I ride my early 1980s-vintage mountain bike for an average of 2 hours every day – year round.
But I never ride on any local roads. It’s always Sherwood Island State Park (the perimeter route).
Why? There are no cars.
Perfect path for bicyclists. (Photo/Pat S. Weist)
Still, I always wear a helmet. I have all the other recommended safety gear too: lights, bell, side mirror, etc.
I have a rear bike carrier mounted in a trailer hitch. It transports the bike wherever we’re going: Sherwood Island, to visit our son in Michigan, or Florida for the winter.
Click here for Michigan’s bike safety rules and guidelines. They have signs on numerous roads with graphics and words enforcing the 3-foot distance required by car drivers to yield when passing a bicyclist.
The signs on Cross Highway make no sense. I encourage signs like those used in Michigan.
I especially like the suggestion that drivers use the “Dutch reach” when going to open the driver’s-side door. Using the right hand instead of the left almost guarantees that the driver looks left to see if anyone is approaching on a bike, prior to opening their door.
If you open your door in the Netherlands and strike a passing bicyclist, you are given a traffic ticket with a rather steep fine. It is the most bike-friendly country I know.
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The Westport River Gallery — on the left side, where Post Road West turns into Riverside Avenue — overflows with interesting art, from an array of international artists.
But a work by a Connecticut artist — with a very Westport theme — stands out among the scores of landscapes and scenes from around the world.
“Westport USA” is a multi-media 36×36 creation of Connecticut pop artist Franki Vinci.
It’s an explosion of Westport residents, present and formers (and a few folks, real and imagined, with ties to this place).
“Westport USA” (Frankie Vinci) — click on or hover over to enlarge.
There are the usual suspects: Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, Patty Hearst, Bette Davis, Michael Bolton.
(Plus, of course, Keith Richards. He lives in Weston. But, as anyone who has seen him around town knows, he’s really one of us.)
There’s “I Love Lucy” and “Bewitched” (both TV series were “set” in Westport, at least for a while). Superman (drawn by longtime resident Curt Swan). Norman Rockwell, who helped found the Famous Artists School (located a few yards from the gallery, on Wilton Road).
How many of the nearly 50 references do you recognize in “Westport USA”? How many surprise you with their Westport connection?
Click “Comments” below, to share your reactions and remembrances to this remarkable piece of art.
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the retirement of minister of music Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson this Saturday, with — appropriately — concert of his works.
The November 16 (7 p.m.) event features the New York-based Choral Chameleon ensemble. A reception follows the free concert.
Thompson is stepping down, after more than 46 years with the UU church. What began as a part-time position conducting a single choir blossomed into a full-time role, conducting 8 choirs across 2 weekly services.
He holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, and a doctorate from the University of Hartford.
For nearly 5 decades Thompson has guided hundreds of children and adults through choir, offering both musical training and spiritual mentorship.
During his tenure Thompson has composed numerous works for youth, adult and bell choirs. “Celtic Noel” was written for choir, Uilleann pipes, harp and tin whistle. “Seeking Home” is a 12-movement piece for choir, guitars and native flutes, dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women.
But the tide was plenty high yesterday morning, at Compo Beach.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Good thing the weather is nice!
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A few seats remain for Coleytown Middle School’s fall musical review.
“Raise Your Voice” features 15 songs from “Into the Woods,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Oliver!,” to “Mary Poppins,” “Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Legally Blonde” and more.
Performances are Thursday, November 21 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 22 (7 p.m). Click here; then search for “Coleytown.”
Coleytown Middle School students raise their voices. (Photo/Clair Benmosche)
Westport Country Playhouse has named new members to its Theatre Council. The advocacy group supports the artistic and community-building mission of the historic theatre, now in its 93rd year.
The volunteer group is guided by Playhouse trustee Ben Frimmer. Members include Ari Benmosche, Carin Freidag, Ivy Kramer-Gosseen, Jeff Gurner, Kerri Joller, Diana Mashia, Carolina Mata, Rachel Rosado Murray, Rabbi Zachary A. Plesent, Sara Robbin, Elizabeth Salem, Meredith Walker and Claire Wilkes.
Ben Frimmer leads the Westport Country Playhouse Theatre Council.
Long time Westport realtor-artist — and now writer — Jo Ann Miller, is out with her third book.
“Echo Bunker” follows protagonist Abbey Lane, who deals with corruption and collusion at the World Bank with kickbacks to bureaucrats and politicians.
BookList says: “Fast paced plot with spicy dialogue. While an ‘airplane book,’ a reader cannot wait until lift off.” It’s available on Amazon by Thanksgiving.
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This handsome guy posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature in Eric Roth’s Dogwood Lane front yard.
“Didn’t even flinch,” Eric reports.
Why should he? They were here first.
(Photo/Eric Roth)
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And finally … on this day in 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman begins his famous “March to the Sea.”
Operating without supply lines, and lasting through December 21, his troops moved from Atlanta to Savannah. They destroyed military targets, along with industry, infrastructure and civilian property. The Confederacy’s economy and transportation networks were disrupted, helping lead to surrender in April 1865.
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“06880” readers know Tracy Porosoff from her gorgeous photos, of all things Westport. She has a great eye for the beauty around us.
Today she shares something else: advice about birdwatching. Tracy writes:
Living in Westport, we are fortunate to have access to so many natural wonders, like our beautiful beaches.
However, an even closer treasure awaits outside everyone’s window, in their back yard: birdwatching.
This simple pastime can provide tremendous joy, relaxation, and a sense of satisfaction. You can:
Hear the gentle tap, tap, tap of a red breasted woodpecker on a tree branch.
Appreciate the vivid colors and patterns of a blue jay.
Watch a white-breasted nuthatch hop backwards down a tree trunk.
See a black-capped chickadee get close as you refill the birdseed.
Admire the stately Northern cardinal posing in the grass.
Listen to the beautiful song of the aptly named song swallow.
Marvel as hollow-boned creatures perch on the tiniest branch.
Goldfinch (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
Audubon says that being in nature, and birding in particular, improves mental health and cognitive function, making people happier.
To become a backyard birder you don’t need to go anywhere, buy any equipment or even break a sweat. You can lure birds to your yard by hanging a feeder filled with bird seed.
And to enhance your understanding of what you are seeing, some helpful technological aids can guide you. Here are a few:
The free Merlin app recognizes bird songs, to identify the birds you are hearing. It provides names, photos and additional sound recordings of each bird it identifies.
Here are some birds Merlin identified in just a couple of minutes outside:
Use Apple’s Visual Look Up tool on your iPhone or iPad to snap a photo of the bird you see. Then tap the Info button at the bottom of the screen to identify the bird.
The All About Birdswebsitealso provides lots of information about birds. Just type in a few descriptive words.
Install a Smart Bird Feeder that comes with a camera, microphone and even AI identification features.
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NBC announced this morning that the veteran host will succeed Hoda Kotb as an anchor on “Today.” The show has been a television staple for over 70 years.
He begins his new role, with Savannah Guthrie, on January 13.
Melvin has been the news anchor of “Today” since 2018, and co-hosts the 9 a.m. hour.
Craig Melvin
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Last night’s Westport Library conversation between billionaire financier/former Milwaukee Bucks owner Marc Lasry, and fellow Westporter/TV personality Dave Briggs, was fascinating on many levels.
The chat ranged between politics (Lasry donated to Kamala Harris’ campaign), sports and more.
Lasry engaged well with the audience. He showed a humorous side — besides his investment genius.
Veterans Day is always special for VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
This year, it was extra special.
Susan Derkowski — the great-niece of Private Joseph J. Clinton, a fallen hero of World War I and the namesake of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post — drove 7 hours from Aldie, Virginia to pay tribute to her great-uncle’s legacy.
She was greeted by Phil Delgado — VFW Post 399 quartermaster, Lieutenant Commander, US Navy (retired) — and Patty Kondub, VFW Post 399 Auxiliary senior vice president.
Delgado gave her a tour of the Post. He told stories of servicemembers honored on its walls.
The group then visited Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery, where Private Clinton rests. Killed in action in France just 4 days before the end of World War I, Joseph J. Clinton’s legacy remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many for freedom and peace.
Delgado says, “It was a powerful and emotional moment to witness a family member’s dedication to honoring a hero’s memory. Susan’s journey to Westport shows the lasting impact that servicemembers have on their families and our community.”
Susan Derkowski, at the Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery of her great-uncle, Joseph J. Clinton.
Speaking of the VFW: Dredging continues at their Saugatuck River dock.
When completed, the private project will increase capacity, behind the Riverside Avenue building.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Fillow Street residents are a tight-knit community. They enjoy a group text, to share news and views. They look out for each other. They wave, and say hello.
Recently though, one neighbor put up a sign:
“I find this so upsetting,” a resident emailed “06880.”
“The world is upside down right now. There is so much division and hatred. Today (Wednesday) is actually National Kindness Day. I wish people were more kind, especially in our little Westport neighborhoods.”
Staples and Darien — the #1 and #2-seeded teams, respectively — battle for the state class “L” (large schools) Connecticut championship this Saturday, at Wethersfield High School.
They are longtime rivals.
Since 2016, the Wreckers and Blue Wave have met 9 teams, in the FCIAC tournament and state finals.
Staples reached another final with an 11-1 shellacking of Fairfield Ludlowe, in the semifinals. That’s an astonishing score for a field hockey game — particularly for the state semis.
The Westporters — ranked #8 nationally — have lost only once this year. And it was to a team from 2 states away: Camden (New Jersey) Catholic.
Darien, meanwhile, has lost only twice. Both defeats were to Staples: 5-2 in the regular season, and 3-2 in a thrilling FCIAC overtime final.
Good luck to coach Ian Tapsall and his girls, as they look for their 6th state final. All have come since 2016.
The Westport Youth Commission and Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group are preparing to dodge the cops.
They do it every year.
The annual Dodge-a-Cop event is actually a dodgeball tournament. Students make up their own teams — and one Westport Police officer is assigned to each.
The idea is to bring kids and cops together. And to raise funds for TAG.
It’s set for December 16, in the Staples fieldhouse.
Participants in last year’s Dodge-a-Cop event. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 30 and November 6.
A 44-year-old Westport man was charged with interfering with an officer and breach of peace, after a report that someone was assaulted while walking on the Main Street sidewalk. The suspect was allegedly intoxicated, and fought with officers as they tried to question him.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Unsafe/improper passing: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Criminal trespass: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast in a school zone: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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Rotary District 79800 Governor Robert Friend spoke to an interested audience on Tuesday: The Westport Rotary Club.
He reminded Rotarians how they touch and improve lives, through projects like aid sent to state residents after recent floods, and a drive for food and supplies for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the south.
Friend started the Opus for Peace program, which promotes wellness and harmony through the arts. Westport Rotary’s production of the opera “Amistad” at the Westport Library was part of that initiative.
Alan Goldberg offers today’s unusual “Westport … Naturally” image.
(Photo/Alan Goldberg)
It’s unusual for his neighborhood, at least. Alan writes: “I found this guy in my backyard today. Blue Ribbon Drive (off North Avenue) is definitely not his usual stomping grounds.”
And finally … Aaron Copland was born on this date in 1900. The composer/ conductor — one of the giants of the American music scene — died in 1990.
(Every day, “06880” offers a window on Westport. From a World War I veteran to a neighborhood dealing with dog poop, we are your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)
The last time we checked in with Rachel Markus, her networking group for women working in alternative finance was just starting to purr.
Now, Rockin’ Alts Women of Westport — RAWW — is roaring.
More than 70 women — many in positions of power in hedge funds, private markets, venture capital and more — meet regularly.
They swap ideas about trends, resources, best practices, fund structuring, invstor databases and board opportunities.
They share stories about commuting and kids. They instill confidence in each other, and make connections so that all women in their industry will thrive.
RAWW has provided panelists for professional conferences, supported each other’s fundraisers, and referred a member to an employment attorney.
Tons of talent and expertise at a RAWW meeting.
Sub-groups have heard presentations on topics like angel investing, or how to work with an executive coach.
There is no membership fee. Lunch and happy hour meetings are held at local restaurants like Harvest, Romanacci’s and Spotted Horse.
Now, RAWW has hooked up with a similar group. Runa Knapp — a co-founder of FoundHer — attended a RAWW meeting, and recognized the synergy.
FoundHer focuses on women — also primarily in alternative finance — who have taken a career break to raise young children, or are commuters looking for a local or flexible position.
FoundHer connects them with firms seeking increasing diversity, but lacking access to experienced candidates outside their core networks.
RAWW and FoundHer members met earlier this month, It was an energetic event.
RAWW and FoundHer members get together.
Members of both groups know they can spend “an entire week in alternative finance being the only women in a room filled with men,” Markus says. “At conferences, we are definitely in the minority.”
Members of RAWW and FoundHer also know the difficulties of balancing professional and family lives — choices men seldom face.
“If you work in the city or you’re on the road, you can’t leave early for your kids’ events, or go to a school function or doctor’s appointment,” Markus says.
Often, however, working mothers feel they should be doing that.
If they’re working locally and can do those things, how do they fit them in with their work lives?
RAWW and FoundHer address those issues.
Who are those women?
Rachel Markus
“They’re ballers,” Markus says enthusiastically. “They’re awesome. They’re definitely not wallflowers. They’re spunky and supportive.”
Here in Fairfield County, members skew a bit older than women in alternative finance who live in New York City, and may be single. A few — including one graduate from Staples High School in the 1970s — are near retirement, and look forward to becoming mentors.
But younger families have been moving to Westport since COVID, Markus notes. Many of the women joining RAWW — or looking to get back into the workforce, through FoundHer — have at least 10 years of professional experience.
Markus was one. She moved to Westport in August of 2020 — the midst of the pandemic.
With schools closed to parental involvement — and Markus wanting to meet other women in alternative finance — starting a networking group seemed natural.
In the year ahead, Markus says, there will be RAWW meetings on specialized topics, like health and wellness, and sessions with other organizations, like FoundHer and the commercial real estate group they met with this summer at Don Memo.
They’ll continue community service projects, like collecting business attire and accessories for the University of Connecticut Women in Business group. Members borrow clothes for job interviews.
“This is just another reminder of what’s so great about Westport,” Markus says about RAWW and FoundHer.
Or, put another way: It’s a great investment.
(To learn more about RAWW, email RachelMarkus10@gmail.com. To learn more about FoundHer, email rknapp@foundherllc.com.)
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Julie Loparo, president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, writes:
Driving by Whole Foods the other day, Christine Alison saw a motorist hit a cat.
The driver, and others who witnessed the incident, did not stop. Christine did.
The cat was in the bike lane. It was unconscious, but Christine found a heartbeat.
A cat owner herself, she contacted Westport Animal Control. They told her to bring it to VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center in Norwalk. When they got there, the cat had regained consciousness.
There was no microchip or ID to identify the cat’s owner. With no money available for the cat’s vet care needs, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates stepped up to fund it.
Once stabilized, WASA volunteer Sandy Young picked up the cat. The next day, she took him to a vet.
She also named her friendly temporary boarder Tupelo. While the cat recovered, WASA volunteers searched multiple social media lost pet sites.
Finding a match on social media.
They found a match. The cat’s name was Jake, and he had been missing since the day before the accident.
Quickly, a reunion took place at Westport Animal Control. Jake’s owner happily and appreciatively reclaimed her friend.
Christine described how she saved Jack, who otherwise would have been hit again or died on the side of the road.
Christine Alison (right) with Jack, and his owner.
WASA advised Jack’s owner to keep him indoors. Next time, he might not be so lucky.
Christine, WASA and Westport Animal Control: You are this week’s Unsung Heroes!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
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