A bit of good news from Hook’d!
They’ve finally posted their hours of operation on their door. They say they open at 11 a.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. weekends. They’re open until 8 p.m. 7 nights a week.
See you there!
(Photo/Matt Murray)
=======================================================
Unfortunately, that’s not the only Hook’d-related news today.
A reader writes: “A quick Google search of (concessionaire) Upsilon Ventures and (owner) Itai Shoffman uncovers all sorts of stuff, like unpaid taxes.”
Attached was a link to Southern District of New York District Court judgment in “United States of America v. Itai Shoffman.” He was held liable for $201,659.73 in unpaid federal income taxes for 2007 and ’08, plus interest.
The judgment was dated February 12, 2021 — nearly one year after he and Upsilon were awarded the concession contract for Compo Beach and Longshore.
=======================================================
The Onion is known for repeating the same post-mass murder headline, month after tragic month: “‘No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.”
Westport’s repeated headline is this: “Truck Stuck Under Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge.”
It happened again yesterday morning. A driver ignored the warning sign — “Clearance: 10 Feet, 11 Inches,” and plowed underneath.
As usual, the bridge won.
Yesterday at the Saugatuck Avenue railroad bridge. Similar scenes are repeated regularly. (Photo/David Stone)
Readers always offer suggestions, such as better warnings for truckers (particularly those coming off I-95 Exit 17 eastbound, and not paying attention).
The bridge itself can’t be raised. But what will happen to Northeast corridor train traffic if repeated accidents make it structurally unsound?
Meanwhile, every time a truck driver misses or ignores the warning sign, we all smack our heads in disbelief.
And take a detour.
=======================================================
The magnificent Steinway piano — formerly at New York’s Village Gate jazz club — has not been played since the day before COVID struck Westport.
But tomorrow (Thursday, July 7, VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), Janice Friedman joins “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall. She’ll play it again, at “Jazz at the Post.”
There are 2 sets: 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The cover is just $10; there’s also dinner from 6:30 on, with chef Derek Furino. Reservations are “strongly recommended” via email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Before COVID, the Steinway piano was played at 323 restaurant.
=====================================================
If jazz is not your thing, what about art?
“Double Indemnity” — the Westport Library show of work by Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow, based on the noir classic — continues tomorrow and the following Thursday (July 7 and 14).
Both artist will be at the gallery, from 6 p.m. on. At 7, films will be shown on the Library’s big screen: “Detour” this week, “Nightmare Alley” next.
Popcorn and other goodies are available too.
=====================================================
Meanwhile, just added for Friday, at the Levitt Pavilion:
Hayley Jane & The Primates combine Americana, soul and rock & roll. They bring a powerful vocal range, vibrant dance choreography and explosive energy. The opening act is One Time Weekend.
Click here for free tickets.
Hayley Jane & the Primates.
=======================================================
Michael Wolfe has no idea who put a sign up on Marion Road this morning.
But, Michael says, “he’s clearly on a quest to spread the word/embarrass Denise on her birthday. Might as well help the cause!”
(Photo/Michael Wolfe)
So: Happy Birthday, Denise, from all your friends at “06880.”
But don’t worry … we won’t tell anyone else 🙂
======================================================
Every day, there’s family fun at Wakeman Town Farm.
But this Saturday (July 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), it’s an official, capitalized Family Fun Day.
Kids of all ages can visit feed animals, plant sunflower seeds, and enjoy music from the School of Rock Fairfield. Food and drink for purchase includes ice cream, smoothies, iced coffee, lemonade and wood-fired pizza.
The schedule:
- 11 to 2:45: Animal visits; reading room
- 11 to 12:30: Buzzin’ Bees Craft
- 11:30 to 12:45: Seed planting
- 11:30 to 2:30: Pizza
- 12 to 2: Ice cream
- 12:30 to 2: Face painting
- 1 to 2:45: Flight of the Butterflies Craft
- 1 to 3: Music from the School of Rock House Band
- 1:15 to 2:45: Farm Olympics.
Click here for advance tickets. Walk-ins are welcome too.
=======================================================
There’s a lot going on at Earthplace, too.
Canoe paddles along the Saugatuck River — in search of egrets, osprey, ducks, shorebirds and much more — are set for this Saturday (July 9, 10 a.m. to noon); Friday, August 12; Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, October 16. Click here for reservations and more information.
Family campfires, with (of course) roasting marshmallows — plus meet an animal ambassador, and enjoy s’mores and a guided activity. There is a different theme for each campfire. Each family has their own picnic table. Dates are July 15, September 16, October 21, November 26 and December 21. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, admission to the Earthplace Museum is free through September 5, for Connecticut residents age 18 and under, and one adult caregiver. Support comes from Connecticut Humanities, the Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts, and ARPA.
====================================================
George Billis Gallery — now in a new location, 180 Post Road East — hosts an opening reception tomorrow (July 7, 5 to 8 p.m.).
“Ride the Wave” features 8 women artists, including Westporter Dale Najarian.
“Southampton Coastline” — oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)
=====================================================
Round Pond is one of Westport’s most historic (and overlooked) sites.
Located near the Longshore entrance road — and across the street from the house F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald rented in 1920 — it was where social reformer Lillian Wald lived for many years. Eleanor Roosevelt was a frequent guest.
These days, it’s better known as a winter skating spot.
A small sign now notes its name. It’s in keeping with the beauty of the place — and a great image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
======================================================
Never heard of Hayley Jane & the Primates — this Friday’s Levitt Pavilion band (story above)?
Neither have I.
They’ve been around a while, apparently. Here’s a 2015 clip, from Bridgeport’s Gathering of the Vibes festival:
(If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please consider donating to “06880.” We are completely reader-supported! Click here to help.)
Here’s one possible solution to the trucks not paying attention on Saugatuck – make the fine so enormous that this underpass will be noted by trucking companies & disseminated to drivers faster than you could ever imagine. Trucking companies hate fines & it maybe be the one thing they pay attention to. Some pass the fines on to drivers – now that would peak some awareness!!
This suggestion makes no sense. What about all the Uhaul, Ryder, etc. trucks that are rented by regular people? Or furniture and appliance delivery trucks? The vast majority of these incidents are not from “trucking companies” – truckers are professionals who know what they’re doing; these are all amateurs. The solution would be to put up bars before the bridge, like you see at drive-thrus.
over the years, i have personally come across dozens of trucks that have hit bridges in westport and surrounding towns. most were professionals not uhaul or renters.
Traffic in Saugatuck is outrageous
So regarding Hook’d it appears that there was absolutely no due diligence done on Upsilon or Itai Shoffman or any of their ventures by Fava et al…. It’s so simple. How does this happen?
I skated at Round Pond all my years of growing up in Westport. It was just a short walk from my home on Narrow Rocks Road. Good memories.
Beautiful picture of Village Gate piano (and Van Gogh paintings behind it!:-)
Hey Dave Sal and I sent insane proof of this douche bags lack of tax paying and inept ability to run any kind of business.. how he got approved is a mystery !
i agree, why did the town award the concession contract to someone that doesnt pay taxes? it was discussed publicly online, yet they proceeded.