal hospital celebrates halloween
As it does for (nearly) every holiday, Winslow Park Animal Hospital offers special decorations.
Drivers stuck at the Playhouse Square light — or waiting to turn into the Westport Country Playhouse (aka Winslow Park) parking lot — are enjoying the Halloween fun.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
go big or go home: entitled parking edition
Speaking of Playhouse Square: We offer this photo, without comment.
Feel free to add your own.
(Photo/Dave Matlow)
PINKALICIOUS DAY AT THE GREEN
October is orange, for Halloween. Jesup Green is, well, green.
But pink was the predominant color yesterday there. “Pinkalicious” author (and Westport resident) Victoria Kann read from (and signed) her new book, “Snickerdoodle.” Trick or treating followed.
Victoria Kann and friend. (Photo/Susan Garment)
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY
Fall foliage continues to amaze and inspire us.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is from Lansdowne Condominiums.
Good question. The 133-year-old swing bridge — the only one of its kind left in the country — is not getting any younger.
Of course, it was pretty old — close to 100 — in 1985.
Over 40 years ago — when Microsoft released Windows 1.0, Symbolics.com was registered as the first .com domain name, Nintendo launched Super Mario Bros., and Coca-Cola introduced “New Coke” — Westporters were talking about … what to do with what was called the Bridge Street Bridge.
(Its namesake, William F. Cribari, was then an energetic 66-year-old, directing traffic onto and off of the bridge. He lived another 22 years — dying almost 2 decades ago.)
Roger Leifer unearthed a fascinating story from the Westport News. (That was our local newspaper. The Cribari Bridge outlasted it too.)
The piece began: “State officials say an environmental assessment relating to plans for replacement of the Bridge Street Bridge is expected to continue for the next few weeks.”
The state proposed replacing it with a “stronger, more modern bridge which could accommodate tractor trailers. The current bridge has been deemed ‘structurally deficient’ and has a 7-ton load limit.”
The project would cost $6 million or more. State and federal governments would fund the replacement.
Once upon a time, the Bridge Street Bridge was strong enough to support trolleys.
The proposal was “vigorously opposed by a large number of Westport residents, particularly those living in the Saugatuck area. Residents claim that a larger, wider bridge will lead to increased car and truck traffic in the area, as motorists try to bypass the increasingly congested Connecticut Turnpike and the Norwalk toll.”
(That toll booth, just west of Exit 17, did not outlive the Cribari Bridge either. In fact, they were gone that same year of 1985.)
Added traffic would “destroy” the neighborhood, residents said, while a new bridge would “remove a picturesque landmark which is part of the ‘tradition’ of Westport.
Opponents claimed the bridge could be brought up to proper structural standards for $3 million — and be strong enough to accommodate buses and fire trucks. The 7-ton limit precluded them from using it then.
State officials countered that it was “impractical to restore the bridge, given its deteriorating supporting structure and its limited width and height.
Opening the Cribari Bridge requires hand cranking.
A DOT proposal for a bridge with a vertical clearance of 16 feet — 3 higher than the current 13 — and 56 feet wide, 26 feet more — would allow a third lane, for improved traffic flow.
The DOT’s acting manager of the Bridge Design Unit, Daniel Coffey, said that the state intended to proceed with the replacement, despite Westporters’ objections.
He added that as part of the environmental assessment, DOT officials were reviewing “historical factors.”
Classic view of the Bridge Street Bridge. The latest major work was one in 1993.
Because it is on the National Register of Historic Places, officials were required to consider the historical status of the bridge, when debating restoration and replacement.
First Selectman William Seiden “reluctantly accepted the basic concept that the old bridge has to be replaced,” the Westport News said, “citing practical and financial considerations.”
Seiden noted that state and federal governments would not pay for a new bridge, unless it was strong enough to allow tractor trailers to cross.
“The first selectman said if the town wants to build a weight-limited bridge, it would have to pay for itself,” the story concluded.
(“06880” has followed the Cribari Bridge controversy since we began posting, in 2009. We’ll keep doing it, for years to come — thanks to reader support. Please click here to donate. Thanks!)
Noted photographer Tom Kretsch lives near the Cribari Bridge. He often stops midway through his walk, gazing at the river below. The other day, he caught 2 Saugatuck Rowing Club crews — one of young men, the other women — gliding past in the late afternoon light.
There’s always a story behind an “06880” Photo Challenge.
Last week’s was especially apt. Andrew Bangser’s image showed a wooden box, illustrated with a dog with a book, a couple of people reading books, and a Dr. Seuss-ian quote about the importance of reading. (Click here to see.)
It’s the start of the “Story Walk,” along the Saugatuck River off Riverside Avenue.
A project of a nearby medical practice — Village Pediatrics — the stories are an often-changing treat for young patients.
And anyone else who wanders by.
Only 2 readers wandered by enough to recognize it: Bill Strittmatter and Clark Thiemann.
Take a stroll the next time you’re in the area. It’s fun!
Turning the page, we find today’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Where in Westport would you see this? (Photo/Pam Docters)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Whether you know a lot or nothing about old autos, everyone is invited to the Riverside Avenue club, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday).
Dozens of classic cars will be displayed. There’s a 50/50 raffle too, plus burgers, dogs and other classic fare.
Cuba? No — the VFW!
RTM TRANSIT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON BRIDGE
Speaking of cars (and traffic): The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee meets Tuesday (October 27, 6:30 p.m., Zoom).
There is 1 agenda item: “To discuss the establishment of a working group or subcommittee to review the proposed Cribari Bridge project; identify key areas of concern, including traffic, public safety and community impacts, and discuss the RTM’s potential role, organizational structure, and next steps.”
playhouse wows with “pride & prejudice: Part 2”
The curtain fell last night at the official opening night of “Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley.”
It’s a smash.
“06880” photographer Dave Matlow says, “the buzz at the post-performance reception included many variations of ‘the best show I’ve seen at the Playhouse in years.’
“It’s hilarious. It was truly a world premiere, including the presence of playwright Ken Ludwig, one of Broadway’s most successful. This one may be earmarked for Broadway too.”
Westport Optimum customers hoping to pick up or drop off equipment — or perhaps get some help after their email is hacked — have one less option.
Dave Matlow reports that the store in Compo Shopping Center closed Friday. The nearest locations now are Cross Street in Norwalk, and Main Street in Bridgeport.
In other Optimum news, they are preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That would hand control to creditors, as billions of dollars in approaching debt matures, news reports say.
PAINTING THE TOWN ORANGE
Dozens of youngsters took to the streets today.
They took part in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween painting contest.
Individually, or in pairs or trios, they transformed store windows all around town into Halloween scenes.
Prizes will be announced this week. But really, every young artist — and every shopper and business owner — is a winner.
Hard at work — looking good! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
MoCA’s next show: incarceration
With just a few weeks left in their current popular exhibit — if you haven’t seen “Colossi” and “Connecticut Industry,” go! — the Museum of Contemporary Art Connecticut (MoCA\CT) is preparing for their next show.
On view from December 5 to March 14, the exhibitions reveal how artistic creation preserves memory, asserts identity, and sustains connection in circumstances that restrict personal agency.
An opening reception is set for December 5 (4 to 6 p.m.).
Antoney Drummond’s “The Golden Opportunity” is part of MoCA’s upcoming CPA Prison Arts annual show.
CRAFT WESTPORT PREVIEW
Just 2 weeks remain before one of the unofficial starts of the holiday shopping season: CraftWestport.
Over 165 artists and makers fill the Staples High School fieldhouse November 7 and 8, with some very — and definitely not schlocky — handmade gifts.
This marks the 52nd year for the popular event. It features items not found anywhere else, created by local artists, and independent and small businesses. Nothing is imported.
Attendees can shop for everyone on their list: men, women and children; significant others and colleagues. Every price point is represented.
Items include jewelry, high-end gold, body care, foods, clothing, accessories, handbags, home good, clay, wood, glass, vases, utensils, sculptures, fine arts, photographs, scarves, leather and silk jackets. There’s even a broom maker, and a do-it-yourself silk scarf artist. A hand-stitched embroiderer will demonstrate her work.
CraftWestport is one of 2 major fundraisers for the Women’s League of Westport. (The other is April’s Minute Man Race). Proceeds provide financial support to area non-profits. They range from the VFW, EMS and Westport Historical Society to Homes with Hope, A Better Chance of Open Doors.
As for the Women’s League of Westport (formerly the Westport Young Woman’s League): It’s a great way for women to do good for others — and meet and make friends. To learn more, click here.
CraftWestport returns November 7-8.
PAL ICE RINK LIGHTS UP LONGSHORE
Speaking of the holidays: The Westport PAL Ice Rink at Longshore won’t open until Thanksgiving-ish.
But workers are busy getting it ready.
Rob Jackson reports, “they’re putting lights under the ice this season, as well as hanging them over the ice. A worker said it should be quite a lovely scene.”
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
ELDERHOUSE: MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR
Many Westporters support ElderHouse.
Others appreciate the services of the nonprofit social and medical adult day center.
This Thursday (October 29, 6:30 p.m., 7 Lewis Street, Norwalk), they’ll host a “Murder on the Dance Floor” benefit.
Late October is a time for fall foliage, pumpkins and … mushrooms.
John Maloney spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo at Canal Park.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … in honor of today’s VFW Classic Car Show (item above):
(Whether you have some place to go — or no particular one — please take a moment to click here, to support this hyper-local blog. Now that’s something to toot your horn about. Thank you!
Ten percent of the units would be deed-restricted as affordable to families making up to 80% of the statewide median income.
Another 10% would be deed-restricted as “workforce housing.” The affordable units are integrated throughout the building.
Local media have shown artist renderings of the plan, on land bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place, Franklin Street and Charles Street. It would replace Minute Men Cleaners, and nearby businesses.
The drawings highlight the view directly in front of the new construction. Buildings fronting streets will be lower than behind, to minimize impact.
View from Riverside Avenue.
View from Franklin Street.
View from Charles Street.
The application materials include other plans too. They show more of how the façades will look, relative to the new buildings behind them. They also include samples of building materials.
The first illustration (below), from Riverside Avenue, does not include the buildings behind — only their height.
View from Riverside Avenue, with building materials. Numbers in the drawing correspond with the samples below.
The others do show those buildings behind, set back from the street.
View from Railroad Place. The white section (bottom), outlined with dotted lines, shows the profile of the existing buildings.
View from Franklin Street (continuing past Railroad Place, with Luciano Park on the left). The white section (bottom), outlined with dotted lines, shows the profile of the existing buildings.
View from Charles Street.
Application materials also include 4 close-up views — one in each direction — of the backs of the buildings from inside the courtyard.
Town bodies — including the Planning & Zoning Commission and Architectural Review Board — will be involved as the application moves forward.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
While we soak up another gorgeous fall day, I want to express my gratitude for all of the generous notes and kind words following my recognition as National Superintendent of the Year.
Thomas Scarice
It means a great deal to me, and I consider myself most fortunate to serve a community that cares so deeply about its schools and children.
As I have said multiple times, this recognition truly reflects the work of our faculty, support staff, administrators, students, parents and community, whose contributions I have the privilege of seeing every day.
Helping Our Children Fall in Love with Reading
If there is one gift we can impart to our children, it is fostering a love of reading.
Of all the things I miss about having young children, nighttime reading together might be at the top of my list. “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear,” “Ella the Elegant Elephant” and “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site” still have a place on our family bookshelf.
Looking back, I appreciate how much those moments offered, the closeness, the shared attention and the conversations that began with the story but found a way to wander somewhere entirely unexpected.
Those years pass quickly. Now, those moments feel like water through my hands.
Nurturing that love of reading is an important focus in our schools, particularly at the elementary level. Alongside the elemental work of teaching children “how” to read, we want them to discover the pleasure of becoming absorbed in a story, following a question, or seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Ideally, in a world fighting for every second of our attention, we want reading to become something they choose.
Of all the partnerships we enjoy with our families, the support of pleasure reading is among the most meaningful that can last a lifetime. Families have a powerful role to play. Read to your children, read with them, and let them see you enjoying a book. Follow their interests. Leave room for the conversation that a story invites, even if it means taking a little longer to finish the page.
Trust me, that connection only continues to grow. Reading the same book as your teen (looking at you, 8th grade parents — another read of “Animal Farm” is worth the investment!), trading book recommendations, or talking about something each of you has read can open a conversation you might otherwise never have had. Especially in those years when it is challenging to talk to your teen.
Family schedules are already full. A few enjoyable minutes together can be enough. Your efforts, dovetailing with ours, will help our children come to associate reading with curiosity, discovery, and time with someone who loves them.
Safety Through Partnership and Preparation
Thursday’s incident offered another example of the close coordination between our schools and the Westport Police Department. I’m deeply appreciative of this exemplary partnership and the preparation behind it. This does not happen by accident, but by design.
The communication, processes and protocols we have developed together add an invaluable layer to our efforts to keep students and staff safe. In addition, the School Safety Officers assigned to our campuses significantly increase our ability to speed up response times in the event of an emergency.
Westport’s school security officers (red shirts) were honored at this year’s opening convocation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
This year, we modernized our emergency response protocols using the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol. The framework establishes common language and actions for responding to emergencies, helping faculty and the school community understand the response as a situation unfolds. All staff have been trained in our updated protocols.
We also implemented the Campus Shield Emergency Communications System at Staples High School this year. This unfailing radio-frequency-based communication system is an additional investment in strengthening our emergency communication capabilities in a 500,000 square foot facility and exterior campus.
These improvements support the people responsible for responding when concerns arise. Our ongoing work with the WPD remains central to that preparation. I’m especially grateful for the care and professionalism our WPS security team (the team in red shirts) and building administration bring to our schools.
Investing in Our School Facilities
The Board of Education has adopted our capital improvement request, which now moves to the Board of Finance for consideration on November 4. Final funding approval remains ahead with the Board of Finance and RTM.
A significant focus is replacing aging mechanical, heating, cooling and ventilation systems that have exceeded their useful lives, as well as a new roof for Greens Farms School. These investments may attract less attention than a new building, but they matter every day to the comfort of our classrooms and the dependable operation of our schools.
Please see the funding requests made to the Board of Finance from Elio Longo, Chief Financial Officer on behalf of the Board of Education. The full request and project descriptions are available here on pages 10-82.
We are also developing an ambitious vision for transforming athletic facilities at Staples High School. This work encompasses both outdoor fields and related indoor athletic facilities. As recommendations are finalized, the administration will share this vision with the Board of Education’s Finance and Facilities Committee in the next month or so. Once reviewed, the plan will go to the full Board of Education for final approval, before advancing to the Board of Finance and RTM for funding approval.
This 20-year-old sign still hangs in the Staples girls locker room.
Faculty Written “White Paper”- Preparing for the Future, Preserving Student Thinking: Staples faculty members Jacob Brewer, Amy Parent and Edward Grillo have written a thoughtful white paper, AI: Past, Present, and Economic Future for the school community. The paper provides an academic framework examining the history, future trajectory, economic impacts, and educational imperatives of artificial intelligence.
Jacob, Amy and Ed have brought profound intellectual leadership to this work. For parents wondering what these developments might mean for their children, the paper offers context and an invitation to think alongside us. It contributes to an informed community conversation. The full plan can be found here.
Thank You to an Anonymous GFS Mom
Last Thursday morning before a visit to Greens Farms Elementary School, I made my way up the sidewalk at 9:01 a.m. The school doors had closed as the final drop offs rushed up the driveway. In 4 fleeting seconds I watched an SUV pull to a stop and a young girl exit, while hearing the voice of a mom yell “Love you!” just before the door closed.
The girl looked up and gave a smile that only a parent could feel. It said so many things, but above all her eyes said “Love you!” right back.
Perhaps this mom’s morning was like so many of mine over the years, with those precious minutes relentlessly ticking away. You drive away or watch your child board the bus, promising yourself that tomorrow will be a little less hurried.
But in those few seconds, something important had made it through the rush. I hope that mom knows it.
Small moment has big impact.
As a parent on the other side of those years, I know how much I miss the everyday moments that once seemed so ordinary.
Read with, and to, your child. Make room for those slow moments. You won’t get those years back, but you’ll never regret the time you chose to spend together.
Thank you to that anonymous GFS mom for the reminder. And thank you to her daughter for those eyes that show how much those words matter.
Thank you too for the trust you place in our schools, and for your continued partnership. I hope you and your families enjoy a wonderful fall weekend.
(“06880” regularly reports on all our schools — and students, staff, administrators and Board of Education. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
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View from Charles Street. 
