Two days after they were ordered, the holiday lights to brighten the William F. Cribari Bridge arrived.
An energetic, efficient and very committed group of Westporters made sure that the beloved annual tradition — in danger when the lights were removed, and the long-time sponsor stepped back — continues.
The lights will be hung Sunday night, starting at 10 p.m. (the bridge will be closed during that time).
The gala bridge lighting is set for 5 p.m. Monday. The entire town is invited.
Westport PAL — one of the lights’ sponsors — will have collection boxes for the toy drive they run, with the Westport Police Department. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the bridge, and the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
The restaurant will also offer half-priced wine and beer from 5 to 8 p.m.
Westport’s fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — has gotten off to a slow start.
Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.
Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.
It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.
How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years?
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.
Yesterday was Black Friday. Next week is Cyber Monday.
Today is Small Business Saturday.
There are plenty of local stores to choose from. They’re the heart and soul of our town. Think local!
Meanwhile, next Saturday — December 7 — is another opportunity to support small businesses.
The “06880” Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll features over 70 merchants, offering discounts, deals, gifts and freebies. Click here for details.
WEST Boutique on Post Road East is one of many locally owned businesses.
=================================================
Here is an update on the Thanksgiving Day house fire, near the Westport border.
At 3:42 p.m., Weston Fire was alerted to a fire at 40 Weston Road. The garage fire spread quickly into the 10,000-square-foot residence. Firefighters’ efforts were thwarted by dangerous fire conditions and structural collapse.
In addition, a vehicle drove over the water supply hose on Weston Road, damaging the line and stopping the flow of water for several minutes.
The 25 or so people inside the home escaped without injury. But the house is uninhabitable, and the heat from the fire melted the plastic on some cars in the driveway, CT Insider reports.
Personnel remained on the scene for over 16 hours, battling the blaze. Mutual aid assistance was provided by several fire departments including Westport, along with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Weston Public Works Department, Weston Police Department, Westport Police Department and Weston EMS.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Weston Fire Marshal. Preliminary investigation shows it began in the garage, the result of frying a turkey. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Thanksgiving Day house fire in Weston. (Photo and details courtesy of Weston Volunteer Firie Department)
And finally … today is the 100th birthday of satirist Alan Sherman. He had a brief heyday in the early 1960s — including the novelty smash hit below — before dying in 1973, 10 days before his 49th birthday. He had been undergoing treatment for emphysema, asthma, and obesity, and died of respiratory failure.
(Celebrate Small Business Day by supporting this small business: “06880.” Your hyper-local blog relies on readers’ contributions. Please click here — and thank you!)
Lots of drawings this week. Colorful, black-and-white, using different implements, in a variety of styles — they all make our online art gallery as pecial as ever.
No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Roses” (Tom Doran)
“Litchfield County” — digital painting, based on a digital photogaph (Ken Runkel)
“Argentina Roast Lamb: Giving Thanks for the Bounty of the Ranch” (Mike Hibbard)
“Early Racing Class in Eastern Connecticut” (Peter Barlow)
“AI: Peril or Panacea. Is it in the Balance?” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Bored in Class” (Aerin Licthman, age 13)
“Love at First Sight” (Martin Ripchick)
“Matriarch” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onNovember 30, 2024|Comments Off on Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman
Leslie and Andrew Ward’s 3 sons grew up in Westport. They played football and basketball for PAL and AAU teams, then at Staples High School. Each continued competing in college.
Every season Leslie and Andrew made bracelets showcasing their uniform numbers or initials, customized for their sport and team colors.
For good luck, they did not take them off all season long.
Some of Bleacher Family’s bracelets, customized by sport, uniform number and school colors.
Family members, friends and fans noticed their bracelets, and asked for ones for their own kids’ teams.
As word spread, the Wards launched a small family-run online business, so people in Westport (and beyond) could order their own personalized/customized bracelets.
To honor a family member who died, the Wards donate a portion of each year’s profits to help fund cancer research.
This year — intrigued by a recent “06880” post about Westport’s efforts to support the children of our Ukrainian sister city, Lyman — they’ve added this worthy cause to their charitable contributions. (Click here to read about our fund drive, to send kids from the war-torn city to a therapeutic camp.)
To use a sports analogy: It’s a grand slam.
You can order a bracelet to support your favorite athlete or team. At the same time, you support a local business — plus cancer research, and the children of Westport’s sister city. Click here to see a great selection of bracelets, plus ordering information.
PS: They make great stocking stuffers!
(Want to support the Lyman project directly? Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”)
Comments Off on Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman
It was a fascinating look back, to a time of computers in classrooms, but no laptops or cell phones; of hair and clothes styles which are both out of date today, yet also quite familiar; and a school building that no longer exists — except the auditorium, gym, fieldhouse and pool still do.
Here are 3 more videos from that era.
Whether you went to Staples in the ’80s and ’90s, or not; whether you were an adult or teenager then, or not yet born — click on and enjoy!
And if you’ve got some insights into how things have changed — or not — in school since the late last century, click “Comments” below.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Hundreds of runners — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — took part in the annual event. They got some exercise, saw some friends, and worked up an appetite for the feasts that followed.
Rain did not deter the Staples football team, either.
Both the offense and defense excelled, in a 27-0 pasting of traditional Thanksgiving Day rival Greenwich at Paul Lane Field. The Cardinals are now 8-2.
The decisive win lifts the Wreckers’ record to 9-1, and gives them the #2 spot in the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament. Fairfield Prep is #1.
Staples will host #7 Manchester (6-4) in the LL quarterfinals. The game is set for Tuesday (December 3), at a time to be determined.
Nathan Smith intercepts a pass, and scores.
Action from yesteray’s Staples (blue) vs. Greenwich football game. (Photos/Douglas Healey)
Meanwhile, not far away at Wakeman Field, nearly 30 current and former Staples boys soccer players ignored the rain, and enjoyed their annual Turkey Bowl alumni game.
The oldest participant was Dave Wilson. He captained the Wreckers in 1975, then led the Dartmouth College squad too.
Among the players: Dylan Hoke. A Connecticut College freshman, he’ll be playing in the NCAA Division III national semifinals Thursday. The Camels face Washington & Lee, in Las Vegas.
Westport Police and Fire Departments assisted their Weston counterparts yesterday, in battling a fire that desroyed a home near the Broad Street and Weston Road intersection.
Traffic was diverted for several hours, as firefighters from Westport, Weston and Georgetown fought the blaze.
Water was pumped from the pond between West Branch Road and Broad Street. Smoke was smelled as far away as North Avenue, nearly 2 miles away.
(Photo/Sayje Benjamin Photo, via Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services)
=================================================
These 2 hooded mergansers have not headed south yet for the winter. They joined a black duck, paddling around Burying Hill Beach and posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Shopping for deals? How about “06880”?! Delivered to you, 24/7/365. We can’t do it without readers’ support, though. Please click here to keep this great deal coming. Thank you!)
It’s getting harder and harder to find old New England, in new Westport.
Traditional stone walls give way to faux ones, with symmetrical stones as even as countertops.
Hundred-year-old trees are clear cut; 1800s homes are replaced by meh.
But one vestige of our past remains. The Representative Town Meeting — one of the few such governmental organizations left in the state — is 75 years old this year.
A celebration is set for Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall). The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
Some history: In 1949, the RTM replaced the even older and quainter New England “Town Meeting” concept. Westport was growing quickly, and needed a nimbler, smoother means of governing itself.
According to Ann Sheffer (whose father Ralph was an early, much-revered moderator, and who served on the RTM along with her husband Bill Scheffler — making them part of the dozen or so “RTM couples”), that first year there were 124 candidates for 26 seats.
Only 4 women were elected that first year — but by the 60th anniversary in 2009, both the moderator and deputy moderator were females.
Initially, Ann adds, each member represented 250 citizens. Today it’s about 700.
In the 7 decades since 1949, several RTM votes have impacted Westport dramatically.
In 1960 the body authorized $1.9 million to buy the 191-acre Longshore Beach and Country Club. Part of a 19-day political blitzkrieg, it prevented 180 homes from being constructed on the site of the failing private club.
Nine years later the RTM approved $220,000 to buy Cockenoe Island from the United Illuminating Company — derailing a plan to construct a nuclear power plant there. (A referendum bid to overturn the decision failed.)
One of the RTM’s most momentous decisions: purchasing Cockenoe Island, to save it from becoming a nuclear power plant. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
In the years since, the RTM has debated land purchases including Allen’s Clam House on Hillspoint Road; the Baron’s property (now Winslow Park), and more of his land on South Compo; Gorham Island, and Hall-Brooke on Long Lots Road.
Some of those purchases were approved; others were not. All generated controversy — and greater attendance than usual at RTM meetings.
The RTM also has the final say on the town and education budgets (separate votes). In recent years, approval has been relatively routine. Decades ago, those debates resembled raucous WWE battles.
In 1972 the RTM made the New York Times, with a 17-15 vote demanding an immediate withdrawal of US troops from Vietnam. In 1982 they voted 24-2 (with 7 abstentions) in favor of a nuclear arms freeze.
But most meetings are taken up with mundane matters: approving contracts, moving money from one account to another, public protection, transit issues and the like.
And, oh yeah: townwide bans on plastic bags and gas-powered leaf blowers.
One other RTM function: marching in the Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Dan Woog)
From its start, the RTM has been non-partisan. A host of party activists have served, on both sides of the aisle. Their names — Aasen, Arcudi, Belaga, Ezzes — read like a who’s who of Westporters. Ultimately, of course, all had the best interests of their town at heart.
Jeff Wieser is the latest in a long list of moderators. Giants who preceded him include Allen Raymond, Herb Baldwin, Ralph Sheffer, Gordon Joseloff and Velma Heller.
The traditional 75th anniversary gift is diamonds. But the 36 RTM members don’t want anything like that. They’ll be glad if you know the names of your 4 district representatives.
FUN FACT:Greenwich is the largest Connecticut municipality with an RTM. It also has the most members: 230. I think their last month’s meeting is still going on.
(“06880” reports often on our RTM. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support our work. In the spirit of Westport’s governing body, we accept donations on a non-partisan basis.)
The Westport Representative Town Meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first meeting this coming Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
================================================
Sponsors have flocked to the new PAL/YMCA Westport travel basketball program.
And it’s not just local busineses and services. In addition to orthodontists, a cleaning company and restaurants, 3 families sponsored teams.
But their names on not on the young players’ jerseys. Instead, thanks to donations from the McCalisters, Liz Hauer and Groves, the causes they believe in — Adrienne Flemming fitness program, Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s Hospital, respectively — are emblazoned on the back.
Sponsorship includes game jerseys and shorts, practice jerseys, a shooting shirt and backpack, at no cost to players.
The 8th grade (oldest) jerseys were sponsored by PAL. Both teams chose a message that reflects the core belief of the Staples High School program.
On the boys’ jerseys is “STANCE,” an acronym the Wreckers boys live by. The girls’ jersey say “DRIVE,” which this year’s captains and new coach Tommy Sparks chose to reflect the program’s beliefs.
This year’s travel basketball program involves 11 boys and 9 girls teams, plus a 3rd grade girls developmental squad.
Sponsors include Electric Symphony, Fairfield Dermatology, CT ENT, Purple Cow Cleaners, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Outpost Pizza, Academy Camps, The O’Dell Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Metta Management, Heartlent and The Cal Group.
Honoring a favorite non-profit.
=================================================
The Westport Farmers’ Market is beloved for its home-grown produce, baked goods, cheese mongers and more. Savvy shoppers know it’s the place to be, every Thursday.
Once a year — on a Saturday — the WFM hosts a special Holiday Artists’ Market. This time, the fare is courtesy of local artists.
This year’s event is Saturday, December 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).
Over 40 artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too, plus a photo booth.
Among the attractions: Ms President US‘s Clara Scotto, of Westport, will showcase upcycled, upmarket teen fashion. All proceeds from t-thrift sales will be donated to Person to Person in Darien.
================================================
What’s so funny about Walrus Alley?
Once a month — usually the last Tuesday — the downtown restaurants hosts 3 comics.
This week’s headliner was Chris Clarke.
Chris Clarke, at Walrus Alley on Tuesday night. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Yesterday’s story about the return of lights to the William F. Cribari Bridge — we’ll have them after all! — reminded readers of the joys of crossing the 135-year-old span during the holidays.
And it reminded Westport artist Michael Chait of this video he produced, illustating the dazzling colors over the Saugatuck River.
“Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap” is the subject of a special Westport Library conversation.
The December 4 (7 p.m.) event exploring inequality with authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed. It’s part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s “In Community Conversation” series, in partnership with TEAM Westport.
“Fifteen Cents” authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed join FCCF president and CEO Mendi Blue Paca for a panel discussion with local community leaders, followed by an audience Q & A. Click here for more information.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between November 20 and 27.
A 22-year-old Astoria, New York woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy to commiti thosoe crimes, after an investigation into a complaint about a stolen IRS refund check that had been stolen and deposited. She was held on a $150,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Cos Cob man was arrested for larceny and identity theft, based on $5,500 in fraudulent charges. He posted a $10,000 bond.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation. He was held on a $20,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Speeding: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper marker lamps: 1
Improper number of headlamps: 1
Be sure you have the right number of headlights!
===============================================
Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dolled up for Thanksgiving.
She is also very glad that the meal of choice on this holiday is turkey, not pork.
And finally … it’s amazing the things I remember from my childhood, decades back. (Just as amazing: how easily I forget things from seconds ago, like why did I just walk into this room?).
Every Thanksgiving at Burr Farms Elementary School, we sang this song:
I thought it was a nice holiday tune. Not until decades later did I realize it was a hymn.
But that wasn’t the only religious component of my Westport public school education. In first and second grade — until the Supreme Court outlawed it — every day began with the Lord’s Prayer.
That’s right. Just after the Pledge of Allegiance, our entire class — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and everyone else — bowed our heads, and said, “Our Father, who art in heaven …”
(Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am thankful for the chance to share my love of Westport with our wonderful online community. Enjoy the day!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
A celebration is set for Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall). The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
