Monthly Archives: August 2021

Pic Of The Day #1591

Posted on August 26, 2021 | 1 comment

Intense deliberations at the Westport Library (Photo/JC Martin)

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Remembering Robert (“Bobby Q’s”) Le Rose

Posted on August 26, 2021 | 6 comments

His name was Robert Le Rose. But generations of Westporters knew him as Bob or — even more familiarly — “Bobby Q.”

The owner of the popular downtown restaurant — the go-to place for ribs, casual conversation, fun, and a rooftop deck featuring bands and beer — died peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 56 years old,

Bob Le Rose

In 2012 Bob — who also founded Westport’s Blues, Views & BBQ Festival — was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer. Given 2 years to live, he beat that prognosis by nearly a decade.

Bob was born in Greenwich in 1965. From the baseball fields at Greenwich High School, to his DJ group Incognito, to Westport and Norwalk and his beloved Bobby Q’s, the University of Richmond, and everywhere in between, Bob left his mark.

He started his career at Del Monte Foods as a sales associate. He then worked for Gallo Wines, Poland Spring, Nestle Waters and Velocity.

Bob and his wife Kelley opened Bobby Q’s in 2004 in Westport, combining Bob’s passion for community and authentic Kansas City BBQ. The Blues, Views & BBQ Festival grew out of Bob’s love for music.

Countless projects in between reflected his desire to bring people together. That never changed, even during the toughest years of his life.

Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart Kelley; daughters Alex and Meghan; brothers James and Christopher, and loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life is set for this Saturday (August 28, 1 to 4 p.m., Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich). To leave an online tribute, click here.

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Posted in Entertainment, Obituaries, Restaurants

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Roundup: Longshore Patio Bar, Back To School, MoCA …

Posted on August 26, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Longshore Patio Bar, Back To School, MoCA …

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Summer is not yet over. (Fingers crossed.)

Proof: The patio bar at the Inn at Longshore’s La Plage restaurant opens today at 4 p.m., with beer and wine (and killer views).

Hours are the same as the restaurant: Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.

They hope to go to a full bar next week, and a patio menu.

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School starts Tuesday! (Wait — didn’t it just end yesterday?!)

The Westport Police Department says they’re gearing up for a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign. Officers will look for drivers using cellphones and speeding in school zones, as well as monitoring bus stops and routes.

Homemade sign, near Kings Highway Elementary School.

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MoCA Westport is busy installing “Between the Ground and the Sky.” The new exhibition — in collaboration with the Westport Farmers’ Market — opens tomorrow (Friday, August 27, 6-8 p.m.). It’s on view through October 17.

Kristyna and Marek Milde created their site-specific installation using found plants. The Brooklyn-based duo — originally from Prague — are becoming well known for their works exploring environmental issues, and the alienation of contemporary lifestyles.

The plants in the installation were abandoned in Manhattan and Brooklyn. They’ve been repurposed for art.

Also included: large-scale naturalistic works from Southport artist Donna Forma, and photography of the “Who Grows Your Food” movement by Westport photographers Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff.

Kristyna and Marke Milde, at MoCA Westport.

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Westport BNI — the local chapter of Business Networking International — does more than help area owners.

Fourteen riders will participate in the virtual Closer to Free Ride on September 11. The team has raised nearly $3,000. The event raises funds for Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cander Center.

The Westport BNI Group will ride a 25-mile loop together.  For more information click here, or email info@salonpaulmichael.com.

In addition, the chapter seeks new members in specific business categories.  Classifications include interior designer, home inspector, developer, heating and air conditioning contractor, chef, and estate and elder law attorney.

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Elvira Noder Hale died last week, at 95. She was surrounded by family in her Westport home — the house her parents built.

 A Navy veteran of the Korean War. Elvira is survived by her daughter Paula (Dennis); sons Mark and Thomas (Camilla); grandchildren Stephanie, Anthony, Isabella, Katarina and Maximilian; sister Patricia, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 2 (11 a.m., Assumption Church). Click here to leave online condolences.

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Wendy Levy saw yesterday’s “Westport … Naturally” spider photo, and wondered if I’d consider a cicada too.

Done!

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … today in 1936, Helen McKay sang “Here’s Looking at You.” It was the first song ever broadcast on television. Here’s a re-creation:

 

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Posted in Environment, Longshore, Obituaries, Police, Restaurants

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Kids Pose For Yoga Classes

Posted on August 26, 2021 | Comments Off on Kids Pose For Yoga Classes

Twenty years of practicing yoga has helped Carly Walker complete 2 Ironman races, and 25 marathons — injury-free.

Friends describe their aches, pains and sports-related injuries. When she tells them that yoga can align their bodies and prevent injuries — plus keep them sane — they don’t listen.

She gave up trying to convince them. Now the Westporter is concentrating on the next generation.

Carly Walker

“If I can help kids adopt yoga into their lives at a young age, it will help their bodies and minds for a lifetime,” she says. “Yoga is all about handling life and stress better off the mat.”

She wanted to give youngsters the tools to help breathe when they get upset, stressed or frustrated. Yoga helps kids stay calm on the inside, even amid chaos.

The result: Child’s Pose. The “studio for young souls” is open at 8 Church Street South (next to Little Barn).

Classes include toddlers with parents and caregivers (ages 1-4); pre-schoolers (3-5), elementary schoolers (5-10) and middle schoolers (11-14).

Carly offers 2 free classes today (Thursday, August 26): Elementary (3 to 4 p.m.), and Mom & Me (4:30 to 5:15 p.m.).

There are many similarities between adult and kids’ yoga, Carly says. But children learn through play, so she makes things fun. Amid giggles, she helps them find “inner peace, and some quiet moments on their mat.”

When she pulls out a stuffed animal dog, her young students know it’s time to get into downward dog. Poses like sleeping butterfly help ease anxiety in children, she says.

Middle schoolers enjoy yoga …

Carly shows them how to recreate poses at home, with items in their house.

All children can benefit from yoga, Carly says. “Yoga helps with flexibility, strength and balance. It improves their focus and concentration, and connects their minds to their bodies to reduce stress and anxiety. It also aids in self-esteem and confidence.”

Special needs youngsters — such as those with ADHD and autism — benefit especially from yoga, she notes. It reduces anxiety, helps with emotional regulation, improves confidence, provides consistency and helps with inner peace.

Before moving to Westport 5 years ago, Carly taught children’s yoga in New York. She is impressed with our town’s support of children.

She’s seen the competitive side of athletics here — and was an athlete herself — so she also wants people to know that a flexible, mobile body prevents injuries.

Feedback has ben good. Parents have seen children start to become angry with a sibling or friend, then say, “I’m going to breath like Ms. Carly taught me to.”

A child having trouble sleeping may put a stuffy on their belly, rock it to sleep — and fall asleep themselves.

… and so do much younger children. (Photos/Julia D’Agostino)

Some youngsters enter her studio skeptically, she says. Soon they forget about whatever happened on the playground, or the test looming tomorrow.

“Fear and anxiety come from thinking about the past or future,” Carly says.

“Standing on one foot and one hand in a yoga pose is all about being in the moment.”

(For more information click here, or follow on social media: @childsposewestport.)

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Posted in Children, Local business

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Pic Of The Day #1590

Posted on August 25, 2021 | 2 comments

Yogi Bear enjoys a Compo Beach sunrise (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Unsung Heroes #204

Posted on August 25, 2021 | 5 comments

Longtime Westport Library book sales volunteer Mimi Greenlee writes:

Our community is so happy now that the Westport Library is accepting book donations in the gray trailer in the upper parking lot (during library hours).

The first weeks were overwhelming. I want to give a round of applause for our volunteer team of 50 sorters and category managers.

By singling out one person, I hope “06880” readers see how much devotion and dedication is present in every one of our year-round volunteers.

Dan Delehanty was Westport’s town engineer from 1978 to 2008. In 2001 he became a volunteer for our Book Sales. He transported books and supplies from storage to our sales, sorted donated books, and was always available for any other jobs needed for Friends of the Library and the Library staff.

Dan Delehanty shows off his work. Note the time on the clock: 6 a.m. (Photo/Fred Caporizzo)

He loved putting on music and sorting books, usually in the very early morning or late at night. I was always amazed at what he had accomplished, and with such efficiency.

Dan moved to Maine in 2020 to be with family, yet this spring he came back to visit. Longtime friend and co-worker Fred Caporizzo suggested Dan come help in the Book Center for “nostalgia” reasons. That’s exactly what he did.

The 2 men were there at 6 a.m., sorting books for our Book Shop and the next book sale.  How about a round of applause for them — and everyone else on our team!

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)

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Roundup: Weston Market, Baron’s South, Parks & Rec Programs …

Posted on August 25, 2021 | 7 comments

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Peter’s Market closed in January. For 7 months, Weston residents — and their neighbors in northern Weston — have schlepped to Westport or Wilton for basic needs.

Soon — “as soon as possible,” in fact — Lily’s Market will open in Weston Shopping Center. The news was first reported by Weston Today.

Among the familiar faces: Jay Stasko, who worked at Peter’s on and off since he was 16 (and whose daughter is Lily), and DJ Hall, who managed it for 22 years.

Westporter Mark McWhirter will head up the business side.

Also in the works; Weston Pharmacy. The goal for Ken and Susan Lee — who signed the lease — is to open in early September. (Hat tip: Dick Wingate)

Coming soon: Lily’s Weston Market

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Registration for Westport Parks & Recreation fall programs begins online on Wednesday, September 8 (9 a.m.)..

Programs are available by clicking here. Visit us at http://www.westportrecreation.com to view our upcoming Fall programs!

Administrators say: “Please log into your online account to verify your family information. Once you have logged into your account, click ‘manage family members’ on the bottom right. To view more details, click the name of the member you want to view. Please check email addresses provided and other personal information that may have changed. Make any necessary changes and hit ‘save’ at the end.”

Have an address change? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

If you cannot log into your online account, do not create another profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov or call us 203-341-5152 for help.

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The Parks & Recreation Commission meets next Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom) to review 2 Baron’s South conceptual plans. To attend via Zoom, use Meeting ID 840 1308 5788; Passcode 398959.

What’s next for Baron’s South? The Parks & Recreation Commission will begin discussing the issue next Wednesday . (Photo/Cathy Walsh)

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Heather Frimmer’s new book, “Better to Trust,” launches with a party at the Westport Library. It’s September 21 (7 p.m.), and includes an interview with Suzy Leopold.

Click here to register (in-person or virtually), and obtain a signed copy.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” contribution is not, notes Margo Amgott, “cute fawns, bunnies, local turkeys or fuzzy bears.” It is, however, what’s been hanging out at her house.

(Photo/Margo Amgott)

“Her web is about 4 feet wide,” Margo describes. (I have no idea how she determined its gender.)

“She’s still most of the day. But a half hour or so every day she spins (pun intended) into action.

“She’s got long black stockings and gloves, yellow markings, and is about 2 feet inches long. She has a large sac (venom? Babies?).

“We are terrified but also charmed. Anyone know what she is?”

If so, click Comments below. And let Margo know whether she should be completely charmed. Or totally terrified.

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And finally … Charlie Watts’ passing marks the end of an era. The Rolling Stones’ drummer (and bandmate of our neighbor Keith Richards) died yesterday in London. He was 80.

The New York Times called his style “strong but unflashy.” It cited his work on 3 songs in particular as emblematic of the group’s success:

“He was relentless on “Paint It, Black” (No. 1 in 1966), supple on “Ruby Tuesday” (No. 1 in 1967) and the master of a funky cowbell groove on “Honky Tonk Women” (No. 1 in 1969).”

Thanks, Charlie. You gave us plenty of satisfaction.

 

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics

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Looking At The Levitt

Posted on August 25, 2021 | 2 comments

As the Levitt Pavilion prepares to close its (metaphorical) curtain on the 2021 season — it pretty much ends this Sunday with a Motown Revue, though there are 2 dates in September, and Sheryl Crow’s benefit October 8 — it’s time to look back on 60 nights of free entertainment.

“06880” photographer JC Martin was at the Saugatuck River bandshell often this summer. There was plenty of entertainment.

But he found many of his best shots away from the stage. Here’s a sampling of what he saw.

The audience was filled with folks of all ages: adults …

… younger …

… and very young.

Some came by kayak …

… while others listened from the Westport Library’s cafe patio.

They brought picnics …

… and ttreated themselves to something special.

They filled the wide lawn …

… and enjoyed a wide variety of acts…

… in a beautiful setting. (Photos/JC Martin)

To see the remaining Levitt Pavilion calendar, click here.

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment

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Pics Of The Day #1589

Posted on August 24, 2021 | 1 comment

Lauri Weiser’s Compo Beach album:

Kayak racks

South Beach sand

South Beach sun

South Beach sunset

Sailing at dusk (Photos/Lauri Weiser)

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Remembering Bill Clotworthy

Posted on August 24, 2021 | 5 comments

Author, lecturer,  advertising and television executive — and longtime Westporter — Bill Clotworthy died peacefully in hospice in Salt Lake City last week. He was 95 years old.

A New Jersey native, his first job after college was as a page for NBC in New York. After 8 months he began working with BBD&O, and had a front row seat at birth of the then-new medium of live television. He worked with Groucho Marx, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Stan Freburg, Jack Webb, Robert Montgomery and Jack Benny, and on “Your Hit Parade” and “Your Show of Shows.”

He moved to Los Angeles in the 1950’s and was the agency rep on shows including “General Electric Theater,” where he became friends with host Ronald Reagan.

In New York in the 1970’s, Bill returned to NBC in the Standards and Practices Department. He was the on-set censor for “Saturday Night Live,” where the cast and crew affectionately referred to him as “Doctor No.” It was the same Studio 8H that he worked in as a page in 1948.

After retiring in 1991 he pursued his interest in history. He became an author and lecturer, writing several books about George Washington and the first ladies, as well as guidebooks on presidential homes and sites. He published a memoir: “Saturday Night Live: Equal Opportunity Offender.”

Bill Clotworthy

A U.S Navy veteran, Bill attended Wesleyan College University and Yale University before graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in theater. He was a member of Sigma Chi, and loved singing “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi” to anyone who had the misfortune of being within earshot.

He was also an enthusiastic genealogist for over 50 years, tracing his family roots back to the 11th century in England, as well as the first permanent English settlement in North America at Jamestown. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

A resident of Westport for 24 years, he served on the Representative Town Meeting. He later lived in North Carolina and Virginia, before settling in Salt Lake City in 2019.

Bill was dignified, self deprecating, funny and considered puns to be the highest form of humor. He completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every Sunday, and enjoyed singing and dancing to big band music.

Bill is preceded in death by his wives Joyce and Angela, and his younger brother, Olympic diving champion Bob Clotworthy

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann; sons Robert and Donald; daughters Lynne and Amy; stepsons Peter and Bradford; grandson Will; nieces Susan, Jodi and Erin, and nephew Bruce.

Bill was proud that over his life he donated more than 5 gallons of blood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations (either monetary or pints of blood) to the American Red Cross.

(Click here for a fascinating interview with Bill Clotworthy. Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

 

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