Olivia Macior graduated from Staples High School last June. For weeks, she waited for things to get back to normal. Now — in the wake of George Floyd’s murder — she wants something different: a “new normal.”
It’s “a normal where people of color don’t have to fear the very people who should be protecting them; where education is equitable; where the criminal justice system is fair and lawful, and racial injustice does not plague every aspect of our lives.”
Inspired by the words of Angela Davis — “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” — she is using her considerable art talents to help.
Her powerful work is up for auction on Facebook, through June 21. 100% of the winning bid will go to Black Lives Matter. Click here; then message her with your bid, via Facebook or at ohmacior@gmail.com.
Not everyone agreed with yesterday’s Black Lives Matter protest in downtown Westport. This graffiti was seen this morning at the boarded-up Tiffany store:
(Photo/Marcy Sansolo)
Westporters in the know know: No one beats the Y’s Men for hosting insightful, thought-provoking speakers. Thursday’s — their first via Zoom — was typical: informative, wide-ranging, both global and local.
Andrew Wilk — executive producer and director of “Live From Lincoln Center” — moderated a discussion on the future of the Westport Country Playhouse, and arts in general, in the wake of COVID-19.
Panelists included Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos, general manager Michael Barker and actor Jake Robards.
The 30-minute chat ranged from the many issues impacting the Playhouse reopening — like safety, audience response and finances — to the importance of live performances. Click below to view:
As restaurants around Westport reopen, at least one will not.
An online auction is underway for many items at Tavern on Main: food service equipment, outdoor patio sets, decor and smallware.
It’s the end of the last sit-down, full-service restaurant on the main part of Main Street. It had a long run — and so did its predecessor, Chez Pierre.
No word yet on what — if anything — will replace it.
Nearly a dozen retailers are helping Home with Hope collect liquid dish detergent, all-purpose cleaners, soap, paper towels, sponges and sanitizing wipes. All donations go to families living in the organization’s supportive housing.
Hours are 10 a.m. 2 p.m. for all collections. There’s a box outside Restore Hyper Wellness (877 Post Road East) every day.
Other stores, with collection days:
- Thursdays: ASF Sporting Goods (1560 Post Road East); UPS (606 Post Road East)
- Fridays: West (117 Post Road East); Blow Dry (76 Church Lane)
- Saturdays: Verizon (379 Post Road East); Fleet Feet (10 Sconset Square)
- Sundays: The Granola Bar (275 Post Road East)
- Mondays: Greenwich Medical Spa (645 Post Road East.)
- Tuesdays: New England Hemp Farm (136 Main Street)
- Wednesdays: Green + Tonic (17 Jesup Road)
Questions? Email westport@restore.com
How’s this for a way to treat the frontline workers we have been hailing as heroes?
Trader Joe’s had a picnic table at the back of their parking lot. It was a nice place for employees — sorry, “crew members” — to eat, or take a break.
The other night, it was stolen. (Hat tip: David Meth)
Eighth graders missed their “moving up” ceremony this year. But — thanks to the Bedford and Coleytown Middle School PTAs — the 400-plus graduates are having their day in the sun.
Now, as you see these signs throughout Westport, you know who to thank.
Speaking of graduates, Margo Amgott writes:
“We’ve seen all the great signs celebrating Staples seniors. But there are others who are sheltering in Westport. We’ve long been weekenders, and after COVID now here we are!
“Could we do a shout-out to those transplanted seniors? The lovely people at Baker Graphics helped me make these for our daughter.” (The other sign — not shown — congratulates Molly for her acceptance at Trinity College.)
Great idea, Margo! Here’s too all Class of 202 grads! Wherever you went — and wherever you’re going — out town salutes you.
And speaking yet again of graduates …
St. Paul Christian School celebrated the end of the year with a drive-through closing celebration. Children received a diploma, yearbook and blessing from their teachers.
Tomorrow (Sunday, July 7, 5 p.m., Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport), a number of Westport congregations are participating in an “Interfaith Prayer for Racial Justice & Healing.” Masks are mandatory, and social distancing is enforced.
And finally … it’s hard to believe I haven’t posted this yet. I guess I was waiting for the exact right time.
Very sad about Tavern on Main. Great memories, especially from the days when Pierre Nelli and Brendan Donohoe ruled the roost. My dad and his business friends used to hold a regular luncheon there that I calledthe “Alcoholic Copywriters of Westport.” I hope the eventual new tenants will keep the decor intact as it’s one of the area’s iconic restaurant spaces.
Don’t forget Horst at Chez Pierre..Pre Brendan..
So sad to see what is going these days! I remember Horst and Pierre. Lee would be so sad to see what is going on….
I’M WITH PETER BLAU. CHEZ PIERRE WAS ONE OF THE BEST IF NOT THE BEST. I WAS ONE OF THE NINE PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED A PRE-OPENING DINNER BACK IN 1958. AND OH HOW GOOD THE FOOD WAS. I ALSO REMEMBER PIERRE DECORATING THE SPACE AFTER THE ICE CREAM PARLOR WAS EVICTED. ONLY THE TILE FLOOR IN THE BACK ROOM REMAINED. YOU MAY ALSO KNOW THAT PIERRE WAS A MALE MODEL AND WAS SPONSORED BY THE FAMOUS ARTISTS SCHOOL . . .ORIGINALLY ONLY THE CENTER BUILDING WAS OCCUPIED. SUBSEQUENTLY WHEN FASHION FABRICS VACATED PIERRE TOOK OVER THAT SPACE AS WELL THAT’S THE SPACE WITH THE STAIRCASE ENTRY. I COULD GO ON AND ON BUT THIS IS ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!
Art Garfunkel: What a voice!
Thanks, Dan, for a timely and beautiful reminder.
Sad about the Tavern, don’t forget our late friend Kevin Brawley who Resurrected tavern on the main or it might’ve been gone a long time ago. Art Garfunkel gave me a smile I was there on a blanket with friends the night Simon and Garfunkel performed that great live concert. I was inspired to go years earlier by Sally (Sally’s records) reminisce of a similar Magic concert by the duo she attended years before. Kevin, Sally and Tavern on Main RIP and thanks for the memories.
Afternoon Dan, As you’ll see below, the Zoom Playhouse video link didn’t make it in the transmission. Can that be corrected? jb
It works on all my devices. It’s an issue with your browser.
I have a smaller wooden table and 4 chairs that I am happy to donate to trader Joes if someone has a way to transport to them
If they are auctioning off the equipment, might not be another restaurant.
I’m sad about Tavern on Main. I will miss their delicious Clam Chowder! My guess major work would be in store for a new venue.
I’m very sorry to hear about Tavern on Main, which was for years my wife’s and my favorite restaurant and bar in town – we loved both the people and the historic pubby atmosphere the place had.
I’m not surprised, however. The restaurant seemed to have been struggling for some time and doing a lonely battle against the blight sucking the life out of our downtown area and now feeding on itself. I guess this current crisis became the last straw, as it’s going to be for many marginal small businesses all over the country.
My wife and I over the years became quite friendly with several of the bartenders and wait staff at the Tavern, as well as the owner. They were helping to sustain the kind of warm and inviting atmosphere that used to be common in this town but that is becoming increasingly a thing of the past. Now the old sea captain’s house is in danger of becoming just another ruined store front. It’s hard to see how anyone else can hope to make a go of the site without a major transformation in our town’s behavioral patterns and traffic flows.
I wish these people all well and hope they are able to land on their feet.
I hope it stays a restaurant and they don’t get rid of the charming old decor.An upstairs location isn’t so great for retail, and so much of the prime street level space on Main Street is vacant in any case.
Sorry to hear about Tavern on Main. I hope all of the employees are ultimately able to find work elsewhere. We had a number of enjoyable meals there over the years with friends and family—and we will miss it.
Re Simon & Garfunkel: Like Chip, I had the good fortune and pleasure of seeing that wonderful free concert in Central Park almost 40 years ago. What I never expected back then was that one day I would get to see each of them perform individually in Westport—and those performances were both very enjoyable as well.
Olivia – your artwork is amazing! Most importantly, your need and dedication for change is heartfelt. We are so privileged to have been able to live in Westport for the past 13 years, with educators and mentors and neighbors and friends who have guided you to view the world far past our little town, while at the same time cherishing the community that our little town affords. You are destined to do great things! Your generation is destined to do great things! We are depending on you all to do great things. Make change happen!
Very sad to hear about Tavern. One of the only places that offered Saturday brunch. And so much charm in that 1800s wood work. Always excellent food and bloody marys.
Perfect choice.