Old Mill Grocery & Deli is back!
The doors to what is now known as Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci swung open this morning. They’ll be there from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The new operators welcome neighborhood residents, beach walkers and joggers and bicyclists, and anyone else in town (and out) to stop by and check them out.
You won’t be disappointed!
Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci
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On Tuesday, Donald Lowman headed to New York. Without a sticker, he parked in the Greens Farms station daily lot — up the hill, near the school buses.
When he arrived back at 10:30 p.m., he realized his nice leather shoes were inadequate for going down the hill, across the street and up the next hill.
Suddenly, a Jeep pulled up. The woman in the passenger seat said, “Jump in. We can take you wherever you need to go.”
They would have driven him all the way home. Instead, they delivered him to his car.
The couple said they’d wait to see if his car started. But the door handle was frozen.
The driver got out, found his windshield scraper and handed it over. Don scraped the ice off the handle.
He got in, turned on the defroster, and told his saviors they were a godsend.
“I would not have been able to make it down or up the hills near the station, and would have gotten seriously injured if I tried,” Don says.
“Their simple, timely, random act of kindness was unbelievably important and appreciated. And it offset the admittedly cynical views of other people that I have developed over the past several years of watching increasingly selfish motorists endangering or inconveniencing others.
“There are some truly wonderful people in our town, and it was my luck to run into 2 of the best. Stories like these renew one’s faith in the generosity and selflessness of others.”
Navigating Greens Farms station’s hills is no easy task. Al Willmott captured this scene years ago.
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This Sunday, as many people march across America to support women’s rights, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport will sponsor a teach-in on abortion.
REACH (Reproductive Equity, Access and CHoice) will lead the 11:30 a.m., which begins with a free brunch. They’ll discuss abortion access from a social justice point of view, across all communities.
Attendees are invited to wear a pink pussycat hat or other branded item. Questions: Email events@uuwestport.org.
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When Parker Greenberg was born in 2016, her parents instantly knew something was not right.
She was born with a very rare genetic condition, HIST1H1E Syndrome that leaves her with severe special needs. Hers was the 8th case diagnosed worldwide, a week before her second birthday.
Daily life is a challenge for the young Westporter. She sees a large team of specialists, has undergone many surgeries, and had plenty of medical scares.
Yet, her mother Kimberly says, “our determined little girl has never given up. She continues to teach us new things daily, including how to stay positive.”
The Greenbergs thank the Star Rubino Center, Stepping Stones Preschool and Coleytown Elementary School for being instrumental to Parker’s success.
Her family set up Parker’s Cure, a non-profit foundation for families facing HIST1H1E Syndrome. Funds raised go to research into the disease.
On January 26, the foundation hosts its 2nd annual Bowlin & Booze Bash (Bowlero Lanes, Norwalk). Tickets (click here) include 2 1/2 hours of bowling, an open bar and food.
There’s an auction too, with sports tickets, autographed memorabilia, JL Rocks jewelry, experiences and more.
Bidding begins January 24 (9 a.m.), and closes at midnight January 27. Click here for more information.
Parker Greenberg (left) and her family.
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Two Westport icons are joining forces.
Amy Simon Fine Art is collaborating on an exhibition at Christian Siriano’s The Collective West.
The launch — featuring the art of Amy Genser, Donald martiny and René Romero Schuler — is January 25 (6 to 9 p.m.),
Questions? Email info@amysimonfineart.com, or call 203-259-1500.
Christian Soriano, in The Collective West.
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More art news: Sorelle Gallery is going to the dogs.
A reception and artist talk February 10 (2 to 5 p.m., 19 Church Lane) for their exhibition and artist talk featuring Russell Miyaki will benefit local rescue organizations Dog Star Rescue and Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
Dogs available for adoption will be on site, along with doggie bags and a raffle by Earth Animal. All pups are welcome, for “bone bar” treats from Pet Pantry.
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Sure, there was a Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day. But the temperature was positively balmy — almost 50.
A group of Westporters plunges often at Compo Beach, all winter long. This week, with the air temperature just 28 degrees, and the water a near-freezing 38, they were at it for their usual 10 minutes or so.
Come summer, they swim for 2 hours.
And, presumably, spend a bit more time chatting afterward.
From left: Derek Yach, Markus Marty, Miroslaw Krzysztof. I’m freezing just looking at this photo.
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Stop the presses (pun intended): National Coffee Break Day is January 20.
To celebrate, Green & Tonic offers coffee lovers a chance to win free coffee for a year — and an overnight getaway at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor.
One gold sticker and 6 green stickers will be hidden on the bottoms of Supr Brew Coffee, latte and tea cups. The grand prize winner gets the goods above. The other 6 will enjoy free Supr Brew Coffee for a year.
The contest runs until February 11. Which is, of course, National Latte Day.
Win your free coffee here!
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Registration opens February 1 for the CT Challenge. The July 28 bi7e ride — with distances of 10, 25, 40, 62, 100 and virtual — raises funds for the local non-profit Mission. They help 16.9 million cancer survivors in Connecticut and throughout the US rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs.
Click here to register. Click here for more information on the CT Challenge.
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Longtime Weston resident Claire Sansone died suddenly and peacefully last week. She was 85.
While attending Queens College, she met Ronny Sansone. She was crowned “sweetheart” of Beta Phi. They married in 1962.
They moved from Floral Park, Long Island to Weston in 1974, and remained in their beloved home for nearly 50 years.
Claire worked for more than a decade as a State of Connecticut Department of Children Youth Services social worker. She placed foster children in safe homes, and arranged adoptions. After retirement, she received many letters and pictures from her adopted and foster placements, thanking her for helping change their lives.
Claire enjoyed spending time with her family. Orchestrating trips was a passion.
She is survived by her children Janine (Stuart), Ronald (Kim) and Robert (Kristina), and grandchildren Isabelle and Sophia Levine and Enzo Sansone. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald, and and brothers Armand and Thomas Rainville.
A private graveside service will be held tomorrow (Saturday, January 20, Willowbrook Cemetery).
Claire Sansone
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Oh, deer!
This one seems to take this week’s snowfall in stride.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped today’s “Westport .. Naturally” shot at Cross Highway. near Main Street.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … in honor of Green & Tonic’s contest, which itself honors National Coffee Break Day (story above):
(After you’ve had your coffee, please consider a contribution to the hottest blog around. Just click here. Thanks!)
Al Hirt! I haven’t heard that in forever.
Luke, do you know his album, Honey in the Horn? Late 1960s or early 70s, or thereabouts. Don’t know if it is available on CD or not. Maybe find a store someplace that still sells records. Of course, Sally’s Place would have had all the info….
One way to avoid having to trudge through the snow to your car at the train station at the end of the day is to simply take the Wheels2U commuter shuttle. It takes you right from your home to the train station and back for only $2 each way. For more information go to http://www.wheels2uwestport.com
While it wouldn’t have helped Mr. Lowman–Wheels2U only runs until 9:30 in the evening–for those returning to the Greens Farms or Saugatuck stations before then it’s a great way to avoid having to deal with snow on the ground or the windshield, frozen door locks, and dead batteries.
Mr Lowman wasn’t the only one to benefit from a Good Samaritan. My car door was frozen shut after sitting at the Greens Farms train station on Tuesday. A kind man tried the door but it just wouldn’t move. He had the brilliant idea to try the back hatch door instead. Luckily that worked and I was able to crawl to the front of the car and get it started. Thank you to him for his help on that frigid and snowy Tuesday. Glad to know there were at least two good Samaritans out that day. I suspect there were many more.