Monthly Archives: November 2024

Roundup: Hillspoint Road, Old Mill Grocery, Broadway …

Last night, the Zoning Board of Appeals discussed an appeal by 2 residents, contesting the Planning & Zoning Commission’s approval of former Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young’s decision to sign a liquor permit application for Old Mill Grocery & Deli. The ZBA upheld the P&Z decision, unanimously.

A court case regarding the legality of regulation itself continues.

Alcohol may be added to Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s shelves. The issue is now in court.

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Another Staples High School graduate is making news on Broadway.

“Cult of Love” — written by 1999 alum Leslye Headland — begins previews at the Helen Hayes Theater on November 20. Opening night is December 12.

This is not the 1999 alum’s first rodeo (or writing venture). It’s her final work in a series called “Seven Deadly Plays.” Inspired by the 7 deadly sins, this one is about pride. It was first staged in Los Angeles in 2018.

“Cult of Love” focuses on 4 adult children of one family and their partners, coming home for a contentious holiday gathering.

Headland has earned kudos as a playwright, screenwriter and director, with hits like the play and film “Bachelorette,” the movie “Sleeping With Other People” the Netflix comedy “Russian Doll” and the Disney+ series “The Acolyte.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)

Leslye Headland

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“Preparing for College with ADHD: Understanding the Importance of Strengthening Executive Function Skills to Prepare for the College Environment” is the topic of a free webinar (December 5, 7 p.m.).

Stephanie Mitchell, who specializes in learning disabilities/ADHD/autism spectrum disorders boarding school and college advising, will explain key differences between high school and college, in terms of structure, expectations, support and accommodations; why executive functions are important to college success; how students can strength those skills, and more.

There is no cost, but registration is required (click here). The event is sponsored by S4 Study Skills.

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The Representative Town Meeting’s Environment and Health & Human Services Committees will meet by Zoom on November 25 (7:30 p.m.).

There is one agenda item: continuing a discussion about “concerns related to a potential artificial turf field being added to Long Lots School property during the new school construction.”

Click here for the meeting link.

Long Lots Elementary School athletic fields are currently all grass.

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Spot On Vet opened recently, in the former Men’s Wearhouse (950 Post Road East). A grand opening is set for November 19 (6 to 8 p.m.).

The husband-and-wife team of Dr. Philip and Becky Putter — he’s a veterinarian; she’s a business expert — saw “a gap in the market for clients seeking top-tier customer service, comprehensive care, transparency, and advanced veterinary medicine for their pets.”

Spot On Vet offers emergency medical care; day care and boarding for sick, injured or recovering animals in “luxury accommodations” (well-lit cubicles with small beds).

Owners can watch their pets via camera. Pets can also listen to their favorite music or TV program.

Spot On Vet also offers dental care, a full pharmacy, facilities for major surgeries including orthopedic procedures, medical testing that often can’t be done in a regular veterinary office, physical therapy, and a valet service to pick up pets from home.

The Putters began in 2015, operating out of their living room with a single house-call van. Westport is their second location in Fairfield County.

And they still do house calls.

2- and 4-legged animals were all smiles at Spot On Vet’s ribbon cutting.

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Mexicue is turning Tuesdays into “All Day Happy Hour & Endless Tacos.’

For $25, guests get unlimited tacos, including:

  • Smoky Chicken with melted cheese, pickled onions, creamy chipotle and chili crisp salsa
  • Pulled Pork with fresh corn salsa, jack cheese, creamy chipotle and puffed quinoa
  • Avocado with black beans, corn salsa, salsa verde and cilantro

The Main Street restaurant also offers $10 house margaritas, $9 wine and $6 beers.

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Black holes are a crazy concept. And how better to learn about them than through an MIT expert?

Assistant professor Erin Kara will host a webinar titled “Black Hole Echoes: How We ‘See’ Curved Spacetime, on November 19 (8 p.m.). It’s part of the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series.

The session will be interactive — though you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, or go anywhere near a black hole itself.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for the YouTube livestream.

The closest black hole to Earth is just 1,000 light-years away.

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The speaker at last week’s Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting was Mary Ellen Lemay, landowner engagement director for Aspetuck Land Trust.

She discussed the Miyawaki Urban Forest Project which ALT has installed at 7 Bridgeport schools.

A slide from Mary Ellen Lemay’s presentation. (Photo/Dennis Wong)

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Jen Greely sends this gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” photo …

… and writes: “My mood was buoyed last week by a new flush of rose blooms in the garden. Then I realized it is November, the leaves are off the trees, and this beauty is the result of daytime temps in the 80s.”

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And finally … we welcome our newest canine (and more) clinic, Spot On Vet, with this classic:

 (Hey, dawg! If you like these daily Roundups — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

All The Skinny On Your True Body Image

Two years ago, I had my body scanned at Longevity Westport. The result: I would live to be 101. (Whether that’s good or bad is another story.)

The other day, I went back. They’re in a new location — at the far end of Sherpa Gym, across from Athletic Shoe Factory.

They now market themselves as “Powered by DexaFit,” the name of the company offering scans, tests and analyses that help people understand their health and bodies, and improve fitness.

They’ve added a variety of supplements and wellness consultations, along with referrals to personal trainers, nutrition specialists and medical practitioners.

The tests, data and reports have become more sophisticated since my first visit. This time, I had 3.

Longevity no longer predicted my longevity. But, I learned after the first scan, my “biological age” was 16 years below my chronological age.

My joy was, um, short-lived. My VO2 max cardio assessment brought the more realistic news that my biological age is only 4 years younger than what the calendar says.

Manager Amy Julien had put me through my paces.

From left: Trainer Leeann Kelly, manager Amy Julien, nutritionist Linda Stephens, staff member Jen Solodar.

The body scan — a repeat of my test 2 years ago — was easy. It showed skeletal strength, where and how my muscle and fat is distributed inside my body (including differences between my left and right sides), and offered comparisons both with my earlier test, and against my peer group.

Some areas need work. At Amy’s recommendation, I’ll be adding more strength training to my daily regimen of swimming an hour each day.

But my “360 Score” — a comprehensive view of body composition, fitness and cardiovascular health — was 328. The printout called that “great.”

I worked hard for that score. The resting metabolic rate testing was easy (and Amy offered a wide choice of playlists to help me relax while it was underway).

An easy test. I didn’t study, but I aced it.

But the VO2 max cardio assessment was hard. Fortunately Amy was right beside me, urging me on.

Chugging along for the VO2 max cardio assessment.

She is used to working with a wide range of clients, from 16-year-olds to 80s. They include people wanting to get fit for the first time, and advanced athletes.

A number of women from their 40s to 60s come to DexaFit, looking for comprehensive body assessments and proactive health management.

Julien is particularly proud of a woman who, since February 2023, has gotten her body fat down from 36% to 14.8%.

A 52-year-old client said that seeing the detailed breakdown of her body composition transformed her approach to fitness and nutrition.

The color printout is definitely interesting. The graphs are clear. The amount of data and jargon can be intimidating, but Julien patiently helped me understand the basics.

Look at me!

A 20-year-old athlete used the VO2 max assessment to make workouts more efficient.

A 78-year-old said that knowing his biological age “empowering.” He feels young, but having data to back it up encouraged him to keep making positive lifestyle choices.

Health is not one-size-fits-all, Julien notes. Some DexaFit clients focus on enhancing athletic performance. Others want to optimize metabolism, or maintain wellness as they age.

The DexaFit body scan takes just a few minutes. But it provides an enormous amount of data.

I still don’t know if I’ll live to be 101, as DexaFit predicted 2 years ago. But I’ve already started doing more strength training.

And I know I have less fat and more muscle on my left side than my right. Go figure.

Then again, DexaFit already did.

(For more information on Longevity Westport, click here. Search “DexaFit ai” for the app.)

Pic Of The Day #2765

Gone fishin’ — Compo Beach (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

Roundup: Gun Locks, 2nd Street, Joey Zelkowitz …

Staples High School students — the teenagers who have endured lockdown drills for as long as they can remember — want action on gun safety.

They can try to affect policy. They can also take action here in Westport.

On Saturday, Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily — presidents of the Students Demand Action club — stood on the post Road/Main Street corner.

They gave out gun locks, and talked about safe firearms practices.

Many people stopped to talk, and learn more. The teens talked with parents about proper storage, and with children about safety measures.

Many attendees took locks for family members and friends.

To learn more about gun locks,, mail aidanlapatine@gmail.com.

Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily hand out gun locks, stress safety — and demand action.

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Meanwhile, coming soon to downtown: 2nd Street.

The second-hand clothes and accessories store will take over the space vacated by The Loft, next to Shoe-Inn.

Their first Connecticut location — one of about 50 nationwide — opened last month, in New Haven.

The idea to repurpose clothing and reduce waste is not new.

And I don’t mean Goodwill.

In the 1960s and ’70s, Functional Clothing was a popular shop down some stairs, next to the building that is now The Gap.

It was great. I think I may still have some jeans from there.

(Photo/Jem Sollinger)

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Congratulations to Joey Zelkowitz!

The Class of 2013 Staples High School and ’17 Middlebury College football star has been named to Sports Business Journal‘s “New Voices Under 30.”

Zelkowitz, now 29 years old (and called “Joseph”), is a senior associate with JP Morgan’s sports finance group. Previously, he was a financial operations analyst with the New York Yankees. (Hat tip: Amy Schafrann)

Joey Zelkowitz

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Congratulations too to more Stapleites: the school’s Students of the Month.

Seniors Molly Oliver and Nathan Smith; juniors Jocelyn Connors, Matthew Perez and Leila Stein; sophomore Luke Cooper, and freshman Emma Rivel, have been nominated by their teachers.

Principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

From left: Emma Rivel, Matthew Perez, Leila Stein, Molly Oliver, Jocelyn Connors, Nathan Smith, Luke Cooper.

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The other day, John Brandt brought his illustrative presentation “The Soundtrack of Our Lives” to the Y’s Women.

It demonstrated visually how music is part of our everyday lives, from film and dance to Broadway. Brandt’s journey included “Casablanca,” “Star Wars,” “Titanic,” “Exodus” and “Gone with the Wind”;  Martha Graham and “The Nutcracker,” and “A Chorus Line.”

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Trombonist/composer/bandleader Altin Sencalar brings his magic to this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (November 14, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).

Sencalar has shared the stage, toured, and/or recorded with Christian McBride, Michael Bublé, The Temptations, Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Ne-Yo, Big Sean and many others. An apt musician to close out the first NextGen Fest.

He’ll be joined by pianist Tylerl Henderson, bassist Gram Kozak, saxophonist Greg Wall and drummer Mike Camacho. Click here for reservations, and more information.

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We’ve had a bumper crop of acorns this year.

Pam Docters spotted these nuts near Compo Road South. They make for a perfect “Westport … Naturally” spread.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … in honor of 2nd Street, our soon-to-be-new second-hand clothing store:

(The recording above is 103 years old. “06880” is 15. To help us reach the century mark — or, at least, 16 — please click here. Thank you!)

Westport Honors Veterans: Freedom’s Fiercest Defenders

Our World War II veterans are almost gone.

But the wars kept coming: Korea. Vietnam. The Gulf. Iraq. Afghanistan.

Over all those years, Westporters have served their country.

Yesterday, in a simple but meaningful service, our town paid tribute to those men and women.

VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 helped sponsor the ceremonies. Speakers included master of ceremonies Judge Edward Karazin (a member of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Staples High School senior Alessandro Alderucci.

Some veterans wore their uniforms. Others dressed more informally. Those who could, stood up straight.

All sat or stood proudly.

Look at their eyes, in the remarkable photos from Ted Horowitz — himself a former member of the Army Reserves — below. They tell you all you need to know about the importance of Veterans Day.

And the service of our veterans.

(All photos copyright Ted Horowitz)

Pic Of The Day #2764

Michael Chait competed in a Sherwood Island State Park race today, celebrating veterans. He finished second, running in honor of Herb Podel. The longtime Westporter — a US Navy vet, and radar engineer in Guam — turns 100 in February. (Photo/Michael Chait)

Roundup: Marc Lasry, Pajamas, Compo Beach Dogs …

If you’re a Giants, Jets, Mets, Yankees, Knicks or Rangers fan, you’d love the chance to listen to their owners — and tell them everything they’re doing wrong.

Those local teams will not be represented at the Westport Library on Wednesday (November 13, 7 p.m.).

But the former owner of a very successful sports team will be.

When Mark Lasry bought the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014, they had the worst record in the NBA. Seven years later, they won their first NBA championship in 50 years.

He’ll talk with fellow Westporter/longtime TV journalist Dave Briggs about his investment career — oh yeah, he also co-founded Avenue Capital Group; he’s chair and CEO of the firm that manages $13 billion across the globe — and how it all fits in with sports.

Lasry is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, so the conversation might go there too.

Marc Lasry (left) and Dave Briggs.

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This was the sign yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

Despite a little rain last night, it’s not really enough to help.

Be careful. Stay safe. Think of others!

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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).

Three dozen artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too.

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.

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The Pajamas made their Connecticut debut a memorable one.

The band — whose roots include the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Phish and Goose — headlined Supper & Soul.

Over 100 people heard the band’s original music, plus Talking Heads and Stevie Wonder tunes, ending with a great version of Pink Floyd’s “Seamus.”

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Supper & Soul” combines a 3-course dinner, concert at the Library, and happy hour prices for after-show drinks.

This was the 11th one, since its inception 6 years ago. It now sells out regularly — and the bands get bigger and better.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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As the nation debated the upcoming presidential election last week, Westporters had their own debate: Should dogs be allowed on the Compo Beach boardwalk?

They were officially prohibited. But very few people — pro or con — knew it.

Now — whether you think they should go wherever they want, or hate that they “go” wherever they want — you can’t say, “I never knew!”

(Photo/John McCarthy)

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The new header on the “06880” home page is by William Weiss.

Taken yesterday, it shows sailboats near Cockenoe Island, in the autumn air,

If you get “06880” via app or email, and don’t see the header, here it is:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Longtime Westport resident Jon Stefenson loss his battle with cardiac amyloidosis at home, surrounded by his family, on October 31. He was 67.

His family says, “A big celebrator of holidays, his passing on Halloween was fitting, given his lively inner child, non-hesitancy for costume-wearing, and love of sweets.”

Jon spent almost his entire life in Westport, growing up and raising his own family here.

He also traveled around the world, for pleasure and professionally as a coffee trader: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, among others.

He charmed many people, particularly a co-worker, Susan. She traveled with him to London, where they lived before returning to the US for marriage.

Jon grew up in a large family. Sports were passions, from his first steps through to his last months. He loved coaching, and cheering on his children.

Jon is survived by his wife Susan; children Eric, Andrea and Lauren; daughter-in- law Hayley; siblings Michael, Mark, Dana, Jeff and Hope, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A small celebration of life will be held privately. All are welcome to a funeral mass this Friday (November 15), at Assumption Church.

Click here to leave a note for Jon’s family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amyloidosis Center at Boston University (his alma mater) or the First Tee of Bridgeport (his favorite pastime).

Jon Stefenson

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I had to act quickly, to post today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

As photographer Katie Carmody describes this beauty, across from the police station at Jesup Road and Bay Street: “I know the leaves are quickly changing, and may even be gone tomorrow.

“However, I see this tree, I every day. It has slowly been turning. I’m guessing others have noticed it too.”

(Photo/Katie Carmody)

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And finally … today is Veterans Day.

If you know a veteran, thank him or her for their service.

And let them know how glad you are that they came home safely.

11/11

Today is Veterans Day — an often overlooked, and underappreciated, holiday.

Town officials and VFW Post 399 are hosting services this morning, in the Town Hall auditorium.

At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Community Band will perform marches and patriotic tunes.

The full program begins at 11 a.m. The time and date are significant. The armistice ending World War I — “the war to end all wars” — began at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

After the ceremony, all veterans and other community members are invited to VFW Post 399 for food and drinks.

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As America celebrates our veterans Peter Jennings — an 11th-generation Westporter (!), and the Green’s Farms Church historian — reminds us of one man we should remember today.

Charles August Matthias was a member of the Greens Farm’s congregation. Our town’s American Legion Post 63 is named in his honor. Well known locally, he was one of the first Westporters killed in World War I,

August Matthias

The Matthias family farm was located near the intersection of the Post Road and Turkey Hill Road.

When I walked through the Green’s Farm’s Church lower cemetery, I could not locate a gravestone for any family members — except for this large granite marker, with only the name “Matthias.”

Perhaps he was buried without a headstone in the family plot, due to family finances — although the US Government would provide a headstone if an application was submitted.

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Meanwhile, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch offers this poem — “Day of Remembrance” — written specially for today:

During the Great War, the fields of Flanders

drank more blood than rain. Tanks and trenches

mangled the farmland, its fertile soil

scorched and churned. But in the spring

after the War ended, poppy seeds

buried and dormant for decades woke

to a peaceful bolt of light and air.

Wild and unwavering, legions of them

offered themselves to the spring

and summer sun. A red rebellion

of fragile petals and willful stems.

Bearers of remembrance,

paper poppies reappear each November.

We remember “the war to end all wars,”

the wars that followed, and the wars that

rage today. We remember your valor, honor,

sacrifice and service in the literal hell of war.

We remember those who fought, who loved,

were loved and were lost. And every year

the poppies return to flood the fields —

knowing what they know.

The doughboy statue on Veterans Green (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Pic Of The Day #2763

Serene Saugatuck River scene — a few yards from downtown, at the Kings Highway North bridge (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Photo Challenge #515

Each week, I try to make sure that our Photo Challenge is recognizable by many Westporters. That means it should be visible from a well-traveled street, at a spot like a beach or Longshore, or at a popular store or restaurant.

Last week’s Photo Challenge checked none of those boxes.

But a dozen “06880” readers knew immediately where it was.

Jennifer Kobetitsch’s image showed a dilapidated, abandoned cast iron fountain, surrounded by weeds and woods. (Click here to see.)

Of course: Baron’s South!

The large old fountain can indeed be found in the 22-acre town-owned park, accessible (to those who know) off Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue.

In addition to hills, trees and meadows, Baron’s South includes Golden Shadows — the baron’s “mansion” — and several other nearby buildings.

The baron — perfume magnate Baron Walter von Langendorff — and his wife bought the property in 1941. “Golden Shadows” is named for one of his signature products. The couple also owned the 32-acre property on the other side of the Post Road, now also owned by the town, and called Winslow Park.

Congratulations to Diane Silfen, Chip Stephens, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Molly Alger, Morley Boyd, Andrew Colabella, Seth Schachter, Sal Liccione, Micheal Simso, Jonathan McClure, Dana Kuyper and Karen Schwam. If we awarded prizes for our Photo Challenge, you’d get a bottle of the baron’s best perfume.

This week’s Photo Challenge is (once again) visible from a well-traveled street. If you know where in Westport this is, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)