Monthly Archives: March 2019

Osprey Nest Is Down. What’s Up With That?

Posted on March 30, 2019 | 85 comments

Westport loves its ospreys. The pair that nest next to Fresh Market — right there on the main drag — are particularly well known and admired.

They returned from their southern home last week. Today, several Westporters noted with distress that the nest is gone.

Lindsay and Nick from Earth Animal — across the street from the tall pole — emailed “06880”:

The osprey nest was taken down early this morning. The maintenance crew are driving around a crane today so we believe this was done by the landlords.

It has been heartbreaking to see the osprey circling around the area that was once their home, not knowing what to do. They are carrying large sticks and trying to rebuilt and are even attempting to built on their old home location on the telephone pole. The osprey are loved by our community and we are not sure how to help them. Do you have an idea?

This still image from a video shot by Sam Levenson shows the ospreys as they circled what used to be their nests.

(Photo from video by Sam Levenson)

Here’s a close-up view of the now-bare nest:

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

A few years ago Eversource moved the nest, from one pole to a less dangerous one.

There are no details on this move. If any “06880” readers have information — or know how to help the ospreys — click “Comments” below.

85 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business

Tagged Earth Animal, Fresh Market, ospreys

Wedding Walk On The West Bank

Posted on March 30, 2019 | Comments Off

In 2015, Maggie Foley was working in Westport. Her 2nd — almost full-time — job was planning her own wedding.

Driving home one day, she noticed Bella Bridesmaids. The Post Road West shop — near Winfield Deli and Age of Reason — offers a broad selection of attendants’ dresses.

Maggie was impressed. Today, she owns the Westport store.

Like neighboring retailers, she tries hard to get the word out that hey, there are plenty of unique, interesting shops just across the bridge from downtown.

Which is how she came to create a “Wedding Walk” on the west bank of the Saugatuck.

Tomorrow (March 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), 4 stores will collaborate. They’ll host a variety of vendors, so brides-to-be, their fiances, and (of course) their mothers can check out a variety of vendors.

Bella Bridesmaids, Stephen Kempson (bespoke tailoring), Organachs Farm to Skin cosmetics and Noya Fine Jewelry are the retailers. They’ve invited florists, hair and makeup experts, wedding invitation designers, event planners, photographers and more to join them.

Added attractions include giveaways, raffles, champagne and light bites.

Think it’s a great idea?

I do!

Bespoke — the creative invitation designer in Sconset Square — designed this invitation for Sunday’s Wedding Walk. Bespoke is one of the vendors at the event.

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Posted in Downtown, Local business

Tagged Bella Bridesmaids, Noya Fine Jewelry Stephen Kempson, Organachs Skin to Farm Cosmetics, Westport Wedding Walk

Bans Proposed For Plastic And Pot

Posted on March 30, 2019 | 1 comment

Westport’s Representative Town Meeting is discussing a pair of proposals that may come up for a vote soon.

A ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam was put forward by RTM member Andrew Colabella and colleagues on the Environment Committee.

The purpose is to “prohibit the use of expanded polystyrene and single use plastic food service containers, plastic straws, plastic stirrers and plastic cups, and require food service businesses to transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives.”

The proposal notes: “Single use plastics, whether made of recyclable material or not, and expanded polystrene pose a threat to Westport’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems. By prohibiting these items, Westport seeks to protect the environment, eliminate a major source of waste and protect the public health, safety and welfare of Westport and its citizens.”

The RTM Ordinance Committee meets this Monday (April 1) to determine whether the language of the proposal is ready to go before the full RTM for a vote at its monthly meeting the following day (Tuesday, April 2, Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.).

Meanwhile, a recreational marijuana ban ordinance has been proposed by RTM members Greg Kraut and Jimmy Izzo.

They are revising the language based on feedback from the Ordinance Committee, and hope to have it ready for a vote at the special RTM meeting called for April 23 (to vote on funding for turf athletic fields).

A variety of medical marijuana edibles.

The ordinance would prohibit recreational marijuana businesses from locating in Westport — if Connecticut legalizes it.

The checklist provided to the Ordinance Committee says, “We need this ordinance to prevent Westport from selling non-medical (recreational marijuana). It gives the town the supplemental insurance that is needs to have should recreational marijuana get legalized. The first locations for recreational will be the existing medical marijuana facilities.”

1 Comment

Posted in Environment, Local politics

Tagged plastic straw ban, recreational marijuana, Westport Representative Town Meeting

A Special Neighborhood Studios Night

Posted on March 30, 2019 | Comments Off

For over 40 years, Neighborhood Studios has provided arts education to Bridgeport students. The non-profit transforms the lives of 1,600 youngsters through after-school art, music, theater and dance classes. There’s also a flourishing summer camp.

For many years too, Neighborhood Studios has enjoyed a close relationship with Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater. Longtime NS board member (and Westporter) Harold Levine was also chair of the Ailey company. They’re a frequent headliner at NS’ annual fundraiser.

They’ll be there again on April 28, at Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

Grace Bergonzi

But this year there’s a special attraction. Grace Bergonzi — a 2013 Staples High School graduate, now dancing with the prestigious Ailey II company — will also be there, on stage.

The event has another Westport connection. Jeffrey and Laurie Gross are being honored that night for their contributions to Neighborhood Studios.

The couple got involved through their daughter Margaret, a dancer. In 1998 Laurie encouraged her to enroll in the first-ever Ailey camp at the University of Bridgeport. Surrounded by people different from those she knew in Westport — but also passionate about dance — Margaret grew immensely.

Laurie stayed involved, eventually serving as Neighborhood Studios’ chair.

“Their mission is so compelling,” she says. “These kids who do music, dance, theater and arts are every bit as talented as kids from the suburbs. They just need an opportunity like this.”

Jeff and Laurie Gross

The Grosses are involved in many activities. She’s worked with Holocaust committees, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, United Way, and Action for Bridgeport Community Development.

He’s volunteered for the Jewish Federation of Eastern Fairfield County, Congregation Beth El, and Connecticut Multiple Sclerosis Society.

But Neighborhood Studios is particularly close to their hearts. On April 28, help the Grosses — and Grace Bergonzi — celebrate Westporters and Bridgeporters. They’re 2 very different neighborhoods, united by the arts.

(The Ailey II gala is Sunday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. Click here for tickets. Click here for more information on Neighborhood Studios.)

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Posted in Arts, Organizations, People

Tagged Alvin Ailey Dance Camp, Dr. Jeffrey Gross, Grace Bergonzi, Laurie Gross, Neighborhood Studios

Pic Of The Day #711

Posted on March 29, 2019 | 2 comments

Thanks to great donors, new (and gently used) books are on sale (cheaply!) at the Westport Library (Photo/Gene Borio)

2 Comments

Posted in Library, Pic of the Day

Tagged Westport Library

Friday Flashback #135

Posted on March 29, 2019 | 12 comments

Hey, kids: Your parents are not that old.

Still, they grew up in a different world than yours.

Their video games did not come on a phone.

They were big. Really big. Like, not-even-fit-in-your-room big.

Check this out:

That was the scene at Arnie’s Place. It was a “video arcade” — have your parents used that term? — located where Ulta Beauty (formerly Anthropologie) is now, next to Balducci’s.

Maybe your mom or dad is in the photo above. He or she might even be that kid in the stroller. (Love that low-tech stroller. Yet the tot survived!)

As you can see, back in the day people played video games in groups. They also had to pay every single time! Here’s how:

That’s called an Arnie’s Place token. You bought them, then put them in the machines. Crazy, huh?

Just like today, some adults didn’t like video games. They tried to shut Arnie’s Place down. But the kids fought back:

Here’s the really funny part: Some of those kids from the 1970s and ’80s are your parents today.

Don’t let them tell you not to spend so much time on your games.

PS: In 2050, you’ll be telling your kids to stop playing games on their stupid microchipettes!

12 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Local business

Tagged Arnie's Place, video games

Ann’s Kitchen Really Delivers

Posted on March 29, 2019 | 2 comments

Ann Campbell grew up in the Philippines. She wanted to be a doctor, but at her parents’ urging she studied accounting. After that came nursing school.

She married an American. They lived in Singapore for 10 years, then moved to Manhattan. With 3 kids their apartment grew cramped, so in 2008 they headed to Westport.

Now Ann’s story really gets interesting.

She was always intrigued by food. So in 2014 Ann put her degree from New York’s French Culinary Institute — sorry, I forgot to mention that, or that she’d worked at Oceana in the city! — to use.

Friends here told her how hard it was to make good food after a long day at work.

So she began cooking fresh, prepared meals for busy Westport families. With zest (and flavors).

Ann Campbell, at work.

On Thursday, Ann emails a menu. (To join the list, email annskitchenwestport@gmail.com). The ordering deadline is Sunday.

She includes whatever inspires her. She usually tries to add something new and special.

Armed with orders, Ann shops. She hits a variety of stores, from Whole Foods and specialty stores, to Asian markets in Westchester.

On Monday and Tuesday, Ann heads to the commercial kitchen at Harlan Publick in South Norwalk.

With the help of fellow Westport moms Nicole Von Dohlen and Sally Spencer, Ann makes fresh seasonal salads, soups, main courses and other family-friendly dishes. She draws from an eclectic palate of world cuisines — Asian, European, fusion — always with the freshest ingredients.

Braised chicken with peppadew peppers.

The 3 women bring the fully-cooked meals to Ann’s house. On Tuesday at 3 p.m., customers pick them up. There’s free delivery for orders over $75.

Soups — especially Mom’s Chicken Dumpling, from Ann’s own stock (with homemade dumplings) — are quite popular.

So is her miso salmon with coconut black rice and vegetables. Also her potstickers. Kids love (of course) Ann’s mac and cheese.

Some families order every week; others, every other week, or once in a while. There’s no pressure (other than the hunger pangs you get reading the menu).

Ann’s Kitchen is a business. But it’s also a joy.

“I love to cook,” Ann says. “When people love my cooking, that makes me so happy.”

Almost as happy as Ann’s very satisfied — and well-fed — customers.

(PS: You may have eaten some of Ann’s great food without knowing it. She recently started filling Donut Crazy’s refrigerator, on the eastbound side of the train station. Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

2 Comments

Posted in Local business, People, Restaurants

Tagged Ann Campbell, Ann's Kitchen, Donut Crazy, Harlan Publick, Nicole Von Dohlen, Sally Spencer