Over 1,450 Westporters — more than 11% of the town — is without power this morning.
Heavy rain and winds gusting up to 50 miles an hour brought tree limbs crashing onto utility lines last night. The worst affected area seems to be Roseville Road.
Westport had more outages than anywhere else in Connecticut.
Eversource says it has extra crews working here. Click on this map for exact locations, and restoration times.
Countless Fairfield County residents have been helped by the Whittingham Cancer Center.
They — and their loved ones — benefit from the comprehensive care and leading-edge treatments for all types and stages of cancer at the Norwalk Hospital facility.
On Saturday, May 14 at Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach, we’ve got a chance to pay it forward. A 5K Run (8:30 a.m.) and 3K walk (10:30 a.m.) will raise funds for programs and services there.
This is the 18th annual C. Anthony & Jean Whittingham Cancer Center Walk & Run. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the facility.
Dr. Pradip Pathare remembers that entire quarter century — and much more. The Westport resident has been a Norwalk Hospital radiation oncologist for 40 years.
He discovered the specialty during his residency at Yale. It combined hands-on medicine with patient contact.
Dr. Pathare says that radiation oncology has come a long way from its earlier reputation: delivering bad news.
Dr. Pradip Pathare
“This is not ‘working with dying patients,'” he says. “The pendulum has swung. We cure a lot of patients — the majority — even those we used to lose, like to breast cancer. It’s not a depressing field at all.”
And those who do succumb to the disease, he says, are comforted throughout their time at Whittingham.
Dr. Pathare says he continues to learn new things about cancer, and its treatment. “You’re never too old to be a student. That’s what I love about this field.”
He cites 4D simulation, which adds both motion and time to 3D, to predict the spread of tumors.
Another advancement: surgical techniques that eliminate invasive cutting.
But when Dr. Pathare joined Norwalk Hospital 40 years ago, the radiation oncology department was housed “in the basement, between the morgue and the laundry.”
Donor by donor, brick by brick, he helped build what he calls “a world-class facility.”
He recalls an older woman he treated for skin cancer, using “an old machine held together with Band-Aids.”
Three months later, after her cure, she asked what his department needed. Dr. Pathare mentioned the machine.
How much would it cost? she wondered. $100,000, he said.
She wrote a check on the spot.
Donors like her have helped Whittingham upgrade every aspect of care. A key element was bringing separate offices — one for radiation, another for chemotherapy, a third for surgery — together in one place.
Tony and Jean Whittingham gave the seed money, in honor of his mother who died of ovarian cancer.
As the family — and many others — continued support, the Whittingham Cancer Center outgrew its Stevens Street location. It’s now around the corner, on Maple Street.
Dr. Pathare — the first director — helped design it. “I knew what would work: a very inviting space,” he says. He made sure the architects followed his vision.
The C. Anthony & Jean Whittingham Cancer Center.
In 2017, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Whittingham announced a collaboration. Integration with the existing Norwalk program — in which Norwalk Hospital oncologist, nurses, surgeons and pathologists practice alongside MSK doctors — was the first outside of New York State.
Dr. Pathare’s 2 daughters — Swapna and Meena — went through Kings Highway Elementary, Bedford Middle and Staples High Schools. Like their father, they still live here — with kids at Kings Highway.
The Pathare family continues to thrive in Westport. In Norwalk, Whittingham Cancer Center does the same.
(Click here to register for the Whittingham Cancer Center Walk & Run. Click here to contribute if you cannot attend by donating to the event or a specific team, and/or buying a tribute sign or balloon ribbon.)
Comments Off on Whittingham Run/Walk: Celebrating 25 Years Of Cancer Care
Posted in Westport life
Tagged Dr. Pradip Pathare, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Norwalk Hospital, Whittingham Cancer Center
No caption needed (Photo/Dana Altman)
The world knows Jane Green as a best-selling author. Her books have sold more than 10 million copies, and been translated into 31 (!) languages.
Westport knows Jane Green as our neighbor. Her volunteer activities are broad and unique. Only she would think of building a free, mobile library “bookcycle,” naming it after our late, beloved Remarkable Book Shop — and adding its joyful “dancing man” logo.
Jane also founded Westport Back Front Porch, the Facebook page that gets even more comments than “06880.”
The other day, Jane and I chatted at the Westport Library for my “06880” podcast. We talked about her new book, “Sister Stardust”; her (yes) remarkable career from journalism and Cosmo to novelist; and of course, her life in Westport.
Click below for 30 minutes with one of Westport’s most interesting people.
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First came Willowbrook Cemetery’s “Miracle Mile.” Then came Debra Kandrak’s town-wide planting project. Now, Westport has become the Daffodil Capital of — if not the world — at least the area.
Among the yellow beauties bringing joy to us all: 7,000 lining Prospect Road.
These were planted, thanks to Debra, to remind everyone about the issue of bullying. It’s just not cool — for victim or the bullies themselves.
Cindy Shumate — who had both a literal and figurative hand in the projects — says that anyone who has suffered from bullying, or knows a person who has, is welcome to clip a bouquet for themselves.
(Please take them only from the roadway in front of #11, 13, 21 and 25 Prospect Road, owned by Melissa and John Ceriale).
“It’s a small token to let someone know that they are safe with you, and to open a conversation if that someone is ready,” Cindy says.
Prospect Road connects Hillspoint Road with Greens Farms Road. It’s worth a drive even without clipping a daffodil bouquet!
Hillspoint Road daffodils (Photo/Cindy Shumate)
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As the Russian war in Ukraine grinds on, Tyler Hicks’ photos continue to illustrate the gruesome state of life and death there.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate’s latest work in the New York Times is from the village of Husarivka. The Pulitzer Prize winning photographer’s images illustrate a story about the depravity of Russian soldiers, as they harass, terrorize and kill farmers and their family members. Click here for the full story, and photos.
Lubov Dvoretska, 62, a biology teacher whose husband was killed in a bombing. Her neighbors buried his body in the garden behind their house. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)
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The Y’s Men attract an A-list of speakers for their Thursday meetings. Last week’s was particularly impressive and insightful.
Congressman Jim Himes offered thoughts on some of the major news stories, then answered questions on a broad array of topics.
Click below to see and hear Himes’ session. All that’s missing are the Y’s Mens’ famous coffee and donuts,
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Emil Gilmutdinov was born in Russia. He moved to New York in 2009. He worked in the food and beverage industry for nearly a decade, but lost his job during the pandemic.
That’s when he rediscovered his passion for drawing and painting. A self-taught artist working with both pencil and oil paint, he constantly experiments and hones his skills. His work includes both black-and-white graphic prints, and oils reflecting nature.
His first-ever solo exhibition is set for Steam, the coffee spot across from the Westport train station on Railroad Place. There’s an opening reception tonight (Monday, April 18, 6 to 9 p.m.).
Emil’s work is on display at Steam, for purchase, through June 12.
Pencil work by Emil Gilmutdinov.
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In a few days, this tree will be bursting with color.
Right now, it’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … Happy Patriots’ Day, to our readers in Massachusetts and Maine.
The official state holiday commemorates the first battles of the Revolutionary War, at Lexington and Concord in 1775.
Posted in Arts, Local business, Politics, Saugatuck
Tagged Congressman Jim Himes, daffodils, Emil Gilmutdinov, Prospect Road, Steam coffee bar, Tyler Hicks, Ukraine, Westport Y's Men
Anna Ustin and her husband Dima moved to Westport from Manhattan during COVID.
Unlike many new residents, they did not have young kids needing more space. Both work in finance — she’s at Morgan Stanley, he’s at Citibank — and both are finishing up master’s degrees. They came here planning to start a family.
Anna and Dima Ustin.
They have not done that yet. But these days their house is filled. Dima’s mother, brother and sister-in-law, and their 2 children fled Ukraine for Westport last month.
Their story is harrowing. Their future is hopeful.
Anna was born in Kazakhstan, raised in Russia, and studied in China. She came to the US in 2010.
Dima was born in Kyiv, and arrived in the States in 2015. The couple met and were married in New York.
They followed Russia’s menacing moves in Ukraine closely, but did not think an invasion would happen. When it did in late February, they urged their relatives to move as quickly as possible to the Polish border.
Dima’s mother Hope had been a kindergarten principal. His brother Alex was a congressman’s aide; Sasha’s wife Olena owned a cafe, and their 8-year-old daughter Neva was a high-level gymnast. Their son Lev is 6.
Dima’s sister-in-law, nephew and niece, during happier times in Kyiv.
The trip to Poland should have taken 8 to 10 hours. With gas shortages and other issues, it took 5 days.
Passing time on the bus.
After 2 days sitting on a bus at the border, the family decided to walk the last few miles.
Walking the final miles to Poland.
Alex headed back east, to Lviv. The others took another bus to Warsaw, where Anna — working online from Westport — had rented an Airbnb apartment.
They applied for a US tourist visa — the only type available in Warsaw — but were denied. Anna researched the best way to get them into the country through Canada, but that country had no program for Ukrainian refugees.
Anna turned to the next option: Mexico.
Through friends of friends, she found people in Mexico City. Anna arranged for a flight from Warsaw, and asked her new contacts to meet her relatives at the airport. The next day, they boarded a flight — also arranged by Anna — to Tijuana.
Meanwhile, Anna interviewed 35 lawyers in San Diego who could help. Few knew what to do. She hired 2 who did.
One knew an immigration officer at the San Ysidro border crossing. He made an appointment to see the family there.
In Tijuana — again through friends of friends — Anna found a driver to take them to the pedestrian crossing. That was important: “Coyotes” who transport people there charge up to $5,000, and are not always safe or reliable.
The driver showed Mexican officials a printout of the family’s appointment. That helped the them through Mexican control, onto US soil.
Anna and Dima flew to San Diego. They were constantly on the phone to their relatives — until American officials took the phone. They underwent 3 interviews, with 3 separate US immigration officers, then spent 26 hours in a cell with 10 other people.
Finally, the family was released to Jewish Family Services, which tested them for COVID. After 24 hours — in a nice hotel by the water — they met up with Anna and Dima.
They flew back to JFK on March 20th. Which leads to a whole other story.
After saying goodbye to his family, Alex — Dima’s brother — had driven back and forth, helping evacuate Ukrainian women and children to Poland. But when he was told that he had to fight in the besieged city of Mariupol, he headed to Romania.
Alex, at the Polish border.
Alex walked 18 miles through mountains. He was nearly frostbitten and injured his toes, but eventually boarded a train to Budapest, Hungary. Anna got him a ticket to New York.
Miraculously, he arrived at JFK at almost the same moment as his family on the flight from San Diego. They had a surprise — and very emotional — reunion at the airport.
For a month, they’ve all lived together at Anna and Dima’s house. Hope sleeps in the guest room, with her grandchildren. Alex and his wife have taken over what was a home office.
The youngsters were quickly enrolled at Coleytown Elementary School. “I can’t even describe how welcoming everyone is,” Anna says.
“Janna (Sirowich, the principal) brought 20 bags of clothing and gift cards. On the first day she rode the bus with them, so they wouldn’t feel overwhelmed. I’ve never seen a school like this.”
Settling in at Coleytown Elementary School.
Neva had learned a bit of English at her school in Kyiv. Lev knows no English, and has a tougher time. Both have been swimming at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The family, who is Jewish, also spends time at Beth Israel Chabad in Norwalk.
Anna’s relatives are looking for jobs. Olena is working as a nanny in New York. She does not drive, but plans to learn. Her English is rusty, but she hopes to go back to school, for a degree in technology.
Alex speaks a little English. He studying for the TOEFL exam. He has a degree in physical therapy, and would like to become a nurse’s assistant.
When they can afford to, they hope to find somewhere to live on their own.
“It’s all been overwhelming,” Anna says. “Everything is new. They have no place of their own to relax.”
But — amazingly — they have made the long, dangerous, twisting journey from Kyiv to Westport. There are no missiles or bombs.
Here, they are safe.
(Anyone wishing to help can email Anna: au2252@columbia.edu).
Post Road scene (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
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Local To Market — the food/coffee/gift/gift basket/and more shop that opened a few months ago in the former Talbots/Remarkable Book Shop prime space at the Main Street entrance to Parker Harding Plaza — is closing soon.
Whether it’s temporary or permanent is uncertain. And, in a way, up all of us.
Owner Chris Marcocci must move out by April 30, because the building was sold.
He has not yet found a new location. “We may have to hit pause,” he says, “but hopefully not for too long.
“Bringing Local To Market to Main Street was an amazing experience. My wife Rita, general manager Jon Clement and I are grateful for the wonderful community support, especially our loyal customers and amazing Connecticut suppliers.
“Bringing in the Art Collective of Westport for our art gallery, featuring local musicians and giving back to local charities made this very worthwhile.
“We wish to remain in Westport, and hope to be open again soon with an even wider assortment of products and services. We are looking for our next location, and possible partners to add a café and more.”
If you’ve got a lead, contact him directly: chris@localtomarket.com.
The Local to Market patio.
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Almost two dozen Y’s Men spent yesterday serving the community.
Joined by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, they gathered with bags, gloves, coffee, donuts and homemade matzoh bark at the Baldwin Parking Lot. They spent hours gathering trash — cans, paper, cigarette butts, even a tent from — from the periphery.
Dewey Loselle, head of the group’s Community Service, organized the event.
Y’s Men of Westport/Weston includes almost 400 retired men. They meet weekly from Labor Day to Memorial Day, sharing coffee and donuts and hearing speakers.
Activities range from bridge. boating, golf, tennis, hiking and walking to a global issues discussion group, dining and field trips.
Meetings are Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. Click here for more information, or email
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (6th from right) and Y’s Men at the Baldwin Parking Lot.
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The New York Times describes a new musical in the works. “Everyone Comes to Elaine’s” is based on the Upper East Side spot that for decades attracted celebrities from Frank Sinatra, Woody Allen and Truman Capote to Joe DiMaggio and Keith Richards.
The creators optioned the rights to the 2004 book “Everyone Comes to Elaine’s.” It was written by A.E. Hotchner, a Westport resident and Elaine’s regular. He died in 2020, at 102.
They added Hotchner’s son Timothy, who grew up here, as a creative and business partner. Click here for the full Times story. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
A. E. Hotchner, in Westport. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
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Congratulations to April’s Staples High School Students of the Month: seniors Emma Londoner and Rachel Greenberg, juniors Carine Rosado and Ian Patton, sophomores Sacha Maidique and Nicholas De Munck, and freshmen Brady Dennett and Shelby Weisman.
Principal Stafford Thomas said they were chosen for helping make their school “a welcoming place for peers and teachers. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together, making it the special place it is.”
From left: Shelby Weisman, Ian Patton, Sacha Maidique, Carina Rosado, Brady Dennett, Rachel Greenberg, Emma Londoner. Missing: Nicholas de Munck.
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The Westport Police Department will be out in “force” next Saturday (April 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), collecting food for the Gillespie Center and Westport Human Services food pantry.
The event is co-sponsored with the Westport Rotary Club, and Westport Woman’s Club. They ask for non-perishable items only — and no glass!
Items needed for Saturday’s food drive.
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Yesterday’s Roundup included a video with what I was told were the sons of Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti’s.
Nope. The trio are called Il Novo, and though they are extremely talented, they have nothing to do with those three stars. One more reason to remember that, as Abraham Lincoln once said, “you can’t believe everything you see on the internet.”
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There’s always something happening at the Senior Center. Including — this time of year — magnificent spring colors.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image was captured beautifully by Molly Alger.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And finally … until yesterday, I’d never heard of Art Rupe.
But without him, chances are I’d also never have heard of the music I love.
The founder of Specialty Records, he brought rhythm and blues — formerly “race music” — into the white mainstream. He jump-started the careers of singers like Little Richard and Lloyd Price. Hearing those artists influenced groups like the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Animals.
Art Rupe died on Friday at his home in Santa Barbara. He was 104. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Michael Taylor)
Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Media, Police, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged A. E. Hotchner, food drive, Local to Market, Y's Men
Once upon a time, lines formed every spring at the Parks & Recreation Department office. We headed there for beach stickers, “beach school” registration, and golf and tennis hand passes.
At one point, they added a mail option. Now we can do it online. (Meanwhile, beach stickers have become “emblems,” and “beach school” is “Camp Compo.” The world changes …)
Far fewer of us now need to visit Parks & Rec in person. That’s a shame. The folks are friendly, and the building — a throwback to its private club days, though renovated nicely a number of years ago — is different from most in Westport.
Outside sits a large planter. It was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. Kathie Bennewitz, Andrew Colabella and Valerie Szeto all knew exactly where it was: opposite the golf pro shop, near the 1st tee. (Click here to see.)
If we still had to line up for our recreational registrations, many more readers would have known where the planter is.
But think of all the time we save now.
This week’s Photo Challenge is below. Warning: It’s probably our toughest one yet.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Lisa Tantillo)
The moon set early this morning.
The fire was ready for the Christian faithful. Over 150 gathered for Easter sunrise service at Compo Beach, led this year by the Westport United Methodist Church.
Rick Benson took this photo — and arranged the fire.
Other participating churches included Greens Farms, Saugatuck and Norfield Congregational.
(Photo/Gloria Smithson)
(Photo/Gloria Smithson)
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