Monthly Archives: March 2016

Remembering Howard Munce

Posted on March 7, 2016 | 16 comments

Howard Munce — a much-admired artist, indefatigable Westport volunteer, World War II veteran, good friend and beloved human being — died yesterday. He turned 100 in November, and enjoyed a townwide celebration in his honor at the Westport Historical Society.

A few days before that event, “06880” wrote:

Mark your calendars, Westport. On Friday, Howard Munce turns 100.

Howard Munce at work.

Howard Munce at work.

In a town long known for its great artists, illustrators and painters, he’s a towering figure. Howard’s resume — advertising director, graphic designer, sculptor, cartoonist, book author, teacher — ranks him with the most prominent creative folks in our history.

He served his country in World War II, seeing action as a Marine platoon sergeant at Guadalcanal.

He’s served his town too. Howard has been an honorary board member of the Westport Arts Center. For over 25 years, he volunteered as graphics director for the Westport Library.

Whenever he was asked to help — donating dozens of paintings and illustrations to the Permanent Art Collection; curating exhibits for the Westport Historical Society; mentoring young artists — he always said “of course.”

Howard Munce epitomizes 2 of our community’s proudest traits: our arts heritage, and our spirit of giving back.

He’s been a proud Westporter since 1935. He came here to live with family friends, while commuting to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. One of his first jobs was modeling for famed artist Harold von Schmidt.

Westport has been an important part of Howard’s life ever since. And he’s been an even more important part of ours.

(Birthday card/Denise Woods. Photo on right/Lawrence Untermeyer)

(Birthday card/Denise Woods. Photo on right/Lawrence Untermeyer)

Previewing the party a few months earlier, I wrote:

Munce’s resume is beyond impressive. Trained at Pratt Institute, he was a Young & Rubicam art director beginning in the late 1940s — after World War II, when he saw action as a Marine platoon sergeant at Guadalcanal.

Munce is professor emeritus at Paier College of Art; honorary president of the Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an honorary board member of the Westport Arts Center. For over 25 years, he volunteered as graphics director for the Westport Library, and — with Fisher — co-curated the black-and-white drawings by Westport artists in its McManus Room.

Howard Munce, in his 90s. (Photo/Kristen Rasich Fox)

Howard Munce, in his 90s. (Photo/Kristen Rasich Fox)

But those are facts. Far more important is Munce’s humanity.

Whenever he is asked to help — donating dozens of paintings and illustrations to the Permanent Art Collection; curating exhibits for the WHS; mentoring young artists — he always says “of course.” With a sparkle in his eye, a smile on his face, and a handshake as firm as a 20-year-old’s.

Until a couple of years ago, he clambered up ladders to make sure every exhibit he oversaw was properly hung.

At 99, Howard Munce no longer climbs ladders. Then again, he doesn’t have to.

He long ago reached the top.

BONUS FACT: In 2008, Howard Munce was grand marshal of the Memorial Day parade. Here’s his speech: 

For an interesting story on Howard Munce’s World War II experiences in New Zealand, click here. For a 2013 tribute to Howard from the magazine Five O’Clock, click here. 

16 Comments

Posted in Arts, Looking back, Organizations, People

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“06880” Turns 7. Let’s Celebrate!

Posted on March 7, 2016 | 40 comments

This week, “06880” turns 7 years old. My, how our little blog has grown!

365 days a year — often multiple times a day — “06880” (aka “yours truly”) posts stories. They appear on your phone, on your laptop, in your inbox — without fail. Like wacky weather, entitled drivers and the Minuteman in your driveway, “06880” is a part of Westport life.

In those 7 years I have written more than 5,300 stories. Whew!

Just as impressively — because “06880” is not really a blog, but a community — you all have posted nearly 60,000 comments. Holy ****!

The controversial Bridge Street Bridge. You read about its possible reconstruction here first. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

The controversial Bridge Street Bridge. You read about its possible reconstruction here first. And you got its entire history here too. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

“06880” covers the waterfront. And by that I don’t just mean Compo, Longshore, Old Mill, Sherwood Mill Pond, Burying Hill, Saugatuck Shores, Nash’s Pond, the Saugatuck and Aspetuck Rivers, and Muddy Brook.

I mean everything that goes on in this town.

The good — no, the incredibly amazing — things that Westporters do. Raising money for Bridgeport fire victims, local organizations and African villagers. Starting businesses and raising families. Living life fully every day, while nurturing the town that nurtures them.

The bad. Enough said.

And everything in between. Schools, the Town Farm, cops, the library, real estate, religion, commuting, the Y — if there’s a Westport connection, I’ll find out about it.

Then I’ll write about it.

Will work for food.

Will work for food.

I do that 365 days a year. But once a year, on the 365th day — my anniversary — I put out my tin cup.

Because I do a lot more than write what I hope are moderately interesting stories.

I also do research. I interview. I moderate and respond to comments — and to every private email. I scour the interwebs for photos, and take my own. I also size and frame them.

I answer all kinds of questions. Like “What was the name of the restaurant that used to be where…?” And “Can  you forward my email to…?” As well as “Will you fix the typo in my comment?” Plus (OMG) “My daughter is selling Girl Scout cookies. Can you let everyone know?”

I even spend money on “06880.” I pay to keep it ad-free. I pay for domain mapping. I pay for photo-editing software.

If you like what you read, please consider supporting “06880.” Scroll down — details at the bottom!

Am I worth $1 a month? $1 a week? Perhaps (my choice!) $1 a day.

If my 5,300 stories are worth a penny each, that’s $53. If half of them are worth a dime each, that’s $265. I’ll leave other calculations to you.

I hope that if “06880” has ever

  • made you laugh, cry, think or wonder
  • spurred you to go to an event, read a book, try a restaurant or patronize a store
  • kept you up to date in a blizzard, hurricane, windstorm or power outage
  • alerted you to a new housing or zoning development in town
  • delivered news about a favorite person or store
  • galvanized you to support a cause
  • helped publicize your event, book, appearance or concert
  • published your photo
  • paid tribute to someone you loved or admired
  • connected you to your hometown from many miles away
  • saved you time or money
  • opened a window on Westport’s history, helped you think about its future, introduced you to someone in town you never knew, or helped you look at someone or someplace in a new way
  • given you a voice in the “Comments” section
  • inspired you
  • made you sit up and say “Wow!” (or “holy f—!”)

— you will consider tossing something my way.

Only a suggestion.

Only a suggestion.

Thanks for 7 great years. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, whether anyone sends an anniversary gift or not.

We’ll still have our annual summer “06880” party at the beach. Plus the weekly photo challenge.

But hey. You tip a taxi driver you don’t even know for a 5-minute ride, right?

You can donate by PayPal: click here. It’s easy (and safe)! You don’t even need a PayPal account. If you get an error message, try www.paypal.com; then log in, create an account, or send money from the drop-down menu by entering this email address: dwoog@optonline.net. Or click the “Donate” button on the home page of “06880.”

Checks may be mailed to:  Dan Woog, 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.  Put “06880″ on the memo line.  It won’t do anything for the IRS, but it may help you remember at tax time why you sent me something.

Is this a great town or what? (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)

Is this a great town or what? (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)

 

 

 

40 Comments

Posted in Media

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Zipping (Or Not) Through The Post Office

Posted on March 6, 2016 | 3 comments

Alert “06880” reader and frustrated post office patron JP Vellotti writes:

I was at the post office recently in Playhouse Square, sending wood samples to the US Forestry Service. (Did you know they’ll try to figure out up to 5 pieces a year — for free?)

It was a Saturday, at 8:53. I waited for the 9 a.m. opening. Then I walked in, used one of those semi-free Priority Mail shipping boxes, and sent my parcel.

When the clerk asked if I wanted anything else, I said, “You don’t have any post office boxes available here, do you?” She asked another clerk, who said yes.

I told her I had a box at the old Saugatuck location, then another at the trailer. Maybe I was trying to claim legitimacy.

The old Saugatuck post office -- before it moved to a trailer. It's now on the corner of Franklin and Ketchum streets.

The old Saugatuck post office — before it moved to a trailer. It’s now on the corner of Franklin and Ketchum streets.

She asked for 2 forms of ID — one photo, one not.

My insurance card turned out to be expired. The clerk rejected me.

Now I really wanted that new box. I was having business cards printed Monday. They’d look great with my new 06880 PO box — much better than my home address.

On my 4th trip to the desk, I asked which numbers were available. The clerk said a computer picks them.

I told her my Saugatuck box was 2261, and that was pretty cool. She didn’t get the connection.*

I outlasted my welcome. I was passed to another clerk, who offered me a choice between 502 or 815.

I chose the latter. He finalized the form, handed me the keys, and wrote down my new Zip+4 address: 06881-0815.

The scene outside Westport's main post office is often as tough to manage as the one JP Vellotti found inside. This was the scene last Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. Yes, the Albert's Organics truck was parked there.

The scene outside Westport’s main post office is often as tough to manage as the one JP Vellotti found inside. This was the scene yesterday, at 12:30 p.m. Yes, the Albert’s Organics truck was parked there.

I live right around the corner! This is downtown Westport — 06880!

This clerk said the boxes in the post office building are 06881. Any mail that says 06880 with a PO box takes an extra 3-4 days to be delivered.

I walked to the door, dejected. Could I get a refund? Why did I even attempt to get a box in the world’s worst parking lot, when I really wanted to be back at the new Saugatuck facility?

Another clerk — selling stamps at a mobile kiosk — asked why I looked so sad.

I went through the whole story.

It was my lucky day. Turns out he’s the one who takes care of all the mail at the Saugatuck branch.

He said 2261 was taken. I told him that a really long time ago — when I was in high school and worked at CamerArts in Sconset Square — I had 2122.

I went back to the desk. It took a while, but the transfer was made.

My new Zip+4 is 06880-2122. It’s music to my ears.

Westport is always #1. But for me, it will never be 0688-1.

*Do you? Think phone numbers.

 

 

3 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People, Saugatuck, Totally random

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Oh My 06880 — Photo Challenge #62

Posted on March 6, 2016 | 9 comments

I’ve said it before: You guys are good!

Last week’s photo challenge — a shot by Peter Tulupman of some trees and wetlands — could have been taken many places in Westport.

But it was actually shot at Earthplace. And Rich Stein, Laura Lipton, Evan Stein and Wendy Cusick knew exactly where. Click here for the image, and all the right (and wrong) guesses.

This week’s photo challenge is a bit different. For the 1st time, we’re not spotlighting one of Westport’s most iconic, beautiful or memorable spots.

Instead, there’s this:

(Photo/Wendy Stahl)

(Photo/Wendy Stahl)

If you know where this pretty gross shot was taken, click “Comments” below.

And if you want to clean it up, go right ahead.

9 Comments

Posted in Photo Challenge

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Baron’s South Quietly Makes News

Posted on March 6, 2016 | 14 comments

It hasn’t gotten much publicity.

Then again — except for when plans are announced for a project like elderly housing — most Westporters tend to overlook Baron’s South.

But advocates for keeping the 23-acre hilly and heavily wooded property just a few steps from downtown Westport in its natural state got a big boost last week.

Since her appointment last summer, Parks and Recreation director Jen Fava has been quietly analyzing and assessing land her department oversees.

Now, Parks and Rec hopes to upgrade the trails crisscrossing Baron’s South. They’re accessible from Imperial Avenue and South Compo Road, from dawn to dusk — though few Westporters know they’re there, let alone open.

A path in Baron's South. (Photo/Judy James)

A path in Baron’s South. (Photo/Judy James)

The Parks and Rec Commission unanimously approved $75,000, to pay for upgrades suggested by Fava. However, she noted, the cost could be as low as $25,000. Most of the work will involve trees.

A private group — Friends of Baron’s South — has played a key role in cleaning up the property.

It’s a true town gem. And — very quietly, and unobtrusively — it’s about to get even more attractive.

14 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Environment, Organizations, People, Places

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Lots Of Years, Locks Of Love At Riverside Barber

Posted on March 5, 2016 | 10 comments

Everyone knows the oldest company in Westport: Gault.

Founded in 1863, it’s been a Saugatuck mainstay for 153 years.

At 89 years old, Riverside Barber Shop could be Gault’s grandchild.

But after nearly 9 decades here, it’s probably Westport’s 2nd oldest company.

“Riverside” may be a misnomer. For its first 82 years it was indeed located on Riverside Avenue — a few yards away from Gault.

For over 8 decades Riverside Barber Shop sat on Riverside Avenue (right). DeRosa's restaurant was on the left.

For over 8 decades Riverside Barber Shop sat on Riverside Avenue (right). DeRosa’s restaurant was on the left.

In all those years, there were just 4 owners. John Santella opened it in 1927. His son Lou — the legendary “Mayor of Saugatuck” — took over from John. In 1999 Lou retired, and sold his shop to Pat Vigilio.

In 2009 Pat moved Riverside Barber to Post Road West — above Greg & Tony’s salon — when as part of the Saugatuck Center project, his building and the adjacent DeRosa’s restaurant were torn down.* (Pat donated his barber pole to the Westport Historical Society.)

Pat recently retired. The new owner is Tammy  Stefanidis. She worked for Pat for 7 years, then spent the next few at home, raising her family.

Now she’s back.

Tammy Stefanidis, new owner of the very old Riverside Barber Shop.

Tammy Stefanidis, new owner of the very old Riverside Barber Shop.

Tammy knows the barber shop’s history. She’s proud that longtime — very longtime — customers keep coming back. She doesn’t plan any big changes.

But she does have one interesting offer.

If you’d like to donate your hair to Locks of Love — the non-profit providing hairpieces to children and teenagers suffering medical hair loss — stop in to Riverside Barber Shop.

Tammy will cut it for free.

*Bonus fact: Saugatuck Center was developed by Gault.

 

 

10 Comments

Posted in Local business, Looking back, People, Saugatuck

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Players’ Audiences Won’t Sleep At “Drowsy Chaperone”

Posted on March 4, 2016 | 3 comments

Staples Players are known for producing challenging, Broadway-quality shows with important messages. In just the past few years they’ve staged “Cabaret,” “Sweeney Todd” and “The Laramie Project.”

Their spring show is just as demanding, technically and artistically. But “The Drowsy Chaperone” has almost no message at all.

It’s simply fun, uproariously funny, catchy. And short.

Besides the complex choreography and intricate set, one challenge for David Roth — in his 50th show as Players director — is selling the show to audiences. Though it won several Tonys in 2006, many theater-goers have not heard of “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

That’s a shame.

Aaron Samuels -- the "Man in Chair" -- is a central character in "The Drowsy Chaperone." (Photo/Kerry Long)

Aaron Samuels — the “Man in Chair” — is a central character in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

See, there’s this middle-aged theater-lover. Feeling down, he puts on a record of a favorite musical — and invites the audience to listen too.

The show we hear is a fictional 1920s musical: “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The entire play comes to life in his apartment.

“It’s a real homage — and at the same time, a parody — of ’20s musicals,” Roth says.

“It was a unique time: right before the Depression, and the advent of talking pictures. It was a time of big, splashy musicals — without much plot.”

With Roth and associate director Kerry Long, the cast explored the time period by watching documentaries of the development of musical theater during that decade. They also saw “Singin’ in the Rain.” That classic film takes place in the exact same year as “Drowsy.”

The show — which opens March 11, and runs through March 19 — is the first for Players’ new choreographers, Christopher Hudson Myers and Rachel MacIsaac. The married couple — he just finished a 5-year Broadway stint in “Mamma Mia!”; she was with the show’s national touring company — moved to Westport last year.

Roth says, “We’ve never done tap dancing at this level. It’s really complicated, but they’re doing some amazing things. I’m impressed every time I see it. And the kids really like it.”

In a musical number called "Accident Waiting to Happen," Robert (Keanan Pucci) rollerskates while blindfolded. to avoid seemg his bride Janet (Caroline Didelot) on their wedding day. Aaron Samuels plays the "Man in Chair." (Photo/Kerry Long)

In a musical number called “Accident Waiting to Happen,” Robert (Keanan Pucci) rollerskates while blindfolded. to avoid seemg his bride Janet (Caroline Didelot) on their wedding day. Aaron Samuels plays the “Man in Chair.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

Another challenge is the set. Technical director Peter DiFranco and his crew have created an apartment that transforms magically into a Hamptons mansion.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” is the final musical for Players’ seniors. They’ll exit the stage with a great one.

(“The Drowsy Chaperone” will be presented Friday and Saturday, March 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here.)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Rev. Haffner Rallies For Reproductive Rights

Posted on March 3, 2016 | 6 comments

Debra Haffner has attended plenty of Supreme Court rallies.

As co-founder and president of Religious Institute — the Westport-based  organization that advocates for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society — she’s stood on the famed Washington steps. She’s demonstrated her — and her organization’s — commitment to access to contraception (the Hobby Lobby case) and same-sex marriage (Obergefell).

Yesterday, though, was the first time she had a spot on the podium.

Rev. Debra Haffner (center) speaking on the steps of the Supreme Court yesterday.

Rev. Debra Haffner (center) speaking on the steps of the Supreme Court yesterday.

The Center for Reproductive Rights — which represents medical caregivers in a case argued yesterday before the 8 justices (a Texas law would shut down more than 75% of all women’s health clinics that provide abortion services there) — organized the 4-hour rally.

Speakers included women from Texas who told their personal stories; healthcare providers, and a broad variety of faith leaders.

Haffner — who spoke soon after California Congresswoman Barbara Lee — noted that “people of faith of every religion support the right of individuals to make their own moral decisions.” She said that “clear majorities from almost every major religious tradition in the United States support safe and legal abortion.”

She said that Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Unitarians, Buddhists, Hindus — and “people who say they are spiritual but not religious” — support abortion.

In fact, she added, “1 in 3 evangelical Christians” support legal abortion.

Haffner noted that one of the 1st abortion clinics in the US was opened by clergy.

Rev. Debra Haffner

Rev. Debra Haffner

She said that abortion is not a sin. Rather, sins are “forced childbearing; denying people contraception, reproductive healthcare and sexuality education; and denying poor women, women of color and women in rural communities the same access to safe, accessible medical services that more privileged women have.”

Haffner — who is also community minister at Westport’s Unitarian Church — cited other sins too: poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and “ignoring the lives and needs of children who are already born for food, clean water, housing, health care, good education, and for their parents, support and good paying jobs.”

PBS Newshour led its evening broadcast last night with some of Haffner’s remarks (click here for link):

Debra Hafner PBS News Hour

Haffner will retire on April 30. But until that day, she speaks loudly and strongly for the organization she founded.

Many people are listening. Last weekend, Religious Institute coordinated a national weekend of prayer. Nearly 100 congregations in 25 states — representing 19 faith traditions — prayed for everyone affected by reproductive laws. And for the Supreme Court justices who will rule on the case heard yesterday.

“People of faith support reproductive justice,” Haffner says. “The other side does not have a monopoly on this issue.”

6 Comments

Posted in Organizations, People, Politics, religion

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Someone Had A LOT Of Laundry Today

Posted on March 3, 2016 | 6 comments
(Photo/Emily Laux)

(Photo/Emily Laux)

6 Comments

Posted in Local business, Transportation

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Downtown “Golden Triangle”: Final Piece Of Puzzle May Be Solved

Posted on March 3, 2016 | 28 comments

Like any developer, David Waldman has enjoyed watching his latest project take shape. Bedford Square will redefine downtown, tying together Church Lane, Elm Street and Main Street, while offering an exciting new mix of retail, office and residential space.

Yet for a long time Waldman felt frustrated. One small but key piece of property did not fit.

36 Elm Street — the site of Villa del Sol restaurant — interrupts the new streetscape Waldman is creating. It intrudes into the sidewalk. And the adjacent parking lot — near the back entrance to the old Y and the former Klein’s — is a poorly configured, hard-to-navigate, chaotic mess.

The owner of 36 Elm Street did not want to sell. The town of Westport owns the parking lot. It looked like Waldman would have to build, as best he could, around those existing properties.

36 Elm Street. Right now, it's home to Villa del Sol restaurant. The entrance intrudes onto the sidewalk.

36 Elm Street. Right now, it’s home to Villa del Sol restaurant.

But a solution may be at hand. If town officials agree to a land swap, everyone could benefit: Villa del Sol. Drivers. Pedestrians admiring the streetscape. Merchants. Apartment dwellers. And, of course, Waldman.

He is currently negotiating to buy 36 Elm Street. (Ironically, he once owned it. He and his father bought what was then Brasserie Saint Germain in 1993. Waldman sold it several years later.)

His plan is to swap the property for a section of the town-owned Baldwin parking lot, across the street. Waldman would then build a 9,750-square-foot building behind Lux Bond & Green.

Villa del Sol would reopen there, alongside 3 small retail stores. Above them would be 4 apartments — 1 of them rented under state “affordable” guidelines.

The town would demolish the Villa del Sol building, creating additional parking. Waldman says that despite taking Baldwin spots for the new building, the town would net a gain of 2 parking spaces in the new lot.

This left side of this aerial view shows the current configuration of Elm Street. David Waldman's proposal is on the right.

This left side of this aerial view shows the current configuration of Elm Street. David Waldman’s proposal is on the right. (Click on or hover over to enlarge.)

If approved, Waldman says his plan will “really and truly complete the ‘Golden Triangle’ downtown.

“I really feel this is the last piece of the puzzle in downtown Westport. The proposed building will solidify the importance of Elm Street, and its connectivity to Main Street and Church Lane. It also improves pedestrian safety.”

In addition, Waldman says, “it provides beautiful sight lines for the Bedford project, and the new design for the back of 44 Main Street” (the Banana Republic building).

Frederick William Hoag — the architect collaborating with Waldman — is also working with the owners of 44 Main Street, and the Bobby Q’s building. Those projects will benefit from the new parking lot too, Waldman says.

Finally, he notes, the Elm Street land swap is in keeping with feedback about downtown development. One popular idea was for storefronts on the Baldwin property, adding retail while blocking the view of an ugly parking lot.

Town officials seem receptive to the plan, in its early stages. Now Waldman must finalize the contract for 36 Elm Street, and begin the land swap process with regulatory bodies.

28 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, People, Real estate, Restaurants

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